🏴‍☠️ July 18 | Water Restrictions, Bayfront Italian, & Buddy Guy

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

It’s National Sour Candy Day - and like a bag of Sour Skittles, the Old City Lowdown packs a punch every week with the latest local news, events, and live music. I’m James and this is what’s in store this week:

• Do you know your watering days? 💧

• New Italian Coming to Bayfront 🍝

• Buddy Guy Rocks The Amp 🎸

Now, before we get to the Lowdown, a quick programming note. Starting next week, the Lowdown is moving to 2x per week in order to provide more coverage of all of the awesome stuff going on in St. Augustine. You’ll see us in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday morning starting July 23.

Thanks for supporting the Lowdown - now let’s get to it.

James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown
[email protected]

_{Want to advertise in the Old City Lowdown? Shoot me an email.}

Weekend Weather:

Thu, Jul 18:
90 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧 39% | 💨 SSW 10mph | 🌔 90.6%

Fri, Jul 19:
89 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧 36% | 💨 S 11mph | 🌔 96%

Sat, Jul 20:
89 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧 56% | 💨 SSE 12mph | 🌔 99.2%

Sun, Jul 21:
88 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧 47% | 💨 SSE 11mph | 🌕️ Full Buck Moon

The Rundown

💧Northeast Florida Still Dry Despite Recent Storms

June was the fifth month in a row with below-average rain. Because of that, St. Johns County and the City of St. Augustine are asking you to be mindful of when and how much you’re watering your yard. The St. Johns River Water Management District is asking you to know your watering days and stick to the following irrigation schedule:

• Odd # Addresses: Wednesday/Saturday

• Even # Addresses: Thursday/Sunday

• Non-Residential Properties: Tuesday/Friday

Remember to water only when needed and try to stick to the hours of 5PM-10AM.

📗The Bookmobile is back, baby

The St. Johns County Public Library System's bookmobile has returned with a new schedule until Aug. 26. It stops at Faith Community Church on Mondays, UF Health Nocatee on Wednesdays, and World Golf Village Convention Center on Fridays. Patrons can browse, pick up, and return items, and use free Wi-Fi. The bookmobile supports the "Adventure Begins at Your Library" summer reading program. For more information, visit sjcpls.org/branches/bookmobile.

🏘️Housing Market Stabilizing?

The word on the street is that the Northeast Florida housing market is stabilizing as experts have seen an increase in days on market and decrease in new listings, closed sales, and pending sales. With that said, the region has seen a slight increase in the median price for a single-family home, up 1.3% to $405,000 while St. Johns County has seen a 2.6% increase to $579,900.

The National Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Index assesses whether a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a typical home, using the latest national and regional price and income data. An index greater than 100 indicates great affordability, while under 100 indicates less affordability. In June, St. Johns County Housing Affordability Index dropped to 44, the least affordable in Northeast Florida (by a longshot).

Local Business

🍝River Restaurant Group to open Saint this fall

If you’ve driven by the bayfront in recent weeks, you have probably noticed some serious work going on at 44 Avenida Menendez. River Restaurant Group, owners of River & Fort, is opening its second venture in St. Augustine, fittingly named Saint, later this year. The 12,000-square-foot Italian eatery will feature 350 seats, a courtyard, and rooftop dining while adding approximately 130 jobs. Keep an eye out for Saint to open its doors October/November ‘24.

☘️Meehan’s Irish Pub Closed for Renovations

Don’t worry, folks. Meehan’s will be open again soon. The mainstay Irish pub in Old Town is undergoing renovations through the end of the month. We’ll keep you updated on when Meehan’s opens its doors again - and we’ll probably see you there soon.

🍰Crème de la Cocoa turns 9!

Yesterday, local celebrity chef, Nils Rowland, and his wife, Bailey, celebrated the ninth birthday of their cornerstone bakery and desert shop, Crème de la Cocoa. Congratulations to the Rowlands and the team at Crème de la Cocoa. Now run over there and pick up a Florida Native - you won’t regret it!

🛥️Red Boat Tours Honored by Tripadvisor

Red Boat Tours just earned Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award, placing them in the top 10% of listings worldwide. This recognition is based on consistently great reviews from visitors over the past year. Captain Tony Palesotti and his team are proud of this honor and grateful to their guests and reviewers. Tripadvisor's Chief Growth Officer, John Boris, praised their commitment to hospitality excellence and hopes this award continues to drive business for them in 2024 and beyond.

