ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla — Action News Jax Brittney Donovan began investigating the closure of Mickler's Landing for a private project on Nov. 3.
Two days later, county commissioners called for county staff to reopen the public beachfront park.
Mickler's Landing was added to the agenda minutes before the St. Johns County Commission meeting started Tuesday.
"I was furious, so I took time off work to be down here," neighbor Leanne Steinberg said.
MORE: Families fight back against Mickler's Landing closure
When the discussion opened, Commissioner Jeb Smith immediately told county staffers closing Mickler's Landing was not what commissioners agreed to in their Oct. 1 vote.
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A contractor hired by 13 homeowners had asked to use 25 percent of Mickler's parking lot for a dune restoration project.
After commissioners gave them the go-ahead to move forward with plans, county staffers changed the agreement.
The contractor was given permission to use the entire park Monday through Friday until February, cutting off access entirely to families.
"That's really one of the only places we can go in Ponte Vedra," neighbor Deidre Omahen said.
The county administrator told commissioners it was understood at the Oct. 1 meeting that changes would be made to the agreement.
He said staffers determined it wasn't safe for people to be at the park while the crews worked.
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Several commissioners said they wouldn't have agreed to the project if they had known access was going to be taken away from families.
They also questioned how the public was notified and if people were given time to comment before the decision.
At the end of the meeting, commissioners voted to find a way to reopen the access safely as soon as possible.
"The commissioners clearly weren't happy with everything that transpired so I do believe they will do their best to get it open in a timely manner," neighbor Kim McDaniel said.
PAST COVERAGE:
- Action News Jax investigates Mickler's Landing planned closure
- County cites safety reasons for closing Mickler's Landing during private project
- Families fighting back against Mickler's Landing closure
- Commissioners now working to reopen Mickler's Landing
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