ANNALS OF DeSANTISTAN: St. Johns Commissioners Unite Against State Development Bill, But Debate Reveals Split On Property Rights. (Selim Algar, St. Johns Citizen, March 25, 2026)

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https://stjohnscountyfl.new.swagit.com/videos/379038

From St. Johns Citizen:

St. Johns Commissioners Unite Against State Development Bill, But Debate Reveals Split On Property Rights

• By Selim Algar
• on March 25, 2026 
• on 2:03 pm

Updated on: 03/25/2026 

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The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners. (SJC)

St. Johns County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to send a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to veto a state bill that would limit local say over development decisions. 

But beneath that veneer of unanimity, a related debate over property rights and the role of government highlighted longstanding board fissures.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Borrero, aims to address Florida’s affordability concerns by restricting local governments from halting developments based on subjective measures like “community character.”

Commissioner Christian Whitehurst speaking at Tuesday’s meeting.

Supporters say it would make it easier to build new homes for those who need them, while opponents warn it could force developments into areas poorly-suited for growth.

While supporting the letter, Commissioner Christian Whitehurst framed the discussion as a cautionary note about the board’s responsibilities.

Making thinly veiled references to Commissioners Krista Joseph and Ann Taylor, Whitehurst said the panel must tread carefully when publicly expressing broad opposition to development.

“Private property rights are a cornerstone of this country,” Whitehurst said. “How can you fairly view an application and consider the substantial evidence when all you do is walk around telling everybody how against development you are every day. that is not respecting the rule of law.”

Whitehurst said that if commissioners don’t follow property rights regulations, the state could step in and “do the job” for them.

Commissioner Krista Joseph joined her colleagues in opposing the bill. 

“Who gets to decide how we want to live?” Joseph responded, asserting that existing residents should have a significant say in the county’s future character.

Joseph also pushed back on the idea that property rights leave the county with little ability to stop projects residents oppose.

County Commission Chair Clay Murphy sought out a middle ground, stressing the importance of home rule while also urging the board to carefully consider applications. 

“We as a commission cannot stick our head in the sand and say that if we say no to everything then everything is going to be alright,” he said. “Because that’s not the case. That’s obviously not the case. The state is going to preempt us.”