StJohnsCountySchools

Amendment 3 – Why Your Property Tax Bill Would Not Fall to Zero

Posted on October 4, 2026 by Beth Tate

This is the first in a series explaining Amendment 3 – it is not advocating for or against the Amendment – just explaining the various components in the Amendment and what they would mean for St. Johns County.

Let’s dive in.

During Florida’s 2026 regular legislative session, lawmakers considered seven different proposals to reduce or eliminate portions of property taxes. None reached the ballot during the regular session.

On May 27, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a new “Save Our Homes” proposal and called the Legislature into a special session. The proposed constitutional amendment was filed June 1, revised during the legislative process and approved by both chambers June 2.

The original proposal applied the expanded exemption to school taxes as well as non-school taxes and created a path for the exemption eventually to reach a home’s full assessed value. During the Senate committee process, lawmakers removed school district taxes from the expanded exemption. The final ballot version applies the new $150,000 and $250,000 exemptions only to non-school property taxes. School taxes would remain subject to the existing $25,000 homestead exemption.

The final version of the Amendment does NOT match the savings calculator published on the Save our Homes website Save Our Homes FL

This is important. You and I may have been some of the many residents who went to that website to see what our savings would be. And it generates a higher number than we would see under the final version of Amendment 3

Why?

The State of Florida’s Save Our Homes calculator does not calculate savings solely under the final version of Amendment 3. Its own disclaimer says that it estimates what homeowners would have saved if the broader Save Our Homes proposal had applied to their 2025 tax bills. Because the original proposal included school taxes and the final amendment does not, the calculator may show greater savings than a homeowner would receive under the version appearing on the ballot.

What’s in the Amendment

For many voters, the first numbers they see may be the only ones they remember: a $150,000 exemption in 2027 and a $250,000 exemption in 2028. Who wouldn’t want a larger property tax exemption?

But those numbers are only the beginning of Amendment 3. The proposal also changes how local tax dollars may be used, gives the Legislature a much larger role in defining local government responsibilities, and creates a process for potentially expanding the exemption even further. Those provisions may be less eye-catching, but their long-term effects could be much more significant.

That is why this series will examine Amendment 3 in smaller pieces: what it would do to an individual tax bill, what it could mean for county services and nonprofit organizations, and how it would shift authority over local budgets from local elected officials to Tallahassee.

Here’s the language of the Amendment that will appear on your ballot:

INCREASED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION; LOWER CAP ON INCREASES IN NONHOMESTEAD PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

This amendment increases the homestead exemption, for all non-school taxes, to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and adjusts for inflation thereafter. It requires the Legislature to prescribe a uniform procedure for counties and municipalities, for their respective levies, to increase the homestead exemption up to full assessed value, and allows special districts, subject to referendum approval, to do the same. Persons who are not Florida residents on December 31, 2026, will receive the existing homestead exemption upon qualifying for a homestead exemption, with the increased homestead exemption beginning with the fifth year of exemption, to the extent permitted by the U.S. Constitution.

This amendment reduces the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%. This amendment requires counties and municipalities to use property taxes solely for public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, natural resources, bond debt service, retirement benefits for employees, and operations and administration. Other expenditures may be approved by county officers or county or municipal governing bodies unless prohibited by general law, notwithstanding Article VII, Section 9(a) of the Florida Constitution, which allows counties and municipalities to levy property taxes for their respective purposes. This amendment takes effect January 1, 2027.

St. Johns County has created a webpage explaining the proposed Property Tax Amendment 3 that will appear on Florida’s November 3 ballot. Check that out here: St. Johns County Amendment 3 Info

They held a Town Hall on Tuesday, September 29. If you missed it, check out the video here: SJC Town Hall – Amendment 3

One of the easiest misunderstandings is that a home assessed below $250,000 would no longer have a property tax bill if the amendment passes.

That is not correct.

What the Amendment Would Change

If approved by at least 60% of voters statewide, Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption applied to non-school property taxes:

Up to $150,000 beginning January 1, 2027
Up to $250,000 beginning January 1, 2028
Annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2029

The expanded exemption would not apply to school district property taxes. The standard homestead exemption for school taxes would remain $25,000.

The amendment would also reduce the annual assessment increase allowed on most non-homestead property from 10% to 5%. It would require people establishing Florida residency on or after January 1, 2027, to wait until their 5^th year of residency before receiving the expanded homestead exemption.

