Walton County – March 31, 2026 – The Walton County Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) opened their March 24 regular meeting by recognizing
several outstanding students and citizens.
Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM) Director Jeff Goldberg asked
the Board to approve a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as National Volunteer
Month, which was approved. He then recognized two volunteers, Rick Royston
and Christa Radka, for their exemplary volunteer service to WCEM.
District 2 Commissioner Danny Glidewell introduced Eagle Scout Margo Palmer,
who was granted approval to design and build an informational kiosk and locate it
at Lakewood Park in north Walton County, which is Florida’s highest point.
District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry led the Board in recognizing the Freeport High
School Wrestling Coach Carey Nick and three team members, Chase and Jacob
Justice and Maxwell Brogniez, who had recently competed at the Florida High
School Wrestling Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.
Health Officer Holly Holt, Florida Department of Health in Walton County,
requested approval for the County Commissioners to purchase a medical modular
clinic and then be reimbursed by DOH - Walton/WCHC through grant funds
awarded from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This
was approved.
Supervisor of Elections Ryan Messer requested the Commissioners approve a
resolution for modifications to certain voting precinct boundaries as recommended
by the Walton County Supervisor of Elections. This included adopting revised
precinct maps, authorizing implementation and providing an effective date. This
was approved.
County Administrator Brian Kellenberger requested Board Chairman Brad Drake
sign a resolution authorizing the director of Building Construction and
Maintenance to obtain any applicable statutory exemptions for contractor license
requirement for the department's employees and apply on behalf of Walton County
for any applicable building permits on construction, remodeling, repair and other
improvement projects at a cost of less than $100,000 located on county-owned
property.
In other words, to improve speed and efficiency, routine department documents
relating to building permits on construction, remodeling and repair of county-
owned buildings and property – on projects that cost less than $100,000 - can now
be signed-off on by Building Construction and Maintenance Director Brad Alford,
instead of waiting to be presented during Commission meetings. This was
approved.
Administrator Kellenberger also requested direction regarding enforcement of
political signs within County rights-of-way along tourist corridors. Following
discussion, Commissioners approved the placement of political signs no larger than
18” x 24” in the County right-of-way from the date of candidacy pre-qualification
until 15 days after the conclusion of the election.
Planning and Development Director Stephen Schoen gave an update and requested
direction as it relates to proposed Land Development Code text amendments
designed to ensure compatible development patterns within existing
neighborhoods. Commissioners gave direction for Director Schoen and County
Attorney Clay Adkinson to study Panama City and Bay County ordinances and
meet with Commissioners individually to discuss and then incorporate
Commissioner input into a proposed ordinance. This will then be brought back to
the April 28 BCC meeting for consideration and adoption.
Public Works Director Buddy Wright requested approval of Change Order No. 1 to
the contract with 3 Rivers Construction Co., LLC for the County Highway 83A
(Bay Loop) Timber Bridges Renovation increasing the contract amount $3,360.
This was approved.
Director Wright also requested approval to award Invitation to Bid (ITB) 26-06 to
the lowest, most responsive, and responsible bidder, Construction Materials of
Northwest Florida, Inc. This will be for on-site concrete crushing with multi-size
aggregate output and contaminant removal, in the amount of the base bid of
$5,612, with unit line-item pricing to apply for services identified in the bid
schedule. This was approved.
Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin sought direction regarding a spay/neuter
program proposed by 30A Cats. While the agency usually focuses on feral cats,
this program is designed for cat owners unable to afford the spay/neuter fees at
veterinarian offices. Following discussion, Commissioners approved the proposal
as presented and asked Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason to identify
appropriate funding in the amount of $7,500 from county funds.
County Attorney Clay Adkinson requested approval to schedule and advertise a
special meeting for Executive Session regarding Peace of Paradise, LLC. vs
Walton County, Walton County Circuit Court case number 2021CA196. This was
approved.
Attorney Adkinson also requested approval to schedule and advertise a special
meeting for Executive Session regarding Samuel A. Osborne vs Walton County,
First District Court of Appeal case number 1D2021-3898 (L.T. case number
2017CA607) and Walton County Circuit Court case number 2025CA56. This was
also approved.
The Commissioners held a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending
Ordinances 2018-14 and 2018-24, thereby amending the Walton County Land
Development Code, specifically Chapter 4, Resource Protection Standards, Section
4.02.03, Restrictions on development within the Coastal Dune Lake Protection
Zone, to provide additional protection to the Eastern Lake Outfall, and to provide a
supermajority vote to make further modifications of this section, providing for
conflicts, severability, and an effective date. The ordinance was approved.
