SJC Moves Forward to Secure the Florida Museum of Black History

• 12 March 2025
• Category: SJC News
• Tags: Black History Museum

SB 466 is supported by the Florida Senate Committee on Community Affairs

On March 11, 2025, the Florida Senate Committee on Community Affairs reported favorably on Senate Bill 466 by a vote of 7-0, which supports the efforts of St. Johns County to secure the state’s first Black History Museum in the West Augustine area. Florida Senator Thomas J. “Tom” Leek, District 7, filed the legislation creating a governance framework for the Florida Museum of Black History.

The bill provides for the creation of the Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors, including a selection process for board members. It directs the board to oversee the commission, construction, operation, and administration of the museum, working jointly with the Foundation for the Museum of Black History, Inc. and the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, which will provide administrative support and staffing to the board for preconstruction activities.

The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be heard before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. The companion bill in the Florida House of Representatives, HB 659, sponsored by Representative Kiyan Michael, is referred to the House Government Operations Subcommittee. A hearing date for HB 659 has not been announced.

St. Johns County led a group of community supporters to Tallahassee to attend the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee meeting. The supporters included leaders from the West Augustine area, the City of St. Augustine, and the Board of County Commissioners represented by Commissioner Sarah Arnold, District 2, and Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, District 1.

“I am beyond excited about the decision by the Community Affairs Committee,” said Commissioner Arnold, whose District 2 includes the West Augustine area. “It is another step forward on our journey to make the dream of the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Johns County a reality. I praise the community for traveling with us to Tallahassee to demonstrate their ongoing support for this project.”

###

Get more St. Johns County news by receiving our e-newsletters and learn how to stay informed with accurate, timely information through a blend of community outreach initiatives by the Office of Public Affairs.