🏴‍☠️ July 26, 2024 | This Wheel's On Fire

Happy Friday!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - piquing your interest like a weird weather balloon on the beach.

Quick shoutout to the 200+ new subscribers since Tuesday’s edition. Thanks for supporting the cause.

In this week’s edition:

• Free Sandbag Day 🌀 

• PSA: Unplug your golf carts 🚒 

• Tickets on sale today at The Amp 🎶 

Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.

James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown
[email protected]

PS - Thanks for subscribing - it’s great to have you on board!

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

WEATHER & TIDES

Fri, Jul 26
87 🌡️ 75 | 🌦️ | 💧41% | 💨 S 8mph | 🌖 66%

Sat, Jul 27
88 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ | 💧47% | 💨 SSE 10mph | 🌗 50% Last Quarter

Sun, Jul 28
85 🌡️ 76 | 🌧️ | 💧57% | 💨 ENE 11mph | 🌘 44%

Mon, Jul 29
86 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧40% | 💨 ENE 11mph | 🌘 33%

NOAA Tide Predictions:

Vilano Beach | Tolomato River
St. Augustine City Dock
St. Augustine Beach

THE RUNDOWN

Local news that matters

🔥 Leading cause of house fires in SJC? Golf Carts

Last week, there was another unfortunate incident in St. Johns County where a home caught fire, thanks to a familiar culprit. It seems that many of these fires are caused by over-charging devices like golf carts, e-bikes, and other battery-powered products. Chris Naff, the Fire and Rescue Public Information Officer for the county, shared that around 80% of house fires are connected to this issue. Unplug your golf carts, y’all. (more info)

🌀 Free Sandbag Day for SJC Residents

Saint Johns County is giving out 12,000 free, pre-filled sandbags next week to help residents prepare for the height of hurricane season. County residents are able to visit one of the six following locations on Wednesday, July 31 between 9AM-1PM to pick up a maximum of 12 sandbags per car:

• Hastings Equestrian Center • 8200 Smith Rd.

• Mills Field • 1805 Racetrack Rd.

• North Beach Park • 3721 Coastal Highway

• Palm Valley • Under the bridge, east side of Intracoastal

• Solomon Calhoun Community Center • 1300 Duval St.

• Windswept Acres Park • 5335 SR A1A South

Bring your ID for proof of residency to claim you free sandbags. (more info)

🏘️ SJC is Growing and the County Wants Your Help

St. Johns County is inviting residents to attend open houses to contribute to a 25-year growth plan. This plan will address transportation, housing, and other important aspects as we plan for the future up to 2050. You can share your valuable input at the upcoming sessions or through an online survey until July 31. Your thoughts are crucial in shaping our community's future! (more info)

🏥 Cancer Institute Coming to Saint Johns County

A new cancer research facility, TyMe Institute, is coming to St. Johns County. Founded to honor Tyler Mert Ergisi, who passed from bone cancer at 19, the institute will feature a 30,000 sq ft prevention clinic and research lab. The project, valued at $20.5 million, is expected to create 54 high-wage jobs. TyMe Institute is set to open in late 2025 at The Fountains at St. Johns on CR 210. (more info)

🚶 Finally - a Crosswalk at North Beach RV Park

I don't know the exact number, but far too many pedestrians have died trying to cross A1A at North Beach RV Park/The Reef the last couple of years. The debate now pits those wanting safe beach access against drivers who hate slowing down. The new crosswalk at North Beach RV, as well as at Nease Beachfront Park, are welcome additions. The North Beach RV crosswalk should be ready by the end of July.

🎨 May Street “Roundabout” Art Installation Finalists Named

On July 9, three finalists presented their proposals for the May Street and San Marco art installation. The selected artists are Vicki Scuri, Ivan Depeña, and Patrick Marold. The Public Art Committee will rank these proposals on July 30, with final recommendations given to the City Commission on August 12. (more info)

BUSINESS BEAT

St. Augustine biz news

🍺 Ancient City Brewing x Jacksonville Jaguars

Ancient City Brewing scores big as the Jacksonville Jaguars' new Craft Beer Partner. The St. Augustine brewery unveils 1st & Gold Golden Ale on August 10th at EverBank Stadium. This limited-edition brew toasts the Jaguars' 30-year NFL milestone. This is a win for Florida's craft beer and football scenes. (via Old City PR)

🏗️ Site of Elevation Pointe Sold for $13mil

On July 15, Cornerstone Collard Augustine LLC bought Elevation Pointe, a planned new development at CR 208 and State Road 16, for $13 million. The 155 acre property is slated to include a Publix, 420 townhomes, 320 apartments, two hotels, and 100,000 square feet of retail and office space. (more info)

CIVICS

Local government lowdown

🏰 St. Augustine Residents Could be Paying More in Property Taxes

On Monday, the City Commission gave a thumbs up to a tax rate that means St. Augustinians will likely pay more in property taxes next year. Here's the deal: even though the tax rate itself isn't going up, the amount owed will because property values have increased. The rate they approved - 7.5 mills, same as last year - will bring in an extra $2.5 million for the city.

