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County opens hearing on modernizing public notices; local paper owner urges preservation of print revenue
Summary
Gulf County held a public hearing on shifting public notices to online publication under state rules while retaining print where required. The new owner of the Port Saint Joe Star urged a cooperative approach and warned of economic impacts to local newspapers.
County staff opened a statutorily required public hearing Nov. 20 on modernizing public advertisements and notices, citing Florida Administrative Code and statute 50.0311 as the basis for expanding digital publication options.
David Adlerstein, who introduced himself as the owner and editor of the Port Saint Joe Star and the Apalachicola Times, urged commissioners to preserve a symbiotic relationship between county government and local newspapers. Adlerstein noted the historical role of local papers and asked the county to consider the financial impacts of moving notices exclusively online; he said he intends to maintain a local print edition and welcomed cooperation.
County staff and commissioners emphasized the modernization aim is to supplement — not immediately replace — print publication. Staff said certain legally required notices, such as TRIM or other statutorily mandated items, would remain in print, while digital publication can speed up time-sensitive advertising and procurement notices. Commissioners also praised the fact the paper now has a local owner and staff member available to expedite notice placement.
The board took public comment and closed the hearing for consideration; commissioners discussed moving forward with systems that allow both digital distribution and continued print notices for critical items.
