🏴‍☠️ Kickball for a Cause | September 27, 2024

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the the Old City Lowdown - blowing into your inbox like that tree I have to address today - but hopefully a more welcome visitor. Hope you and yours are all well after the storm.

I’m writing this newsletter on Thursday evening, prior to Helene’s landfall. Wishing the best for those in the Big Bend and areas that are/will be seriously impacted by this storm.

__________

Just about everything shut down in St. Augustine on Thursday as Helene threatened, but the weekend ahead is full of awesome events. Great news if you went a little stir crazy sitting at home yesterday.

And, thanks to a couple of slow news days, I thought it would be cool to do a “readers’ choice” series in the newsletter, highlighting your favorite spots in town. And what better way to start than with taco joints?

I went to social media asking for recommendations and put together a list for you to check out. So, instead of The Rundown today, check out the Lowdown Locals’ Choice poll and let me know who serves up the best tacos in the Old City.

Ok, back to business.

In today’s edition:

• Kickball for a cause 🏅

• Airport Improvements ✈️

• Tacos, Tacos, Tacos 🌮 

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 • 88 🌡️ 73 | ⛅️ | 💧24% | 🍃 SW 17mph

Sat • 86 🌡️ 74 | ⛅️ | 💧21% | 🍃 SW 9mph

Sun • 86 🌡️ 74 | 🌦️ | 💧38% | 🍃 SW 8mph

I was recently connected with Kelly Levy of the Tonya Kuc Foundation, an organization created by a group of friends in honor of Tonya Kuc after her tragic death by suicide in July 2021. She provided some background information on the organization and details on their annual fundraiser.

What is the Tonya Kuc Foundation?

The foundation is dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, seeking to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Their mission is driven by a commitment to action, with 100% of proceeds going directly to community-based prevention and awareness efforts.

Through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, the foundation empowers individuals to recognize the signs of distress and fosters a culture of empathy. By honoring Tonya’s memory, the foundation aims to ensure that no one faces mental health struggles alone, offering hope and support to those in need.

3rd Annual Tonya Kuc Foundation Kickball Tournament

This December, the foundation is hosting its third kickball tournament to raise funds for suicide prevention and awareness. The event will also have a silent auction, food vendors, and additional entertainment. Here are the details:

📆 December 7, 2024
📍 Ron Parker Park | 44 Old Beach Rd.

Event Highlights:

• 8 teams total

• Teams: 12-16 players

• Each team will play at least 2 games

• Morning & afternoon sessions

• Championship Game after the St. Augustine Christmas Parade

Let’s get the word out for a fun day with a great cause in St. Augustine! For more information or to register a team, click here.

Who doesn’t love tacos? If that’s you, feel free to sit this one out.

But if you’re like me and can’t get enough, I want to know your favorite spot!

Below is a collection of nominees I received in response to a social media post. I’m limited to 10 options, so shoot me an email if there’s a taco joint that you feel should be on this list!

Thanks for voting! I’ll share the winner of the poll next week!

✈️ $8.2M Budget & Improvements Approved for Northeast Florida Regional Airport

The St. Johns County Airport Authority approved an $8.2 million budget for 2024-2025, focusing on T-hangar improvements, a taxiway extension, and road construction at Northeast Florida Regional Airport. $5.9 million comes from FAA and FDOT grants, with $2.3 million from local funds. Over $4.2 million will improve T-hangars, vital for local aviation. The Taxiway F extension and access road to the conference center will receive nearly $1.3 million each, primarily funded by FAA grants. (Jacksonville Business Journal)

🎸 Sing Out Loud Showcase Draws 27,000, Raises $160K for Conservation

The second Sing Out Loud Live Wildly Showcase at Francis Field drew over 27,000 attendees, a staggering number, though fewer than last year’s 32,000 attendees. Partnered with Live Wildly, the event aimed to boost local tourism and promote live music. It raised $160,240 for conservation efforts in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. The festival, featuring acts like Noah Kahan, Sierra Ferrell, Marcus King and Eric Church, also raised awareness for Florida’s natural lands. Organizers plan to continue the event, with permission to use the space for at least four more years. (Jacksonville Business Journal)

