Thank you for registering for the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners District 2 newsletter. Inside you will find an update regarding projects and events in District 2 and timely information about St. Johns County programs, services, and initiatives.

St. Johns County District 2 Update

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thessalonians 5:18

The month of November welcomes us with a plethora of blessings. Cooler temperatures, recognition of our veterans, and Thanksgiving Day are enjoyed by our community. In the Hastings area, farmers have begun to plant winter crops of cabbage, broccoli, and other palatable delicacies. Open air farm stands have reopened and provide fresh vegetables and fruits to anxious consumers. While our neighbors in states to the north witness vibrant color of the deciduous foliage, we have the privilege to watch the delectable citrus ripen into orange hues that will delight the palate. Likewise, we have the opportunity and responsibility to vote and express our desire in this constitutional representative republic. We truly have a lot wherewith to the thankful.

We, too, can reflect upon a summer of weighty decisions and accomplishments. The Board of County Commissioners has approved a balanced budget and provided the financial appropriation for the upcoming year. St. Johns County has maintained the second lowest unemployment rate in the State of Florida improving to 4 percent. Likewise, we can boast being the healthiest county in the State of Florida according to the sixth annual County Health Rankings by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The Board has addressed many policy issues in the last few months, including the Animal Control Ordinance, the Noise Ordinance, Growth Management, Decontamination of Methamphetamine Labs, the Land Development Code, and other pertinent matters. We are redeeming the time and engaged in the promotion of the welfare of all the residents of our community. These items and others have been carefully vetted, discussed, and direction formed. As the calendar progresses toward the beginning of 2016, I can confidently say that we, the residents of St. Johns County, are truly blessed.

If I may be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warmest regards,

Jeb S. Smith

Vice-Chair, District 2

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners

Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Adopted

The Board of County Commissioners recently adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2016 with no tax increase or significant impacts to service levels. During the budget process, the Commission allocated approximately an additional $4 million in funding toward road and street repairs and improvements and about $2 million for Fire Rescue services. The budget process began with a projected deficit of approximately $700,000, but several of the County's financial factors outperformed original estimates. Ad valorem values increased by approximately nine percent and sales tax revenues were about six percent higher than anticipated. In addition, the County received grants in excess of $3.7 million for community redevelopment and Fire Rescue personnel and equipment. The County will utilize the additional funding to focus on core services and programs in Fiscal Year 2016.

SJC Celebrates Economic Development Success

St. Johns County officials recently joined local investors and dignitaries from across N.E. Florida to break ground on one of the first speculative office buildings to be constructed in the region in several years. A convenient location in Nocatee, a growing workforce, and St. Johns County's aggressive economic development program resulted in the local organization choosing build in St. Johns County.

With more than sixty two thousand square feet of space, the new facility will be the largest speculative Class A office building constructed in the last ten years within the seven-county, Northeast Florida region. Centrally located close to housing, shopping, dining, major roadways, and other corporate headquarters, the building will provide jobs and a valuable commercial tax base that will contribute to the quality of life for all St. Johns County residents when completed in summer 2016.

Economic Development remains one of the highest priorities of the Board of County Commissioners as Administration proactively work to foster business partnerships, encourage corporate relocations and expansions, and support job growth. The results of these efforts have begun to bear fruit as St. Johns County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state of Florida.

2016 Legislative Action Plan Adopted, Presented to Legislative Delegation

The St. Johns County Legislative Action Plan is a focused list of priorities for which the County requests financial assistance and other support from our State and Federal delegation members. County Administration and staff assemble a draft list of priorities annually that are reviewed and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2016 Legislative Action Plan in September and presented it to the St. Johns County Legislative Delegation in October. Highlights included transportation funding, water quality, beach renourishment, open space and land conservation grants, and unfunded mandates. Please visit the St. Johns County website to review the entire 2016 Legislative Action Plan.

Public Private Partnership Creates New Jobs, Improves Services

In the next phase of an innovative public private partnership, Lowe's Inc. is scheduled to break ground on a new home improvement store that will bring approximately 125 jobs to the community. The new facility will be located at the intersection of U.S. 1 and S.R. 312, and places it on the tax rolls to generate ad valorem as well as sales tax revenue.

St. Johns County continually explores innovative and creative Economic Development solutions to ensure the quality of life in the community remains high while fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars also remains a priority. The success of the St. Johns County / Lowe's Public Private Partnership raised the bar for such endeavors and will only result in a higher quality development throughout the community as a whole.

