🏴‍☠️ July 4, 2024 | Happy Fourth from the Lowdown!

Good Morning and Happy Fourth, St. Augustine! 

I’m James Foote and this is the Old City Lowdown - an explosion of local info, sent straight to your inbox every Thursday.

In this week’s edition:

• Fireworks Over the Matanzas 💥

• SJC Free Beach Shuttle 🏖

• Colonial Oak turns 8! 🌳

Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.

— James Foote

_{Want to advertise with us? Shoot me an email.}

ONE BIG THING:

The most important news/update of the week

💥 Independence Day has arrived - and so has St. Augustine’s annual Fireworks Over the Matanzas celebration. Here is everything you need to know to enjoy the festivities (and we mean everything):

Schedule of Events:

6:00pm - The All-Star Orchestra warms the crowd up at the Plaza de la Constitución Gazebo as part of Concerts in the Plaza by City of St. Augustine.

9:30pm - Fireworks Over the Matanzas (~20min). Expect the best views from the Bayfront, Bridge of Lions, and Vilano Bridge.

Parking and Traffic:

• City-Owned Lots & Street Parking - Free on July 4 (and all Federal holidays).

• Historic Downtown Parking Facility (1 Cordova St) - $20.00 per car, per entry or $3.00 with a ParkStAug registered license plate.

• Parking in the lot at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is not free and is enforced by the National Park Service from 8:00am - 9:00pm, seven days a week, including federal holidays. There will be no vehicular access to or from the Castillo’s parking lot on July 4th from 6:00pm until approximately 11:00pm.

Anastasia Island Shuttle Service:

The free park and ride shuttle service on Anastasia Island only will be available from 6:00pm to midnight, serving parking locations along Anastasia Blvd:

• Anastasia Baptist Church (1650 A1A South)

• St. Augustine Amphitheatre (1340-C A1A South)

• R.B. Hunt Elementary School (125 Magnolia Dr.)

• *St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (999 Anastasia Blvd.) - Parking only; access shuttle at R.B. Hunt

Road Closures:

Between 8:00pm and 11:00pm, vehicular traffic will be prohibited on the Bridge of Lions, Avenida Menendez, Cathedral Pl., and S. Castillo Dr. Additional street closures include:

• Picolata Rd. between US-1 & San Marco Ave. (8:00pm – 11:00pm)

• San Carlos between US-1 & San Marco Ave. (8:00pm – 11:00pm)

• King St will have two westbound lanes, and one eastbound lane, west of MLK Blvd. (8:00pm – 11:30pm)

• King St. will have one westbound lane and one eastbound lane, east of MLK up to Avenida Menendez

• There will be NO east bound traffic on W. Castillo from US-1 to N. Cordova (8:00pm – 11:30pm)

• N. Cordova will be closed from Orange St. to the entrance to the Historic Downtown Parking Facility (8:00pm – 11:00pm)

Water Traffic:

The Bridge of Lions will be closed to marine traffic between 8:00pm and ~11:00pm. Vessels will be prohibited in an area north of the Bridge of Lions to a point approximately in line with Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Marine law enforcement will patrol Matanzas Bay and notify vessels in violation of the prohibited area.

No Boat Zone:

In order to ensure a safe and quality show, the firing area is designated as a NO BOATS SAFETY ZONE and the Bridge of Lions will restrict its schedule of openings.

All vessels must remain clear of the designated area starting at 6:00pm, July 4. This area may shift slightly to the north or south based on weather conditions at the scheduled time of firing.

For more information, visit CityStAug.com

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

💥 Fireworks Over the Matanzas / Concerts in the Plaza - if you made it this far, you should be an expert on the subject. Enjoy the sweet sounds of The All-Star Orchestra as they play the gazebo at 6:00PM, followed by the main event at 9:30PM.

