News briefs for March 4-10, 2021

Posted

COVID-19 vaccination appointments open to additional populations

Issued on March 1, State of Florida Executive Order 21-47 made the COVID-19 vaccine available to K-12 school employees who are 50 years of age and older, sworn law enforcement officers who are 50 years of age and older and firefighters who are 50 years of age and older.

Individuals within those professions who are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may preregister for an appointment by going to https://sjcvaccineappointment.sjcfl.us. Those who preregister will receive an automated phone call from (904) 295-3711 with an assigned appointment date and time. Individuals who choose to decline the appointment will remain preregistered, and will receive a subsequent phone call with an alternative appointment.

Upon arrival at the vaccination site, appointment holders will be required to provide date of birth, proof of Florida residency and, if under 65 year of age, proof of employment as a K-12 school employee, sworn law enforcement officer, firefighter or health care provider with direct patient contact. The appointment preregistration system is only for individuals who are receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Call (904) 295-3711 for additional information or to request assistance with preregistration.

 

St. Johns County Beach toll booths now open

Toll booths are now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all St. Johns County on-beach driving access ramps. Daily passes cost $10 for county residents and non-residents, and $5 for disabled and active military beach visitors. Annual on-beach driving passes are also available for purchase at $50 for county residents, $100 for non-residents and $40 for disabled visitors. Disabled veterans with identification may obtain annual passes at no cost. In addition, all 2020 annual on-beach driving passes have been extended through the 2021 beach season. If you purchased a 2020 on-beach driving pass, retain your sticker as they cannot be replaced. Loss of a 2020 on-beach driving pass will require purchase a new sticker. Lifeguards will begin limited patrols in March, with full lifeguard coverage beginning Memorial Day weekend. For the most up-to-date information on beach access and driving conditions, follow @SJCBeaches on Facebook and Twitter or download St. Johns County’s Reach the Beach app. For more information, call (904) 209-0331.

 

Pope Road parking lot and pedestrian beach access temporarily closed

The Pope Road parking lot and pedestrian beach access will be closed from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. on March 4 and 5, to be used as a staging area for a construction project at the Embassy Suites. Beach visitors may find alternative parking and beach access at the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd. For more information, call Manolo Escasena, project manager of Floridian Builders II, LLC, at (305) 998-8346.