Gulf County holds first reading on 3,380‑acre industrial land‑use amendment as annexation dispute advances

The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners held a first reading and public hearing on a proposed comprehensive‑plan amendment that would change roughly 3,380 acres from agricultural to industrial use.

County Attorney Doug Crane read the ordinance aloud and told the board, “This is the first requirement under the statute to have a public hearing.” He said no final action would be taken at the meeting and that a second reading and formal vote will be scheduled after state review and required notices.

Why this matters: the amendment would reserve a sizeable contiguous area for future industrial development along an existing industrial corridor. Supporters said the map change creates a place to attract employers and avoids later conflicts when housing is built near industrial operations. Opponents and public…