ESPN basketball analyst Steffi Sorensen received a go-ahead Nov. 18 for her proposed health and wellness center in St. Johns County.
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to rezone the site of the center, called Dark Horse, to Planned Unit Development from Open Rural.
The 11.86-acre site is on the north side of Greenbriar Road, east of Florida 13 North and about 1.2 miles west of Longleaf Pine Parkway and the Shoppes of Rivertown.
According to project plans, Dark Horse is a 20,000-square-foot fitness center featuring a 12,250-square-foot covered turf-field building, sports performance areas, and recovery and wellness programs.
Sorensen, a St. Johns County native, played at the University of Florida and one year professionally in France before beginning her TV career on ESPN, where she provides analysis and sideline reporting.
She said the facility is designed to bring fitness, recovery and performance training under one roof.
“I’m really grateful for the commissioners for seeing that this project is a game changer for the community and for showing some trust and belief in me and that we were willing to talk to our community, listen to the community and make the changes necessary to earn their support,” Sorensen said.
The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency unanimously recommended approval Oct. 16, despite concerns from neighbors who cited potential traffic, noise, lighting and environmental impacts.
According to Sorensen, the changes approved by the commissioners include enclosing proposed outdoor playing fields to reduce noise and lighting.
“There really isn’t (exterior) lighting at all anymore because everything is indoors now,” she said.
The St. Johns River Water Management District began reviewing an environmental resource permit for the project Oct. 9.
With the rezoning approved, Sorensen is clear to seek design approval and apply for permits.
“Let’s start permitting, baby,” Sorensen said.
“Let’s get this thing rolling. I’ve been waiting for this moment for 13 months, and now finally, when I go to Publix I can talk to people and tell them and give them an update, versus, ‘I don’t know yet. I don’t know yet.’
“Now I have answers.”
The property is owned by Chris R. Sorensen Family Trust. It was purchased in 2022 for $1.5 million from Michael R. and Heath C. Styduhar.