Another legislative attempt to move the capital from TLH to Orlando

[northvanole]

It has happened several times in the past 120 years or so, and in the late 60’s it was taken very seriously. If I recall, it took a lot of business leaders (I believe Killearn was just being developed when the proposal was floated in the late 60’s) to keep the capital in Tallahassee. I also recall that there was a rush to build the new tall capital building in the 1970s’ to make sure that this idea doesn’t get floated again. However, the cost of travel to Tallahassee is becoming an issue.

But it is - nothing serious - yet. But they are calling for a study to go through the cost of moving, the savings that will happen if the capital was in the middle of the state, and the cost to Tallahassee if a move was made.

Why do I post this? Because the cost and pain of traveling to Tallahassee is now affecting its’ biggest local industry - state government. There are few in state direct flights from major Florida cities to Tallahassee. And whatever flights you find, the cost is prohibitive. Motel costs can be overwhelming if there is government work to do on any game week end or FSU graduation, etc.

Will this go anywhere? Probably not. But it would be helpful if local leaders got slapped around a bit and understand that their lack of attention to this issue can eventually lead to a huge problem.

The idea is being proposed by a legislator from Boca Raton - not Orlando.

 

[jy2581]

Just fix the airport issue. Flights to/from here are ridiculous. You could add some corporate housing as well - maybe to the south side of town to help revitalize that area.

 

[RGSmith9]

It has happened several times in the past 120 years or so, and in the late 60’s it was taken very seriously. If I recall, it took a lot of business leaders (I believe Killearn was just being developed when the proposal was floated in the late 60’s) to keep the capital in Tallahassee. I also recall that there was a rush to build the new tall capital building in the 1970s’ to make sure that this idea doesn’t get floated again. However, the cost of travel to Tallahassee is becoming an issue.

But it is - nothing serious - yet. But they are calling for a study to go through the cost of moving, the savings that will happen if the capital was in the middle of the state, and the cost to Tallahassee if a move was made.

Why do I post this? Because the cost and pain of traveling to Tallahassee is now affecting its’ biggest local industry - state government. There are few in state direct flights from major Florida cities to Tallahassee. And whatever flights you find, the cost is prohibitive. Motel costs can be overwhelming if there is government work to do on any game week end or FSU graduation, etc.

Will this go anywhere? Probably not. But it would be helpful if local leaders got slapped around a bit and understand that their lack of attention to this issue can eventually lead to a huge problem.

The idea is being proposed by a legislator from Boca Raton - not Orlando.

Screw that legislator.

 

[fsukenny]

It has happened several times in the past 120 years or so, and in the late 60’s it was taken very seriously. If I recall, it took a lot of business leaders (I believe Killearn was just being developed when the proposal was floated in the late 60’s) to keep the capital in Tallahassee. I also recall that there was a rush to build the new tall capital building in the 1970s’ to make sure that this idea doesn’t get floated again. However, the cost of travel to Tallahassee is becoming an issue.

But it is - nothing serious - yet. But they are calling for a study to go through the cost of moving, the savings that will happen if the capital was in the middle of the state, and the cost to Tallahassee if a move was made.

Why do I post this? Because the cost and pain of traveling to Tallahassee is now affecting its’ biggest local industry - state government. There are few in state direct flights from major Florida cities to Tallahassee. And whatever flights you find, the cost is prohibitive. Motel costs can be overwhelming if there is government work to do on any game week end or FSU graduation, etc.

Will this go anywhere? Probably not. But it would be helpful if local leaders got slapped around a bit and understand that their lack of attention to this issue can eventually lead to a huge problem.

The idea is being proposed by a legislator from Boca Raton - not Orlando.

Has anyone tried to drive through Orlando/Disney lately ? It's the most congested mess north of Dade County. Only a mental midget or selfish POS would want our State Capital there. Must be a Gate.

 

[Goin Balls Deep]

Not only would the capital and associated buildings and people need to be moved, but every state association who has set up shop in Tallahassee to lobby on behalf of their constituents would also need to move. It would devastate the local economy and job market as many would not be interested in moving to Orlando to keep their job as the State of Florida is a notoriously low-paying employer. Extending Brightline from Orlando to Tallahassee would help tremendously with this transportation issue.

 

[cpuckett]

This would never happen so why debate it?

