Nov. 15, 2008 - New Hotel in Vilano Beach?

Nov. 5, 2008 - Seaplane in Vilano Beach

On Monday afternoon, November 3^rd around 5 p.m., we watched a seaplane taxi up the Intracoastal around Porpoise Point and up to Vilano. It had just landed after having flown over the area. Here’s a photo I took.

Seaplane in Vilano 1

I now learn that the seaplane had an accident yesterday, November 4^th just north of the Usina (Vilano) Bridge. I have not seen this seaplane before and it was exciting to see him in the area. I am glad the pilot is well and hope to see him again soon.

Here are the news reports with videos.

Seaplane Overturns in Water, No Injuries First Coast News - Jacksonville,FL,USA The plane was taxiing to the middle of the water about a mile north of the Vilano Bridge in preparation for take-off when a gust of wind got under it. ...

Pilot Pulled From Water After Ultralight Flips
News4Jax.com - Jacksonville,FL,USA
VILANO BEACH, Fla. -- A St. Johns Fire-Rescue spokesman said an ultralight aircraft taking off on the Intracoastal Waterway just behind Guana River State ...

Pilot uninjured when plane flips in Intracoastal By dana.treen Dave Markarian, 70, was leaving the dock about a mile north of the Vilano bridge about 12:20 pm when a wing of the plane somehow dipped into the water during the takeoff, causing the plane to overturn, said spokesman Kevin Kelshaw of ...

Oct. 30, 2008 - St. Augustine or Mayport Shrimp?

In northeast, Florida we all talk about "Mayport" shrimp. Mayport is a coastal village north of St. Augustine and east of Jacksonville on the St. Johns River right where it meets with the Atlantic Ocean. That makes getting out to the ocean and to the shrimp a breeze. It is home to about 20 of the state's shrimping boats. However, St. Augustine is located on the Intracoastal (called "the river" by the locals) at the St. Augustine inlet. In fact, I believe you can get to the Atlantic faster from St. Augustine.

The difference between Mayport and St. Augustine shrimp---the port the shrimp boat comes into to unload the shrimp. All the shrimp boats in the area troll off the coast, so they are covering the same area. They are a lovely sight to see off the coast along A1A from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra Beach to S. Ponte Vedra Beach to North Beach to Vilano Beach to St. Augustine Beach to Crescent Beach---you get the idea. It seems that all the shrimp caught in the area are called "Mayport" shrimp. What do your think?

So, if you want really fresh shrimp, eat locally caught shrimp while vacationing in northeast Florida. Four types of shrimp live in the waters off the coast here: brown, white, pink and rock shrimp. Brown and white shrimp make up the majority of what is caught here. Those of us that are fortunate to live here, enjoy fresh seafood year round.

Here's a photo I took recently of a shrimp boat heading out to the Atlantic in the early morning. It came into the St. Augustine inlet when the surf and wind were rough. It is passing Porpoise Point near Vilano Beach.

Oct. 16, 2008 - Vilano Beach Town Center Celebration

This is your friendly reminder that tomorrow, October 17th from 4-7:30 p.m at the Vilano Beach oceanfront pavilion will be a celebration of the completion of the streetscape. Please come and invite your friends as the public is invited. Dignitaries include Congressman Mica, St. Johns County commissioners and commissioners-elect, representatives from Callaway Contracting, RS&H Engineering, and others.

Oct. 9, 2008 - St. Augustine's Humane Society to close its doors Oct. 31st

On Monday, October 6^th, I learned from a fellow REALTOR® that our Humane Society was closing at the end of the month. This morning I got verification from reading our local newspaper. Per the St. Augustine Record’s article today:

“Humane Society Director Cindy Bishop is working to adopt out the nearly 200 animals at the shelter. She said she plans to call rescue groups in the area, and she is researching the possibility of transporting animals to Humane Societies in surrounding counties.”

If you have been thinking about adopting a pet, now is the time. Please tell everyone you know. Many of you know our wonderful cat, Kahlua. We adopted her from this Humane Society.

