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March 2026 Newsletter

Read the County Administrator’s latest Community Letter.

County Showcases Community, Culture, and Priorities at State Capitol During Legislative Day

St. Johns County showcased its culture, businesses, and strategic priorities at the Florida State Capitol on February 5, 2026, during the highly successful St. Johns County Legislative Day (SJC Day), giving state lawmakers an immersive, firsthand look at one of Florida’s most dynamic counties. Legislators, residents, and visitors alike experienced a day of celebration highlighting the County’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and thriving local businesses. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs captured the historic day on video.

County Celebrates Expansion of Field of Dreams Baseball with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

On February 7, 2026, St. Johns County celebrated the expansion of Field of Dreams Baseball (1401 Shetland Drive, St. Johns) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.The $1.5 million project added a new concession building with ADA-accessible restrooms to St. Johns County’s disability-friendly baseball field. It also expanded the field’s existing parking lot. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event.

County Launches Inside SJC Episode 11 Exploring Art in Public Spaces

St. Johns County launched Inside SJC Episode 11: Art in Public Spaces. This episode gives viewers an inside look at the Arts in Public Spaces program hosted by the St. Johns County Cultural Council.

The rotating exhibitions are on display in the rotunda of the St. Johns County Administration Building (500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32080) and are open to the public, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Every 3 months, new installations feature art from talented local creators in a variety of mediums. You can check out the latest exhibition, “Opening New Doors,” showcasing the work by local artists, Brandon Santiago and Alexter Albury from January 15 – April 10, 2026.

Follow St. Johns County’s Official Facebook Page and Instagram Account so you don’t miss the next episode in our Inside SJC series!

County Utility Department Earns High Moody’s Rating, Reflecting Strong Financial Management

The St. Johns County Utility Department has earned a strong Aa1 credit rating from Moody’s Ratings for its water and sewer system, reflecting sound financial management, stable operations, and long-term planning aligned with the County’s Strategic Plan (PDF).

Moody’s upgraded the County’s existing water and sewer revenue bonds to Aa1 and assigned the same rating to bonds issued in 2026, with a stable outlook. The rating places the St. Johns County Utility Department among the highest-rated utility systems in the region. The Utility Department also maintains an AAA rating with S & P Global.

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

County Expands Livestreaming of Board of County Commissioners Meetings to Social Media

St. Johns County has expanded access to Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meetings by launching livestream broadcasts on the County’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

BCC meetings have long been livestreamed on the County’s GovTV cable channel and online on GovTV, and those viewing options will continue. The new social media broadcasts expand the County’s digital reach, providing residents with additional, convenient ways to watch meetings in real time and view recordings afterward.

County Begins 2026 Beach Toll Season on March 2

St. Johns County Beach Services will require beach access passes from anyone driving onto the beach (PDF) starting Monday, March 2.

From March 2 through September 30, beachgoers who take their vehicles onto the sand will need to buy a daily beach access pass or an annual pass that is then affixed to the bottom corner of their passenger-side windshields. Toll attendants accept payments with cash or card. All vehicles must stop at the toll booths, where attendants will scan the barcode pass before you drive onto the beach.

The Office of Public Affairs teamed up with Parks and Recreation and Beach Services to produce videos offering beachgoers general advice on beach driving and more specific instructions on how to free one’s vehicle if it becomes stuck on the beach.

DeLeon Shores Park Improvement Project Groundbreaking Ceremony

On February 27, 2026, St. Johns County kicked off the $1.9 million DeLeon Shores Park improvement project with a groundbreaking ceremony. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event.

After the ceremony, DeLeon Shores Park (82 Dolphin Blvd. E., Ponte Vedra Beach) closed completely on March 1 so K&G Construction Co., Inc. could begin work on the project. Changes to come include:

Upgrades to the dog park
Completely revamped skate park
Three new pickleball courts with lighting
Upgrades to the multipurpose field
Walking path around the field
New restroom building
Two new pavilions, large and small

“Art at the Main” Brings Community Art to St. Johns County Main Branch Library

“Art at the Main” opened Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Main Branch Library, located at 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council, St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS), and Friends of the Main Library.

The exhibition features Sing Out Loud community murals, designed by local artists for the music festival to celebrate local creativity and connection. Selected mural artists from 2025 include Taza Jenkins, Erika Forest-Martin, Sophia Finney, and Margaret Proveaux.

Recognizing the value of extending these unique works, the St. Johns Cultural Council partnered with the Main Branch Library to give the murals a second home. The exhibition is further emphasized by a public call for original local art, expanding the showcase with works by additional area artists displayed alongside the murals.

St. Johns County News ... In Print ... Online ... Anytime.

SJC Strategic Plan

Our Vision

St. Johns County is a historic community with a thriving population and economy, offering world-class cultural and recreational opportunities and an exceptional quality of life.

Our Mission

We serve and invest in our community through innovative leadership, high-quality services, and preserving the County’s history and natural beauty while enhancing economic vitality.

SJC Strategic Plan

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!