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St. Johns County Newsletter
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Gmail Amy Howard
In Case You Missed It: St. Johns County December 2025 Newsletter
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St. Johns County Tue, Dec 9, 2025 at 10:32 AM
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SJC News
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SJC Newsletters
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Inside SJC
December 2025 Newsletter
Public Library System Launches Enhanced Food for Fines Program
The St. Johns County Public Library System is launching the 2025 Food for Fines program, now offering two meaningful ways for patrons to give back to local families in need. Running from Sunday, November 9, 2025, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, this annual initiative allows patrons to eliminate overdue fines while supporting the community through partnerships with St. Johns County Health and Human Services and Firefighters for Families.
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County Makes Progress on Infrastructure Priority of Strategic Plan
County Traffic Signal at State Road 16 and South Francis Road Fully Operational: A new traffic signal and roadway improvements at State Road 16 and South Francis Road are now fully operational to enhance traffic flow. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this important project. Read more.
Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp Improvements: St. Johns County, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), closed the Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp for construction. The ramp, located off State Road A1A approximately 3.9 miles south of State Road 206, will remain closed through May 2026. The resiliency project will strengthen the ramp and adjacent parking area, repair erosion damage from previous storms, and enhance public access to the beach. View South Beach Access Map. Read more.
County Announces Upcoming Completion of North Beach Park Upgrades: St. Johns County is nearing completion of the $2.1 million North Beach Park renovation project in Vilano Beach, with the newly redesigned park expected to open to the public in the very near future. Construction began in January 2025 and is now in the final stages. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event. Read more.
Featured Projects
Dashboard Speeds Up Derelict Vessel Removal, Protects St. Johns County’s Waterways
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is strengthening efforts to protect local waterways through its Derelict Vessel Program, which targets the removal of abandoned and damaged boats from state waters to preserve environmental quality and enhance public safety. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this program.
Read More
County Celebrates Largest-Ever SJC 101 Citizens Academy Graduating Class
At the December 2, 2026, Board of County Commissioners regular meeting, St. Johns County proudly recognized the graduates of the Fall 2025 SJC 101 Citizens Academy – the largest graduating class to date, with 29 participants completing the 12-week program. This milestone reflects the County’s continued commitment to civic engagement, transparency, and strong community partnerships. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the graduating class.
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Commissioner
Christian Whitehurst
District 1 News
Commissioner
Sarah Arnold
District 2 News
Commissioner
Clay Murphy
Chair
District 3 News
Commissioner
Krista Joseph
District 4 News
Commissioner
Ann Taylor
Vice Chair
District 5 News
SJC Parks and Recreation’s Second Family Color Run 5K Doubles Previous Year’s Attendance
On November 15, 2025, the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department held its second Family Color Run 5K, which saw an impressive increase in participation compared to the inaugural run in 2024. The Office of Public Affairs made a short video to commemorate the event.
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SJC Beach Services Sell Record Number of Driving Passes in 2025 - 2026 Presale Begins
St. Johns County Beach Services sold a record number of driving passes during the 2025 beach toll season, the first season in which credit card payments were an option at County beach toll booths. Read more.
2026 Beach Driving Passes on Sale: Pre-season annual beach driving passes went on sale Monday, December 1. St. Johns County resident passes are $50, non-resident passes are $100, and ADA-accessible passes are $40.
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City of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights - Know Before You Go
Following last year’s unprecedented attendance and visitation during Nights of Lights, the City of St. Augustine has made significant modifications to its operations for the popular holiday lighting season. Improvements include increased public safety presence, modified traffic circulation, portable restrooms, mobile app, and more.
Download the Nights of Lights App.
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County Celebrates 15 Children Finding Forever Homes on National Adoption Day
On November 21, St. Johns County hosted its annual National Adoption Day ceremony at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, bringing together judges, community partners, adoptive families, and local leaders to celebrate the gift of family and recognize the 15 children adopted in the past year. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the ceremony.
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St. Johns County News ... In Print ... Online ... Anytime.
Looking for ways to get involved? Service on Appointed Boards and Committees provides residents with an opportunity to help shape the future of St. Johns County by addressing the important issues that we face both now and for the future. Learn more and apply today!
Get more St. Johns County news by receiving our e-newsletters.
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Stay informed with accurate, timely information through a blend of community outreach initiatives by the Office of Public Affairs.
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A Spanish translation of this newsletter is available on the County website. The County website features multiple options in the Select Language tab near the top right of every web page that can be utilized at any time by readers.
