When we travel through the great United States of America we witness many small towns that are closing up shop – some hanging on by their teeth and the tenacity of their city councils; others virtually boarded up with the proverbial lone dog wandering through the streets.
What is happening? Is progress ignoring the once thriving small town in favor of moving on to better areas outside and beyond the once popular, bustling community hub that has created memories and its own valuable history for so many over the years? Yes, I do think so, for a variety of reasons – some good, but mostly bad – bad for the existence of those small towns. Citizens do not realize that sometimes progress destroys more than it builds. However, new and shiny can be achieved with revitalization and true vision not so clouded by the quest for progress elsewhere.
Milton is facing the tolling of the bells right now. We have to decide if the benefit of moving the courthouse is worth the death of our long term business district. The death occurring for a variety of reasons are not always completely grasped and understood by those who are unclear they are cutting off their noses to spite their faces – or in this case hammering the last nail into the coffin of Milton.
The funeral will not even be published, it will just be murmured with shaking heads and we knew she was sick, didn't expect her to last this long – then throw that last clump of dirt into her grave, without the understanding it was themselves who brought the beautiful little town to its knees and finally to this tragic end.
How lucky we are Milton is situated on the banks of the Blackwater River and there has been so much insight in utilizing its major asset. Riverwalk is a stunning addition replacing a disgraceful facade which caused many to abandon downtown. This asset is just now coming into its own as an attraction drawing many people downtown. The beauty is well noted and its serenity can be enjoyed during the many festivals and events it naturally attracts – because it is aesthetically pleasing and well-maintained.
What will it look like if the courthouse, the anchor for downtown, is built away from its historic place? There is a host of people whose lives are dependent on a courthouse – a stately, yet functional place where we set our lives straight, keep our rights in place and bring dignity to our citizens by adjudicating the laws by which we live.
What we truly need is a new and beautiful courthouse in its present setting accommodating all aspects to protect our citizens and our judges. A new courthouse to bring a heartfelt pride to a small Southern town being well-guided and tended to by our county and our city; a courthouse bringing attention to our vast potential for investing and opening shops and stores in downtown, perhaps encouraging some owners who actively neglect their property to either sell or create a business to take advantage of the new activity.
I envision our citizens sauntering along Willing Street and beyond, enjoying the grace and hospitality a thriving, yet tranquil, downtown setting has to offer – sitting among their neighbors in a coffee shop or just enjoying a beautiful art gallery – perhaps discovering a perfect dress in an upscale shop that decided Milton is the place to be.
The City of Milton has a master plan encompassing all the things Milton can and should be and all anyone could wish for in their hometown; a place to feel at home and at peace with our neighbors. The volunteer task force appointed by Mayor Guy Thompson and other city leaders visualizes this scenario and has determined our historic downtown is more than viable for continuing as the county seat's courthouse. This dedicated group has left no stone unturned in its quest to assure the city, the county and most of all, our citizens themselves downtown is the place to build our new judicial center. No, it will not be a Taj Mahal, but it will enhance our love for our town and ensure our beloved Milton stills feels like home and prospers in the future.
Jerry C. Cummings
Milton, FL
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Courthouse our cornerstone in downtown Milton