First redistricting map unsatisfactory

Residents are unhappy with the first proposed redistricting map presented to the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners.

County Administrator Hunter Walker presented one possible redistricting map Monday for commissioners to consider. The proposed map would keep District 1 about the same with a population of 29,605. The eastern boundaries for District 3 would expand past the current Munson Highway Boundaries all the way to the county line. East of Munson Highway is currently part of District 2.

District 2 would cover a lot less area on the proposed map. Residents living along either side of Highway 90 and Interstate 10 East would be included in District 2. Currently, people living on the south side of to I-10 East are a part of District 4.

District 4 boundaries were moved South from I-10 and slightly moved west on U.S. Highway 98 on the proposed map. The change would decrease the District 4 population from 36,617 to 31,019.

District 5 could potentially contain the west portion of Holley by the Sea, making the population in that district 31,989. The population in 2000 U.S. Census was 28,173.

For more on this story, see the August 25 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.