WAKULLA COUNTY, FL — Neighbors and local leaders in Wakulla County are showing their support for Wakulla Transportation. The local service is at risk of losing its contract to Big Bend Transit, a change neighbors say could impact the county's most vulnerable.
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Wakulla Transportation, run by the Wakulla Senior Center, has served as the community transportation coordinator for the past 35 years. Every five years, the center submits a request for qualifications to continue its service. However, for the 2026-2031 designation with the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, Big Bend Transit also submitted a request to operate in the area.
"So it was us and Big Bend Transit, and we submitted all of our information in its entirety, went to an in-person interview, were evaluated by a team via their criteria, and found out a few days later that Big Bend, which is a larger transportation company that has eight other counties, we just have Wakulla, scored a little bit higher than us," Lara Edwards said.
The Apalachee Regional Planning Council recommended Big Bend Transit for the designation. According to the council, Big Bend Transit was selected for a variety of reasons, including increased trip options, increased service availability, reduced co-pays for riders, and financial capacity.
The local board denied the recommendation on the 25th, voting in favor of Wakulla Transportation.
County Commissioners Ralph Thomas and Fred Nichols attended the protest in support of Wakulla Transportation, saying that bringing a big company in would affect the county's most vulnerable.
Thomas said the process must be done in the best interests of seniors.
"So I would encourage the decision makers to take a long, hard look at that, that bid process, and make sure that that was done fairly. Again, that was used as the basis to uproot this entire thing," Thomas said.
"I support Wakulla Transportation. My fear with a big transportation company coming in is that we will have citizens in the community that will be, you know, seniors that will be left at home on a local level. Wakulla Transportation knows all of these citizens. They know a lot of them personally. And I just, that's my biggest fear. I don't want our seniors left at home when they need to be out socializing with other citizens," Nichols said.
Edwards, the executive director of the Wakulla Senior Center, expressed concern about how the disruptions could impact the population she helps the most.
"But over 700 riders, we have 13 employees. We would lose all of our FDOT funding, seven of our vehicles, and the ability to bring back our seniors that fall under our food program to and from the center Monday through Friday for free, to have their meals and their companionship,” Edwards said.
Neighbors who have relied on the buses for 35 years to get to doctor's appointments, the store, and the senior center gathered to protest the potential change.
"I have used Wakulla transportation since I've been in this chair because I don't have any other way to go. And they always take me to my doctor’s appointments. They take me to Walmart, to get a haircut, or to buy groceries. Anywhere, medical or personal, like I need to go, they take me," Julie Merritt said.
Neighbors are concerned about the offerings of Big Bend Transit, citing previous experiences, though some noted they have not ridden with the company recently and acknowledge service may have improved.
"I pray to the Lord Jesus that they don’t get it, because if they do, I have already seen them post services that they do not provide, and I feel that it will follow over to this county, "Denise Kepler said.
"I feel that, like I said, we'd have scheduling problems. And I feel that, you know, people wouldn't get the service that they need that they're getting now, and we already have, you know, a handicap and not being able to drive. And so why? Why give us something more inferior, you know, inferior than what we got? We have something excellent right now," Arlene Vause said.
The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged will have the final say on April 8 on who gets the designation.
ABC 27 asked Big Bend Transit about their efforts to be the Wakulla County Transportation Coordinator.
They told us in part:
With decades of experience serving rural communities, we understand the importance of connecting people to employment, healthcare, education, and essential daily needs. Our goal is to strengthen and enhance the current system while bringing additional resources, funding opportunities, and innovative service options to support the continued growth of Wakulla County.
Our top priority is ensuring a seamless transition with no disruption in service for the approximately 700 individuals who rely on transportation today.
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.
Passengers will be able to schedule trips up to 14 days in advance, allowing for better planning of medical appointments, work, and other essential trips. Additionally, Big Bend Transit will offer subscription trip services for critical care passengers...
ABC 27 has reached out to the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. We have not heard back.
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.
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