The Parker Citizen

10/22/2025

LAST NIGHT’S PARKER COUNCIL MEETING APPROVES PARCEL COMBOS, LOT SPLIT, AND “READS” ORDINANCE 2025-429

Last night, Tuesday, October 21, the City Council of Parker held its Regular Meeting at 5:30 PM, where members unanimously approved multiple land use applications—including lot splits and parcel combinations-- and reviewed an Ordinance that changes the city’s land development regulations.

The City Council of Parker convened for its Regular Meeting with Mayor Andrew Kelly presiding, joined by City Attorney Tim Sloan, City Clerk Ingrid Bundy, and Councilmembers Tonya Barrow, Katy Bodiford, Ron Chaple, and John Haney.

ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE (NON-AGENDA)- PUBLIC COMMENT
🔹 VFW Trunk-or-Treat Reminder
Anna Marie Morris reminded attendees about the upcoming VFW Trunk-or-Treat event on Friday, October 31st from 4:00–6:30 PM at VFW Post 8205.

🔹 Speeding Concerns on Oakshore Drive
Greg Thomas, a resident who lives on Oakshore Drive, raised concerns about vehicles speeding up to 60 mph in his neighborhood. He praised increased police presence but requested actual speed breakers, not just painted dots. Mayor Kelly committed to addressing the issue by Thursday.

Agenda Item 1: Approval of Minutes – October 7, 2025
Councilman Haney made a motion to approve the minutes, which passed unanimously 5-0.

AGENDA ITEM 2: PARCEL COMBINATION – VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT (4354 E HWY 98 BUS)
Mayor Kelly explained that the purpose of combining the parcels was to support construction of a two-story addition to the Parker Volunteer Fire Department building. According to the Mayor, the planned expansion includes hurricane-rated dormitories on the upper level and an office space downstairs. While presenting the parcel consolidation request, Mayor Kelly gestured toward the Council and said, “It’s all in those photographs in front of you.” However, no photographs were included in the public council packet—only made available to council members during the meeting. Mayor Kelly stated: “It won’t cost taxpayers nothing. It’s all paid for by the volunteer savings.”
Motion passed 5-0.

AGENDA ITEM 3: PARCEL COMBINATION – SOUTH LOUISIANA MARINE CONTRACTING LLC (5657 E HWY 98 BUS & IVY RD.)
Owner Dan Ceprero was physically present as the Council approved the consolidation of his 2 parcels at so he could build a new office and manage stormwater runoff. Motion passed 5-0.

AGENDA ITEM 4: LOT SPLIT – DAN HOMES LLC (4919 E 2ND ST)
When this item came up for review, a woman approached the podium but did not provide her name, address, or clarify her relationship to the property owner, David Bowers of Art Construction, who appeared at the Planning Commission hearing held last week. Notably, neither the City Clerk, the Mayor, nor any Councilmember asked her to identify herself as is the usual protocol. Despite the lack of identification, the Council approved the lot split to allow construction of two single-family homes. Motion passed 5-0.

Editor’s Note: The lot split approved for 4919 E 2nd Street was previously foreclosed on by the city for code violations, then acquired by the City of Parker at its own real estate auction this past August. Records show that the Mayor purchased the property on behalf of the city without prior approval from the City Council—a step that appears to conflict with Florida law. Once purchased, the City then hired a real estate agent to sell 4919 E 2nd St.
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AGENDA ITEM 5: FIRST READING – ORDINANCE 2025-429 (LDR AMENDMENT)
City Attorney Sloan introduced Ordinance 2025-429, a proposed amendment to the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). This ordinance will affect multifamily homes that are located in residential neighborhoods, making these properties “non-conforming” and changes the current rule in LDR 6-3.1(6): If a property with a non-conforming use (like a duplex in a single-family residential zone) is sold or transferred, that non-conforming status is automatically lost and would have to revert to a single family home. This Ordinance 2025-429 now allows the multifamily property to keep its status as a multifamily home and that use transfers to the new owner if and when sold.

