by David Chapman
Staff Writer
If only they could huddle up more often.
Elected officials from seven Northeast Florida counties took part in Cornerstone’s Regional Partner Forum and Luncheon Friday to discuss their individual county’s economic opportunities and challenges with the hope that discussion could lead to regional solutions.
“It’s critical to work together in order to continue growth in Northeast Florida,” said master of ceremonies Scott Keith of BB&T in his introduction. “We’re all a part of the same economy.”
Cornerstone Executive Director Jerry Mallot was moderator for the panel forum and asked each official from Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties a question regarding a hot topic or issue they are dealing with as each faced different circumstances.
Highlights from local officials include:
• Baker County Commissioner Julie Combs discussed the county’s process of acquiring and paying off loans in a three-year window to attract Wal-Mart distribution centers. The centers increased both salaries and jobs for the county. Though an economically constrained county, she said, there is plenty of land available for development.
• Clay County Commissioner Doug Conkey noted he believes the First Coast Outer Beltway project is the key to unlocking economic potential, and county officials are doing whatever is necessary to expedite the process. His concern, he said, is the lengthy period of time waiting for the approval process.
• City Council President Ronnie Fussell discussed the Seaport and Airport Special Committee, a Council committee that helps the Jacksonville Port Authority and Jacksonville Aviation Authority secure resources to further develop the Port and Cecil Field. Both will supply many jobs to the area, he said, but the issue is securing funding for issues like transportation, concurrency and dredging.
• Flagler County Commissioner Milissa Holland recognized the real estate industry as an important economic engine to the county and its downturn has resulted in new challenges and opportunities. In response, Flagler County has streamlined many of its processes and has retained many area jobs and created numerous public-private partnerships to attract industry.
• Nassau County is separated into two areas, rural west of I-95 and urban east of I-95, said County Commissioner Mike Boyle. Such a scenario has resulted in trying to put together two entirely different economic plans. Nassau County is trying to attract business and has ample land available, but much of it is not zoned properly for development.
• “We’re a little tucked away,” said Putnam County Commissioner Hermon Somers. Needs for the area include better transportation access, proper land zoning for its abundance of available land, wastewater and water infrastructure and lack of high quality housing. Despite the county’s deficiencies, Somers recognizes the need to contribute to a regional partnership for greater success overall.
• “St. Johns County’s strongest industry is tourism,” said St. Johns County Commissioner Tom Manuel. In the coming years, the goal is to double its tourism income intake, but to do so the area needs better connectivity to other areas by building better transportation infrastructure. Manuel discussed the need for further joint regional efforts on issues like transportation in order to sustain growth for every municipality involved.
Nicklaus Company CEO Peter Rummell also addressed the group about the region’s selection for the Urban Land Institute’s Reality Check initiative. The Reality Check First Coast program will take a regional approach to discuss, analyze and develop different growth plans through 2060.
It’s intended to promote awareness of growth and the issues that come with it, share ideas from each of the different parts of the region, plan for housing and employment growth in the area and lay a foundation for development.
“We’re attempting to overcome the regional barriers that plague all municipalities,” said Rummell, who is chair of the steering committee for the group. “Everyone here in this room has something at stake with this.”
Overall, much was discussed and the forum was a success, said Mallot, but he wished there were more chances to get together as a region.
“Dialogue like this is so important,” said Mallot. “We don’t have enough opportunities to get together as an entire region and communicate,” said Rummel.
356-2466