What a $200,000 Property Bill Could Look Like

Consider a hypothetical homesteaded property with an assessed value of $200,000. After the $250,000 non-school exemption is fully implemented, that property could have no remaining taxable value for the affected non-school taxes.

But $175,000 would still be subject to school taxes after the standard $25,000 school exemption. Using 2025 St. Johns County millage rates only as an illustration, the school taxes would be approximately $1,098.

Non-ad valorem assessments would also remain. These are charges placed on the tax bill but not calculated from taxable value. They may include solid-waste charges, community development district assessments and other property-specific assessments.

Using actual charges from one St. Johns County tax bill as an illustration, the remaining non-ad valorem assessments include solid-waste disposal, collection and recycling charges, along with a CDD assessment.

Illustrative 2028 Bill on a $200,000 Assessed Value	Amount
Non-school property taxes	$0
School property taxes	$1,098
Illustrative solid-waste assessments	$334
Total without a CDD assessment	$1,432
Illustrative CDD assessment, if applicable	$1,486
Total with the illustrative CDD assessment	$2,918

The CDD amount would vary by CDD entity, and many properties in the county have no CDD assessment. The point is that even when the affected non-school property tax falls to zero, the total bill does not.

“The first $250,000 is exempt” means exempt from certain non-school property taxes. It does not mean a zero-property tax bill.

In the next article, we will look at who receives the tax benefit and who does not.

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BOCC, Politics, St Johns County Schools, St. Johns County

The Candidates Are Qualified: A Look at the 2026 St. Johns County Primary

Posted on June 16, 2026 by Beth Tate

The candidates are qualified!

And the Commissioner and School Board races have shifted with some surprises. The biggest shift this year is that the 2026 elections for Board of County Commissioners are Universal Open Primaries. What does that mean? Because all candidates who qualified for these races are members of the same political party and there are no write-in candidates, Florida election law requires these races to be conducted as Universal Open Primaries, allowing all registered voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.

For the first time in recent history, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote in the Primary for Commissioner. In the past, voters who had registered as NPA, Democrat, or one of the minor parties had no voice in the Commissioner votes.

That means this year more voters will have a direct voice in selecting County Commissioners than in past election cycles. Whether that translates into higher turnout remains to be seen, but it certainly creates an opportunity for broader participation in local government. Previously, many voters just stayed home as the Commissioner’s race was the most critical vote for the County in the Primary. This year, having more non-Republican registered voters show up at the polls could impact the down ballot votes for School Board and special districts, as well. This will be an exciting year for all St. Johns County voters!

As of the close of qualifying, here is what the ballot currently looks like for St. Johns County voters.

Commissioner Races:

Commissioner, District 2

As anticipated, incumbent Commissioner Sarah Arnold did not file to run. In a surprise move, a 4th candidate entered the race just 5 days before qualifying, and qualified.

Candidates for District 2 are:

Heather Brofford – FB page: Heather Brofford for St. Johns County Commissioner District 2 Website: HeatherBrofford.com

Tim Burres – FB Page Vote Tim Burres for SJC Commissioner Website: https://votetimburres.com/ (still not active)

Wilson McMullan – FB: Will McMullan for County Commissioner District 2 Website: wmcmullan.com

Martin Pyszczymuka – FB: VoteMartinForCountyCommissioner Website: https://www.votemartin2026.com

Commissioner, District 4

In a last minute surprise, Heather Neville withdrew from the race and threw her support behind Candidate Sam Williams.

Candidates for District 4 are:

James Galloway – FB: James Galloway Website: https://jamesgalloway.com

Krista Joseph – FB: KristaKeatingJoseph Website: VoteKrista.com

Sam Williams – FB: Williams for St. Johns County Commissioner Website: samforstjohns.com

School Board Races

District 1 – one candidate failed to qualify so it is a 2 person race between Kevin Allen and Bev Slough

Kevin Allen – FB page: Kevin Allen FB Page Website Kevin Allen website

Beverly Slough – FB page: Bev Slough for School Board Website: vote4bev.wixsite.com

District 3 – Jennifer Collins was unopposed so by default she will retain her seat

District 4

Leif Jonassen III – FB: Leif Jonassen FB Page Website Leif Jonassen Website

Tammie McClafferty – FB: Tammie McClafferty for School Board District 4 Website: Tammie McClafferty website

Jillian Tozer – Website: Jillian Tozer Website

As you listen to candidates and learn about their platforms this year, I encourage you to hear from them directly. Attend a town hall. Ask questions. Visit their websites. Follow their social media pages.

