Christine Blanchett

The meeting focused heavily on cemetery work updates and historic marker progress. Cemetery updates included cleanup efforts at Solder Cemetery by a local youth group, the identification of unmarked graves using dousing rods, and the upcoming installation of a veteran marker for James Cornelius West. Work and historical research are ongoing at McKendry Hammock in Doctor's Inlet. Members also discussed attending a conservation workshop to learn stone restoration techniques. The status of the Revolutionary War G marker for Lewis Wilford, which is missing, was noted, and outreach is underway to replace it. Historical cemetery data sheet creation for Clay County was planned to include more detailed information such as deed records and ownership. Regarding historic markers, the St. Mary's Episcopal Church and Parish Hall marker hearing was approved, and production is commencing, with an estimated four to five-month timeframe for installation. Discussions also involved another marker application for the Middberg colored school. Furthermore, staff confirmed that the county manager approved the development of certificates to recognize individuals preserving historic features, and CLG training materials were made available.

The meeting agenda included procedural information regarding the commission's role as an advisory board to the Klay County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and public comment rules. Key discussions focused on land use and zoning applications. The commission reviewed and made recommendations for a rezoning request (Z25-Z0038) for a parcel located at 5408 County Road 218 to allow for a Dunkin Donuts, including discussions on buffering requirements. A second, paired item involved a comprehensive plan amendment and a PUD change (COMP 26-0018 and PUD 26-0010) for a property at the southwest intersection of County Road 220 and Plantation Drive, transitioning a portion from Rural Fringe to Commercial zoning, intended for a convenience store with gas pumps and a drive-thru. The commission voted to recommend approval for both items.

The meeting commenced with an invitation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included an advanced travel and tourism marketing update, which featured the launch of new neighborhood pages designed to enhance content for potential visitors and improve SEO performance. Website metrics for January and February 2026 indicated strong visitor engagement driven by paid social and display advertising, with a significant number of outbound clicks to lodging partners. A successful social promotion campaign for the Scottish Games was highlighted, which included a ticket giveaway. Other initiatives covered a new banner display at the Orange Park Mall with a scannable QR code. The council reviewed bed tax collection data, noting the highest January and February figures on record, attributed to a new hotel addition and successful Christmas campaigns. A new quarterly dashboard initiative designed to summarize meeting content for internal and external stakeholders was presented. Finally, discussions focused on proposed revisions to the Special Event Grant, reducing the application length and lowering the maximum award amount, and reviewing two sports event grants currently under consideration.

The meeting commenced with introductions and covered public comments, which were deferred until related presentations. Key discussion points included an update on new neighborhood pages designed to provide context for potential visitors and enhance Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Website performance for January/February 2026 was reviewed, noting significant traffic driven by paid social and display advertising, and tracking visitor actions like clicks to lodging partners. A successful social promotion for the Scottish Games, which involved a ticket giveaway leading to high engagement, was reported, with a similar campaign planned for the agricultural fair. A new banner installation at the Orange Park Mall featuring a QR code linked to Clay County tourism information was presented. Discussions also involved analyzing bed tax collection data, which showed the highest January and February figures on record, attributed partially to a new hotel addition and successful Christmas campaigns. A new quarterly dashboard summarizing key tourism metrics was introduced as an advocacy tool for commissioners and TDC members. Finally, the status of event marketing grants was reviewed, detailing awarded amounts and remaining funds for the fiscal year, followed by a discussion on potential grant awards for upcoming special and sport events.

The Vision Zero Safety Action Plan for Clay County aims to achieve zero traffic-related fatalities by 2050, asserting that traffic deaths are preventable through a systems approach. The plan is built upon a three-pronged approach focusing on policies, education and enforcement, and infrastructure projects. Key strategic elements include leadership commitment, comprehensive safety analysis, public engagement, policy and process changes, strategic project selection, and transparent progress monitoring to prevent fatal and severe crashes and improve roadway safety for all users.