Courtesy Graceville News
The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday, May 12, to provide up to $100,000 in economic development incentives for a new restaurant project planned for the Graceville area. The funding will come from the West Jackson County Development Authority fund, which officials said was specifically established to support economic growth and prosperity in West Jackson County.
Jackson County Economic Development President Darwin Gilmore presented the request to commissioners during the meeting, explaining that the project represents a multi-million dollar investment that could create additional opportunities for growth in the area.
Gilmore described the project as a “hospitality facility” and later clarified it would be a quick serve restaurant operated under a nationally recognized international brand. While the company name was not publicly disclosed during the meeting, Gilmore stated the developer had requested confidentiality protections under Florida law.
County Administrator Jim Dean explained the background of the West Jackson County Development Authority, noting it was created in the early 1990s through a partnership between West Florida Electric and Jackson County following the acquisition of property and lease activity that generated revenue for economic development purposes.
Dean said the authority’s purpose was to assist with economic development efforts in the western portion of the county and that the proposed incentive fell within the allowable use of those funds.
According to officials, the project is expected to involve more than $3 million in capital investment and create at least 25 jobs.
Commissioner Paul Donofro asked how much money remained in the fund, with Dean responding that approximately $825,000 was currently available. Donofro also noted that the money had largely remained unused over the years and said the proposal appeared to align with the original purpose of the fund.
Dean stressed that the county would not provide the money upfront, explaining that any payments would be handled as reimbursements tied to project milestones.
“We would not gift it upfront and expect something to happen,” Dean told commissioners, adding that the memorandum of understanding approved by the board was nonbinding and that a final agreement would still need to be drafted.
Questions were raised by commissioners regarding the long-term viability of the project and whether the county would have protections if the business failed to remain operational.
Commissioner Dr. Willie Spires asked whether any provisions existed to address the longevity of the restaurant if public funds were invested into the project.
Gilmore responded that the agreement includes clawback provisions during the first few years that would allow the county to recover the incentive money if the company failed to meet the obligations outlined in the agreement.
Dean added that the final agreement could include additional specific protections regarding the operation remaining open.
Graceville City Manager Michelle Watkins also addressed the commission, explaining that the city and economic development officials had already been working with the developers for roughly six months.
Watkins said the company had conducted extensive market studies related to traffic counts, community activity, and growth within the area. She pointed to the continued growth at Baptist College of Florida and increased traffic along State Road 77 as factors that made the area attractive for development.
“This really is more about people passing through,” Watkins said, explaining that the restaurant would cater largely to travelers and would not directly compete with Graceville’s existing sit down restaurants.
Watkins also noted that the city had already received rezoning requests connected to the proposed development and had been working with the project’s real estate, construction, and architectural representatives throughout the planning process.
Board Chairman Jamey Westbrook voiced concerns about using public funds to assist a private development and questioned approving money for a company whose identity had not yet been publicly disclosed. However, he later acknowledged that the additional information provided by Watkins and county staff helped reassure him about the project.
Dean said that if the project succeeds and remains in operation for many years, the investment would ultimately benefit both Graceville and Jackson County through increased economic activity and sales tax revenue.
Following discussion, Dr. Spires made a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding between the West Jackson County Development Authority and “Project Fast,” the confidential project name used during negotiations. The motion passed unanimously.
Later that evening during the Graceville City Commission meeting, City Manager Michelle Watkins publicly recognized the county commission’s vote and confirmed that the restaurant project discussed during the county meeting was for a new McDonald’s restaurant planned for Graceville.
Courtesy Graceville News