Too often, voters learn about candidates through attack ads, social media rumors, or secondhand commentary. This year, let’s make an effort to evaluate candidates based on their own words, ideas, and vision for St. Johns County.

Let’s learn what a candidate stands FOR, not simply what they oppose.

Let’s learn how a candidate intends to move our county forward, not just how they plan to stop someone else.

Most importantly, let’s remember that public service requires courage. Every candidate on this ballot has stepped forward, completed the qualification process, and offered themselves for public scrutiny and voter consideration. Regardless of who earns your vote, that commitment deserves a measure of respect.

Behind every candidate are family members, friends, neighbors, and supporters who care deeply about them. Let’s have spirited debates, ask tough questions, and engage thoughtfully—but let’s also be kind to one another.

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BOCC, St. Johns County

Recap of the April 15, 2025 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Beth Tate

The meeting began and ended with important discussions that highlight the on-going discord with the current Board of County Commissioners. Residents have expressed their desire to see some of these disagreements put aside so the Commissioners can get on with the business of the County. Read on for more information.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Commissioner Sarah Arnold presented the Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. Accepting the proclamation were representatives from families and organizations working with Mental Health issues in the community.

Watch the Proclamation presentation here: Mental Health Awareness Month

Learn more about two of the organizations at these links: Patients not Prisoners and SMA Healthcare

As someone who has seen first hand what mental health struggles can do to a family, I’m grateful for organizations like these and the Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness.

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The second proclamation of the day was for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Appropriately presented by Commissioner Murphy, who began his law enforcement career in this field, this proclamation recognizes the work done by the dedicated folks who answer the call to 911, handling over 414,000 incoming and outgoing calls in St. Johns County last year.

You can watch the presentation here: Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

There were no additions or deletions to the Consent Agenda and it was approved.

Regular Agenda

Regular Agenda Item 1 – Request for Reimbursement of Attorney’s Fees.

Commissioner Joseph is requesting reimbursement of her attorney fees incurred when she filed suit against the Florida State’s Attorney and the County Commissioners. See the slides for more details on the events.

Following her attorney’s presentation, Commissioner Joseph asked if she was ever going to be put in jail. The attorney responded that at one point there were law enforcement vehicles outside her home in early morning hours and that caused her to worry that there would be a predawn raid. The attorney contacted the State’s Attorney’s office to discuss arranging a surrender for her arrest so that her husband would not be left without care. The State’s Attorney would not have the discussion.

Commissioner Taylor made a motion to move funds from the General Reserve fund and approve the amount of $139,005 in attorney’s fees for Commissioner Joseph. Commissioner Joseph seconded the motion.

After public comment, there were questions from the other Commissioners. Some of the questions and answers are paraphrased here:

Q – Has Commissioner Joseph paid this bill?

Answer – No, she still owes the attorney so the request is for the county taxpayers to pay the attorney’s fees for Commissioner Joseph

Q – What gave Commissioner Joseph the impression that there was going to be a pre-dawn raid?

Answer – There were law enforcement cards idling outside her house in the pre-dawn hours an that gave her concern. There was never any verification about why the law enforcement cars were outside of her home and never an arrest. She did believe they were there at the direction of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Q – Why is Commissioner Joseph pursuing the County to reimburse her rather than the State’s Attorney’s Office which was pursuing the prosecution after the County Commissioners were dismissed from the lawsuit.

Answer – She is seeking reimbursement because these were fees incurred as part of her public duty.

Commissioner Murphy noted during discussions that the taxpayer is getting the bill both ways – to defend the Commissioners and to reimburse Commissioner Joseph for her fees.

Commissioner Murphy questioned the amount being requested and referred to an amount of $110,242 that had been deemed to be a “reasonable fee” and said he would support an amended motion for that amount. He would not support the total requested without an itemized bill for that amount.

Commissioner Arnold also asked about itemized bills and questioned the request being a reimbursement when the bill has not yet been paid. She would like for the topic to come back with more information in the request.

Commisioner Taylor amended her motion to $110,000, it was seconded by Commissioner Murphy and passed 3-2 with Arnold and Whitehurst being the No votes.

