🏴‍☠️ Old City Lowdown | August 13, 2024

In today's edition: Local goes for gold, beach renourishment update, City of St. Aug Budget Workshop

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

And Happy Birthday to Anne Constantine! Hope it’s a great one!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - the only newsletter on the planet teaching you about equilibration today.

In today’s edition:

  • Local goes for gold 🥇 

  • Beach renourishment update 🌊 

  • City of St. Aug Budget Workshop 💵 

Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.

-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown

PS - You can advertise with the Old City Lowdown.

WEATHER

Tue • 91 🌡️ 77 | ☀️ | 💧34% | 🍃 SW 7mph

Wed • 90 🌡️ 78 | 🌦️ | 💧47% | 🍃 NNW 9mph

Thu • 85 🌡️ 77 | 🌧️ | 💧41% | 🍃 NE 17mph

THIS WEEK ON INSTAGRAM

St Augustine resident, Brandon Lyons, is headed to Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games!

🥇 Lyons to represent St. Augustine, USA in Paralympic Games

A decade after a life-changing injury, a determined 34-year-old handcyclist is gearing up for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Brandon Lyons, who has overcome chest-down paralysis, has gone from patient to elite athlete. This September, he’ll be competing in two individual events and possibly a team relay, demonstrating his unyielding spirit on the global stage. His journey, fueled by steadfast family support, is a true testament to limitless determination. Now, it's his time to shine – and we’re all excited to cheer him on in his pursuit of gold! Read the full story courtesy of First Coast News.

Brandon Lyons of St. Augustine set to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris (bicycling.com)

🌊 St. Augustine Beach Dredge Update

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, began restoring eroded sections of St. Augustine Beach near the St. Johns County Ocean Pier over the weekend. This vital project replaces sand lost during Hurricane Debby, protecting upland infrastructure and creating crucial nesting areas for sea turtles and shorebirds. The work, expected to take three to five days, will continue north to Anastasia State Park by August 16th. The wide beach near the pier is designed to naturally reshape over time, helping to dissipate wave energy and ensure long-term coastal protection, a process called “equilibration” (see below). Waves and currents will move sand from the dry beach to the waterline and neighboring beaches. Federal emergency funds are financing this project.

Sourced from City of St. Augustine Beach (staugbch.com)

🏈 SAHS Quarterback Aims for Glory

Locklan Hewlett, St. Augustine High School senior quarterback, has been shaped by front-row access to some of football’s biggest stars, thanks to his father, a top QB trainer. After honing his skills by learning from elite players like Caleb Williams and Brock Purdy, Hewlett is now a top-65 prospect and committed to South Florida. This season, he's determined to lead St. Augustine to a state championship, putting everything he’s learned into action. Read the full story courtesy of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union.

🚒 New Fire Station coming to Cyrpess Lakes

The brand-new Fire Station 11 and Sheriff’s Office Operations Center is all set to open in St. Johns County. Located at 4425 Cypress Links Blvd. in St. Augustine, this state-of-the-art facility will have its grand opening on September 7 at 9AM. St. Johns County Fire Rescue is rolling out the welcome mat and inviting everyone to join the celebration.

🚌 Got the School Bus Blues?

It’s Back to School week and that means school buses are back on the streets. If you were waiting for a bus that didn't show up yesterday, or if you're unsure where little Sally and John should wait for their ride, don't worry. Just call 904-547-7810 to get the information you need and make sure your kiddos get to school safely.

🦀 The Crabshack is back, Jack

After years of waiting and a bit of construction chaos, the Outback Crabshack is finally back. The restaurant reopened last weekend and is ready for you to cruise in by car or boat to enjoy fresh seafood at their newly revamped riverside spot. New owners Margo Klar and Nathan Stuart are thrilled to reopen the Crabshack, now elevated 6 feet above the 100-year floodplain. You’ll also enjoy the new deck with great views and a fully upgraded interior.

🦜 O.C. Whites closed for reno through Thursday; re-opening Friday

The popular bayfront restaurant will be closed until late-afternoon on Friday for renovations. Give them a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop in case their plans change.

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🏨 City of St. Augustine Budget Workshops are around the corner

The St. Augustine City Commission will hold its annual budget workshops on August 22 and, if needed, August 23. These informal meetings, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Alcazar Room of City Hall, allow commissioners to review the 2024-2025 budget. The public can attend or watch live at www.CityStAugTV.com. Key budget decisions include maintaining the millage rate at 7.5 mills and adjusting utility rates by 3%. Final budget adoption is scheduled for September 5 and 19, 2024.

