[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6145498,"mediaKeyId","5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a","parentId",5532884,"title","Local advocacy group asks city to co-sponsor bipartisan rally to support parks funding","audioSeconds",146,"startMs",2675000,"endMs",2821000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a&start=2675&end=2821","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a/thumbnail_2675000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6145498/Florida/Local-advocacy-group-asks-city-to-co-sponsor-bipartisan-rally-to-support-parks-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145498-61a276bc8a8995199127e2ee1651de39/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407207&Signature=i7CnnI31eolOm5OMLZ1uOd8U3YhuQbesQVryF7UIFBuWfo2ShZDxKuEU4WS2~CLNJAUdj-~y4bIHhzhtK7FBW1IYnzmb~T4dmohnRiRWcPyjs1MfFc3m-IQ5i8j4lqOXPFpTb8n8DqgFT2I4y3UmDPFE5lPfrjgCBKqL~qwacCOcV72DC-7F-261lhBbEIqg2nbnrIb9Kmjz6keYQfQH9Xl7LIsu9kH1jNqNzFvcyLttk5DzywjtsaAwQQkHlK~w5XeizEvLt8p51XLYeSW6vRCoNMKV1KcnywVigoVoWKKQu12pilw-7IvV-5syRplhN2hgcPRhwNZkGD52u3nTqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of St. Augustine Beach, FL","date","2025-08-05T19:25:49.88Z","article","Susanna Pavell, co-leader of Indivisible Saint John's County, used the public-comment period on Aug. 4 to ask the commission to co-sponsor a nonpartisan rally at Castillo de San Marcos on Sept. 13 to support the National Park Service, Florida state parks and conservation lands.

Pavell said the rally — planned from 9 to 10:30 a.m. — aims to unite residents across party lines to raise awareness about threats from funding cuts and privatization efforts. She cited a reduction in Florida Forever program funding from $100,000,000 last year to $18,000,000 for the 2025–2026 cycle and said National Park Service staffing reductions of about 24% have delayed work such as prescribed burns.

Pavell asked the commission to co-sponsor the event and to send a “unified message of support for our parks.” Commissioners thanked Pavell for the presentation; the commission did not take action during the meeting, and Pavell left after her remarks.

Why it matters: The Florida Forever program and National Park Service stewardship support conservation, prescribed burns and park services that local tourism and ecosystems depend on. A city co-sponsorship would be a formal expression of support and could help publicize a civic event, but the commission did not indicate a decision at the meeting.

Next steps: Pavell’s request was placed on the record; commissioners may follow up with staff to consider whether the city will co-sponsor the Sept. 13 event and what form that support would take.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Regular Meeting August 4th, 2025.","oneSentenceSummary","A representative of Indivisible Saint John's County requested that St. Augustine Beach co-sponsor a Sept. 13 nonpartisan rally downtown to support the National Park Service, Florida state parks and conservation lands, citing cuts to Florida Forever funding and National Park Service personnel reductions.","taxTitle","City of St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County , Florida","taxId",71827,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145502,"Cultural Council selects local artists; public comment open for garage mural project",294,2256000,2550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a&start=2256&end=2550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a/thumbnail_2256000.jpg","/articles/6145502/Florida/Cultural-Council-selects-local-artists-public-comment-open-for-garage-mural-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145502-05dff87e2f64230be315c954d2373a02/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407207&Signature=N2eeBZyTYgWulCBhRpjMmXuk4AKBHjvpQjVrZ18jUWMls4hamq3QKrbvRVsnvPAJIrPl28xlM7a5K~j9g~WCAgBVVs5mdeY~Evvk9lxS7xmF0wzja7mxkrp01nJ0Ow3GI0EeCZgIEkrlB74K5t9LQnc5~MUbupIFtncOmtkfdvIbRffnzPnLlZz1wp9HXJOxQua2SOHXfKOi66sdHo98G2pLGQfKKSbIa5KqSXzpiifKEXeoWoAw-2R3gdLexmyl96C7V1hVFFqHGsAuaMWNfX840M~kMDoLY-COxvj5Bsa-wTKqOdM8liYps0btFGDaDrfdliDoo-4tKq0AgJguqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Potts, executive director of the St. Johns Cultural Council, asked the City Commission to note a public mural project at the Beach Hotel Building and to assist with public outreach.

