City of Graceville

Another agenda item from the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners Meeting Tuesday. I would like detail in this article, with the commissioners comments and concerns noted. The concern over the confidentiality of the business and Ms. Watkins response about the proposed business not being detrimental to other 'like' businesses in the City of Graceville. Word count is not an issue.  Darwin Gilmore is president and CEO of Jackson County Economic Development.

With a  break in the action over 2026 spring break, four Jackson County varsity softball teams were ready to hit the diamond last week.

The Cottondale Hornets traveled to Graceville Friday night to face their long-time county rivals. Graceville was back on the field this season after a two-year absence, while Cottondale entered the matchup with a 6–3 record and hopes of finishing strong. The Hornets didn’t disappoint, rolling to a 56–14 win.

Poplar Springs claimed the team title in the Girls 5000 Meter Run Finals, edging out Graceville and Chipley with consistent finishes across the board.

After two years without a complete season, the Graceville Tigers finally had a night to celebrate.

The Graceville Tigers hosted area schools this past week in a spirited cross-country meet that saw athletes from Marianna, Malone, Cottondale, and Graceville post strong performances alongside runners from Chipley and Poplar Springs

Families in Graceville gathered at Faith Assembly of God Church on Saturday, August 2, for the second annual Back-to-School Bash, a community event filled with fun, food, and generosity.

Concerns arose last week at the Graceville City Commission meeting about the future of the Graceville Police Department.

It’s been nearly 50 years since the Graceville Civic Center was just a dream, a project to bring a central location for the citizens of Graceville to host events at all levels. It wasn’t built without some controversy with many worried it would deteriorate for lack of use, but a half century later, it’s proved that the commissioners made the right decision. The members present at the November 1977 meeting were Henry Ezell, E. J. Cooper, and Jerry Gardner. Present at the June meeting in 1977 were Henry Ezell, Alyce Boyd, Buddy Williams, and Jerry Gardner.

Aaron Davis, a proud 2016 graduate of Graceville High School, is returning to his alma mater in a leadership role, this time as head football coach. Davis, who played defensive end for the Tigers during his high school years, is determined to restore the program’s tradition of grit, effort, and relentless play.

The Graceville Civic Center was the place to be Saturday morning as families from Jackson County gathered for the first back-to-school giveaway of the 2025–2026 school year. Hosted by the City of Graceville, the event was held in the city’s 10,000+ square foot civic center, a community mainstay since its construction in 1978.

The season has come to an end and all-stars have been chosen. The last weeks were full of excitement and anxiety with every team and every player trying to showcase their best skills and pick up those last few wins. The Darlings were no exception to playing with heart and soul through the very last game.

As the sun sets on our softball season here in Graceville, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful chaos, the countless memories, and the immeasurable joy of coaching the 7-8-year-old girls’ softball team — the Darlings.

District 2 school board member Tony Pumphrey knows the importance of giving back to the community.