[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511276,"mediaKeyId","5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a","parentId",5332809,"title","County renews tourism agreement with Airstream Ventures to boost sports and events; contract approved 5-0","audioSeconds",250,"startMs",12068000,"endMs",12318000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a&start=12068&end=12318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a/thumbnail_12068000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511276/Clay-County/Florida/County-renews-tourism-agreement-with-Airstream-Ventures-to-boost-sports-and-events-contract-approved-5-0","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511276-382af3fbef1e286d871ebc61510dbb25/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419424&Signature=jUOpyx7GTcKNFVMETstGBnPfSAfZkZxV6G4VDZqodizR7adaDvhzLnjLY3wF2BNtvmd1-T-HPG8q3zv7GZsyOUTmCGymHqgxY7ARGrSH57WcH4kmbk9CUEtLsauFiv4uQwlsB2Ut3NpQfGUtNSTSiuV44d0EuAqgZI3bnjz~DDOXIUamXrxyWktiuKVK7aUhzC4JvMMiXwDr-RxbufnP6a6vB5JqvasOpL91zJ4S1SOhcWvRQM8o6yOcVk4MA-wauW1FzKDKHxS5xcSVewfQH7o-tLggXGMJ4s~o9yAG~6pThX2I45bpnA2geiBiHv5BTM6phhhji6bbkYl4VydyKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Clay County","date","2025-07-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Board of County Commissioners on July 8 approved a three-year tourism-sales and event-development agreement with Airstream Ventures. The contract totals $81,600 annually under the newly-negotiated terms and includes performance metrics, monthly coordination meetings with county tourism staff and quarterly reporting to the Tourism Development Council (TDC).

Background and reason for the award: Airstream had previously provided tourism services to the county; the new agreement follows a competitive procurement process and a review by staff. The dismissed earlier RFP response had proposed a higher fee; the agreed $81,600 price was presented to the board as a compromise between prior contract levels and previously received offers.

Commissioner and staff remarks: Commissioners and tourism staff said renewing the vendor relationship would help bring regional sporting events back to county venues and support the countys revenue-driving objectives. Airstream representatives told the board some events had been canceled when the county was without a dedicated vendor in recent months, and they said those relationships should help attract events back to Clay County.

Board action: Motion to approve the agreement passed 5-0. The agreement authorizes county staff and the vendor to jointly pursue events with an emphasis on measurable return on investment and increased bookings for county facilities.

Ending note: Staff said the agreement also allows county teams to initiate event recruitment and clarified that tourism staff will work across permitting, parks and rec, and other county departments to smooth event operations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Clay County - BCC Agenda Jul 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a three-year, $81,600-per-year agreement with Airstream Ventures for tourism, sports sales and development; county staff and the vendor will meet regularly and measure performance against quarterly metrics.","taxTitle","Clay County, Florida","taxId",12757,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511281,"Board approves CDBG annual action plan; staff to prioritize sidewalks",257,4260000,4517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a&start=4260&end=4517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a/thumbnail_4260000.jpg","/articles/6511281/Clay-County/Florida/Board-approves-CDBG-annual-action-plan-staff-to-prioritize-sidewalks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511281-c25efe833206ad6b8d357ef4a64e18dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419424&Signature=R~tFTDxx8UBNEeC0gnmCCGkRXGMTtT5nY7ZTGIRMlNcCC2xKSO2LIUsW38CtZ3CxGRWLl1J~ST9r6YTnlc~pUAD2wof18OzjQ3vyQH3qtFArKQa1HyX9npA9jj1PwPcLk7xQkccynxsvRO8wekYb2XHsDdAr4j2bs5~w6NtL975Iuqg~pOfLhbgtX-L6yGKhSrM1JyS0jJI5Dyrj~tT4dxkAhfT37ZrfSv3r4Sb9Y967SLXzJ3TI35kGaGaz4mYZUZGjkr1ULllfZdFTD0Fs7BULDyM4fUNNcsg~kpnMaor3Z1DhmJ6w8zxBIMM43CmxGzu88azJydOvJ~04WX45-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners approved the countys Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan for FY 2025-26 at its July 8 meeting. Staff told the board the county expects $1,060,250 in entitlement CDBG funds beginning October 1 and recommended allocating 86 percent to infrastructure projects, primarily sidewalks, with remaining funds applied to program administration.

