Dr. John Rossi has transformed his 17-acre property near Hastings into the St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve, which opened on October 1. Over 17 years, Rossi collected and planted palms from around the world, resulting in nearly 400 different types of palm tree on the site, the largest collection north of the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. The park also features plants from different geographic regions, cactuses, and flowers, including some rare species. The park is a 501(c)(3) organization and was developed over three years with the help of volunteers. It includes signs, pathways, picnic areas, parking,…
Continue ReadingTag: Aggregated
Closures expected as FEMA continues dune restoration in St. Johns County
FEMA’s beach fortification work on hurricane-damaged areas will temporarily restrict access to certain waterways in St. Johns County. More… Read Full story: Action News Jax
Driver Falls Asleep at Wheel, Crashes U-Haul and Causes Fuel Spill in St. Johns County
A U-Haul truck crashed into a guardrail on Interstate 95 in St. Johns County, Florida, after the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The accident, which occurred on Thursday at 12:47 p.m., caused significant damage to the guardrail and a fuel spill, leading to a temporary closure of all lanes north of State Road 16. Both the driver and passenger, who were wearing seatbelts, were unharmed. The lanes have since been reopened. More… Read Full story: Action News Jax
St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chief Resigns After 5 Months on the Job
St. Johns County Fire Rescue Department Fire Chief, Scott Bullard, has resigned after five months in his role, with no immediate reason given for his departure. Bullard, a 21-year veteran of the department, replaced retired Chief Jeffrey Prevatt in May 2023. Battalion Chief Sean McGee, a 25-year veteran of the department, will serve as acting Fire Chief. The county will conduct a national search for a new Fire Chief, working with a professional executive search firm and a hiring committee that includes representatives from the St. Johns County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association. More… Read Full story: WJXT