Fracking fears hit fever pitch as seismic tests begin
Jeff Burlew, Democrat senior writer 4:59 p.m. EDT August 4, 2016
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(Photo: Ashley White/Democrat)
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A Texas company has begun seismic testing for oil and gas in Calhoun and Gulf counties, heightening fears among anti-fracking activists that the controversial drilling technique will come to North Florida.
Cholla Petroleum, a Dallas-based company, hasn’t said whether it would frack if it finds oil and gas in the rural counties just west of Tallahassee. But consultants for Cholla have maintained for months that fracking wouldn’t be necessary in North Florida given its porous, limestone geology.
Anti-fracking forces, however, remain skeptical.
“I’m not buying it,” said Deborah Brown, an agronomy student at Florida A&M University who lives around the swath of land where the testing is happening.
Concerns over fracking hit a fever pitch this week because of the seismic testing and other recent developments, including the arrival in Blountstown of a company with links to the oil and gas industry.
The business, BKW, Inc., of Pensacola, specializes in land clearing and site work, something it did several years ago for a general contractor ahead of a fracking operation in North Dakota.
But Karen Webb, president of BKW, said the company opened its office in Blountstown about a month ago after landing contracts to repair dirt roads damaged by flooding. She was surprised to learn the opening had set off alarm bells among environmentalists.
“Fracking is just not something that we do or are involved in,” she said.
BKW, which helped clean up after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, touted on its website its experience hauling materials in and out of the fracking operation in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation. However, the company removed online references to fracking after it was contacted Wednesday by the Tallahassee Democrat.
“Anything is possible, I guess,” said Bill Webb, the company’s vice president. “But we don’t have any direct connections to any oil companies or anybody who would be doing that.”
Fracking opponents say they have plenty of reasons to be on heightened alert. Lawmakers two years running have tried unsuccessfully to pass bills setting up a legal framework around hydraulic fracturing. And Calhoun County commissioners have opted not to approve measures opposing or banning fracking.
Last week, the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission approved new limits on toxic compounds that can be discharged into rivers, lakes and estuaries. The limits include a relaxed potable water standard for benzene, a cancer-causing ingredient in fracking. State officials have denied any link between fracking and the new limits.
“It seems suspicious to me that all of these things are happening at the same time,” said William Wallace, a retired microbiologist and founder of Calhoun County Citizens Against Fracking.
Cholla is conducting seismic testing on private land stretching from about 17 miles south of Blountstown in Calhoun County to just north of Wewahitchka in coastal Gulf County. The project is located north of the fragile Apalachicola Bay and around the picturesque Dead Lakes.
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The testing involves the detonation of small explosive charges at the bottom of hundreds of shot holes located along about 60 miles of crisscrossing lines.
Acoustic waves from the explosions go deep underground into rock layers and bounce back to the surface, where they’re recorded by thousands of listening devices. Resulting data is analyzed to find potential oil and gas prospects.
Linda Lampl, president and CEO of Lampl Herbert Consultants, a Tallahassee firm working with Cholla, doesn’t expect the company to frack if oil and gas is found. She said fracking wouldn’t be required because of Florida’s karst geology.
“Fracking is done in tight shale where it’s more difficult or impossible to extract through conventional drilling,” she said. “That’s what I would expect to see — a conventional method. That’s if they think there’s something possibly there.”
The state earlier this year issued permits for Cholla to conduct testing only. The company would have to go through new rounds of permitting if it wanted to take part in exploratory or production drilling.
Cholla has plans in place to avoid harm to the environment, cultural resources and wildlife during testing, and independent observers are monitoring the operation. The testing and cleanup is expected to wrap by Labor Day.
Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.
Tuesday, August 09, 2016
SAB $7.8 MILLION BOND ISSUE
Beach approves $7.8M bond issue
Posted: August 8, 2016 - 11:08pm | Updated: August 9, 2016 - 10:41am
The city of St. Augustine Beach plans to use part of a loan to pay back remaining debt on a 4.5-acre parcel of land (now Ocean Hammock Park) on A1A Beach Boulevard, which the city purchased for $4.5 million.
By JARED KEEVER
jared.keever@staugustine.com
The St. Augustine Beach Commission voted Monday night to approve a roughly $7.8 million loan that will refinance a number of the city’s debts.
Commission members unanimously approved the bond issue, to be issued by the Florida Municipal Loan Council — a part of the Florida League of Cities. According to the city’s agenda, the resolution, labeled Resolution 16-11, authorizes a loan of up to $9.1 million. A memo from the city’s chief financial officer, Melissa Burns, says the difference between the roughly $7.8 million needed to refinance the principals on the loans and the high cap will provide a “cushion” for the financial advisors to keep them from having to come back to the city should there be “any movement in the market.”
The bulk of the money from the loan — $4.5 million — will be used to pay off the debt associated with the 2015 purchase of 4.5 acres of the Maratea property, which is now Ocean Hammock Park. Of that money, $3 million will go to pay back the Trust for Public Land, which purchased the property on the city’s behalf. The other $1.5 million will replenish the money that was taken from the city’s savings to make the first payment on that debt.
The remaining money will refinance a 2004 debt of just under $1.9 million that was used to purchase land for public restrooms on 10th Street. A 2010 loan — representing almost $1.4 million in debt — that refunded a 1999 bond that was used to build City Hall, will also be refinanced. The savings from refinancing those two debts will be just over $360,000, according to Burns’ memo.
The Commission was originally scheduled to vote on Resolution 16-11 at their regular Aug. 1 meeting, but postponed the decision to Monday’s special meeting in order to gather more information.
After Mayor Rich O’Brien opened the recent meeting, City Attorney Jim Wilson explained that a review of city records found that a referendum, passed in 2008, allowed the city to take out a $7 million bond that could be paid back with money from ad valorem taxation.
Of that, less than $5.5 million had been used, so the city will able, in the new loan, to pay back $1.65 million with ad valorem money, which could result in more favorable rates for that portion of the loan, Wilson explained.
“That changes the numbers they work with to our benefit,” Wilson explained.
The discovery will require that the loan be written up as two agreements — one for the ad valorem-backed amount and another for the remainder.
Monday’s motion included language that will allow Wilson and City Manager Max Royle to work out the particulars of the deal.
COMMENTS
Morris1 08/09/16 - 02:56 am 20Sensible debt versus nonsense debt.
Sensible debt: assuming debt to acquire a special or otherwise opportunity-sensitive asset that enriches your community. The city of St Augustine Beach assuming some debt to finance the purchase of the oceanfront land that is now a beach park was perfectly sensible debt.
Nonsense debt: Taking on new debt to pay back old debt on routine, ordinary expenses that people decided they didn't want to pay for 10 or 20 years ago because they wanted to spend that money on other things and leave the bill for future generations. That's the Payday Advance Loan formula and it's rather distressing to see it in action here in St Johns County. It's not sustainable.
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/09/16 - 07:09 am 22Big money, LITTLE CITY ..........
This is a lot of money for a Little Tiny City. The good part of this was at least City Attorney Jim Wilson saved the City a lot of money. We the Residents would have it a lot worst if our previous City Attorney was still there. City contracted Attorney Jim Wilson is a sharp guy. Commissioner England did a great job during the discussion. Commissioner England was able to put into simpler terms for the residents. Comparing the City loan to a home loan. Also Commissioner George did an outstanding job with all the research she did. Commissioner George ALWAYS PUTS THE RESIDENTS BEST INTEREST FIRST ! Now of Course Commissioner Snodgrass thoroughly vetted the whole process. Commissioner Snodgrass always brings the questions the residents are thinking to the discussion. Thank you very much Commissioners England, George, and Snodgrass for saving the City Residents money and for doing what an Elected Official is suppose to do.
Now that just under 1.9 million dollar bathroom loan balance ! Really ? What does it have ? It is just a dumping station and a wash your hands place. Who in their right mind would spend 2 million dollars on a couple of toilets ? Was anyone of the current Commissioners on the City Commission when that happen ? Who ? Commissioner Rich e Rich O'Brien who has been on the Commission from 2002 till present. Well residents, Commissioner Rich e Rich O'Brien is not a frugal Elected Official obviously. It is time for the residents to clean the bathroom at City Hall. DUMP the Unfrugal Elected Officials. We deserve a Clean Bathroom, so please always FLUSH especially in November.
Was Commissioner Samuels there ? Yes but this is complicated stuff. So, ya know...................
Firstcoaster 08/09/16 - 08:39 am 10Refinance their debt?
Seriously? This is like getting a second and third credit card to pay off the first card.
Tell me again why they are a city? Is it to protect some rice bowls?
Morris1 08/09/16 - 12:05 pm 00It's bond market strategy stuff.
Municipal bonds are graded by a bunch of different factors, this seems to be a strategic play to raise their liquidity profile so they don't run the risk of a downgrade and higher interest rate.
St Augustine Beach is a city because it has a different set of interests than the rest of St Johns County, so being a city allows it to manage its own affairs. Kinda shocked that Ponte Vedra hasn't done the same thing.
Sunday, August 07, 2016
NEVILLE DEFENDS MOBILITY STUDY WASTE AND INCOMPETENCE
St. Augustine Commissioner TODD NEVILLE, a/k/a "ODD TODD" NEVILLE (R-PROCTORVILLE), just loves the "great job," his frequent trite trope, done by City staff, which is to say his running dog buddy, City Manager JOHN PATRICK REGAN, P.E. What a bore. ODD TODD has no more idea of contract compeliance or government oversight than a hog.
Guest Column: St. Augustine Mobility study on time and on point
Posted: August 6, 2016 - 8:20pm | Updated: August 7, 2016 - 7:30am
By Todd Neville
St. Augustine
Eighteen months ago as we adopted our vision plan, our community expressed to city leadership that mobility should be our top priority to improve our overall quality of life. Commissioners actively responded to the request and have put in place a specific plan to accomplish these goals in order to attain a better overall quality of life for all residents.
However, like most grand projects, the gravity and magnitude of this project requires constant attention and a multi-phase approach.
Phase 1 is primarily data collection, which includes the important steps of gathering community input, exploring intergovernmental communication and the compiling of past mobility reports. This imperative phase of the project is on schedule and will be completed in September/October of this year. Phase 2 will explore proposed solutions and implementation.
We will be integrating these solutions into our five- and 10-year capital improvement plans.
This will occur late this year and the next budget cycle. The final phase will be actual implementation of the solutions built into our city’s infrastructure.
As a reminder to those who have played such an active role in this process, Phase 1 has nine primary components which are/were: City Commission Meetings; Data Collection — FDOT, TPO, Reports, community surveys; City Specific Data Collection — collection and compilation of data; Four Mobility Advisory Task Force Meetings; Kickoff Workshop; Walking Tour; Public Open House; Design Charrette; Agency Coordination Meetings; Parking Inventory and Analysis; and a final report to the City Commission.
Each item listed is either complete or nearing completion, thanks to the work of our dedicated city staff, involved residents, businesses and consultants.
The Record has done a great job covering each step on the task list, from the initial commission meeting, to the kick off workshop, to the walking tour and to the parking inventory and analysis. Search any of the above items, you will likely find an article in your newspaper about that specific task.
As with any project, flexibility to alter course to achieve the end goal is necessary. We recently added a series of additional community meetings. This was important in order to achieve and ensure a wide range of community input and involvement on a project our community demanded.
As this process continues to evolve, I encourage you to get involved. This can be as simple as sending an email, making a phone call or completing a survey. We are well on our way to improving our quality of life.
Neville is the St. Augustine City Commissioner, Seat 4
COMMENTS
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/07/16 - 11:39 am 32Warning Warning, put your boots on !
First of all, Thank you to Mr Todd Neville for not insulting Mayor Shaver. It must of been tough or maybe you have finally stopped taking your orders from Joey Bowels. Anyways, Thanks Toad e. (that is better then Odd Todd, his earned nick name)
Step one should have been for each Elected Official to submit a couple or three names for the Mobility Task Force.
Step two should have had the City Manger bring the names of the QUALIFIED Companies to the Task Force for interview and Approval of hiring.
Step three should of gone over cost of hiring a qualified company with the Task Force.
