Graceville Civic Center proving to be the hub of Graceville

By: Shelia Mader

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.

In June 1977, the commission approved a recommendation to apply for an (Economic Development Administration) EDA Public Works Grant. In November 1977 bids were opened, and the award went to Cherokee Construction of Dothan with a base price of $391,700. The contract allowed 180 days to complete the project.

The Civic Center is more than 10,000 square feet and is located at 5224 Brown Street. The center supports events of all varieties including public meetings, nonprofit events and activities, pageants, back-to-school drives that benefit hundreds of students and parents as well as events sponsored by the Graceville Women’s Club. Movie nights have been a big hit for the Civic Center.

Throughout the years, many organizations and private individuals have made improvements to the center. The Graceville Women’s Club paid for replacement of stage curtains some years ago. Rex Lumber Company was instrumental in the replacement of the HVAC system. The City has maintained upkeep and updated as things were brought to their attention and funds were available.

A very successful event held this year and in years past was the Back-to-School event benefitting parents and students. The community stepped up big time to make sure students would start the school year on a positive note and fully equipped with the supplies they need. In no particular order, Florida Power & Light, Bailey Lumber Company, Cook Discount Drugs, Graceville City Bingo, Piggly Wiggly, Crutchfield Mini Storage, Tiger Steel Construction, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, MTN, Graceville Insurance, Super Canton, Mattox Studios, Mary Carol Murdock, West Florida Electric Cooperative, First Baptist Church of Graceville, and Northwest Florida Community Hospital. Sonny Fortunato, Early Learning Coalition, Graceville Fire Department, Reagan Hayes, Geanna Allen, Graceville Administrative Team, and Sheriff Donnie Edenfield and staff were all present to work the event.

With the community support shown for nearly 50 years, the Civic Center will be around to serve the citizens of Graceville another half century.