Regular Council Meeting

The council approved the Bay View Planned Development Plan for a 27.75-acre parcel at the interior curve of Bay Loop near Red Barn Road, allowing a mix of residential units and a proposed 4,000-square-foot restaurant. The project includes a public park with trails, dog walk area, and public restroom. Approval included conditions directing staff to review stormwater and traffic impacts during technical review, ensure pedestrian safety is paramount, require applicant to hold a community meeting on buffering on the north boundary, and review the buffer for planning consistency. Variances were approved for reduced setbacks and increased impervious surface coverage (70% versus code-allowed 30-40%) to preserve the existing pond as a stormwater amenity and public benefit.

Where: 27.75-acre parcel, interior curve of Bay Loop, southwest side near Red Barn Road

Part of project: Bay View PDP

The council denied the annexation request for the Dantin-Bruce property (an inverted 'L' shaped parcel backing up to Hammock Bay, off Highway 83A, one parcel in from Bay Loop). The denial was consistent with council's past policy of not approving annexations that would create enclaves or require cutting off small slivers of property. The attorney noted that while the proposed annexation was technically compliant with state statute, the council has historically opposed this method. The applicant would need to secure surrounding parcels to the east to make annexation feasible without creating an enclave.

Where: Off Highway 83A, one parcel in from Bay Loop, backing up to Hammock Bay area

Part of project: Dantin-Bruce Annexation

The council approved the scope of services from Anchor CEI for a required comprehensive plan update. The update must be completed and sent to Florida Commerce by March 1, 2027, and will include updated data analysis for infrastructure including water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, parks and recreation. Funding will come from the Planning and Zoning budget's outside labor and services line item.

• $76,570.00 · Scope of services cost for comprehensive plan update from Anchor CEI

Budget amendment for lighting phase 2 was approved on the consent agenda.

The council approved Option 2 for the Marquis Way West Bridge design, which is a precast bridge with pedestrian facilities. This option was chosen over other alternatives (cast-in-place or precast without pedestrian facilities) to balance cost and durability while providing safe pedestrian access for the many bikers and walkers in the area.

• $8 million to $9 million · Base cost for bridge construction
• $1.5 million to $2.5 million · Additional cost to add pedestrian facilities to the bridge

Where: Marquis Way West

The council approved the scope of services from Anchor CEI for development of a Freeport Multimodal Master Plan (Pedestrian Master Plan). The project will include existing and planned multimodal paths, sidewalks and crosswalks, intersection improvements, lighting improvements, and bicycle facilities at the park. Funding will come from a Safe Routes for All grant ($168,000) plus city funds from the Streets line item ($38,180), totaling $206,180.

• $168,000.00 · Safe Routes for All grant
• $38,180.00 · City funds from Streets line item
• $206,180.00 · Total scope of services cost for Pedestrian Master Plan

The council approved electrical repairs to the lift station at Freeport Elementary School. The breakers are smaller than needed and trip, leaving the lift station without power. The estimated cost is $21,204.56.

• $21,204.56 · Estimated cost for electrical repairs to lift station at Freeport Elementary School

Where: Freeport Elementary School

The council approved the Bomber's Baseball Tournament to be held at the Sports Complex on August 1st and 2nd, using fields 1-4.

The consent agenda including bills and the May 28, 2026 meeting minutes was approved on the consent agenda.

Mayor Barley presented the Employee of the Month Award to Tori Wynn for dedication, passion, and hard work to the residents of the City of Freeport.