A second motion was also approved, which imposes a moratorium on the
development of these specific parcels until the Board has had an opportunity to
identify non-profit partners to hold these parcels in a conservation easement.
A second request was made to approve an ordinance amending Ordinance 2018-29,
thereby amending the Walton County Land Development Code, specifically
Chapter VIII, Neighborhood Plan Overlay Districts, Section 8.02.05,
Amendment of an adopted neighborhood plan, to provide for the ability of the
board to modify neighborhood plans under certain circumstances and the method
and manner of such modifications, providing for conflicts, severability, and an
effective date. Commissioners decided to continue this request until the May 26
meeting.
A third request to approve an ordinance amending Ordinance 2019-01, thereby
amending the Walton County Land Development Code, Appendix NP-7, Inlet
Beach Neighborhood Plan, to provide for clarification and correction as to the
inclusion of certain properties north of U.S. Highway 98 and to those land use
districts where limited lodging is allowed and prohibited, providing for conflicts,
severability, and an effective date. This request was also approved to continue until
May 26.
As part of a Planning and Development discussion, Planning Director Stephen
Schoen was asked to begin providing quarterly progress reports with the first being
presented to the BCC on April 14. There was discussion regarding a temporary
density moratorium, but no action was taken.
District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry led discussion regarding the County’s Tuition
Reimbursement policy. Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman agreed to meet
with Commissioners individually to review policy changes and bring back to the
Board at a future meeting for consideration.
Commissioner Curry also brought up the Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
financial shortfall and how it affects Walton County. Local Housing Director Tom
Baker explained the situation, noting that many other Florida counties are facing
the same problems. Following discussion, Commissioners approved funding
administrative fees up to $30,000 through the end of the fiscal year as needed to
cover any shortfalls and asked staff to bring back potential solutions.
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Regarding the Inlet Beach Neighborhood Plan, staff requested to continue the item
to the May 26 meeting for a second and final reading to adopt it by ordinance. This
is to correct a scrivener's error in the Inlet Beach Neighborhood Plan. Planning and
Development Services staff determined that Section 2.2.7 of the Inlet Beach
Neighborhood Plan contained a scrivener's error, which makes it unclear how to
adjudicate this section of the Neighborhood Plan. The continuance to the May 26
meeting was approved.
Carson Lane SSA with Rezoning Adoption Hearing was discussed with a request
to approve by the adoption by ordinance. Project number FLU25-000029 is being
reviewed by Ayanna Reed. This is a future land use with rezoning application
submitted by Regional Utilities on behalf of Florida Community Services
Corporation of Walton County requesting to change the current future land use
from Residential to Public Facilities and Institutional, or a lesser category, and to
change the zoning district from Neighborhood Infill to Public Facilities, or a lesser
district, on 0.552 +/- acres.
The property is in District 5, north of Carson Lane, east of North Orange Street and
south of Walton Palm Road, approximately 0.129 miles from US Highway 98 east
and is identified by parcel number(s) 36-3S-18-16100-000-1005. This was
approved.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as one item by general consent of the Board.
