Bay County commissioners on Oct. 7 awarded the Phase 2 contract to build a multi‑use path on Magnolia Beach Road to Gulf Coast Utility Contractors LLC for $267,127.70.

County staff said the project was enabled by a defense infrastructure grant with the Florida Department of Commerce approved June 4, 2024. The grant requires a 30% match amounting to $80,138.31; the match will be provided through surtax funding. The request for bids was advertised in August and bids were opened Sept. 11; staff reported Gulf Coast Utility Contractors was the lowest responsive bidder. Staff asked the board to authorize the chairman to execute the contract and any county‑attorney‑approved contract modifications.

The board approved the contract award after a motion and second and a roll‑call vote. One commissioner praised the competitive bid process, noting there were six bidders. No public opposition was recorded at the meeting.