You can watch the presentation here: Agenda Item 1 – Reimbursement of Legal Fees

Agenda item 2 – The Shell at St. Augustine -a project to benefit local arts, culture and heritage organizations, provide a pathway to sustainability for the participating non-profits, increase tourism dollars for St. Johns County and enrich quality of life for local residents.

The organization has funding to build the building and are looking for a location to build. Consensus from the Board was for staff to work with the organization to help finding a location for this facility.

Watch the presentation here: The Shell

Agenda item 3 – Dog and Bog withdrawal of request. The applicants have determined they cannot develop the project and have located a local partner, Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County, who are in discussions to purchase the project. Habitat for Humanity CEO Malinda Everson confirmed that Habitat is in the due diligence phase of moving forward with the purchase.

(Disclosure: I currently serve as the Treasurer on the Habitat for Humanity Board and did vote affirmatively to move forward with this purchase, dependent upon the outcome of the due diligence.)

Agenda Item 5 – change order to Phase 1 Design-Build Agreement for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Design-Build services for Silverleaf Fire Station #22 and Sheriff’s Operations Center. This was an item to process a change order to include Early Works in the project at a cost of $2,288,800. Approved unanimously

Agenda Item 6 – Amendment for Early Works packages for Central Community and Community Sportsplex Parks. Approved unanimously

Agenda Items 7– Appointment to the Housing Finance Authority. Robin Pfalzgraf was appointed unanimously.

Agenda Item 8 – County Attorney Agreement for Legal Services.

After discussion on the agreement and minor modifications, it was approved 3-2 (Taylor and Joseph being no votes.)

Once approved, Commissioner Joseph expressed her concern about signing the contract without confirmation that there would be no criminal repercussions. Attorney Kommando indicated there was no reason he knows of that she could not sign the agreement but if she were uncomfortable, she could delegate to someone else. She stated that is what she would do.

The agreement can be found here: County Attorney’s Legal Agreement

You can watch the video here: Discussion on County Attorney Agreement

Commissioner’s reports

Commissioner Whitehurst – Congratulations to the Gators on recent athletic wins. Very impressed with his tour of Saint Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) and recommended all commissioners should take that tour. Learn more about SAYS here: SAYS Website

Commissioner Whitehurst also shared a recap of his recent visits to Tallahassee and all the legislators he met with while in Tallahassee pursuing actions and funding on behalf of St. Johns County.

And concluded with Happy Easter to all those who celebrate

Commissioner Arnold – Also shared an update on the visits to Tallahassee. Taking off her Commissioner hat for a moment, she spoke about bills moving through the House and Senate right now that could potentially result in loss of funding to special programs in St. Johns County included IP, AP, AICE, CTE and Dual Enrollment programs. She encouraged all parents to do their own research, come to their own conclusions and reach out to the legislators if they are so inclined.

Commission Taylor – Shared an update on her visits to Tallahassee. She asked for clarification about the bill related to funding for the IGP and I-95 interchange. Senator Leek had pointed out that this item was number 6 on the priority list and she wanted clarification to Senator Leek that it is one the County’s Top priorities. She talked about a letter requesting the funding and wanted to include in the letter that the county is requesting $10 Million dollars in federal funding.

See previous post about the requested appropriations for IGP and I-95 improvements here: Florida Legislative Appropriations Process Blog

Commissioner Murphy – Shared he was wearing his Autism Awareness hat he got while attending a recent Re-Certification class with Old Town Trolley Tours.

He asked for consensus to direct staff to review some standing committees that have been inactive for some time. This will come back to the Board as an Agenda item.

He also talked about the trips to Tallahassee and the importance of the Commissioners going to Tallahassee and developing relationships that will allow them to bring home more money from Tallahassee. In order to meet the goal of a tax rollback, the county must have money from Tallahassee.

Commissioner Joseph raised a point that when they were in Tallahassee, Commissioners Arnold and Whitehurst were meeting with the legislators separately from Commissioners Joseph, Murphy, and Taylor. This devolved into a bit of a debate between Commissioners Joseph and Whitehurst that is worth watching at the link below.

Commissioner Joseph asked about updating the letter to Senator Leek about funding for the IGP-I-95 exchange. County Administrator Andrews explained that there are very careful discussions with Congressman Rutherford’s office about what that number might be and they do not want to submit a number that has not been agreed to by his office. (Again reference the process outlined in the link to a previous blog post above.)

