[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6162282,"mediaKeyId","5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e","parentId",5439431,"title","Eastern Shipbuilding activity, floating dry dock plans spotlighted as county pursues maritime prosperity zone and workforce housing","audioSeconds",414,"startMs",3423000,"endMs",3837000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e&start=3423&end=3837","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e/thumbnail_3423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162282/Gulf-County/Florida/Eastern-Shipbuilding-activity-floating-dry-dock-plans-spotlighted-as-county-pursues-maritime-prosperity-zone-and-workforce-housing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162282-7fab64375aac94fc03fd89f31de968a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670497&Signature=RX8npgpOvf77~hJIsCSKBzvdvaDsutpOlG4eYG0MzXXPe-gvIVkaLbOwqfSCwF9yw937ypNedm1zd181tle5DyYhBmdfwlc8uyM00CafDLS3fp~iBGywYzPQSdEvWP0AlBCbVJymi1bYMg2u6ST~SMubWAFMgqrinKd-mPtHfpnhXNe4sfNaKvYFXwzYMLP4E4KNtoVd7AfaqCyVQ0dDOeQ1YBYarV707-tmWasmO-DpnAxooJXChRqCqQTFWc7YiU8Df46-lRSyaMWyvfPMSDeiBRA6tgisbjUwS2wip394uFGS-iLA78-pPpD7bmqAHlUyT7CyvFZLX3zz~EH1UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gulf County, FL ","date","2025-07-22T17:43:46.41Z","article","County economic-development staff and local officials told the Board on July 22 that Eastern Shipbuilding has several large contracts and that a federal maritime-prosperity initiative is focusing on Mobile–Pensacola–Port St. Joe as a strategic region.

Jim McKnight, reporting on shipyard activity and related funding prospects, said Eastern has three large conversion projects and had recently won contracts for three large ferries and additional tug and dredge work. He characterized the near-term workload as enough to sustain outfitting work for roughly seven years and said the site is well positioned for expanded maintenance, repair, and modular construction work tied to federal maritime priorities.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the plant and canal area are a core industrial and economic corridor the county wants to preserve for maritime jobs. McKnight and staff described new federal attention in an April executive order that directed federal secretaries to plan maritime prosperity zones; Gulf County’s rural opportunity zoning could favor the county for federal support.

Workforce housing and other economic steps: Staff also described a prospective workforce-housing project on County property along Highway 71 that would produce an initial phase of 35–60 capped-rent units targeted at local workers; county leaders said they expect a timetable of 18–24 months to deliver the first phase once agreements are finalized.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue discussions with Triumph (state job-growth funds), property negotiators and currently engaged companies. Commissioners asked staff to invite regional maritime or Triumph board members to visit the county and the shipyard to make the case for local investment.

Ending: Commissioners applauded progress and asked staff to keep the board apprised as negotiations and grant applications move forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Meeting - 7/22/25","oneSentenceSummary","Officials updated commissioners on Eastern Shipbuilding contracts, potential ferry and tug projects, floating dry-dock negotiations and related workforce-housing steps; staff said multiple long-term contracts would sustain outfitting work and that federal 'maritime prosperity zone' planning could benefit Gulf County.","taxTitle","Gulf County, Florida","taxId",27815,"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},6162286,"County to ask DEP to revisit centralized septic permitting after months-long delays reported",333,5204000,5537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e&start=5204&end=5537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e/thumbnail_5204000.jpg","/articles/6162286/Gulf-County/Florida/County-to-ask-DEP-to-revisit-centralized-septic-permitting-after-months-long-delays-reported","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162286-8284424b7c694aebe42cd0880c9976ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670497&Signature=I73zowxeVOmCBsTECha2dzsOtxQZ2VJzRGLcq2sHHt-zmvPNumPofY8pPZuz88rlNPDJ-2JvZAezNWJSxdvuAYA88T4WqoZQNlWCBjbLp2Mo8osYTeawn41yzAIqmvwAMFzQTqmwOYethIsxDzJ3QO-LKxDhNG6JHPxRSESn1SZByi2alC7acB-kgD7kCEKEjbWM9j7F~VfSzmNKnRt-6kR1rJc1C3N-MwprfOlKjuhihwTN~AOGw8iH0PSgbe52Zh3JFgqkruzkuATD3xS9Duz4gxlaE42hH74XVLhsfDBVvHxyql~bdI5h~fg8XeY-k23tzDGyId4ae3V1CFa6AQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gulf County commissioners on July 22 voted to ask state regulators to review a shift of septic (seven-tank) permitting from local health departments to a centralized process the county says is slower and more expensive for routine permits.

