WAKULLA COUNTY, FL — Wakulla Transportation will officially retain its position as the Community Transportation Coordinator for Wakulla County.
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:
"So they can actually breathe a sigh of relief now knowing that they will be able to continue serving the community in their jobs like they have done, and they're very proud and excited to do so," Lara Edwards, the executive director of the Wakulla Senior Center, said.
The decision was approved unanimously during a special Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged meeting on Tuesday that lasted 12 minutes.
This comes after Big Bend Transit withdrew its application for the designation, leaving Wakulla Transportation as the only applicant. Both Wakulla Transportation and Big Bend Transit submitted applications for the 2026 to 2031 designation.
The Apalachee Regional Planning Council initially recommended Big Bend Transit over Wakulla Transportation. The recommendation led to backlash from neighbors currently using the service, who brought their concerns and shared their support for Wakulla Transportation at an April 8th CTD meeting.
The commission then held off on approving Big Bend Transit, citing a need for more information on the local board’s decision and details of the procurement process. About a week later, Big Bend Transit withdrew its application, leaving Wakulla Transportation as the only applicant in the process
"We value the public input shared during the recent CTD meeting and, most importantly, we respect the voices of Wakulla County residents who expressed a preference to maintain their current transportation provider," Big Bend Transit said.
Kwentin Eastberg, Deputy Director of the Apalachee Regional Planning Council, confirmed the withdrawal.
"We did receive a letter to withdraw from Big Bend transit following our meeting earlier this month, after some communication back and forth with commission staff. You know, basically, at this point, we had two eligible applicants. One is now withdrawn. So that left us with one eligible applicant," Eastberg said.
Lara Edwards, the executive director of the Wakulla Senior Center, says the riders pushed for this outcome.
"I think a lot of people were relieved, riders, seniors, staff to know that this in between period is coming to an end, and they can now plan on the future, as opposed to not knowing what was going to happen," Edwards said.
Neighbors at the senior center say they are ecstatic about the vote and that Wakulla Transportation deserves the designation.
"[They are] good drivers. They are very kind. And all riders good...It's like a family. So we are good, everybody, I'm happy," Keiko Stull said.
"Answered prayers, because it's like one big family here, and with the transportation department, I mean, they're just an awesome group of people. They truly help, and they care about us. They’re their clients," Jacqueline Lafrage said.
The new designation will run from July 1st, 2026, to June 30th, 2031.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
