🏴‍☠️ Early Voting Starts Tomorrow | August 9, 2024

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - returning to your inbox just like the sea has returned to the pier (see below).

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In today’s edition:

• Early voting kicks off ✅

• New coffee joint in town ☕️

• Cancer survivor earns scholarship 🏫

Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.

— James Foote, Publisher | Old City Lowdown

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WEATHER

Fri • 90 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ | 💧48% | 🍃 SSW 11mph

Sat • 89 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ | 💧49% | 🍃 SSW 9mph

Sun • 89 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧57% | 🍃 SSW 8mph

Mon • 88 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧36% | 🍃 S 8mph

THIS WEEK ON INSTAGRAM

The Atlantic has returned (sort of) to the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier thanks to Hurricane Debby.

🚛 Trashy start for new waste collectors

The dumpster drama between St. Johns County and FCC Environmental Services continues. After a poor start to the 7-year, $28 million deal, the county has issued a notice of default to the waste management provider, giving them until August 12 to rectify the situation.

On Tuesday, it was reported that SJC activated Road and Bridge Division crews to pick up the slack after missed collections on the first two days of the relationship. According to the County Commission, the county is seeking reimbursement for over 900-man hours needed from Road & Bridge crews to pick up missed collections last weekend.

One thing to note: FCC Environmental Services, LLC. submitted the lowest bid to assume waste collection duties in St. Johns County.

🏫 Local cancer survivor receives scholarship

While the Lowdown doesn’t typically cover stories outside of the immediate St. Augustine area, this one was too good not to share. Julia Dyer, a Bartram Trail High School graduate, has been awarded the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Scholarship. After bravely battling pediatric cancer for two years, Julia is now set to attend Georgia Southern University. This scholarship, provided by the foundation established by former Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin in the amount of $10,000, supports childhood cancer patients and survivors in pursuing their educational dreams. Congratulations, Julia, and good luck at GSU!

Click here to learn more about the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund and how they assist families with children battling cancer.

💸 Reminder: Back to School tax holiday ends Sunday

Florida’s annual back-to-school tax holiday runs through August 11. During this time, sales tax will not be applied on clothes, shoes, and book bags priced at $100 or less; school supplies at $50 or less; learning aids at $30 or less; and personal computers at $1,500 or less. The tax holiday is projected to save shoppers across Florida $97.2 million.

☕️ Jacksonville coffee house expands to St. Augustine

Southern Grounds, a chef-driven coffee house brand, currently operates four brick-and-mortar locations in the Jacksonville area and is set to open its fifth location in St. Augustine later this year.

I recently chatted with Mark Janasik, owner of Southern Grounds and RH Investment Group (Mojo BBQ, Oaxaca Club, et. al.), about the brand’s exciting new project and expansion into the Ancient City.

Janasik and his team will bring their modern coffee house to locals, students, and tourists, pairing sustainable, seasonal food with impeccably sourced coffee. Southern Grounds (aka “SoGro”) aims to offer more than just a cup; they strive to create a community experience.

The new location will be in a historic building at 124 King St., dating back to ~1917. Previously owned by the Catholic Church, the building will be restored to house the newest Southern Grounds location. “We’re excited to design modern coffee houses that act as community focal points and breathe new life into old buildings,” Janasik said.

Customers can enjoy signature coffee and espresso drinks alongside breakfast options like omelets and pancakes, as well as lunch and dinner offerings such as burgers, Shrimp & Grits, and tacos. All ingredients will be sourced locally whenever possible.

Southern Grounds at King & Riberia Streets is set to open in mid-December. For more info, check out SouthernGrounds.com.

🏥 Hospital purchases two St. Johns County lots

AdventHealth Palm Coast acquired two vacant commercial lots in St. Johns County for $5.7 million on August 2. Located south of San Juan Road along north Florida 207, these 11.04 acres are just 1.6 miles from I-95.

🏫 Charter school coming to Treaty Oaks

Red Apple Development recently purchased two parcels on Brinkhoff Road in St. Johns County for $3 million to develop a K-8 charter school. The 10-acre land, sold by James and Loell Bacon, will host a 53,200-square-foot school for up to 960 students and a 12,000-square-foot daycare for 300. This new school, approved for rezoning in June, will be the fourth charter school in the county.

💵 Chase Bank to occupy site of former Red Lobster

I was personally hoping for a restaurant that stays open after 10PM, but alas, we’re getting a new bank next to an existing bank at the northwest corner of the US-1 & SR-312 intersection. St. Johns County issued a $2.3 million permit for a new Chase Bank branch, set to partially replace the former Red Lobster on State Road 312. But don’t worry… because the bank is smaller than the former chain restaurant, ownership is keeping the alcohol license in case a new restaurant might pop up alongside. Imagine grabbing a cocktail after cashing a check—cheers to that!

