Latilda Hughes-Neel celebrates 20 years with the City of Freeport 

By Wendy O. Dixon

If ever there were a perfect job for a person, it’s for Latilda Hughes-Neel. In her crucial role
as planning director for the Freeport Planning and Zoning Department, Latilda uses her 
background in education, art and city planning to make the City of Freeport the fastest
growing city in the fastest growing county in Florida.

Born in Marianna, Fla., and raised in Grand Ridge, specifically, Latilda grew up with
educator parents, and thought she’d go into that line of work as well, majoring in art
education at Chipola College. “I was planning on continuing at Florida State University with
a major in English composition and literature, but my parents saw changes in the education
system and I decided on changing paths by seeking a degree in urban and regional
planning, specializing in cartography at FSU,” she says. “Cartography is a lost art now. I can
take an aerial photo and map it out, not that anyone needs those anymore.”

It was while she was at Chipola that she met Connie Grabois, who was to become the first planner for Jackson County, and who would pursue Latilda to be her assistant planner.“There’s a lot of mapping, organizational structure, processes and procedures for everything,” Latilda says. “I’m an organized person, and artistic, so I thought it was a great opportunity to work as assistant planner while pursuing my degree at FSU.”

When Walton County found itself in need of a town planner with experience, Connie told Latilda to jump at the chance. Nervous and intimidated during her job interview in front of mayors and county administrators, she proved herself to be the ideal fit. Starting her new position in 1988, Latilda was the first county planner for Walton County. “I think they hired me because I’m from Northwest Florida and I knew firsthand the mindset of people from this region,” she says. “And though I had to drop the FSU courses due to the long commute, I understood rural issues, the laws and ethics of development, and what goes into developing a city.”

Her next career step came in 2005 when she got the job in the Freeport Planning and Zoning Department. “I knew this was a tiny city that was about to grow up fast,” she says. “We had 2,400 people in Freeport in 2005. Now we have 37,000!”

Latilda describes her 20 years as a rollercoaster at times. “The economic downturn in 2008, several hurricanes, COVID. From a planner’s point of view, to assist a small town growing, and to create vibrant development is a wonderful thing. Our primary goal to have great regulations to make good development, to provide jobs, recreation, arts and culture.”

The city is working on many beautification projects that Latilda is proud to be a part of. “Sculptures in the parks! The Emerald Coast Tech Center is producing sculptures designed by planning staff; sculptures of native animals and birds,” she adds. Also, the Anchored in Freeport Project with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) will put art in public spaces. The anchor, which represents the city’s heritage as a maritime community dating back to the 1830s, is the project centerpiece. Decorated by local artists,the concrete anchor casts will be placed throughout the city.

Image of future sculptures with scale details (from Latilda’s desk)

A mural project is coming along the east-west corridor of Highway 20, which includes a juried selection of local artists, to celebrate the historic Freeport community. Gateway landscaping is coming, as well as a butterfly art project, too. “We have seven people on staff, and the majority are very artistic,” Latilda says. “Visitors can discover the hiddenbutterflies in various spots, which are perfect for photo ops.” Dogs and their humans can make their own postcards in the city’s dog park, which is currently being designed. “We plan to have old-fashioned post card borders with changeable backgrounds and slogans like, ‘Wish You Were Here’ and ‘Having a Great Time in Freeport.’ It’s going to be very cute.”

A talented musician, Latilda hosts a “Pickin’ at Plannin’ “music session the first Sunday of each month at the office. “It’s so local musicians can play songs and spend time together,” she says. “We’ve got banjo players, fiddlers, steel guitarists, mandolin players, and bassists and guitarists. I have a baby grand piano in my office, which we also use sometimes.”

Latilda is also the president of Grit and Grace, a local production of historical theater performance that celebrates local citizens, places and events. “It’s an account of the way people lived back in the day, and how it’s changed,” she says. Latilda and her husband Bruce have seven sons and 16 grandchildren, and a little farm property just outside of Freeport. “The grandkids love to visit all the chickens and ducks. They keep us busy and on the road with birthdays and ballgames!”                  

As Latilda plans for her future, she wants to continue working as long as she is able. “I’m so blessed. I love my job,” Latilda says. “Helping someone to realize their dream of opening their business, to be part of that, it’s amazing to feel like I can make a difference. It’s been an incredible experience.”