Beaches opening weekend is still weeks away, but it’s not too early to grab your pail and shovel and start practicing for the annual sandcastle contest.

Starting Saturday, drivers will have to pay to drive on St. Johns County Beaches as toll booths open at all beach driving access ramps.

A major project that could impact every resident and visitor who steps foot on the sandy shores of Jacksonville Beach is on the city council agenda for Monday night.

A few showers likely

Keep the raincoat handy just in case

Traveling this Labor Day weekend may be the busiest it has ever been, no matter if people are choosing to drive or fly.

Residents at Portside at the Beaches, a manufactured home community, are fighting against a lot rent increase

The goal is to address erosion caused by tropical storms Ian and Nicole.

The goal is to address erosion caused by tropical storms Ian and Nicole.

It's a great day for a parade!

It's a great day for a parade!

Getting ready for Finally Friday and your Weekend Too

Beaches Go Green is a volunteer based organization looking to make the Earth more sustainable.  Students from all over Jacksonville volunteer their time for various cleanup activities.

The Beaches community plans to come together Tuesday night for a prayer vigil to focus on healing after a racially motivated shooting at a Jacksonville Dollar General that investigators have called a hate crime.

BEAM and Humana team up to help more than 80 senior citizens living in the Jacksonville beach area.

Has this ever happened to you? If so, you know what I’m talking about. If not, here’s some advice on how to best deal with ocean tar.

More than 500 people were rescued at Florida beaches over the 4th of July weekend, and Ocean Rescue wants you to understand the dangers of the water.

Three teens have died in suspected drownings at local beaches in the last 10 days and lifeguards said they’re seeing a surge in calls for help recently.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University said seaweed, that’s been washing up in Florida, can hold deadly flesh-eating bacteria.

Florida is bracing for a massive seaweed blob that’s coming for its coast.

Starting on March 1, you can pay to drive on certain local beaches in St. Johns County. In Atlantic Beach, you’ll have to pay for street parking near the beach, also starting on March 1.

It’s important to remember, even if the weather is beautiful outside, rip currents are a hidden danger.

A TikTok challenge encouraging people to dig massive holes on beaches can be dangerous to sea turtles, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Thousands of people are expected to hit local beaches to celebrate the Fourth of July.

“Cigarette butts are one of the number one things, in terms of volume that are picked up on our beaches,” Bach said. “So, there is a cigarette filter litter problem.”

Seasonal afternoon highs today, possible record highs Thursday.   The onshore flow will bring a moderate risk of Rip Currents to our beaches, also keeping them a little cooler.  Temperatures will soar Wednesday through Friday with record highs possible Thursday.

Sunny, dry and seasonal start to the week.  A stronger onshore flow will bring a high risk of Rip Currents to our beaches, also keeping them a little cooler.  Temperatures will soar Wednesday through Friday with record highs possible.

Help keep Jacksonville's beaches looking beautiful by donating your time to help pick up trash after the July 4 holiday.

Sun-sational with a cool breeze.  Near seasonal to less than average temperatures continue as the onshore flow builds through the day.  Rip Current risk remains high along our beaches with a High Surf Advisory posted through Thursday.

While we set aside one day a year to celebrate Earth Day and focus on ways each of us can protect our planet, there are things we can do every day that are simple and meaningful.

It doesn’t really matter what time of year it is, there’s almost always a beach calling my name somewhere.

The Coast Guard plans to patrol the water and says waves and currents may be rougher due to Tropical Storm Elsa.

Mayor Chris Hoffman of Jacksonville Beach loves talking about the future AND the history of the Beaches. Even as Mayor, she maintains her current position as Director of the Beaches Museum. She joined RCL today and posed the following trivia questions. See how well you do….the answers follow!

We’re waking up chilly, in the mid to upper 30s. We will enjoy lovely sunny skies today and temperatures warming into the low to mid 60s for the afternoon hours. This evening turns chilly again with temperatures heading down into the mid 30s to low 40s. Wednesday we wake up around 49° and warm up into the mild low 70s under mostly sunny skies. Expect mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures warming into the low 80s.

