Gulf County commissioners unanimously oppose proposed Money Bayou channeling; ask staff to send formal objections to DEP and Army Corps

Gulf County commissioners voted unanimously June 23 to oppose a permit application that would reroute Money Bayou and to ask county staff to forward formal objections to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Resident Steven Czarneck, whose house sits adjacent to Money Bayou, told the board the permit filed by a neighboring landowner would “essentially divert and relocate the money bayou on a 90 degree angle directly across the western edge of my property,” describing the proposed excavation as “a 2 foot 2 foot deep, 66 foot wide or so, dredge.” He said the change would cut public access and remove natural buffering between the Gulf and several private properties.

Why it matters: The County’s action adds a formal local government objection to permit review by state and federal agencies. Commenters warned the proposal could reduce public beach access, damage wetlands and shoreline habitat, and expose adjacent properties to greater storm impacts if a new channel removes natural buffers.

During public comment, Resident Rod Dupree said he and his wife have lived directly on Money Bayou since 2017 and described shoreline stabilization work they undertook, adding historical context about prior proposals. Jackie Mickel and Debbie Mays, representing neighborhood interests and the Gulf County Citizens Coalition, urged the board to press public-safety and customary-use arguments, noting that the plan’s trench design appeared to include steep sides near the shore.

County staff and administrators said the county had already filed opposition in agency correspondence. County Administrator Michael Hammond told the board staff had been in contact with the Corps and DEP and that the county’s prior objections were documented in agency files. Hammond also said the county could reinforce its opposition with a formal board resolution and that doing so would strengthen the record for any future litigation or agency hearings.

Commissioner Macron made the motion to direct staff to prepare and transmit a formal resolution opposing the permit; the motion was seconded and passed 5-0. Commissioners asked that the resolution make specific points raised in public comment, including threats to public beach access, customary-use considerations stated in the county comprehensive plan, and public-safety concerns tied to the proposed channel geometry and lack of guaranteed remediation.

What the board did and did not do: The board voted to oppose the permit and to ask staff to send a resolution and supporting materials to the DEP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The board did not authorize any county-funded shoreline work, and it did not commit to litigation. Staff indicated they will continue to work with neighbors and the county attorney as agency reviews continue.

Next steps: Staff will draft a written resolution for signature and transmit the county’s objections to state and federal permit reviewers. Several commenters said they also plan to pursue technical reports and legal appeals; the board encouraged coordination with county staff and legal counsel.

Ending note: Commenters said the bayou has historically migrated and that short-term fixes are possible, but they asked county leaders to take a firm position now to preserve public access and shoreline protections while DEP and the Army Corps complete permit review.