Library Friends plan lobby sale
Seymour’s bookstore is having a lobby sale from Friday, July 28, through Saturday, Aug. 12. All books in the lobby will be $1 each. There will be a great selection of grade-level books, classics for young adults, homeschooling books and popular fiction and nonfiction books.
Also, CDs, audio books, DVDs and vinyl records will be offered at $1 or less.
Seymour’s, a Friends of Library (FOL) bookstore operated by volunteers, is located in the lobby of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Proceeds support the library. Friends of the Library provide children's and adult's programs, materials, equipment, community space for all residents to enjoy, and many other resources.
The sale will accept cash and checks only.
Peduto appointed to board
On Tuesday, July 18, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously appointed Anthony Peduto to the Ponte Vedra Zoning and Adjustment Board. This fills a vacancy created when Cynthia Ware declined her March 7 appointment. Peduto joins K. Megan McKinley, John Patton, Samuel Crozier, Richard Ensslen, Jane Rollinson and C.F. “Chip” Greene on the board.
DeSantis appoints judges of compensation claims
On Thursday, July 20, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced five appointments to the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims, including two re-appointments from Northeast Florida.
Ralph Humphries of Ponte Vedra has been a judge of compensation claims since 2010. Previously, he was a partner at Boyd & Jenerette. He earned his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Florida. Humphries is reappointed to the Jacksonville office.
Ray Holley of Jacksonville has been a judge of compensation claims since 2010. Previously, he was an attorney at the Law Office of Amy Warpinksi. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stetson University, his master’s degree from the University of North Florida and his juris doctor from Stetson University. Holley is reappointed to the Jacksonville office.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday inside the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Road. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, tea, seasonal treats, soap, jewelry, plants and more.
State pays off $400 million debt early
On Wednesday, July 19, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the early paydown of $400 million of the state’s debt through the Debt Reduction Program. The program reduces state debt by accelerating the payoff of bonds prior to maturity, avoiding subsequent interest costs. The early payoff is expected to save Florida taxpayers nearly $34 million.
“While Washington has governed irresponsibly and ballooned the national debt, the Free State of Florida is providing a blueprint for fiscal responsibility,” said DeSantis. “We put Floridians front and center in every decision we make and are proud to continue saving them money through smart fiscal policy.”
The state budget established the Debt Reduction Program within the Division of Bond Finance.
Four area residents selected for student leader internships
Bank of America recently announced that four area high school seniors and recent graduates were selected for an eight-week paid summer internship providing them with first-hand experience in serving their communities. As part of the program, the students will develop leadership and practical workforce skills while working with Communities in Schools of Jacksonville.
The seniors are: Shruthika Kondabrolu of Allen D. Nease High School, Amber Bansal of The Bolles School and Marina Caraballo of Samuel W. Wolfson High School. The recent graduate is Tatum Register of Stanton College Preparatory School.
This summer, the students will travel to Washington, D.C., for a national leadership summit focused on the power of cross-sector collaboration and community advocacy. Student leaders from across the nation will discuss the importance of civic engagement and meet with members of Congress.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
