Perdido Key Master Plan Debate

Doug Underhill promises to seek more public input on the Perdido Key Master Plan between now and the Escambia County commission’s final vote sometime this summer.
For now, the first term District 2 commissioner is just happy that the proposed $81 million project to four lane the barrier island’s beach road is off the table.

“Four laning is as dead as it can get,” Underhill told the IN. “The voice of the citizens and the voice of elected leaders were at odds in the past. About 75 to 80 percent of every poll, our citizens absolutely did not want the project.”

Also important to Underhill are: 1) more free beach access be made available than the three 50-foot parcels currently available; 2) utilities be moved underground; and 3) the habitat conservation plan governing lighting and other beach construction be sensitive to rare white beach mice, birds and turtles.

“We are trying to solve some of the big problems on the island,” Underhill said. “Places like Mayfair, Myrtle Grove and Brownsville need a beachfront that’s very accessible. The beaches are theirs as much as mine.”

The plan is expected to go to the county’s Planning and Zoning department in April before going to the board, Underhill said.

“I want this plan to outlive my political life,” Underhill said. “I want it to be something everyone’s proud of long after I’m out of office.”