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- 🏴☠️ July 23, 2024 | First Tuesday Lowdown
🏴☠️ July 23, 2024 | First Tuesday Lowdown
SJC Budget Proposal, Revitalizing King St., Uptown Block Party and more from St. Augustine, Fla.
James Foote
July 23, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
Good Morning, St. Augustine!
Welcome to the first ever Tuesday edition of the Lowdown. For a small town, we have a lot going on. So much so that we need two weekly updates to keep you up to date. You can expect to see the Lowdown in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday moving forward.
In this week’s edition:
SJC Budget Proposal 💵
The Best Mile in Florida 🚘️
All the events & live music 🎸
Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.
James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown
[email protected]
PS - You rock. Thanks for subscribing.
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WEATHER & TIDES
Tue, Jul 23
88 🌡️ 75 | ⛅️ | 💧17% | 💨 SSE 12mph | 🌖 93.2%
Wed, Jul 24
88 🌡️ 77 | ⛅️ | 💧70% | 💨 SSE 14mph | 🌖 86%
Thu, Jul 25
89 🌡️ 76 | ⛅️ | 💧70% | 💨 SSE 13mph | 🌖 76.9%
NOAA Tide Predictions:
THE RUNDOWN
Local news that matters
💵 St. Johns County Proposes $1.2B Budget, $449M Lower Than Last Year
St. Johns County's new budget is set at $1.2 billion, a notable $449 million drop from last year’s $1.6 billion. Major cuts include emergency management, housing, transportation, and utility services. Despite the reductions, there’s an increase for the sheriff's office and other county departments. Final budget adoption is expected after public meetings in September. (more info)
🪠 City Begins Manhole Rehabilitation Project on July 29
Beginning Monday, July 29, and continuing through the end of November, the City of St. Augustine will be rehabilitating manholes around town. This process will significantly reduce stormwater runoff and groundwater intrusion into the City’s sewage collection system. (more info)
🚘️ Revitalizing King Street, creating 'The Best Mile in Florida’
The City of St. Augustine is set to revamp King Street with an $18 million project starting in late ‘28/early ‘29. The goal is to enhance its beauty, livability, and historical appeal, making it a stunning entrance to the city. Modifications include better sidewalks, more trees, and underground utilities while improving vehicular, pedestrian and bike traffic and use. (more info)
🎀 Ribbon Cutting for Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park Renovation
Last week, St. Johns County celebrated the completion of a much anticipated renovation of the Vilano Beach Oceanfront park with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Updates to the park include a new climbing play structure, a covered performance stage with terraced seating, new outdoor showers & baby changing tables, adding ADA parking spaces, and updating both the north and south walkovers. The $1.8 million project was covered by Park Impact Fees and the Tree Bank Fund. (more info)
🏫 Sister Josephine, Last Principal of St. Benedict the Moor, Passes Away at 88
Sister Josephine Marie Melican, the last principal of the St. Benedict the Moor school for Black children in St. Augustine, passed away July 16. She led the school during the Civil Rights Movement and met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The school closed in 1964 and is now being restored by the Sisters of St. Joseph. (more info)
BUSINESS BEAT
St. Augustine biz news
🥃 Local Rum Producer Plans Huge Project in SJC
Madi Rum co-owners, Shane Sheltra and Travis James, plan to develop a two-story restaurant, bakery, distillery, and greenhouses on 6 acres in Saint Johns at SR 207 and Deerpark Blvd, just west of I-95. MAI Engineering Services submitted project plans to the county in June for the tropical-themed restaurant and its various facilities, totaling over 46,000 square feet. (more info)
🍻 Cidersmith Set to Open Soon on St. George Street
The site at 18 St. George Street will soon be the home to Cidersmith, a craft cider hall featuring house-made ciders, local Florida beers, and a menu of light grub. Owned by William Smith, Cidersmith is slated to open in August or September and will feature both permanent and rotating taps of delicious cider goodness. Smith’s wife, Kim, is the owner of local joints Barefoot Bill’s and Rendezvous. (more info)
🦞 Former Home of Red Lobster Demolished
It hasn’t been a great year for the Red Lobster brand having filed bankruptcy and closing many restaurants across country. The Red Lobster location at 312/US 1 closed its doors, which are now in a piling heap on the site of the former chain restaurant.
🍕 Mellow Mushroom Anastasia turned Eleven!
Happy Birthday to Mellow Mushroom on the island who celebrated its eleventh birthday on Monday!
CIVICS
Local government lowdown
🏰 St. Augustine City Commission Discuss Key Ordinance
The City Commission convened Monday evening to deliberate the proposed property tax millage rate and amendments to the building code for structures in flood zones. Once the minutes are published by the city, we will share with you in our new Civics section.
Upcoming Meetings:
Aug 5 • City of St. Augustine Beach: City Commission Regular Meeting
Aug 6 • St. Johns County: Board of County Commissioners Meeting
Aug 12 • City of St. Augustine: City Commission Meeting
*Did you know that you can view all of the capital improvement projects taking place in St. Johns County online? Check it out here.
SHINDIGS
Cool stuff happening around town
🧵 Stitch ‘N’ Bitch at Spinster Abbott’s | Jul 23 | 6:30PM
Bring your own sewing machine and whatever project you’re working on. No instructor - just freeform sewing with other crafty people. Crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, etc. Spinster Abbott’s is located at 61 San Marco Ave. in Uptown.
