UPA History
UPA originally started in 1984 as UPHO (United Peninsula Homeowners’ Organization) by Don Chineryand Swaney Swenson and was imperative for many years in representing the interests of the communities along HWY 98 east of Naval Live Oaks to the Okaloosa/Santa Rosa County line, an area referred to as Fairpoint Peninsula. Following Hurricane Ivan’s devastation, the founding organization dissipated due to the displacement of many of its members. In August 2008, the organization was reactivated, bringing with it some very exciting changes, including one of the most significant - UPA has extended its membership to include and encourage the participation of businesses, both small and large, as they support our community’s growth and are greatly impacted by development and regulation along the Hwy 98 corridor. Just recently we have changed the name from UPHA to UPA (United Peninsula Association) to reflect our new partnership with our business community.
Some Important Talking Points:
How many of us have waited at a light thinking is the light even working? UPA has been working diligently with the County’s Roads &
Transportation division and the State DoT to change the timing of
the lights along Hwy 98, from Naval Live Oaks to Navarre, to address heavier traffic times, and allow
traffic to flow more easily.
We are also working hard on a beautification project along the HWY 98 corridor. The effort will dress up the corridor and several local area parks, add new multi-use paths, add pedestrian safety improvements, and eliminate visual clutter along HWY 98 & SR 399. We are also seeking suggestions for improving our area’s values and to encourage smart business growth. We call this effort our “Scenic Zone Designation” project.
* Our latest effort will address the regular rate increases the 32563 area is seeing on their water and sewer rates. A public hearing will b e held on Oct. 19th @ 6:30 in the Gulf Breeze City Hall .
We have also had suggestions at looking at a beautification project
along the corridor to dress the area up with the support of the
large business that support the Hwy, along with our local area parks
and several other great suggestions for improving our area’s values
and encourage business growth.
We are working with Support Alliance for Emergency Readiness (SAFER)
Santa Rosa to better prepare the Fairpoint Peninsula communities for
the 2009 hurricane season to create our own CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team)
for communities in the unincorporated corridor, and emergencies in
the Midway / Tiger Point area.
Please join the efforts of UPA and give us input on behalf of your own
HOA, your business, your clients and your families.
Help give our community a
voice!