[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",6268591,"mediaKeyId","3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e","parentId",3055157,"title","County manager and NEF EDC present economic development strategic plan and annual county report","audioSeconds",1889,"startMs",3026000,"endMs",4915000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e&start=3026&end=4915","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e/thumbnail_3026000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268591/Bradford-County/Florida/County-manager-and-NEF-EDC-present-economic-development-strategic-plan-and-annual-county-report","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268591-8ccd105a2d446574aa597c905314cfd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103161&Signature=EkgEAvlvZk-4w0eGIKsBDTZdZOgxY4Mz24xN-ES0DeWGdCOPaW71Y9eHnbpeFl15es1bWGBZ9xJ89H2Z9IbWN4G9sx0Ff4Z-crpjdR0VQyP34D38a~AG5ZevAKLZHUrGmFirO8DhK3O588IuddzWlAi7Q4dq3PyvOiLwnAUHpKspDb7BKKep3y7~aTspAIaMdjkQrUnqAQgTOhI7ovYQlpGeY3Bwhw2rg~x~~uteATIVfyUXOjthL581XaZCoBAprvcN0xp02Q2-POPtU3sKs-Le-b87qjW8G~2KPxWUHziPI3leqz4crOqPukudcStjKcwrqPZAX2tsgyYbN1l3BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bradford County, FL","date","2025-04-18T13:14:02Z","article","County Manager opened the annual report portion of the April 17 meeting with a summary of administrative accomplishments and ongoing projects, then introduced Amber Shepherd of the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation, who presented a draft strategic plan for the county’s economic development efforts.

Shepherd described a process of outreach and analysis that included countywide workshops, meetings with county leaders, and a Technical Assistance grant that provided $75,000 to help develop a plan. She outlined five top objectives: attract aligned new businesses; support expansion of existing businesses; enhance the workforce; improve infrastructure; and foster community engagement. The plan identifies targeted industry clusters (manufacturing, aviation/aerospace, agribusiness, logistics and renewable energy), marketable properties and an initial site-inventory for business recruitment.

Shepherd emphasized water, wastewater and broadband as infrastructure priorities and noted county proximity to rail (CSX main line), major highways and regional air and seaport access. She said that the plan is a living document and recommended quarterly updates to the commission.

County Manager also reviewed other county work from the past year: a website redesign launched in summer 2024, surplus sales that generated $72,269, active FDOT and gas-tax road projects, the Keystone Heights Airport emergency access road (DOT approval received; work to begin), and a Schneider Electric partnership to audit and propose operational energy improvements for county-owned buildings. The manager said the county would extend the fire assessment timeline to allow municipalities additional time for their first and second readings.

Commissioners asked about workforce training and local classroom capacity; Shepherd and county staff noted existing education partners (Santa Fe College, North Florida Technical College, Bradford County School District) and recommended strengthened public–private partnerships, career-technical expansion and grant-funded programs (including Space Florida Academy opportunities). Shepherd said marketing materials and an outreach campaign have already launched and the EDC will pursue grants and expos to promote Bradford County.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bradford County Commission Meeting 4-17-25 @ 6:30PM","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 17 commission meeting, county staff and Amber Shepherd of the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation presented a strategic plan that outlines infrastructure, workforce and targeted-industry steps to attract and retain businesses in Bradford County.","taxTitle","Bradford County, Florida","taxId",27811,"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},6268596,"Commission records amended fairgrounds lease, designates interim fair manager and opens fair board applications",330,1918000,2248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e&start=1918&end=2248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e/thumbnail_1918000.jpg","/articles/6268596/Bradford-County/Florida/Commission-records-amended-fairgrounds-lease-designates-interim-fair-manager-and-opens-fair-board-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268596-cfdfa556d87c84da324ce39829ea34d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103161&Signature=LWbQefw9fNVIH-O7AtoEjquZqrGQJevPWOqQ-1VT6wL1LJs5A0UdG6stX4xojTRwOUD16jkY4Vu7xEPvRRcltis-FIXGr7Zi47OkYm7oVdI3drn3KwvYO38BZGaFOl8I-QViqnEoUyzMSRn-i-12PcZnTEvvCFvGRLyIOPguZCC5URUga6F4c1FZ4wmZo6hi8Ut7QIIbM-ezOjZ4MLbmEjZCF~gBMRSlt9leyzNvK1GidHA6wCwkrNVhJnxLDLl3H0lvPWUOH3HS85P~U-BdNNY6jrX-xCXM7wM0uBmsbqr9BaGIpZlhidoDu9F~OpZWSVPMG5oFeinBAoGkJOjueg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff said an amended lease and related agreement with the Bradford County Fair Association had already been executed earlier in the week and needed to be placed on the public record. The commission voted to approve and record the amended lease by a voice vote, 4-0.