Despite the city publishing a notice stating that a public hearing would take place at the Oct. 21 City Council meeting, no gavel was struck to announce a hearing, and the mayor did not invite public comment. According to both state law and the city’s own documents, public hearings are required for any ordinance that amends the Land Development Regulations (LDRs).

The absence of a formal hearing raises concerns about procedural compliance and transparency. We’ll continue tracking this issue and encourage residents to stay informed and engaged.
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SOURCES:

VIDEO OF THE OCT 21 CITY COUNCIL MEETING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43X2vB1Jldk

AGENDA PACKET FOR OCT. 21 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sTINTlx8YjpPBldRsLqE0ZcjZOnAatrF/view?usp=sharing

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
https://www.newsherald.com/public-notices/notice/10/15/2025/notice-of-public-hearings-for-the-2025-10-15-panama-city-news-herald-florida-199e7727f40

10/21/2025

AGENDA ITEMS FOR TONIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING INCLUDE LOT SPLIT + LOT COMBINATIONS DECISIONS AND A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE THAT CHANGES LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

The City of Parker will hold its next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate, especially during the “Items from the Audience” segment, which welcomes public input on non-agenda topics.
Here’s a quick look at the agenda:

Agenda Item #1 – Approval of Minutes
Council will review and vote to approve the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting.

Agenda Item #2 – Parcel Combination: Volunteer Fire Department
Two commercial parcels at 4354 E Hwy 98 Bus. may be combined to expand lodging and equipment space for Parker’s fire personnel. Recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.

Agenda Item #3 – Parcel Combination: South Louisiana Marine Contracting LLC
A proposal to merge two properties at 5657 E Hwy 98 Bus & Ivy Rd. to allow for a new office build. Also recommended for approval.

Agenda Item #4 – Lot Split: Dan Homes LLC
A residential lot at 4919 E 2nd St. may be split to accommodate two new single-family homes.

Agenda Item #5 – First Reading: Ordinance 2025-429 – Amending Land Development Regulations
This ordinance proposes a key change to Section 6-3.1(6) of Parker’s Land Development Regulations (LDR), which currently states:
“Change of ownership or other transfer of an [sic] interest in real property on which a non-conforming use is located shall terminate the nonconforming use status, regardless of whether the purchaser modifies or alters the use of the property.”

What’s Changing:
Ordinance 2025-429 would reverse this automatic termination rule for a specific class of properties. Under the proposed amendment:

• Properties that were legally non-conforming (like multifamily homes in single family residential zones) as of November 20, 1990, and held under continuous ownership until November 4, 2025, would be allowed to retain their non-conforming status—even after a change in ownership.

• The ordinance also outlines rules for abandonment, repair, and rebuilding, especially for detached single-family homes damaged by fire or natural disaster.

• Mobile home parks receive added flexibility: discontinuance of fewer than half the lots does not trigger abandonment.

• Additional clauses address public safety, scrivener’s errors, and liberal construction to uphold the ordinance’s intent.

This is the first reading. A second reading and potential adoption is scheduled for November 4, 2025.

The meeting will conclude with council comments and announcements.

Stay informed, stay engaged. Parker’s future is shaped by your voice.



SOURCES:
AGENDA PACKET FOR TONIGHT'S MEETING: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sTINTlx8YjpPBldRsLqE0ZcjZOnAatrF/view?usp=sharing

10/18/2025

PARKER PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS PARCEL COMBOS, LOT SPLIT, VARIANCE REQUEST AND ORDINANCE

The Planning Commission met on Tuesday evening at 5 p.m. to review development applications and held a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-429. The October 14 Planning Commission meeting was not livestreamed—a departure from the City’s usual practice of broadcasting public proceedings. Because our citizen journalists were unable to attend this meeting we needed to obtain the official audio recording from the city clerk.

Based on that recording, The Parker Citizen presents the following summary of the decisions and discussions held. Be sure to read through to the end for an important editor’s note on new state laws—SB 784 and SB 1080—that impact how land use decisions are supposed to be processed and enforced in Parker and across Florida.