Commissioner Joseph also sent Happy Anniversary wishes to her husband on their 35^th Anniversary on April 16.

Watch the Reports here for more context and detail: Commissioner’s Reports

County Administrator’s Report

Administrator Andrews expressed appreciation to the Board for Rich Kommando’s contract and expressed that this is the most impressive legal team they have had at the county during her tenure. She also had the Director of Growth Management Mike Roberson provide an update on the Comprehensive Plan timeline.

Administrator Andrews provided an update on the situation with Indianhead Biomass. A letter was issued to the business with code violations. The county is working with them to address the violations. She shared that the company does provide a valuable service to the county as they are the only vendor who addresses our biomass collection. They are still awaiting results of a study to determine if the odor violates current standards but are also talking with the company to bring down the odors.

County Attorney’s Report

Attorney Kommando pointed out to the Board that there are more than Appropriations of concern in Tallahassee this session including bills concerning condo associations and local preemptions. Deputy Attorney Kealey West thanked the Board for the decision about Attorney Kommando, commenting that he has been here for a year, guiding through a tumultuous time and they office looks forward to his continued leadership.

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BOCC, Comprehensive Plan

What’s Ahead at the June 4, 2024 St. Johns county Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Beth Tate

There are no proclamations for this meeting.

Consent Agenda

Consent Agenda Item 5 – LAMP purchase recommendations seem to be hot topics recently and this is one for the purchase of 6.8 acres of land in Elkton.

Check out the details here: Consent Agenda Item 5

Consent Agenda Item 8 – modifying land use to add a library to the permitted uses of the Northeast Regional Park in Nocatee.

Details are here: Consent Agenda Item 8

Regular Agenda

Agenda Item 1 is the presentation of the budges for the Constitutional Officers; St. Johns County Sheriff, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, and the Property Appraiser.

The link is here: Constitutional Officers Budgets

Highlights:

The Sheriff is requesting a budget of $128,702,884 for the 2025 year.

The Clerk of the Court is requesting a budget of $4,477,646.

Agenda Item 2 is Presentation of the Annual Reports of Boards and Committees. This includes reports from the 20 boards appointed by the BOCC.

Presentation is here: Boards and Committees Annual Reports

Agenda Item 3 is the Pavo Economic Incentive request continued from the May 21 BOCC meeting because the applicant was not present.

The application is for incentives to develop a total of 22,680 Sq. Ft of speculative industrial/office space (no known tenant) near the intersection of I-95 an dInternational Golf Parkway. They are seeking incentives of $107,224 with anticipated net benefit to the county of 387,933.

The full report is here: Economic Incentive Request

Agenda Item 4 is the Adoption Hearing for updates to the Comprehensive Plan to bring it into compliance with Florida statutes (HB 1379) passed in 2023. The transmittal was approved at the BCC on April 16, 2024.

Full details are at this link: Comp Plan Update

Agenda Item 5 is a petition to add 102.96 acres to the current ~437 acre Entrada CDD.

Details are here: Entrada CDD Expansion

Agenda Item 6 is a request to rezone 1.52 acres of land from Residential, Single Family to Industrial Warehousing for the purpose of building a 189,320 Sq. Ft RV & Boat Storage Facility. This parcel is located at the intersection of Avenue D and 1^st Street, west of US 1.

Details are here: Details of RV Boat Storage request

Agenda Items 7 and 8 are interesting because this seeks to provide what may be the first Charter School in St. Johns County.

The request is to remove 5 acres of land from the Treaty Grounds Planned Unit Development and to rezone those 5 acres to Open Rural to allow for a K-8 Charter School and Early Learning Cetner at 1600 Brinkhoff Road (near SR 207.)

Details are here: Agenda Item 7 and Agenda Item 8

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St. Johns County

What’s Coming up at the November 7 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting

Posted on November 3, 2023November 3, 2023 by Beth Tate

All regular County Commissioner meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the Month in the County Auditorium at 500 San Sebastian View.

One highly anticipated item is on the agenda – the Ponte Vedra Resort PUD!

There are 3 Proclamations and one Certificate of Recognition to be presented at Tuesday’s Meeting.