 

[Oclawaha]

It’s not like they haven’t tried with the flight availability. They’ve invested millions in subsidies to incentivize carriers to offer service to the area.
Once the subsidies expire the airline is gone with them.
While the facility is still little more than a glorified bus station they are sinking a pile of money into the thing.
Parking deck is next.
Point is there’s only so much arm twisting a city can do to get a jet blue or the like in here.
As to studying local impact. No real need for that. Tallahassee would cease to exist as we know it.

 

[jamnolfin]

Just fix the airport issue. Flights to/from here are ridiculous. You could add some corporate housing as well - maybe to the south side of town to help revitalize that area.

.
Growing up in the panhandle we always had airline travel issues but no more. Pensacola, Fort Walton and PCB have had major expansion and airlines. Nothing in Tallahassee.

 

[Micco]

Blah, Blah, Blah. Not going to happen.

 

[CoveChild]

Ain't happening. Another pipe dream from south of the Suwanee.

 

[NoleFreak85]

As someone who lives in an area where growth exploded - largely without proper planning - and housing/living costs are in the top 5 in the nation, I hope the city planners and money folks down there do it right. The Airport is a good start. An Amazon/UPS/Fedex shipping hub would be a boon and a few medical research facilities would be great too.

 

[Seminolejon78]

The idea is being proposed as a result of the tree hugging backwards thinking locals. They have kept the economy weak ( polyester pants and pocket protectors) and the result is limited hotels, restaurants and transportation for the city.

This is now hurting FSU in sports and in placing students in jobs.

Well, FWIW, there are new hotels either under construction or planned at Cascades Park, Railroad Square, and across the street from the Civic Center. And two have recently been built along Railroad Ave. near Gaines St. So that issue is getting some better.

The air accessibility is Tally’s biggest drawback. Panama City is running circles around Tallahassee in that regard.

Road expansion is another area where Tally is dropping the ball. Go to the DOT web site and look at the road projects for our district. Pensacola and PC have many more than Tally. What’s up with that?

 

[Dr. Nole]

This has gator written all over it

 

[ReliableOstrich]

To be honest, if the State of Florida didn't have a capital and this morning you asked me to pick a city to set up as state capital, I wouldn't pick Tally. I would probably choose the area east of MCO airport.

That being said, this hypothetical doesn't really matter other than to remind Tally that it's lucky to be the capital to begin with and not look that gift horse in the mouth.

The costs associated with moving the capital would be tremendous (in addition to completely crippling a city of 200,000). Folks are understandably frustrated with a capital city in the middle of nowhere, nearly as far from all the state's population centers as you can get, with absurd airfares and a dearth of hospitality options as icing on the cake.

Someone else mentioned extending the Brightline to Tally, which I'd love but you need to have some actual buy-in to using train transportation and it's got to move with some speed and efficiency. Brightline has a current max speed of 125mph with an average speed of 80mph between Miami and Orlando. Both of those marks are absurdly slow for a new passenger railroad when you have a dozen (and counting) train systems all over the world connecting major metros at speeds above 200mph. It's like we're not even trying to succeed, intentionally dooming projects before they start, ignoring technology that's over a decade old.

Long story short, nothing is going to change, even though perhaps the threat to Tally is a good idea just to wake folks up a little.

 

[Dr. Nole]

...now if we could transport the entire city including the FSU campus to the middle of the state....that would be really convenient for me...

 

[northvanole]

There is much to unpack here. Cities can grow in a variety of ways. That article pinned above is excellent, but it can go on for pages. The lack of a research medical school at FSU and the expensive airport make Tallahassee a poor choice for retirees. And with the surge of retirees in this country, Tallahassee stands out as a small city with some good qualities that completely lost out on this market - shocking to have this happen in a state with good weather and no income tax.

Yes, Orlando has horrible traffic with I-4 under endless construction. But it’s booming big time. Then the third terminal opens at Orlando International, the boom will grow.

Tallahassee leaders always assumed that it can maintain its standard of living so long as the capital is there. And yes, there is very little chance of it moving. But as noted above, the lack of growth will lead to further decline in the standard of living there. Crime is increasing. No good job growth. Public schools are not respected.

 

[jy2581]

Road expansion is another area where Tally is dropping the ball. Go to the DOT web site and look at the road projects for our district. Pensacola and PC have many more than Tally. What’s up with that?

