County News

Franklin County plans to apply to the Florida Department of Commerce for a FFY 2025 Small  Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $1,769.250.00 in the Neighborhood Revitalization category. The activities, dollar amounts and estimated percentage benefit to lowand moderate-income persons are as follows:

Activity Name / CDBG Funding / LMI Benefit
Administration / $84,250 / N/A
Engineering /$235,000 / N/A
New Sewer Lines / $267,625 / 54%
New Sewer Hookups / $167,375 / 100%
Fire Hydrants /$ 65,000 / 54%
Ground Storage Tank / $400,000 / 54%
Lift Station /$550,000 / 54%

The County, in partnership with the Eastpoint Water-Sewer District (EWSD) will install approximately 3,500 linear feet of new sewer lines to serve existing homes and allow for future development of workforce housing along State Route 65 in Franklin County. New sewer hookups will be available for 25 newly constructed low- and moderate-income households and up to 40 existing low- and moderate-income households and within the project boundary. Following sewer installation, new fire hydrants will be installed for increase fire protection for new and existing low- and moderate-income households. Activities also include the design and installation of a 30,000-gallon storage tank and a secondary lift station to accept the increase in sewer from the future development of new workforce housing units.

Franklin County does not expect that anyone will be displaced as a result of CDBG-funded activities. If any persons are displaced as a result of the planned activities Franklin County will assist them as described in the County’s anti-displacement and relocation policy, which is available for review at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex located at 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320.

A public hearing to provide citizens an opportunity to comment on the draft application will be held at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex, 34 Forbes Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. during the regularly scheduled Board of County
Commissioners Meeting. For information concerning the public hearing, contact Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager / Grants Coordinator, at (850) 653-5143 or by e-mail at erin@franklincountyflorida.com. A draft copy of the application will also be available for review during normal business hours in the Franklin County Administration Building located at 248 Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328 at noon on April 10, 2026. Persons wanting to submit written comments on the draft application should send them to Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator, by email at erin@franklincountyflorida.com or by mail to 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, Florida 32320 no later than April 22, 2026.

The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing is asked to advise the County at least five days before the hearing by contacting Jessica Gay at 850-653-8861. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).

Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Jessica Gay at 850-653-8861 at least five days prior to the hearing and an interpreter will be provided.

The Franklin County SHIP program is currently undergoing system and processing updates. We are not processing applications at this time. We will issue a public notice once these updates are complete and application processing is reestablished. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your patience as we update and streamline our processes.

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.

MEETING DATE: 4/24/2026
TIME: 9:00 A.M (E.S.T.)
LOCATION: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320

(NOTE) One or More Elected Officials from the same board may be present.

MEMBERSHIP:
The duly appointed Board of Directors are as follows:
1. Franklin County Board of County Commissioners: Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward
2. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Colonel Dwayne Coulter
3. Franklin County School District: Board Member Melonie Inzetta
4. City of Apalachicola: Commissioner Adriane Elliott
5. City of Carrabelle: Mayor Sebrina Brown
6. Eastpoint Water & Sewer: Commissioner Colton Sapp

AGENDA:
9:00 A.M. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Opening PrayerChairwoman Elliot
9:15 A.M. Franklin County Community Development & Land Trust CorporationBill Williams
9:30 A. M. “Upward Communities”-Community Survey & Preliminary Data Metric FindingsJason Roberts, Founder/CEO
9:45 A.M. Upward Communities (Finance Model)- Commercial Bond Rating, Master Lease vs. Debt Assumption and Triple Net Lease? How Does This All Work?
Jason Roberts, Founder CEO-Upward Communities
Fred Springer-Counsel (Miller, Olive, & Bryant)
10:15 A.M. Franklin County BOCC
Team Franklin Board-Action Item-Approve BOCC Bond Rating Request Letter
10:30 A. M. Team Franklin Legal & Negotiation Team Update:
P3 Interim Agreement Overview & Next Steps-Fred Springer, Bryant, Miller, & Olive via zoom
Negotiations Chairperson-George Wilkerson-via zoom
11:00 A.M. Board Member Comments
11:15 A.M. Public Comment & Meeting Adjournment-Chairwoman Elliot

---

MEETING DATE: 2/26/2026

TIME: 9:00 A.M (E.S.T.)

LOCATION: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320

(NOTE) One or More Elected Officials from the same board may be present.

