{"id":8568,"date":"2025-10-17T17:40:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T17:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/8568\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T17:40:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T17:40:10","slug":"bartram-trail-florida-gator-hoops-standout-swishes-zoning-board-appearance-for-new-st-johns-county-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/8568\/","title":{"rendered":"Bartram Trail, Florida Gator hoops standout swishes zoning board appearance for new St. Johns County project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bartram Trail alum and Florida Gator hoops legend Steffi Sorensen<\/a> is up big at halftime.<\/p>\n

The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency unanimously recommended approval Thursday for Dark Horse, a proposed 21,000-square-foot athletic and wellness facility spearheaded by the local basketball standout<\/a> and ESPN broadcaster.<\/p>\n

The project, planned for an 11.1-acre site on Greenbriar Road just east of Florida 13 North, includes a 12,250-square-foot covered turf field, sports performance areas, and recovery and wellness services.<\/p>\n

During an emotional presentation to the board, Sorensen, 37, spoke about her deep roots in the county and her passion for promoting lifelong health.<\/p>\n

\"SteffiSorensen starred at Bartram Trail before playing in Gainesville. (Courtesy Steffi Sorensen)<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. Johns County is home for me \u2014 it\u2019s where I grew up, where I live, and where I\u2019ll raise my family,\u201d she said. \u201cDark Horse will be built by locals, for locals.\u201d<\/p>\n

The facility aims to welcome people of all ages and fitness levels, blending athletic training with mentorship and community wellness.<\/p>\n

Sorensen shared a personal story about overcoming setbacks and the origin of the project\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I walked on to the University of Florida basketball team, my coach didn\u2019t even call my name on the first day of practice,\u201d she recalled. \u201cI ended up starting every game and became team captain. I was kind of a dark horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also revealed that although she didn\u2019t get into broadcasting school at UF, she has spent the past 10 years working with ESPN. Reflecting on her path, she said, \u201cMy life, in a way, has been a dark horse,\u201d and expressed a strong desire to mentor young people in health and wellness. \u201cHealth and wellness for me is everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"WomanSteffi Sorensen poses with her basketball jersey at Bartram Trail High School. (Courtesy of Steffi Sorensen)<\/p>\n

But some neighbors stepped into the municipal paint like Dikembe Mutombo Thursday in an attempt to swat down the venture at the proposed location.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re trying to put a square peg in a round hole,\u201d Jeff Edwards told the board, citing concerns over light and noise pollution, inadequate natural buffers, and long-term quality of life for nearby homeowners. \u201cI fully support Sorensen\u2019s concept, but I believe it isn\u2019t well suited for this area. We all root for the dark horse \u2014 but we don\u2019t want to be stuck with the manure that comes with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several board members acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the county\u2019s growing need for more recreational space, especially for children.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a huge need,\u201d said board member Judy Spiegel, noting the lack of dedicated practice areas even for youth sports. \u201cEven though this is a private facility, it fills a public void. You\u2019ve listened to the neighbors and made changes, and I appreciate that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spiegel added that the project met the spirit, if not the letter, of the comprehensive plan.<\/p>\n

The proposed site is about 1.2 miles west of Longleaf Pine Parkway and the Shoppes of Rivertown.<\/p>\n

The plan now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.<\/p>\n

FOLLOW ST. JOHNS COUNTY\u2019S MOST READ NEWS SOURCE ON\u00a0FACEBOOK\u00a0<\/a>AND\u00a0INSTAGRAM<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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