Exciting News!

Please be advised that the DW Wilson Complex will be undergoing a lighting upgrade project to improve safety and functionality for the community.

Facility Closure Dates:

📅 January 26, 2026 – March 15, 2026

(Dates are subject to change if delays occur.)

During this time, the complex will be unavailable for public use.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements. This upgrade will enhance the experience for all users once the complex reopens.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Fonda Davis, Sr.

Director of Parks and Recreation.

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for Franklin County’s Island View Park parking area repair due to damages from Hurricane Michael (DR-4399-FL PW 01268 PN 81073).  Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and 44 CFR Part 9.12, final notice is hereby given of FEMA’s intent to provide funding for this project under the Public Assistance (PA) Program.

An initial disaster-wide Public Notice was published October 30, 2018, for Hurricane Michael.  Comments and other information received were fully evaluated by FEMA along with evaluation of social, economic, environmental, and safety considerations. This notice serves as a project-specific final notice for FEMA’s funding action located within the floodplain.

Funding for the project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and conditions. This action complies with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.

Responsible Entity:                       FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program

Applicant:                                              Franklin County

Project Title(s):                                   PA-04-FL-4399-PW-01268 [81073]; Island View Park E of Carrabelle

Location of Proposed Work:   GPS: (29.85360, -84.65387)

Floodplain:                                            Project is located in the VE Zone, otherwise known as the Coastal High Hazard Area, per Franklin County FIRM Panel # 112037C0435G dated 10/10/2024.

Proposed Work and Purpose: This project was previously posted for public comment on 05/13/2020. Franklin County repaired the East and West piers, miscellaneous systems, and parking area, including hazard mitigation measures to the piers and sidewalks. It has since been amended to capture the Scope of Work as it was performed, which entailed upgrading the parking area with asphalt as an improved project. This Final Public Notice has been updated to include the parking area improvements captured in the amended project.

The applicant removed damaged concrete pavers and resurfaced the 7,291 sq. ft. parking area with asphalt as an improved project. The mitigation measures utilized in pier repairs and the resurfaced parking area promote the parks intended purpose providing recreational and beneficial value to the community.

Project Alternatives:                     The no action alternative has been considered.  This alternative is not practicable due to the social, economic, and recreational resources the community would lose by abandoning the park. Alternate locations were not considered as the piers, and associated facilities are functionally dependent upon their locations within the costal floodplain.

Comments:                                           This will serve as the final public notice regarding the above-described action funded by the FEMA PA program.  Interested persons may submit comments, questions, or request a map of this specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 4, 3005 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341 or by emailing FEMA-R4EHP-FLORIDA@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing with the subject line FL-4399-PW-01268, Franklin County at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

Update: September 29, 2025

Big Bend Transit (BBT) is pleased to share that registered passengers in Franklin County ride free on our local services.
In addition, we are offering the following free regional trips:

• Tuesdays: Walmart shopping trips in Crawfordville
• Thursdays:  Trips to Tallahassee

To help connect eligible residents, please share our Passenger Applications, Ride Brochures, and Rider Guides with potential passengers through your offices, partner agencies, and other community locations.

How to Register
Residents who have not yet registered can contact our office to obtain an application or access materials online. Paper copies are available upon request.

Materials for Distribution (attached/available upon request):

• Passenger Application
• Ride Brochure
• Rider Guide

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in improving mobility for Franklin County. If you require bulk copies or have questions about scheduling, eligibility, or coordination, please don’t hesitate to let us know—BBT is ready to assist.

Big Bend Transit, Inc.

P.O. Box 1721

Tallahassee,  FL  32302

850-574-6266 Ext. 101

850-574-1531 Fax

smitchell@bigbendtransit.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Transportation Now Available in Gulf and Franklin Counties
Big Bend Transit Offers Rides for Medical, Work, School, Shopping, and More – Apply Today!

GULF & FRANKLIN COUNTIES, FL – Big Bend Transit (BBT) is excited to announce the launch of free weekday transportation for eligible residents in Gulf and Franklin Counties through Florida’s Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Program.

This program offers free rides Monday through Friday to help residents get to:

• Doctor appointments
• Jobs and interviews
• School or training programs
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and more

Services are available at no cost once your TD application is approved. Residents may qualify for this free transportation service if they are:

• Age 60 or older
• Have a low income (based on federal poverty guidelines)
• Have a disability or health condition preventing you from driving
• Do not own or have access to a vehicle
• Cannot afford to travel by other means

“This program is for people who need transportation help but don’t have it,” said Shawn Mitchell, General Manager of Big Bend Transit. “We want seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities to know that reliable, free transportation is now available — and we’ll help you apply.”

To get started, call your county’s transit line to request an application. A staff member will guide you through the eligibility process, help you fill out your paperwork, and schedule your rides once approved.

• Gulf County: (850) 229-6550
• Franklin County: (850) 229-6550

Big Bend Transit is hiring drivers and dispatchers in both counties. If you’re community minded and looking for meaningful work, apply today and become part of a mission that matters.

In addition, Big Bend Transit has been a valuable partner for the RideOn program by offering both transit solutions and extended coverage for the Emergency Ride Home (ERH) service available in the areas they serve. To qualify for the ERH, sign up and begin logging your commute trips here: www.rideontogether.org.

Franklin County is aware of scam emails being sent out requesting payment for Planning and Zoning permits. The scammer appears to be gaining the information from the P&Z Agendas and includes accurate information that was obtained from the Franklin County application. The email looks official and is asking for payment to be made via wire transfer. Franklin County will NEVER require you to wire your permit payment.

Also, please note that all correspondence from the Franklin County Planning and Zoning department will come from zoning@franklincountyflorida.gov or permits@franklincountyflorida.gov.

If you have received an email pertaining to your pending application that looks suspicious or if you have any questions, please call the Planning and Zoning office at 850-653-9783.

NEW ANNOUCEMENT: