By Staff Report
Holmes County was not without its share of headlines in 2023.
From public arguments between county officials and community members to the return of local celebrations, the area saw its fair share of news.
The Bonifay city government was a lightning rod of controversy this year with the resignation of a mayor and city attorney, dismissal of a police chief, and City Council meeting attendees criticizing the city’s leaders.
Countywide, County Commissioner Brandon Newsom and Development Commission Executive Director Joe Rone clashed over Newsom’s concerns over a delay in the expected new Busy Bee location. Newsom has also questioned the transparency of the Development Commission, while Rone has fired back that they are transparent and defended the economic benefits they’ve brought to the area.
Over in Esto, the small town has discussed the return of the signature Two-Toed Tom Festival for 2024. As for Ponce de Leon, they saw a new Family Dollar store open.
Here’s our month-by-month recap:
January
The Holmes County High School JROTC Blue Devil Battalion gave close to 80 unserviceable U.S. flags a proper farewell by conducting a Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Former Bonifay Councilmember and Vice-Mayor Roger Brooks was cleared by the Florida Commission on Ethics after resigning amid an ethics violation allegation. Former City Clerk Beverly Gilley filed a complaint alleging Brooks committed 10 separate violations.
County Commissioners voted down a moratorium that would have delayed the addition of new and prevent the expansion of existing small box discount stores.
February
Local internet provider Tritech Wireless, LLC received four grants totaling approximately $14.6 million from a state program to develop broadband internet infrastructure in Holmes, the governor’s office announced.
Two people died in a structure fire off Beaver Dam Road in Esto.
March
Bonifay Fire-Rescue extricated four out of five people involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash.
The Arc of Washington-Holmes Counties hosted an open house to showcase a newly minted multi-sensory room and introduce such new curriculum.
April
Rampant vandalism at Bonifay city parks and the Recreation Center is brought up during a City Council meeting. Thirteen juveniles were later arrested in connection with the Recreation Center vandalism.
A family dog was credited with altering its owner to a fire in Westville, potentially saving the home.
May
Kathreen Adams and Christopher McLean were arrested for the death of their toddler after leaving the child in a car. A search of the residence found bags of methamphetamine.
The fourth annual Vortex Spring Rodeo drew thousands to the outdoor recreational spot.
The Bonifay City Council voted to disband the police department after the top three leadership positions were vacant due to the resignation of longtime chief Chris Wells, the passing of second-in-command Deputy Chief Greg Yancey, and the termination of the third-in-command Sgt. Jody Long, who was facing a first-degree misdemeanor battery charge stemming from Long’s alleged use of excessive force captured by a body camera during a domestic disturbance call.
June
The Bonifay City Council appoints Jimmy Macon the new police chief and Johnny Whittaker a full-time deputy.
Xtreme Bounty Racing (XBR) Motorsports held one of several mud races at The Original Vortex Spring.
July
Holmes County Advertiser is under new ownership by Kent Smith Group, comprised of locals Adam Smith and former editor Carol Kent.
The Florida Supreme Court unanimously turned down an appeal by Death Row inmate Johnny Mack Sketo Calhoun convicted of kidnapping a woman in Holmes County and murdering her in 2010.
The Original Vortex Spring offered patrons a chance to meet and take pictures with Mermaid Lilly, a performance artist who dressed as a mermaid and got in the water in costume.
Longtime law enforcement officer and former Holmes County John H. Braxton died at the age of 86.
A Bonifay mother, Jessica Bortle, was found guilty of battery and child abuse in an Escambia County courtroom.
The Bonifay Police Department reopens under new leadership.
August
Ponce De Leon enters the early stages of planning construction for a new fire station with the help of $2 million in funding from the state.
The Bonifay City Council voted, 3-2, to keep the Bonifay Police Department running.
Myniko Harrison of Alabama was arrested by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office on kidnapping charges.
September
Collin Breaux comes on as the new editor for Holmes County Advertiser. He previously was a reporter for The News Herald in Panama City and covered Hurricane Michael.
The Bonifay City Council holds an emergency meeting to address the resignation of Mayor Dr. Emily McCann and the termination of Macon as police chief. Mccann’s resignation cited safety concerns via a brief letter, allegedly from a former Bonifay police officers and others in the community on social media. Vice Mayor Larry Cook becomes mayor. A letter to addressed to Macon from Cook cited negligence in leaving a badge and service weapon at a Golden Corral in Dothan and insubordination and unprofessional conduct at a City Council meeting as the reason for his termination.
Bonifay City Attorney Michelle Jordan announces her resignation at a Sept. 11 meeting, with no reason given.
Bonifay man Matthew Ryan Peoples was charged in the death of another man on Labor Day.
The Bonifay City Council adopted the final budget and set the millage rate for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The budget was around $5.8 million, while the millage was set at 3 mils and will bring in $354,575.
Interim Bonifay Police Chief Johnny Whitaker becomes the official new chief.
Holmes County 4H’er Parker M., 13, brought home the State Championship in the Tailgating Contest after competing in Gainesville.
West Pittman Baptist Church held its third annual Touch-A-Truck event as a way to bring the community together and allow children to learn about heavy equipment and vehicles.
October
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office relocates their administrative offices on Highway 90 in the old agricultural center, leaving behind their old center on North Oklahoma Street–which the Bonifay Police Department then moved into for their offices.
The Town of Esto announces they will increase their water utility rates effective January 2024. Town officials also discuss the return of the signature Two-Toed Tom Festival, happening on September 14, 2024.
An Alabama man named Thomas Bradley Evans, 58, is killed in an officer-involved shooting. Evans was shot during a traffic stop when he pulled a gun from his waistband and attempted to shoot a Holmes County Sheriff’s Office deputy after a traffic stop.
The Bonifay K-8 School Blue Devils football won their second consecutive conference championship.
November
Washington County News and Holmes County Advertiser, previously and temporarily printed as one publication, return to being separate papers. The outlets also moved to a new office across the street from the old location, still in Downtown Chipley.
A mural depicting aspects of Bonifay culture and history is painted on the side of Cloud Auto Parts by local artist Brandi Jordan. It is noticeable when entering town off Highway 90.
Bonifay K-8 School raises $600 for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures.
County Commissioner Brandon Newsom and Development Commission Executive Director Joe Rone get into arguments during County Commission meetings over Newsom’s concerns with the Busy Bee project planning to open later than anticipated.
The Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has set a salary of $105,000 for a county building official, at the request of the person in the position. The BOCC approved the salary–effective after a six-month probationary period–during a meeting, meaning the inspector is also now an official county employee.
December
County Emergency Medical Services Director Steve Connell asks the County Board of County Commissioners to rescind fees he asked be implemented when the Fire Department responds to vehicle crashes. Municipalities can not impose such fees by state statute and the initial approval drew outrage from community members on social media.
The Bonifay City Council welcomed Eddie Dixon onto their board on Monday, Dec. 11. The City Council unanimously approved adding on Dixon to fill a vacancy.
GARETT VALCOURT 
KINSLEY COOK 