Jackson County BOCC July 14th Regular Meeting

On July 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 presentation updating the commissioners on the Legislative Session started the meeting. Alan Suskey of Shumaker Advisors, the County's legislative consulting firm, presented an update on the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighting several funding successes for Jackson County. The update included secured state appropriations for Jackson County Fire Rescue station hardening, Public Works improvement projects, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Mr. Suskey also provided an update on the State's plan to give an Andrew Jackson statue to Jackson County as part of a statewide initiative, with a public unveiling ceremony to be scheduled at a later date. Additionally, he discussed ongoing legislative conversations surrounding Florida's homestead property tax. The Board expressed its appreciation to Mr. Suskey and Shumaker Advisors for their continued advocacy and support in advancing Jackson County's interests at the state level.

A request for consideration of a Life Jacket Boar was presented. The Board approved moving forward with the concept of installing Life Jacket Boards at County-managed boat landings to promote water safety for children and families. The proposed kiosk-style stations will allow visitors to borrow, donate, or return children's life jackets, providing an added safety resource for boaters who may have forgotten a properly sized life jacket before heading out on the water. Danny Melvin presented the proposal, showing similar programs have been successfully implemented in other Florida communities.

Employee were then recognized for 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 acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication serves as a testament to their contributions towards the growth and success of Jackson County.

At this meeting, the Board, along with Department Directors, presented awards to the following employees:

•John Howard currently serves as an Equipment Operator with Jackson County Road &Bridge. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

•Donnie Lipford currently serves as an Equipment Operator with Jackson County Road &Bridge. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

•Harold Spates currently serves as Maintenance Tech with Public Works. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

The Tourist Development Council also presented its quarterly report. Tourist Development Council (TDC) Executive Director Kelsi Jackson presented the Second Quarter 2026 Tourism Report, highlighting continued growth in tourism marketing, facility rentals, and destination development across Jackson County. The quarterly update showcased countywide promotional campaigns supporting local events, agritourism, outdoor recreation, and America's 250th anniversary celebration of independence, while also highlighting new marketing partnerships, expanded visitor outreach, and the successful completion of the inaugural Tourism Ambassador Program. The report also included updates on the Jackson County Museum project, the Endeavor Convention Center, and initiatives designed to strengthen the visitor experience and support local businesses.

The Board also received an overview of the TDC's financial performance, event funding program, and facility rental activity. During the quarter, county-managed rental facilities generated more than $134,000 in revenue, with the Endeavor Convention Center continuing to lead all County facilities in utilization and net revenue. Tourism marketing efforts reached broad audiences through digital campaigns, generating approximately 927,000 social media views and 20,000 website users, while targeted promotions and partnerships continued to increase awareness of Jackson County as a destination for outdoor recreation, community events, and regional tourism.

A request to set a Special Meeting for selection of 2526-11-Property Liability & Risk Insurance was presented as well. The Board approved scheduling a Special Meeting for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to review and consider proposals for the County's Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance solicitation. Following the July 30 proposal deadline, County staff and the County's independent insurance consultant, Siver Insurance Consultants, will evaluate the submissions before presenting their findings and recommendations to the Board during the special meeting to assist in the selection process.

Recommendation of bid awards for the 2526-20 Barber Road Lift Station was also presented. The Board approved awarding ITB 2526-20 – Barber Road Lift Station to Mainline Construction. The project, funded through the Florida Department of Commerce Rural Infrastructure Fund, includes improvements to the Barber Road Lift Station and was awarded following evaluation and recommendation by the County's engineering consultant, DHM.

The meeting continued with approval of a Purchase & Sale Agreement with Eco development North FL, LLC for Project CleanHealth. The Board approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Eco Development North FL, LLC for approximately five acres at the Endeavor Industrial Park as part of Project CleanHealth, supporting continued economic development and investment within Jackson County. The agreement includes an option for the purchaser to acquire an additional five adjacent acres within five years at the same per-acre purchase price, providing flexibility for future expansion as the project grows.

To encourage timely development while protecting the County's long-term interests, the agreement requires construction of a permanent commercial facility to commence within 36 months of closing. If construction does not begin within that timeframe, the County retains the right to repurchase the property. The agreement also provides for expedited development review and permitting processes, helping support new private investment while ensuring the property is developed in accordance with the agreed-upon timeline.

There was also a request for a NWFWMD Amendment 8 for Blue Springs Phase 3A and Work Authorization for AHE. The Board approved Amendment No. 8 to the Northwest Florida Water Management District grant agreement for the Blue Springs Road Sewer Project, extending the grant through March 31, 2030, and increasing the total grant funding to support continued construction of Phases 2 and 3A, as well as project management and construction engineering and inspection services. The Board also approved a corresponding work authorization amendment with Alday-Howell Engineering to align engineering services with the updated grant scope and funding and authorized Phase 3A of the project to be advertised for bids, allowing the next phase of construction to move forward.

During discussion, Commissioners emphasized the importance of maintaining project momentum and accountability throughout the multi-phase infrastructure project. The Board directed that the construction contractor attend future Board meetings to provide updates and address questions regarding project progress, timelines, and deliverables as work continues.

Approval of Economic Development Incentive Agreement for Project Fast was also approved. The Board, serving in its capacity as the West Jackson County Development Authority (WJCDA), approved an Economic Development Incentive Agreement for Project Fast, a proposed quick-service restaurant in Graceville. The agreement provides performance-based economic development incentives from the West Jackson County Development Authority fund, which is designated for economic development projects in the West Florida Electric service territory, to support pre-development activities necessary to bring the project to Jackson County. The agreement anticipates approximately $3 million in private capital investment and the creation of approximately 25 new jobs. Incentive payments are tied to specific project milestones and include repayment provisions if those milestones are not met. The agreement was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioner Donnie Branch (District 4) and Chairman Jamey Westbrook (District 5) voting in opposition.