Local families had the opportunity to meet with representatives from various St. Johns and Duval county schools, the St. Johns County and Jacksonville sheriff’s offices and several nonprofit organizations at Nocatee Resource Day Tuesday, Aug 8.
Held at Crosswater Hall and the Splash Water Park, the event first featured a meet and greet with school district principals and representatives. Deputies from the sheriff’s offices then conducted a few presentations regarding laws that affect children, with specific topics including the consequences of texting and social media, as well as Internet safety for parents.
Throughout the night, representatives from numerous nonprofit organizations, including PACT Prevention Coalition and the Ponte Vedra YMCA, were on hand to answer questions and provide information on the resources they provide to the community. Children enjoyed games and activities that were managed and supervised by Nocatee counselors and deputies from the sheriff’s offices. Children also had the opportunity to check out fire trucks and ambulances from the St. Johns County Fire Rescue Division, as well as interact with K9s from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
“We have a lot of events here at Nocatee,” said David Ray, PARC Group community manager. “We bring in entertainment, we socialize and in general have a lot of fun. But this event is much different. It gives people an opportunity to connect with school principals and administrators and learn about issues affecting our children’s safety as well as their ability to learn. We also help connect families with resources that can make a dramatic difference in their life.”