Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Marianna’s First Roundabout

The new Roundabout is now open

A little rain didn’t dampen the excitement Tuesday afternoon as City Manager William Long, Mayor Travis Ephriam, local leaders, and a crowd of well-wishers gathered to cut the ribbon on Marianna’s first-ever roundabout.

Long opened the ceremony by welcoming the community and acknowledging the many partners who helped bring the project to life. “On behalf of the City of Marianna, welcome. Today we unveil our very first roundabout, and we’re thrilled to finally see it open,” Long said. “Projects like this take time, planning, and strong partnerships. We’re grateful for our friends in Tallahassee, our mayor and commissioners, and everyone who helped move this forward.”

Marianna City Manager, William Long

Mayor Ephriam echoed that gratitude, noting the teamwork that carried the project through from concept to completion. “We want to thank Jackson Hospital, David Melvin, and E.S.C.S. Engineering for their partnership,” he said. “There were plenty of questions about why the road was blocked and what took so long, but I believe everyone will be pleased with the outcome. It’s always good to see a project come to a peaceful, happy ending.”

Brooke Donaldson, CEO of Jackson Hospital, spoke about what the new roundabout means for patients, visitors, and the hospital’s long-term growth. “This improves access to the hospital and creates a safer, clearer entrance for everyone who comes here,” Donaldson said. “We’re grateful to the city, the county, Florida Commerce, and David Melvin’s team for helping make this possible. This project strengthens not just our campus, but our community’s future development.”

Engineer David Melvin, whose team designed the project, closed the remarks with a personal reflection that resonated with the crowd. “This project connects two places that shaped my life: I was born at Jackson Hospital in 1960, and I attended Golson Elementary in 1966,” Melvin said. “To see these improvements come together right here between them is really special.”

He also highlighted the broader infrastructure improvements tied to the work. “The roundabout is just one piece. There’s enhanced water supply to support hospital expansion, underground electrical upgrades, and hardening measures inspired by what we learned after Hurricane Michael,” he explained. “In the long run, these investments will be a blessing for our community.”

With that, officials gathered at the center of the new roundabout, scissors in hand.

A quick countdown later, the ribbon fell, marking not just the opening of a roadway, but a milestone in Marianna’s ongoing growth.