[{"_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",6547692,"mediaKeyId","3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3","parentId",3413708,"title","Bay County adopts updates to beach safety code, adds rules for weddings and bonfires","audioSeconds",852,"startMs",1667000,"endMs",2519000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3&start=1667&end=2519","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3/thumbnail_1667000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6547692/Bay-County/Florida/Bay-County-adopts-updates-to-beach-safety-code-adds-rules-for-weddings-and-bonfires","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547692-a19351a5aef5fd2184b5f870ed1c709f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182919&Signature=CP5XUSbIJNg3~3m8gPrBdg0mrFf~NSdb7qDbLZB37Bx25PgDfIfYKq3BL1CCzHmeoIIjVH97he1nKlkK-4u-yK3-fCef8qBOHGgg9eWgmeDELR2nUi3y~OiV9V9qJus4OL3hYziFa2d3lov6Q45Mpi7x~AdTdp-qRKIxGwMmJrwcfIh49AY7IA45Z~X6DuMYt~W7S~CTmG6tBErTMOJXeb1A9tUKgtNHMuLX15Hs29EypYyF7kZUSJlhup2uCG4B4ownz5DvpuCUsDBn5i~u3F4Vazic9yQLJVGnbnMFYU7lHNOsje3~cVJbNDYAqDRMvmGfqXKJOQfgTp4EbpHZ9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bay County","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 adopted amendments to Chapter 5 (Boats, Beaches and Water Safety) of the Bay County Code of Ordinances that add specific rules for beach wedding events and beach bonfires, establish a centralized administrative appeals section, and make multiple clarifying edits.

The action was presented by the County Attorney and approved by unanimous roll call. The ordinance package removes specific fee amounts from the chapter (so fines and fees can be updated in a separate schedule), adds a new administrative appeals section (proposed section 1-11) that the board can reference across chapters, and adds a set of new subsections to 5-88 addressing weddings and bonfires.

Why it matters: The changes codify practices already occurring on Bay County beaches and set clearer expectations for organizers, vendors and emergency responders. They define what constitutes a beach wedding event, distinguish smaller gatherings from larger events that require a special-event permit, set time windows for bonfires, and spell out reporting steps if sea turtle hatchlings are discovered.

Key provisions and discussion
- Weddings: The ordinance differentiates smaller wedding ceremonies (fewer than 40 attendees) from larger events. Larger beach weddings must comply with Article 7 of the chapter and follow the county’s special-events permitting process; gatherings under 40 are subject to the new subsection’s requirements but generally do not require the Article 7 special-event permit. The County Attorney said the provision limits a beach wedding to a marriage ceremony only and “doesn’t involve any post ceremony reception, celebrations, or other events.”

- Bonfires: The new subsection makes it unlawful to ignite or maintain a bonfire on the sand beach area except in compliance with the Florida Fire Protection Code and after obtaining the required permit. The ordinance sets a time window for bonfires between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m., requires that the person who ignites the bonfire remain on site to tend it, and specifies allowable fuel/materials and distances from marked sea turtle nests. The County Attorney noted the county will require permit records so staff can verify authorized bonfires and alert emergency services when appropriate.

- Vehicle access, vendors and turtles: The code does not change existing vehicle access times for work vehicles on the beach (driving permitted sunrise–10 a.m. and 4 p.m.–sunset). The County Attorney said the ordinance does not require vendors to remove their chairs or equipment for a wedding; existing vendor operations remain a separate regulatory matter. If a hatchling or turtle nest is discovered, permit holders must call Bay County Emergency Services so the county can notify the appropriate wildlife responders.

- Appeals and fees: The package creates an appeals process in chapter 1 (section 1-11) so future permit or enforcement appeals in different chapters can reference a single procedure. The ordinance also removes fixed dollar amounts from the chapter and moves them to the county’s fee schedule.

What commissioners asked: Commissioners asked whether the rules align with Panama City Beach’s regulations, whether vendors must move equipment for ceremonies, and how the county will educate permit holders about marked sea turtle nests. The County Attorney said many substantive provisions are similar to Panama City Beach rules but that Bay County’s approach is somewhat less restrictive (the city requires a list of approved vendors for bonfires). Staff agreed to work on permit materials that describe turtle-nest markings and who to call.

Outcome: The board voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance changes. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Crosby, Commissioner Raffield, Commissioner Peace and Chairman Moore.

