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County honors local organizations and hears Keystone Heights CRA update
Summary
Commissioners recognized local businesses, Penny Retirement Community’s centennial and St. John's Spartans state championship, and received a briefing from Keystone Heights city manager on completed CRA projects and planned investments including a $660,000 grant application.
At the June 9 meeting the board presented several recognitions and heard a community redevelopment briefing. Chair and commissioners presented a certificate of appreciation to Valancourt Construction for allowing emergency responders to stage a command post during the Railroad Fire; company representatives described assisting perimeter operations and providing equipment.
The board adopted proclamations recognizing Solid Waste Workers Week (June 15–20), the Penny Retirement Community’s 100th anniversary and the St. John’s Country Day School Spartans’ FHSAA Class 1A state baseball championship. Teresa Scott, president and CEO of Penny Retirement Community, thanked the board and cited 170,000 volunteer hours contributed by residents over the previous year. Coach Tom Lucas thanked the board and highlighted team standouts.
Jamie Booth, Keystone Heights city manager, briefed the board on the Keystone Heights Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Booth reviewed the CRA’s origin (established 2004), completed investments — including downtown sewer extensions, facade grants, a trailhead and tennis‑court overhaul — and current funding from ad‑valorem increments (about $230,000 per year, with $17,000 county grant offset). Booth described recent purchases and demolitions that enabled an FDOT $800,000 turn‑lane project slated for contract in February 2027 and said the city has applied for a $660,000 small‑community CDBG acquisition grant to create a community center in a former volunteer fire station. Booth also outlined planned facade, streetscape and pocket‑park projects intended to leverage CRA funds.
Commissioners thanked community partners and noted the value of volunteerism and interagency cooperation during the recent wildfire response. The recognitions and the CRA briefing were acknowledged without dissent.
