Child, Adult in Critical Condition After Ocean Rescue at Mickler’s Landing

JACKSONVILLE – A child and an adult are in critical condition in St. Johns County after a near-drowning incident, according to the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue Department. The emergency responders from SJCFR and SJC Marine Rescue were called to assist multiple swimmers in distress near the Mickler’s entrance ramp. Marine Rescue personnel found one patient already out of the water with the help of bystanders, while they entered the water to assist another patient. Ladder 1, who was completing a citizen assist call on the beach, also responded promptly. SJCFR transported one adult and one child in critical…

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Man from St. Augustine killed in 3-vehicle crash in Flagler County

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…

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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…

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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…

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