Search underway for missing kayaker in Vilano area

A kayaker is missing in the Vilano area of St. John’s County, Florida, prompting a search operation led by the US Coast Guard. The St. Johns Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are assisting in the search and rescue efforts. More… Read Full story: WJXT

New St. Johns County Program Aims to Protect Seniors, Recover Lost Funds

A new program called Seniors vs. Crime has been launched in St. Johns County, Florida, to protect senior citizens from scams and frauds. The initiative, announced by Attorney General Ashley Moody and St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, will operate from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s South Regional Operations Center. The program will be staffed by volunteers, known as Senior Sleuths, who will educate seniors about scams and help those who have been scammed. The program has already secured an estimated $2.4 million in financial relief for seniors statewide last year, and $7.9 million since 2019. The program also provided…

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7,400 Essential Workers in St. Johns County Struggle to Afford Homes

Over 7,400 workers in education, healthcare, and law enforcement in St. Johns County, Florida, cannot afford to buy a home in the county, according to a study presented to the county’s Board of Commissioners. The county, which has the least affordable housing in the area, has a median home price of $510,000 and a median rent for a three-bedroom home of $2,290. The St. Johns County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) has recommended focusing on five key priorities to address the issue, including flexible densities, modification of impact fees, public land inventory, impact fee credit transfers, and accessory residential dwelling…

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51% of St. Johns County High School Students Have Used Alcohol, 33% Have Used Illicit Drugs – Program Highlights Warning Signs

A program in St. Johns County, Florida, called ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’, is educating parents on preventing substance misuse and addiction among young people. The Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County showcased the program, which teaches parents how everyday items like umbrellas, markers, and car keys can indicate substance misuse. The program, which started in May, uses a cargo trailer staged as a child’s bedroom to demonstrate potential indicators of risky behaviors or mental health issues. It also educates kids on safe driving by simulating alcohol and drug levels with goggles. According to the coalition, about 51% of St. Johns…

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