government | Crestview News Bulletin

Crestview marks America 250 with monument, Liberty Tree

Written by Eric Brown on November 4, 2026. Posted in government, History, News.

On Election Day, Crestview residents celebrated the freedoms that allow Americans to cast their ballots and the founding documents that protect those rights.

The Charters of Freedom, featuring stainless steel replicas of documents including the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, were unveiled during a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial adjacent to the courthouse.

County Parks and Facilities Director Jeff Peters said this display is one of 73 complete displays in 17 different states.

“(Foundation Forward Inc.) has recently donated to every county in Florida,” he said. “(Okaloosa County) is one of only four counties that will have multiple (displays) in the counties, which is pretty cool.”

Commissioner Trey Goodwin said that when the opportunity arose to receive another set of Charters of Freedom, there was some discussion between officials in the north and south ends of the county about the best location for the display.

“In a very good negotiating spirit, we decided to ask for a second set,” he said.

Goodwin added that having the display will have a positive impact on the Crestview community.

“Now we have two sets which I think is fantastic,” he said. “In such a patriotic, military-friendly community, to have our founding documents where people can come and visit them and really be reminded about the foundation of our nation.”

Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said the quality of work on the display is amazing and stressed that the community should make it a point to visit the display on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

“When people come to see the Veteran’s Day Parade and the ceremony, come over and see the new extension,” he said. “Our youth need to be here. They need to read these important documents and see how we have the greatest country on the face of the earth.”

The unveiling of the Charters of Freedom was not the only event celebrating the nation’s history on Tuesday.

As part of the America 250 commemoration, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution had a ceremonial shoveling to officially plant the Liberty Tree in front of the Crestview Courthouse.

Members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and local officials gather for a ceremonial planting of a Liberty Tree outside the Crestview Courthouse on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The Liberty Tree is a live oak donated by Crestview Nurseries.

Former Okaloosa County Commissioner, America 250 Commission chairman and Sons of the American Revolution member, Graham W. Fountain, said that the live oak was a symbol of many things to early citizens.

“To the people who built our nation, the live oak tree and any kind of oak tree (symbolized) several things, not just the environment that God created for us,” he said. “It signified oxygen for the animals and people to live and breathe. It signified wood that would be cut to build ships and build homes.”

America 250 Celebration vice chairman and Daughters of the American Revolution member Mitzi Henley said the Liberty Tree movement has been strong around the U.S. this year.

“We have been (planting Liberty Trees) around the nation, in every state and in every community to remember the patriots that sacrificed their lives to make plans for our future freedom.”

She said that the Liberty Tree serves several different purposes.

“It helps us remember our decisions,” she said. “It helps with historical preservation. It’s a way for us to work with our communities and bring public awareness. It’s educational and it’s a way to honor and promote civic stewardship for the future.”

There are several upcoming opportunities to see the Liberty Tree and Charters of Freedom in downtown Crestview.

The Okaloosa County America 250 Veterans and Patriots Grand Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m.

On Nov. 11, the Veterans Day Parade will begin on Main Street at 9 a.m., followed by a Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m.

Another Charters of Freedom monument for southern Okaloosa County will also be unveiled at the Women Veterans Park in Fort Walton Beach on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Visitors take a closer look at the Declaration of Independence replica following the unveiling of the Charters of Freedom monument in Crestview on Nov. 3.

County considers 12-month pause on large data center projects

Written by Eric Brown on November 4, 2026. Posted in county, government, News.

The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday, Nov. 3, to move forward with a proposed 12-month moratorium on new large data center projects while the county works on rules to address their impacts.

During the meeting, Elliot Kampert, county strategic planning and development manager, discussed several concerns associated with data centers, including how much water and electricity they use, as well as noise, thermal pollution and hazardous materials.

Okaloosa County Strategic Planning and Development Manager Elliot Kampert discusses concerns surrounding large data centers during the Nov. 3 County Commission meeting.

Commissioners also had several questions about where data centers could be located and whether the county currently has rules and regulations in place to deal with them.

Kampert explained the county’s current comprehensive plan and zoning regulations do not specifically address large, stand-alone data centers. As a result, county officials would have to determine how to handle an application if a developer proposed building one.

“Unfortunately, right now, it is kind of an unknown because our code does not address it.”

This concerned some commissioners, including District 1 Commissioner Paul Mixon.