Please stop by the Florida East Coast Humane Society at 1665 Old Moultrie Road before October 31, 2008.  They are closed Sundays and Mondays. Here are their hours and phone number:

Tuesday thru Friday 10 to 6 
Saturday 10 to 5
Closed Sunday and Monday
904-829-2737

Thank you.

Sep. 19, 2008 - Eastbound Detour on King Street in St. Augustine

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Public Information office just announced the following detour on King Street which will affect most of us in our Nation's Oldest City.

"Traffic on eastbound King Street at the U.S. 1 intersection near the Seabreeze Carwash will be routed onto a new detour that will be in place for approximately six weeks beginning September 24.  The detour will route eastbound King Street traffic north onto U.S. 1 returning to King Street at Cordova Street. This will allow construction crews to realign the turn lane at the southeast corner of the intersection and replace the signal.

All eastbound King Street traffic will be detoured north on U.S. 1, east on West Castillo Drive, south on South Castillo Drive, west on Cathedral Place, south on Cordova Street and back to King Street, just less than two miles. 

        A westbound detour that is currently in place will be completed prior to eastbound King Street being closed."

The work on the King Street and U.S. 1 intersection began June 9th and began affecting westbound traffic on King Street on August 5th.  This $1.1 million safety project is expected to be completed by early 2009. The project includes adding a new traffic signal at King Street and Malaga Street/Sebastian Harbor Drive, reconfiguring the dedicated turn lanes at King Street and U.S. 1, replacing the existing signal and sidewalk at King Street and U.S. 1, replacing and adding pedestrian signals with new signals that have a crossing time countdown display, replacing drainage pipes to meet current standards, adding wheelchair accessible ramps, and making minor modifications to the median at Daniels Street two blocks south of King Street on U.S. 1.

        For additional information regarding this project, contact the Public Information Office at 800-475-0044 or monica.reifeiss@earthtech.com.  For information about FDOT projects around Northeast Florida, visit www.northfloridaroads.com/goto/KingStreet.

Sep. 14, 2008 - Beach Renourishment Funding Request

On Tuesday, September 16, 2008, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will review funding and budget requests for beach restoration. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the county auditorium at 4020 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL.

According to the agenda for the meeting:

“The St. John County Annual Funding Request and Local Long-Range Budget Request to use Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) consists of the following elements:

1. South Ponte Vedra/Vilano Beach/Summer Haven Beach Restoration
2. St. Johns County Shore Protection Project
3. South Ponte Vedra/Vilano Beach Restoration”

Here are the supporting documents.

Sep. 13, 2008 - Coastal Cleanup at Porpoise Point September 20th

As President of the Friends of A1A, I am proud to announce that the Ocean Conservancy Beach Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 20^th.  This annual event, taking place in seventy-five countries around the globe, will see Friends of A1A doing a cleanup of the beach  and dunes at Porpoise Point from 8AM until noon.

We will be at the beach access located at Porpoise Point Drive and Genoa Street. Call or e-mail me and I will send you directions if you need them.

There will be a number of trash ‘grabbers’ available and ice water for all volunteers. You should wear closed shoes, gloves, and sun protection. An adult must accompany volunteers under sixteen.   

Please join us and encourage your neighbors and friends to assist in keeping our community and beaches a wonderful and clean place. Please let me know if you are coming so I can let Bernie Gay, our Friends of A1A Volunteer Coordinator, know. Thanks!

Fact Sheet

Aug. 31, 2008 - A1A & Mickler Road Intersection Improvements

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)  has begun work on the much needed intersection improvements at A1A (AKA S. Ponte Vedra Blvd.) and Mickler Road. The improvements include adding a light and a turn lane. These improvements should help this accident-prone intersection.  The FDOT will be holding an open house on Thursday, September 4th to discuss the improvements. All are invited. Here are the details:

FDOT Open House

When: Thursday, September 4, 2008, 1-2 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.

What: Open house to discuss a road construction project at Florida A1A and Mickler Road

Who: Transportation officials will be available

Where: Crosswater Community Church at 1050 Florida A1A N.