SHOW SOME LOVE

🏨 The Planning & Zoning Board wants YOU!

If you grew up wishing that one day you could serve on a municipal planning and zoning board, now’s the chance you’ve been waiting for. The City of St. Augustine has one vacancy on the board with two additional terms expiring. Applications to the Board can be downloaded here and must be submitted by 5PM on August 27. Applicants must reside within the City of St. Augustine.

✅ 2024 Primary Election - What you need to know

Early Voting is available August 10-17 from 9AM-6PM at the following locations:

• Ponte Vedra Branch Library | 101 Library Blvd in Ponte Vedra Beach

• Julington Creek Annex | 725 Flora Branch Blvd in St. Johns

• Silverleaf Amenity Center | 218 Silver Forest Dr in St. Augustine

• Supervisor of Elections Office | 4455 Avenue A, Suite 101 in St. Augustine

• St. Augustine Beach City Hall | 2200 A1A South in St. Augustine Beach

• Southeast Branch Library | 6670 US 1 South in St. Augustine

• W.E. Harris Community Center | 400 E. Harris St in Hastings

Election Day is August 20. You must vote in-person at your assigned polling place between 7AM-7PM.

Some polling places have changed. Visit votesjc.gov to confirm your precinct.

Who’s running? Check out the list of Primary Election Candidates in St. Johns County.

Florida is a closed primary state, meaning Democrats receive a Democratic ballot, Republicans receive a Republican ballot, and voters with No Party Affiliation (NPA) or minor party affiliation will receive nonpartisan ballot and cannot vote for party candidates.

However, all registered voters may cast a vote in Universal Primary Contests. There is one Universal Primary Contest on the 2024 Primary Election ballot: Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller. This contest will appear on all ballots.

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🏦 Upcoming Meetings:

• Aug 12, 5PM | City of St. Augustine | City Commission Meeting (Agenda)

🚜 Aug 10 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market | 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.

🥥 Aug 10 | Beat the Heat Indoor Market at Mall 2121 | 10AM-3PM

Shop over 40 pop-up vendors (indoors!), grab some free lemonade, and don’t forget to check out the goodies at the Coconut Barrel on Saturday morning. The first 100 customers receive a discount at checkout. Mall 2121 is located at 2121 US-1 South in St. Augustine.

🏄️ Aug 10 | End of Summer Shop Hangs at The Surf Stop | 5-8PM

Bid farewell to summer (sorta) at The Surf Stop this Saturday and get down on free drinks, carrot dogs, snow cones, face painting, and the ‘local love’ market, all while listening to sweet live tunes from Shyla & Teddy. The Surf Stop is located at 101 F Street in St. Augustine Beach.

🎣 Aug 11 | Outpost Surf Fishing Academy at Guy Harvey Resort | 6:30-10:30AM

Fish with Noel Kuhn, Northeast Florida's surf fishing pro, at Guy Harvey Resort. Learn to read the surf, rig baits, and cast up to 600 ft. Class is limited to 10 students $70 each. (Tickets)

🐕️ Aug 11 | St. Johns County Pet Adoption Event at Pet Supermarket | 12-4PM

The St. Johns County Pet Center is hosting a dog adoption event this Sunday. All adoptions will be sponsored! Meet all of the wonderful pups and maybe take home your new best friend. Pet Supermarket is located at 1020 S Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.

🎶 Aug 11 | Summer Crush x Underwire Collective at Spinster Abbott’s | 4-8PM

4 Bands, 4 Hours, the usual Uptown vibes. Come dressed in your Summer Olympics best. More details in the Live Music Lowdown below.

🍺 Aug 13 | Brewing up Solutions for the River at Dog Rose Brewing Co. | 5PM

St. Johns Riverkeeper (SJRK) is expanding its Brewing Up Solutions series this year to be watershed-wide. Join the discussion with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, Lisa Rinaman, and the Matanzas Riverkeeper, Jen Lomberk while enjoying a local brew from Dog Rose Brewing.

