WFOY News

Early Voting

2012-01-18T23:28:00.001-05:00

Early Voting begins Saturday, January 21st at 9 AM and ends Saturday, January 28th at 4 PM. All eligible, registered voters may cast their ballot at any Early Voting Site: Supervisor of
Elections Office; Ponte Vedra Library; Julington Creek Annex; Southeast Branch Library; Hastings Town Hall; St. Augustine Beach City Hall. Location addresses are available on the
Elections website at www.sjcvotes.us

Absentee Ballots Mailed Out Friday

2011-12-15T21:24:00.001-05:00

The first Absentee Ballots for the Presidential Preference Primary will be mailed on Friday, December 16th. Overseas and military voters who have a request on file are mailed their absentee ballots 45 days prior to an election. Domestic absentee ballots will begin being mailed on Wednesday, December 28th.
Voters still have time to request their absentee ballots and Vote by Mail by contacting the Supervisor of Elections office by phone, fax, mail, in person or online. Deadline for requesting a ballot to be mailed is January 25th.
Florida is a Closed Primary State. Last day to register to vote or make a party change is January 3, 2012.
For further details on registration and voting information visit www.sjcvotes.us .

Public Meeting on Sea Wall Project

2011-10-18T21:00:00.001-04:00

Meeting set for Thursday, October 20 @ 7:00pm

A public information meeting relating to the sea wall project will be held on Thursday,
October 20 at 7:00pm in The Alcazar Room, City Hall, 75 King Street.

Representatives from the city's Public Works Department and Taylor Engineering,
consultant’s for the sea wall project, will offer a brief presentation and be available for
questions. The presentation will include diagrams and renderings of the project, details
of the scope of work, and construction schedule.

Additional information regarding the project, including the presentation made to the city
commission regarding the project and before-and-after renderings, are available on the
City of St. Augustine’s web site, www.staugustinegovernment.com.

2011-10-12T22:22:00.001-04:00

Demonstrators occupying the business districts of major U.S. cities have inspired like-minded people to spread their message, so comparatively tiny St. Augustine will be the site of a peaceful, nonpartisan “occupation” on Nov. 5 of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Aubrey Skillman of St. Augustine told the Record the movement is “issue-oriented and not party-oriented.

Sheriff Needs Information

2011-09-19T22:42:00.001-04:00

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has a murder suspect behind bars, but they need more information from the public in order to charge him with the crime. 35-year-old Nicole Bush of Fruit Cove was found with multiple gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma back in May. Her estranged husband, Sean Bush, was arrested last month. If you have any more details about the case, you can make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers or the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Burglary Investigation

2011-09-01T22:40:00.001-04:00

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at Longhorn Steakhouse on SR 312 that happened overnight Sunday. Employees arriving for work Monday morning discovered the burglary and called the Sheriff’s Office. The thief gained entry through an air conditioning vent on the roof over the office. Once inside the thief cut a small hole into the safe and removed several cash bags. Then the suspect left through the ceiling. If you can help the investigation call CrimeStoppers at 1-(888) 277-TIPS (8477).

Free Drivers Education Classes

2011-08-30T22:22:00.001-04:00

The St. Johns County Tax Collector, in cooperation with the St. Johns County School District, will offer free Driver Education classes to all eligible high school students during the 2011-2012
school year. The classes will be available at Bartram Trail, Creekside, Menendez, Ponte Vedra, Nease, St. Augustine and St. Johns Technical High Schools. Students can register by clicking on the Driver Education Classes link available at the Tax Collector’s website at www.sjctax.us. Those wishing to attend must be at least 14 and half years old by the start of the first class. Students will be required to complete an online registration form with their name, address, date of birth, phone number, high school and requested class dates.

Labor Day Closures

2011-08-30T22:20:00.001-04:00

All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, including public library branches and the pet center, will be closed on Monday, September 5th. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, September 6th.

Police Seek Robber

2011-08-25T22:21:00.001-04:00

St. Johns County police are looking for a man who robbed another man in a bathroom at the St. Augustine Premium Outlet Mall on Sunday. They have released a composite sketch of the suspect. He's described as a black male in his late 30s to early 40s, 6'1", around 270 pounds with short hair. Police believe the suspect may have contacts in the Edgewood Ave./Moncrief Rd. area. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers or the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Beaches and Pier Closed

2011-08-25T21:52:00.001-04:00

St. Johns County beaches are closed to vehicles and the St. Augustine Pier closed to pedestrians due to the high tides and strong winds from Hurricane Irene. Her effects locally will include surfs in excess of ten feet through today and into Saturday morning, as well as wind gusts in excess of 30 miles per hour. All St. Johns County beach vehicle access ramps are closed through Saturday morning. Officials say both vehicle ramps and the pier will reopen by mid-day Saturday, pending the return of safe weather conditions.

School attendance on opening day

2011-08-22T20:56:00.001-04:00

The student count for St. Johns County Public Schools on opening day Monday was 28,486, an increase of 908 students or 3.3 percent over last year’s first day number. During the past five years when many districts have seen sustained or declining enrollment, St. Johns County has continued to be one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Superintendent Dr. Joy Joyner called the first day of school amazing.