Step four, bring it back to the City Bosses (Elected Officials) for venting and finial hiring approval.
Step five, BEGIN the Work.
Because none of the REAL RIGHT THINGS or Common Sense were applied or done this Opinion piece. Your writing is really well worded, well written, and Professionally done to cover up for the failed Mobility Task Force FIASCO !
martystaug 08/07/16 - 09:39 am 30Plan
Step one, the commission and all planners should take a ride on the bi-plane or little yellow helicopter to see the traffic backups from a birds eye view.
Step two, count the vehicles attempting to enter and traverse the city.
Step three, determine the acceptable number of vehicles that can be accommodated with current parking capacity and narrow city streets.
Step four, divert the extra traffic elsewhere. When the city is full, it is full.
Step five, consider your residents for once instead of only tourist bucks for downtown businesses.
This won't take 5 or 10 years, it can be accomplished in a matter of weeks. What does Mr. Neville think this town will look like in 10 years if things continue without change? This will be another Key West, or St. Auggie World. Quality of life for residents will be gone completely.
Guest Column: St. Augustine Mobility study on time and on point
Posted: August 6, 2016 - 8:20pm | Updated: August 7, 2016 - 7:30am
By Todd Neville
St. Augustine
Eighteen months ago as we adopted our vision plan, our community expressed to city leadership that mobility should be our top priority to improve our overall quality of life. Commissioners actively responded to the request and have put in place a specific plan to accomplish these goals in order to attain a better overall quality of life for all residents.
However, like most grand projects, the gravity and magnitude of this project requires constant attention and a multi-phase approach.
Phase 1 is primarily data collection, which includes the important steps of gathering community input, exploring intergovernmental communication and the compiling of past mobility reports. This imperative phase of the project is on schedule and will be completed in September/October of this year. Phase 2 will explore proposed solutions and implementation.
We will be integrating these solutions into our five- and 10-year capital improvement plans.
This will occur late this year and the next budget cycle. The final phase will be actual implementation of the solutions built into our city’s infrastructure.
As a reminder to those who have played such an active role in this process, Phase 1 has nine primary components which are/were: City Commission Meetings; Data Collection — FDOT, TPO, Reports, community surveys; City Specific Data Collection — collection and compilation of data; Four Mobility Advisory Task Force Meetings; Kickoff Workshop; Walking Tour; Public Open House; Design Charrette; Agency Coordination Meetings; Parking Inventory and Analysis; and a final report to the City Commission.
Each item listed is either complete or nearing completion, thanks to the work of our dedicated city staff, involved residents, businesses and consultants.
The Record has done a great job covering each step on the task list, from the initial commission meeting, to the kick off workshop, to the walking tour and to the parking inventory and analysis. Search any of the above items, you will likely find an article in your newspaper about that specific task.
As with any project, flexibility to alter course to achieve the end goal is necessary. We recently added a series of additional community meetings. This was important in order to achieve and ensure a wide range of community input and involvement on a project our community demanded.
As this process continues to evolve, I encourage you to get involved. This can be as simple as sending an email, making a phone call or completing a survey. We are well on our way to improving our quality of life.
Neville is the St. Augustine City Commissioner, Seat 4
COMMENTS
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/07/16 - 11:39 am 32Warning Warning, put your boots on !
First of all, Thank you to Mr Todd Neville for not insulting Mayor Shaver. It must of been tough or maybe you have finally stopped taking your orders from Joey Bowels. Anyways, Thanks Toad e. (that is better then Odd Todd, his earned nick name)
Step one should have been for each Elected Official to submit a couple or three names for the Mobility Task Force.
Step two should have had the City Manger bring the names of the QUALIFIED Companies to the Task Force for interview and Approval of hiring.
Step three should of gone over cost of hiring a qualified company with the Task Force.
Step four, bring it back to the City Bosses (Elected Officials) for venting and finial hiring approval.
Step five, BEGIN the Work.
Because none of the REAL RIGHT THINGS or Common Sense were applied or done this Opinion piece. Your writing is really well worded, well written, and Professionally done to cover up for the failed Mobility Task Force FIASCO !
martystaug 08/07/16 - 09:39 am 30Plan
Step one, the commission and all planners should take a ride on the bi-plane or little yellow helicopter to see the traffic backups from a birds eye view.
Step two, count the vehicles attempting to enter and traverse the city.
Step three, determine the acceptable number of vehicles that can be accommodated with current parking capacity and narrow city streets.
Step four, divert the extra traffic elsewhere. When the city is full, it is full.
Step five, consider your residents for once instead of only tourist bucks for downtown businesses.
This won't take 5 or 10 years, it can be accomplished in a matter of weeks. What does Mr. Neville think this town will look like in 10 years if things continue without change? This will be another Key West, or St. Auggie World. Quality of life for residents will be gone completely.
Friday, August 05, 2016
SAFD Chief J.C. Costeira Will Be Missed
Fire Chief J.C. Costeira will be missed. A zealous advocate for firefighters as union president and fire chief, J.C. Costeira was hired by City Manager John Patrick Regan, P.E., who appreciated his union and government employee protected activity. For once, ex-Judge ROBERT KEITH MATHIS a/k/a "old dog" agrees with me and has something intelligent to say in the Record. Is that a first?
St. Augustine Fire Chief Costeira announces retirement
Posted: August 3, 2016 - 3:11pm | Updated: August 4, 2016 - 6:00am
Fire Chief James “JC” Costeira
Fire Chief James “JC” Costeira announced his retirement from the St. Augustine Fire Department Wednesday.
Costeira, who has been in the department for almost 30 years, was appointed to the position of chief in February 2014. His retirement will be effective Aug. 31.
City Manager John Regan has the responsibility of hiring all upper management personnel, including the fire chief.
Under the civil service policies that govern the hiring process for the fire department, the city manager must first consider applicants from within the department. If no qualified applicants are found within the department, the city manager may request the Civil Service Board to waive the rule and allow the acceptance of applications from outside the department.
“When JC was appointed, I knew we had a person who knew every aspect of the department, its goals, challenges and most of all, its personnel,” Regan said in a release from the city. “The entire community is very fortunate to have had the benefit of JC’s years of service and leadership, his skill, knowledge and commitment. He leaves the department better and the city safer, and for that we all owe him our gratitude.”
Costeira, in the release, praised the work of his fellow firefighters over the years.
“It has been an honor to serve the St. Augustine community as a firefighter, and to have worked with some of the finest people I have ever known,” Costeira said in the release. “Each and every day for nearly three decades, I have seen the men and women of the department do their best to protect our city.”
COMMENtS
POINTS
olddog 08/03/16 - 06:20 pm 10Great guy
JC is a great guy and will be hard to replace.
Mikel01 08/04/16 - 06:11 am 10Thanks chief
Job well done!!! Enjoy retirement, the fish are staging off the second sand bar for you.
St. Augustine Fire Chief Costeira announces retirement
Posted: August 3, 2016 - 3:11pm | Updated: August 4, 2016 - 6:00am
Fire Chief James “JC” Costeira
Fire Chief James “JC” Costeira announced his retirement from the St. Augustine Fire Department Wednesday.
Costeira, who has been in the department for almost 30 years, was appointed to the position of chief in February 2014. His retirement will be effective Aug. 31.
City Manager John Regan has the responsibility of hiring all upper management personnel, including the fire chief.
Under the civil service policies that govern the hiring process for the fire department, the city manager must first consider applicants from within the department. If no qualified applicants are found within the department, the city manager may request the Civil Service Board to waive the rule and allow the acceptance of applications from outside the department.
“When JC was appointed, I knew we had a person who knew every aspect of the department, its goals, challenges and most of all, its personnel,” Regan said in a release from the city. “The entire community is very fortunate to have had the benefit of JC’s years of service and leadership, his skill, knowledge and commitment. He leaves the department better and the city safer, and for that we all owe him our gratitude.”
Costeira, in the release, praised the work of his fellow firefighters over the years.
“It has been an honor to serve the St. Augustine community as a firefighter, and to have worked with some of the finest people I have ever known,” Costeira said in the release. “Each and every day for nearly three decades, I have seen the men and women of the department do their best to protect our city.”
COMMENtS
POINTS
olddog 08/03/16 - 06:20 pm 10Great guy
JC is a great guy and will be hard to replace.
Mikel01 08/04/16 - 06:11 am 10Thanks chief
Job well done!!! Enjoy retirement, the fish are staging off the second sand bar for you.
Metastatic growth in county top election issue
Growth is major issue in St. Johns races
Posted: August 5, 2016 - 5:48am
By AMANDA WILLIAMSON
Jacksonville.com
In St. Johns County, nearly every candidate running for a county commission seat cites rampant development as the leading issue heading into the Aug. 30 primary elections.
At least one of those three races will be decided at the end of the month. That race for District 1 is the only one open to both Republican and Democratic voters.
With growth, the county has found, comes a surge of budget challenges — such as a 10-year backlog of countywide infrastructure projects. Money to meet those needs, which are both essential and desired, just isn’t available.
Some say this reflects signs of a county growing at a pace that is too much, too fast, while others cite growth and traffic and full schools as evidence of a healthy economy.
Candidates running for open spots in District 1, District 3 and District 5, however, all agree the key to solving St. Johns County’s problem is managed development. How they plan to obtain a managed playing field appears to vary slightly.
In District 1, which encompasses much of the rapidly growing northwest part of the county, incumbent James “Jimmy” Johns vies to keep his seat against challenger Al Abbatiello.
Abbatiello, 82, has spearheaded the volunteer organization, William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway Management Group, for the last 10 years.
“The character of St. Johns County is scenic, historic. We have a lot of archaeological venues here,” Abbatiello said. “As time goes on, some of these places are starting to disappear. We need to try to preserve those. While you can’t stop development, you can do it a lot smarter.”
Enter the county’s comprehensive land use plan.
According to Abbatiello, part of the solution could involve a stricter interpretation of where and how growth should occur. Sometimes counties compromise the plan by allowing developers to build where they shouldn’t, he said. It’s time to stop that practice.
While numerous attempts to reach Johns were not successful, he has raised a war chest of campaign funds — the majority of his $78,900 comes from Jacksonville — and Ponte Vedra-based developers, real estate firms, attorneys and consultants, according to financial reports posted on the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections website.
Bill McClure, representative for District 3, is running in the District 4 congressional race. Republicans Jerry Cameron and Paul Waldron, as well as write-in candidate Sheamus McNeeley, hope to take his place.
Cameron, who has so far raised the most of all the county commission candidates at $132,625, said the next group of commissioners must meet challenges without impacting the community.
To him, responsible development means two things: development that doesn’t come on the backs of the existing tax base and doesn’t diminish the quality of life and enjoyment of those residents.
This requires adjusting the service levels provided by the county or adjusting the revenue collected for those services, he added. A number of options exist, such as gas taxes and sales taxes, but he wants to see efficiency in the way St. Johns County spends its tax dollars first.
Waldron wants to bring jobs into the county.
As a resident in St. Johns, he said he can see the county has fallen way behind on the infrastructure needs. While he plans to put the money where it is needed the most — parks, drainage, roads — Waldron realized it wouldn’t be enough. The current backlog of needed improvements sits somewhere around $270 million.
“Managed growth is a good thing, but we are so far behind that we can’t keep up,” he said. “If you don’t have jobs and businesses, you become a bedroom community.”
Right now, that’s a major concern in St. Johns where many move to take advantage of the top-notch schools but then drive to Duval County for work.
Commissioner Rachael Bennett withdrew from the race for her District 5 seat, which stretches from much of the St. Augustine area up to International Golf Parkway. Dottie Acosta and Henry Dean hope to fill the void. Write-in candidate Alfred Pittman will also vie for the seat in the Nov. 8 general election.
Acosta, who has spent 28 years in county government, is afraid for her community. “Our green spaces are being clear cut. What’s going to happen to our county?” she said. “If I wanted to live in Miami, I would move down south. I don’t want our home to look like that.”
She has seen too many developments sprout up in St. Johns County without providing enough resources to help maintain the neighborhoods in years to come. Now, she wants to see them held accountable.
