[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6307275,"mediaKeyId","2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870","parentId",2433508,"title","Residents debate Black History month displays and library rebuild during public comment; mayor cites federal resolution","audioSeconds",1167,"startMs",110000,"endMs",1277000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870&start=110&end=1277","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870/thumbnail_110000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307275/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Residents-debate-Black-History-month-displays-and-library-rebuild-during-public-comment-mayor-cites-federal-resolution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307275-bc24d8c3eeb0c1bfe710af948963c2bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195713&Signature=NNMjOHf6wlGh5Hl~RO4IN7gjuqNukmv-30LcjA~aVayN7aDna3cym9sBhQrzivqjX2tXqvjYsvQ5akwQWD95n43Oi6J8kijA8IKWRwuqwmfsBIfGhRavffsTQBD~h6fYOnBG4VOpuUYrYXLkzseeunD5kP82m~gtajzR~lMNfRAd0I9ngTGo6VzaUVwUg4q09-Gs7P9vSdgM2UKf7IosTVdmKAnXvwWrGtzeLfUg7xtTlGGuoaXLCSG2EQGWNAMgtDPTjFjq1dnksA00TMaJFINWivEVMddrXLNUPE03rk0Tuhsp2MgTCC7SA1L6RH3eN5O09D8ftyN0abIHpKOirg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lynn Haven, FL","date","2025-02-26T12:41:43Z","article","Public comment at the Lynn Haven City Commission meeting included a citizen complaint alleging the city’s Black History Month displays and funding decisions constituted race-based favoritism, while other commenters and the mayor rejected that characterization and defended the month’s observance.

Why it matters: Public comments put a spotlight on the city’s nondiscrimination policy and on how the city uses public property for temporary displays. The issue drew a mayoral response that cited federal recognition of Black History Month and clarified the record.

William Platt, introduced as a Lynn Haven resident, told the commission he had raised a complaint with City Manager Vicky Gaynor about posters showing only Black people on city property and invoked the city’s Title 6 nondiscrimination language. Platt asked the commission to \"remove the offending material immediately,\" to discipline the city manager, to investigate whether the mayor was aware and to adopt a resolution that mirrors the Title 6 nondiscrimination language. He said the city’s actions \"are in direct opposition to Lynn Haven nondiscrimination policy as expressed in title 6 document, 12/2015.\"

Council members and other residents responded. George Hines, a long-time Lynn Haven resident, said Black History Month observances were lasting and that the recent Martin Luther King Festival had been presented by community organizers. Michelle Marie Carter urged the commission to pursue state grant options to rebuild the library as a stand-alone facility and noted she had identified a Florida Department of State Public Library Construction grant cycle to watch for future opportunities.

Mayor Mary Nelson corrected one factual point raised during public comment: she noted that Congress passed a joint resolution designating February as National Black (Afro-American) History Month and cited Public Law 99-244 (1986) while saying, \"I'm sorry you feel the way that you do, but your facts are out of order.\" The mayor encouraged continued dialogue and reflected that presidential proclamations have been issued recognizing the observance.

Ending: The commission took no formal punitive action and did not remove displays during the meeting. Staff will retain records of the complaint and the mayor’s office provided historical context about federal recognition of Black History Month. A resident’s suggestion to pursue state library-construction grants was noted for staff follow-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2/25 City of Lynn Haven Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters raised concerns that city-sponsored Black History Month displays violated the city's nondiscrimination policy; supporters and the mayor responded. A resident urged the city to pursue state grant funding for a rebuilt historic library.","taxTitle","Lynn Haven, Bay County, Florida","taxId",52331,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307279,"Commission continues review of accessory-structure and RV rules; staff to refine portable-storage language",50,2090000,2140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870&start=2090&end=2140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870/thumbnail_2090000.jpg","/articles/6307279/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-continues-review-of-accessory-structure-and-RV-rules-staff-to-refine-portable-storage-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307279-10ae56bc992e8090318010934c9d78f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195713&Signature=eQa-YJVW3HruOk6QCtBe9Bva6Pm5rE1cVzlp8vT~NERb-mrjlPd9Vj---fOMt7MOCeub8uTjYUHTkPworVg3IBiwe5-gsE5x6FS7jTtGpNOLT-U7dpUkpSu6wJGwWG-gPbdPiTpK1M0qBFgYWQqAoWrls-TjsfeGJ1rDrQFN4Lnsrw~VpZTyr6B5c0i1mJwcNKJPI01kgZsqTMhT93~IDt9JweasXrGuHymNtHIUThvQk2QWn~jiuWLma1oVyBCBFnywaBns-WRZ-T-lSsKpq8iT0Vfv9SMRUCNTHjnRIF1VWZS4Os7gRYKmXaUnr5sFQp3Alin4hrPtKbihYwWVMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lynn Haven City Commission held a discussion-only review of proposed revisions to Chapter 46 (accessory structures) and related RV rules, with commissioners emphasizing clearer definitions and limited, specific time allowances for portable storage units.