Girl Found Alive

2011-07-29T10:01:00.001-04:00

An Amber alert has been canceled. Authorities say 11-year-old Savanna Demetro has been found alive in an Orlando apartment. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says police found the child just before 8 a.m. The sheriff's office asked for assistance from Orlando police after learning that an unidentified man may have taken the girl there. Officials say she did not appear to have been injured.

Amber Alert

2011-07-29T09:47:00.001-04:00

There's an Amber Alert for an 11-year-old Clearwater girl. Authorities say Savanna Demetro was last seen in Clearwater around 4 p.m. Thursday. Deputies say the girl left her house to go to the movies and never came back. Officials believe she may be with an unidentified man and could have left the Tampa Bay area. Demetro is white, about 5-foot-6-inches tall, weighs 220 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Arrest in Fruit Cove murder

2011-07-21T22:37:00.001-04:00

An arrest has been made in connection to the Fruit Cover murder. 24-year-old Latoya Jordan confessed to being involved in the stabbing death of 53-year-old Daniel Somerson. Authorities say Jordan sought out Somerson on Craigslist, and had been living with him since late May. Jordan was living with a 52-year-old man in Bay county when she was found on Thursday. She is currently in custody in Bay County. Police will work on transporting her back to St. Johns County today.

Commemoration Commission Kick off

2011-07-18T22:37:00.001-04:00

This is the kickoff of not only the celebration for St. Augustine, but for Florida and the United States. Those words Monday from Senator Bill Nelson, at the inaugural meeting of the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Commission. The commission is authorized to receive $500,000 in federal funding each year from 2012-2015. U.S. Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar is hoping the festivities create jobs and bring in tourism dollars.

Riverkeeper Public Forum

2011-07-14T09:40:00.001-04:00

The St. Johns Riverkeeper hosts a public forum at 6 this evening at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel to discuss Georgia-Pacific's proposed pipeline to divert wastewater from its paper mill into the middle of the St. Johns River in Palatka. The Riverkeeper is asking citizens to sign a petition opposing the pipeline, which will be sent to Gov. Rick Scott. The St. Johns Riverkeeper web site is www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org.

New Ag Sawmill Law

2011-07-13T22:29:00.001-04:00

Missouri sawmills will be getting a tax break.. .

Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Wednesday that reclassifies sawmills as agricultural instead of commercial property. The change could save them about $4 million annually in local property taxes. That's because agricultural land is assessed at 12 percent of its productive value, compared with 32 percent of market value for commercial property. Supporters of the legislation hope it will provide an economic boost for Missouri's timber industry, which is a leading employer in some rural communities. But some school officials have expressed concern about the loss of revenue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture ranks Missouri third nationally in the economic effects of forestry. The state has more than 400 sawmills, largely in the south-central region.

Washback Volunteers Needed

2011-07-06T09:43:00.001-04:00

Volunteers are needed to help in St. Johns County's Sea Turtle Washback Program. Washback season runs from July 1 through Nov. 30. Volunteers will be on call at any time to check the beach seaweed lines and complete a survey as soon as possible. Volunteers must register online at www.sjcfl.us/HCP to attend an orientation.

Car Burglary Arrests

2011-07-05T23:08:00.001-04:00

St. Johns County deputies said they're investigating a large number of car burglaries in the St. Augustine Shores community early Saturday, and they have identified six suspects, including five teenagers. ..identified as an 18-year-old , two 14-year-olds, two 12-year-olds and a 13-year-old. Deputies said they admitted to trying to break into more than 200 vehicles in the St. Augustine Shores area between midnight and 6 a.m. Saturday. Deputies said all of the vehicles entered were unlocked, and among the items that the suspects removed were change, cash, iPods, GPS units, phones, lighters and condoms from those that contained those items.

Cab Driver Dies in Wreck

2011-07-05T23:06:00.001-04:00

A taxi cab driver died early Tuesday after a fiery crash. Deputies said 52-year-old James Roberts, was driving his cab east in the 100 block of Cranes Lake Drive about 2:30 a.m. He drifted to the right, striking a parked car. Investigators said that a fire then started in the engine compartment of the taxi cab, and two nearby residents who heard the crash helped pull Roberts from the vehicle. Roberts was taken to Baptist Medical Center Beaches, where he died a short time later.

Missing Teen

2011-07-05T23:04:00.001-04:00

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement needs the public's help searching for a missing teenager who was last seen on Sunday. The missing child alert says 17-year-old Jonathan Merwin is endangered. Merwin is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 208 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen on foot in the area of the 8800 block of U.S. Highway 1 in Sebastian.

Sea Turtles

2011-07-05T23:01:00.001-04:00

There are hundreds of sea turtle nests along St. Johns county beaches. 318 nests, to be exact. Tara Dodson coordinator of the county's habitat conservation plan says it's a mysery why sea turtles are choosing St. Johns County's 42 miles of coastline for their nests.. . the only county in Florida that saw a 360 percent increase in nesting. People who live along the coast can help the turtles by turning off lights at night , knocking down sand castles when finished at the beach to make for turtle friendly sand, and by removing tents and beach chairs overnight. Turtles can get stuck in the gear.

Beach Cleanup

2011-07-05T09:46:00.001-04:00

The third annual beach cleanup is this afternoon. In an effort to protect marine life, the non-profit group Keepers of the Coast host the event the day after July 4th to pick up cans, bottles and other trash left on the beaches. So far more the group has collected more than 65,000 cigarette butts. This year they’re doing a cigarette butt challenge. They’ll be at Micklers beachfront park, Vilano, A Street, Crescent and Fort Matanzas this afternoon between 4 and 8 p.m.