SJC Board and Commission Vacancies

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners provides residents who have an interest in participating in their local government with a variety of board and commission opportunities. Depending on the board or commission, the volunteer positions consider and make recommendations regarding a myriad of topics including planning and zoning issues, development projects, the library, parks and recreation facilities and programs, and arts, culture, and tourism matters. Please visit the Boards and Commission Webpage to view an updated list of board and commission vacancies and download an application, or contact the Board of County Commissioners office at 904.209.0300 or mlundquist@sjcfl.us for more information.

Farm Share Food Program Supports West Augustine

Numerous non-profit organizations and more than 90 St. Johns County volunteers recently gathered to distribute over 30,000 pounds of food to the West Augustine Community via the Farm Share Food Distribution program. Alton Green American Legion Post 194 joined other organizations in providing fresh fruit, vegetables, and dry good to those in need. Thank you to all who participated and helped make the program a success.

Upcoming TeamUp Events in Hastings

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the Hastings Library, the Friends of the Hastings Library, Hastings Rotary and the citizens of the Town of Hastings and Flagler Estates to form TeamUp. As a community inspired to work together, TeamUp has successfully hosted three widely-attended events, including the TeamUp to PinkUp One Mile Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness in October, two Trunk-or-Treats on Halloween, and the Flagler Estates Fall Festival. For information on upcoming events, please refer to the list below:

December 5 at 4 p.m.

Bethune-Cookman presents, "Too Slow to Turtle" at the Walter E. Harris Community Center, 400 E. Harris St.
Tater Tots Dance Team performs at 4:45 p.m., play begins at 5 p.m.

December 12 at 11 a.m.

Hastings Christmas Parade at the Walter E. Harris Community Center.

TeamUp encourages all residents to bring their families and enjoy these exciting events. For more information, please call 904.209.0333.

Youth Basketball Clinics

The St. Johns County

Parks and Recreation Department is offering instructional basketball clinics to teach the fundamentals of the sport including basic skills, sportsmanship, and team building while preparing players for the March 2016 Youth Basketball League. Clinic practices and scrimmages will be held from November 16 through January 30. Practices will take place at the Ketterlinus Gym, 60 Orange Street, and scrimmages will be held at the Solomon Calhoun Center, 1300 Duval Street. The practice and scrimmage schedule for each co-ed division is as follows:

Ages 7 through 8
Practice - 5:30 p.m. on Mondays
Scrimmage - 9 a.m. on Saturdays
Ages 9 through 11
Practice - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
Scrimmage - 10 a.m. on Saturdays
Ages 12 through 14
Practice - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
Scrimmage - 11 a.m. on Saturdays

Registration is $30 for the duration of the clinic and will continue through November 13. Registration forms can be accessed online by clicking here. Registration for the recreational basketball league will be
posted in January 2016. For additional information, please call 904.209.0377 or 904.209.0386.

Parks and Rec hosts Inaugural Dodgeball Tournament

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the St. Johns County Food Pantry to present the Inaugural Co-Ed Adult Dodgeball Tournament on Saturday, November 14 at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine. Registration is open through October 30 and limited to the first 16 teams. Teams must have ten players, including a minimum of two female athletes. Cost for registration is $10 and two cans of non-perishable food per player. To register a team, captains must send an email to wcooper@sjcfl.us with the team name and roster by October 30. For additional information, please call 904.209.0395.

Guided Kayak Tours

The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is highlighting Florida Communities Trust parks by hosting kayaking tours. This month will be kayaking on Moultrie Creek towards Canopy Shores. These trips will provide participants the opportunity to spend the day exploring the Blueway trail system, learning about local history, and discovering the flora and fauna found along the Matanzas River with SJC Naturalist AyoLane Halusky. These tours are offered to all kayak enthusiasts at no charge. To reserve your spot, please call 904.209.0348 or email ahalusky@sjcfl.us, or visit the County Naturalist web page for more information.