MEMBERSHIP:

The duly appointed Board of Directors are as follows:

1. Franklin County Board of County Commissioners: Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward

2. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Colonel Dwayne Coulter

3. Franklin County School District: Board Member Melonie Inzetta

4. City of Apalachicola: Commissioner Adriane Elliott

5. City of Carrabelle: Mayor Sebrina Brown

6. Eastpoint Water & Sewer: Commissioner Colton Sapp

AGENDA:

9:00 A.M. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Opening Prayer-Chairwoman Elliot

9:15 A.M. Team Franklin Board Member-Communication & Community Messaging- Board Member-Melanie Inzetta

9:30 A. M. “Upward Communities Lead Negotiation Team Legal Update& Member Perspective:

Legal Counsel Update & Next Steps-Fred Springer, Bryant, Miller, & Olive via Zoom

Chair Person-George Wilkerson-

10:30 A.M. “Upward Communities Update-” CEO Jason Roberts via Zoom

11:45 A.M. Public Comment & Meeting Adjournment-Chairwoman Elliot

 

---

The next Team Franklin regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 17th at 5:00 p.m. (ET).  This meeting will be held at the Eastpoint Fire Station located at 24 6th Street in Eastpoint, Florida.  Click on the link below to view the agenda and the Community Stakeholder Workshops schedule.

Team Franklin-Dec17 Board Mtg & Community Workshop

---

MEETING DATE: 11/14/2025

TIME: 9:00A.M (E.S.T.)

LOCATION: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320

(NOTE) One or More Elected Officials from the same board may be present.

 

MEMBERSHIP:

The duly appointed Board of Directors are as follows:

1. Franklin County Board of County Commissioners: Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward

2. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Colonel Dwayne Coulter

3. Franklin County School District: Board Member Melonie Inzetta

4. City of Apalachicola: Commissioner Adriane Elliott

5. City of Carrabelle: Mayor Sebrina Brown

6. Eastpoint Water & Sewer: Commissioner Colton Sapp

 

AGENDA:

 

9:00 A.M. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Opening Prayer-Chairwoman Elliot

9:10 A.M. Introduction & Welcome- Public/Board Member Comment-Bill Williams

9:15 A.M. BOCC Chairman Ricky Jones/Vice Chairman Jessica Varnes Ward –

Economic Development Council -Appointee Introduction & Update

1. Tami Ray-Hutchinson- (City of Apalachicola)

2. Paige Joseph- (City of Carrabelle)

3. Kim Council- (BOCC-At-Large Eastpoint)

Organizational/Structure & Roles Discussion

QTI & Federal Opportunity Zone-BOCC designation update

SHIP Advisory Board-designation update

Apalachee Regional Planning Council-Strategic Plan

9:45 A.M. Unsolicited Proposal Review Committee Update-Bill Williams

1. Review Committee Meeting held 11/6/2025

2. F.S. 255.065 Public Private Partnership-Miller, Olive, & Bryant PA review

3. Team Franklin-Unsolicited RFP Policy

4. Upward Communities Proposal Review

5. Recommended Board Action-Proposal Meets required “Qualifying Project” Status

6. Recommended Board Action-Motion to Accept “Initial Stage” of Negotiations

7. Recommend Board Action-Assign Select Negotiations Team

8. Recommend Board Action-Engage Bryant, Miller, Olive Legal Analysis

9. Recommend Board Action-RPE Motion to Proceed Directly with Unsolicited Bid “Without” seeking additional RFP submittals as outlined in F.S. and begin project delivery and review negotiations.

10:15 A.M. AIRPORT BOARD UPDATE & STRATEGY DISCUSSION

Franklin County-Airport Operations & Economic Development Board-

1. George Wilkerson & Steve Kerchbaum 2.

2. City of Carrabelle-Airport Authority-Bert Bolt

10:30-Team Franklin Community Outreach & Education Workshop/Forums (Dates/Locations) -Roundtable Discussion-Chairwomen Elliot

11:00 A.M. Executive Sub-Committee Updates:

1. Billy Fuentes-Infrastructure

2. David Huges-Academic Excellence

3. William Zester-Hospital & Allied Health

4. Appointment Recommendations & Applicant Appointment-Economic Development

5. Gloria Salinard-Land Use & Development

6. Donnie Maddox-Airport Operations & Economic/Land Development

11:30 A.M. Public Comment & Meeting Adjourned

---

RFP Review Committee for “Team Franklin” tomorrow at 11:00 A.M. tomorrow at 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320

Purpose: To initially review the unsolicited RFP Public-Private (P3) Proposal from Upward Communities including F.S. Statue and Team Franklin Policy determinants.

