Sept. 16 – 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).

The search for a swimmer missing off St. Augustine Beach since 4 p.m. Sunday continued today. The unidentified man was reportedly not from the area and not accustomed to the rip tides in the ocean. St. Johns Fire Rescue crews, marine units and the U.S. Coast Guard are involved in the search. In both Flagler County and St. Johns County this weekend first responders were on duty and busy at the beaches as people headed to the shores. Multiple water emergencies were reported; in St. Johns County lifeguards rescued 13 people over the weekend including taking one man to Flagler Hospital in serious condition.

Officials now say North Moody Road will be closed for a month while work on gas lines is completed. The date has changed several times, in part because of Hurricane Dorian. New dates for closing are today through Oct. 16. Detours are along State Road 19.

Palatka Police have released the name of a man found dead in a car at the Town and Country Shopping Center on Sept. 7. The body of Richard Swans, 60, was found slumped over the wheel of his vehicle in the shopping center that contains Publix. Foul play was not suspected, but Swans’ name was not released until next of kin could be found and notified.

Flagler County Chamber of Commerce President Jorge Gutierrez is resigning with his final day at the end of the month. Gutierrez, who announced his resignation by email, said it was time to seek new opportunities. He’s been at the post two years. Chamber Chair Allen Goodman will become acting president.

Flagler Beach city commissioners are giving the go-ahead to $1.4 million in improvements to the city’s water and sewer system. Officials said the projects had been in the plans for years and needed to be done. Some residents had speculated the improvements were to benefit a proposed development of nearly 4,000 homes and apartments to be called the Gardens in Flagler. Officials denied that at Thursday’s meeting, saying they’ve been working on the idea for some time.

Candidates continue to sign up for 2020 elections. Michael Barican Friday filed his intent to run for election to the Putnam County Board of Commission, District 5. That’s the post held currently by Buddy Goddard.

Florida Department of Transportation and Putnam County officials are looking at two bridges that apparently need replacement. Word is erosion has caused the bridges not to be able to handle tractor-trailers. One bridge is on County Road 310 near Rodman Reservoir, the other on Country Road 309D near Bardin.

The second and final public hearing on the 2019-2020 for the City of St. Augustine and its Community Redevelopment Agency will be Thursday at 5:05 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Alcazar Room at City Hall.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.