Clerk's Items -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the minutes of the March
10, 2026, Public Workshop
Request to approve the Expenditure Approval List (EAL)
Administration -
Request to approve the Walton County Advisory Boards and Committees
Appointment Policy and Procedures (Removed from Consent Agenda) – Approved
to continue, advertise public hearing, resolution
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution adopting a new
schedule of fees and fines for County paid parking areas
Request approval for staff to schedule and advertise a Board Workshop for
presentations from the top three ranked firms from (RFQ) 26-07 for Federal
Lobbying services
Chief Financial Officer -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a Subaward Agreement
with Judge Ben Gordon, Jr. Family Visitation Center dba/Safe Connections Family
Visitation Center for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG-C)
grant agreement JG181 in the amount of $22,169 from the Florida Department of
Law Enforcement
Engineering -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Change Order No. 3 to
Contract No. 24-29 with Gage Golden Construction, LLC d/b/a BGN Contractors
for the construction of the Glendale Fire Station, increasing the contract
completion date by 60 days
Request approval to award Request for Qualifications (RFQ 26-09) for
Professional Services to the top ranked firm Gortemoller Engineering, Inc. for the
design of Mossy Head Industrial Park Access Road and Intersection Improvement
Project located at the Northwest Florida Commerce Park and to begin negotiations
Library -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a License and Hold
Harmless Agreement and Waiver of Claims with Watersound Town Center, LLC
and the St. Joe Company for Bookmobile public stops for May 5, 2026-April 27,
2027
Request to approve the purchase of a 2026 Bronco Sport for the Library System in
an amount not to exceed $31,981
Planning and Development -
Echelon - Acceptance of ALJ Recommended Final Order and approval of Final
Order. Project number MAJ25-000034 is being reviewed by Kelly Schultz. This is
a major development application submitted by Jenkins Engineering, Inc. on behalf
of H and S, LLC, requesting to develop a 246-unit condominium with associated
amenities and infrastructure as part of the approved DRI on 5.62 +/- acres. The
project site has a future land use of Mixed Use and a zoning category of Coastal
Center. The property is in District 4, located at 100 Seascape Drive and is
identified by parcel number(s) 29-2S-21-42500-000-0050. (Removed from
Consent Agenda) - Approved
Public Works -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution and the State
of Florida Department of Transportation Off System Bridge Project Agreement
(FPID #: 450864-1) authorizing FDOT to do all acts necessary to complete the
Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, and Inspection Project for Hub Presley Road
over Pond Creek (Bridge No. 604152), including construction of the replacement
structure
Request approval for the City of Freeport to install rope lighting at Four Mile
pedestrian bridge and to stain the pedestrian bridge
Tourism Department Administration -
Request to accept the resignation of Bob Lacasse from Seat 9 on the Tourist
Development Council and approve to advertise the vacancy
Tourism Department Beach Operations- Consent Items:
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Application for Service
and Customer Agreement with Regional Utilities for water/sewer services at 115
Sandy Lane
Request to authorize the Chairman to sign the Right of Entry contract with Legacy
Condominium, authorizing Walton County to enter the premises to plant trees
along the shared property line.
The next meeting of the Walton County Commission will be held on Tuesday,
April 14, at the Walton County Courthouse at 1 p.m. The public is invited to
attend.
Commissioners (BCC) opened their March 24 regular meeting by recognizing
several outstanding students and citizens.
Walton County Emergency Management (WCEM) Director Jeff Goldberg asked
the Board to approve a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as National Volunteer
Month, which was approved. He then recognized two volunteers, Rick Royston
and Christa Radka, for their exemplary volunteer service to WCEM.
District 2 Commissioner Danny Glidewell introduced Eagle Scout Margo Palmer,
who was granted approval to design and build an informational kiosk and locate it
at Lakewood Park in north Walton County, which is Florida’s highest point.
District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry led the Board in recognizing the Freeport High
School Wrestling Coach Carey Nick and three team members, Chase and Jacob
Justice and Maxwell Brogniez, who had recently competed at the Florida High
School Wrestling Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.
Health Officer Holly Holt, Florida Department of Health in Walton County,
requested approval for the County Commissioners to purchase a medical modular
clinic and then be reimbursed by DOH - Walton/WCHC through grant funds
awarded from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This
was approved.
Supervisor of Elections Ryan Messer requested the Commissioners approve a
resolution for modifications to certain voting precinct boundaries as recommended
by the Walton County Supervisor of Elections. This included adopting revised
precinct maps, authorizing implementation and providing an effective date. This
was approved.
County Administrator Brian Kellenberger requested Board Chairman Brad Drake
sign a resolution authorizing the director of Building Construction and
Maintenance to obtain any applicable statutory exemptions for contractor license
requirement for the department's employees and apply on behalf of Walton County
for any applicable building permits on construction, remodeling, repair and other
improvement projects at a cost of less than $100,000 located on county-owned
property.
In other words, to improve speed and efficiency, routine department documents
relating to building permits on construction, remodeling and repair of county-
owned buildings and property – on projects that cost less than $100,000 - can now
be signed-off on by Building Construction and Maintenance Director Brad Alford,
instead of waiting to be presented during Commission meetings. This was
approved.
Administrator Kellenberger also requested direction regarding enforcement of
political signs within County rights-of-way along tourist corridors. Following
discussion, Commissioners approved the placement of political signs no larger than
18” x 24” in the County right-of-way from the date of candidacy pre-qualification
until 15 days after the conclusion of the election.
