A 53-year-old man from St. Augustine is dead, and a woman is seriously injured after a three-vehicle crash on A1A and Bay Drive on Thursday night, according to Florida Highway Patrol. A pick-up truck and an SUV were driving south on A1A, one in front of the other, when the SUV came to a stop in order to make a left turn onto Bay Drive. The pick-up truck behind that SUV didn’t stop, causing a crash, FHP said. Because of the impact, the pick-up truck rotated towards the center line and hit a motorcycle. The driver of that motorcycle was…
Continue ReadingTag: St. Augustine
Doula facilitates roadside birth on St. Augustine highway
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 Reading
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…
Continue Reading
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,…
Continue Reading