FYIs

View Meeting Notices, Events, and Advisory Calendars

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meetings are held monthly on the first and third Tuesdays at 9 a.m. in the County Auditorium. Agendas | Minutes | Calendar

County Commissioner Invitations – The County Commissioners receive invitations to attend various events and, on occasion, more than one Commissioner may attend and participate. For notices and more information, visit the BOCC’s Invitations webpage.

Boards and Committees Volunteer Opportunities – Residents interested in serving their community and participating in local government may apply for a variety of board and committee opportunities. Current Board Vacancies

Commissioners Approve $500,000 to Provide Mental Health Support for Fire Rescue Personnel – During the Oct. 4, 2022, regular Board of County Commissioners meeting, commissioners unanimously approved an allocation of $500,000 from the Fire District Rescue Reserve to provide mental health support for members of St. Johns County Fire Rescue. Fire Rescue Mental Health Support Full Press Release

Events

St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce to Host Pop-Up Shop for Local Businesses Affected by Hurricane Ian – Join the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce for a pop-up shop dedicated to local businesses affected by Hurricane Ian. Chamber of Commerce representatives can help members of the business community apply for a bridge loan or a small business loan on the spot. Members of the business community that have questions on whether or not they are eligible for government assistance for repairs or economic loss due to Hurricane Ian are welcome. No registration or appointment is required.

When: Monday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: City of St. Augustine City Hall (Lightner Museum), 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084, Administration Operation Room at the City Manager’s Office

Cost: Free

Event Flyer: Pop-Up Shop for Local Businesses Affected by Hurricane Ian

Meeting Notices

Amphitheater & Concert Hall Advisory Committee Meeting – The Amphitheater & Concert Hall Advisory Committee will be holding meetings in the Cordova Conference Room on Thursday, October 6, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Cordova Conference Room is located in the County Attorney’s Office located on the second floor of the County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida. Amphitheater & Concert Hall Advisory Committee

Public Workshop for Public Comment – Allocation of Funds – St. Johns County along with United Way of St. Johns County and the American Rescue Plan Act Steering Committee will hold a workshop on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in the County Auditorium. At this meeting questions will be answered and Public Comment will be taken only on the process. Lobbying on behalf of organizations is prohibited during this process with the exception of the public meeting on November 22, 2022 at 9:00 a.m., in the County Auditorium located in the St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. Allocation of Funds Workshop

Surtax Ordinance

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Propose Creation of Sales Tax Advisory Committee – During the regular commission meeting on Sept. 20, 2022, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners directed County staff to provide the Board with recommendations for the potential creation of a Sales Tax Advisory Committee. Staff will provide the Board of County Commissioners with a schedule and appointment process for the citizen-led committee. The committee will only be established if St. Johns County voters approve the one-penny sales tax referendum on Nov. 8, 2022. Sales Tax Advisory Committee

Sales Tax Performance Audit – St. Johns County was audited by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA). This audit is part of the state’s new transparency requirements for proposed sales tax increases. Sales Tax Performance Audit Full Report.

County Commissioners Vote to Place Proposed Sales Tax on November Ballot – During the March 15 commission meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to send to referendum a proposed one-penny sales tax ordinance for voter approval on November 8, 2022. Before election day, an independent certified public accountant will conduct an audit to examine several key factors. Those factors include the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the program and how the program will accomplish goals and objectives. The audit report will be available to the public 60 days before election day.

“We have a problem, and we cannot raise impact fees any more than where they already are due to statutory limitations. This left us with only three options: raise the millage rate on our homes, propose the public votes yes or no on a one-cent sales tax increase, or do nothing and kick the can down the road for several more years,” said Board Chairman, Commissioner Henry Dean. “I think it’s important to let the voters decide.”

Should more than 50% of voters approve the proposed ordinance, the sales tax increase will begin for ten years on January 1, 2023. The proposed increase would take St. Johns County’s sales tax from 6.5% to 7.5% of the sale of goods and services. For taxable personal property, the additional one-penny sales tax would only be collected on the first $5,000. The additional sales tax would not apply to certain groceries, prescription drugs, medical products and supplies, or other goods and services exempt from taxation. St. Johns County has developed a Frequently Asked Questions page regarding the proposed surtax increase.

Hurricane Evacuation Zone Changes

Know Your Zone – St. Johns County’s hurricane evacuation zones have been updated as a result of data improvements by the National Hurricane Center. The new zones are effective immediately. Those living in coastal, waterfront, and low-lying areas will see the most significant changes. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the updated map to determine changes to their evacuation zones by visiting the County’s “My Evacuation Zone website” which provides evacuation zone information for St. Johns County addresses.

Projects & Road Closures

Douglas C. Crane Boat Ramp to Temporarily Close – St. Johns County Public Works will temporarily close the Douglas C. Crane Boat Ramp for improvements beginning Oct. 3, 2022. The boat ramp will reopen in Spring 2023, weather permitting. Boat Ramp Closure Project Information

St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District To Contribute $1.5 Million Toward Genovar Property Purchase – In a unanimous vote by the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District, during its Aug. 9, 2022 meeting, $1.5 million will now go toward funding the purchase of the Genovar property. The contribution by the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District demonstrates the widespread support behind St. Johns County’s decision to acquire approximately 31 acres on the San Sebastian River, known as the Genovar property, for the future development of a public boat ramp and related uses. During the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 2, 2022, commissioners voted to purchase the property for $17.5 million. Genovar Property Purchase Press Release

Racy Point Bridge to Temporarily Close for Repairs – St. Johns County Public Works will close Racy Point Bridge, located 3.7 miles south of County Road 214, to complete repairs. The closure will occur from August 3 through October 14, 2022, weather permitting. This project is intended to stabilize traffic-bearing concrete slabs approaching the bridge, replace and reset the bridge guardrail, and resurface additional pavement approaching the bridge. Detour signage will be posted during construction.

Assistance

St. Johns County Now Offering Assistance with Past Due Energy Bills for Low-Income Seniors – The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) provides heating/cooling (Electric) bill assistance to an elder who is in immediate danger of losing home energy. For eligibility guidelines and application, visit the Social Services page or call 904-209-6140.

Notices

Current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps & Information – Flood Zone Viewer | NFIP Rating Insurance Discounts for Some SJC Property Owners

Projects, Advisories, Status Updates – For right of way projects, advisories, and status updates as well as permitting activity, please visit the St. Johns County Neighborhood Bill of Rights Application