(904) 289-8333
SEPTEMBER 2018

 
By the courtesy of the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation newsletter. Each month, we will deliver current stories regarding St. Johns County parks, recreational programming, beaches, outdoor activities, special events, and the St. Johns Golf Club.

Announcements        
  
BEVERLY FLEMING LANDSCAPE AWARDS
Do you pride yourself on having abeautifully landscaped yard utilizing Florida native plants? Native Plant Consulting is hosting the Beverly Fleming Landscape Awards in the following categories: Residential, Commercial, and Public. The late Beverly Fleming was a Park Naturalist for St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department for more than a decade and was dedicated to preserving and maintaining North Florida’s natural environment. Deadline for submittal is Saturday, September 15. No entry fee.Learn more about the Beverly Fleming Landscape Awards.
CRESCENT BEACH REOPENS TO VEHICULAR ACCESS
A limited portion of southern St. Johns County beaches is now open to vehicular traffic from the Crescent Beach access ramp. A 1.6-mile portion of the beach is accessible to two-way traffic. The Ft. Matanzas ramp remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma. Vehicular access on any St. Johns County beach is always subject to local weather, tidal conditions, and the amount of beach available to safely accommodate pedestrian and vehicular traffic. All beach visitors are encouraged to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. For more information, please call 904.209.0333.

RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

The Recreation Advisory Board will meet Thursday, September 20 at 3pm in the County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View. These meetings are open to the public. For more information, meeting agendas, and minutes, visit the County website.

Community  
intense-swimmer2.jpgSOLOMON CALHOUN COMMUNITY POOL SUMMER SCHEDULE
The Solomon Calhoun Community Pool, 1300 Duval St., has released their new pool schedule for Augustine through November, which includes lap swimming, water aerobics, family swimming, swim lessons, and swim teams. For schedules, fees, rental inquiries, or information on swim lessons sponsored by the YMCA, click here or call 904.209.0395.
**Please note: The pool will have limited hours on Labor Day (Monday, September 3) from 10am to 4pm.

Naturalist Programs
BEACH CLEANUP AT VILANO
When: Wednesday September 5
Time: 10-11:30am
Where: Vilano B each Access Area, 2750 Anahma Drive, Vilano Beach

Details: Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia in being good stewards of our beaches and participate in a beach cleanup at Vilano Beach. All necessary supplies will be provided. Plan accordingly for water, weather, sun, and bugs. This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].

  

KID’S BEACH YOGA
When: Friday, September 21 – Kid’s Beach Yoga
Friday, October 19 – Kid’s Beach Yoga
Time: 4-4:45pm
Where: St. Johns County Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach
Details: Learn to relax your mind and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches, exercises and activities. Please wear loose clothing and bring your own towel or mat. This program is FREE and open to kids ages 5 to 12. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
FISHING CLINIC 101
When: Wednesday, September 4
Time: 9:30-10:30am
Where: Trout Creek Marina, 6550 SR 13, St. Augustine
Details: We are offering a series of five free clinics exploring the basics of fishing in Florida. Fishing 101 covers everything from fishing regulations, what bait to use, different nets, fish identification, fish cleaning, and how to tie a knot. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and a water bottle, as well as a fishing rod and reel with fishing line. For more information or to register, contact Josh Bratovich at [email protected] or 904.209.0320.
 
TURTLES OF FLORIDA
When: Tuesday, September 18
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Where: St. Johns County Library Southeast Branch, 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine
Details: Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for a family-friendly presentation about the different turtles found throughout the State of Florida. Ever wonder about the turtles in the pond behind your house? Or the tortoise you saw walking around the park? Now is your chance to learn about these unique reptiles that live in many different habitats. This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
LIVING WITH SNAKES & GATORS
When: Friday, September 21
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Where: St. Johns County Library Southeast Branch, 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine
Details: Join Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia for a family-friendly presentation about the snakes and alligators found throughout the State of Florida (and maybe even in your backyard!). Learn about the various species of snakes in our areas as well as how to live with these amazing neighbors. This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
 
FLORIDA FISHING: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
When: Tuesday, September 25 – Rules, Regulations, Fish IDs
Tuesday, October 23 – Fishing Equipment
Tuesday, October 30 – Baits & Tackle
Time: 3-4pm
Where: Where: St. Johns County Library Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine

Details: Thinking about trying your luck in our local waters? Learn all about Florida fishing during three events brought to you free from a partnership between Parks and Recreation and the Library. This program is FREE and open to all ages. For more information or to register, contact Will Pate at 904.209.3730 or [email protected] or Donna Frantz at 904.209.0326 or [email protected].