The review committee members are as follows:

BOCC Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward

Team Franklin Chair-Adriane Elliot (City of Apalachicola)

School Board Member-Melonie Inzetta

BOCC-Erin Griffith

FCSD-Shannon Venable

 

Topic: REVIEW MEETING – TEAM FRANKLIN

Time: Nov 6, 2025 11:00 AM Indiana (East)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7028535326?pwd=aUczUDh0SVNkSDBoQ0orR1dqbVdHQT09&omn=86738983135

View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion

https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=d6744412-74ff-4d04-9e1d-9b386aaea26f

Meeting ID: 702 853 5326

Passcode: FCSMeet

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,7028535326#,,,,*8835167# US

+19292056099,,7028535326#,,,,*8835167# US (New York)

Join instructions

https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/86738983135/invitations?signature=4staxaN7djsdc2oigQt92OXd5COHjBvWC6eDfdfy9ck

---

MEETING DATE: 10/24/2025
TIME: 9:00A.M (E.S.T.)
LOCATION: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320

Please Note: More than one County Commissioner will be in attendance.

MEMBERSHIP:
The duly appointed Board of Directors are as follows:
1. Franklin County Board of County Commissioners: Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward
2. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Colonel Dwayne Coulter
3. Franklin County School District: Board Member Melonie Inzetta
4. City of Apalachicola: Commissioner Adriane Elliott
5. City of Carrabelle: Mayor Sebrina Brown
6. Eastpoint Water & Sewer: Commissioner Colton Sapp

AGENDA:
9:00 A.M. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Opening Prayer-Chairwoman Elliot

9:10 A.M. Introduction & Welcome- Public/Board Member Comment- Bill Williams

9:15 A.M. Franklin County Economic Development Council-EDC-Update
BOCC & EDC Chairman Ricky Jones-
City of Apalachicola Appointee-Tammie Ray Hutchinson
City of Carrabelle Appointee-TBA after city meeting
BOCC Appointee-Unincorporated Area (Eastpoint)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE & BOCC PRIORITY LIST

9:45 A.M. “Upward Communities” Critical Personnel Housing Innovations
Jason Roberts C E O & Bob Brillante
Development & Operations Update-In Person/ ZOOM CALL UPDATE

10:15 A.M. Team Franklin Update: CHAIRMAN ELLIOT
1. Community Outreach & Associate Membership Program-Fundraising
2. Web-Site Development, Social Media Campaign, PIO (look-a-like)
3. Board Member Assignments/Funding
4. Coming FY Vision & Strategic Plan
10:45 A.M Franklin County-Airport Operations & Economic Development Board Update
George Wilkerson-Chair & Steve Kirschenbaum-Manager
Forgotten Coast Freedom-Festival & Airshow

11:00 A.M Steering Committee Action Item & Update
**** Action Item-Establish Carrabelle Airport-Standing Committee-Mayor Sebrina Brown
1. Billy Fuentes-Infrastructure
2. David Hughes-Academic Excellence
3. William Zester-Hospital & Allied Health
4. Appointment Recommendations & Applicant Appointment-Economic Development
5. Gloria Salinard-Land Use & Development
6. Donnie Maddox- Apalachicola Airport Operations & Economic/Land Development

11:30 A.M. Public Comment & Meeting Adjourned

---

*** Notice: More than one Franklin County Board of Commissioners will attend this meeting. ***

 

MEETING DATE: 9/26/2025

TIME: 9:00A.M (E.S.T.)

