Preserving history, building a future

For Clay Today GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The county is full of rich history. Prominent historical figures and places, there are pieces of the past that make the community what it is today.

And for the Palmetto Community Development Corporation, Inc. (CDC), keeping it that way is key. 

“History helps to understand what is going on today and helps you to plan for the future,” said board member Cheryl Gonzalez.

The community-based nonprofit, originally the Mount Zion CDC, was established in 2022. The organization aims to conduct research of historical significance across the county in collaboration with many partner organizations, such as the Clay County Historical Society and Village Improvement Association.

Spawned from an idea from the church’s former pastor, the reverend Dr. James Pernell Sr., the nonprofit initially began as a way to further connect the 152-year-old church with the community and bring usage to another historic piece of treasure.

The old parsonage building, located next to the church on Palmetto Avenue, previously served as a meeting space and residence for former pastors and their families. It became unusable through the years, but Gonzalez said that Pernell always had an eye on the space, looking to renovate the building and put it to use. 

Their mission is to carry the torch onward. 

Their project — known as the Palmetto House — encompasses a place to home in on their desire to add another resource filled with programs, services and activities dedicated to their goal of serving the community.

The group imagines it as a cutting-edge local hub. An additional resource to help with filling in the gaps of significant needs and help add to what other organizations have already achieved. 

From educational-support programs and services for at-risk youths and families, the organization hopes the building continues to be a place of all-in-one support.

“I think that is essential,” she said. “To have a place where people can just come and sit down and just talk to people and feel comfortable.” 

Gonzalez said the organization also hopes to potentially add mental health resources, by way of Palmetto CDC President Cheryl King and Secretary Domonique Jackson who are both licensed mental health counselors.

With a range of small fundraisers dedicated to the cause, Gonzalez said the 2022 Clay County: Communities, Families & Friends magazine was a step forward for their initiative. 

“Some of the work that we’re doing that started out as [a] fundraiser just to help the church, is growing into something more,” she said. 

Dedicated to reminiscing on the past, present and future, she said the publication does two things: help raise funds for the building and inform the public about the city’s rich history.

Having recently accepted a Black History Proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners and working with the Clay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller and Historical Archives Division to render a history display in the lobby, Gonzalez said the group is proud to continue spreading the true impact of what it means to live in Green Cove Springs and Clay County. 

With the continuance of their fundraisers and their annual magazine publication — the 2025 edition set to be released in May — the organization said big things are planned for the future including more Heritage Walking tours, additional board members and a new website. 

They said they hope to open the center by late 2026. 

For now, Gonzalez said the organization is committed to continuing to get their name out there and make a positive impact in the community. 

Credit: Clay Today Newspaper.