Walton County – 04/17/26 – The Walton County Board of County Commissioners
(BCC), minus Commissioner Tony Anderson who was absent, began their recent
regular meeting by authorizing Board Chairman Brad Drake to sign a resolution
designating May 2026 as Art Month in Walton County, at the behest of Cultural
Arts Alliance President Kaela Hargis.
Resident Lynne Edwards requested the BCC create and present to the public an
annual water quality report. The Commissioners approved Ms. Edwards’ request
and appointed Environmental Services Director Billy McKee as the county
coordinator for the program.
County Administrator Brian Kellenberger sought approval to distribute Florida
Power & Light (FPL) settlement funds in the amount of $50,000 to Liberty
Volunteer Fire District and this was approved.
Engineering Director Chance Powell requested Chairman Drake sign change order
No. 2 to Construction Contract No.: 24-42 with Murdock Investments, LLC d/b/a
Griffin Traffic Signals for the Construction of the U.S. 98/Moll Drive Signalization
Project, increasing the contract amount by $2,880. This was approved.
Director Powell received approval to award their request for proposal (RFP) 26-12
for insurance brokerage services for property and casualty insurance services to the
top ranked firm, Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management Services, and authorize staff
to begin negotiations.
Director Powell also received approval to purchase a new skid steer in the amount
of $102,148.52.
Planning Director Stephen Schoen presented the Planning Department’s quarterly
update to the Board, which was approved.
Public Works Director Buddy Wright sought direction regarding the statement of
probable cost to the County for assisting the City of Paxton with water and fire
safety improvements along County Road 147. The Commissioners approved
having Public Works create a drainage ditch for the contractor and the Legal
Department will draft an Interlocal Agreement with the city.
Tourism Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin requested Chairman Drake sign
Change Order No. 1 to Task Order No.: TDC 21-007 with Dewberry Engineers,
Inc., in the amount of $6,250 for additional engineering services at the Grayton
Beach Community Center.
He also the chairman to sign a second change order (Contract No.: 24-35) with JM
Phelps Construction, LLC. in the amount of $45,616.81 for additional construction
services at the Grayton Beach Community Center. Both were approved.
Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomas introduced Lisa Norman, MGT Impact
Solutions, LLC of Tampa, Florida, who presented the results of their performance
audit of the Walton County Planning Department. Ms. Norman discussed several
areas where the procedures should be improved. The report was accepted by the
Commissioners.
CFO Thomason updated the BCC and requested direction regarding administration
of the 15% fund share proceeds related to the Opioid Settlement. Commissioners
voted to process the 15% fund share in the same method as the statewide
settlement funds.
County Attorney Clay Adkinson requested approval to schedule and advertise a
public hearing regarding the E-Bike Ordinance. Commissioners agreed to schedule
the meeting for May 12, due to advertising requirements
District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry sought direction for having all county-owned
vehicles to display the Walton County logo and BCC number displayed on both
sides of the vehicle. There was discussion, but no action was taken.
Commissioners Curry suggested staff begin the process of drafting an ordinance
prohibiting Class 1 Landfills in Walton County and bring it back to the Board for
consideration.
Commissioner Curry requested staff identify options for additional lighting around
Bay Loop Road. It was decided that Administration, Public Works and Engineering
officials would meet with him to discuss options.
Commissioner Curry suggested staff begin the process of drafting an ordinance
requiring all construction equipment and material be maintained on the subject
property. Following discussion, directions were given for Administration and Legal
Department to bring back a draft adopting a residential standard and remove the
exemption from existing code for residential construction.
Commissioner Curry presented an update on the Pitts Bay Shore dock project for
informational purposes. No formal action was taken.
The First Quarter update on Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center and Eagle
Springs Restaurant was presented with no formal action taken. Commissioners
complimented the operations and cost-saving measures.
There was considerable discussion regarding the suggestion to allocate $600,000 in
Managed Beach Vendor funds to match the North Walton TDC contribution for the
proposed Agriculture Center, but no action was taken.
Commissioner Curry requested approval to allocate $4,500 in District One
Discretionary Funds for a structure to be built at the Walton County Fairgrounds.
Commissioner Glidewell, a Walton County Fair Board member, pointed out that no
request from them had been made to the County. There was additional discussion.
A motion to allocate the money to the Fair Board failed to pass, 2-2.
District 4 Commissioner Donna Johns led discussion regarding a possible
requirement for all county vehicles to have GPS installed. The item was continued
until the next meeting at the South Walton Annex.
