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| James K. Johns District 1 Board of County Commissioners P: 904.209.0301 C: 904.615.7437 bcc1jjohns@sjcfl.us ____________________ |
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Upcoming
Meetings
JUNE
6/17 - Tourist Development Council
6/18 - Board of County Commissioners
6/20 - Planning and Zoning Agency
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JULY
7/15 - Tourist Development Council
7/16 - Board of County Commissioners
7/18 - Planning and Zoning Agency
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AUGUST
8/1 - Planning and Zoning Agency
8/5 - Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board
8/6 - Board of County Commissioners
8/15 - Planning and Zoning Agency
8/19 - Tourist Development Council
8/20 - Board of County Commissioners
All meeting dates are subject to change. Please visit
www.sjcfl.us
for current meeting information.
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Upcoming
Shows
For upcoming St. Augustine Amphitheatre or Ponte Vedra Concert Hall events please call 904.209.0367 or visit the events
website.
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| Invite a friend or neighbor to register for the St. Johns County E-Newsletters. 
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Thank you for registering for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners District 1 newsletter. Inside you will find an update regarding projects and events in District 1 and timely information about St. Johns County programs, services, and initiatives.
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St. Johns County District 1 Update
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Every June, St. Johns County begins preparing its budget for the following fiscal year. One of the many things that I have learned about this process is that citizen input is important to the success of our County. A draft of the budget prepared by Administration and the Office of Management and Budget is available
here for anyone who wants to review it. During June, the budgets for your constitutional elected offices are also due and will be posted for citizen review.
Your County Commissioners and County staff need and welcome your input as to what you believe St. Johns County's spending priorities should be for the upcoming year. Please feel free to call, email, or attend a Commission meeting and let your voice be heard. Call or email me personally at 904.615.7437 or
bcc1jjohns@sjcfl.us.
A new fire station is in progress in northwest St. Johns County located at St. Johns Parkway and Race Track Road.
Fire Station 19 will provide a significant response improvement within the northwest portion of the County, and bring many residents within five miles of a fire station, which has the potential to significantly decrease homeowners' insurance rates. St. Johns County has applied for a Federal SAFER grant which will help fund the personnel required for the Station in portion for the first three years of operation. The new station is anticipated to open in early 2020.
Finally, with school out, take some time to enjoy the many wonderful activities, parks, and events that our incredible community offers. Please remember, take plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Sincerely,
James K. Johns
St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners
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Durbin Park Town Center Update
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The Durbin Park town center on Race Track Road is seeing a new business open nearly every month. This mixed use project is providing needed shops and services to the residents of our community, creating jobs and dramatically improving commute times for those who patronize the businesses.
Locations currently open for business include Walmart, Home Depot, Chase Bank, GATE gas station, Mattress Firm, and Smoothie King. Additional establishments announced to open in 2019 at Durbin Park are Sprint, Burlington, Ross, Petco, Dollar Tree, Five Below, AT&T, Lee Nails & Spa, CareSpot Urgent Care, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Great Clips, Heartland Dental, Discount Tire, Verizon, Hair Cuttery, T-Mobile, and Baptist Health.
Restaurant and eateries include Your Pie, Bonchon, Starbucks, Salsas Mexican Restaurant, Keke's Breakfast Cafe, Firehouse Subs, Jana Japanese Steakhouse, and Kazu Sushi Burrito.
In fall 2019, Cinemark will open a 12-screen movie theater featuring their XD auditorium technology, 4K digital projection and RealD 3D capability as well as "Luxury Loungers," electric-powered, plush, oversize recliners with footrests and cup holders.
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Alpine Groves Park Improvements
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The Alpine Groves farmhouse is the anchor of the Alpine Groves passive park, which attracts people of all ages and interprets 1800s orange grove plantation history along the St. Johns River. The park was acquired with Florida Forever grant assistance with legal obligations of preserving and using this structure. A $250,000 grant in 2007 funded the rehabilitation of most of the exterior of the farmhouse from its ruined state for educational and public use.
