Q: What can you tell us about the clearing taking place at the corner of State Road 13 and Otoes Place?
A: This property was zoned decades ago and the owner has development rights for the use they are preparing for today. The Board of County Commissioners directed our staff to work with the neighborhood to try to get the developers to save as many trees as possible and to be a good neighbor. We really did everything we could, but unfortunately, the developers did cut down many trees.
Q: Do you have any park updates?
A: We had the ribbon cutting for Mill Creek Park in early March. This park has two new baseball fields, two new softball fields, and a new multipurpose field. It was packed with people and fully utilized the day we were there. The demand for more park space is clearly there.
There are also two new parks, the Central Community Park and the Central Sportsplex, that are getting underway. We expect to cut the ribbon on these two parks, located on State Road 16A near the new K-8 school at the back entrance of Shearwater, by the end of 2026. That seems like a long time from now, but there is so much subterranean infrastructure that is needed for these parks. Finally, we had a community meeting recently to discuss the new neighborhood park off Pacetti Road. This will contain a pavilion, a dog park, and a basketball court, and is needed as it helps take some of the pressure off the other parks.
Q: Can you shed any insight into the county’s new Strategic Plan?
A: One of the legitimate criticisms of the county is that we’ve never had formal plans for a path forward in St. Johns County. We’re excited that we just finalized the first Strategic Plan, which can be fine-tuned and adjusted if needed as the years go by. It addresses many things, like how we want to manage growth and recreation space, as well as aspirational vision statements that address lifestyle and quality of life. If a project comes before the board that doesn’t fit this Strategic Plan, we can now point to it and require the developer make revisions. It’s another tool in our tool kit to manage growth and it’s available to view on our website.
Q: What else do you have to share with District 1?
A: I’m excited that the widening of Race Track Road from four lanes to six lanes, east- and west-bound around the intersection with W. Peyton Parkway,F has recently opened. This will go a long way towards relieving congestion at that intersection.
Also, I’d like everyone to know that I am available to speak to homeowners associations, civic organizations and the like to discuss anything, including growth management. Just contact me via cell phone or email (below) and we will set something up.
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.
