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- 🏴☠️ Dumpster Drama Vol. 2 | August 16, 2024
🏴☠️ Dumpster Drama Vol. 2 | August 16, 2024
In today's edition: Pedestrians Only, Marina Expansion, Dredges & Dunes + more!
James Foote
August 16, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 15 minutes
In partnership with
Good Morning, St. Augustine!
I’m James and you’re reading the Old City Lowdown - a one-man team working harder than your HVAC this August, bringing you the latest and greatest in the Nation’s Oldest City.
But first…
Whoops! In Tuesday’s edition, I incorrectly stated that the Vilano Beach Artisan Market was this Sunday, when in fact, it is the third Saturday of each month. Apologies for the confusion and be sure to check it out tomorrow.
In today’s edition:
Pedestrians Only 🚶
Dredges & Dunes 🏖️
Dumpster Drama Continues 🚛
Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.
-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown
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WEATHER
Fri • 86 🌡️ 74 | ☀️ | 💧3% | 🍃 NE 14mph
Sat • 86 🌡️ 73 | ☀️ | 💧4% | 🍃 NE 10mph
Sun • 90 🌡️ 76 | ☀️ | 💧15% | 🍃 SSW 9mph
Mon • 91 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ | 💧56% | 🍃 WSW 11mph
THIS WEEK ON INSTAGRAM
Proceeds from the upcoming and sold out Trampled by Turtles show (that’s a band) at The Amp - presented by the Sing Out Loud Festival - will be donated to the Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory. I have my tickets… do you?
Tag or mention @OldCityLowdown in your Instagram photos to be featured in the newsletter.
🚛 Caldwell, St. Johns County Share Update on FCC Saga
In a video shared Wednesday night, Greg Caldwell, St. Johns County's Director of Public Works, provided an update on the ongoing issues with FCC Environmental. Caldwell stated that FCC has "completely failed" to meet its obligations, prompting the county to rely on internal crews to maintain service. He announced that the county will issue an RFP (request for proposal) to consider third-party bids for supplemental coverage to alleviate the pressure on internal resources. Caldwell also mentioned that the county is using GPS to monitor FCC’s routes and ensure progress toward a solution.
The contract with FCC Environmental includes a seven-day cure period to address service lapses, which ends today. The county will soon share an update on its next steps with the public.
On Thursday evening, St. Johns County posted another video update from Caldwell, offering further insights into the situation and explaining why FCC was chosen over previous contractors, Republic and Waste Management. He clarified that state regulations require the county to rank bidders based on cost, qualifications, and references, ultimately leading them to select the most cost-effective and qualified candidate.
Caldwell also noted that St. Johns County Road & Bridge crews have already logged over 2,000 hours cleaning up after FCC, with FCC responsible for covering these costs.
Props to Mr. Caldwell and St. Johns County for tackling this issue with transparency. Posting Instagram videos about trash probably wasn’t on his August bingo card, but here we are. Stay tuned for an update from the Public Works Department today.
If you have a service issue, please reach out to the county at 904-827-6980 or through the SJC Connect app.
🚶 Spanish Street Pilot Project Becomes Permanent
The St. Augustine City Commission has permanently restricted vehicle access to parts of historic downtown after a successful pilot program on Spanish Street. Following construction closures, the city launched a 90-day pilot on April 12, 2024, limiting portions of the street to pedestrian traffic. At Monday’s meeting, the Commission reviewed the pilot’s results and voted 3-1 to make the traffic pattern permanent, according to Jacksonville Today. The updated map below highlights the changes to Spanish Street.
You can read more information on the pilot project findings here.
Spanish Street Pedestrian Pilot Project, now permanent (City of St. Augustine)
🏖️ South Ponte Vedra Beach Dredging Project to start soon
A new dredging project will place 610,000 cubic yards of sand along the shoreline, tying into the recently completed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project. The South Ponte Vedra FEMA Category G Project spans from 2539 S Ponte Vedra Blvd, about 1.5mi north of the Exxon, to Serenata Beach Blub at 3175 S Ponte Vedra Blvd., adding dunes and berms designed for enhanced protection. Funding comes from State and FEMA sources, and the County is in the process of securing an engineering firm to move forward.