“To know we don’t have protections in place is a dangerous place to be,” he said.

“I think we’re getting closer to having a definition that Okaloosa County residents can tolerate or see. It doesn’t give us a green light to move forward. It doesn’t give us a red light to stop.”

District 5 Commissioner Drew Palmer was the only commissioner to vote against moving forward with the proposed moratorium.

Palmer was concerned that the county could go too far with its regulations, which could hurt local businesses or affect military and defense-related operations.

“I don’t think there is a simple fix here. I think that if we take a too heavy-handed of action, I think we cripple our local economy,” he said.

Despite voting against the motion, Palmer agreed to work with county staff on defining which types of data centers would be included in the proposed moratorium.

District 5 Commissioner Drew Palmer is the only commissioner to vote against moving forward with the proposed moratorium.

District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel cited her concern for the fragile aquifer.

“I’m not convinced the data centers wouldn’t add an additional groundwater burden,” she said. “People think our aquifer is unlimited. It’s a system of caves. It is really delicate and it could very much be affected by some of these data centers.”

District 3 Commissioner Sherri Cox thanked the county staff for their research and brought up her own findings about possible ways large data centers could meet their electricity needs without relying entirely on the power grid, including micro nuclear reactors.

She was not necessarily endorsing their use, but she was interested in learning whether technology could provide a cleaner option with less impact on the environment and residents.

“I think it’s worth exploring,” she said.

Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin also wanted to make sure the proposed moratorium would be a temporary pause rather than a permanent ban on data centers.

Kampert said that a moratorium would give the county time to develop rules before allowing new projects to begin.

“It’s basically a time out,” he said.

County staff will now create an ordinance defining which types of data centers would be affected by the moratorium.

The Board of Commissioners is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed moratorium on Dec. 8.

If it is approved, the moratorium would give the county 12 months to develop rules addressing the concerns raised during Tuesday’s meeting.

Three things to know before the Okaloosa County Commission meeting

Written by Eric Brown on October 30, 2026. Posted in government, News.

The Okaloosa County Commission has a packed agenda for its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 8:30 a.m. at the Crestview Courthouse, 101 E. James Lee Blvd.

Here are three things to know about the upcoming meeting.

Data centers

During the Sept. 3 meeting, Okaloosa County commissioners asked their staff to research how the centers could impact the county’s resources, including water and power, how much noise and waste would be generated and other related issues. The task was to gather information and recommendations, not to draft legislation.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the staff will present its findings, and commissioners will consider potential changes to the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code related to data centers.

AI tourism development

The board will consider a request from the Tourist Development Department for up to $750,000 for additional work with BooneOakley to improve how Destin-Fort Walton Beach appears in travel recommendations that are generated by AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.

The department has an existing contract with BooneOakley, but this request falls outside the current agreement. The department has been researching how AI platforms affect travel decisions for more than a year.

The goal for BooneOakley is to create and update content, monitor AI recommendations and help keep Destin-Fort Walton Beach among the destinations recommended when families are planning their vacations.

P.J. Adams turn lane

The board will also consider whether to approve a $2.39 million contract with Anderson Columbia Co. Inc. to build a second southbound right-turn lane on P.J. Adams Parkway at State Road 85.

According to the agreement, the work includes drainage improvements, paving, traffic signals and other improvements.

Three bids were received on Aug. 12, with Anderson Columbia submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid.

The Florida Department of Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) will contribute approximately $1.2 million to the project, with the county covering the additional cost.

Following Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, the Charters of Freedom Monument, located adjacent to the Crestview Courthouse, will be unveiled. The ceremony is expected to take place between 10:30 and 11 a.m.

The monument features stainless steel replicas of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Civil Rights Amendments.

Crestview celebrates renovations at Fire Station 3 and B&T RC Raceway

Written by Eric Brown on October 29, 2026. Posted in government, News.

Two facilities have officially been opened by the city of Crestview after a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

The ribbon-cutting was held for the newly renovated Fire Station No. 3 and B&T RC Raceway, located at 585 Brookmeade Drive.

Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Doug Capps said Station 3 was originally built in 2008 and needed some serious upgrades after initially being completed very quickly.

“There were only two or three shower and or bathroom stalls all in one room. It needed to be updated so females could use the facility.”

