For nearly two decades, Deputy John Tedder has been a familiar and reassuring presence in Ponte Vedra Beach. With 19 years of service in our community, Deputy Tedder is the permanent St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy assigned to Ponte Vedra, making this area his top priority.

Although his responsibilities occasionally extend to nearby areas such as Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach remains his primary focus. In fact, Deputy Tedder doesn’t just work here — he lives in the neighborhood, which gives him a personal connection to the community he serves. Residents may also recognize him from the black, unmarked Ford Explorer he regularly drives while patrolling the neighborhood.

Deputy Tedder’s role centers largely on traffic enforcement and crash response, helping to keep our roads safe. He is also deeply involved in community relations, taking time to speak with residents, address neighborhood concerns, and help resolve occasional neighbor disputes — especially when new residents move in. His goal is always to stop small issues before they escalate.

When asked what makes Ponte Vedra Beach special, Deputy Tedder points to more than just the beach or the Inn & Club. He proudly notes that Ponte Vedra has the lowest crime rate per capita in the four-county area, along with fewer traffic crashes than much of the rest of the county — an achievement he credits to both proactive policing and a strong, engaged community.

One of his favorite parts of the job is connecting with residents, especially children. Whether chatting with neighbors or visiting bus stops to say hello to kids, Deputy Tedder values being visible, approachable, and involved.

While Deputy Tedder is the only permanent deputy assigned to Ponte Vedra, he is supported by 15 to 20 additional deputies who rotate through the area on organized traffic details during both day and evening shifts.

Law enforcement is also becoming a family tradition. Deputy Tedder’s son currently works part-time with the Sheriff’s Office as a Public Service Assistant and plans to attend the police academy in the near future.

Ponte Vedra Beach is fortunate to have a deputy who is not only dedicated to safety, but also deeply invested in the community he serves. Please join us in thanking Deputy John Tedder for his continued service and commitment to keeping our neighborhood safe.

Miranda Road Bridge

The Miranda Road Bridge is scheduled for routine maintenance as part of the County’s long range capital planning efforts. This work will replace worn components and refresh surface materials, so the bridge continues to operate reliably. These improvements support the County’s strategic priority to maintain resilient infrastructure and extend the useful life of public assets. The project is currently out for bids which are due 1/26/2026.   Work is anticipated to begin in early spring 2026.

Pablo Road Bridge

The Pablo Road Bridge requires updates to its timber guardrails and handrails based on recent FDOT inspection findings. The original contractor did not fulfill his contract requirements, and the County is taking the legal steps necessary to hold them accountable to the contract.   Although a previous contractor was unable to complete the work, the County has followed the required legal steps to address that situation and keep the project moving forward. A qualified contractor has been identified, and the County is finalizing next steps. This approach supports the strategic plan’s emphasis on accountability, efficient project delivery, and dependable community infrastructure. For now, the sidewalks remain closed to prioritize public safety.

The next MSD meeting is Monday, February 9th at 5:30 pm in Browning Center Room 2 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 545 A1A N #545, Ponte Vedra Beach.

The public is encouraged to attend the MSD Board meeting and to express their opinions. Minutes from the December 8th meeting (most recent available) are here.

1. MSD's yearly newsletter will be coming out next month. To get on MSD's mailing list to ensure you receive the newsletter & join their Facebook community, go here.

2. Special Waste Items Disposal: The MSD has issued a notice regarding the proper disposal of lithium batteries here. Lithium batteries should not be placed in household trash, yard waste carts or recycling carts. Lithium batteries must be taken to the St. Johns County Transfer Station 250 N. Stratton Rd.,
St. Augustine. 

For more information about St. Johns County solid waste disposal services and drop off locations, go here or contact St Johns County by emailing here or calling (904) 827-6980 or contact MSD by emailing here.

3. The MSD is aware of the issue involving street signs in the right of way and their contribution to visual clutter along the street on Le Master Drive. They are planning to install 2 solar-powered speed limit signs on Le Master Drive.

4. The MSD announced a ceremony for Deputy James Anderson that was held on January 14th at the flagpole at State Road A1A & Corona  Road. Anderson was killed on January 14th, 2010 by a drunk driver as he was on his way to work. The 14th of January is now a day of remembrance in St. Johns County for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.