Free Beach Shuttle Service for Independence Day Weekend 2023
St. Johns County Offers Free Beach Shuttle Service for Independence Day Weekend
The Independence Day holiday weekend is one of the busiest times on St. Johns County’s beaches. St. Johns County, in partnership with the Tourist Development Council, will offer a free shuttle service to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4, weather permitting.
The Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park shuttle will transport beach visitors between Cornerstone Park, 1046 A1A N., and Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park, which provides direct access to the beach.
The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier shuttle will transport beach visitors between St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2200 A1A S., and the Pier parking lot, which provides direct access to Pier amenities and the beach.
The shuttles will run every 20 minutes, with the final shuttles departing from the beaches to the designated parking locations at 4 p.m. St. Johns County Beach Services will provide updates on shuttle service, beach access, and driving conditions via the Reach the Beach mobile app available for free download at http://m.appbuild.io/stjohnsc6 and on Facebook and Twitter (@SJCBeaches). For additional information, the public may call St. Johns County Beach Services at 904-209-0331.
St. Johns County lifeguards, St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputies, and St. Augustine Beach Police officers will work together from Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4, to ensure the safest beach experience possible for all residents and visitors.
Lifeguards and Beach Flags
- Lifeguards will be on duty at various locations on St. Johns County beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the Fourth of July weekend, weather permitting. In addition, Marine Rescue personnel will regularly patrol the beaches.
- Warning flags are in place along the beach to inform visitors of current water and surf conditions. Yellow flags indicate a medium hazard level, including strong currents and surf. Red flags indicate a high hazard with stronger currents and more dangerous surf conditions. Purple flags indicate dangerous marine life in the area. The absence of a flag does not mean there is no danger, as beach visitors should always exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.
- Rip currents are strong, fast-moving currents of water that move seaward from the shore. Rip currents may be recognized by a foamy, choppy surface and water that appears brown from sand being churned and rapidly moved out to sea. If caught in a rip current, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Swim parallel with the shoreline until you are out of the current’s pull, and then swim toward shore. Those who are not strong swimmers are not recommended to go beyond knee level in the water.
- St. Johns County asks beachgoers to observe flag colors, swim near a lifeguard, and call 911 in an emergency.
On-Beach Driving
Vehicles are permitted on the beach between 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Beach passes are required for vehicle access. Passes can be purchased with cash at any beach access ramp. Please help maintain safe driving practices on St. Johns County beaches by complying with the following rules:
- Vehicular traffic must remain in the designated driving lanes as identified by cones.
- Parking is allowed on the west side of the driving lane between the cones and the dune.
- The maximum vehicular speed allowed on the beach is 10 mph.
- Vehicles may not enter the beach at the Fort Matanzas Ramp.
- All vehicles must stop at all beach ramps and yield to all pedestrians.
- Soft sand conditions may exist, and only 4×4 vehicles may be allowed on some beaches.
Tidal Flooding and Beach Access
- St. Johns County beaches are expected to experience tidal flooding due to the astronomical tide cycle. Beachgoers should expect delays or intermittent closures to vehicular beach access ramps throughout the holiday weekend and the following week. St. Johns County will monitor the conditions and reopen the ramp gates as the tide allows.
- Porpoise Point will remain open to vehicular beach access during normal beach hours, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Due to high tide and the potential of tidal influence at this location, Porpoise Point will not remain open for viewing the fireworks show on Tuesday, July 4.