As a former police officer, Scott Herrington learned to ease tense situations long before being prodded to run for a Marsh Creek Board seat.

Three years ago, he was one of a slate of fresh new candidates, who both boasted committee experience and understood that election to the Marsh Creek HOA Board was no ticket into a cliquey club. It was your commitment to serve, a role with which this law enforcement officer was familiar.

So, at Tuesday’s HOA Board meeting, Herrington deftly kept a lid on a small group of agitated, even panicky Pitchforks, itchy because of a Facebook rumor. That “pitchfork” reference is somewhat but not entirely tongue-in-cheek, because these folks were VERY concerned about seeing another development rob Florida – and Marsh Creek – of what little is left of nature in this increasingly developed state. You may even have received one of their appeals in your mailbox, going something like this: “There is an island offshore of Marsh Creek under contract to sell for $1.7 million whose prospective new owner has already reached out to the Board seeking permission to build a road through Marsh Creek to said island. Has the Board already said yes? Has it promised to say yes? Be at Tuesday’s Board meeting.” That’s pretty much it.

To be fair, nightmares of the fight to save Fish Island are fresh, as is the recent statewide panic when Gov. Ron DeSantis offered to sell off swaths of state parks, including St. Augustine’s Anastasia State Park, to hotel and golf developers.

But back to Marsh Creek, and the aforementioned island …

The answer, to save you scrolling, is NO. The Board has no plans to sell the community out to developers.

Herrington conceded the matter was briefly discussed during the August board meeting, when Board President John Hutson declared he had been approached by the developer, a Marsh Creek resident (or by an attorney representing him).

And that was that.

As Herrington explained to the assembled Pitchforks Tuesday: “I’m sitting in for the president. When there is reportable information, we’ll be sure to get you that info. We are not discussing rumors here. I will update John (Hutson) on the passion in this room. That’s the best you’re going to get from me today”.

The Pitchforks were not willing to concede so easily. Several, frankly in a state of panic, called on the Board collectively to preempt their own homeowners and inform the developer that his proposal was rejected.

“Marsh Creek is one of the only places in St. Johns County with undeveloped waterfront. The Board needs to get out in front of it. We can’t wait to the General Meeting in December”, said one homeowner, responding to a suggestion the issue be presented to homeowners at that usually poorly-attended end-of-year General Homeowners’ Meeting.

“It’s time we show some spine”, echoed another. “The Board can take a position offering a sense of the community”.  

Herrington, backed by fellow board member Tim Nichols, pushed back.

“Discussion wouldn’t be the word”, Herrington said, again referring to the casual mention Hutson made during the open August board meeting.

“There is not a position at this time because there is not enough information. The developer had several ideas … a fish camp or building lots. But nothing has been presented for a decision. It’s not an issue for us”, said Herrington.

Nichols added, “John (Hutson) told this guy of the likelihood of the community approving this is a non-starter”.

And Nichols continued, offering his personal opinion: “If we’re presented with a proposal for access, 66.6% of homeowners will need to agree, and that will never happen. The county will never allow rezoning. The developer will spend thousands of dollars and years, and it will never happen. As an HOA board, we have no position. The homeowners who live here will make the decision”.

In the end, homeowner, Peggy Gachet, a realtor and member of the Pitchfork brigade, felt reassured enough to tie a bow on the discussion: “We collectively are in control. They can’t get to the island unless they go through us”.

With tensions subsided, a parting appeal from Scott Herrington, (“sorry for getting on my soapbox”, he muttered). The cop who with sensitivity and energy led the community through challenging security improvements and who served the community admirably in many other ways, looked across at the homeowners in front of him and told them and others to get involved in committees.  

“Be a part of the solution rather than coming in after the fact”.  

Four Board seats come vacant in December, and at least two committee member seats will be empty.

As Herrington was trying to say, Marsh Creek NEEDS YOU!