County staff and elected officials told the board the change—migrating some permitting work to DEP district offices—has increased average fees and delays. County Administrator Michael Hamill said the old in-house Department of Health system typically produced permit decisions in roughly two weeks and charged a lower fee; under the new process applicants face higher combined fees and delays measured in months.

Why it matters: Builders and residents seeking to construct or finish homes in unincorporated areas told the board delays meant construction cannot proceed, increasing project costs and frustrating contractors. Commissioners said smaller rural counties were not seeing the efficiency gains the statewide change sought to deliver and asked DEP to consider exemptions or alternative procedures for small jurisdictions.

Details and motion: Staff described the earlier in-house health-department permit as about $400–$425; the new combined approach can cost roughly $1,350 when private providers are engaged, and permit processing has taken multiple months, staff said. The board voted to authorize a letter to DEP requesting that the permitting approach be revised or that rural counties be allowed greater in-county authority to reduce delays; the motion passed with unanimous support.

Ending: The board asked county staff to send the formal letter to DEP and to include the county’s legislative delegation and the Florida Association of Counties as appropriate, and to request technical fixes or pilot exemptions for smaller, rural counties.","Commissioners authorized staff to send a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) asking the agency to review a change in septic/onsite sewage permitting that county officials say has lengthened turnaround times and raised costs for residents and builders.",{"_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},6162291,"Gulf County adopts resolution opposing city annexation of industrial parcel; legal challenge ongoing",492,4227000,4719000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e&start=4227&end=4719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e/thumbnail_4227000.jpg","/articles/6162291/Gulf-County/Florida/Gulf-County-adopts-resolution-opposing-city-annexation-of-industrial-parcel-legal-challenge-ongoing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162291-b5e1efb4f0abbd127ae3bd662bcf8aef/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670497&Signature=VNpVj~H0FcRey4hyINs5r-NwUomodu8pbghVhz-972ydjTowkTTmzFr-jL1x9hsrMrS3VugztgaWk~Z2vUH3bihteRh9x7Bq-Ajx5HWXsUDInQ5KOOP-~ohswcxPhqRj0d8txZCHCreSQ8Lf-cLjjTtC3NchUbopyB9OhL4V5IUa3Z2xaEXXxeaMaosNn-WfrIVYnaOpnw-rItLl5rUFJl84Tti7ltqcpSvlDh3IXtsA3Ma7kvS~g0QfWG8dPGL3bSF6cs3FFqbX9gWkC4nam13WWGRIPp9KmcHyhbVrWTEnkI8BcCkxPmAsrQuvDSARGnxMmOe2Zn9DgXKOq5B9ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gulf County commissioners voted unanimously on July 22 to adopt a resolution opposing a voluntary annexation and associated land-use change proposed by the city that would put residential development in the middle of a long-established industrial corridor.

County Attorney Jeremy Novak told the board the county received a new annexation notice and maps that differ from a prior submission; staff and legal counsel concluded the city’s process had not complied with statutory notice requirements and the county’s 2013 interlocal agreement that calls for advance communication on annexation proposals. Novak said the county had already authorized conflict assessment and mediation earlier in the year and that litigation remains active.

Why it matters: Commissioners and county staff said the parcel sits adjacent to large industrial employers and maritime investments the county is courting; they said a residential land-use designation inside an active industrial area could create safety, compatibility and infrastructure conflicts and would hamper ongoing economic development efforts.

Details and next steps: Novak summarized the county’s timeline: a prior voluntary annexation attempt earlier in the year led to mediation that did not resolve the dispute and authorized court action. The new maps and an ordinance scheduled for the city’s August 5 meeting prompted county staff to present a resolution reciting statutory concerns and the county’s continued opposition. The board voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution and authorized counsel to bring it to the city’s August 5 hearing.

