History of the College Drive Initiative

In November 2020, the College Drive Initiative was born out of seeing the great synergy taking place on College Drive. With the many non-profits beginning to anchor in this area and the ongoing need to enjoy a full evening around the ever popular Thrasher-Horne Center, it was felt there was a unique opportunity to be proactive by gathering the thoughts of the College Drive community and begin initiating something that benefits its local citizens and Clay County at large.  Throughout the following year (2021), Deliberative Forums devised through the Kettering Foundation took place. Over 150 Clay County citizens, nonprofit organizations, Clay County staff, St. John’s River State College, Thrasher-Horne, and local business owners worked together to envision the future of College Drive. Monthly steering group meetings, a segment of the Clay County Safety Net Alliance monthly meeting, and seven deliberative forums in August and October resulted in several emerging outcomes.

1. Destination. College Drive has the potential to become a destination not only for higher education and providing for peoples’ critical needs, but a place where residents and visitors come to socialize with family and friends and enjoy entertainment and eating establishments. More than a thoroughfare, people envision College Drive as a nucleus of community life in north-central Clay County.

2. Public Education. Educating residents and county citizens about the wealth of human services and educational resources on College Drive is an important first step for community leaders and stakeholders to create a brand identity for College Drive.

3. Safety and Aesthetics. Deliberators strongly believe the road requires intersection improvements, low-maintenance landscaping, and safe pedestrian and bike lanes. Many felt a master plan, overlay district, or design plan of some kind would help guide future College Drive improvements.

4. Community Events. Gathering community on a regular basis to enjoy Food Truck events and other festivities.

In December 2021, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners fully embraced the College Drive Initiative and the deliberative process has now moved into the implementation phase. It is an exciting time to be a part of something that will benefit so many citizens and we invite you to join us on this journey. Please write us if you are interested in joining our team at collegedriveintiative@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook for all the upcoming great events you can attend.