Zoning variance to be reviewed Oct. 20
On Oct. 20, the St. Johns County Commissioners will hear an appeal from the Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board’s decision to grant developer GreenPointe Communities the fight to fill in property exceeding what local zoning laws allow. The property is located at 1044 Ponte Vedra Blvd. Approximately 20,000 cubic yards of fill will need to be brought in to develop the property.
The current topography of the property allows for approximately eight homes to be constructed on 17 acres; GreenPointe hopes to place 22 units on the property.
“The appeal is based upon the very basic tenant that a variance shall not be contrary to public interest,” said Jane West, who represents a coalition of citizens opposed to the variance. “In this case, the developer claims that the topography has created a hardship requiring a significant amount of fill to be brought into the site. But that hardship only exists if the sought after 22 homes are built, versus a more reasonable number of homes on that lot – like eight. The hardship is self-created, and the county shouldn’t be in the business of rewarding self-induced hardship.”
The appeal will be heard on Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. in the County Auditorium located at 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine in a public meeting.
Pet blessing at Pet Supermarket
A Blessing of Animals ceremony will be held at Pet Supermarket in Ponte Vedra Beach on Sat., Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to noon. Pastors Donna Bowen and David Moenning from Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church will pray with each pet and pet owner. Snacks will be available for owners and pets. Pet Supermarket is located at 880 A1A N. in the middle of the Ponte Vedra Pointe Shopping Center.
Sock hop at St. Gerard Campus
St. Gerard Campus High School is hosting a “Remember When 50’s Sock Hop” on Sat., October 17 at Bishop Baker Hall, 267 St. George Street in St. Augustine, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature Elite Signature DJ Service, spinning the blasts from the past. There will be a Best Dressed Award, Best Dancers Award, Door Prizes and more. A dinner is being catered by Publix Super Markets Charities. Beer will be provided by Burkhart Beer Distributors. Wine has been donated by the St. Gerard Campus Board of Directors. All drinks are by donation. Tickets are $25 each, or for a table of 10 it is $225. Contact Maria Gleason for tickets and dance information at (904) 829-5516.
Second annual three-day Underwood benefit for Ayla’s Acres
Underwood Jewelers will present its second annual three-day benefit for Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue from Oct. 22 to 24. During that time, Underwood Jewelers will donate a portion of their sales, host a cocktail party and raffle and feature an adoption day — all to support the mission of Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue.
The benefit begins with a cocktail party in Ponte Vedra on Thurs., Oct. 22, from 6–8 p.m., Actor, artist and animal activist Loretta Swit will partner with Underwood to raffle off a bracelet, from renowned designer John Hardy.
On Fri., Oct. 23, Loretta Swit at Underwood’s San Marco location, 2044 San Marco Blvd. in Jacksonville, between 1-4 p.m. The benefit concludes Saturday, Oct. 24, with an adoption day at the Ponte Vedra location. Between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Ayla’s Acres will have animals available for adoption.
Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance of the cocktail party for $20 per ticket or $50 for three tickets. Tickets are available at Ayla’s Acres Thrift Shop and at Underwood Jewelers Ponte Vedra.
