Featured Content
- St. Johns County Announces First-Ever Community Branding Initiative. St. Johns County is excited to announce an upcoming branding effort to reflect our diverse and growing county. This research-driven, county-wide initiative will provide an opportunity for local community members to give their input through focus groups and online participation to ensure the new brand represents St. Johns County’s unique history, diversity, and experiences. The branding initiative will help St. Johns County promote itself as a premier location to live, work, and visit.
- We want to hear your feedback! You still have time to fill out the community feedback survey for Phase II of the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Your responses will help county leaders determine the best possible plan for these federal dollars. Visit www.sjcfl.us/SJCARPA to take the survey now and share the link with your neighbors.
- St. Johns County is launching a new emergency notification system to provide residents with critical information during emergency situations. The new Alert St. Johns system will enable residents to get critical information in a variety of situations including severe weather, unexpected road closures, water advisories, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, and incidents that may threaten public safety. To receive alerts, sign up at https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736725582#/login.
- The Fire Watch Program and App. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately twenty veterans commit suicide each day in the United States. To respond to this national epidemic, St. Johns County has joined surrounding communities and local organizations in Fire Watch, a program that provides a support system for veterans in crisis. The Fire Watch launched a mobile app that enables veterans and volunteers to foster positive relationships and ensure veterans get the help they need. Available on both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play, the app will allow veterans in crisis to quickly receive emergency assistance and connect them with a variety of local resources and allies that will help them build relations and provide one-on-one counseling and support. www.thefirewatch.org.Â
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FYIs
View Meeting Notices, Events, and Advisory Calendars
Board of County Commissioners Regular Meetings are held monthly on the first and third Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the County Auditorium. Agendas | Minutes | Calendar
County Commissioner Invitations – The County Commissioners receive invitations to attend various events and, on occasion, more than one Commissioner may attend and participate. For notices and more information, visit the BOCC’s Invitations webpage
Current Board / Committee Vacancies – Volunteer Opportunities
Porpoise Point Drainage Improvement Project – Public Notice
Ponte Vedra Pointe Shopping Center Impacted by Players Club/Sawgrass Interconnect Pipe Project – St. Johns County Utilities recently began a pipeline project that will connect two of the County’s water reclamation facilities in Ponte Vedra Beach. For the safety of crews and the general public, two access points to the Ponte Vedra Pointe shopping center will be impacted by the project. The driveway from Palm Valley Road to the Ponte Vedra Pointe shopping center near Goodwill is limited to local deliveries only, and traffic from Palm Valley Road is diverted north to the driveway near Walgreens. Additionally, the entrance near Panera Bread will be closed throughout the project. The project is scheduled for completion in late February 2022. Shopping Center Access Points Map | Pipe Project Press Release
Growth Management Workshop to Seek Community Input – St. Johns County has seen substantial growth over the last ten years. The 2020 Census revealed the County grew by nearly 44%, placing it among the fastest-growing counties in the United States and the second-fastest-growing County in Florida. The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will discuss topics related to managing future growth and addressing infrastructure needs at an upcoming growth management workshop. Residents and stakeholders are invited to provide comments after County staff completes their presentations.
The four topics that will be discussed include:
- Local Government’s Role in Managing Growth
- Current Growth Trends and Infrastructure Needs
- Transportation Planning and Concurrency
- Additional Considerations for New Development Proposals
When: Tuesday, January 25, 9 a.m.
Where: County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Board of County Commissioners will not make policy decisions at the workshop nor vote on any item brought forth.
IAFF Local #3865 Negotiation Meetings – Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, representatives of the Collective Bargaining Team of St. Johns County and representatives of the International Association of Firefighters Local #3865 will meet in public session for the purpose of collective bargaining contract negotiations.
The following meetings have been scheduled in the Training Center:
- Monday, January 31, 2022 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 14, 2022 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 28, 2022 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Training Center is located on the first floor of the County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida.
St. Johns County's COVID-19 Testing Site to Open 7-Days a Week – Starting Sunday, January 2, 2022, the St. Johns County COVID-19 testing site will be open seven days a week to meet the increased demand for testing. The site is located at the Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Drive. The testing site's standard business hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, please contact the Nomi Health call center at 904-295-0562. COVID-19 Testing Pre-registration
Newly Appointed District 2 Commissioner Takes the Oath of Office – During the December 21 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners meeting, Sarah Arnold took the ceremonial oath of office in the presence of her husband and four children. Her father-in-law, a retired judge, administered the oath. Commissioner Arnold's appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis fills the vacancy left by former District 2 Commissioner Jeb Smith, who resigned to serve as President of the Florida Farm Bureau.
2022 St. Johns County Beach Driving Passes On Sale Now! St. Johns County resident passes are $50, non-resident passes are $100, and handicap passes are $40. Passes are available for purchase during normal business hours at several locations and also available online through CivicRec until March 1, 2022. After March 1, beach passes will be available for purchase (at the same rate) at tollbooth locations and online. Residents must present a valid I.D. with a St. Johns County address or present proof of property tax payments in St. Johns County to purchase a resident pass. For more information, visit the Beach Pass page or call the Beach Services Office at 904-209-0331.