Upcoming Events

🍽️Thu, Jul 18 • Bites & Flights at Asadolife

Signature bites menu by Chef Matthew Brown and your choice of flights: tequila, bourbon, rye, or champagne. Prepaid reservations, $59 per person. RSVP Here.

🎭️Thu, Jul 18 • Martha Jane’s Cracker Florida! at The Waterworks

The Friends of the Main Library presents “Martha Jane’s Cracker Florida!” by local historian, Dianne Jacoby. The show tells the story of Martha Jane Pacetti, a Florida Cracker who endured early hardships, the Indian Wars, and the Civil War, eventually thriving as a fishing guide and landowner. The event is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP.

🎵Thu, Jul 18 • Concerts in the Plaza | This Week’s Performance by I-Vibes

The City of St. Augustine hosts Concerts in the Plaza from May 30 to August 29, 2024. This free series features local and regional musicians every Thursday at the Plaza de la Constitución's gazebo from 6-8PM.

🧑‍🌾Sat, Jul 20 • St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market

Death, taxes, and the Farmers Market at The Amp on Saturday mornings. Fill your reusable totes with fresh, local food, farm-fresh produce, and handmade arts & crafts all while checking out live entertainment. Free admission, 8:30AM-12:30PM (no pets).

🧘Sat, Jul 20 • Yoga in the Garden at the Lightner Museum

Join Serenity Yoga in the Radzinski Garden on the third Saturday of each month for yoga on the Trefry Family Green. Bring water and a yoga mat or towel to enjoy this all-levels, donation-based class from 8:30-9:30AM. The Radzinski Family Garden is behind the Lightner Museum at 75 King Street. (more info)

🎨Sat, Jul 20 • Vilano Beach Artisan Market at Vilano Main Street

The Vilano Beach Artisan Market takes place the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. along the sidewalks on Vilano Beach Main Street. Local artisan-made items, plants, home décor, datil pepper sauces, and much more. Free admission.

📽️Sun, Jul 21 • Crossing in St. Augustine at SJC Southeast Branch Library

Sixty years ago, St. Augustine played a key role in the Civil Rights Act's passage. In 2024, over a dozen St. Johns County cultural organizations will host events and exhibitions to commemorate this era and honor those who drove positive change. On July 21, The Southeast Branch Library will screen "Crossing in St. Augustine," depicting Andrew Young's 1964 experiences, from 2-5PM.

🍷Jul 24-28 • Summer & Vine: Uptown St. Augustine's Wine Week at Chez L'Amour

Attend one event or catch them all for a week of summer wine-laden fun in gorgeous Uptown St. Augustine. Be sure to check out details on each of the events and RSVP Here.

🥳Thu, Jul 25 • Uptown Block Party in Uptown St. Augustine

Join the St. Augustine Uptown Block Party on the last Thursday of every month from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Many shops along San Marco Avenue stay open late, offering unique items, food, and drinks. Enjoy live music at Spinster Abbott's, 61 San Marco. Participating businesses include Sunday Gathering Table, Jenna Alexander Studio, Juniper Market, Declaration & Co., and more. Admission is free, so come shop, eat, and enjoy the vibrant Uptown atmosphere!

_{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.}

What’s Up at The Amp

This Week’s Shows:

Sat, Jul 20 • Buddy Guy - w/ special guest Tom Hambridge (Tickets)*
*Rescheduled from October, 2023. All previously purchased tickets will be valid for the rescheduled show.

Sun, Jul 21 • Iration and Pepper - w/ special guests DENM and Artikal Sound System (Tickets)

Just Announced:

Juvenile and the 400 Degreez Band • Fri, Oct 25 | Tickets on sale July 18

The Black Crowes • Sat, Feb 15 | Tickets on sale July 19

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday, July 18

Bin 39 Wine Bar • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 1-4PM | Scott Halls, 4-7PM
Chez L’Amour • Cyrus Quaranta, 7-10PM
Colonial Oak • Country Night w/ Chris McNeil, 7-10PM
Concerts in the Plaza • I-Vibes, 6-8PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Evan D, 5-8PM
Marina Munch • Dewey Via, 5-8PM
Mill Top Tavern • Jim Lamb, 12-4PM | John Tyler, 4:30-8PM
No Name Bar • Chillula, 10PM-1:30AM
Pierre’s Pub • Shyla Macalusso, 1-5PM | Vange Durst Trio, 6-10PM
Prohibition Kitchen • House Cats, 6-9PM
Sarbez • Claire Vandiver Band, 8:30PM
Tradewinds Lounge • Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | Vegas Gray, 9PM-1AM

