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
Tag: St. Augustine News
St. Augustine Beach Makes National Geographic’s Best Fall Beaches List
National Geographic has recommended seven U.S. beach towns to visit during the fall season in 2023, including St. Augustine Beach in Florida. The publication highlighted the area’s history, 42-mile sandy shores, and unique environment. Other beach towns featured include Atlantic Beach in South Carolina, known for its Black-owned history; Cannon Beach in Oregon, famous for its “Haystack Rock”; Cape May in New Jersey, one of the oldest seaside resort towns; Laguna Beach in California, known for its diverse scenery; Haleʻiwa in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, a top surfing location; and Revere Beach in Massachusetts, the first public beach established in the U.S.…
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October Marks End of Toll Booth Season for St. Johns County Beaches
St. Johns County, Florida, will end its toll-booth season for beaches on September 30. Vehicle owners will not need to purchase passes to access approximately 12 miles of beach until March 1, 2024. The county will close vehicular beach access gates from 7:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. to protect nesting sea turtles. Despite the absence of tolls, drivers must still adhere to all beach vehicle safety rules. Access to the beach may be affected by weather, sand, or tides. For updated information, visitors can visit the county’s website or call a provided number. More… Read Full story: Action News Jax
St. Johns County Man Arrested in Attempted Meeting with Undercover Detective
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has arrested 56-year-old Michael Christopher Patchen on multiple charges related to child exploitation. Patchen was caught by Crimes Against Children detectives after engaging in sexually explicit conversations with an undercover detective posing as a child, and attempting to meet the ‘child’ for sex. He was charged with attempted lewd/lascivious battery, traveling to meet a minor for sex, solicitation of a minor for sex, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The Sheriff’s Office has urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and be aware of online dangers. More… Read…
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