Iconic bus set to be preserved landmark

The iconic double-decker bus located along U.S. 1 was recently bought by local business owner Craig Smith who plans to restore it for the community to enjoy for years to come.
There are many iconic landmarks across Northeast Florida, but for those driving down U.S. 1 the London double-decker bus that stood in front of St. Augustine’s Kings Head Pub for years was one that …

PLAYERS donates $600K toward Boys & Girls Club teen center

PLAYERS Volunteer Chair Tyler Oldenburg, at center in red, presented a $600,000 check from THE PLAYERS Championship to the Boys & Girls Club in St. Augustine.

THE PLAYERS Championship made a transformative donation Tuesday, Jan. 21, to the Boys & Girls Club in St. Augustine. As dozens of kids — and adults — looked on, Volunteer Chairman Tyler …

St. Johns County Commissioners reject no-confidence vote for county administrator

At its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 21, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners rejected a vote of no confidence directed toward County Administrator Joy Andrews. The vote was put forth …

News Briefs for the Week of January 23-29, 2025

Immigration attorney to speak at Democratic Club meeting Ponte Vedra Democratic Club will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd. Chat & chew starts at 5:30 …

FEATURES
Real estate team to air season two of ‘Property Tours of NE Florida’
Brad and Alyssa Hammond of The Hammond Family Group will premiere season two of their local TV show, “Property Tours of Northeast Florida” at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 on ABC25 (WJXX) — one week after …
Greenscape of Jacksonville, a tree advocacy nonprofit teamed up with the city of Jacksonville to hold the annual Great Tree Giveaway in downtown Jacksonville on Jan. 18. A total of 1,600 trees of a …
When Jennefer Flood left her 15-year career as a paralegal in New York City to move to Northeast Florida with her family, she knew it was time to pursue a career that truly aligned with her passions. …
The Betty Griffin Center is the only provider of support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in St. Johns County. On March 3, the Betty Griffin Center Board of Directors will host …
IN THE ARTS
Lightner Museum announces call for artists
With support from the Benjamin and Jean Troemel Arts Foundation, the Lightner Museum has announced the fifth year of the Lightner Local exhibition series. Created to showcase the talents of artists …
First Coast Opera will welcome world-renowned composer and musician Juan Antonio Simarro as the headliner for its upcoming gala on Feb. 1 at Embassy Suites in St. Augustine Beach. Known for his …
Each semester, the art students at Flagler College have their time to shine — presenting their work to faculty, family, visitors to the area, community members and fellow students. On Thursday, …
More Local News
The Main Branch of the St. Johns County Public Library System will be temporarily closed for roof replacement beginning Monday, Feb. 3. This project is scheduled to be complete in approximately two …
At the last meeting of the Ponte Vedra Democratic Club, participants brought many needed items for donation to First90 (and their sister organization Beyond90) for legally arriving refugees beginning …
Through its events, the Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club is hoping to raise more than $50,000 per year for local charities and have fun meeting new friends. Here’s a look at the charities: Betty …
While your yearly dental exam may seem like a routine task, it’s not so simple for dogs and cats. Some people may not realize the critical importance of dental health for their pets, while …
Flynn Group LP, owner and operator of more than 975 Pizza Hut locations in 27 states and the largest franchisee in the system , has announced that the official grand opening of its new restaurant, …
NOCATEE HAPPENINGS

Spring break camps planned

The link is planning a couple of spring break camps to run March 17-21. For more information, contact the link through the app or by calling 904-299-3671. The link is located at 425 Town Plaza Ave., …

Motorists asked to watch for sandhill cranes

Four sandhill cranes stand in shadow in Nocatee where they can be difficult to see.

In Nocatee, a group of four sandhill cranes has been routinely frequenting the area around Valley Ridge and Nocatee Parkway East, particularly in the grassy medians near the on/off ramps and the …

The link posts its January schedule of activities

Here’s a look at some of the activities and events planned for January (and beyond) at the link in Nocatee. For further information, go to app.thelink.zone or call 904-299-3671 ext. 3. …

ONE OF US
Amy Novak
Amy Novak, owner of The Gifted Boutique, turned her passion for crafts into a thriving business offering custom spirit wear and gifts, while fostering community …
Duke Butler III is the new president of the Jacksonville Amateur Golf Association. The Ponte Vedra Beach resident has decades of experience in the business side of golf and is also the first member …
Founder and Executive Director Steffani Fletcher combined her teaching experience and poetry therapy expertise to create Hope at Hand, a non-profit organization that uses poetry to inspire confidence …
SPORTS

Soccer district tournament brackets set

The Nease and Beachside boys soccer squads are ready for the start of their district tournaments on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

This year’s soccer district tournaments have been set and there are several local teams who have their eyes set on a possible district title and state tournament berth. Ponte Vedra High and …

Monster fourth quarter leads Panthers to win over rival Sharks

The Nease High Panthers girls basketball team bounced back and got redemption from a loss earlier in the season to the rival Ponte Vedra High Sharks with a 53-43 victory on Friday, Jan. 17. In …

Jaws lacrosse teams dominate at Gold Coast Shootout

8U Championship Team

The Jaws Lacrosse program celebrated an extraordinary weekend at the Gold Coast Shootout, showcasing the talent, teamwork and determination of its players. The competition was fierce, but the …

Obituaries
Death Notices for Jan. 23, 2025
Deborah Elaine Ardd Deborah Elaine Ardd, 64, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, died Jan. 3, 2025. Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery – 904-285-1130 – …
Paul A. Zeltvay
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Paul A. Zeltvay, on January 8, 2025, at the age of 72 after a courageous 2-year battle with Glioblastoma. Paul was a vibrant, generous man, who …
Kenneth Haines Creveling, Jr.
Kenneth Haines Creveling, Jr., a Ponte Vedra Beach resident for 38 years, passed away on Dec 21, 2024. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 2, 1938, and is son of the late Mr. and Mrs. …
Larry Mark Wright
Larry Mark Wright, 82, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. Born on March 3, 1942, in Greenville, SC, Larry grew up in the …
Theresa Marie Means
Theresa Marie Means, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on May 17, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, …
A farmer harvests corn near McIntire, Iowa, on Oct. 31, 2023.
Agriculture secretary oversees food production, rural life, and nutrition programs that help millions afford healthy diets
The USDA oversees food production and much more. However, it has little direct power to reduce food prices – a centerpiece of President Trump’s campaign.
A sudden onset of irregular heart rhythms can be disorienting.
Why is obesity linked to irregular heart rhythms? Researchers found 1 potential mechanism
Obesity can put strain on the heart, resulting in an increased risk of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythms.
The research shows the health effects of these drugs are significant and wide-ranging.
Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs may lower risk of 42 health conditions, but also pose risks
Research shows that people who take these weight-loss medications may have a lower risk of dementia and numerous other health conditions.
Look out for Red 3, FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine or E127 in the ingredients list of your favorite processed foods.
FDA bans Red 3 dye from food and drugs – a scientist explains the artificial color’s health risks and long history
Over 35 years after the first study linking Red 3 to thyroid cancer in rats was published, the US is beginning to wean it out of foods and drugs.
What are the risks of using Zelle, Venmo, Cash, or Checks for rent payments?
TurboTenant breaks down the risks that a rental business may face if it chooses to accept rent with Zelle, Venmo, cash, or checks.