Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service After previously tabling the matter for more information, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted May 19 to approve a land-use amendment for property on Aspalaga Road in Chattahoochee following renewed debate over density and precedent. In a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment for approximately 72.48 acres at 2441 Aspalaga Road owned by Kenny and Jennifer Smith. The amendment changes the property’s future land-use designation from Agriculture 3 to Agriculture 1. County documents state the applicants sought the change to facilitate future homesites for family members. Under the existing Agriculture 3 designation, density would allow about one dwelling unit per 20 acres, or roughly three homesites. Agriculture 1 allows up to one dwelling unit per five acres, potentially permitting as many as 14 dwelling units on the property. The request returned to commissioners as a continuation hearing after being tabled earlier this month amid public opposition and questions about development potential. During the May 19 hearing, Kenny Carroll spoke in support of the amendment while Growth Management Director Justin Stiell reviewed details of the request. Commissioners revisited concerns raised during the earlier hearing, including questions about whether approval could create precedent for similar requests. Planning Commission Chairman Bouie urged commissioners to evaluate land-use requests individually rather than apply a blanket standard. An opposition letter was also read into the record by Interim County Attorney Louis Baptiste. Chair Eric Hinson said he did not object to the Smith family providing land to relatives but expressed concern about altering the county’s land-use framework. “I have no problem giving the land to their kids,” Hinson said, according to meeting notes. “My issue is with changing the land code.” A woman identified in meeting notes as Ms. Smith challenged information she said had circulated about the application, stating she had consistently maintained that she and her husband hoped to provide land for their five children and nine grandchildren. Stiell told commissioners the applicants could sell their property if they wished and said there was no connection between the Smith family and allegations made by some opposing residents. Commissioner Ronterious Green said he was glad the applicants were not the individuals they had been accused of being by opponents. Commissioner Brenda Holt said she was not opposed to the amendment but questioned whether approval could lead to additional requests. “If this is approved, when can they have a meeting because if this is approved, they will have a room full of people wanting theirs changed,” Holt said, according to meeting notes. Commissioners also discussed differences between the Agriculture 1 and Agriculture 3 designations. Stiell explained Agriculture 3 allows one house per 20 acres while Agriculture 1 permits one house per five acres. County staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning documents stated the property is primarily timberland, contains approximately 7.48 acres of wetlands and is consistent with Agriculture 1 policies and surrounding agricultural and residential uses. The board approved the amendment unanimously.
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Gadsden commissioners approve Aspalaga Road land-use amendment after debate

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service  After previously tabling the matter for more information, the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted May 19 to approve a land-use amendment for property on Aspalaga Road in Chattahoochee following renewed debate over density and precedent. In a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a small-scale Future Land Use Map…

At The Pump

Local State, and National National Average: $4.29State Average: $3.98 Gadsden County Average: $4.40 Jackson County Average: $4.35Leon County Average: $4.31 Numbers based on AAA Gas Prices report, as of June 2, 2026.

Portrait of Robbie Jones smiling indoors with a window and greenery visible in the background.
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Gadsden County Extension Column

One shot at nematode control: Why timing matters for farmers As spring planting gets closer, farmers in Gadsden County are preparing for another growing season. While most attention is on seed choices and fertilizer plans, there’s a hidden threat beneath the soil that can quietly rob yields…nematodes. These tiny roundworms attack plant roots, making it…

Savvy Senior

by Jim Miller I Have a Will – Do I Also Need a Trust? Dear Savvy Senior. My wife and I were recently talking about updating our will and wondered if we should also set up a trust. How do we know if we need one? –Planning Ahead Dear Planning, That’s an excellent question. A…

Smiling woman with short, styled hair wearing a teal jacket and star-shaped earrings, posed outdoors with a blurred background.
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Today Can Be Different

Becoming the wife Bert thought he married Years ago, I was critical and angry with my husband, Bert. The more he put his work and needs ahead of me and our relationship, the worse my attitude became.  I felt rejected, and I wasn’t shy about letting him know how I felt.  One day, our conflict…

Promotional image for “Home Country with Slim Randles,” featuring an older man with a white beard, glasses, and cowboy hat smiling beside a country scene with a red truck.
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Home Country

Slim Randles “Wonder what the count is today,” said Herb. “Sure is hot.” We sipped simultaneously, as is our wont, and stared at our friend. “What count would that be?” asked Steve. “The btu count, of course,” said Herb. “Those are British thermal units, you know. It’s how heat is measured.” Leave it to Herb….

Smiling woman seated at a table with colorful fabric, books, and handmade items, in front of a store window display during an outdoor market.
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NURSE JUDY’S NOOK

Judy Conlin Out of the blue the other day, I got a request for some possible pictures I might have of my daughter taken at Niagara Falls years ago with a friend. I did not have any. I replied and told the fellow that I was unable to comply with his request. I was thinking…

Obituary portrait of William Benjamin “Ben” Murray. The close-up photograph shows a middle-aged man with short graying hair smiling gently at the camera. He is wearing a camouflage print shirt against a blurred outdoor background.
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William Benjamin “Ben” Murray

William Benjamin “Ben” Murray, of Chattahoochee, Florida, passed away on May 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was 79 years old.Born on March 29, 1947, Ben was the son of Bryant Murray of Faceville, Georgia and Corine Murray of Chattahoochee, Florida. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife,…

Smiling woman with short, dark curly hair wearing hoop earrings, a white top, and a purple cardigan, posed in front of a gray background.
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Grace Notes

Sort of together Nancy Kennedy Years ago I visited a little church at the edge of the county. They had a new pastor and I had gone to interview him for a story for the paper. As I walked around the building looking for the door, a man with messy hair, dressed in shorts and…

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