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St. Johns County updates for the Fourth of July beach weekend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Every year, the Fourth of July weekend brings crowds to St. Johns county beaches, and this year to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, St. Johns County Marine Rescue, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Augustine Beach Police Department will work together from Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4.

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The fireworks show on July 4 begins at 9:30 p.m. at Porpoise Point. Beach driving and vehicle access is expected to change throughout the day, so for the most up-to-date information follow St. Johns County Beaches on social media.

‘Fireworks Over The Matanzas,’ a 20-minute aerial display of pyrotechnics high over Matanzas Bay, begins at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4. The fireworks, which can be seen over the bayfront between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Bridge of Lions, are set to a soundtrack of patriotic music. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m., including a performance by The All-Star Orchestra. Everyone attending should find their parking area prior to 8 p.m., when the traffic rerouting begins. For more information, click here.

St. Johns County offers a free shuttle service to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4, weather permitting.

The Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park shuttle will transport beach visitors between the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., and Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park, which provides direct access to the beach.

The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier shuttle will transport beach visitors between St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2200 A1A S., and the pier parking lot, which provides direct access to Pier amenities and the beach.

The shuttles will run every 20 minutes, with the final shuttles departing at 4 p.m. Service updates are provided via SJC Beaches Facebook page.

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The St. Johns County Government announced that the use of alcohol and fireworks is prohibited on all St. Johns County beaches and that Lifeguards will be on duty at various locations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the 4th of July weekend, weather permitting.

In addition, Marine Rescue personnel will patrol the beaches regularly.

Even though lifeguards will be posted, it is still important for beach-goers to learn the meaning behind the beach warning flags that are in place along the beach. To keep visitors aware of current water and surf conditions, the following flags will be flying:

• Yellow flags: medium hazard level that could include strong currents and surf.

• Red flags: high hazard with stronger currents and more dangerous surf conditions.

• Purple flags: dangerous marine life in the area.

The absence of a flag does not mean there is no danger, as beach visitors should always exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.

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Click here for more information regarding St. Johns County beaches and Fourth of July announcements.

or call 904-209-0331.


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