The Planning Commission voted to amend the September minutes to include the discussion regarding RV sales at Mr. D***s’ Smugglers Cove RV Park at 5612 East Hwy 98, although the agenda originally listed just his dock-related development. The motion to approve the amended minutes passed unanimously.

Following the approval, the commission chair, Mark Rega, opened the floor for public comment on non-agenda items. With no speakers stepping forward, the meeting moved to its first agenda item.

AGENDA ITEM #1: PLANNING COMMISSION GREENLIGHTS PARCEL COMBO FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION
Commissioner Mark Rega introduced the first item, inviting Fire Chief Higgins to the podium to discuss a proposed parcel combination. The request involved merging two commercial parcels—one housing the current fire station and another adjacent vacant lot—to accommodate future expansion.

Chief Higgins clarified that the land is owned by the Parker Volunteer Fire Department, not the city. The expansion aims to provide additional lodging for firefighters, including new dormitory space.

Planning Chair Rega outlined the land details: the existing fire station sits on just under ¾ of an acre, while the vacant parcel adds approximately ⅓ of an acre. The combined property would total nearly 1.1 acres.

After confirming that zoning regulations posed no barriers to the merger, the commission moved to vote. The motion to recommend approval of the parcel combination passed unanimously.

AGENDA ITEM #2: PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVES PARCEL MERGER FOR SOUTH LOUISIANA MARINE CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE
The Planning Commission continued its Tuesday evening session with Agenda Item #2, reviewing a parcel combination request submitted by Danny Cepero of South Louisiana Marine Contracting.
Cepero, who recently purchased two adjoining lots: 5657 E Hwy 98 and Ivy Road, appeared before the commission to request approval to merge the properties. His goal: to secure sufficient impervious surface area to construct a new office on parcel 258, the larger of the two lots.

Planning Chair Mark Rega clarified that while both parcels were acquired in a single sale, they fall under different zoning districts. The Highway 98 parcel is zoned commercial, while the adjacent triangle-shaped lot on Ivy is residential.

“There’s nothing in state or municipal rules that prevents combining them,” Rega explained. “However, each district’s regulations still apply. You can’t build a commercial structure on the residential portion.”

Cepero confirmed his intent to leave the residential parcel undeveloped, using it to increase the total square footage for his commercial office. He noted that the residential lot lacked sufficient easement for a driveway, making it impractical for standalone development.

Commission members acknowledged the potential for future zoning complications but agreed that Cepero’s current plan met all requirements.

With no objections, the commission voted unanimously to recommend the parcel combination for council review.

AGENDA ITEM #3: LOT SPLIT APPROVED FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL HOMES ON EAST SECOND STREET
The Planning Commission reviewed a request from Dan Homes LLC to split a parcel located at 4919 East Second Street into two residential lots. Representing the company was David Bowers, who also serves as the contractor for Art Construction, the firm slated to build the proposed homes.

Bowers explained that the original parcel exceeds half an acre, meeting the city’s minimum requirement of 0.4 acres for subdivision. The proposed split would result in two lots: one approximately 11,418 square feet and the other around 12,082 square feet.

Chairman Mark Rega confirmed that the property is designated as Mixed Use (MU1), which allows greater flexibility in development. Unlike low-density residential zones that cap impervious surface coverage at 40%, MU1 allows up to 80% surface coverage.

With no objections and all zoning and density requirements met, the commission voted unanimously to recommend the lot split for council review.

Editor’s Note: *4919 E Second Street was recently foreclosed on by the city due to code violations. The city then purchased the property in July and listed it for sale in August, paving the way for its redevelopment.

AGENDA ITEM #4: VARIANCE HEARING FOR 5123 AND 5125 BLUE HARBOR DRIVE
The applicant, Jamie Salabarria, (as noted on the variance application) was not present but Chairman Rega allowed Ms. Salabarria’s real estate agent, Melany Hathcock, to represent and speak for the owner/applicant.

