County Commissioner Clay Murphy to speak
The Palm Valley Community Association will host a special meeting with the newly elected County Commissioner Clay Murphy on Monday, April 14. As a result of the November election, the St. Johns County Commission now includes two newly elected members, Ann Taylor, representing District 5, and Murphy, representing District 3. Murphy will share his priorities for 2025 and address the crucial quality-of-life issues impacting St. Johns County. These issues include residential and commercial development, infrastructure improvements and traffic and roadway conditions. There will be time for questions. The Palm Valley Community Association invites all residents to attend and learn about the commissioner’s priorities and share their thoughts and concerns. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Blvd.
MOSH to hosts Jacksonville Science Festival
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH), in partnership with The Foundation Academy and Florida State College at Jacksonville, will host part of the 13th annual Jacksonville Science Festival, a student-driven event that celebrates the human endeavor of science. Student demonstrations and discoveries will be presented to the public.
The festival will take place in two parts –– outdoors at Friendship Fountain, and indoors within the museum. STEAM presentations, student musical performances, a bounce house, interactive vendor booths, student demonstrations and more will delight guests throughout the day. Food truck alley will be full with delicious eats and treats for purchase.
The indoor event at MOSH will be free for the first 500 guests; general admission tickets will be available once capacity is reached.
The festival will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville.
Ponte Vedra library plans book sale
The Ponte Vedra Beach Library “Better Book Sale” will be held Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13. Featured will be large coffee table books, vintage and collectibles books, children’s books and a large collection of unique collectible DVDs, CDs and vinyls. The sale will be held in the glass conference room at the library during library hours, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.
Grief support group to meet
A grief support group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Room 107 of the Family Life Center, 578 First Avenue N., Jacksonville Beach. The group is for men and women grieving the death of a family member or friend. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16. For information, call Kathy at 904-553-8933.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday inside the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Road. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, tea, seasonal treats, soap, jewelry, plants and more.
Family seining activity planned
Join a guided family seining activity from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Learn about the animals and their roles in Guana Lake by pulling a seine net and collecting species of fish, crabs and other marine life.
Meet at GTM Research Reserve Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Register online at gtmnerr.org/calendars.
The event is free, but parking is $3 per vehicle. All necessary gear (waders and boots) will be provided. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended.
Adventures in the Estuary taking signups
This summer, young adventurers can dive into Florida’s coastal ecosystems at Adventures in the Estuary, a hands-on summer camp at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve. Camp sessions will run throughout June and July, where campers will explore the wonders of estuarine habitats, learn about marine life and water conservation and discover the crucial role estuaries play in our environment.
The session dates are: June 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27 and July 21-25. Camp times are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays.
Meet at GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Drop-off is available between 8-9 a.m. Monday through Thursday, with pick-up between 3-4 p.m. On Fridays, camp ends early, and pickup is between 1-2 p.m. A $50 late fee will apply for any camper picked up late.
Register at gtmnerr.org/calendars.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
