Nov. 6 – 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).

Flagler County Fire Service is hiring three new recruits straight out of high school. Noah Dunaway, Dylan Cronk and Beau Kruithoff also are the first three graduates of the Flagler Palm Coast High School Fire Academy, which opened three years ago. They enrolled in that first class and have stayed the course. Starting salary as full-time professional firefighters will be $36,600 a year.

Putnam County School District is holding another special meeting on insurance this Friday at 9 a.m. That comes following months of research and negotiations by the district’s insurance committee and several public board meetings. At their emergency meeting last Friday the board agreed on Florida Blue, brokered by Bates Hewett & Floyd. They were chosen after the board rejected bids from other companies and allowed the company to submit their bids. At a meeting Tuesday board members said they want to see some precise numbers on employees and plans before giving their okay.

Friends of Dunn’s Creek State Park host a Fall Camping and Trail Riding weekend beginning Friday at the park in Putnam County. Florida Trail Blazers are coming to town and primitive camping sites for RVs, equestrian rigs and tents will be available Friday and Saturday nights. You can take part with or without horses and whether or not you’re a member of Florida Trail Blazers.

St. Johns County commissioners backed the public Tuesday and rejected a proposed 24-hour-a-day gas station and convenience store on State Road 13. Residents wearing red t-shirts turned out to show support for keeping out the proposed station. Planning and zoning had not recommended building the gas station.

Mickler’s Landing off Ponte Vedra Beach remains closed during the weekday but St. Johns County commissioners made it plain at Tuesday’s meeting they want that to change. Private contractors are being allowed to park their vehicles in the park while they do work on beachfront protection for 13 private residences. Homeowners are paying for the work. Commissioner Jeb Smith said the total closing was not what commissioners agreed to at their October meeting. Staff says safety concerns led to the decision to close the park, which reopens over the weekend. Commissioners voted to find a way to have the park reopen as soon as safe access can be resolved.

Not so sure you like Shakespeare? River City Players will be changing your mind at their production Thursday through Sunday at the Larimer Arts Center in Palatka. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) takes a light-hearted and clever look at the bard. For more call 904-377-5044.

The women of St. James United Methodist Church put on their 40th annual bazaar and chicken dinner Friday and Saturday. Soup and sandwich lunch and handmade gifts, jewelry, Christmas items and other treasures are for sale both days. Lunch is 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Fried chicken is on the menu from 5-7 p.m. Friday dine in or take out. The bazaar is in the church’s fellowship hall on 400 Reid Street.

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.