As Ms. Hathcock explained, the owner wanted to combine two vacant lots (5123 and 5125 Blue Harbor Drive) in order to build a pool next to a future townhome. As part of the proposal, two additional vacant parcels would be gifted to the homeowners association (HOA), while the buyer would retain the lot needed for the pool. The goal was to ensure the buyer could move forward with installing a pool, provided all legal and zoning requirements were met.

Despite an incomplete variance application, no owner present, and no quasi-judicial hearing (even though City Attorney Sloan stated, "Number four was the quasi judicial” [hearing]) the planning commission voted to recommend combining the two lots, but with specific conditions. For the combination to move forward, Ms. Hathcock must provide official documentation proving she has the legal authority from both the buyer and the seller to apply for the lot combination. Only after this documentation is submitted can the combination be considered by the city council for final approval. The pool project itself will be reviewed separately at a later stage, once these initial requirements are met.
# # #

AGENDA ITEM #5: PUBLIC HEARING HELD FOR ORDINANCE 2025-429 ON CHANGING THE NON-CONFORMING USE PROVISIONS IN THE CURRENT LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
The Planning Commission concluded its meeting with a public hearing on proposed Ordinance 2025-429, which seeks to amend the city’s land development regulations. The ordinance would create a narrow exception allowing certain non-conforming property uses ( like multi-family homes in single family residential areas) to remain intact following a change in ownership.

City Attorney Sloan explained that under current rules, a property with a non-conforming use loses that status when sold, requiring the new owner to comply with modern zoning standards.

Ordinance 2025-429 would allow properties owned continuously since before November 20, 1990—and with a non-conforming use established before November 4, 2025—to retain that use even after a sale.

The amendment applies specifically to low-density residential areas and is expected to affect only a handful of properties citywide. Sloan noted a typo in the business impact statement and confirmed that all references to “October 21” should be updated to “November 4,” the date of the ordinance’s second reading before the city council.

Chairman Mark Rega emphasized that any structural changes exceeding 1% of the property’s square footage would still trigger compliance with current regulations. The commission also agreed to remove confusing language referencing commercial districts, clarifying that the ordinance pertains to residential zones.

Commissioner Stryker abstained from voting due to a potential conflict of interest (he owns a multi-family home in a single family residential area), but the remaining members approved the ordinance recommendation with the proposed changes.

Ordinance 2025-429 will now proceed to the city council for two more public hearings, the first on October 21, and the second and final hearing on November 4.

# # #

**EDITORS NOTE: NEW FLORIDA LAWS IMPACT PARKER’S DEVELOPMENT PROCESS**

Effective July 1, 2025, Governor DeSantis enacted SB 784, which mandates that plat approvals—including lot splits and parcel combinations—be processed administratively rather than by governing bodies, and finalized within 14 days. Yet, as noted above, three plat/parcel combinations and one lot split were routed through the Planning Commission and are now scheduled for City Council review. City officials have made no reference or had a public discussion regarding the new statutory timeline or procedural changes.

This raises important questions about the city following state law. Parker citizens deserve transparency, timely processing, and assurance that city procedures reflect current legal mandates.

PARKER NEEDS TO ALIGN PROCEDURES WITH SB 1080
Florida’s SB 1080, which took effect October 1, 2025, is a new law that requires cities to clearly define application requirements, enforce strict review timelines, and refund fees when delays are caused by the government.

Yet the City of Parker’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs) have not been updated to reflect these new, legally-mandated procedures. They contain no provision for mandatory fee refunds when the City misses statutory deadlines. And while the City’s own application form for parcel combinations requires a “detailed professional survey,” multiple applicants have submitted Property Appraiser maps that explicitly state: “THIS MAP IS NOT A SURVEY.” These documents have been accepted for review, contradicting SB 1080’s mandate to consistently enforce written standards for complete applications. Additional inconsistencies raise further concerns:

• In the 4919 East 2nd Street lot split, contractor David Bowers submitted only a Bay County Property Appraiser printout listing a previous owner. No deed or ownership verification was provided or requested. Yet the Planning Commission approved the split. This contrasts sharply with the 807 N 9th Street lot split case, where, just a week before, the Mayor required updated proof of ownership before approving the split. The discrepancy highlights inconsistent enforcement of ownership standards—again, at odds with SB 1080’s demand for uniform procedures.

