🏴‍☠️ On This Harvest [Super] Moon | September 18, 2024

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - creeping into your inbox like a King Tide overnight. And speaking of King Tides, we can expect to see them through Sunday thanks to the Harvest Supermoon.

You might notice that the email looks slightly different today. I’m in the process of simplifying the newsletter a bit to help improve readability and reduce reading time. While things might look a little different around here, the Lowdown is still packed to the gills with St. Augustine updates every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

In today’s edition:

• St. Augustine Vision Meeting 👓️

• Circus is Coming to Town 🎪

• Development blocked ⛔️

But first…

Thanks for voting. Now, 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.

WEATHER

Wed • 86 🌡️ 73 | 🌦️ | 💧51% | 🍃 SW 8mph

Thu • 85 🌡️ 72 | ⛅️ | 💧24% | 🍃 N 8mph

📈 Second Vision Plan Meeting held in St. Augustine

The City of St. Augustine is revisiting its 2014 Vision Plan by hosting six workshops to gather resident input. At the second workshop on Monday night, attendees discussed preserving the city’s history, improving mobility, and emphasizing the arts. Some residents feel the original plan was ignored, while city leaders seek updates on storm resiliency and sustainability.

Shoutout to friend of the Lowdown and local A-List celeb, Ansley Bates, for speaking with News4Jax at the meeting and expressing some legitimate concerns.

The next meeting will take place at the The Willie Galimore Community Center on October 2 at 6PM.

⛔️ St. Johns County Rejects 376-Home Development

The St. Johns County Commission unanimously denied a proposal to build 376 homes near St. Augustine Lakes (SR 16 west of Holmes). Residents feared increased flooding and congestion. Despite assurances from developers, concerns over drainage, traffic, and school overcrowding prevailed. Commissioner Sarah Arnold cited the area's persistent drainage issues as a key reason for rejection. (Jacksonville Today)

🌊 County Commission Approves $3M for Ocean Pier Repairs

The St. Johns County Commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve a $3 million request for repairs to the St. Johns County Ocean Pier, addressing safety concerns after significant pillar decay was found. The funding, from the Tourist Development Tax, aims to extend the pier's lifespan by 20 years. (News4Jax)

🎭️ Romanza Collage Concert Series Begins September 28

Romanza’s Collage Concert Series kicks off on September 28, 2024, as a prelude to the Romanza Festivale of Music & the Arts. The five-concert series, held at The Waterworks in St. Augustine, features performances by jazz legend Linda Cole, The Jazzy Blue Band, a cappella group On Point, and vocalist Akia Uwanda. The final show on February 15, 2025, will celebrate Valentine’s Day with love songs. Tickets are $25 per show, with all concerts beginning at 7:30PM. (Old City PR)

🎣 County Extends Pier Passes During Closure

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation will extend annual fishing pier passes for each month the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier remains landlocked due to beach renourishment efforts. Passes will be extended until the pier is accessible again. Contact Beach Services for more information at (904) 209-0331 or [email protected]. (St. Johns County)

⚽️ Sporting JAX, Jaguars Host Youth Soccer Camp Oct. 6

Sporting JAX, North Florida's newest pro sports franchise, is partnering with the Jaguars and Jacksonville University to host a youth soccer camp on Oct. 6 at EverBank Stadium’s Flex Field. Directed by Mauricio Ruiz and JU staff, the camp costs $59 per child and includes a ticket to the Jaguars game. Ages 4-13 are welcome. (Jacksonville Today)

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🚜 Wednesday Pier Farmers Market, 8AM-12PM

The Wednesday Pier Farmers Market at St. Johns County Pier offers fresh produce, bread, and local arts and crafts. Enjoy a beachside stroll after browsing handcrafted items and locally grown goods. A perfect morning outing that supports local vendors! (more info)

🎸 Music & Art by the Sea at St. Johns County Ocean Pier, 3-9PM

Enjoy free live music alongside local art displays and delicious food trucks. Bring your beach chairs and coolers for a fun evening by the ocean! Art show starts at 3PM, music at 7PM. Parking is limited, but a free shuttle is available from St. Augustine Beach City Hall and Ron Parker Park. (more info)

🛍️ West King Wednesdays, 5-8PM

Every third Wednesday from February to December, West King Wednesday showcases West Augustine’s small businesses, products, and culture. With pop-up markets, live music, and local eats, visitors can explore spots like Muggsy’s, Bog Brewery, Local Refillery and more. Parking is available at Sweet City/Murf’s, Bog Brewery, and the grass lot across from Serenity Yoga. (more info)

🐢 Trampled by Turtles at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre

The Trampled by Turtles concert, featuring special guests Crowe Boys, has been moved to the Main Stage at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre due to overwhelming ticket demand! Additional tickets are available and all original tickets will be honored. This event, part of the Sing Out Loud Festival, benefits The Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney Laboratory and is presented by the Friends of The St. Augustine Amphitheatre (FOSAA).

Shoot me an email if you’re headed to the show - perhaps we can have an unofficial Lowdown meetup!

🎪 Cirque de Paris comes to town through Sunday

Experience the magic of Cirque de Paris as Europe’s most famous circus family makes its U.S. and Canada debut in 2024. This 90-minute show features aerialists, jugglers, tightwire dancers, and clowns. Enjoy an interactive pre-show and intermission. Catch Under the Big Top at the St. Augustine Premium Outlets all weekend long. (Tickets)

🪴 Artisan Hobbies Workshop at the Lightner

Join the Lightner Museum’s Artisan Hobbies Workshop series on Thursday for Small Worlds: Creating Your Own Closed Terrarium Ecosystem with artist Crystal Floyd. Learn to craft a self-sustaining ecosystem in a glass container, blending art and nature. Perfect for all skill levels, materials and refreshments are included. Reserve your spot today!

The Live Music Lowdown will soon have a new home. In an effort to make the newsletter easier to digest, this section will be updated to maximize readability. Sit tight and we’ll have it back by Friday (or Monday).

🏈 High School Football

Three major St. Johns County matchups are set for this week, while SJA looks for win number six against a Central Florida opponent.

• Thu | Menendez (2-1) at Ponte Vedra, 7PM

• Fri | St. Augustine (3-0) vs. Nease, 7PM

• Fri | St. Joseph Academy (5-0) vs. First Academy (Leesburg), 7PM

• Fri | Tocoi Creek (3-1) vs. Bartram Trail, 7PM

🦁 Flagler Scores & Upcoming Events

Tuesday’s Scores:

• Women’s Golf | 4th of 13 at DBU Classic

• Men’s Soccer | T, 2-2 vs. Tampa

Upcoming:

• Men’s Tennis | 9/18-19 at Belmont Abbey Invitational

• Women’s Volleyball | 9/20 vs. Barry (at Florida Tech) 1PM, at Florida Tech 6PM

 👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a bluegrass fan.

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