News Briefs for the Week of Oct. 5-11, 2023

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GTM Research Reserve offers guided exploration hike

A GTM Research Reserve guided exploration hike will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. The event is free, but parking is $3 per vehicle. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are also recommended.

Register online at secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/kdLJpf-MMinh8PJGDljlig?t=1666294262.

Meet at the GTM Research Reserve trailhead pavilion (west of Guana dam), 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.

Republican Executive Committee to meet

St. Johns County Republican Executive Committee business meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 12, at Holiday Inn-World Golf Village, 475 Commerce Lake Drive, St. Augustine.

Guest reception is at 5:30 p.m. Guests must register in advance at stjohns.gop/beourguest.

The member social is at 6 p.m. and the business membership meeting will be 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Elections supervisor to address Democratic Club

The Ponte Vedra Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday Oct. 16, at the Ponte Vedra Library, 101 Library Road. Chat and chew at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6 p.m.

Vicky Oakes, St. John’s County Supervisor of Elections, will speak about 2024 voting changing protocols.
For more information, email jkary@verizon.net.

County seeks input from Hastings community

St. Johns County has launched a new website, sjchastings.com, with an online survey as one part of its efforts to engage the public to better understand their preferences on potential economic development opportunities in the Hastings community and nearby areas. The online survey is available at the site until Nov. 19.

There are also two public engagement meetings scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and 5-7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Hastings Library, 6195 S. Main St., Hastings.

“The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is eager to know how the community prioritizes economic development relative to other community issues in Hastings and would like to get a general idea on what the public believes are potential economic development opportunities,” said Joy Andrews, interim county administrator.

Palm Valley Market every Tuesday

The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 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.

St. Augustine Sailing achieves autism certification

St. Augustine Sailing has earned the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards with the goal of making its sailing excursions accessible for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

By obtaining certification, St Augustine Sailing demonstrates its commitment to understanding and accommodating the needs of individuals with ASD.

St. Augustine Sailing has already implemented many techniques for creating a safe and predictable space for those with ASD. The yachts carry fidget toys and sensory tools like headphones that can help reduce anxiety and aid in relaxation.

There are designated low-sensory areas available on-shore before and after the sail where guests can relax in a calm space. St. Augustine Sailing even offers quiet hours sails, to avoid crowds and excessive noise. And for those who have dietary issues, there are many substitutions and alternative items available.

Guests are encouraged to share any sensitivities they may have so that staff can make the appropriate accommodations.

Jacksonville Fall RV Show returns

The Jacksonville Fall RV Show returns to Northeast Florida from Oct. 5-8 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Regular admission is $10 for adults. Children age 12 or younger are admitted free. Tickets are sold at the gate.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, seniors receive half-price admission. All active and retired military and first responders will receive half-off the regular admission price throughout the show.

More than 300 recreational vehicles will be on display, including new and used RVs.

The show offers fun, family-friendly atmosphere with music, concessions and giveaways, and pet owners can bring their dogs if they are on a leash.

A $250 gift card will be awarded as a door prize each day of the event.

For more information, go to neflrvdealers.com/fall-rv-show.

Mega Open House Weekend set for Oct. 14-15

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty will hold its next Mega Open House Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15.

Everyone is welcome to explore a curated selection of some of the area’s top properties during the event. The company’s listings encompass homes in a wide range of prices, styles and neighborhoods throughout Northeast Florida. Along with the in-person open houses, the event features virtual open houses on social media that may be toured online while at home.    

Go to OpenHouseNEFlorida.com for more infomation.

To view the homes virtually during the event, go to facebook.com/FloridaNetworkRealty or instagram.com/FloridaNetworkRealty.

— Compiled by Shaun Ryan