07-25-22 Handout - Johnston Island - Mayor GlasserJuly 20, 2022
Mr. Greg Evans
Secretary, District Two
Florida Department of Transportation
1109 South Marion Avenue
Lake City, Florida 32025-5874
Re: Johnston Island
Dear Secretary Evans:
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
OFFICE OFTHE MAYOR
800 SEMINOLE ROAD
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233-5455
www.coaLLIS
Thank you for meeting recently to discuss the request from the City of Atlantic Beach to lease
Johnston Island for public use.
This island, now owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is located in
Atlantic Beach, and is accessible via an unnamed FDOT access road and bridge. The access
road runs parallel to the Atlantic Boulevard State Road 10 Bridge. The island is largely fenced
off, but the unfenced right of way area under the SR 10 bridge remains an extremely popular area
for fishing and picnicking. With its prime location within the Intracoastal Waterway, the island
and right of way together offer a unique waterfront park opportunity for our City. Access to the
entire property would fit quite nicely with our Parks and Connectivity Plans. It would also
promote walkability and bikability between our parks and major points of interest per our
Complete Streets policy.
We are confident that public access to Johnston Island as a whole would be of great value to our
City and the region. Our discussion first started with a request for a public use agreement for the
island. Given all factors, and the rating of the bridge in particular, we are now asking that FDOT
consider a surplus agreement of the island, access road, and bridge to Atlantic Beach, pending
our review of bridge engineering reports and a risk assessment.
As always, we appreciate the professionalism and responsiveness of your staff. We look forward
to working with you on this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectf 11 ,
Vleh'4as�sCer
Mayor