Beaches hours extended

Effective Monday, May 4, the open beach hours will be extended to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guidelines will still need to be followed to maintain social distancing.

Sea turtles could benefit from beach closures

Temporary beach closures could benefit the upcoming sea turtle nesting season, according to local turtle experts.

Free programs offered by Northeast Florida AHEC

Northeast Florida AHEC is offering free programs for ages 60 and older: Medication Management Program Participants learn how their eating habits, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and home remedies can interact with their medications.

Chamber music concerts postponed

The Florida Chamber Music Project (FCMP) has postponed its May 17 and June 7 concerts due to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall closure and other uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 17 concert was to feature Torke Corner in Manhattan and Schumann String Quartet No. 2 in A major.

Jacksonville Symphony staff to maintain salaries

Jacksonville Symphony President & CEO Steven Libman has announced that symphony musicians and staff will continue to receive full salaries and benefits through the end of the season regardless of concert cancellations.

Duval County school graduation will be in July

Duval County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene has announced that traditional graduation ceremonies could not be held in May due to safety concerns among the COVID-19 pandemic.

SJC personal property filing deadline extended

The St. Johns County Property Appraiser has extended the deadline to file a Tangible Personal Property return to May 15. The return can be filed through the Web site at www.sjcpa.us. For more information or assistance with filing, call 904-827-5508 or email tpp@sjcpa.us.

Arboretum reopens

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens has reopened. There are COVID-19 guidelines in place: • No organized group activities of more than 10 people are permitted. This includes picnics or gatherings, team sports, yoga, or any type of group activity.

Sales tax for school improvements will be on ballot

A half-cent sales tax to fund improvements at aging schools throughout the district, including the Beaches, will be on the November ballot.

Duval County beaches partially reopened

The official Opening of the Beaches was cancelled in the wake of COVID-19, but residents were more than eager to celebrate the partial reopening of Duval County beaches. City officials announced plans for a limited opening from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.