Preliminary development of the Agricola property in Clay County into a master-planned community is advancing.
The St. Johns River Water Management District began reviewing an environmental resource permit application for the project’s master plan Dec. 9.
Clay County approved a rezoning request for the project Oct. 24 and is reviewing conceptual and stormwater management plans.
Sited in Green Cove Springs off U.S. 17, the project would convert 3,145 acres of agricultural-zoned land into 4,000 residential units, featuring a mix of 2,170 single-family homes, 370 townhomes and 1,460 multifamily units.
Developer Fort Lauderdale-based BTI Partners said the project would include schools and trails.
By comparison, the Nocatee community in St. Johns County is 14,000 acres. The Wildlight community in Nassau County is 24,000 acres.
BTI Partners bought 3,200 acres in Clay County for the development for $93 million Aug. 15. It bought six parcels through Bellamy Property Holdings LLC.
The seller was the Agricola family’s Fernandina Beach-based Shield Properties, through Sandricourt Farms LLC.
The Agricola family owns 30,000 acres of timberland forests across Florida, according to Clay Today.
BTI Partners is also developing Laurelton, formerly known as Governors Park, in Clay County, which will add another 3,300 homes to the county just north of the Agricola property.
BTI advanced plans for the first phase of Laurelton in June 2024 when it applied for a permit. It acquired the land for the community in 2022 for $85 million.
“Clay County is currently experiencing significant growth, but new development needs to be consistent with the long-term vision of its stakeholders,” BTI Chief Investment Officer Justin Onorato said in a news release.