A large crowd turned out at the Graceville Civic Center on Tuesday, January 28 for an Open House hosted by Florida Power & Light to aid in educating citizens and answering questions on a proposed Solar Energy Center that would be located in unincorporated Graceville on Gum Creek Road.
Originally proposed to the Jackson County Planning Commission in 2024, the project was received by opposition from Graceville citizens who consistently state, they do not want the project in this area. Reasons for the opposition include destruction of the wooded area which would include clearing out over 400 acres, fear of health repercussions, and the area becoming an “eye sore”. One of the more frequented comments and questions concerned why that specific area was chosen when FPL does not service the unincorporated Graceville community but instead electricity to the area and service of the poles is handled through West Florida Electric Cooperative.
Spokesperson for FPL Florencia Olibera spoke briefly about the project stating, “This solar energy center essentially produces 0 emissions energy which creates more liability for the system and… it’s an investment as it will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax benefits to the county… and essentially will help the local economy. Each one of the these projects at the peak of construction creates about 200 jobs.” She continued speaking on the benefits for those who are not serviced by FPL ending, “For those non-customers, it’s very important in it also provides economic benefits to the county… with tax dollars…creates jobs during construction and essentially this is 0 emissions energy, so it also helps preserve the environment.”
When asked why Gum Creek Road was chosen it was noted that it was for sale, this will be the fourth solar project in Jackson County, and the area is extremely large, close to transmission, and a great spot for this kind of project. It was also mentioned environmentally this was a good spot to pick with the area effecting less than one acre of wetlands.
Representatives with FPL also noted that the project will not cause an “eyesore” for neighbors with a vegetation buffer between neighboring properties and where the solar panels will be located. FPL representatives consistently stated that while the property is 1,000 acres, the area that will be cleared for the project will only be around 400 acres.
Discussion on this project is planned for the Jackson County Planning Commission’s monthly meeting on Monday, February 17 at 5:30 PM. All meetings are held in the County Commission Board room of the Jackson County Administration building located at 2864 Madison Street Marianna, Florida 32448. Once the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on the project it will be scheduled to be presented to the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners.
For more information on the Planning Commission meeting call 850-482-9637 or for more information on the Solar Project contact FPL via email at solarprojects@fpl.com.
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