SJC Advocates for Key Requests at Annual State Legislative Delegation Public Hearing

12 February 2025
Category: SJC News Legislative Affairs
Tags: 2025

On Jan. 10, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners welcomed members of the State Legislative Delegation for its annual public hearing, an important forum for local agencies and citizens to provide input on legislative priorities for the 2025 session. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs produced a video recapping the meeting.

The delegation, chaired by Representative Kim Kendall, includes Senator Tom Leek, who serves as Vice Chair, Representative Sam Greco, and Representative Judson Sapp. St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Chair Krista Joseph expressed appreciation for the delegation’s ongoing support and advocacy.

“We are beyond humbled by the time and talents you bring to St. Johns County to become ambassadors and advocates for our public safety and quality of life,” Commissioner Joseph said. “We know that your time is valuable as you remain focused on fighting for the needs of our community in Tallahassee.”

During the hearing, St. Johns County officials outlined key legislative funding requests, including:

District 23 Regional Medical Examiner’s Office – A critical need for St. Johns, Flagler, and Putnam counties, as the current facility is outdated and lacks necessary space for operations.
North Beach Intracoastal Flood Mitigation Project – A flood-prone area of St. Johns County, home to more than 1,500 residents and essential infrastructure, requiring urgent mitigation measures.
I-95/International Golf Parkway Interchange – A capacity improvement project to improve connectivity and safety at an interchange that moves more than 50,000 vehicles daily.

Additionally, the Board emphasized the importance of the following:

Funding and promoting the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to sustain local agriculture and preserve working farm and ranch lands.
Protecting the role of local governments in policymaking to ensure responsiveness to citizen needs.
Establishing governance and initial funding for the Florida Museum of Black History, a proposed campus-style facility highlighting African American history and culture in Florida.

The Board recently adopted a four-year legislative agenda to address critical infrastructure, program, and service needs in St. Johns County. “With your leadership, together we will build a better St. Johns County,” Commissioner Joseph said to the delegation.

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