St. Johns County is set for some notable enhancements thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis' approval of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 State Budget. Topping the list are the Florida Museum of Black History and upgrades to the Interstate 95 and International Golf Parkway interchange—initiatives that are now secure with a $1.5 million injection from the state's coffers, St. Johns County officials announced.
Krista Joseph, Chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, expressed gratitude: "We appreciate the support of Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature in advancing these local priorities." The budget allocation includes $1 million for the planning and design phase of the Florida Museum of Black History, and $500,000 for the I-95 and IGP interchange improvements. Notably, a competing funding request from the City of Opa-locka for a separate Black history museum was vetoed, signaling a commitment, to the St. Johns County project.
The Florida Museum of Black History's grant will be managed by the Florida Department of State, soon to be backed by a formal agreement outlining the specifics of the funding, all in alignment with the Florida Senate Local Funding Initiative Request Form #2533. District 2 Commissioner Sarah Arnold conveyed her esteem for the endeavor, "With this foundational investment, the State has affirmed St. Johns County as the rightful home for the Florida Museum of Black History," she told St. Johns County officials. "This project will be a meaningful and lasting tribute to the Black Floridians who have shaped our state’s history, and I’m honored to be part of the team bringing it to life."
Concurrently, the approved funds for the I-95 and International Golf Parkway interchange aim to alleviate congestion, bolster safety, and foster economic growth. The $500,000 allocated, for this purpose will initiate the planning, design, and subsequent construction of the essential enhancements. Interested locals can stay updated on this and other County infrastructure capital improvement projects (CIPs) by visiting the Public Works CIP dashboard at the St. Johns County’s official website.
Now that the State Budget has been signed, next steps involve St. Johns County officials working with State agencies to finalize granting agreements and spearheading the next project phases pursuant to state-given directives.
