Posts tagged Johns County
Flagler College Honors Four Alumni at Awards Dinner
May 9th
Amy Thompson, a 2006 graduate and merchandising expert with Walmart, was honored with the Young Alumni Achievement Award, which is presented to alumni who are 32 years of age or younger and have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments since graduating. The award recognizes contributions to society, to a profession or to Flagler College.
During her time with Walmart, Thompson has stayed connected to Flagler College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), serving on the Walmart SIFE Advisory Council and serving on the Business advisory boards of Flagler, John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College. She has also helped to facilitate a relationship between Walmart and Flagler College, including a senior leadership recruiting trip, internships for five students and full time positions for four students.
Pete Peaver, the Dean of Students at Bartram Trail High School in St. Johns County, was awarded the Flagler Service Award, which is presented to alumni who have rendered a high degree of service to Flagler College for more than 10 years.
Peaver, a 1981 graduate, has helped organize or served as the coordinator of the Flagler College Alumni Golf Tournament since the inception and has been instrumental in helping with an increased growth in alumni participation. He played four years of varsity baseball at Flagler and was inducted into the Flagler College Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball in 2007. He was recently named the Florida High School Golf Coach of the Year.
Dr. Beverly Carmichael, Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award presented to alumni who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in their fields and have achieved recognition in their field.
A 1972 graduate, Carmichael’s professional background includes serving as Director of Development for Flagler for eight years, as well as 10 years in Washington, D.C. where she served as associate executive director of The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education and director of development for the American Association for Community and Junior Colleges.
Marc Williar, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Flagler College, was given the Pride of Flagler Award, which is given to alumni who have been Flagler College graduates for a minimum of 10 years and have achieved recognition in their field. In addition, these individuals must have rendered service to Flagler College or to their local communities. This is the highest award presented by the college.
Williar, a 1984 graduate, has been with the college since 1988 serving as associate director and director of admissions before taking his current position. During his 17 years as director, Flagler College enrollment grew nearly 100 percent from under 1,300 to more than 2,500. Since taking over as Vice President for Enrollment Management, Williar significantly increased out-of-state enrollment of new first-year students as well as minority student enrollment.
The Alumni Awards were initiated in 1999 to honor those who have made significant contributions to their fields, the college or their communities. Every spring, the awards are presented to deserving alumni at the Alumni Weekend banquet.
Best 5 Fishing Piers in the St. Augustine, Florida, Area
May 1st
Ocean Pier in St. Johns County
The St. Johns County Ocean Pier is located off A1A in St. Augustine Beach. It is such a great fishing spot, that I don’t mind forking over the $1.50 daily pass fee. You can grab extra bait and tackle onsite as well as sundries. Parking is free and public restrooms are available onsite. It usually opens daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sometimes the stairs leading to the pier gets closed due to beach erosion, so you may want to verify that it is open before you head out.
Vilano Fishing Pier
The Vilano Fishing Pier is located on Vilano Road in St. Augustine. One of the best things about the pier is that there is no admission fee. It also tends to open daily. The fishing pier is over 600 feet long and public restrooms are onsite.
Vaill Point Park Fishing Pier
Vaill Point Park is located on Vaill Point Road in St. Augustine. It provides access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and Moultrie Creek. In addition to the fishing pier, the park affords anglers the shade of a covered pavilion as well as public restrooms and barbecue grills.
St. Augustine Lighthouse Park Fishing Pier
The St. Augustine Lighthouse Park is located on Ocean Vista Avenue in St. Augustine. It is over 100 feet long, affords access to Salt Run and features a boat ramp that is a popular launch site for kayakers. Anglers interested in checking out the tidal information for the area around the fishing pier should look for Station 8720576 on the NOAA website. The pier typically opens daily.