The $2.2 million project, which was set to begin Tuesday, will involve resurfacing portions of the road and installing a traffic signal at the intersection.

The work will include resurfacing A1A from Gnarled Oaks Drive to Mickler, widening the road for new left turn lanes from A1A North to Mickler Road and Ponte Vedra Boulevard, replacing and realigning portions of the sidewalk from Gnarled Oaks to the Overlook business complex, constructing pedestrian islands at the intersection and constructing three drainage ponds. During construction, a temporary pavement and barrier wall will be on A1A, Mickler and Ponte Vedra Boulevard for traffic shifts and to protect workers and motorists. Daytime lane closures will occur during construction, but not from 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call, toll-free,(800) 475-0044, or e-mail monica.reifeiss@aecom. com.

Aug. 27, 2008 - Benefits of Being a St. Johns County Resident

There are many benefits to being a St. Johns County resident.  We enjoy a wonderful lifestyle, beautiful sights, and great attractions. Many new (and some old) residents to our county don't realize they can take advantage of many of St. Augustine's attractions at a discounted rate and in some cases free simply by showing their driver's license. When I have guests visiting me, I take them on the trains and I get to ride free (I think it's a two for one charge, but I like to think I ride free).

The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau wants you to know that:

St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to Government House Museum, the Lightner Museum, the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, the Fountain of Youth, the Ximenez-Fatio House,  and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.  The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel and the Peña-Peck House (donations are welcomed).

So get out an explore your hometown. Your senses and pocketbook will thank you.

Aug. 27, 2008 - Vilano Streetscape Completion Ceremony

The streetscape is complete in the Vilano Beach Town Center. So, that means a party, right? Right!

October 17, 2008 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Beach Pavilion on the beach end of Vilano Road, the community is invited to celebrate the completion of the road and streetscape improvements to the Vilano Beach Town Center. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. with music and food from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

If you wish to help plan this event, please attend the next meeting on Wednesday, September 3 at 4 p.m. at the North Shores Improvement Association's building at 120 Meadow Avenue.

Please contact me if you would like to be a sponsor.

The community has much to celebrate. We look forward to seeing you on the 17^th of October!

Aug. 12, 2008 - Vilano Resident Wins $2 Million in Lottery

If any of you know who the winner is, please let me know. A man bought a lottery ticket at the Kangaroo Express in Vilano Beach on A1A and verified his winnings yesterday. See, we live in a very nice and lucky place!

Jul. 30, 2008 - Paving Vilano Beach Town Center

Finally! And yes, I am saying this as an impatient person that lives in the area and am tired of the "speed bumps".  The crosswalks are so nice and now will be able to be seen as crosswalks and not speed bumps. The roads in the Vilano Beach Town Center are now being paved. The work should be done within a week.

So, we will now be able to drive over the roundabout that is really a drive-over at the intersection of Coastal Highway and Vilano Road.  It should all be obvious to us soon.

Thanks to St. Johns County for all they have done for us!

Jul. 28, 2008 - FDOT DUI on August 8, 2008

There are so many interesting things happening on August 8, 2008 (yes, the Olympics begin to name one). I thought you'd be interested in knowing that the Traffic Safety Office at FDOT announced plans to  promote "8 hours of DUI enforcement in every jurisdiction in the State of Florida beginning at 8:00 PM on 08-08-08".

Interesting that only 4 of the 8 hours will actually occur on August 8th. Be good!

Jun. 27, 2008 - Vilano Beach Roundabout

At the intersection of Coastal Highway and Vilano Road a new Sea Turtle/Dolphin "roundabout" has been installed. I use the term "roundabout" as it is actually a driveover roundabout to enable emergency vehicles to get into the community. However, let's drive around it, okay? Let me know what you think. I think it's lovely.