TROUT CREEK FAMILY FISHING TOURNAMENT
When: Saturday, September 29
Time: 8am-3pm
Where: Trout Creek Park, 6795 Collier Road, St. Augustine
Details: Join us for a family fishing tournament where each boat must have at least one adult and one young angler. There will be three fishing categories including slam, total bag, and biggest fish. Rule for the tournament will be announced at 8 am and all fish must be weighed by 2pm. The tournament fee is $10 per angler with all anglers in each boat to be registered. For more information or to register, contact Josh Bratovich at 904.209.0320 or [email protected] .
JAWS OF THE SEA
When:
  • Tuesday, October 2
  • Thursday, October 4
  • Tuesday, October 16
  • Tuesday, October 30
Time: 10-11am
Where: Nease Beachfront Park, 3171 Coastal Highway, Vilano Beach
Details: Join us along with partners Marineland Dolphin Adventure for an interactive guided beach walk all about sharks. During the walk, you will learn about shark biology, common sharks of our area, local shark research, as well as human and shark encounters. Participants will even get a chance to look for their own shark’s teeth to take home. Jaws of the Sea Registration . This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
EVERYONE CAN CONSERVE: REPTILES
When: Thursday, October 4
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Solomon Calhoun Center, 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine
Details: We’ve partnered with GTM Research Reserve for a family-friendly conversation night about the unique reptiles that call Florida home. This is an educational program that will feature live animals. Snacks and refreshments will also be provided. This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
FORT MATANZAS KAYAK TRIPS
When:
  • Thursday, October 11 at 10am
  • Friday, October 12 at 11am
  • Saturday, October 13 at 11:30am
  • Sunday, October 14 at 12pm
  • Thursday, October 25 at 9am
  • Friday, October 26 at 9:30am
  • Saturday, October 27 at 10:30am
  • Sunday, October 28 at 11am
Where: Fort Matanzas National Monument, 8653 A1A South, St. Augustine
Details: We partnered with the National Park Service to bring you exciting kayak trips along the Intracoastal Waterway. During this trip, you’ll get to view Fort Matanzas from a whole new perspective and paddle through the marsh to experience Southeast Intracoastal Waterway Park. Seats are limited. Fort Matanzas Kayak Trips Registration. This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
OWL PROWLS
Wednesday, October 17 from 6:45-9:15pm at Alpine Groves Park, 2060 FL-13, Switzerland – Owl Prowl Alpine Groves Park Registration
Saturday, October 20 from 6:45-9:15pm at Canopy Shores Park, 804 Christina Drive, St. Augustine – Owl Prowl Canopy Shores Registration
Details: Learn about the creatures of the night as you explore our county parks at sunset in search of the resident owls. Bring your questions and share your stories about the nighttime forest activities. This program is FREE. For more information, contact AyoLane Halusky at 904.209.0348 or [email protected].
 
SALTWATER FISHING 101
  • Wednesday, October 17 from 9-11am – Casting
  • Wednesday, October 24 from 9-11am – How to Assemble a Fishing Rig
  • Wednesday, October 31 from 9-11am – How to Pick a Good Fishing Spot
  • Wednesday, November 7 from 9-11am – Traps and Nets
  • Wednesday, November 14 from 9-11am – Cooking Your Catch
Where: Usina Boat Ramp, 603 Euclid Avenue, St. Augustine
Details: Learn the ins and outs of saltwater fishing in Florida. Ever wonder about how to assemble a fishing rig, how to pick a good fishing spot, or how to cook your catch? This class will cover all this and more. Sign up for one class or attend the whole series of Saltwater Fishing 101. Bring your own gear and learn while you fish! This program is FREE. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected]. *** Please note that all participants must have a Saltwater Shoreline License, this is a free license from FWC.
NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
When: Thursday, October 18
Time: 8-10pm
Where: Frank B. Butler Park East, 5860 A1A South, St. Augustine
Details: We have partnered with Ancient City Astronomy Club (ACAC) for an educational evening that is out of this world! ACAC will lead an Astronomy 101 class that’s all about the night sky. Bring your friends and family to learn about the constellations, star names, and more. Telescopes and binoculars will be on-hand to view the moon, planets, and other objects. This program is FREE. Space is limited. Registration is required. Night Under the Stars Registration. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia at 904.209.0335 or [email protected].
OWL & SUNSET SYMPHONY  
When: Friday, October 19
Time: 6:45-9pm
Where: Beluthahatchee Park, 1501 SR 13, Fruit Cove
Details: Learn about owls and enjoy nature’s symphony as you experience the transition from light to dark. Water birds and owls often come out to join the evening symphony. A representative from The Stetson Kennedy Foundation will share some local history. Owl & Sunset Symphony Registration. This program is FREE. For more information, contact AyoLane Halusky at 904.209.0348 or [email protected].

