St. Johns County — The St. Johns County legislative delegation has secured $54,777,323 in appropriations for projects within the County that include road improvements, flood mitigation, septic-to-sewer installations, dune restoration, funding for St. Johns County schools as well as the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, and assistance for charities helping homeless pregnant women in St. Johns County.
Sen. Travis Hutson, Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, and Speaker-designate Paul Renner worked together to secure the funding.
“We have seen unprecedented growth in St. Johns County,” said Sen. Hutson. “I’m proud to have worked with Speaker-designate Renner and Rep. Stevenson to bring these dollars home to address our critical infrastructure needs, which will relieve pressure on our roads and schools. Although we are still subject to a veto, we are in a great position to receive funding that will help our county. This money is going to make a huge difference.”
Palm Valley sidewalks and St. Johns Parkway, a four-lane construction for CR 2209, and State Road A1A intersection improvements are among the infrastructure projects included.
“We are incredibly grateful for the strong and committed representation we have in Tallahassee. Every project funded by these appropriations is crucial to our county’s future,” said St. Johns County Administrator Hunter Conrad.
If approved, St. Johns County’s homeless pregnant population will be able to utilize vital resources with a $3.5 million appropriation for Alpha Omega Miracle Home.
“It’s a true privilege to be part of building this campus, and we are all so incredibly excited about this appropriation,” said Christopher Shee, founder and CEO of MasterCraft Builder Group.
“On behalf of the St. Johns County legislative delegation, I am proud that our collective efforts allowed for legislative and budgetary victories benefitting local families, businesses, and our environment,” said Speaker-designate Renner.
St. Johns County’s coastal communities, including the City of St. Augustine Beach, may also receive funding for drainage improvements and flood protection projects.
The City of St. Augustine also secured budget approval for a septic to sewer project in West Augustine and a new fire station on Anastasia Island.
“This funding is going to make a difference for families and the people of St Johns County for years to come,” said Rep. Stevenson.
The state’s $112 billion budget, known as the General Appropriations Act, is now waiting for approval from Governor Ron DeSantis.
If passed, funding will be awarded as follows - to High Growth, High Performing School Districts (SJCSD) - $11,422,223; Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, Kramer Hall Renovation - 3,500,000; EPIC Recovery Center Women’s Substance Use Residential - $750,000; BRAVE: Be Resilient and Voice Emotions - $3,000,000; Flagler Hospital CAIR Center - $8,015,100; FACT TEAM serving Putnam and St. Johns County - $3,000,000; Ponte Vedra Beach, North Beach, and Dune Restoration II - $1,700,000; City of St. Augustine Beach Flood Reduction - $90,000; City of St. Augustine Beach Resiliency and Flood Protection - $1,200,000; West Augustine Septic to Sewer - $2,000,000; City of St. Augustine Fire Station - $500,000; Flagler College Institute for Classical Education - $5,000,000; Alpha Omega Miracle Home Campus - $3,500,000; St. Johns Parkway (CR2209) Sidewalk - $800,000; CR 2209 - Four Lane Road Construction - $8,000,000; Palm Valley Sidewalk - $800,000; State Road A1A Corridor Intersection Improvements - $1,000,00; tag! Children’s Museum - $500,000