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 key items of business came from the Planning Commission, which had met earlier in the evening to review a rezoning request from Nathan Nolin. The request involves property north of the existing car wash, where a residential structure has already been removed. Nolin plans to expand the car wash footprint and open a commercial laundromat, requiring a rezoning from residential to commercial.

The Planning Commission recommended approval, noting that commercial zoning would be compatible with surrounding land uses. The City Commission unanimously approved the rezoning request.

Commissioner Terry Nichols commended Nolin and his family for their continued investment in Graceville, noting their efforts to clean up and improve multiple properties in town. Mayor Walter Olds added that a laundromat is something residents have requested for years, calling it “a great one” for the community.

Watkins also noted the city has received a request for an occupational license for another laundromat in a former dry cleaner location, along with additional business movement in town, including a new Mexican restaurant renovation, demolition of the old auction market building, and plans for a bakery and coffee shop along Highway 77.

The commission unanimously approved Resolution 26-0210, authorizing David Melvin Engineering to proceed with a Municipal Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) application through the Florida Department of Transportation. The project would address improvements in the Pelham Avenue and Martin Street area, potentially looping State Road 77 back into Highway 2, depending on funding feasibility.

With a city election approaching, the commission appointed a canvassing board consisting of Michelle Watkins, Misty Smith and Carol Dunaway from the Jackson County Supervisor of Elections Office. The board will oversee ballot handling and related procedures at the Supervisor of Elections office in Marianna on election day. The appointment was unanimously approved.

Watkins provided an extensive update on the city’s ongoing grant-funded projects, totaling more than $18 million in active funding. Highlights include:

• New Fire Department Facility: Construction is complete, and the department officially moved into the building in January.

• Fire Truck Procurement Grant: The new fire truck has been delivered, and equipment orders have been placed. The truck is expected to be fully operational within 60 days.

• Sewer Hardening (M0112): Construction procurement has been approved by the Department of Commerce. Pre-construction meetings with Cinch Underground are expected within 30 days.

• Water System Hardening: Approved by the Department of Commerce, with Extreme Land Restorations set to begin pre-construction within 30 days.

• Cliff and 2nd Street Bridge Project: Construction bids are due March 3. Construction engineering and inspection services were previously awarded to David Melvin Engineering.

• Splash Pad Project: Environmental review is ongoing.

• Affluent Pipe Renovation: The funding agency is seeking additional funds after bids exceeded the grant amount.

• Stormwater Resiliency Planning Grant: The city was recently approved for $264,500 for stormwater planning efforts, potentially leading to future construction funding.

Watkins noted that many projects have moved past major hurdles and into construction phases, calling it “real progress” for the city.

Regarding City Hall renovations, asbestos abatement has been completed. The contractor is expected to mobilize within 30 to 60 days.

The city will host Amnesty Days March 12–14 at Public Works for Graceville residents only. Items must be dropped off; curbside pickup will not be provided.

Watkins clarified confusion regarding trash services. Waste Pro services unincorporated county areas, while the City of Graceville remains under contract with Waste Management. Residents are encouraged to place garbage receptacles out Thursday night due to earlier Friday routes.

Code Enforcement Officer Lloyd Laycox reported progress on complaints on Avenue and Payne Street, with one nearing 95 percent completion.

During citizen comments, Arthur Obar thanked the mayor and commissioners for their service and raised concerns about repeat trespassing incidents at the Freeway property. William Franklin voiced concerns about a deteriorating structure behind a green fence on Payne Street. City officials encouraged formal complaints through code enforcement to initiate action.

Samantha Angerbrandt provided several community updates, including:

• The annual Hunter Forsythe Baseball/Softball Camp at James A. Martin Park.

• Treyshaun White’s upcoming “Kolors Day” event aimed at providing local spring break activities for youth.

• The upcoming Miss Graceville Pageant, which now offers up to $20,000 in scholarship eligibility through partnerships with Enterprise State Community College, Troy University, Wallace Community College and the Graceville Woman’s Club.

• Prom-O-Rama on April 18 at the Civic Center benefiting the Lions Club.

• Recognition of three Graceville coaches competing in regional basketball play.

New residents Tony and Jackie Alexander were welcomed to the community, and business owners highlighted additional property investments along Cliff Street.

Commissioners expressed gratitude for the growing business activity, community partnerships and grant progress. Commissioner Nichols emphasized the importance of supporting Graceville schools, calling them a vital part of the town’s future. Mayor Olds encouraged residents to remain positive and continue working together for the city’s growth.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Full Meeting Transcript Available In The Graceville News February 26 Edition.

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