Sports & Leisure

Saltwater fishing openings/closures updated

As of June 1, the following saltwater fisheries are open or closed to harvest:     •    Gag grouper opens for recreational harvest in most state Gulf of Mexico waters and all federal Gulf waters (season opening does not include Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties, which opened April 1,...

Freedom Boat Club assigns new director of administration and member service

Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville and St. Augustine has promoted Lindsay Sheffield to the director of administration and member service, a newly-formed position within the organization. She is responsible for managing social media, as well as member and partner communications.

Special Olympics hosting virtual polar plunge

This year, Special Olympics Florida is keeping traditions alive by hosting virtual plunges with TikTok challenges to participate in at home. All proceeds help Special Olympics Florida provide year-round training and services.

Weather provides opportunities to try things out

Like the rest of the world in 2020, there has been nothing normal about our late May weather. Any old timers will tell you March and April are windy, but by mid-May the summer pattern of SW to SE sea breezes should be in full effect. Apparently not this year.

FWC approves State Reef Fish Survey, effective July 1, 2020

At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved implementation of the new State Reef Fish Survey. This program expands the already successful Gulf Reef Fish Survey statewide to the Atlantic Coast and Monroe County.

St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop and Visitor Information Center reopens

The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop and Visitor Information Center reopened to the public May 22 after a five-month rehabilitation project. The gift shop and visitor information center will remain open to the public from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Inshore fishing ideal during high-wind weather

With the state opening back up again the week was a little slower on the water. The constant 15-20 mph winds have kept the offshore boats home but the inshore fishing has been excellent. The beach run for Pompano is still in full swing and the conditions for the weekend are looking ideal.

SJC 2020 annual on-beach driving passes extended

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners has extended all 2020 annual on-beach driving passes through the 2021 beach season. All passes purchased prior to the on-beach driving restrictions and for the remainder of the season are included in the extension.

Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp open to vehicular access

The Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp is now open to one-way traffic as an exit ramp only. This ramp reconstruction project was accomplished through a partnership between St. Johns County and the National Park Service.

Freedom Boat Club assigns new general manager

Mark Vickers has been promoted from membership executive to leadership post Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville and St. Augustine has promoted Mark Vickers to the new position of general manager for its three local boating clubs.