Don't even get me started on the roads here. It's beyond awful, and our idiotic city/county planners are to blame. All they do is approve project after project, with no regard whatsoever to the impact to roads.

 

[chrish25]

I know lots of the South Florida delegation complain about Tallahassee being too cold in the spring especially when session starts in January, like next year.

 

[Andre']

Not only would the capital and associated buildings and people need to be moved, but every state association who has set up shop in Tallahassee to lobby on behalf of their constituents would also need to move. It would devastate the local economy and job market as many would not be interested in moving to Orlando to keep their job as the State of Florida is a notoriously low-paying employer. Extending Brightline from Orlando to Tallahassee would help tremendously with this transportation issue.

I’ve been preaching something like this for a while. It would help on game days, but that would be a tall order if the numbers round trip are very high.
Train ride with a car rental or Uber/lyft would do it. If the train had a lounge/bar with multiple televisions that would be awesome.
However, I’d bet the car rentals would start gouging for 2 day minimums or exorbitant prices.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Honestly it would make a lot of sense to move the state's legislative functions (ie capitol bldg, governor's offices, etc...) to central Florida but keep it's administrative functions in Tally to take advantage of lower wages and avoid economically nuking a whole city.

Seems like a happy and logical compromise. It would hurt the Tally hospitality industry but they haven't done much to compete in what they think is a monopoly.

 

[squiffynole]

The good news is Tallahassee will still be above water in a 100-years.

 

[fsukenny]

That is a really good article. But here is what The Democrat can't quite get their heads around. Many people in the south don't want to live in Metropolis or Gotham City. Many of us see the beauty of the State of Florida being destroyed every day. Broward County is SOLD OUT. As in every piece of available land has been purchased and developed. Florida has serious infrastructure issues. Our roads are a mess. We now have yearly red tide. Lake Okeechobee is a mess. Or should I say a giant sewer. The canals that pump contaminated fresh water from the lake to both the Gulf and the Atlantic are making people sick (algae blooms). We have blocked the natural flow of water through the Everglades. People have let their "pet" pythons/boas loose and they have destroyed the natural balance of the Everglades. And where is the point of beginning for all the mess ? Lake Kissimmee and the Kissimmee River. That's correct. The natural flow of of the Kissimmee River was straightened out by the Army Corp of Engineering after a hurricanes in the 1940's. They are now spending BILLIONS to try restore the Kissimmee and the Lake.
Sorry for the diatribe, but needless to say that Leon County should consider itself fortunate that they have only grown 5.2 %. Do you really need another cookie cutter community ? OK, maybe you can update the airport slightly. But I've flown into TLH from Tampa. It's no big deal and the cost is pretty reasonable.
I'm a second generation Florida Cracker. ( No that's not racial. It's what they used to call any of us born and raised in Florida.) We don't need any more people here in Florida. There is plenty of business to be made by just restoring Florida from past screw ups. JMHO

 

[ReliableOstrich]

That is a really good article. But here is what The Democrat can't quite get their heads around. Many people in the south don't want to live in Metropolis or Gotham City. Many of us see the beauty of the State of Florida being destroyed every day. Broward County is SOLD OUT. As in every piece of available land has been purchased and developed. Florida has serious infrastructure issues. Our roads are a mess. We now have yearly red tide. Lake Okeechobee is a mess. Or should I say a giant sewer. The canals that pump contaminated fresh water from the lake to both the Gulf and the Atlantic are making people sick (algae blooms). We have blocked the natural flow of water through the Everglades. People have let their "pet" pythons/boas loose and they have destroyed the natural balance of the Everglades. And where is the point of beginning for all the mess ? Lake Kissimmee and the Kissimmee River. That's correct. The natural flow of of the Kissimmee River was straightened out by the Army Corp of Engineering after a hurricanes in the 1940's. They are now spending BILLIONS to try restore the Kissimmee and the Lake.
Sorry for the diatribe, but needless to say that Leon County should consider itself fortunate that they have only grown 5.2 %. Do you really need another cookie cutter community ? OK, maybe you can update the airport slightly. But I've flown into TLH from Tampa. It's no big deal and the cost is pretty reasonable.
I'm a second generation Florida Cracker. ( No that's not racial. It's what they used to call any of us born and raised in Florida.) We don't need any more people here in Florida. There is plenty of business to be made by just restoring past screw ups. JMHO

Fair that folks who want to live in a small/quaint town ought to be able to do so, but sometimes that'll involve them moving to one rather than demanding their current burgh limit its own growth. That point is even more so the case when you're talking about a town that's a state capital and home to 3 large colleges/universities.