Proclamation Recognizing November 11, 2023 as Veteran’s Day

Proclamation Recognizing November 2023 as National Adoption Month

Proclamation Recognizing November 15 – 17, 2023 as Entrepreneurship Week at the Link

Certificate of Recognition for 10 Years of West Augustine’s participation in Keep Calm and Walk for Cancer

Public Comment is at Time Certain of 11:30. This continues to cause some confusion as other presentations may be interrupted to allow for the Time Certain Public Comment. Remember to stick around and they will resume interrupted presentations after Time Certain Public Comment.

There is another Time Certain Agenda item on the November 7 Agenda and that is the Ponte Vedra Resort PUD. This will be heard at a Time Certain of 1:00.

Consent Agenda Items

There are 40 items on the Consent Agenda Several of the items are minor, related to easements for utilities.

Some items of note:

Consent Agenda Items 3 & 4

Granting a 10 year historic property partial ad valorem tax exemption for 301 North Main Street, and 316 North Main Street, Hastings, beginning January 1, 2024 and expiring December 31, 2034. Details are here: 301 North Main Street

Background:

“St. Johns County Ordinance No. 2022-55, St. Johns County Historic Preservation Property Tax Exemption Ordinance, applies county-wide and establishes procedures for application to and review by the Cultural Resource Review Board (CRRB) for private properties seeking a property tax exemption for improvements to historic preservation in accordance with Florida Statutes. This preservation incentive contributes to stimulating business investment for commercial projects and higher property value retention for residential neighborhoods. The application submitted to the County was approved by the CRRB on June 12, 2023. The historic ad valorem tax exemption application is now before the Board of County Commissioners to approve or deny the tax exemption beginning January 1, 2024 for a period of ten (10) years and for permission to enter into a covenant with the property owner as required by Florida Statutes.”

301 North Main Street

This structure was previously known as the Stanton Motors Building and has been in existence since 1927. At the time, this was the oldest family-owned Ford dealership in Florida. The structure was determined to be a Significant Cultural Resource by the Cultural Resource Review Board in June of 2022. As part of the revitalization of Historic Main Street Hastings, this building as had extensive rehabilitation including restoration of interior and exterior deterioration, roof repair, and removal of accumulated debris.

The amount of the exemption is to be determined by the Property Appraisor.

Follow the link above to see historic pictures of the building.

316 North Main Street

There are two structures located at 316 N Main Street. The main structure was known as the “Big Brick Garage” while the second structure was used as the print shop for the Hastings Herald. These structures were determined to be Significant Cultural Resources by the Cultural Resource Review Board (CRRB) in August of 2022. The rehabilitation of the structures located at 316 N Main Street included repair of fire damage, vandalism, and restoration of interior and exterior deterioration.

Pictures of this building can be seen in the presentation at this link: 316 North Main Street

Consent Agenda Item 5

This is a School Concurrency agreement for the Browning Subdivision that was approved by the School Board in the October 10, 2023 School Board Meeting.

Link to the Concurrency Agreement here: Browning Concurrency Agreement

NOTE: Concurrency agreements were discussed in the Joint Meeting of the School Board and the Board of County Commissioners. If the School Board has approved the Concurrency Agreement, the development process continues forward to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. If the School Board votes NO, and does not approve the Concurrency Agreement, the developer cannot continue forward in the process. They must either wait for capacity to be available or continue working with the School Board to gain approval of Concurrency. The Board of County Commissioners cannot consider the school conditions as part of their review process if the School Board has approved the Concurrency.

Consent Agenda Item 27 is awarding a bid for the construction of the CR 2209 Extension Central Segment. This segment is a four-lane from Silverleaf Drive to State Road 16 and includes a twelve-foot multi-use path, five foot sidewalks, and a stormwater pond.

The back-up materials are at this link: CR 2209 Construction

Regular Agenda Items

Item 1 is a presentation of Total Earned Unused and Undistributed Revenue. No presentation on-line as of Friday.

Item 2

Approval and Recognition of FIND Grant Project Agreement for Genovar Land Acquisition

“On February 7, 2023, the Board approved the submission of a Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant application for reimbursement of Genovar land acquisition costs. FIND awarded a $1,055,500 grant for acquisition of the 31 acres of Genovar property located North of SR 312 and South of Nix Boat Yard and situated along the San Sebastian River with deep water access for a public boat ramp, parking, and passive recreation. Parks and Recreation is requesting authorization to sign FIND Project Agreement #SJ-23-217 for Genovar Land Acquisition.”

