Re-entry passes available for Island residents and businesses

The St Johns County Tax Collectors Office informed Historic City News local reporters that in the event of an evacuation of all barrier islands, only those with official re-entry passes will be allowed back after an evacuation.

The tags are designed to hang from the rearview mirror in a vehicle, allowing law enforcement personnel to easily identify who is permitted onto the island after an evacuation. Green tags are for residential owners, and orange tags are for business owners.

“Residents and owners of businesses located east of any bridge in St. Johns County – especially those who have been in Florida less than 10 years – need to act now before the hurricane season picks up,” said St. Johns County Tax Collector Dennis W. Hollingsworth, CFC.

The entry card system is a cooperative effort by the following entities: St. Johns County Tax Collector, St. Johns County Emergency Management, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the municipalities of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach. It is designed “to better facilitate” return to the islands after an evacuation, and to prevent those without cause from access to the islands.

To obtain your re-entry pass, simply visit any location of the St. Johns County Tax Collector during regular business hours. Be prepared to show proof of residency (driver license or ID card, utility bill, vehicle registration) or your local Business Tax Receipt.

Residents may receive one green tag for each registered vehicle, while businesses may receive two entry tags per business. These tags do not expire, so keep yours in a safe location and do not discard.