St. Johns, Suwannee River boards approve North Florida water supply plan
PALATKA – The governing boards of the St. Johns River and Suwannee River water management districts on Jan. 17 jointly approved a 20-year plan to protect the sustainability of water supplies and identify potential future water supply sources. Approval of the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan completes a four-year public process and the first-ever joint planning effort between the two agencies and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“This has been a great partnership that has culminated in a realistic plan that will help guide us in our work to ensure sustainable water supplies in the region,” said Ann Shortelle, executive director of the St. Johns River Water Management District. “This plan is not the end – it’s a beginning.”
“This plan serves as powerful roadmap for providing our communities with water conservation savings of almost 50 percent of the projected water supply need for 2035,” said Noah Valenstein, executive director for the Suwannee River Water Management District. “Backed by the strength of our regulatory programs, which ensure no harm to our natural resources, this plan gives us the tools we need to seek funding and plan projects to accommodate growth while ensuring the protection of our water supply.”
The approved plan is a result of collaboration between a multitude of stakeholders from a variety of groups, organizations and entities from both water management districts that have an interest in the region’s water supply, including agriculture, commercial/power generation, environmental advocates, industrial/mining, local governments and public water suppliers.
“Collaboration and engagement with community stakeholders on the water supply plan represents a key strategic priority for PCS Phosphate – White Springs,” said Terry Baker, senior director, Environmental and Mine Development for PCS Phosphate – White Springs and SAC member. “We are thankful for the rigor and planning completed by both districts to ensure water resources are available and sustainable for all users in the area.”
The plan constitutes an evaluation of how much water is needed in the year 2035 and whether the traditional sources of fresh groundwater can meet the future water demand while protecting the water resources and related natural systems, such as springs and wetlands. Where traditional water sources are not adequate, the plan identifies more than 200 million gallons per day (mgd) of water conservation, water resource development and water supply development project options to meet the 2035 projected increase in demand of 117 mgd.
The approved plan can be reviewed and downloaded from www.northfloridawater.com.

Clay County Legislative Delegation hearing scheduled
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Legislative Delegation will hold its annual public hearing on Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Clay County Commission Chamber in the County Administration Building at 477 Houston St. in Green Cove Springs.
The legislative delegation includes State Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), Rep. Travis Cummings (R-Orange Park) and Rep. Bobby Payne (R-Palatka).
The delegation hearing gives residents and officials an opportunity to request legislation or state funding and express opinions on issues to be considered by the state legislature during the 2017 Regular Session. The Legislature is scheduled to convene in session on March 7 in Tallahassee. The hearing is open to the public.
For additional information or to be placed on the printed agenda, contact the office of State Senator Rob Bradley at (904) 278-2085 or email shays.tonya@flsenate.gov .

State park to host 21st Annual Azalea Days
PALATKA – The Ravine Gardens State Park and the Friends of Ravine Gardens Inc. host the 21st Annual Azalea Days on March 4 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and March 5 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ravine Gardens State Park is best known for its 100,000 azaleas which are in bloom this time of year. The park will celebrate having thousands of azaleas in bloom with wagon tours, music, pony rides, live entertainment, face painting and other family fun activities. The Friends of Ravine Gardens are looking for arts and craft, and food vendors for the Azalea Days event. Vendors will be located outside in the Court of States.
The vendor permit fee is $30 for the weekend, proceeds to benefit the Friends of Ravine Gardens Inc. Space is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested vendors must complete an application form prior to the event. The deadline to participate is Feb. 19.
For more information about becoming a vendor, contact Chanell Guillaume at (386) 329-3721, or email Chanell.Guillaume@dep.state.fl.us.