LOCATION: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320  

MEMBERSHIP:

The duly appointed Board of Directors are as follows:

1. Franklin County Board of County Commissioners: Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward
2. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Colonel Dwayne Coulter
3. Franklin County School District: Board Member Melonie Inzetta
4. City of Apalachicola: Commissioner Adriane Elliott
5. City of Carrabelle: Mayor Sebrina Brown
6. Eastpoint Water & Sewer: Commissioner Colton Sapp

AGENDA:

9:00 A.M.   Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Opening Prayer-Chairwoman Elliot

9:10 A.M.   Introduction & Welcome- Public/Board Member Comment- Bill Williams

9:15 A.M.  Franklin County Economic Development Council-EDC

                   BOCC Chairman Ricky Jones-

                   Caroline Smith-Apalachee Regional Planning Council

                   Bill Williams-Team Franklin

1. Legal Structure Changes & Teaming Agreement
2. Economic Development Council -Member Application Process/Update
3. Vision & Strategic Plan
4. Community Outreach & Associate Membership Program-Fundraising

9:45 A.M.   “Upward Communities” Critical Personnel Housing Innovations

                     Jason Roberts-CEO & Co-Founder & Bob Brillante

10:45 A.M Franklin County-Airport Operations & Economic Development Board Update

                  George Wilkerson-Chair & Steve Kirschenbaum-Manager

                   Apalachicola Airport & Haney Technical College Update

                   Triumph Grant Funding Approval & Community Outreach Next Steps

11:00 A.M Steering Committee Action Item & Update

**** Action Item-Establish Carrabelle Airport-Standing Committee-Mayor Sebrina Brown

1. Billy Fuentes-Infrastructure
2. David Hughes-Academic Excellence
3. William Zester-Hospital & Allied Health
4. Appointment Recommendations & Applicant Appointment-Economic Development
5. Gloria Salinard-Land Use & Development
6. Donnie Maddox- Apalachicola Airport Operations & Economic/Land Development

11:30 A.M. Public Comment & Meeting Adjourned

---

Meeting Date: August 15, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. (ET)

Location: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Road, Eastpoint, Fl. 32320

Notice: Two or more County Commissioners and Airport Operations Economic Development Board members may attend this meeting.

Team Franklin-agenda 8-15

---

Team Franklin next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 20th at 9:00 a.m. (ET) in the Franklin County School District Board meeting room located at 85 School Road, Eastpoint, Fl. 32328.

Team Franklin Agenda 6-20-25

---

Team Franklin’s next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. (ET).  This meeting will be held at the Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Road, Eastpoint, Florida 32320.

Below is a copy of the notice and agenda.

Team-Franklin-5-28-25 agenda

---

MEETING DATE: 4/25/2025

TIME: 9:00A.M

LOCATION: Franklin County School District Office, 85 School Rd., Eastpoint Fl. 32320  

MEMBERSHIP:

The duly appointed Board of Directors are as follows:

1. Franklin County Board of County Commissioners: Commissioner Jessica Varnes Ward
2. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Colonel Dwayne Coulter
3. Franklin County School District: Board Member Melonie Inzetta
4. City of Apalachicola: Commissioner Adriane Elliott
5. City of Carrabelle: Mayor Sebrina Brown
6. Eastpoint Water & Sewer: Commissioner Colton Sapp

AGENDA:

9:00 A.M.   Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance & Opening Prayer-Chairwoman Elliot

9:10 A.M.   Introduction & Welcome- Public/Board Member Comment- Bill Williams

9:15 A.M.   Florida Department of Commerce-Jason Mahon-                                                                   Deputy Secretary of Economic Development & Chief Manufacturing Officer

1. Agency Mission & Collaborative Partnerships
2. Economic & Workforce Development Resources
3. Rural Business & Community-Strategy Recommendations
4. Specific Stakeholder Funding Tools- Business Incentive & Entrepreneurs
5. Board Member Q&A

10:00 A.M.   Apalachee Regional Planning Council-Chris Rietow

                     Executive Director

1. Agency Mission & Collaborative Partnerships
2. Community Planning- Transportation, Growth Management, Economic & Environmental, Housing & Community Development
3. Specific Stakeholder Funding Tools
4. Board Member Q & A

10:45 Legislative Update: Bill Williams

1. Economic Development Council-Designation
2. Federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 (QOF)-Update
3. SB 110-Simon- Rural Renaissance Bill
4. SB 184-Gaetz-Affordable Housing

11:00 A.M. Sub-Committee (Work Groups) Update

1. Billy Fuentes-Infrastructure
2. David Huges-Academic Excellence
3. William Zester-Hospital & Allied Health
4. Lynn Martina-Economic Development
5. Gloria Salinard-Land Use & Development
6. Donnie Maddox-Airport Operations & Economic/Land Development

11:30 A.M. Meeting Adjourned

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

=====================================================================================================

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.