Davis Family’s $109M Property Sale and Donations Leave Lasting Impact on Florida’s Development and Education
The Davis family, known for their contributions to real estate development, education, and healthcare, has recently made a significant impact in Northeast Florida. In 2022, they sold $109 million worth of property in the region, paving the way for future development and growth. Moreover, their generous donations over the years have improved education and brought advanced healthcare facilities to the area.
One of the notable donations made by the Davis family was in 1984 when they gifted $3 million to Jacksonville University (JU). The funds were used to construct a home for the university’s business education programs, emphasizing their commitment to fostering quality education in the region. Additionally, they donated 400 acres of land to attract the prestigious Mayo Clinic to Jacksonville in 1986. The Mayo Clinic has since served over 600,000 patients from around the world.
Continuing their support for education, the Davis family made another remarkable donation to JU in 1998. This time, they contributed $20 million, with $10 million earmarked for the construction of the Davis College of Business & Technology building on the Arlington campus. These contributions have undoubtedly enhanced the educational infrastructure of JU and facilitated the growth of future business leaders.
In the healthcare sector, the Davis family’s donations have played a vital role in attracting the Mayo Clinic to Northeast Florida. The initial donation of 400 acres of land in 1986 led to the establishment of Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, which has become a leading medical center in the region. As a testament to their ongoing commitment, the Davis family conveyed an additional 210 acres of land to the Mayo Clinic in October 2022, expanding its North Campus. This expansion will further enhance the clinic’s capabilities and allow them to serve a larger population.
Apart from their involvement in education and healthcare, the Davis family has also made significant contributions to real estate development in the region. In the late 1990s, they collaborated with The PARC Group to develop the vast land they owned in south Duval and north St. Johns counties. The result was the master-planned community known as Nocatee, which encompasses numerous neighborhoods, schools, recreational facilities, and commercial spaces. In 2019, the Davis family and The PARC Group announced the development of eTown, another master-planned community in South Jacksonville. This community will feature residential, retail, and commercial spaces to meet the growing needs of the region.
Recently, the Davis family made headlines with their $109 million property sale in Northeast Florida. On December 27, they sold 3,000 acres of Governors Park in Green Cove Springs for $85 million to BTI Partners. This sale will pave the way for the development of 4,000 homes, as well as commercial, industrial, and hotel spaces in the area. The impact of this property sale cannot be understated, as it will accelerate the region’s growth and create opportunities for economic development.
The Davis family’s contributions to real estate development, education, and healthcare have left a lasting impact on Northeast Florida. Through their generous donations and strategic partnerships, they have helped shape the landscape of the region, attracting world-class institutions and fostering economic growth. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for residents is evident in their continued support for education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. As Northeast Florida continues to evolve and thrive, the Davis family’s legacy will be remembered for their invaluable contributions.
