The Covington County Commission approved four road closures after an open public hearing. They also approved new county seals during its last annual meeting on December. 12.

The County Engineer Lynn Ralls stated that the commission was asked to close Toucan Road.

“Toucan Road” is located located on U.S. Highway 29 off Sims Road. The county has not maintained the road, even though it was marked as an official roadway on map. 911 records it as a public road however it’s not an official road,” Ralls said.

Citizens Nikki Garrett stated Toucan Road is “technically” the driveway leading to her home.

“There is no way to gain access to Bill McClain’s property from this road except if he plans to be riding an ATV. I’ve contacted the Department of Transportation (DOT) and they are willing to permit access to the driveway from Highway 29 in the event that Bill McClain uses them. The road ends at my home and I’ve already paid over $5,000 to get gravel installed on that road. It is impossible to drive on this road in the rain,” Garrett said in reply to a question about other landowners who had access to their properties through Toucan Road.

Additionally, Ralls proposed the closing of Starflower, Perry, and Jackson Roads in response to petitions for them to be closed.

“Starflower Road” is located situated on Highway 55 South close to Five Runs Creek. The department of highways for the state is planning to upgrade the bridge. The state was concerned regarding the ramp and access point close to the bridge. The state reached out to my office to request closing the road. We’re not closing the actual road, but rather closing the access point to 55. Perry Road is located right on the Florida line that connects Yellow River and our public dirt road Walker Road. The only landowner who has the entire property I contacted me since 911 does not have any documentation of this road as an official road. Jackson Road is located near the South community of Red Level that parallels County Road 21 and Beasley Road. It’s a tiny connecting road between these two roads and measures only 300 feet long.” Ralls said.

The commission ratified the four closures with an unanimous vote.

“There are no further legal requirements beyond this. Your decision, your closure and a notice of closure are enough for the road closures,” County Attorney Morgan Arrington stated.

Rev. Commissioner Chuck Patterson thanked the county’s residents who pay their home tax. He also reminded residents who are over 65 to come by his office to apply for exemptions on property tax.

The commission voted to adopt the set of three new Covington County seals as proposed.


The Covington County Commission logo was adopted at a public meeting on December 12. 12. Additional logos for the road department, arena as well as Point A Park were adopted but aren’t yet completed.

“We have included the year in which the county was founded in the seal. We are proud of, and would like to see it displayed on the seal. The road department includes several changes. The third seal stands for Point A Park, and we’ve asked for changes from the state to locate Covington County. The emblems can be found on the front of county vehicles and on the county employee business cards, on correspondence written on letterheads of the county and they are also used to identify the commission whenever we collaborate with someone else,” Administrator Karen Sowell stated.

In other businesses:

  • The commission passed an amendment resolution to implement parts from Amendment 909 as discussed in an earlier meeting.
  • The commission has approved travel out of state for two sheriff’s deputies who were to take part in an interview training course in Pensacola. Commission policy requires that out-of-state trips for County staff or county officials needs to have the approval of the Commission in an open session.
  • The commission was discussing the possibility of a contract for the purchase of Southern Software for records management within the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Blake Turman said the software must integrate with E-911 as well as also the Andalusia or Opp Police Departments. The department did not take any action regarding the issue and further discussions will be held at a later meeting.
  • The commission has approved the request of the sheriff to purchase additional storage to house equipment needed for the Bearcat protected vehicle.
  • The commission approved an offer for two brand new patrol vehicles that will be bought by Step One Automotive. Two of the vehicles will be 2023 Dodge Durango models at a price of $43,969 for each. Three bids were accepted.
  • The commission voted to approve the financing for a joint venture together with The City of Andalusia for sealing and stripping parking areas that are used to host events at the Kiwanis as well as Arena buildings with 3-1 vote. Dist. 1 Commissioner Kenneth Northey, Dist. 2 commissioner Michael Smith, and Dist. four commissioner Tommy McGaha all voted yes. Dist. 3 commissioner Lynne Holmes voted no.
  • The commission analyzed proposed changes in the management of floodplains. The program is run by ADECA (state) along with FEMA (federal). The committee did not take any action in this regard because of the need to conduct a second examination by the engineer and attorney. The chairman Greg White said the item was to be included on the agenda of the initial meeting of January.

Next meeting of Covington County Commission Covington County Commission is scheduled to take place on Jan. 9 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Covington County Administration Building. Covington County Administration Building. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The article Commission accepts the closure of four streets, and the new county seals was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.