The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office dive team is conducting an evaluation on the condition of the Palm Valley East and Moultrie Bluff boat ramps on Tuesday, June 9, weather permitting. For the safety of the divers, the Palm Valley East Boat Ramp will be closed from 9-10 a.m. and the Moultrie Bluff Boat Ramp will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. while the ramps are assessed. For a comprehensive list of St. Johns County boat ramps, visit sjcfl.us/Recreation/BoatRamp.aspx. For more information, call (904) 209-0333.
St. Johns County Public Library hosts online Summer Reading Program
The St. Johns County Public Library’s 2020 Summer Reading Program will be hosted online through Aug. 1. Challenging St. Johns County residents of all ages to log one million reading minutes, the library’s new READsquared website and free app will allow independent and family readers to log minutes to keep track of their summer reading goals. Readers can sign up on the READsquared website at www.sjcplsreads.readsquared.com and begin logging reading minutes, unlock games, participate in online library challenges, collect virtual prizes, and earn tickets for in-library gift bundle raffles. Participants are also encouraged to attend virtual programming through the Library’s Facebook, YouTube or Zoom classes to stay engaged throughout the summer. The READsquared online program is sponsored by the Library’s multiple Friends of the Library groups and the free app is available for both Apple and Android devices. For more information about the Library’s 2020 Summer Reading Program and virtual programming, visit www.sjcpls.org or call your local branch library.
Volunteer opportunities with St. Johns County boards and committees
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners provides residents who have an interest in serving their community and participating in local government with a variety of board and committee opportunities. The volunteer positions consider and make recommendations regarding a myriad of topics including planning and zoning issues, development projects, libraries, parks and recreation facilities and programs, and arts, culture and tourism matters. The following boards and committees are currently accepting applications:
■ Adjustment and Appeals Board (application deadline June 22)
■ Architectural Review Committee (application deadline June 22)
■ Cultural Resource Review Board (application deadline June 29)
■ North Coastal Corridor Overlay District Design Review Board (application deadline June 29)
Visit the boards and commission webpage at www.sjcfl.us/Boards to view the requirements and duties of each board and committee, download an application or contact the Board of County Commissioners office at (904) 209-0300 or mlundquist@sjcfl.us for more information.
SJC Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller names Clerk Historian
Susan Parker, Ph.D., has been named clerk historian for the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office, Clerk Brandon Patty announced Tuesday.
As clerk historian, Parker will provide support for the Clerk’s office records department, ensuring the proper identification, logging and preservation of key documents. She will also assist in coordinating records related to Board of County Commission resolutions and build a public display of historically significant county records, including the “breadbox papers” — a recently discovered cache of records and documents dating back to the 1800s during Florida’s Spanish period. She will begin her duties June 1.
“St. Johns County is blessed with historical treasures,” Parker said. “I’m looking forward to working with the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Office to ensure that this rich history is properly preserved for future generations.”
A professor with the Historic St. Augustine Research Institute at Flagler College, Parker has more than three decades of experience in history and historical preservation, with a particular focus on Florida history. She has served as executive director of the St. Augustine Historical Society since 2007 and previously served as a regional consultant for historic preservation for the Florida Division of Historical Re