🍔 Another McDonald’s coming to SR 207

Plans are under review for a new McDonald’s at SR-207 & Rio San Juan Rd. in St. Johns County, the fifth in the area. The 3,859-square-foot restaurant with 26 parking spaces will be located adjacent to the 7-Eleven and near the site of the AdventHealth ER that’s soon to begin construction. (Jacksonville Daily Record)

📽️ St. Augustine Film Society: Housekeeping for Beginners
📆 Sept 27 | 7PM
📍 The Waterworks | 184 San Marco

The St. Augustine Film Society presents a screening of Housekeeping for Beginners (2023) at the Waterworks. Directed by Goran Stolevski, this acclaimed comedy-drama follows Dita as she navigates raising her girlfriend's two daughters, facing challenges as relationships evolve. Free for members, $8 for guests. (more info)

🐶 Pups & Sups Dog Surfing Classic
📆 Sept 27-28 | Times vary
📍Guy Harvey Resort

You won’t want to miss the dog surfing & paddleboarding contest this weekend at Guy Harvey! You can also check out a pet fashion show, a Surf Village, and more—all while supporting K9s For Warriors. Don’t miss this pawsome beach weekend for a great cause! (more info)

🎸 7th Annual 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. (more info)

🎭️ Bright Star presented by Limelight Theatre
📆 Sept 27- Oct 2
📍 Limelight Theatre | 11 Old Mission Ave

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star follows Alice, a literary editor, and Billy, a WWII soldier, as they uncover a life-changing secret spanning decades. Inspired by a true story. Music, book, and story by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell. (Tickets)

🎃 Pumpkin Festival & Handmade Market
📆 Sept 28 | 9AM-5PM
📍 Wesley Wells Farms | 2680 Ada Arnold Rd.

Pick your own pumpkins, enjoy food trucks, shop handmade crafts, and explore the Kid Zone with farm animals, a playground, and more. Don't miss this perfect family day on the farm!

🧑‍🌾 St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
📆 Sept 28 | 8:30AM-12:30PM
📍 St. Augustine Amphitheatre

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.

🐊 Estuary Fest
📆 Sept 28 | 10AM-2PM
📍 GTM Research Reserve

The annual Estuary Fest in celebrates National Estuaries Week with a fun-filled day of music, art, food, and entertainment for all ages. This free event is open to everyone and features food trucks, a raffle, and a scavenger hunt with prize bags packed with goodies.

🦪 Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop at JU
📆 Sept 28 | 9AM-12PM
📍 Jacksonville University Marine Science Research Institute Bldg. (map)

CCA Florida, St. Johns RIVERKEEPER, and Jacksonville University are launching a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) program to improve water quality and create oyster habitats in Jacksonville. Each VOG filters water and supports marine life. An assembly workshop will kick off the project—exciting news for the environment! (Must RSVP)

Back Monday!

Sponsored by:
Lions Lacrosse Athletic Association

🏈 High School Football

This Week’s Slate:

Helene scrambled the high school football schedule this week with some games being played Wednesday. Scores from Wednesday and upcoming games tonight are listed below:

This Week’s Results

• Wed | Menendez (2-3) | L, 41-3 @ Beachside

• Wed | St. Augustine (4-1) | W, 27-6 @ Columbia (Lake City)

• Wed | Tocoi Creek (4-1) | W, 46-26 vs. Bartram Trail

Tonight’s Schedule (I think?):

• Fri | Menendez (2-3) at Westside (Jacksonville), 6:30PM

🦁 Flagler Sports | Upcoming Events

Men’s & Women’s Tennis
9/27-9/30 @ ITA Regionals (Sumter, SC)

Women’s Volleyball
9/27 @ Augusta (Augusta, GA)
9/28 vs. Lenoir-Rhyne (Augusta, GA)
9/29 @ Georgia College (Milledgeville, GA)

Men’s & Women’s Cross Country
9/28 @ GCSU Bobcat Invitational (Milledgeville, GA)

Men’s Soccer
9/29 vs. North Georgia, 1PM

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

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