City Council Recap: 2026-04-23
Freeport’s city council cleared the way for Walmart construction to begin, wrestled with state law limiting how the city can regulate e-bikes in parks, and gave initial approval to an ordinance requiring permits for groups using city parks for financial gain during their April 23 meeting. All votes were unanimous with no public comment.
Walmart Clears Technical Review, E-Bike Rules and Park Vending Addressed
Walmart Construction Nears Start Residents eager for the new Walmart got good news: the retail giant has completed its technical review. Deputy Planning Director Samantha Graves told the council that once Walmart pays its fees and holds a pre-construction meeting, the city will issue a development order, clearing the way for construction to begin.
E-Bike Regulations on the Horizon The council had a lengthy discussion about e-bikes in city parks, particularly around the Hammock Bay area. City Attorney Clay Adkinson warned that Florida law prevents the city from treating e-bikes any differently than traditional bicycles, meaning they have a legal right to use roadways. Rather than banning them, the council is exploring a multi-faceted approach that includes designating bike lanes and adjusting speed limits to address safety and congestion concerns. Adkinson is tasked with reviewing an upcoming Walton County e-bike ordinance and bringing recommendations back to the council at its second meeting in May.
New Park Rules and Public Art The council gave initial approval to a new ordinance requiring groups—both for-profit and non-profit—to get a permit and pay applicable fees before using city parks for financial gain or fundraisers. A final vote on the ordinance is pending.
Additionally, the council approved spending $10,400 on a bright blue, climbable “songbird” sculpture for the playground behind City Hall. The durable poly-wood structure will be placed in the white sand area, with an annual $300 maintenance contract to keep it in top shape.
Rezoning for New Office Complex A step was taken to bring a new office complex to the area just south of Freeport Elementary School. The council approved the first reading to rezone a 0.74-acre property at 31 Azalea Drive from medium-density residential to residential commercial, matching the zoning of a similar office complex across the street. A second reading and public hearing will follow.
