Visit Florida has released its latest Economic Impact Report, and Jackson County’s visitor economy continues to demonstrate exceptional growth, marking its third consecutive year of record-breaking performance. According to the 2024 report, visitor spending in Jackson County reached nearly $223 million, an increase of $23 million over the previous year. Since the appointment of the current Tourist Development Council (TDC) Executive Director, visitor spending has increased b

On January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Special Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting. A report was given by Waste Pro with a transition update. The Board received an update on the solid waste service transition from Loyd Childree, Director of Governmental Affairs and Municipal Marketing Manager, and Rebecca Dodson, Division Manager, with Waste Pro. They reported that new Waste P

On January 13, 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 employees 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. This

The Graceville City Commission held its regular January meeting on Tuesday, January 13, at Graceville City Hall, opening with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before unanimously approving the agenda. City Manager Michelle Watkins provided an extensive update on ongoing and upcoming city projects. She reported that the new fire department facility is expected to be fully operational within the next 30 days. An invoice for a grant-funded fire truck has been submitted to the

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 January 16, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. I am beginning to know what it is to be old. Some say that you are as old as you act. I became an octogenarian a little over a year ago and I have felt the years past. First, there is glasses, then hearing ai

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 January 9, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. Submitted by Gerald Cecil Yawn San Antonio, TX 78251 Before telling the story about the portrait of my great-grandfather Green Berry Joseph Yawn, I would like to provide some background information about my im

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 6, to conduct interviews for the county attorney position. The meeting began at 1 p.m. CST in the Ernie Padgett Board Room at the Jackson County Administration Building on Madison Street. According to the posted meeting notice, the purpose of the special session was to interview applicants for county attorney, with the possibility that other matters could be addressed as necessary. Six can

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 January 2, 2003 edition of The Graceville News. Well, 2003 is about upon us and so is the final deadline for the County Heritage Book. If you haven’t started to write your family or favorite legend story chances are you will miss out on this free offer. We

On December 17, 2025, at 8:00 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 Employee of the Month. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognized Jordan Gassett, Transition Coach for NextStep Academy, as the December 2025 Employee of the Month. Since joining the County in November 2023, Jordan has consistently

The Graceville City Commission addressed a full agenda at its recent meeting, approving several key administrative and infrastructure items while closing the evening with a powerful reminder of faith, reconciliation, and community unity. Among the actions taken, commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the previous fiscal year budget as part of the city’s annual audit requirements, noting that no major changes were necessary. The commission also approved the city’s 2

­­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 December 12, 2002 edition of The Graceville News. “Mr. Wade” Wade and Nannie Williams Robert Wade Williams, (1893-1979) was the son of a pioneering Jackson and Washington County family and the continuation, along with his sisters, and brother, of a heri

The Graceville City Commission convened for its regular November meeting on Tuesday, November 18. with a full agenda focused on city infrastructure, grant-funded improvements, and recognition of long-serving public safety personnel. After approving an amended agenda, commissioners quickly moved into discussions beginning with the annual volunteer fire department bonus list. City Manager Michelle Watkins and Fire Chief Tommy Dennis explained the long-standing 35% call-response

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 November 28, 2002 edition of The Graceville News. The following story was written by Katherine Kirkland Keplinger of Bridgewater, Virginia to be included in the Jackson County Heritage Book. Pioneer Spirit When I received a notice that my Graceville High S

­­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 October 17 and November 14, 2002 editions of The Graceville News. The Heritage Book is coming alive, several stories are coming in this month. Ruth Miles Alsobrooks brought me five stories about five Miles families. Thanks to Ruth, today I will devote my

On October 28, 2025, 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 Citizens Academy 2025 Participants. Jackson County is proud to announce the continued success of our Citizens Academy, a program designed to bridge the gap between citizens and local government by fostering education, engagement, and community involvement. Now concludi

On October 14, 2025, 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 the Employee of the Month. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners is proud to celebrate employees who go above and beyond in service to our community. For September 2025, the Employee of the Month honor was awarded to Officer LaDexter Sims. Servin

­­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 October 17, 2002 edition of The Graceville News. The County Heritage Book is really gaining ground. Stories like today’s example are beginning to come in regularly. The deadline was set for October 31st of this year. The good news is the final deadline wi

The Graceville City Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 14, opening with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Walter Olds presided, and commissioners voted unanimously to approve the agenda as printed. City Manager Michelle Watkins presented a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) related to upcoming work on State Road 2, from Highway 77 to the Spring Branch Bridge. FDOT will

Community leaders, party members, and supporters filled Evangel Church on Saturday, September 27, 2025, for the annual Jackson County Reagan Day Dinner, hosted by the Jackson County Republican Executive Committee (JCREC). The event celebrated conservative values, recognized local contributors, and featured an inspiring keynote address from Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who is also a gubernatorial candidate. The evening began with a warm welcome from Clint Pate, JCREC Ch

On September 23, 2025, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports...