Santa Rosa County owns several unoccupied buildings in historic downtown Milton, frustrating some community members, who feel commissioners are being neglectful in their stewardship, enabling mold growth and negatively impacting downtown business, which has struggled since the former county courthouse was vacated nearly three years ago.
“Elected officials and government employees have a duty to act as responsible stewards of our community’s public assets and historic resources. Unfortunately, our local governments have not always met this responsibility, even as other communities successfully protect and celebrate their heritage,” said Cassandra Sharp, who owns property adjacent to the old courthouse and has preserved and saved multiple buildings in the area. “It’s disappointing to see this gap, but ultimately, our history and heritage belong to all of us. It’s up to citizens to stand up and safeguard the history, historic resources and identity to ensure they are preserved.”
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