I agree that Valparaiso should merge with Niceville, however I disagree that Bluewater should.

On two prior occasions Niceville’s city council has rejected Bluewater as an addition. Bluewater’s existence as an unincorporated area within Okaloosa County is a disadvantage in getting the County’s attention in accomplishing needed capital improvements like timely road resurfacing, improved street lighting, sidewalks, and especially recreational facilities.

The years it took to convince the County to construct a sidewalk along Woodlands Drive between Southwind Drive and White Point Road is evidence of that.

The MSBU has shown no desire to take the lead in addressing the capital needs of this growing community. Originally conceived as a retirement community, Bluewater has now become a vibrant collection of families of all ages, reflected in the burgeoning Bluewater Elementary School.

I believe it is time for Bluewater to actively explore incorporation as its own municipal entity.

The Florida League of Cities regularly assists communities like ours seeking to address this question.

Addressing Bluewater’s future needs require an intelligent, non-partisan approach, respectful of multiple opinions. The Florida League of Cities is a valuable resource to assist community leaders to understand the process, identify challenges, exam issues and contemplate reasonable approaches.

One obvious objection anticipated would be the need for additional taxation. I believe that both the County and Bluewater can and should contract cooperation agreements where possible to minimize any initial fiscal impact, such as maintenance of police, fire, and life safety facilities and service.

There is certainly adequate existing rental office space within Bluewater to accommodate any municipal service and personnel needs.

Whether Bluewater actually became an incorporated municipality would first require a significant investment of time, development of a plan, publicly vetted, and ultimately voted on by Bluewater voters.

Not an easy or quick process, but one I think that would be beneficial to the entire Bluewater community.

Thomas Dwyer served as a member of a state municipal league and as an assistant city manager for a capital city. He also has more than three decades of experience in Commerical Real Estate.