St Johns County has reported to Historic City News that our readers will enjoy unprecedented steps being taken this year to help residents and visitors enjoy the sun, sand, and surf this Independence Day holiday weekend.

The “Reach the Beach” program includes beach shuttles, extended hours for some beaches, and new ways to receive beach access updates and service information.

Free Beach Shuttles:

St Johns County Fishing Pier and Mickler’s Beachfront Park

With the demand for on-beach and off-beach parking expected to again exceed capacity during the holiday weekend, St. Johns County is offering a free shuttle service to the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Mickler’s Beachfront Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 4 – 6.

The shuttle to the pier will depart from and return to the City of St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2200 State Road A1A South. The shuttle to Mickler’s Beachfront Park will depart from and return to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North.

Both shuttles will run every 20 minutes until noon, and every half hour for the remainder of the day with the final shuttle departing from the pier and the park at 6 p.m. Shuttle service will be provided based on ridership and will be subject to inclement weather. Service updates will be provided via the Reach the Beach mobile website, twitter feed, and facebook page.

Vilano Beach and Porpoise Point:

Extended Fourth of July vehicle access hours and waived Twilight Fee

Vehicular access to Vilano Beach and Porpoise Point Beach will remain open until 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4 in order for beach visitors to view the downtown fireworks show. All vehicles are encouraged to depart the beach by 11:00 p.m. due to the anticipated high tide. All Twilight fees for vehicular access to Vilano Beach and Porpoise Point have been waived, and the beach will be free to all allowable vehicles beginning at 5:00 p.m. July 4.

Mobile access:

St. Johns County now offers a variety of ways to “Reach the Beach” through a mobile optimized website, twitter, and facebook. Access information about beach entry points, facilities, services, and vehicular ramp opening-closing updates.

The new Reach the Beach mobile website address: http://www.sjcfl.us/beach

Follow Reach the Beach on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sjcbeaches

Like Reach the Beach on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SJCBeaches

iPhone and iPad owners can download the Reach the Beach app to access the mobile website directly from their device.

In addition, visitors can call the Beach Conditions Hotline at 904.209.0331 to obtain updated vehicle access information.

Increased Parking and New Shower Facilities:

The parking lot at the St. Johns County Fishing Pier is being redesigned to increase parking by approximately 20 percent. In addition, the new paved Pope Road parking lot provides an additional 26 parking spaces and is now equipped with a shower facility for beach visitor convenience.

Additional Beach Access, Services, and Public Safety information:

• Beach visitors are advised to expect traffic delays at all vehicular beach access points when entering the beach. In addition, limited off-beach parking and on-beach parking will be available during the holiday weekend as all beaches are expected to reach capacity.

• Vehicular beach access is subject to current weather and tide conditions and may be restricted to four wheel drive vehicles without prior notice in order to ensure a safe experience for all beach visitors.

• It is illegal to possess fireworks, consume alcohol, or create an open fire on a St. Johns County Beach.

• The St. Johns County Fishing Pier offers chair and umbrella rentals, and sells bait, beach and fishing supplies, and a variety of refreshments.

• A limited number of beach wheelchairs are available for reservation by calling 904.209.0344.

St. Johns County’s Beach Services, Fire Rescue, and Sheriff’s office, and City of St. Augustine Beach Police Department will remain in service throughout the holiday weekend to respond to service and safety needs.

Please have a fun and safe Independence Day holiday weekend on St. Johns County’s beautiful beaches.