Identifying Local Opportunities-- CreekLine Addition

1. Nease Happenings: Nease High School's parking woes

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00101421/00073 (pg. 16)

This story talks about a local high school's problems with parking spaces. At the end of the year, as more students become of driving age, the school is running out of spaces to provide them with for on campus parking. 

Many students are complaining that their mode of transportation to school is being discredited. Although administrators have tried to find extra space near back fields and fences, this problem does not look like its going to get fixed anytime soon. There is a plan to renovate the entire school, but given that the renovations haven't even started yet means that the currently upset students will not be relieved. 

This is not only a problem for students, but also a problem for the bus system that is now becoming over crowded, parents that have to drop their children off at school, and faculty that aren't being given many resources to solve this problem. 

2. Perhaps parents need a break from devices

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00101421/00073 (pg. 30)

This article talks about a study done in Boston that observed caregivers (parents) at restaurants. They would take note of how many caregivers went on their phone at some point during the meal and which ones were on their phones throughout the meal. At the end of their observations, they were able to conclude that the children of the caregivers acted out more when their caregiver was on their mobile device. 

The problem here is that parents are so wrapped up in the idea of keeping their kids off of their phones, yet they aren't setting the proper example. Especially if a child thinks something is acceptable at a young age, they will continue to act and behave in that way as they get older. 

Parents are the problem and children are the solution. If parents start monitoring their phone usage, especially at meal time, then the children will pick up on it. However, another problem here could be today's society. There are not many boundaries when it comes to doing "work" in and outside of the office. Furthermore, with information literally at our finger tips, it is hard to not keep up with the information to then feel like you are falling behind. I blame society and the parents. 

3. Save the St. John's River tour campaigns for healthy river

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00101421/00073 (pg. 34)

Every year, a group of St. Johns Riverkeepers travel down the entire St. John's river, from one end to the other. This is to make sure the river and the people enjoying the river are safe and environmentally friendly. However, when on their trip this year, the Riverkeepers noticed an increase and river recreation and the effects that it was having on the local environment.

Because of an increase in the number of boats on the water, there was also an increase in the pollution, health state, and habitat of the river and surrounding wildlife. There were dramatic decreases in flow of water and water levels in the past year.

The problem here is people, and their disregard for the environment and the impact that their presence as on its future. People need to understand that there is a level of over population in the St. John's river when it comes to recreation. This is then leading to a decline in the river's health. The people will also in return have a problem with the dirty river and lack of fresh water supplies that will result from this over population. 

4. The Sheriff Reports: St. Johns County needs FACT

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00101421/00072 (pg. 8)

This article is written by the sheriff's office and talks about the need for the county to implement a FACTs program, or a Florida Assertive Community Treatment team. It goes on to talk about the importance of mental health awareness and how the sheriff's office is helping with it the best that they can, but how their trained professionals and experience just isn't enough for what the county needs. 

The problem is that there are 1 in 5 adults that suffer from some type of mental illness throughout the year, and there is no program to help these people. Many county's throughout the state have FACT teams to help with this type of problem. However, St. Johns County does not and it is something that the community and sheriff's office is fighting for in legislation. 

The sheriff's office has the problem because they are the ones dealing with mental health when they do not have the proper resources to address it. Furthermore, adults suffering from mental health issues has the problem because they are not getting the proper care and treatment that they should be by the state. 

5. The Sheriff Reports: Citizen self defense

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00101421/00071 (pg. 6)

This article is written by the Sheriff's office and discusses the importance of awareness for self defense laws. If first starts by defining self defense and then giving examples of the different things that could happen in a self-defense situation. Furthermore, it explains how different situations, people and the results of those situations have different outcomes when self defense is judged. 

The problem here is that people aren't aware what these laws specifically state. Furthermore, it is concerning how the actions taken by people for self defense coincide with gun control laws and regulations that are permitted in the county. Although you may have a concealed weapons permit and be on your own property, there are other regulations of legality they may take place in a self defense situation.

People that have the problem with this situation are the citizens that it effects, the sheriff's office that tries to control and maintain rights and protection for the county, and the victims of self defense crimes. People need to be better educated and more self aware when they are put in different situations that could call for an act of self defense.