Ponte Vedra Beach Community News

K9s for Warriors helps new class

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Monday, June 3rd, 8:38 pm

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- One in every five military service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to the latest data. June is PTSD awareness month and K9s for Warriors continues to help veterans with the disorder. David Ingram is still on active duty in the Navy and is on his 10th year serving his country. He's been on three...

Beachgoers advised to be mindful of nesting birds

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Monday, June 3rd, 6:35 am

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Signs posted along the beaches in Volusia County warn beachgoers to avoid nesting areas for birds whose numbers are dwindling. The image of a Wilson plover is shown on a sign that reads 'Do Not Enter.' Other bird species can be found along the beaches of Flagler and southern St. Johns counties, the inlets and nearby islands. Wildlife experts tell the Daytona...

St. Johns County Memorial Day weekend update

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Thursday, May 30th, 7:21 pm

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- According to reports from the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue along with St. Augustine Police Department, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, and SJC Beach Services - they all had a busy Memorial Day weekend. SJCFR gave a breakdown of the emergency calls handled by SJCFR Marine Rescue during the 3-day holiday weekend. 340 total emergency responses dealing...

Ponte Vedra's Dillon Bates voted top area recruit in Class of 2014

Chad Cushnir — Tuesday, May 28th, 11:49 am

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. -- Dillon Bates, a linebacker at Ponte Vedra High School, has been voted as the top recruit on the First Coast in the class of 2014. Dillon is the youngest of five children in the Bates family. His father Bill played for the Dallas Cowboys for 15 seasons, and he's considered one of the best special teams players ever in the NFL. Two of Dillon's older brothers,...

PVPV/Rawlings Elementary School lock down lifted

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Friday, May 24th, 11:18 am

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. -- PVPV/Rawlings Elementary School was on lock down after a school coach allegedly heard a noise he felt was a gunshot. According to Cdr. Chuck Mulligan with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the school was placed on lock down as a precaution. The incident did not happen at the school or on school grounds and law enforcement has not confirmed the noise was...

Local family never loses hope over missing dog

Lewis Turner — Thursday, May 23rd, 6:26 pm

VILANO BEACH, Fla. -- A Vilano Beach family says they always had at least a little glimmer of hope after their dog disappeared the day before Thanksgiving. Celeste and Tom Grable say their golden retriever Dillon managed to get out of their yard with their other dog Buddy. Buddy came back to the house, but Dillon didn't. After canvassing St. Johns County with posters, even buying a pet Amber...

PINK OUT and Mother's Day at THE PLAYERS

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Sunday, May 12th, 5:30 pm

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- In support of breast cancer research and in celebration of Mother's Day, it's "PINK OUT" day on the final day of THE PLAYERS Championship. Caddies, players, sponsors, volunteers and fans are encouraged to wear pink to TPC Sawgrass in support of 26.2 with Donna. For the fans that come out on Championship Sunday, THE PLAYERS are making a donation to...

Top standard bearer at THE PLAYERS is golden

Lewis Turner — Thursday, May 9th, 8:08 pm

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- It's a sign of their times, whether really good or, less than. In pro golf, your status follows you constantly. Maybe it lessens the blow of a bad score knowing these standard bearers are all really nice local kids. Perhaps the nicest is Matt Smith. In a sea of green, his is the gold standard. "The perks of being standard bearer of the year...

Military Appreciation Day at TPC Sawgrass

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Wednesday, May 8th, 8:20 pm

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. -- Wednesday was all about service men and women at THE PLAYERS Championship. The Birdies for the Brave held a special presentation for military heroes. "It's just nice. It's nice that people are actually starting to care and people are paying more attention to the vets," U.S. Army Veteran Tyler Steinle said. Steinle flew to Jacksonville from California for the recognition...

What it's like to be a PGA Tour caddy

Lewis Turner — Tuesday, May 7th, 6:41 pm

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. -- Matt Kelly works as the caddy for PGA TOUR pro Marc Leishman. The Australian duo's star rose during their run at The Masters this year. Leishman finished in a tie for fourth place, but was in the group with eventual winner and fellow Australian Adam Scott. "If it couldn't be my guy, it was cool to see another Australian win," Kelly said during an...