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The former W.S. Stevens School in Quincy. The modern, single-story red brick facility features a dark shingled roof, a manicured lawn with young trees, and a concrete walkway leading to two main entrances surrounded by tall glass windows under a partly cloudy sky. Gadsden County commissioners continued discussions June 2 regarding potential funding sources and future plans for the Stevens School project.
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Commissioners continue Stevens School funding discussion

Erin Hill Gadsden County News Service Gadsden County commissioners revisited the Stevens School project during their June 2 meeting, discussing potential funding sources and possible next steps for the property. The item follows discussion by commissioners on May 19, when the board directed county administration to identify possible funding options for the project. Commissioner Brenda…

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…

An awards presentation inside a school classroom, featuring four adults posing together in the foreground. A man dressed in a black hat, a black-and-gold patterned blazer, a gold sequined vest, and gold shoes stands next to a woman wearing a white lace dress and a white sun hat; both are holding black recognition plaques. They are flanked by two smiling women, one on the left in a teal blouse and black pants, and one on the right in an orange patterned dress and denim jacket.
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Chattahoochee Elementary school salutes its finest

Linda YoungGadsden County News Service Dressed up and suited for a special celebration, Teacher of the Year Mrs. Ira House and School-Related Employee of the Year Mr. Dexter Thigpen received accolades and applause on May 26 for consistently exceeding expectations at Chattahoochee Elementary School.The honorees made a grand entrance into the afternoon luncheon, greeted by…

Exterior view of the historic Leaf Theatre in Quincy, Florida, showing the white theater building with a vertical marquee sign along a downtown street
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Quincy Music Theatre receives grant to support Leaf Theatre preservation efforts

Erin HillGadsden County News Service  Quincy Music Theatre has received a $6,000 grant from Talquin Electric Cooperative and CoBank through the Sharing Success Program to support preservation efforts at the historic Leaf Theatre. According to a press release, the funding will support Quincy Music Theatre’s Heritage Night preservation initiative and help advance plans to restore…

Two performers on stage share a close moment during 'Beautiful', illuminated by purple lighting.
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Quincy Music Theatre closes season with ‘Beautiful’

Ruben UribeGadsden County News Service Gadsden County’s own Quincy Music Theatre presented Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at The Leaf during the past two weeks, marking the fourth and final show of the theater’s 41st season. The production marked a milestone for the area. It was the regional premiere of Beautiful, meaning it was the…

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