• In the Blue Harbor pool project, the Planning Commission recommended combining two lots even though the variance application submitted by was incomplete by the property owner who was not physically present and the variance application was never heard in a quasi-judicial format—as City Attorney Sloan noted during the meeting, “Number four was the quasi judicial.” No property owner was present, and Ms. Hathcock lacked documented legal authority from either the buyer or the seller to present and defend the lot combination application.

• Despite these gaps, the Commission allowed the owner’s real estate agent to present and moved forward with a conditional recommendation. The approval was contingent on her later submitting formal documentation proving she had the legal right to represent both parties. This piecemeal approach—accepting incomplete applications and deferring key requirements—stands in direct conflict with SB 1080’s mandate that cities enforce clear, written standards and require complete applications before proceeding with development decisions.

The City expects residents to pay their taxes on time, obey speed limits, and follow city codes. That same standard of compliance should apply to the City of Parker—especially when it comes to following new state laws designed to ensure fairness and transparency.

To comply with SB 1080, The PARKER CITIZEN suggests that the City review and revise its LDRs —codifying refund policies and publicizing and enforcing its own document requirements. Anything less risks legal problems, procedural confusion, and erosion of public trust.
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SOURCES:

AUDIOTAPE OF THE OCT 14 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DLI-Mq3G5Z0OdFLMF4qhksNqHqvWVM_K/view?usp=sharing

AGENDA FOR OCT. 14 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING:
(INCLUDES APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16paGeOecDELPDZbQMYh9zcZC5x2mhdoD/view?usp=sharing

ORDINANCE 2025-429
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rtur4NgvyTqS_WHxVmUbyovXY1vw9rih/view?usp=sharing

SB 1080
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1080

https://www.jpfirm.com/news-resources/florida-sb-1080-land-use-permitting-reforms-2025/

SB 784
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/784

Florida Statute 177: PLATTING
https://www.flhouse.gov/Statutes/2025/Chapter177/Part

10/15/2025

Parker Citizen Update: Planning Commission Meeting Audio Pending

The Parker Citizen is working to gather information from last night’s Planning Commission meeting (October 14), which was not livestreamed—a departure from the City’s usual practice of broadcasting public meetings.

Unfortunately, our citizen journalists were unable to attend in person, and without a livestream or real-time access, we were unable to document the decisions and discussions that took place at the planning meeting.

Today, we visited City Hall to request the official audiotape of the meeting. However, the City Clerk was out of the office, and no other staff member was available to provide the recording. We were told we could return tomorrow (October 16) to obtain the audiotape.

We remain committed to providing Parker residents with a clear and timely summary of all public proceedings. Once we receive the recording, we will review it and publish a full recap of the meeting’s actions and outcomes.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of transparent local governance.

10/14/2025

PARKER PLANNING COMMISSION TACKLES GROWTH AND ZONING TONIGHT

The City of Parker’s Planning Commission will meet today at 5:00 p.m. for a public hearing and regular meeting at Parker City Hall, with a packed agenda.

Immediately following the regular session, a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-429 will take place. This ordinance, which proposes amendments to the city’s Land Development Regulations, will also be reviewed by the City Council in two upcoming public hearings: the first reading on October 21 and the final adoption vote on November 4, both at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

AGENDA ITEM #1:
APPLICATION FOR PARCEL COMBINATION – CITY OF PARKER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT
• Location: 4354 E Hwy 98 Bus
• Parcels: #25721-000-000 and #25722-000-000
• Purpose: Combine two parcels to expand the fire station footprint.
"Join two Lots for Fire Station Extension"
AGENDA ITEM #2 : APPLICATION FOR PARCEL COMBINATION – SOUTH LOUISIANA MARINE CONTRACTING LLC
• Location: 5657 E Hwy 98 Bus & Ivy Rd.
• Parcels: #25818-000-000 and #25818-025-000
• Purpose: Merge parcels to construct a new office and expand usable area.