Public outreach and recommendations: Staff reported the countys public comment period ran from June 1 through June 30 and that infrastructure projects — especially sidewalks — received the strongest support. Staff also noted ongoing conversations about home rehabilitation and nonprofit requests; one nonprofit proposal (Seeds of Grace) will be evaluated further and could be included through a future substantial amendment if it is eligible.

Board action: The commission opened a public hearing, heard no public comment on the item, and approved the annual action plan 5-0. Staff was authorized to submit the plan to HUD by the August 15 deadline.

Why it matters: CDBG funds are federal entitlements for community development activities targeted to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The countys choice to prioritize sidewalks reflects both public input and staff analysis of eligible infrastructure needs.

Follow-up: Staff will continue to administer existing home rehab commitments from prior program years and will evaluate new nonprofit proposals over the fall for possible inclusion in a substantial amendment to the grant.","Commissioners approved the 2025-26 CDBG annual action plan allocating roughly 86% of the entitlement to infrastructure (sidewalks) and the remainder to program administration, and authorized submission to HUD.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511286,"Board denies PUD rezoning for Fleming Island Preserve, citing consistency with rural-fringe plan",403,11668000,12071000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a&start=11668&end=12071","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a/thumbnail_11668000.jpg","/articles/6511286/Clay-County/Florida/Board-denies-PUD-rezoning-for-Fleming-Island-Preserve-citing-consistency-with-rural-fringe-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511286-824bf1554b139689998222f474ead14e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419424&Signature=jeuIWV2jJtglvDTdpNPhj-BH7s7385dIwnZ2iGRheqif1EHJPm2V1HZdwe1del~X5ThjrtK1SkMkdSwcWvoeihfrBWI8iIABwHEkA8my-l4IcNOH2Wi8DApDGpIkz5RygJMPCpglRsZvRXaIKK4AeKs1mz0~Tm5WLjYm8ifsBUGwWuaTexXVRFYXabGX~RxIOqdvQuSlqazENiO-R4jntr6QUYy4SOcdkCEp3Nfu2gQ4Ds7Z1OHgnu3IgiKzcmmzhIZRj6OL53wWHnKZyoTPl5L956nIdSO4ZmqQgKfGf4bjhAK6866WCOFfE3mJbPjlGmBQf8NtRRnjKxyffvl6XA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clay County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously (5-0) on July 8 to deny a rezoning request (PUD 2046, Fleming Island Preserve) after the board considered the December 10, 2024 hearing transcript and the special magistrates recommendation.

What commissioners said: The motion to deny relied on the land-development-code criteria cited in staff materials and the magistrates report. Commissioners noted the subject property could be used under its existing AR (agricultural-residential) zoning consistent with the Clay County 2040 comprehensive plan, including FLU policy 1.4.1.5, which recommends rural-fringe densities at a maximum of three units per acre and a typical range that includes one unit per acre.

Findings: The board found substantial competent evidence in the record to support denial: existing zoning is compatible with surrounding parcels, the requested change was not necessary to achieve comprehensive-plan policy goals, and the rezoning boundaries were not irregular. The vote followed disclosures of ex parte communications and confirmation by each commissioner that they had reviewed the hearing transcript and related materials.

Outcome: Motion to deny approved 5-0. The decision was made on the record during the July 8 rehearing and is recorded as the final action on the PUD 2046 rezoning application for Fleming Island Preserve.

