Asplen, Barrera to speak at community center
St. Johns County School District Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen and District 4 School Board Representative Kelly Barrera will speak at the Palm Valley Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 13.
Asplen will review highlights from the past school year and address the district’s projected $23-million budget deficit in 2027, including potential cuts and structural changes that could affect St. Johns County schools.
A key factor driving this shortfall: when the Florida Legislature expanded the school voucher program to include private and charter schools in 2023, per-pupil funding for public schools declined.
All residents are encouraged to attend.
The Palm Valley Community Center is located at 148 Canal Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.
Garden club to mark centennial
The Garden Club of St. Augustine will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on May 13, marking a century of civic beautification, conservation efforts and community involvement in St. Augustine.
Founded in 1926, the club has spent the past 100 years promoting gardening, protecting the natural environment and helping preserve the charm and historic character of the city. This milestone celebration will bring together members, community leaders and residents to recognize the club’s long history of service.
The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 13 at 3440 Old Moultrie Road, St. Augustine. The public is welcome to attend.
Farmers market open every Friday
The Ponte Vedra Friday Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at Palm Valley Outdoors, 377 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, offering fresh produce, local farm goods and a welcoming space to connect with neighbors and small businesses.
This farmers market features fresh, organically grown produce; Florida grass-fed beef and pork; real local honey; pasture-raised chicken and eggs; wholegrain breads; gluten-free sourdough bread; natural botanical skincare; creations by local artisans and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Grief support group to meet
A grief support group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in the Fr. Kelly Room of the Kelly Athletic Center, 212 Fifth Street N., Jacksonville Beach. The group is for men and women grieving the death of a family member or friend. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. For information call Kathy at 904-553-8933.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It offers organically grown produce, pasture-raised chicken, eggs and pork; grass-fed and finished beef; local honey; raw milk; bone broth; whole grain, sourdough and gluten- and dairy-free sourdough breads; an array of baked goods; all-natural plant- and animal-based skincare; local artisans; and more. This charming venue located in the heart of Palm Valley affords customers both an indoor and an open-air shopping experience. Palm Valley Market — Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Blvd.
For more information, email info@PalmValleyMarket.com.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
