Month: March 2020

Update from Emergency Operations confirms new local COVID case

Director Linda Stoughton has provided Historic City News local reporters with updated conditions from the St Johns County Emergency Operations Center on Agricultural Center Drive in St Augustine.  At this time (Tuesday 4:00 p.m.) St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center is elevated to Level II partial activation.  The Citizens Information Line will be open to…

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Public Safety

Elections office reports one emergency change of polling place

TODAY is St Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17th and it is also Election Day in St Johns County.  Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes reported to Historic City News this morning that only one precinct polling location, Pct. 306 Coquina Crossing Community Center, has been moved.  All other precincts are opening in just 45-minutes.

Government

Preppers may be having their “I told you so” moment

For those in the often-mocked “prepper” community, this whole coronavirus pandemic is quickly becoming their “I told you so” moment. But according to an Associated Press report, many are resisting saying that, even if it’s in the back of their minds. What they hope is that they’ll finally be taken seriously and that more people…

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Editorials

Regulation of Hamilton Upchurch Neighborhood Park debated

Special provisions in a larger proposed ordinance to deal with issues at city parks, venues, and facilities, will affect Hamilton Upchurch Neighborhood Park, which is on Red Cox Drive at Anastasia Boulevard.  The facility includes a controversial skateboarding area, and is named after Mayor Tracy Upchurch’s father.

Community

St Augustine park and venue regulation may get a vote next Monday

During the recent meeting of the St Augustine City Commission, the mayor and commissioners voted unanimously to move an ordinance to its final reading and public hearing.  The wide-ranging ordinance regulates city parks, venues, and facilities, and would affect things such as group feedings, and assemblies.

Government

On Saturday governor confirms third coronavirus death in Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday banned most visits to nursing homes statewide as he acknowledged the coronavirus has likely spread into the general population. Meanwhile, officials reported to Historic City News that world-famous South Beach had been closed to prevent college spring breakers from congregating.

Public Safety