The Walton County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 14, at the Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs.
First on the action agenda, Walton County resident Todd Reaves discussed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) proposed dredge plans to dredge a 15-mile stretch of the intercoastal waterway near Peach Creek and Tucker Bayou. Reaves requested support from the Commission in asking the COE to use an alternate spoil site on undeveloped property, away from the neighborhood communities. The Board approved Commission Chair Donna Johns signing a letter of support contingent upon approval of the county attorney.
County Administrator Brian Kellenberger requested the Commission ratify his signature on the $12 million purchase contract for 115 Sandy Lane in accordance with the Land Acquisition Ordinance and this was approved. This is a residential parcel in Grayton Beach, near Grayton Dunes Beach Access, and would provide an additional hundred feet of beach front. The request was approved.
Mr. Kellenberger also requested the Commission ratify his signature on the purchase contract for 384 acres off of Bob Sikes Road and on the purchase contracts for eight lots near South 25th Street adjacent to Eagle Springs Golf Course, in accordance with the Land Acquisition Ordinance and this was approved.
Next, Kellenberger requested approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 Legislative Funding Priorities and authorization to sign Attestation forms. The matter was continued to the October 28 meeting.
The Commissioners reviewed the county organizational chart and much of the discussion was centered around the idea of reinstating the position of Executive Director of the Tourism Department. Commissioner Danny Glidewell questioned the need for a Tourism Executive Director “when the county already has a Tourism Director.”
After more discussion, the Board voted on whether to proceed with establishing a Tourism Executive Director that answers directly to the Board and have Beach Operations under that position. The vote on the motion was 2-2, due to the absence of Commissioner Tony Anderson. Therefore, the motion failed to pass, and no action was taken.
Administrator Kellenberger requested approval to advertise an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the construction of the Legion Park Improvement project. This was approved.
The Commissioners rescheduled the November 20 regular Commission Meeting, changing it to November 24, 2025.
Walton County Engineer Chance Powell presented the Engineering Department’s Quarterly Report for July-September 2025, which was approved.
Powell also took up the issue of designing a new railroad crossing and intersection improvements at Northwest Florida Commerce Park in Mossy Head. Following discussion, the Board approved to advertise an RFQ (request for qualifications) for design services for signalization, turn lane improvements on Hwy 90, and railroad crossing access and egress.
Environmental Coordinator Melinda Gates requested approval to schedule and advertise a staff public meeting to discuss the Walton County Vulnerability Assessment. This was approved.
Mrs. Gates also requested the Commission authorize Chair Johns to sign a resolution dedicating the week of October 27-31, 2025, as Coastal Dune Lakes Week. This was approved.
Planning Director Stephen Schoen asked the board to approve the SHIP Program 2022-2023 Annual Report and Local Housing Incentives Certification and review the SHIP Annual Report Walton County Fiscal Year 2022-2023 closeout. This was approved.
Tim Brown, of the Planning Department, asked for direction regarding an Inlet Beach Neighborhood Plan scrivener’s error, which is causing problems. County Attorney Clay Adkinson said, “There’s no question there is an error.” Following
discussion, Planning was instructed to hold a public workshop in Inet Beach and bring back information to the October 28, 2025, BCC meeting for a Public Hearing.
Next, Attorney Adkinson took up the issue of the East Nursery Road Subdivision and the Board’s acceptance of the Administrative Law Judge’s recommended order and approval of a final order.
Project number MAJ25-000036 is being reviewed by Tim Brown. This is a major development order application submitted by Dewberry Engineers, Inc. on behalf of McAnna Robson, LLC, requesting approval to develop a 53 single-family lot subdivision and associated infrastructure on 28.20 +/- acres with a future land use of Residential and a zoning category of Neighborhood Infill.
The property is located in District 5 on the north side of East Nursery Road, west of Garden Lane Drive and east of Indian Woman Road. This was approved.
Deputy Planning Director Scott Caraway requested approval to accept and authorize the Chair to sign the right of way map and legal description of Amanda Lane near Kings Lake Road into the records as evidence of county maintenance limits in accordance with F.S. 95.361- This was approved.
