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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

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. Focus groups have limited seating, and advanced registration is required to participate. Individuals interested in participating in the focus groups should register by contacting Tera Meeks at tmeeks@sjctdc.com or 904-209-4428. Registration will be first-come, first-served. Due to limited capacity, each interested party will only be registered to attend one focus group meeting. Registration requests will be accepted until 5:00 pm Wednesday, December 15. The following focus group opportunities are available:

• Tourism Based Business Focus Group
  Who: Accommodations, Attractions, Restaurants, and other tourism-based businesses
  When: Thursday, December 16 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
  Where: SJC Health and Human Services Building located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
• SJC Resident Focus Group
  Who: Interested St. Johns County Residents
  When: Thursday, December 16 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
  Where: SJC Health and Human Services Building located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Local Business Focus Group
  Who: Professional, Industrial, Retail and other non-tourism based businesses
  When: Friday, December 17 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
  Where: SJC Health and Human Services Building located at 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084

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.

Notice of County Commissioners and the St. Johns County School Board Joint Meeting – NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners and the St. Johns County School Board, will hold a joint meeting on Thursday, December 9, 2021, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the County Auditorium located in the County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss redistricting and take possible action on similar interests and issues that affect both boards. The Board of County Commissioners may also consider and take action on any other business that may lawfully come before it during the joint meeting. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purposes he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. NOTICE TO PERSONS NEEDING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AND TO ALL HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in the proceedings should contact the ADA Coordinator at (904) 209-0650 at the St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. For hearing impaired individuals: Florida Relay Service: 1-800-955-8770 no later than 5 days prior to the date of the meeting.

St. Johns County COVID-19 Testing Site Closed Sundays – The St. Johns County COVID-19 testing site located at the Wind Mitigation Building is now closed on Sundays. The testing site remains open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, please call 904.824.5550 or visit our COVID-19 Information page.

St. Johns County Commissioners Take Steps to Address Nor’easter Damage – The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is taking steps to address the damage caused by the recent nor’easter. During the November 16, 2021 regular meeting, the board of county commissioners unanimously voted to approve $120,000 to repair the South Ponte Vedra Beach Park dune walkover and pavilion. “The nor’easter made the walkover and the pavilion in South Ponte Vedra Beach unusable for public access,” said Ryan Kane, Director of St. Johns County Parks & Recreation. “The funding approved today will help us restore this public amenity for all to enjoy.”

Additionally, county commissioners voted to authorize the Emergency Temporary Coastal Armoring Property Owner Permit Application Package under Florida statute. Following a coastal storm event, authorizing this statute allows eligible property owners to apply for temporary emergency structure permits. Applications need to be submitted within 30 days from the initial coastal event. Properties built after March 17, 1985, are not eligible. Complete List of Eligibility Requirements

Fort Matanzas Beach Access Ramp and Parking Lot Reopen – The FEMA dune enhancement project adjacent to the Fort Matanzas beach access ramp is complete. The Fort Matanzas beach access ramp and parking lot have reopened for public use. Beach driving conditions remain tide-dependent, and visitors are encouraged to check the Reach the Beach mobile app or follow @SJCBeaches on Facebook or Twitter for daily driving updates.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meetings – The St. Johns County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will hold two public hearings to adopt recommendations regarding local housing incentive strategies. The public meetings are scheduled for November 17 and Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., County Administration Building Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

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. As with all transportation and drainage infrastructure improvement projects, St. Johns County makes every effort not to impact traffic. The project has an estimated completion date of May 2022, weather permitting. Cypress Road / St. Augustine Blvd Drainage Improvements Project

Florida Farm Bureau Elects St. Johns County Commissioner As Its New President – Commissioner Jeb S. Smith formally announced his resignation as District 2 commissioner at the November 2, 2021, regular meeting of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners. His resignation comes shortly after being elected as the President of the Florida Farm Bureau. Commissioner Smith was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018. His district contains a large portion of rural St. Johns County and includes Hastings, Elkton, West Augustine, Flagler Estates, and Rivertown. The District 2 seat will now be filled by a Governor Ron DeSantis appointee for the remainder of Commissioner Smith’s term. Commissioner Smith Resignation Press Release

Short-term Vacation Rental Complaints – If you have a complaint regarding short-term vacation rental properties, please call Code Enforcement at (904) 209-0734 or email shorttermrentals@sjcfl.us. Please check back here for updates regarding registration for short-term vacation rental properties. Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance

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. The County desires to encourage short term vacation rentals that are safe, fit in with the character of the neighborhood, provide positive impacts for tourism, increase property values and achieve a greater neighborhood compatibility while balancing respect for private property rights and incompatibility concerns between investors/short term vacation rentals and families/single family residences in established residential neighborhoods through the use of reasonable development standards. For registration or more information please review the Code Enforcement Program webpage.

Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board Meeting scheduled for December 6, 2021 has been cancelled. The proposed Ponte Vedra Zoning District Regulation Amendments have been retracted by the applicant and are no longer scheduled for public hearings.

Mid-Anastasia Design Review Board Meeting scheduled for December 9, 2021 has been cancelled.

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:

• West Augustine Nuisance Abatement Board (application deadline December 30, 2021)
• Housing Finance Authority (application deadline December 30, 2021)
• 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.

Benefit payment amounts are determined based on a documented home energy crisis and eligibility guidelines:

• Elder (60+) must be experiencing a verifiable home energy crisis.
• Household income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level.
• Utility bill must be past due for assistance with this program.
• Applicant is a St. Johns County resident.
• Cannot be a resident of a group living facility or a home where cost of residency is subsidized through a program administered by the state.
• Cannot be a student living in a dormitory.
• Complete the entire EHEAP Application and provide all required documentation (list found at www.sjcfl.us/SocialServices/index.aspx).

All applicant/household EHEAP benefit(s) must be combined. Each applicant/household is allowed up to $5,000 each until instructed otherwise. Allowable categories for financial assistance include past-due utility payments for heating/cooling, deposits to restore energy, and late, disconnect, or reconnect fees. Categories not eligible for financial assistance include water, sewer, and garbage charges, meter tampering charges, or return check charges. The application can be found online by visiting www.sjcfl.us/SocialServices/index.aspx. Completed applications can be mailed to 200 San Sebastian View, Suite 2300, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For more information or assistance with the application process, please 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: 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. Please note that drop off service is for St. Johns County residential customers only. No commercial trucks or vehicles will be allowed. In addition, all garbage and recycling routes will remain on schedule. St. Johns County Solid Waste Division is working with Advanced Disposal to ensure yard debris collections are being conducted as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience as we work diligently to restore the expected level of service to your area. For more information, please call the Solid Waste Division at 904.827.6980.

St. Johns County opens free COVID-19 Testing Site in partnership with Nomi Health – In partnership with Nomi Health, St. Johns County is offering COVID-19 testing between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., six days a week, Monday - Saturday, at the Wind Mitigation Building located at 3111 Agricultural Center Dr. The site will provide PCR and rapid (antigen) COVID-19 tests for those 12 months and older, but recipients may only choose one. Rapid test results will be available the same day and PCR test results are typically available between 24 and 48 hours. Results will be delivered to recipients via text or email. There is no appointment necessary to receive a COVID-19 test, and insurance is not required. Additionally, you do not have to be symptomatic to get tested. Find a Testing Site Near You

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