Development threatens cultural and heritage sites

Growth and development affects hundreds and perhaps thousands of cultural and heritage sites across Florida, archaeologists say. One of the main obstacles to preservation is the blatant lack of awareness that a site may exist. Archaeologists often don’t learn about a potentially important new site until bulldozers have ripped through it, making it tough to … Read more

New Yorkers are doing it their way – in Florida

Nearly 160 New Yorkers move to Florida every day. New York is a “tax hell,” Florida’s chief financial advisor Jimmy Patronis told Fox Business. That – along with the rising cost of living and high commuting costs – drives many people to leave. A fifth of New Yorkers who moved to Florida in October 2020 … Read more

Resident: “You went bonkers with development”

St. Johns County officials asked the state of Florida to fast-track a major change – adding 5,600 dwelling units and 2,394 acres to a huge residential development called SilverLeaf. State officials rejected the proposal, saying it exceeded both state and county guidelines. “…the County should resubmit the amendment package under the state coordinated review process … Read more

Growth management workshop draws big crowd

St. Johns County has grown by nearly 44% over the past decade, 2020 Census figures show. It’s the second-fastest growing county in Florida. On Jan. 25, county officials hosted a meeting about growth management. Dozens of residents showed up and most spoke out against overdevelopment. See transcript of meeting. Download video. See data on planned … Read more