Friday, July 19

Barley Republic • Bad Dog Mama, 9PM-12AM
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Shyla Macaluso, 1-4PM | Cason Smith, 4-7PM
Casa de Vino 57 • Common Ground, 7-10PM
Chez L’Amour • Billie Monarch Duo, 7-10PM
Colonial Oak • Monticelli, 7-10PM
DJ’s Clam Shack • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 5-8PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Claire Vandiver, 6-9PM
Kingfish Grill • Denny Blue, 6-9PM
Marina Munch • House Cats, 5-8PM
Mill Top Tavern • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 12-4PM | Jon Q, 4:30-8PM | Alan Dalton & Terry Campbell, 9PM-12AM
No NameBar • Contact Buzz, 10PM-1:30AM
Oasis • Walt Kulwicki, 6-9:30PM
Pierre’s Pub • Jim Johnston, 11AM-1PM | Chase Fouraker Duo, 2-6PM | Livestream, 7-11PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Good Pluck Trio, 6-9PM | Be Easy, 10PM-1AM
Tradewinds Lounge • Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Edge, 9PM-1AM

Saturday, July 20

Bin 39 Wine Bar • Lucy Spotts, 1-4PM | Damon Slaughter, 4-7PM
Casa de Vino 57 • Sarah Herforth, 2:30-5:30PM | Jolie, 7-10PM
Chez L’Amour • Raisin Cake Orechestra, 7-10PM
Colonial Oak • Cam Wheaton, 7-10PM
Dog Rose Brewing Co. • The Taildraggers, 8PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Joe Downing, 6-9PM
Hurricane Patty’s • New Guys on the Dock, 6-9:30PM
Marina Munch • John Winters, 12:30-3:30PM
Mill Top Tavern • Gabby Samuels, 12-4PM | Jon Q & Ashton Taylor, 4:30-8PM | Alan Dalton & Terry Campbell, 9PM-12AM
No Name Bar • Scott Halls, 2-6PM | VersVtile, 10PM-1:30AM
Pierre’s Pub • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 11AM-1PM | Chillula, 2-6PM | Green With Envy, 7-11PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Courtney Frazier Band, 6-9PM | Marshall Horn and the Rock & Roll Cowboys, 10PM-1AM
Spinster Abbott’s • Bad Dog Mama w/ The Band Madam, 7-10PM
St. Augustine Amphitheatre • Buddy Guy, 7:30PM
St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Co. • Dewey Via Band, 5-9PM
Tradewinds Lounge • Elizabeth Roth, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | TBD, 9PM-1AM

Sunday, July 21

Ann O’Malley’s • Ian Opalinski, 3-6PM
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Jolie, 1-4PM | Good Morning, 4-7PM
Cafe Eleven • Keith Harkin, 8PM (Tickets)
Casa de Vino 57 • Wayne Lake & Friends, 4-7PM
Chez L’Amour • Jessica Hope, 6-9PM
DJ’s Clam Shack • Reggie Starrett, 1-4PM
Dog Rose Brewing Co. • Dewey Via Band, 3:30-6:30PM
Hurricane Patty’s • New Guys on the Dock, 1-5PM
Jimmy Hula’s • Seedfromatree, 2-6PM
Mill Top Tavern • Michael Bo Griner, 12-4PM | Jon Q, 4:30-8PM
No Name Bar • Adam Latiff, 2-6PM
Pierre’s Pub • The Spaceheaters, 1-5PM | David Julia + Dyer Davis, 6-10PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Billie Monarch, 2-5PM | Shaney P's Miracle Extravajamza, 6-9PM
St. Augustine Amphitheatre • Iration and Pepper, 5:30PM
Tradewinds Lounge • Keith Godwin & The Rio Grande Band, 1-4:30PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | Mike Johnson/Brad Burns, 9PM-1AM

_{Missing a show? Email us so we can get our act together!
PS - Dates, Times, and Artists are subject to change. We do our best to get it right for you!}

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