Did you know? Posting signs on poles in illegal
Did you know that there are specific rules in place for where and how signs are allowed to be displayed in Palatka?
Locations: It is against City ordinance to post or paint signs on trees, utility poles, curbs, or any similar locations.
Setback Requirements: For signs that are not on buildings, they must be set back at least five feet from the right-of-way and all other property lines.
Political or Campaign Signs: Political or campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots must adhere to the following regulations:
These signs may only be erected not earlier than 50 days prior to primary elections and must be removed within 14 days following the general election.
The City may remove signs that do not adhere to the ordinances.
Signs removed by the City will be stored by Code Enforcement at the City Hall Annex, 203 N. Second St. Palatka, for ten business days before being disposed of.
Snipe signs: A snipe sign is an unauthorized or illegally placed sign, often used for advertising, promotions, or political campaigning.
These signs are typically made of materials such as paper, cardboard, or plastic, and they are placed in public areas without permission from property owners or relevant authorities.
Snipe signs are commonly found on utility poles, street signs, traffic signals, and on the side of major roads. They are called “snipe signs” because they seemingly appear overnight like snipes, a fictional bird that is said to be difficult to catch.
These types of signs are illegal under Palatka City Ordinances and will be removed.
Find the Ordinances: You can access the full copy of Palatka’s ordinances at https://library.municode.com/fl/palatka/.
Please call City Hall at (386) 329-0100 for more information.
Memorial Bridge boardwalk repairs underway
Contractors working for the City of Palatka have started repair work on the boardwalk that connects the north and south sides of the west bank of the St. Johns River, under the Memorial Bridge last week.
The boardwalk is part of the statewide Rails-to-trails system owned by the Florida Department of Transportation but maintained by the City under an operational agreement.
Florida’s Rails-to-Trails program re-purposes abandoned railways into recreational trails, providing opportunities for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
The trail that passes through Palatka is more than 50 miles long and connects Vermont Heights in St. Johns County to Lake Butler State Park in Union County.
The repairs will cost approximately $90,000 and should take between three to five weeks.
Due to safety concerns, the boardwalk will remain closed during construction. During the repairs, several parking spaces in the lot on the south side of the bridge in River Front Park will be closed.
For more information, please call City Hall
at (386) 329-0100.
Garbage Dos and Don'ts
Household Garbage
What to Throw Away?
Residential containers are for disposing of regular household garbage. Containers are not for dead animals, yard trash, recycling, hazardous waste, hot ashes or flammable liquids. Never overload your garbage container.
Do I take my container when I move?
No, residential containers are provided and stay with the address.
How do I get my cart repaired or replaced?
Contact Public Works at (386) 329 0107 to have a can replaced or repaired.
Yard Waste and Debris
Yard waste includes grass clippings, small tree limbs and leaves. Limbs can be no greater than 4’ in length and 4” in diameter. All yard debris should be placed in small piles away from obstructions (i.e. signs, mailboxes, low overhead lines and limbs). Any bagged leaves or clippings must be in paper bags not plastic bags. Piles in excess of 1 cubic yard (3’x3’x3’) must be scheduled for pickup. Residents can contact public works to schedule collection of large yard debris piles. Material not in a paper bag or reusable can is considered bulk waste.
Bulk Waste Collection
The City of Palatka provides scheduled bulk waste collection. Bulk waste is for items not covered under normal pick-up (i.e. white goods, large limbs, construction/renovation debris, tires, furniture, tenant move-out piles). Tires and white goods must be separate from other items. Customers must contact Public Works to schedule pick-up. Once a work order has been issued items may be placed curbside. A work order is issued and the items are picked up on a first-come first-serve basis. Debris must be placed away from obstructions (i.e. signs, mailboxes, low overhead lines and limbs). A bulk waste collection fee per yard per pickup will be assessed on the next utility bill.
Shrimp return to the St. Johns - People throw cast nets from a dock in Palatka’s Riverfront Park to catch shrimp as the Crustacean make their annual run up the St. Johns River.
City Clerk Highlighted by Clerk Association
The following is an article from the Florida Association of City Clerks’ (FACC) newsletter that highlighted Palatka City Clerk Sunni Krantz.
As the City Clerk of Palatka, I have had the privilege of being a part of the FACC network, which has proven to be an exceptional resource throughout my professional journey. Whenever I encounter work-related questions or challenges, I can always rely on the FACC network of Clerks for prompt and diverse answers. The willingness of fellow Clerks to share their expertise and experiences has been instrumental in helping me find solutions in no time.