We are in for another freeze tonight for most areas, with the exception of the Beaches, who will only get down into the upper 30s and low 40s. You should worry about heating your home safely, outdoor pets, and cold-sensitive plants tonight, but pipes and pools are not a concern. Thursday we start out sunny and warm into the 60s for the first time in several days. Friday looks fantastic when it comes to temperatures, we finally warm back into the low 70s, but depending on the timing of the rain could be soggy. AdThe weekend will be wet at times, with a few rounds of rain pushing through, resulting in 1-2 inches of rainfall by Sunday night.

Although, as of 2 a.m. it now appears the Beaches will not see a freeze, but will see Wind Chill temperatures below freezing. Expect afternoon temperatures in the cool low 60s under partly cloudy skies. Saturday will be mostly cloudy and in the upper 50s with decent chances for showers. Sunday’s rain chances are a little higher and some of the rains will be heavy in the morning across Southeastern Georgia, afternoon temperatures only hitting the low 60s. Next week looks to start off cool to mild on Monday and Tuesday with another round of rain mid-week.

Rapid COVID-19 tests are available at Telescope Health’s testing site in the former Kmart shopping center in Neptune Beach. The site, located at 540 Atlantic Boulevard, is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. RELATED: Where to get tested for COVID-19Telescope Health expanded its walk-in testing services for residents across the beaches and greater Jacksonville area, including St. Johns County residents. The site offers PCR viral, rapid and antibody testing for both insured and self-pay patients with no appointment or referral necessary. To learning more about the COVID-19 testing site, visit https://telescopehealth.com/covidtest/.

“It’s actually our favorite beach,” Nagel said. “We love Fernandina Beach, it’s one of the ones we come to move often.”The Nagels aren’t the only ones. Some puff cigarettes, but under SB 334, smoking on public beaches and public parks could soon become a thing of the past. “It’s that people leave their cigarette butts in the sand. While some are on board with the idea of banning smoking in public parks and beaches, not everyone is sold on the idea.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Just like last night, forecast models are suggesting morning downpours along areas Coastal Waters and Beaches. Those forecast models were right with their forecast of morning Coastal showers, so be on the alert for morning rains. As afternoon temps reach near 90° we will see thundershowers begin to develop, making for 60% chances for rain. Thursday and Friday northeasterly winds pick up, making for partly cloudy skies, cooler afternoons in the mid 80s, isolated coastal showers, and higher than normal high tides. Coastal sunrise showers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Quick update the nor’easter... All of the Coastal Warnings continue including: Coastal Flood Warning, Gale Warning, Heavy Surf, Extreme Rip Current Risk. The nor’easter which rolled in on Saturday morning has shifted from the rains of Saturday to windy, tidal flooding conditions that will persist for days. Winds have been gusty and generally under 30 mph in inland areas, but those winds have been much higher along the coast with 43 mph winds at Mayport and 48 mph winds at Marineland. Tidal flooding has been taken place at high tide and these high tides will continue to run 1 to 1-1/2 feet above normal high tide through this work week. Want to read more on the nor’easter?

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. The city of Atlantic Beach will host a virtual meeting Tuesday morning for business owners. The city said the purpose of the meeting is to discuss thoughts, concerns, and requests regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and business operations. Kevin Rothery, the operating partner of ABBQ Meat & Drink, said he plans on attending the meeting. Despite the pandemic, Rothery said they are adapting well to the new normal. The city meeting will be held via Zoom.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. Lifeguards, deputies and police in St. Johns County are preparing for whats anticipated to be a busy beach weekend. Heres what you need to know before heading to the beach this weekend:Lifeguards and beach flagsLifeguards will be on duty at various locations on St. Johns County beaches from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Beach driving updates will be provided on the Reach the Beach mobile app and the St. Johns County Beaches Facebook page and Twitter feed. St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing PierThe St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier and Gift Shop is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. For more information regarding St. Johns County beaches, visit www.sjcfl.us/beaches, follow St. Johns County Beaches on Facebook or Twitter, or call 904-209-0331.