The next public budget meeting is scheduled for September 5 at 5PM in the in the Alcazar Room at 75 King Street. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Thanks to Noah Hertz of Jacksonville Today for reporting the news on Tuesday.

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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
Sep 5 • City of St. Augustine: City Commission Special Budget Meeting

SHINDIGS

Cool stuff happening around town

🎣 Gullah Geechee Cultural Showcase at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument | Jul 26, 10AM-4PM

Discover the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Africans from the coastal South. Enjoy storytelling, dances, and cultural fishing demonstrations that showcase their unique culture. Regular admission fee to the fort applies. Castillo de San Marcos is located at 1 S Castillo Dr.

🍷 Summer & Vine: Uptown St. Augustine's Wine Week at Chez L'Amour | Continuing thru Jul 28

Summer & Vine continues as Chez L’Amour presents Summer & Vine - 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. Chez L’Amour is located at 45 San Marco Ave.

• Jul 26-27 | Select Cellar Dinners • Reserve Carrera & Breakthru Wines Dinners w/ Pairings | 8-10PM

• Jul 28 | Day Sippers • Sangrias, Bubbles, Pinxos & Tapas with Live Latin Music | 3-6PM

🐬 Dolphin Beach Walk at Vilano Beach Pier Pavilion | Jul 26, 7:30-8:30PM

Saint Johns County Parks & Recreation is hosting the event this evening on Vilano. It's a great chance to enjoy the sunset and learn about St. Augustine's dolphins (and other aquatic life). Don't forget your binoculars and keep an eye out for Flipper. The walk is led by a St. Johns County Parks Naturalist. Space limited, reserve your spot for free. Vilano Beach Pier Pavilion is located at 2752 Anahma Dr.

🚜 St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market | Jul 27 | 8:30AM-12:30PM

Every Saturday, you can enjoy fresh, local food, farm-fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, and live entertainment under the oaks at The Amp. BYO reusable bags and remember, no pets. Free parking is available at The Amp and at The Elks Lodge. St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340C A1A South.

🥃 Bootleggers Ball at Art ‘N Motion | Jul 27 | 7-10PM

Dress in 1920s attire and enjoy a night of music, dancing, raffles, moonshine tasting, and more at the Bootleggers Ball, hosted by the Matanzas Bay Buccaneers. Proceeds benefit Dreams Come True and the Greater St. Johns County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association. Purchase tickets online before the event sells out. Art ‘N Motion is located at 283 San Marco Ave.

🪩 Hush Hush Silent Disco at Spinster Abbott’s | Jul 27 | 9PM-1AM

Hush Hush is popping up again with another epic silent disco at one of Uptown’s favorite spots. The first 30 people receive free headphone rentals - otherwise it’s $10 per person. Spinster Abbott’s is 21+ after 10PM and is located at 61 San Marco Ave.

🏄 Salty Paddle SUP Yoga at Salt Run Boat Ramp | Jul 28 | 8:30AM

Join the team at Salty Paddle for Paddleboard Yoga Sunday morning at Salt Run. Book in advance to reserve one of the 14 available spaces - $45 all-in, or $25 if you bring your own board (BYOB). Everything you need is included, but don’t forget to tip your instructor. Arrive early, follow parking rules, and enjoy! Salt Run/Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp is located at 446 Ocean Vista Ave.

🏃 St. Augustine Triathlon at Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park | Jul 28

The St. Augustine Triathlon, hosted by Game On! Race Events, will be back on Vilano this weekend. Based at Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park, the event will feature an Olympic distance Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike as well as the Sprint Triathlon and Sprint Duathlon. I’ll be sitting this one out, but you can register for any of the events online. Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park is located at 2725 Anahma Dr.

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Save The Date:

🩸 Summer Vibes & Saving Lives Blood Drive at Crabby’s Beachside | Aug 8

🤣 Chelsea Saddler’s Comedy Contest at The Waterworks | Sep 19

🏎️ Spirits & Sports Cars 2024 at Art ‘N Motion | Sep 19

🐊 CROCtoberfest: Brew-at-the-Zoo ‘24 at St. Augustine Alligator Farm | Oct 5

🎄 Nights of Lights in Old Town St. Augustine | Nov 23-Jan 26

_{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

❗️ On Sale Today:

• Nov 10, 2024 | Slowdive | Tickets

• Nov 16, 2024 | Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas by Chip Davis | Tickets

• Mar 15, 2025 | Joe Bonamassa | Tickets

📆 Next Five Shows:

• Aug 2 | Straight No Chaser w/ Chris Kirkpatrick, O-Town | Tickets

• Aug 3 | Switchfoot, Blue October, Matt Nathanson | Tickets

• Aug 8 | Hawthorne Heights | Tickets

• Aug 9 | SOJA w/ Algorhythm and Sensamotion | Tickets

• Aug 10 | UB40 | Tickets

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

When and where to catch live tunes

Alphabetical order by venue

Friday, July 26

• Arnold’s • Broke Til Friday, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Bret Blackshear, 1-4PM | Damon Slaughter, 4-7PM

