Dune project expected to miss deadline
Sand placement operations of the FEMA Dune Enhancement Project are now complete in Crescent and South Ponte Vedra beaches, leaving only Ponte Vedra Beach to complete.
The contractor, Continental Heavy Civil, formally notified the county of its inability to complete the project for Ponte Vedra Beach by the contracted date of March 31. Reasons cited for the delay include a nationwide trucker shortage. Despite this news, the plan is to reopen Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park to the public by spring 2022, according to the county.
At its March 1 board meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will discuss and decide on options available to complete the project expeditiously while mitigating the risk to the county.
After March 31, sand placement operations will access the beach through alternate locations. The priority is to complete the section of beach from the northern boundary of Guana State Park to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park. Resources from the recently concluded South Ponte Vedra Beach sand placement were redirected to the southern section of Ponte Vedra Beach.
In the meantime, the county reminds beachgoers that Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park and parking lot remain closed Monday through Friday. A portion of the parking lot and the beach walkway will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays. A section of Cornerstone Park remains occupied by the contractor to stage heavy equipment.
Citizenship clinic planned for those eligible for naturalization
The Central Florida Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid will participate in the 16th annual AILA Citizenship Day event on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville.
The attorneys will assist lawful permanent residents, otherwise known as green card holders, eligible for naturalization, free of charge during this pro bono citizenship clinic.
Registration is mandatory and can be done via email at citizenshipclinic@jaxlegalaid.org or phone at 904-903-4493. Masks are required.
St. Johns County to host American Rescue Plan Act Workshop
St. Johns County is hosting an American Rescue Plan Act workshop to allow an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on how the federal funds should be utilized. During the workshop, county staff will provide an overview of the law and solicit input to help prioritize impacted areas. All feedback collected at the workshop and through an online survey will be aggregated and analyzed before the county considers more funding allocations.
The workshop will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the Health and Human Services Building, Muscovy Conference Room, 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine.
No action will be taken during the workshop.
For those who cannot attend the workshop, St. Johns County has established an online survey to garner additional community input. To find the survey and more information, go to sjcfl.us/SJCARPA.
Presentation to focus on starting a business
Job hunters are invited to a Zoom meeting on “How to STARTUP Your Own Business,” presented by Melinda Powers, small business consultant, Florida Small Business Development Center at University of North Florida.
Powers will explain the seven basic requirements for starting a business: selecting an idea, testing the market, acquiring capital, writing a plan, turning for help, understanding legal requirements and putting it all together.
The presentation, part of Christ Episcopal Church’s Savvy Job Hunters Ministry, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 25. Sign-in begins at 9:50 a.m.
To register in advance, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIldO-rqT8uHtZwEf_QOUV7B_hJ_okka6vH
Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Gallery plans Earth Day community art project
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, 137 King St., St. Augustine, is hosting its second annual Open Community Art Project as a way to celebrate artists in the community. Anyone interested is invited to celebrate Earth Day 2022 by creating and exhibiting artworks related to the beauty of the planet and protecting its environment in the gallery’s “Celebrating EARTH” open invitational exhibition.
Draw it, paint it, collage it … your choice. Canvases and entry forms can be picked up at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery. Entry fee is $10 per entry and includes an 8-by-8-inch canvas. Works created with materials other than the canvas must conform to the 8-by-8-inch dimensions.
Entry forms are available at the gallery, or on the Butterfield Garage website butterfieldgarage.com. The gallery is open every day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All entries must be received at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery no later than March 27. The opening reception will take place April 1, and the exhibit will continue through April 30.