 June 27^th a.m. picture

 June 27^th p.m. picture (cones removed):

Jun. 19, 2008 - Utility Poles Coming Down in Vilano Beach Town Center

It seems everywhere you look in the Vilano and North Beach areas utility crews are working. A couple of weeks ago I noticed Powercon digging trenches along the west side of A1A around Villages of Vilano north to about 15th St. They said they are laying conduit to bury the overhead electrical lines. I have not gotten this information verified by FPL, however. Powercon did not know when the actually burial of the lines would occur, but the conduit is in place.  They were contracted for 6000 ft. along A1A. They are not doing the east side due to safety issues of being able to have their equipment off A1A while doing the work.

AND... the big news:  The poles are coming down in the Vilano Beach Town Center as I type this. This has been happening this past week and will continue. It shouldn't be long now. The Vilano Beach Town Center is looking good.

UPDATE- we've got a small snag to removing the poles---AT&T. Hopefully AT&T will get going soon and we can get the poles removed.

The grand opening of the streetscape will be in mid September. We'll know more in July as to the actual date. Stay tuned for more info or call me at 904-823-0027 or e-mail me at Barbara@BarbaraJenness.com

May. 24, 2008 - Vilano Beach Town Center Update

May. 6, 2008 - Bury Utilities By the Coast?

As chair of Scenic & Historic Corridor Management Council and President of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, I am frequently asked about burying utilities along our scenic highway. We get push back from Florida Power and Light (FPL). So in an effort to once again understand this issue, I went to FPL's website and found:

http://www.fpl.com/environment/lines/brighter_future.shtml

FPL maintains, "The reliability of overhead and underground lines is comparable...The key difference between underground and overhead lines is that it typically takes more time with underground lines to diagnose the problem and make repairs. This difference in repair time is best characterized in days rather than hours." Additionally FPL states on their website: "Compared to overhead transmission lines, underground transmission lines take longer to repair and are five to fifteen times more costly to construct...FPL may only bury lines when another entity agrees to pick up the differential cost between underground and overhead construction."

Doing some quick research on the Internet, I found this report that states that underground lines are considerably more reliable than overhead, but again more expensive to bury. So, as we all suspected, it comes down to money.

http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/energy_infrastructure/distribution/UndergroundReport.pdf

In the above Edison Electric report, on page 11 it says, "The Florida House of Representatives requested that the Florida Public Utility Commission prepare a proposal to underground all electric facilities in the state following the unprecedented landfall of four major hurricanes in Florida in 2004."

We need to find the referenced proposal. I found it: http://www.psc.state.fl.us/publications/pdf/electricgas/Underground_Wiring.pdf

Apr. 20, 2008 - Florida State Song - Help!

 ---------------------

Much as I don't like the words to our current state song, I do like the melody. It's a catchy tune. I can't say that about the 3 songs that made it to the finals to be voted on by us. Yech! They all sound depressing, slow, not at all upbeat. Come on. I know better songs had to have been submitted. Please don't let the citizens of Florida get strapped by one of these equally musically outdated songs. Did someone die? I thought the point was to get a more contemporary song that represents our state. 

I am proud to be a native Floridian. We live in a fun, energetic and beautiful state. Our song should reflect that. Please, contact your state representatives and ask for more songs.

I am not a music teacher, but I enjoy singing as much as the next person. Give us a fun song to sing!

In case you think I exaggerate, please visit: http://www.justsingflorida.org to hear the 3 songs a panel of music teachers selected. Votes must be cast by January 10th, but hopefully the bill to actually make the winner our new state song won't pass. If you need me to e-mail them to you, let me know.

Mar. 27, 2008 - St. Johns County Share the Beach Newsletter

Tara Dobson, Habitat Conservation Plan Coordinator for St. Johns County, has just finished the latest "Share the Beach" newsletter for St. Johns County. Click here to view it. You will learn about how to Adopt-a-Beach, where the off beach parking lots are located and costs of beach parking passes. Understand that the Conservation Zone(CZ) is 15' seaward of the toe of the dune. Pedestrian and vehicular activities are prohibited in the Conservation Zone. Additionally you will have her contact info and the Beach Lighting Officer's contact information. There will be a Sea Turtle Homecoming festival April 26, 2008. Turtle season is fast approaching (May 1st).