🌳 The OakFest Celebration at Colonial Oak Music Park is going down this week as the venue celebrates its 8th birthday. The celebration started yesterday with Whalin kicking off the FREE 5-day concert series which continues through Sunday. Take a look at the Live Music Lowdown in this email for info on artists and times.

🎨 It’s the first Friday of the month and that means it’s time for the First Friday Art Walk. Explore new exhibits and enjoy music and drinks at local galleries around town. Old Town Trolleys provides free shuttles running every 20-30 minutes from 6-9 p.m., with stops at Butterfield Garage, ArtBox, Lightner Museum, Aviles Street, and Bold ArtGallery near Hypolita Street.

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored. Did we forget anything? Email us.}

THE DIGEST

🚌 St. Johns County provides Free Beach Shuttle Service July 4-7

Good news, beach lovers! St. Johns County, in partnership with the Tourist Development Council, is offering free shuttle service to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier. Catch a ride from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes, with the last ones leaving the beaches at 4 p.m. (weather permitting). Enjoy your hassle-free beach day!

The Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park shuttle will transport beach visitors between Cornerstone Park, 1046 A1A N., and Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park, which provides direct access to the beach.

The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier shuttle will transport beach visitors between St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2200 A1A S., and the Pier parking lot, which provides direct access to Pier amenities and the beach (more info).

🏛 Choice of St. Augustine as site for Black history museum sent on to governor

The Florida Museum of Black History Task Force has overwhelmingly endorsed St. Augustine as the site for the upcoming museum. Last Friday, the task force voted 6-1 to recommend this location to the governor and legislature. The new campus-style museum will be located on the historic site of the former Florida Memorial College in West Augustine. (more info)

💵 `SJC Receives $26.5 Million in State Appropriations

St. Johns County is set to receive $26.5 million from Florida's 2025 budget to be used in the support of five vital projects, enhancing public safety, transportation, beach restoration, and cultural affairs (more info).

🛶 Enjoy the Outdoors (tax-free) during ‘Freedom Month’

In case you missed it, HB 7073 was signed into law last spring, bringing a literal boat load of tax savings to outdoor enthusiasts. For the entire month of July, enjoy sales tax-free shopping on canoes, fishing gear, concert tickets, sporting events, and more. Check out the full list of tax-free items here.

🌉 St. Augustine Bridge Replacement Delayed to 2025

The bridge replacement on King Street over the San Sebastian River, near U.S. 1, is now scheduled for summer 2025, postponed from its original 2024 start. The $16 million project includes two 11-foot travel lanes, an 11-foot turn lane, sidewalks on both sides, and enhanced lighting. Expected completion is late 2027, with an 11-month detour around the intersection to Malaga Street. (more info)

🏟 The Amp Ranks 2 in U.S. Ticket Sales

As of mid-2024, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre shines as the second most popular U.S. amphitheater by gross ticket sales. Pollstar’s midyear report reveals over $5.5 million in sales from more than 80,000 tickets. Nationally, it trails only Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which boasts over $16 million in sales. Globally, the Amp ranks sixth (!) for the first half of the year. (more info)

LOCAL BUSINESS

✈️ Marriott and Hilton Interested in St. Augustine Airport Site

Marriott and Hilton are eyeing land at the St. Johns County Airport, but need a market study first, according to developer John Joyce. Joyce Development Group and the airport authority are exploring hotel and business opportunities, with a workshop planned to discuss potential partners. Joyce, known for Tapestry Park and other projects, will reconnect with the hotel brands after the study to secure developers. (more info)

🍷 La Cocina Teams Up with San Sebastian Winery

La Cocina is partnering with San Sebastian Winery to launch a rooftop dining spot at 157 King St. Chef Norberto Jaramillo will blend his beachside flavors with the winery's charm at La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs. The revamped rooftop will offer fine dining with about 70 seats, serving unique lunch and dinner menus. The grand reopening is slated for mid-July. (more info)

🍽️ Viva Hospitality Earns Three of the 2024 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards (OldCityPR.com)

