July 31 – Roving reporter

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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).

A semi car carrier that caught fire shut down southbound lanes on Interstate 95 at the US 1/Bunnell exit early this morning. Nine vehicles were on the carrier. Traffic near the St. Johns County-Flagler County line was rerouted to US 1 as Flagler County firefighters put out the fire.

Good news for veterans – groundbreaking ceremonies for the new veterans Community Based Outpatient Clinic in St. Augustine are coming Oct. 3 and completion of the clinic is expect in late August or early September 2020. The clinic is going in off State Road 207 south of State Road 312. A temporary clinic is in operation on Old Moultrie Road where it was moved after the county sold the property where the clinic was located to Lowe’s.

Here’s a new excuse for not mowing the lawn – the mower was stolen. That’s a reality in Putnam County where the Sheriff’s Office has seen an upswing in mower thefts in different areas of the county. Most were taken from sheds. Detectives urge residents to take a picture of their mower and write down the serial number on riding and push lawn mowers just in case a theft occurs.

The new moon phase is expected to cause minor coastal flooding due to high tides. Tides will be a foot to a foot-and-a-half higher meaning higher water through Friday. Minimal impacts are expected say officials.

The shrimp flotilla is out on the St. Johns River in Palatka and city docks are crowded as people reap a bounty of shrimp. The annual runs are highlights for area residents as they cast nets and scoop up crustaceans. Some complaints this year over overflowing trash cans, but the city is working to keep up. Even if you don’t shrimp, it’s fun to watch those who do.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has identified four suspects in the theft of a Jaguar and several burglaries in the Ponte Vedra area. The car was stolen last week when the homeowner left her garage door partially open so a pet could go in and out. Thieves took advantage. The car was recovered the next day. Now detectives say a series of interconnected investigation and coordinated evidence with an outside agency led to identifying the suspects captured on cameras. Warrants are being sought.

Thursday is the last day to sign up for and the first day of practice for Palatka Pop Warner Panthers football players and cheerleaders. Practice and sign up are at Moseley Elementary School football field. Cost is $135 and a birth certificate, report card and physical are required.

A 66-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to five years in jail after a wreck that kicked the man he said was his best friend. David Zlokas was driving drunk when he lost control of his Mustang in November 2017 and crashed. Killed in the accident was his passenger — retired attorney Gary Robert St. Peter, 67.

A St. Johns County baseball team has won what’s considered the World Series of travel baseball.  The Ponte Vedra Thunder, “12 and under,” took the championship at Cooperstown, N.Y. All-Star Village earlier this month. Coaches are Kris Keller and Billy Bone.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.