Freeport Council Renews State Lobbying Contract, Weighs Turn Lane Costs and E-Bike Regulations
The Freeport City Council renewed its contract with state lobbying firm Liberty Partners, set dates for its upcoming budget hearings, and approved design work for sidewalk extensions at the regional sports complex during its July 23, 2026, meeting. Council members also heard a cost estimate of $750,000 for a potential turn lane on Highway 20, discussed revamping the city’s welcome signs, and weighed local action on e-bike regulations after the state legislature failed to pass legislation this session.
The meeting opened with a swearing-in ceremony administered by Judge Lewis, re-administering the oath of office to Councilwoman Hefner and Councilwoman Ferris, both of whom are continuing their service on the council. Family members joined Ferris at the podium for the ceremony, which drew applause from the audience.
Mayor called the regular council meeting to order, followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The consent agenda was approved unanimously, covering city bills, the regular council meeting minutes from July 14, and revenue and expenditure reports through June 2026.
Council members then added several items to the evening’s agenda, including Highway 20 road resurfacing and turn lanes, Winter Circle sidewalk extensions, a discussion about the city of Green Cove Springs, initial and final budget hearing dates, and a parks pilot program. The additions were approved unanimously.
Under staff reports, the city manager brought forward a request to renew the contract with Liberty Partners, the city’s state lobbying firm. Representatives from Liberty Partners delivered a presentation summarizing the 2026 Florida legislative session, which they described as a grueling stretch marked by three special sessions in addition to the regular session — more special sessions than the state has seen since the early 1990s. They noted a sense of fatigue in the capital, though they praised the work of Representative Abbott and Senator Crumble on behalf of Freeport’s interests.
The lobbyists highlighted two local funding priorities that survived the session and the governor’s veto pen: an additional $1 million for the Mark III Way East project and $500,000 for a workforce housing project. They also discussed several bills that failed to pass, including rural renaissance legislation that encountered opposition from House leadership, a local business tax measure, and an AI Bill of Rights proposal the governor pushed during a special session. A sovereign immunity bill that would have raised caps on local government liability passed the legislature but was vetoed by the governor.
The presentation also covered Amendment 3, the property tax initiative now headed to voters. The lobbyists explained that the legislature did not adopt the governor’s original proposal, which would have eliminated school tax levies, instead crafting a more measured version. They noted that early polling suggests voter support may hinge on the ballot title language, which critics have called loaded. Representative Abbott has scheduled a town hall discussion on the amendment for September 8 at the community center. The council voted unanimously to renew the Liberty Partners contract.
The finance director then requested approval to set dates for the city’s annual budget hearings. Based on dates already chosen by the school board and county commissioners, staff recommended an initial budget hearing on September 2 and a final hearing on September 15, both at 5:01 p.m. The council approved the dates unanimously.
A council member brought forward an add-on item regarding a pilot program for Smart Canteen rescue boxes, self-standing emergency boxes similar to those recently approved for Walton County parks through a grant. The boxes are mounted on tall posts to keep them out of reach of children, and the Walton County Sheriff’s Department would handle installation. The council discussed placing one at the Four Mile boat ramp, a site maintained jointly with the county. After confirming the boxes are secured and childproof, the council voted unanimously to approve pursuing the installation and exploring grant opportunities to fund it.
The public works department presented an action item for the Winter Circle sidewalk extensions at the regional sports complex. North Water Professional Services submitted a task proposal to design the project and manage the bidding process, with a preliminary cost of $4,049.76 for the bid package, details, and specifications. The engineer of record, Mark Mason, appeared before the council. Staff reported that the J. Owen Group had already provided verbal confirmation to prepare the necessary easements. The council approved the task order unanimously, with staff noting the project could be completed in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Under new business, the city manager requested approval to register for a Florida conference in Naples hosted by Opportunity Florida. The total cost of $1,150 covers registration at $475 and hotel accommodations at $675. The council approved the request unanimously.
Councilwoman Brandon raised the ongoing traffic congestion issue along Highway 20, revisiting a discussion from the May 11 meeting about working with the Florida Department of Transportation to add turn lanes that could alleviate delays in the Great Oak area. She reported that an initial request was rejected but that FDOT has since signaled willingness to reconsider. Brandon shared a cost estimate of $750,000 for a turn lane and suggested the council discuss the matter at its August 3 meeting, with a fuller presentation expected on August 11. She also noted that the city’s lobbying team experienced the traffic firsthand that afternoon. The mayor indicated he would provide the council with a matrix of all problematic intersections and potential solutions in the coming days.
Councilwoman Hurst then proposed revamping the city’s welcome signs, which have been in place for nearly a decade. She described the current signs as small, poorly illuminated, and difficult for motorists and pedestrians to identify, and suggested collaborating with the town planners on a redesign. The mayor agreed, recalling that the original signs took six years to install after council approval due to delays at FDOT. He outlined a vision for new signs with a stronger base and more presence, incorporating materials like river rock and stone, back lighting, and planting beds for seasonal flowers. The mayor said solicitations for new sign designs are already being sent out. Council members also discussed replacing aging park and pool signs to maintain visual continuity across city properties. The council directed staff to gather pricing and bring options back for consideration.
Councilwoman Hefner raised concerns about e-bike safety, noting she has had close calls with riders while biking and walking. The state legislature did not pass any e-bike regulations this session, leaving the issue to local governments. The mayor said he would circulate a document from Walton County Engineering outlining recommendations the Board of County Commissioners is considering, including restrictions on certain classes of e-bikes on sidewalks. He noted that some e-bikes are engineered to fall below statutory power thresholds while still achieving speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour, creating enforcement challenges. The mayor suggested adding e-bike regulations as an appendix to the land development code, merging definitions for shared use trails, sidewalks, and multi-use paths so the rules are clear and enforceable. He committed to sharing the county’s proposals with the council for review before the next meeting.
With no further public comment, the meeting adjourned.