Morning After Clean Up

2011-07-01T10:01:00.001-04:00

Next Tuesday is the 3rd Annual “Morning After” Beach Clean-Up. The purpose is to restore the coastline following July 4th — traditionally one of the busiest beach traffic days of the year. Keepers if the Coast is a local non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting coastal stewardship and the conservation of coastal habitat. This clean up will be held Tuesday, July 5th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Free Financial Literacy Seminar

2011-07-01T09:57:00.001-04:00

The St. Johns County Public Library system and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accounts is again offering a free one-day financial literacy seminar for teens. The seminar will be held at each branch of the county's libraries at various dates and times from July 9 through Aug. 13. The classes will be taught by the St. Johns River Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For more information, visit www.sjcpls.org

District Scores Highest

2011-06-30T09:40:00.001-04:00

School grades are out, and for the third year in a row, St. Johns County schools are first in the state with the highest overall score. Superintendent Joe Joyner says We had 24 A schools and two B schools, adding that the district is No. 1 by 18 points which is more more than last year. Not ranked are the high schools. Those grades will come out in November.

Cannon Pulled from Sea

2011-06-28T22:35:00.001-04:00

An exciting shipwreck . . . an exciting day. Those words Tuesday from Chuck Meide, director of the Lighthouse Archeological Maritime Program. His team pulled a nearly 2,000 pound cannon from the waters off St. Augustine. The artifact came from a vessel buried about 30 feet below the surface. It could date as far back as the American Revolution.

Fireworks Ban

2011-06-27T22:09:00.001-04:00

The St. Augustine Fire Chief and Fire Marshall are urging everyone to keep July 4th safe and legal with a reminder of ordinances in force in the City regarding personal fireworks.
The simple rule of thumb is that if it leaves the ground or goes boom, it is illegal. Not only is the use of such fireworks illegal, but so is possession. possession. Anyone found to be in possession of such fireworks will be subject to citation or arrest and will have the prohibited fireworks confiscated.

No Fireworks

2011-06-20T22:33:00.001-04:00

Burn bans in St Johns, Baker, and Clay, counties include personal firework use, and Sheriffs Departments all over NE Florida will be cracking down.Sgt. Chuck Mulligan of the St. Johns County Sheriffs Department says shooting off fireworks on personal property while a burn ban is in effect is a misdemeanor crime and could fine you a dollar amount in the hundreds.

Gun Thief

2011-06-17T09:30:00.001-04:00

Guns stolen in St. Johns County. A man walked out of the Shooting Sports Pro Shop on State Road 16 yesterday with a rifle and two handguns. He was able to grab them when no one was looking. The suspect is described as a white male in his mid to late 20’s with short dark hair in a spikey cut, 6’ tall, 175 pounds, wearing a black tank top, tan shorts, He also had multiple tattoos on his left arm including one of the U.S.M.C. Anyone with any information is asked to call the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

Sex Offender Residing in St. Johns Cy

2011-06-16T22:03:00.001-04:00

The sheriff's office has issued a press release notifying that a sexual predator is now residing within St. Johns County. 50-year-old James Lee Lyons will be living in the woods off S.R. 207, south of Holmes Blvd., and north of Lightsey Rd. He's a white male, 5’7” tall, 150 pounds, has black hair and blue eyes. You can get more information at www.fdle.state.fl.us. or toll-free at FDLE: 1-888-FLPREDATOR.

Missing Woman Update

2011-06-14T21:05:00.001-04:00

The family of a missing southeast Missouri woman is now offering a reward to anyone who gives authorities information that leads to her or an arrest in connection with her disappearance.

Jacque Sue Waller's family also recently opened up a fund for Waller's triplets. Donations to the "Jacque Waller Family Fund" and the reward fund can be made at any U.S. Bank branch. Waller has been missing from Jackson since June 1st. Police say they've named no new persons of interest ... and although the department still suspects foul play, there is no evidence a crime has been committed. She was last seen by Clay Waller, her estranged husband, who was named June 6 by the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad as the only person of interest in the case, but not a criminal suspect.

Fire Destroys Joplin Building

2011-06-14T21:04:00.001-04:00

A fire has destroyed a Joplin industrial building where some tornado victims had stored belongings.

About a dozen businesses are located in the building where the fire was reported early Tuesday.
No one was injured. Several tornado victims had been renting space in the metal warehouse at the Lesley Business Centers to store belongings they salvaged from the May 22 tornado. A spokesman for the Joplin Fire Department, said when firefighters arrived at the site the building was fully engulfed and the fire was threatening to spread to other structures. The fire was brought under control less than two hours later. Firefighters continued to pump water into the structure several hours later.

St. Johns Students Score High

2011-06-08T22:39:00.001-04:00

More bragging rights for local school kids. St. Johns County students placed first in the state on the newly required Algebra I End-of-Course exams. Of the 2,556 students tested, 58 percent scored in the top one-third compared to 35 percent for the state. St. Johns County’s mean score was 55 compared to the state mean score of 49.