Discussion regarding a parking garage project at the Mead property was also
continued to the next meeting at the Annex.
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Key SSA with Rezoning - Request to approve by ordinance. Project number
FLU25-000028 is being reviewed by Ayanna Reed. This is a future land use with
rezoning application submitted by Dunlap and Shipman, PA, on behalf of Peggy
Key requesting to change the future land use from Conservation Residential to
Public Facilities and Institutional, or a lesser category, and to change the zoning
district from Conservation Residential 2:1 to Institutional, or a lesser district, on
10 +/- acres. The property is in District 5, North of US Highway 98 East, East of
Blakely Drew Boulevard, and South of Crimsyn Ryan Court and is identified by
parcel number(s) 35-2S-19-24000-023-0000. This was approved.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as one item by general consent of the
Board.
Clerk's Items -
1. Request to approve the Expenditure Approval List (EAL)
2. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the minutes of February
26, 2026, Regular Meeting and March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting
Administration -
3. Request to approve the Walton County Advisory Boards and Committees
Appointment Policy and Procedures Removed for discussion. Staff will bring back
to the next meeting to include the discussed changes (12-year term limits and BCC
approval of board members)
4. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Amendment No. 1 to the
State of Florida Department of Management Services Grant Agreement No. S25-
24-01-26, a no-cost time extension for the current grant period, as requested by the
Walton County Sheriff's Office
Chief Financial Officer -
5. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution amending
the Fiscal Year 2026 Section 8 Housing Fund budget in the amount of $78,329 for
unanticipated grant revenue from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for the Family Self Sufficiency Program
6. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the application for tax
deeds for the tax certificates listed in Exhibit "A" and request approval for the
County to pay the necessary funds to apply for those tax deeds
7. Request approval to schedule and advertise Budget Workshops and Hearings on
the following dates and times:
* July 7, 2026, at 10 am at the DeFuniak Springs Courthouse July 14, 2026, at 5
pm at the Freeport Boardroom
* July 21, 2026, at 10 am at the South Walton Courthouse Annex
* July 28, 2026, at 5 pm at Paxton Agricultural Center
* Tentative Budget Hearing on September 14, 2026, at 5:01 pm at the South
Walton Courthouse Annex
* Final Budget Hearing on September 28, 2026, at 5:01 pm at the DeFuniak
Springs Courthouse
8. Request approval to surplus machinery and equipment from various departments
for the Walton County Annual Auction
County Attorney -
9. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding with Mossy Head Community Center - Second version of MOU to
come back to BCC (County use rights, shared use agreement). Ratify the payment
of invoice for $14,201.71. Approved
Emergency Management -
10. Request approval to apply for the 2026 – 2027 Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) Grant from Volunteer Florida through the Florida Division
of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount
of $10,000
11. Request approval to apply for the 2026 – 2027 Citizen Corps (CC) Grant from
Volunteer Florida through the Florida Division of Emergency Management
(FDEM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $10,000 for each grant
application
Engineering -
12. Request approval to reduce the speed limit on County Road 147 between US
331 North and Adams Street from 40-mph to 35-mph at the request of Walton
County School District
13. Request approval to award Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 26-10 for
Professional Services to the top ranked firm Mott MacDonald Florida, LLC for the
design of Westbay Parkway and to begin negotiations
14. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Task Order No.: 26-04
with Chipola Engineering Group for Professional Services for the design of the
South Walton Community Senior Center in an amount not to exceed $312,860.
Environmental Services -
15. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Task Order No.
26-03 with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for the design, permitting and
modification assistance for an addition to the current pesticide storage building in
the amount of $59,966.88
16. Request approval to apply for the Hazardous Waste Collection Center Grant for
the design of a Household Hazardous Waste Facility at the Walton County Central
Landfill in the amount of $100,000 and allow Thomas LeBlanc, Solid Waste
Operations Manager, the authority to apply for and administer the grant
17. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the amendment to the
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Contract No.