Background materials are here: Genovar Land Acquisition

Item 3 – REZ 2023-10 135 Nix Boat Yard

Link to materials: Nix Boat Yard

“Request to Rezone approximately 0.59 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Commercial Warehouse (CW) with conditions, specifically located at 135 Nix Boat Yard Road. The Planning and Zoning Agency heard this request at their regularly scheduled public hearing on October 5, 2023, and recommended approval with a vote of 5-0. Agency members discussed the previous daycare facility and when it relocated. There was one public comment that questioned the buffering, traffic, parking and proposed clientele. In response, the applicant discussed a proposed 20/B buffer; since the PZA hearing, the applicant has included an additional condition to the Rezoning that states a 20/B buffer will be installed and maintained on the west side of the property adjacent to the existing Commercial Office.”

Application Summary:

“The Applicant is seeking to rezone approximately 0.59 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Commercial, Warehouse (CW) with conditions. The applicant’s narrative states the recent use of the property was a Daycare Center and points out that the surrounding properties are commercial. The narrative states that the request for a Commercial Warehouse zoning would allow a local business to further grow; the new owner of the property is Fishbites Trading LLLP which manufactures and distributes artificial baits worldwide. The applicant provides the following conditions to the zoning: • Uses are limited to light manufacturing, production, packaging and shipping, and associated office space and showroom • All uses shall be fully enclosed inside buildings with no outdoor storage • Loading zones shall be permitted • The applicant waives any right to develop the property pursuant to the Live Local Act, Chapter 2023- 17 Laws of Florida, and any subsequent amendment • ADDED since PZA 10/05/2023: The applicant will install and maintain a 20/B buffer on the west side of the property adjacent to the existing Commercial Office.”

More details in my post on the October 5 PZA Meeting: October 5 PZA Agenda Blog

Item 5 is the First Reading of Proposed Amendments to the St. Johns County Beach Code.

Link to materials here: 1st Reading of Updated Beach Codes

This came about as a result of a request from Commissioner Alaimo at the October 3, 2023 Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting.

The specific changes related to the use of electric bikes, drones, and motor vehicles on St. Johns County beaches.

Section 3.14 – Aircraft

No one operating, directing or responsible for any aircraft, seaplane, helicopter, glider, balloon, dirigible, parachute, drone or other aerial apparatus shall take off from or land within park property or the beach.

Section 3.15 – Electric Motorized Devices

It shall be unlawful for any person to:

Operate any e-bike, e-scooter, or other electric motorized device in a careless manner. Careless operation of an e-bike, e-scooter, or other electric motorized device shall include but is not limited to:

1. Operation of an e-bike, e-scooter, or other electric motorized devices with another person on the handlebars or in any position in front of the operator;

2. Operation of e-bike, e-scooter, or other electric motorized devices at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regarded to the actual and potential hazards then existing, including but not limited to, the safety of the operator or any other person or property;

3. Failing to yield to pedestrians;

4. Weaving in and out of pedestrians traffic or stationary beachgoers;

5. Operation of e-bike with more riders, operators, or passengers than for which it was designed; or

6. Any occurrence where inadvertence to the safe and normal operational procedures of the e-bike, e-scooter, or other electric motorized devices causes or is likely to cause damage to any person or property.

All operators shall at all times yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall take such precautions as may be necessary before parking, or before moving a vehicle previously parked, to avoid accident or collisions with or injury to any persons or property.

Section 5 Traffic and Parking Regulations

Section 5.03 Prohibited Acts

(k) Operate any motor vehicle so as to intentionally cause sand to be thrown into the air or across any beach area.

Agenda Items 6 and 7 are consideration of appointments to the Contractors Review Board and the Cultural Resources Review Board.

Item 7 is the Time Certain 1:00 Hearing of the Ponte Vedra Resort PUD.

This item has been hotly debated across in the press, in public meetings, and on social media.

“Request to rezone approximately 90.5 acres of land from Open Rural (OR), Single Family Residential District (R-1-B), Single Family Residential District (R-1-C), Multiple Family Residential District (R2), Commercial District (R-3), and Recreational District (R-4) to Planned Unit Development (PUD), to allow the redevelopment of resort lodging, restaurant, recreational, commercial, and office facilities within the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and the Lodge Property.”

Link to materials is here: Ponte Vedra Resort PUD

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