Palatka Historic Preservation Board Seeks to Adopt St. Augustine Color Palette Amid Compliance Concerns

Overview: The Palatka Historic Preservation Board meeting on December 4, 2025, focused on the proposal to adopt the St. Augustine historic color palette, addressing ongoing compliance issues with Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), and reviewing requests for after-the-fact modifications to historic properties. Members expressed a commitment to uphold historical integrity while navigating procedural challenges.

Palatka Pension Board Reviews Investment Policy Amid Market Volatility

Overview: The Palatka Pension Board meeting covered substantial ground, focusing on an update to its investment policy to comply with state legislation and reviewing market performance in the face of economic challenges. The board also addressed financial compliance deadlines and discussed measures to ensure the integrity of pension payments.

Palatka Planning Board Approves Variance for Habitat for Humanity Home

Overview: During a recent Palatka Planning Board meeting, members unanimously approved a variance request from Putnam Habitat for Humanity to build a 512-square-foot home in the Veterans Village subdivision, despite a city ordinance requiring a minimum living area of 850 square feet. The meeting centered on the deliberations surrounding this variance as well as two annexation requests, which were also approved.

Palatka City Commission Evaluates City Manager Amidst Training and Governance Controversies

Overview: The Palatka City Commission convened for a special meeting to evaluate City Manager Marcia Cardi after a 30-day cure period, sparking in-depth discussions about her performance, training, and the city’s governance procedures. The meeting revealed a divide among commissioners and highlighted concerns over the evaluation process, communication, and existing management policies.

Putnam County Council Reappoints Chair Wilkinson Amidst Discussions on Homelessness and Infrastructure

Overview: The Putnam County Council meeting on November 18th saw a unanimous decision to reappoint Chairwoman Wilkinson, commendations for emergency service personnel, and discussions on issues such as youth homelessness and local infrastructure projects. The meeting outlined various achievements over Wilkinson’s tenure, including advancements in animal services, wastewater treatment, and tax reductions, while also focusing on challenges like the high number of homeless youth and necessary infrastructure developments.