Viva Hospitality’s trio of restaurants, comprised of Michael’s St. Augustine, La Nouvelle, and Pesca Vilano, have been recognized by Wine Spectator in their annual awards naming the best wine restaurants in the world. (more info)

🏗️ 58 Charlotte St. sells for $3.49 million

The parcel at 58 Charlotte St., known for its restaurant history and formerly home to La Pentola, has sold for $3.49 million to Marc and Beth Angelo. Marc Angelo is known for developing the Jax Beach Town Center. (more info)

🎅 Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe Likely Closing

St. Augustine's beloved Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe may close early next year. According to a Facebook post by owners Dan and Kathy McBride, their lease at 41 San Marco Ave. ends on January 31, 2025, and will not be renewed due to the building being sold. The McBrides have explored other rental options, but high rents and the unique charm of their current location make relocation difficult. They expressed sadness over the situation and requested thoughts and prayers from the community

WEEKEND WEATHER

Thursday, July 4

88 🌡️ 77 | 🌧 | 💧 62% | 💨 NE 10mph | 🌘 1.9%

Friday, July 5

89 🌡️ 75 | 🌤 | 💧 7% | 💨 E 12mph | 🌑 New Moon

Saturday, July 6

90 🌡️ 77 | 🌤 | 💧 20% | 💨 SSE 12mph | 🌒 0.6%

Sunday, July 7

90 🌡️ 78 | ⛅ | 💧 24% | 💨 SE 12mph | 🌒 3.1%

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Where to find tunes this weekend

Thursday, July 4

• Ann O'Malley's Deli & Pub | Ferris Deluxe | 7P-12A

• Asado Life | Ramona + the RIOT | 3-6P

• Bar with No Name | VersVtile | 10P-1:30A

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Josh "Tennessee" Worthy | 4-7P

• Chez L'amour | Burn Unit | 6-9P

• Colonial Oak Music Park | "Jonathan Lee & Chase | 2PM | Marshall Horn | 7PM (OakFest)

• DJ's Clam Shack | Palmetto Pickers | 3-6P

• English Landing Marina/Marina Munch | The Skinny | 5-8P

• Guy Harvey Resort | Fond Kiser | 5-8P

• Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille | Johnny Lawrence | 6-10P

• Meehan's Irish Pub (Backyard) | Heather Craig | 1PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub (Inside) | Smokin’ Joe | 7PM

• Mill Top Tavern | Jon Q. | 12-4PM | John Tyler | 4:30P | Josh "Tennessee" Worthy | 9P-12A

• Pesca Vilano | Chillula | 7-10P

• Pierre's Pub | The Trainwreckers w/ Buddy Crump | 1-5PM | Alanis Sophia Band | 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Nashville Nights 4th Party | 9P-12A

• Trade Winds Lounge | Sizemore | 5-8P | Blistur | 9P-1A

Friday, July 5

• Bar with No Name | The Spaceheaters | 10P-1:30A

• Barley Republic | Velvet 45 | 9PM-1A

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Bret Blackshear | 1-4P | Huan | 4-7P

• Cafe Eleven | JP Soars & The Red Hots | 8P (Tickets)

• Casa de Vino 57 | Dharma | 7-10P

• Chez L'amour | Rachael Warfield | 7-10P

• Colonial Oak Music Park | Davis Cook | 2PM (OakFest) | VersVtile | 7PM (OakFest)

• Conch House Marina Resort | Chillula | 4-8P

• Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar | Live Music | 6-10P

• DJ's Clam Shack | Ace Winn | 6-9P

• English Landing Marina/Marina Munch | The Dougernaught | 5-8P

• Guy Harvey Resort | Richard Kuncicky & Mark Evans | 6-9P

• Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille | Al Canali | 6-10P

• Kingfish Grill | Denny Blue | 6-9P

• Meehan’s Irish Pub (Backyard) | Mike Cook | 1PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub (Inside) | Smokin’ Joe | 9PM

