Jackson County BOCC October 14th Regular Meeting Highlights

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. Serving as a Corrections Officer I since 2016, Officer Sims is known for his dependability, initiative, and professionalism. He leads by example, supports his coworkers without hesitation, and consistently treats others with respect, helping make Jackson County a better place to live and work.

For October 2025, the Employee of the Month honor was awarded to Liz Jackson. Since joining Extension Services in 2018, Liz has been a vital resource for both staff and citizens. From connecting residents with important programs to assisting local farmers with new state systems, she continually goes above and beyond to serve her community.

The Board congratulates Officer Sims and Ms. Jackson for their exceptional service and contributions to Jackson County, thanking them for their commitment to excellence and their daily efforts to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Recognition was also given to employees 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 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, the Board, along with Department Directors, presented awards to the following employees:

• William McCrone currently serves as a Maintenance Technician with Facilities and Maintenance. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

• Aron Schaus currently serves as Paramedic/Firefighter with Jackson County Fire Rescue. She is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

• Danny Morehead currently serves as EMT and Paramedic with Jackson County Fire Rescue. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

• Allen Biggs currently serves as Building Official for the Community Development Department. He is recognized for 20 years of continuous service.

• Jonathan Rister currently serves as an Officer with Corrections. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

Recognition was also given by the Holmes County BOCC Certificate in Appreciation to Jackson County. David Corbin, Holmes County Board of County Commissioners Coordinator, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners and the Jackson County Public Works Department in recognition of their continuous support and steadfast assistance following the May 2025 tornado disaster. The acknowledgment highlighted Jackson County’s willingness to lend help in times of crisis and the strong spirit of partnership that exists between neighboring counties.

A request was made for Approval of a Small-Scale Amendment for Low Stress Country Market LLC. The Board approved a Small-Scale Map Amendment request from Low Stress Country Market, LLC to change the Future Land Use designation of two parcels totaling 2.9 acres from Agriculture 2 (AG2) to Mixed Use Urban Transitional (MUUT). Located at the southeast corner of Highway 90 and Old Cottondale Road in unincorporated Jackson County, the amendment supports the continued growth of small businesses and diversified land use along a key commercial corridor.

A request for Approval to Set a Public Hearing for Pilot Travel Center Addition. The Board set a public hearing for October 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider a General Development Order for Pilot Travel Center for a proposed expansion at 2209 Highway 71 South in unincorporated Jackson County. The project includes a 2,883-square-foot addition to the existing building and 5,693 square feet of new impervious surface for sidewalks and vehicular access. This hearing will provide an opportunity for public input as the County continues to review development proposals that support local growth.

A request for Approval to Award RB-2425-02 Pooser Road Construction to Extreme Land Restoration, LLC. The Board approved awarding Parts A and B of the Pooser Road Paving and Drainage Project to Extreme Land Restoration, LLC of Lynn Haven, contingent upon agency approval. The project will improve approximately 9,300 feet along the western portion of Pooser Road, funded entirely through the FloridaCommerce Job Growth Grant Fund.

While County staff worked extensively to secure easements along the full 2.3-mile corridor, construction will move forward on the portion where right-of-way is already in County ownership, allowing progress to continue without delay. The contract also includes coordination with the City of Marianna for intersection improvements at Pooser Road and Kynesville Highway, including turn lanes and a traffic signal funded jointly through state grant dollars.

This milestone represents a major step toward enhancing safety, infrastructure, and economic growth in one of Jackson County’s key development corridors.

A request was also made for Approval to Enter Negotiations for RB-2425-03 CEI Pooser Road. The Board ranked Alday Howell Engineering, Inc. as the top firm for Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services for the Pooser Road project, following the opening of bids on September 18, 2025. The CEI phase, funded through the FloridaCommerce Job Growth Grant Fund, will help ensure the project is completed efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Staff were authorized to enter into negotiations with the firm to finalize professional service rates and move the project forward.

The Jackson County Tourist Development Council also presented a Quarterly Report. Tourist Development Council Executive Director Kelsi Jackson presented the quarterly update, highlighting a strong close to Fiscal Year 2024-25 with tourism revenues surpassing projections, ensuring a smooth recovery from recent Convention Center construction costs.

The Endeavor Convention Center has officially completed construction and landscaping, hosting its largest event yet, the Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner, which received outstanding feedback. Work continues at other key tourism facilities, including Great Oaks, now ready for public rentals, and the Jackson County Museum, which is advancing through a series of community workshops across all districts.

On the marketing front, the TDC launched dynamic campaigns promoting outdoor recreation, local dining, and new attractions countywide. Digital engagement grew by over 96%, and new partnerships with influencers and national publications are expanding Jackson County’s reach to audiences across the Southeast and beyond. From website updates and strategic advertising to community partnerships, these efforts reflect the TDC’s ongoing commitment to showcasing every corner of Jackson County as a vibrant place to visit, explore, and stay.

The meeting continued with a request for Approval of Invitation to Bid 2526-01 Fuel Island Supplier. The Board approved staff to advertise an Invitation to Bid (ITB 2526-01) for the County’s Fuel Island Supplier, as the current contract is set to expire on December 13, 2025. The solicitation will seek qualified vendors to provide unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel for multiple County facilities, ensuring continued support for essential operations. Bids will be evaluated based on competitive pricing and demonstrated ability to meet service requirements, with submissions due by November 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (CDT). This step helps maintain cost efficiency and reliability in fueling the County’s vehicle and equipment fleet.

Finishing off was a request for discussion of November and December meeting dates due to Holiday closures. The Board approved adjustments to the November and December meeting schedule to better accommodate the holidays and staff leave. Meetings for the remainder of the year will now take place on Wednesday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 25 at 9:00 a.m., and Wednesday, December 17 at 8:00 a.m. Staff will be authorized to process vendor payments between December 17 and January 7 to ensure continued operations during the holiday period. The Board also approved the closure of County offices from December 24–26, 2025, and January 1–2, 2026, in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

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