Why it matters: Accessory-structure and RV regulations affect property owners’ ability to use portable storage units, park recreational vehicles, and place temporary structures on private property. Commissioners said clearer definitions and objective time limits will reduce inconsistent enforcement.

Commissioners asked staff to add an explicit definition for portable-storage units and to include a specific allowable timeframe for those units (the packet referenced a 7- or 10-day window in prior drafts). Commissioner Vandergriff said she was “a big fan of describing what a portable storage unit is” and supported a carve-out so residents who cannot place a container in a backyard still have reasonable time to use a unit. Commissioner Ward said community feedback shows many residents want the RV rules to be less stringent, not more. Staff will continue to refine the ordinance language and return it for further discussion and eventual vote.

Ending: Staff will bring a revised draft with precise definitions and recommended timeframes for portable storage and clearer RV provisions to a future meeting.","The commission continued discussion of proposed changes to accessory-structure rules and RV provisions. Commissioners asked staff to clarify portable-storage/temporary unit allowances and to keep working on RV regulation language.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307283,"Commission delays Planning Commission appointment; requests interviews and process documentation",736,2708000,3444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870&start=2708&end=3444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870/thumbnail_2708000.jpg","/articles/6307283/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-delays-Planning-Commission-appointment-requests-interviews-and-process-documentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307283-4ae65a1773c47520ba5d2bf907e91f45/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195713&Signature=TH9HInRLXpUjKsU6GWwPk2YuL7xXYpw5cZ8L3g-noKaNpIdUJjVKFBt~W-jlff19WpgnJ8TxKr9BhSZjGaVfM4hWRQfkfdkKeoT4XQ3x3QF8bbE04s9yDUU83B24A-t1V8YzV7kmq3FFVWvVU3LUPaGpU3iXvqAwcIxdaG0v6IPDTkNJ-s-yy0JSGFkfjJJIV6xWFiUz5jfCe0QUcIV-JvrIUt2ExJphKWGgXXF0c5SUX7aHykkIAMtBXQCPOWJq6jEn4GRmJCioMbAmHwFz1JkwM868WgS5Y0OEgc6220Z2XY0pObCdawRrTPVY7so5n6rYL12ylTtdguV0tKg47g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lynn Haven City Commission on a unanimous vote postponed appointing a new member to the Planning Commission to the next regular meeting, citing the presence of multiple applicants and a desire for commissioners to interview each candidate.

Why it matters: The Planning Commission reviews land-use and development matters that affect future projects in Lynn Haven. Commissioners said they want a clear, documented process for filling volunteer board seats and to ensure fair consideration of both in-board applicants and outside applicants.

Commissioner Ward moved to table the item until the next meeting; Commissioner Purnell seconded and the motion passed 5-0. Commissioners said two applicants are current members of the Board of Adjustment and one applicant is not on any board; staff explained the typical routing process used when citizens request placement on the Planning Commission (applicants often serve on the Board of Adjustment or other boards in sequence). Several commissioners asked the city clerk to prepare a written description of the application/queueing process for future appointments.

