SilverLeaf allowed more homes; St. Johns No. 1 in health outcomes: Top 5 stories last week

From Staff Reports
·3 min read

In case you missed it, here are the top stories from the past week at staugustine.com.

People line up to speak about the proposed SilverLeaf expansion during public comment at the St. Johns County Commission meeting on Tuesday.
People line up to speak about the proposed SilverLeaf expansion during public comment at the St. Johns County Commission meeting on Tuesday.

SilverLeaf expands

St. Johns County commissioners on Tuesday approved expanding SilverLeaf, already one of the largest developments unfolding in the county, by 5,600 housing units and another 250,000 square feet of office space. By a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Paul Waldron opposed, the commission approved Comprehensive Plan changes for 2,394 acres of land that will be added to the development.

Read more: St. Johns County commission OKs thousands of extra homes for SilverLeaf, May 17, Sheldon Gardner

Growth and development: St. Johns County still among fastest-growing counties. That's causing growing pains.

St. Johns County ranked healthiest

It's not uncommon for St. Johns County to find itself at the top of many "best of" lists. Residents will be happy to know that good health — an area that includes many physical and lifestyle factors — is a sector that earns the community high marks as well.

According to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, St. Johns County, in fact, ranks No. 1 in the state of Florida for both health outcomes and health factors.

Read more: St. Johns County is No. 1 again in Florida — this time for health outcomes, May 16, Colleen Michele Jones

More: Carlton DeVooght officially named president and CEO of Flagler Health+

Large gift for Flagler College

Flagler College announced Tuesday a $12 million gift from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust which will allow the institution to make sweeping improvements to its campus and operations in coming years. The grant will be disbursed over four years in a 3-1 match with the private liberal arts college in St. Augustine, providing another $24 million through other donations, endowments and scholarships.

Read more: Flagler College receives $12M matching grant from major benefactor to move campus forward, May 17, Colleen Michele Jones

Class of 2022: From teachers of the deaf to published poets, Flagler College's graduates are a distinguished group

No changes for Magic Beach Motel

After the sale of the property to another developer fell through following a very public battle with neighbors, the Magic Beach Motel in Vilano Beach has been sold.

But the new owners — a boutique hotel management company — say they have no plans at this time to change the iconic vintage motel, aside from some general repairs and renovations.

Read more: New owners will turn iconic Magic Beach Motel in Vilano into a boutique hotel, May 18, Colleen Michele Jones

Water taxi: Service launches to transport tourists, locals around St. Augustine

Development at World Golf Village

Another development project is underway in the growing World Golf Village area of St. Johns County.

The Parkway Commons shopping center began construction in late 2021 and is expected to be completed with a mix of restaurant, retail and office tenants opening their doors in early 2023.

Read more: Parkway Commons shopping plaza caters to busy World Golf Village in St. Johns County, May 11, Colleen Michele Jones

Support local journalism. Subscribe to staugustine.com today.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: SilverLeaf grows, St. Johns is healthy: Top 5 stories at staugustine.com