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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St. Johns County switches trash service providers after two decades
St. Johns County, Florida, has awarded a $28.2 million contract to FCC Environmental Services for trash pickup, replacing the two companies that have provided the service for the past 20 years. The change, which was approved by a 4-1 vote, will result in a $170 increase in costs to residents over the next five years. The current contracts with Republic Services and Waste Management, which serve the northern and southern parts of the county respectively, will expire in July 2024. FCC’s bid was significantly lower than those from Meridian Waste, Waste Pro, and Waste Management. FCC will begin its seven-year…
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Saint Augustine Film Festival Brings Stars and 30 Films to Local Screens
The 14th annual Saint Augustine Film Festival will take place from January 11-14, 2024 in St. Augustine, Florida, with screenings at Lewis Auditorium and Gamache-Koger Theatre at Flagler College, and the Alcazar Room at Lightner Museum. Special guests include actresses Pamela Poitier, Wendie Malick, and Melora Hardin, and director Amy Glazer. The festival will feature 32 films, three actor awards, and six parties. Passes are currently on sale at staugfilmfest.com. The festival is an outreach program of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and is supported by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, the St. Johns Cultural Council, and…
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