Additional St. Johns County COVID-19 response measures (released March 23)
In response to the impacts of COVID-19 in the community, St. Johns County is taking additional measures to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents, visitors and workforce. Effective Monday, March 23, the following policies, procedures and actions will remain in effect until further notice:
• Public Meeting Procedures – In accordance with State of Florida Executive Order 20-69, local government and public meetings do not require a quorum to be present in person or meet in a specific public place. In addition, communications media technology, such as telephonic and video conferencing, may be utilized to conduct public meetings. The order does not suspend any other requirement under the Florida Constitution or “Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Laws.”
• Limited Public Building Access – All St. Johns County facilities are operating under limited public access restrictions. In an effort to reduce the size of public gatherings and maintain the CDC recommended minimum distance of six feet between parties, each facility will implement individual guidelines relative to their specific building clientele and services. Measures could include the closure of public lobbies, the encouragement of online business practices and the reduction of building occupancy.
• COVID-19 Closure and Cancellation Extensions – All current St. Johns County facility closures and program cancellations associated with COVID-19 are extended through April 17. The closure extension applies to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, all St. Johns County public libraries, and recreational programming and facilities.
St. Johns County will continue to evaluate and adapt all policies and practices in order to appropriately respond to COVID-19. For more information, call the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center COVID-19 Hotline at 904-824-5550.
St. Johns County Utility Customer Service/Billing lobby closed, additional services available (related March 25)
The St. Johns County Utility Customer Service/Billing lobby is closed to walk-in customers until further notice. The on-site drive through, drop box locations and pay-by-phone options will remain open to accept payments and provide services. Online bill payment and other utility services are also available at www.sjcfl.us/utilities.
The Utility Department standard operating business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information, call Utility Customer Service at 904-209-2700.
St. Johns County Utility Department suspending late fees and service disconnections (released March 25)
The St. Johns County Utility Department is suspending late fees on utility bills, effective immediately, in an attempt to ease financial strain on families and businesses impacted by COVID-19. In addition, the Utility Department will not disconnect services on accounts with an outstanding balance. These measures are in effect until further notice. Customers with past-due balances that predate the current health emergency are still expected to pay for their services. For more information, call 904-209-2700 or visit www.sjcfl.us/utilities.
Recreation Advisory Board meeting canceled (released March 25)
The St. Johns County Recreation Advisory Board meeting scheduled for April 9 has been canceled. The board is scheduled to meet on the second Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. in the St. Johns Conference Room, located in the County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View.
With the exception of this meeting, all other meetings previously noticed will take place at the time and date advertised, unless otherwise posted. For more information, call 904-209-0333.