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Bat protection forces gym closure; Juneteenth moved outdoors and tent rented for weekend events
Summary
Port St. Joe closed a city gym after staff discovered nesting bats protected under wildlife rules; Juneteenth organizers were directed to use outdoor space and a rented tent after the city could not remove bats until August.
The city of Port St. Joe told event organizers on June 17 that a municipal gym will remain closed to human use because bats nesting in the facility are protected under state wildlife rules during nesting season.
Staff said a wildlife contractor is sealing openings but cannot remove bats until after August. As a result, the Juneteenth celebration scheduled for the weekend will shift outdoors; staff reported a private rental company offered a 40x60 tent for $750 for the weekend as a compromise to provide covered space. Staff also identified alternative restroom access at nearby ballfields and covered courts for event needs.
Commissioners and staff discussed implications for other scheduled events, including a July concert; commissioners agreed that events scheduled inside the gym must be relocated outdoors or to other covered spaces until the facility is cleared. Staff said they will follow state wildlife protections when opening the gym and estimated it could take one to two weeks to clear and sanitize the facility after bat removal, once permitted.
Public commenters urged bat houses and habitat management in city green spaces as a nonlethal way to reduce roosting in public buildings; staff acknowledged the suggestion and said they would work with event planners on outdoor power, tent placement and sanitation for the holiday weekend.
