St. Johns Magazine August 2023

EDUCATION

New k-8 schools for Shearwater, Beacon Lake & Rivertown

St. Johns County Public Schools is building new schools to accomadate high growth in the area. Learn about what coming up soon in northern St. Johns.

Shearwater NN

855 Timberwolf Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092

K-8 School NN will serve kindergarten through 8th grade and will be located on approximately 26.5 acres on Timberwolf Trail within the Shearwater development in northwest St. Johns County. It will accommodate approximately 1500 students.

This school has been designed to provide both traditional and nontraditional settings. Classroom areas accommodate groupings by grade or as multi-age students using teaching teams. Moveable walls between classroom pairs facilitate the team-teaching approach. Common area with computer labs and kitchen areas allow for flexibility of instructional methods and group learning activities. These features enable teachers and paraprofessional to work cooperatively to facilitate learning for students through a variety of methods.

This schools’ spaces include 32 primary classrooms; 22 intermediate classrooms; 6 science labs; resources rooms; skills labs; exceptional education spaces, art rooms; music rooms; physical education spaces; vocational education labs; a media center and support spaces; an administrative suite; food service and dining facilities; stage; multipurpose room; student and public restrooms; and custodial spaces.

K-8 School NN will be funded through a combination of the Certificates of Participation (COPs), Proportionate Share Mitigation funds, School Impact Fees, 1.5 Mills and CO & DS funds. The school is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024 and open for the 2024-2025 school year.

images courtesy of SJCPS

Rivertown PP

2505

RiverTown Main Street, Saint Johns, FL 32259

K-8 School PP will be constructed as a K-8 Academy and initially serve kindergarten through 8th grade. It will be located on approximately 32 acres on RiverTown Main Street within the RiverTown development in northwest St. Johns County. It will accommodate approximately 1100 students.

This school will convert to a Middle School at a future date after an elementary school has been constructed within RiverTown.

This school has been designed to provide both traditional and non-traditional settings. Classroom areas accommodate groupings by grade or as multi-age students using teaching teams. Moveable walls between classroom pairs facilitate the team-teaching approach. Common area with computer labs and kitchen areas allow for flexibility of instructional methods and group learning activities.

These features enable teachers and paraprofessional to work cooperatively to facilitate learning for students through a variety of methods. K-8 School PP will be funded through a combination of the Certificates of Participation (COPs), Proportionate Share Mitigation funds and School Impact Fees.

Beacon LakE OO

1455 Twin Creeks Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32095

K-8 School OO will serve kindergarten through 8th grade and will be located on approximately 40 acres on Twin Creek Drive within the Beacon Lakes portion of the Twin Creeks DRI development in northcentral St. Johns County. It will accommodate approximately 1500 students.

This school has been designed to provide both traditional and non-traditional settings. Classroom areas accommodate groupings by grade or as multi-age students using teaching teams. Moveable walls between classroom pairs facilitate the team-teaching approach.

Common area with computer labs and kitchen areas allow for flexibility of instructional methods and group learning activities.

These features enable teachers and paraprofessional to work cooperatively to facilitate learning for students through a variety of methods. This schools’ spaces include 32 primary classrooms; 22 intermediate classrooms; 6 science labs; resources rooms; skills labs; exceptional education spaces, art rooms; music rooms; physical education spaces; vocational education labs; a media center and support spaces; an administrative suite; food service and dining facilities; stage; multipurpose room; student and public restrooms; and custodial spaces. K-8 School OO will be funded through a combination of the Certificates of Participation (COPs), Proportionate Share Mitigation funds and School Impact Fees. The school is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024 and open for the 2024-2025 school year.

The school is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024 and open for the 2024-2025 school year.

First Coast YMCA

With a focus on safety, health, social and emotional growth and academic enhancement, YMCA afterschool programs help kindergartners through middle schoolers develop healthy relationships with others, build self-reliance, get help with their schoolwork, explore new talents and more — all in a safe, nurturing environment. Afterschool programs are offered at more than 40 sites across the First Coast. Some sites also offer programming before school. Visit FCYMCA.org for more information.