AGENDA ITEM #3: APPLICATION FOR LOT SPLIT – DAN HOMES LLC
• Location: 4919 E 2nd St (This is the property the city foreclosed on then purchased, then put it up for sale to raise $$ for another parcel that a Welcome To Parker” sign will be built on.)
• Parcel: #25858-000-000
• Purpose: Divide the lot to build two single-family homes, matching neighborhood lot sizes.

AGENDA ITEM #5: DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE VARIANCE/PARCEL COMBINATION – JAMIE SALABARRIA
• Location: Blue Harbor Dr
• Parcels: #25816-018-000, #25816-019-000, #25816-020-000, #25816-015-010
• Purpose: Combine lots 5123 and 5125 to enlarge the yard for pool installation.

# # #
PUBLIC HEARING: RECOMMENDATION FOR POSSIBLE ADOPTION – ORDINANCE 2025-429
• Focus: Amendments to Ordinance No. 2022-409
• Scope: Clarifies treatment of non-conforming developments,

On Monday, October 6, The Parker Citizen formally reached out via email to the City Clerk, City Council members, and the City Attorney requesting clarification on Ordinance 2025-429. Despite our efforts, no response was provided ahead of tonight’s public hearing. Below are the questions we submitted in hopes of better informing Parker residents:

>Requested Access to Ordinance 2023-405
Ordinance 2025-429 cites Ordinance No. 2023-405 as its foundational document. However, we were unable to locate Ordinance 2023-405 on the City’s website.
→ Requested a copy of Ordinance 2023-405

>Asked for Clarification of “Community Development Areas”
The proposed ordinance references “existing non-conforming development” citywide, with emphasis on commercial districts and “Community Development Areas.”
→ Is this term synonymous with Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), or does it refer to a separate designation? Clarification would be appreciated.

>Scope and Impact of “Certain Provisions”
The ordinance title and summary mention amendments affecting non-conforming development but do not detail what those provisions include.
→ Will Ordinance 2025-429 permit expansion, alteration, or change of existing non-conforming uses?
→ Are new definitions or operational standards being introduced that would alter how non-conforming development is regulated?

> Impact on Existing Code Sections
→ Does Ordinance 2025-429 modify LDR-6-3.1(6) or any other specific section of the Land Development Regulations? If so, which sections are affected.

We remain committed to helping residents understand the implications of this ordinance and continue to urge city officials to provide timely, transparent responses to public inquiries.
# # #

The Planning Commission Meeting will be held at: Council Meeting Room, Parker City Hall, 1001 West Park Street, Parker, Florida.

Stay tuned for updates on the ordinance’s progression and how these development proposals could reshape Parker.

SOURCES:
Agenda Packet for Planning Commission:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16paGeOecDELPDZbQMYh9zcZC5x2mhdoD/view?usp=sharing

ORDINANCE 2025-429
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vbuKZeZAsNTbA88KPGH0N8lvs5xtCZG2/view?usp=sharing

10/08/2025

PARKER CITY COUNCIL TAKES ACTION ON DOG BITES, DEVELOPMENT ORDERS, AND SPORTS PARK DONATIONS

The Parker City Council met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 7, to address a wide-ranging agenda that included dog bites, development proposals, sports park donations and more. Mayor Andy Kelly opened the meeting by noting that Agenda Item #6, a variance request concerning Parcel 4931 S Lakewood Dr., would not be heard as the applicant had asked to have that item rescheduled.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Parker resident, Anna Marie Morris, shared some news about an upcoming community event. On Friday, October 31st, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, the VFW will be hosting a Trunk or Treat celebration. Everyone is welcome to join in—whether you want to decorate your car, pass out candy, or simply come and enjoy the festivities. The event is geared toward families and children, and there’s even hope that a fire truck will make an appearance. It promises to be a fun and festive way to spend Halloween evening with neighbors and friends.

