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Port St. Joe Commission agrees to ask FDOT to add new road to five-year plan amid DRI concerns
Summary
Port St. Joe commissioners voted to send a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation asking that a proposed Gulf-to-Bay connector (referenced as part of Windmark Beach DRI traffic mitigation) be placed on FDOT's five-year plan after county officials urged cooperation on a traffic study required under interlocal DRI ordinances.
PORT ST. JOE, Fla. — The Port St. Joe City Commission on June 3 voted to send a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation asking that a proposed roadway tied to the Windmark Beach development review be added to FDOT's five-year plan and to work with Gulf County on next steps.
The move follows a presentation by Jeremy Novak, Gulf County attorney, who reiterated county concerns about traffic impacts from the DRI (Development of Regional Impact) and urged the city to cooperate in securing DOT's participation in a traffic methodology and study. "There shall be no permits issued until this is resolved," Novak said, summarizing language he cited from the city and county ordinances addressing phase-based permitting under the DRI.
Why it matters: The DRI, adopted two decades ago, anticipates roughly 1,662 total home sites; county and city ordinances require joint review and a DOT-led methodology to reevaluate traffic impacts before additional permits are issued as the project moves into later phases. County officials told the commission they want the parties 'city, county, developer and FDOT'at the same table to analyze impacts and funding for road improvements before the DRI crosses certain thresholds.
Commission discussion and vote: Commissioner Lauer moved that the city send a letter to FDOT seeking placement of the roadway on the five-year plan; Commissioner Langston seconded. Multiple public speakers, including Gulf County representatives and Port St. Joe residents, addressed the commission during the discussion. The motion passed on a voice vote with five ayes.
What was said: Novak asked the city to acknowledge the interlocal agreement and to confirm the city is monitoring residential permits issued within the DRI. He told commissioners that the county's May 5 letter sought three items: acknowledgement of the ordinance, proof the city is monitoring permits, and cooperation to secure DOT leadership and funding for necessary road improvements. "We want your cooperation, we want the developer's help to get the DOT who serves all of us to help us with this road on phase 2 and phase 3," Novak said.
Public comments: Several residents urged caution and adherence to the interlocal agreement. Robert Branch, a Port St. Joe resident, said the traffic issues predate Windmark and called for a 'big picture' approach that includes the county and Bay County. One commenter raised concerns that a county contractor involved with the project had placed the matter before the city commission and called for transparency.
Next steps: The commission approved the motion directing staff to prepare and send the letter to FDOT and indicated it would respond in writing to the county's formal requests. County representatives said they will draft a parallel letter and continue to press for a meeting with the DOT and the developer.
Context: Commissioners and staff referenced long-standing interlocal DRI ordinances (city and county) that require a DOT-led reanalysis and restrict issuance of additional permits until required studies and agreements are completed. City staff said the area is approaching the 50% development threshold that triggers those controls.