• Casa de Vino 57 • Jolie, 7-10PM

• Chez L’Amour • Cortnie Frazier & Jonah Pierre, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak • Circus, 7-10PM

• Conch House • Red Rover, 4-8PM

• DJ’s Clam Shack • Smokin’ Joe Schauer, 6-9PM

• Embassy Suites of St. Augustine Beach • Lauren Gilliam (of Bad Dog Mama), 4PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery • Russ DeFilippis w/ the Burn Unit, 6-9PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Yael Dray, 1-4PM

• Marina Munch • Morrow Family Band, 5-8PM

• Mellow Mushroom Anastasia • Wes Register (of Paper City Hustlers), 6-9PM

• Milltop Tavern • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 12-4PM | Eric Groves, 4:30-8:30PM | Jon Q. Duo, 9PM-12AM

• No Name • Contact Buzz, 10PM-1:30AM

• Oasis • The Bones, 5-8PM | Jim Lamb, 6-9PM

• Pesca Vilano • Landfall - Celebrating the Music & Spirit of Jimmy Buffett, 7PM

• Pierre’s Pub • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 11AM-1PM | Chase Fouraker + Jonathan Lee, 1-5PM | The Mix, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen • Amy Hendrickson, 6-9PM | Trae Pierce and the T-Stones, 10PM-1AM

• Sarbez! • Slow Comply | Zalongo | The Dismissives, 7:30PM

• Spinster Abbott’s • El Castillo, 7-10PM

• St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Co. • The Invasions, 5-9PM

• Taco Libre #3 • Dewey Via Band, 7-10PM

• Trade Winds Lounge • Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Cottonmouth, 8:30PM-1:30AM

Saturday, July 27

• Ann O’Malley’s • Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 8PM-12AM

• Arnold’s • Dewey Via Band, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Cason Smith, 1-4PM

• Casa de Vino 57 • Davis Cook, 2:30-5:30PM | Bad Dog Mama, 7PM

• Chez L’Amour • Doug Carn Ensemble, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak • Cade and the Palmetto Kickers, 7-10PM

• Conch House • Highway One, 3-7PM

• DJ’s Clam Shack • Josh “Tennessee” Worth, 5-9PM

• Dog Rose Brewing • Bryce Alastair Band, 8:30PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery • Shari Little w/ Teal Cabana Club, 6-9PM

• Hurricane Patty’s • Mark Metterhouse, 6-9:30PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Rob Peck, 1-4PM

• Marina Munch • The Dougernaught, 12:30-4PM | The Thick & Thin Band, 5-8PM

• Milltop Tavern • JC Hatfield Trio, 12-4PM | Adam Grayford, 4:30-8:30PM | Jon Q. Duo, 9PM-12AM

• No Name • Loopmandan, 2-6PM | Bigly, 10PM-1:30AM

• Oasis • Good Time Charlie Trio, 4-8PM | Brett Guthrie, 6-9PM

• Pierre’s Pub • Jim Johnston, 11AM-1PM | Alanis Sophia Band, 2-6PM | The Spaceheaters, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen • Date Night Trio, 6-9PM | Mandalla, 10PM-1AM

• Sarbez! • Groundhag | AC Deathstrike | Rugh | Greenness | 8:30PM

• St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Co. • Palmetto Pickers, 6-9PM

• Stogies • Underbrush, 9PM

• Trade Winds Lounge • Elizabeth Roth, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Cottonmouth, 9PM-1:30AM

Sunday, July 28

• Ann O’Malley’s • Ian Opalinski, 3-6PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Jolie, 1-4PM | Banjo Brown, 4-7PM

• Casa de Vino 57 • Dharma, 7PM

• Chez L’Amour • The Big Phat Funk Jam, 6-9PM

• Conch House • Eric Alabiso, 3-7PM

• Dog Rose Brewing • Dewey Via Band, 3:30-6:30PM

• Jimmy Hula’s • Seedfromatree, 2-6PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Vinny Jacobs, 1-4PM

• Milltop Tavern • Charlie Ellis, 12-4PM | Kaleb Dougan, 4:30-8:30PM

• Oasis • Rob Peck, 5-8PM

• Pierre’s Pub • Alanis Sophia Band, 1-5PM | The Spaceheaters, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen • Yael Za Za Flamenca, 2-5PM | Shaney P's Miracle Extravajamza, 6-9PM

• Sarbez! • Benefit Show for John of Naum: 86hope, Ghost Tropic, The Dismissives | 8:30PM

• Trade Winds Lounge • Keith Godwin & The Rio Grande Band, 1-4:30PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | Mike Johnson/Brad Burns, 9PM-1AM

Monday, July 29

• Casa de Vino 57 • Jamology Showcase

• Chez L’Amour • Sam Pacetti, 7-10PM

• Milltop Tavern • Jim Lamb, 12-4PM | Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 4:30-8:30PM

• Pierre’s Pub • Houston Keen, 1-5PM | Za Za Flamenca, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen • Babe Honey, 6-9PM

• Trade Winds Lounge • Reggie Starrett, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Mike Johnson/Brad Burns, 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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