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- 🏴☠️ I love St. Aug, but it's the season of the shticks | September 23, 2024
🏴☠️ I love St. Aug, but it's the season of the shticks | September 23, 2024
In today's edition: Commuter rail coming to St. Aug (maybe), New Infrastructure Technology, County Invests in Land Conservation + more St. Augustine news that matters
James Foote
September 23, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
In partnership with
Good Morning, St. Augustine!
I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - energizing your inbox on a Monday morning like the multiple cups of coffee I’ll need to get through the day. Hope you had a great weekend!
I wanted to wish a warm welcome to the newest advertising partner of the Lowdown, Old City Public Relations! Owner & Founder of Old City PR, Kara Pound, is the definition of a professional in the public relations space and is the trusted voice of many of our local businesses. A long-standing member of the community, Kara has been tremendously supportive of the newsletter and I am grateful to have her on board!
In today’s edition:
Commuter rail in St. Aug? 🚅
SJC commits to conservation 🦌
New infrastructure technology in STA 🖥️
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.
In Partnership with Old City Public Relations
Looking to boost your brand's presence? Old City Public Relations is your trusted, local partner for creating meaningful connections and shining a light on what's good. Whether you're an individual, nonprofit, or company, they specialize in crafting the perfect narrative and ensuring it reaches the right audience.
From press release campaigns to media events, social media management, and earned media placements in top outlets like The New York Times, Southern Living, and Forbes, Old City Public Relations delivers impactful results. Serving St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and beyond, they're the team to help you grow. Reach out today and start building your story!
Mon • 86 🌡️ 74 | ☀️ | 💧6% | 🍃 ENE 10mph
Tue • 86 🌡️ 77 | 🌤️ | 💧9% | 🍃 ESE 12mph
🖥️ New Infrastructure Technology coming to the Ancient City
The City of St. Augustine is hosting a public open house on Sept 26 from 5:30 to 7:00PM at City Hall to discuss the SMART St. Augustine project. This initiative aims to improve traffic safety, parking, and mobility using new infrastructure technology. It will also address street flooding and provide better transportation access for underserved communities. Attendees can view exhibits, speak with project staff, and learn more about the $15.3M project funded through non-federal contributions and a federal RAISE Grant. Public comments are encouraged and will be accepted until Oct. 10. (City of St. Augustine)
🦌 St. Johns County Invests $2 Million in Land Conservation
St. Johns County is investing $2 million in its Land Acquisition Management Program (LAMP) as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Approved on Sept. 17, this funding supports the county’s ongoing efforts to conserve natural lands and protect local ecosystems. Over 30% of the county is already safeguarded through various conservation initiatives.
Established in 1999, LAMP identifies, evaluates, and recommends properties for conservation. The program focuses on protecting ecological habitats, water resources, and cultural sites, while promoting passive recreation.
Notable conservation areas include Fort Matanzas, Anastasia State Park, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, and many more. (St. Johns County)
A Message from Elizabeth Elliott of Roundtable Realty
Looking for a realtor who truly knows St. Augustine? Elizabeth Elliott is a fourth-generation local with deep roots in the nation's oldest city.
After 10 moves in 11 years, this Army veteran and former Army band director knows how to make buying or selling a home stress-free. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or investing, Elizabeth's expertise will get your house sold fast and help you find the perfect place to call home.
Call Liz today at (407) 617-8763 or email her to start your next chapter with a trusted local expert!
⛳️ World Golf Village Course to Reopen this Fall
The King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village will reopen on Oct. 4 after a five-month, $2.5 million restoration led by MacCurrach Golf. The project focused on improving playability while maintaining the course’s original design by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Key upgrades include resurfaced greens with TifEagle Bermuda grass, enhanced irrigation and drainage systems, and refreshed bunkers for water conservation and better turf health. (Jacksonville Business Journal)($)
🚅 Commuter Rail coming to St. Augustine?
Jacksonville won a $1.25 million federal grant to explore restoring a central rail station at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, potentially connecting to St. Augustine. This project could create a commuter rail route between the cities, making travel faster than by car during peak hours. The initiative aims to boost economic development and improve transit options. (Jacksonville Business Journal)($)
Supported by Jaren Woeppel of Motto Mortgage Invictus
Looking for the perfect home loan? Motto Mortgage Invictus, locally owned and operated by Navy veteran Jaren Woeppel, offers personalized service with national reach. Motto Mortgage Invictus can 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] and visit mottomortgageinvictus.com for a personalized, no-obligation consultation.
🎨 STAAA: Monday Night Figure Drawing
📆 Sept 23 | 6-9PM
📍 22 Marine St.
Join the St. Augustine Art Association every Monday night for their Figure Drawing session from 6-9PM at the downtown gallery. Artists of all levels can bring their own supplies and work in their preferred medium, practicing anatomy and form in a relaxed, non-instructional setting. (more info)
Coming up this weekend:
🎸 St. Augustine Songwriters Festival
📆 Sept 27-29
📍 Multiple Locations
Don’t miss the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival (Sept. 27-29), where hitmakers share the stories behind their chart-topping songs. It’s a weekend of inspiration, music, and unforgettable moments that will leave you enchanted. Come for the tunes, stay for the stories!
Catch the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival at some of the Old City’s favorite live music joints, including: Prohibition Kitchen, Colonial Oak Music Park, The Distillery, and Trade Winds Lounge.
Click here for the full schedule and more info.
Ok, Ok… I heard you!
The people have spoken and the Live Music Lowdown will be returning to the newsletter on Wednesday in its original form.
Friday’s Poll: Do you like the Live Music calendar in the newsletter?
90.74% of readers said it needs to stick around. Can’t argue with that!
🎶 Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Strong
Three cheers for an unreal festival featuring some of the best touring acts in the biz! My personal highlights were Sierra Ferrell (Queen Sierra to you) and Marcus King (especially the Pink Floyd > Neil Young jam). It was also amazing to run into so many Lowdown subscribers at Francis Field - thanks for stopping to say ‘Hey!’
If you took some good photos at the Live Wildly Showcase, shoot me an email or tag @OldCityLowdown on Instagram to have them featured in this week’s newsletters.
🏈 High School Football
Congratulations to St. Joseph Academy on improving to 6-0 with a shutout with against First Academy on Friday night!
Scores:
Thu | FSDB @ Liberty Christian Prep (8-Man) | W, 57-7
Thu | Menendez (2-2) at Ponte Vedra | L, 40-0
Fri | St. Augustine (3-1) vs. Nease | L, 35-34 (OT)
Fri | St. Joseph Academy (6-0) vs. First Academy (Leesburg) | W, 35-0
🦁 Flagler Sports | Upcoming Events
Men’s Golf
9/23-24 | Jay Jennison Cup | The Palencia Club
👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with someone who has a Northern Attitude.
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🖼️ 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.
