To say frustrations are mounting with Avalon Blvd construction would be an understatement as government officials on both the county and state levels express various stages of support for litigation against the contractor by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). However, Deb Grinde, co-owner with Al Grinde of the Oval Office restaurant located on Avalon, remembers why the project started in the first place.
The $1.7 million, four-lane project of Avalon Boulevard originated to resurface 6.1 miles of the road from the Garcon Point Bridge to south of Interstate 10 began in 2009 and should have been completed by October 2015. It is now projected to be completed by February 2016.
Florida House Representative Doug Broxson responded to the delays by way of a press release addressed to FDOT January 5, wherein he expressed “his frustration as well as the frustration of the many residents and business owners along Avalon Boulevard…” Broxson sought retribution against the general contractor, Midsouth Paving Inc., but within the contract. “We greatly encourage the Florida Department of Transportation to impose every contractual penalty on Midsouth Paving Inc.” wrote Representative Broxson.
The Santa Rosa County Board of CountyCommissioners had similar feelings, Commissioner Bob Cole’s being the strongest. “I think it’s absolutely been an embarrassment and ridiculous for how much time it’s taken to build that.” He granted the flood of last year contributed to the problems, but said it took months to even get a cuing lane on to Del Monte Street to relieve traffic jams from a driver waiting to turn on to the road.
Cole said he’d like to see a resolution supporting the state’s efforts by filing a lawsuit against Midsouth, as well as blackballing the company from working in Santa Rosa County again. He said he didn’t know if blackballing was legal but would support doing so if it was.
Commission Chairman Lane Lynchard said he agreed the project has gone too long, but did not go as far as Cole. “I don’t know about a resolution urging a lawsuit but certainly I would support something that encourages FDOT to try to spur the contractor to move along as quickly as possible.”
Grinde, of the Oval Office said, “I think more than two contractors have been given the job since it started. I think we need to be fair as far as what we've asked them to do.” She said she remembers when there were accidents and fatalities on the original two-lane highway.
“Hopefully they’re putting in safe medians and have studied it and presenting something safer. It is something that we need….You’ve got to take the good with the bad and get through it.”
Grinde said the restaurant has fiercely loyal customers, but knows there are others who have not wanted to patronize the restaurant because of dealing with the traffic.
She said she’s spoken with the state to find help with her financial deficit in regards to road construction, but was unable to find relief.
She said other businesses along the road haven’t fared as well.
“The bowling alley closed. Not a good story to tell,” said Grinde.
A FDOT representative did not respond to questions by press time. Expect more on this story online when those answers come in at www.srpressgazette.com, as well as more from Grinde.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Frustrations mount about Avalon Blvd.