A new vision for the future of Downtown DFS
“The mural project on the CCB Bank building is very exciting,” said Henderson, “and I think it will add life to 7th Street downtown.” The new mural is across 7th Street from Kim Wennerberg’s Kim & Co., which also features a mural on the north side of the building.
Henderson has been working to help revitalize downtown DeFuniak Springs for more than five years. “My goal is to spark redevelopment,” he explained. “We can either control growth, or let growth control us.”
With that in mind, the DeFuniak Springs Herald-Breeze sat down with Henderson to explore his vision for the future of Downtown DeFuniak Springs.
Herald: After working in DeFuniak Springs for more than five years, what are your impressions of the city and its leadership?
Henderson: I think the leadership in the city has stepped up tremendously in the past several years. The city has done a ton of work to help revitalize itself back to prosperity. One recent example is the use of federal ARPA money to expand the runway at the airport. They allocated city funds and worked with the county to secure enough funding for the project. The city's relationship with the county seems to be better than it has been in many years.
However, there is room for improvement. We need to continue to remove blight in the city, promote restoration of historic properties and upgrade the infrastructure.
Herald: What would you suggest city leaders prioritize to encourage responsible growth?
Henderson: As I mentioned, I think the airport project was a great example of a city-county partnership to help maximize the assets we have in and around DeFuniak. Now, we need to prioritize more projects to stimulate economic development.
We need a strategic plan to invest in sewer and water down our commercial corridors. That includes Hwy 90 E., Hwy 90 W., up a portion of Hwy 83, and down Hwy 331.
Highway 90 West should be prioritized because it is in a U.S. Qualified Opportunity Zone. That gives tax advantages for companies or individuals who wish to defer capital gains tax. Okaloosa County has done a great job with Shoal River Ranch, which is on the same 90 West Corridor, and Mossy Head Industrial Park recently sold its last parcels. Without simple infrastructure, we cannot compete to bring in new companies.
Councilman Tony Vallee is now the Chair of the Okaloosa/Walton TPO. He has already helped prioritize projects throughout Walton County, and several of them are in DeFuniak. I think having representation on the committees that directly affect us is very important.
Herald: What can citizens do to encourage responsible growth?
Henderson: I think attending public meetings and participating in the process is so important. Also, citizens can apply to boards and committees that are important in executing projects. The people who serve on these committees and boards all donate their time. I think participation is very healthy for the process.
Herald: What's next for you in DFS?
Henderson: We are trying to re-purpose the old Lakeside Hospital into high-quality, market-rent apartments. I feel that increasing quality living options is a big part of successful downtowns. The new CCB Bank location on the corner is also exciting and will hopefully bring more business to Downtown DeFuniak. The Embers Bistro should be opening soon also, which will expand restaurant options Downtown.
“I’ve really enjoyed being here in DeFuniak Springs,” said Brown as he neared completion of the mural, “everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.”
With that in mind, the DeFuniak Springs Herald-Breeze sat down with Henderson to explore his vision for the future of Downtown DeFuniak Springs.
Herald: After working in DeFuniak Springs for more than five years, what are your impressions of the city and its leadership?
Henderson: I think the leadership in the city has stepped up tremendously in the past several years. The city has done a ton of work to help revitalize itself back to prosperity. One recent example is the use of federal ARPA money to expand the runway at the airport. They allocated city funds and worked with the county to secure enough funding for the project. The city's relationship with the county seems to be better than it has been in many years.
However, there is room for improvement. We need to continue to remove blight in the city, promote restoration of historic properties and upgrade the infrastructure.
Herald: What would you suggest city leaders prioritize to encourage responsible growth?
Henderson: As I mentioned, I think the airport project was a great example of a city-county partnership to help maximize the assets we have in and around DeFuniak. Now, we need to prioritize more projects to stimulate economic development.
We need a strategic plan to invest in sewer and water down our commercial corridors. That includes Hwy 90 E., Hwy 90 W., up a portion of Hwy 83, and down Hwy 331.
Highway 90 West should be prioritized because it is in a U.S. Qualified Opportunity Zone. That gives tax advantages for companies or individuals who wish to defer capital gains tax. Okaloosa County has done a great job with Shoal River Ranch, which is on the same 90 West Corridor, and Mossy Head Industrial Park recently sold its last parcels. Without simple infrastructure, we cannot compete to bring in new companies.
Councilman Tony Vallee is now the Chair of the Okaloosa/Walton TPO. He has already helped prioritize projects throughout Walton County, and several of them are in DeFuniak. I think having representation on the committees that directly affect us is very important.
Herald: What can citizens do to encourage responsible growth?
Henderson: I think attending public meetings and participating in the process is so important. Also, citizens can apply to boards and committees that are important in executing projects. The people who serve on these committees and boards all donate their time. I think participation is very healthy for the process.
Herald: What's next for you in DFS?
Henderson: We are trying to re-purpose the old Lakeside Hospital into high-quality, market-rent apartments. I feel that increasing quality living options is a big part of successful downtowns. The new CCB Bank location on the corner is also exciting and will hopefully bring more business to Downtown DeFuniak. The Embers Bistro should be opening soon also, which will expand restaurant options Downtown.
“I’ve really enjoyed being here in DeFuniak Springs,” said Brown as he neared completion of the mural, “everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.”
*Originally printed in the DeFuniak Springs Herald/ Beach Breeze, 2022.