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Smiling woman with short, dark curly hair wearing hoop earrings, a white top, and a purple cardigan, posed in front of a gray background.

Grace Notes

June 11, 2026

Consider the birds Nancy Kennedy As I write this, it’s pouring rain. Thunder rattling the windows. Lightning flashing all around, zigzagging across the darkened sky.…

Commissioners continue Stevens School funding discussion

The former W.S. Stevens School in Quincy. The modern, single-story red brick facility features a dark shingled roof, a manicured lawn with young trees, and a concrete walkway leading to two main entrances surrounded by tall glass windows under a partly cloudy sky. Gadsden County commissioners continued discussions June 2 regarding potential funding sources and future plans for the Stevens School project.

Commissioners continue Stevens School funding discussion

June 11, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service Gadsden County commissioners revisited the Stevens School project during their June 2 meeting, discussing potential funding sources and possible…

County adopts facility use policy, approves opioid funding plan

A wooden boardwalk with handrails overlooks a wide, calm lake on a clear, sunny day. A wooden park bench is positioned along the walkway under the shade of mature trees lining the grassy shoreline. Shadows stretch across the wooden planks, and small white clouds dot the blue sky over the distant opposite shore.

County adopts facility use policy, approves opioid funding plan

June 11, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners approved a new countywide facility and park use policy and authorized the…

Gadsden County Extension Column

June 11, 2026

Exploring blackberry production opportunities in North Florida Blackberries are a deciduous, perennial crop that thrive in temperate climates. While several native blackberry species grow wild…

NURSE JUDY’S NOOK

June 11, 2026

NicknamesJudy Conlin Nurse Judy, my “thinks she’s so smart” alter ego, is on a new kick. She’s found one more way to make fun of…

Home Country

June 11, 2026

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.…

Havana Garden Club recognizes June yards of the month

A woman, a young boy, and a man pose together on a green lawn in front of a sign that reads 'Havana Garden Club Yard of the Month (Residential).' The group stands next to a large tree on the right, with a well-landscaped, single-story brick ranch-style home, flower beds, and a concrete birdbath visible in the background.

Havana Garden Club recognizes June yards of the month

June 11, 2026

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service The Havana Garden Club has selected its June Yard of the Month winners, recognizing one residential property and one commercial…

Elma Cummings

June 11, 2026

Elma Cummings Mother Elma Cummings, 93, of Quincy, Florida, peacefully departed this earthly life on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Born on Feb. 17, 1933, in…

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…