Joy Andrews, County Administrator, St. Johns County

In an interview with Invest: Joy Andrews, county administrator of St. Johns County, talked about how they are excited to open the first Black history museum in the County, shared initiatives that promote public-private partnerships foster trust and transparency, and the investments made in public amenities, healthcare, and infrastructure. 

What have been some major highlights over the past 12 months?

I joined St. Johns County in 2006, so this is my 18th year with the organization. I began my career as a budget analyst for the Office of Management and Budget, overseeing economic development initiatives for several years. Eventually, I stepped into the role of deputy county administrator, where my responsibilities expanded to include planning, zoning, land development, and county account management, in addition to economic development efforts.

During my tenure, I focused on helping the county grow and thrive, particularly during the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, St. Johns County has maintained its position as one of the highest growing counties in the nation and in Florida, which is a testament to its appeal as a family-friendly destination with a top-ranked school system.

With an annual influx of 10,000 to 15,000 people, I have worked hard to ensure that our county’s exceptional quality of life remains intact. This commitment is evident in our heavy investments in infrastructure, including transportation and roads, aimed at supporting our growing population and enhancing the daily lives of our residents.

Initiatives like the Regional Park plan, which is a $123 million project, and the implementation of Public Safety incentives over the next five to six years, are all efforts toward creating a safe and prosperous community for everyone who calls St. Johns County home.

Some of the regional parks we are currently focusing on will also include libraries. With our fast-growing community reaching a population of 302,000, we are planning two regional parks and one full-service library dedicated to serving this population. Additionally, we prioritize supporting the school district to maintain the quality of education, which is vital for our residents, including my own children.

Investing in coastal protection and renourishment is another significant aspect of our efforts. With 42 miles of coastline, it is crucial to manage coastal erosion effectively. Despite experiencing storms like Matthew, Irma, and others, we have implemented creative solutions and leveraged funds to protect our coastline. Currently, we are completing a $40 million renourishment program which is essential for our tourism industry.

What are some initiatives that are aimed at building trust with the residents?

Building trust is paramount, given the inherent skepticism toward government agencies. Since my childhood, I have been passionate about governance and transparency. I initiated an open governance and transparency framework, including launching a Citizens Academy to educate our community about county government operations. The overwhelming response, with 125 applicants within a day, underscores the community’s interest in understanding and engaging with local governance.

So, through these transparency measures and initiatives like the Citizens Academy, we aim to foster trust and rebuild community confidence in our county government. Additionally, we are working on a comprehensive plan, St. Johns County 2050, to guide our growth for the next 25 years, with extensive public engagement to ensure alignment with residents’ needs and aspirations. Similarly, we are developing a strategic plan to allocate resources effectively and address community priorities without causing confusion among our residents.

This year, I was excited to televise our budget workshop live. With 28 sessions, this event provided the entire county with insight into how department directors shaped their budget requests for 2025. It provided an opportunity for our residents to engage directly with our leaders and understand the decisions being made.

Another way we are building trust is through public-private partnerships. One notable example is our agreement with St. Johns County Cultural Events, Inc., which now manages the St. Augustine Amphitheater and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Their successful events, like the Sing Out Loud Festival, have significantly boosted tourism and community engagement.

What are some community focused projects that you are excited about or are in the pipeline?

We are proud to be competing for the opportunity to build the first Black history museum in the city. Partnering with Florida Memorial University, we are advocating for St. Johns County to be the future site of the state’s Black History Museum. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving and celebrating diverse cultural heritage.

On a related note, the restructuring of the Hall of Fame in World Golf Village presents an exciting opportunity for our county. With ownership of the PGA Tours’ old production building and over 40 acres of land, we are envisioning a vibrant public town center. Through careful planning and engagement with development partners, we aim to create a dynamic space for entertainment, recreation, and commerce.

Our convention center, situated on this site, is also undergoing restructuring. By leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships, we are poised to enhance the area’s offerings and benefit the community for generations to come.

How does your team balance preserving St. Johns County’s history and culture while fostering economic growth and development?

History holds a significant place in our hearts, especially here in St. Johns County, with our rich 460 years of history. We have been deliberate about preserving our heritage. One example is our commitment to honoring Black history. By uniting our community, we are creating a monumental opportunity for historical preservation and education.

Recently, we undertook a remarkable effort to move the house where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was supposed to stay when he visited St. Augustine. The house was shot at and firebombed by segregationists during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. This house has been relocated to the historic West Augustine area and will be transformed into a museum to showcase Dr. King’s legacy and related history.

In addition, we are partnering with Hastings Main Street on a historical preservation initiative. Uncovering boxes of documents dating back to the 1920s, we are delving into our local government’s history. This effort culminated in a historical preservation film that was presented at a Board of County Commissioner’s meeting.

For us, historical preservation and economic development go hand in hand. They offer unique opportunities for the kind of development that aligns with our community’s values, ensuring the preservation of our natural resources and heritage.

What has been the primary challenge your office has faced in addressing the needs of the surrounding community?

I see it as both a challenge and an opportunity, especially in terms of communication and trust-building. Improving communication and accessibility to our community is crucial. That is why I completed a speaking tour this year, hosting open houses to present the state of the county. I completed about fifteen sessions in 2024. These sessions provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of what the county is doing, including our challenges, opportunities, and how we are managing growth. By fostering clear and unfiltered communication, we aim to better meet the needs of our community.

How does your office integrate technology on a day-to-day basis to enhance efficiency and improve customer experience?

We are currently in the process of implementing an enterprise resource planning tool, a significant endeavor aimed at integrating all county functions and facilitating the free flow of data. Externally, we have just launched St. Johns Connect, a mobile app where residents can receive news, messages, and submit complaints conveniently all in one place. Additionally, we offer a public-facing Capital Improvement Project dashboard, providing residents with transparent information on road construction progress and project funding.

Utilizing technology for economic development is paramount. We are in discussions with the University of North Florida regarding potential partnerships. President Moez Limayem has expressed admiration for St. Johns County initiatives and offered their faculty’s expertise in areas such as data analytics, which could greatly benefit our economic development efforts.

What factors have contributed to St. Johns County’s success in attracting and retaining new businesses amidst significant growth and change over the past two decades?

St. Johns County boasts remarkable natural beauty, with its pristine waterways and scenic environment. Our top-tier school district is a magnet for families, especially executives seeking quality education for their children. The trend of remote work opportunities has made our county even more appealing, as professionals can reside anywhere while maintaining their careers.

Benefiting from one of the lowest tax rates in the state, St. Johns County offers exceptional value for residents. Despite an uptick in housing prices, our median home cost remains reasonable, making us an attractive destination for businesses and families alike. Convenient access to Jacksonville, including both the airport and seaport, enhances our connectivity and accessibility.

Moreover, our robust economic development incentive program ensures tailored support for businesses considering relocation or expansion. With a highly educated workforce, St. Johns County provides a skilled talent pool for companies seeking knowledgeable employees.

What projects and initiatives are you most excited about developing and pushing forth within the next two to three years?

The Black History Museum project is particularly exciting as it offers a chance to revitalize and reimagine the area. This initiative holds immense potential for commercial, economic, and educational growth, and we are eagerly collaborating with various partners to explore its possibilities.

Over the next few years, our focus will be on significant infrastructure initiatives. This includes the construction of new roads, parks, and fire stations to accommodate the growing population and enhance community services. These projects are among our top priorities as we continue to invest in the development and well-being of our county.