Tally just isn't set up to be someone's small town, that folks have tried to keep it that way is part why it struggles to be neither a small town nor a viable metro. The identity crisis has to end.

As for being a Florida Cracker, I thought that name applies to folks who were original Florida settlers/pioneers (and their subsequent descendants), not 2nd generation Floridians. You might be appropriating someone else's legacy to validate your position. Frankly I don't really care, go for it, just thought it might be something for you to research.

 

[Sawyer55]

A few have noted FSU's lack of medical research. No FSU's leader has pushed for this. Even Thrasher, who helped UCF get their med school, has not pushed for this.

FSU leadership sometimes has strategies that run counter to long term goals.

 

[NoleOne]

The local Tallahassee leadership, most importantly the members of the City Commission, need to get out of their "no" mentality quickly.

Heck, they just derailed the new midtown parking garage project and south-side police station project after the prior commission had already approved it.

 

[Gatorgig]

It has happened several times in the past 120 years or so, and in the late 60’s it was taken very seriously. If I recall, it took a lot of business leaders (I believe Killearn was just being developed when the proposal was floated in the late 60’s) to keep the capital in Tallahassee. I also recall that there was a rush to build the new tall capital building in the 1970s’ to make sure that this idea doesn’t get floated again. However, the cost of travel to Tallahassee is becoming an issue.

But it is - nothing serious - yet. But they are calling for a study to go through the cost of moving, the savings that will happen if the capital was in the middle of the state, and the cost to Tallahassee if a move was made.

Why do I post this? Because the cost and pain of traveling to Tallahassee is now affecting its’ biggest local industry - state government. There are few in state direct flights from major Florida cities to Tallahassee. And whatever flights you find, the cost is prohibitive. Motel costs can be overwhelming if there is government work to do on any game week end or FSU graduation, etc.

Will this go anywhere? Probably not. But it would be helpful if local leaders got slapped around a bit and understand that their lack of attention to this issue can eventually lead to a huge problem.

The idea is being proposed by a legislator from Boca Raton - not Orlando.

There was also a weak attempt in the 90s to move the capital to Orlando but shot down in the House I believe.

 

[NoleOne]

That is a really good article. But here is what The Democrat can't quite get their heads around. Many people in the south don't want to live in Metropolis or Gotham City. Many of us see the beauty of the State of Florida being destroyed every day. Broward County is SOLD OUT. As in every piece of available land has been purchased and developed. Florida has serious infrastructure issues. Our roads are a mess. We now have yearly red tide. Lake Okeechobee is a mess. Or should I say a giant sewer. The canals that pump contaminated fresh water from the lake to both the Gulf and the Atlantic are making people sick (algae blooms). We have blocked the natural flow of water through the Everglades. People have let their "pet" pythons/boas loose and they have destroyed the natural balance of the Everglades. And where is the point of beginning for all the mess ? Lake Kissimmee and the Kissimmee River. That's correct. The natural flow of of the Kissimmee River was straightened out by the Army Corp of Engineering after a hurricanes in the 1940's. They are now spending BILLIONS to try restore the Kissimmee and the Lake.
Sorry for the diatribe, but needless to say that Leon County should consider itself fortunate that they have only grown 5.2 %. Do you really need another cookie cutter community ? OK, maybe you can update the airport slightly. But I've flown into TLH from Tampa. It's no big deal and the cost is pretty reasonable.
I'm a second generation Florida Cracker. ( No that's not racial. It's what they used to call any of us born and raised in Florida.) We don't need any more people here in Florida. There is plenty of business to be made by just restoring Florida from past screw ups. JMHO

This is not what the editorial board is talking about. No one is talking about rampant development in Tallahassee to wipe out every tree in the city. What they are talking about is a shift in thinking towards redeveloping the already crappy areas around town. The City Commission shot down a plan to add a Police Headquarters in the South Side and a parking garage to Midtown. People in Tallahassee are prevented from re-developing blighted areas, for goodness sake.

