Benjamin Bright

The council discussed the FY2027 Sports Tourism Grant policy, reviewed and evaluated applications for a vacant board member position, and conducted an initial assessment of the FY27 tourism budget, including revenue projections and category allocations. The session also included a detailed presentation on coastal and beach management programs and projects, addressing both funded and unfunded coastal infrastructure needs, alongside a funding request for the City of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights event and a status update on the Florida Museum of Black History project.

The meeting agenda includes several regulatory and land use items: a Special Use Permit for an indoor commercial recreation facility, a zoning variance request for property setbacks, a minor modification for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) regarding alcohol consumption near a church, a major modification to a PUD master development plan, and two rezoning requests—one from Commercial Highway and Tourist to Residential Single Family, and another from Open Rural to Commercial Intensive. Additionally, the agenda covers public hearings regarding the adoption of new wellhead protection regulations for both the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code.

The meeting included several recognition ceremonies and proclamations, specifically honoring veterans for their 100th birthdays, declaring Correctional Officers and Employees Week, acknowledging the St. Gerard Campus 41st anniversary and Teen Mother Awareness Month, recognizing Juror Appreciation Month, and designating Foster Parent Appreciation Month. Following these presentations, the Board conducted administrative business, including the approval of the consent and regular agendas.

The board meeting included several ceremonial items, such as a certificate of recognition for a life-saving act in District 4, and the proclamation of May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Additionally, the board recognized the West Augustine community's efforts in supporting the Florida Museum of Black History, officially acknowledging the group's 'we brought the smoke' journey to Tallahassee. The board also opened public comments regarding a flood mitigation grant study for Shore Drive and received expressions of appreciation for ongoing capital improvements and economic redevelopment in the Hastings community.

The board meeting included the presentation of proclamations recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, both of which were passed and adopted. Additionally, the board processed consent and regular agenda items, including the pulling of specific items for further consideration. General public comment sessions were held, during which residents addressed concerns regarding infrastructure, traffic congestion, short-term rental impacts, and the need for improved growth management and planning.