Beaches
 
DOWNLOAD THE “REACH THE BEACH” MOBILE APP
St. Johns County’s “Reach the Beach” mobile app helps residents and visitors spend less time in the car and more time on the beach by providing quick access to beach driving conditions, access and facility locations, lifeguard information, and emergency contacts. Apple and Android users can download the app for free by searching “St. Johns County Beaches” in the App Store or Google Play. For more information on the “Reach the Beach” mobile app, please visit www.sjcfl.us/Beaches , call 904.209.0331, and download the app here.

Youth Activities   
COLLIER-BLOCKER AFTERNOON DROP-IN PROGRAM
When: Friday, August 10 through the end of the school year (Monday-Friday)
Time: 2-6pm
Where: Collier-Blocker Park, 10 North Holmes Boulevard, St. Augustine

Details: Students will enjoy computer access, board games, recreational games, pep talks, movies, cultural and social activities as well as field trips during this free, after-school program for all school-age students. For more information, contact Brian James at 904.209.0365 or [email protected].

 

STORY TIME AT TROUT CREEK
When: Thursdays, September 13 & 27
Time: 11am-12pm
Where: Trout Creek Community Center, 6795 Collier Road, St. Augustine
Details: Join the County Library System for story time at Trout Creek, an interactive opportunity for parents and their preschoolers. Crafts and other activities will be added for extra fun! This program is FREE. For more information, contact Josh Bratovich at 904.209.0320 or [email protected].

Adult Activities   
SJC FALL HORSESHOE LEAGUE
When: Tuesday nights from September 4th through November 20th
Time: 6-9pm; games start at 6:30pm
Where: St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 State Road 207, Elkton
Details: Join the new St. Johns County Horseshoe League. Ages 18 and up. Registration is $20. To join the league or for more information, contact AyoLane Halusky at 904.209.0348 or [email protected] .
HASTINGS ONE-MILE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WALK
When: Saturday, October 20
Time: 8am-12pm
Where: W.E. Harris Community Center, 400 East Harris Street, Hastings
Details: Join us for the annual Hastings Breast Cancer Walk with registration beginning at 8am. After the walk, nearby Al Wilke Park will host live entertainment, informational booths, and a ceremony recognizing local breast cancer survivors, which will begin at 10 am. Walkers are encouraged to wear pink. Donations will be accepted and will go to Pink Up The Pace. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, contact Tanya Jackson at 904.692.3655 or [email protected].
HOWL-O-WEEN WALK
When: Sunday, October 21
Time: 2-4pm
Where: Treaty Park, 1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine
Details: Join us for the annual Howl-O-Ween Walk! Costumes are strongly encouraged for both dogs and their humans. Best dog costume and best team costume will be awarded a prize. Dog supplies will be collected and donated to St. Johns County Animal Control Pet Center. All ages are welcome and there is a $20 fee per family/dog with goody bags and t-shirts for each participating family. For more information and to register, contact Stephanie Taylor at 904.669.6612 or [email protected].

St. Johns Golf Club

 

LEARNING TO HIT FAIRWAY WOODS
When: Saturday, September 1
Time: 9-10:30am
Where: St. Johns Golf Club, 4900 Cypress Links Boulevard, Elkton

Details: Our upcoming Saturday Morning Clinic will be focused on “Learning To Hit Fairway Woods.” From beginner to seasoned veteran, all skill levels are welcome. Cost is $15 per person. Learning To Hit Fairway Woods Registration. For more information, contact Tommy Aycock at 904.209.0350 or [email protected].

 

YOGA ON THE GREEN

When: Thursday, September 13
Time: 7-8:30pm
Where: St. Johns Golf Club, 4900 Cypress Links Boulevard, Elkton
Details: Join instructor Pamela Harris for a 75-minute sunset practice on the putting green with food and beverages available for purchase after the class at Rype & Readi Golf Bistro. Cost is $10 per person.  Yoga On The Green Registration.For more information, contact Tommy Aycock at 904.209.0350 or [email protected].
2ND ANNUAL RYDER CUP
When: Saturday, September 22
Time: 8:30am Shotgun Start
Where: St. Johns Golf Club, 4900 Cypress Links Boulevard, Elkton
Details: Sign up your two-player team today for our 2nd Annual Ryder Cup! Format includes 6-hole best ball, 6-hole alternate shot, and 6-hole scramble. Cost is $30 per player for SJGC Members and $40 per player for non-members. Price includes all golf fees and prize pool.For more info or to register, contact the Pro Shop at 904.209.0350 or Copeland West at  [email protected] with player names, handicap, and contact information.    

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