Pearl Harbor Day observance planned
The First Coast will gather to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. This pivotal moment in global history marked the United States’ entry into World War II, impacting nations and communities worldwide.
Each year on Dec. 7, Americans across the country and those serving abroad honor the memory of Pearl Harbor with survivor stories and reflect on our history in pursuit of peace.
The Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance and Luncheon, hosted by the We Can Be Heroes Foundation, will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 — 11:30 a.m. for a social gathering and noon for the luncheon — at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville.
Centurian veteran Joe Shomo of St. Augustine will tell his previously recorded story of serving in the World War II from 1943 to 1946.
The remembrance is a benefit for the U. S. Warriors Pantry for troops serving at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. A large silent auction will be held to benefit the Warriors Pantry.
A limited number of tickets are available online at WeCanBeHeroesFoundation.org or by calling 904-373-8817.
Santa’s Workshop events planned
Ascension St. Vincent’s will hold two holiday events, both free and open to everyone in the community.
Santa's Workshop at St. Vincent's Arlington will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at St. Vincent's Emergency Care — Arlington, 9820 Hutchinson Park Drive, Jacksonville. Families can get free meet-and-greet photos with Santa, face painting, music, arts and crafts, games and much more.
Santa's Workshop at St. Vincent's St. Johns County will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. Vincent's St. Johns County, 205 Trinity Way, St. Johns. Families can get free meet-and-greet photos with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate, music, arts and crafts, games and much more.
Event offers Hope For the Holidays to help bereaved
Community Hospice & Palliative Care is offering Hope for the Holidays, a workshop will help attendees learn ways to cope with grief during the holiday season, determine what is right for them and their families and refocus energy on positive activities that honor and remember their loved ones. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of hope for the upcoming season.
The workshop will be held at 4-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Stephen R. Chapman Family Community Campus, 1355 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine.
Hope for the Holidays is open to the public. There is no charge to attend, but attendees should RSVP by calling 904-407-7001/toll free 800-274-6614 ext. 7001.
2025 beach driving passes going on sale
St. Johns County annual beach driving passes for 2025 go on sale starting Monday, Dec. 9. St. Johns County resident passes are $50, nonresident passes are $100, and ADA-accessible passes are $40.
Passes will be available during regular business hours at the following locations through March 1:
For 2025, toll attendants will scan pass barcodes at entry points. Be sure to stop and have your pass ready. Debit and credit cards will now be accepted at the booths.
Residents must present a valid I.D. with a St. Johns County address or present proof of property tax payments in St. Johns County to purchase a resident pass. A disabled person parking permit or proof of qualification must be presented when requesting an ADA-accessible pass. Disabled military veterans are eligible for a free annual pass by showing their military I.D. or a letter from Veterans Affairs verifying their disabled status.
Vehicles accessing the beach do not need a beach pass until March 1. After March 1, annual and daily beach passes will be available for purchase at toll booth locations. Purchases made at toll booths are cash only. If passes are lost or misplaced, a new pass must be purchased. Vehicular access is dependent on beach conditions. All sales are final.
The old Reach the Beach app is set to be retired on Dec. 2, with all beach info and updates now accessible via the SJC Connect app. For more information about beach driving passes, call the St. Johns County Beach Services Office at 904-209-0331.
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.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
