Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Kerry Smith on Monday apologized after getting angry during the board’s committee meeting, following heavy criticism, including accusations of lying, over his handling of the clear cutting of county property within his district.
Back in October 2024, Smith led residents in the Avalon Estates community to believe an existing 2001 agreement prevented the extension of a connector road across county-owned property on Ibis Road. However, last month a construction company began clear cutting that parcel.
So last week a group of residents gathered on Avalon Boulevard at Ibis Road, protesting against not only the clear cutting but also Smith, calling him a liar.
During yesterday’s county commission meeting more opposition was voiced against the development.
Smith became angry over all the recent criticism. “Call me a liar. It was fair. I am a liar because I lied to you,” he said, adding that he was “terribly hurt.”
Smith claimed he first learned the county could stop the construction on the county-owned land during a break in yesterday’s meeting and attempted to blame the matter on staff. He also apologized for his temper.
County crews yesterday afternoon blocked heavy equipment from further access to the property, and the board discussed other possible uses for the property, including the potential for using it for recreation.
