St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office: 2024 by the numbers
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reports that it responded at 292,986 calls for service, 100,178 calls to 911, in 2024.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to 5,444 traffic crashes, 1,654 violent crimes, 578 mental health calls, 571 drug-related crimes, 75 swimmers or boaters in distress and one homicide or attempted homicide, according to an end-of-the-year post on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Of the traffic crashes, the Sheriff’s Office and partner law enforcement agencies responded to more than 200 involving impaired driving, with 14 of them involving serious injuries and eight resulting in death. More than 1,000 DUI arrests were made.
Firefighters rescue dog from New Year’s house fire
2025 got off to a busy start Wednesday, Jan. 1, for St. Johns County Fire Rescue. Crews responded to four working fires New Year’s Day. Included in those was a house fire in the 1800 block of Cross Pointe Way, off Leo Maguire Parkway.
Firefighters were initially called to a working garage fire. The fire was extinguished by 9:10 a.m.
Firefighters found a dog inside the home and initiated care for the pet. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office transported the dog to an emergency veterinary hospital.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
St. Johns County plans legislative delegation public hearing
St. Johns County will host its annual state legislative delegation public hearing 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 10, in the St. Johns County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine.
The state legislative delegation includes Rep. Kim Kendall (delegation chair), Sen. Tom Leek (delegation vice chair), Rep. Sam Greco and Rep. Judson Sapp. This annual hearing provides an opportunity for residents and officials to request legislation or state funding and to share their opinions on matters of state concern ahead of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. The meeting is open to the public.
Individuals who wish to address the delegation but are not on the printed agenda may submit a request to Tatum Wang (Tatum.Wang@myfloridahouse.gov) by 10 a.m. on the day of the hearing.
For additional information, contact the Delegation Chair’s office at Tatum.Wang@myfloridahouse.gov or 904-607-4237.
Workshop helps to match job seekers, careers
The Savvy Job Hunters Ministry of Christ Episcopal Church will host a free virtual workshop, “Do What You Are: Connecting Personality Types to Careers Using MBTI” from 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 24.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) helps job seekers recognize their strengths and identify careers that are good matches for their personality types. The workshop will be presented by Margaret MacNaughton, MBTI qualified practitioner.
Email Pam Ottesen at pottesen66@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. All are welcome to attend.
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 Ave. 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, Jan. 15. 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.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
