By Kate Kimmel
Nassau County commissioners on Wednesday identified conservation land acquisition and local government authority as top priorities to submit to the Northeast Florida Regional Council.
The council collects input from counties and municipalities across the region and compiles a list of concerns for state lawmakers to consider during the upcoming session. County Manager Taco Pope presented a draft list of eight priorities for commissioners to discuss.
Several of the proposals echo county goals already in motion, such as securing funding for conservation land purchases. Pope pointed to the Thomas Creek Watershed project as an example of how state support could help balance growth with environmental protection.
“Land acquisition is how you balance rapid urbanization with protecting the Florida we all love,” Pope said.
Infrastructure investment in rural and fast-growing areas such as Hilliard and Callahan also made the list, with commissioners noting the need for help addressing population pressures.
The other priorities fall under what Pope described as “respecting home rule” — a principle that allows local governments to regulate themselves rather than be preempted by state law.
“Many of these are discussions at the regional level that have to happen given the mandates being handed down from Tallahassee,” Commission Chairman A.M. Huppman said.
Among the specific requests is a repeal of Senate Bill 180, which limits local governments’ ability to adopt stricter development rules following hurricanes. Counties across the state have criticized the law, saying it weakens their authority to enforce policies on issues such as stormwater management.
Commissioners also want to ensure regional councils remain funded, arguing they provide small and midsized counties a stronger voice in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.
While the priorities closely mirror the county’s comprehensive plan – emphasizing rural infrastructure, land conservation and flood resiliency – commissioners’ emphasis on home rule underscores ongoing frustration with state government intervention into local affairs.
The NEFRC legislative committee is expected to finalize its regional priority list in October.
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