Fireworks

2011-06-08T09:52:00.001-04:00

Public fireworks yes ; private fireworks, no. The 90-day county-wide burn ban is not expected to affect permitted public firework displays, such as the demonstrations seen in downtown St. Augustine and World Golf Village every year... but any personal or private use of fireworks by county residents is not allowed. Those caught setting off fireworks could be issued written citations.

Excelsior Tour

2011-06-08T09:48:00.001-04:00

The Friends of Excelsior Inc. will conduct a special tour beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday June 25, that will chronicle the migration of freed slaves from Fort Mose to Little Africa, the St. Augustine community now known as Lincolnville. The event is free, but reservations are required. Historian and author David Nolan will serve as the tour guide.

Deputy Saves Baby

2011-06-05T22:24:00.001-04:00

A Flagler County deputy helped save a newborn baby who was delivered in the living room of a Palm Coast home. Deputy Erik Pedersen was the first to respond to a 911 call Thursday reporting a pregnant woman going into labor at a home on Slatington Place in Palm Coast. Police say the 28-year-old woman was sitting in the living room floor, crying and holding the newborn child when Pedersen arrived. When he realized that the newborn boy wasn't breathing, he began rubbing him on his back in order to help clear his airways. It wasn't long before the newborn took his first breaths, turned to a healthy pink color and started to cry. Mom and baby were taken to the hospital to be checked out and are doing fine.

Liberty Pines Monday Classes Moved

2011-06-05T22:16:00.001-04:00

The fires in St. Johns County are forcing one local school to move classes today. Liberty Pines Academy will be holding classes at different locations due to smoke in the area. Classes for students in grades K through 5th will be held at Creekside High School auditorium, and classes for students in grades 6th through 8th will be held in the Bartram Trail High School Ninth Grade Center. The school district says buses will pick up and drop off students at their normal bus stop and times. Parent pick up and drop off will be located at the CHS main entrance and at the BTHS auditorium parking.

Old Church Found

2011-06-02T23:05:00.001-04:00

Another thrilling discover in the nation's oldest city. Archeologists from the University of Florida have found what they believe is a 300-year-old stone church in St. Augustine. They found the church of Nombre De Dios and La Leche. It was built in 1677 and written about in many old documents, including letters to the king of Spain. The church was also the first stone building in the state of Florida.

Liberty Pines Closed Friday

2011-06-02T22:50:00.001-04:00

Liberty Pines Academy is closed today again after smoky air from brush fires forced students to evacuate earlier today. Liberty is located on Russell Sampson Road, close to the Russell Sampson Fire. The move was due to the health issue brought on by smoke in the air, although there was no imminent fire danger. District officials expect Liberty to reopen Monday.

New Bishop

2011-06-02T09:47:00.001-04:00

The Diocese of St. Augustine will have a new Bishop tonight. Felipe Estevez will take over during a ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica at 7 p.m. He is replacing Bishop Victor Galeone, who resigned on his 75th birthday -- the mandatory age of retirement for bishops.

Police LOVE Fund

2011-06-01T22:34:00.001-04:00

The St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization is accepting donations for the Northern Alabama Chiefs Group LOVE fund. It's designed to help in tornado recovery. Donations will be accepted at the St. Augustine Police Department, on King Street between the hours of 8 a.m. -5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Spelling Bee Finalist

2011-06-01T22:20:00.001-04:00

A home-schooled sixth-grader from St. Augustine is still in the running to win the national spelling bee in Maryland. 12-year-old Grace Remmer advances to the next round, one of only 41 out of 275 to make it to Thursday's semifinals. After finishing ninth last year, she has a chance to do even better this year.

Woman INjured in Fire

2011-05-30T04:54:00.001-04:00

Fire investigators say a St. Augustine Beach woman is being treated at Flagler Hospital for smoke inhalation, after a fire in her beachside condo. The fire Saturday was contained to one room of the condo, according to firefighters. The cause is not clear, but authorities say the mattress that caught fire was the only thing to suffer damage. The woman's name and degree of injury were not released.

$1 of Every $5 Spent by St. John's County Schools is for an Unfunded Mandate

2011-05-30T04:50:00.001-04:00

St. Johns County school district officials say unfunded and underfunded mandates will cost the district $38 million this year -- or about 20 percent of the district's budget. As the amount of state funding coming into school districts continues to drop, the number of mandates continues to rise. The Record reports St. Johns County is actually in better financial shape than many districts, in part because they responded early to the economic downturn.

Memorial Day Flag Tribute

2011-05-30T04:44:00.001-04:00

740 American flag are flying today as part of a Memorial Day Patriotic Tribute set up by the The Pilot Club of St. Augustine in front of the Lightner Museum/City Hall today. The flags bear the name of veterans both living and deceased. If you'd like to have the flag flag bearing the name of your loved one, organizers say you are welcome to take it at sunset today. The flags will be removed by 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Amber Alert

2011-05-11T22:45:00.000-04:00

State law enforcement officers are seeking help locating a 16-month-old Chipley boy last seen Wednesday. Waylan Snipes is white with brown hair and hazel eyes, weighs 23 pounds and was wearing gray pajama pants with fire trucks. He may be with 36-year-old William Snipes in a tan, single cab 1996 Chevy S10 with Alabama plates.