Rationale? We don't trust the police. And we don't want to make it easier for people to park.

 

[GeneratioNole]

Don't even get me started on the roads here. It's beyond awful, and our idiotic city/county planners are to blame. All they do is approve project after project, with no regard whatsoever to the impact to roads.

Your comment about roadway impacts not being assessed as part of development review is incorrect, but there are always improvements to be made. If you (or any other Leon County residents here) would like for your opinion to go towards future planning and development then I encourage you to participate in one of the Planning Department's many ongoing public engagement efforts as they work through a major update to the Land Use and Mobility elements of the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan. This link will provide you with a list of meeting dates (including tonight at the Chaires), as well as online survey where you can provide input: http://www.talgov.com/place/pln-cp-update-project.aspx

 

[MarkFSU]

I wonder if this debate comes up in other states? Like in Nevada, the bulk of the state population is in the Las Vegas area but the capital is far away in Carson City on the other side of the state. Alaska's is Juneau which is nowhere near Anchorage or Fairbanks. Sacramento is not that far from San Fran, but far from heavier population base of LA-San Diego.

 

[fsukenny]

Fair that folks who want to live in a small/quaint town ought to be able to do so, but sometimes that'll involve them moving to one rather than demanding their current burgh limit its own growth. That point is even more so the case when you're talking about a town that's a state capital and home to 3 large colleges/universities.

Tally just isn't set up to be someone's small town, that folks have tried to keep it that way is part why it struggles to be neither a small town nor a viable metro. The identity crisis has to end.

As for being a Florida Cracker, I thought that name applies to folks who were original Florida settlers/pioneers (and their subsequent descendants), not 2nd generation Floridians. You might be appropriating someone else's legacy to validate your position. Frankly I don't really care, go for it, just thought it might be something for you to research.

I very well understand your point. But travel around the State of Florida. Please tell me where exactly are the small quaint towns that are not effected by pollution, growth, and traffic (both road and air). I defer to your knowledge of your community since I do not live in Tallahassee. But I ask you what is the other "major" university in Tallahassee ? There is FSU and FAMU but please don't tell me you are calling TCC (or whatever they call it now) a major university. Why is it that you think Tallahassee isn't set up as a small town ? Do you think there is intellectual power created by taller buildings and parking garages ? I have lived in the small town ( Bradenton/Sarasota) that has sold it's soul for growth. It has created neither a better place to live or to retire in. But it has created pollution and traffic. Have fun with that when you destroy Tallahassee and turn it into Tampa or Orlando. Be careful what you wish for.

 

[caballo_blanco]

Gross.

 

[jy2581]

Your comment about roadway impacts not being assessed as part of development review is incorrect, but there are always improvements to be made. If you (or any other Leon County residents here) would like for your opinion to go towards future planning and development then I encourage you to participate in one of the Planning Department's many ongoing public engagement efforts as they work through a major update to the Land Use and Mobility elements of the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan. This link will provide you with a list of meeting dates (including tonight at the Chaires), as well as online survey where you can provide input: http://www.talgov.com/place/pln-cp-update-project.aspx

Oh, I'm sure it's "assessed." Assessed in the same way that they decided to approve more high density housing off of Bannerman Rd, when it's not scheduled to be widened for another few years. Or doing nothing to improve the traffic flow into downtown, where the majority of people work. Look at that new development off of Ox Bottom (the one you can see from Cap Circle). Hundreds of new homes, with hundreds of cars, and their road ends at a stop sign at Thomasville Rd.

There may be "assessments" being made, but it's a crock of you know what. I've lived here for 18 years and the traffic has been as bad, if not worse, since I've lived here.

 

[SoddyNole]

It looks like the most recent state to change their capital was Oklahoma back in 1910 who changed from Guthrie to Ok City.

