The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners met on February 3, 2026, for a meeting that featured the recognition of Black History Month, heated public debate over a contested walking trail, a presentation on coastal erosion, and discussion of state legislation that could impact local government authority.
All five commissioners were present: Chair Clay Murphy, Vice Chair Ann Taylor, Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, Commissioner Sarah Arnold, and Commissioner Krista Joseph.
Black History Month Proclamation
The meeting began with a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month, marking the 100th anniversary of the federal recognition of Black Americans through the observance. The theme for 2026 is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
Willie White accepted the proclamation on behalf of the community and spoke about the history of St. Augustine. “Black history is indeed American history,” he said. He noted the historical significance of St. Augustine, where enslaved people who escaped to Florida from the English colonies could gain freedom under Spanish rule by converting to Catholicism and joining the militia. “What a great honor that I have to stand before you today to simply say thank you, thank you, thank you,” White said.
The proclamation passed unanimously.
Shore Drive Trail Controversy Continues
The most contentious topic of the meeting was the proposed Shore Drive Trail in St. Augustine South, which has divided the community for years. Numerous residents spoke during public comment, with opinions sharply split between those who view the trail as a safety improvement and those who see it as an unwanted intrusion into their neighborhood.
Carol Gangy opposed the project, saying the community “has been chaos for the past 20 years” over the issue. She questioned the validity of a county survey about the project posted on Facebook, noting it is “neither statistically valid or reliable” and “can be manipulated online.”
Resident Chris spoke against the trail and demonstrated how he was able to vote multiple times on the survey using different devices. “I’m just illustrating the fact that this is a highly flawed approach and it leaves the county open to legal exposure,” he said.
Margot, who identified herself as a supporter of the trail, criticized opponents for objecting both to the lack of communication and then to the community meeting and survey when they were offered. “It isn’t okay to keep promoting the same misinformation when the plans have been revised,” she said, noting the trail width has been reduced to five feet and the course changed.
Ingrid Jones, a 34-year resident who lives one house from Shore Drive, spoke in favor of the trail. “My concern is for the pedestrian safety walking along the road. There are many blind curves along this road,” she said.
Commissioner Taylor expressed support for redirecting the approximately $1.6 million in trail funds to the San Sebastian Regional Park and Boat Ramp project instead. “We heard loud and clear this morning from people and I was sent the survey as well, many of us have, it clearly is a very fraud survey,” Taylor said.
Commissioner Whitehurst said his views on the trail had not changed and he remained in favor of it based on safety concerns raised by the fire chief and a career DOT employee at previous meetings. However, he acknowledged the board appeared deadlocked.
Commissioner Arnold maintained her opposition to the trail, saying “there are not the statistics to show that anyone’s been hurt” and describing it as a “ridiculous waste of money.”
Rather than vote immediately, the commissioners reached consensus to place the matter on the March 1 agenda following a community meeting scheduled for February 11 and the completion of the survey.
Consent and Regular Agenda
The consent agenda passed unanimously with no discussion. The regular agenda was also approved unanimously.
Contractor Review Board Appointment
The commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Kimberly Delisa to the Contractors Review Board as a citizen representative for a partial term expiring January 17, 2027. The vote was 5-0.
Economic Development Incentive
Christine Valliere, Economic Development Director, presented a business incentive application from Urban Flex PV, LLC for a speculative flex warehouse project on Hudson Way. The 23,914 square foot project represents a $3.3 million capital investment and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
The incentive package would provide a rebate of 50 percent of impact fees and water sewer connection fees, two years of ad valorem tax rebate, and expedited permitting, totaling $49,362 in value.
During public comment, Charlie Hunt questioned whether such incentives are necessary given St. Johns County’s desirability. “These incentives, this seems like you hear on the news about all the incentives that go out from the federal government and it happens down here,” Hunt said.
Another speaker countered that the county “desperately needs jobs” despite the growth in housing development.
Commissioner Joseph said she normally votes against such incentives but supported this one because flex space is needed in the area for community groups and schools. The motion to direct the county attorney to draft an economic development incentive agreement passed 5-0.
Canal Boulevard Variance
Ross Fanti requested a variance to extend a walkway from his newly constructed home at 189 Canal Boulevard to the edge of the road. Fanti explained the primary purpose is to provide safe access for his daughter, as there are no sidewalks on either side of the corner lot and the bus stop is nearby.
