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Palatka commission adopts two ordinances, advances recovery-residence rules and approves street vacation
Summary
On Nov. 13 the commission passed second readings of Ordinances 2025-57 and 2025-59, approved first reading of a certified recovery residences ordinance required by state preemption, and advanced a street-vacation ordinance to support a state-funded bus-depot remodel.
The City Commission voted on several ordinances and land-use matters during its Nov. 13 meeting.
Second-reading adoption: The commission adopted Ordinance 2025-57 (administrative approval of plats) and Ordinance 2025-59, which establishes a municipal civil infraction process, appoints a special magistrate and identifies officials authorized to issue citations. Both ordinances passed on voice votes after motions and seconds; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the public minutes.
First reading and discussion: Commissioners approved on first reading a Certified Recovery Residences ordinance required by state preemption law. Staff said the ordinance formalizes a streamlined process for applicants seeking reasonable accommodation to open certified recovery residences and that state direction leaves local governments to adopt implementing ordinances. "You have to pass this because Tallahassee told you to," staff said, and the commission moved to approve the first reading.
Land-use: The commission took first reading on an ordinance vacating a portion of Laurel Street to allow Ride/Bridal Solutions (applicant) to expand stormwater retention and reconfigure parking as part of a state-funded bus-depot remodeling project. Staff said the project is 100% state-funded, is expected to start construction Jan.Feb. 2026 and will last about 14 to 16 months. The applicant committed to cleanup/removal/refurbishment of disabled buses on site before construction begins.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2025-57 (administrative approval of plats): motion, second, passed (voice vote). - Ordinance 2025-59 (municipal civil infraction process): motion, second, passed (voice vote). - Certified Recovery Residences ordinance (first reading): motion to approve first reading, passed (voice vote). Staff noted state preemption requires adoption of a local process. - Ordinance vacating portion of Laurel Street (first reading): motion to approve; staff said construction expected Jan/Feb 2026 (14 months).
Why it matters: The civil-infraction ordinance sets local enforcement procedures; the certified recovery residences ordinance implements a state preemption requiring local process for reasonable accommodation; the street vacation facilitates a state-funded redevelopment project that includes stormwater and parking improvements.
Next steps: Final readings and implementation details will follow; staff will coordinate with the applicant and report back on project timelines and any required environmental or permitting steps.
