Board authorizes county attorney to negotiate possible donation of boat‑ramp parking lot in Havana

GADSDEN COUNTY — The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday authorized staff to begin negotiations with a landowner about donating a parking parcel that serves the boat ramp on County Road 153, near Ironbridge Road in Havana.

Staff member (S1) said planning director Justin Steele identified the parcel and that the county’s goal would be to negotiate terms under which the property could become a county-maintained boat ramp and parking area. “What we’re looking at doing is negotiating with the property owner so that that can become a county boat ramp that we would maintain and allow the public to use,” S1 said.

Commissioners pressed staff to consider liability and staffing implications if the county accepts ownership. “If there’s gonna be a liability issue, we need to address that also,” S2 said, asking the county attorney to factor maintenance and manpower into any agreement.

Several commissioners and a board member (S7) also highlighted recreational and economic possibilities, suggesting the county explore grant programs such as Florida Forever, kayak-trail initiatives and partnerships with regional groups. “It’s really an untapped scenery part of Gadsden County,” S7 said, urging focus on how waterways could generate tourism and community benefit.

Staff said any negotiated agreement would come back to the board for final approval and that negotiations will include clarifying county maintenance obligations and liability protections.

Next steps: county attorney will be authorized to negotiate terms and return any proposed agreement to the board for approval.