FORT WALTON BEACH —A proposed downtown entertainment district got mixed reviews Wednesday during a workshop at City Hall.
The presentation was the public’s first look at City Manager Michael Beedie’s plan to make downtown a destination friendly to pedestrians.
Beedie told the 50 to 60 people in attendance that it’s the right time for the changes.
“Downtown is beginning to thrive again,” he said.
Under the plan, the city staff will draft an ordinance that sets regulations for certain activities within the district.
The regulations would allow a variety of activities, including closing Brooks Street and Ferry Road during festivals, limiting noise, extending hours of operation and temporarily lifting the open alcohol container ban during special events and on weekends.
Dozens of residents applauded the idea of more festivals downtown.
Bill Avery, who owns Fokker’s Sports Pub, voiced concern about the easing the open container law.
“I’m not going to say that’s the best idea I’ve ever heard,” he said. “But, if that’s what we’re going to do, we need to make sure we have a guarantee from the police that we’ll have appropriate supervision … because we all know that once we’re drunk, we’re going to do something stupid.”
Tom Rice, who owns the Magnolia Grill and lives downtown, said city officials are forgetting that the Brooks Street area also is a neighborhood. He also objected to closing Brooks Street.
“Please keep my street open,” he said. “When we’re talking about closing the street to traffic, that kills my investment down there.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.
