WAKULLA COUNTY, FL — The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged will decide Wednesday whether Wakulla Transportation or Big Bend Transit will serve as Wakulla County’s Community Transportation Coordinator for 2026 through 2031.
The decision puts 13 jobs and the routine of 700 riders at stake.
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"I don't think it's quite fair to take away this from not only us drivers, but the senior citizens of this county as well," Kristina Rossiter said.
Both organizations submitted requests for qualifications during the proposal process. Big Bend Transit scored higher than Wakulla Transportation, leading the Apalachee Regional Planning Council to recommend Big Bend Transit for the designation. However, the local board voted against that recommendation in favor of Wakulla Transportation.
Staff at Wakulla Transportation told ABC’s Serena Davanzo they're worried about how the potential change would affect their riders and their own livelihoods.
"If I were to lose a job, I don't have a backup plan, so it would potentially put me at risk of not having work, affecting bills, and affecting the stuff at home. But the thought of just losing it does it kind of scares me a little bit," Rossiter said.
Shannon Dekle, Transportation Operation Manager for Wakulla Transportation, said employees are intimidated by the uncertainty.
"They're a little intimidated at the moment, not very unsure. We need to really start to make them feel a little bit better about these choices being made," Dekle said.
However, staff says that they’re most worried about the effect this potential change would have on their clients.
"The relationship that we have with our clients, them potentially losing that. We know them on probably a pretty decent personal level; they have become, like I said, family," Rossiter said.
"They have a great relationship with our clients, they know our clients, they know our roads. They tend to our clients with a lot of care, and that's gonna be a big thing for them to be taken away, or the fear of that being taken away," Dekle said.
Last week, neighbors gathered in support of Wakulla Transportation. Neighbors who utilize the service plan will speak in favor of the current provider at the upcoming meeting.
"It's been great. I mean, the whole staff has been fantastic, calling in, getting on the schedule, finding out exactly how to get from point A to point B. It's a simple process, and they've always been on time, and they've been very courteous, as well as my wake-up calls that I get every day letting me know that they're gonna be coming to get me," Robin Tyler said.
Big Bend Transit declined an interview but provided a statement via email regarding their plans for current employees and services.
"Our top priority is ensuring a seamless transition with no disruption in service for the approximately 700 individuals who rely on transportation today. We will maintain existing service levels while improving reliability, customer communication, and scheduling efficiency," Big Bend Transit said.
"Big Bend Transit is committed to supporting the local workforce. We intend to offer employment opportunities to all eligible current transportation staff to ensure continuity of service and preserve local jobs. As services grow, we also anticipate creating additional employment opportunities, contributing to economic development and workforce stability within Wakulla County," Big Bend Transit said.
The meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8th, at the Betty Easley Conference Center on Esplanade Way.
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