Castillo awarded Certified Autism Center designation
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument has been awarded Certified Autism Center designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, making it the first national park area to earn CAC status.
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is leading an initiative to achieve Certified Autism Destination status for St. Johns County, ensuring that the area offers multiple certified options for entertainment, recreation and lodging. The certification signifies a commitment to inclusivity for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.
Other Certified Autism Centers in St. Johns County include: City of St. Augustine Visitor Information Center, First Coast Cultural Center, Old Town Trolley Tours and associated attractions, Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center, Sawgrass Marriott, St. Augustine Sailing, St. Johns County Cultural Council, St. Johns County Parks & Recreation and St. Johns County Visitors and Convention Bureau.
The Chamber manages a county matching grant to support certification for county tourism and hospitality businesses. Businesses can get more information and apply for the grant at sjcchamber.com/autism-certification-matching-grant.
Lawmakers introduce Red Snapper Act
On Jan. 16, U.S. Reps. John H. Rutherford and Darren Soto, and Sen. Rick Scott introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Red Snapper Act to stop the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from unilaterally closing the red snapper fishery in the South Atlantic until reliable and accurate data from the soon-to-be completed independent study, the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count, is incorporated into the stock assessment.
The Red Snapper Act is endorsed by the American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the Center for Sportfishing Policy, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Career opportunities in Catholic education
The Diocese of St. Augustine is hosting a free career fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Bishop John J. Snyder High School, 5001 Samaritan Way, Jacksonville.
This event is an opportunity for educators, administrative professionals and support staff to explore rewarding career opportunities at Catholic schools and early learning centers in the diocese. Representatives from schools across the Jacksonville area will be available to discuss open positions, answer questions and, in some cases, conduct on-site interviews.
“This is more than a career — it’s a calling,” said Marla Lazaro-Beyer, a human resource specialist for the diocese. “We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference by shaping the future in an environment that aligns with their faith and values.”
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your career, this fair provides a chance to connect with schools dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth.
For more information, go to hr.dosafl.com/careers or contact Marla Lazaro-Beyer at 904-262-3200 or email mlazaro@dosafl.com.
Reservations to be taken for ‘Coca Cola Millionaires’
“Coca Cola Millionaires,” a presentation by Scott Grant, will be held at 6-8 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Nocatee Room at Crosswater Hall. The event is free and for Nocatee residents only. Resident ID cards will be required at check-in. Reservations will be taken, and the link will be available starting Feb. 1.
Website corrected for Share the Love auction
The website for the St. Augustine Humane Society’s Share the Love auction is SAHSAuction.org. The site was incorrect in a previous announcement.
Portions of Watson Road to close for project
Beginning Feb. 10, portions of Watson Road west of U.S. 1 will see road closures for the construction of a new water transmission main. Starting at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Watson Road, a new sewer force main will be constructed along Watson Road to the end of the Deerfield Trace community. The pipe will extend further west to I-95, north to State Road 207, and connect to the new advanced Water Reclamation Facility.
The four phases of construction are scheduled to last from February until August. These schedules may change if weather or unforeseen conditions occur during the construction.
East- and westbound traffic on Watson Road may be detoured to U.S. 1 using Datil Pepper Road. Residents’ access to their homes east of Datil Pepper should be unimpeded during the construction. Drivers are reminded to use caution in the area and follow all posted signs and crew instructions.
A public meeting to discuss project details and road closures will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Southeast Branch Library, 6670 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine.
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