Oct. 18 – 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).

Two area school districts are among nine joining in a lawsuit regarding charter schools that could impact all school districts. Alachua and Volusia counties are joining the others to have the Florida Supreme Court review HB 7069 after a district court upheld the constitutionality of the law. The group argues the law gives too much power to the state and violates the Florida Constitution about local operation of schools.

St. Augustine residents may notice their water tasting slightly different as the city begins adjusting the chlorine and ammonia levels in the city’s water supply. The chemicals are used to maintain disinfection of the water. The adjustment goes on for the next three weeks. For more, call the city’s Water Treatment Plant at 904-825-1044.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identification of a man involved in a road rage incident last Friday. Surveillance tapes released Thursday show a thin white male with tattoos and reddish hair. The man apparently was cut off by another and followed the driver into a Circle K gas station on U.S. 1 North near the St. Augustine airport. The suspect then reportedly pulled out a box cutter and put it to the other driver’s face. A clerk called 9-1-1 and bystanders got involved. The suspect left in a red Nissan sedan.

In Palatka, the railroad crossing on St. Johns Avenue continues to be closed as CSX crews work on rails. Detour along U.S. 17 or take the underpass on State Road 20 aka Crill Avenue. Remember the state is still working on the Crill intersection at St. Johns Avenue.

Biketoberfest is on in Daytona Beach and more than 125,000 are expected for the annual motorcycle rally. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office warns it’s increasing patrols for the event that continues through Sunday. Focus is on A1A and US 1. Don’t forget lots of cyclists unfamiliar with the area also will be traveling on State Road 100.

While rain’s in the forecast, don’t let it stop you from having a great weekend.

In St. Johns County, today and Saturday enjoy the St. Benedict Jazz Festival. Music is the focus at the fest held on the grounds of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church on ML King Avenue.

On Saturday in Elkton it’s the 60th annual Cracker Day Celebration at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. Events including horse contests, whip cracking, live music and barbecue are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost to get in $5 per car. Be sure to tip your Stetson to the St. Johns Cattleman’s Association, which puts on the event.

In Flagler County, enjoy the Italian American Festival at the European Village on Saturday and Sunday. Today and Friday take a trip out to the Florida Agricultural Museum in Flagler and enjoy Holler-ween Fest including spooks, haunted house and trail.

In Putnam County, you can help out the Fill the Backpack program at Beef O’Brady’s tonight from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Florida School of the Arts students have made the ceramic bowls that will be filled with soup. You get to keep the bowl and your $15 goes to feed the more than 850 children that get the food-filled backpacks to take home so they can eat over the weekend.

On Saturday have breakfast at St. James United Methodist Church from 7 to 9 a.m. then stick around for the Fire Sale Auction that includes items ranging from an SUV to antiques. Events are at the fellowship hall, 400 Reid St. A rib sale also is going on.

Learn about some of Palatka’s maritime history at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bronson-Mulholland House, 100 Madison St. Maritime archaeologist Brendan Burke will talk about a shipwreck rediscovered by Dylan Kelch on the St. Johns River. The talk is sponsored by the Putnam County Historical Society and is open to the public.

From 1-6 p.m. enjoy the second annual Palatka Craft Beer Festival. Beer brewers, food trucks and live music will be at the parking lot of the Putnam County Courthouse, 410 Reid St.

Florahome in Putnam County holds their third annual Fall Heritage Festival and 120th anniversary Saturday in Palmetto Park on State Road 100. Live music, 60 vendors, antique cars, free children’s carnival and barbecue chicken, ribs and pork will be part of the events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturday in Crescent City you can get in the Halloween spirit at the 2019 Scarecrow Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Eva Lyon Park. Lots of scarecrows, pumpkins to purchase and decorate, food and doggie costume contest are planned. Halloween costume giveaways will be available.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.