Jackson County Commissioners Approve Infrastructure Projects, Review Economic Development and Recognize Employees

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners addressed several major infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, proposed developments and county operations during its regular meeting held Tuesday, October 13. Among the highlights were the presentation of a $3.8 million grant for water system improvements, approval of a multimillion-dollar sewer extension project and the scheduling of public hearings for proposed commercial and residential developments.

State Representative Shane Abbott and Adam Callaway of Florida Commerce attended the meeting to present a ceremonial check recognizing a $3.8 million grant awarded through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The funding, administered by Florida Commerce through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will support improvements to Jackson County's potable water infrastructure.

The project includes construction of a new water production well near Interstate 10 and Highway 71, expected to produce approximately 1,000 gallons of water per minute, along with a new 180,000-gallon water storage tank near Highway 90 and Highway 71. The improvements are intended to increase water capacity, accommodate future growth and strengthen infrastructure needed to attract businesses and industries to the county.

Commissioners also received an economic development update from Darwin Gilmore, President and CEO of the Jackson County Economic Development Committee. Gilmore discussed ongoing business recruitment and expansion efforts, industrial site development and opportunities to attract new industries. He emphasized the importance of workforce training, infrastructure investments and partnerships with state and local organizations to create jobs and support long-term economic growth.

In other business, the Board conducted the first reading and public hearing for a proposed procurement ordinance that would replace the county's purchasing ordinance originally adopted in 1989. The proposed ordinance establishes updated procedures for competitive bidding, proposals, emergency purchases, cooperative purchasing, ethics standards and federal procurement requirements. It would also allow purchasing thresholds to be established through policies approved by the Board. Commissioners scheduled a second public hearing on the proposed ordinance for October 27 at 6 p.m.

The Board also scheduled public hearings for two proposed development projects. The first involves construction of a 3,055-square-foot Jack's Family Restaurant along Highway 90, west of Panhandle Road. The proposed development includes parking, sidewalks and additional site improvements. The second proposal, submitted by Christian's Way LLC, involves construction of four duplex buildings containing eight residential units at the northeast corner of Old US Road and Christiana Way. The residential proposal also includes a requested variance involving landscape buffering requirements. Both projects received recommendations for approval from the Jackson County Planning Commission and will be considered during public hearings October 27 at 6 p.m.

Commissioners approved the local portion of an alcoholic beverage license application for Blackbirds Hideaway Resorts Corp., operating as Blackbirds Hideaway Resorts and Graceville Campground at 4991 Highway 77. The proposed license would allow the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises. Final licensing approval remains subject to review by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Several infrastructure-related actions were also approved, including a $4,281,765 contract awarded to Extreme Land Restoration, LLC, for the Blue Springs Road Sewer Extension Phase 3A project. The company submitted the lowest qualified bid among nine proposals received by the county. The project will include gravity and pressure sewer lines, a new lift station and approximately 21 residential sewer connections, along with the abandonment of existing septic tanks.

The Board also approved awarding the Endeavor Chapel Demolition project to Preslie's Construction & Land Development after county staff verified that the contractor's bonding and insurance requirements had been satisfied.

Additionally, commissioners approved evaluation committees for several upcoming projects, including grant administration and engineering services for the CDBG water well and storage project, concessionaire services at Blue Springs Recreational Area, architectural services for wind-retrofit improvements and a generator at the Jackson County Public Works facility, and concessionaire services at Great Oaks. Commissioners Jamey Westbrook and Paul Donofro were appointed to serve on various evaluation committees alongside county staff.

During the meeting, commissioners recognized Chastity Sheffield, Interim Director of the Jackson County Tourist Development Council, as Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2026. Sheffield was recognized for her leadership, dedication and contributions to tourism programs, including the Tourism Ambassador Program and improvements to visitor services.

The Board also recognized several employees for their years of service to Jackson County. Those honored included Carrie Williams for 25 years; Justin Bragg, Kesha Dawson and Lynn Price for 15 years; Chris Stewart for 10 years; and Vondell Faison, Chase Maddox and Lee Treadwell for five years of service.

Looking ahead, commissioners approved scheduling a special meeting for Tuesday, October 27, at 5:30 p.m. to review proposed capital projects for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. County departments have submitted requests involving equipment replacements, facility improvements, infrastructure upgrades, Fire Rescue needs, technology improvements and recreational facilities. Commissioners will review the requests and available funding to determine which projects should receive priority during the fiscal year.

The Board's next scheduled discussions on October 27 will include the capital project review, proposed procurement ordinance and public hearings on the restaurant and residential developments.