St. Johns County announces July 4 office hours
All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County administrative offices, library branches and bookmobile, the Supervisor of Elections’ Office, the Property Appraiser’s Office, the Tax Collector’s Office and the Clerk of Courts and County Comptroller’s Office will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. All offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, July 7.
The St. Johns County Public Library System will resume regular branch hours on Saturday, July 5. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection schedules will not be delayed. The Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road Transfer Stations will remain open during standard business hours.
The St. Johns County Solid Waste Division has teamed up with Recycle Coach to help educate residents. By downloading the Recycle Coach app (https://www.recyclecoach.com) or using the website widget, residents can obtain their curbside collection schedule, sign up for alerts and quickly learn how to dispose of different waste materials properly. Residents can take a picture of an item and Recycle Coach will identify if it is recyclable.
Farmers market open every Friday
The Ponte Vedra Friday Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at The Peace of Heart Community Farm, 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
The Peace of Heart Community Farm is located at 14A S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.
Beach exploration planned
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve for a guided exploration hike from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5.
Learn about the Guana Peninsula’s natural biodiversity, expansive cultural history, vital estuarine resources and current efforts to protect these resources.
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Trailhead Pavilion (west of Guana Dam), 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
The event is free but parking is $3 per vehicle. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are also recommended.
Register at gtmnerr.org/calendar.
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.
Democratic Club to meet
The Ponte Vedra Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd. Optional “chat and chew” is at 5:30 p.m. Featured speaker will be state Rep. Angie Nixon, who will provide an update on what's happening in Tallahassee. All are welcome. For more information, go to PVDemclub@gmail.com.
Hanna Park cleanup planned
Timucuan Parks Foundation and JaxParks are hosting a volunteer cleanup at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park on Sunday, July 6, to clean up the park after the busy 4th of July holiday. Volunteers are asked to meet at the park at 8 a.m. to help clean up litter throughout the park, including on the beach, along the trails, in the parking lots, picnic areas and around the pond. Helpers should inform the gate attendant that they are there for the TPF volunteer cleanup and will be directed to the meet-up location in the park. The cleanup is expected to last until 11 a.m.
Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and a hat is recommended to help protect against the sun. Bring work gloves, if possible, along with sunscreen, insect repellent and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will have additional gloves, work equipment, water to refill bottles, snacks and extra insect repellent.
A parent, guardian, or scout leader must supervise children under the age of 16. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on a volunteer liability waiver, which can be found at timucuanparks.org/volunteer. For more information, contact volunteer@timucuanparks.org or call 904-374-1107.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