Planning and Development Director Stephen Schoen gave an update and requested
direction as it relates to proposed Land Development Code text amendments
designed to ensure compatible development patterns within existing
neighborhoods. Commissioners gave direction for Director Schoen and County
Attorney Clay Adkinson to study Panama City and Bay County ordinances and
meet with Commissioners individually to discuss and then incorporate
Commissioner input into a proposed ordinance. This will then be brought back to
the April 28 BCC meeting for consideration and adoption.
Public Works Director Buddy Wright requested approval of Change Order No. 1 to
the contract with 3 Rivers Construction Co., LLC for the County Highway 83A
(Bay Loop) Timber Bridges Renovation increasing the contract amount $3,360.
This was approved.
Director Wright also requested approval to award Invitation to Bid (ITB) 26-06 to
the lowest, most responsive, and responsible bidder, Construction Materials of
Northwest Florida, Inc. This will be for on-site concrete crushing with multi-size
aggregate output and contaminant removal, in the amount of the base bid of
$5,612, with unit line-item pricing to apply for services identified in the bid
schedule. This was approved.
Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin sought direction regarding a spay/neuter
program proposed by 30A Cats. While the agency usually focuses on feral cats,
this program is designed for cat owners unable to afford the spay/neuter fees at
veterinarian offices. Following discussion, Commissioners approved the proposal
as presented and asked Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason to identify
appropriate funding in the amount of $7,500 from county funds.
County Attorney Clay Adkinson requested approval to schedule and advertise a
special meeting for Executive Session regarding Peace of Paradise, LLC. vs
Walton County, Walton County Circuit Court case number 2021CA196. This was
approved.
Attorney Adkinson also requested approval to schedule and advertise a special
meeting for Executive Session regarding Samuel A. Osborne vs Walton County,
First District Court of Appeal case number 1D2021-3898 (L.T. case number
2017CA607) and Walton County Circuit Court case number 2025CA56. This was
also approved.
The Commissioners held a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending
Ordinances 2018-14 and 2018-24, thereby amending the Walton County Land
Development Code, specifically Chapter 4, Resource Protection Standards, Section
4.02.03, Restrictions on development within the Coastal Dune Lake Protection
Zone, to provide additional protection to the Eastern Lake Outfall, and to provide a
supermajority vote to make further modifications of this section, providing for
conflicts, severability, and an effective date. The ordinance was approved.
A second motion was also approved, which imposes a moratorium on the
development of these specific parcels until the Board has had an opportunity to
identify non-profit partners to hold these parcels in a conservation easement.
A second request was made to approve an ordinance amending Ordinance 2018-29,
thereby amending the Walton County Land Development Code, specifically
Chapter VIII, Neighborhood Plan Overlay Districts, Section 8.02.05,
Amendment of an adopted neighborhood plan, to provide for the ability of the
board to modify neighborhood plans under certain circumstances and the method
and manner of such modifications, providing for conflicts, severability, and an
effective date. Commissioners decided to continue this request until the May 26
meeting.
A third request to approve an ordinance amending Ordinance 2019-01, thereby
amending the Walton County Land Development Code, Appendix NP-7, Inlet
Beach Neighborhood Plan, to provide for clarification and correction as to the
inclusion of certain properties north of U.S. Highway 98 and to those land use
districts where limited lodging is allowed and prohibited, providing for conflicts,
severability, and an effective date. This request was also approved to continue until
May 26.
As part of a Planning and Development discussion, Planning Director Stephen
Schoen was asked to begin providing quarterly progress reports with the first being
presented to the BCC on April 14. There was discussion regarding a temporary
density moratorium, but no action was taken.
District 1 Commissioner Dan Curry led discussion regarding the County’s Tuition
Reimbursement policy. Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman agreed to meet
with Commissioners individually to review policy changes and bring back to the
Board at a future meeting for consideration.
Commissioner Curry also brought up the Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
financial shortfall and how it affects Walton County. Local Housing Director Tom
Baker explained the situation, noting that many other Florida counties are facing
the same problems. Following discussion, Commissioners approved funding
administrative fees up to $30,000 through the end of the fiscal year as needed to
cover any shortfalls and asked staff to bring back potential solutions.
