County Updates Impact Fee Ordinance, Creates New Conservation and Open Space Impact Fee

At its December 2, 2025, regular meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the County’s Consolidated Impact Fee Ordinance. The amendment adopts the St. Johns County Impact Fee Update Study and establishes a new Conservation and Open Space Impact Fee to help fund the protection of natural areas and open space as the County continues to grow. The full amendment is available to the public (PDF)

County Launches St. Johns Reads Program 2026

The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) invites the community to participate in St. Johns Reads, the 22nd annual “One Book, One Community” celebration, beginning January 3, 2026. The monthlong event features programs and community conversations inspired by this year’s selected title, An Immense World by Ed Yong.

County Makes Progress on Major Improvement Projects Advancing Infrastructure Priorities in Strategic Plan

County Begins $2.35 Million Regalo Road Improvements: Construction is underway on the remaining unpaved portion of Regalo Road, improving connectivity between U.S. 1 and Palencia Village Drive and supporting efficient traffic flow for residents and commuters. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this important project. Read more.

Porpoise Point Vehicular Access Ramp Temporarily Closing for Improvements Beginning January 5, 2026: St. Johns County will temporarily close the Porpoise Point Vehicular Access Ramp beginning January 5, 2026 for improvements. The resiliency project will raise and harden the ramp to protect it from flooding during astronomical tides and tropical weather events. The ramp is expected to reopen to vehicles in May 2026. Read more.

Fire Rescue Training Facility Advances, Enhancing First Responder Readiness and Public Safety: The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners approved the first step toward a new Fire Rescue Training Facility, a critical investment that will expand local training opportunities for firefighters and paramedics while strengthening long-term public safety and emergency response capabilities countywide. Read more.

Featured Projects

County Bans Smoking and Vaping in Parks and Beaches Under Amended Ordinances

At its December 2, 2025, regular meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to amend two existing County ordinances to prohibit smoking, vaping, and the littering of cigarette butts and vaping paraphernalia in County parks and on County-managed beaches.

Commissioner

Christian Whitehurst

District 1 News

Commissioner

Sarah Arnold

District 2 News

Commissioner

Clay Murphy

Chair

District 3 News

Commissioner

Krista Joseph

District 4 News

Commissioner

Ann Taylor

Vice Chair

District 5 News

Adam Vermut Wins 20th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament

On December 7, 2025, University of North Florida senior Adam Vermut won the 20th Annual St. Augustine Amateur Golf Tournament with a birdie on the 18th hole of St. Johns Golf Club (4900 Cypress Lakes Blvd., Elkton). The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event.

County Launches Inside SJC Episode 9 Taking A Look Inside Beach Driving Passes

St. Johns County launched Inside SJC Episode 9: Cruise the Coast with the SJC Driving Pass. This episode gives viewers a look inside the SJC Beach Services Office to learn more about the Annual Beach Driving Pass. The Beach Driving Pass gives driving access to nearly 12 miles of St. Johns County beaches and getting the pass has never been easier. Preseason Passes are on sale now at multiple locations.

County Encourages Local Farmers to Apply for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

St. Johns County is encouraging local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to apply for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), with the application window open December 15, 2025, at 8 a.m. through January 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Apply for the Program.

St. Johns County encourages all eligible farmers and landowners to explore this opportunity to protect their agricultural legacy and support long-term land stewardship.

The County will continue to advance Strategic Plan priorities like Enhance Conservation, Economic Prosperity, Community Trust, and Community Well-Being by promoting these opportunities to the community.

County Seeks Community Input via Multiple Surveys

SJC Community Needs Assessment Survey: Your Voice Shapes Our Future: St. Johns County Health and Human Services is inviting residents to participate in a new Community Needs Assessment Survey, open Dec. 1, 2025, through Jan. 9, 2026. The survey is designed to help the County better understand the strengths, challenges, and lived experiences that shape health and well-being across our community. Read more.

County Launches Business Climate and Workforce Survey Open Through January 31, 2026: The St. Johns County Economic Development Department, in partnership with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, invites local businesses to participate in the new Business Climate and Workforce Survey, open from December 12, 2025, through January 31, 2026. The survey is designed to help the County better understand business needs, workforce challenges, and opportunities to support long-term economic growth.

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Looking for ways to get involved? Service on Appointed Boards and Committees provides residents with an opportunity to help shape the future of St. Johns County by addressing the important issues that we face both now and for the future. Learn more and apply today!