On May 26, 2026, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings. Discussion on approval of a 1-Year Moratorium on Data Center Development started the meeting. The Board began the meeting with discussion regarding development of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Jackson County. A large number of residents attended the meeting and addressed the Board d

The Graceville City Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, covering a wide range of topics including the approval of rezoning tied to a proposed McDonald’s development, multiple infrastructure and grant updates, and lengthy public comments regarding law enforcement coverage and public safety concerns within the city. One of the evening’s most anticipated agenda items centered around a request to rezone property located at 5412 Brown Street, 5415 Brow

On May 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular and then a Special Meeting at 11:00 AM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings. A request was made for Jackson County to lift the countywide Burn Ban. The Board voted to rescind the countywide burn ban previously enacted on April 28, 2026. The burn ban was originally implemented following recommendations from the Florida Forest Service and Jack

Mother’s Day has long been recognized as a time to celebrate the women who shape families and communities through love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. On Sunday, May 10, members of the community joined with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to continue a tradition that has become a meaningful part of the Graceville community by hosting the annual Mother’s Day Celebration at the Graceville Civic Center. The event once again brought together mothers, grandmothers,

Hello everyone, my name is Edward Crutchfield. I am a lifelong resident of Jackson County and I am seeking re-election on the August 18, 2026 election for District 2. My time on the Board has been from November 2006 to November 2014 (eight years) and from November 2022 to the present time (4 years). With your approval and VOTE, I will continue to be your District 2 representative on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. I will continue serving you with my core values of

On April 28, 2026, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Workshop at 4:30 PM and Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in those meetings. A workshop was held for a presentation on EMS/Fire Assessment for Jackson County. The Board of County Commissioners received a workshop presentation from Accenture providing an overview of how fire and EMS assessments function as a funding mechanism for emergency services

The Graceville City Commission met April 21, opening with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before unanimously approving the agenda with a late addition related to a Community Development Block Grant application. One of the first items approved by the commission was authorization to advertise for engineering services tied to a stormwater revitalization vulnerability study. City Manager Michelle Watkins explained the city has secured $246,500 to evaluate and address ongoing

On April 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A request was made for an adoption of Proclamation Recognizing April as Fair Housing Month. The Board adopted a proclamation that was presented to Natalie Cayson and Jay Burkey of Central Panhandle Association of Realtors, recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in Jackson County, reaffirmin

Construction is underway for two new Agricultural Inspection Stations in Jackson County. One on Highway 231, at the Alabama border, and one on Highway 2, at the Georgia border. Agricultural Law Enforcement Officers have been hired and have begun patrolling the Panhandle. Many farmers, ranchers, horse owners, and landowners have been asking questions about the purpose and operating procedures for these officers and facilities, and what is required of agricultural trucks and

The Graceville City Commission met on Tuesday, March 10, opening the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer before moving into a series of approvals, updates, and community discussions that highlighted continued growth and ongoing improvements across the city. One of the primary action items of the meeting was the approval of a rezoning request for property located on White Avenue, commonly known as the former auction market site. City Manager Michelle Watkins expl

On March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A request was made for approval to set a public hearing for Vertical Bridge Wireless Telecommunications Facility. The Board approved a request to schedule a public hearing on April 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to consider the proposed construction of a 250-foot wireless telecommunications facility with

The Graceville Planning Commission met on Tuesday, March 10, opening with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before unanimously approving the evening’s agenda. The primary item of discussion centered on a rezoning request for the former auction barn property, recently purchased by Eric Williamson of Down South Towing and Recovery. City Manager Michelle Watkins presented the request, explaining that Williamson plans to develop the site into a repossession lot, a secured fa

A lifelong resident of Holmes County, “Tad” is proud to call this community home. As a 1981 graduate of Holmes County High School, Tad has deep roots in the local school system and a strong commitment to its continued success. Tad has been married to his wife Patricia for 44 years, and together they have raised two fine young men who also graduated from Holmes County High School. Tad is blessed with two wonderful daughter in-laws, and is now the proud grandparent of eight g

­­This is a reprint of original articles by Hugh Woolley, a longtime resident and community leader of Graceville. Woolley published these articles in The Graceville News more than 20 years ago. Originally published in the March 20, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. South Carolina to Jackson County - Syfrett-Johns by J. Murray Johns John A. Syfrett (1803-1858) was born in Orangeburg, SC. He was the grandson of the German Emigrant, Alexander Syfrett who came to America in

Lance Medley is a dedicated member-owner of West Florida Electric Cooperative and a lifelong resident of Holmes County. He is seeking election as Trustee for District 8 to represent local members with integrity, experience, and a strong commitment to community service. Living and working in Holmes County, Lance understands firsthand the importance of reliable, affordable electric service for local families, farmers, and small businesses. He values the cooperative model and b

On March 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. Recognition of the County’s Employee of the Quarter started the meeting. The Board recognized Aron Schaus of Jackson County Fire Rescue as the Employee of the Quarter for the First Quarter of 2026. Schaus was selected for consistently demonstrating the County’s core values of integrity, dedicatio

On February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A request for approval of a Resolution to Re-Establish Navigation on Apalachicola River The Board adopted a Resolution presented by Ken Jones of the Riparian County Stakeholder Coalition, urging a balanced and responsible approach to restoring navigation on the Apalachicola River. The resoluti

The Graceville City Commission opened its regular February meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before addressing a full agenda that reflected both steady progress and growing community investment. City Manager Michelle Watkins requested two modifications to the agenda, including Resolution 26-0210 related to a Municipal SCOP application and canvassing board appointments for the upcoming election. The commission unanimously approved the amended agenda. One of the

The Graceville Planning Commission met Tuesday, February 10, at City Hall, where members unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request that would allow for the expansion of an existing local business. The meeting opened with the appointment of a new chairperson following the resignation of longtime chairman Lee Miller. Arthur OBar was nominated by Chris Jernigan, seconded by Logan Chappell, and approved unanimously. OBar accepted the role and presided over the remai

On February 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. The meeting began with recognition of an employee’s years of service. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has recognized the dedicated service of its employees by awarding "Years of Service" awards to those who have shown commitment and loyalty to the county through their tenure.