William Buzzett Named St. Joe Director of Special Projects
PANAMA CITY, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2001--The St. Joe Company (NYSE:JOE - news) today announced the appointment of William A. (Billy) Buzzett as director of special projects in Northwest Florida.
In his new position, Buzzett will work with local leaders on efforts to improve Northwest Florida's regional and civic infrastructure including the study effort underway to support the proposed relocation of the Panama City -- Bay County International Airport. Buzzett will be involved in planning and infrastructure development throughout Northwest Florida.
``As an attorney, developer and engineer, Billy is uniquely qualified to manage St. Joe's participation in infrastructure initiatives in Northwest Florida,'' said Robert M. Rhodes, St. Joe's executive vice president and general counsel. ``Billy is an insightful consensus builder who brings a well-rounded perspective to this position afforded by a long family heritage in Northwest Florida. He brings to this position a rare insight into Northwest Florida's strengths and potential.''
Buzzett comes to St. Joe from his private Northwest Florida legal practice where he specialized in land-use, education, and local development law along with state and federal environmental permitting. He also served as executive director of the Constitution Revision Commission charged with reviewing the state constitution and proposing changes.
Buzzett will immediately take major responsibility for the coordination of St. Joe's participation in the planning options for the relocation of the Panama City -- Bay County International Airport. In April 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration provided initial approval of a site in west Bay County for the relocated airport. The Florida Legislature appropriated $10 million in June to support planning, environmental permitting and design of the relocated airport. Last month, the Airport Authority approved a scope of work to kick off the project.
``Our objective is to bring the extensive design and planning talents of St. Joe to a partnership with Bay County and the airport authority that will produce a model vision for the west Bay County area,'' said Chris Corr, St. Joe's vice president for public affairs. ``Billy has the right combination of credentials, insight and experience to bring a sharp focus to St. Joe's participation in the process.''
``I believe this community has a rare opportunity to create a visionary plan for the next 50 years that will stand as a model for the rest of Florida, as well as the nation,'' said Buzzett. ``We have a chance to promote endearing and enduring communities, better air service at lower fares and enhance our quality of life.''
``As the community creates this plan, it is important that we work to protect the special environmental resources of West Bay,'' said Buzzett. ``At the same time, I believe the vision for this part of Bay County should include a strong emphasis on designing the relocated airport facility as an anchor for an economic development strategy that will lead to better and higher paying jobs.
In the early 1990's Buzzett served as an administrative law judge in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. He also served as a staff attorney in the Florida House of Representatives, Committee on Judiciary.
A native of Northwest Florida, Buzzett is married to Kelly Haynes Buzzett, and they have two sons. His office will be located in Panama City Beach.
The St. Joe Company, a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, is Florida's largest real estate operating company. It is engaged in community, commercial, industrial, hospitality, leisure and resort development, along with residential and commercial real estate services. The company also has significant interests in timber. |