Her opponent, Dean, who worked as the executive director of the St. Johns Water Management District, fears for a similar issue. In his former role, he worked to ensure developments didn’t encroach on natural resources within his territory.
He knows there are no simple answers.
However, two huge issues loom in front of city commissioners, he said, and those are adequate infrastructure that follows the comp plan and doesn’t impact the wetlands and waterways that make St. Johns such a wonderful place to live.
Those infrastructure improvements must be tackled on a case-by-case basis, he said. “It’s going to take some serious work and elbow grease to see how we can move forward.”
Hunter Conrad, who is the incumbent, and George Lareau are competing to take the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The winner will face write-in candidate Patrick Mency.
A final contested county-wide election includes the School Board District 2, where incumbent Tommy Allen is vying for his seat against challenger John Reardon.
Upcoming municipal races are the race for city of St. Augustine Council Seat 1 between incumbent Roxanne Horvath and her challengers Sandra Flowers, Rhey Palmer and Ronald Stafford; city of St. Augustine Seat 2, between incumbent Leanna Freeman and Susan Rathbone; city of St. Augustine mayor, between incumbent Nancy Shaver and Kris Phillips; as well as the city of St. Augustine Beach group 1 and group 2. In group 1, incumbent Andrea Samuels is facing off against Maggie Kostka. In group 2, Rosetta Bailey will be challenging incumbent Rich O’Brien.
COMMENTS
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/05/16 - 08:11 am 10My predictions
Congress District 4........... Bill McClure
County Commission seats
District 1 ............Jimmy Johns
District 3 ............Jerry Cameron
District 5 ............Henry Dean
Clerk of Courts.......... George Lareau
School Board............ Tommy Allen
Old City
Mayor ................Nancy Shaver (Landslide)
Seat 1 ............... (to close to predict)
Seat 2 ............... Susan Rathbone (Landslide)
Beach City
Group 1................ Maggie Kostka
Group 2................ Rose Bailey
ANTHONYSER 08/05/16 - 09:37 am 01Fees
Increase impact fees and sell the county golf course and other
Property the county does not need
mach12.1e 08/05/16 - 11:21 am 30Obvious things that developers don't want you to know.
You can control building by proposing and IMPLEMENTING a building moratorium, until such time as infrastructure improvements are in place and ready. If that time is NEVER, so much the better for us.
Development has NEVER paid for itself. According to the county budget office it cost more in services than the county collects for every home built. That means the more growth, the worst the situation gets.
Finally, the comprehensive future land use map isn't fit to be used as toilet paper, if it can be changed for every out of town developer that shows up here with a bag full of money. Stick to the plan and make it illegal to have development interests contribute to the body that approves their livelihood.
sponger2 08/05/16 - 10:37 am 30I'd like to add to mach's comment.
If you go to the Vicky Oats county website, you can see where all the campaign contributions come from. If you see they come from Jacksonville developers, contractors, real estate firms/ attorneys, or insurances groups...these are the folks you DON"T vote for. I might add that Cameron currently tops this esteemed list as recipient of the most "donations".
Posted: August 5, 2016 - 5:48am
By AMANDA WILLIAMSON
Jacksonville.com
In St. Johns County, nearly every candidate running for a county commission seat cites rampant development as the leading issue heading into the Aug. 30 primary elections.
At least one of those three races will be decided at the end of the month. That race for District 1 is the only one open to both Republican and Democratic voters.
With growth, the county has found, comes a surge of budget challenges — such as a 10-year backlog of countywide infrastructure projects. Money to meet those needs, which are both essential and desired, just isn’t available.
Some say this reflects signs of a county growing at a pace that is too much, too fast, while others cite growth and traffic and full schools as evidence of a healthy economy.
Candidates running for open spots in District 1, District 3 and District 5, however, all agree the key to solving St. Johns County’s problem is managed development. How they plan to obtain a managed playing field appears to vary slightly.
In District 1, which encompasses much of the rapidly growing northwest part of the county, incumbent James “Jimmy” Johns vies to keep his seat against challenger Al Abbatiello.
Abbatiello, 82, has spearheaded the volunteer organization, William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway Management Group, for the last 10 years.
“The character of St. Johns County is scenic, historic. We have a lot of archaeological venues here,” Abbatiello said. “As time goes on, some of these places are starting to disappear. We need to try to preserve those. While you can’t stop development, you can do it a lot smarter.”
Enter the county’s comprehensive land use plan.
According to Abbatiello, part of the solution could involve a stricter interpretation of where and how growth should occur. Sometimes counties compromise the plan by allowing developers to build where they shouldn’t, he said. It’s time to stop that practice.
While numerous attempts to reach Johns were not successful, he has raised a war chest of campaign funds — the majority of his $78,900 comes from Jacksonville — and Ponte Vedra-based developers, real estate firms, attorneys and consultants, according to financial reports posted on the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections website.
Bill McClure, representative for District 3, is running in the District 4 congressional race. Republicans Jerry Cameron and Paul Waldron, as well as write-in candidate Sheamus McNeeley, hope to take his place.
Cameron, who has so far raised the most of all the county commission candidates at $132,625, said the next group of commissioners must meet challenges without impacting the community.
To him, responsible development means two things: development that doesn’t come on the backs of the existing tax base and doesn’t diminish the quality of life and enjoyment of those residents.
This requires adjusting the service levels provided by the county or adjusting the revenue collected for those services, he added. A number of options exist, such as gas taxes and sales taxes, but he wants to see efficiency in the way St. Johns County spends its tax dollars first.
Waldron wants to bring jobs into the county.
As a resident in St. Johns, he said he can see the county has fallen way behind on the infrastructure needs. While he plans to put the money where it is needed the most — parks, drainage, roads — Waldron realized it wouldn’t be enough. The current backlog of needed improvements sits somewhere around $270 million.
“Managed growth is a good thing, but we are so far behind that we can’t keep up,” he said. “If you don’t have jobs and businesses, you become a bedroom community.”
Right now, that’s a major concern in St. Johns where many move to take advantage of the top-notch schools but then drive to Duval County for work.
Commissioner Rachael Bennett withdrew from the race for her District 5 seat, which stretches from much of the St. Augustine area up to International Golf Parkway. Dottie Acosta and Henry Dean hope to fill the void. Write-in candidate Alfred Pittman will also vie for the seat in the Nov. 8 general election.
Acosta, who has spent 28 years in county government, is afraid for her community. “Our green spaces are being clear cut. What’s going to happen to our county?” she said. “If I wanted to live in Miami, I would move down south. I don’t want our home to look like that.”
She has seen too many developments sprout up in St. Johns County without providing enough resources to help maintain the neighborhoods in years to come. Now, she wants to see them held accountable.
Her opponent, Dean, who worked as the executive director of the St. Johns Water Management District, fears for a similar issue. In his former role, he worked to ensure developments didn’t encroach on natural resources within his territory.
He knows there are no simple answers.
However, two huge issues loom in front of city commissioners, he said, and those are adequate infrastructure that follows the comp plan and doesn’t impact the wetlands and waterways that make St. Johns such a wonderful place to live.
Those infrastructure improvements must be tackled on a case-by-case basis, he said. “It’s going to take some serious work and elbow grease to see how we can move forward.”
Hunter Conrad, who is the incumbent, and George Lareau are competing to take the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The winner will face write-in candidate Patrick Mency.
A final contested county-wide election includes the School Board District 2, where incumbent Tommy Allen is vying for his seat against challenger John Reardon.
Upcoming municipal races are the race for city of St. Augustine Council Seat 1 between incumbent Roxanne Horvath and her challengers Sandra Flowers, Rhey Palmer and Ronald Stafford; city of St. Augustine Seat 2, between incumbent Leanna Freeman and Susan Rathbone; city of St. Augustine mayor, between incumbent Nancy Shaver and Kris Phillips; as well as the city of St. Augustine Beach group 1 and group 2. In group 1, incumbent Andrea Samuels is facing off against Maggie Kostka. In group 2, Rosetta Bailey will be challenging incumbent Rich O’Brien.
COMMENTS
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/05/16 - 08:11 am 10My predictions
Congress District 4........... Bill McClure
County Commission seats
District 1 ............Jimmy Johns
District 3 ............Jerry Cameron
District 5 ............Henry Dean
Clerk of Courts.......... George Lareau
School Board............ Tommy Allen
Old City
Mayor ................Nancy Shaver (Landslide)
Seat 1 ............... (to close to predict)
Seat 2 ............... Susan Rathbone (Landslide)
Beach City
Group 1................ Maggie Kostka
Group 2................ Rose Bailey
ANTHONYSER 08/05/16 - 09:37 am 01Fees
Increase impact fees and sell the county golf course and other
Property the county does not need
mach12.1e 08/05/16 - 11:21 am 30Obvious things that developers don't want you to know.
You can control building by proposing and IMPLEMENTING a building moratorium, until such time as infrastructure improvements are in place and ready. If that time is NEVER, so much the better for us.
Development has NEVER paid for itself. According to the county budget office it cost more in services than the county collects for every home built. That means the more growth, the worst the situation gets.
Finally, the comprehensive future land use map isn't fit to be used as toilet paper, if it can be changed for every out of town developer that shows up here with a bag full of money. Stick to the plan and make it illegal to have development interests contribute to the body that approves their livelihood.
sponger2 08/05/16 - 10:37 am 30I'd like to add to mach's comment.
If you go to the Vicky Oats county website, you can see where all the campaign contributions come from. If you see they come from Jacksonville developers, contractors, real estate firms/ attorneys, or insurances groups...these are the folks you DON"T vote for. I might add that Cameron currently tops this esteemed list as recipient of the most "donations".
Record Prints Another Press Release (COLONIAL QUARTER)
Colonial Quarter Summer Concert Series continues
Posted: July 31, 2016 - 11:06pm | Updated: August 1, 2016 - 12:07am
Wayne Fusco/Correspondent Cody J, from Atlantic Beach, performs Sunday at the Colonial Quarter as part of the free concert series that began the July 4th weekend. Shows continue thoughtout the summer from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with daytime shows beginning at noon Saturday and Sunday. Wayne Fusco
Wayne Fusco
By CONTRIBUTED
The Summer Concert Series at Colonial Quarter continues throughout the summer each Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with daytime shows beginning at noon Saturday and Sunday.
COMMENTS
William Jinks 08/01/16 - 07:22 am 71digital access
I find the way you manage your digital subscribers both clumsy and manipulative. For instance, even though I pay a monthly fee for the privilege of reading the "Record," I usually have to sign in twice to get to the content of the paper. And then before I can even read the article, I have to answer some stupid survey questions. Afterward, there are advertiser "pop-ups" that were not requested and are irritating; frequently, there are two or three of these to contend with before being able to get to the article.
I think you need to show more respect for paying digital subscribers and not subject them to unwanted surveys and advertisements.
My local paper sends me an e-version of the paper each morning without my having to go on line and request it. And they don't subject me to all the nonsense that the Record does.
You can do a lot better job for your digital subscribers than what you're doing right now.
Firstcoaster 08/01/16 - 08:52 am 21WJ
I feel your pain. I too have one sign-in for the e-Edition, but my other sign-in for the this edition is not even viewable unless I use a different browser, and select "in private browsing." Then it only allows me to read five articles and then I am locked out.
5+ calls to the paper have not fixed the problem.
Jason Hamilton 08/01/16 - 03:09 pm 21@Firstcoaster & William
Seems we all share the same frustration with access.
What a bang-up job the University of Florida historic St. Augustine is doing with Colonial Quarter. The historic location, rustic stage, blacksmiths shop, period reenactments, and the garage bands must really transport visitors all the way back to the late 1500's. I had friends come in from out of town and they asked me if St. Augustine was the patron saint of bad live music. I imagine the Spanish super sonic rollercoaster is already on order followed by the gold doubloon slot machines. It would be nice if instead of detracting from what we are as a town that historic places of business would choose to add to our charm.
