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Ragga Surf Cafe Flagler County Florida Update 12/16 Post 29

Discussion in 'Too Hot for Swamp Gas' started by QGator2414, Dec 11, 2024.

  1. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    I don’t ask for favors often. But one of the most special places on this amazing creation is in a battle to be able to stay in business. I can vouch for Ragga and their community that they are us. They are Florida. They are what is right about society.

    Please take the time sign this petition. It will mean so much to our family and Ragga. I spoke with Jim tonight and the details are real and powerful. Help us protect what is right about Flagler County. Help us protect jobs. Help us protect a community that is not just on the map of people across this country. But on the map of people across this World. I have talked to them in line.

    And as a side note the University of Florida is closely associated with Marineland and what Ragga is all about with the Whitney Lab and the Sea Turtle Hospital.

    2 Chronicles 20

    Save Ragga Surf Cafe – SAVE THE CAFE — Ragga Surf Cafe | Specialty Coffee & Scratch-Made Surf Cafe in Marineland, FL
     
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  2. G8tas

    G8tas GC Hall of Fame

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    Why are they being forced to close? Why is their permit being pulled?
     
  3. OklahomaGator

    OklahomaGator Jedi Administrator Moderator VIP Member

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    I quickly browsed through the link and still don't understand the whole story.

    What I got is:
    • they had to move to a temporary spot
    • they lost their lease on the temporary spot
     
  4. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    So here is a good video about them and I will try to give a quick answer as to my understanding of things…

     
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  5. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    The video above helps provide a little context about what and who Ragga is. Truly a special place and group.

    They began in the spot from the video above. It was private land. The deal was not your typical lease. They were literally right next to Marineland and basically directly across the street from the UF Whitney Lab (slightly north).

    I would have to go look at their Instagram to get dates. But recently the land owner basically gave them two weeks to get off. Caught them by surprise. The County ended up stepping in and provided them access to the other end of the parking lot which I believe (do not quote me as just trying to provide what I know to the best of my understanding) is associated with River to Sea Preserve. With that they were given a short term license with the understanding they would work to get a fair deal done for both sides with using the land.

    Marineland is a small town with a Mayor I believe and this is where there are two sides to a story and I have Raggas side. The mayor from what I believe wants to develop 37 acres.

    And this tells me Ragga’s side is the one I want to be on…

    Can the smallest town in Florida resist development in Marineland?

    Not just because I believe in Ragga. But because we have one of the few places left that is not overdeveloped and as close to natural as you will find on the beach.

    Hope that helps.
     
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  6. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    Just a few and the many memories…

    IMG_6121.jpeg
    IMG_6122.jpeg
    IMG_6123.jpeg
    IMG_6124.jpeg
     
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  7. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    While I cannot confirm with certainty. I am very confident this is political and about development.

    It is truly baffling and makes no sense unless it is about money and developing the land with units from my understanding. The food truck/surf vibe/nature must be removed…

    I have reached out to all the commissioners. While we do not live in Flagler County full time we do own property there and spend a lot of time there. Would expect to retire there.
     
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  8. gaterzfan

    gaterzfan GC Hall of Fame

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    I’ve seen their operation many times on my rides to Matanzas Inlet or Saint Aug beach. They are always busy as there’s no other eatery between the Hammock and south Crescent although there is something opening in Matanzas. I noticed their relocation to the south end of the parking lot but didn’t know the story. I hope they are able to stay.

    The development of the area around Marineland into another residential neighborhood is really going to change that stretch of A1A. Sorta sad. Flagler has changed a lot since we moved here in 2014 and we’ve thinking about moving as the area around Flagler Beach where we live is becoming one big housing development.
     
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  9. gaterzfan

    gaterzfan GC Hall of Fame

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    Very interesting, thanks for posting. I had no idea they were involved in the farmers market too. I signed the petition and donated ….. and pray they are successful in their efforts to remain at the beach.

     
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  10. vaxcardinal

    vaxcardinal GC Hall of Fame

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  11. citygator

    citygator VIP Member

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    Beachfront is precious. I bet the town can either get more for it or the small town just doesnt want development on the beach. Tough slog for them it looks like to me. Beachfront will eventually be super rich and corporations. Good luck.
     
