ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The City of St. Augustine said it's monitoring a proposed development in Anastasia State Park that's caused a stir amongst neighbors.
During the city's budget meeting Thursday morning, City Manager David Birchim said the city was not contacted by the state before it learned about the state's proposal to build a 350-room hotel, disc golf course, and pickleball courts inside the state park.
The city said it needs to review the project to see if it is compliant with the city's comprehensive plan and code ordinances.
Birchim added if the state needs approval for any part of the project from the city, the state will need to apply to obtain permits.
The state is holding a public meeting Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. at Florida Technical College.
A full statement from the city can be read below:
Anastasia State Park is a state-owned recreation area inside the city limits of the City of St. Augustine. The City of St. Augustine has been made aware of a project to construct a 350 room lodge, pickleball courts and a disc golf course inside Anastasia State Park.
The City has not been contacted by the State of Florida with any details of this project. The project will require a review by city staff for compliance with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and various sections of the Municipal Code of Ordinances. If the State of Florida is required to obtain approval for aspects of this project by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, City Commission, or any other city board, then the State of Florida will apply to the necessary board to obtain these permits. The City of St. Augustine respects a fair and transparent process and does not pre-judge this development proposal before the State has the opportunity to present this project to the community during the defined public hearing process. To do so may jeopardize the integrity of the process and result in unintended consequences.
We ask for the patience of the community while we discover exactly what the State of Florida is proposing and how that project will move through the local review process. Thank you.