A new archery facility is being proposed for a 3.48-acre property in St. Augustine, but it’s a moving target.
Tentatively named Marsh & Arrow, the project would bring an “archery course, archery range and accessory uses” to 7732 and 7740 U.S. 1 South, according to plans submitted to St. Johns County.
Backers describe the venture as “a hands-on archery range where families, hunters and outdoor lovers come to learn, train and become proficient in archery.”
The concept emphasizes both education and recreation, with a focus on real-world practice and skill-building in a natural setting.
“The goal is to bring people together through real-life practice and a strong outdoor community with a very low impact hobby,” the backers said in a statement.
The proposal is currently in the early stages of review and would require county approval before moving forward. However, county staff noted multiple hurdles related to the property’s zoning and land use designation.
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The site is currently zoned Open Rural, which does not allow archery as a permitted use.
While staff explored treating it as comparable to an outdoor firing range—a category that would allow special use permitting—that route requires a minimum of 10 acres, far more than the site’s 3.48.
Compounding the issue, the land is designated for Rural Silviculture, which prohibits new standalone commercial uses.
Because Marsh & Arrow would be open to the public and is not tied to agriculture, it is considered a commercial operation under current rules.
To proceed, the owners would need to seek both a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a rezoning.
