St. Johns residents protest Guana land swap proposal
Share this @internewscast.com

Residents and environmental advocates fiercely oppose a proposed land swap affecting Guana River Wildlife Management Area in Florida.

A suggested exchange of land in St. Johns County is facing strong resistance from community members and environmental groups. The plan involves a developer wanting to exchange 3,000 acres of privately owned land, located in various parts of Florida, for 600 acres within the well-protected Guana River Wildlife Management Area.

And that proposal has many in the community saying, “Not so fast.”

Residents and activists convened near the preserve on Saturday to express their disapproval. They contend that this transaction threatens one of Northeast Florida’s most environmentally significant and beloved natural preserves.

“I’m feeling devastated,” said protester Nichole Crosby. “When we received this news on Wednesday, I was in complete shock.”

The land in question borders residential neighborhoods, and Crosby says the thought of losing it is personal.

“We have to fight it, whatever it takes,” she said. “I can’t envision it. It would be the land behind my house, behind all my neighbors’ houses.”

The developer advocating for this proposal claims that the swap would significantly boost conservation efforts. They assert that it would lead to a 400% increase in the amount of safeguarded land across the state, contributing to the protection of wildlife habitats in several Florida regions.

But for residents and organizers, it’s not just about numbers — it’s about protecting the specific, biodiverse land that makes the Guana Preserve so unique.

“This is some of the rarest territory and biodiverse areas that we have,” said protest organizer Stacy Strumpf. “For them to suggest swapping it with just a week’s notice? That’s not right.”

Strumpf tells First Coast News that the protest aimed to show state leaders — including Governor Ron DeSantis — how much this land means to the local community.

St. Johns County Commissioner and Chair Krista Joseph also voiced concerns.

“This is our property,” she said. “It’s public land. To build something that shuts off the public, and takes over conservation areas for animals and archaeological digs — that is wrong.”

First Coast News reached out to Governor DeSantis’s office for comment on the demonstration. As of Saturday evening, we have not yet received a response.

A state committee is expected to review the proposal and make a recommendation next week. After that, the decision will go to the governor and his cabinet, who will have the final say.

For now, the future of the Guana River Preserve hangs in the balance — and local voices are making it clear they’re not ready to let it go without a fight.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas flood: Search for missing flood victims is personal for local volunteers in Hunt

Search for Missing Flood Victims in Texas Becomes Personal for Hunt Volunteers

HUNT, Texas (KTRK) — Crews from various regions are aligning along the…
Satellite image of Ingram Dam in Ingram, Texas before flash flooding.

Before-and-After Photos Highlight the Devastating Impact of Texas Floods and the Heartbreaking Closure of Camp Mystic

SATELLITE images snapped before and after the Texas floods reveal the complete…
Driver arrested after attempting to drive through fence at US military base: authorities

Authorities Detain Driver for Trying to Break Through Fence at US Military Base

Officials in Virginia said an unauthorized individual attempted to enter Joint Base…
Damaged Camp Mystic mailbox in flood debris.

Heart-Wrenching Letters from Camp Mystic Kids Reach Families Days After Texas Floods Tragedy

Letters penned by young campers at Camp Mystic have begun reaching their…
Illustration of Indiana fireworks legality: pie charts showing legal times to set off fireworks for various dates.

New July 9 ‘Fireworks’ Law Enforces Instant Fines in US Cities for Violations—With One Date Exception

PEOPLE who set off fireworks now face instant fines for breaking a…
US Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago field office touts progress after major fentanyl busts: ABC7 I-TEAM EXCLUSIVE

The Chicago DEA Highlights Success After Significant Fentanyl Seizures: An Exclusive Report by ABC7 I-TEAM

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team spoke exclusively with Chicago’s top drug…
America's 'most hated mom,' Casey Anthony, spotted on apparent date at sports bar

Casey Anthony Seen on Outing at Local Sports Bar: Reports

New images show “America’s most hated mom,” Casey Anthony, out on what…
Grieving mom of dead Camp Mystic camper desperately seeks daughter's 'most prized possession' lost in devastating Texas floods

Heartbroken Mother Seeks Lost Treasured Item of Late Camp Mystic Daughter After Texas Floods

A heartbroken Texas mother, whose 8-year-old daughter tragically passed away during catastrophic…
NWS faces vacancies in Florida offices as 2025 hurricane season ramps up

NWS Struggles with Florida Office Vacancies as 2025 Hurricane Season Intensifies

Tom Fahy, the Legislative Director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization,…

Hakeem Jeffries discreetly removes Instagram photos following Photoshop mishaps with his waistline

A TOP Democrat has been blasted for posting what appear to be…
Photo of Carolina Wilga at a petrol station.

Backpacker Carolina Winger, 26, Found Alive After Nearly Two Weeks Lost in Australian Wilderness

A GERMAN backpacker missing for nearly two weeks in the remote Australian…
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…