🌊 County to host flood mitigation homeowner outreach meetings
St. Johns County, in partnership with City of St. Augustine and Quality Engineering and Surveying, invites residents to three homeowner outreach meetings about the 2024 FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance funding application. All county residents are welcome, including those who reside in City of St. Augustine or St. Augustine Beach. Meetings include a brief presentation and opportunities for questions and one-on-one discussions with the consultant.
📱 Parks & Rec - there’s an app for that
The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department has introduced a new app for residents, offering easy access to parks, beaches, and amenities through interactive maps. Users can quickly register for programs and events, and enjoy audio tours highlighting local history. It's a convenient tool for community engagement, education, and exploration.
Download the app to your mobile device:
🚤 Purr-mission granted for marina expansion
Cat’s Paw Marina, part of Bulls Dixon Companies, is moving forward with its expansion after securing approval from the St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board. The marina, located on the San Sebastian River, will grow from 178 to 500 boat storage spaces, add transient docks, and introduce a new waterfront restaurant. Construction begins October 2024, with completion in June 2025.
🪨 Aug 16 | History of the Coquina Quarry at Anastasia State Park
Discover the history of the Old Spanish Quarries at Anastasia State Park and their role in building St. Augustine’s iconic Castillo de San Marcos. Meet for the program in the quarry parking area by the front entrance gate. Regular park admission applies. (more info)
🏄️ Aug 16-18 | Run•Drop•Slide Skimboarding Pro/Am
The Florida Skimboarding Pro/Am is the world's third-longest-running skimboarding tournament, offering a unique format where athletes get two chances to advance. This three-day event features over 30 hours of heats, attracting participants from over 75 beaches worldwide. (more info)
🧑🌾 Aug 17 | 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)
🚌 Aug 17 | Stuff the Bus at St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 8:30AM
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is teaming up with INK! to collect school supplies all August long! Drop off during Amphitheatre events or join the Stuff the Bus drive on August 17th (alongside the Farmers Market). Let’s help 52,000 St. Johns County students and teachers start the school year strong! (more info)
🧑🎨 Aug 17 | Vilano Beach Artisan Market, 4-8PM
Check out this cool Vilano Main St. market on the third Saturday of every month - hey, that’s tomorrow! Local artisan-made items, plants, home décor, datil pepper sauces, and much more. Free parking and admission. (more info)
💡Aug 17-18 | International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend, 10AM-2PM
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will join over 450 lighthouses worldwide for International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend, supported by the St. Augustine Amateur Radio Society. Watch HAM radio enthusiasts contact lighthouses globally and learn about their vital role during emergencies. (more info)
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Save The Date:
🧑🎨 Aug 21 | Nature Book Club at Canopy Shores Pavilion
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🎟️ On Sale TODAY at 10AM:
📆 Next Five Shows:
Friday, August 16
Arnold’s • Glory, 8:30PM-12:30AM
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Colin Kosco, 1-4PM | Shyla Macaluso, 4-7PM
Casa de Vino 57 • Jolie, 7-10PM
Casa Maya • Carry the Day, 7-10PM
