Food For Fines program $4K
During the 2025 holiday season, the St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) patrons donated nonperishable food valued at more than $4,000 to support St. Johns County’s Health and Human Services Food Pantry.
In addition to food donations, a new partnership with Firefighters for Families resulted in more than $400 in cash donations this year to purchase bike lights. The lights will be distributed to children to promote safety by increasing visibility while riding.
The annual Food for Fines program allows library patrons to support local families while reducing overdue fines.
“Since starting Food for Fines in 2009, the community has strongly supported the program, even patrons without fines,” said Debra Rhodes Gibson, SJCPLS director. “Expanding our partnerships allows us to help more families by addressing food insecurity and supporting new initiatives, such as providing bike lights to promote safety.”
Food for Fines is one of several partnership programs through which the library extends its services throughout St. Johns County.
For further information, go to www.sjcpls.org.
Democratic Club to meet
The Ponte Vedra Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach. The featured speaker will be Nancy Soderberg, former U.N. Ambassador. Optional chat and chew at 5:30 p.m. Meeting at 6 p.m. More info: PVDemClub@gmail.com
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.
Family seining activity planned
Join a guided family seining activity from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Learn about the animals and their roles in Guana Lake by pulling a seine net and collecting species of fish, crabs and other marine life.
Meet at GTM Research Reserve Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Register online at gtmnerr.org/calendars.
The event is free, but parking is $3 per vehicle. All necessary gear (waders and boots) will be provided. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended.
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.
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 St. N., Jacksonville Beach. The group is for men and women grieving the death of a family member or friend. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. For information call Kathy at 904-553-8933.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
