City Council Recap: 2026-02-26

Freeport’s city council approved a sewer redesign on State Road 20 that will save an estimated $950,000 to $1 million, discussed a new north-south traffic corridor through the Carr property for hurricane evacuation, and signed off on several budget adjustments during their February 26 meeting. All items passed unanimously with no public comment.

$1M-Saving Sewer Redesign and New Traffic Corridor Discussions

Sewer Redesign Yields Massive Savings The evening’s biggest financial win came from a change in plans for the SR 20 sewer extension. Engineers originally planned to place a pump station on the Carr property, but the property owners offered an easement directly adjacent to the highway. Because the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to widen SR 20 in the future, that easement would have left the pump station stranded in the right-of-way.

By relocating the pump station to city-owned property near Marquis Way East, the city avoids buying the easement and eliminates 1,500 feet of expensive directional drilling. The council unanimously approved an $84,000 contract with Dewberry Engineers to cover the redesign fees—a small fraction of the overall savings.

Carr Property and New North-South Corridor The Carr property also sparked a broader discussion about regional traffic. Councilman Eddie Farris suggested the city proactively assist the property owners in building a new road through their land. Planning Director Latilda Hughes-Neel explained the proposed north-south corridor would run from U.S. 331 down to State Road 20 and across to 3280. The road is seen as vital for hurricane evacuation and relieving congestion at the busy 20/331 intersection.

As an action item, Hughes-Neel and Councilman Tracey Dickey are set to meet with the Carrs to explore partnership options. If the city can secure the right-of-way, it can apply for state grants and add the project to the Transportation Planning Organization’s 5-year needs list.

Other Key Decisions and Approvals The council unanimously approved several other financial items, with no public comment raised on any topic:

• CHELCO Upgrade: Approved a $62,962.57 payment to CHELCO for an electrical line upgrade on Black Creek Lodge Road, plus a necessary right-of-way easement. The cost will be fully covered by a state DEP grant.
• Marquis Way East Clearing: Approved a $2,500 budget increase for site clearing to allow geotechnical testing, bringing the project total to $197,500.