Station 3 was originally built in 2008 and has been upgraded in several ways

Kitchen and laundry facilities were upgraded, and Capps said private quarters have been created with individual sleeping rooms for firefighters on duty.

“The rooms are very quiet,” he said. “You can hear the difference when you enter the rooms from the hallway.”

Capps said that the facility also has been made to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, making it one of the most secure facilities in the city.

“The building is safe so the firefighters can stay with their equipment.”

Opening the building also allowed the firefighters to move back into the building after being housed in different locations for different periods of time.

City officials also celebrated the official opening of B&T RC Raceway. The raceway is a tourist attraction where several hundred enthusiasts from as far away as Texas can descend on the raceway for different events throughout the year.

A RC car jumps one of the many hills you can find on the B&T RC Raceway track

The price tag was approximately $750,000 for major renovations, including a completed roof, restrooms and handicap access. The handicap access to the second level of the facility is currently only open for special events.

Capps said funding was made available thanks to an interlocal agreement that 12% of the bed tax goes to the local cities and that money must be used for tourism-related items. He said that the bed tax money was collected over several years to make this project possible.

Don Knapp, chief administrator of the track, was thankful to the citizens of Crestview and those who made the renovations possible.

He said that almost 95% of the materials that were used to upgrade the track were local.

“Whatever we do, whatever we purchase except one item was purchased in Crestview.”

The track has events typically on the second, fourth and fifth weekends of the month, with more information found on B&T RC Raceway’s Facebook page.

Crestview fire chief warns against burning storm debris

Written by Eric Brown on October 29, 2026. Posted in fire, government, lifestyle, News.

Officials know that waiting for debris cleanup crews can be taxing on residents, especially as those piles can be massive.

However, Crestview Fire Chief Joshua Vargason is recommending that residents not take matters into their own hands by burning debris.

“Since the storm, it seems like burning is the quick and easy way to dispose of all the debris,” he said. “But since the storm, (the area) has been really, really dry. One ember from burning debris can cause a wildfire.”

Due to the dry conditions, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) issued a warning Oct. 23, advising residents not to burn hurricane debris.

“There is no state ban burn (in effect), it’s a recommendation not to burn,” Vargason said. “Rules around that include 50 feet from a public roadway, 25 feet from your structure or a wood line, and 150 feet from anyone else’s house.”

Vargason said that despite the FDEM warning, city fire crews have responded to several calls related to residents burning debris.

“We have run a few (times) to what we call illegal burns or nuisance calls.”

He said there are very few places within the city that meet the requirements to safely burn debris.

Vargason does point out that unincorporated areas of Okaloosa County have different requirements related to burning. Residents who meet those requirements can burn piles less than 8 feet in diameter. Larger burn piles require a permit from the Florida Forest Service.

However, residents still must take precautions.

“You need to have firefighting equipment like hoses and the ability to put that fire out,” he said. “There are regulations like you have to burn after 8 a.m. and you have to have the fire completely out, not even smoldering, by 30 minutes before sunset.”

The chief said if a spark causes a fire that spreads to property such as the resident’s home, a neighboring home or other property, the person who caused that fire could be held criminally and civilly responsible.

“Depending on the size and that nature, you could have to pay for damages or all the way to charges.”

He added the much safer alternative is allowing the debris removal companies contracted by the city to remove the debris.

As of Oct. 26, the city’s contractor, DRC Emergency Services, had removed 21,000 cubic yards of debris, while city crews had removed approximately 5,000 to 7,000 cubic yards.

Contractors are continuing to make their first pass through the city, moving from the west to east side. Another pass is expected to begin once the first pass has been made.

Crestview City Council also increased spending on contracted debris removal from $250,000 to $550,000 at a meeting held on Oct. 26.

City officials expect debris removal to be completed within the city by Nov. 14.

Crestview increases storm debris cleanup funding to $550,000

Written by Eric Brown on October 27, 2026. Posted in government, local, News.

The City of Crestview is making headway with the cleanup efforts following Hurricane Isaias. However, the price tag for that cleanup is growing.

During City Council’s regular session Monday evening, City Manager Jessica Leavins asked the council to increase the allotted funding for contracting debris removal from $250,000 to $550,000. The measure passed by a 4-0 vote, with at-large council member Shannon Hayes absent from the meeting.

