San Sebastian River Park to be Renamed the Waldron Family Park in Honor of Former Commissioners Harry Waldron and Paul Waldron

• 5 March 2026
• Category: SJC News District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
• Tags: 2026

Commissioner Murphy presented a proclamation on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners

At the March 3, 2026, St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting, Commissioner Clay Murphy presented a proclamation on behalf of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, recognizing the Waldron family’s legacy of public service.

Harry Waldron served on the County Commission from 1978 to 1990, including three terms as chair. Born in 1938 in South Haven, Michigan, he moved to St. Johns County in 1963 and was an active in the community. He belonged to numerous civic organizations, including Ashlar Masonic Lodge No. 98, the St. Augustine Shrine Club, the Royal Order of Jesters, the Elks Lodge and the Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine. He died March 25, 2022, at age 82.

Inspired by his father’s service, Paul Waldron was elected in 2016 to represent District 3 and was re-elected in 2020. During his tenure, he served on the Northeast Florida Regional Council, the Recreation Advisory Board and the Tourist Development Council. Waldron died Oct. 18, 2022. He was posthumously recognized for his public service at the Dec. 5 County Commission meeting, when his family was presented with a proclamation designating “Paul Waldron Day.”

The project formerly known as San Sebastian River Park marks the culmination of years of community efforts to create a recreation space with waterway access for Northeast Florida residents and visitors.

After working with a local family who owned property on the San Sebastian River, the county plans to repurpose the 31-acre site to provide direct deep-water access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Residents can visit the St. Johns County website for a comprehensive directory of parks and facilities throughout the county and learn more about events and programming by visiting the Parks & Recreation page and signing up for county newsletters.

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, St. Johns County recognizes the lasting impact of dedicated public servants whose leadership, vision, and commitment to community have shaped the quality of life for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, the late Commissioner Harry Waldron served St. Johns County with distinction for three terms from 1978 to 1990, including service as Chairman of the Commission in 1981, 1985, and 1989; and was instrumental in advancing the County’s growth, including the relocation of the County seat, laying the groundwork for the construction of the Main Library in St. Augustine, and the acquisition of land for the Ponte Vedra Branch Library. Commissioner Harry Waldron’s lifelong dedication to public service, civic leadership, and good governance earned him recognition throughout Northeast Florida, reflecting his steadfast commitment to cooperation, progress, and service to his fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, the late Commissioner Paul Waldron, son of Harry Waldron, a lifelong resident of St. Augustine and proud graduate of Flagler College, honorably served the citizens of St. Johns County as the elected representative for District 3 beginning in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020, carrying forward a family legacy of public service; and

WHEREAS, during a period of significant growth and change, Commissioner Paul Waldron provided steady and thoughtful leadership, championed the expansion and preservation of public access to County waterways and parks and strengthened regional collaboration through his service on key regional and local boards, including the Northeast Florida Regional Council and the Tourist Development Council, supporting tourism, small businesses, and the preservation of the County’s character and long-term prosperity; and<

WHEREAS, together, the Waldron Family exemplifies a legacy of dedication to public service, integrity, leadership, and community stewardship, leaving a profound and lasting imprint on St. Johns County through their combined decades of service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, that the San Sebastian River Park be known as

Waldron Family Park

recognizing the name in honor of the enduring public service and contributions of Commissioner Harry Waldron and Commissioner Paul Waldron, whose leadership and devotion to this community will continue to inspire generations to come.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 3^rd day of March 2026.