Before proceeding to the formal agenda, the Council then heard an urgent plea from resident Sharla Schultz regarding public safety. Ms. Schultz detailed a severe attack she suffered on September 30th from a large black dog near Lake Drive, resulting in a wound that required stitches.

According to Ms. Schultz, this attack marked the second incident from the same property, the first having occurred on April 18, 2023. Regarding the handling of the initial incident, Ms. Schultz directly addressed the Mayor and Council, stating that she was personally assured the problem would be dealt with but that follow-up never occurred.

She stated: "Now, after that incident, I was personally assured by you, Mr. Mayor, that this would be handled. I called your office and I never heard back from you. . .no calls were returned, and nothing ever happened". Ms. Schultz noted that she avoided the area "for close to a year" afterward.

Mayor Kelly responded to Ms. Schultz's criticism, claiming he was heavily involved after the initial attack, asserting that "contrary to what you may or may not believe from the last time on your behalf, I made probably 30 phone calls to everybody I could think of to deal with this problem because you're right. You're 100% right. But I'm limited to what I could do as mayor".

Ms. Schultz underscored the immediate danger to the community following the recent attack, noting that a small child on a bicycle was in the exact spot only moments after she was injured. Mayor Kelly confirmed that previous attempts to address the problem were limited by existing law, calling the current leash ordinance "not strong enough". City Attorney Tim Sloan advised that he had not found any legal authority to support the Mayor's suggestion of attaching animal control costs to the property owner's water bill. Mayor Kelly then requested that the City Attorney draft an ordinance to impose a $500 fine per offense for loose animals in Parker. This proposed ordinance will be presented at the next meeting.

AGENDA ITEM #1: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Council began its formal session by addressing Agenda Item #1, Approval of Minutes from four prior meetings. Councilwoman Barrow requested corrections regarding the September 4th minutes and the September 17th minutes. A motion to approve the minutes with these specified corrections carried 5-0.

AGENDA ITEM #2: MOBILE HOME DEALERSHIP DENIED, OFFICE APPROVED
Agenda Item #2 concerned Apple Homes' proposal for a DH – Mobile Home Dealer license to display up to five mobile homes (largest size 28x54) at 6240 E Hwy 98 Bus.. Council members expressed concern that displaying large mobile homes was not an appealing use for the parkway and did not align with the goals of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). After discussion, Councilwoman Katy Bodiford made a motion to deny, which carried.

However, with the intervention of Planning Commissioner Mark Rega, the applicant, Mr. Nassar, returned later-after all the agenda items were reviewed-- with a revision, withdrawing the request to display mobile homes and asking only for approval to operate a professional office in the existing building. The proposed professional office use did not require a development permit as no exterior changes were planned, but Mr. Nassar required a letter as per the” Florida Highway Patrol” confirming the city would allow him to open a mobile home dealer business (office only) there. Councilman Haney questioned the cost of the City Attorney drafting the letter, but Mr. Nassar agreed to pay the $300 fee himself. The Council subsequently made a motion that carried to authorize the City Attorney Sloan to draft a letter confirming Mr. Nassar’s ability to operate an office at that location, conditional upon the fee being paid.

AGENDA #3: RV SALES EXPANSION APPROVED
For Agenda Item #3, Smuggler Group, LLC requested an amendment to its existing business license to include on-site RV sales at 5612 E Hwy 98 Bus.. Mr. D***s, the applicant, clarified that the units are towable, classified as RVs under Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (Reva) standards, and are under 400 square feet heated/cooled. He noted that selling these RVs would help fund the expensive paving (required by the City’s new LDRs by Dec. 31 2025) at his RV park.

