Commissioners give consensus to negotiate Veterans Center lease at Green Cove Springs senior facility

Commissioners on Oct. 10 moved up an agenda item and heard a request from the Clay County Veterans Council to occupy office space at the Green Cove Springs Senior Center as a Veterans Center.

Council representatives explained the proposed center would be a "one‑stop shop" for veterans—providing information, referrals, and periodic on‑site Veterans Service Officer (VSO) support—without displacing senior‑center programming. Staff said the space became available as a transit dispatch operation consolidates to Jacksonville; county attorneys will prepare lease or MOU terms for the council and Aging True (the senior‑center operator).

County manager and staff estimated a renovation/transition timeline that could enable Veterans Council occupancy in January, contingent on lease terms and minor renovations. Commissioners indicated consensus to authorize staff to negotiate lease terms and return with a prepared agreement prior to move‑in.

The board’s action was consensus rather than a formal vote; staff said they will present a lease for formal approval before occupancy.