Henry Dean
Vice-chair, District 5
Board of County Commissioners
P: 904.209.0305
C: 904.325.3924
Anticipated to be complete three months ahead of schedule and approximately $8 million under budget, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach Renourishment Project is almost finished. Placing 1.3 million cubic yards of sand on the shoreline, the initiative expanded the beach by 42 acres. During the final phase of this project, the Corps will plant sea oats along 21 acres of new dunes.

Employing more than 100 people, this important shore restoration project provides enhanced protection to our northern beaches, new opportunities for vital economic and tourism growth, and security for A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, one of St. Johns County’s most vital evacuation routes.

I want to thank you for continuing to entrust me to represent District 5 and the interests of all St. Johns County residents. Please do not hesitate to email me at bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us with questions, comments, or concerns.

Sincerely,

Henry Dean, Vice-chair
District 5
St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners
Hello
Thank you for registering for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners District 5 newsletter. Inside you will find an update regarding projects and events in District 5, and timely information about St. Johns County programs, services, and initiatives.
St. Johns County COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Initiated in January, St. Johns County’s vaccination program is currently ranked among the highest in the state of Florida. Those interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from St. Johns County at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St., may do so by preregistering for an appointment at sjcvaccineappointment.sjcfl.us. To receive text notifications regarding the program, text SJCVACCINE to 888777. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccination eligibility, identification and residency requirements, and preregistration, call the St. Johns County COVID-19 vaccination hotline at 904.295.3711. You must dial all ten digits to reach the COVID-19 vaccine hotline. We thank you for your support and patience as St. Johns County continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines to the community as quickly and safely as possible.
St. Johns County 200th Anniversary Celebration

On July 21, 2021, St. Johns County is celebrating the 200th anniversary of our founding as a County. Visit www.sjc200.com to learn about the history of St. Johns County and the upcoming 200th Anniversary events, activities, and programs. Join us throughout the year as we celebrate this momentous occasion together.

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 mlundquist@sjcfl.us for more information.
St. Johns County Receives Regional Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing

St. Johns County was recently awarded the Regional Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing by the Northeast Florida Regional Council for the County’s new workforce housing zoning designation. The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners authorized a new zoning designation that would offer incentives for local developers to produce housing for families that make less than the Annual Median Income. The award recognizes individuals, organizations, or specific projects with a primary focus on meeting the planning and growth management needs of communities within the Northeast Florida Region. The “workforce” zoning designation went into effect in August 2020 and has drawn interest from a variety of homebuilders. Visit here for more information.
"Outside the Box" Art in Public Spaces Exhibit
Features Local Artists

St. Johns County’s Art in Public Spaces program is excited to host the “Outside the Box” art exhibition through April 29 at the County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View. Hosted in partnership with the St. Johns Cultural Council and Art Box, the exhibit, which features more than two dozen talented St. Johns County artists, has artwork in a variety of mediums including paint, photography, and woodworking. Visitors are invited to view the exhibit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To learn more about the St. Johns Cultural Council, please visit www.historiccoastculture.com.
On-beach Driving Passes

Toll booths are now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all St. Johns County on-beach driving access ramps. Daily passes cost $10 for County residents and non-residents, and $5 for disabled and active military beach visitors. Annual passes are also available for purchase at the booths. Visit here for more information on annual passes. Lifeguards are currently performing limited patrols, and full lifeguard coverage will begin Memorial Day Weekend. For the most up-to-date information on beach access and driving conditions, please follow @SJCBeaches on Facebook and Twitter, or download St. Johns County’s Reach the Beach app. For more information, please call 904.209.0331.
Movie in the Park: Surf's Up

Bring your family and join us for a movie by the sea on Saturday, March 27, as we watch Surf's Up at the St. Johns County Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd. The free movie begins at 7:30 p.m. and registration is required as space is limited. 

Picnic baskets are welcome; however, glass containers are prohibited. To comply with CDC social distancing guidelines, each space will be marked six feet apart and each ticket will admit up to a family of five. Face coverings will not be required to be worn while in the assigned square, but should be worn otherwise.
Drive-thru Easter Event

The Easter Bunny is coming to St. Johns County parks! Parents have the opportunity to visit one of three parks from 9 to 11 a.m. and pick up goodie bags (no more than five) for Easter fun. The Easter Bunny will be at Veterans Park and Nocatee Park on Thursday, April 1, and Treaty Park on Saturday, April 3. Registration opens March 8 for this free event, and is required. For more information, please email bjames@sjcfl.us or call 904.209.0365.
Mussallem Beachfront Park Now Open

Mussallem Beachfront Park, 3365 Coastal Highway, is now open for public use. Acquired through a grant with the Florida Communities Trust, this 8.5 acre property is a frequent nesting location for sea turtles and has healthy beach dunes. The acquisition of this passive park will preserve the integrity of this important stretch of beach. The beachfront portion of this site includes off-beach parking, a crosswalk, and beach access. Learn more about Mussallem Beachfront Park here.
The Sunshine Bus Company Offering Free Rides with
St. Johns County Library Card

The St. Johns County Public Library has partnered with the St. Johns County Council on Aging to offer library patrons a way to travel around town easier. On the first Wednesday of each month, Sunshine Bus riders may present their St. Johns County Public Library card to the driver to receive a free ride. Up to three children, ages 12 and under, may also ride with a qualifying adult at no cost. To sign up for or renew a library card, please visit any branch library. For more information about the St. Johns County Council on Aging, including information about the Sunshine Bus and schedules, please visit www.coasjc.org.
UF/IFAS Extension
St. Johns County
Master Gardener
Plant Sale

The UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County Master Gardener Volunteer Program is hosting a fundraising plant sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 16, at 3125 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine. Payments for plants are accepted with cash or check. Only 20 shoppers will be permitted in the nursery at a time, and face coverings are required. For more information, please call 904.209.0430.
St. Johns Golf Club Receives Five
North Florida Chapter PGA Awards

The Northern Chapter of the North Florida Section PGA (NFPGA) recently recognized the St. Johns Golf Club with several prominent awards during their annual meeting. St. Johns County received five of the organization’s seventeen regional awards, including:

  • Professional of the Year – Wes Tucker
  • Patriot Award – Wes Tucker
  • Public Merchandiser of the Year – Wes Tucker
  • Bill Strausbaugh Award – Tommy Aycock
  • Superintendent of the Year – Anthony Baur

Wes Tucker, Director of Golf, has been with the St. Johns Golf Club since December 1988, and won three of the awards, including the esteemed PGA Professional of the Year recognition. Tommy Aycock, Head Professional, has worked for the St. Johns Golf Club since March 2014, and was recognized with the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his professionalism and mentorship through golf instruction and community involvement. Superintendent of the Year, Anthony Baur, joined the Golf Club in November 2014, and is credited with maintaining superior greens that draw players from across the region, state, and nation. The Patriot Award was given in recognition of the St. Johns Golf Club’s support of Fold of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.
Sign Up for Alert St. Johns Emergency Notification System
St. Johns County is encouraging all residents to sign up for Alert St. Johns, a new emergency notification system that provides critical information during emergency situations. Sign up here.
Upcoming Holiday Office Closures
April 2, 2021 - Good Friday
May 31, 2021 - Memorial Day
July 4, 2021 - Independence Day
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