Graceville City Commission Meeting Covers FDOT Agreement, Trick-or-Treat Date, and Infrastructure Updates

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 fund utility infrastructure improvements associated with the project at no cost to the city.

Watkins noted that city public works staff will monitor the project as it moves forward. Commissioner Terry Nichols made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner John McClendon. The motion passed unanimously. Watkins confirmed that the timeline calls for the city’s work to be completed by December 1.

The Commission unanimously approved surplussing two city vehicles for salvage: a 2005 F-150 (VIN ending 6494) and a 1996 F-150 (VIN ending 6742). Watkins stated the engines are no longer functional and not cost-effective to repair.

Due to the Veterans Day holiday, commissioners approved moving the November meeting to Monday, November 18, at 6 p.m.

Commissioners held a lengthy discussion regarding the date for citywide trick-or-treating. Watkins explained the city traditionally coordinates the event with Autumn Fest which is planned for October 30th. Because Graceville High School has a home football game on October 31, staff had recommended moving trick-or-treating to October 30 for safety reasons.

Community members and commissioners voiced differing perspectives. Local parent and resident Samantha Angerbrandt spoke in favor of keeping the event on Halloween, citing long-standing community tradition. Resident Lyndsi Scurlock expressed support for the October 31st date as well to help balance community participation in both Autumn Fest and neighborhood trick-or-treating.

After discussion, Commissioner Curtis Pinkard made a motion to keep trick-or-treating on Friday, October 31, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Autumn Fest will take place the evening before. The motion passed unanimously.

City Manager Watkins provided detailed updates on several ongoing grant-funded projects:

• Fire Station Construction: Substantial completion has been reached, with final punch-list items expected within 30–45 days.

• Fire Truck Delivery: Expected in February 2026.

• Sewer and Water System Hardening Projects: Bids are due November 6 for sewer hardening; water hardening project bids are expected in January 2026.

• Inflow and Infiltration Project: Approximately 65–70% of design work is complete.

• Splash Pad Project: Environmental studies are underway; bids for administration and engineering have been submitted for review.

• Effluent Project: Bids came in $75,000 over budget; the city is working with the funding agency to secure additional funds.

Watkins also reported encouraging news regarding the Cliff Street and Second Avenue Bridge Project. FDOT has approved the bridge for full replacement in its 2030 work plan, allowing the city to proceed with interim repairs to reopen it for use. Tommy Jones of Alday-Howell Engineering outlined the remaining steps to finalize plans, address utility coordination, and extend the existing DOT agreement. The Commission voiced support for moving the project forward.

During public comment, Christina Deon raised concerns over delays and lack of itemized invoices related to a public records request. She also questioned the city’s use of Gmail accounts for official correspondence. Commissioners referred the legal aspects of the issue to the city attorney.

A resident voiced concerns about distracted driving in residential areas. Regina Wolfgang raised issues regarding the city’s agenda posting practices, fire station environmental study costs, and a mural project involving a commissioner’s private building. Watkins clarified that the arts league made decisions regarding mural placement, and she had suggested an alternate location at the civic center.

Bill Morrow expressed concerns about police response times and staffing shortages. Police Chief Jake Barley noted that the incident in question involved the sheriff’s office covering a shift. Commissioners acknowledged the concern and discussed efforts to improve coverage.

Bob Lemons suggested dedicating the soon-to-open fire station to former Chief Dennis in honor of his decades of service. Watkins agreed to add the item to next month’s agenda.

Commissioners thanked citizens for attending and participating in discussions. Commissioner Nichols addressed concerns regarding transparency and emphasized that projects such as the fire station demolition and mural are intended to benefit the community.

Commissioners Pinkard and McClendon reminded residents to be cautious during Halloween festivities and expressed appreciation for community engagement. Mayor Olds closed the meeting by encouraging continued collaboration between citizens and city officials, stating that community input helps strengthen decision-making.

The Graceville City Commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Graceville City Hall.

*Full transcript of the meeting can be found inside the October 23, 2025 edition of The Graceville News.

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