Ragga Surf Cafe Flagler County Florida Update 12/23 Post 32

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

 

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

 

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 The County ended up stepping in and provided them access to the other end of the parking lot which I believe (do not quote me as just trying to provide what I know to the best of my understanding) is associated with River to Sea Preserve.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.

 

Just a few and the many memories…

 

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.

 

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

 

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…

 

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.

 

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.

 

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…