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Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service After previously tabling the matter for more information, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted May 19 to approve a land-use amendment for property on Aspalaga Road in Chattahoochee following renewed debate over density and precedent. In a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment for approximately 72.48 acres at 2441 Aspalaga Road owned by Kenny and Jennifer Smith. The amendment changes the property’s future land-use designation from Agriculture 3 to Agriculture 1. County documents state the applicants sought the change to facilitate future homesites for family members. Under the existing Agriculture 3 designation, density would allow about one dwelling unit per 20 acres, or roughly three homesites. Agriculture 1 allows up to one dwelling unit per five acres, potentially permitting as many as 14 dwelling units on the property. The request returned to commissioners as a continuation hearing after being tabled earlier this month amid public opposition and questions about development potential. During the May 19 hearing, Kenny Carroll spoke in support of the amendment while Growth Management Director Justin Stiell reviewed details of the request. Commissioners revisited concerns raised during the earlier hearing, including questions about whether approval could create precedent for similar requests. Planning Commission Chairman Bouie urged commissioners to evaluate land-use requests individually rather than apply a blanket standard. An opposition letter was also read into the record by Interim County Attorney Louis Baptiste. Chair Eric Hinson said he did not object to the Smith family providing land to relatives but expressed concern about altering the county’s land-use framework. “I have no problem giving the land to their kids,” Hinson said, according to meeting notes. “My issue is with changing the land code.” A woman identified in meeting notes as Ms. Smith challenged information she said had circulated about the application, stating she had consistently maintained that she and her husband hoped to provide land for their five children and nine grandchildren. Stiell told commissioners the applicants could sell their property if they wished and said there was no connection between the Smith family and allegations made by some opposing residents. Commissioner Ronterious Green said he was glad the applicants were not the individuals they had been accused of being by opponents. Commissioner Brenda Holt said she was not opposed to the amendment but questioned whether approval could lead to additional requests. “If this is approved, when can they have a meeting because if this is approved, they will have a room full of people wanting theirs changed,” Holt said, according to meeting notes. Commissioners also discussed differences between the Agriculture 1 and Agriculture 3 designations. Stiell explained Agriculture 3 allows one house per 20 acres while Agriculture 1 permits one house per five acres. County staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning documents stated the property is primarily timberland, contains approximately 7.48 acres of wetlands and is consistent with Agriculture 1 policies and surrounding agricultural and residential uses. The board approved the amendment unanimously.

Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

June 4, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service After previously tabling the matter for more information, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted May 19 to…

At The Pump

June 4, 2026

Local State, and National National Average: $4.29State Average: $3.98 Gadsden County Average: $4.40 Jackson County Average: $4.35Leon County Average: $4.31 Numbers based on AAA Gas…

Chattahoochee Elementary school salutes its finest

An awards presentation inside a school classroom, featuring four adults posing together in the foreground. A man dressed in a black hat, a black-and-gold patterned blazer, a gold sequined vest, and gold shoes stands next to a woman wearing a white lace dress and a white sun hat; both are holding black recognition plaques. They are flanked by two smiling women, one on the left in a teal blouse and black pants, and one on the right in an orange patterned dress and denim jacket.

Chattahoochee Elementary school salutes its finest

June 4, 2026

Linda YoungGadsden County News Service Dressed up and suited for a special celebration, Teacher of the Year Mrs. Ira House and School-Related Employee of the…

Chattahoochee Thunder Nationals to roar back to River Landing Park

A red, white, and blue patriotic-themed speed boat cruising fast on the water for the Chattahoochee Thunder Nationals on the Apalachicola River. Two men are inside the boat, which features white stars on its blue trim, a large black Mercury outboard motor on the back, and a large American flag waving from a flagpole behind the seats.

Chattahoochee Thunder Nationals to roar back to River Landing Park

June 4, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service High-powered drag boats are set to return to the Apalachicola River this weekend as the Chattahoochee Thunder Nationals races…

Gadsden County Extension Column

Portrait of Robbie Jones smiling indoors with a window and greenery visible in the background.

Gadsden County Extension Column

June 4, 2026

One shot at nematode control: Why timing matters for farmers As spring planting gets closer, farmers in Gadsden County are preparing for another growing season.…

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June 4, 2026

by Jim Miller I Have a Will – Do I Also Need a Trust? Dear Savvy Senior. My wife and I were recently talking about…

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Smiling woman with short, styled hair wearing a teal jacket and star-shaped earrings, posed outdoors with a blurred background.

Today Can Be Different

June 4, 2026

Becoming the wife Bert thought he married Years ago, I was critical and angry with my husband, Bert. The more he put his work and…

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Slim Randles “Wonder what the count is today,” said Herb. “Sure is hot.” We sipped simultaneously, as is our wont, and stared at our friend.…

NURSE JUDY’S NOOK

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Judy Conlin Out of the blue the other day, I got a request for some possible pictures I might have of my daughter taken at…

Gadsden County Deltas Celebrate 35 years of community impact

A large group photograph of more than twenty women dressed entirely in shades of red, burgundy, and pink posing together indoors. The group features a front row of seated women and two standing rows behind them, with many wearing pearl necklaces and jewelry. They are positioned in front of a bright red fabric backdrop framed by silver tinsel curtains.

Gadsden County Deltas Celebrate 35 years of community impact

June 4, 2026

Dr. Deborah ThigpenGadsden County News Service The tenacious women of the Gadsden County Florida Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. recently gathered to…