Chair and other commissioners emphasized the corridor’s role in the county’s economic strategy. Jim McKnight, a local port and economic development official, and other business leaders have submitted letters opposing residential uses next to shipbuilding, dredge and heavy-industrial operations. The county attorney said mediation and conflict-assessment steps remain available; if those fail the county has authorized court action.

Ending: The county will deliver the adopted resolution to city officials at the city’s August 5 meeting; staff said they will continue conflict-assessment and, if necessary, litigation under the applicable state statute.","The board approved a resolution opposing a city’s voluntary annexation and simultaneous land-use change for a 60-acre parcel in the Gulf County industrial corridor, citing statutory notice requirements, potential enclave creation and impacts on major employers; the county attorney said litigation and mediation remain active.",{"_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},6162298,"Gulf County tables rewrite of animal control ordinance after Humane Society and shelter manager ask for more review",1554,215000,1769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e&start=215&end=1769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e/thumbnail_215000.jpg","/articles/6162298/Gulf-County/Florida/Gulf-County-tables-rewrite-of-animal-control-ordinance-after-Humane-Society-and-shelter-manager-ask-for-more-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162298-da414593cff61a98cb9dba200a87b34a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670497&Signature=IzOBs6IwKUgsYliY~PQOQ64wx1wAmu4HxKqLXwCVFXaMmaUVeG~msla5Ms~G6J7yS--SmzCU~DcOCnauzXjP-EC7TTeK~ay~5R3zCZAtykyGb3FN4vUzKLg5tNZ90aormc8cNHWiWqmLgCdZOT0TUiHA5y0IQEHFymQs7e1uYjGLq76cKO32A3KXjANl-EK6FKK7AzAzCAaTxIapew9zUJzFGSxbID7Njyz9bOCZev4qQaJwWlb-CRJyzHiWUMN2N2VIbm503W0SkNDGPi~xsEuzjhtCx3X4NIp8W5CMRmxBg9KC-rmKd5kpdqknZRV~lq1wWHM6ZZMVbAtAA1oZiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gulf County commissioners on July 22 voted 5-0 to table a proposed repeal-and-replace of the county’s animal-control ordinance, instructing Commissioner Macron to meet with Humane Society leadership and county staff to resolve outstanding language and implementation questions.

The ordinance—advertised for two public hearings and described at the meeting as a repeal and replacement of the county’s 2021 animal-control ordinance—would change several enforcement and accountability provisions and shift certain responsibilities from the local Humane Society to county animal control for dangerous-dog incidents, supporters said.

Why it matters: Humane Society leaders and county staff said social media comments had mischaracterized the draft as new authority to euthanize pets or to require immediate removal of animals. The Humane Society’s manager asked for time to review specific language, including sections that referenced unweaned puppies and other sensitive care provisions.

Discussion and vote: County Administrator Michael Hamill described the rewrite as a \"strike all\" effort that removes provisions the county had not enforced and narrows enforcement to make the ordinance more practical for a rural county. The county attorney read the ordinance title into the record as a repeal and replacement of \"Gulf County Bridal Control Ordinance 202106\" (as read at the meeting).

Diane, identified at the meeting as a Humane Society representative and shelter manager, urged tabling. She told commissioners she needed to meet with staff and her manager to ensure recordkeeping, euthanasia practices and other policies were not misinterpreted, and requested the county postpone action so shelter leadership could review and present changes. She said volunteers and donated funds supply roughly 79 percent of the shelter’s operating funds and that the shelter operates year-round with limited paid staff.