Leavins said the removal process is going well, even though the process may not be moving as quickly as residents would like in some neighborhoods where debris remains. Crews are continuing the pattern of moving from the west side of the city to the east side.

“We have four trucks going through town and are currently working in the center of town,” she said.

As of Monday night, contracted cleanup crews had removed 21,000 cubic yards of debris, while the city had removed another 5,000 to 7,000 cubic yards.

“(Crews) are making substantial headway,” Leavins said. “We did have a lot of very large trees down, and they’re actually right on schedule for what we predicted.”

Precinct 3 Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Doug Capps made a motion to approve the measure.

“That is why we have a healthy reserve,” he said. “Hopefully we can get everything or most of it back from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).”

Leavins said the city decided several years ago, as part of the strategic planning process, to make financial sustainability one of the administration’s core values and set specific goals.

“One of those (goals) was our franchise fee we collect from sanitation collection, goes into a specific fund for things just like this, specifically storm debris,” she said. “We know it can be a costly expense, and we want to be prepared when there is a storm.”

Leavins hopes some aid from FEMA will help offset the cleanup costs.

“We are in a good place still, and we do hope that we will only end up having to cover a small portion of that (expense) once FEMA kicks in,” she said. “But nothing is guaranteed in the world, and we will be in a sufficient place either way.”

Mayor JB Whitten applauded the efforts of residents and volunteers from Georgia, Mississippi and Texas who came together to help with cleanup.

“It was amazing to see neighbors helping neighbors,” he said. “It was great and I thank everyone for doing that and being involved.”

The city expects to have all debris removed from neighborhoods by approximately Nov. 14.

Hurricane recovery dominates Crestview town hall discussion

Written by Eric Brown on October 22, 2026. Posted in Community, government, News.

Crestview officials gave updates on cleanup following the hurricane and answered questions about the budget during a town hall meeting Wednesday night.

It was the fourth town hall meeting held by the city. City Manager Jessica Leavins said the earlier town hall meetings focused more on the budget, while this session was open to questions about any city business, including follow-up about the response to Hurricane Isaias.

Much of the discussion centered on the city’s recovery from the hurricane, including how long it is taking to collect the storm debris from neighborhoods.

Councilman Sylvester Echols said residents have been generally pleasant about the city’s response.

“The majority of comments I’ve been getting is how smooth the operation was and how quickly people responded. I think they were surprised to see the flashing lights going through the neighborhood. (Residents) were surprised to see the rapid activity from the city.”

He added that the only negative that he has been fighting is the question, “When are (crews) coming to pick up my stuff?”

Three contractor units have been collecting debris and have removed 13,923 cubic yards as of Wednesday. Leavins said that number did not include debris already picked up by the city.

“These are giant trucks. That is why you use a contractor like this; they have specialized equipment. Yes, it does take time.”

Leavins said residents moved much of the debris to the roadside quickly. The storm hit on Friday, which gave many residents Saturday and Sunday to clean up.

“They are coming, and they are making substantial progress. We are going to make sure that no one gets missed.”

She added that anyone who is concerned about debris collection should reach out to the city.

Leavins added that on Wednesday, a Department of Children and Families distribution served more than 370 households in one day, providing diapers and other household supplies.

The storm also brought attention to the problems with emergency generators, including how old they are and how often they are tested.

Leavins said the city’s generators are run periodically to make sure they work. There was also discussion about whether they should run them longer during tests and if it would help identify potential problems before they are needed in an emergency.

Leavins said the countywide radio system in Okaloosa County helped agencies communicate during the response. Before the county-led project, fire and police departments used separate radio systems.

“So, it was not only an upgrade, but it’s much more functional.”

Questions about the budget included how the city pays for projects and what could happen if voters approve Amendment 3 on Nov. 3.

The amendment would expand Florida’s homestead property tax exemption. Eligible homeowners would pay less in property taxes, but local governments would also collect less revenue.

Leavins said the potential loss for Crestview is approximately “$4 million of $12 million in property tax funding.” All the city’s decision-making revolves around the strategic plan, which was adopted in 2019 and has been updated several times.

“Our foundational values and our experiential values guide every dollar we spend and every decision we make.”

Leavins also explained that some city revenue can only be spent for specific purposes. She used the new roof over the radio-controlled (RC) track as an example.

The city used tourist development tax money for that project because the track draws visitors from elsewhere, which helps the city qualify for that funding.