En Español
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January 2026 Newsletter
County Updates Impact Fee Ordinance, Creates New Conservation and Open Space Impact Fee
At its December 2, 2025, regular meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the County’s Consolidated Impact Fee Ordinance. The amendment adopts the St. Johns County Impact Fee Update Study and establishes a new Conservation and Open Space Impact Fee to help fund the protection of natural areas and open space as the County continues to grow. The full amendment is available to the public (PDF)
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County Launches St. Johns Reads Program 2026
The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) invites the community to participate in St. Johns Reads, the 22nd annual “One Book, One Community” celebration, beginning January 3, 2026. The monthlong event features programs and community conversations inspired by this year’s selected title, An Immense World by Ed Yong.
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County Makes Progress on Major Improvement Projects Advancing Infrastructure Priorities in Strategic Plan
County Begins $2.35 Million Regalo Road Improvements: Construction is underway on the remaining unpaved portion of Regalo Road, improving connectivity between U.S. 1 and Palencia Village Drive and supporting efficient traffic flow for residents and commuters. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this important project. Read more.
Porpoise Point Vehicular Access Ramp Temporarily Closing for Improvements Beginning January 5, 2026: St. Johns County will temporarily close the Porpoise Point Vehicular Access Ramp beginning January 5, 2026 for improvements. The resiliency project will raise and harden the ramp to protect it from flooding during astronomical tides and tropical weather events. The ramp is expected to reopen to vehicles in May 2026. Read more.
Fire Rescue Training Facility Advances, Enhancing First Responder Readiness and Public Safety: The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners approved the first step toward a new Fire Rescue Training Facility, a critical investment that will expand local training opportunities for firefighters and paramedics while strengthening long-term public safety and emergency response capabilities countywide. Read more.
Featured Projects
County Bans Smoking and Vaping in Parks and Beaches Under Amended Ordinances
At its December 2, 2025, regular meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to amend two existing County ordinances to prohibit smoking, vaping, and the littering of cigarette butts and vaping paraphernalia in County parks and on County-managed beaches.
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Commissioner
Christian Whitehurst
District 1 News
Commissioner
Sarah Arnold
District 2 News
Commissioner
Clay Murphy
Chair
District 3 News
Commissioner
Krista Joseph
District 4 News
Commissioner
Ann Taylor
Vice Chair
District 5 News
Adam Vermut Wins 20th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament
On December 7, 2025, University of North Florida senior Adam Vermut won the 20th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament with a birdie on the 18th hole of St. Johns Golf Club (4900 Cypress Lakes Blvd., Elkton). The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event.
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County Launches Inside SJC Episode 9 Taking A Look Inside Beach Driving Passes
St. Johns County launched Inside SJC Episode 9: Cruise the Coast with the SJC Driving Pass. This episode gives viewers a look inside the SJC Beach Services Office to learn more about the Annual Beach Driving Pass. The Beach Driving Pass gives driving access to nearly 12 miles of St. Johns County beaches and getting the pass has never been easier. Preseason Passes are on sale now at multiple locations.
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County Encourages Local Farmers to Apply for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
St. Johns County is encouraging local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to apply for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), with the application window open December 15, 2025, at 8 a.m. through January 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Apply for the Program.
St. Johns County encourages all eligible farmers and landowners to explore this opportunity to protect their agricultural legacy and support long-term land stewardship.
The County will continue to advance Strategic Plan priorities like Enhance Conservation, Economic Prosperity, Community Trust, and Community Well-Being by promoting these opportunities to the community.
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County Seeks Community Input via Multiple Surveys
SJC Community Needs Assessment Survey: Your Voice Shapes Our Future: St. Johns County Health and Human Services is inviting residents to participate in a new Community Needs Assessment Survey, open Dec. 1, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026. The survey is designed to help the County better understand the strengths, challenges, and lived experiences that shape health and well-being across our community. Read more.
County Launches Business Climate and Workforce Survey Open Through January 31, 2026: The St. Johns County Economic Development Department, in partnership with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, invites local businesses to participate in the new Business Climate and Workforce Survey, open from December 12, 2025, through January 31, 2026. The survey is designed to help the County better understand business needs, workforce challenges, and opportunities to support long-term economic growth.
Read More
St. Johns County News ... In Print ... Online ... Anytime.
Looking for ways to get involved? Service on Appointed Boards and Committees provides residents with an opportunity to help shape the future of St. Johns County by addressing the important issues that we face both now and for the future. Learn more and apply today!
Get more St. Johns County news by receiving our e-newsletters.
Sign Up for County E-Newsletters
Stay informed with accurate, timely information through a blend of community outreach initiatives by the Office of Public Affairs.
Stay Informed
A Spanish translation of this newsletter is available on the County website. The County website features multiple options in the Select Language tab near the top right of every web page that can be utilized at any time by readers.
En Español
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Stay Informed | Privacy Policy
St. Johns County | 500 San Sebastian View | St. Augustine, FL 32084 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
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