BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
A Halloween session of Bradford’s Legislative Delegation drew the usual crowd, with many seeking a financial treat.
With Rep. Chuck Brannan and Sen. Jennifer Bradley both assigned to appropriations-related committees, they may have been knocking on the right door. In fact, meeting began with a presentation to the city of Starke for money obtained during the last legislative session, a combined $2.4 million for a water and wastewater extension project and the downtown revitalization known as Citywalk.
Brannan delivered the check and presided over the meeting in the absence of Bradley, who was under the weather.
The project to extend water and wastewater lines down S.R. 16 to the bypass interchange has an estimated cost of $23 million, with money already committed by the city, county and state. There is a shortfall of $1 million, and the Starke and Bradford commissions have submitted a joint request for the remaining funds.
Starke is in the process of annexing 177 acres at the bypass interchange for a future mixed-use commercial and residential development. The goal is to begin construction of the utility extension by the end of next year.
The city is also seeking additional support for infrastructure development and ADA access downtown, as well as getting its wastewater treatment plant discharge out of Alligator Creek. This is necessary to allow pedestrian access to the creek and promote it as a recreational resource.
Sheriff Gordon Smith has requested funding to construct a new emergency operations center. Funds were previously awarded for the planning and design of the center. The current center at the sheriff’s office falls short of meeting hurricane safety standards and is too small to accommodate the personnel and equipment necessary to respond in an emergency, according to the county. He estimated it would cost $8 million to construct and outfit the new EOC.
Bradford County Fire Rescue Chief Ben Carter requested $950,000 to fund the purchase of two fire engines. If awarded, this would bring the total he’s been able to purchase with a state appropriation to three. The one purchased from this year’s appropriation isn’t slated for delivery until next September, however.
The Keystone Heights Airport Authority is seeking $3.5 million to widen S.R. 100 at its two entrances and add deceleration and turn lanes. A road connecting both entrances will be constructed running parallel to the highway, allowing new businesses to develop along the corridor.
“This is about 100 acres now that will literally open up for additional economic development,” said David Kirkland, chairman of the Keystone Airport Authority. The airport is a valuable asset, and the improvements will make it that much better, he said.
Having successfully completed roofing work on the RJE gymnasium, Concerned Citizens of Bradford County are turning their attention to renovating the classrooms and recreation building. They have requested an additional $500,000. Bradford County contributed ARPA funds for the roofing work, and the city of Starke received a grant that will pay for renovations inside the gymnasium, including ADA compliance. The classroom buildings will be used to host the Community Health and Wellness Resource Hub as well as afterschool and summer programs for children.
All of these projects have been supported by the county commission and county manager.
The sheriff also lobbied for a traffic light at the intersection of S.R. 100 and Southeast 144th Street, which is just east of the new Bradford Elementary School campus. Smith said there has been an average of 30 accidents a year at the intersection over the past three years, and the opening of the school later this month is only going to add to the traffic congestion and danger.
Smith read his letter to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation into the record: “A properly functioning traffic signal would not only manage the increased traffic flow associated with the opening of Bradford Elementary School, but it also significantly enhances the safety of the students, parents, school staff, and other commuters who utilize the intersection daily. The safety of our community, especially children, must be our top priority.”
Other requests from the public included infrastructure improvements for Lawtey to promote growth, including roadwork and broadband internet; support for soil and water conservation districts in helping connect landowners to available grant funding; veterans affairs and mental health; and even a request that Lawtey undergo a state audit.
The 2024 legislative session begins Jan. 9.