Potts said the council launched a request-for-qualifications, received more than 20 inquiries and selected a hyperlocal artist team headed by Luke and Lucinda Nehemias. He said the selected team includes a local firefighter and a cousin who is an experienced muralist. Potts said the goal is to solicit community input on theme and style through an online public-comment period that opened Aug. 4 and runs through Aug. 20, 2025.

He said the council will present the artist’s concept to the commission at the Sept. 4 meeting and aims to complete painting by late September. Potts told the commission that the project has funding and that the Cultural Council is not requesting city money for the mural.

How to participate: Potts said residents can comment through historiccoastculture.com or at the Music and Art by the Sea event at the pier in August; the public-comment period closes Aug. 20.

Why it matters: Public murals shape the city’s visual character and can draw visitors; Potts emphasized preference for local artists and said the commission and Cultural Council will use public input to refine the design.

Next steps: The artist will present a concept on Sept. 4, after which painting will begin with an aim to finish before the end of September.","The St. Johns Cultural Council reported it selected a local artist team for a mural at the Beach Hotel Building, launched a public-comment period through Aug. 20, and expects to present a final concept to the commission on Sept. 4.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145507,"Commission vacates alley between D and E Streets with perpetual easement for drainage",279,3269000,3548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a&start=3269&end=3548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a/thumbnail_3269000.jpg","/articles/6145507/Florida/Commission-vacates-alley-between-D-and-E-Streets-with-perpetual-easement-for-drainage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145507-0f165fb0f758df39126034764d22f5c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407207&Signature=c5yQSQDNLxtSWSNdNtteLl3TQxwvKRw3uf8n-lNuwunIfhwqtlnFDIk6-xNa6euK~ZnXrCsoCFlFSFL~gkWpsZiadxHl9OyMM4UhVLAmRH40dCLrgaLu2SP2Us2BdWH0uf7s-YyQK~hKS~P0wTBW4Tx9nTpKk3WZNfaN~Gbkcc4FPALE2jOO4YovG7m53uMGdJTwt8Dk-bndLHMIvq~FUeaL8BMrAy9PvglduSGFpn8o1d5hmpgY27sJyHyrOgQxVAcvpN4vBbr4o6f7ufq8s4JitoxZA0hmDkgfMt1LRPFxxHqVTeglTL-~lzJ~Kz8XlnNuMhZS1Juv4fVObumzLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Aug. 4 voted to vacate the alley located between D and E Streets (between Second and Third avenues), approving the applicant’s petition while preserving a perpetual easement for stormwater infrastructure.

Planning & Zoning staff reported the request had been heard by the planning board the previous month, which recommended approval while adding the condition that no development or improvements occur in the alley because drainage equipment is present. Jennifer Thompson, planning staff, said roughly 75% of adjacent property owners returned approvals; a few did not respond.

Applicant Fred Bueno, who lives at 203 D Street, told the commission he and his neighbors supported the vacation. Neighbor Daniel Hebert, 207 D Street, spoke in support. Public Works staff and Director Russell advised the commission that a swaled drainage area and associated maintenance access occur along the rear property lines and recommended language preserving city access rights.

Commission action: a commissioner moved to approve the alley vacation “subject to the recommendation of the planning board and perpetual easement for the city's infrastructure needs.” The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Alley vacations transfer fee simple title from a public street corridor to private ownership unless easements or conditions are reserved. In this case the city preserved a perpetual easement to protect maintenance access to stormwater infrastructure.

