The June 3 BOCC meeting was another long day and one full of overwhelming positivity and support!
The day began with a Retirement Recognition of Timothy Pugh, Fire Rescue Engineer. It is always heartwarming to see the outpouring of thanks for a first responder as they retire from the force. You can watch the recognition here Fire Rescue Retirement
Following that recognition was the Graduation of the Saint Johns County 101 Citizens Academy class of 2025. This is a new program started by County Administrator Joy Andrews and has been a great success. I spoke with a couple of the class members before the meeting began and they were so impressed with what they learned! They theme I heard was how much more appreciation they had for the dedicated and hard working county employees that we take for granted every day.
Watch the ceremony here: Graduation Ceremony
Learn more about the program here: SJC 101 Citizens Academy
Commissioner Whitehurst made a motion to move Agenda Item 1 (2050 Comprehensive Plan Workshop) to the end of the meeting.
Commission Chair Joseph was opposed to moving the item to the end because of its importance to the county’s future. She recognized that many in the auditorium were there to speak either in support of or against County Administrator Joy Andrews (Item 2 on the Agenda was discussion on Ms. Andrews contract.) Commissioner Joseph said it would be better for people to speak about that topic in Public Comment so they could keep Agenda Item #1 where it was on the agenda.
The Regular Agenda was approved as is and the Board moved into Public Comment. You can watch the full Public Comment here: 0603 Public Comment
Public Comment went on for almost 2 hours with 32 speakers (including myself) speaking in support of Ms. Andrews in her role as County Administrator. Four of the speakers brought up the very negative social media attacks and indicated they need to stop. Three speakers urged the Board to start working together in a more collegial manner.
By the conclusion of this Public Comment, it was close to lunch time, so recess was declared before getting into the Regular Agenda items.
Regular Agenda Item 1 – 2050 Comprehensive Plan Workshop
You can watch the workshop here: 2050 Comp Plan Workshop
I’ve included some key slides but do encourage you to watch the very important discussion on this topic. You’ll get a much better understanding of the proposed changes by watching rather than looking for key sound bites.
Agenda Item 2 – Board Discussion on the Terms of County Administrator’s Contract
Commissioner Whitehurst had asked that this be put on the Agenda following conversation at the May 20 evening meeting. He was concerned that some of the questions and commentary about Ms. Andrews at that meeting occurred at 10:00 at night and wanted the opportunity to have that discussion in the next meeting where more people could have visibility to the discussion.
Ms. Andrews was given an opportunity to explain her application for the position of County Administrator in Palm Beach County. In short, based on feedback she had recently from the board, she was concerned about the long term prospects of her role here in St. Johns County. She felt she had to make the right decision to be able to support her family so she applied for the other role. In response to the reaction from the public, her staff, and her children, she reconsidered and withdrew her application. St. Johns County is her home and she wants to continue her role here.
The discussion and additional public comment are here: Agenda Item 2
Again, I encourage you to watch for yourself to gain an understanding of the concerns and responses.
Commissioner Whitehurst offered his concerns about maintaining the stability of the staff in the County and made a motion to extend Ms. Andrews’ contract for 6 years. Commissioner Murphy countered with a 3 year extension.
Commissioner Murphy shared that in the months he has been on the Board he has heard nothing but accolades and he is fully supportive of Joy.
Commissioner Joseph commented that she hadn’t seen goals accomplished by Ms. Andrews, including not having landed the Black History Museum that was not voted on by the State Legislature as Commissioner Arnold reminded the Board.
Public comment from residents included a speaker on behalf of the St. Johns County Firefighters who are in full support of Ms. Andrews There were 4 other speakers supporting Ms. Andrews and more admonitions about the negativity on social media and requests for the Board to work together.
The Contract extension was approved 3:2 with Commissioners Joseph and Taylor being the no votes.
Regular Agenda Item 3 – Constitutional Officers’ Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentations
Tuesday’s presentation was from the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller and the Property Appraiser. It was pointed out that the budgets of the Tax Collector and the Property Appraiser are approved by the State Department of Revenue, not the local Commission, as their budgets are fee based. They are not required to submit their budgets to the county but the Property Appraiser has elected to do so. The Sheriff and Supervisor of Elections will be presenting their budgets at the June 17 Board meeting.
It was noticed that TRIM notices are scheduled to be mailed August 15 to the 181,000 Taxpayers in St. Johns County.
Agenda Item 4 – O’Hara Family Property – Public Hearing to vacate a portion of Poinsettia Road Right-of-way. Little discussion on a minor request, approved unanimously.
Agenda Item 5 – SJC Central Sportsplex – this request is for a Non-Zoning Variance to allow for a County Park to utilize Scenic Edge standards, to allow for reduced performance standards in a portion of the Development Edge, and to allow for overflow parking within the scenic Edge. The site is at the corner of County Road 16A and Timberwolf Trail. Approved unanimously.