Outcome and next steps: The board voted to table the ordinance and directed Commissioner Macron to lead meetings with the Humane Society and county staff; a new public hearing will be advertised once revisions are prepared. The motion to table passed unanimously.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to compile suggested edits and to coordinate a follow-up workshop that includes shelter leadership and city officials so a single ordinance can operate across jurisdictions.","Commissioners voted to table consideration of a proposed repeal-and-replace animal-control ordinance and directed Commissioner Macron to meet with the Humane Society and staff to resolve wording and implementation concerns raised publicly and by shelter leadership.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6162302,"Gulf County declares local emergency, moves to award $38.6 million bid for Saint Joseph Peninsula renourishment",349,2319000,2668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e&start=2319&end=2668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5439431-0d3b0402cf0a411f0f01a6f7fb1d931e/thumbnail_2319000.jpg","/articles/6162302/Gulf-County/Florida/Gulf-County-declares-local-emergency-moves-to-award-386-million-bid-for-Saint-Joseph-Peninsula-renourishment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162302-5ce412888f18fb68c935f0b152b27123/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670497&Signature=gnH8949lUhSGvDqmGKwvURVZxylPCbck~tCTB3j3c997T7NQ5FAYynM6xd5b9b80ayxiAP8aRTRqS0-ts0Fx36lZ1fcfeWtGaYxlIXQMMEOtB2q55s6aB0nx3luTSS2rAfuczIQyMZDSzXavU5haWw4xfLpt3Dg2mk~qTYP~oh1LLoz95y5n1z0o5LdeVz2UNko72eyvW61FQ2kbMGUSXQRGjX0P6kw2PrmnujrazOguA9IwjBIMo3Yqz5J26oxuWA5cAjOD2Jf1Jor2Qe2ZCI4i2fAPA~V88bpAbYj6n~nmr~UyiYARX59wNISmtbWafgMHGq9m2hBAMnHMizCrCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gulf County commissioners on July 22 declared a local state of emergency and voted to move forward with awarding a $38,594,421.50 bid to Weeks Marine for the Saint Joseph Peninsula Beach Renourishment and Coastal Structures Project, with staff authorized to review and negotiate final terms.

The action, approved 5-0, followed a single-bid opening and public testimony emphasizing urgent shoreline erosion and habitat loss. County Administrator Michael Hamill said the county would press ahead \"come hell or high water\" if needed to protect the coastline and residents’ property. The board also authorized the chairman to accept an anticipated $1,800,000 DEP grant and sign related agreements as they arrive.

Why it matters: The project covers more than 26 miles of coastal environment the county says is crucial for property protection and endangered-species habitat. Public speakers and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative told the board delays were costing nests and habitat and that swift action was needed.

Details: The board received one responsive bid at $38,594,421.50 and voted to let county staff \"review and award contingent upon me and Clay, reviewing and potentially negotiating,\" the administrator said. The board then voted to declare a local state of emergency so staff and the chair can move quickly; the motion to adopt the emergency passed unanimously.

Christy Yanchess, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said at the meeting, \"I just came over here today to show my support for this project. I'm ready for it to get going, get started.\" Pat Hardman of the Coastal Community Association told commissioners, \"This is absolutely legitimate, beyond a shadow of a doubt. You've got houses falling in. You've got turtle nests being washed over.\"

Funding and next steps: Commissioners were told the county has assembled multiple funding sources, including RESTORE and other state and federal grant programs; county staff reported an additional $1.8 million from DEP toward the project. County counsel said the emergency declaration will give the administrator and chair authority to move contracts and procurement forward consistent with law and funding conditions. The county also discussed other possible sources to cover shortfalls, including TDC funds.

The board instructed staff to return with final contract documents for chairman signature once negotiations and legal review are complete, and commissioners said they expect follow-up reports on funding, permits and scheduling.

Ending: Commissioners voted 5-0 both to declare the emergency and to move forward with contingent award and grant acceptance. The project will advance to final review and contracting steps; staff will publish any agreement documents and return to the board with updates and advertised public hearings as required.","County commissioners declared a local state of emergency and voted to move forward with a $38,594,421.50 bid from Weeks Marine for the Saint Joseph Peninsula Beach Renourishment and Coastal Structures Project, accepting additional grant funding and authorizing expedited contracting steps while staff and counsel finalize terms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Eastern Shipbuilding activity, floating dry dock plans spotlighted as county pursues maritime prosperity zone and workforce housing

County to ask DEP to revisit centralized septic permitting after months-long delays reported

Gulf County adopts resolution opposing city annexation of industrial parcel; legal challenge ongoing

Gulf County tables rewrite of animal control ordinance after Humane Society and shelter manager ask for more review

Gulf County declares local emergency, moves to award $38.6 million bid for Saint Joseph Peninsula renourishment