During discussion, staff clarified that a north vacant lot was not included in the security note or loan encumbrance, and the agreement included language by which the fair association agreed to transfer a quitclaim deed for a parcel north of Market Street to the county as part of the settlement. Commissioners voted 4-0 to record the amendment and make it part of the official minutes.

County staff recommended an interim point person to take control of fair property while a reconstituted Fair Association board is identified. Commissioners nominated Scott Kornegay to serve as short-term interim fair association director; Kornegay accepted and the board appointed him by unanimous voice vote, 4-0.

Commissioners discussed the immediate operational concerns at the fairgrounds raised by county departments: event security, liability insurance, utility responsibility, gate and key control, and ensuring that special events have approved permits and adequate public-safety staffing. The county manager said staff scheduled a site walk at the fairgrounds with the chairman, facilities manager, county staff and public safety representatives to review safety and immediate needs.

The board directed staff to post the Fair Board application on the county website and accept applications until May 9, 2025, 5 p.m.; staff confirmed the form is available on Bradford County’s website and will run a public notice.","The board formally recorded an amended lease with the Bradford County Fair Association, approved interim control steps including accepting a quitclaim deed transfer provision, and designated Scott Kornegay as the county’s interim fair director; commissioners opened a public application period for a reconstituted fair board.",{"_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},6268600,"Bradford County commissioners approve three-year SHIP local housing assistance plan and resolution",140,1743000,1883000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e&start=1743&end=1883","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e/thumbnail_1743000.jpg","/articles/6268600/Bradford-County/Florida/Bradford-County-commissioners-approve-three-year-SHIP-local-housing-assistance-plan-and-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268600-9d70d993fc6288d47e6495b6e9102110/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103161&Signature=ivjGMnJ3vbWebp14T~hOTXi~bJqOha-rOsyaDifTViE9K1PH61AiIrKd1VfRFb1cterbJuwU~TCKKRqI-AuiZ73FDrqJ5AW4xb6RIc~BM5NGt2YaPWThQFzsE7CSuQ9voaWDtZCCdUpITIs-6U3OdrC~NF1CgUFwd87YojQeZDDXI8wFpAjTljIq3NUNEOQNN7i8mpWcDKCPRiV9nUEkli6mA9dQEvBCt5nSWhyxb9IPy15FpYJ6330Ow8I3EMqHxnH2ezr2zn1fA2itnZ9eSUK08XT6-cAe4lq2QiU1BOvhfJKODjSyplooPt2-EF-XJ5xLkIGvkV90i6zoX-g4AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kelly Kennedy, who presented the item as a community development staff member, asked the commission to approve Bradford County’s three-year State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) local housing assistance plan and the required resolution to submit the plan to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Kennedy said the plan largely remains the same but noted two changes: the county increased the maximum rehabilitation award to $45,000 and set an initial demo-replacement maximum at $100,000, with the possibility of future increases depending on material and supply costs. She said the county’s Housing Advisory Board reviewed and supported the changes and that the increases reflected state recommendations.

Commissioner Andrews moved to approve consideration of the SHIP local housing assistance plan; Commissioner Spooner seconded. The motion to approve consideration passed by a voice vote, 4-0. The board then voted on the accompanying resolution authorizing the chairman to execute necessary documents and certifications for submission to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Commissioner Thompson moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Andrews seconded. The resolution passed by voice vote, 4-0.

During public remarks after the vote, Commissioner Spooner asked whether additional weatherization funding was expected; Kennedy said there was no immediate allocation she could confirm but that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opportunities might become available.","The Board voted 4-0 to consider and approve the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) local housing assistance plan, including raised caps for rehab and demo replacement projects; commissioners then approved a resolution submitting the plan to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.",{"_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},6268605,"Windstream outlines federal broadband grant opportunities for Bradford County",506,1222000,1728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e&start=1222&end=1728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e/thumbnail_1222000.jpg","/articles/6268605/Bradford-County/Florida/Windstream-outlines-federal-broadband-grant-opportunities-for-Bradford-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268605-ff1552a53b954e5c26f4ed57776de9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103161&Signature=BhWt-clnqULIw4z45XDRYqBjfNUbIXTLGkAsuDmTWTA7CzCztpOoHKnlREIqtIIwKBBO40DRWwP3VK1qAXQI-VzvQ1lO2G1nUmQaRjOxDTFgix~BaxyYMALjetDT1cxl4NekdJZH8-mJv741XZ5zE3zbUAnVJckvgA1RK9cM7MpfEkkUPGWJk6Ey2hqhsD6RG88H6m6pU31u-RoVYBEG2rrBru7Z7hJwG1vhVB2SNrTbyukxdjg7YsqHBgozJfLfoxKwoJt~F90dMkzTT5vxU8HBFLEPA5VI1rC7R7B~dVT8P4y0juHC4lgwCXUrm3AU~Vt-fBD9Nmwz4ol1AoG1OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sarah Harden, vice president of state government affairs for Windstream, told the Bradford County Board of County Commissioners on April 17 that Windstream has won portions of federal funding and plans further applications to expand fiber service in the county.

