Jonathan DePreter

Environment / Energy Another component of protecting our environment is identifying and protecting sensitive uplands and wetlands from development. As the Lighthouse Park Neighborhood President, I worked with residents to create the Maria Andreu Conservation Area at the north end of the RB Hunt soccer fields. I would also like to applaud Commissioner Blonder for spearheading the project and the City Commission for approving a new program to purchase sensitive lands and put them into conservation. I will continue to support efforts to protect our natural environment for future generations and encourage responsible and sustainable development in sensitive areas that can not be purchased. Environment / Energy A major component of sustaining our marine resources is clean water, which has ties to public health, our local economy, recreational activities, and animal habitats. St. Augustine is currently known for having relatively clean water compared to other Cities in Florida. Still, recent testing has indicated that our water quality is slowly degrading due to the introduction of excessive nutrients and fecal matter. It would be more cost-effective to address this problem before it worsens, and I would work with local research agencies and stakeholders to find solutions to this problem. Economy We need to support our local entrepreneurs and especially encourage small-scale businesses on commercial corridors that directly serve our residents in the outlying neighborhoods so residents can eat, dine, shop, and work closer to home. Infrastructure / Transportation I will continue the effort to preserve the unique historic character of St. Augustine for future generations by encouraging grant writing, supporting incentives for property owners, encouraging responsible public-private partnerships, working to build new partnerships, and educating our residents and visitors on the unique history of St. Augustine.