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CRA adds lifeguard station preservation language to downtown plan, cites Chapter 163 limits
Summary
The Jacksonville Beach CRA voted to add preservation language for the lifeguard station to the downtown project chart and attached a memo describing Chapter 163 limits; staff said the inclusion does not commit the CRA to funding the project now.
The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency voted Aug. 25 to add language to the downtown plan and corresponding downtown project chart that recognizes preservation priorities for the city’s lifeguard station and explains how Chapter 163 of Florida law affects joint projects.
Taylor, a CRA staff member, said the resolution’s verbiage and the downtown chart were unchanged from earlier drafts but that staff added a memo — developed with the city attorney — explaining how Chapter 163 applies. "Adding it to the plan does not commit us. It does not mean tomorrow we're going to be now forced," Taylor said.
Why it matters: The addition signals the CRA’s interest in preserving historic assets while clarifying that inclusion in a plan is not equivalent to an allocation of funds or a construction authorization. Staff noted that the City of Jacksonville previously allocated $1,100,000 for initial improvements to the lifeguard station; statutory rules require separate capital improvement projects and a three-year separation between City and CRA projects for the same work.
Board questions focused on coordination with the City of Jacksonville and how statutory rules would affect any future CRA involvement. Taylor said the CRA coordinates through the city manager and the city’s CFO and that, per Chapter 163, any CRA funding would need to be "above and beyond" work the city funds and be for historic-preservation-specific elements.
The board formally approved Resolution 2025-404 by roll-call vote. Votes recorded: Megan Edwards — yes; Thad Mosley — yes; Kevin Myers — yes; Ron Whittington — yes; Gerard Patel — yes. Board member Gerard Patel said he supports moving forward, noting the lifeguard station is one of two historic buildings on the register in Jacksonville Beach.
What’s next: Staff said the change to the plan is an enabling step to make preservation eligible for consideration if and when future funding becomes available; it does not authorize any immediate project or spending.
