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Another high school in St. Johns County will be opening hopefully in time for the 2021-22 school year. The school board Tuesday voted to spend just over $7 million to buy 68.7 acres from Pacetti Property LLC for the land which is next to Mill Creek Academy on International Golf Parkway. The high school will help relieve pressure on other overcrowded high schools including Nease and Bartram Trail. It is all part of the continuing growth pattern in St. Johns.

A Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputy has resigned after a two-month internal affairs investigation into his off-duty actions. The Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday Deputy Michael Mohamed had been served with a recommendation to terminate his employment and he resigned on July 11. Mohamed was put on paid administrative leave May 10 after the filing of a complaint regarding possible domestic abuse between himself and his then-girlfriend. On May 23 he was served a court-ordered injunction for domestic violence. Because of possible violence occurring in multiple counties, Florida Department of Law Enforcement was asked to investigate criminal charges. That investigation continues but the internal affairs investigation sustained allegations of engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer and warranted disciplinary action, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office.

A Flagler County deputy conducting a traffic stop ended up having his picture taken with the passenger in the vehicle. It was a ball python. The snake – a pet – was riding home with its owner. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the ball python is one of the most popular non-native snakes in the pet trade. Driver of the car had been pulled over because of following someone too closely and received a warning.

Flagler County is looking for a new judge. That is in addition to current county judge Melissa Distler, who has been in office since 2012. State Rep. Paul Renner got the new judgeship through the legislature this year. Now someone is needed to fill the spot – at least until the general election. Requirements – candidates must be a lawyer, a member of the bar for the past five years and live in the area. Salary is $152,000 plus benefits. Deadline to apply is Aug. 9.

Palatka merchants say infrastructure improvement is high on their wish list for how the Community Redevelopment Agency spends business district funds. At a meeting Tuesday members of Downtown Palatka Inc., which recently changed its name to Develop Palatka Inc., shared their list with city liaison Mandy Tucker. They also talked about reviving the Third Friday downtown events. Tucker will be moving out of her current role and taking on new duties with the city. Also on hand new interim city manager Lee Garner who was listening to the wants of merchants. 

Lightner Museum in St. Augustine will be looking through rose ‘colored glasses Thursday during popular and free after-hours event.  Ashley Rose Conway of Craft and Cocktails will offer a cocktail demonstration, tasting and book singing of Celebrate Rosé, an all rosé cocktail and party book. The event from 6-8 p.m. includes local musician Ramona, cocktails, light appetizers and a chance to enjoy the elegant museum.

Pop Warner Football is proving extra popular this year. In Palatka final registration is Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Palatka High School. Registration is $125 for football and $135 for cheerleading. Certain documentation, including birth certificate, is required.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.