Moultrie Creek Trip #1
Date: November 19 at 11 a.m.
Location: Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp
Address: 4805 Shore Dr. St. Augustine, 32086

Moultrie Creek Trip #2
Date: November 20 at 12 p.m.
Location: Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp
Address: 4805 Shore Dr. St. Augustine, 32086

Moultrie Creek Trip #3
Date: November 21 at 1 p.m.
Location: Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp
Address: 4805 Shore Dr. St. Augustine, 32086

Pre-Season Beach Toll Passes On Sale November 23

On-beach driving passes for St. Johns County beaches go on sale November 23 through March 1. The cost of a pass is $30 for county residents, $40 for non-residents, and $20 for handicapped motorists. Beginning Monday, November 23, passes will be available during normal business hours at the following locations:

Tax Collector's Main Office, 4030 St. Lewis Speedway
Tax Collector's DuPont Center, 6658 US1 South
Tax Collector's Julington Creek Office, 725 Flora Branch Blvd
Tax Collector's Ponte Vedra Office, 5430 Palm Valley Road
Tax Collector's Hastings Office, 6195 S. Main Street
St. Johns County Beach Services Office, 901 Pope Road
St. Johns County Pier Gift Shop, 350 A1A Blvd

Residents must present a valid I.D. with a St. Johns County address or present proof of property tax payments in St. Johns County. When requesting a handicap pass, a vehicle with a handicap hang-tag or license plate must be presented. Disabled Military (100%) are eligible for a free annual pass by presenting military I.D. or a letter from Veterans Affairs (VA). Passes are required for motor vehicle access March 1 through September 30, and pass prices will increase March 2. To learn more about beach parking passes, click here or call 904.209.0331. To find beach access updates, click here.

St. Augustine Amateur brings Crowd to St. Johns Golf Club

The 12^th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament, a three-day invitational event for advanced amateur golfers, was held October 16 through 18 at the St. Johns Golf Club, 4900 Cypress Links Blvd., Elkton. Eighty-four golfers flocked from 20 states and 16 countries to participate in the event, and almost 1,000 spectators joined in on the excitement. Over 180 volunteers dedicated their time over four days to ensure the event ran smoothly. Net proceeds of the tournament went to the First Tee of North Florida, which gives young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values and healthy habits such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and responsibility through golf and character education. For more information, please visit www.staugustineamateur.org.

Wintertime Fire Safety from SJC Fire Rescue

As the temperature outside drops, St. Johns County families take to the indoors to keep safe and warm. What they may not realize is that turning up the heat can increase the risk of home heating fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly half of all home-heating fires occur during the winter months. The latest NFPA research shows that heating equipment was involved in 62,200 reported U.S. home structure fires in 2012, with associated losses of 670 civilian deaths, 1,550 civilian injuries, and $909 million in direct property damage. While these numbers are frightening, nearly all of these fires are preventable.

NFPA and St. Johns County Fire Rescue recommend some simple home heating safety tips, so residents can help keep our community safe and warm this winter.

Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
Inspect for cracked, frayed, or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.
Have your chimney inspected yearly and cleaned if necessary.
Use a sturdy fireplace screen.
Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home - when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms monthly.
Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
Never use an oven to heat your home.

St. Johns County Holiday Hours

Veteran's Day

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, St. Johns County libraries, and the Pet Center will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. All offices will resume standard business hours on Thursday, November 12.

Garbage, recycling, and yard debris will be collected on your normal scheduled day. The Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road solid waste scale houses will remain open during standard business hours.

Thanksgiving

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, and the Pet Center will be closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. St. Johns County libraries and bookmobiles will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 and remain closed through Saturday, November 28. The Pet Center and Animal Control will resume standard business hours on Saturday, November 29. All other offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, November 30.

Garbage, recycling, and yard debris will not be collected on Thursday, November 26, and the Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road solid waste scale houses will be closed. Beginning November 26, collections will be delayed one day with all routes being completed by Saturday, November 28. Scale houses will resume standard business hours on Friday, November 27.

Christmas

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, St. Johns County libraries, and the Pet Center will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. St. Johns County libraries and bookmobiles will remain closed through Saturday, December 26. The Pet Center and Animal Control will resume standard business hours on Saturday, December 26. All other offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, December 28.

Garbage, recycling, and yard debris will not be collected on Friday, December 25, and the Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road solid waste scale houses will be closed. Collections will be delayed one day with all routes being completed by Saturday, December 26, and scale houses will resume standard business hours.

New Year's

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administrative offices, St. Johns County libraries, and the Pet Center will be closed Friday, January 1 in observance of New Year's Day. St. Johns County libraries and bookmobiles will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 31. The Pet Center and Animal Control will resume standard business hours on Saturday, January 2. All other offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, January 4.

Garbage, recycling, and yard debris will not be collected on Friday, January 1, and the Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road solid waste scale houses will be closed. Collections will be delayed one day with all routes being completed by Saturday, January 2, and scale houses will resume standard business hours.

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