Ending note: The boards statement emphasized consistency with the countys comp plan and existing zoning patterns in the Old Hard community area.","After reviewing the December hearing transcript and the special magistrates recommendation, the commission voted 5-0 to deny a planned-unit-development rezoning request for Fleming Island Preserve, concluding the existing agricultural-residential zoning aligned with the County 2040 comprehensive plan.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511290,"Commissioners delay Oakleaf library decision, ask staff for CMAR cash-flow and staffing plan",1005,3211000,4216000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a&start=3211&end=4216","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a/thumbnail_3211000.jpg","/articles/6511290/Clay-County/Florida/Commissioners-delay-Oakleaf-library-decision-ask-staff-for-CMAR-cash-flow-and-staffing-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511290-e1ad5b4c5c217de86b37091781517e5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419424&Signature=SKvFUxy3-R3~kbHXkaiBjhzRicPNptB81AT0es~THIfHiFW2IYah0TeqqGEABarWVmnHZQdUVBmKdLV05zegYehP0JCgz78Yr-oy8RnhqQ-q4td311UFZ1d5WigsfhhzaSUzpjPJt8ZdcNwlqswwvMGII9nu-8Ktz9AQ5oEHEcQfMiHmzA0KVeTaKHAHdqf87pxsvT-Pg-1x1~5jmhxAYmUeZrmBAn8M7u5WoPz-xsGxRGWhDCxwlQ8oLvg-jHmeBKYnn-LCbgsl62zktYxc~iXKZ7~Rq-kcqIafYpK9NlfLw24-q04OhuwRkCK3cgEEmPco0HmTEyjH0eBVgjI3Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clay County Board of County Commissioners on July 8 delayed action on the proposed Oakleaf library project and asked staff to return in two weeks with additional information about staffing and construction cash flow under the selected construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) delivery method.

Background: Staff presented a CMAR-based schedule and a $10 million capital-improvement budget for a proposed new library building (roughly 11,000 square feet). Several commissioners said the timeline and the budget slides provided at the morning workshop were inconsistent with earlier CIP documents and asked for clarity on whether design, fees, and construction costs had been fully accounted for.

Board direction and concerns: Commissioners said they were concerned that the $8 million construction estimate referenced in the staff report did not clearly separate design fees, CMAR fees, contingency, or other soft costs, and that the anticipated schedule (10 months to design plus 14 months to construct) did not align with the CIP fiscal-year columns.

The board voted to postpone (motion and second) and set a two-week deadline for staff to return with the following information:
- Complete CMAR cash-flow estimates showing when money will be required across fiscal years;
- A staffing plan and operating cost estimate (headcount and salary projections) for the new facility, including whether staff would be added, reassigned from other branches, or funded via other sources;
- A meeting schedule for review of CMAR terms and the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals prior to final contract approval.

Why it matters: Commissioners noted the county is balancing competing fiscal demands and asked that plans for new facilities include both capital and ongoing operating costs. Some members said they prefer to avoid committing to new perimeter projects without a clear staffing and long-term maintenance plan.

Staff follow-up: County staff said they will schedule individual briefings with commissioners and provide CMAR cost and schedule detail before the next board meeting; the CMAR proposal itself will be available for review at that time.

Ending note: The board emphasized it supports building when plans are fiscally responsible and requested the delivery of the requested analyses to ensure the project aligns with county-wide priorities and cash-flow realities.","The board postponed approval of the Oakleaf library CMAR design contract for two weeks and directed staff to provide staffing-cost estimates and CMAR cash-flow schedules before the county commits to construction funding.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":80,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511295,"Clay County commissioners reject proposed utility-tax increase; direct staff to seek alternatives",6403,10920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a&start=4517&end=10920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5332809-de251ca7766a6ab3ef115ac36b42228a/thumbnail_4517000.jpg","/articles/6511295/Clay-County/Florida/Clay-County-commissioners-reject-proposed-utility-tax-increase-direct-staff-to-seek-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511295-be56f229766d269c2d0336c0b94f833a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419424&Signature=RI8DlwX6g7GXPR1PRRlGbxMFdKgYrKe9PxyP9A6L~0M-cVVjmZZLfy9523j0RlJMgU6v3N8Fr~s85ZmWtpleF1FKlALuSi9BGqGdpeS2ce47Nt64xvE8jrH6fHRLWf4REfzuBklbtkxpzk-osvkXtJiQHuPjioxYYqaZzHOHQauBtaEqF6b-fbmT4Xlcy5KCiAOToDJZ6CKkqvsySZwUZraiakGNJ-w1yUmun9hSYhLeVLo0W-cDGiDLnQwbsFrKtmFh83S4ea~Arvgb48rimEs~3qzSeDbsTHfklGa5ysIbzEinSqe~9aC5LlNia~fXeN1ISAmmVET6A390Ezlivw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Clay Countys Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 on July 8 to decline an ordinance that would have raised the countys public-service utility tax, leaving the rate at its current level. The meeting followed an extended public hearing with more than a dozen residents speaking primarily against an increase and nearly three hours of discussion among commissioners and staff on options to close a projected budget gap.