Shands Fishing Pier
The Shands Fishing Pier is located off State Road 13 in St. Augustine. It is over 1,000 feet long, free to access and is well maintained. The pier is just north of the Shands Bridge and the fishing action near the pilings at tide change is hard to beat. There are ample benches to park your keester. Anglers looking to check the water quality around the pier will find a host of data available through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website. The pier generally opens each day.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
This Weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches April 13-15
Apr 12th
Martina McBride Performs at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Enjoy a concert performed by four-time winner of Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” Martina McBride. McBride’s performance will take place at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.50, 449.59, $59.50 and $79.50. St. Augustine Amphitheatre is
located at 1340 C A1A in St. Augustine. www.staugamphitheatre.com
Friday and Saturday: April 13 & 14
Don’s Friends 5K Fun Fest
Head over to St. Augustine Beach Pier Park for two-whole days of fun and run. Whether you participate in the 5K run, the “Stand-up” paddleboard race or enjoy the music, vendors and more. Don’s Foundation is dedicated to encouraging College Students to choose the Alternative Break, where students choose to travel on their vacations breaks and help others less fortunate. It all takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park, located on A1A on St. Augustine Beach. For entry fees and more information, visit www.DonsFriends.com or call 904-687-5951.
Saturday: April 14
Treasure Chest Quest
Yield to your inner pirate and go sailing with the crew of the Black Raven on a quest to capture Blackbeard’s Treasure Chest. The Black Raven will exchange cannon fire with Queen Anne’s Revenge while children learn proper sword play techniques in anticipation of a boarding. If you’re brave enough, there will booty for all! And if you’re not, you’re sure to capture a lifetime of memories. The Black Raven sails from St. Augustine Marina on this quest at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 for adults and seniors, $24.95 for children. For more information, call 877-578-5050 or go to www.PirateShipBlackRaven.com
Historic Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma
VeloFest at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Come learn about the historical significance of cycling, and how to ensure an environment where cyclists and vehicles can co-exist to make a more peaceful riding experience while decreasing carbon foot print, promoting healthy activity, and promoting the cultural importance of cycling. VeloFest will feature vendors, music and bicyclists comrade. It all takes place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, located at 1340C A1A in St. Augustine. Admission is FREE. For more information, visit http://www.StAugAmphitheatre.com.
Vegas Review: Kevon Re’Mon’te & Trey Dees
Experience this high-energy tribute to some of the greatest vocalists of all time – including the Righteous Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Tom Jones and many others. This 90-minute show begins at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn located at Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 904-824-8874. Free parking!
Saturday and Sunday: April 14 & 15
Florida Farm Days
Head over to the Florida Agricultural Center to learn all about Florida Farming. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy historic demonstrators, food activists, re-enactors, organic growers, heritage livestock & poultry, trendy vendors, historic culture and music.Guest speakers will address various farming and gardening topics. See traditional Florida come to life with canning, weaving, cast iron cooking, hand plowing contests, whip cracking, tractor contests and so much more! Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12. It all takes place at the Florida Agricultural Museum,located at 7900 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast, off US 1 approximately 2 miles west of I-95 Exit 298.
Marine Ecology Adventure
Go on a naturalist-led marine ecology adventure aboard an Explorer boat! Remarkable wildlife viewing on a one-of-a-kind excursion departing from downtown St.Augustine at noon and 2 p.m… Trips reserve for up to 6 guests. $35 per adult and $15 for adges 12 and under. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours for reservations at 904-377-7245.www.staugustineecotours.com
Sunday: April 15
Fromajardes Serenade and St. Augustine Royal Tea
Participate in this traditional Menorcan Fromajardes celebration in which young men are rewarded for their serenading abilities with “Fromajardes”, delightful Menorcan cheese pastries. Then, enjoy an afternoon tea party with St. Augustine’s Royal Family. Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos, Princes Margarita Maria portrayed by local heritage residents. It all takes place from 2-4 p.m. at the Spanish Bakery, 42 St. George Street in St. Augustine. Admission is Free. For more information, call 904-829-2333.
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Government House Museum, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
NEW: St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admisssion to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year! The Lighthouse is now open until 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.