32947 State Financial Assistance Recipient Agreement for Mosquito Control
Services Funding increasing the amount by $7,731.94 for a total of $69,587.50
Human Resources -
18. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Statement of
Work Quote No. Q-116577-1 with CivicPlus for County website ADA compliance
in the amount of $24,551.51 and an annual recurring amount of $16,810.32
19. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the 2026 Administrative
Services Agreement with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida, Inc (BCBSF) for
processing claims and benefits
Planning & Development -
20. BayVita - Acceptance of the ALJ recommended order and approval of a
final order. Project number MAJ24-000030 is being reviewed by Rosanna
Edwards. This is a major development application submitted by Jenkins
Engineering, Inc. on behalf of DJFO, LLC, Agora Development Group, LLC, and
Bay Vita, LLC, requesting to develop a 7,200 SF Convenience store with 12
pumps, 9,960 SF urgent care clinic, 16,240 SF daycare, 4, 000 SF drive through
restaurant, 9,240 SF standard fast-food restaurant, 1,650 SF sit down restaurant,
119, 700 SF storage facility, 24-unit workforce housing, and 2 hotels on 39.03 +/-
acres. The project site has a future land use of Commercial and Rural Residential
and zoning categories of General Commercial and Rural Village. The property is in
District 1, located traveling south on US Hwy 331 to CR 3280, parcel is located
on the north side of the Hwy before Fluffy Landing Road and is identified by
parcel number(s) 34-1S-19-23000- 007-0000, 34-1S-19-23000-007-0020, 34-1S-
19-23000-007-0040, 34-1S-19-23000-007-0050, and 34-1S-19-23000-008-0010.
21. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Walton County
Roadway Activities Application Road Closure Request Form to allow a temporary
road closure of County Road 280 and County Road 280A for the 6th Annual Sprint
Triathlon
Public Works -
22. Request approval to advertise a solicitation for landscaping services for
maintenance of the right-of-way along U.S. Highway 98, from the west end of
County Road 30A to Mack Bayou Road
Tourism Department Beach Operations -
23. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Application
for Service and Customer Agreement with Regional Utilities for the Grayton Beach
restroom facility shower and approve the service fee in the amount of $583.
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Change Order No.: 1 to
Contract No. 24-09 with GLC Contracting, Inc., reducing the contract amount by
$216,931.83 to account for unused Owner's Contingency for the Seagrove
Regional Beach Access Project
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a Memorandum of
Agreement (Ref. FPID: 447899-1-52-01) with the Florida Department of
Transportation for enhanced median maintenance of US 98 from the Okaloosa
County Line to east of Tang-O-Mar Drive
(BCC), minus Commissioner Tony Anderson who was absent, began their recent
regular meeting by authorizing Board Chairman Brad Drake to sign a resolution
designating May 2026 as Art Month in Walton County, at the behest of Cultural
Arts Alliance President Kaela Hargis.
Resident Lynne Edwards requested the BCC create and present to the public an
annual water quality report. The Commissioners approved Ms. Edwards’ request
and appointed Environmental Services Director Billy McKee as the county
coordinator for the program.
County Administrator Brian Kellenberger sought approval to distribute Florida
Power & Light (FPL) settlement funds in the amount of $50,000 to Liberty
Volunteer Fire District and this was approved.
Engineering Director Chance Powell requested Chairman Drake sign change order
No. 2 to Construction Contract No.: 24-42 with Murdock Investments, LLC d/b/a
Griffin Traffic Signals for the Construction of the U.S. 98/Moll Drive Signalization
Project, increasing the contract amount by $2,880. This was approved.
Director Powell received approval to award their request for proposal (RFP) 26-12
for insurance brokerage services for property and casualty insurance services to the
top ranked firm, Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management Services, and authorize staff
to begin negotiations.
Director Powell also received approval to purchase a new skid steer in the amount
of $102,148.52.
Planning Director Stephen Schoen presented the Planning Department’s quarterly
update to the Board, which was approved.
Public Works Director Buddy Wright sought direction regarding the statement of
probable cost to the County for assisting the City of Paxton with water and fire
safety improvements along County Road 147. The Commissioners approved
having Public Works create a drainage ditch for the contractor and the Legal
Department will draft an Interlocal Agreement with the city.
Tourism Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin requested Chairman Drake sign
Change Order No. 1 to Task Order No.: TDC 21-007 with Dewberry Engineers,
Inc., in the amount of $6,250 for additional engineering services at the Grayton
Beach Community Center.
He also the chairman to sign a second change order (Contract No.: 24-35) with JM
Phelps Construction, LLC. in the amount of $45,616.81 for additional construction
services at the Grayton Beach Community Center. Both were approved.
Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomas introduced Lisa Norman, MGT Impact
Solutions, LLC of Tampa, Florida, who presented the results of their performance
audit of the Walton County Planning Department. Ms. Norman discussed several
areas where the procedures should be improved. The report was accepted by the
Commissioners.
CFO Thomason updated the BCC and requested direction regarding administration
of the 15% fund share proceeds related to the Opioid Settlement. Commissioners
voted to process the 15% fund share in the same method as the statewide
settlement funds.
County Attorney Clay Adkinson requested approval to schedule and advertise a
public hearing regarding the E-Bike Ordinance. Commissioners agreed to schedule
the meeting for May 12, due to advertising requirements
District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry sought direction for having all county-owned
vehicles to display the Walton County logo and BCC number displayed on both
sides of the vehicle. There was discussion, but no action was taken.
Commissioners Curry suggested staff begin the process of drafting an ordinance
prohibiting Class 1 Landfills in Walton County and bring it back to the Board for
consideration.
Commissioner Curry requested staff identify options for additional lighting around
Bay Loop Road. It was decided that Administration, Public Works and Engineering
officials would meet with him to discuss options.
Commissioner Curry suggested staff begin the process of drafting an ordinance
requiring all construction equipment and material be maintained on the subject
property. Following discussion, directions were given for Administration and Legal
Department to bring back a draft adopting a residential standard and remove the
exemption from existing code for residential construction.
Commissioner Curry presented an update on the Pitts Bay Shore dock project for
informational purposes. No formal action was taken.
The First Quarter update on Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center and Eagle
Springs Restaurant was presented with no formal action taken. Commissioners
complimented the operations and cost-saving measures.
There was considerable discussion regarding the suggestion to allocate $600,000 in
Managed Beach Vendor funds to match the North Walton TDC contribution for the
proposed Agriculture Center, but no action was taken.
Commissioner Curry requested approval to allocate $4,500 in District One
Discretionary Funds for a structure to be built at the Walton County Fairgrounds.
Commissioner Glidewell, a Walton County Fair Board member, pointed out that no
request from them had been made to the County. There was additional discussion.
A motion to allocate the money to the Fair Board failed to pass, 2-2.
District 4 Commissioner Donna Johns led discussion regarding a possible
requirement for all county vehicles to have GPS installed. The item was continued
until the next meeting at the South Walton Annex.
Discussion regarding a parking garage project at the Mead property was also
continued to the next meeting at the Annex.
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Key SSA with Rezoning - Request to approve by ordinance. Project number
FLU25-000028 is being reviewed by Ayanna Reed. This is a future land use with
rezoning application submitted by Dunlap and Shipman, PA, on behalf of Peggy
Key requesting to change the future land use from Conservation Residential to
Public Facilities and Institutional, or a lesser category, and to change the zoning
district from Conservation Residential 2:1 to Institutional, or a lesser district, on
10 +/- acres. The property is in District 5, North of US Highway 98 East, East of
Blakely Drew Boulevard, and South of Crimsyn Ryan Court and is identified by
parcel number(s) 35-2S-19-24000-023-0000. This was approved.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as one item by general consent of the
Board.
Clerk's Items -
1. Request to approve the Expenditure Approval List (EAL)
2. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the minutes of February
26, 2026, Regular Meeting and March 10, 2026, Regular Meeting
Administration -
3. Request to approve the Walton County Advisory Boards and Committees
Appointment Policy and Procedures Removed for discussion. Staff will bring back
to the next meeting to include the discussed changes (12-year term limits and BCC
approval of board members)
4. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Amendment No. 1 to the
State of Florida Department of Management Services Grant Agreement No. S25-
24-01-26, a no-cost time extension for the current grant period, as requested by the
Walton County Sheriff's Office
Chief Financial Officer -
5. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution amending
the Fiscal Year 2026 Section 8 Housing Fund budget in the amount of $78,329 for
unanticipated grant revenue from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development for the Family Self Sufficiency Program
6. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the application for tax
deeds for the tax certificates listed in Exhibit "A" and request approval for the
County to pay the necessary funds to apply for those tax deeds
7. Request approval to schedule and advertise Budget Workshops and Hearings on
the following dates and times:
* July 7, 2026, at 10 am at the DeFuniak Springs Courthouse July 14, 2026, at 5
pm at the Freeport Boardroom
* July 21, 2026, at 10 am at the South Walton Courthouse Annex
* July 28, 2026, at 5 pm at Paxton Agricultural Center
* Tentative Budget Hearing on September 14, 2026, at 5:01 pm at the South
Walton Courthouse Annex
* Final Budget Hearing on September 28, 2026, at 5:01 pm at the DeFuniak
Springs Courthouse
8. Request approval to surplus machinery and equipment from various departments
for the Walton County Annual Auction
County Attorney -
9. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding with Mossy Head Community Center - Second version of MOU to
come back to BCC (County use rights, shared use agreement). Ratify the payment
of invoice for $14,201.71. Approved
Emergency Management -
10. Request approval to apply for the 2026 – 2027 Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) Grant from Volunteer Florida through the Florida Division
of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount
of $10,000
11. Request approval to apply for the 2026 – 2027 Citizen Corps (CC) Grant from
Volunteer Florida through the Florida Division of Emergency Management
(FDEM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $10,000 for each grant
application
Engineering -
12. Request approval to reduce the speed limit on County Road 147 between US
331 North and Adams Street from 40-mph to 35-mph at the request of Walton
County School District
13. Request approval to award Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 26-10 for
Professional Services to the top ranked firm Mott MacDonald Florida, LLC for the
design of Westbay Parkway and to begin negotiations
14. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Task Order No.: 26-04
with Chipola Engineering Group for Professional Services for the design of the
South Walton Community Senior Center in an amount not to exceed $312,860.
