Q: In the July issue, you discussed the budget process and your plan to advocate for more money for roads and ballfields in the Northwest. Can you give an update on that?
A: The county’s budget won’t be finalized until October, but early indications are that we will have a significant amount of money for ballfields and roads — enough that will make a difference. County Administrator Hunter Conrad and his staff did a fantastic job helping me evaluate and prioritize needs and getting dollars to meet those needs.
Q: What is the latest on the Helow project?
A: The applicant came to our July 20 Board of County Commissioners meeting without answers to a lot of questions; however, the Board of County Commissioners did approve the project for transmittal only (to the state) by a vote of 4 – 1. Without transmittal, they can’t apply for concurrency or PUD status. I did vote for transmittal and I would encourage anyone who was not at the meeting to watch the video, because I was clear that my vote for transmittal was in no way a vote for approval of the project. I made clear that if questions regarding things like parks and drainage, among other things, weren’t answered to my satisfaction I would be a “no” vote.
The Helow Company and their engineers are hosting monthly meetings at the Bartram Trail Branch Library for the public to come and ask questions and get more information. The first meeting was held in mid-August. Interested parties can call England, Thims and Miller at (904) 642-8990 and ask for Lindsay Haga to get the date of the next meeting or any other details on the project.
Q: Can you give us an update on the lack of yard waste removal?
A: Every commissioner has received emails from the public regarding the lack of yard waste pick up. We have been in touch with Republic Services every weekday for many weeks to learn the cause of the problem and potential solutions. Over the summer, Republic Services has hired third parties for assistance, increased their minimum pay, and offered sign on bonuses to attract new hires.
Yesterday, at our Board of County Commissioners meeting, Republic Services was our first agenda item. Every commissioner and many members of the public had comments; Republic Services understands the situation and has given us a date certain when the problems will be resolved. They will not be servicing Jacksonville customers any more and will be moving all of their crews to St. Johns County as of Oct. 1. It’s encouraging to know that there is a date certain for a remedy.
Q: Has the county been able to provide any new Covid testing?
A: In response to public demand and in light of the uptick in cases due to the delta variant, St. Johns County has opened up a free testing site at the Agricultural Center, 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine, 32092. The site will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day until further notice. There is no appointment or insurance required and the testing is completely free to the public.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 1?
A: We know school has started and traffic around the schools is a problem. We have reached out to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the School District to work on short and long term solutions. We’re all working together and we’re asking for everyone’s patience at this time.
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.
