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December 2025 Newsletter

Public Library System Launches Enhanced Food for Fines Program

The St. Johns County Public Library System is launching the 2025 Food for Fines program, now offering two meaningful ways for patrons to give back to local families in need. Running from Sunday, November 9, 2025, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, this annual initiative allows patrons to eliminate overdue fines while supporting the community through partnerships with St. Johns County Health and Human Services and Firefighters for Families.

County Makes Progress on Infrastructure Priority of Strategic Plan

County Traffic Signal at State Road 16 and South Francis Road Fully Operational: A new traffic signal and roadway improvements at State Road 16 and South Francis Road are now fully operational to enhance traffic flow. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this important project. Read more.


Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp Improvements: St. Johns County, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), closed the Fort Matanzas Beach Ramp for construction. The ramp, located off State Road A1A approximately 3.9 miles south of State Road 206, will remain closed through May 2026. The resiliency project will strengthen the ramp and adjacent parking area, repair erosion damage from previous storms, and enhance public access to the beach. View South Beach Access Map. Read more.


County Announces Upcoming Completion of North Beach Park Upgrades: St. Johns County is nearing completion of the $2.1 million North Beach Park renovation project in Vilano Beach, with the newly redesigned park expected to open to the public in the very near future. Construction began in January 2025 and is now in the final stages. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event. Read more.

Dashboard Speeds Up Derelict Vessel Removal, Protects St. Johns County’s Waterways

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is strengthening efforts to protect local waterways through its Derelict Vessel Program, which targets the removal of abandoned and damaged boats from state waters to preserve environmental quality and enhance public safety. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this program.

County Celebrates Largest-Ever SJC 101 Citizens Academy Graduating Class

At the December 2, 2026, Board of County Commissioners regular meeting, St. Johns County proudly recognized the graduates of the Fall 2025 SJC 101 Citizens Academy – the largest graduating class to date, with 29 participants completing the 12-week program. This milestone reflects the County’s continued commitment to civic engagement, transparency, and strong community partnerships. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the graduating class.

Commissioner

Christian Whitehurst

Commissioner

Sarah Arnold

Commissioner

Clay Murphy

Chair

Commissioner

Krista Joseph

Commissioner

Ann Taylor

Vice Chair

SJC Parks and Recreation’s Second Family Color Run 5K Doubles Previous Year’s Attendance

On November 15, 2025, the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department held its second Family Color Run 5K, which saw an impressive increase in participation compared to the inaugural run in 2024The Office of Public Affairs made a short video to commemorate the event.

SJC Beach Services Sell Record Number of Driving Passes in 2025 - 2026 Presale Begins

St. Johns County Beach Services sold a record number of driving passes during the 2025 beach toll season, the first season in which credit card payments were an option at County beach toll booths. Read more.


2026 Beach Driving Passes on Sale: Pre-season annual beach driving passes went on sale Monday, December 1. St. Johns County resident passes are $50, non-resident passes are $100, and ADA-accessible passes are $40.

City of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights - Know Before You Go

Following last year’s unprecedented attendance and visitation during Nights of Lights, the City of St. Augustine has made significant modifications to its operations for the popular holiday lighting season. Improvements include increased public safety presence, modified traffic circulation, portable restrooms, mobile app, and more.


Download the Nights of Lights App.

County Celebrates 15 Children Finding Forever Homes on National Adoption Day

On November 21, St. Johns County hosted its annual National Adoption Day ceremony at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, bringing together judges, community partners, adoptive families, and local leaders to celebrate the gift of family and recognize the 15 children adopted in the past year. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the ceremony.

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A Spanish translation of this newsletter is available on the County website. The County website features multiple options in the Select Language tab near the top right of every web page that can be utilized at any time by readers.

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