“That track brings people in from here to Texas, and because they do registrations, we can verify that.”

She added that those explanations can get lost in lengthy budget meetings. The city’s budget workshop lasted five hours, and she said town halls give people time to ask about something they missed or bring up a concern.

Officials said that attendance has dropped over the course of four town hall meetings, but changing the meeting times has not made much difference.

Mike Montalbano has attended every town hall meeting and is a regular face at other government events. During the meeting, he expressed his gratitude for being able to speak with city officials.

“I just want to say one thing with the city staff here. I see 100 victories that nobody ever talks about, but one mistake gets (ridiculed). From the size of (the city’s) staff, I can’t believe what a good job the city staff does.”

Leavins encouraged residents to reach out and bring their questions and concerns to Crestview City Hall.

The town hall was part of Government Week and an opportunity to give residents a chance to ask questions and talk directly with elected officials and staff.

Crestview City Precinct 3 Representative and Mayor Pro Tem Doug Capps address the attendees

City Manager Jessica Leavins discusses the point of the Town Hall meetings

Crestview resident Mike Montalbano attended every town hall meeting

Crestview firefighters recognized for August rescue

Written by Eric Brown on October 21, 2026. Posted in government, News.

Crestview firefighters who rescued a person from a burning home in August were honored during the City Council’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 19.

Fire Chief Josh Vargason recognized the crews of Engine 1 and Truck 3 C-Shift for their response to a fire during the overnight hours of Aug. 13.

According to Vargason, dispatch received a call of a residential structure fire inside the city that was well involved.

The firefighters woke up from a “deep sleep” and within five minutes were able to determine the best way to attack the fire and rescue the trapped person.

Vargason said within three minutes of arriving on scene, the crew had the victim out of the house and into medical care.

“While these members would say, ‘That’s just doing their job,” I wanted to publicly recognize them on the work that they have done to be this exceptional team.”

The chief credits the rescue to the department’s emphasis on regular training, including how quickly firefighters can put on their protective gear.

“This team has decided that time matters, that the victim inside of the fire only has minutes to live and they take that seriously.”

Vargason told council members that rescuing someone from inside a burning building is not something that happens every day, but firefighters prepare as though it could happen any day.

“On August 13, it did happen, and they executed it flawlessly.

The recognition was part of the city’s Government Week presentations, which also included presentations to the Crestview High School Big Red Machine and director Jody Dunn.

Crestview reports $1.2 Million in Private Property Damage from Hurricane Isaias

Written by Eric Brown on October 20, 2026. Posted in Community, government, News.

Numbers are starting to trickle in from the city of Crestview regarding the response and cleanup effort following Hurricane Isaias.

City Manager Jessica Leavins debriefed the City Council on Monday during its meeting about the city’s response following the storm.

Leavins said five assessment teams covered the entire city within eight hours of Hurricane Isaias making landfall. Within 24 hours, the city had completed damage assessments of all 24 parcels. Teams visited every address, documenting damage and taking photographs.

“These are the numbers that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) looks at to determine what areas qualify for reimbursement.”

She added that 155 private properties were identified, causing approximately $1.2 million in damage. Six properties were determined to be uninhabitable.

Leavins said she is proud of the team consisting of the community development services team for completing the assessment in such a quick time frame.

Graphic Courtesy of the City of Crestview

The storm damaged at least 10 city-owned buildings, causing approximately $189,756 in damage, but the numbers could change once more assessments are completed. Leavins also noted damages related to the historic buildings are related to the deductible because, for named storms, the deductible is a percentage of the building, not a flat amount. The remainder of the costs are estimates for repairs.

There was a roof leak at Twin Hills Gym; however, the roof has not been inspected. The Bush House had significant water damage, and the Main Street offices also had some water intrusion.

Leavins said Public Works had superficial damage. Fire Station No. 2 and the maintenance shop each had some damage to one of the roll-up garage doors. There was landscaping and other damage at City Hall. A dugout was destroyed, as well as light poles and fencing at Durell Lee and a fence at the Children’s Park at Twin Hills Park. The outbuilding at the environmental center, which is also an older part of the building.

There was substantial damage to a building that was purchased from the United Way, located behind the Bush House, when a tree fell on it. There are some concerns that the repair costs are going to outweigh the cost of the building, so it was not listed in the report.

