Aug. 22 -Roving Reporter

Posted on August 22, 2019 by PluggedInto in Flagler, MARCIA LANE, YOUR ROVING REPORTER, Putnam, St. Johns // 0 Comments

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).

Changes in traffic patterns in Palatka and St. Augustine will have drivers on their brakes. On Wednesday traffic shifted on May Street as drivers coped with changes designed to relieve congestion in the San Marco Avenue area. Traffic from Vilano Beach will no longer use the south connector to San Marco. Instead westbound traffic will use the north connector to head onto San Marco Avenue, West San Carlos Avenue, State Road 16 and U.S. 1. It’s part of a $9.3 million intersection-drainage improvement project. Florida Department of Transportation officials say intersection work should be finished by late summer then drainage improvements on May Street begin.

On Monday in Palatka, the Florida Department of Transportation moves to the final phase of the State Road 20 drainage project. The project is from Osceola Street to U.S. 17/ Reid Street and the detours will be felt in the southern portion of Palatka’s downtown business district. This last phase is on State Road 20 aka Ninth Street/Crill Avenue from St. Johns Avenue to Reid Street. Detours are being set up and are to continue through late October. The $2 million drainage improvement project including installing new drainage pipes and new storm drains and resurfacing.

For the second time in three months the Flagler County School Board turned down a Flagler Health Department proposal for voluntary HPV immunization of sixth graders. That’s the vaccine that prevents infection with human papilloma virus types that are associated with several cancers. At a workshop this week board members suggested the department look at an informational campaign and wanted more input from parents over the proposal.

Beachgoers to North Beach in St. Johns County will be getting more beach access on State Road A1A. County officials say the project, expected to cost just under $1 million, is related to the 50-year beach renourishment agreement being overseen by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Establishing the access will generate more money for the renourishment project, say officials. County staff says 20 parking spots will be added at the new Mussallem Park and an agreement with The Reef restaurant for overflow parking is being worked out. Mussallem Park is a new eight-acre beachfront park north of Vilano Beach made possible by Florida Communities Trust Florida Forever Funds.

A hit-and-run in Francis in Putnam County Tuesday is under investigation. Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the driver of a red vehicle, possible an older Toyota Corolla, who allegedly ran a stop sign and struck motorcyclist Mark Rollins. Rollins was taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. The accident was at State Road 20 and Silver Lake Road.

In Crescent City tonight Putnam County Commissioners and other elected officials will be on hand for a town hall meeting at the Crescent City Women’s Club on Summit Avenue, U.S. 17 South. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Beginning Friday Vilano Beach hosts the Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Championships. The event is free to watch with athletes from around the world taking part in the annual three-day completion.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.