HISTORIC CITY NEWS 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 assist residents with questions and concerns at 904-824-5550. Hours of Operations will be 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

Government

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.

Editorials

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 will follow their lead.

Government

County Administrator lists COVID-19 closures in St Johns County

In the interest of public safety and in an effort to minimize the impact of COVID-19 within our community, the following St. Johns County facilities and programs are closed to the public, or have been cancelled, from March 16 through March 29, 2020:

Community

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.

Government

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

COVID-19: Early voting is over but Election Day is still Tuesday

Supervisor of Elections, Vicky Oakes, informed Historic City News Sunday that the Elections Office will be open Monday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for voters who may wish to vote by mail or need to pick up a ballot for a family member, which requires written authorization. If you plan to pick up a ballot for someone other than yourself, call the Elections Office for details before you make the trip.

Public Safety

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.