Click here to view in web browser and share with others.

October 2026 Newsletter

County Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners adopted the $1.9 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including a flat millage rate, during its Second Public Hearing on September 15, 2026. Details on the budget are available on the Office of Management and Budget web page.

Since May, St. Johns County has been preparing for the potential fiscal effects of proposed Property Tax Amendment 3, which will appear on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot.

To inform the community, the County hosted a Town Hall on September 29, produced a four-part podcast series available on its County Conversations YouTube playlist, and created a dedicated Amendment 3 web page.

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce sat down with County Administrator, Joy Andrews, to talk about how Amendment 3 would change homestead exemptions and what it could mean for the County budget and local services.

Fostering 101 Event Connects St. Johns County Residents with Foster Care Resources and Experiences

The St. Johns County Family Integrity Program and St. Johns County Public Library System recently hosted Fostering 101, bringing community members together to learn more about foster care and adoption, ask questions, and hear firsthand experiences from foster parents and Family Integrity Program staff. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight the important cause.

Watch these videos as local families share their stories about becoming foster parents:

Episode 3 of SJC Stewardship Series Features Alpine Groves Park

Join Megan Wright, Environmental Specialist, in Episode 3 of the SJC Stewardship Series and discover Alpine Groves Park and the remarkable history of one of St. Johns County’s most culturally significant locations. Explore the entire SJC Stewardship Playlist to watch prior episodes.

Follow the Official St. Johns County Facebook Page and Instagram, and subscribe to the YouTube Channel to watch future episodes.

County Provides Project Updates

St. Johns County has reopened the Fort Matanzas vehicular beach access ramp after completing its improvement project. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the work that went into the project. Read More about the completed upgrades at the Fort Matanzas beach ramp.

St. Johns County has completed intersection improvements at Preservation Trail, Colonnade Boulevard and Palm Valley Road in Nocatee, including a new fully operational traffic signal and dedicated pedestrian and golf cart crossings designed to improve accessibility, connectivity and traffic flow for the surrounding community. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the completed project and its community benefits. Read more about the intersection improvements in Nocatee.

St. Johns County has secured $1.483 million in grant funding from the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District to support two important projects that enhance public boating access and strengthen coastal resiliency. Read more about these coastal resiliency and boating access projects.

Featured Projects

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

The County Conversations Podcast Show Focuses on the St. Johns County Cultural Events, Inc.

Dianya Markovits, Director of Public Relations & Partnerships for the St. Johns County Cultural Events, Inc. was the featured guest on the most recent County Conversations podcast episodes. She provides an overview of the operations of The Amp and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, the community programs, charity outreach efforts, and other activities planned by the non-profit organization.

Watch now on the official St. Johns County YouTube channel, listen on any of the major podcast streaming platforms, and explore the full lineup of St. Johns County podcast shows on the SJC Podcast web page.

Community Voices to Shape Future Habitat Conservation Plan in St. Johns County

St. Johns County is using community feedback to help guide the renewal of its Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which supports both public access to County beaches and the protection of federally listed species and their habitats. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight the program. (All animal handling and footage obtained under proper FWC and USFWS permits).

As part of the renewal process, the County developed a public survey in January 2026 to better understand what residents and other stakeholders value about current beach management practices. More than 1,000 responses were received, with strong support for the County’s conservation efforts.

Watch video showcasing Conservation Efforts in SJC.

St. Johns County Connects Small Business Owners With Local Resources

St. Johns County recently brought aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners together with local organizations that provide resources, guidance, and support to help businesses start, operate, and grow. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to showcase the event.

St. Johns County’s new Economic Development website, InvestSJC.com, provides businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors with information about economic opportunities, available resources, and programs in the County.

‘Always Do the Right Thing’: Firefighter Recognized for Off-Duty Water Rescue

St. Johns County Commissioner Chair, Clay Murphy, visited a fire station #3 to commend Engineer Charles Cook for his efforts in rescuing a family out of a retention pond while off duty. The County’s Office of Public Affairs put together this video to commemorate the moment.

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!