A federal lawsuit involving a proposed 3,332-home agrihood development in St. Johns County has entered a new phase, as the property owner seeks communications from a private citizen who publicly opposed the project.

Robinson Improvement Company (RIC), the owner of approximately 2,673 acres located between County Road 208 and County Road 214, has issued a subpoena to retired architect Joseph McAnarney, requesting correspondence related to his opposition to the development.

The request is part of Robinson’s ongoing federal case against St. Johns County following the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners’ unanimous denial of the project’s rezoning application in November 2025.

External reference:
https://www.sjcfl.us/commissioners/

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Background: Rezoning Denied After Public Hearings

The proposed development, planned in partnership with Freehold Communities, would include:

• Up to 3,332 residential units
• Agricultural features such as working farms
• Barn structures and open space
• Community gathering areas

Freehold Communities refers to these types of developments as “agrihoods,” which integrate residential neighborhoods with agricultural and open-space amenities.

An example of this concept can be seen in Arden, a similar agrihood developed by Freehold in Palm Beach County:

According to county planning records, the St. Johns County property has been owned by the Robinson family for more than 100 years and was designated Residential-B in a 2019 amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, which anticipated future residential development. Learn more about proposed St Johns Agrihoods.

External reference:
https://www.sjcfl.us/longrangeplanning/CompPlan.aspx

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Commissioners Denied Rezoning Request

Despite the comprehensive plan designation, county commissioners voted unanimously in November 2025 to deny the rezoning request required to move forward with the project.

Public records and meeting minutes show residents raised concerns related to:

• Traffic congestion along County Road 208 and surrounding roadways
• Environmental and wildlife impacts
• Preservation of rural character

St Johns Meeting records are available at the clerks office or online.

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Federal Lawsuit Filed by Robinson Improvement Company

Following the denial, Robinson Improvement Company filed a federal lawsuit alleging the county violated its constitutional property rights.

According to court filings, Robinson claims the county’s decision was:

• Arbitrary
• Inconsistent with long-term planning documents
• Influenced by political and public pressure

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida:

Robinson is seeking relief that could include damages and potential reconsideration of the development application.

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Subpoena Seeks Communications From Project Opponent

As part of the federal case, Robinson issued a subpoena to Joseph McAnarney, a retired architect and St. Johns County resident who spoke publicly and privately against the development.

According to court filings, Robinson is seeking communications between McAnarney and:

• County commissioners
• County staff
• Other individuals involved in the rezoning process

Robinson argues the communications may help determine whether the denial was based on planning criteria or external influence.

McAnarney has asked the court to block the subpoena, arguing it places an undue burden on a private citizen and raises constitutional concerns.

The court has not yet issued a final ruling on the subpoena dispute.

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Separate Property Rights Review Issued Under Florida Law

In addition to the federal lawsuit, Robinson Improvement Company pursued a review under the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act (FLUEDRA).

Under that process, former Circuit Court Judge J. Michael Traynor issued a recommendation stating that the county’s denial may have affected Robinson’s property rights. Learn more about the property rights laws.

FLUEDRA recommendations are advisory and do not require local governments to change their decisions but may be considered in subsequent legal proceedings.

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Location and Regional Growth Context

The property is located south of the St. Augustine Premium Outlets and west of Interstate 95, an area identified for long-term growth in St. Johns County.

St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, with population increasing significantly over the past decade.

Population data source:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/stjohnscountyflorida

Master-planned communities, including large residential developments, have played a major role in that growth.

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What Happens Next

The federal lawsuit remains ongoing.

Upcoming legal proceedings may address:

• The subpoena dispute
• The constitutional claims raised by Robinson
• Potential damages or remedies

The timeline for a final court decision is not yet known.

The development cannot proceed without zoning approval or a favorable legal outcome.

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Key Facts Summary

Location: County Road 208 and County Road 214
Property size: 2,673 acres
Homes proposed: 3,332
Rezoning denied: November 2025
Lawsuit filed: 2025
Current status: Pending federal litigation

About StJohnsFL.org

StJohnsFL.org is an independent local resource focused on moving to and living in St. Johns County, providing residents with factual local news, development updates, and community information.