By Caren Burmeister, Contributing writer
In the first transportation system of its kind in Northeast Florida, Nocatee’s developers are building designated golf-cart paths so its residents can drive to work, shopping and recreation in electric vehicles.
“Construction should begin in roughly 60 days and we look for the cart paths to be completed by the end of the year,” said Nocatee Community Manager David Ray.
The 10-foot-wide paths will allow golf-cart drivers to pass in both directions as they visit neighbors, Town Center, the water park, dog parks and other amenities. The golf carts will be restricted to 15 mph.
Nocatee is the first golf-cart community in Northeast Florida. It was always part of Nocatee’s vision to achieve noise-free, environmentally green travel, Ray said.
“Golf carts are a part of the Nocatee lifestyle,” he said. “They provide residents an alternative form of transportation to the Nocatee shops and amenities that is efficient and eco-friendly.”
The Jacksonville City Council approved the “Golf Cart Community” ordinance (2017-66) on April 11, allowing construction of the golf-cart paths in Nocatee’s northwest section, which lies in Duval County.
The remainder of Nocatee, 85 percent of it, is in St. Johns County, which approved golf carts in 2009.
Jacksonville approved the pathway construction plans May 17 and Nocatee’s developer, The PARC Group, is now seeking bids, Ray said.
Council member Danny Becton, whose district includes that area of Jacksonville, proposed the ordinance.
The ordinance authorizes golf-cart pathways on 38 local roads in The Palms, Brookwood, Split Pine Village and Cypress Trails subdivisions and the Nocatee Office Park.
The project also will involve golf-cart crossings on multilane divided roadways, such as Cross Town Drive, Preservation Trail and Valley Ridge Boulevard.
Golf-cart drivers may use only the cart paths, not the roadways or the pedestrian and bicycle paths.
To warn motorists to watch out for the electric vehicles, Nocatee will post signs at the towns’ major entrances, subdivision entrances, Town Center and where golf carts cross multilane roadways.
Under Florida law, local governments can authorize the operation of golf carts on certain designated public roads or streets. Golf-cart use is regulated like other motor vehicles:
n A golf cart must have efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear.
n Golf-cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license and must be at least 16 years old.
n To drive at night, golf carts must have headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals.
n Carts without lights may only operate during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville’s Traffic Engineering Division reviewed the ordinance prior to its passing and did not voice any objections.