🏴 Don't Build on Me | August 23, 2024

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Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - and I’m getting right to the point today.

Today’s newsletter is dominated by the ridiculous recent developments surrounding the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative. For that reason, today’s edition looks a little light in some areas.

Below, you will read a comprehensive breakdown on what’s occurred over the last week along with what is planned in the days to come. I hope this sheds some light on the subject for you and I hope you join me in support of our state’s natural resources.

With that said, let’s get to the Lowdown.

-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown

Want to get your business in the Old City Lowdown? Let’s talk.

YOUR ST. AUGUSTINE MORTGAGE EXPERT

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FDEP PROPSED AMENDMENTS TO STATE PARKS

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), under the direction of the Governor's Office, is proposing significant, devastating changes to nine state parks, including Anastasia State Park, which faces the possibility of a 350-room hotel on its beaches.

This week, leaked memos revealed plans to fast-track developments within our state parks like golf courses, hotels, and pickleball courts in ecologically sensitive areas, sparking justified public outcry.

The FDEP responded with a brief press release announcing the 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative, followed by the hasty scheduling of public meetings, leaving little time for public input. The proposals have drawn comparisons to previous, unsuccessful attempts to develop state park lands, raising concerns about the future of Florida's natural resources.

Timeline (sourced from Florida Wildlife Federation & WRLN):

• Thursday, August 15th: A draft amendment to the unit management plan for Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest protected habitat for threatened Florida scrub jays, is leaked and rapidly disseminated.

• Monday, August 19th: A new memo surfaces, revealing that the proposed changes to Jonathan Dickinson State Park are part of a broader strategy. Nine state parks are identified as being at risk of potentially misguided directives from the Governor’s office.

• Monday, August 19th: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issues the 2024-2025 Great Outdoors Initiative, which is being overseen by the Governor’s office.

• Tuesday, August 20th: FDEP announces a series of public meetings across the state to discuss amendments to unit management plans for various state parks.

• Later, Tuesday, August 20th: FDEP releases draft amendments to unit management plans, along with details for public meetings concerning all nine state parks.

____________________

🏖️ CHANGES TO ANASTASIA

The proposed changes to our beloved state park include:

• 350-Room ‘Lodge’ in southern portion off park near beach access

• Disc Golf Course & Pickleball Courts in the area between the main park drive and Salt Run

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that while no blueprints exist yet for the proposed lodge at Anastasia State Park, state representatives have compared it to the 350-room Hilton-owned Lodge at Gulf State Park in Alabama, suggesting a similar large-scale development.

Yes, the lodge that state officials are comparing the Anastasia project to is a corporate owned resort. Are we really privatizing lodging in state parks?

____________________

🤝 HOW TO HELP

It’s time to speak up to Tallahassee. Here is how you can help defend our state parks from development:

Please understand, it is going to take a significant surge of community action to protect our state parks from golf courses and hotels. Tell your friends. Talk to your coworkers. Make a little noise. Utilize the link above to write state officials and please show up to the meeting if you are able.

I have requested an agenda for the public meeting from the state twice and have yet to receive a response. If I do receive it, I will post it on our social media platforms, but I’m not holding my breath.

I am looking forward to voicing my concerns at the meeting next week and hope to see you there.

WEATHER

Fri • 84 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧35% | 🍃 NE 10mph

Sat • 85 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ | 💧42% | 🍃 NE 13mph

Sun • 86 🌡️ 78 | 🌧️ | 💧44% | 🍃 NE 12mph

Mon • 85 🌡️ 77 | ⛈️ | 💧61% | 🍃 NE 12mph

THIS WEEK ON INSTAGRAM

State Parks are Sacred. As a community, we need to come together to protect the state from itself.

Tag or mention @OldCityLowdown in your Instagram photos to be featured in the newsletter.

SHINDIGS

What the cool kids are up to

Saturday, August 24

🧑‍🌾 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. (more info)

🔀 5th Annual Shuffleboard Tournament at Dog Rose Brewing | 11:30AM

Are you pretty mean on the boards? Grab a friend and sign up for the 5th Annual Shuffleboard Tournament at Dog Rose this Saturday. Pre-registration is required in-person at $20 per team. 12 teams, official rules apply. Dog Rose Brewing Co. is located at 77 Bridge St. (more info)

🏄️ Military Veteran Paddleboarding at Riverfront Park | 6-8:30PM

TSJC Parks & Rec invites military veterans to take in the sunset and explore Hallowes Cove at Riverfront Park. Register online for free through Aug 23 and meet the group at the Kayak Launch. 18+, max. 10 participants. Riverfront Park is located at 4065 SR-13 in Saint Johns. (more info)

🎂 Spinster Abbott’s One Year Anniversary Party | 10AM-1AM

You’re not going to want to miss a full day of good times in Uptown on Saturday as Spinster Abbott’s turns 1! Sam & Liz have an awesome day of festivities lined up, including alligators, wine tastings, live music, and much, much more. Spinster Abbott’s is located at 61 San Marco Ave. in Uptown.