Posted: July 31, 2016 - 11:06pm | Updated: August 1, 2016 - 12:07am
Wayne Fusco/Correspondent Cody J, from Atlantic Beach, performs Sunday at the Colonial Quarter as part of the free concert series that began the July 4th weekend. Shows continue thoughtout the summer from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with daytime shows beginning at noon Saturday and Sunday. Wayne Fusco
Wayne Fusco
By CONTRIBUTED
The Summer Concert Series at Colonial Quarter continues throughout the summer each Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with daytime shows beginning at noon Saturday and Sunday.
COMMENTS
William Jinks 08/01/16 - 07:22 am 71digital access
I find the way you manage your digital subscribers both clumsy and manipulative. For instance, even though I pay a monthly fee for the privilege of reading the "Record," I usually have to sign in twice to get to the content of the paper. And then before I can even read the article, I have to answer some stupid survey questions. Afterward, there are advertiser "pop-ups" that were not requested and are irritating; frequently, there are two or three of these to contend with before being able to get to the article.
I think you need to show more respect for paying digital subscribers and not subject them to unwanted surveys and advertisements.
My local paper sends me an e-version of the paper each morning without my having to go on line and request it. And they don't subject me to all the nonsense that the Record does.
You can do a lot better job for your digital subscribers than what you're doing right now.
Firstcoaster 08/01/16 - 08:52 am 21WJ
I feel your pain. I too have one sign-in for the e-Edition, but my other sign-in for the this edition is not even viewable unless I use a different browser, and select "in private browsing." Then it only allows me to read five articles and then I am locked out.
5+ calls to the paper have not fixed the problem.
Jason Hamilton 08/01/16 - 03:09 pm 21@Firstcoaster & William
Seems we all share the same frustration with access.
What a bang-up job the University of Florida historic St. Augustine is doing with Colonial Quarter. The historic location, rustic stage, blacksmiths shop, period reenactments, and the garage bands must really transport visitors all the way back to the late 1500's. I had friends come in from out of town and they asked me if St. Augustine was the patron saint of bad live music. I imagine the Spanish super sonic rollercoaster is already on order followed by the gold doubloon slot machines. It would be nice if instead of detracting from what we are as a town that historic places of business would choose to add to our charm.
More dodgy deals at SJC BoCC
Can you imaging approving a project without identifying all of the actual "beneficial" owners? St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners can -- there's no lobbying disclosure, no disclosure of actual owners of property, no ombudsman and no inspector general.
DAVID HUTSON was a no-show, and Commissioner PRISCILLA "RACHEL" BENNETT eagerly voted for her ex-boss's project.
St. Johns County Commission approves HUD grant application
Posted: August 2, 2016 - 11:37pm | Updated: August 4, 2016 - 6:31am
By JAKE MARTIN
jake.martin@staugustine.com
St. Johns County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for nearly $800,000 in initial funding through its Community Development Block Grant Entitlement program.
HUD determined last year that St. Johns County meets the population requirement to qualify for urban county status, which opened the door for the CDBG funding. The program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities, principally for low- and moderate-income residents.
The county will proceed with submitting its 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year through HUD. The deadline for submission is Aug. 16, after which HUD has 45 days to review the plans and approve or disapprove them. If approved by HUD and accepted by the commission, the funding would be available starting Oct. 1.
The estimated initial funding allocation for the county is $799,754, with an estimated $3,199,016 to be made available over the subsequent four years of the Consolidated Plan. The county would also have to leverage CDBG funds with other state, federal, and local funds to complete projects as outlined in the plans.
Shawna Novak, county director of Health and Human Services, told commissioners that county residents are paying more for home ownership and rentals than other parts of the state in a time where income has not kept up with increasing costs.
According to 2008-2012 American Community Survey data, the county’s median home value increased by nearly 62 percent while median contract value of rent increased by about 44 percent since 2000. During the same stretch, the median income only increased by 28 percent.
Community members who spoke during public comment were generally in support of the county’s pursuit of the funding, although with some caveats.
Bill Lazar, director of St. Johns Housing Partnership, said the funding would be an extra tool to provide more affordable housing.
“It is something we know now is going to come every year,” he said. “This is our tax dollars coming back to help us.”
Lazar said although the funding is provided through a federal framework, there is the ability to make local-level decisions on how to spend the allocations. He also said other funding usually comes but it can’t always be counted upon, making it harder to build partnerships and plan for the future.
Greg White, former chair of the steering committee of the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency, said the CDBG funding is another step in the right direction, referencing the July opening of the Family Dollar store on West King Street. He also said despite some lingering questions about whether the funding will be enough to get the job done, only time will tell.
“It’s here now, so let’s take advantage of it and appreciate the moment,” White said.
Flagler Estates resident Walt Smith, in the meantime, said his community was “a little displeased” with the process.
“There was not much time to put our requests together,” he said. “We understand next year maybe we’ll have a better chance.”
Smith said there was some interest in funding for recreational equipment for area parks as well as installation of radar speed signs.
Commissioner Bill McClure said he had heard other community groups struggled to come up with requests in time for the deadline. Commission Chair Jeb Smith said he appreciated the concerns of Flagler Estates but that the HUD application was a “crunch-time item” for staff, at least for the initial year.
The Annual Action Plan identifies four projects to be funded by CDBG funding, all of which must be completed within the first program year, no later than Sept. 30, 2017.
A home repair and rehabilitation project to benefit about 13 low-income households scattered throughout the county and St. Augustine Beach would receive an estimated $208,000. West Augustine drainage improvements that would benefit an estimated 350 households stand to receive about $300,402. Education assistance and after-school programs for about 30 students in three different sites within West Augustine would be funded for about $40,740. A housing rehabilitation project in St. Augustine would receive $90,661 toward the conversion of five homeless housing structures on Chapin Street to permanent affordable housing for homeless families with children.
MAJOR MODIFICATION
Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a request by developers behind the SilverLeaf Planned Unit Development to add and rezone 826 acres of land known as the “Goodman Tract” from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development and, thus, spread existing development rights over the land. McClure was alone in his dissent of the request, which included modifications to the overall plan of development.
SilverLeaf is a mixed-use development originally approved in 2006, although homes have yet to be built. The PUD already spans about 6,092 acres located south of County Road 210, north of County Road 16A and west of Interstate 95.
The addition of the Goodman Tract didn’t change the external boundaries of the existing SilverLeaf Development of Regional Impact, but brought the tract into the PUD. No plans for additional development were included.
In accordance with the SilverLeaf DRI, the development is approved for the following uses to be constructed over 15 years: 6,800 single-family units; 3,900 multi-family units; 1,140,000 square feet of retail commercial space; 300,000 square feet of office space; and 330,000 square feet of industrial space. The Master Development Plan currently depicts 5,668 single-family units.
One condition of SilverLeaf’s development order requires the developer to construct County Road 2209 as a four-lane road from Johns Creek Parkway to the State Road 16 Connector and to donate right-of-way, engineering permits and environmental mitigation.
The developer must also provide partial funding for St. Johns County to construct CR 2209 from the SR 16 Connector to International Golf Parkway. The roads must be built or be committed to being built before any construction of buildings can begin.
McClure expressed some concern with the county accepting dedication of roads within the development, given the county’s revenue challenges in meeting demands for existing roads. He also questioned the need for maximum building heights of 45 feet for residential single-family units and 90 feet for residential multi-family units.
County staff said there were benefits to building up, particularly in condensing the horizontal footprint of development and, thus, preserving more open space.
Staff pointed to previous approvals, particularly in the World Golf Village area.
COMMENTS
mach12.1e 08/03/16 - 06:50 am 42We qualify for "urban status".
Every resident's nightmare come true. We have achieved "urban status". Thanks to the county commission. If we had wanted to be "urban" we would have settled in Atlanta, or New York. They keep approving major modifications, height restriction variances and whatever else they can do to accelerate the destruction of what is left. Fools and thieves. They should be jailed.
Firstcoaster 08/03/16 - 07:36 am 13Federal Grants
are nothing but bribing the taxpayers with their own money.
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 08:27 am 21The County Administration Failed, (but really WON) !
The whole Process for the Grant came late and rushed. Well that is the NORM in the SJC. Or more truthfully put, St Johns County Administrator Michael Wanchick STYLE ! Bring it before the Residents at the last minute, then rush the process. That way there is less or no input from the Residents. You FOOLED us again, SO YOU THINK. It is time to say BYE BYE MIKE e !
I'll bring the empty box to the next meeting, have Security escort Mike E to his car and off the Property, WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH !
DAVID HUTSON was a no-show, and Commissioner PRISCILLA "RACHEL" BENNETT eagerly voted for her ex-boss's project.
St. Johns County Commission approves HUD grant application
Posted: August 2, 2016 - 11:37pm | Updated: August 4, 2016 - 6:31am
By JAKE MARTIN
jake.martin@staugustine.com
St. Johns County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for nearly $800,000 in initial funding through its Community Development Block Grant Entitlement program.
HUD determined last year that St. Johns County meets the population requirement to qualify for urban county status, which opened the door for the CDBG funding. The program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities, principally for low- and moderate-income residents.
The county will proceed with submitting its 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year through HUD. The deadline for submission is Aug. 16, after which HUD has 45 days to review the plans and approve or disapprove them. If approved by HUD and accepted by the commission, the funding would be available starting Oct. 1.
The estimated initial funding allocation for the county is $799,754, with an estimated $3,199,016 to be made available over the subsequent four years of the Consolidated Plan. The county would also have to leverage CDBG funds with other state, federal, and local funds to complete projects as outlined in the plans.
Shawna Novak, county director of Health and Human Services, told commissioners that county residents are paying more for home ownership and rentals than other parts of the state in a time where income has not kept up with increasing costs.
According to 2008-2012 American Community Survey data, the county’s median home value increased by nearly 62 percent while median contract value of rent increased by about 44 percent since 2000. During the same stretch, the median income only increased by 28 percent.
Community members who spoke during public comment were generally in support of the county’s pursuit of the funding, although with some caveats.
Bill Lazar, director of St. Johns Housing Partnership, said the funding would be an extra tool to provide more affordable housing.
“It is something we know now is going to come every year,” he said. “This is our tax dollars coming back to help us.”
Lazar said although the funding is provided through a federal framework, there is the ability to make local-level decisions on how to spend the allocations. He also said other funding usually comes but it can’t always be counted upon, making it harder to build partnerships and plan for the future.
Greg White, former chair of the steering committee of the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency, said the CDBG funding is another step in the right direction, referencing the July opening of the Family Dollar store on West King Street. He also said despite some lingering questions about whether the funding will be enough to get the job done, only time will tell.
“It’s here now, so let’s take advantage of it and appreciate the moment,” White said.
Flagler Estates resident Walt Smith, in the meantime, said his community was “a little displeased” with the process.
“There was not much time to put our requests together,” he said. “We understand next year maybe we’ll have a better chance.”
Smith said there was some interest in funding for recreational equipment for area parks as well as installation of radar speed signs.
Commissioner Bill McClure said he had heard other community groups struggled to come up with requests in time for the deadline. Commission Chair Jeb Smith said he appreciated the concerns of Flagler Estates but that the HUD application was a “crunch-time item” for staff, at least for the initial year.
The Annual Action Plan identifies four projects to be funded by CDBG funding, all of which must be completed within the first program year, no later than Sept. 30, 2017.
A home repair and rehabilitation project to benefit about 13 low-income households scattered throughout the county and St. Augustine Beach would receive an estimated $208,000. West Augustine drainage improvements that would benefit an estimated 350 households stand to receive about $300,402. Education assistance and after-school programs for about 30 students in three different sites within West Augustine would be funded for about $40,740. A housing rehabilitation project in St. Augustine would receive $90,661 toward the conversion of five homeless housing structures on Chapin Street to permanent affordable housing for homeless families with children.
MAJOR MODIFICATION
Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a request by developers behind the SilverLeaf Planned Unit Development to add and rezone 826 acres of land known as the “Goodman Tract” from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development and, thus, spread existing development rights over the land. McClure was alone in his dissent of the request, which included modifications to the overall plan of development.
SilverLeaf is a mixed-use development originally approved in 2006, although homes have yet to be built. The PUD already spans about 6,092 acres located south of County Road 210, north of County Road 16A and west of Interstate 95.