Next steps: The city will record the alley vacation with reservation of the perpetual easement and maintain access for inspection and maintenance of the swale and drainage features.","The commission approved a petition to vacate an alley between D and E Streets (between Second and Third avenues) subject to a perpetual easement for city drainage and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure, following a planning-board recommendation.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145511,"Commission allows chief, city manager to permit unlimited sick-leave donations for ill supervisor",763,3574000,4337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a&start=3574&end=4337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a/thumbnail_3574000.jpg","/articles/6145511/Florida/Commission-allows-chief-city-manager-to-permit-unlimited-sick-leave-donations-for-ill-supervisor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145511-6279036fe946bca172b03bc294de39cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407207&Signature=cn4RpF6KMdEKnr0xcwHV5UnC8fNUyqT4m9Ua4nfNFFnktrs5nwALwKenx3I86BH5391I0PR4AK7C2lwIjnbyiHEhFBOVpzbH9SX5hCQhPtQiB3EqKsTePotnVYbdg-FKCQXCi5TX8iC1Qcig8eYaM-gtQmWWub-GvvxrPmCqAkEjJRS0IAQ9rQilid2xWDYyY~Y1SrDsS90AyTbvywBgENJrnjzqYDpj20dz8Ixb4ExKrOxEecHy8AMH143sxb2icn7GwI02fqXJD0vtDGKHNtT3MhtKOnIDhrDoR24nvPSWVln7OHDlnL0b85LH06m2TlbuT1gfMjc9k9rv~JHIDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Aug. 4, 2025, unanimously approved a motion directing that the chief and the city manager be permitted to allow “gifting” of sick leave without the existing cap, after a department chief described a supervisor facing a serious illness and imminent exhaustion of paid leave.

The chief told commissioners the supervisor has approximately 170 hours of paid leave remaining and will undergo six to eight more months of treatment. Under current city policy the chief said the formal city sick-donation cap is 240 hours and that, once an employee is placed on unpaid leave, they would lose employer-paid insurance shortly thereafter under the city’s policy. “At that point…he would lose his insurance when he needs it most,” the chief said.

The chief asked the commission to approve a resolution permitting uncapped sick-leave donations. Commission discussion focused on immediate relief for the employee and the broader policy implications of removing or relaxing the cap. Commissioners expressed support for helping the employee while asking staff to return with policy options to avoid repeated ad hoc measures.

One commissioner emphasized the need to avoid using up other employees’ leave balances and asked staff to consider a long-term approach such as a formal sick-leave bank or benefit changes. Human-resources and the city manager said short- and long-term disability options are available for purchase by employees through the carrier at their cost; the chief said the affected employee was not yet vested in the Florida Retirement System and therefore could not rely on that program for immediate relief.

Motion and outcome: the commission voted unanimously to permit the chief and city manager to allow uncapped sick-leave donations for the named case; commissioners also asked staff to investigate longer-term policy options and potential state programs that might assist the employee.

Why it matters: the action prevents an imminent loss of income and employer-provided insurance for a city supervisor undergoing serious medical treatment. Commissioners requested a staff follow-up to consider permanent changes — such as a pooled-sick-bank or employer-provided short-term disability — to reduce the need for emergency measures.