Leavins said two of the biggest estimates center around historical buildings, which was not unexpected. “(The buildings) are a little more delicate and a great reminder of why we invest in our community.”

Leavins said that they will be moving forward with a plan and why they have contingencies and reserves built into the budget. She said that the city went through a similar process when the city suffered from a weather event, including straight-line winds, two years ago.

Leavins also praised the public safety team before, during and after the storm, ranging from 6 a.m. Friday, when the state of emergency was initiated, to 6 a.m. Sunday.

The Crestview Police Department responded to 183 calls, including 13 traffic crashes and 77 security checks. Dispatchers also received more than 600 calls during that time frame.

The Fire Department responded to 112 calls, including five fire-related calls and one rescue after a building collapse.

The city did have extra officers in both departments on duty during the hurricane to ensure they could meet the needs of residents.

The streets and stormwater department responded to more than 60 calls for blocked roadways following the storm and cleared a majority of the streets directly following the storm.

Debris cleanup has also started, with more than 11,600 yards collected so far.

Leavins also said the community has had an amazing response. “Residents have been patient and kind with the staff and residents have done a great deal to get their debris collected and placed in the appropriate areas.”

The first pass of cleanup is underway, with crews starting on the west side of the city and moving to the east side of the city. The city does look to have a second pass to ensure as much debris is removed as possible.

Gaetz outlines DCF overhaul as Zuraff case nears conclusion

Written by Collin Bestor on September 4, 2026. Posted in government, News.

Gaetz, R-Crestview, said he is drafting one or more bills with Sens. Jason Pizzo, NPA-Hollywood; Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island; and Erin Grall, R-Fort Pierce; and that many of 34 recommendations issued by the Fifth Judicial Circuit grand jury will be incorporated into them.

The grand jury, which released a report on the case Aug. 27, described “heartbreaking systemic patterns of neglect and abuse, abrogation of statutory responsibilities, as well as operational failures” within the department, Gaetz said, referring to the report.

Joy Zuraff (left) stands with State Sen. Jason Pizzo (right) during a press conference at the Santa Rosa County Courthouse on Sept. 4.

He said the panel found children were being exploited, abused and neglected, and that some children died.

“When the department was confronted with its failures, the department delayed, denied, lied and then did nothing,” Gaetz said.

The news conference occurred at the same time as a dependency hearing for Joy Zuraff, whose daughter was removed from their Navarre home in March 2024, when the child was 5, and placed with a foster caregiver in Jacksonville. The girl returned home June 10.

A final hearing is set for Dec. 10, marking the six months of post-reunification work required by state law.

Zuraff is under a gag order and did not speak at the news conference. Pizzo, an independent representing parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, has represented her since February and said he has spent more than 2,000 hours on the case.

Gaetz said the legislation would reform Chapter 39 of state statutes, starting with the premise that DCF may contract out services but not accountability, and the contracts should be performance-based and should have oversight from the department, the Legislature and the governor’s office, with family rights not varying from county to county.

Other provisions would create legal consequences for agency staff and contractors who falsify documents or testimony and would allow parents or guardians to present evidence and challenge department actions without that being used against them in proceedings.

The proposed legislation would restrict placing children great distances from their families when DCF cannot find closer alternatives and would require contractors to employ credentialed clinicians, with fines and contract cancellations if those needs are not met.

Gaetz said a decision to seek termination of parental rights should be approved by a DCF secretary instead of a lower-tiered employee, noting that the justice system treats parental termination as heavily as the death penalty. Gaetz noted that judges should have a stronger role as a “check” on the department.

The final provision would repeal sovereign immunity for DCF contractors. Gaetz said the change affects only civil liability and said contractors would not be immune from criminal charges if the legislation is passed.

Gaetz noted that he does not want investigators discouraged from removing children in actual danger and said hundreds of DCF employees are qualified and committed.

“If DCF and some of its contractors have failed, so has the Florida Legislature, and so have I,” he said. “I wish I could have, and I wish I would have known more and done more then, but now I will.”

Pizzo noted that Zuraff was a single mom and was expected to drive 13 hours round trip to see her child.

“She was set up to fail,” he said. “Every obstacle was inserted.”

A former assistant state attorney, Pizzo said the testimony he reviewed was largely hearsay. He defended Chapter 39’s confidentiality provision in principle, saying it has eroded accountability.

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