The Truth Behind Downtown Johnson Street: What Hawthorne Residents Need to Know
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HAWTHORNE, Fla. — If you’ve driven down Johnson Street recently, you’ve probably noticed the changes—and maybe had a few questions.
Why are there bump-outs? Why are we eliminating parking? When did this happen?
Here’s a clearer look at what’s actually happening.
Photo Credit: Mainstreet Daily News
A Plan Years in the Making
Around 2021, the City of Hawthorne secured roughly $500,000 in grant funding for downtown improvements.
This project was supported by leadership at the time, including former mayor Matt Surrency and prior city commissions, and has moved through planning, design, and contractor changes before reaching construction today.
Mainstreet Daily News was among the first organizations to report on the project, so I've attachted a link to their article, and the rendering of the street shared with the public at the time. While the design is different than it is today, the overall concept and feel remains the same.
Click here for the Mainstreet Daily News article
What You’re Seeing at the Corners
At intersections like Johnson Street and SE 69th Avenue, you’ll notice the new bump-outs (curb extensions)—and inside them, a recessed area that may look unfinished.
That feature in the photo above —the framed, lowered section inside the curb—is part of a drainage system being built into the street design.
Once completed, that area is expected to function as a stormwater basin (often called a rain garden or bioswale).
What that does:
Captures rainwater from the roadway
Helps prevent water from pooling in the street
Slows down runoff during storms
Supports long-term drainage for the area
Right now, you’re seeing it mid-construction, before final materials and finishing are installed. It may look like an empty or unfinished cutout—but it’s actually a built-in part of how the street will function.
How the Bump-Outs Fit In
The bump-outs themselves serve a few purposes:
Help slow traffic through downtown
Make intersections safer and more visible
Create a more defined and organized street layout
They work together with the drainage features—not separately.
"Why are we eliminating parking?"
Concerns have also been raised about parking along Johnson Street, particularly as the roadway begins to take on its final design. However, what may appear to be a reduction in parking is, in reality, a transition toward a more structured and intentional layout that was included in the original plans tied to the project’s funding.
The updated design incorporates clearly defined parking areas alongside features like curb extensions, which improve visibility and safety for both drivers and pedestrians. While the adjustment may take some getting used to, the goal is not to eliminate parking, but to organize it in a way that better supports long-term use of the downtown corridor.
About the Funding
Some have asked whether the money could be used elsewhere.
While I'm not sure of the specifics surrounding the funding beyond the fact that it came from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, funding for projects like this is typically designated for a specific purpose, and the city is required to follow those guidelines to use it. Often, if a city fails to use the funds for a specific project, they lose access to the money altogether – creating a situation where it essentially only makes sense to make the improvements if given the opportunity.
That’s part of how projects like this are planned and carried out over time.
Bottom Line
What you’re seeing right now is a project still in progress.
And while it may not fully make sense mid-construction, each part—from the bump-outs to the drainage features—is designed to work together once completed.
Meet the Voice Behind The Champion Times: Ronald J. Cobb II
I’m Ronald J. Cobb II—lifelong resident of Hawthorne and a candidate for Hawthorne City Commission Seat 3, with the election taking place on Tuesday, June 9th.
I’m also a University of Florida graduate, local business owner, and licensed Real Estate Sales Associate with Pepine Realty.
I’ve walked the streets of this town since I was a kid. I’ve seen its quiet seasons—and now, I’m helping to shape its comeback. Through The Champion Times, I’m committed to telling the full story of Hawthorne—the one the headlines often miss.
This isn’t just where I live. It’s where I lead, build, and believe.
My mission is simple:
To position Hawthorne, Florida as the best place to live, work, invest, and grow in Alachua County and beyond.
This is more than news—The story of Hawthorne Florida is a narrative all of America can be proud of.
Whether it's here, in business, or in Real Estate, I look forward to continued service to our great community.
