Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clay County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with medium priority
Affordable housing bond plan
State law requires the county to update its list of surplus land suitable for affordable housing every three years. The updated list includes small vacant parcels in Green Cove Springs and Orange Park.
Mobility fee update
The county is set to hire Willdan Financial Services to update its impact fee study and ordinances — the fees developers pay to offset the cost of growth. The results could change what new construction pays.
Fort 11 Historical Marker
The state marker council will hear the developer's application for a Gare's Ferry historic marker on December 2 — but the marker site sits inside a gated Middleburg subdivision, and board members worry the gates could one day lock out the public.
Regional Sports Complex Public Access
National pickleball organizations want to come to Clay County but deals with the private HUB facility keep stalling over payment terms. Council member Kevin Robert floated building 16+ covered courts at the county sports complex.
Bed tax collections and tourism revenue
Bed tax collections jumped double digits in two straight months, boosted by the new Echo hotel and major events. A $2 million annual collection would mean more grant money for future events.
Rezone of 2.11 acres on County Road 220 for commercial use
Neighbors near the proposed Daily's won concessions — an 8-foot masonry wall, a 25-foot buffer, and strict lighting — and the HOA president came to seek clarity, not to fight the project.
Future Land Use redesignation of 41.18 acres in Branan Field
Portions of three parcels totaling about 41.18 acres would have their Future Land Use designations redrawn between the Branan Field Master Planned Community and Primary Conservation Network categories. How the land is split could shape where development and conservation occur in the Branan Field area.
Black Creek Boat Ramp deterioration
Middleburg resident Charles Griffin says the ramp has no ADA compliance, missing handrails, open electrical boxes and unsafe water in the bathrooms, and asked commissioners across districts to find funding.
Clerk of Court Orange Park branch closure risk
Under a 15% cut scenario, the clerk says the only way to hit the target is closing the Orange Park branch, which handles passports, hunting licenses and court payments.
Fire Rescue chief's vehicle incident and acting chief appointment
Resident Charles Riddling demanded a full Florida Highway Patrol investigation into a fire chief's wrecked county vehicle and questioned the acting chief's pay and promotion.
Rail crossing safety funding
The region is getting a share of $350 million in federal money to improve rail crossing signs and safety along the CSX/Amtrak line through Clay County.
Sun Trail expansion along Long Bay Road
The county is buying small parcels along Long Bay Road for the SUN Trail; this piece costs $8,786.36 and total acquisitions should stay under $120,000, since the $17M state construction grant can't buy land.
Tax Collector state funding shortfall
Tax Collector Diane Hutchings is returning $2.2M to the county but says a stale $6.25-per-license DMV fee from 2010 forces Clay taxpayers to subsidize out-of-county driver's license services; she asked commissioners to push the legislature for a fix.