• Mill Top Tavern | Michael Bo Griner | 12P | Eric Groves | 4:30P | Beau & the Burners | 9P-12A

• Pierre's Pub | Josh "Tennessee" Worthy | 11AM-1PM | Chase Fouraker Trio | 2-6PM | Green With Envy | 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Good Pluck Trio | 6P-9P | Trae Pierce and the T Stones | 10P-12A

• St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Co. | Driftwoods | 5-8P

• Trade Winds Lounge | Heather Craig | 1-4:30P | Mark Hart | 5-8P | Blistur | 9P-1A

Saturday, July 6

• Bar with No Name | John Philips | 2-6P | Bigly | 10P-1:30A

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Damon Slaughter | 1-4P

• Casa de Vino 57 | Yael | 2:30-5:30P | Jolie | 7-10P

• Chez L'amour | Burn Unit | 7-10P

• Colonial Oak Music Park | Josh "Tennessee" Worthy | 2PM | Monticelli | 7PM (OakFest)

• Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar | Live Music | 6-10P

• DJ's Clam Shack | Joshua "Tennessee" Worthy | 6-9P

• Dog Rose Brewery | Glass Camels | 8:30P

• English Landing Marina/Marina Munch | John Winters | 12:30-3:30P

• Guy Harvey Resort | Mike Cook | 6-9P

• Hurricane Patty's Bar & Grill | New Guys on the Dock | 6-9:30P

• Meehan’s Irish Pub (Backyard) | Trevor Compton | 1PM | Dewey Via | 5PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub (Inside) | Spade McQuade & Amanda | 9PM

• Mill Top Tavern | Shawn Ryan | 12P | Eric Groves | 4:30P | Beau & the Burners | 9P-12A

• Oasis | Caleb Joye | 5:30-8P

• Pierre's Pub | Jim Johnston | 11AM-1PM | The Spaceheaters | 2-6PM | Brad Burns Duo | 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Billy Monarch | 6P-9P | Paper City Hustlers | 10P-12A

• Spinster Abbott's | Low Ground Trio | 4-7P

• Stogies | House Cats | 9P-1A

• Trade Winds Lounge | Elizabeth Roth | 1-4:30P | Mark Hart | 5-8P | Blistur | 9P-1A

Sunday, July 7

• Ann O'Malley's Deli & Pub | Ian Opalinski | 3PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Jolie | 1-4P

• Casa de Vino 57 | Wayne & Friends | 4-7P

• Chez L'amour | Jonathan Dotson | 6-9P

• Colonial Oak Music Park | Cade & The Palmetto Kickers | 3PM (OakFest)

• DJ's Clam Shack | Reggie Starrett | 1-4P

• Dog Rose Brewery | Dewey Via Band | 3:30P

• Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille | Johnny Lawrence | 6-10P

• Hurricane Patty's Bar & Grill | Chillakaya | 1-5P

• Jimmy Hula's | Seedfromatree | 2-6P

• Meehan's Irish Pub (Backyard) | Smokin’ Joe | 1PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub (Inside) | Jimmy Bragg | 6PM

• Mill Top Tavern | Shawn Ryan | 12P | Jon Q. | 4:30P

• Old Coast Ales | Bad Dog Mama | 2-5P

• Pierre's Pub | The Spaceheaters | 1-5PM | El Castillo | 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Songwriters in the Round Hosted by Chelsea Saddler | 2-5P | Shaney P's Miracle Extravajamza | 6-9P

• Trade Winds Lounge | Keith Godwin & The Rio Grande Band | 1-4:30P | Crawford Boyd's Acoustic Anomaly | 5-8P | Johnson/Burns | 9P-1A

_{Missing a show? Email us so we can get our act together!}

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Old City Lowdown today. If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a Nathan’s Famous hot dog lover.