ST. JOHNS COUNTY – Akovi Davis was unexpectedly born in a car on the side of U.S. 1 in St. Augustine when his mother, Isis Davis, went into labor a few weeks early. With the help of their doula, Tabatha Seppala, the family successfully delivered the baby. After the birth, the Davis family shared their experience and expressed their desire for more birthing centers in the area. Currently, the closest birthing center is 30-40 minutes away, while the closest hospital is Advent Health, about 11 minutes away, but it doesn’t have a birthing center. The family praised the quick response…
Continue ReadingDay: June 29, 2023
County Administrator submits resignation letter after commissioners question working environment and order performance review
June 29, 2023 Honorable Chair and Board of County Commissioners, I have made the decision to resign from the County on June 29, 2023. Just over three and a half years ago while serving our community as the Clerk of Court and Comptroller I received the call being asked to serve our community in a different capacity, as the Interim County Administrator. It was shortly thereafter the Board of County Commissioners requested I remain as the full-time County Administrator, which I gratefully accepted. During this time, I’ve been given the opportunity to work beside some of the finest, most servant-hearted…
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St. Johns County School Board may tax residents more to pay for teacher raises
The St. Johns County School Board in Florida is considering asking residents to raise property taxes to fund teacher raises. The board recently discussed the possibility of adding a referendum to the 2024 ballot to increase the millage rate by at least 1 mill. Along with teacher salaries, the additional tax revenue would be used for various purposes, including school supplies, bus driver pay, curriculum programs, safety, and security. The proposed referendum would need over 50% of voters’ approval to pass. According to the district, a 1 mill increase would mean an approximate tax increase of $325 for a $350,000…
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St. Johns County Administrator’s Future in Question After Workplace Culture Concerns
The future of the man leading St. Johns County is uncertain following concerns raised by a commissioner about workplace culture within county administration. A special meeting will be held by commissioners to discuss County Administrator Hunter Conrad’s contract, which was renewed in March with a raise of over $30,000. Commissioner Sarah Arnold expressed worry about the growing workplace environment and culture among county staff, mentioning a new rule that requires directors to get administration’s approval before a one-on-one meeting with commissioners. Conrad defended the rule, stating it ensures all commissioners receive the same level of service and information. In 2020,…
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