The addition of the Goodman Tract didn’t change the external boundaries of the existing SilverLeaf Development of Regional Impact, but brought the tract into the PUD. No plans for additional development were included.
In accordance with the SilverLeaf DRI, the development is approved for the following uses to be constructed over 15 years: 6,800 single-family units; 3,900 multi-family units; 1,140,000 square feet of retail commercial space; 300,000 square feet of office space; and 330,000 square feet of industrial space. The Master Development Plan currently depicts 5,668 single-family units.
One condition of SilverLeaf’s development order requires the developer to construct County Road 2209 as a four-lane road from Johns Creek Parkway to the State Road 16 Connector and to donate right-of-way, engineering permits and environmental mitigation.
The developer must also provide partial funding for St. Johns County to construct CR 2209 from the SR 16 Connector to International Golf Parkway. The roads must be built or be committed to being built before any construction of buildings can begin.
McClure expressed some concern with the county accepting dedication of roads within the development, given the county’s revenue challenges in meeting demands for existing roads. He also questioned the need for maximum building heights of 45 feet for residential single-family units and 90 feet for residential multi-family units.
County staff said there were benefits to building up, particularly in condensing the horizontal footprint of development and, thus, preserving more open space.
Staff pointed to previous approvals, particularly in the World Golf Village area.
COMMENTS
mach12.1e 08/03/16 - 06:50 am 42We qualify for "urban status".
Every resident's nightmare come true. We have achieved "urban status". Thanks to the county commission. If we had wanted to be "urban" we would have settled in Atlanta, or New York. They keep approving major modifications, height restriction variances and whatever else they can do to accelerate the destruction of what is left. Fools and thieves. They should be jailed.
Firstcoaster 08/03/16 - 07:36 am 13Federal Grants
are nothing but bribing the taxpayers with their own money.
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 08:27 am 21The County Administration Failed, (but really WON) !
The whole Process for the Grant came late and rushed. Well that is the NORM in the SJC. Or more truthfully put, St Johns County Administrator Michael Wanchick STYLE ! Bring it before the Residents at the last minute, then rush the process. That way there is less or no input from the Residents. You FOOLED us again, SO YOU THINK. It is time to say BYE BYE MIKE e !
I'll bring the empty box to the next meeting, have Security escort Mike E to his car and off the Property, WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH !
RISKY BUSINESS: VILANO BEACH PZB VOTE
Controversial corrupt St. Johns County Sheriff DAVID SHOAR's developer-contributor cronies won a temporary victory on a dangerous development threatening the capacity for emergency evacuations of the already-clogged unnamed barrier island between Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach. Sick.
St. Johns County PZA recommends Watermarke
Posted: August 4, 2016 - 10:35pm | Updated: August 5, 2016 - 6:16am
Developers are hoping to build a hotel and resort project on this 43.87 acres of located about 1.5 miles north of the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge on the west side of State Road A1A/Coastal Highway. The project would include a conference center, bed and breakfast, restaurant, café, bar, gift shop, beach club, office building, boathouse, cabana and beach villas. Their application goes before the county's Planning and Zoning Board Agency on Aug. 4. A hearing before the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Sept. 20. By
STUART KORFHAGE
stuart.korfhage@staugustine.com
With hundreds of Vilano Beach residents clapping and cheering in approval, more than a dozen speakers voiced their displeasure and opposition to a proposed change in the county’s Comprehensive Plan to accommodate the development of a beach resort on State Road A1A.
And more than an hour after public comments ended, the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Board quietly voted 5-1 in favor of the action.
The issue before the PZA was a request from developers to rezone parts of a 43.5-acre parcel of land just north of the Usina Bridge that is currently home to an abandoned RV park. Ownership is seeking the change so it can build a 120-room hotel, 50 beach villa rentals and a 39-slip boat dock. The development is called Watermarke.
Officially, the item in question was a request to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Conservation and Residential-C to Residential-D for approximately 23.5 acres of land and from Conservation and Residential-C to Conservation for approximately 20 acres of land.
The applicant needs the zoning change from Residential-C to Residential-D in order to construct a hotel on the property.
Residents who spoke at Thursday’s meeting and who sent letters and emails to the county voiced concern over the new project’s compatibility and impact on traffic and safety. They were also worried about the impact of so much commercial development on a narrow strip of Florida A1A.
“Unlike St. Augustine Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach where A1A was able to be relocated and four-laned to accommodate commercial development, Vilano’s A1A does not have that opportunity,” said Robert Olson, who lives on Windjammer Lane, north of the proposed development.
“We feel the Comprehensive Plan supports smart growth because it focuses commercial development on the Vilano Town Center. We don’t feel there’s a change that has occurred here to justify that change (in the Comprehensive Plan).”
Added Alan Fisher, who lives on A1A: “I don’t see how this thing can be taken seriously. There is no commercial in that area. Anyone who lives in the area and tries to get over the bridge at peak time ... I know that when you try to get over that bridge it’s way backed up. And now you tell me evacuation is not going to be an issue?”
Attorney Ellen Avery-Smith, representing Watermarke, argued that the project addresses those concerns. Just Thursday, the plan was scaled back by a total of 30 total rental units. And the request for 80,000 square feet of commercial space was altered to 70,000 square feet.
The property is currently within a Planned Unit Development called Beachcomber that was approved about a decade ago for 45 single-family homes and 34 multi-family units. But it was never built.
Avery-Smith said the Watermarke resort plan has less projected impact than the current PUD would if built out.
“Based on the reduced numbers that we revised this text amendment to today, the p.m. peak hours trips and the daily trips from the private resort are lower than the existing 79 residential units in the Beachcomber PUD,” she said.
With the resort not being open until at least 2018 and not completely built out until 2021, Avery-Smith added that traffic should be improved for Vilano residents due to the reconstruction of the May Street-San Marco Avenue intersection. Work there is planned to begin next year.
But attorney Jane West, retained to oppose the Watermarke project, argued that should not be justification for adding more commercial development throughout Vilano.
“I can assure you that the city of St. Augustine’s significant expenditure of land from 7-Eleven to improve that May Street corridor was not to be taken as a green light for the county to fill it right back up with additional traffic,” West said. “That is not a prudent use.
“The infrastructure here in Vilano is a bit compromised, and everyone in this room knows it.”
Avery-Smith also said the commercial aspect of the property would be ancillary for the use of the guests. And the project would be compatible with neighbors, she said, pointing to the Ocean Sands Beach Inn to the north and the Seaside of Vilano condominiums to the south.
“It does not include a gas station, a shopping mall, any intense commercial uses,” Avery-Smith said. “We hope that you will find that this project is more compatible than the existing Beachcomer residential development.”
Watermarke could still end up as a residential project itself. That was one of the caveats in the owners’ proposal. The agreement would include the ability to transform the villas and hotel into a total of 79 multi-family residential units if the resort plan fails. There was no mention of what would happen with the commercial space if the project is changed to residential.
While many of the PZA members said they understood the concerns about traffic, most concluded that the Watermarke project wouldn’t make things noticeably worse than the current PUD.
Only Dick Williams voiced any opposition.
“I think it’s a terrific concept,” he said. “But it’s not compatible in my mind, in my opinion, to the surrounding area.”
Fellow board member Jeff Martin said he was concerned about traffic but was happy to see a project that would bring tax revenue and jobs to the county.
“I like everything else about it,” he said, citing traffic issues.
Board member Archie Wainright was also a supporter of the proposal, although without the praise for it.
“I live in this community,” he said. “I am affected by that traffic. I wish this project would go away. I am also a private property advocate. I live in America and that’s a founding principle of living in America and I like that.”
The decision by the PZA is not binding but is only a recommendation to the County Commission, which will make the ultimate decision.
COMMENTS Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/05/16 - 06:05 am 31This is dangerous
Another livin up to the Duh moement here in............................ ......................St Johns County Floor ah DUH !
Mikel01 08/05/16 - 08:57 am 40The public's opinion
It appears to be a mute point and a done deal prior to the meeting. The PZA's motives are acutely apparent. What a shame. Just imagine the impact at the intersection of May street and San Marco ave.
Firstcoaster 08/05/16 - 09:23 am 21Two types of palms in SJC
One type grows in your yard, and the other type gets the grease. The fix was in long before the meeting.
I wonder how many times Florida's open-meeting statutes were violated?
Governing - Chicago style - has come to SJC.
ANTHONYSER 08/05/16 - 09:23 am 20Fee
The impact fee should be doubled for that for roads
sponger2 08/05/16 - 09:58 am 41The Profane Zoning Advocates are at it again.
You know, if it but were a century and a half ago, they would have been dragged to the town center, and shot. Where to these Azzh5les GET OFF TELLING US WHAT'S BEST FOR US? The plan is in place. This is not in the plan. Don't change it. It's little wonder that they are exempt from disclosing where they live in the county official records. Well, it's an election year, if this goes through, throw out all incumbent commissioners and start fresh.
mach12.1e 08/05/16 - 10:08 am 40A perfect example.
This is what you would see as a living example of "taxation without representation". The buyer knew the zoning when he purchased it. There is no reasonable expectation that the zoning should be changed to "accommodate" his idea of "improvement" outside the scope of the current zoning. That is profiting at our expense, period.
mandy 08/05/16 - 10:53 am 00zoning
mach and sponger have it clear and precise. Yay Them, Boo pza
Larry7028 08/05/16 - 10:55 am 00Bridge
With the only way to evacuate Vilano Beach being the Usina bridge, shouldn't the state spend huge amounts of our tax dollars on investigating building another bridge between Vilano Beach and Palm Valley?
With all the growth in the county, and having so many new residents never having had the pleasure of a visiting hurricane, there is a need for another evacuation route.
St. Johns County PZA recommends Watermarke
Posted: August 4, 2016 - 10:35pm | Updated: August 5, 2016 - 6:16am
Developers are hoping to build a hotel and resort project on this 43.87 acres of located about 1.5 miles north of the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge on the west side of State Road A1A/Coastal Highway. The project would include a conference center, bed and breakfast, restaurant, café, bar, gift shop, beach club, office building, boathouse, cabana and beach villas. Their application goes before the county's Planning and Zoning Board Agency on Aug. 4. A hearing before the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Sept. 20. By
STUART KORFHAGE
stuart.korfhage@staugustine.com
With hundreds of Vilano Beach residents clapping and cheering in approval, more than a dozen speakers voiced their displeasure and opposition to a proposed change in the county’s Comprehensive Plan to accommodate the development of a beach resort on State Road A1A.
And more than an hour after public comments ended, the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Board quietly voted 5-1 in favor of the action.
The issue before the PZA was a request from developers to rezone parts of a 43.5-acre parcel of land just north of the Usina Bridge that is currently home to an abandoned RV park. Ownership is seeking the change so it can build a 120-room hotel, 50 beach villa rentals and a 39-slip boat dock. The development is called Watermarke.
Officially, the item in question was a request to amend the Future Land Use Map designation from Conservation and Residential-C to Residential-D for approximately 23.5 acres of land and from Conservation and Residential-C to Conservation for approximately 20 acres of land.
The applicant needs the zoning change from Residential-C to Residential-D in order to construct a hotel on the property.
Residents who spoke at Thursday’s meeting and who sent letters and emails to the county voiced concern over the new project’s compatibility and impact on traffic and safety. They were also worried about the impact of so much commercial development on a narrow strip of Florida A1A.
“Unlike St. Augustine Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach where A1A was able to be relocated and four-laned to accommodate commercial development, Vilano’s A1A does not have that opportunity,” said Robert Olson, who lives on Windjammer Lane, north of the proposed development.
“We feel the Comprehensive Plan supports smart growth because it focuses commercial development on the Vilano Town Center. We don’t feel there’s a change that has occurred here to justify that change (in the Comprehensive Plan).”
Added Alan Fisher, who lives on A1A: “I don’t see how this thing can be taken seriously. There is no commercial in that area. Anyone who lives in the area and tries to get over the bridge at peak time ... I know that when you try to get over that bridge it’s way backed up. And now you tell me evacuation is not going to be an issue?”
Attorney Ellen Avery-Smith, representing Watermarke, argued that the project addresses those concerns. Just Thursday, the plan was scaled back by a total of 30 total rental units. And the request for 80,000 square feet of commercial space was altered to 70,000 square feet.
