County Commissioners Approve Task Order for Penn Avenue Beautification

By: Shelia Mader

Jackson County has received a $250,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to fund a major landscaping and beautification project along Penn Avenue, marking the first impression many travelers will see when exiting Interstate 10 at the Penn Avenue exit.

The grant will cover landscaping improvements along Penn Avenue from Pooser Road to South Street. According to County Administrator Jim Dean, the county must complete and submit a formal design plan to FDOT for approval before construction can begin. While the grant covers the cost of the landscaping itself, it does not pay for the required design work.

To move the project forward, commissioners approved a $25,000 task order with DHM to handle the design phase. The proposal includes preparation of the landscape design, permitting, bid documents and a maintenance plan. Once the design concept is completed, it will be brought back before the board for review.

Commissioner Paul Donofro, who attended an initial meeting with DHM and Dean, made the motion to approve the proposal and authorize Chairman Jamey Westbrook to sign the agreement. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

When completed, the beautification project is expected to enhance one of the county’s most visible corridors, creating a more welcoming entrance for residents and visitors alike.