Clay County's Planning Commission convened on August 5, 2025, to discuss a significant zoning change proposal for a 2-acre parcel located on County Road 220 in Commissioner Scromilo's district. The applicant seeks to rezone the property from Agricultural Residential (AR) to Planned Commercial Development (PCD) to facilitate the construction of a standalone surgical center and professional offices.

The site, situated between Crosspoint Church and the future Orange Park Medical emergency center, has sparked considerable discussion among commissioners and community members. Staff reported that notices were sent to 14 property owners within a 350-foot buffer, with no comments received either in support or opposition to the proposal.

The applicant, Robert White, outlined plans for a 10,000-square-foot outpatient surgical center and an 8,000-square-foot building for professional offices, which could include architects and engineers. While the proposal initially included retail components such as boutique shops and coffee shops, concerns were raised about the appropriateness of retail in this location, given its proximity to residential areas and medical facilities.

During the meeting, several commissioners expressed reservations about the retail aspect, emphasizing the need to maintain the residential character of the area. The Citizen Advisory Committee had previously voted 6-0 against the proposal, primarily due to the inclusion of retail uses. In response to these concerns, White indicated a willingness to remove the retail component from the application.

The commission's discussion also touched on the relevance of the 1983 Fleming Island Plan, with some members arguing that it should still guide development in the area. Despite these concerns, the staff recommended approval of the zoning change, contingent upon a concurrent land use amendment to align with the comprehensive plan.

As the meeting concluded, commissioners signaled a potential shift towards supporting the application, provided that the retail elements were eliminated. The next steps will involve further review by the Board of County Commissioners later this month, with the comprehensive plan amendment scheduled for consideration in September. The outcome of this proposal could significantly impact the future development landscape of Fleming Island, balancing community needs with commercial interests.