SJC Reviewing SJSO Request to Demo the Detention Center Annex
St. Johns County Continues the Review of SJSO Request to Demo the Detention Center Annex, and the review by CRRB will be set to a Later Date.
Jail is viewed as a significant cultural resource, and the item has been removed from the Feb. 10th CRRB agenda
St. Johns County will review the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) application to demolish the detention center annex (old jail), 4025 Lewis Speedway, at a yet-to-be-determined meeting of the Cultural Resource Review Board (CRRB). The item has been removed from the Feb. 10th board agenda to allow for more time for the CRRB to review the Cultural Resource Management Plan and further community engagement. No new date has been set for the review of the proposed demolition.
St. Johns County Administrator Joy Andrews released a statement:
“St. Johns County understands the significant cultural resource of the detention center annex as it relates to the local and national civil rights movement. I commend our staff for recognizing the importance of this upon receiving the application. They are following our Cultural Resources Review Process and Land Development Code. We will carefully weigh preservation options alongside the SJSO’s operational needs. We are committed to proceeding thoughtfully, guided by a forthcoming consultant’s analysis, CRRB recommendations, and continued robust community dialogue.”
The SJSO submitted the demolition request for the former jail, which was constructed in 1952. The reason for the request was maintenance costs, employee health concerns, and the need for site security.