7 books remain; man dies in SR 16 crash; public attends procession: Top 5 stories last week
In case you missed it, here are the top stories from the past week at staugustine.com.
1. Seven books remain in St. Johns County schools
A public hearing regarding the possible banning of books from the St. Johns County Public Schools devolved into a vitriolic shouting match Tuesday that had several audience members physically removed by local police.
After about four hours and 75 speakers, the school board voted 3-2 against removing seven of the books in question. Kelly Barrera and Beverly Slough favored removing the books while Patrick Canan, Anthony Coleman and Bill Mignon opposed the measure.
Read more: Several audience members escorted out of St. Johns County School Board meeting, May 24, Colleen Michele Jones
Also: After hours of debate and several ejections, seven books will remain in St. Johns County schools
2. St. Augustine man dies in S.R. 16 motorcycle crash
A 21-year-old St. Augustine man died early Wednesday morning when he was ejected from his motorcycle, Florida Highway Patrol reported.
The man was traveling westbound on State Road 16 near Jardine Avenue in St. Johns County at about 2:10 a.m., FHP said. He failed to negotiate a curve, crossed into the eastbound lanes and onto the shoulder, and then struck a traffic sign.
Read more: St. Augustine man, 21, killed in motorcycle crash on State Road 16, May 25, Ashley Varese
3. Public was invited to attend procession for soldier
A procession is expected to arrive Monday evening in St. Johns County to honor U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant, who died after a bear attack at an Alaska military base this month.
Family members are encouraging people to line sidewalks along the route to show their support. People are also encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
Read more: People invited to line procession route as body of soldier returns to St. Johns County, May 23, Sheldon Gardner
Photo gallery: St. Augustine welcomes home fallen U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Seth Plant
Also: St. Augustine Memorial Day services return to city's National Cemetery
4. Summary of 7 books parents wanted banned
Following a heated meeting Tuesday in which several audience members were escorted out, the St. Johns County School Board voted 3-2 against banning seven books that were challenged by school parents from library shelves.
The list included 'My Rainbow,' by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal, 'Peanut Goes for the Gold,' by Jonathan Van Ness; 'Ho'onani Hula Warrior,' by Heather Gale; 'All Boys Aren't Blue,' by George M. Johnson; 'White Privilege (Race in America),' by M.T. Blakemore; 'Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor,' by Layla Saad; and 'Boys Will Be Boys: Power, Patriarchy and Toxic Masculinity,' by Clementine Ford.
Read more: St. Johns County schools parents want 7 books banned. Here is a list., May 26, Colleen Michele Jones
5. Construction of The Wharf underway
Construction is underway at the site of the former Santa Maria restaurant over the Matanzas River along St. Augustine's bayfront.
Owned by members of the White family, The Wharf will be a restaurant of a similar shape and size as the Santa Maria. David White, one of the family members behind O.C. White's restaurant nearby, is involved in The Wharf.
Read more: Construction advances at former Santa Maria site in St. Augustine, May 20, Sheldon Gardner
Also: Demolition begins on Santa Maria building in St. Augustine
Other top stories
6. Second Jeremiah's Italian Ice coming to St. Johns County in World Golf Village, May 24, Ty Hinton
7. Thousands attend procession to St. Augustine for Army Staff Sgt. Seth Plant, May 23, Peter Willott
8. Top 5 things to do in the St. Augustine area this week include Blue Crab Fest, royal horses, May 26, Laurie Hahn
9. This Week in St. Johns County History: Henry Flagler's body laid to rest in St. Augustine, May 21, The Associated Press
10. What to know about this weekend's Palatka’s Blue Crab Festival, May 27, Renee Unsworth
11. Around Anastasia Island: What to know as Music by the Sea summer series starts, May 23, Lorraine Thompson
12. Marineland votes to send its comprehensive plan to state for review, May 23, Frank Fernandez
13. Memorial Day weekend free beach shuttles available in St. Johns County, May 27, From Staff Reports
14. A year after making national headlines, St. Johns County's dress code is under the microscope, May 22, Colleen Michele Jones
15. Turtle Tracks: Loggerhead sea turtle nests more than double in a week, May 27, From Staff Reports
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This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Books not banned; SR 16 crash kills man: Top 5 stories at staugustine.com