🧺 Wednesday Farmers Market at SJC Ocean Pier | Jul 24 | 8AM-12PM
Over 40 vendors offering fresh produce, seafood, local honey, local art, jewelry, and much, much more. The pet friendly farmers market is open every Wednesday from 8AM-12PM (summer hours). the St. Johns County Ocean Pier is located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd. on the Island.
🍷 Summer & Vine: Uptown St. Augustine's Wine Week at Chez L'Amour | Jul 24-28
Local jazz hotspot, Chez L’Amour, presents Summer & Vine this week - five days of wine-laden fun in Uptown St. Aug. Each day features something new and unique, so check out the schedule of events and RSVP Here.
Jul 24 | Wine Around The World | 4-6PM
Jul 25 | The Great San Marco Wine Mixer | 5-8PM
Jul 25 | Naked Sushi with Chef Austin | 6-9PM
Jul 26-27 | Reserve Carrera & Breakthru Cellar Dinners w/ Pairings | 8-10PM
Jul 28 | Day Sippers: - Live Latin Music, Daytime Wines & more | 3-6PM
🎉 Uptown Block Party in Uptown St. Augustine | Jul 25 | 5-9PM
Get down at the Uptown Block Party on the last Thursday of every month from 5-9PM. Enjoy live music at Spinster Abbott’s (61 San Marco), food, drinks, and special offerings from many of the Uptown shops. Participating businesses include Sunday Gathering Table, Jenna Alexander Studio, Juniper Market, Snake Bird Vintage, and more.
🥃 A Taste of Redwood Whiskey at Barley Republic | Jul 25 | 6PM
Enjoy samplings of six varieties of Redwood Whiskey, paired with west coast inspired dishes. Special guest presenter, Distillery Ambassador Aleshia Macomber will be on hand to discuss the different Redwood Empire products and answer questions. Limited tickets are $65 and available in-store and over the phone. Barley Republic is located at 48 Spanish St. in Old Town and can be reached at (904) 547-2023.
🪩 Hush Hush Silent Disco at Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen | Jul 25 | 10PM-Close
Dance and jam out at the Odd Birds every Thursday night. Free Entry, $10 Headphone rental, live music at the front bar and late night Happy Hour in the Speakeasy! Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen is located at 200 Anastasia Blvd. on the Island.
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Save The Date:
🏃 St. Augustine Triathlon at Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park | Jul 28
🏝️ The Mini Vintage Flea by Two Girls One Market at Muggsy’s Bar | Aug 1
🩸 Summer Vibes & Saving Lives Blood Drive at Crabby’s Beachside | Aug 8
🏰 Founders Day Celebration at Mission Nombre de Dios | Sep 7
🤣 Chelsea Saddler’s Comedy Contest at The Waterworks | Sep 19
🪕 Gamble Rogers Folk Festival at SJC Fairgrounds | Apr 11-13, 2025
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 me.
WHAT’S UP @ THE AMP?
Upcoming at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Just Announced:
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
When and where to catch live tunes
Tuesday, July 23
Ann O’Malley’s • Smokin’ Joe Schauer, 6-10PM
Chez L’Amour • Rachel Warfield, 7-10PM
Cortesse’s Bistro • Jazzy Blue Band, 7-10PM
Milltop Tavern • JC Hatfield Trio, 12-4PM | Jon Q., 4:30-8:30PM
Pierre’s Pub • Adam Latiff, 1-5PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Jim Johnston, 6-9PM
Salt Life Food Shack • Reggie Starrett, 6-9PM
Trade Winds Lounge • Bret Blackshear, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Salty Daug, 9PM
Wednesday, July 24
Chez L’Amour • Ramona Duo, 7-10PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Fond Kiser, 4-7PM
Milltop Tavern • Jim Lamb, 12-4PM | Reggie Starrett, 4:30-8:30PM
Old Coast Ales • Dewey Via, 6-9PM
Pierre’s Pub • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 1-5PM | Vegas Gray, 6-10PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Cookin’ in the Kitchen, 6-9PM
Trade Winds Lounge • Smokin’ Joe Schauer, 1-4PM | Wes Register, 5-8PM | Jack Hammer, 9PM
Thursday, July 25
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Shyla Macaluso, 1-4PM | Huan, 4-7PM
Cafe Eleven • Sam Morrow, 8PM (Tickets)
Casa de Vino 57 • Ivan Smith, 7-9PM
Chez L’Amour • Naked Sushi w/ DJ Hu, 7-10PM
Colonial Oak • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 7-10PM
Conch House • Flo N’ Grits, 5-9PM
Concerts in the Plaza • Groove Coalition, 6-8PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Caleb Joye, 5-8PM
La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Vibe RW, 1-4PM
Marina Munch • Dewey Via, 5-8PM
Milltop Tavern • Jim Lamb, 12-4PM
No Name Bar • Dharma, 10PM-1:30AM
Oasis • Allen Arena, 5-8PM
Pesca Vilano • JAX English Salsa Band, 6-9PM
Pierre’s Pub • Sun Child Duo, 1-5PM | Jonathan Lee, 6-10PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Cortnie Frazier, 6-9PM
Spinster Abbott’s • Uptown Block Party: Sparks In The Garden, 7-10PM
Trade Winds Lounge • Just Wade, 1-4:30PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | Down Low, 9PM-1AM
*Artists & times are subject to change - that’s life. We do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information.
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