Chez L’Amour • Greenhouse Effect, 7-10PM
Colonial Oak Music Park • One Good Ring, 7-10PM
Conch House Marina • The Big Bad, 4-8PM
Crabby’s Beachside • Fond Kiser, 6PM
Fuzion 904 Eatery • Russ DeFilippis w/ the Burn Unit, 6-9PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Claire Vandriver, 5-8PM
Kingfish Grill • Richard Cusson, 6-9PM
La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Tony Scozzaro, 1-4PM
Marina Munch • The House Cats, 5-8PM
Meehan’s Irish Pub • Mike Cook, 1PM (Backyard) | Spade McQuade, 8PM (Pub)
Milltop Tavern • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 12PM | Eric Groves, 4:30PM | Beau Knott, 9PM-12AM
No Name • VersVtile, 10PM-1:30AM
Oasis • The Bones, 5-8PM (Tiki Bar) | Walt Kulwicki, 6-9PM (Upstairs)
Prohibition Kitchen • Amy Hendrickson, 6-9PM | Trae Pierce and the T Stones, 10PM
Sarbez! • False Star, Talkalots, Imaginary Colors, Ghost Tropic | Doors 8:30PM, Show 9PM
Spinster Abbott’s • Honey Babe, 6-9PM
St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Co. • Dewey Via Band, 5-9PM
Trade Winds Lounge • Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Vegas Gray, 8:30PM-1:30AM
Saturday, August 17
Arnold’s • Remains, 8:30PM-12:30AM
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Banjo Brown, 1-4PM | Huan, 4-7PM
Casa de Vino 57 • Bad Dog Mama, 7-10PM
Casa Maya • Burn Unit, 7-10PM
Chez L’Amour • Royce Turner, 7-10PM
Colonial Oak • Rae and the Ragdolls, 7-10PM
Conch House Marina • Soundwavez, 3-7PM
Crabby’s Beachside • Marcus Houck, 6PM
Dog Rose Brewing Co. • Airtight, 8:30PM
Fuzion 904 Eatery • Duffy Bishop Band, 6-9PM
Guy Harvey Resort • Morrow Family Band, 6-9PM
Kingfish Grill • Jeremy Baugh, 6-9PM
La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Rob Peck, 1-4PM
Marina Munch • John Winters, 12:30-3:30PM
Meehan’s Irish Pub • Josh “Tennessee” Worthy, 1PM (Backyard) | Dewey Via, 5:30-8:30PM (Backyard) | Trevor Compton, 8PM (Pub)
Milltop Tavern • Gabby Samuels, 12PM | Charlie Ellis, 4:30PM | Beau Knott, 9PM-12AM
No Name • John Phillips, 2-6PM | VersVtile, 10PM-1:30AM
Oasis • Vinny Jacobs, 5-8PM | Jeremy Price, 6-9PM
Prohibition Kitchen • Cortnie Frazier, 6-9PM | Be Easy, 10PM
Sarbez! • Mangy Bones, The Dismissives, 86 Hope | Doors 8PM, Show 9PM
Trade Winds Lounge • Elizabeth Roth, 1-4:30AM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Vegas Gray, 9PM-1:30AM
Sunday, August 18
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Jolie, 1-4PM | Teddy, 4-7PM
Casa de Vino 57 • Wayne & Friends, 4-7PM
Casa Maya • Cesar Romero, 6-10:30PM
Chez L’Amour • Big Phat Funk Jam, 7-10PM
Conch House Marina • Chillula, 3-7PM
Crabby’s Beachside • Claire Vandiver, 5PM
Dog Rose Brewing Co. • Dewey Via Band, 3:30PM
Hurricane Patty’s • New Guys on the Dock, 1-5PM
Jimmy Hula’s • Seedfromatree
Kingfish Grill • Big Pineapple, 5-8PM
La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery • Vinny Jacobs, 1-4PM
Meehan’s Irish Pub • Heather Craig, 1PM (Backyard) | Jimmy Bragg, 6PM (Pub)
Milltop Tavern • Michael Bo Griner, 12PM | Scott Halls, 4:30PM
No Name • Adam Latiff, 2-6PM
Oasis • Fond Kiser, 5-8PM (Tiki Bar)
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
Monday, August 19
Bin 39 Wine Bar • Muddy Marshall, 2-5PM
Casa de Vino 57 • Jamology Showcase, 7-9:30PM
Embassy Suites STA 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 • Wes Register, 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.
👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a sea turtle lover. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you Tuesday!
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Want to get your business in the Old City Lowdown? Let’s talk.
Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected].