Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Feb. 22, the commissioners unanimously passed a proclamation honoring the late Michael “Big Mike” Woods. Woods, affectionately called “Big Mike” because of his massive 6' 8” frame, came to Madison in 1978 after graduating from high school in Tennessee, to play basketball for the North Florida Junior College (NFJC) Sentinels, on a basketball scholarship. On his first day of class at NFJC, he met a beautiful young cheerleader named Tori, who would become the love of his life. Big Mike and Tori enjoyed 41 years of marriage together as they raised their family here in Madison. Woods went on to serve Madison County as a volunteer firefighter and through his farmer's market named “Big Mike's Produce.” He also served as a County Commissioner for District Five from Nov. 19, 1996 until Nov. 30, 2000. His widow, Tori, along with children and grandchildren, were on hand to receive a copy of the proclamation passed by the commissioners.
In new business before the commissioners, the commissioners approved a site plan for a proposed new Tractor Supply store to be located on East Base Street, in Madison. The store is expected to be completed and fully operational by the year 2024. The commissioners also approved a site plan for a proposed 518-acre solar power plant over a span of nine parcels. The solar power plant will be operated by Duke Energy Florida, LLC. At the recommendation of Madison County Fire Chief, Allen Clayton, the commissioners also approved the continued use of the current FEMA grant writer, JMCM, for a SAFER grant application. JMCM is willing to complete the initial grant application for $1,500, then, if funded, provide assistance with the first 90 days of the implementation at a cost of $5,000.
The commissioners discussed a grant application for the purpose of resurfacing the Four Freedoms Trail, in northern Madison County. The estimated price for the northern part of the trail, from the Withlacoochee River to Poppy Trail, in Pinetta, comes to $1,252,683.07. County Manager Sherilyn Pickels said they are looking to break this down into four phases and seek funding for the first three miles of the 6.5 total miles through a grant from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Terms of the grant requires matching funds from the county, with greater priority given to those who agree to a higher percentage of matching funds. After discussion, it was determined that the difference between agreeing to a 50 percent match and a 20 percent match was negligible; especially when compared to the greater commitment of county funds. The commissioners agreed to move forward with the grant application at the 20 percent matching commitment.
The next meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 8, at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place in the meeting room in the Madison County Courthouse Annex, located at 229 SW Pinckney St., in Madison.