Sex Predator ID'd

2011-05-10T22:55:00.001-04:00

A sexual predator has been identified as a new resident of st johns county. 38-year-old Mark Shively was convicted of sexual battery of a child in 1998 and sentenced to 15 years in the department of corrections. He's currently living in a wooded area off State Road 207, south of Homes Boulevard and north of Lightsey Road. He is described as 5-feet-11-inches tall and 193 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

City Parking

2011-05-10T22:39:00.001-04:00

Starting today, parking enforcement won't start handing out tickets for vehicles parked along Cathedral Place and King Street between Charlotte Street and Cordova Street until 10 a.m. Before the St. Augustine city commission made the decision Monday night, motorists could be ticketed starting at 8 a.m. So that's an extra 12 hours a week of free parking. This does not change parking enforcement in other areas of the city, and the city reminded visitors that parking is still free daily after 5 p.m. and all day on Sunday.

Carriage Ordinance Amendments

2011-05-08T22:50:00.001-04:00

St. Augustine City Commission reconvenes tonight to take up the carriage ordinance it passed last month. Members will consider amendments including a request to extend the franchise period, allow franchise transfers, and delete a “no-tour” period from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. City Manager John Regan will also present a proposed alternate route for horse carriages. That route would reverse the current direction. Today's meeting is at 5 p.m. at city hall.

Sea Turtle Fest Saturday

2011-05-06T09:32:00.001-04:00

Inaugural North Florida Sea Turtle and Wildlife Festival is tomorrow! . It's happening at the St. Johns County Ponte Vedra Library Bird Island Park from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to adopt a sea turtle nest where they can follow the progress of the incubating nest and its hatchlings.

YMCA event

2011-05-05T22:41:00.001-04:00

The St. Augustine YMCA and Friends of ElderSource will offer Living Healthy Longer, an event aimed at those 50 and older, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the YMCA, at 500 Pope Road. The event will feature group exercise class demonstrations, seminars, door prizes and vendor booths.

Boil Water Advisory

2011-05-05T22:36:00.001-04:00

Hundreds of homeowners who live in Sawgrass are under a boil water advisory. A water main break is to blame. Crews are making repairs to the line. The advisory is for about 250 customers who get their water from the St. Johns County Utility Department in the Sawgrass Development, east of A1A. The affected areas include: Cove Road; Deer Run Drive; Deer Run Drive South; Deer Run Lane; Quail Pointe Court; Quail Pointe Drive; Quail Pointe Lane; Sawgrass Racquet Club; Tifton Way North; and Tifton Way South.

People should boil all water used for drinking and cooking for at least one minute. Bottled water is a safe alternative.

The advisory will remain in effect until tests show the water is safe to drink.

The St. Johns County Utility Department expects the advisory to be lifted on Saturday.

Help Four Paws

2011-05-04T22:55:00.001-04:00

Local volunteers are on a mission to save pets. St. Augustine based, HelpFourPaws, is a nonprofit group that transports animals from kill shelters to no-kill shelters. For more information on how you can help just go to www.helpfourpaws.org.

FBI Kills Bomb Suspect

2011-05-04T22:52:00.001-04:00

The FBI says a St. Johns County man, shot to death Wednesday by agents trying to serve a search warrant, is responsible for the 2010 bombing of an Islamic center in Jacksonville. The FBI pinpointed 46-year-old Sandlin Smith of the Julington Creek area last week, searching two of his known homes over the weekend and found explosive materials. Smith was shot to death around 2:30 p.m.Wednesday during a confrontation with federal agents in Fairview, Okla., who came to serve a search warrant on him.

Operation Sheepdog

2011-05-04T22:48:00.001-04:00

17 men face charges resulting from a sting operation called "Operation Sheepdog". The St. Johns County Sheriff’s conducted the sting from last Wednesday to Sunday. The men who range in age from 20-55 years old tried to meet up with children between the ages of 8 and 15 through Craigslist. They were actually undercover detectives posing as kids. The men eventually wanted to meet up at a house. Detectives set up a home for them to come to and arrested them there.

Arsonist Sought

2011-05-03T22:33:00.001-04:00

The Division of Forestry is searching for an arsonist who it believes has started 21 woods fires in st johns county in recent months. But investigators are without any leads.
Investigators hope someone knows who is setting the fires, because they keep happening in the same spot. The fires have burned a total of 30 acres off Brinkhoff Road, near Treaty Park in St. Augustine.

Man Robs Chocolate Store

2011-05-03T22:28:00.001-04:00

A man who robbed a chocolate store was after cash, not candy. Police in St. Augustine are looking for a man who they said robbed Whetstones Chocolates on King Street late Monday afternoon. The employee saw a small, black gun tucked in the waistband of the man's pants, and the employee placed an undisclosed amount of money in the man's backpack. The robber is described as a white man, 6 feet tall, thinly built, clean-shaven and wearing a dark sweatshirt, dark pants and sunglasses.

Arsonist Sought

2011-05-03T09:22:00.001-04:00

State Division of Forestry officials are asking the public for help in stopping a rash of intentionally set fires off Brinkhoff Road, near Treaty Park. A fire set late Sunday night in the area became the 21st since October to be identified as an arson. Senior Forester Greg Dunn told the Record there's an arsonist out there that we just can't catch. He's asking anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area of Brinkhoff Road off Wildwood Drive to call 9-1-1

Channel Safety

2011-05-03T09:18:00.001-04:00

Two years after a boat crash that killed five people along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Coast Guard is warning people of the danger in that channel. Located about a mile north of Palm Valley, the channel is not only narrow, but there's no speed limit, no lights at night and a lot of docks to navigate around. The Coast Guard says boaters need to obey speed limits and always wear life jackets.