Caraway also requested approval of the installation of a Geopolymer Lining System for the culvert located at CR30A near Stallworth Lake, utilizing Trenchless Pipeline Rehabilitation Services under cooperative contract with Vortex Services, LLC in the amount of $174,644. This was approved.
Tourism Director Matt Algarin requested direction regarding a recommendation of the PGA TOUR sponsorship issue from the county’s tournament negotiation committee. The recommendations were that Walton County would be responsible for half the cost of the tournament, for Walton County to retain title sponsorship, to be able to approve or disapprove the PGA’s selected co-sponsor and to require the PGA to disclose venue sponsor contributions.
Director Algarin said the PGA officials called the recommendations “a starting point for a conversation.”
In June, the TDC declined to put PGA Tour on their Tourism Plan by a vote of 7-1. Attorney Clay Adkinson explained that since the PGA Tour plan is not in the Tourist Development Plan, a four-vote super majority would be required to amend the plan over the TDC’s wishes. After discussion ended, the BCC voted to inform the PGA that the county is not interested at this time.
Chief Financial Officer Melissa Thomason sought direction regarding the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Program for Walton County. This funding is working its way through the process with Northwest Florida Health Network, which will manage the entire program. The Commissioners will have no fiscal responsibility for the money, so the Commissioners approved establishing an allocation schedule for funding that mirrors the Opioid Settlement Grant funding.
Next, Ms. Thomason took up the issue of a request from Ascension Sacred Heart to advertise and hold a TEFRA public hearing to approve Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s issuance of tax-exempt bonds for both the refunding of previous bonds and new capital projects at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. There is no financial liability to the county, nor is the county doing conduit financing. The hearing is a state requirement. Commissioners approved scheduling the hearing for October 28, 2025.
County Attorney Adkinson sought approval to schedule a public hearing to consider an ordinance repealing and replacing Walton County Code of Ordinances Chapter 20. This was approved.
Commissioners also approved a Public Hearing to consider an ordinance amending Walton County Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, the “Walton County Waterways and Beach Activity Ordinance” and Chapter 24, “Boating on Waterways within Walton County.” This was approved.
Adkinson requested approval to schedule a Public Hearing to consider an ordinance amending Walton County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22- Waterways and Beach Activities and providing for the change in designation of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America throughout. This was approved.
A public hearing was held to consider an ordinance amending Walton County Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 – Building and Building regulations, Amending Article II technical codes, fees, charges, expenses, and fee schedule and tables. This was approved.
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a Resolution establishing fees pursuant to Section 6-29 fees, charges, and expenses of Chapter 6 and the abatement of specified fees.
Commissioners considered an ordinance amending Walton County Code of Ordinances Chapter 10 – Fire Prevention and Protection; Amending in part Article I and amending in its entirety Article II, to create new sections related to the administration of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. This included amending Article
III relating to setting cost recovery fees by resolution and updating the process for billing insurance companies. This was approved.
The Commissioners then authorized the Chair to sign a resolution establishing fees and/or fines pursuant to Section 10-42, Section 10-45, and Section 10-47, of Chapter 10 – titled Fire Prevention and Protection of the Walton County Code of Ordinances.
Commission Vice-Chair Dan Curry asked for a third-quarter update on Eagle Springs Golf and Recreational Center. Parks and Recreation Director Shane Supple noted that expenses were cut by $326,000, while revenue increased by $138,000. “So that’s a swing of almost $500,00 in the first nine months,” said Commissioner Curry. “We’re within $200,000 right now of breaking even on the golf course – which is a far cry from the previous five or six years. So, outstanding job by Shane and his staff.” Commissioner Curry said his goal was not for the golf course to make money, “I just want it to sustain itself.”
Commissioner Curry suggested that the focus should now shift to the restaurant and bar. He recommended a meeting with Director Supple, Restaurant Manager Justin Alford, CFO Melissa Thomason and County Administrator Brian Kellenberger to discuss ideas on how to reduce expenditures and boost revenues.