Recently, the Northwest Tower Committee approved $100,000 in funding for the Parks and Recreation Department to complete the final phase of renovations to the farmhouse. The Tower Committee funding, in addition to
$55,700
State of Florida Historical Grant funding, will be used to stabilize and repair the farmhouse to allow public entry to it during local special events. The County is currently waiting on State approval to proceed with the rehabilitation project. For more information, please call 904.209.0333.
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District 1 Roadway Improvement Projects
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Several roadway projects in District have recently been completed including State Road 9B widening, West Peyton Parkway widening, Race Track Road widening from St. Johns Parkway to Bartram Parkway, West County Road 210 resurfacing, and adding turn lanes on St. Johns Parkway at Russell Sampson and Longleaf Pine Parkway.
Current roadway projects underway include the widening of County Road 210 from Greenbriar Road to Cimarrone Boulevard. A study is also underway to assess intersection improvements at Veterans Parkway and Race Track Road.
The County Road 2209 Extension is substantially complete from County Road 210 to Silverleaf Parkway. The first segment of the CR 2209 Extension is anticipated to open in January 2020, pending no major setbacks due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, Silverleaf Parkway from CR 2209 to State Road 16/County Road 16A is substantially complete, with an opening date yet to be determined.
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Restore St. Johns Hurricane Housing Recovery Program
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 If you own a home damaged by Hurricane Matthew and still need help recovering from the home damage, you can now register for assistance through Restore St. Johns: St. Johns County Hurricane Housing Recovery Program.
To register, use the online registration form available at
www.sjcfl.us/restore/ or visit the Restore St. Johns Office located on the second floor of the St. Johns County Health and Human Services Center (200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084). The Restore
St. Johns Office will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (except for County holidays). If you have questions while registering, you can call the Restore St. Johns hotline at 904.209.1280 or email your question to cdbgdr@sjcfl.us.
Restore St. Johns is funded through a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant and administered by the County. Millions of dollars are available in assistance for eligible St. Johns County homeowners. For more information on the types of assistance available and to register, visit the Restore St. Johns website at
www.sjcfl.us/restore/. Helping low- to moderate-income homeowners is a program priority.
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Volunteer Opportunities with SJC Boards and Committees
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 The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners provides residents who have an interest in participating in their local government with a variety of board and commission opportunities. Depending on the board or commission, the volunteer positions consider and make recommendations regarding a myriad of topics including planning and zoning issues, development projects, the library, parks and recreation facilities and programs, and arts, culture, and tourism matters. Please visit the Boards and Commission Webpage to view an updated list of board and commission vacancies and download an application, or contact the Board of County Commissioners office at
904.209.0300 or mlundquist@sjcfl.us for more information.
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Employment Opportunities with St. Johns County
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With more than 40 departments and divisions serving the residents of St. Johns County, the Board of County Commissioners offers a variety of employment opportunities that encompass all forms of public service. Jobs are posted weekly with detailed descriptions and salary information. To view current employment opportunities with St. Johns County, please visit www.sjcfl.us/Personnel/Jobs.aspx.
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St. Johns County Sea Turtle Nesting Season Began in May
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 The beaches of St. Johns County are home to several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles. Residents and visitors have a special opportunity and responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures and their vulnerable nesting sites as they return each season to nest along the beaches. Sea turtle nesting season began May 1, and St. Johns County officials are asking residents, visitors, and businesses to help protect natural habitat by observing all nesting season laws and regulations. Between May 1 and October 31, vehicular traffic on the beach is allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Beach visitors can also have a positive impact on nesting sea turtles by taking the following actions while enjoying the beach:
- Refrain from using fireworks and open fires.
- Remove ruts and fill in all holes.
- Remove all chairs, umbrellas, or canopies from the beach before dark.
- Avoid entering sand dunes and conservation zones (15 feet seaward of the dune line).
- Refrain from using balloons.
- Never approach sea turtles emerging from, or returning to the sea. Nesting sea turtles are vulnerable, timid, and can be easily frightened away.
