Q: We’ve seen an increase in the number of people asking for money at NW St. Johns County intersections. What can the Board of County Commissioners do about this?
A: We have already done something about it. In 2023, we passed an ordinance that would prohibit anyone from standing in the county right-of-way. The reason we drafted it as a pedestrian safety and right-of-way ordinance is we know that we can’t infringe on anyone’s First Amendment rights. Right now there is a court case against our county and multiple other counties in Florida, and SJSO cannot enforce our ordinance until we see the outcome of the case.
Q: What does the lawsuit allege and when is the case expected to be decided?
A: Their position is that our ordinance does infringe on First Amendment rights and I disagree. Our ordinance is a pedestrian safety ordinance. It’s unknown at this point when the case will be decided, but for those interested in tracking its progress, here are the specifics: the lawsuit is Joseph LaValley et al vs. St. Johns County, case number 3:24-cv-01055 in the US Middle District of Florida Federal Court. I’m hoping that common sense prevails in the court’s decision.
Q: Can you comment on the recent ebike accidents, including what the Board of County Commissioners can do to help prevent accidents?
A: First and foremost, it’s very sad that two children in our community have been injured on ebikes in the last month. As a policy maker, I’m always looking for ways to improve safety, both on sidewalks and on streets.
This situation is a bit complex. We have existing helmet laws that require anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle or an ebike. That law is not always being followed or enforced by parents or SJSO. Another law already in place prohibits the ownership of an ebike capable of speeds higher than 28 mph. That law is not always being followed or enforced by parents or SJSO.
So, I ask myself, is it smart to make another law that is not followed or enforced? I want to be clear that as to enforcement, SJSO is spread very thin with limited manpower. They are busy enforcing traffic laws in our community. We as residents must ask ourselves if SJSO would even be capable of enforcing another new law passed by the Board of County Commissioners?
I would like people to reach out and email me with their thoughts on this topic.
Q: As a follow up to last month’s column about the development of the land at the corner of State Road 13 and Otoes Place … what is being built there?
A: Our Growth Management department has told me throughout this process that the developer is building a one-story office park, not a gas station or car wash (which the property would not be zoned for anyway.)
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.
