We the undersigned residents, family members, and concerned individuals, respectively petition for a senior/community center to be built in South Walton, Florida.  The senior population in South Walton County is rapidly growing yet there is not an adequate facility where programs for active seniors can be provided.

Background Information:

   According to the 2023 US Census seniors age 50 and above make up 42 per cent of the population of Walton County, Florida.  The median age in Walton County is 44 years old. Seniors are often impacted by poverty and social isolation as they age.  Research by the NIA has linked social isolation and loneliness to a variety of health conditions such as:  high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.
    Coastal Seniors of South Walton, Inc. (CSSW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of older adults in the Walton County area.  This organization began in December 2015 to provide information and support to our aging community.  We achieved nonprofit status in September 2017.  There has been a large population growth in South Walton County and yet services for seniors have not kept pace with growth trends.
     CSSW’s mission is to develop and maintain dynamic programs to help seniors remain active, use their skills, develop their potential, and continue involvement in the community.  Recently the number of seniors participating in our programs has increased to the point that the shared space at 70 Logan Lane in Santa Rosa Beach is not adequate due to scheduling problems and limited parking. Our goal is to obtain or build a permanent active senior/community center in South Walton.

Our Request:   We would like your help in locating a parcel of land where a senior/community center can be built or finding an existing structure that can be utilized for this purpose.  It is imperative that such a facility have adequate space and parking and be located in a central location in the South Walton community.