Next steps: staff will meet with the chief and city manager to accept donated hours for the employee and return to the commission with recommended policy amendments and information about state retirement/disability options that might apply.","After the police/fire chief reported a supervisor is running out of paid leave while undergoing months of medical treatment, the commission agreed to let the chief and city manager immediately allow uncapped interemployee sick-leave donations to avoid loss of pay and insurance.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145516,"County emergency director urges island residents to prepare now for hurricane season",604,1310000,1914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a&start=1310&end=1914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532884-b17ec739915bdc72482518c45f416e1a/thumbnail_1310000.jpg","/articles/6145516/Florida/County-emergency-director-urges-island-residents-to-prepare-now-for-hurricane-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145516-dcdf8a30f00016f37ac278bbdb3d93f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775407208&Signature=UP~QAIsv14elfTWTID-9ra2FsMb3s6-9DuhbfIUAHK4MBjaqejPEmhBshyPWw8lUvn~ydAqpF~CmHK81QPPCyRzDJ0DswKryXQkd~Xa8OoZehbkN67ogU2AY1tUDYpXO6QxhxRBt8vfH6yRfz7dKzFRjc5NXcr-q2BlE5shuGz8R7gDeXcBQgW8vFsM1lBFUV3NnaUgb6KgAL~uKn72s5XamI48EwcpoJ8eJW3LRm4RlSY7iZcW8rLvJGVX0aOfI~6cdJ2rPc4Zn1R9Luy1fVHQem1hey2r4kXuQIYH8m03hSdlPZUw~JlJexm0wk4tOwprZY3AKfU~cWV0iQVNLrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Miss Wilson, director of St. Johns County Emergency Operations, told the St. Augustine Beach City Commission on Aug. 4, 2025, that residents should prepare now for hurricane season and pay attention to more than the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone.

Wilson said the National Hurricane Center is testing an “experimental” forecast cone this season and stressed that impacts often extend well outside the cone’s centerline. “A warning means you need to take immediate protective actions,” she said, explaining the distinction between watches and warnings.

Wilson walked commissioners and the public through storm-surge forecasting and local impacts. She used City Hall as an example: if a forecast cites “three to six feet at St. Augustine Beach City Hall,” that means three to six feet measured at the building’s elevation, she said. She also noted the Saffir-Simpson wind scale and explained that damage from a Category 3 storm and above becomes catastrophic for wind-exposed structures.

The director reminded residents that standard homeowners insurance does not cover rising water from storm surge or flooding and that flood insurance is a separate policy that requires about 30 days to take effect. “That policy will take 30 days to go into effect. So if you don’t have one, get on the Internet right after this meeting,” she said.

Wilson described practical preparations — trimming trees, securing loose items, checking roofs and gutters, buying and pre-fitting plywood, assembling a disaster kit and including pets — and recommended that residents identify friends or hotels in inland parts of the county outside evacuation zones as shelter alternatives. She said the county will open school-based shelters in partnership with the St. Johns County School District when evacuations are ordered and warned that shelters are typically set up in gymnasiums with basic food service.

On operational details, Wilson said the county’s Alert St. Johns system will be used for emergency notifications only and encouraged residents to sign up for targeted weather warnings while noting those alerts can arrive at night. She also described an online bridge-status page the county plans to use to show whether bridges are accessible, inaccessible, or conditionally passable following storms.

Several commissioners thanked Wilson; Vice Mayor Sweeney noted state changes making many preparedness-supply items permanently tax-exempt as of Aug. 1, 2025, and Commissioner George asked whether the mayor or another city official routinely represents the city at the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Wilson and the mayor said the mayor is typically the initial designee but that other commissioners or staff may attend as needed, and that unified messaging is pushed out from the county EOC via the county’s public-safety social feeds.

Why it matters: Saint Augustine Beach is a coastal community with evacuation zones and exposure to storm surge and wind. Clear local explanations of warnings, the 30-day lead time for flood insurance, shelter conditions and bridge-access information affect residents’ decisions about evacuation and insurance.

Looking ahead, Wilson encouraged residents to check evacuation zones, sign up for Alert St. Johns and review insurance policies. The county will continue public outreach and put bridge-access information on a county website if an evacuation is ordered.","Saint Johns County emergency operations director outlined how forecast cones, storm surge forecasts and evacuation procedures work, repeated a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance, and urged residents to make an evacuation plan and sign up for Alert St. Johns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local advocacy group asks city to co-sponsor bipartisan rally to support parks funding

Cultural Council selects local artists; public comment open for garage mural project

Commission vacates alley between D and E Streets with perpetual easement for drainage

Commission allows chief, city manager to permit unlimited sick-leave donations for ill supervisor

County emergency director urges island residents to prepare now for hurricane season