Public commenters supported interviewing both applicants before a vote. One commenter noted that promoting a Board of Adjustment member to the Planning Commission will create a vacancy on the Adjustment board that must be filled. Commissioners agreed to return the item with applicant materials and scheduled interview times at the next meeting.","Faced with three applicants for a Planning Commission opening, the Lynn Haven City Commission voted to table an appointment and asked staff to document the board-appointment process and schedule interviews.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307289,"Commission approves turn-lane and utility contracts; tables Planning Commission appointment",356,2007000,2363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870&start=2007&end=2363","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433508-1f69387cee45a799e623b41a6cdd3870/thumbnail_2007000.jpg","/articles/6307289/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-turn-lane-and-utility-contracts-tables-Planning-Commission-appointment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307289-464b927127e4d220fe2bd9c7dd12ee37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195713&Signature=SP4220Ildlt-IIxSeuTtu3RqdqbogIksK1INM3T0FnHeaVIuXp~ly12HzUJbeGqaIVxm~ZZZEzBblK-EEcVtoHYgd1QF5MEcN807oAeV-9O7RXb4bP8ZWaPqvOeYNtOc6kZE562vUOQ1FCbbZ1Fn8HL0uWbrAu-B4s6ZuB4gixACfI5nm9TWjtZSgu7tmH~ZzsQD09Gxg-HxrL6s6LN0uZAXC9W4kLNwjG5RED-JcnB7KcrmTAX8kRmZNa-t65F9FJmW7i5p3WQ89RbvnD2cLXQsBuGQuLX96zUZbLcz8EVcm9Y51sN-RFvYGbWjcwQGA65ruLTwMVpqJ6Wy59lHEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lynn Haven City Commission on a unanimous vote awarded a $36,673.10 contract for turn-lane work at Ninth Street and U.S. 77, approved a $164,400 low bid (including a $29,500 shaft option) to rehab Well 5, and authorized an emergency purchase of a wastewater decanter assembly for $46,654. The commission also voted to table appointing a candidate to the Planning Commission until the next meeting so commissioners can interview multiple applicants.

Why it matters: The contracts and emergency purchase affect public safety and water services and will be funded from existing budgets, while the tabling of the Planning Commission appointment postpones filling a citizen-volunteer seat on a board that reviews development matters.

The commission voted 5-0 to award the Ninth Street turn-lane installation to Emerald Coast Construction, the apparent low bidder for striping and pavement work. Public comment raised a separate question about signal timing; staff said Bay County (not FDOT) controls the traffic signals and will coordinate adjustments after striping is installed.

For the city’s drinking-water system, staff reported Well 5 is due for its routine rehab cycle. Two bids were received; the low bid of $164,400 from AC Schultz of Florida (doing business as Roe Drilling) includes an optional $29,500 shaft replacement if crews discover additional wear when the well is pulled. Commissioners approved the award 5-0.

The commission also approved an emergency procurement to replace a failing floating decanter (the tank-level discharge device) at the wastewater treatment plant. Staff described the unit as original to 1996, exposed to sun and weather, and reported the full replacement (float, motor and weir assembly) costs $46,654 and includes vendor installation; lead time was given at about 20–24 weeks. The emergency purchase passed 5-0.

On the Planning Commission appointment (agenda item moved from the consent agenda), Commissioner Ward moved to table the appointment until the next regular meeting so commissioners could interview two applicants; Commissioner Purnell seconded. The motion to table passed 5-0.

Ending note: Commissioners said the awarded projects are within budgeted amounts and that staff will follow up with the county on signal timing after the turn-lane striping is completed. The Planning Commission vacancy will return to the commission agenda at the next meeting for appointment action.","The Lynn Haven City Commission approved three procurement items — turn-lane striping, Well 5 rehabilitation and an emergency wastewater float replacement — and voted to table a Planning Commission appointment until the next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents debate Black History month displays and library rebuild during public comment; mayor cites federal resolution

Commission continues review of accessory-structure and RV rules; staff to refine portable-storage language

Commission delays Planning Commission appointment; requests interviews and process documentation

Commission approves turn-lane and utility contracts; tables Planning Commission appointment