The meeting featured a concerned citizen’s appeal regarding environmental oversight at the Camores Trail Ridge South mine. The public speaker urged county staff to inspect the site to ensure compliance with the mining permit, particularly after reports of significant water discharges, including one incident involving nearly 200,000 gallons of water reaching the North Florida Land Trust property. This issue was central to discussions, as it underscored the importance of safeguarding nearby properties, especially the Swan River Water Management District land.

In addition to environmental concerns, the Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation presented its mission and goals. The presentation by Amber Shepard outlined the corporation’s focus on fostering public-private relationships and encouraging businesses to relocate or expand in Bradford County. The corporation’s initiative to collaborate with local and state government entities, as well as local businesses, was highlighted, alongside their efforts to engage with business and community leaders, and their intention to target specific industries to promote high-wage jobs for students and college graduates.

The council also discussed the corporation’s active role in local initiatives, such as the transfer of the Douglas building and their support in identifying properties for potential development.

A joint workshop that included the board of County Commissioners, the board of City commissioners, and the Tourism Development Council was facilitated by Kimberly Morgan, director of Tourism and film development in Clay County. Morgan provided a detailed legislative overview of the tourist development tax (TDT) and its permissible uses, which are governed by the State of Florida. She emphasized the uniqueness of Florida’s dedicated funding for tourism marketing and described how the TDT can be allocated for various tourism-related initiatives, including destination marketing.

The workshop also touched upon the various management models for tourism marketing, the role of convention and visitors bureaus, and the significance of identifying and promoting a community’s unique attractions. The conversation underscored the importance of leveraging events like the Moto surf events and the Strawberry Festival for tourism marketing and the potential of collecting visitor feedback to inform future strategies.

Members of the council and community members shared ideas on marketing the county’s ecotourism opportunities, with suggestions to focus on attractions such as Brook Sink and New River, and the possibility of small-scale housing to accommodate tourists. The need for storytelling and online marketing presence was also discussed, as well as the potential for collaboration with neighboring counties and the University of Florida for research and marketing efforts. Additionally, the council considered exploring grant opportunities to develop trails and conservation areas to enhance the county’s ecotourism appeal.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the potential for economic development and job growth at the Keystone Heights airport, and the need for a nursing school in the area. The importance of education and partnership with Santa Fe was highlighted.