BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Starke Mayor Scott Roberts and Bradford Commission Chairwoman Diane Andrews welcomed the county’s legislative delegation with open arms and a joint request for infrastructure funding.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. Chuck Brannan were here Dec. 19 to hear from residents and officials and take their requests to Tallahassee.
On behalf of the city and county commissioners, Roberts and Andrews requested $14.8 million that they said would offset the economic impact of the Starke 301 bypass and allow the city and county to recover.
According to their presentation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has prioritized Starke for needed improvements to its water and wastewater collection systems.
The requested funds would be used to make utility upgrades and extensions to the State Road 16 bypass interchange and U.S. 301 northern bypass intersection and construct a new water treatment plant. Roberts said it is a priority for the city and county because of the potential to create jobs and increase the tax base needed to provide public services.
The economic development authority and chamber of commerce are also supporting the funding request.
“We have formed a united force to bring Bradford County back to the way it was before the bypass coming in, and although we know we have lost a lot of significant revenue, we know that we can build that again and bring it back,” Andrews said. “But without funding and building the infrastructure that is needed for these businesses to come in, we’re at a stalemate.”
The new water treatment plant would be constructed on Market Road and 16-inch water mains extended from there. The improved water quality and system pressure would benefit new and existing users and lower fire insurance ratings with the installation of new water hydrants.
In addition to the water project, a portion of the funding would be used to run a sewer main down Market Road and to the S.R. 16 bypass interchange, reducing pressure on other parts of the system while providing capacity for new growth.
While a lot of money to ask for, the city was in line to receive money for the water treatment plant before the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many projects being cut from the state budget.
Bradley said the legislature cannot say know if the city and county aren’t asking. She said there should be a follow-up conversation about what items on the list are most important if the $14.8 million total is out of reach.
Downtown Square Entertainment District
Following the joint presentation, Mayor Roberts presented a follow-up proposal that would transform the Downtown Square on Call Street into a more complete entertainment venue.
The former electric plant site has become a center for community events with a covered stage, some seating and a wide-open area for vendors, attractions and gatherings.
A shaded seating area in front of the stage would consist of a paved area covered with shade sails. The city would install permanent sound equipment for concerts and other staged events. Sidewalks would connect areas of the park, including a family restroom and a covered picnic pavilion. A brick staging area would be used to showcase artwork, the city Christmas tree and other anchor displays.
The estimated cost is $450,000. Starke Community Services Director Brandon Ludwig drew up the proposal, saying Downtown Square Park was designed to become a focal point for Starke and Bradford County. Additional events would draw visitors to the historic downtown district and boost economic development.
Other requests:
—Commissioner Carolyn Spooner and Glenda Ruisse both asked for a legislative allocation to supplement funding set aside by the city and county commissions to reroof and repair the gymnasium at the historic RJE High School.
Concerned Citizens of Bradford County has already secured $700,000 from the city and county governments — a grant of federal pandemic response funding. Increasing prices has driven the cost. They are now looking at completing the project in phases and requesting $500,000 in additional funding to complete the flooring, HVAC and ADA accessibility projects.
—Keystone Heights Airport is waiting on a feasibility study to determine the cost of having water and sewer lines extended to the airport. In the meantime, there is a long wait list for hangars and warehousing space, with demand increasing more than 100%, according to David Kirkland, chairman of the airport board.
Kirkland’s request included $3 million for hangars and warehouse space, $8 million for new and improved roadway access to the airport acreage, and $250,000 for backup generators for the FBO and fuel farm.
—Superintendent of Schools Will Hartley asked traffic safety improvements at the Southeast 144th Street and State Road 100 intersection. He requested a four-way traffic signal before the district begins busing students to the new school.
Hartley also asked for support in North Florida Technical College’s effort to fund a new truck driving facility on donated land before the district’s current lease with Camp Blanding expires. If the land donation is completed as expected, the district is prepared to submit a grant application by the July deadline.
—Dale Woodruff, manager for the Bradford Fair Association, requested additional funding for a new phase of construction at the fairgrounds for a 25,000- to 30,000-square-foot building with a commercial kitchen and event space, bathrooms and showers. There would be enough space for 1,000 people should it ever be needed as an evacuation shelter. The current estimated cost is $9 million.
