DeFuniak Springs, FL – Walton County leaders, in collaboration with leaders from Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, and Eglin Air Force Base, are hosting a public meeting on Monday, June 1 to discuss compatible community growth and encroachment issues relating to Eglin Air Force Base.

The meeting will be held at the Freeport Community Center, 16040 U.S. Highway 331 South, Freeport, FL, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

A Draft Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) document is now available for public review and comment at www.tri-countybrac.com. The JLUS is an ongoing land use planning effort between Eglin Air Force Base and surrounding communities to promote compatible community growth while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public and addressing encroachment to Eglin AFB.

The public is encouraged to log-on and review the chapter applicable to their respective community. Copies of the document will also be made available at the Coastal Branch Library, Freeport Library and DeFuniak Springs Library.

JLUS consultants will be on hand to address the study’s findings to date and receive public comment regarding recommendations in the Draft JLUS Report. The meeting will include an open house format with exhibits for the study area and a brief presentation to provide a general overview of the JLUS project.

For further information, contact the Okaloosa County Growth Project Coordinator, Jeff Fanto, who is coordinating regional meetings as the one in Freeport, at 850-609-3014.