With sea turtle hatchlings emerging on beaches across the state, Florida wildlife officials want the publics help to make sure they reach the ocean. During sea turtle nesting season (March 1 Oct. 31), it is important to keep your distance from the protected marine reptiles and their nests, the FWC said. Interfering with a sea turtle hatchlings trek to the ocean can have fatal consequences, said FWC sea turtle biologist Robbin Trindell. Remember, sea turtles are protected by law Stay back and give sea turtles space if you see one on the beach at night. Remember, it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, eggs or hatchlings.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Jacksonville Beach saw wind and strong surf as Tropical Storm Isaias moved past on Monday. Despite the high risk of rip currents, choppy water and high surf, people still came out to Jacksonville Beach. All weekend and into Monday, red flags flew Jacksonville’s beaches, warning swimmers of high surf and dangerous rip currents. Outside of dangerous water conditions, Jacksonville Beach remained relatively calm as Tropical Storm Isaias made its way up Florida’s east coast. Jacksonville Beach had electrical crews are on standby in case of power outages.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Jacksonville Public Library is having a change of heart on the reopening six of its locations. But because of the spike in coronavirus cases, the library has decided to keep them closed out of an abundance of caution. The librarys tech team will also be holding virtual classes. JPLs tech team will be holding classes on a variety of professional subjects. To find more information on the closures, reserving books or classes, visit the librarys website.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The beaches community came together Wednesday evening for a prayer vigil designed to help heal divides across the nation over police brutality. But those persons that are sincere, those persons that really want to see unity, peace, those persons that want to reconcile our differences. The beaches is unique in that some things other places experience, typically we don’t.”The vigil was held at the Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center on Fourth Street in Jacksonville Beach. Carter, who hosted the event, spoke alongside Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith, who said the past week has not been easy for the department. Nothing really came out of it,” said Thomas, a Jacksonville Beach resident.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The National Weather Service warned of a high risk of rip currents at beaches in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia on Saturday. According to Commander Gary Snyder with the Neptune Beach Police Department, a teenager and an adult were caught in a rip current at about 2:30 p.m. The rip current risk is in effect until late in the night. Lifeguards say to keep yourself safe, check beach conditions before you go, and then when you arrive, look for the color of warning signs and flags. If you are swimming and feel you are being pulled out to sea in a rip current, here is how to get back to shore:NOAA graphicLina Pringle contributed to this story.

While it’s not expected dump much if any rain to our coast, dangerous rip currents are expected. The National Weather Service is reporting a high risk for rip currents Friday. With the system developing near the Bahamas, the risk of rip currents is expected to remain high throughout the weekend. MORE ONLINE: Surf forecast, live beachcamLifeguards say to keep yourself safe, check beach conditions before you go, and then when you arrive, look for the color of warning signs and flags. You can keep yourself the safest if you choose to swim near the lifeguards.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Starting Friday, driving will once again be allowed on local beaches in Nassau County. For now, the rules are you must be an active service member, or live in Nassau County, to put your wheels on the sand. Bob Reigler has lived in Nassau County for 10 years and says beach driving is a way of life for many residents. As Nassau County residents gear up for this step in the return to normalcy, their hope is for everyone to stay safe. County leaders also said they are aware some people may own property in Nassau County, with their driver’s licenses saying they live somewhere else.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Among the changes Monday as stay-at-home orders are lifted was that people can now visit the water on Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beach all the time, but there are still limitations. When Mayor Lenny Curry and the three beaches’ mayors reopened the beaches just over two weeks ago, they limited the hours to mornings and late afternoons/evenings. As of Monday, there are no longer time limitations, the beaches are opening for exercise only -- walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, and surfing. Unlike the beaches in Nassau, St. Johns and Flagler counties, beachgoers in Duval County are still prohibited from bringing chairs, blankets, coolers, grills and sunbathing. Cooperation from the public is crucial (to) allow for the continual gradual easing of restrictions," Curry said.