Code Wiz St. Johns

offers Coding and Robotics After School Classes for kids ages 7-17. Our students develop programming skills along with invaluable approaches to critical thinking and problem-solving. Best of all, anyone can learn to code—no matter their age, tech proficiency, or personal interests. We’ve designed fun, flexible programs to ensure every child becomes a wiz! 530 State Road 13 Unit #5 Fruit Cove, FL, 32259 (904) 719-7490 thecodewiz.com/stjohns-fl

mathnasium we instruct students that need extra help with math, we are here for homework help as well as for advancement in math skills. We help students from K-12, we also do ACT, SAT and EOC test prep classes.. MA+hnasium of Fruit Cove 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Suite 102, Saint Johns, FL 32259 (904) 287-2874 www.mathnasium.com/fruitcove

St. Johns County 4-H Youth Development Program

4-H Enrollment Kick Off for youth ages 5-18, (age as of September 1, 2023) on Thursday, August 17th from 4:30pm-6:30pm at the St. Johns County Extension Office at 3125 Agricultural Center Drive (near S.R. 16 and I 95). 4-H Club and Project information will be available for new and returning 4-H members. 4-H is a youth development program that enables youth to develop life skills, leadership and citizenship. Caring adult leaders are also being recruited. Please contact the 4-H Office at 904 209-0430 for more information. Youth members ages 5-18, as of September 1st, 2023 can enroll in the St. Johns County 4-H program ONLINE starting on August 1st by going to: https://v2.4honline.com

Kumon Ponte Vedra at Nocatee

For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. The Kumon Math Program is a comprehensive curriculum that develops the necessary skills to help children progress from counting through calculus. The Kumon Reading Program begins with basic phonics and progresses all the way through advanced reading comprehension.

KIDS ARE THE KEY

FIRST COAST YMCA OFFERS EDUCATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAMMING

by Kyle Vinduska, Senior Program Director of Youth Development

Before long, the school bell will be ringing for students, and for nearly 3,000 of them across Northeast Florida, the First Coast YMCA is a safe and nurturing space for daily after school programming. Students ages 5-12 years old participate at more than 40 locations to engage with other children and strengthen not only academics skills but also socialization and character development.

While schools are increasingly implementing technology like laptops, tablets, and even smartphones, the First Coast YMCA is dedicated to engaging, interpersonal activities that incorporate valuable lessons in S.T.E.M, Arts &

Humanities, Outdoor Wellness, Literacy, and Homework Help. We know that the needs of every child are unique and as such, we want to provide a variety of opportunities for them to grow and learn. In addition to our afterschool programming, we also offer our KidZone, where trained YMCA staff supervise children when their parents are exercising. We believe a healthy life includes physical exercise and we want to give parents a chance to do so, even while juggling hectic schedules with their children.

We also want families the chance to have fun with each other. The First Coast YMCA is debuting a new monthly

initiative called Families Unplugged. We’re facilitating an outlet for families to participate in activities that don’t involve electronic devices and instead cultivate critical connection. It’s a brief respite for the busyness of everyday life and brings families together outside the walls of the home.

Speaking of growth, we know more and more families are moving to the area and it seems like there’s a new apartment complex or subdivision being built every day. That’s reflected in our afterschool programming, which has nearly doubled at some of our locations, including at the McArthur Family YMCA and the YMCA at Wildlight in Yulee. We’re continuing to accommodate the growing needs of our community and will never turn away a family for the inability to pay for our programming. We offer financial assistance and can set up a payment plan that works for you.

There’s something for every family at the First Coast YMCA. If you’d like to enroll your child in our youth educational programming, or if you’d like to find out more about how to get your entire family involved, please visit our website at www. fcymca.org.

As a therapist, I help clients from all walks of life feel, function, and communicate better; teaching them the skills they need to access their own resiliency and strength, empowering them to be their own best advocates and to mindfully create the lives they desire.

Please call to confirm before driving long distances as some times and details may vary

The Cathedral Basilica Concert

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH

6PM TO 7PM

Fun Things to do

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all, free of charge. There will be a free-will offering. 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine. 904-824-2806 www.thefirstparish.org

Shark Tooth Exploration

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9TH

10AM TO 11AM

Join the St. Johns County Parks and Rec team on the beach to hunt for sharks' teeth! Learn about sharks and some tips and tricks to finding these keepsake treasures. This program is free; however, registration is required. Trips leave from Mussallem Beachfront Park at 10 a.m. 3365 Coastal Highway, Vilano Beach. www.sjcfl.us/recreatio

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH

5PM TO 9PM

Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. For easy mobility downtown, patrons and visitors can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service that runs from 6-9 p.m. provided by Old Town Trolleys. To use this service, shuttle stickers may be picked up at any participating AGOSA gallery. Shuttles can be boarded at any of the following stops: in front of Butterfield Garage and ArtBox, the Lightner Museum, Aviles Street, as well as in front of Bold Art Gallery near Hypolita Street.* Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine

Vilano Beach History Walk

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH

10-11AM

Interested in our local history and beach walks? Join St. Johns County Environmental Educator, Will Pate for a beach walk to learn the rich history of Vilano Beach. This walk leaves from Vilano Beach Pavilion at 10 a.m. and is free. Registration required. 2752 Anahma Dr., St. Augustine. www. sjcfl.us/recreation

Hands on a Hardbody at The LimeLight

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH TO SUNDAY, SEPTEMER 3RD

In the hilarious, hard-fought contest that is Hands on a Hardbody only one winner can drive away with the American Dream. Showtimes are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket are $28 Adults; $26 Seniors and $23 for Military and students 12+. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 904-825-1164 www.Limelight-theatre.org

Jason Mraz at the AMP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13TH

6:30 TO 9:30 PM

The multi-GRAMMY Award winner and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree Jason Mraz brushed off his dancing shoes and revealed “I Feel Like Dancing,” the first single and video from Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride. Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, Mraz’s eighth studio album, will be available everywhere June 23. For fans hoping to hear the music live, Mraz will take the stage for his summer tour by the same name. Mraz will enlist longtime collaborators to join his band, including Austin, TX-based Grooveline Horns, rock-folk band Raining Jane, and guitarist Molly Miller. Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride is a return to pop music for Mraz, who reunited with producer Martin Terefe (Coldplay, Train, Mike Posner), his collaborator on We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., Mraz’s landmark album featuring “I’m Yours” and “Lucky.”

With Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, the musician has found himself returning to a familiar junction in space. Throughout the album, there are hints of Mraz’s formative releases, including his 2002 debut Waiting For My Rocket to Come and 2005’s Mr. A-Z, but it ultimately finds a kinship with 2008’s We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. The new songs, which are unabashedly pop, see Mraz reuniting with numerous collaborators. The songs grapple with the emotions and experiences that come with being in your mid-life, a time that is often ignored by pop songwriters. Its optimistic, inspiring sensibility reflects the musician’s overall approach to being in the world. It is, in fact, full spiral, reflecting the past but becoming something new.

The Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am Tournament

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH & SUNDAY AUGUST, 20TH

is taking place in Vilano Beach where competing athletes are from more than 75 different beaches throughout Florida, the United States and the world. This event takes place at the Vilano Beach ramp. Visit the website for the start times, which are subject to change. 2725 Anahma Dr., St. Augustine 904-540-1189 www.rundropslide.com/flproam

palm valley

Fact # 2:

Barbara Jean's on the Water

Valley Dining at its best! Part 2

Palm Valley remained a quiet area of the Beaches, between A1A and U.S. 1 for many years. There were tons of farms where produce and livestock were raised. The development of the Beaches affected Palm Valley in a way where today most farms in "the valley" have disappeared. Thus opening the land for luxurious residences overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

My Wandering Fork by Lori Allen

Low-Key Coastal Cuisine

Tucked inbetween all the beautiful homes you will find a low-key Coastal Southern Cuisine restaurant with picturesque views of the Intracoastal Waterway called Barbara Jeans on the Water.

This unassuming restaurant offers some of the best authentic homestyle dishes with hearty southern size portions. Blackened CatFish white cheddar grits smothered in a spicy andouille sausage sauce comes to mind.

fluffly corn bread and yes those big fat yeast rolls. With their whipped butter, its a feast on its own! A good day for me is after a day at the beach, stopping in to sit on the waterfront dock with a cool craft cocktail. The view is spectacular.

A few other faves of mine are their lobster roll, stuffed with delicious lobster and a side of creamy coleslaw. The fresh fish bites, sounds silly but these are hand breaded made with the freshest local fish. They are so good you wont be able to stop popping them in your mouth. And then of course their onion rings! Being a northerner it's tough to find a good ring, but here they are made to order, lightly battered and melt in your mouth. More? yes please!

Dishes You Won't Forget

How can you go wrong with a light white fish seared with mildly spicy seasonings ,cooling creamy grits and topped off with a sausage sauce to sop up all the goodness. Its a dish you wont forget. Lets talk about the bread, I know most times its one of those things that if you are starving you will eat otherwise its a pass, but this bread is not your average bread basket. It comes with their home made brown bread, both jalapeno and sweet

The sides and homestyle meals are some of the locals favorites but you mustn't forget the cobbler. Did you notice that I didnt say what kind?? That's because they make a different kind from the juiciest fruits everyday, They are so good you must try them all!

