St. Johns County Requests Sentiment on Economic Development in Hastings

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is looking to gain a better understanding of the sentiment of those who live in Hastings and the surrounding areas about economic development. The Board is interested in knowing how residents prioritize economic development relative to other community issues and would also like to know the general direction residents believe should be taken for potential economic development in the area.

This process is focused on the formerly incorporated town of Hastings, which was founded in 1890 as an agricultural production center. Hastings and the surrounding areas make up a special part of St. Johns County, providing vital food production, open space and historical significance. Area residents are the backbone of St. Johns County culture and serve an outsized role in making this County the great place that it is.

Community input can be provided in a number of ways, including through a survey, written comments submission, and public meetings. Information about the community input, including the online survey and written comments form, can be found on the project website at www.sjchastings.com.

The survey asks questions such as the importance of economic growth in Hastings, concerns regarding growth, major areas of focus for economic development and more. The survey will be open until Nov. 19. Printed copies of the survey are also available at the Hastings branch of the St. Johns County Public Library System located at 6195 S. Main St.

Written comments can also be submitted through a form on the website. This form allows community members to share additional comments and considerations that may not have been addressed in the survey.

Also, two public meetings are scheduled for the community to have the opportunity to provide verbal comments and submit written comments. The first meeting will be on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Hastings branch of the St. Johns County Public Library System located at 6195 S. Main St.

Findings from the community input gathered throughout all aspects of this process will be analyzed and presented at a regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting. The meeting date will be announced on the project website once scheduled.