Kitten Shuttle at Humane Society

2011-05-02T20:59:00.001-04:00

Far too many unwanted kittens are being born in the area. In an effort to get a handle on the problem, the St. Augustine Humane Society will begin running a “cats only” shuttle on the second Friday of each month throughout the summer. The shuttle will transport cats from the shelter on Old Moultrie Road to the “No More Homeless Pets” clinic in Jacksonville. The next shuttle date is Friday, May 13th; with check-in from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. For more information go to staugustinehumanesociety dot org.

Boat Crash Lawsuit Settled

2011-05-02T20:53:00.001-04:00

Lawyers for five victims of a fatal Easter Sunday boat crash in Palm Valley two years ago have settled their lawsuit against the boat manufacturer. The 22-foot pleasure boat struck a tugboat moored in the Intracoastal Waterway just north of the Palm Valley bridge, killing five people and injuring nine. The suit claimed the design of the Crownline vessel was inherently unsafe. Terms of the settlement, reached Thursday in mediation, are confidential,

Sea Turtle Season Begins Sunday

2011-04-28T22:33:00.001-04:00

The Sea Turtles are on their way back to nest on the beaches of St. Johns County as the official nesting season begins this Sunday. In order to protect five species of sea turtles and the native Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, beach driving and lighting restrictions also go into effect starting Sunday. Between May 1 and October 31, vehicular traffic on the beach is allowed between the hours of 8:00 am and 7:30 pm.

Intersection Improvement Meeting

2011-04-27T09:47:00.001-04:00

Relief is coming to one of the county's most congested areas . .. the intersection of U.S. 1 and State Road 312. Improvements are scheduled for this fall, and next week you can see what's planned. The St. Johns County Engineering Division will hold an open house May 5, 3-6 p.m., in the meeting room at Ponce de Leon Mall.

New Bishop

2011-04-27T09:45:00.001-04:00

Felipe Estevez, an auxiliary bishop in the archdiocese of Miami, has been named the new bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine.He succeeds Bishop Victor Galeone, who resigned last fall once he reached the age of 75, the mandatory retirement age for bishops.

Florida's Crime Rate Down

2011-04-26T22:33:00.001-04:00

Florida's crime rate is lower now than it was in 1971, the year the Florida Department of Law Enforcement started keeping track. In 1971 there were 5,667 criminal offenses for every 100,000 people; in 2010 there were just over 41-hundred offenses. The crime rate from 2009 to 2010 dropped 6.7%.

New Bishop to be Named

2011-04-26T22:25:00.001-04:00

A news conference is scheduled for 10:30 this morning at the Diocese of St. Augustine’s Catholic Center, on Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville. Pope Benedict XVI will announce from Rome on Wednesday the appointment of the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. He succeeds Bishop Victor Galeone who submitted his letter of resignation when he turned 75 on Sept. 13, 2010 – the mandatory age of retirement for bishops.

College Commencement

2011-04-26T09:16:00.001-04:00

St. Johns River State College will celebrate its 51st annual commencement at 7 p.m. Friday at at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts on the Orange Park campus. Tickets are not required for seating. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Alligator Trapper wanted

2011-04-26T09:15:00.001-04:00

Would you like to be a nuisance alligator trapper? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is looking for you.
The trapper in St. Johns County is for the area south of County Road 214, including all of Anastasia Island. Go to MyFWC.com/Alligator to learn about the requirements.

Bald Eagle's Nest Spotted

2011-04-24T22:39:00.001-04:00

Nature lovers are thrilled that a new bald eagle's nest has been spotted in St. Johns county. St. Augustine Eco Tours says one of their naturalists spotted the nest while cruising South of the 312-bridge on Anastasia Island. The bald eagle was taken off the endangered species list a few years ago. The group says the nest shows the eagle is adapting to its habitat, which is increasingly encroached upon by humans.

Man Found with Drugs

2011-04-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

A 31-year-old man faces drug charges after a St. Augustine Police officer found him sitting in a parked car filled with illegal drugs on South Ponce De Leon Boulevard. Officer William Moltimore was responding to a call of a possible intoxicated person in the area, and as he approached the parked car, he said he could smell pot.
The driver, Woodrow Whittington admitted to having a joint and pipe inside his truck. He also had a backpack with three grams of cocaine, almost 70 grams of marijuana, and two Adderolls.

Rubio Town Hall meeting

2011-04-22T09:57:00.001-04:00

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will hold a town hall meeting at noon Wednesday in St. Augustine to discuss issues such as federal government spending and the national deficit.
It will be held at the River House, at 179 Marine Street. The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending should e-mail RSVPJax@Rubio.Senate.gov.

New feral cat program

2011-04-20T09:41:00.001-04:00

The St. Augustine Humane Society has opened a feral cat program, with a public trap depot at its office at 1665 Old Moultrie Road for residents who want to humanely control the local feral cat population. For more information, visit staugustinehumanesociety.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King's Fingerprint

2011-04-19T22:16:00.001-04:00

An exhibit featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s original jail booking fingerprint card from the St. Augustine civil rights movement in June 1964 will be presented to the city’s Excelsior Cultural Center in ceremonies at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 26.

