Jan. 2 – 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).

Driving on Interstate 95 turned scary Wednesday as drivers found themselves in the midst of a possible road rage incident in St. Johns County. Florida Highway Patrol report three vehicles were damaged on Interstate 95. The suspect either threw items or fired at three vehicles near International Golf Parkway. That may be connected to shooting incidents in Volusia and Seminole counties, says FHP. Volusia Sheriff’s Office reports 10 vehicles were damaged by gunshots on Interstate 4 East and I-95 North in the Daytona Beach area around 7 p.m. A small pellet or BB gun may have been used. No injuries were reported. Authorities are looking for a silver SUV.

Putnam County commissioners hold a town hall meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the complex off Crill Avenue. It’s an opportunity for citizens to bring concerns and suggestions to the elected officials.

Roadwork continues in Interlachen as four-laning of State Road 20 progresses. Expect access to Ladys Slipper Lake Road to be blocked beginning Friday. That will stay in place through March. Detours continue for Francis Street and Park Avenue. Periodic traffic and lane shifts or closures will be ongoing.

St. Augustine Historical Society officials say they’re working with a team of experts to repair damage to the Llambias House wall caused by a vehicle crashing into it last Thursday. Llambias House on Charlotte Street may be better known as The Oldest House and is part of the headquarters of the Society. In a separate incident, the nearby St. Francis Inn was recently struck by a car.

The Christmas season also brings an increase in thievery. St. Johns County Sheriff’s officers are looking for help identifying suspects in two videos. The first shows a couple on Christmas Eve shopping at the outlet malls in St. Augustine. They used a credit card in a fraudulent manner in various stores there as well as in multiple locations in Duval County. Total loss was estimated at more than $13,000. In a separate incident, video shows other suspects entering the Michael Kors outlet on Dec. 30, grabbing multiple bags, purses and backpacks totaling more than $4,000 and fleeing out the door. They left in a red SUV, accompanied by a young black female. Putnam County also saw an uptick in cases including a Gainesville resident arrested for shoplifting almost $40 in diapers from Walmart Sunday. He was previously banned from the store.

Putting up Christmas trees is fun, taking them down not so much. What to do with the trees can be an issue. In St. Augustine just put them out at the curb and they’ll be picked up by the city. However, light strands should not be disposed of in household recycle bins. They can be recycled during the Used Oil and Electronics Recycling Event on Friday. Drop off locations are Francis Field downtown and 840 West 16th Street on Anastasia Island. City of Palatka crews  also are picking up trees. If you have lights or other metal related items to recycle, you can take them to 1st Coast Recycling off U.S. 17 North.

It’s a new year – one that’s already garnering nicknames. How does the Roaring 20s sound to you?

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.