Palatka, Florida, January 22, 2026
Developers of the Palatka Motorsports Park have submitted an environmental permit application, moving closer to construction of the 440-acre complex. This facility will feature a racetrack, go-kart course, hotel, and more. Following zoning approvals, the park aims to host various events while stimulating local economic growth.
Palatka Motorsports Park Advances with Environmental Permit Application
Palatka, Florida – Developers of the Palatka Motorsports Park have taken a significant step forward by submitting an environmental permit application, bringing the proposed 440-acre complex closer to construction. The application, filed on January 21, 2026, seeks approval from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to proceed with the project.
Project Details
The planned motorsports park is set to feature a multi-turn racetrack for cars, a go-kart course, meeting facilities, garages, and a hotel. The development aims to provide a venue for driver training, including defensive driving courses for teens and high-performance track days for racing drivers. Additionally, the park plans to host music festivals, car shows, and other events, contributing to the local economy and community engagement.
Regulatory Process
Prior to this application, the project received zoning approvals from Putnam County officials in November 2025. The SJRWMD’s role is to assess the environmental impact of the proposed development, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Public participation is encouraged during this process, allowing residents to provide input on the permit application.
Background
The Palatka Motorsports Park is a collaborative effort between Scott Lagasse Sr., a retired professional racer, and his son, Scott Lagasse Jr., a former NASCAR and Trans-Am racing driver. The Lagasse family has envisioned this project for over 15 years, aiming to create a world-class facility that serves both as a training ground for drivers and a hub for motorsports enthusiasts.
Next Steps
Upon approval of the environmental permit, the developers plan to break ground in the first quarter of 2026. The project is expected to be completed over a 10-year period, with an estimated total cost of $200 million. The development is anticipated to generate jobs, attract tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the Palatka area.
Contact Information
For more information or to submit comments on the permit application, residents can contact the SJRWMD at their Palatka headquarters:
St. Johns River Water Management District
4049 Reid Street
Palatka, Florida 32177-2529
P.O. Box 1429
Palatka, Florida 32178-1429
Phone: (386) 329-4500
Email: [email protected]
Website: sjrwmd.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Palatka Motorsports Park?
The Palatka Motorsports Park is a proposed 440-acre complex featuring a multi-turn racetrack for cars, a go-kart course, meeting facilities, garages, and a hotel. It aims to provide a venue for driver training, including defensive driving courses for teens and high-performance track days for racing drivers, as well as hosting music festivals, car shows, and other events.
What is the current status of the project?
As of January 21, 2026, the developers have submitted an environmental permit application to the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). This is a crucial step in the regulatory process before construction can commence.
Who are the developers behind the project?
The project is a collaborative effort between Scott Lagasse Sr., a retired professional racer, and his son, Scott Lagasse Jr., a former NASCAR and Trans-Am racing driver. The Lagasse family has envisioned this project for over 15 years, aiming to create a world-class facility that serves both as a training ground for drivers and a hub for motorsports enthusiasts.
How can residents provide input on the permit application?
Residents can submit comments on the permit application to the SJRWMD at their Palatka headquarters. The SJRWMD encourages public participation during the permitting process to ensure community concerns are addressed.
What are the next steps for the project?
Upon approval of the environmental permit, the developers plan to break ground in the first quarter of 2026. The project is expected to be completed over a 10-year period, with an estimated total cost of $200 million. The development is anticipated to generate jobs, attract tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the Palatka area.
Key Features of the Palatka Motorsports Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Palatka, Florida |
| Size | 440 acres |
| Main Attractions | Multi-turn racetrack for cars, go-kart course, meeting facilities, garages, hotel |
| Purpose | Driver training, defensive driving courses, high-performance track days, music festivals, car shows, other events |
| Developers | Scott Lagasse Sr. and Scott Lagasse Jr. |
| Estimated Cost | $200 million over 10 years |
| Economic Impact | Job creation, tourism attraction, economic growth in Palatka area |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