Ending: County staff said the updates are intended to clarify and codify practices already occurring on county beaches and that permitting materials and informational language (for turtle nests and bonfire safety) will be prepared to accompany the new rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bay County - Board of County Commissioners - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 adopted amendments to Chapter 5 of the county code that add rules for beach weddings and bonfires, establish an administrative appeals section and remove fee amounts from the ordinance text.","taxTitle","Bay County, Florida","taxId",4833,"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},6547678,"Commission approves final plat for Titus Road Phase 3 and authorizes performance bond recording",28,604000,632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3&start=604&end=632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3/thumbnail_604000.jpg","/articles/6547678/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-final-plat-for-Titus-Road-Phase-3-and-authorizes-performance-bond-recording","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547678-6dc4402a4499eb3e051c10c772158617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182919&Signature=Pn-kMkACeTuGM~PLYUWVF1-KKuCDucixmQFulpSA2WnfJm4QYrCOmoFBgxdqTEVH29Mc2ZsGwMFu4GDd5HCLoBgiNamecoPdOGICzgdCRMDLjL7BfWSl1UA08-oA8oVncKboqMlZp673Y74fhdt-xIx7YOZ13G5cm~P1ZdTghGuPZ~vz8CnoC-4ylG0CcA5K3jecAWUOuB1teTJzSymEbpkizZI~G1SQBnq71PFqxImLLuyXJ1EJsqBy9qm5K3J62v3F3JJhC1tVAwGi~bcG9M-ZzPma8ZaJ7eaURmQkQWyKxi4OCoxRmNT2zKHaHk0nKW7UY57xLkdhE6VM-Wi5dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved the final plat for Titus Road Phase 3 and authorized the clerk to record a performance bond for the subdivision.

Public Works/Development staff representative Scott Chandler presented the item and asked the board to approve the final plat and allow recordation of the required performance bond. During the discussion a commissioner stated his firm had worked with the property owner and indicated he would recuse from the matter; the board proceeded with a motion to approve and recorded the roll-call vote.

Why it matters: Final plat approval and the accompanying performance bond allow the developer to record the subdivision and secure the county’s assurance that required improvements will be completed or funded.

Clarifications: The presenter said his firm is not involved in the project (a different firm name reference appears in the transcript) and that staff recommended approval. No conditions or bond amounts were specified on the record.

Outcome: The board approved the final plat by roll call (Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Crosby, Commissioner Raffield, Commissioner Peace and Chairman Moore voted yes). A commissioner recused; the transcript does not specify which commissioner by name in the roll-call segment.

Ending: Staff will record the performance bond and the clerk will record the final plat as authorized.","Bay County commissioners approved the final plat for the Titus Road Phase 3 subdivision and authorized the clerk to record a performance bond tied to the subdivision’s improvements. A commissioner recused from the discussion because of his firm’s relationship with the property owner.",{"_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},6547683,"Commission authorizes FDOT funding agreement for Scotts Ferry Road bridge replacement",49,657000,706000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3&start=657&end=706","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3/thumbnail_657000.jpg","/articles/6547683/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-authorizes-FDOT-funding-agreement-for-Scotts-Ferry-Road-bridge-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547683-71cf6b06ac92cb5784287221d6b5331a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182919&Signature=BjlPFYI5QvZ-I7bF48EbsG~eXhlBrIwMGTueMmbIAv4CxxB2QfYnUy8y6W4OhkpeHbPCuy1TbLPbffwaBLb9LQK-C3egz~iP7obzZQ39Y~KE5vnUlSeqfCZWEfOs7jKJzTMlUnTPkbfWxztMLysoA9~s~9T-AteMnp8t3-a1kG0kOnYE3ChOVIRT7xuHnpLNKIgnmVSiNUTIEDCpkPfTVrC6Cj1IRWZsJyIHwW~lQjr2-O6nNjhDs8MI7BUYIB5KlVSrnw9w23o1hQSb5~66mKZOHVNv-fp5sDWMDCgusfsXv~g9JGrcZguydZe8Hfr~8v3KxyK1VAAgEta0GvGB4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved a funding agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for replacement of Bridge No. 464419 on Scotts Ferry Road over Bear Creek and authorized the chairman to sign the agreement and any necessary contract modifications.

Scott Chandler in public works presented the item and said the project is in the FDOT work program for FY 2026; design is nearly complete and FDOT plans to advertise the project for bid in FY 2026. When asked about schedule, Chandler said construction would likely take at least a year or more and estimated the project could be completed in calendar-year 2027, noting that FDOT fiscal years run July–June (so an FY 2026 project spans July 2025–June 2026 and completion could fall in FY 2027).

Why it matters: The bridge replacement is a state-funded FDOT project; county approval authorizes the local funding agreement and clears the way for contract execution and coordination with FDOT during final design and construction.