The ordinance before the board would have raised the countys utility-tax rate from the existing level toward a 10 percent cap outlined in background materials. After public comment and staff presentations about the countys fiscal pressures, Commissioner Scromello moved to decline the increase; a second motion carried on a 4-1 vote. The board did not adopt the new ordinance and left the tax rate unchanged for now.

Why it matters: Commissioners and the public framed the debate around two competing priorities: avoiding new costs to residents, many of whom described being on fixed incomes, and funding public-safety and infrastructure needs that county department heads say are under-resourced. Staff told the board the county faced a multi-million-dollar shortfall when comparing the proposed FY 2025-26 budget to revenue estimates, and urged either new revenues or deeper cuts.

What the board decided and next steps: After the vote the board gave staff direction to pursue a targeted set of adjustments: staff will work to identify roughly $1.5 million in savings as a minimum and explore additional reductions and financing changes that could reach up to $3.8 million if requested by the commission. The board also directed staff to:
- Prepare more detailed analyses of operating- versus capital-funding options (moving selected current-year vehicle purchases and other items between the general fund and CIP) and the fiscal impacts of those moves;
- Provide a staffing-cost plan and operating projections for the Oakleaf library project (see separate article) before the commission makes a final decision on that project;
- Continue evaluating longer-term revenue alternatives, including various discretionary sales surtaxes and non-ad valorem assessments, understanding that most of those options require additional legal and public processes and cannot be implemented in time to close the current fiscal years gap.

Legal question addressed in the hearing: At public comment a resident raised a legal challenge asserting the county lacked authority to levy the utility tax. County legal counsel responded that Clay County is a charter county and, under the state constitutional and statutory framework and a 1990 Florida Supreme Court decision (McLeod v. Orange County) cited in the countys implementing ordinance, charter counties have the authority to impose a utility tax. Counsel also noted that certain charter counties have explicitly restricted such authority in their own charters; Clay Countys charter does not include that bar.

Public comment and concerns: Dozens of residents spoke. Speakers who identified themselves as living on fixed incomes told commissioners the increase would be difficult or impossible for them to absorb. Others urged the board to find cuts in the county budget and not add a new recurring tax. A subset of commenters pressed for the county to prioritize public-safety funding and noted that sheriffs deputies and firefighters are already in short supply.

Staff and commissioner context: Staff summarized inflationary pressures on construction and operating costs, the loss of one-time federal dollars from the pandemic period, and rising costs reported by local utilities and agencies. Commissioners debated the short-term need to balance this years budget against the cohort of long-term fiscal choices that will affect future years, including staffing, maintenance, and capital projects.

What was not decided: The vote did not change the countys budget itself; rather it rejected the proposed change to the utility-tax ordinance. The board retained the ability to revisit revenue options and asked staff to return with analyses before the budget adoption deadline.

Ending note: Commissioners said they intended to return to the budget at upcoming meetings with staff-provided analyses and with an eye to solutions that can be pursued with public input and adequate legal review.","After hours of public comment and debate over staffing and capital projects, the board voted 4-1 to decline an ordinance that would raise the public service utility tax; commissioners directed staff to identify roughly $1.5–$3.8 million in reductions and to review other revenue options for future budgets.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County renews tourism agreement with Airstream Ventures to boost sports and events; contract approved 5-0

Board approves CDBG annual action plan; staff to prioritize sidewalks

Board denies PUD rezoning for Fleming Island Preserve, citing consistency with rural-fringe plan

Commissioners delay Oakleaf library decision, ask staff for CMAR cash-flow and staffing plan

Clay County commissioners reject proposed utility-tax increase; direct staff to seek alternatives