June 18, 2021 The Roving Reporter

This is Marcia Lane, your roving reporter.

Drivers along State Road A1A in Flagler County will find traffic being diverted beginning Monday as the Florida Department of Transportation begins a maintenance project along the seaside road. Northbound traffic will be affected Monday through Friday as the sloping rock structure used to stabilize the shore line is reinforced and stabilized itself. Large boulders will be added and dune plantings put in place.

Palatka residents got a taste of what rolling power outages can mean on Thursday morning when the city went dark for half an hour. As it turned out a barge carrying a crane hit Florida Power and Light power lines that cross the St. Johns River just south of Palatka. Palatka’s world went dark at 9:30 but power was restored at 10:04 a.m. thanks to FPL crews. Boat traffic was stopped on a portion of the river while crews worked to get the lines grounded and a portion of Crill Avenue was closed while crews worked on restoring power.

St. Johns County law enforcement continues looking for the killer of a 30-year-old woman shot Wednesday evening in West Augustine. Shaina Armstrong and her fiancé were leaving a convenience store after purchasing lottery tickets when shots were fired at their vehicle around 6 p.m. near the intersection of Christopher and Herbert streets, according to witnesses. Family says the mother of two was pregnant and they think the fiancé was the target.

City of Palatka offices are closed today in celebration of Juneteenth, a commemoration of the freeing of slaves in the United States. Mayor Terrell Hill approved the holiday a couple of weeks ago. A public celebration is set for Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Family Life Center, 1414 Bronson St. with speeches, food and music planned. In St. Augustine on Sunday Juneteenth will be celebrated at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre at 3 p.m. with Let Freedom Sing. The Ritz Chamber Players will perform with the St. Augustine Music Festival Chamber Orchestra performing everything from Negro spirituals to classical pieces by black composers.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly’s name is being used in an apparent scam where people get calls regarding claiming funds available through the Department of Health and Human Services. One man called the Sheriff’s Office to say the scammer told him to call a number immediately to claim $100,000. Multiple reports now have been received. The scammer is using the account name rick.staly.5 and using a profile picture of Staly in an old uniform. The scammer is contacting victims using Instagram and Facebook.

Navy flight training using live and inert bombs will go on today through Sunday at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest. Remember the noise may have wildlife on the move, so drive carefully. If you live in or near the forest, you will notice military airplanes and explosion noises.

On Saturday Putnam County Historical Society features the Rev. Bob Marsh, talking about St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s history and major renovation efforts. The talk is at the Bronson-Mulholland House at 100 Madison Street at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. Judge Isaac Bronson was part of the original vestry when the church was constructed before the Civil War. Tours of the house are available Saturday and Sunday.  

It’s Shark Frenzy time. Putnam County’s Sharks Swim Team hosts its first swim meet of the season this Saturday at the pool on Westover Drive at 8 a.m. 

On Saturday and Sunday Palatka Art League hosts the Past and Present Members Gallery Show and Sale with money raised going to the group’s annual scholarship and for maintenance and repair of the building. The show is at the historic Tilghman House at 324 River Street. 

In Flagler County Summer Fest 2021 CFP Car Show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home at 511 Old Kings Road South. Antique cars and complimentary barbecue are part of the annual event.

St. Johns County Fairgrounds is the site of Saturday’s Conquistador Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first-time event benefits Florida National Guard Veterans and homeless pets. Kenzie Wheeler, The Voice finalist will be among performers that include Whiskey Heart, Duval County Line, Southbound 41 and Josh “Tennessee” Worthy. If you go, take a can or bag of dog or cat food to support the Friends of Jacksonville Animals.

Lots to do this weekend but don’t forget to reserve at least part of Sunday to celebrate Father’s Day. Take time to sit and talk with your favorite dad. You’re lucky to have him.