Harden said Windstream is building fiber-to-the-home under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) awards won in 2020 and expects construction for those areas to be completed by the end of 2028. She said the larger federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program — a roughly $42 billion federal program with $1.1 billion allocated to Florida — will be distributed by Florida’s Office of Broadband and that providers including Windstream will apply for those funds.

The county’s eligibility for federal BEAD funding will depend on the Office of Broadband’s determination of locations that lack access to required speeds, Harden said. She offered to provide commissioners and county staff maps showing which addresses Windstream believes are eligible and said Windstream would welcome local letters of support when it files grant applications.

Harden explained that federal programs prioritize fiber and called fiber “future proof,” saying the technology’s long-term upgrade path usually requires swapping electronics rather than replacing buried infrastructure. She also said that if another provider reports service to the Federal Communications Commission for specific locations, those homes may be marked as “served” and therefore ineligible for federal grant funds, though a provider building nearby may still choose to serve them commercially.

County commissioners and residents asked for maps showing specific communities such as Brooker and Hampton Lake. Harden said she would send maps to county staff and work with Windstream’s grant team to flag county-priority areas.

The presentation included invitations to follow up: Harden provided contact details to county staff and said Windstream’s headquarters team prepares the formal grant applications and will include community support when requested.","Windstream representative Sarah Harden told the Bradford County Commission that federal programs including RDOF and the $42 billion BEAD program could bring fiber-to-the-home to unserved areas of the county; the company requested local letters of support and offered to share maps showing proposed build areas.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268585,"Bradford County Fire Rescue reports 7,185 calls, new programs and improved outcomes in annual update",798,5162000,5960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e&start=5162&end=5960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055157-556caee3a1a5393d96e574576637bb4e/thumbnail_5162000.jpg","/articles/6268585/Bradford-County/Florida/Bradford-County-Fire-Rescue-reports-7185-calls-new-programs-and-improved-outcomes-in-annual-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268585-23f96486aeaa2550cf87139b7b467da6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103161&Signature=cb5V-CESubik2fp4cvao0lsaeIYN7OrJ7ojW6Aqg7K-1aT~ySIT3Iak-efBZxuictCou4tSUVUJ0nX8o2swtArentwQhXD6YFN3ShNNu1auu0pLB9KsIoUlazWx-GmuACYGANBs7zgxfDYIeixm1LCjRoWz~yfkJK2k1wtk4bFEPga682AjcoH42Tq3zegVBks28wRFBVCH1cWNEved4HvlLNsDVK1EaMY4i0yERDC5pz8DM9bc-~2dCXZbpTlr8p6P50f3JRLrY-UEYMDsVRfSS1XX1fIC7-duUCGJv1u14F8rQWNJdbP0sDy2iiiUWwsFC-piKl4xHWYxwErSAog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fire Chief Ben Carter presented Bradford County Fire Rescue’s annual report, summarizing responses, new programs and equipment upgrades.

Carter reported 7,185 calls for service in the past 12 months (about 20 calls per day). Notable call totals included 37 structure fires, 26 vehicle fires, 89 brush fires (195 acres burned), 256 motor vehicle collisions generating 620 patients, 76 cardiac arrests (resuscitation attempted on 56 patients), and a return-of-spontaneous-circulation (ROSC) rate of 38 percent (state average cited at 24 percent).

Carter said the department has introduced several clinical and operational improvements: carrying antibiotics on rescues to start sepsis treatment in the field, placing automated CPR (LUCAS) devices on frontline units, deploying video laryngoscopes, and expanding advanced life support on engine apparatus. He noted the community paramedicine program completed projects including porch installation for a patient and initiated free Narcan distribution boxes around the county.

Carter listed training, interagency events and public education during the year: cooperative work with UF Health (mobile stroke unit access), hosting regional fire chiefs, preplanning commercial structures, student CPR training and partnering on EMT educational programs with Santa Fe College. He said Station 90 (Sampson City) was the busiest unit and that construction of living quarters at Station 90 is nearly 50% complete.

Commissioners and attendees applauded Fire Rescue personnel for the year’s work; no formal action was recorded on the item.","Fire Chief Ben Carter reported that Bradford County Fire Rescue responded to 7,185 calls in the past year, added new medical capabilities including field antibiotics and automated CPR devices, expanded community programs and achieved a 38% ROSC rate for cardiac arrests—above the state average.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County manager and NEF EDC present economic development strategic plan and annual county report

Commission records amended fairgrounds lease, designates interim fair manager and opens fair board applications

Bradford County commissioners approve three-year SHIP local housing assistance plan and resolution

Windstream outlines federal broadband grant opportunities for Bradford County

Bradford County Fire Rescue reports 7,185 calls, new programs and improved outcomes in annual update