Land conservation bond

The former commissioner recalled properties lost for lack of funding and said land conservation ranked highest in citizen surveys; endorsed the bond question.

A self-described fiscal conservative who argued the bonds protect the county's tourism economy, drinking water, and flood resilience — and that lost land can't get a second chance.

Chaired the First Coast chapter of Surfrider Foundation; urged the board to refer the bond to voters, citing wetland flood storage and shrinking state funding.

The Matanzas Riverkeeper said referring the bond doesn't obligate the county to issue it, and framed it as taking back control lost to state preemption.

Urged the board to approve the ballot question and keep protecting sensitive lands whatever the outcome.

Fish Island Community Alliance member citing comprehensive plan survey results showing overwhelming public support for conservation; asked the board to back the initiative.

Spoke passionately about forests, wetlands and wildlife — 'we are the only ones that can protect it' — and asked that the question go to the ballot.

A former LAMP board member estimated the cost at about $40 a year per household and said the county has willing sellers but not enough reliable funding.

Conditioned his support on televising LAMP board meetings and asked for more specificity about what lands would be preserved.

A former Wall Street bond professional who worried Amendment 3's tax cuts and the bond's property tax funding would cancel each other out on the same ballot.

Called conservation essential, citing clean air and water, and warned that money is buying influence over democracy.

North Florida Land Trust director said a local program leverages two to three dollars in outside funds for every local dollar — turning $100 million into $200 million.

Corrected the record that LAMP meetings are recorded and available online.

The Trust for Public Land expert noted St. Johns is one of only two Florida counties without voter-authorized conservation funding and shared polling showing 62-63% support even after Amendment 3 questions.