Posted May 29, 2003

Bald Point State Park Celebration

Linc Barnett’s Speech

May 21, 2003

We all know we live in a special place, but we may not always remember that part of what makes it special is that large tract of undeveloped land lying on both sides of County road 370. This area supports an abundance of wildlife, which is fast disappearing from the rest of Florida.

Within the past two months, a friend here on Alligator Point on his way to work reported seeing a Florida panther crossing 370 in the early morning. Last year a Florida panther and her cub were sighted along 370. Black bears with their cubs frequent our peninsula and occasionally dine out in our garbage cans. Individual and small herds of deer are often seen feeding along the right-of-way. Coyotes prowl our beaches, raccoons raid our bird feeders, and foxes play chase with our dogs.

We all know what the results would be if that tract of land reached the hands of developers. Thanks to last year’s agreement between St. Joe and the State we hopefully will continue to enjoy these sights, and small nuisances, for a long time to come. However, it is now our responsibility, working with the park service, to ensure that we maintain a viable habitat for the animals that give us so much enjoyment as well as a recreational area for us humans.

Linc Barnett

President, APTA

Photos of the celebration

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