Regular Council Meeting

The council approved the proposed dates for the First and Final Budget Hearings on September 2 and September 15, both at 5:01 PM.

The council approved moving forward with the design and bidding process for the Freeport Regional Sports Complex Winners Circle Sidewalk Extension, with North Florida Professional Services to conduct the work at an hourly rate and a preliminary bid submittal of $4,049.76 for the bid package, details, and specifications.

• $4,049.76 · preliminary bid submittal for bid package and construction details and specifications

Where: Freeport Regional Sports Complex

Councilwoman Brannon reported that the engineering firm Alday Howell will present on August 11 regarding turning lanes on Highway 20 to alleviate traffic congestion. The estimated cost is $750,000 per turning lane. Discussion of the proposal will occur at the August 31 budget workshop.

• $750,000 · estimated cost per turning lane on Highway 20

Where: Highway 20

The council approved placing a Narcan rescue box at the Four-Mile Boat Ramp as part of a county grant program, with the Sheriff's Office responsible for maintenance. The council also authorized staff to investigate the grant to potentially place additional boxes elsewhere in the city.

Where: Four-Mile Boat Ramp

The council approved the consent agenda including bills, meeting minutes from July 14, 2026, and expenditure and revenue reports through June 2026.

The council approved renewal of the contract with Liberty Partners for legislative services. The firm reported on the 2025-2026 legislative session, including three special sessions, bills passed and vetoed, and notably that the City of Freeport received appropriations of $1 million for Marquis Way and $500,000 for the 3280 Water Storage Tank and Well Project.

• $1 Million · appropriation for Marquis Way
• $500,000 · appropriation for 3280 Water Storage Tank and Well Project
• $117.6 Billion · State budget for the year

Where: Marquis Way; 3280 Water Storage Tank and Well Project

The council approved funding for Mayor Barley to attend the Opportunity Florida Conference in Ocala, including registration and hotel costs.

• $475.00 · registration for Opportunity Florida Conference
• $675.00 · hotel for Opportunity Florida Conference
• $1,150.00 · total for Opportunity Florida Conference registration and hotel stay

Where: Ocala

Councilwoman Hurst requested that Planning staff develop proposals to revamp the city entrance signs, which have been in place for nearly a decade, are poorly illuminated, and are difficult to see. The Planning Director proposed designs with stronger presence using materials like riverrock and stone, backlighting, and anchoring elements. The council also requested that staff consider revamping other park and pool signs for continuity.

Councilwoman Haffner raised concerns about e-bike safety on city streets and sidewalks. City Attorney Adkinson agreed to circulate documentation of a county workshop and engineering recommendations on e-bikes that were developed with the Sheriff's Office, including initial proposals to restrict e-bikes from sidewalks. The attorney will send council members the materials and bring recommendations to the next board meeting.