Posts published in “Business”

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…

Quincy Music Theatre receives grant to support Leaf Theatre preservation efforts

Exterior view of the historic Leaf Theatre in Quincy, Florida, showing the white theater building with a vertical marquee sign along a downtown street

Quincy Music Theatre receives grant to support Leaf Theatre preservation efforts

May 27, 2026

Erin HillGadsden County News Service Quincy Music Theatre has received a $6,000 grant from Talquin Electric Cooperative and CoBank through the Sharing Success Program to…

Midway City Council forgoes Waste Pro contract extension, opens bidding process

A green Waste Pro garbage truck is parked on a residential street lined with trees.

Midway City Council forgoes Waste Pro contract extension, opens bidding process

February 11, 2026

Rival Adams Sanitation claims it can outbid Waste Pro. Fabrizio GowdyGadsden County News Service The Midway City Council has opted not to renew its contract…

The 2025 cat food and litter shortage has caused constraints on supply chains

December 12, 2025

Cat owners are having trouble finding the supplies they need to care for their pets. Patricia Smith Over the past few years, many U.S. pet…

From produce to promises: Uraina’s Haven transforms Gadsden County events

Outdoor courtyard with round tables, gold chairs, and a sign describing “The Aria Courtyard” event venue.

Love’s Travel Center breaks ground on $25 million Gretna location

Stakeholders ceremoniously break ground at the site of the Love’s Travel Center that is set to open in Gretna

Love’s Travel Center breaks ground on $25 million Gretna location

July 24, 2025

Kierra ReedGadsden County News Service A major economic development is underway in Gadsden County as Love’s Travel Center officially broke ground Wednesday on a new…

Posts published in “Business”

Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

At The Pump

Quincy Music Theatre receives grant to support Leaf Theatre preservation efforts

Midway City Council forgoes Waste Pro contract extension, opens bidding process

The 2025 cat food and litter shortage has caused constraints on supply chains

From produce to promises: Uraina’s Haven transforms Gadsden County events

Gadsden County Extension Column

Ribbon cutting set for sister Chicks Sandwich Shop, Personali-Tee

Upcoming changes for Florida Certified Pesticide Applicators

Love’s Travel Center breaks ground on $25 million Gretna location