Ribault Garden Club holding open house
Ribault Garden Club will hold an open house 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 20, at 705 Second Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach. The topic is “Protecting our Backyard Birds” and the guest speaker is Elizabeth Filippelli, who currently serves as conservation director on the Duval Audubon Society Board. Open to the public. There will be refreshments, door prizes and a raffle. Admission is free.
Free tax prep help offered
United Way of St. Johns County is offering free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Available to eligible individuals and families in St. Johns and Putnam counties, this initiative provides vital support during tax season, ensuring taxpayers receive all eligible credits and deductions.
Certified tax preparers will assist community members in navigating the tax filing process, helping them maximize refunds and alleviate financial burdens. This effort aligns with United Way of St. Johns County’s mission to empower individuals and families to thrive.
VITA locations include: St. Johns County Health and Human Services, VyStar Credit Union – St. Augustine, United Way of St. Johns County, St. Johns River State College – St. Augustine, St. Johns River State College – Palatka, Hawthorne Community Center, Melrose Public Library, Interlachen Public Library and Palatka Public Library.
United Way of St. Johns County encourages eligible residents to take advantage of this resource. This service is available by appointment only and can be scheduled online at unitedway-sjc.org/freetaxprep or by calling 904-222-6609. Appointments are available through April 15.
12 couples tie the knot on at group wedding
On Valentine’s Day, 12 couples tied the knot during a group wedding at The Carriage House in downtown St. Augustine. St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court Brandon Patty said the successful event highlights his office’s commitment to serving the residents of St. Johns County.
One couple, who met at a YMCA gym program for cancer survivors, became fishing buddies who later fell in love. After Rebecca Reese attended a family event with her beau, Darrel Hubbard, Jr., she knew he was the one. The couple, who is currently fighting cancer together and supporting each other along the way, says getting married on Valentine’s Day is a dream come true.
Another couple who got married during the group ceremony met during a humanitarian mission in the Philippines. The dual-military Navy couple said they wanted to seal the deal with their spouse during the special event in historic downtown St. Augustine. The ceremony was officiated by the Honorable Judge Howard O. McGillin, Jr.
Beach cleanup is Saturday
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) will conduct a beach cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, where gloves and trash bags will be provided. Participants will be directed to a specific beach for cleanup. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended.
Email Candace.Killian@FloridaDEP.gov to participate.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 1 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.
Football field to be renovated
The Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine, will see two phases of renovations made to its existing facilities. The project’s construction contract was approved by the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners at its regular meeting on Feb. 4.
The first phase includes replacement of the football field’s natural grass turf with artificial synthetic turf and improvements to the associated drainage system.
“This is another improvement to our parks and public facilities that will really enhance the quality of life for our residents and the athletes who compete on our fields,” Board of County Commissioners Chair Krista Joseph said.
$2.1 million is budgeted for construction. Work is estimated to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall.
Woman’s Club plans social event
The Ponte Vedra Woman’s Club is planning a “Purely Social Happy Hour” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 4 at Lynch’s Irish Pub, 514 1st St. North, Jacksonville Beach. Register at pontevedrawomansclub.com.
New veterinarian joins Palm Valley Veterinary Center
Dr. Holly Wolfe has joined Palm Valley Veterinary Center. She'll be seeing patients Monday through Thursday. Originally from Ohio, she most recently practiced at Main Street Veterinary Clinic in Texas.
Call Palm Valley Veterinary Center at 904-789-8387 to schedule an appointment with Wolfe, Dr. Aaron Thivierge (Mondays and Tuesdays), Dr. Kelley Pampalon (full-time) and Dr. Aaon Fogt (full-time).
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
