Commissioners approve small‑scale future‑land‑use and rezoning for Racetrack LLC parcel after road classification debate

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 19 approved a small‑scale comprehensive‑plan amendment and companion rezoning for a 0.77‑acre parcel owned by Racetrack LLC to enable commercial uses that the property’s existing mixed‑use designation did not permit because of Truxtun Avenue’s local‑road classification.

Randy Woodruff, growth‑management deputy director, told the board the applicant (represented by Choctaw Engineering) requested the plan amendment to allow future office buildings and related commercial uses. “The application has been deemed compliant with the county’s comprehensive plan,” Woodruff said, and staff noted the planning commission recommended approval unanimously on July 10.

Commissioners debated an alternate approach: redesignating a portion of Truxtun Avenue as a collector so the parcel could develop under existing mixed‑use zoning without a plan change. Commissioners raised process concerns about changing road classifications mid‑segment and the potential to affect other parcels. Legal counsel advised that because the property owner requested the land‑use change, the request fits an exception under the state statute cited in the discussion (Senate Bill 180 was referenced by staff as a reason to be cautious about broad roadway changes).

After discussion, Commissioner Ketchal moved and Commissioner Cox seconded approval of the future land‑use amendment; the motion passed unanimously. The board then approved the rezoning motion by the same vote.

Ending: Staff said they would process the ordinances and related documents; no public opposition was recorded on the item during the hearing.