Watch the presentation here: SJC Sports Complex
Agenda Item 6 – Proposed E-Bike Ordinance – discussion item
Watch the video here: E-Bike Discussion
Draft Ordinance is here: E-Bike Ordinance
There was robust discussion on the item; I encourage you to watch the discussion including the exchange with Director Martin from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Director Martin shared that SJSO has been reallocating manpower to educate students and issued a Call to Action to parents. They talked about the importance of working with HOAs to create new rules and regulations within their communities to assist with the issue, as well.
The overarching concern was the ability of SJSO to have the manpower and resources to enforce some of the proposed elements in the Ordinance.
The item concluded with consensus to draft a resolution about the education and enforcement of existing laws for e-bikes. This will come back to the Board for additional discussion.
Agenda item 7 – Adoption Hearing for a Comprehensive plan Amendment needed to comply with Section 163.3177 of the Florida Statutes related to the 2023 North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan.
“This is the adoption hearing for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to amend Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the St. Johns County 2025 Comprehensive Plan in order to comply with Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes, with the issuance of the 2023 North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan. The statute requires local governments to amend their Comprehensive Plans to include selected projects from the updated regional water supply plan and to update its Water Supply Facilities Work Plan, adopted by reference in the Comprehensive Plan. The amendment was brought before the PZA on March 6, 2025, for a motion to recommend transmittal to state agencies for review. There were minor comments and questions from Agency members along with one public comment on aquifer withdrawal. The Agency subsequently voted unanimously to approve the motion. On April 1, 2025, the amendment was brought in front of the BCC for a motion to transmit to state agencies for review. Staff answered questions from the Chair on alternative water supply projects that the County has selected. In addition, a public comment was discussed on gray water availability for reuse. The BCC subsequently unanimously approved the motion to transmit. The amendment was sent out for state agency review on April 4, 2025. No substantial comments or concerns with the amendment were received from the state agencies by the 30-day deadline. Staff intends to bring the amendment to the PZA again on May 15, 2025, for a recommendation to adopt and will verbally advise the Board of any issues or questions asked.”
This was approved unanimously.
Agenda Item 8 – “Adopting and approving the final schedules of rates, deposits, charges, fees, and costs relating to the use or availability of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services pursuant to the St. Johns County Utility Ordinance for FY2025, creating a single set of rates for the North Beach and Main System and establishing an effective date.”
Approved unanimously
Agenda Item 9 – Appointments to the Planning and Zoning Agency due to the resignation of Elvis Pierre. Commissioner Joseph made a motion to appoint Bob Olson. She indicated her support for Joe McAnarney but felt the rest of the Board would not support him so she wanted to put forward Bob Olson. Commissioners Whitehurst and Arnold asked if Dick Williams couldn’t be discussed.
Commissioner Joseph indicated she felt Mr. Olson would be fair and objective. He was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Arnold being the no vote.
Agenda Item 10 – Appointment to the Industrial Development Authority – Susan Phillips was the recommended appointee and approved 5-0.
Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Joseph shared a video from about Veterans Village. You can watch the video here: Veterans Village
Commissioner Whitehurst invited Misty Dzion to share about the loss of her son that led to the enactment of Connor’s Law, requiring truck drivers to be proficient in the English Language. Watch her presentation here: Connor’s Law Presentation
Commissioner Taylor asked for consensus for the County to send a letter of opposition to SB 180, asking that Governor DeSantis veto the bill. That bill includes more local preemption language. Commissioner Arnold shared that she had already reached out to members of our local delegation “who have unanimously voted yes” on this bill. She was reluctant to sign on to this letter when our entire delegation had voted in favor of it. Commissioner Whitehurst added that he had spoken with Senator Leek and Representative Kendall about the bill. In their view this bill helps people get back in their homes more quickly. While he also disagrees with parts of the Bill, he was also reluctant to sign onto the letter asking Governor DeSantis to veto a bill that our state delegation had voted to pass. Commissioner Joseph stated she would be sending a letter to Governor DeSantis asking him to veto it because she is concerned about the trees.
County Administrator’s Report – Ms. Andrews congratulated the staff on receiving the 2025 Urban Deal of the Year from the Florida Economic Development Council for the Publix pharmaceutical manufacturing facility to be built on 210. The project is planned to open in 2026 and will bring 400 new jobs with a salary over $100,00. Learn more about the project here: Urban Deal of the Year
She asked for, and received, consensus to promote a St. Johns County Day for the 2026 Legislative Session.
County Attorney’s Report – reminder that financial disclosure reports are due at the end of the month and announced the promotion of Kealey West to Deputy Attorney.
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Beth Tate 