Sarah Arnold

The meeting commenced with the official ordering of the meeting, roll call, invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting involved presenting and approving a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, detailing the scope of human trafficking globally, nationally (noting Florida's high case numbers in 2024), and locally, and highlighting resources like the Betty Griffin Center. Following this, the Infrastructure Delivery team provided a comprehensive update on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), noting 61 projects delivered in 2025 and 51 planned for 2026, representing an $820 million investment. Key infrastructure discussions covered public facilities (including the old jail renovation and Public Service Center completion), public safety projects (such as the Flagler Estates Fire Station 21 and the new Sheriff's Administration Building), and Parks and Recreation updates. Park projects highlighted included the completion of Mil Creek Park and Solomon Calhoun Turfield, expansion of the Field of Dreams, North Beach Park improvements, Nakati sand volleyball courts, and the Butler West boat ramp extension. The CIP oversight committee's role in ensuring projects adhere to scope and budget was also emphasized.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, role call, invocation, and pledge of allegiance. A proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month was presented and adopted by the Board. Public comment included significant discussion regarding the Shore Drive trail project, with residents presenting opposing viewpoints on its environmental impact and necessity, and suggestions for transferring its budget to the San Sebastian boat and park project. Other topics raised during general public comment included county leadership succession disputes from prior meetings, adherence to land development codes regarding ordinance signatures, and concerns about ethics course completion by a commissioner.

The meeting agenda included the selection of a new Chair and Vice Chair, public comment periods, and a presentation from the SJC Chamber of Commerce regarding the "Ponte Vedra Culture and Heritage Site." Key action items involved Sports Tourism Grant Approvals for Phase 2 of FY27, which included fourteen recommended funding amounts for events such as the Ancient City Redfish Bash, St. Augustine Race Week 2026, and the Old School Kingfish Shootout. The Council also addressed the recommendation for the FY27 Arts, Culture and Heritage (ACH) Grant Guidelines, ultimately deferring approval. Monthly reports were provided and discussed by the Visitors Convention Bureau and the St. Johns Cultural Council.

The meeting addressed quorum status, the approval of October meeting minutes, and the election of a new chair and vice chair. Key discussions included an update on the recommendation for the Glen Estate to the LAMP committee and the subsequent referral to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), which is pending response. The board also reviewed the status of the Volo Beach National Register nomination, which has been elevated to the BOCC. Board reports covered progress on the jail detention center plans, which will revert to a 1951 exterior look, and updates on an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption/Snappers project readying for permits. There was a detailed discussion regarding potential archaeological significance near the confluence of County Road 214 and 13, specifically concerning an old railway dock, and the status of cultural resource assessments for a development in that area. The board also discussed the status of DHR grants that were ranked but not funded, setting a timeline for member feedback in February. Finally, updates were given on the CLG annual report submission and scheduling proposed meeting dates for the next year.

The agenda for the Cultural Resource Review Board meeting includes a review of the agenda and the minutes from the December 8, 2025 meeting, and the reading of the Civility Clause, followed by a Public Comments section. The primary board item scheduled for discussion involves providing feedback and suggesting edits on two Small Matching grant applications (26.h.sm.300.0015 and 26.h.sm.200.014) that were not funded in Fiscal Year 2025, specifically concerning the Conservation of the Town of Hastings Official Records Archive and Historic Properties of A1A. The meeting concludes with staff and agency reports.