The Bay County Board of County Commissioners meeting on October 7, 2025, focused on critical issues regarding local emergency services and community safety. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the recent closures of Advanced Life Support (ALS) fire stations, which have raised serious concerns among residents about the impact on public safety.

During the meeting, resident Robert Lavery voiced his alarm over the decline in emergency services, particularly highlighting the closure of two out of four ALS fire stations. He emphasized that the Sandhills Fire Station has been closed for nearly a month, while the Bear Creek Station has also faced frequent closures. Lavery argued that these closures jeopardize the safety of residents, especially in medical emergencies where timely response is crucial. He recounted a tragic incident involving a child who did not survive due to delayed medical intervention, which he attributed to the closed stations.

Lavery criticized the management of the Bay County Emergency Services, claiming that resources are being misallocated and that the department is in need of new leadership. He pointed out that despite plans to build new fire stations and hire additional firefighters, the existing stations struggle to remain staffed. Lavery called for accountability and a reassessment of priorities within the department, urging the board to take decisive action to restore public trust and ensure adequate emergency services for the community.

The meeting also included a public hearing segment, allowing residents to express their concerns. The board members, including Commissioners Carroll, Pease, Crosby, Raffel, and Chairman Moore, participated actively in the discussions, indicating their commitment to addressing the issues raised.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of the concerns presented and the need for ongoing dialogue about the future of emergency services in Bay County. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for improvements in public safety infrastructure and management to better serve the community's needs.