St. Joe (NYSE:JOE) is accelerating development plans to meet growing demand for commercial and residential properties in Northwest Florida. The company’s joint venture commercial development project at Pier Park North is now 93% leased, with four new tenants recently added to the rent roll. VentureCrossings, an industrial and technology park adjacent to the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, is generating interest. The WaterSound Origins residential project will surpass 270 homes in the next year, with more residential and commercial development expected. The company is evaluating opportunities to (i) dispose of additional non-core assets, (ii) build a portfolio of income-producing commercial properties, and (iii) further reduce operating expenses – all positive trends. We remain optimistic about St. Joe’s current trajectory and owned land – a good hedge against rising inflation.
From Bruce Berkowitz (Trades, Portfolio)'s first-half 2016 letter to shareholders.
