BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Lake Butler city commissioners heard an update on Monday, November 18, on a potential buyer for the old public works property. Keller Williams realtor Brent Line told commissioners on a Zoom call that an underground utilities contractor in San Diego is looking to relocate its operations to Florida.
He said the company is moving 10 semi-trucks from California and needs a location fast. A representative was scheduled to view the 27-acre property on Friday, November 21.
“He is sending me one of his associates out on Friday at 11:00 p.m.,” Line said. “If everything looks proper, then we would expect by the end of the day Friday to be putting in a full offer.”
The company would need the property rezoned to heavy industrial. City Attorney John E. Maines IV said the sale contract can include rezoning as a contingency.
“The sale is contingent upon rezoning of the property, and then we would initiate the procedures required by law,” the lawyer said.
The city dropped the asking price to $700,000 two weeks ago, which sparked increased interest. Line said the potential buyer has been aggressive in its timeline and has already connected him with their financing team.
“They were specifically looking for Gainesville, but I presented this property to them two days ago,” Line said. “The acreage fits exactly what they’re looking for.”
Mayor Melissa Hendrix noted the opportunity could bring jobs to the area.
Line has been marketing the property for several months with limited success, but said the recent price adjustment has generated multiple calls and showings.
Boat ramp update
Commissioners also heard an update on the boat ramp improvement project. Grant consultant Doug Sanders said the 90% design phase should be complete in December, but permitting from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could delay construction.
“There’s a possibility that we will not be in a position to submit a new grant until 2027,” he said.
The estimated construction cost for the floating dock and ramp improvements is $330,000. Sanders said the project won’t affect next year’s Fourth of July celebration but could be ready for 2027.
“A couple of years from now, when you have your next fireworks, you’ll have a brand-new boat ramp,” he added.
Townsend-Green upgrades complete
Sanders also told commissioners that improvements to the Townsend-Green Building are complete.
He said he had difficulty finding an architect and a contractor for the job.
“We had to advertise twice to get an architect, and twice to get a contractor,” he said. “We just couldn’t get anybody to come to Lake Butler. It’s a nice project.”
Sanders told commissioners that James W. Townsend built the structure in 1914, and initially, it covered an entire block.
“At that time, there was a doctor’s office, a hotel, a restaurant,” he said. “But through time it shrank to what we see today.”
Sanders said the building also hosted Lyman Green’s barbecue.
A family member donated the building to the city, and in 1983, it burned to the ground.
The building sat as an empty shell for 13 years until two state grants brought it back.
Sanders said Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings officiated a ceremony to mark the comeback.
The latest grant repaired the structure’s roof.
Rotary aiming for bigger Fourth of July celebration next year
Lake Butler Rotary member Jody Read addressed commissioners about the 2026 Fourth of July celebration, which will mark the nation’s 250th birthday.
“It’s going to be a larger show, it’s going to be a bigger event,” Read said. “We’re expecting more food trucks, we’re expecting more entertainment.”
The fireworks will be launched from the lake dock instead of the previous location, which Read said should eliminate fire concerns and debris issues for nearby homes.
Public works employees out because of health insurance
City Manager Kim Hayes reported the public works department is down to three employees heading into the holidays after recent resignations.
She said Michael Manning has been placed in a 30-day trial period as interim public works director after Mike Gray resigned to return to building barns.
The city manager said two more workers resigned and joined the state to get health insurance.
“It’s hard to compete with the county and the state when we don’t provide insurance,” Hayes said.
Hendrix said the city needs to explore offering health insurance instead of the current $8,000 annual stipend, which employees often don’t use for insurance.
“We really need to offer health insurance here instead of just giving the money out,” the mayor said. “We’re having a hard time hiring people.”
Commissioners voted to give employees three additional paid holidays: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Friday after Christmas, and the Friday after New Year’s Day.
