Board denies major development extension while approving townhome project and considering response to state comprehensive plan rejection
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners addressed several contentious issues at their October 7, 2025, meeting, including development proposals, a potential lawsuit against state legislation, and the confirmation of a new economic development director.
Moment of Silence for County Official
The meeting began on a somber note with a moment of silence for Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas, who died in a traffic accident the day before the meeting.
Domestic Violence and 4-H Recognition
Commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting that more than 2,000 domestic violence-related law enforcement reports were filed in St. Johns County last year, including one domestic violence-related homicide. The Betty Griffin Center, which provides services to survivors, was recognized for 35 years of service.
The board also recognized National 4-H Week, honoring the youth development program that provides learning experiences in head, heart, hands, and health.
Hyde Park Development Extension Denied
In a 4-1 vote, commissioners denied a major modification (a significant change to an approved development plan) for the Hyde Park Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Planned Residential Development (PRD) near the Interstate 95 interchange at U.S. Route 1.
The development, originally approved in 2009 and modified in 2012, sought an extension and updates to its entitlements (approved development rights). The project currently allows 275,000 square feet of commercial retail space, 50,000 square feet of office space, 175 hotel rooms, 250,000 square feet of industrial space, and 57 residential units across approximately 90 acres.
Developer representative Douglas Burnett emphasized that the project already has active permits through 2032 and that infrastructure work, including stormwater ponds, was completed in 2013.
However, residents from nearby Faver Dykes Road expressed concerns about environmental impacts, particularly to Pellicer Creek and the surrounding aquatic preserve (a protected waterway). They also raised issues about traffic, the rural character of the area, and potential damage to sensitive ecosystems.
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst argued that denying the extension might actually delay development, which could benefit the community. “One way or another, this was approved in 2009,” he said. “This is going to be developed. It is in the best interests of the county and those who want to preserve the character of that part of our county. It is in our interests to delay this development as long as possible.”
Commissioner Krista Joseph disagreed, stating that without infrastructure like water and sewer in the area, the property owners would need to reconsider their plans. “I think if we do not extend the extension, I think they are actually going to rethink what they want to do,” she said.
Commissioner Clay Murphy made the motion to deny, citing concerns about potential future development and drainage into Pellicer Creek.
Northeast Quadrant Townhomes Approved
In contrast to the Hyde Park decision, commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) modification and a major PUD modification for a townhome project in the Northeast Quadrant of the World Golf Village area.
The project, presented by Pulte Homes representatives, would convert commercial and office entitlements to 295 townhome units on approximately six acres. The homes would range in size to provide various price points, with an average of $350,000 per unit.
Developers emphasized that the townhome project would generate significantly less traffic than the currently allowed commercial, office, or apartment uses. They also committed to preserving over 51 percent of the site and maintaining an 85-foot buffer (a vegetated area separating different uses) with neighboring Parkland Preserve.
Commissioner Ann Taylor expressed concerns about school capacity, particularly at Tocoi Creek High School. She provided updated enrollment numbers showing the school was already over 100 percent capacity with 31 portable classrooms (temporary classroom buildings).
The developers countered that the project would generate only 68 new students, which falls within the mitigation plan (a strategy to reduce negative impacts) established when the DRI was originally approved. They also proposed converting a required $5 million infrastructure improvement along International Golf Parkway through the Twelve Mile Swamp into a direct payment to the county for interchange improvements.
Commissioner Murphy supported the project, calling it “the American Dream,” while Commissioners Taylor and Joseph voted against it.
Family Property Rezoning Continued
Commissioners voted 4-1 to continue (postpone) a decision on non-zoning variances (exceptions to standard requirements) for the Elam family property on Pine Island Road until the October 21 meeting.
The family had previously received approval to rezone their property to allow four residential lots for family members. However, they sought variances to avoid paving nearly 4,000 feet of Pine Island Road, eliminate the requirement for a stormwater pond, allow driveways off an easement rather than directly on Pine Island Road, and waive the platting (formal subdivision) requirement.
Neighbors expressed concerns about stormwater drainage and the removal of trees from the property. One resident, Pat Floyd, questioned whether promised tree replanting would occur and expressed worry about potential property damage.
County Public Works staff confirmed that drainage would be reviewed during the clearance sheet process and that the Elam family is required to plant replacement trees within six months of a previous approval.
Commissioner Whitehurst suggested continuing the item to allow more time for staff to meet with concerned neighbors and clarify requirements.
Economic Development Director Confirmed
Commissioners unanimously confirmed Christine Valliere as Economic Development Director. Valliere brings over 30 years of experience in land use, utility, and local government law. She most recently served as Assistant General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville, advising JEA (the city’s utility authority) on real estate and development matters. She previously spent five years as Senior Assistant County Attorney for St. Johns County.
State Bill 180 and Comprehensive Plan Rejection
Multiple speakers during public comment raised concerns about Senate Bill 180, which was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law earlier in 2025. The bill limits local government authority to regulate land use in areas affected by certain weather events.
The Florida Department of Commerce rejected St. Johns County’s updated comprehensive plan (a long-term blueprint for growth and development) based on provisions in SB 180. At least 25 jurisdictions across Florida have filed lawsuits challenging the law.
Commissioner Taylor urged fellow commissioners to consider joining the lawsuit or at least contacting the attorney handling the case. She noted that an injunction (a court order to stop enforcement) could come before the full lawsuit is resolved and might help with the comprehensive plan issue.
Commissioner Whitehurst opposed joining the lawsuit, arguing that the law sunsets (expires) in 2027 and that a better approach would be working with local legislators to repeal or amend the law during the 2026 legislative session.
Commissioner Murphy agreed with Whitehurst, saying, “I think the legal path will take two or three years. It will sunset by then if not be substantially changed. I think we need to allow [legislators] the opportunity” to address the issue.
The board agreed to add a discussion item about the comprehensive plan response to a future agenda but did not reach consensus on joining the lawsuit.
Civility and Online Discourse
Commissioner Whitehurst addressed what he called concerning online rhetoric following a September meeting. He referenced a Facebook post that he said misconstrued Commissioner Arnold’s compliment to Commissioner Murphy as celebrating Commissioner Joseph’s absence due to surgery.
“Because of the political rhetoric out there, there is an increase in political violence across the country,” Whitehurst said, noting that a threatening comment had appeared on a large local Facebook group. He called for all commissioners to condemn tactics that misconstrue comments to make the public angry.
Other Business
Additional items addressed at the meeting included:
- A rezoning request from Planned Unit Development to Open Rural (a less intensive zoning category) for property at 155 West Genung Street, approved unanimously
- Commissioner Murphy’s request for staff to explore recycling programs with the Florida Beverage Association to improve plastic bottle recycling
- Discussion of potential changes to the county’s leash law for dog training purposes
- Commissioner Taylor’s report on a productive informal meeting about downtown St. Augustine parking and traffic management
The next regular commission meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2025.
