St. Johns County denies development project
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously denied a proposed development project for 3,332 residential dwelling units on Nov. 5 after conducting a public hearing during its regular meeting.
The proposed development by Robinson Improvement Co. would have required the rezoning of more than 2,600 acres on the north side of County Road 214, south of County Road 208 and between Interstate 95 and County Road 13A North.
Chair Sarah Arnold moved to deny the requests, citing a transportation deficiency on State Road 16 and emphasizing the need to get the road expansion built before any other consideration is given to future developments in that area of the county.
Judge Matthew Foxman to retire
Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Matthew M. Foxman will retire effective Nov. 29 to focus on his health.
Foxman received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and law degree from Stetson University College of Law. He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1999 and was elected to a circuit judgeship in 2010. He was subsequently reelected in 2016 and 2022 without opposition. As a circuit Judge, he served in the Family Law and Felony divisions in Volusia and Flagler counties. Before joining the court, he worked as an assistant state attorney.
Foxman’s position will be filled by gubernatorial appointment.
Help JFCS brighten the holidays for families in need
The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) is now collecting gifts for its annual Holiday Gift Giving program. This longstanding tradition has brought joy to thousands in the Jacksonville area, supporting people of all faiths.
JFCS caseworkers collect holiday wish lists from children and seniors in need, including children recently placed in foster care, isolated seniors and Holocaust survivors. With community support, JFCS staff and volunteers work to ensure each person feels the warmth of the season, said Donna O'Steen, JFCS food programs and volunteer specialist.
Last year, more than 1,600 clients received Christmas and Chanukah gifts thanks to the generosity of local donors. This year, supporters can participate by shopping for gifts to fulfill a child’s or senior’s wish list and delivering them to JFCS by Dec. 9. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made online at JFCSJax.org.
For more information or to sponsor a child or senior, contact O’Steen at Holidays@jfcsjax.org.
Ribault Garden Club plans open house
Ribault Garden Club will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at 705 Second Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach. There will be refreshments, door prizes and a raffle. Admission is free.
Duval County Master Gardener Candance Barone will discuss the benefits of foodscaping, edible landscaping and merging them together.
Family Color Run 5K set for Saturday
The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department will host a Family Color Run 5K at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the St Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 S.R. 207 E., Elkton.
The Color Run was initially scheduled for September but was rescheduled with the approach of Hurricane Helene. The event will be suitable for all ages and fitness levels, whether one is a seasoned runner or ready to enjoy a leisurely jog. The 5K will be mostly off-road and will feature colored powder for participants to fill the air with. So, bring running clothes you don’t mind getting a little colorful.
Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Elkton/FamilyColorRun5k. Cost is $40. Participants get an event T-shirt and a commemorative medal.
Explore the beach at GTM Research Reserve
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) for a beach exploration 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Collect seashells, search for shark teeth and learn about coastal wildlife. Meet at GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. The event is free but online registration is required. To register, go to gtmnerr.org/visit/events.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
