Okaloosa County BOCC — June 2, 2015 — FWB Chamber Request Letter

May 22, 2015 Mr. Jason Autrey Okaloosa County Public Works Director 1759 S. Ferdon Blvd. Crestview, FL 32536 Dear Mr. Autrey: It has been over 4 years since our Chamber first brought the idea of Gateways into the Emerald Coast to the Board of County Commissioners—and we still have some time to go! Unanimously approved by the Commissioners, this project has been a collaborative effort between our Chamber, The County, Tourist Development Council, FDOT, NW Florida Transportation and Eglin AFB. Through this entire project, Eric Broome has been the conduit who continues moving it forward. We cannot thank him enough for the incredible job he has accomplished in trying to balance the coordination with Eglin on easements; working with FDOT finalizing planting options—especially trees, all utility surveys—and the general overall coordination efforts. When the first Gateway is completed—Shalimar Hwy 85 location—the other 3 locations: Hwy 98 Mary Esther; Hwy 98 Destin/Walton County line and Southern location of Mid Bay Bridge— should proceed MUCH quicker. And we will all credit Eric for his patience thru the years to have these become a reality! However as might be the case, we are requesting another one year extension of the JPA between FDOT and the County. The need for extension is for many of the same reasons indicated in the first extension letter submitted May 16, 2014. Eric would have most of the technical reasons for the extension request—however on behalf of the Community, we all need to do whatever we can to not lose this opportunity to complete this project. We gratefully request that you approve this extension request. We look forward to seeing our first Gateway to the Emerald Coast opening sometime soon. Please contact me directly on the need for additional information. Thank you, Ted Corcoran President/CEO