News from St. Johns County District 4

Thank you for registering for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners District 4 newsletter. Inside you will find an update regarding projects and events in District 4 and timely information about St. Johns County programs, services, and initiatives.

Restore St. Johns Hurricane Housing Recovery Program

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 [email protected].

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.

Volunteer Opportunities with SJC Boards and Committees

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 [email protected] for more information.

Employment Opportunities with St. Johns County

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.

St. Johns County Updated FEMA Floodplain Maps

As of December 7, 2018, St. Johns County has adopted new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (Flood Maps) with updated Base Flood Elevations and flood zone boundaries. Residents are encouraged to visit the County's Flood Zone Viewer to verify their zones as they may have changed. Changes in flood zone could impact flood insurance rates and/or requirements. For more information on the updated FEMA floodplain maps, please call 904.209.0667.

St. Johns County Employee of the Year

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners would like to congratulate 2018 St. Johns County Employee of the Year David Raulerson and thank him for his dedicated service to the community. Mr. Raulerson was recognized at the annual St. Johns County Employee Service Awards Ceremony earlier this month celebrating more than 200 staff members who have up to 35 years of service with the County.

Sing Out Loud Festival Honored with Quality of Life Award

St. Johns County's Sing Out Loud Festival was recently recognized with the "Quality of Life" award by the Northeast Florida Regional Council. The Festival was honored for its positive impact to the community and a $98,000 donation it presented to the Betty Griffin Center. The 2018 Sing Out Loud Festival featured more than 270 performances at 18 venues and welcomed more than 25,000 visitors to St. Augustine in September.

St. Johns County Beach Season Begins March 1

The warmer weather is finally approaching just in time for the beginning of St. Johns County Beach Season. Beach Driving Passes are on sale and are required for on-beach vehicular access beginning March 1. St. Johns County resident passes are $50, non-resident passes are $100, and handicap passes are $40. Passes will be available at all beach access toll booths at the following locations during normal business hours throughout the summer:

* Tax Collector's Main Office - 4030 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine
* Tax Collector's DuPont Center - 6658 US1 South, St. Augustine
* Tax Collector's Julington Creek Off ice - 725 Flora Branch Blvd., St. Johns
* Tax Collector's Ponte Vedra Office - 5430 Palm Valley Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach
* St. Johns County Beach Services Office - 901 Pope Rd., St. Augustine
* St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop - 350 A1A Blvd., St. Augustine

Please note that lifeguards will be on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Beach goers are encouraged to exercise caution while visiting the beach and swimming in the ocean.

For more information about annual beach driving passes, please call the St. Johns County Beach Services Office at 904.209.0341. Visit the Reach the Beach Mobile App or http://www.sjcfl.us/beaches for current beach access updates and beach driving conditions.

Fort Matanzas Beach Access Ramp Replacement

The Fort Matanzas Beach Access Ramp, owned and operated by the National Park Service, sustained substantial damage during Hurricane Matthew. St. Johns County is working with the National Park Service to replace the damaged ramp in order to restore beach driving at that location. The new access ramp is scheduled to open in May and will allow two-way access between Fort Matanzas and Crescent Beach when conditions allow. For more information, please call 904.209.0333.

Vilano Landing Floating Docks Repair Project

The floating docks at the Vilano Landing Boat Ramp are currently undergoing repairs and improvements and are scheduled to be open in March. The boat ramps and one floating dock will remain open throughout the duration of the project. The project will address damages caused by Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma, and will provide a more safe and enjoyable boating experience for residents and visitors who utilize the Vilano Landing Boat Ramp. For more information, please call 904.209.0333.

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Events and Programs

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.

Spring Break Camp: March 18 through 22

Join St. Johns County Parks and Recreation for a week of fun at Spring Break Camp from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 18 through 22 at Ketterlinus Gym, 60 Orange St. Kids ages 5 to 12 will spend the week playing games, participating in hands-on activities, visiting the playground, and going on a field trip to downtown. Food and snacks will not be provided and the cost is $30 per participant. For more information and to register, please email [email protected] or call 904.669.6612.

Native Landscaping Lecture Series

St. Johns County has partnered with the UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County office to host a lecture on Florida-Friendly Landscaping from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8 at THE PLAYERS Community Center, 175 Landrum Lane. This workshop focuses on low-maintenance plants and environmentally-sustainable practices. You will also learn how to select Florida-friendly plants for your landscape. This program is free and registration is required. Please call 904.209.0335 for more information and to register.

Kayak Fishing - McCullough Creek

Join the County's Park Naturalist for a morning of freshwater fishing along the McCullough Creek from 7 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13. The group will launch from the McCullough Creek Soft Launch, 2310 CR 13 South. For more information on registration and kayak rental fees, please call 904.209.0348.

St. Johns County Public Library Events and Programs

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.

St. Johns Reads 2019

Lisa Wingate's novel Before We Were Yours was announced as the featured book for the 2019 St. Johns Reads community-wide reading project. A variety of programs focusing on the book will be staged at all six St. Johns County library locations and two bookmobiles throughout the month of February, including food and art events, book discussions, and lectures.

Anastasia Branch Library

- Baby and Toddler Time

- Lotus Yoga

Bartram Trail Branch Library

- Family Story Time

- Sign Language

Hastings Branch Library

- Art and Science Lab for Kids

- AARP Tax Aide

Main Branch Library

- AARP Tax Aide

- Florida Writers Association

Ponte Vedra Branch Library

- Wednesday Book Club

- Make and Take Class

Southeast Branch Library

- Family Fitness and Running Club

- Infant Foundations

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.

St. Johns County Holiday Hours

Presidents Day - February 18

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, St. Johns County libraries, and the Pet Center will be closed Monday, February 18 in observance of Presidents Day. All offices will resume standard business hours on Tuesday, February 19.

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.

Good Friday - April 19

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, library branches, and the Pet Center will be closed Friday, April 19 in observance of Good Friday. All library branches and the Pet Center will reopen on Saturday, April 20. All other offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, April 22.

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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