St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting: The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in the Auditorium located in the County Administration Building. The meeting agenda can be found at https://stjohnsclerk.com/records/board-records/agendas. Under the St. Johns County Emergency Proclamation 2020-03, St. Johns County Boards and Committees that meet during the COVID-19 health emergency may do so remotely and without a physical quorum of the members present. Members of the community who would like to participate in public comment during the meetings may do so by calling 904.209.1265. Written or physical documentation for a meeting may be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners at 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084, or by email at sjcpublichearing@sjcfl.us. For more information, please call 904.209.0300.

Board of County Commission Regular Meetings: Held monthly on the first and third Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the County Auditorium. BOCC Agendas | Minutes | Calendar

Upcoming Meetings

• Industrial Development Authority Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2020
• Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board Meeting: Scheduled for July 13, 2020
• Meeting Notices /  Event  /  Advisory Calendars

Boards and Committees Public Comment Call-in Participation & Telephonic Public Meeting Information

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Hastings Branch Library Open for Curbside Service Only Beginning July 10 – The Hastings Branch Library is temporarily closed to walk-in patrons beginning July 10. Curbside service is currently available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Patrons can utilize curbside service by placing items on hold by calling a library or online at www.sjcpls.org. The temporary closure will not impact the Hastings satellite offices operated by CareerSource Florida. The Health and Human Services Drop-in Center is closed at this time. For more information on curbside services at the Hastings Branch Library, please call 904.827.6970 or visit www.sjcpls.org for alternate locations and digital services.

Free Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing at Flagler Hospital – St. Johns County and Flagler Health+ are offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing Monday through Friday beginning Thursday, July 9, at Flagler Hospital, 400 Health Park Blvd. The testing site will be located in Parking Lot B and will remain open from 7 to 11 a.m. or until the maximum number of daily tests are collected. Testing is available for all ages, and patients do not need to exhibit symptoms, possess a doctor's note, or make an appointment. A parent or guardian must be present for children under 18 to be tested. While insurance cards are not needed, a photo ID is required.

"Due to the funds recently received by the CARES Act, we are now able to offer this testing at no charge to our community," said Hunter Conrad, St. Johns County Administrator. "We're grateful for our partnership with Flagler Health+ in providing this service, and hopeful the increased testing will help us all continue making the best health and wellness decisions for ourselves and our families."

The testing site is being funded through the CARES Act. Results will be provided via telephone within seven to ten days. To expedite the process, patients are encouraged to pre-register by downloading the Flagler Health+ Anywhere app, accepting the terms and conditions, clicking on "See a Provider", and selecting the laboratory icon. Patients can then virtually "get in line" for the drive-thru test site.

"We are pleased to partner with St. Johns County to broaden testing availability for our area's residents," stated Flagler Health+ President and CEO Jason Barrett. "The ongoing collaboration we continue to enjoy with our county government and other agencies truly sets our community apart. Although these are troubling and challenging times, we are well prepared, sufficiently resourced, and here to support you as we navigate through this pandemic together."

For more information, please call the St. Johns County Citizens Information Hotline at 904.824.5550.

State of Florida Restricts On-Premises Alcohol Consumption Effective June 26, 2020 –  Per the State of Florida's Emergency Order 2020-09, issued on Friday, June 26, all vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, and who derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages, shall suspend the sale of all alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, effective immediately. Vendors may continue to sell alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off the premises. Vendors who are also licensed as public food service establishments or restaurants may continue to operate for on-premises consumption of food and beverages at tables, provided these vendors derive 50 percent or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. For more information, please call the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center at 904.824.5550.

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Encourages Businesses to Require Masks – The St. Johns Board of County Commissioners strongly encourages local businesses to mandate that employees and customers wear masks while inside their establishments in order to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. The recommendation is made in conjunction with Pledge St. Johns County, a program that offers businesses the opportunity to pledge to adhere to CDC guidelines regarding cleaning and disinfecting protocols, group size limitations, social distancing recommendations, and enhanced employee protocols and training. Businesses that take the Pledge are eligible to receive a limited mask allotment for distribution to their customers and employees. Business owners or managers who would like to take the Pledge, or patrons who would like to support "Pledge St. Johns County" businesses, may do so by visiting www.pledgesjc.com. For additional information regarding mask allotments for businesses that take the Pledge, please call 904.824.5550 or email pledgesjc@sjcfl.us.

New "Pledge St. Johns County" Program Encourages Business Commitment to CDC Health Guidelines – A new "Pledge St. Johns County" program offers businesses the opportunity to commit to CDC guidelines and ensure St. Johns County residents, visitors, and employees are safe and comfortable in their establishments. Created in partnership with the City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Augustine Beach, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, "Pledge St. Johns County" features a pledge in which businesses vow to adhere to guidelines regarding cleaning and disinfecting protocols, group size limitations, social distancing recommendations, and enhanced employee protocols and training. In addition, they pledge to encourage the use of face coverings by staff and customers. Organizations that take the Pledge will receive a toolkit of printable display materials to let employees and customers know they are a "Pledge St. Johns County" business. Pledged businesses will also be recognized on the "Pledge St. Johns County" website directory. Business owners or managers who would like to take the Pledge, or patrons who would like to support "Pledge St. Johns County" businesses, may do so by visiting www.pledgesjc.com.

