Jackson County BOCC February 10th Regular Meeting Highlights

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. This acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication serves as a testament to their contributions towards the growth and success of Jackson County. At this meeting, Chairman Jamey Westbrook, Fire Chief Charles Brunner, and HR Director Sarah Sun presented the award to Joseph Land, who currently serves as Lieutenant with Jackson County Fire Rescue. He is recognized for 10 years of continuous service.

A request was made for Adoption of a resolution for FDOT to conduct work on Prim Avenue Bridge. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to move forward with the replacement of the Prim Avenue Bridge over Holmes Creek. With the agreement between Jackson County and FDOT already executed, this resolution provides the final authorization needed for work to begin. FDOT will handle all aspects of the project under the Off-System Project Agreement (FPID 445452-1-52-01), advancing important infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety and long-term reliability along this roadway corridor.

A request was also made to set a Public Hearing for Vertical Bridge Telecommunications Facility. The Board approved setting a public hearing for February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to consider a request from Vertical Bridge for the construction of a 255-foot wireless telecommunications facility with a 5-foot lightning rod on property leased from the Larry R. McArthur Revocable Trust. The proposed tower would be located on the north side of Biscayne Road, approximately 0.46 miles west of the intersection of Concord and Biscayne Roads in unincorporated Jackson County. The hearing will also include a request for a variance to waive the landscape buffering requirement due to existing vegetation on site. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal on February 2, 2026, and recommended approval of both the tower and the variance, moving the request forward for final consideration by the Board.

Continuing the meeting was approval of the agreement for public services for Ambulance Standby for the Zerbini Family Circus event. The Board approved an agreement for public services to provide ambulance standby coverage during the Zerbini Family Circus, which will be held at the Jackson County Ag Center on March 24, 2026. The three-hour standby ensures appropriate medical support is in place for attendees, helping promote a safe and coordinated community event.

A request for approval to put Holyneck Road out to bid was also given. The Board approved moving forward with putting Holyneck Road out to bid for improvements. Due to increased traffic, the existing chip seal surface has deteriorated significantly in recent years, leading to repeated maintenance needs and a rise in insurance claims. To provide a long-term solution, staff will measure the roadway and solicit bids to overlay the road with asphalt, which is expected to improve durability, safety, and overall driving conditions. The project will be funded through Road Construction funds.

Approval of Florida Boating Improvement Program Grant Agreement 25052 - Howell's Landing Dock Expansion was also requested. The Board approved the Florida Boating Improvement Program Grant Agreement for the Howell's Landing Dock Expansion project. Jackson County has been awarded $68,416.27 to expand and construct a floating dock at Howell's Landing on Lake Seminole, enhancing access and amenities for boaters and visitors. All required permits and exemptions have been secured, allowing the project to move forward and support recreational opportunities in the area.

Approval to purchase Howell's Landing Floating Dock from EZDock was also given during the meeting. The Board approved the purchase of a new floating dock for Howell's Landing from EZ Dock in the amount of $65,763.50, utilizing the competitively bid Sourcewell Contract #010521-LTD-2. This purchase is fully funded through the Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP) grant and represents another step forward in enhancing public access and recreational infrastructure at Howell's Landing on Lake Seminole.

A request for approval of rental fees being waived for the Ag Extension – Peanut Hall for a Marianna High School fundraising event continued the meeting. The Board expressed its support for Marianna High School by approving use of the Ag Extension Peanut Hall with rental fees waived for “Gatsby After Dark,” a Roaring Jazz Supper Club–themed dinner show fundraiser taking place Saturday, May 2, 2026. The event will help raise funds for the Marianna High School Band, which has earned the honor of being invited to perform at the 2027 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Guests can look forward to an evening of live jazz, a themed dinner experience, and a silent auction, with limited seating available. Tickets go on sale March 1, 2026. The fundraiser highlights the talent of our local students and the strong community support behind their continued success.

Approval was also given for Thompson Road and River Forest Road Caution Signs during the meeting. The Board approved the installation of solar-powered flashing caution signs on Thompson Road and River Forest Road to improve traffic awareness and enhance roadway safety. These signs will be similar to flashing solar-powered warning signs that alert drivers to sharp curves ahead, helping increase visibility and encourage safer driving conditions. This added safety measure is intended to reduce accidents, address ongoing traffic concerns, and support safer travel for residents, commercial, and farming vehicles.

Discussion on Oak Tree removal at Courthouse finished the meeting. The Board took the next step regarding the oak tree located on the north/northwest side of the Jackson County Courthouse grounds near the front entrance and along Lafayette Street, which was previously identified by a certified arborist as a safety concern. Commissioners approved moving forward with professional removal of the tree using courthouse funds, based on the arborist’s determination that the tree’s structural condition poses a potential risk due to its proximity to the building entrance, walkways, and the adjacent roadway. In recognition of the tree’s long-standing presence on the courthouse grounds, the Board also discussed preserving a portion of the trunk as a carved sculpture to commemorate the tree. Potential design concepts, such as the Scales of Justice or another symbol meaningful to the community, will be considered at a future meeting. Chairman Westbrook emphasized the importance of including the NAACP in those discussions as plans move forward.

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