The Parker Citizen noted that the application failed to list the property's zoning classification, raising transparency concerns, as Mixed Use districts (MU-1, MU-2) generally prohibit motor vehicle sales. Smuggler’s Cove zoning was not discussed at this meeting. However, city officials ultimately determined the proposal was compliant. A motion was made and carried 5-0 to amend the business license to include on-site RV sales and authorize the required letter to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

AGENDA #4: UPSCALE FOOD TRUCK VENUE RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT
Agenda Item #4 involved considering a Development Order for a Mobile Food Truck and Entertainment Venue planned by Stevenson Trust and Grover Bodiford at 5710 & 5405 Hwy 98. Councilwoman Katy Bodiford abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest. John Stevenson presented the concept as an "upscale" destination—similar to The Big Chill on 30A-- featuring a central 2,400 square-foot building, restrooms, astroturf, and social infrastructure to house 12 food trucks. Mayor Kelly expressed strong support, calling it "phenomenal" and something the city is "in desperate need of".
The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval. Planning Commissioner, Mr. Rega, confirmed there are no prohibitions against this type of development in the CRA overlay or MU1 zoning. The only outstanding issue was the determination of required parking spaces, as the city lacked formal standards for this specific business style. A motion to allow the development carried 4-0 (with one abstention).

AGENDA #5: LOT SPLIT APPROVED CONDITIONALLY
For Agenda Item #5, Aaron White, representing Solar Land Holdings, requested approval to split a single lot at 807 N 9th Street into two lots for the construction of two homes. The proposed lots meet the residential size requirements. The Planning Commission had approved the lot split even though the original request and form was submitted by the original Owner Mr. Baron and the new owner showed up at the planning commission hearing, City Attorney Tim Sloan required the new owner demonstrate current ownership and submit a new application before final approval could be granted. The Council made a motion that carried 5-0 to approve the lot split conditional upon the applicant providing documentation proving ownership and submitting the corresponding application to the clerk.

NOT ON THE AGENDA: FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL DECISIONS
The Council concluded the meeting by voting on several items not listed on the official council agenda:

• City Hall Time Clock:
Citing the need for better tracking of employee attendance, a motion was made and carried 5-0 to reinstall a modern time clock system in City Hall.

• Sports Park Donation Fund Abolished:
Mayor Kelly proposed ending the $1 per month voluntary park donation included on water bills. He argued that the minimal amount collected (estimated around $360 annually) was outweighed by the administrative cost and "headache" of responding to public records requests (FOIA). Mayor Kelly stated: "I know it cost me more to have FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests answered than the donations accumulate in their entirety".

Councilwoman Barrow added to the conversation, stating: ". . . it's sickening that someone would want to know down to your penny what that dollar was spent on in the parks and recreation . . . who knows if it was on gas, if it was on w**d killer . . .".

A motion to abolish the dollar-a-month park donation on water bills carried 5-0.

• Editor’s Note: Parker resident Diane Coates had asked the Mayor at a May city council meeting during the public comments portion about the voluntary $1 fee attached to her water bill and wanted to know how those funds are spent. The Mayor promised to get her that info but after a month of waiting, she had not received any details from the mayor, so Ms. Coates decided to make a public records request.

After 2 months, and paying $15.50 for those records, Ms. Coates was provided an accounting of how much was collected since 2020. But the city was unable to provide which bank account the donations were deposited in, and the resolution that established the Sports Park Donation fund-items that are required by law when a city accepts donations. The city was also unable to list how the money was spent, such as what materials, items or services were purchased with the Sports Park donations.

• Playground Equipment Purchase:
The Mayor brought up that the city was buying new playground equipment. The Council voted to purchase $224,783 worth of high-end playground equipment, consisting of one large piece for ages 5–12 and one small piece for ages 2–5.

According to the Mayor, the purchase, which includes assembly and fall zone material, was supported by a $88,727 grant match and $65,000 previously budgeted. The remaining balance of $71,056.50 was authorized to be covered by proceeds from the recent auction of surplus city equipment and vehicles, ensuring the purchase was cost-neutral to the city's current budget.

Councilman Ron Chaple asked for a brochure or photos of the new equipment but Parks/Public Works Director, Tony Summerlin, said he had not brought that to the meeting.

The motion to buy the equipment and use the auction money to pay the balance carried 5-0.

You can watch the one hour and 27 minute meeting HERE:

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