🏴‍☠️ Summertime is Falling | September 20, 2024

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - dropping in your inbox like the temperatures in autumn (in some parts of the country… allegedly). I hope you have a fantastic Friday ahead of you - the last before “Fall” arrives.

A quick shoutout to subscriber Ingrid who I bumped into last night at the Trampled by Turtles show at The Amp. Happy Belated, Ingrid!

I’d also like to welcome Elizabeth Elliott, aka @LizSellsJax, to the Lowdown family as an advertising partner, helping to make this newsletter possible. Appreciate the support, Liz!

In today’s edition:

• Coastal Cleanup Saturday 🌊 

• Baptist Health + Florida Blue Feud 🏥

• Sing Out Loud Festival: Know Before You Go 🎤

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.

Fri • 83 🌡️ 75 | ⛅️ | 💧15% | 🍃 NNE 13mph

Sat • 83 🌡️ 75 | ⛅️ | 💧22% | 🍃 NNE 17mph

Sun • 84 🌡️ 75 | ⛅️ | 💧24% | 🍃 NE 14mph

🏥 Baptist Health, Florida Blue at negotiation impasse

With two weeks left before their contract expires, Florida Blue and Baptist Health remain at odds over reimbursement for services at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. If unresolved by Sept. 30, 50,000 Florida Blue members could face out-of-network costs. Baptist accuses Florida Blue of underpaying compared to other health systems, while Florida Blue claims Baptist's demands would burden members with high costs. Both sides have pledged to continue essential care, with negotiations ongoing. (Health News Florida)

🏘️ St. Johns County Keeps Millage Rate, Raising Property Taxes

St. Johns County residents will see an increase in property taxes after the county commission voted 4-1 to keep the millage rate at 6.8. This decision, driven by rising property values, supports the county’s $1.75 billion budget for 2025, funding roads, firefighters, and public safety improvements for the growing population. Rolling back the millage rate to the 2024 value would have cut $25 million from the budget. (First Coast News)

📊 Maxwell Appointed to Economic Development Department

St. Johns County appointed Sara Maxfield as its new Economic Development Director on Tuesday. Maxfield, with 15 years of experience, was selected from 52 candidates after a nationwide search. She previously held roles in economic development in Florida and Ohio, with expertise in business growth, marketing, and negotiations. (Jacksonville Daily Record)

🚲️ King Street Cyclist Concerns

Jacksonville Today reporter, Noah Hertz, wrote an article worth sharing earlier this week regarding the $18 million project to revitalize King Street, slated to begin in 2028. The plan to improve King Street will enhance traffic flow, beautify the area, and add pedestrian crossings.

However, cyclists are concerned as dedicated bike lanes were excluded from the plan, leaving them to share the road with cars. While sidewalks will be widened, they may not be safe for bikes due to heavy pedestrian use, leaving cyclists worried that their needs are being overlooked in favor of vehicle and pedestrian improvements.

The irony of it all is the fact that King Street is part of the East Coast Greenway bike path that runs from Key West to Canada.

Check out Noah’s piece via Jacksonville Today.

Looking for the perfect home loan? Motto Mortgage Invictus, locally owned and operated by Navy veteran Jaren Woeppel, offers personalized service with national reach. We secure competitive rates and provide expert guidance in St. Augustine.

Ready to start your home-buying journey? Thinking about lowering payments with a refinance? Contact Jaren today at 904-409-3046 or [email protected], or visit mottomortgageinvictus.com for a personalized, no-obligation consultation.

📈 Local economic boost expected thanks to Sing Out Loud Festival

The Sing Out Loud Festival Live Wildly Showcase returns this weekend, aiming to at least match last year's 30,000+ attendees. Headlined by Eric Church and Noah Kahan, the two-day event promises strong turnout due to the popular lineup. The festival was designed to boost St. Augustine's tourism during a traditionally slow month. Local businesses, in some cases facing a 10-15% drop in visitation this year, hope the event will provide much-needed economic relief. (Jacksonville Business Journal) ($)

