Q: Can you share any insights on the county’s budget meetings which are being held now [mid-May]?
A: I have learned so much from these meetings. Last year, they were held in a giant room with each department head coming in to present their budget. This year, the meetings are live streamed on GTV, and county administrator Joy Andrews and each department head go over each line item of their proposed budget. I found that because of this more intimate setting, the staff was so open. It seemed more humanized and more interesting. Joy asks the department heads questions after their presentations and I think she’s done a great job — her questions are very relevant and focused on the cost to the taxpayer. All the TVs in the auditorium are set to this livestream for people to watch, or they could watch at home. I have found them so informative.
Q: What has particularly impressed you?
A: There are some departments that have particularly impressed me because they are run exceptionally: Public Works, with department head Greg Caldwell, Utilities, with Neil Shinkre, and Parks and Recreation with Ryan Kane. I am impressed with how well they are all taking care of our county.
Q: Do you have an example?
A: For instance, I learned that if you have downloaded the St. Johns County Connect app (www.sjcfl.us/sjc-connect/), and let’s say you see a pothole in a street near you. If you take a photo of the pothole and upload it to the app, the county will fill it within two days. I also had a constituent mention that the striping was faded at the intersection of A1A and Palm Valley Road. I reported it and within a week it had been restriped.
Q: Do you have an update on the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall renovations?
A: They are just starting the construction. The front has been pulled down to do the remodeling. They texted me that they are saving some trees in the front of the building, which I so appreciate. Ponte Vedra Beach is looking forward to having a high quality space for local as well as national acts when the Concert Hall is completed in early 2025.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 4?
A: It’s the time of the year to be vigilant about water safety, particularly at the beach. Be aware of rip tides — what they are, where they are and how to deal with them. Parents, watch your children closely! And of course it’s best to swim near a lifeguard. They are on duty from Memorial Day through the summer. Our St. Johns County lifeguards are certified as US Life Saving Professional Life Guards and the unit is recognized as an Advanced Life Saving Agency. They help swimmers and boaters in distress, as well as handle medical and traumatic injuries. The agency’s Junior Lifeguard program has around 80 students, aged nine to 16, each year.
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.
