Former Florida Gator hoops star and current ESPN analyst Steffi Sorensen wants to bring an expansive fitness facility to her hometown.
The Chris R. Sorensen Family Trust has applied to rezone approximately 11.86 acres of open rural property to planned unit development off Greenbriar Road near Switzerland Point Middle School. The land was purchased in 2022.
The project, called Dark Horse, is the longstanding vision of the decorated sports broadcaster and Bartram Trail graduate.
The master development plan states that the “facility embodies her long-held vision of creating a meaningful community space dedicated to both physical and mental health.”
According to a proposed site plan, the 21,000 square foot center will include pickleball courts, covered athletic fields, parking and other amenities.
The property is located on Greenbriar Road between Brambly Vine Drive and Balvenie Drive.
“This innovative facility will introduce a range of exciting amenities that are currently unavailable in the area, and will serve families, individuals, and student athletes who want to prioritize their long-term well-being,” according to papers filed with the St. Johns County Building Department.
Sorensen was Miss Florida Basketball in her senior year at Bartram in 2006 and is the second-highest scorer in St. Johns County history with 2,147 points
After a stint at Florida Gulf Coast University, Sorensen transferred to Florida where she excelled from beyond the 3-point stripe, shooting 39% from deep her junior year.
The St. Johns County resident was team captain as a senior.
Sorensen joined ESPN as an analyst after her college career ended and also serves as a sideline reporter with the SEC Network.
Her father, Chris, and his brother Robin were both Jacksonville firefighters before founding the successful Firehouse Subs sandwich chain.
One Response
“a meaningful community space dedicated to both physical and mental health.”, so will it be a non-profit 501(c)3?