Clarifications from the meeting
- Project ID and scope: The agreement covers replacement of bridge number 464419 on Scotts Ferry Road over Bear Creek; specific construction duration was not finalized.
- Schedule: Design near completion; FDOT expected to bid in FY 2026; construction likely to span at least a year and could finish in calendar 2027 or later depending on the work program and bidding timeline.
- Funding: The item authorized county signatory authority for the FDOT funding agreement; the transcript did not specify a local funding amount or county match.

Outcome: The board approved the funding agreement by unanimous roll call (Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Crosby, Commissioner Raffield, Commissioner Peace and Chairman Moore voted yes). County staff will coordinate design completion, bidding, and construction scheduling with FDOT.

Ending: County and FDOT staff will continue coordination as the design is finalized and the project moves to procurement.","The board approved a funding agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for replacement of bridge No. 464419 on Scotts Ferry Road over Bear Creek; staff said design is nearly complete and the project is programmed in FDOT FY 2026 with construction likely to extend into FY 2027.",{"_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},6547687,"Commission approves land-use and zoning change at 9727 Highway 79 to allow boat sales and service",457,801000,1258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3&start=801&end=1258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413708-eeb0b6a7b778c464c84df657262096e3/thumbnail_801000.jpg","/articles/6547687/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-land-use-and-zoning-change-at-9727-Highway-79-to-allow-boat-sales-and-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547687-8d67af0c74d19b55c309ec53af7da4a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182919&Signature=D44Wm0mQwYy-pg0zyXhz2FvzLHlFQrs1vYwxvrjkQF8hke3~f0YyTmVuc0aqgmq3KSXCpEInKDdpdDcMflz80J5suuOpk1XRMkDapAw-kSaT9hvDK~JjeU~Z202MMdUoSCCnc23MF-lgJoBhs9HEHwY-HBCJKldITDGY30C3hrX30lRf4AmeNwGwlufMPSdnkSACgbyoaiGoHqGYIq4gntOXP4HLABqAhDxN~JktTuUTbFkq4IRE9oRxJkZrxHWToOJpo1DAxPfZ4oZwBWfB2OukZ468~yzm4zVpxURI9y~GXU0NpplyPBHSX2qndGsTjPyLVMq-Fgfe7LQoLeMWEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved a future land use map amendment and a zoning change for property at 9727 Highway 79 to permit a boat sales and service facility, along with the conditional use permit the Bay County Planning Commission recommended April 15.

Wayne Porter of the county planning staff told the board the application seeks to change approximately 1.5 acres from Conservation (CSVH) to Village Center (VC) future land use and to rezone the parcel to VC. The planning commission reviewed the request on April 15 and found the proposed land-use and zoning changes consistent with the comprehensive plan and land-development regulations; staff recommended approval.

Why it matters: The Highway 79 corridor has been transitioning to Village Center designations; staff said properties immediately north, south and west of the subject parcel already carry VC designations. Approval clears the way for a boat sales and service business that the applicant says would include sales, service and some on-site storage for service work.

Discussion and clarifications
- Access and median cut: Commissioners asked about driveway access. The applicant, Derek McCarty of North Star Engineering Services representing owner Bill Head, said the proposed access is via Sunday Circle on the north side. Mr. McCarty said preliminary conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation indicate FDOT is not currently interested in adding another access at the median opening; instead the plan is to use Sunday Circle access and coordinate drainage and access improvements with FDOT and county requirements.

- Boat storage and screening: Commissioner questions clarified that inventory displayed for sale would not be required to be screened from public view, while boats stored on-site for service (awaiting repair) would be subject to screening requirements similar to other storage facilities.

- Regulatory compliance: Staff said the property meets the regulations in LDR Table 16.2 and that Highway 79 is designated an arterial roadway in the comprehensive plan.

Outcome: The board voted to approve the small-scale amendment (PLD PA 20250052), the zone change (PLZCA 20250051) and the conditional use permit (conditional upon the approvals). Roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Crosby, Commissioner Raffield, Commissioner Peace and Chairman Moore.

Ending: The applicant and staff said they will proceed with permit steps and coordinate required access and drainage work with FDOT and county staff.","The Bay County commission approved a small-scale future land use amendment and zoning change to allow a boat sales and service facility at 9727 Highway 79 and a conditional use permit contingent on that approval. Planning staff said the property is about 1.5 acres and that the change aligns with surrounding Village Center designations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bay County adopts updates to beach safety code, adds rules for weddings and bonfires

Commission approves final plat for Titus Road Phase 3 and authorizes performance bond recording

Commission authorizes FDOT funding agreement for Scotts Ferry Road bridge replacement

Commission approves land-use and zoning change at 9727 Highway 79 to allow boat sales and service