St. Johns County Announces First-Ever Community Branding Initiative – St. Johns County is excited to announce an upcoming branding effort to reflect our diverse and growing county. This research-driven, county-wide initiative will provide an opportunity for local community members to give their input through focus groups and online participation to ensure the new brand represents St. Johns County’s unique history, diversity, and experiences. The branding initiative will help St. Johns County promote itself as a premier location to live, work, and visit. While Focus group workshops have ended, there is still time to be part of this exciting venture. Please visit www.brandingsjc.com and share your favorite story or memory of St. Johns County. If you prefer to let pictures tell your story, post one (or a few) of you, your family, and friends at a favorite St. Johns County location. Post both stories and pictures on Instagram using #ShareYourSJC. Your photos might even be used in a social media campaign associated with the roll-out of the new brand!
FDOT SR16/I95 Intersection Improvement Project – The Florida Department of Transportation is improving the intersection of State Road 16 and Interstate 95, which requires relocating existing utilities for the upcoming construction project. On the southwest corner of the intersection, utility lines will be installed along the north side of the service road in front of Taco Bell and Discount Tire, which may impact traffic in this area. Beginning Monday, December 6, traffic in front of these businesses will be shifted for 90 days to allow utility work adjacent to the road. Lane closures are not anticipated, but there may be temporary delays near the work area to unload materials for the construction project. For more information, please call 904.209.2700.
Phase II Community Feedback Survey – We want to hear your feedback! You still have time to fill out the community feedback survey for Phase II of the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Your responses will help county leaders determine the best possible plan for these federal dollars. Visit www.sjcfl.us/SJCARPA to take the survey now and share the link with your neighbors.
Cypress Road / St. Augustine Boulevard Drainage Improvements – On November 15, crews will begin work on road and drainage improvements for Cypress Road and St. Augustine Boulevard. In addition to these two streets, residents can also expect to see construction on or near: Richie Drive, San Juan Drive, Hilltop Road, and Sawmill Landing Drive. During the project, temporary lane and roadway closures may occur in the affected area. Cypress Road / St. Augustine Blvd Drainage Improvements Project
Short Term Vacation Rental Ordinance – The Short Term Vacation Rental Ordinance is established to provide for registration, basic health, safety, parking and solid waste requirements to help mitigate the effects of short term vacation rentals in an attempt to make them safer, more compatible with existing neighborhood regulations and provide accountability for their proper operation. Short Term Vacation Rentals. If you have a complaint regarding short-term vacation rental properties, please call the Complaint Line at (904) 320-2442 or email shorttermrentals@sjcfl.us.
Volunteer Opportunities with St. Johns County Boards and Committees – The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners provides residents who are interested in serving their community and participating in local government with a variety of board and committee opportunities. The volunteer positions consider and make recommendations regarding various topics, including planning and zoning issues, development projects, libraries, parks and recreation facilities and programs, and arts, culture, and tourism matters. The following boards and committees are currently accepting applications:
- Fire Code Board of Appeals (application deadline until filled)
- Mid – Anastasia Design Review Board (application deadline until filled)
- South Anastasia Design Review Board (application deadline until filled)
Please visit the Boards and Committees Webpage at www.sjcfl.us/Boards to view the requirements and duties of each board and committee, download an application, or contact the Board of County Commissioners office at 904.209.0300 for more information.
St. Johns County Launches Exterior Improvement Grant Program – Eligible small businesses and nonprofits in St. Johns County can now apply for funding assistance through the Exterior Improvement Grant Program. On September 7, 2021, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners appropriated $500,000 to this program aimed at helping small businesses and nonprofits enhance outdoor spaces for COVID-19 mitigation. This funding is part of Phase I of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed into law by President Biden earlier this year. Exterior Improvement Grant Application
St. Johns County Now Offering Assistance with Past Due Energy Bills for Low-Income Seniors – The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) that was previously administered by the Council on Aging will now be offered by St. Johns County. This ongoing assistance for heating/cooling (Electric) bill assistance to an elder who is in immediate danger of losing home energy. Payment is made to the energy vendor or landlord (if utilities are included with the rent) on behalf of the eligible household that meets income and residency criteria. For eligibility guidelines and application, visit the Social Services page or call 904-209-6140.
St. Johns County Offers Free Disposal of Yard Waste at Tillman Ridge Transfer Station – Residents in the southern portion of St. Johns County may be experiencing a delay in yard waste collection. Due to the national workforce shortage, Advanced Disposal has encountered difficulties completing yard waste routes on scheduled service days. In an effort to provide additional options to the community, residents may bring yard waste to the following location free of charge at Tillman Ridge Transfer Station - 3005 Allen Nease Rd, Elkton, FL 32033, drop off hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Free Yard Waste Disposal
Current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps & Information – Flood Zone Viewer | NFIP Rating Insurance Discounts for Some SJC Property Owners
Projects, Advisories, Status Updates – For right of way projects, advisories, and status updates as well as permitting activity, please visit the St. Johns County Neighborhood Bill of Rights Application
Public Records Requests
Government records may be seen and copied from a records custodian at the County Administration building, via specific County Departments responsible for their own records, from records custodians at Elected Officials Offices and at other levels of government such as state agencies, local, county and state authorities. Public records requests to the County may be made by completing the Public Records Request Form or by contacting the County’s Public Records Custodian at:
Office of the County Attorney, Attn: Public Records Custodian
500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida 32084-8686
E: publicrecords@sjcfl.us | P: (904) 209-0805 | F: (904) 209-0806
For more information, please view the Public Records Request Brochure or visit the Public Records / Open Government page.
Special Districts Information can be found at www.sjcfl.us/SpecialDistricts