Whether you are going out to enjoy the evening on the water or coming in from the beach, Barbara Jeans will take care of you.... Southern Style!

15 Roscoe Blvd, Ponte vedra Beach , Fl 904*280*7522

barbarajeansonthewater.com

pets r family

full-service veterinary care, boarding, & grooming

we’re your other family doctor!

Pets R Family is a full-service 11,000 square foot Veterinary Hospital nestled in a private and serene wildlife preserve. Family-owned and operated right here in St. John’s, we are NOT a corporate veterinary facility — no pre-designed packages or sales tactics here!

We believe in treating all pets with love, care, and compassion. Our large team of doctors, technicians, and customer service members are at your service to provide you with the very best care and experience.

hospital services

kennel services

• Pups N Play social day care

• Pet birthday parties

• Long-term and short-term boarding care

• Hospital boarding for pets with special needs

• Professional grooming and bathing services

• State-of-the-art medical facility

• Experienced team of compassionate doctors and veterinary technicians

• Same-day sick appointments available

• Home visits available by appointment

• Premium veterinary-grade pet food

• Full pharmacy

• Teeth cleanings and dentistry

• Specialty care including ultrasounds, thermal imaging, and K-Laser treatments

BEFORE & AFTER GROOM: CALL

Take advantage of our loyalty program, appointment scheduling, reminders, and more. Download the app to start earning rewards today!

www.petsrfamilyvet.com

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets

Why Does My Pet Get Ear Infections?

Oneof the top 5 reasons for an exam at our hospital is an ear infection. Why are ear infections so common, what causes it and why does it seem to happen so often or never seem to go away? Many wonder if there is anything that can be done for prevention of an ear infection and if there are easier treatment options. Ear infections are multifactorial and can be one of the most frustrating conditions to treat and manage.

Structural Issues

The first problem for the dog's ear is structural. The dog's ear canal has both a vertical and a horizontal component, unlike the human ear canal which goes straight in. This "J" shape of the dog's ear creates a predisposition to ear infections as debris must work its way upward rather than straight out. Accumulation of ear wax, skin oil, and other debris feed the bacteria and fungi that live in the normal ear canal leading them to proliferate. Allergic skin disease (including both environmental allergy and food allergy) affecting the ears is the most common cause for recurring ear infections. Other causes include ear mites, foreign bodies in the ear, or tumors in the ear. The excessive wax along with the moisture from inflammation promotes bacterial growth and/or yeast proliferation and infection ensues.

Signs of An Ear Infection & Treatment

Signs of an ear infection include: scratching at the ears, shaking the head, holding one ear slightly dropped along with ear discharge and odor. Otitis externa can be diagnosed with a good otoscopic exam by your veterinarian and looking at the ear discharge under the microscope to see what type of infection is present. Your veterinarian will then recommend the appropriate medication to be used in the ear. Most infections can be cleared up within 2-4 weeks. We have lots of options for ear treatments now including some leave in treatments that require nothing to do at home. It is important that you understand that the treatment will resolve the current infection but does not prevent future infections that may occur. Since most ear infections are caused by allergies, if the allergen is still present, the ear infection may quickly return once the treatment is complete.

Chronic Problems

Some dogs have chronic ear problems (the infection is not controlled by general medication or returns when general medication is discontinued). In these cases, the ear discharge should be cultured so that the precise organism can be pinpointed and

treated specifically. Regular treatment at home with disinfecting ear washes should become part of the pet's grooming routine.

Ongoing Care

Further testing may be in order to determine why the infection continues to recur. Some ear infections simply cannot be controlled with the above steps. These cases have gone beyond medical management and must proceed to surgical management. A deep ear flush under anesthesia with a better examination of the ear drum to evaluate for an inner ear infection, along with advanced imaging may be necessary to get to the heart of the problem. Sometimes, when the ear canal is thickened and very narrow, the only fix is to surgically remove the ear canal to completely resolve the problem.

Ear infections are common and can be challenging. Fortunately, most cases are simple and easily cleared up. Be sure to have your pet’s ear rechecked as your veterinarian recommends to be sure that the infection is resolved. Also keep in mind that chronic use of medication can lead to a resistant infection, so if your pet is not getting better with the standard treatment, a recheck with your veterinarian is imperative. Hang in there and communicate with your veterinarian what can be done to take the best care of your pet’s ears long term.