The exhibit includes a 20-minute video featuring interviews with Dr. King’s arresting officer, Deputy Sheriff Everett Haney, and Dr. Kathryn Fentress, a college student at the time, arrested with Dr. King.

St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar is contributing the exhibit after discovering the card in his department’s archives.

The Excelsior Cultural Center is the former all-black Excelsior School at 102 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. It’s first floor museum includes memorabilia of late 19th and early 20th century life in Lincolnville.

Dr. King’s visit to St. Augustine came as Congress was debating a civil rights bill which would become the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Driver still sought

2011-04-15T09:58:00.001-04:00

As the bicycling community mourns the loss of one of its own, the search continues for the person who struck 23-year-old Bryan Wrigley and kept on going. The University of St. AUGUstine student was riding his bicycle on County Road 214 near Molasses Junction on Wednesday when he was struck by what witnesses say was a dark blue, older model, Ford Ranger truck. THe driver was described the suspect as a white male, possibly in his 20s. Damage to the suspect vehicle should be to the driver's side front bumper. If you can provide any information, call traffic Homicide Investigator, Deputy J.D. McGinnis, at 824-8304.

Karma Lays Eggs

2011-04-15T09:35:00.001-04:00

Officials at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park were surprised when Karma laid dozens of eggs Thursday. Karma is a 15-year-old gharial crocodile from India, whose 41 eggs are the first since a group of juvenile gharials was brought into the U.S. about 15 years ago in an effort to help preserve the critically endangered species. There are fewer than 1,000 in the world.

Cyberbullying Program

2011-04-14T22:38:00.001-04:00

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the Flagler County Library will present a program on cyberbullying at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the library's Garden Room. Flagler Palm Coast High School's Resource Deputy Calvin Grant will present the 30-minute program and question and answer session.

Suspects Caught After Chase

2011-04-14T22:34:00.001-04:00

A man sought in Wednesday's armed robbery of two Walgreens in St. Johns County is in custody, following a high speed chase. Deputies pursued the suspect's pick up west on Florida 206 and north on U.S. 1 before the vehicle rolled over. One man was ejected and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured. A man and woman were trapped inside. All three were taken to Flagler Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are there under guard.

Bicyclist Identified

2011-04-14T09:54:00.001-04:00

The bicyclist killed by a hit-and-run driver Wednesday in St. Johns County was a 23-year-old University of St. Augustine student from south carolina. Brian Wrigley was hit around 4 p.m. while riding westbound on County Road 214 near Molasses Junction. Investigators are looking for a a Ford pickup or SUV with front end damage on the drivers side.

Purse Snatcher in PVB

2011-04-14T09:44:00.001-04:00

A purse snatcher has been targeting women in a grocery store parking lot in Ponte Vedra Beach. There have been several reports of the thefts in the past few days, all in a Publix parking lot at Sawgrass Village. One of the victims described the thief as a man about 5 feet 10 inches tall and in his late 20s, with a dark complexion, short, dark hair and an athletic build. He was seen leaving in a Nissan Maxima.

Operation Spring Fever

2011-04-13T21:59:00.001-04:00

More than a dozen drug dealers were arrested on Wednesday in St. Johns County after a four month long investigation. "Operation-Spring Fever" targeted 22 people involved in street level cocaine distribution, prescription drug sales and marijuana sales. The two phase operation was started four months ago when informants as well as undercover officers from St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam County Sheriff's Offices would buy from these drug dealers.

Hit and Run

2011-04-13T21:56:00.001-04:00

A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash in St. Johns County on Wednesday afternoon. It happened on County Road 214 around 4 p.m. Deputies said the bicyclist, a middle-aged man whose name hasn't been released, was found on the side of the road. According to a witness, the suspect vehicle could be an older model dark blue Ford Ranger pickup truck with a white male driver in his 20s..

Spring Dance Gala

2011-04-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

Florida School of the Arts will present its annual Spring Dance Gala, featuring ballet, jazz and modern dance. The gala will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on the Main Stage at the St. Johns River State College Palatka campus. Admission is $5.

Escape Attempt

2011-04-12T22:33:00.001-04:00

A man facing two life sentences as an accused serial rapist escaped while on his way to a court appearance. 38-year-old David Shuey was being transported from a state prison in the panhandle to a court hearing in St. Augustine Monday. On a breakfast stop, Shuey threw a bottle of water at a guard and pushed his way out of the van. He didn’t make it far, as a guard used a taser gun on him. Shuey was convicted of sexual battery in 2002 in Ponte Vedra. In 2003 he was convicted of sexual assault in the Guana River State Park.

Vera Osteen Found

2011-04-12T22:27:00.001-04:00

A 50-year-old St. Johns County woman reported missing by the ocean last week has been located safe in Hillsborough County. Family had feared for Vera Osteen when some of her clothes were found in the ocean last week and her vehicle was missing. She was spotted using her credit card at a St. Augustine Walmart early Saturday and was then traced to Stuart on Monday.

Turtle Washes Up Dead

2011-04-07T22:53:00.001-04:00

A loggerhead sea turtle washed up dead Thursday at St. Augustine Beach. St. Johns County deputies said the sea turtle, estimated to be 150 pounds, died of either natural causes or was hit by a boat propeller. Deputies said about five to 15 sea turtles wash up in St. Johns County each year. Loggerheads can weigh up to 300 pounds.

