Deputy Oke rescues swimmer

Swimmers rescued
When a boat and its four passengers capsized in the Atlantic Ocean at Matanzas inlet yesterday, one of those stranded on a sandbar attempted the dangerous maneuver of swimming through the strong currents to shore.

The swimmer quickly got into trouble but luck was on her side.

COA vehicles burglarized

St. Johns County Council on Aging reported that during the night last night, two COA vehicles were burglarized while parked at 1965 A1A South. The vehicles were secured at approximately 6:00 p.m. last night and were discovered to have been burglarized this morning at about 7:00 a.m.

Armed home invasion robbery

Home invasion
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office – Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a home invasion robbery that occurred shortly after 9:00 last night at a North 7th Street trailer park.

The victim and five witnesses were interviewed at the scene; reporting to Deputy Allen Lapkovitch that when one of them knocked and entered through the front door, they were followed immediately into the trailer by the unknown intruder.

Counterfeit checks passed at Publix

Counterfeit checks
This week, the Sheriff’s Office was called to Publix on Racetrack Road to investigate two counterfeit checks passed in their store on February 14th.

According to the statement of a witness in the store, two heavy set black women presented the checks which appeared to have been drawn on Bank of America.

New charges for Silas after arrest

Kenneth Silas
A 31-year old Duval County man was arrested on a host of charges Sunday evening and additional charges were filed Monday, including capital sexual battery, according to a media release provided by the Sheriff’s Office this week.

The suspect, identified as Kenneth Bernard Silas, 31, 1325 Dancy St., Jacksonville, had a first appearance hearing on the new charges Tuesday morning.

Local State of Emergency

Beach erosion
County Engineer Darrell Locklear reported some good news today for five families in jeopardy of having their homes wash into the Atlantic Ocean.

Gerry Stokes’ home on Coastal Highway (SR A1A North) as well as the homes of four other families located north of Vilano Beach are covered under a local “state of emergency”.

Republican Party to become “more visible”

St Johns County GOP
In an interview with Reau Estes this afternoon, he told me that the Republican Party of St. Johns County has given new focus to the importance of the party’s participation in community events.

“An example”, said Estes, “is what we did at Rhythm & Ribs.” referring to the tent and booth the party set up there.