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. – Normal activities will resume Monday at St. Johns County beaches, but a couple of restrictions will remain in place for visitors, according to a news release from the county administrator. The decision comes just shy of two weeks after St. Johns County decided to reopen its beaches for limited activities during limited hours. St. Johns was the last Northeast Florida county to close its beaches after officials said crowds weren’t complying with social distancing guidelines. On Wednesday, commissioners in Nassau County voted to reopen its beaches Friday for most normal activities. Duval County beaches are only open for recreational activities consistent with social distancing.

For the most part, beach visitors in Flagler County have been following the rules. Effective immediately, Flagler County is lifting limitations at beaches and allowing activities that include sitting down -- but social distancing guidelines are still in effect. While all 18 miles of beach are open, there are additional restrictions within the city of Flagler Beach for the time being. Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org, and follow “Flagler County Government” or “Flagler County Emergency Management” on Social Media. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:Flagler County GovernmentFlagler County Emergency Management

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. – St. Johns County beaches reopened at 6 a.m. on Saturday, but only until noon and only for physical activity. The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners made the decision to reopen its beaches from 6 a.m. to noon, seven days a week for limited activities. Activities allowed on St. Johns County beaches: Walking, running, exercise, surfing, biking, fishing, swimming, surfing and other uses that require physical activity. “Walk to exercise not to socialize,” said Dawn C. Allicock, director of the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County. For more information, please call the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center COVID-19 Hotline at 904-824-5550.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Easter Bunny made a visit this weekend to several neighborhoods in the beaches area. Grant Tucker, 15, dressed up as the Easter Bunny to spread joy during this trying time. He said he came up with the idea to remind people that we are all going through the coronavirus pandemic together. RELATED | Easter Bunny pays an early visit, brings smiles to Baker County neighborhoodTucker said several people asked if they could pay him for visiting their neighborhood. He politely declined and, instead, asked people to donate to his mother’s foundation, the Tony Meduri TBI Fund.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A petition to reopen beaches in St. Johns County with 10,000 plus signatures is growing. The petition is addressed to St. Johns County Leadership from ‘The Surf Community’. It asks for beaches to be reopened with restrictions including,only open for county residents with valid I.D. The creator of the petition is urging signers to contact County Administrator Hunter Conrad. The petitioner, identified as Eric Hires, did not offer a plan on how the restrictions could be enforced and at what cost.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While Duval County beaches have closed to the COVID-19 pandemic, some beaches in surrounding counties, including Nassau and St. Johns, were still open Saturday afternoon. Although vehicles are not currently permitted on St. Johns County beaches, all 42 miles of its beaches are were open to pedestrians Saturday afternoon. Hours later, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office announced its beaches would be closing at 6 a.m. Sunday. Earlier in the day, many people flocked to beaches in Nassau County. “I’m just amazed at the people here,” said Jeanne Prudot Mercer, a Nassau County resident.

Spring break is a great time to cut loose and celebrate the end of winter. There’s a reason why destinations such as Mexico and Fort Lauderdale are so popular for spring break. If you’re going to a popular spring break destination, make your travel arrangements now, as accommodations might sell out. If you're looking to do something really different for your spring break, why not escape spring altogether with a trip to the Southern Hemisphere? From lounging on the beach to skiing to volunteering, these seven spring break ideas offer fun for people of all ages.

Parking issues plague the Sea and Sky air show, but the show goes on with elite flying teams entertaining thousands at the Beaches.

Tonight will cool down nicely and we will end up in the low to mid 70s early Friday morning. Expect temperatures to top out around 90 for the afternoon hours. Afternoon temperatures will top out around 90. Sunday's forecast looks a tad wetter, with 50% chances for showers. Monday's forecast dries out, which allows for hotter afternoon temperatures, topping out in the mid 90s.

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – Beaches residents got a chance to hear from Atlantic Beach Mayor Mitch Reeves, Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham and Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown at the Beaches Watch meeting Wednesday night. About 100 people joined the mayors as they discussed the state of their cities at the Beaches Branch Library in Neptune Beach. Many of the meeting's highlights centered on Jacksonville Beach, including Latham's announcement that the city will be debt-free by 2020. He also said Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach are working on lowering mileage rates. During the meeting, Reeves discussed Atlantic Beach's search for a city manager.