The property is currently within a Planned Unit Development called Beachcomber that was approved about a decade ago for 45 single-family homes and 34 multi-family units. But it was never built.
Avery-Smith said the Watermarke resort plan has less projected impact than the current PUD would if built out.
“Based on the reduced numbers that we revised this text amendment to today, the p.m. peak hours trips and the daily trips from the private resort are lower than the existing 79 residential units in the Beachcomber PUD,” she said.
With the resort not being open until at least 2018 and not completely built out until 2021, Avery-Smith added that traffic should be improved for Vilano residents due to the reconstruction of the May Street-San Marco Avenue intersection. Work there is planned to begin next year.
But attorney Jane West, retained to oppose the Watermarke project, argued that should not be justification for adding more commercial development throughout Vilano.
“I can assure you that the city of St. Augustine’s significant expenditure of land from 7-Eleven to improve that May Street corridor was not to be taken as a green light for the county to fill it right back up with additional traffic,” West said. “That is not a prudent use.
“The infrastructure here in Vilano is a bit compromised, and everyone in this room knows it.”
Avery-Smith also said the commercial aspect of the property would be ancillary for the use of the guests. And the project would be compatible with neighbors, she said, pointing to the Ocean Sands Beach Inn to the north and the Seaside of Vilano condominiums to the south.
“It does not include a gas station, a shopping mall, any intense commercial uses,” Avery-Smith said. “We hope that you will find that this project is more compatible than the existing Beachcomer residential development.”
Watermarke could still end up as a residential project itself. That was one of the caveats in the owners’ proposal. The agreement would include the ability to transform the villas and hotel into a total of 79 multi-family residential units if the resort plan fails. There was no mention of what would happen with the commercial space if the project is changed to residential.
While many of the PZA members said they understood the concerns about traffic, most concluded that the Watermarke project wouldn’t make things noticeably worse than the current PUD.
Only Dick Williams voiced any opposition.
“I think it’s a terrific concept,” he said. “But it’s not compatible in my mind, in my opinion, to the surrounding area.”
Fellow board member Jeff Martin said he was concerned about traffic but was happy to see a project that would bring tax revenue and jobs to the county.
“I like everything else about it,” he said, citing traffic issues.
Board member Archie Wainright was also a supporter of the proposal, although without the praise for it.
“I live in this community,” he said. “I am affected by that traffic. I wish this project would go away. I am also a private property advocate. I live in America and that’s a founding principle of living in America and I like that.”
The decision by the PZA is not binding but is only a recommendation to the County Commission, which will make the ultimate decision.
COMMENTS Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/05/16 - 06:05 am 31This is dangerous
Another livin up to the Duh moement here in............................ ......................St Johns County Floor ah DUH !
Mikel01 08/05/16 - 08:57 am 40The public's opinion
It appears to be a mute point and a done deal prior to the meeting. The PZA's motives are acutely apparent. What a shame. Just imagine the impact at the intersection of May street and San Marco ave.
Firstcoaster 08/05/16 - 09:23 am 21Two types of palms in SJC
One type grows in your yard, and the other type gets the grease. The fix was in long before the meeting.
I wonder how many times Florida's open-meeting statutes were violated?
Governing - Chicago style - has come to SJC.
ANTHONYSER 08/05/16 - 09:23 am 20Fee
The impact fee should be doubled for that for roads
sponger2 08/05/16 - 09:58 am 41The Profane Zoning Advocates are at it again.
You know, if it but were a century and a half ago, they would have been dragged to the town center, and shot. Where to these Azzh5les GET OFF TELLING US WHAT'S BEST FOR US? The plan is in place. This is not in the plan. Don't change it. It's little wonder that they are exempt from disclosing where they live in the county official records. Well, it's an election year, if this goes through, throw out all incumbent commissioners and start fresh.
mach12.1e 08/05/16 - 10:08 am 40A perfect example.
This is what you would see as a living example of "taxation without representation". The buyer knew the zoning when he purchased it. There is no reasonable expectation that the zoning should be changed to "accommodate" his idea of "improvement" outside the scope of the current zoning. That is profiting at our expense, period.
mandy 08/05/16 - 10:53 am 00zoning
mach and sponger have it clear and precise. Yay Them, Boo pza
Larry7028 08/05/16 - 10:55 am 00Bridge
With the only way to evacuate Vilano Beach being the Usina bridge, shouldn't the state spend huge amounts of our tax dollars on investigating building another bridge between Vilano Beach and Palm Valley?
With all the growth in the county, and having so many new residents never having had the pleasure of a visiting hurricane, there is a need for another evacuation route.
TEA PARTY ATTACKS CORRUPT SHERIFF, SUPPORTS DEBRA MAYNARD
God Bless America.
Last June 16, 2015 at 6 PM, our Tea Party friends (and I) spoke out against the proposed one cent sales tax increase at County Commission.
We won.
Today, the day of a supercilious St. Augustine Record endorsement of our corrupt local Sheriff, I just learned that our Tea Party friends have attacked Sheriff DAVID SHOAR and endorsed Debra Maynard for Sheriff.
We agree -- the coverup of the Michelle O'Connell case was unAmerican. SHOAR's other coverups are unAmerican. Time for SHOAR to go.
Sheriff DAVID HOAR f/k/a "HOAR" is scared -- The Establishment (even after corruptly closing the August 30th Universal Primary for Sheriff, Clerk and two Commissioners) feels like it just awakened a sleeping giant.
Having limited voting to registered Republicans, illegally, violating the Fifteenth Amendment, the Establishment still has a problem.
The corrupt Republican Establishment in St. Johns County knows people no longer trust him. No matter what "The Mullet Wrapper" conspires to inflict on unsuspecting readers.
Even if the electorate were further illegally limited to SHOAR's commanders and the family of Deputy JEREMY BANKS, SHOAR f/k/a "HOAR" would still have problems.
Last June 16, 2015 at 6 PM, our Tea Party friends (and I) spoke out against the proposed one cent sales tax increase at County Commission.
We won.
Today, the day of a supercilious St. Augustine Record endorsement of our corrupt local Sheriff, I just learned that our Tea Party friends have attacked Sheriff DAVID SHOAR and endorsed Debra Maynard for Sheriff.
We agree -- the coverup of the Michelle O'Connell case was unAmerican. SHOAR's other coverups are unAmerican. Time for SHOAR to go.
Sheriff DAVID HOAR f/k/a "HOAR" is scared -- The Establishment (even after corruptly closing the August 30th Universal Primary for Sheriff, Clerk and two Commissioners) feels like it just awakened a sleeping giant.
Having limited voting to registered Republicans, illegally, violating the Fifteenth Amendment, the Establishment still has a problem.
The corrupt Republican Establishment in St. Johns County knows people no longer trust him. No matter what "The Mullet Wrapper" conspires to inflict on unsuspecting readers.
Even if the electorate were further illegally limited to SHOAR's commanders and the family of Deputy JEREMY BANKS, SHOAR f/k/a "HOAR" would still have problems.
RANCID RECORD "ENDORSEMENT" OF SHERIFF SHOAR
As New Orleans DA Jim Garrison once said, "What do you expect from a pig but a grunt?
The Establishment's incurious, stand-patter dumbed-down Babbit-like McPaper, The St. Augustine Record has been cowering before power and covering up for corrupt political machines since 1895.
Why stop now?
In 1995, The WReckord's a front page headline blared: "100 YEARS OF PUBIC SERVICE," earning a spot on Jay Leno's late night NBC program.
Utterly uninformed St. Augustine Record endorsement with a predictable ukase: re-elect your corrupt local Sheriff.
Ukase from the St. Augustine Record, a/k/a "MULLET WRAPPER" in local parlance, is unabashedly chauvinistic and anti-civil rights, unadorned by any bit of critical thinking, eschewing discussion of fully adjudicated constitutional rights violations, questionable shootings, , ten spouse abusers on the payroll, the ongoing coverup of the Michelle O'Connell case. developer and bundler fundraising and conflict of interest, Sheriff SHOAR's heading a corrupt political machine that brandishes support for developers
Hint: September 2, 2010 Michelle O'Connell shooting suspect Deputy JEREMY BANKS, all attended the videotaping of the League of Women Voters' forum with Sheriff Shoar, along with ten Sheriff's Department commanders, his entourage.
Editorial endorsement: Shoar: Substance trumps innuendo
Posted: August 4, 2016 - 11:33pm | Updated: August 5, 2016 - 5:50am
Sheriff David Shoar faces opposition for the second time this, his fourth bid for election.
His opponent, Debra Maynard, is a former deputy who was subsequently dismissed from the Sheriff’s Office.
Ms. Maynard is running, she says, because “there’s no better profession to help people,” and that God called her to the task.
We can’t argue with the former, and won’t with the latter.
Shoar is running again because he says he’s started new programs and initiatives that he wants to ensure move ahead and succeed.
We think it’s fair to say that, across the nation, sheriff’s races are more controversial than others, predominately because of the nature of the position. You make both enemies and friends — but the enemies generally talk louder.
The main difference between the two candidates — as it affects this race — is the huge experience gap. Running a $60 million-plus group of men and women who’s job it is to protect and serve 230,000 people isn’t a whim. It’s a heavy responsibility any way you slice it.
Shoar has 35 years invested in law enforcement. He rose through the ranks of the St. Augustine Police Department and was named chief in 2000. He ran successfully for Sheriff in 2004 and has led the department through challenges of dizzying growth since then.
But what we believe sets Shoar apart — not from Maynard, but from most law enforcement leaders around — is his “other lives.” He’s served a second military career in the Florida Army National Guard (including time in the Gulf War), retiring as a major after 24 years.
Throughout his stint in law enforcement he’s stretched himself academically along the way. He holds Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration.
There’s something else. Every sheriff — everywhere — touts being tough on the bad guys. The difference between them and all the new tough-on-crime legislative politicians is that sheriffs really do something about the problems.
But Shoar has always shown a proclivity to also stand up for the weak ones. He’s been instrumental in pushing forward mental health initiatives in St. Johns County.
He knows what he’s talking about because he sees it daily. Half the people in his jail, he’ll tell you, belong somewhere else where healing might happen rather than punishment.
Ms. Maynard has a few ideas she believes would improve the department. But, for the most part, her campaign is one of sniping at Shoar with fairly damning accusations — none of which our staff has been able to substantiate. She’s big on accusations and awfully short on substance or specifics.
Handing the reins of safety and crime-fighting to a candidate with four years of experience and a limited record makes little sense.
We have a Sheriff’s Department with a solid reputation for both reaction to threats and reasonable restraint in meeting them — and that’s a load to carry these days for cops.
There are plenty of real problems our law enforcement community needs to worry about and pay attention to than a leader who hasn’t led.
Ms. Maynard’s campaign is more vindictive than instructive.
We recommend sending Sheriff Shoar back for another term.
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ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Posts and comments do not reflect the views of this site. Posts and comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Flag as offensive" link below the comment.
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JoeJoe 08/05/16 - 07:37 am 13Good ole boy
So the Record's stance is, the establishment is the only way to go. I disagree. We need a new, fresh face to lead the Sheriff's department. Shoar has a bloated budget, militarized police force, and is backed with hundreds of thousands of dollars from political cronies. Not to mention several incidents of questionable investigations, one being the time he crashed his car late at night and was injured, under strange circumstances. He was basically crowned to be Sheriff. It was the same situation as the Mayor of St. Augustine. We needed new blood in there to get rid of the "good ole boy" way things were being done to benefit the connected few.
INNUENDO? Is that the trade name of easily rattled Record Opinion Editor JIM SUTTON's favorite suppository?
Record Opinion Editor JAMES SUTTON got a sweet plea bargain on his DUI case, resulting in eternal gratitude toward corrupt Sheriff DAVID SHOAR and his running dog, State's Attorney RALPH JOSEPH LARIZZA.
The Establishment's incurious, stand-patter dumbed-down Babbit-like McPaper, The St. Augustine Record has been cowering before power and covering up for corrupt political machines since 1895.
Why stop now?
