The St. Johns County, Florida, is set to embark on several big regional projects that will have a significant impact on the area’s economy and transportation system. One of the most notable projects is the extension of the First Coast Expressway, a toll road that will connect St. Johns County to the rest of the Jacksonville metropolitan area. The extension will run through the northern part of the county and is expected to be completed by 2025.
According to St. Johns County Commissioner Jeremiah Blocker, the extension of the First Coast Expressway will be a game-changer for the county. “It’s going to open up a lot of economic development opportunities for us,” he said. “It’s going to make it easier for people to get to and from St. Johns County.”
Another big project in the works is the expansion of the St. Augustine-St. Johns County Airport. The airport currently serves mostly small planes, but the expansion will allow for larger aircraft to land and take off. The project includes the construction of a new runway, taxiway, and terminal building. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2024.
The St. Johns County Commission is also considering a proposal to build a convention center and hotel near the World Golf Village. The project would be a public-private partnership, with the county contributing land and the private sector funding the construction of the facilities. The convention center and hotel would be a significant addition to the area’s tourism industry, which is already a major driver of the local economy.
Overall, these big regional projects are expected to have a significant impact on St. Johns County’s economy and transportation system. As Commissioner Blocker noted, “We’re really positioning ourselves to be a hub of economic activity in Northeast Florida.”