April 4 – Marcia Lane, roving reporter

This news bulletin is brought to you in conjunction with NATKIM Radio. Listen to WPLK (800 AM), WIYD (1260 AM) and WPLK FM (98.3 FM).

In St. Augustine two women were struck and killed by a train Wednesday evening. The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the train tracks near U.S. 1 and Lewis Speedway, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. The women were walking away from Avenue A and attempting to cross the tracks when one woman stumbled and fell onto the tracks. The other woman tried to help. The two were struck by an oncoming Florida East Coast Railway train. Names of the victims were not immediately known, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Putnam County Judge Elizabeth “Libby” Morris has filed her intent to seek re-election, according to Supervisor of Elections Charles Overturf III. Morris is seeking the Group 2 seat in 2020.

Neither side apparently will get everything it wants in the Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing dispute in Flagler County. The groups had hoped for a final decision at Wednesday’s special meeting of the Flagler County Commission. Instead commissioners were offering compromises to both. Captain’s BBQ, located at the county-owned Bing’s Landing, could move nearer the Intracoastal Waterway but they won’t apparently get the 150-seat building they want. The county apparently is willing to put up a new building rather than repair the current one. Location would be where a pavilion is now located, not a popular decision with opponents to the changes. Plans are being drawn up and will be presented in May.

Palm Coast City Council is upgrading Holland Park. The facility opened a little over two years ago after costing $4.7 million. Now commissioners are okaying a $5.14 million upgrade including a splash pad and shade and lights for various courts including shuffleboard, tennis and volleyball. Another $475,000 will go to build pickleball courts at Ralph Carter Park. The commission voted 3-2 for the changes with some expressing concerns about the splash pad noting potential for injuries and sanitation issues.

In Hastings Saturday it’s a celebration of the newest sections of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. The 20.8 mile multi-use recreational trail includes the link between Palatka and St. Johns County. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is at 9 a.m. Events are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include activities featuring St. Johns’ agricultural heritage.

A man wanted in Taylor County for threatening a mass shooting in Perry was arrested in St. Johns County Tuesday. Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Rhett Cannon, 22, at a St. Augustine residence on a charge of making electronic threats to kill or do injury. Taylor County authorities got a warrant after Cannon threatened to kill someone then commit a mass shooting in Perry. Cannon was booked into the St. Johns County Jail.

A busy weekend is shaping up. In Crescent City they’re busy cutting up strawberries and swamp cabbage and putting on the final touches for the 41st Catfish Festival Friday and Saturday. In Florahome the community is celebrating with a Spring Festival at Palmetto Park on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. More than 50 vendors expected. At St. James United Methodist Church in Palatka the annual Fire Sale has expanded to two days at the church at 400 Reid Street. Organizers say they have more than 10,000 items. The sale is Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. A rib sale is also Saturday. In St. Augustine the Rhythm & Ribs Festival continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Francis Field. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The event is sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.