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Board discusses riverfront, bridge and port opportunities as catalysts for redevelopment
Summary
Members and consultants discussed leveraging Palatka's multimodal assets — Saint Johns River, rail, highway and airport — plus planned increases in bridge clearance and regional projects to attract tourism and industry to downtown and waterfront areas.
Consultants told the board that Palatka's multimodal assets — river, rail, highway and airport — present opportunities to position the downtown CRA as a regional destination and to attract niche manufacturing, tourism and recreation uses. The consultant pointed to the Saint Johns River and the town's rail and highway connections as economic drivers.
Commissioners raised a recent or planned bridge-raising project (the Shands Bridge) and port bulkhead upgrades that could allow larger vessels. One commissioner noted that once the bridge is raised to a higher mean height, "we will be able to accommodate those larger ships," and that such changes could alter manufacturing and logistics prospects near the port and barge operations. Staff and a commissioner suggested coordination with the county, DOT and the port manager (Sam Sullivan) for details.
Board members also discussed tourism partnerships, wayfinding, and potential shuttle or micro-transit services to connect assets such as Ravine Gardens, the train station and downtown businesses. The chamber's new tourism staff and local strategic plans were cited as partners to better capture visitors coming through regional attractions and events.