Gazebo closed for now

2011-04-07T22:46:00.001-04:00

The gazebo in the center of St. Augustine's city’s historic Plaza de la Constitución is closed because of structural problems. During a recent inspection, city staff found that several of the columns supporting the roof have deteriorated to the point of needing replacement. At this point it's not known when the gazebo will open back up for its summer concert series that starts memorial day weekend.

Missing Person

2011-04-07T22:30:00.001-04:00

Detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office are seeking a missing woman

and the vehicle in which she drives and currently lives in. The

woman, identified as Vera Osteen, 50, has not been heard from

since last week. In addition, last Thursday clothing believed to

belong to Osteen was located in the ocean in the area of Ocean

Trace Rd. A relative of the victim then called the Sheriff’s Office

and reported her missing.

The woman (photo attached) is described as a white female, 5’4” tall, 200 pounds

with brown eyes and brown hair. Her vehicle is a 1996 green 4-door Honda Accord with a

Florida tag of N040XT. At the present time although her disappearance is suspicious,

there is no evidence of foul play. Detectives are continuing the investigation.

Birdies for the Brave

2011-04-07T09:31:00.001-04:00

Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, as part of the PGA TOUR's Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative, TPC Sawgrass hosts a special honor ride for 40 wounded warriors at the clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach. The event shows honors returning veterans for their service and wishes them well in Saturday's Wounded Soldier Ride that's saturday morning in Jacksonville.

Library Week

2011-04-07T09:28:00.001-04:00

National Library Week begins April 10th, with the theme "Create Your Own Story @ Your Library". Each branch library in St. Johns County has many different events planned throughout the week. For a complete schedule of events go to www.sjcpls.org.

Cannon Fire Lessons

2011-04-06T22:48:00.001-04:00

Next weekend, the National Park Service will host the School of 18th Century Artillery at the St. Augustine fort. What that means is an opportunity to fire cannons for the public at the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National monuments. Every weekend an all-volunteer force does cannon firings for the public. The Castillo's cannon firings are unique because the drill used is done entirely in 1730s Castilian Spanish.

Tavar Murder Evidence Released

2011-04-06T22:44:00.001-04:00

Photos, surveillance video, and bank transactions are a few of the new items prosecutors are listing as evidence in the murder case of 45-year-old Brittany Tavar. 26-year-old Joseph Roberts is charged with Tavar's murder. The new evidence released Wednesday includes images of Tavar's home and the wooded area where her remains were found. Prosecutors are hoping this new evidence is enough to convict Roberts.

Somer Thompson Day

2011-04-05T22:47:00.001-04:00

Clay County honored the life of Somer Thompson Tuesday. Clay County Commissioners designated April 5 as Somer Thompson Day in honor of her birthday. Somer disappeared while walking home from her elementary school in October of 2009. Twenty-five-year old Jarred Harrell is charged with Somer's death. He is being held without bond in a Clay County jail.

Energy Efficiency Workshops

2011-04-04T22:40:00.001-04:00

St. Johns County will continue to host a series of free energy efficiency workshops this month to teach commercial contractors and homeowners how to build more efficiently and save money. The weekly workshops are every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the wind mitigation building at University of Florida IFAS Extension, located at 3111 Agricultural Center Drive in St. Augustine.

Viewing and Funeral for McCarty

2011-04-04T22:35:00.001-04:00

The funeral has been set for the young St. Augustine man killed in a crash over the weekend. 21-year-old Tucker McCarty, died in the crash on County Road 138 just south of Fort White in Columbia County. A viewing for McCarty will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, on State Road 207 in St. Augustine. McCarty's funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Anastasia Baptist Church.

Contract Talks

2011-04-03T22:38:00.001-04:00

Contract talks between the county and the Fire Fighters Union are said to be at an impasse, which means the fire contract will soon go before a special magistrate.
County Administrator Michael Wanchick told the Record the union was "deliberately delaying the (negotiating) process. The union's contract expires Sept. 30th.

Fire Chief Retiring

2011-04-03T22:35:00.001-04:00

St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chief Robert "Bobby" Hall will retire June 30 after 35 years of service. In a statement Friday, Hall said he is looking forward to his retirement and spending more time with his wife. Fire Rescue personnel will be working with county administration to decide on the chief's successor.

Oxfam Hunger Banquet

2011-04-03T22:31:00.001-04:00

The Flagler College Human Rights Advocates group will have an Oxfam Hunger Banquet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla St. The purpose is to highlight the socioeconomic inequalities of people throughout the world.

Local Man Dies in Crash

2011-04-03T22:24:00.001-04:00

A 21-year-old St. Augustine man died and three of his passengers were injured in a Saturday evening crash in Columbia County. FHP Troopers said Tucker McCarty was killed when his pickup truck overturned on County Road 138 just south of Fort White about 7 p.m. McCarty was a student at the University of Florida studying pharmacy. He graduated from Pedro Menendez High School in 2008.

Dog Training Offered

2011-04-01T09:39:00.001-04:00

The St. Augustine Humane Society offers dog training classes in April and May, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday on the society's south lawn at 1665 Old Moultrie Road in St. Augustine. The classes are open to dogs of all ages and all skill levels.