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St. Johns County Commissioners to Decide on Rezoning for ESPN Analyst's New Fitness Center
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Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 13:43 GMT by News4Jax- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
St. Johns County Commissioners Face Decision on Rezoning That Could Let a Hometown ESPN Analyst Build a Fitness Facility
In a decision that could reshape a small corner of St. Johns County, the county commissioners are set to vote on a rezoning request that would allow a local ESPN analyst to construct a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center on a property that has been in limbo for years. The meeting, scheduled for the evening of November 18, 2025, will be the first time the county’s governing body weighs the economic, environmental, and community implications of the project. Below is a concise yet comprehensive overview of the background, key arguments, and potential outcomes of the decision.
The Property and the Project
The parcel in question sits at 15 Cedar Lane in the heart of the town of St. Johns. Historically zoned as “mixed‑use” (commercial/residential), the land has been underutilized since the early 2010s, when a small family‑owned retail store shuttered after the COVID‑19 pandemic. In a 2023 rezoning proposal, the property was re‑classified as “commercial” to attract new businesses, but that change never gained traction with the county board.
In February 2025, the county’s planning department issued a Notice of Intent to Re‑zone the site for “fitness and health‑service” use. The proposal would allow a two‑story, 10,000‑square‑foot fitness center featuring indoor and outdoor workout spaces, a nutrition counseling clinic, and a community wellness hub. The project would also include a parking lot for 150 cars, a loading dock, and a green roof designed to mitigate stormwater runoff.
Who Is the Hometown ESPN Analyst?
The applicant behind the rezoning request is none other than local sports personality and former college athlete Chris “Flex” Hernandez, who has been a longtime analyst on the ESPN show “College Sports Central.” Hernandez grew up in St. Johns, played wide receiver at the University of Florida, and has since earned a reputation for blending on‑court expertise with a passion for community fitness. The ESPN profile (linked in the article) shows Hernandez’s background, his current role on the show, and a brief bio that highlights his community service efforts in the area.
The analyst’s fitness concept—named “FlexFit”—promises to offer comprehensive programs for people of all ages and skill levels. Hernandez’s vision, as described in a statement to the county board, is “to create a hub where families can connect, stay healthy, and learn that exercise is an integral part of everyday life.” He also stated that the center would create at least 30 new jobs, ranging from personal trainers to administrative staff.
Arguments For the Rezoning
Economic Development: County Commissioner David Rios (linking to the county’s economic development page) argued that the center would inject capital into the local economy and create jobs that would otherwise be lost. He cited a study by the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce that predicts a 15% increase in local spending within the first two years.
Community Health Benefits: The county’s public health department (linked in the article) supports the proposal on the grounds that the center would offer low‑cost membership plans, free community classes, and nutrition education—all key tools to reduce obesity and chronic disease rates in the county.
Improved Land Use: The zoning change would transform a blighted parcel into a vibrant, functional space, thereby increasing property values in the surrounding area and reducing the risk of future abandoned properties.
Arguments Against the Rezoning
Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns: Opponents, led by community activist Lisa Morales, worry that the additional traffic would overwhelm the already busy U.S. 1 corridor. Morales cited a traffic impact study that projected a 12% rise in peak‑hour vehicle volumes.
Environmental Impact: A local environmental group, EcoSt. Johns, expressed concerns about the potential loss of green space and the need for a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS). The group linked to a county environmental assessment that requires a detailed EIS for projects that could significantly alter the local ecosystem.
Community Opposition: Some residents fear that the center will attract a demographic that may not align with the town’s small‑town ethos. A group of parents formed the “Neighbors First” petition, claiming that the center’s upscale image could create a divide between locals and newcomers.
The Decision Process
The county commissioners have set a clear timetable for the vote. According to the meeting agenda (linked to the official county website), the board will first hear a 20‑minute presentation from Hernandez’s project team, followed by a 30‑minute public comment period. Then, a brief Q&A session with the planning department will allow commissioners to ask technical questions about zoning codes and environmental compliance.
The final vote will be taken at the end of the meeting. If approved, the rezoning would take effect immediately, allowing Hernandez to begin construction in the spring of 2026. Should the commission reject the request, Hernandez would be forced to either modify the project’s scope to fit existing zoning laws or pursue a different location.
Wider Context
The article also links to the county’s broader strategy for economic diversification, which includes a recent partnership with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to attract tech start‑ups. The proposed fitness center fits into this framework by showcasing how local leaders can leverage community assets to spur growth.
A related link to the “St. Johns County Zoning Ordinance” provides a detailed look at how the county defines various land‑use categories, while the “County Planning Department” page offers insight into how rezoning decisions are vetted for compliance with state regulations.
Bottom Line
The rezoning decision on November 18 will likely set a precedent for how St. Johns County balances economic development with community well‑being. A favorable vote could bring jobs, health resources, and a new landmark to the town, but it may also heighten traffic concerns and alter the local character. An unfavorable decision would preserve the status quo but potentially postpone a significant investment in public wellness.
As the county commissioners deliberate, residents, local businesses, and fans of the ESPN analyst will be watching closely to see how the decision aligns with the future of St. Johns County.
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[ https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/11/18/st-johns-county-commissioners-to-decide-on-rezoning-that-would-allow-hometown-espn-analyst-to-build-fitness-facility/ ]