Environmental Services -
15. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Task Order No.
26-03 with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for the design, permitting and
modification assistance for an addition to the current pesticide storage building in
the amount of $59,966.88
16. Request approval to apply for the Hazardous Waste Collection Center Grant for
the design of a Household Hazardous Waste Facility at the Walton County Central
Landfill in the amount of $100,000 and allow Thomas LeBlanc, Solid Waste
Operations Manager, the authority to apply for and administer the grant
17. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the amendment to the
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Contract No.
32947 State Financial Assistance Recipient Agreement for Mosquito Control
Services Funding increasing the amount by $7,731.94 for a total of $69,587.50
Human Resources -
18. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Statement of
Work Quote No. Q-116577-1 with CivicPlus for County website ADA compliance
in the amount of $24,551.51 and an annual recurring amount of $16,810.32
19. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the 2026 Administrative
Services Agreement with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida, Inc (BCBSF) for
processing claims and benefits
Planning & Development -
20. BayVita - Acceptance of the ALJ recommended order and approval of a
final order. Project number MAJ24-000030 is being reviewed by Rosanna
Edwards. This is a major development application submitted by Jenkins
Engineering, Inc. on behalf of DJFO, LLC, Agora Development Group, LLC, and
Bay Vita, LLC, requesting to develop a 7,200 SF Convenience store with 12
pumps, 9,960 SF urgent care clinic, 16,240 SF daycare, 4, 000 SF drive through
restaurant, 9,240 SF standard fast-food restaurant, 1,650 SF sit down restaurant,
119, 700 SF storage facility, 24-unit workforce housing, and 2 hotels on 39.03 +/-
acres. The project site has a future land use of Commercial and Rural Residential
and zoning categories of General Commercial and Rural Village. The property is in
District 1, located traveling south on US Hwy 331 to CR 3280, parcel is located
on the north side of the Hwy before Fluffy Landing Road and is identified by
parcel number(s) 34-1S-19-23000- 007-0000, 34-1S-19-23000-007-0020, 34-1S-
19-23000-007-0040, 34-1S-19-23000-007-0050, and 34-1S-19-23000-008-0010.
21. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Walton County
Roadway Activities Application Road Closure Request Form to allow a temporary
road closure of County Road 280 and County Road 280A for the 6th Annual Sprint
Triathlon
Public Works -
22. Request approval to advertise a solicitation for landscaping services for
maintenance of the right-of-way along U.S. Highway 98, from the west end of
County Road 30A to Mack Bayou Road
Tourism Department Beach Operations -
23. Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Application
for Service and Customer Agreement with Regional Utilities for the Grayton Beach
restroom facility shower and approve the service fee in the amount of $583.
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Change Order No.: 1 to
Contract No. 24-09 with GLC Contracting, Inc., reducing the contract amount by
$216,931.83 to account for unused Owner's Contingency for the Seagrove
Regional Beach Access Project
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a Memorandum of
Agreement (Ref. FPID: 447899-1-52-01) with the Florida Department of
Transportation for enhanced median maintenance of US 98 from the Okaloosa
County Line to east of Tang-O-Mar Drive