Never push an injured animal back into the ocean. If an injured, sick, or deceased sea turtle is encountered, please call the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch line at 904.824.8304. Leave only your footprints, providing the turtles with a safe and clean habitat in which to nest and hatch. St. Johns County is grateful to volunteers, residents, visitors and businesses for supporting habitat conservation efforts and keeping our beaches beautiful. For more information, please contact St. Johns County Habitat Conservation and Beach Management at 904.209.3740 or visit www.sjcfl.us/hcp.
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St. Johns County "Sober Skipper" Initiative
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 St. Johns County Parks and Recreation recently partnered with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office to help prevent boating under the influence. Sponsored by the Sea Tow Foundation, the Sober Skipper initiative includes applying a stencil stating "Designate a Sober Skipper" to all County boat ramps. Additional Sober Skipper information will be disseminated on Parks and Recreation on Facebook. For more information, please call 904.209.0333.
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St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Events and Programs
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 From beaches to nature trails, historic landmarks and fishing docks, Parks and Recreation offers something for everyone. The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department hosts programs each month to encourage residents and visitors to be active, enjoy the beauty of the County's parks, and have fun. To receive updates and information on programs and services, please click
here to sign up for the Parks and Recreation e-newsletter. For more information on the programs below, visit
www.sjcfl.us.
Basics in Nature Photography
Join St. Johns County Parks and Recreation and local photographer Nicholle Goodnight for a hands-on class to sharpen your photography skills. Learn how to capture the amazing beauty of nature that lies within St. Johns County. Participants must be at least 12 years old and bring their own camera equipment. This program is free but
registration is required. For more information, please email
kussia@sjcfl.us or call 904.209.0335.
Treasures of the Beach
Our East Coast beaches are constantly changing and bringing new items on the shore. Learn how to identify items such as shells, sea beans, grasses, shark's teeth, and marine debris with this interactive program from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 at the Anastasia Island Library, 124 Sea Grove Main Street. This event is free and seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, please call 904.209.0335.
Nocatee Sunset Kayak Trips
Explore the marshes of the Tolomato River with St. Johns County's naturalists. Participants will paddle the marsh while learning about the unique animals that live there and why estuaries are so important to our ecosystem. Trips will take place from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on June 27, 28, 29, and 30 at the Nocatee Landing on Tolomato Road. Cost varies for residents and non-residents. For more information and to register, please email
kussia@sjcfl.us or call 904.209.0335.
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St. Johns County Public Library Events and Programs
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 The St. Johns Public Library System consists of six library branches, two bookmobiles, and an array of online resources available to all library card holders. To view a full program and event calendar, and more information on the programs below, please visit
www.sjcpls.org.
Bartram Trail Branch Library Closed for Renovation
The Bartram Trail Branch Library will be closed through September due to a replacement of the fire suppression system throughout the building. Throughout the closure, patrons can request, check out, and drop off items at a temporary library located at Mills Field, 1721 Race Track Road. The temporary location will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Patrons can also take advantage of the bookmobiles or multiple online resources including e-books and newspaper access found at
www.sjcpls.org. For more information and additional announcements regarding the closure, please visit
www.sjcpls.org/closure.
Anastasia Branch Library
- Baby and Toddler Little Ones Classes
- Teen Book Club
Hastings Branch Library
- Art and Science Lab for Kids
- Space Camp
Main Branch Library
- Singing Storytime
- Low-Impact Zumba Gold
Ponte Vedra Branch Library
- Adult Coloring Club
- "Baby and Me" Lapsit Class
Southeast Branch Library
- Preschool Storytime
- Zen Meditation and Mindfulness
Bookmobiles
St. Johns County is proud to offer two bookmobiles that service various areas of the County. To find more information on the bookmobiles including schedules, please visit
www.sjcpls.org/bookmobile.
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St. Johns County Holiday Hours
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Independence Day
All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, St. Johns County libraries, the Pet Center, Supervisor of Elections Office, and the Property Appraiser's Office will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. All offices will resume standard business hours on Friday, July 5.
Garbage, recycling, and yard debris will be collected on your normal scheduled day. The Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road solid waste scale houses will remain open during standard business hours.
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