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June 2026 Newsletter

County Urges Residents to Prepare as 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on June 1, and St. Johns County Emergency Management is urging all residents to take proactive steps now to prepare for potential storms and protect their families. On May 28, St. Johns County Emergency Management conducted its annual hurricane preparedness exercise at its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which the Office of Public Affairs captured on video.

Fiscal Year 2027 Public Budget Workshops Conclude

St. Johns County has concluded its Fiscal Year 2027 Public Budget Workshops, marking a key milestone in the County’s annual budgeting process and reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term strategic planning. The sessions are available for on-demand viewing.

County Highlights Long-Term Resiliency Improvements at Porpoise Point Vehicular Beach Access Ramp

St. Johns County recently completed an approximately $524,000 resiliency improvement at the Porpoise Point Vehicular Beach Access Ramp in Vilano Beach, helping strengthen long-term flood mitigation efforts while improving beach access operations and long-term durability for the surrounding community. The project was funded through a combination of state grant funding and Tourist Development Tax funding. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the completed project and its community benefits.

County Enters Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration affecting St. Johns County and several other counties across Northeast Florida following prolonged dry conditions and declining groundwater levels.

The declaration, issued May 11, applies to Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties, along with portions of several additional counties within the District’s jurisdiction. The action reflects the regional drought conditions of below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows placing significant stress on water resources.

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 Earns Statewide Communications Recognition

St. Johns County earned top honors for excellence in public communications at the Florida Municipal Communicators Association (FMCA) Annual Conference, receiving the Outstanding Award in the Collaborative Marketing Campaign category for its Inside SJC video series. FMCA produced a video to showcase the award.

FMCA also recognized St. Johns County with the Governmental Entity Certificate of Excellence in Communications, a prestigious designation awarded to local governments that demonstrate high standards in strategic communication, public outreach, and resident engagement across multiple platforms. This marks the second consecutive year the County has received the honor.

Public Library Announces 2026 Summer Reading Program

The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) is excited to announce its “Stars, Stripes, and Stories” 2026 Summer Reading Program beginning May 31 through July 25. Join SJCPLS for a summer of educational and family-friendly fun as they celebrate the stories that make our nation. Participants may pick up their free reading logs from any library branch or bookmobile to earn prizes for every five days tracked.

Additionally, over 100 entertaining and informative events are planned throughout this nine-week reading adventure, along with regularly scheduled story-time, a book club, and STEM offerings.

Inside SJC Explores How Coastal Management Protects and Enhances SJC Beaches

St. Johns County launched Inside SJC Episode 14: Coastal Management Team Keeps Us In The Know. This episode gives viewers an inside look at the Coastal Management Team and how they play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing St. Johns County beaches.

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

SJC Parks and Recreation’s Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon

On April 26, the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon, which more than doubled its participation from 2025. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to celebrate the event.

A record 180 racers registered for the event at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, including some adults who signed up for the new parent/child division and joined younger contestants in swimming, biking, and running to the finish.

Hear what the kids had to say about it in this video!

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Ponte Vedra Nocatee Regional Park and Library

On May 1, St. Johns County held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $42 million construction of Northeast Community Park and Library, formally named Ponte Vedra Nocatee Regional Park and Nocatee Library. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the event.

Once completed, Ponte Vedra Nocatee Regional Park and Nocatee Library (670 Diego Plains Road, Nocatee) is set to include two multipurpose fields, four softball fields, six pickleball courts, a full-service library, and a playground.

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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!