St. Johns County Faces Land Development Battle | Jacksonville News

St. Johns County is locked in a legal standoff over a controversial state law that fast-tracks farmland development — and it’s all centered on 4,000 acres near Nocatee. With a September 28 deadline looming, commissioners can’t agree whether to approve the land under the new “agricultural enclave” law, which bypasses public hearings. While supporters say it helps farmers surrounded by sprawl, critics fear it’ll erase vital green space. Chair Clay Murphy says he’s willing to fight the law — even at taxpayer cost — as legal counsel is now exploring injunctions. The impasse follows two prior approvals under the same law, but this one, from Winn-Dixie’s founders and Nocatee developers, has sparked fierce debate. Commissioners Joseph and Taylor want to deny certification; Murphy, Arnold, and Whitehurst oppose them — with Whitehurst citing legal compliance and Murphy calling the law itself flawed. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a24e1e5b340d99db