Commission delays punitive hearing after St. Joe offers to build Orange Avenue; neighbors press for enforceable timeline

An extended exchange over compliance with the Southwood development order ended April 15 with the Tallahassee City Commission pausing a punitive enforcement hearing after developer St. Joe, a landowner representative and neighborhood leaders pledged progress on the long-delayed Orange Avenue segment.

Growth-management director John Reick told the commission staff had issued notices of violation and scheduled a public enforcement hearing because the developer had not completed required road improvements. "We put them on notice," Reick said, adding that if a "good faith, diligent effort" is shown the city can defer a hearing.

At the dais and in the public gallery, St. Joe representatives painted a different picture. Gary Hunter, speaking on behalf of St. Joe Corporation, told the commission "St. Joe is prepared to go build Orange Avenue," and said the landowner had agreed to dedicate the right-of-way to the city so work could begin. Hunter asked the commission to recognize the progress.

Southwood residents and neighborhood representatives urged the commission to hold the developer accountable. "The development order is a contract between the developer and the city government. It should mean something," said resident John Ray, who told commissioners he represented hundreds of homeowners who had petitioned for enforcement.

Deputy City Attorney Lou Norell warned that if the city moved forward with punitive measures — such as suspending permits — St. Joe had indicated it would appeal and that litigation could delay construction. "If there was an enforcement proceeding, we would end up in a courthouse with judicial review potentially that would take months and potentially slow this down," he said.

The commission debated options ranging from proceeding with a formal enforcement hearing to postponing while the parties finalize a cure. Commissioners ultimately adopted a motion that requires a written, enforceable agreement to convey the right-of-way to the city within 60 days; if that benchmark is not met, staff will reissue notices and pursue the formal enforcement process. The final vote was 4–1 in favor of the postponement plan (Mayor Daly cast the lone dissent).

What this does: the commission preserved its enforcement authority while giving St. Joe and NextGen a time-bound opportunity to document a transfer or written agreement that would clear the path for permitting, design and construction. Commissioners said they expect a check-in at the next regular meeting and that failure to hit the benchmark would trigger the 15-day notice window required by the development order.

Resident reaction: Southwood leaders said they remain skeptical but hopeful; St. Joe and NextGen representatives were on record committing to immediate next steps.

What’s next: The city expects a written agreement within 60 days to convey or commit to convey the right-of-way; if that is not achieved, staff will issue an updated notice of violation and the city will resume a formal enforcement timetable.