New program could buyout oceanfront homes in St. Johns County

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are setting aside $2.5 million to purchase about 20 homes in St. John’s County.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Action News Jax first told you when the homes in Summer Haven were hit during hurricane’s Ian and Nicole, causing major erosion.

Related Story: St. Johns County faces ‘impossible task’ in Summer Haven after Nicole breach

“I’ve seen a lot of erosion,” homeowner Melanie Barna said.

The Summer Haven Managed Retreat Program is going to allocate $2.5 million to buy out some of those beachfront homes.

County commissioner Henry Dean said he believes this program will be about 4 to 5 years, and every home would be purchased at a fair market value.

“If they want to stay and take on the expenses themselves, I say go for it, but if they want to be bought out than that’s a great thing too,” Barna said.

Barna has lived in her oceanfront home since 2018.

Related Story: St. Johns considers Summer Haven buyout after dune breach

“It’s just a matter of time till all of these homes, will… be affected by the storms and the rising sea,” Barna said.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Commissioner Dean hopes both the county and the federal government will step up to join lawmakers in funding the voluntary buyout of these homes.