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Sopchoppy to contract with Campspot.com for park reservations; council weighs park staffing and security
Summary
City Clerk Ashley Schilling was authorized to contract with Campspot.com to handle online camping reservations for Myron B. Hodge City Park and pass fees to customers. Council members raised concerns about increased wear and tear and discussed the possible need for a Park Coordinator; Depot restroom security also drew proposals for programmable locks or cameras.
The Sopchoppy City Commission on June 23 instructed City Clerk Ashley Schilling to proceed with a contract with Campspot.com to provide online reservation services for Myron B. Hodge City Park.
Schilling told the commission all fees (Campspot fees, campsite fees, bed tax and others) can be added to the reservation cost so the City would pass platform expenses on to customers. Campspot.com can also reserve a number of spots for walk‑ins, she said. Councilwoman Westmark said she expects reservations to increase but warned that increased use would raise wear and tear on park amenities and argued the City should consider PWD Seth Green’s proposed Park Coordinator position to manage the higher demand.
Councilman Lewis called the initiative "the first step to improve and upgrade the park." Mayor Leonard Tartt asked whether a park and fee workshop would be needed; Councilman McClendon suggested staff review monthly park and miscellaneous expenses over several years to inform site rates. The commission directed the Clerk to proceed with contracting; no fee schedule changes were adopted at the meeting.
Separately, Mayor Tartt reported that keeping Depot bathrooms open 24/7 has led to loitering and misuse. Attorney Dan Cox suggested programmable locks that permit access only during set hours, and Councilman McClendon recommended security cameras; staff were asked to look into programmable locks.