In 1995, The WReckord's a front page headline blared: "100 YEARS OF PUBIC SERVICE," earning a spot on Jay Leno's late night NBC program.
Utterly uninformed St. Augustine Record endorsement with a predictable ukase: re-elect your corrupt local Sheriff.
Ukase from the St. Augustine Record, a/k/a "MULLET WRAPPER" in local parlance, is unabashedly chauvinistic and anti-civil rights, unadorned by any bit of critical thinking, eschewing discussion of fully adjudicated constitutional rights violations, questionable shootings, , ten spouse abusers on the payroll, the ongoing coverup of the Michelle O'Connell case. developer and bundler fundraising and conflict of interest, Sheriff SHOAR's heading a corrupt political machine that brandishes support for developers
Hint: September 2, 2010 Michelle O'Connell shooting suspect Deputy JEREMY BANKS, all attended the videotaping of the League of Women Voters' forum with Sheriff Shoar, along with ten Sheriff's Department commanders, his entourage.
Editorial endorsement: Shoar: Substance trumps innuendo
Posted: August 4, 2016 - 11:33pm | Updated: August 5, 2016 - 5:50am
Sheriff David Shoar faces opposition for the second time this, his fourth bid for election.
His opponent, Debra Maynard, is a former deputy who was subsequently dismissed from the Sheriff’s Office.
Ms. Maynard is running, she says, because “there’s no better profession to help people,” and that God called her to the task.
We can’t argue with the former, and won’t with the latter.
Shoar is running again because he says he’s started new programs and initiatives that he wants to ensure move ahead and succeed.
We think it’s fair to say that, across the nation, sheriff’s races are more controversial than others, predominately because of the nature of the position. You make both enemies and friends — but the enemies generally talk louder.
The main difference between the two candidates — as it affects this race — is the huge experience gap. Running a $60 million-plus group of men and women who’s job it is to protect and serve 230,000 people isn’t a whim. It’s a heavy responsibility any way you slice it.
Shoar has 35 years invested in law enforcement. He rose through the ranks of the St. Augustine Police Department and was named chief in 2000. He ran successfully for Sheriff in 2004 and has led the department through challenges of dizzying growth since then.
But what we believe sets Shoar apart — not from Maynard, but from most law enforcement leaders around — is his “other lives.” He’s served a second military career in the Florida Army National Guard (including time in the Gulf War), retiring as a major after 24 years.
Throughout his stint in law enforcement he’s stretched himself academically along the way. He holds Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration.
There’s something else. Every sheriff — everywhere — touts being tough on the bad guys. The difference between them and all the new tough-on-crime legislative politicians is that sheriffs really do something about the problems.
But Shoar has always shown a proclivity to also stand up for the weak ones. He’s been instrumental in pushing forward mental health initiatives in St. Johns County.
He knows what he’s talking about because he sees it daily. Half the people in his jail, he’ll tell you, belong somewhere else where healing might happen rather than punishment.
Ms. Maynard has a few ideas she believes would improve the department. But, for the most part, her campaign is one of sniping at Shoar with fairly damning accusations — none of which our staff has been able to substantiate. She’s big on accusations and awfully short on substance or specifics.
Handing the reins of safety and crime-fighting to a candidate with four years of experience and a limited record makes little sense.
We have a Sheriff’s Department with a solid reputation for both reaction to threats and reasonable restraint in meeting them — and that’s a load to carry these days for cops.
There are plenty of real problems our law enforcement community needs to worry about and pay attention to than a leader who hasn’t led.
Ms. Maynard’s campaign is more vindictive than instructive.
We recommend sending Sheriff Shoar back for another term.
4.142855
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Comments (3) Add comment
ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Posts and comments do not reflect the views of this site. Posts and comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Flag as offensive" link below the comment.
JoeJoe
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JoeJoe 08/05/16 - 07:37 am 13Good ole boy
So the Record's stance is, the establishment is the only way to go. I disagree. We need a new, fresh face to lead the Sheriff's department. Shoar has a bloated budget, militarized police force, and is backed with hundreds of thousands of dollars from political cronies. Not to mention several incidents of questionable investigations, one being the time he crashed his car late at night and was injured, under strange circumstances. He was basically crowned to be Sheriff. It was the same situation as the Mayor of St. Augustine. We needed new blood in there to get rid of the "good ole boy" way things were being done to benefit the connected few.
INNUENDO? Is that the trade name of easily rattled Record Opinion Editor JIM SUTTON's favorite suppository?
Thursday, August 04, 2016
Will PZB Reject "Daytona Beach" Architecture?
"We don't want St. Augustine to look like Daytona Beach" or "Myrtle Beach."
So spake JERRY DIXON, term-limited PZB member at his next-to-last meeting August 2, 2016.
"We don't want St. Augustine to look like Daytona Beach." Longtime PZB member JERRY DIXON, while often supporting controversial developments, drew the line with destroying our "vista." Destroying the view of our San Sebastian River with what looks like a shopping center backside fronting our Sebastian River." "We don't want St. Augustine to look like Daytona Beach… or other places, where you can't even see the beach.
Cathy Brown opined that Diane's looks like a fort.
Ms. Brown said there has been "bait and switch" by developers, "ever since hospital torn down on Marine Street.
Mr. Dixon said, "once it's there, it's there. In the past, crossing U.S. 1 on S.R. 207, you would "see marsh." That vista is now gone for all future generations. "You guys did this, including him."
Carl Blow said, "I'm not proud of that vote, based on what I'm seeing out there" at Diane's.
Ms. Brown called it a "breach of faith. Mr. Dixon replied, "of course it is."
Mr. Dixon lamented a certain too tall hotel whose developer "wanted to hire him, he didn't do what they wanted him to do," and voted against it. Dixon excoriated lack of architectural guidelines and failure to require full scale models, resulting in ugly"corporate architecture," "gross things," including ugly motels and th condos across from Gypsy Cab restaurant, a boxy condo project that Ms. Brown pronounced "awful!"
Mr. Dixon condemned as examples of inappropriate "corporate architecture"
on U.S. 1 the CVS and Walgreen's twin big box drug store, which Dixon termed "tacky ... looks like it belongs in Myrtle Beach or something."
Ms. Brown asked, "what's the remedy instead of complaining.
Mr. Dixon replied, "look at and think about it in the future."
Mr. Dixon questioned priorities, stating PZB was "hung up on the Dow property for six months," which he "think[s] it's going to be a fine project when it's done but was it worth it? …. "Rome's burning while you're fighting these little battles."
Mr. Blow disagreed with the prevailing "attitude that PUDs are bad -- PUDs are fantastic planning tool."
Mr. Blow said on Diane's the he "was focused on access for adjoining condos."
Ms. Brown said while PZB is "not the taste patrol…. What you just showed me I don't think I voted for."
Mr. Dixon said "all of you … blocked [the] vista, which he called "an atrocity" excoriating a three story box on corner
Chair Matthew Shaffer said, "we definitely appreciate the admonition" and "look forward to your being at that podium.
Mr. Blow said that some municipalities require scale models, which "Sue [Agrsta] once built.
Mr. Dixon called the group's attention to Google Earth's excellent online modeling.
So spake JERRY DIXON, term-limited PZB member at his next-to-last meeting August 2, 2016.
"We don't want St. Augustine to look like Daytona Beach." Longtime PZB member JERRY DIXON, while often supporting controversial developments, drew the line with destroying our "vista." Destroying the view of our San Sebastian River with what looks like a shopping center backside fronting our Sebastian River." "We don't want St. Augustine to look like Daytona Beach… or other places, where you can't even see the beach.
Cathy Brown opined that Diane's looks like a fort.
Ms. Brown said there has been "bait and switch" by developers, "ever since hospital torn down on Marine Street.
Mr. Dixon said, "once it's there, it's there. In the past, crossing U.S. 1 on S.R. 207, you would "see marsh." That vista is now gone for all future generations. "You guys did this, including him."
Carl Blow said, "I'm not proud of that vote, based on what I'm seeing out there" at Diane's.
Ms. Brown called it a "breach of faith. Mr. Dixon replied, "of course it is."
Mr. Dixon lamented a certain too tall hotel whose developer "wanted to hire him, he didn't do what they wanted him to do," and voted against it. Dixon excoriated lack of architectural guidelines and failure to require full scale models, resulting in ugly"corporate architecture," "gross things," including ugly motels and th condos across from Gypsy Cab restaurant, a boxy condo project that Ms. Brown pronounced "awful!"
Mr. Dixon condemned as examples of inappropriate "corporate architecture"
on U.S. 1 the CVS and Walgreen's twin big box drug store, which Dixon termed "tacky ... looks like it belongs in Myrtle Beach or something."
Ms. Brown asked, "what's the remedy instead of complaining.
Mr. Dixon replied, "look at and think about it in the future."
Mr. Dixon questioned priorities, stating PZB was "hung up on the Dow property for six months," which he "think[s] it's going to be a fine project when it's done but was it worth it? …. "Rome's burning while you're fighting these little battles."
Mr. Blow disagreed with the prevailing "attitude that PUDs are bad -- PUDs are fantastic planning tool."
Mr. Blow said on Diane's the he "was focused on access for adjoining condos."
Ms. Brown said while PZB is "not the taste patrol…. What you just showed me I don't think I voted for."
Mr. Dixon said "all of you … blocked [the] vista, which he called "an atrocity" excoriating a three story box on corner
Chair Matthew Shaffer said, "we definitely appreciate the admonition" and "look forward to your being at that podium.
Mr. Blow said that some municipalities require scale models, which "Sue [Agrsta] once built.
Mr. Dixon called the group's attention to Google Earth's excellent online modeling.
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
St. Augustine Beach Loan Questioned
You've got to watch these meetings for yourself. The Record ignores or does not credit citizen contributions a/k/a "A member of the public." What errant nonsense -- this is our government, but some Record employees disdain public participation and won't cover public comment. Why?
St. Augustine Beach to reconsider loan
Posted: August 2, 2016 - 11:42pm | Updated: August 3, 2016 - 3:40am
By SHELDON GARDNER
sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com
St. Augustine Beach commissioners have delayed a multi-million dollar loan proposal, part of which would be used to pay off debt from a 2015 land purchase.
Commissioners, who discussed the item this week, want answers to their questions before making a decision. The commission is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Monday to consider the proposal again.
Commissioners requested details about interest rates and other details of the loan.
Melissa Burns, chief financial officer for the city, said the closing date for the deal, if approved, would be the end of the September. And that the next official commission meeting would not be soon enough for a decision.
Mayor Rich O’Brien suggested having Monday’s special meeting to discuss the deal, which would be capped at about $9.1 million.
“If we’re talking about up to $9 million, couldn’t we all afford a 30-minute meeting?” O’Brien asked.
The transaction was listed in backup materials as a “bond issue to finance the $4.5 million from the purchase of the remaining 4.5 acres of the Maratea property” and a refunding for a 2004 bond issue, a deal that would not exceed about $7.5 million.
Before the meeting, the commission had asked Burns to look into a 2009 direct loan for refunding, but that is not possible, she said.
However, refunding 2010 bonds is doable. Burns told commissioners that the “not to exceed amount” of the loan increased to $9.1 million. She said later that is with the 2004 and 2010 projects considered and some cushion built in.
With the new loan, the city also plans to use $3 million to pay off the remaining debt owed for the Maratea (now Ocean Hammock Park) property and $1.5 million to replenish what the city took from savings to make the first debt payment on the property.
“Payment to the Florida Municipal Loan Council for the bonds would come from the 0.50 mills that the City’s voters approved in 2008 for the purchase of land to save it from development,” according to a memo from City Manager Max Royle.
The city has about 2.5 months’ worth of operating reserve funds, and the extra $1.5 million in savings would add enough cushion for six months of operating costs, Burns said at the meeting.
City officials indicated the funds could also help support city projects.
The city’s total debt was about $8.9 million as of July 6, according to a city document. A member of the public suggested commissioners consider other sources for the loan.
In other business
Commissioners suggested changing the way St. Augustine Beach handles vacancies for its appointed boards. The City Commission moved ahead with reappointing three members of the Planning and Zoning Board but also supported a policy change. Royle said he approached the planning board members, and they indicated they would continue serving.