St. Johns County Recommends All Residents and Businesses Adhere to Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Health Advisory – The Florida Department of Health issued a Public Health Advisory on June 20 in response to COVID-19, providing recommendations to protect Floridians and visitors from this virus. The advisory recommends wearing masks in public, encourages elderly and vulnerable populations to limit interactions outside of the home, and urges all individuals to refrain from participating in gatherings of more than 50 people. All persons who work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis. In addition, Governor DeSantis also directed the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to increase inspections to ensure that businesses are adhering to applicable Phase 1 and Phase 2 guidance.

The Public Health Advisory provides the following recommendations:

1. All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless certain conditions apply.

2. All individuals over the age of 65 and all individuals of any age with high-risk health conditions should limit personal interactions outside of the home.

3. All individuals should refrain from participation in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people. For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and wearing a face covering.

St. Johns County is currently in Phase 2, which dictates:

• Restaurants, bars, and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, excluding nightclubs, may operate at fifty percent of the establishment's indoor capacity and at full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing. Bar areas may operate with seated service.
• Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades may operate at fifty percent of the establishment's capacity with appropriate social distancing between groups and proper sanitization protocols.
• In-store retail businesses, gyms, and fitness centers may operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing measures and proper sanitization protocols.
• Personal services including but not limited to barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattooing, body piercing, tanning, and massage may operate while adhering to appropriate safety guidelines outlined by the Florida Department of Health.

For more information or a complete review of the State of Florida's recent Public Health Advisory, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

St. Johns County Cares Act Funding Agreement

Updated St. Johns County Short-Term Vacation Rental Reopening Plan – The amended plan became effective June 10, 2020 and addresses factors including time between rentals, cleaning and sanitization requirements, and visitors from states listed in the Governor's Executive orders. Please review the updated St. Johns County Short-Term Vacation Rental Reopening Plan or call 904.824.5550 for additional information.

Local State of Emergency in St. Johns County – Local State of Emergency in St. Johns County Details

St. Johns County Public Libraries Begin Phased Reopening for Essential Services – Details of St. Johns County Public Libraries Phased Reopening

FYIs

St. Johns County Announces Interim Emergency Management Director, Interim Deputy Director – Following the recent retirement of long-time Emergency Management Director Linda Stoughton, St. Johns County announced Joseph Giammanco as the Interim Director of Emergency Management this week. Giammanco was named Director as the County continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic and is monitoring the 2020 Hurricane Season. St. Johns County Announces Interim Emergency Management Director, Interim Deputy Director

Sign Up for Alert St. Johns Emergency Notification System to Receive Updates during Hurricane Season – With June marking the beginning of the 2020 hurricane season, St. Johns County is encouraging all residents to sign up for Alert St. Johns, a new emergency notification system that provides critical information during emergency situations. Residents can sign up at www.sjcemergencymanagement.com.

Boards and Committees Volunteer Opportunities – Please visit www.sjcfl.us/Boards to view current vacancies,  requirements and duties of each board and committee, download an application, or contact the Board of County Commissioners office at 904.209.0300 or mlundquist@sjcfl.us for more information. Boards and Committees Vacancies

The Fire Watch Program and Mobile App – According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately twenty veterans commit suicide each day in the United States. In an effort 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 mobile app 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 local resources and allies that will help them build relations and provide one-on-one counseling and support. For more information on the Fire Watch program, please visit www.thefirewatch.org.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season – SJC beaches are home to several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles. Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1, and St. Johns County officials are asking residents, visitors, and businesses to help protect natural habitat by observing all nesting season laws and regulations. 2020 Sea Turtle Season

Current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps – Flood Zone Viewer

Events & Activities

Free "Living on a Few Acres" Workshops – The St. Johns County UF/IFAS Extension Office is hosting free monthly "Living on a Few Acres" workshops. These workshops will provide participants with information on cottage food industry laws and berry production and will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration is required. For more information or to register, please visit www.lofa.eventbrite.com.

Hastings Branch Library Hosts CareerSource Northeast Florida – CareerSource will be available to assist job seekers with career and employment-related services including help with applying for Reemployment Assistance benefits, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Assistance is available by appointment only and temperature checks and face coverings are required. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit www.careersourcenefl.com or call 904.356.5627.

County Commissioner Invitations – From time to time the County Commissioners receive invitations to attend various events. On occasion, more than one County Commissioner may attend and participate at the event.  For more information regarding the Notices for the events, visit the Board of County Commissioner’s Invitations webpage

Projects, Advisories, Status Updates

Temporary Lane Closures on Race Track Road –  JEA is installing electric transmission poles and power lines along Race Track Road. Temporary lane closures will be required on portions of the eastbound lane during the length of the project, which is scheduled to be complete in December. This important infrastructure project will provide additional needed electrical power and alternate power supply sources in the event of an outage. Pole installation sites and lane closures will move each day until the work is completed. For more information regarding this project, please visit www.jea.com/us1.

Alternate CR 210 Temporary Closure – Alternate 210 will be closed to all traffic from the CR 210 to Twin Creeks Dr for utility and drainage improvements through July. The CR 210 and Alternate CR 210 intersection will only be open for east-west travel. Detour routes will be posted and motorists are advised to monitor project message boards for updates. For more information, please call 904.209.0684.

Race Track Road at Veterans Parkway Turn Lane Construction – Construction is anticipated to be complete in July. Periodic lane closures are anticipated. For more information, please call 904.209.0122.

See more Project, Advisories, and Status Updates

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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