🏦 Upcoming Meetings:

  • Aug 13 | St. Johns County | Land Acquisition & Management Program, 1:30PM

  • Aug 14 | St. Johns County | Recreation Advisory Board Meeting, 1:30PM

  • Aug 14 | St. Johns County | North Coastal Design Review Board, 4PM

  • Aug 15 | St. Johns County | Planning and Zoning Agency, 1:30PM

  • Aug 15 | St. Johns County | Health & Human Services Advisory Council Executive Meeting, 3:30PM

  • Aug 15 | City of St. Augustine | Army Corps Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study project delivery team Monthly Meeting, 1PM

  • Aug 15 | City of St. Augustine | Historic Architectural Review Board Meeting, 1PM

😂 Don’t miss Chelsea Saddler’s Comedy Contest!

Local celebrity & musician, Chelsea Saddler (Bad Dog Mama), brings her comedy competition to The Waterworks on September 19th! Featuring comics from St Augustine, Orlando, and Jacksonville, the grand prize winner will receive $500 CASH to take home! An audience favorite will receive $150 CASH! A third prize of an honorable mention will be awarded $50! Tickets to the show are available at ChelseaSaddler.com and are going fast. To compete, email [email protected] ASAP.

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🍺 Aug 13 | Brewing up Solutions for the River at Dog Rose Brewing | 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. Dog Rose Brewing Co. is located at 77 Bridge St.

🚜 Aug 14 | Wednesday Farmers Market at SJC Ocean Pier | 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.

🐦️ Aug 14 | Guided Bird Walk at Anastasia State Park | 8:15-10AM

Join the Friends of Anastasia State Park at the Island Beach Shop for a bird-watching event. Whether you're experienced or new to birding, bring binoculars, comfy shoes, and a love for birds. Expect to see shorebirds, marsh birds, and more. $8 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrians, bicyclists. Anastasia State Park is located at 300 Anastasia Blvd.

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Save The Date:

🧑‍🎨 Aug 18 | Vilano Beach Artisan Market

🎟️ Just Announced | On Sale Friday:

  • Nov 7 | Blackberry Smoke w/ Southall (Tickets on sale 8/16)

  • Apr 19 | Warren Zeiders w/ Tyler Braden (Tickets on sale 8/16)

📆 Next Five Shows:

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

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

  • Aug 29 | Crowded House | Tickets

  • Sep 6 | Cody Jinks w/ Jake Worthington | Tickets

  • Sep 19 | Trampled by Turtles w/ Crowe Boys | SOLD OUT

Personally, I’m fired up for Charley Crockett and Trampled by Turtles. Let me know if you’re heading to The Amp for either of those shows. I’ll see you there!

Tuesday, August 13

  • Crabby’s Beachside • Jensey, 6PM

  • Milltop Tavern • JC Hatfield, 12PM | Jon Q, 4:30PM

  • Prohibition Kitchen • Colton McKenna, 6-9PM

  • Salt Life Food Shack • David Thomas, 6-10PM

  • Trade Winds Lounge • Bret Blackshear, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Salty Daug, 9PM-1:30AM

Wednesday, August 14

  • Chez L’Amour • Jeremy Weinglass, 7-10PM

  • Fuzion 904 Eatery • Denny Blue, 5:30-8:30PM

  • Guy Harvey Resort • Carry the Day, 5-8PM

  • Milltop Tavern • Jim Lamb, 12PM | Reggie Starrett, 4:30PM

  • Prohibition Kitchen • Cookin’ in the Kitchen, 6-9PM

  • Salt Life Food Shack • JT Broyler, 6-10PM

  • Trade Winds Lounge • Smokin’ Joe, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Jack Hammer, 9PM-1:30AM

Thursday, August 15

  • Bin 39 Wine Bar • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 1-4PM | Muddy Marshall, 4-7PM

  • Chez L’Amour • Dennis Fermin, 7-10PM

  • Colonial Oak Music Park • Country Night w/ Playin’ Possum, 7-10PM

  • Concerts in the Plaza • Str8up, 6-8PM

  • Conch House Marina • Chubby McG, 5-9PM

  • Fuzion 904 Eatery • Rob Peck & Alex Richmond, 5:30-8:30PM

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

  • Kingfish Grill • Tabasco Bros, 6-9PM

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

  • Marina Munch • Dewey Via, 5-8PM

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

  • Milltop Tavern • Jim Lamb, 12PM | John Tyler, 4:30PM

  • No Name • Chillula, 10PM-1:30AM

  • Oasis • Allen Arena, 5-8PM (Tiki Bar)

  • Prohibition Kitchen • House Cats, 6-9PM

  • Trade Winds Lounge • Just Wade, 1-4:30PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | TBA, 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 Friday!

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