Health officials urging residents to get a flu shot
TALLAHASSEE – With flu season in full swing and influenza activity increasing across the state, Florida health officials say it is critical that all Floridians get the flu vaccine to protect against infection and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu to others. It is never too late to get your flu shot. While most cases of flu are mild, there are exceptions.
“Our continuing mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Clay County. Promoting flu vaccination is one of the ways that we promote and protect the health of individuals in Clay County,” said Heather Huffman, Administrator and Health Officer for the Clay County office of the Florida Department of Health.
Huffman encourages every Clay County resident to take advantage of the benefits of getting the flu vaccine.
Flu activity is on the rise in Florida, particularly in groups at high risk for severe illness such as children, pregnant women, people with underlying chronic conditions and people over the age of 65. Visits to emergency departments for influenza are also increasing in these high-risk groups.
The annual flu vaccine is safe and is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this flu season because of concerns about its effectiveness.
It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
Flu vaccines are available at our Bear Run Clinic 2339 Bear Run Blvd. south of Orange Park, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments are needed. Questions can be answered by calling (904) 529-2800.
The flu vaccine is offered in many other convenient locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, retail stores, pharmacies, health centers and by many employers and schools. Visit the department’s flu shot locater page to search for a flu vaccine location near you.
For further information regarding influenza surveillance information, messaging and guidance, visit the influenza homepage at http://www.floridahealth.gov/floridaflu.

2017 Concert on the Green Poster Contest underway
ORANGE PARK – Budding Clay County student artists, sharpen your pens and dust off your creativity, it’s time for the annual Concert on the Green Poster Contest.
All students from public, private and home schools are encouraged to enter through Feb. 24 using the theme “A Celebration of Symphonic Music in an Outdoor Setting.” The purpose of the contest is to encourage Clay County students to seek and learn more about the finest forms of visual art and music.
An online application must be submitted with final entries delivered to Great Hang Ups Gallery, 1560 Business Center Drive, on Fleming Island on or before Feb. 24.
There are three categories separated by grade level, grades 4-6, grades 7-8 and grades 9-12.
The first and second place winners in each category will receive a scholarship or cash prize. In addition, a Special Juror’s Award will be chosen for the poster that celebrates the importance and value that art and symphonic music have in honoring or celebrating our military personnel and their families. Honorable mention awards will receive tickets to the annual concert. The Clay County school art department responsible for producing the winning poster will receive a program grant.
Poster designs must cover a 11-inch by 12-inch section of a 11-inch by 17-inch paper or canvas (saving 5 inches on bottom) using any artistic medium.
Judging will be based on the artwork that will make the best poster for the upcoming Concert on the Green event planned for Sunday, May 28. Winners will be announced on or before Friday, March 31, 2017 and the winning entries will be framed for display and recognized at the Clay County Agricultural Fair and other upcoming art events in Clay County.
Online applications can be submitted by going to the website, ConcertOnTheGreen.com.

Contests allows students to nominate favorite teacher
JACKSONVILLE – Bookseller Barnes & Noble is inviting Clay County students to honor their favorite teacher in its 2017 “Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest.”
Students can nominate their teacher by writing essays, poems or thank-you letters that share how their teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire them. Participating schools collect the essays and submit them to their local Barnes & Noble store, including Barnes & Noble on San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin for consideration. Entries are judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s inspiring qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation and the quality of expression and writing.
The local winning teacher will be recognized in spring 2017 at an event held at Barnes & Noble in Mandarin where they will receive a special award acknowledging their achievement as well as additional recognition and praise from their community. The student who wrote the winning essay or poem will receive a certificate of recognition and will also be honored at the ceremony.
Teachers from grades 1 through 12 are eligible for nomination. Awards for winning teachers, schools and students include cash prizes, NOOK® devices and more. The contest is broken down into local and regional winners, from which the “Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year” will be chosen.
Each regional winner will receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a NOOK by Samsung device. From the pool of regional winners, Barnes & Noble will name one teacher the “Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year.” The winning teacher will receive $5,000 and the title of “Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year.” The national winner will be recognized at a special community celebration at their local Barnes & Noble store, and the winning teacher’s school will receive $5,000. The student who writes the national winning essay, poem or thank-you letter will win a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a NOOK.
The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest submission period begins January 4, 2017, and ends March 1, 2017. Students who want to participate must submit their essay or poem to Barnes & Noble on San Jose Boulevard by March 1. Only middle and high school students and active teachers employed in elementary, middle or high schools in the United States are eligible to win. More details on the contest rules, and photos and the winning essay from the 2016 Contest, can be found at www.bn.com/myfavoriteteacher.