County Commission

Update presented. Planning and Engineering staff reviewed the transportation concurrency analysis and fee calculations. No discrepancies were found during the review. The Circuit Court previously upheld the project's review and approval.

Commissioner Curry introduced Chris Kulesa, who requested authorization to reinstall a fence on his property within the Bay Shoreline Protection Zone. Administrator Kellenberger recommended temporarily suspending enforcement of Bay Shoreline Protection Zone provisions while staff prepares a proposed text amendment, to be presented to the Planning Commission and returned to the Board within 60 days.

Continued to the August 25, 2026 Regular Meeting at the request of the applicant.

Where: 04-3S-20-34080-000-0050; 324 Golf Club Drive

Tabled pending further review. Staff is proposing substantive text amendments to Chapters One, Two, Five, Six, Seven, and Nine of the Walton County Land Development Code related to code compliance issues, recent statutory changes, and interpretation and implementation of the Code. Changes will affect standards including access management, Conditional Use review, definitions, submittal requirements, and Certificate of Land Use requirements. Attorney Adkinson advised caution regarding changes that could conflict with Senate Bill 180 and stated he would meet with Director Schoen to review proposed changes prior to the First Reading.

Approved on the consent agenda. The list totaled $16,253,826.62 across multiple funds including General Fund, Public Works, Building Department, SHIP, mosquito control, fine and forfeiture, housing, tourism, solid waste, recreation, capital projects, and health insurance.

• $2,388,261.64 · General Fund
• $1,584,051.52 · Public Works
• $5,571.35 · Building Department
• $50,948.00 · SHIP
• $1,582.54 · N.W. Mosquito Control
• $180.00 · Mosquito Control State
• $8,168,815.44 · Fine & Forfeiture
• $755.53 · Section 8 Housing/HUD
• $445,904.95 · Tourist Dev. Council
• $1,127,613.55 · Solid Waste Enterprise
• $8,613.49 · Recreation Plat Fee
• $623,615.80 · Capital Projects Fund
• $1,847,912.81 · Self-Insured Health Insurance
• $16,253,826.62 · Total expenditure approval

Approved on the consent agenda.

• $4,288.95 · Q-Flow Renewal Agreement for Building Department sign in software

Approved on the consent agenda.

• $9,401.20 · Replacement icemaker for Beach Operations

Commissioner Curry requested staff ensure ordinance language is drafted to allow the County to collect mobility fees when restrictions under Senate Bill 180 have expired. Attorney Adkinson advised that SB 180 restrictions remain in effect until October 1, 2027, and an ordinance is already in place but the mobility fee amount has not been revised. Schoen is preparing a Request for Proposals to update recreation plat fees, which may also include updating mobility fees in the future.

Approved on the consent agenda. The change order with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors, LLC decreases the contract amount and increases the contract time.

• $26,188.21 · Decrease in CR 393 Stormwater Improvement project contract amount

Approved on the consent agenda. Resolution supports the State of Florida Department of Transportation temporary road closure for bridge replacement of Oak Grove Road over Chestnut Bridge as part of Project No. 449075-1-52-01.

Accepted.

Approved on the consent agenda. The change order with Gage Golden Construction, LLC d/b/a BGN Contractors increases the contract completion date by 62 calendar days.

Approved. The amendment authorizes improvements including reworking of the infield, grass maintenance, replacement of bases, gate and fencing repairs, and installation of a portable pitching mound.

• $7,500 · Estimated cost of ballfield improvements at Mossy Head Community Center

Approved. The board allocated funds from District Four recreational plat fees for a splash pad at Paradise Park.

• $350,000.00 · District Four Recreational Plat Fees allocation for Splash Pad at Paradise Park

Approved on the consent agenda.

Approved on the consent agenda as part of HUD requirements.

Approved on the consent agenda to end the agreement with CivicPlus for agenda meetings and management services.

Approved on the consent agenda to receive sponsorship from FP&L for Emergency Management's HERricane 2026 event.

Approved on the consent agenda regarding Short-Term Vacation Rental fire inspectors.

Continued to the August 11, 2026 Regular Meeting at Chair Drake's request to allow additional time for consideration.

Continued to the August 11, 2026 Regular Meeting.

All bids received in response to Invitation to Bid 2026-18 for the Mossy Head Health Department Modular Clinic were rejected, and the board directed staff to proceed with site development.

Motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Curry moved to approve an updated assessment of the building for recreational use, and Thornton advised he had met with the DeFuniak Springs City Manager who had no objection. However, Commissioner Johns withdrew her second after Chair Drake questioned whether the building was suitable for county use and acquisition should be a priority.

Adopted. Commissioner Glidewell was absent during the vote but confirmed his affirmative vote upon returning to the meeting.

Accepted. Director Stephen Schoen presented the update.

Approved. The closing date was extended to on or before August 28, 2026, subject to verification of legal description by survey and underwriting approval.

Public hearing was opened and closed. County Attorney Adkinson presented the revised ordinance following the Governor's veto of state micromobility statute amendments. Based on Board direction regarding minimum age, helmet requirements for children, and enforcement, staff will further revise the proposed ordinance, readvertise the public hearing, and bring the request back for consideration at a future meeting. Staff will seek additional guidance from the Sheriff's Office and contact Bay County regarding their adopted E-bike ordinance.

Commissioner Curry discussed concerns regarding storage of beach vending equipment during approaching storms when a state of emergency has not been declared. Administrator Kellenberger advised that Emergency Management, the Sheriff's Office, and South Walton Fire District have procedures in place to collaboratively evaluate storm conditions. He recommended that Beach Code Compliance staff address storm preparation and equipment storage through public workshops and noted that FDEP regulates storage within dune areas.

Attorney Adkinson stated staff has consulted with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is preparing a proposed ordinance to regulate and restrict Class I landfills to the extent permitted by law. SB 180 restrictions remain in effect through October 1, 2027, limiting the county's ability to prohibit landfills in areas where such facilities are not currently prohibited.

Joe Mistachio addressed the Board regarding a proposed conservation easement for Eastern Lake prepared by the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust. Attorney Adkinson advised that the property could no longer qualify as a beach park facility depending on easement language, potentially requiring repayment of Tourist Development Tax funds. Administrator Kellenberger requested that easement documents be provided to staff for review and that meetings be scheduled with each Board member.

Commissioner Johns discussed Design Review Board vacancies, use of alternate members, and meeting location changes. The Board directed staff to work with Director Schoen to evaluate potential changes and provide recommendations. The Board approved relocating Design Review Board meetings to the South Walton Annex Boardroom.