Sunday, August 25

🫖 Tea Blending Workshop at The Local Refillery | 1PM

Mix, sip, and create! Join the Jon, owner of Cultivate Tea & Spice, to craft your own custom tea blend, enjoy tasty samples, and snag 15% off the goods at The Local Refillery! This workshop will take place upstairs in the event space, however accommodations can be made if you are unable to walk up stairs. Tickets are $30 and available online. The Local Refillery is located at 226 West King Street St. (more info)

Monday, August 26

👖 Sarbez! Pants Party | 8:30-11:30PM

Got some fancy pants & killer dance moves? Head down to Sarbez! Monday night and show off your skills to win great prizes and listen to good tunes courtesy of DJ Hu of Classic Blends. The top 3 finishers take home gift cards good at Sarbez! and Graet Goods. Sarbez! is located at 115 Anastasia Blvd.

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LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

When & where to catch live tunes

Friday, August 23

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

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Brooke Garwood, 1-4PM | Damon Slaughter, 4-7PM

• Cafe Eleven • Davis Loose, Ethan Phillips, Justin Duke, 8PM (Tickets)

• Casa de Vino 57 • Common Ground, 7-10PM

• Casa Maya • Los Vanguardias, 7-10PM

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

• Colonial Oak Music Park • Adam & the Testifiers, 7-10PM

• Conch House Marina • Paper City Hustlers, 4-8PM

• Crabby’s Beachside • Muddy Marshall, 6PM

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

• Guy Harvey Resort • Whitecaps, 6-9PM

• Hurricane Patty’s • Contact Buzz, 1-5PM

• Kingfish Grill • Denny Blue, 6-9PM

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

• Marina Munch • Claire Vandiver, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub • Ian Kelly, 1PM (Backyard) | Smokin’ Joe, 9PM (Pub)

• Milltop Tavern • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 12PM | Eric Groves, 4:30PM | Alan Dalton & Terry Campbell, 9PM-12AM

• No Name • TBA

• Oasis • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 5-8PM (Tiki Bar) | Jim Lamb, 6-9PM

• Pesca Vilano • Dion Collins Band w/ Robbie O, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen • French Jazz and Tango w/ Yael y Gabriel, 6-9PM | Nashville Nights, 10PM

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

Saturday, August 24

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

• Barley Republic • Lauren Gilliam + Trevor Compton, 9PM-12AM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Yael Flamenca, 1-4PM | Craig Smith, 4-7PM

• Cafe Eleven • Davis Loose, Ethan Phillips, Justin Duke, 8PM (Tickets)

• Casa de Vino 57 • TBC, 7-10PM

• Casa de Maya • Carry the Day, 12-3PM

• Chez L’Amour • Cyrus Quaranta, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak Music Park • King Steel Band, 7-10PM

• Conch House Marina • Jimmy Beats, 3-7PM

• Crabby’s Beachside • Lucky, 6PM

• Dog Rose Brewing Co. • Sauce Pocket, 8:30PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery • Blues Groove, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort • Denny Blue, 6-9PM

• Kingfish Grill • Jeremy Baugh, 6-9PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Vibe RW, 1-4PM

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

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

• Milltop Tavern • JC Hatfield, 12PM | Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 4:30PM | Alan Dalton & Terry Campbell, 9PM-12AM

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

• Oasis • The Bad Endings, 5-8:30PM (Tiki Bar)

• Prohibition Kitchen • Mandala, 10PM

• Spinster Abbott’s • Star Collar, 3-5PM | Airtight, 5-8PM

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

Sunday, August 25

• Arnold’s • Blistur, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar • Brooke Garwood, 1-4PM | Ashton Taylor, 4-7PM

• Casa de Vino 57 • Wayne & Friends, 4-7PM

• Chez L’Amour • Big Phat Funk Jam, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak Music Park • The Wailers, 6-10PM

• Conch House Marina • Eric Alabiso, 3-7PM

• Crabby’s Beachside • Greg Johnson, 5PM

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

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

• Kingfish Grill • Bad Endings, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub • Walker Road Acoustic Duo, 1PM (Backyard) | Brendon Nolan, 6PM (Pub)

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

• Oasis • Good Time Charlie Trio, 4-8PM (Tiki Bar)

• Pesca Vilano • Chillakaya, 5-9PM

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

• 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

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

SPORTS

It’s Friday Night Lights season and our hometown high schools kickoff the 2024 season TONIGHT!

🏈 High School Football | Friday, August 23

• St. Augustine at Palatka, 7PM (livestream)

• Sandalwood at Menendez, 7PM

🦁 Flagler College Sports

The 2024-2025 Flagler athletics calendar gets underway next week with Women’s Soccer visiting Limestone on September 5 in the first contest of the academic year.

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