St. Johns County and the company contracted for beach restoration projects after Hurricanes Irma and Matthew reached a settlement following a dispute over costs. The company, Continental Heavy Civil Corp. (CHC), claimed it incurred additional unforeseen expenses during a $33.5 million FEMA emergency berm restoration project. CHC asserted it was owed around $7 million for cost overruns, split into $4.6 million for extra work items and $2.3 million for trucking shortage impacts. In the settlement, the county agreed to pay CHC approximately $3.7 million, with $830,000 going directly to the company, and the county seeking FEMA reimbursement for the remaining…
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St. Johns County Commission axes potential changes to tree ordinance
Efforts to enhance tree protection during construction in St. Johns County hit a roadblock on Tuesday. The county commission was considering updates to the tree ordinance, aiming to provide more safeguards for trees during the development of neighborhoods and shopping centers. During a lengthy session, dozens of residents, builders, and environmentalists voiced support for measures such as higher fees for tree removal, stricter penalties for tree removal, and mandates for tree buffers around new developments. Public comments on this topic lasted over 2 hours, with the overall discussion taking more than 2.5 hours. However, in the end, county commissioners voted…
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St. Johns County Fire Chief Forced to Resign Speaks Out, Gains Public Support
Former St. Johns County Fire Chief, Scott Bullard, is seeking reinstatement as a firefighter after being forced to resign earlier this month. Bullard, who has worked for the department for 22 years, addressed county commissioners on Tuesday, stating he had been promised he could continue working with the fire rescue in another capacity if he resigned as chief. Bullard has filed a grievance against the county, claiming they violated the law by refusing him employment. His request for reinstatement is supported by a Change.org petition with nearly 800 signatures. Many firefighters also showed up in support. However, the head of…
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Veterans Council of St. Johns County to Host Veterans Day Celebration on November 11
The Veterans Council of St. Johns County, in partnership with the Military Officers Association of America, Ancient City Chapter, will host a Veterans Day event on November 11 at the Anastasia Baptist Church in St. Augustine, Florida. The event, which begins at 9:00 a.m., will include the opportunity to explore the Traveling Vietnam and War on Terror Walls, and over 40 display tables from local non-profits and military groups. The main event, a Veterans Day Ceremony, will start at 11:00 a.m., featuring a keynote speech by BG William Temple, Deputy Commanding General FLANG. The St. Augustine High School Chorale will…
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