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November 2025 Newsletter

Nights of Lights: New App and Expanded Free Park & Ride Shuttle Operations

The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau released a new app to provide visitors and locals with all the information they need to know before they go enjoy the Nights of Lights this year. Read more.


The City of St. Augustine Free Park and Ride shuttle will expand its days of operation for the entire upcoming Nights of Lights season to include Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting on Light-Up! Night, Saturday, November 15, through Sunday, January 11, 2026, including the week between Christmas and New Years. 

County Celebrates Completion of Multiple Projects

County Announces Fully Operational Traffic Signal at State Road 207 and Brinkhoff Road. The new traffic signal at the intersection of State Road 207 and Brinkhoff Road/Twin Lakes Drive is now fully operational, marking a major milestone in St. Johns County Public Works’ ongoing improvement projects in the area. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to capture the project. Read more.


County Celebrates Solomon Calhoun Community Center’s Brand-New Turf Field with Kickoff Celebration. On October 18, 2025, St. Johns County celebrated the installation of artificial turf at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center’s (1300 Duval St., St. Augustine) football field ahead of the North Florida Wildcats’ homecoming game. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event. Read more.


County Opens $41 Million Segment of County Road 2209 Between Silverleaf Parkway and International Golf Parkway. The new roadway connects Silverleaf Parkway to International Golf Parkway, creating a four-lane divided corridor designed to improve traffic flow in northern St. Johns County. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the ceremony. Read more.

County Spearheads New Children’s Advocacy Group

St. Johns County has helped launch IMPACT: Advocating for Children Today, Inc., with community partners to identify the needs, resources, and partnerships to improve the lives of St. Johns County children and their families by advocating for a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. A community workshop was held in August to proceed forward with program priorities, funding opportunities, and the formation of a board of directors. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to recap the successful workshop.

County Approves Ground Lease with FMU Foundation for site of proposed Black History Museum

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously passed a Resolution approving and authorizing the County Administrator to execute a Ground Lease Agreement with Florida Memorial University Foundation, Inc., (FMUF) for use of the school’s former campus site in St. Augustine as the location for the state’s Black History Museum. The FMUF Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider approving the agreement and celebrating the new partnership at their 2025 Homecoming Week festivities.

Commissioner

Christian Whitehurst

Commissioner

Sarah Arnold

Commissioner

Clay Murphy

Vice Chair

Commissioner

Krista Joseph

Chair

Commissioner

Ann Taylor

County Unanimously Approves 2026 Legislative Action Plan

St. Johns County has approved its 2026 Legislative Action Plan, a comprehensive framework that defines the County’s top state and federal priorities for the upcoming legislative cycle. County Administrator Joy Andrews presented the plan to the Board of County Commissioners during its regular meeting on October 21, 2025, where it was unanimously approved.


The 2026 Legislative Action Plan (LAP) outlines strategies for securing critical investments, shaping state and federal legislation, and advancing infrastructure, resilience, and quality-of-life initiatives for St. Johns County residents. The plan focuses on four primary policy areas — Transportation Infrastructure, Community Resilience, Agriculture & Conservation, and Government Operations — as well as several ongoing 2025 initiatives that continue into the new legislative year.

County Achieves Record-High 46% Recycling Rate

St. Johns County achieved its highest-ever recycling rate in 2024, with 46% of total waste recycled, ranking 10th among Florida’s 67 counties. This milestone marks the most successful year on record for the County’s recycling efforts.


According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), St. Johns County reported a total of 800,631 tons of waste in 2024, of which 371,651 tons were recycled. The County’s success reflects strong residential curbside participation, collaboration with trusted local recycling partners, and ongoing public education on waste reduction.


Download the Recycle Coach App.

County and FSU Join Forces to Bring the Healing Power of Music to Children

St. Johns County is proud to join Florida State University in celebrating the 70th anniversary of its nationally renowned Music Therapy Program with a special outreach initiative that is transforming young lives.


As part of the anniversary, the Florida State University College of Music launched a series of initiatives to honor its legacy. Among them was a pilot outreach program in St. Johns County, funded by the Friends of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, with the vision: “Bring the Power of Music into the Lives of People.”


SJC Cultural Events Inc., the steward of the County’s premier cultural venues, including the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, played a central role in bringing the program to life. The organization also produced a video capturing its beauty and impact.

Excitement Builds for St. Johns County Legislative Day

Planning is well underway for St. Johns County to showcase its people, culture, and priorities at the Florida Capitol during SJC Legislative Day on Feb. 5, 2026.


Dozens of local businesses, organizations, government entities, and leaders invested in the community’s success have committed their support and participation in this one-day advocacy event. As a united delegation, partners will showcase St. Johns County during the annual legislative session.


St. Johns County Day will be an interactive experience featuring the history, culture, authentic food, and unique entertainment found only in St. Johns County. The County will advocate for policies and funding that strengthen the local economy, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life in its growing community.

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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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