Despite lower monthly numbers in three of the four counties included in the survey, the fourth quarter and the total year-to-date numbers continued the upward trend of new home permits issued. In a month that typically records a decrease in permits issued, St. Johns County’s 243 permits boosted the monthly four-county December total to a healthy 529 and a quarter that ended with 1,718. Last year at the same time, the four counties posted 432 permits in December and 1,359 for the quarter. Local builders confirm a good performance for the winter and holiday season, when activity is normally less.