 

[CoveChild]

That is a really good article. But here is what The Democrat can't quite get their heads around. Many people in the south don't want to live in Metropolis or Gotham City. Many of us see the beauty of the State of Florida being destroyed every day. Broward County is SOLD OUT. As in every piece of available land has been purchased and developed. Florida has serious infrastructure issues. Our roads are a mess. We now have yearly red tide. Lake Okeechobee is a mess. Or should I say a giant sewer. The canals that pump contaminated fresh water from the lake to both the Gulf and the Atlantic are making people sick (algae blooms). We have blocked the natural flow of water through the Everglades. People have let their "pet" pythons/boas loose and they have destroyed the natural balance of the Everglades. And where is the point of beginning for all the mess ? Lake Kissimmee and the Kissimmee River. That's correct. The natural flow of of the Kissimmee River was straightened out by the Army Corp of Engineering after a hurricanes in the 1940's. They are now spending BILLIONS to try restore the Kissimmee and the Lake.
Sorry for the diatribe, but needless to say that Leon County should consider itself fortunate that they have only grown 5.2 %. Do you really need another cookie cutter community ? OK, maybe you can update the airport slightly. But I've flown into TLH from Tampa. It's no big deal and the cost is pretty reasonable.
I'm a second generation Florida Cracker. ( No that's not racial. It's what they used to call any of us born and raised in Florida.) We don't need any more people here in Florida. There is plenty of business to be made by just restoring Florida from past screw ups. JMHO

Absolutely agree!

 

[fsukenny]

This is not what the editorial board is talking about. No one is talking about rampant development in Tallahassee to wipe out every tree in the city. What they are talking about is a shift in thinking towards redeveloping the already crappy areas around town. The City Commission shot down a plan to add a Police Headquarters in the South Side and a parking garage to Midtown. People in Tallahassee are prevented from re-developing blighted areas, for goodness sake.

Rationale? We don't trust the police. And we don't want to make it easier for people to park.

Thank you for the clarification. It was not presented in that fashion. I am all for redevelopment. In Manatee County, you just see tracts of land being completely scraped to nothing. The trees burnt. And a new cookie cutter development takes it's place. That is the way of life here. My warning is : Don't be us.

 

[Shade Tree 55]

I very well understand your point. But travel around the State of Florida. Please tell me where exactly are the small quaint towns that are not effected by pollution, growth, and traffic (both road and air). I defer to your knowledge of your community since I do not live in Tallahassee. But I ask you what is the other "major" university in Tallahassee ? There is FSU and FAMU but please don't tell me you are calling TCC (or whatever they call it now) a major university. Why is it that you think Tallahassee isn't set up as a small town ? Do you think there is intellectual power created by taller buildings and parking garages ? I have lived in the small town ( Bradenton/Sarasota) that has sold it's soul for growth. It has created neither a better place to live or to retire in. But it has created pollution and traffic. Have fun with that when you destroy Tallahassee and turn it into Tampa or Orlando. Be careful what you wish for.

There’s a happy medium between Tallahassee and Tampa/Orlando. Tallahassee will never have a metro population of 3 million people, but actively rooting against and sabotaging any economic growth in the city seems insanely shortsighted. Both for the city and for FSU.

 

[goldmom]

The idea that some New York transplant from Bowca who got elected with votes from other transplant NY'ers wants to move our CapitAL downstate is absolutely repugnant to me.
I was living in Tally into the late 70's when the Canopy Roafs crowd ruled the place and growth was very slow. Of course, the entire state had half the population and Orlando was still surrounded by orange groves.
But you know what? Tally had BETTER air service then than now! Non-stop flights from Jax, Miami, Tampa, train service running east and west from Jax to P-cola and beyond.
The growth in Tally has been amazing, and it's still a beautiful Southern city. SoFla is a lost disaster, Jax has never had enough expressways and feeder roads into and out of St. John's, Clay, and Nassau counties which are just exploding, and the Panhandle is filling up fast along the coast.
Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater is becoming bigger by the month, and Orlando is a place I avoid like the plague.

Negatives for Tally to address are the remnants of the no-growth folks, who have secure state jobs and don't see a huge need to grow, and a division caused by divergent political views.
Make the city more attractive for private business. Build more hotels and restaurants. Entice air carriers.

 

[CarlsbadNole]

Which ones?

Well I am sure somewhere in there someone is editing the 7th grade textbooks that focus on how to talk to transgendered people, I don’t think we need that chapter so then we dont need that person

 

[northvanole]

I very well understand your point. But travel around the State of Florida. Please tell me where exactly are the small quaint towns that are not effected by pollution, growth, and traffic (both road and air). I defer to your knowledge of your community since I do not live in Tallahassee. But I ask you what is the other "major" university in Tallahassee ? There is FSU and FAMU but please don't tell me you are calling TCC (or whatever they call it now) a major university. Why is it that you think Tallahassee isn't set up as a small town ? Do you think there is intellectual power created by taller buildings and parking garages ? I have lived in the small town ( Bradenton/Sarasota) that has sold it's soul for growth. It has created neither a better place to live or to retire in. But it has created pollution and traffic. Have fun with that when you destroy Tallahassee and turn it into Tampa or Orlando. Be careful what you wish for.

Good points, but some cities are more airport dependent than others. Blacksburg, like Tallahassee, has a large state university located in a corner of the state. But Blacksburg does not do much else. And driving there from Richmond is much easier than from South Florida to Tallahassee.

When this was a serious topic of discussion in the late 60’s, the airlines were still regulated. After de-regulation in 1978, the whole market eventually changed. Many smaller markets got much worse service. Airlines make their higher profits on business travelers. If that market shrinks, airlines leave. As an example, Nashville was once an American hub, but they pulled out in the 90’s. Nashville’s started enticing companies to move there (NissanUSA) and the city has grown because of it. And airline service is now much better and reflects that.

To have good airline service and competition among hotels, you must have consistent business travel. Period. There is nothing else that entices airline growth than that. And yes, I understand the problems with unchecked growth. But a lot of that is caused by how governments handle it, especially the impact fees. Impact fees are paid to local governments for the “right” to build on undeveloped land. But they are usually a one time charge. Well, if the government gets used to the impact fee income, and if it becomes part of their operating budget, they want to have it every year. So they start approving everything. If local governments followed the accounting rules where the fee would probably me amortized over time, this might work out better. (I refer you to the current UCF scandal where excess cash from the operating account was used to fund a capital expenditure).

Tallahassee is one of the most “airport” dependent cities in the country. And I am betting that some of this noise regarding moving the capital is partly related to the realization that some government officials (and all the related agency employees) that live outside of the area are tired of being the most important business that keeps that airport going.

Ostrich above wrote a great piece as why Brightline train will not fix this.

We all know the story why Tallahassee is the state capital. It was in between the two largest populated areas at the time - Jacksonville and Pensacola. If that is the criteria, and the cost and pain of not following that criteria becomes out of hand, it will be interesting to see if anything happens.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

I very well understand your point. But travel around the State of Florida. Please tell me where exactly are the small quaint towns that are not effected by pollution, growth, and traffic (both road and air). I defer to your knowledge of your community since I do not live in Tallahassee. But I ask you what is the other "major" university in Tallahassee ? There is FSU and FAMU but please don't tell me you are calling TCC (or whatever they call it now) a major university. Why is it that you think Tallahassee isn't set up as a small town ? Do you think there is intellectual power created by taller buildings and parking garages ? I have lived in the small town ( Bradenton/Sarasota) that has sold it's soul for growth. It has created neither a better place to live or to retire in. But it has created pollution and traffic. Have fun with that when you destroy Tallahassee and turn it into Tampa or Orlando. Be careful what you wish for.

I said "large colleges/universities", not "major universities", specifically because I thought someone would take semantic issue with categorizing FAMU or TCC as such while avoiding the larger point about the number of students the three institutions bring to Tally.

FSU - 42,000
FAMU - 10,000
TCC - 25,000

At 25k students, TCC is undoubtedly a large college.

Anyway, now that we've sorted that out, Tally wasn't destined to remain a small town considering it's being the state capital and the 3 aforementioned institutions. It's almost absurd and cruel to wish small town status on a city with 4 major employers and population magnets like that. How could that even be possible?

I'm not looking to turn to turn Tally into Orlando or Tampa (impossible to do even if I wanted) but there's a happy medium where the city embraces what it is, an educational and legislative hub with an tremendous amount of academic, political, and financial capital that flows in and flows right back out. It would be great to keep some of that at home, foster an emerging startup or STEM space, improved public schools and infrastructure, hospitality options (homegrown/mom and pop at that) befitting of a town that in spite of it's middle-of-nowhere location attracts folks from all over the state/region.

The problem is when you try to take a medium size city and make it live within a small town infrastructure, that's when you get folks feeling like it's bursting. Build a suitable infrastructure and encourage local business growth and it might actually feel like a small town again, as counterintuitive as that seems.