St. Johns County is gearing up for a comprehensive set of priorities as they unveil their 2026 Legislative Action Plan. According to a recent announcement, the plan received a unanimous nod from the Board of County Commissioners and is now ready to roll out pivotal strategies to secure investments and shape legislation. The document, which delineates the county's objectives, can be viewed in full on the St. Johns County website.
Presented during a regular meeting on October 21, the action plan was described by County Administrator Joy Andrews, who said, "This plan charts a clear path forward for critical investments in transportation, community resilience, conservation, and government services, ensuring that our residents’ needs remain at the center of every decision we advocate for at the state and federal level," in a statement obtained by the St. Johns County website. Divided into several policy areas, the plan outlines measures across transportation infrastructure, community resilience, agriculture & conservation, and government operations.
Among the initiatives is the widening of State Road 16/County Road 16A, set to enhance both safety and regional economic competitiveness. Another project in focus is the Florida Museum of Black History, which is seeking legislative funding and establishing its governing body. Additionally, there are updates on infrastructure projects along County Road 2209 and U.S. 1, as well as greenways and trails that are slated to see some development.
Community resilience is also a top priority, with projects like the Hastings / Deep Creek Flood Control Mitigation System, which aims to mitigate flooding through updated infrastructure. Phase 1 of the initiative will modernize culverts and improve stormwater collection. As part of advocating for children's welfare under the IMPACT initiative, the county is seeking state matching funds to enhance resources and partnerships that aid outcome improvements for children in St. Johns County. The Guana Flood Mitigation System and the Ponte Vedra Coastal Storm Risk Management Project also feature prominently in the plan's resilience projects.
In terms of agriculture and conservation, the county is pushing "Water First North Florida," a phased funding project aimed at aquifer recharge and habitat enhancement. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program are platforms the county is leaning on to help preserve generational family farms. For government operations, the plan underscores the need for funding research on neurodegenerative disorders affecting emergency responders and opposes policies that could lead to unfunded mandates.
The 2026 Legislative Action Plan (LAP) outlines key priorities and ongoing initiatives for St. Johns County. The plan focuses on working with state and federal officials to achieve measurable improvements for residents. SJC Legislative Day, scheduled for February 5, 2026, will provide an opportunity to present the county’s agenda at the Florida State Capitol.
