Q: How did your listening event go on March 26 at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library?
A: I had a great time engaging with my constituents at this event. We probably had 40 or 50 people attend and I knew the answers to most of their questions; the ones I didn’t, I took a note and got back to them. The new garbage truck that was onsite was a big hit with people of all ages getting in the truck for a photo. I thought the event was very successful and I plan to do another one in September. In the meantime, if anyone has any questions or issues, they can call me on my phone number at the end of this article.
Q: What’s the latest [as of interview date of April 18] on the beach renourishment?
A: The beach renourishment is scheduled to finish at the end of April. The county team did a great job in not closing Mickler’s too long and we had 100 percent participation from the homeowners. The sand is beautiful and it is from a source eight miles out in the ocean. St. Johns County is one of the last counties to have its beach renourished, which makes the beach wider and more sustainable and better for tourism. Another bonus is that we expect to see an increase in the number of sea turtle hatchlings. The renourishment project from the Duval County line to Guana was made possible with a $38 million state grant put together by citizens on the beach as well as Senator Travis Hutson and other legislators.
Q: Do you have information to share about the upcoming overhaul of Davis Park, part of the $123 million county parks package recently approved by the Board of County Commissioners?
A: The new part of Davis Park will contain new softball fields and more lacrosse/soccer fields as well as biking and walking trails. The park is supposed to be completed in about two years. Like the other parks in the package, it will contain a hub library. Usually the hub libraries are about 3,000 – 5,000 square feet, but our goal for the Davis Park hub is up to a 20,000 square foot free standing facility that contains not only books but also internet and space for community access. Nocatee has grown so much and is really in need of a library. Currently, Nocatee is serviced by our bookmobile, but it breaks down a lot. We plan to have a new bookmobile soon, before the hub library opens. Citizens should know that they can borrow and return books as well as take advantage of other library services at the bookmobile.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at bcc4kjoseph@sjcfl.us or call me at (904) 679-2620.
