The parts locals and property owners should know

I pulled the main highlights from the April 28th Gulf County Board of County Commissioners meeting as a quick recap.

This is not everything that was discussed, but these are the items that stood out for residents, homeowners, and anyone keeping an eye on growth around Gulf County.

Airport discussion is still ongoing

The proposed Gulf County airport remains one of the bigger long-term topics.

What to know

  • Residents spoke during public comment with concerns tied to a military letter related to training airspace and national security.
  • The board shared that earlier steps in the process included letters of no objection from agencies.
  • There are still multiple approvals and studies ahead before anything is finalized.

There was also some practical discussion about the land itself. Even if the airport does not move forward, the road access and planning work tied to this project could still benefit the area in other ways.

Emergency operations site could be part of the plan

This came up during the airport conversation.

If the airport doesn't move forward, the county is considering purchasing about 25 acres for an emergency operations center. Right now, emergency management facilities are not ideally located for storm response.

A more central and elevated site closer to the coast would help with coordination during hurricanes and other emergencies, which has been a focus for the county for a while.

Cape San Blas renourishment project is underway

You have probably seen the trucks and activity already.

What to expect

  • Sand placement has started and is expected to continue through early May.
  • Rock structures will follow as part of the stabilization effort.
  • The project covers just over a mile of shoreline.

There will be some short-term inconvenience with trucks, equipment, and limited access in certain spots, but the goal is long-term shoreline protection and beach preservation.

Sea Turtle Center seeing major growth

The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center shared a really strong update.

They had over 17,000 visitors last year, which is a big number for our area. That kind of traffic shows how much interest there is in conservation and education here.

Their programs are helping with: 

  • Reducing light pollution during nesting season
  • Encouraging cleaner beaches
  • Educating both locals and visitors on how to protect wildlife

They are starting to outgrow their current space, so expansion or relocation could be something that comes up down the road.

Golf cart safety ordinance moving forward

This was one of the more immediate changes discussed, especially with spring and summer traffic picking up.

What to know:

  • A new ordinance is in place focused on golf cart safety along Highway 98
  • Fines increase with repeat violations
  • Golf carts can be immobilized until fines are paid
  • Enforcement will primarily be handled by the Sheriff’s Office

There was also a conversation about ensuring visitors understand the rules, since many of the issues stem from seasonal traffic. The board may revisit this after seeing how enforcement plays out over the next few months.

Additional updates from the meeting

A few other items were discussed:

The county approved continuing participation in the national opioid settlement, which brings funding back to the area for treatment and prevention efforts.

Travel reimbursement rates for county employees were updated for the first time in over 20 years to better align with current costs.

Several infrastructure bids were reviewed and approved, showing continued progress on roads, drainage, and general county improvements.

I will keep sharing monthly recaps, and you can always attend in person or watch the full meeting on YouTube for the full picture.

If you have questions about how any of this connects to real estate, specific neighborhoods, or future plans around the county, I am always happy to help.

Linda Surles, Realtor, Selling the Coast, linda@sellingthecoastfl.com