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Save The Date:

🚌 Aug 17 | Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive at The Amp

🔀 Aug 24 | 5th Annual Shuffleboard Tournament at Dog Rose Brewing Co. (Pre-Register required)

📆 Next Five Shows:

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

• Aug 10 | UB40 w/ The English Beat and Maxi Priest | Tickets

• Aug 11 | Slash - S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival w/ Larkin Poe, ZZ Ward, Robert Randolph | Tickets

• Aug 17 | 311 w/ AWOLNATION & Neon Trees | Tickets

• Aug 26 | Charley Crockett w/ Lee Fields | Tickets

Friday, August 9

• Arnold’s • Roadrunners, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Beaches at Vilano • Michael Chancellor, 5-9PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Brad Edwardson, 1-4PM | Damon Slaughter, 4-7PM

• Chez L’Amour • TBA, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak Music Park • Fortune Child, 7-10PM

• Conch House Marina • Cat 5, 4-8PM

• Crabby’s Beachside • Clayton Sturgeon, 6PM

• Dog Rose Brewing • Not Quite Dead, 8PM

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

• Guy Harvey Resort • Evan Dease, 5-8PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Tony Scozzaro, 1-4PM

• Marina Munch • The Thick & Thin Band, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub • Walker Road Acoustic Duo, 1PM (Backyard) | Dewey Via, 9PM-12AM (Pub)

• Milltop Tavern • Scott Halls, 12PM | Ken Macy, 4:30PM | Chuck & Eliot Duo, 9PM-12AM

• Oasis • New Guys on the Dock, 5-8PM (Tiki Bar) | Vinny Jacobs 6-9 (Upstairs)

• Pesca Vilano • Vegas Grey, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub • Hays + Jonathan Lee, Chase Fouraker & Cam Wheaton, 7PM (SOLD OUT)

• Prohibition Kitchen • Toots Lorraine & The Traffic, 6-9PM | Ramona + the RIOT, 10PM

• Spinster Abbott’s • The Space Heaters, 7-9PM

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

Saturday, August 10

• Arnold’s • Cottonmouth, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Beaches at Vilano • Bad Endings, 5-9PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Bret Blackshear, 1-4PM | Ashton Taylor, 4-7PM

• Chez L’Amour • TBA, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak Music Park • Chris McNeil Band, 7-10PM

• Conch House Marina • Jimmy Parrish and the Waves, 3-7PM

• Crabby’s Beachside • Evan D, 6PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery • Crab Creek Band, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort • Denny Blue, 5-8PM

• Hurricane Patty’s • New Guys on the Dock, 6-9:30PM

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

• Marina Munch • John Winters, 12:30-3:30PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub • Kyra Livingston, 1PM (Backyard) | Heather Craig Duo, 9PM (Pub)

• Milltop Tavern • Ken Macy, 12PM | Kaleb Dougan, 4:30PM | Chuck & Eliot Duo, 9PM-12AM

• No Name • John Phillips, 2-6PM | Julia Gulia, 10PM-1:30AM

• Oasis • Good Time Charlie, 5-8:30PM (Tiki Bar) | Jeremy Price, 6-9PM (Upstairs)

• Prohibition Kitchen • Bad Dog Mama, 6-9PM | Pili Pili Band, 10PM

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

Sunday, August 11

• Beaches at Vilano • Travis Harden, 3-7PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Jolie, 1-4PM | Shawn Ryan, 4-7PM

• Chez L’Amour • Jonathan Lee Dotson, 6-9PM

• Conch House Marina • Bigly, 3-7PM

• Crabby’s Beachside • Taylor Maxwell, 5PM

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

• Hurricane Patty’s • Chillakaya, 1-5PM

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

• Marina Munch • Landfall, 12-4PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub • Mike Cook, 12PM (Backyard) | Spade McQuade, 6PM (Pub)

• Milltop Tavern • Charlie Ellis, 12PM | Ashton Taylor, 4:30PM

• Oasis • Rob Peck, 5-8PM (Tiki Bar)

• Pierre’s Pub • The Space Heaters, 1-4PM

• Prohibition Kitchen • Songwriters in the Round hosted by Chelsea Saddler, 2-5PM | Shaney P’s Miracle Extravajamza, 6-9PM

• Spinster Abbott’s • Summer Crush: Nikayla Byirt, 4-4:45PM | Roadie, 5-5:45PM | Listener 555, 7-7:45PM

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

Monday, August 12

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Teddy, 2-5PM

• Chez L’Amour • TBD, 7-10PM

• Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach • Lauren Gilliam, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub • John Phillips, 1PM (Backyard)

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

• Prohibition Kitchen • Micah Gilliam, 6-9PM

• Trade Winds Lounge • Reggie Starrett, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Mike Johnson & Brad Burns, 9PM-1:30AM

_{*Artists & times are subject to change. We do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information.}

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See you Tuesday!