Moreover, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge through the educational programs offered by the FACC (both in person at the FACC academies and those available online). Becoming certified as a Municipal Clerk has been a significant achievement for me, and it would not have been possible without the educational resources and training provided by the FACC. The comprehensive programs have equipped me with the necessary tools and expertise to excel in my role, and I am confident that they have made a positive impact on the City of Palatka as well.
I became the Administrative Assistant to the City Manager on June 1, 2020. Within 25 days, I was named the Acting City Clerk. I later became the Interim City Clerk, and upon receipt of the CMC designation, I was appointed the City Clerk on September 22, 2022, by the City Manager with ratification of the Commission.
Beyond the professional advantages, I am delighted to acknowledge the friendships I have cultivated through the FACC. The association has brought together like-minded individuals who share a passion for public service and municipal governance. The networking opportunities provided by the FACC have allowed me to connect with fellow Clerks from across the state, establishing lifelong relationships that extend beyond professional realms.
I truly value the support system that the FACC has created, and I am immensely grateful for the positive impact it has had on my personal and professional growth. The dedication and commitment of the FACC team in fostering a thriving community of City Clerks is truly commendable.
Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to the FACC for their unwavering support, educational programs, and the life-long friendships I have developed through this remarkable association. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the FACC and contributing to the vibrant community of City Clerks.
FACC - Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being an exceptional resource for City Clerks across Florida.
City Calendar
August 14
City of Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at City Hall 201 N. 2nd St., Palatka. The agenda includes but may not be limited to: direction regarding wayfinding signs and main street program and discussion regarding the CRA budget for FY 2023-24.
August 15
The regular City of Palatka Special Magistrate hearing will be held at 1:30 at City Hall. The agenda includes, but may not be limited to: Case #2023092 321 Oak Street, Case #2023051 313 Dodge Street, Case #2023090 213 Kirkland Street, Case #2023086 608 Oak Street, Case #2023121 515 N 14th Street, Case #2023111 126 Dodge Street, Case #2023124 822 N 18th Street.
August 17
A workshop of the City of Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will be held at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda includes but may not be limited to a discussion regarding the CRA budget for FY 2023-24.
August 18
The Palatka City Commission will hold workshops to discuss the FY 2023-24 budget at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall.
August 24
A regular Palatka City Commission Meeting will be held starting at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers in City Hall.
Agendas for all meetings and workshops will be posted on the City website and at City Hall prior to the meetings. All meetings are open to the public. Individuals can call 386-329-0100 to obtain additional information.
Employee Anniversaries for August
Eugene Cobb 4 years
David Harlan 1 year
Thomas Johnson 4 years
Daniel Starling 8 years
David Wyatt 8 years
New Hires - Welcome to the Team!
- Richard Sailor Sanitation
- Michael Ricardson WWTP
- Ryan Swilley Water & Sewer
- Freddy Adams WTP
Join Our Team - Career Opportunities
The City of Palatka has job openings available for the following positions. If you are interested in any of the following roles, please consider applying:
Equipment Operator (Driver):
This role involves skilled work in operating manual and semi-automated refuse collection and disposal equipment on designated routes.
Firefighter:
We are seeking dedicated firefighters to join the City of Palatka’s Fire Department and contribute to the safety and well-being of the community.
Human Resource Director:
The Human Resource Director will lead and direct the HR department, overseeing policies, activities, and staff. They will ensure legal compliance and implement the organization’s mission and talent strategy.
Human Resources Coordinator:
As a Human Resources Coordinator, you will perform professional and confidential administrative work. Your responsibilities will include coordinating employment policies and various aspects of human resources administration.
Police Officer:
Join the Palatka Police Department as an officer and play a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the city.
Refuse Collector:
In this position, you will perform routine manual refuse collection work as part of the city’s refuse collection and disposal program.
Sanitation Equipment Operator (Driver):
We are looking for skilled individuals to operate manual and semi-automated refuse collection and disposal equipment on designated routes.
Streets Laborer:
As a Streets Laborer, you will perform various types of semi-skilled and skilled work, operating equipment involved in the repair and maintenance of city streets, storm sewer systems, and other municipal property.
Utility Maintenance Worker-Trainee:
This position involves semi-skilled work in constructing, installing, maintaining, and repairing water mains, water services, fire hydrants, sewer mains, sewer laterals, manholes, force mains, and valves.
Water Plant Mechanic:
Join our team as a Water Plant Mechanic and use your skills to perform preventative and corrective maintenance on machinery, engines, generators, pumps, and motors at the water treatment plant and related facilities.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee:
As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, you will be responsible for performing various semi-skilled and skilled tasks and operating equipment involved in the repair and maintenance of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and associated collection systems.
For more information or to apply for any of these positions, please visit Palatka-fl.gov.