Around Anastasia Island: Music by the Sea concerts to continue
Lorraine Thompson
It wouldn’t seem like summer at St. Augustine Beach without the Wednesday evening Music by the Sea Concerts at the pier pavilion. While last year’s concert schedule was cut short by COVID-19 restrictions, the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association, sponsors of the event for almost two decades, hopes to keep the beach music playing this summer.
Although arrangements were not finalized at this writing, Bill Jones, president of the association, expects the concerts to begin May 26 and run each Wednesday through Sept. 1.
“We’re still working with St. Johns County staff regarding capacity,” Jones wrote. “CDC guidelines are starting to loosen up and we are hoping to increase capacity to 500. Right now the number is 300, but that could change,” he continued.
As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues in St. Johns County, people are reaching out to residents in underserved areas to educate them as well as assist with vaccinations.
The vaccines are available by appointment with St. Johns County government and certain retail outlets such as Publix, but some people don t have access to technology or transportation, and some have trouble navigating the registration process. Another challenge is that incorrect information about the vaccine has spread fear.
So people are working together in St. Johns County to connect residents with vaccines and correct information so they can make well-informed choices.
One outreach effort happened last week.
AROUND ANASTASIA ISLAND: Secret of Christmas tree revealed
Lorraine Thompson
Much was different about the Christmas of 2020 including Surf Illumination and the lighting of the St. Augustine Beach Christmas tree. The tale of the giant tree was recently revealed by Bill Jones, president of the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association.
“For nearly 20 years, the Civic Association’s Surf Illumination has faced many challenges regarding the community Christmas Tree,” Jones explained.
“We’ve always had difficulty keeping a tree green alive in the salt air. At one point a very large and beautiful artificial tree was purchased. That tree looked great until late night partygoers vandalized it,” Jones continued.
With the holidays happening all around us, there s not a lot of road projects to beware of as contractors give way to traveling families.
But as the Jacksonville Transportation Authority pumps up the Yuletide volume on the new Acosta Bridge LED lighting system to reflect the holidays, it also has some news for riders who want to avoid porch pirates.
Instead of having that holiday package vulnerably parked on the steps as you work or shop, the JTA set up a new service this week at seven of its transportation hubs for folks who want a secure spot for gift delivery and pickup.
Tips to help your older loved ones deal with isolation, loneliness during the holidays amid COVID-19
A new study shows 43% of the older population feels lonely or isolated this year, and 51% of those say the coronavirus pandemic has made it worse. Author: Dawn White Updated: 6:06 PM EST December 23, 2020
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. A new study shows more than a quarter of people over the age of 65 who are living independently feel socially isolated.
Those feelings of loneliness and isolation can be even worse this holiday season as COVID-19 keeps many families from face-to-face celebrations. Experts have some tips on what you can do to stay connected.