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  12. BLING

    BLING GC Hall of Fame

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    I don’t get that either. It says they had to move there (previous location destroyed?) and were offered a temporary permit for this site. Do they even own this land or is it city property or is it owned by another party that now wishes to develop? If they owned the land that is one thing, but since it mentions a “study” to see if a lease is feasible this doesn’t seem to be the case. If it’s someone else’s land and it was always supposed to be temporary, what is the issue?

    Let’s set aside the “surfer vibe”. I’m sure a lot of local food trucks would be like “yes, I too would love access and exclusive right of way to beach front property”.
     
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  13. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    They were kicked off private land earlier this year. 2 week notice after being there from the beginning (started around 2021/22). Nothing they can do about that.

    The county worked with them to get them on the south end of the parking lot on land that has to deal with the FCT River to Sea Preserve). The County and Marineland both have input and there are restrictions for use. Since it was short notice I believe some steps were skipped to keep them up and running on a short term license/permit until they could work out a long term deal. In the process someone has pushed to just take them out.

    I think my wife has it right. Jacoby Development wants as minimal dissension as possible. And those who support Ragga are going to be strongly against developing this land. So try to remove a problem for when they go to move on it is what I think they are doing. That said…

    UF is not with Jacoby Development. They would be supporters of Ragga. They align with the same purpose and vision. Unlike Jacoby Development.

    UF's Whitney Lab clashes with developers over the future of Marineland
     
  14. gaterzfan

    gaterzfan GC Hall of Fame

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    Just came across this

    https://www.flaglercountybuzz.com/2...r-county-administration-regarding-ragga-surf/

     
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  15. BLING

    BLING GC Hall of Fame

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    This is America comrade. There is definitely something they can do about being “kicked off” private land. Aquire their own plot of land or sign a lease somewhere for their business to operate.

    This whole things sounds like a squatters rights type appeal. As I said, I’m sure lots of food trucks would love to claim beach or state park locations as their own. If enough people in the community cares maybe they can get an official lease with the cities’ blessing on this preserve land and operate as a vendor, but effectively they are looking for something most other businesses in the area likely wouldn’t get or ask for. Maybe they have the community goodwill to make that happen, since it sounds like they have some support, but it also doesn’t sound like they are exactly victims if they are forced to do what normal businesses have to do (look for and pay fair market value for a location to operate). You can’t get “kicked off” land you own or have a signed contract to use commercially.
     
  16. dangolegators

    dangolegators GC Hall of Fame

    Apr 26, 2007
    It's Florida. What do you expect? And seems like a lot of fuss for a business that's only been around 3 years.
     
  17. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    I was just about to post an update which this summarizes pretty well. That said. I think there is a suspicious lack of urgency from some at the county and the mayor of Marineland.

    I will post an update of my understanding today. Out with family right now. Wearing my Ragga hat in Ocala lol…
     
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  18. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    Please take your negative attitude/vibe elsewhere. It is probably more your dislike of my politics. And that is fine. I just ask that you save that for other threads.

    I have already said what you just did. Nothing they can do about the private side. They are all for bidding out for use of the land they are on now. The last thing they are doing is asking for a handout.
     
  19. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    Pretty amazing how a little business that has been around for only three years can generate this kind of support. They are special for not just Flagler County. But Florida!

    I get the feel you have a bias against it because I am supporting them? If so really odd and sad.
     
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  20. QGator2414

    QGator2414 VIP Member

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    Update…

    The County has put out a statement.

    https://www.flaglercountybuzz.com/2...r-county-administration-regarding-ragga-surf/

    I have now been in contact with two of the County Commissioners. I believe they want the best. However I am not certain about some others that are in leadership positions. I have expressed my concerns that it was clear that when Ragga was given 30 days I believe (I had been saying two weeks and need to correct that if I am wrong/Commissioner Dance told me in an email it was 30 days back in September they were given) that there was clear urgency by the County to find a solution. And that now there appears to be no urgency and that I feel that is where most of the frustration is coming.

    I have also spoken with Ragga multiple times over the past few days. It has been a tough go but while a lot appears to be stacked against them. They feel there are some cracks and fractures that are on their side. I will be in touch with them over the next few days to see whether we need to focus on Monday or Thursday or both to be the most productive. We will plan to hit De Santis’s office and the state Reps office as well to see if we can get some push on FCT/FDEP.

    Here is a little video of a Sunday morning you can enjoy at Ragga with our family…

     
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