“Given the fact it’s very hard to get people to serve on that board ... their willingness indicated to me that was the best way to do it,” Royle said.
The Commission supported changing policy in the future to advertise for all board vacancies or when a term on a seat will be ending. Royle plans to bring back a city policy change in September for vacancies on appointed boards.
Royle said vacancies are already listed on the city’s website.
■ Commissioners held a shade meeting to discuss building security. Shade meetings can include commissioners and are held in private, as per Florida statute. State law outlines a limited number of exemptions to open meetings laws.
O’Brien said the shade meeting focused on bids city officials needed to discuss and “it is for the protection of our staff.”
City Attorney Jim Wilson explained: “This involves plans for construction of ... security facilities, so those are the types of things that ... are exempt from public disclosure entirely. You don’t want somebody to know the security plans of a building.”
Wilson cited Florida statute 286.0113, which lists an exemption for security plans from public meetings.
COMMENTS
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 08:09 am 32Shade
Of course we the residents want and will secure our Employees. BUT WHAT HAPPEN ? What is being hidden from the residents ? Why has Commissioner Rich e Rich O'Brien and Commissioner Andrea Angry Samuels allowed Drinking alcoholic beverages in the City Commission meeting room ? Does that have something to do with the security being needed now ?
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ACROSS THE SMALL PARKING LOT !
WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON ?
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 07:42 am 32THE APPOINTED ONES !
The Commission never even took application or advertised for these soon to be expired positions/vacancies, until CAUGHT ! Now they are going to change the way the process is done. Once again, Commissioners Rich e Rich O'Brien and Andrea Angry Samuels want to KEEP CONTROL. This is one of the consequences of people being in office to long. Commissioners Rich e Rich O'Brien and Andrea Angry Samuels think they are the owners of the City or Royalty of some kind. HEY WE THE RESIDENTS GOT SOME NEWS.......... YOUR NOT !
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 08:08 am 32We are watching, listening, and bringing our calculators !
Commissioner Rich e Rich O'Brien " couldn't we all afford a 30 minute meeting" ? Yes and even longer ! But the real question is why haven't you and the other Commissioners already being doing your homework on this the most important issue of the YEAR ? This smells and sounds like the lack of details, transparency, and failed Commission oversight. Without a doubt, the presentation was an embarrassment to the Common Sense of Residents and showed how the incompetents are in charge !
St. Augustine Beach to reconsider loan
Posted: August 2, 2016 - 11:42pm | Updated: August 3, 2016 - 3:40am
By SHELDON GARDNER
sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com
St. Augustine Beach commissioners have delayed a multi-million dollar loan proposal, part of which would be used to pay off debt from a 2015 land purchase.
Commissioners, who discussed the item this week, want answers to their questions before making a decision. The commission is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Monday to consider the proposal again.
Commissioners requested details about interest rates and other details of the loan.
Melissa Burns, chief financial officer for the city, said the closing date for the deal, if approved, would be the end of the September. And that the next official commission meeting would not be soon enough for a decision.
Mayor Rich O’Brien suggested having Monday’s special meeting to discuss the deal, which would be capped at about $9.1 million.
“If we’re talking about up to $9 million, couldn’t we all afford a 30-minute meeting?” O’Brien asked.
The transaction was listed in backup materials as a “bond issue to finance the $4.5 million from the purchase of the remaining 4.5 acres of the Maratea property” and a refunding for a 2004 bond issue, a deal that would not exceed about $7.5 million.
Before the meeting, the commission had asked Burns to look into a 2009 direct loan for refunding, but that is not possible, she said.
However, refunding 2010 bonds is doable. Burns told commissioners that the “not to exceed amount” of the loan increased to $9.1 million. She said later that is with the 2004 and 2010 projects considered and some cushion built in.
With the new loan, the city also plans to use $3 million to pay off the remaining debt owed for the Maratea (now Ocean Hammock Park) property and $1.5 million to replenish what the city took from savings to make the first debt payment on the property.
“Payment to the Florida Municipal Loan Council for the bonds would come from the 0.50 mills that the City’s voters approved in 2008 for the purchase of land to save it from development,” according to a memo from City Manager Max Royle.
The city has about 2.5 months’ worth of operating reserve funds, and the extra $1.5 million in savings would add enough cushion for six months of operating costs, Burns said at the meeting.
City officials indicated the funds could also help support city projects.
The city’s total debt was about $8.9 million as of July 6, according to a city document. A member of the public suggested commissioners consider other sources for the loan.
In other business
Commissioners suggested changing the way St. Augustine Beach handles vacancies for its appointed boards. The City Commission moved ahead with reappointing three members of the Planning and Zoning Board but also supported a policy change. Royle said he approached the planning board members, and they indicated they would continue serving.
“Given the fact it’s very hard to get people to serve on that board ... their willingness indicated to me that was the best way to do it,” Royle said.
The Commission supported changing policy in the future to advertise for all board vacancies or when a term on a seat will be ending. Royle plans to bring back a city policy change in September for vacancies on appointed boards.
Royle said vacancies are already listed on the city’s website.
■ Commissioners held a shade meeting to discuss building security. Shade meetings can include commissioners and are held in private, as per Florida statute. State law outlines a limited number of exemptions to open meetings laws.
O’Brien said the shade meeting focused on bids city officials needed to discuss and “it is for the protection of our staff.”
City Attorney Jim Wilson explained: “This involves plans for construction of ... security facilities, so those are the types of things that ... are exempt from public disclosure entirely. You don’t want somebody to know the security plans of a building.”
Wilson cited Florida statute 286.0113, which lists an exemption for security plans from public meetings.
COMMENTS
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 08:09 am 32Shade
Of course we the residents want and will secure our Employees. BUT WHAT HAPPEN ? What is being hidden from the residents ? Why has Commissioner Rich e Rich O'Brien and Commissioner Andrea Angry Samuels allowed Drinking alcoholic beverages in the City Commission meeting room ? Does that have something to do with the security being needed now ?
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ACROSS THE SMALL PARKING LOT !
WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON ?
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 07:42 am 32THE APPOINTED ONES !
The Commission never even took application or advertised for these soon to be expired positions/vacancies, until CAUGHT ! Now they are going to change the way the process is done. Once again, Commissioners Rich e Rich O'Brien and Andrea Angry Samuels want to KEEP CONTROL. This is one of the consequences of people being in office to long. Commissioners Rich e Rich O'Brien and Andrea Angry Samuels think they are the owners of the City or Royalty of some kind. HEY WE THE RESIDENTS GOT SOME NEWS.......... YOUR NOT !
Thomas Francis Reynolds 08/03/16 - 08:08 am 32We are watching, listening, and bringing our calculators !
Commissioner Rich e Rich O'Brien " couldn't we all afford a 30 minute meeting" ? Yes and even longer ! But the real question is why haven't you and the other Commissioners already being doing your homework on this the most important issue of the YEAR ? This smells and sounds like the lack of details, transparency, and failed Commission oversight. Without a doubt, the presentation was an embarrassment to the Common Sense of Residents and showed how the incompetents are in charge !
Monday, August 01, 2016
CONGRESSMAN HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD?
U.S. Rep. RONALD WAYNE DeSANTIS did not notify the St. Johns County Property Appraiser of his moving to Flagler County.
The St. Johns County Property Appraiser's Homestead Fraud investigator is aware of the move and may be sending a letter of inquiry.
U.S. Rep. RONALD WAYNE DeSANTIS (Florida State Bar No. 15976) has moved from Ponte Vedra to Flagler County, chasing "his" Sixth Congressional District, redistricted by our Florida courts to comply with the Fair Districts Constitutional Amendment.
U.S. REP. RONALD DEON DeSANTIS
R-FL6/KOCH INDUSTRIES
(FlaglerLive.com)
-----Original Message-----
The St. Johns County Property Appraiser's Homestead Fraud investigator is aware of the move and may be sending a letter of inquiry.
U.S. Rep. RONALD WAYNE DeSANTIS (Florida State Bar No. 15976) has moved from Ponte Vedra to Flagler County, chasing "his" Sixth Congressional District, redistricted by our Florida courts to comply with the Fair Districts Constitutional Amendment.
U.S. REP. RONALD DEON DeSANTIS
R-FL6/KOCH INDUSTRIES
(FlaglerLive.com)
-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy Bayly
To: Ed Slavin
Sent: Mon, Aug 1, 2016 12:04 pm
Subject: RE: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
To: Ed Slavin
Sent: Mon, Aug 1, 2016 12:04 pm
Subject: RE: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Good afternoon Mr. Slavin,
We have no documents responsive to your request.
Sincerely,
Cindy Bayly, CFE
Director of Administration
St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s Office
4030 Lewis Speedway, Suite 203
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-827-5570
904-827-5580 Fax
From: Ed Slavin [mailto:easlavin@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, August 1, 2016 11:59 AM
To: Cindy Bayly <Cindy.Bayly@sjcpa.us>; Keely Murrah <Keely.Murrah@sjcpa.us>
Cc: Steve Garris <Steve.Garris@sjcpa.us>;
Sent: Monday, August 1, 2016 11:59 AM
To: Cindy Bayly <Cindy.Bayly@sjcpa.us>; Keely Murrah <Keely.Murrah@sjcpa.us>
Cc: Steve Garris <Steve.Garris@sjcpa.us>;
Subject: Re: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Dear Ms. Outland and Ms. Bayly:
1. Did RONALD DEON DeSANTIS ever notify the Property Appraiser's office of his moving his residence to Flagler County?
__ Yes ___ No
2. Are there any documents?
__ Yes ___ No
3. Please respond to my records request in its own terms, rather than writing a defensive brief.
4. Please treat Congressman DeSANTIS like any other property owner, and not show favoritism because he is a Republican Member of Congress.
5. The PA sent a letter to Commissioner TODD DAVID NEVILLE and needs to do the same re: Congressman DeSantis -- you cannot ignore news stories that he's moved.
6. Equal protection is guaranteed by both federal and state constitutions.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
With kindest regards, I am,
 |
-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy Bayly <Cindy.Bayly@sjcpa.us>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Aug 1, 2016 10:32 am
Subject: RE: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
From: Cindy Bayly <Cindy.Bayly@sjcpa.us>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Aug 1, 2016 10:32 am
Subject: RE: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Hello Mr. Slavin:
Following is information responsive to your Request 2016-330:
Pursuant to Florida Statute 196, homestead exemption eligibility is determined by ownership and residency as of January 1st of the assessment roll year. As of January 1, 2016, the owner of the cited property owned and claimed permanent residency at the subject address. Accordingly, he remains entitled to homestead exemption for the 2016 assessment roll year. This office will follow up as to his residency on January 1, 2017 as it relates to the 2017 assessment roll year.
Sincerely,
Cindy Bayly, CFE
Director of Administration
St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s Office
4030 Lewis Speedway, Suite 203
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-827-5570
904-827-5580 Fax
From: Ed Slavin [mailto:easlavin@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2016 10:45 PM
To: Keely Murrah <Keely.Murrah@sjcpa.us>; Steve Garris <Steve.Garris@sjcpa.us>; Cindy Bayly <Cindy.Bayly@sjcpa.us>
judgelitt10@gmail.com
Subject: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2016 10:45 PM
To: Keely Murrah <Keely.Murrah@sjcpa.us>; Steve Garris <Steve.Garris@sjcpa.us>; Cindy Bayly <Cindy.Bayly@sjcpa.us>
judgelitt10@gmail.com
Subject: Request No. 2016-330: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FRAUD? 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Dear Ms. Outland, Ms. Bayly and Mr. Garris:
1. The St. Augustine Record reports that the sole owner of 6009 BRIDGE WATER CIRCLE, PVB, has moved to Flagler County: RONALD DEON DeSANTIS a U.S. Congressman and lawyer.
2. Please send me any notification from the property owner to your office that he is thus no longer qualified for homestead exemption.
3. Please send me any mailings from your office, or other documents, on this property's current homestead exemption status.
3. Please send me any mailings from your office, or other documents, on this property's current homestead exemption status.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
|
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