St. Johns County issues local state of emergency ahead of Helene

St. Johns County issued a local state of emergency effective 8 a.m. Sept. 25 in advance of potential storm conditions due to Helene. This mirrors the declaration of a state of emergency issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Duval County schools closing due to storm

Due to the impending threat of potential Hurricane Helene, Duval County Public Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26 and 27. All after-school activities and athletics scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 25, through Sept. 27 are canceled.

St. Johns County providing free sandbags

St. Johns County will provide free sandbags Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as long as weather permits at the following six locations: • Palm Valley Bridge – East Side of Intracoastal Waterway • Windswept Acres Park – 5335 SR A1A South, St.

St. Johns County honors 101-year-old World War II veteran

On Sept. 17, St. Johns County celebrated the life and service of Joe Shomo, a resident of St. Augustine and a World War II veteran, during a recognition ceremony held in the St. Johns County Administration Rotunda. Shomo, who turned 101 Aug.

Verbal warning issued to member of Jacksonville Beach Planning Commission

On Sept. 16, Jacksonville Beach officials issued a verbal warning against a member of the city’s Planning Commission after an altercation with a neighbor resulted in an ethics complaint.

Second ferry to be added thanks to $15.6 million grant

Federal funds will add a second vessel to the St. Johns Ferry fleet. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority was recently awarded a $15.6 million federal grant for the purchase of an additional boat that will run on a hybrid mix of diesel and battery power.

Nominations sought for Beaches Watch 'Give Back' Award

The Beaches Watch Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the 15th Annual Beaches Watch "Give Back" Award. This $500 donation recognizes a nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of beaches residents. Nominations should be submitted by midnight, Friday, Oct.

Adventure Landing staying open through 2025 season

Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach was recently granted its eighth lease extension, keeping the park open through the 2025 season. Owner Hank Woodburn confirmed Sept. 18 that the park will remain open through next September.

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation offering extensions for pier pass memberships while Ocean and Fishing Pier remains landlocked

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department will offer extensions to anyone with an annual fishing pass for the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier for every month the pier remains landlocked. The pier became landlocked due to crucial beach renourishment efforts by the U.S.

Flagler College signs memorandum of understanding with Spanish university

Flagler College took a step toward fostering global partnerships by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spain’s University of Oviedo Sept. 5 in Ponce Hall. The ceremony was attended by guests including St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and Mariví Monteserín, mayor of Aviles, Spain.