Signals to be installed at S.R. 207 intersection
At its Feb. 4 regular meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously authorized the award of the construction contract for intersection improvements at State Road 207 and Brinkhoff Road. The improvements will include a new signal-controlled intersection with an ADA-accessible crosswalk. Additionally, the current asphalt will be milled, resurfaced and reconstructed with raised islands to prevent through-cut traffic from Brinkhoff Road and Twin Lakes.
Chinchor Electric Inc. will lead construction of the project at a cost of $1.695 million. Construction is estimated to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall.
Birding course offered
Join this five-week course on birding, “If You Can Name It, You Can Love It,” starting Saturday, Feb. 15, at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve. The course is 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 15 and 22 and March 1, 8 and 15.
Learn about what makes the area supportive of many bird species and how to use birding applications to enhance your ability to identify birds and create a personal bird list. You will also practice your skills in the field.
The price for the course is $175 for members of Friends of the GTM Reserve and $225 for non-members.
Register at: gtmnerr.org/calendar.
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. Feb. 19. For information. call Kathy at 904-553-8933.
Funding OK’d for Flagler Estates Fire Station, Sheriff’s Office
At its Feb. 4 regular meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously authorized the award of the construction contract for the Flagler Estates Fire Station 21 and Sheriff’s Office. The 6,036-square-foot joint facility for St. Johns County Fire Rescue and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office will be located in the Flagler Estates community with easy access to the surrounding Hastings area.
Vargco LLC will lead construction of the project at a cost of $4,001,674. Construction is estimated to be completed by the end of the year.
Ramp planned at Crescent Beachfront Park
A new ADA-accessible beach ramp and additional parking will be constructed at Crescent Beachfront Park, 6930 A1A South. The project’s construction contract was approved by the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners at its regular meeting on Feb. 4.
The ramp will be nearly 200 feet long and wheelchair accessible and will reduce foot traffic on the vehicular ramp, improving safety. The new parking area will add 28 additional spaces and refreshed landscaping, as well as a concrete sidewalk connector between the parking lot and the new beach access ramp.
A total $700,000 is budgeted for the project’s design and construction. Work is estimated to begin in the spring and be completed by the summer.
Beach exploration planned
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve for a beach exploration from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
Collect seashells, search for shark teeth and learn about coastal wildlife.
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. The event is free but online registration is required. Register at: gtmnerr.org/calendar.
Fishing Pier Gift Shop Closing Temporarily
The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier Gift Shop, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, has closed for renovations. The pier itself remains accessible for sightseeing and fishing in the meantime. The gift shop is estimated to reopen in mid-March.
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
