Board of County Commissioners - May 26 2026

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners held a meeting on May 26, 2026, addressing a variety of topics including land use, code compliance, and environmental concerns. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of a change order for contract 23-35 with Chipola Engineering Group for design engineering services related to a DOT-funded project, which passed unanimously. The board also approved a resolution allowing the planning director to administratively approve certain development orders under the Live Local Act, reflecting statutory requirements. A significant agenda item was the discussion and approval of a code compliance fine mitigation program aimed at encouraging property owners to come into compliance by paying 10% of outstanding fines by September 30, 2026, to avoid foreclosure proceedings on non-homesteaded properties. The board also debated and passed motions related to neighborhood planning and zoning amendments. Notably, commissioners discussed concerns about potential data center developments, with a motion passed to instruct legal staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting data centers in Walton County, reflecting worries about water usage and environmental impact. Public comments highlighted community concerns about beach access, private litigation over beachfront property, and the impact of new developments. The meeting concluded with updates on emergency response efforts following a tornado and discussions on beach shuttle programs.