Board transmits large motorsports complex plan to state; PUD hearing set for Oct. 14

Putnam County commissioners on Tuesday voted to transmit a large-scale future land use amendment for a proposed motorsports complex to the state for coordinated review and set the companion planned-unit-development (PUD) zoning for a second hearing on Oct. 14 at 9 a.m.

The applicant, WA207 LLC, proposes a multi-use “motorplex” on about 440 acres near K. Larkin Airport that would include driver- and first-responder training, a competition and karting circuit, retail and event space, lodging and “garageplex” units combining garage and living space. Planning staff recommended transmittal of the comprehensive plan amendment (CPA25-00003); the Putnam County Planning Commission earlier recommended unanimous approval.

Why it matters: proponents said the project would bring construction and hospitality jobs, local spending and training opportunities for law enforcement and first responders. Opponents and nearby residents pressed the commission for enforceable noise limits and a follow-up compliance plan. Commissioners transmitted the CPA for state review, which begins a 30-day coordinated-review period required by Florida law; the PUD zoning was scheduled for further local consideration on Oct. 14.

Planning staff and applicant presentations: Zachary Baker of Planning and Development outlined required agency reviews, wetlands and flood-zone issues, and the phased development review process. Agent Patrick Kennedy and attorney Charlie Douglas presented a conceptual plan and said the development team includes Legacy family members and motorsports operators who have track and training experience. The applicants asked the board to allow concurrent review so zoning and the plan amendment proceed in parallel.

Public comments: more than a dozen people spoke in favor, citing economic development, workforce training and tourism potential. Joe Pickens, president of St. Johns River State College, said the college is exploring a partnership for postsecondary motorsports and automotive technology programs. The sheriff of Putnam County (identified in the record by office, not by name) said a local facility would let deputies train on a professional track without leaving the county and could host the Florida Sheriffs’ Teen Driver Challenge. Speakers representing the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, small-business owners and local residents also expressed support.

Concerns raised: adjacent-property owners and a member of the public asked the county to require a demonstrated plan to reduce noise to acceptable levels beyond the property line, to commit to mitigation measures such as earth berms, acoustic fencing or vegetation buffering, and to establish ongoing monitoring and enforcement. A member of the public provided decibel examples and urged a requirement that post-construction testing show noise outside the property remains at safe levels. The applicant provided a revised development agreement addressing some noise concerns, which staff said had been supplied after the Planning Commission hearing.

Next steps: the board voted to transmit the CPA25-00003 application to the state for coordinated review and to schedule the PUD zoning (PUD25-00003) for the Oct. 14 meeting. If the state returns comments, staff will work with the applicant before the adoption hearing; any final zoning approved by the county will be contingent on the plan amendment becoming effective under state law.

No final development or construction permits will be issued until the applicant completes Development Review Committee (DRC) technical reviews and any required preliminary or final development orders.

Speakers quoted and recorded in the meeting transcript include Zachary Baker, Patrick Kennedy, Charlie Douglas, Joe Pickens, Bobby Paine, Wayne McClain, Joseph Petrucci, Benjie Bates and the sheriff of Putnam County.