Q: Can you give an update on the status of the Bailey farm off of Bishop Estates Road?
A: We were able to acquire two land parcels along the river through our LAMP (Land Acquisition Management Board) funds, but we don’t have enough funding to purchase the large (67 acres) farm itself. We are seeking funding to purchase this larger property via a grant through the Rural and Family Lands Program and we think we have a good chance to get it. We should know something hopefully by summer as it will come out of the March legislative session.
Q: What does the county plan to do with this land if acquired?
A: Our plan is for it to stay the way it is; it houses a horse therapy program, which will receive state oversight going forward due to the grants (if we are awarded them). The Baileys are willing to take a discounted price over what a developer offered them because they want the property to stay in its current state and I commend them for this.
Q: What’s the latest on the World Golf Hall of Fame building and IMAX theater in World Golf Village?
A: We still don’t know anything definite regarding the World Golf Hall of Fame; we are considering lots of proposals for this property.
As for the IMAX, at our county commission meeting in January, we heard a proposal by St. Johns County Cultural Events. They propose to start running some unique programs out of the IMAX theater that will fit our community, such as lectures, short films, musical acts, and just generally a blend of entertainment for all ages. St. Johns County Cultural Events is the same outfit that currently runs The Amp and the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, and their program proposal would be autonomous and self-sustaining. They need to come back to the commissioners with more details, likely sometime in March.
Q: You mentioned the Board of County Commissioners meetings. How would you suggest that people stay up to date if they are not able to attend these meetings?
A: Our meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 9 a.m. The meetings are livestreamed on GTV (www.sjcfl.us/watch-govtv-live/). Additionally, all of the agendas and minutes of past meetings are available on the Clerk of Courts website via a link from the county website (www.sjcfl.us).
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.
