April 10 – 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).

St. Johns River Water Management’s board Tuesday okayed spending nearly $16.2 million for 21 projects in 10 counties. Construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement and flood protection projects made the list which was winnowed down from 48 proposals. Putnam and St. Johns counties are among areas where projects are scheduled. Also on the list seven springs restoration projects benefitting Outstanding Florida Springs, including Silver, Volusia Blue and Wekiwa–Rock springs.

Traffic was disrupted on Interstate 95 in St. Johns County late Tuesday afternoon after a tractor-trailer jackknifed. Five vehicles including the truck were involved in the crash, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Although there were injuries, FHP said none were serious. The accident near State Road 206 overpass blocked all northbound lanes of 95 for about an hour. The backed up traffic caused two secondary crashes, said FHP.

The 2019 Domestic Violence Summit is today in Flagler County where officials are seeking ways to defuse a ongoing issue. Sheriff Rick Staly began the push last year and a Domestic Violence Task Force has been working on ideas and initiatives.

Blueberries are ripening up in time for the annual Bostwick Blueberry Festival April 27. Meanwhile, the newly-reorganized Blue Crab Festival is looking to May and Memorial Day Weekend. Latest entertainment announced for the Main Stage is Chillula, a dance band out of St. Augustine that blends the styles R&B, Funk, Hip-Hop and Soul into their sound.

In a change from their past stance the St. Johns County School District board gave the go-ahead to locate a new high school on the outskirts of the new Silverleaf Development along County Road 16A. Previously the board had indicated they wouldn’t allow that location. The Silverleaf developer had pushed for the change despite residents and the board raising concerns about safety. The high school is one of three schools to be built for the development which is expected to bring in more than 10,000 new residences and possibly 5,000 more students.

In St. Augustine the countdown is on for the Lightner Museum’s Edgar Degas Exhibit. Opening night reception is Friday for more than 100 works by the French impressionist and some of his fellow artists. Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist will be on view from April 12 to June 16.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.