Callaway: March 10, 2026 Regular Commission Meeting
Summary. The Callaway Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Commissioner Burtso and Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Graves. Roll call showed Commissioners Birdsall, Griggs, Ayers, and Mayor Henderson present, with Commissioner Pelletier absent. Deputy Martin presented February statistics from the Bay County Sheriff's Office, reporting 1,045 calls for service, 40 arrests, 214 traffic stops, and 27 accidents. The commission heard proclamations for Red Cross Month (accepted by Steve Dixon) and Women's History Month, recognizing several female city employees. Two public hearings were conducted for ordinances regarding rezoning properties on East 4th Street and Whitaker Street, both of which passed unanimously. The commission approved a 14-month livestock variance for the Born family despite opposition from some residents. Major discussions included canceling the 2026 Fourth of July celebration due to poor turnout, staff burden, and competing events. The city manager provided updates on various infrastructure projects including the roundabout completion, water line replacement on Cherry Street (estimated at $200,000 using impact fees), and ongoing lift station improvements. The commission also received a seventh consecutive Government Finance Officers Association certificate for financial reporting excellence.
Agenda Items
1. Ordinance No. 1138 - Small Scale Comp Plan Amendment 5028 and 5030 E 4th Street
Second and final reading of comprehensive plan amendment for commercial land use designation
- Required authorization letter from property owners was received
- Commissioner Griggs indicated no problems with the authorization
2. Ordinance No. 1139 - Rezoning 5028 and 5030 E 4th Street
Second and final reading to rezone from R-6M to Highway Commercial
- Companion item to complement the comprehensive plan amendment
- Same authorization letter applies
3. Ordinance No. 1140 - Rezoning 5000 Block Whitaker Street
First reading to rezone from multifamily to single family R-5
- Change from multifamily to single family development
- Allows 5,000 square foot lots
- Two access points planned to eliminate dead end at Douglas
- Commissioner Griggs noted this was an improvement from multifamily to single family
- Public concerns about lot size consistency and property values
- Commissioner Ayers noted existing area has mix of lot sizes including duplexes
4. Variance for Livestock
14-month variance to allow livestock for military family
- Family has 9 animals (3 goats, 3 sheep, 2 pigs, 1 alpaca) - exceeds both type and quantity limits
- Real estate agent allegedly misrepresented zoning allowances
- Commissioner Griggs expressed frustration with realtor and CPAR
- Neighbors signed petition supporting the variance
- Public opposition citing precedent concerns
- Family explained due diligence efforts and misunderstanding about deed notation
5. Discussion about Fourth of July Celebration
Decision to cancel 2026 Fourth of July celebration
- Poor turnout last year due to heat
- Staff burden on family holiday
- Drone show cost $30,000 for 11 minutes
- Competition with other community celebrations
- Suggestion to do fall festival instead
- Commissioner Pelletier absent but had requested discussion for 250th anniversary
- Decision to do decorative touches instead of full event
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve the minutes of the February 24, 2026 regular meeting
Moved by Unidentified Commissioner, seconded by Unidentified Commissioner
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve ordinance number 1138, small scale comp plan amendment for 5028 and 5030 East 4th Street
Moved by Commissioner Burtso, seconded by Unidentified Commissioner
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve ordinance 1139, rezoning of property located at 5028 and 5030 East 4th Street
Moved by Commissioner Burtso, seconded by Unidentified Commissioner
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve ordinance number 1140, rezoning of property located at 5000 Block of Whitaker Street, first reading
Moved by Commissioner Ayers, seconded by Unidentified Commissioner
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve variance from the City of Callaway Code of Ordinances to allow livestock for limited period
Moved by Commissioner Ayers, seconded by Unidentified Commissioner
Passed unanimously
Action Items
Put out bid for Cherry Street water line replacement materials from Star Avenue to Bertha Street
Assigned to City Clerk Ashley Robick · Due Bid went out today, closes March 24
Prepare budget amendment to use impact fees for water line replacement project
Assigned to City staff · Due Present at March 24 commission meeting
Schedule meeting between new beach hospital administrators, city manager, mayor and Tyndall colonel
Assigned to Mayor Henderson and City Manager Cook
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Callaway Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Commissioner Burtso and Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Graves. Roll call showed Commissioners Birdsall, Griggs, Ayers, and Mayor Henderson present, with Commissioner Pelletier absent. Deputy Martin presented February statistics from the Bay County Sheriff's Office, reporting 1,045 calls for service, 40 arrests, 214 traffic stops, and 27 accidents. The commission heard proclamations for Red Cross Month (accepted by Steve Dixon) and Women's History Month, recognizing several female city employees. Two public hearings were conducted for ordinances regarding rezoning properties on East 4th Street and Whitaker Street, both of which passed unanimously. The commission approved a 14-month livestock variance for the Born family despite opposition from some residents. Major discussions included canceling the 2026 Fourth of July celebration due to poor turnout, staff burden, and competing events. The city manager provided updates on various infrastructure projects including the roundabout completion, water line replacement on Cherry Street (estimated at $200,000 using impact fees), and ongoing lift station improvements. The commission also received a seventh consecutive Government Finance Officers Association certificate for financial reporting excellence.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 5 agenda items: Ordinance No. 1138 - Small Scale Comp Plan Amendment 5028 and 5030 E 4th Street; Ordinance No. 1139 - Rezoning 5028 and 5030 E 4th Street; Ordinance No. 1140 - Rezoning 5000 Block Whitaker Street; Variance for Livestock; Discussion about Fourth of July Celebration.
How many motions were voted on?
5 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
3 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
8 members were recorded as present: Mayor Henderson, Commissioner Burtso, Commissioner Griggs, Commissioner Ayers, City Clerk Ashley Robick, City Manager Cook, City Attorney, Deputy Martin.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Callaway in?
Callaway is located in Bay County, Florida. Browse other Bay County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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