Supple also revealed that, according to the Tourist Development Council, Eagle Springs is in the final three for best golf course in the Perfect In Walton awards.
Supple also noted that more people are playing golf at Eagles Springs than ever before. “This budget year, we did 37,722 rounds, which is up 3,500 rounds from last year, which was up 3,000 rounds from the previous year. You’re averaging 110-115 rounds a day. Just a couple years ago, 120 was our record. We did 224 rounds on Labor Day this year.”
Curry also asked for an update regarding the ongoing Planning Department Operational Audit and asked Planning Director Stephen Schoen if input from a possible citizen committee would be helpful. Director Schoen said they would welcome assistance from citizens and, in fact, often receive questions and concerns from citizens whenever an anomaly occurs. Shoen said they welcome suggestions from the Commissioners and other department directors, too. “Every day, we’re making strides,” he said.
Commissioner Curry also sought an update from Human Resources regarding processes and department progress on filling open positions.
He praised Administrator Brian Kellenberger and HR Director Tarey Franxman for moving so quickly with the latest round of new hires. Franxman noted that some directors are not yet ready to hire and HR is coordinating with them and will help them as soon as they are ready.
Commissioner Danny Glidewell recommended the Commission designate Hwy 393 North as “Charlie Kirk Parkway” while leaving the mailing address as 393 North. The Board approved.
Commissioner Brad Drake suggested staff shop around for better county insurance rates for auto, property, and liability. HR Director Franxman said that his department is currently in process of doing that.
Commission Chair Donna Johns requested an update regarding the Economic Development Alliance of Walton County. Commissioner Johns questioned whether the BCC wanted to hire their own director or continue being a part of the EDA.
Commissioner Glidwell, who is also chair of the EDA, announced that a new director had just been selected. “He is highly qualified, both in the business world and in government…He’s got a master’s degree in engineering,” said Glidewell. “He has built businesses. He is working for arguably one of the top three businesses in the county and he’s worked in the Legislature. Kevin Henderson is his name and hopefully we’ll have a contract signed by him soon.”
Glidewell also hinted at ongoing negotiations with a manufacturing company interested in coming to DeFuniak Springs that could bring 300 jobs. “So, there are good things happening and we anticipate that Mr. Henderson will bring even more success.”
_________
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Planning Director Stephen Schoen took up the issue of Land Development Code text amendments and the First Reading of a proposed ordinance. Walton County Planning and Development Services Staff is proposing substantive text amendments to Chapter One, Sections 1.11.03, 1.11.05, 1.13.09, and 1.13.12 of the Walton County Land Development Code. The proposed amendments relate specifically to the approval process for plats and replats, by changing the approval authority and creating a more robust preliminary plat process while also reducing the final plat process in keeping with recent statutory changes. The Commission approved the First Reading.
________
CONSENT AGENDA – The following items were approved by general consent of the Board.
Clerk’s Items:
1. Request to approve the Expenditure Approval List (EAL)
2. Request to approve the amended Records Disposition Requests to correct a scrivener’s error as submitted by the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller
Administration – Consent Items:
3. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the DocuSign order form for digital signature services from October 17, 2025 through October 16, 2026 in the amount of $1,237.83
Chief Financial Officer – Consent Items:
4. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Big Bend Community Based Care, Inc., d/b/a NWF Health Network, Business Agreement No.: V0233 for disbursement of the Fiscal Year 2026 Walton County Regional Opioid Settlement Funding
5. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Fiscal Year 2026 Statutory & Other Agency Funding Agreements in accordance with the approved budget
6. Request approval to surplus BCC 8707, a 2017 Nissan Frontier, from Code Compliance
7. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Agreements in accordance with the approved budget
Code Compliance – Consent Items:
8. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the order form and Services Agreement with Neogov for Code Compliance to utilize Power DMS, a cloud-based software for document management, training, and accreditation
management, in an amount not to exceed $9,394 annually (Removed from Consent Agenda) – Approved
County Attorney – Consent Items:
9. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Satisfaction of SHIP Mortgage for Russell R. and Dorothy Ferris, Sr.
10. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to execute a Satisfaction of Judgment for Probation Fees
Engineering – Consent Items:
11. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Exercise of Second Option to Renew Agreement for Operation and Maintenance of the Mossy Head Wastewater Treatment Facility with Paul Johnson effective February 23, 2026 through February 22, 2028
12. Request approval to advertise solicitations for Construction of the Helen McCall Park Improvements Project Phase 1
13. Request approval to award Invitation to Bid (ITB) No.: 25-25 for the construction of State Road 20 and County Road 83A West (West Bay Loop) Intersection Signalization Improvements to the lowest, most responsive and responsible bidder, CWR Contracting in the amount of $711,097.73 and authorize the Chair to sign Construction Contract No.: 25-25
14. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Hewett Bayou
Submerged Land Lease Easement for the Hewett Bayou Connector Road Project
15. Request approval to advertise solicitations for Construction bids and a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) for CEI Services for the Old Town Santa Rosa Stormwater Management and Event Facility Phase 1 Project
16. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign Contract No.: 25-13 with Chipola Engineering Group, Inc. for the Walton County Pedestrian Master Plan Project in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.
17. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Agent Affidavit allowing Charles Cotton, P.E. to act as the Walton County Board of County Commissioners’ agent in the process of obtaining a development order for a
prefabricated restroom to be constructed at the South Walton Dog Park located at 342 JD Miller Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
18. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Agent Affidavit allowing Charles Cotton, P.E. to act as the Walton County Board of County Commissioners’ agent in the process of obtaining a development order for bleacher shade structures to be constructed at the South Walton Sports Complex located at 240 MC Davis Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
19. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Notice of Commencement for Parcel ID Number 28-3N-19-19000-006-0000 for the construction of the Eagle Springs Golf Course (ESGC) Phase One Maintenance Building
20. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign Change Order No.: 02 to Contract No.: 25-09 with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors, LLC for the CR 393 Stormwater Improvement project, increasing the contract amount by $6,093.05 and increasing the contract time by two calendar days
21. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the State of Florida Department of Transportation Construction Agreement for the Choctaw Beach Park guardrail, the State of Florida Department of Transportation Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement, and a resolution authorizing the execution of the Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement
22. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the State of Florida Department of Transportation Construction Agreement for the Goldsby Road Multi-Use Path, the State of Florida Department of Transportation Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement, and a resolution authorizing the execution of the Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement
Environmental Services – Consent Items:
23. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Contract No.: 32947 State Financial Assistance Recipient Agreement for Mosquito Control Services Funding in the amount of $61,855.56
24. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign Task Order No. Env 25-02 with Jones Edmunds and Associates, Inc., for design, permitting and modification
on the existing iron remediation system currently in operation at the landfill in the amount of $62,460.00
25. Request approval to donate BCC 7900, a 12-foot utility trailer, to the Florida Department of Corrections, Walton Correctional Institution
26. Request approval to partner with Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance to apply for a Coastal Partnership Initiative grant to promote the protection and effective management of Florida’s coastal resources and authorize the Chair to sign a signature delegation letter authorizing Melinda Gates, Environmental Manager, the authority to apply for and administer the grant
27. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) requesting confirmation of eligibility of Gary Morse for the vacant North Walton Mosquito Control Manager position (Removed from Consent Agenda) – Approved
Human Resources – Consent Items:
28. Request approval for Human Resources Director Tarey Franxman to coordinate membership options with Eglin Federal Credit Union for employees
29. Request to approve the Board Appointed Positions Human Resources Policy (Policy 3.5 Types of Employment)
Planning & Development – Consent Items:
30. Request to appoint Melissa Mote to the vacant Realtor Seat on the Design Review Board for the remainder of the term – Staff to submit appointment to the Florida Commission on Ethics
Tourism Department Beach Operations- Consent Items:
32. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the E- Verify acknowledgement form with Florida Department of Transportation
33. Request to approve and authorize the Chair to sign Change Order No. 2 for Task Order No. TDC 24-003B (Legion Park Improvements) with Barge Design Solutions, increasing the task order $31,700.
