News

Citizens seek answers for Jax Beach drainage concern

Residents in a flood-prone area of south Jacksonville Beach are seeking answers to the community’s drainage problems. Kimberley Popovich addressed the City Council last Monday on behalf of the 221 homeowners in The Sanctuary of Jacksonville Beach.

St. Johns County Pet Center temporarily closed due to COVID-19

The St. Johns County Pet Center, 130 N. Stratton Road, is temporarily closed to the public Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13 and 14, due to staff exposure to COVID-19. During the closure, the facility will undergo deep cleaning. Any appointments previously scheduled for these days will still be honored.
Lewis Washington, owner and operator of VooSwar, and a team of volunteers hand out backpacks at Gail Baker Community Center in Atlantic Beach. (photo submitted)

Lewis Washington, owner and operator of VooSwar, and a team of volunteers hand out backpacks at Gail Baker Community Center in Atlantic Beach. (photo submitted)

VooSwar donates school supplies

Local restaurant and lounge VooSwar donated 50 backpacks filled with school supplies, snacks and essentials to the Gail Baker Community Center. Families were able to come by the community center and receive a new backpack July 30.

Jax Beach examining special events policy

City officials are taking a closer look at the special events policy in Jacksonville Beach. On Monday, City Manager Mike Staffopoulos addressed the City Council regarding revisions to the existing policy. The City Council will schedule a meeting in the fall to decide how to proceed.
The Fletcher High School Band Donut Dash will be held Aug. 28. (photo by Dabni McCrary)

The Fletcher High School Band Donut Dash will be held Aug. 28. (photo by Dabni McCrary)

Donut Dash to raise funds for FHS band

The Fletcher Band is doing their part to put the money where the music is. Band members are stepping up to orchestrate the annual run to raise money for uniforms, competition fees and other annual expenses, including cleaning supplies and air purification equipment for the band room.

COVID-19 testing site opening in Neptune Beach

The city of Jacksonville announced the opening of three additional COVID-19 testing sites, including one in Neptune Beach. The Health Department of Duval County will also add two new sites to increase the availability of free testing throughout the city.
Scotie Cousin and Morgan Devita

Scotie Cousin and Morgan Devita

Interactive art brings joy to patients

By now, anyone traveling through the Beaches has spotted a curious critter in the right of way or perched in a palm tree. The brightly-colored creations by Atlantic Beach artist Scotie Cousin bring joy to passersby.

St. Johns County buries time capsule

St. Johns County was founded July 21, 1821. To mark the county’s 200th anniversary, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, community leaders and partner agencies celebrated July 21, 2021, with an historical time capsule.
Allen Putnam, Beaches Energy; Fran Losito, Shepherd Agency; and Jen Burns and Kevin Brown, Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol. (photo submitted)

Allen Putnam, Beaches Energy; Fran Losito, Shepherd Agency; and Jen Burns and Kevin Brown, Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol. (photo submitted)

Agencies working together to protect sea turtles during nesting season

Beaches Energy Services, the city of Jacksonville Beach and the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol have concluded their annual public awareness campaign to protect sea turtles during nesting season on local beaches.