🥤 Juic’e coming to Shoppes of Valley Ridge

Whitney Wollenberg turned her love for juicing into Juic'e, a St. Johns County business offering cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, and smoothies. Starting as a side hustle for friends and family, it quickly grew, leading her to leave the financial sector and open a store. With a focus on healthy, plant-forward options, Juic'e aims to make fruits and vegetables fun and delicious. The store, opening in early 2025, will provide a fresh alternative to fast food. (Jacksonville Business Journal) ($)

💃 Spanish Rhythms & Flamenco Presented by Yael Dray
📍 The Waterworks
⏰ 7:30PM | Tickets

Get ready for an unforgettable night of passion and energy at The Waterworks! Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of flamenco guitar and the captivating footwork of flamenco dancers. Tickets are $25 online

🌊 International Coastal Cleanup 2024
📍 Multiple Sites
⏰ 8AM-12PM

Join the Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway and volunteers for a beach cleanup from Flagler Beach to St. Augustine. Help protect our oceans and keep our local beaches clean by taking part in this important community effort! (more info)

📚️ 2nd St. Augustine Book Festival
📍Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
⏰ 10AM-4PM

Bookworms rejoice as the Second Annual St. Augustine Book Festival takes place this Saturday at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. Meet local authors, enjoy historic tours, and explore the 226-year-old coquina house. (more info)

🌎️ 26th Annual Give Kids the World Day
📍 Guy Harvey Oceanfront Resort
⏰ 11AM-4PM

Enjoy a family fun day with live music, games, food, and auctions supporting Give Kids the World. Proceeds create magical, cost-free vacations for children with life-threatening illnesses. Enjoy the day while making a difference! Donations are tax-deductible. (more info)

🍖 Butcher and Bean Turns 1️⃣ 
📍 Butcher and Bean | 2796 US Hwy 1
⏰ 2-6PM

Enjoy BBQ, local beef, rub samples, craft beer, live music & more at Butch & Bean’s 1st birthday bash. You won’t want to miss the special guest butcher from NYC and a live performance by one of my favorite St. Augustine acts, Airtight. Sure to be a Prime event!

🎸 Sing Out Loud Festival: Local Artist Showcases
📍 Multiple Locations
⏰ Friday thru Sunday

Local Artist Showcases at the Sing Out Loud Festival feature some of the best musicians in the Old City. Click here for schedule and locations.

🎤 Sing Out Loud Festival: Live Wildly Showcase
📍 Francis Field
⏰ Saturday & Sunday

The main event is upon us. Tickets are still available for St. Augustine’s biggest music event of the year. I’ll see you at Francis Field on Sunday! PS - You won’t want to miss Marcus King & Sierra Ferrell (who just won Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Awards Wednesday night).

🎪 Cirque de Paris
📍 St. Augustine Premium Outlets
⏰ Multiple Shows thru 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 all weekend long. (Tickets)

Live Music returns next week, one way or the other. But first…

🎤 Sing Out Loud Festival: What you need to know

Heading to the Sing Out Loud Live Wildly Showcase at Francis Field this weekend? Here’s what you need to know:

• Save 5% at the bar with the Sing Out Loud Wallet (app) 💸

• Re-entry is permitted 🙌 

• Lockers are available for rent at $10/day

• Some bags are permitted - know before you go

• Gates open at 12:30PM on Saturday and 1PM on Sunday

• Bring your own empty, reusable water bottler; refill stations available

• Parking Garage will be closed; no on-site parking - utilize satellite parking + shuttle!

Click here for more information.

🏈 High School Football

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

• Thu | FSDB @ Liberty Christian Prep (8-Man) | W, 57-7

• Thu | Menendez (2-1) at Ponte Vedra | L, 40-0

• 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 Sports | Upcoming Events

Women’s Volleyball
9/20 vs. Barry (at Florida Tech), 1PM
9/20 @ Florida Tech, 6PM (Melbourne, FL)
9/21 vs. Eckerd, 3PM

Men’s Tennis
9/20 @ Belmont Abbey Invitational (Belmont, NC)

Women’s Soccer
9/21 vs. Lander, 1PM

Men’s Soccer
9/21 vs. Clayton State, 4PM

 👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with someone looking to buy a home.

📱 Keep up with the Lowdown on Instagram. Send comments & suggestions to [email protected].

🖼️ Get your business in the Old City Lowdown. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of St. Johns County locals.