For the last two weeks, stories have been circulating about a privately-built toll road connecting the Panhandle to South Alabama.

A group based in Dothan, Alabama, is behind the plan, and the group's principles seem to have the backing of leaders in both states. But they still have to sell the people, who will live along the proposed route, on the idea. That could be a difficult task in Washington County.

Focus 2000 is a non-profit group that wants to build an interstate-quality toll road from Montgomery, Alabama to Panama City. So far the group's organizers seem to have the backing of state officials in both Florida and Alabama.

"There are eight million people a year that are making that trip down to those beaches that are coming through our community, and we have to provide a north/south corridor to allow this to happen."

The road is set to pass through Washington County. But no one knows the exact route, because the potential builders aren't releasing any maps. And that's concerned many residents.

"If you do what's right this road won't come through Washington county, because I can't think of one positive thing with this road, it's going to dry up all the businesses in Chipley it's going to dry up the little man's winery in Vernon, it going to dry up a lot of things.”

But supporters foresee the opposite, saying the new road will bring more business opportunities to the area, pointing out there are plans for at least seven exits in Washington County. Opponents say that's seven exits for drivers to bypass.

"With this turnpike going through, we're afraid that people will get on in Birmingham, AL and go straight to the beach, and we will never get an opportunity to pull that stuff off."

77 is one of the major arteries connecting Alabama to the coast. In addition to fears that the toll road will divert all this traffic, residents are also worried they could lose their property.

The partnership would give Focus 2000 eminent domain, the power to condemn homes and businesses, and seize the land. The partnership is promising to avoid that option.

"They will work with the community to weave this alignment through her, if they get to a piece of property and it passing someone's house they will work with them."

But without any proposed routes, residents are still fearful of losing their land.

"I have no intentions of giving up my homestead for you, a road or anything else."

Focus 2000 is expecting to release maps of the proposed route within six months. If approved the developers estimate construction will take about five years.