Essentials can keep you safe at sea

Anyone who spends significant time on a boat is going to run into issues. Repairs and preventative maintenance are essential to keep any vessel seaworthy. I always do a quick walk around the night before a trip, checking on known issues and looking for any surprises.

Donner Park's splash pad opens in Atlantic Beach

Kids will have fun staying cool this summer at the new splash pad at Donner Park in Atlantic Beach. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Saturday at George Street and Dutton Island Road. The splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or sunset) at 2072 George St.

Urban Trails Project moving forward in Jacksonville Beach

The first phase of a new trail system designed to connect people and places in Jacksonville Beach is moving forward. City planners are walking back the portion of the project that will impact the yards of those in its path.

Gag grouper recreational harvest closes in Atlantic state waters June 15

The recreational harvest of gag grouper in state waters of the Atlantic Ocean closes at 12:01 a.m. on June 15, consistent with the closure in adjacent federal waters.

What every student-athlete should know about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

You may find it difficult to wrap your mind around the idea of an energetic student-athlete with a cardiac diagnosis.

St. Johns County Pet Center offering free dog adoptions

The St. Johns County Pet Center, located at 130 N. Stratton Road in St. Augustine, is facing overcrowding due to increased pet surrenders and strays. To address this situation, the Pet Center is waiving the $60 adoption fee for dogs through the end of June.

Sales of First Coast Island Life maps will help support Deck the Chairs

When founder Kurtis Loftus developed the concept for Deck the Chairs, he framed the event around an iconic element connected to the identity of Jacksonville Beach. A decade later, he continues to seek out new ways to grow the city’s signature holiday spectacular.

St. Johns County Public Library System announces 2024 Summer Reading Program

The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) recently announced its “Adventure Begins at Your Library” 2024 Summer Reading Program that will run from June 2 through July 27.

Offshore fishing could be breezy

As we move out of May and into June, it’s been a fantastic start to the summer fishing season. The mahi run is tapering off, but the bottom fishing is wide open, and the kingfish are thick from the beach out to the wrecks.

Getting in on the action

Tyler, left, wanted in on the bottom fishing action. He caught his first gag grouper on his last trip out of Mayport with Capt. Chris Shultz, right. See the complete fishing report in the e-Edition.