The Log recently published a story about the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority’s decision to release its primary refinancing structure, which garnered plenty of chatter on social media. Here’s what people had to say about the topic.
Judith Solomon Kennedy: I save time using the Mid Bay Bridge, In the summer, you want to sit on 98,in the traffic, idling, for an hour? Be my guest.
Denise Song: It is one of the most expensive commuter bridges I have encountered in years. I just moved back from Central Florida and could commute from Merritt Island to Orlando for less money. Sunpass Florida residents should be discounted (and that can be easily accomplished). If there were noticeable improvements in the structure and collection points, I might feel differently.
Mistie Taylor-Zuromski: Guess none of you have ever paid tolls in other states? This toll is cheap compared to other places. That being said, there should be a discount for locals. It will never be free for locals...that's not realistic. But living in Niceville, I'll pay to avoid the tourist traffic on 98.
Holly Allison Gaddy: It's sad when you work outside of Destin and are required to have to pay to go to work! Every penny counts to most of us!
Keith Poch: Mid-BayBridgeAuthority needs to tighten its belt. Any addition expenses should be planned for and budgeted through the State and Federal taxes we pay for road improvements.
Paul Fox: Those of us who are locals should not have to pay anything. We should have Kamiani, rates, like they do in Hawaii. There wouldn't be any Destin Commons or any of the other commercial enterprises just over the bridge if not for the Mid Bay so they should have a surcharge to help pay.
Gabriel Ellis Vaughn: I remember back when they first built it... They said that the toll would be temporary to help finance the construction... I'm pretty sure it's got to be paid for by now. End the toll completely, or at least end it for residents of Florida.
Sue Regan: It is very difficult for low income service workers to be able to afford to work in Destin. The toll of the toll is a huge hindrance.
Emily Grace: Full time residents in Okaloosa and Walton counties with sunpasses should be able to use for free. Reduced for sunpass holders who are not full time residents and full price for visitors.
Melissa Hines Wachsmuth:I live in Niceville and cross the bridge 6 days a week. When the connector opened, my thought was raise the price at the toll plaza for anyone who doesn't have a bridge pass (non locals) and for those that do...maybe raise it a little. I would be willing to pay a little extra for those people who go from range road to 285 and wouldn't be charged a toll in my plan. No.... they spent HUGE dollars to put the overhead toll by plate structure up so they can mail a bill to a tourist with a service charge and wait/hope/pray that they return the $3.50 (1.50+ 2.00 handling fee I think with "handling fee"). So welcome tourist. We are so glad u came...I bet after you get that "bill" when u get home next time you'll take Hwy 20 won't ya? Sorry... not the brightest plan. The tourist wouldn't notice the 50 cent uptick at the toll plaza and we locals, would get a break. Oh...and they wouldn’t have spent all that money for the big metal structure and the two extra lanes along there. Bet that was a million dollars at least. Just a thought!