Commissioner Joseph expressed some concern about the project but noted it would require the homeowner to install a culvert for drainage. Commissioner Whitehurst acknowledged staff concerns about encroaching on county right-of-way but noted every other home on the street has a driveway extending into the right-of-way for road access.
The variance was approved.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
The commissioners approved a comprehensive plan amendment for property at 845 County Road 13A South. The ordinance passed 5-0.
Summer Haven Coastal Erosion
Denise Cochran presented on behalf of the Summer Haven Resiliency Coalition, a grassroots organization working to address severe erosion, sand infiltration, and flooding affecting the Summer Haven area. The presentation included a video documenting the deteriorating conditions.
Cochran explained the area has lost protective beach dunes and the Summer Haven River has become clogged with sand, closing off areas that were previously navigable. She noted that conditions that used to occur only during severe weather now happen regularly during high tides and king tides.
The coalition proposed a phased approach starting with reopening the Summer Haven River, which they estimated could be done for under $1 million. The community has committed to contributing $250,000 toward the initial phase.
Commissioner Whitehurst praised the community for working with staff to reduce earlier estimates of $100 million down to a more manageable scope. “We’ve got to get the Summer Haven River flowing as quickly as possible,” he said.
The commissioners reached consensus to direct staff and Dr. Jamenco from Coastal Engineering to review the proposal and return with a presentation, solid numbers, and potential funding options at the first meeting in March.
Chair Murphy commended the community’s efforts. “When we first started looking at this, we were looking at 100 million dollar project and you guys have pulled a coalition together, you’ve engaged your own money, you have worked so hard to try to find a way to fix your home and I’m so appreciative of it,” he said.
A1A Intersection Safety and Widening Concerns
Commissioner Joseph raised concerns about a dangerous intersection at TPC Boulevard and A1A, noting there have been accidents and deaths. Public Works Director Greg Caldwell reported that the Florida Department of Transportation conducted a study in 2024 examining crash history from 2019 to 2024 but did not recommend changes at that time.
Caldwell said FDOT has been notified of recent incidents and will review the intersection again. He also addressed community concerns about flags appearing along A1A, explaining that FDOT has a 2028 resurfacing project planned for the corridor. “They are not adding lanes,” Caldwell confirmed, noting the flags are for surveying intersection improvements, not road widening.
Meeting Rescheduled for Spring Break
Commissioner Whitehurst requested consensus to move the March 17 meeting to March 24 to avoid conflict with spring break. The commissioners agreed.
Amity Marina Code Violations
Commissioner Whitehurst asked for consensus to have the county attorney’s office research legal mechanisms to hold Amity Marina accountable for ongoing code violations. He said the business “over the past several years” has “run afoul of our code” and he has “come to believe they are no longer operating in good faith.” The commissioners agreed to have the matter placed on a future agenda.
State Legislative Concerns
Commissioner Whitehurst provided an update on state legislation as commissioners prepared for St. Johns County Day in Tallahassee. He highlighted several preemption bills that could affect local government authority.
House Joint Resolution 213 would limit property tax increases for homestead properties to 3 percent every three years instead of annually, effectively cutting them by a third. Non-homestead properties would see a 15 percent cap every three years.
Senate Bill 1444, titled “Preemption to the State,” would prevent local governments from regulating private clubs and could allow unlimited vehicle parking on two-acre lots or heavy equipment storage on five-acre lots in rural areas.
Another bill, HB979, would require administrative approval for infill development on parcels of five acres or less, bypassing community input.
“This may be the most preemption that I have seen in my time as a county commissioner,” Whitehurst said.
Commissioner Taylor echoed concerns about state legislation. “Much of what they are proposing is not okay with us,” she said about bills that would “completely take away home rule and our residents’ voice.”
Union Negotiations
County Attorney Patrick Comancho announced that collective bargaining discussions with the county’s union have reached an impasse, though negotiations continue with the next meeting scheduled for the following Friday. An executive session was scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, at noon to discuss direction for the negotiating team.
Personal Notes
Commissioner Joseph received expressions of sympathy from fellow commissioners and the public following the recent death of her husband. She thanked everyone for the cards, flowers, and support. “It means a lot that I have so many people out there that cared about my husband,” she said.
Chair Murphy reported on recent trips to Washington, D.C., and meetings with state and federal representatives regarding infrastructure funding, noting the potential to secure $67 million in state and federal funds for State Road 16 and other projects.