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Regarding the Inlet Beach Neighborhood Plan, staff requested to continue the item
to the May 26 meeting for a second and final reading to adopt it by ordinance. This
is to correct a scrivener's error in the Inlet Beach Neighborhood Plan. Planning and
Development Services staff determined that Section 2.2.7 of the Inlet Beach
Neighborhood Plan contained a scrivener's error, which makes it unclear how to
adjudicate this section of the Neighborhood Plan. The continuance to the May 26
meeting was approved.
Carson Lane SSA with Rezoning Adoption Hearing was discussed with a request
to approve by the adoption by ordinance. Project number FLU25-000029 is being
reviewed by Ayanna Reed. This is a future land use with rezoning application
submitted by Regional Utilities on behalf of Florida Community Services
Corporation of Walton County requesting to change the current future land use
from Residential to Public Facilities and Institutional, or a lesser category, and to
change the zoning district from Neighborhood Infill to Public Facilities, or a lesser
district, on 0.552 +/- acres.
The property is in District 5, north of Carson Lane, east of North Orange Street and
south of Walton Palm Road, approximately 0.129 miles from US Highway 98 east
and is identified by parcel number(s) 36-3S-18-16100-000-1005. This was
approved.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were approved as one item by general consent of the Board.
Clerk's Items -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the minutes of the March
10, 2026, Public Workshop
Request to approve the Expenditure Approval List (EAL)
Administration -
Request to approve the Walton County Advisory Boards and Committees
Appointment Policy and Procedures (Removed from Consent Agenda) – Approved
to continue, advertise public hearing, resolution
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution adopting a new
schedule of fees and fines for County paid parking areas
Request approval for staff to schedule and advertise a Board Workshop for
presentations from the top three ranked firms from (RFQ) 26-07 for Federal
Lobbying services
Chief Financial Officer -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a Subaward Agreement
with Judge Ben Gordon, Jr. Family Visitation Center dba/Safe Connections Family
Visitation Center for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG-C)
grant agreement JG181 in the amount of $22,169 from the Florida Department of
Law Enforcement
Engineering -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign Change Order No. 3 to
Contract No. 24-29 with Gage Golden Construction, LLC d/b/a BGN Contractors
for the construction of the Glendale Fire Station, increasing the contract
completion date by 60 days
Request approval to award Request for Qualifications (RFQ 26-09) for
Professional Services to the top ranked firm Gortemoller Engineering, Inc. for the
design of Mossy Head Industrial Park Access Road and Intersection Improvement
Project located at the Northwest Florida Commerce Park and to begin negotiations
Library -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a License and Hold
Harmless Agreement and Waiver of Claims with Watersound Town Center, LLC
and the St. Joe Company for Bookmobile public stops for May 5, 2026-April 27,
2027
Request to approve the purchase of a 2026 Bronco Sport for the Library System in
an amount not to exceed $31,981
Planning and Development -
Echelon - Acceptance of ALJ Recommended Final Order and approval of Final
Order. Project number MAJ25-000034 is being reviewed by Kelly Schultz. This is
a major development application submitted by Jenkins Engineering, Inc. on behalf
of H and S, LLC, requesting to develop a 246-unit condominium with associated
amenities and infrastructure as part of the approved DRI on 5.62 +/- acres. The
project site has a future land use of Mixed Use and a zoning category of Coastal
Center. The property is in District 4, located at 100 Seascape Drive and is
identified by parcel number(s) 29-2S-21-42500-000-0050. (Removed from
Consent Agenda) - Approved
Public Works -
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign a resolution and the State
of Florida Department of Transportation Off System Bridge Project Agreement
(FPID #: 450864-1) authorizing FDOT to do all acts necessary to complete the
Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, and Inspection Project for Hub Presley Road
over Pond Creek (Bridge No. 604152), including construction of the replacement
structure
Request approval for the City of Freeport to install rope lighting at Four Mile
pedestrian bridge and to stain the pedestrian bridge
Tourism Department Administration -
Request to accept the resignation of Bob Lacasse from Seat 9 on the Tourist
Development Council and approve to advertise the vacancy
Tourism Department Beach Operations- Consent Items:
Request to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Application for Service
and Customer Agreement with Regional Utilities for water/sewer services at 115
Sandy Lane
Request to authorize the Chairman to sign the Right of Entry contract with Legacy
Condominium, authorizing Walton County to enter the premises to plant trees
along the shared property line.
The next meeting of the Walton County Commission will be held on Tuesday,
April 14, at the Walton County Courthouse at 1 p.m. The public is invited to
attend.