Posts published in “Government”

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…

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…

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.…

County seeks funding options for W.S. Stevens project

A single-story red brick school building with large glass entryways, sidewalks and landscaped grounds under a partly cloudy sky.

Hundreds attend Gadsden County’s annual hurricane prep event

Large crowd gathered around a tent labeled Gadsden County, with people collecting items and pushing carts during a community distribution event.

Hundreds attend Gadsden County’s annual hurricane prep event

April 30, 2026

Leo TorresGadsden County News Service Gadsden County Emergency Management partnered with the Gadsden County Board of Commissioners on Saturday for the 7th annual Hurricane Preparedness…

Posts published in “Government”

Commissioners continue Stevens School funding discussion

County adopts facility use policy, approves opioid funding plan

Gadsden County Extension Column

Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

Gadsden County Extension Column

County seeks funding options for W.S. Stevens project

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Gadsden County secures $4.4 million grant for new EMS facility

Hundreds attend Gadsden County’s annual hurricane prep event