County Update: Endeavor Land Redevelopment Phase 1

On Tuesday April 13th, 2021, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners assembled for a Special Meeting at 8:00AM sharp. In the early morning sunshine, the commissioners along with County staff and the local news media, met in the parking lot of the abandoned gym on the Endeavor Property, to commemorate an important milestone on the journey to see the site, formerly Dozier School for Boys, turn into a beacon of light and hope for Jackson County.

The Commissioners eagerly watched as the 8 feet tall chain link fence along Penn Avenue was taken down by an excavator. The fence coming down is a momentous step towards the County’s plan to see the Endeavor property be a hub for economic development. Additionally, this event marks the substantial completion of the improvements associated with the Endeavor Project Land Redevelopment Phase 1. Phase 1 focused primarily on building demolition, stump removal, asbestos abatement, landscaping, and general site beautification. The land redevelopment project is being funded through the use grant funds from the Governor’s Job Growth Grant provided by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

With the site now cleared of the excess debris and many of the dilapidated buildings the County now looks towards making the necessary infrastructure improvements to the site to allow for further economic development. The current site plan of the property can be seen below. The County is diligently working to see the startup and success of the Autism Transition Academy, various historical markers, as well as a Cultural Heritage Museum. Other potential developments include government office buildings, restaurants, and affordable housing developments.