Q: Can you give your general thoughts on growth in St. Johns County?
A: The subject of growth has been a hot topic in our county ever since I moved here in 1999. I think the best way to look at it is that growth has to provide a net benefit to our county to be acceptable.

Q: What do you consider when you decide to approve or disapprove projects?
A: It comes back to the net benefit, which can be financial. Does the ad valorem revenue of a project outweigh the services it would require? I also consider infrastructure: is there capacity on the roadway to support the project or will the developer build roads if capacity does not exist? I’m mindful of our environment, particularly the wetlands and delicate ecosystems near our waterways that make St. Johns County special. Also very important to me is what a developer is giving us in the way of parks and recreation.

Every commissioner is aware of concerns about growth, which is why we are holding the Growth Management Workshop in late January. This is not just a gesture of goodwill; we want to hear people’s concerns and ideas.

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Q: If someone missed that workshop [on Jan. 25], will there be others scheduled?
A: If we are able to determine that there are key issues that require more discussion, I’m sure we will. This is the No. 1 conversation that all commissioners have with their constituents and is certainly not a one-time conversation. I’d encourage everyone to continue to email your commissioners with your thoughts and concerns.

Q: What can you tell us about the new addition to the litter ordinance in St. Johns County?
A: In January, by a 5 – 0 vote, the Board of County Commissioners voted to update the litter ordinance and prohibit the release of balloons and sky lanterns. St. Johns County is the first county in the state to ban these items, which are hazardous to our waterlife. When balloons burst high in the altitude, they fall to the ocean and look like jellyfish to sea turtles. We are a commission that cares about our environment and this new ordinance is another step in the process. 

Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 1?
A: I’d like to highlight that [as of interview date of Jan. 19] we have three of the top high school girls’ soccer teams in the country: No. 12 Ponte Vedra High School, No. 9 Creekside High School and No. 1 Bartram Trail High School. I believe this is a testament to all of our fine coaches as well as the competitive club soccer in our area. I encourage everyone to go out to support these teams and watch some quality soccer play.

Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?

A: Readers can email me at  bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us or call me at (904) 584-5348. 

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