🏴‍☠️ St. Aug Helps | October 4, 2024

In today's edition: Hurricane Helene Relief, Celebrating Conservation, New Behavioral Hospital + more St. Augustine news

In partnership with

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I'm James, and this is the Old City Lowdown - a newsletter covering the best community in Florida.

It’s been a tough week as we witness the recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout much of the southeast. But, it warms the heart to see so many St. Augustinians stepping up to support the various causes. More on that below.

Grateful to be a part of this community and to meet so many fantastic humans.

In today’s edition:

  • Hurricane Helene Relief 🫶 

  • Celebrating Conservation 🐦️ 

  • New Behavioral Hospital 🏥 

Now, let’s get to the Lowdown.

-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OLD CITY PUBLIC RELATIONS

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Fri • 84 🌡️ 77 | 🌧️5 | 💧8% | 🍃 ENE 11mph

Sat  82 🌡️ 75 | 🌧️ | 💧66% | 🍃 NE 12mph

Sun  79 🌡️ 74 | 🌧️ | 💧90% | 🍃 ENE 13mph

Whenever these things happen, it’s so hard to find the words.

By now, we have all seen the path of destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene. From Florida to North Carolina, communities have been decimated.

As a kid who grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I can’t believe we’re talking about Appalachia in this context of all places.

And while many towns in Western North Carolina were wiped off the map, others in our Sunshine State are also reeling from the effects of Helene. From coastal hamlets to mountain retreats, Helene did a number on the Southeast.

It's easy to hang our heads and send T's & P's through the TV screen. But, some local businesses have stepped up to help our brothers and sisters across the region in the wake of this devastation.

It was important to me to share some of the community members who are working to help those who have lost it all. The list below is a small sample of local groups collecting supplies and donations for the relief efforts.

If you operate a business or know of one that is contributing to the aid of Helene victims, please let me know so I can help get the word out as best I can.

  • Cookiebird | 10% of all sales will be donated to Epic-Cure, Inc. for Helene aid thru Oct 5 | 138 San Marco

  • Florida Water Tours | Accepting supplies to be sent Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee, FL | 107 Yacht Club Drive

  • Genung’s Fish Camp | Accepting supplies to be sent Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee, FL | 291 Cubbedge Rd

  • Juniper Market | Accepting supplies to be sent Sea Hag Marina in Steinhatchee, FL | 48 San Marco Ave

  • Marina Rossi @ Ink & Barley | Get some ink to support the cause | 35 San Marco Ave

  • Noah Bailey Group | Assisting Severts Christmas Trees and serving as drop-off location today, Oct 4, 9AM-4PM | 403 Anastasia Blvd

  • Sarbez! | Accepting supplies. Drop off during normal business hours | 115 Anastasia Blvd

  • Severts Christmas Trees | Donation drive to collect supplies for victims in Western NC. Donations accepted Mon-Fri, 9AM-4PM. Click here for a list of supplies requested | STA Realty at 1965 A1A South

  • Spinster Abbott’s | Hurricane Helene Fundraising Concert; see details below in The Happenings | 61 San Marco Ave

  • Sunday Gathering Table | Accepting donations to Southern Smoke Foundation for industry workers affected by Helene | 73 San Marco Ave

Thanks to these organizations, and those unmentioned, for your compassion for those outside of our community. You all make me proud to call St. Augustine home.

Voter Registration Deadline is Monday!

A friendly reminder that the deadline to register for the upcoming general election is coming October 7. To make things easier, the Supervisor of Elections Office in St. Augustine will be open on on Saturday, October 5, from 9-4PM. You can also register online at www.registertovoteflorida.gov or visit your local library or Tax Collector’s Office. If you need to check your voter status or update your information, visit www.votesjc.gov or call the Supervisor of Elections’ office at 904-823-2238.

🏥 Behavior Health Hospital coming to SJC

Acadia Healthcare received a permit to begin construction on a two-story, 144-bed behavioral hospital in St. Augustine. The 99,485-square-foot facility will be built on 6 acres at 132 Moonbay Parkway near County Road 210 and I-95. Acadia, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, specializes in psychiatric and chemical dependency services across inpatient hospitals, residential centers, and outpatient clinics. (Jacksonville Daily Record)

🏰 Flagler College Earns High Marks

Flagler College earned the No. 3 ranking among Regional Colleges in the South in the U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 rankings. It also earned No. 2 in Undergraduate Teaching and jumped to No. 43 in Social Mobility. Go Saints!

Supported by @StuffToDoInStAugustine

Looking for the best things to do in St. Augustine? Follow @StuffToDoInStAugustine on Instagram - your go-to guide to the Old City! Whether you're a local or just visiting, Stuff To Do In St. Augustine has you covered with recommendations on the hottest events, best restaurants, live music, festivals, and more.

From historical landmarks to hidden gems, you'll discover all the must-see spots that make our city so special. Follow @StuffToDoInStAugustine to stay in the know and never wonder what to do next in the Old City!

🎃 The Pumpkin Church is Back!
📆 Oct 4 until sold out
📍 First United Methodist Church | 118 King St.

It might feel like it’s still summer outside, but one of the great St. Augustine Fall traditions is back. Starting today, you can swing by “The Pumpkin Church” downtown to take your pick of some ghoulish gourds. Hours are 10AM-7PM daily until the pumpkins are gone.

🍺 Sip & Celebrate w/ the Florida Springs Council
📆 Oct 4 | 5-8PM
📍 Spinster Abbott’s | 61 San Marco Ave

Head to Uptown tonight to celebrate conservation and the efforts to protect Florida’s natural resources! The fun is going down at Spinster Abbott’s with a night of music, beer, art, and raffles in support of the Florida Springs Council. A $20 donation earns you an FSC pint glass and a free pour. DJ Dan from ToneVendor will be spinning tunes, with Hush Hush Silent Disco starting at 9PM!

🎨 First Friday Art Walk
📆 Oct 4 | 5-9PM
📍 Various | See more info below

The First Friday Art Walk offers a chance to explore over 25 galleries featuring local and national artists. The free event includes live music, special exhibits, and refreshments, with free shuttle service available. (more info)

👟 Pink Up The Pace 5k Walk/Run
📆 Oct 5 | 7AM-12PM
📍 Francis Field | 25 West Castillo Dr

Pink Up the Pace is more than a 5K race; it's a charitable initiative supporting early breast cancer detection for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Funds raised help provide essential imaging services, raise awareness, and support survivors in the St. Augustine area. (more info)

🧑‍🌾 St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
📆 Oct 5 | 8:30AM-12:30PM
📍 The Amp | 1340C A1A South

Every Saturday, enjoy fresh, local food, farm-fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, and live entertainment under the oaks at St. Augustine Amphitheatre, also known as The Amp. Bring your reusable bags and note that pets aren’t allowed. Free parking is available at The Amp and The Elks Lodge.

🐊 CROCtoberfest: Brew-at-the-Zoo
📆 Oct 5 | 6-9PM
📍 St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Croctoberfest is a fun, beer-filled evening at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, supporting a great cause—crocodilian research! Local breweries serve up craft beer while guests enjoy live music and delicious food. You'll get to stroll the zoo, soak in the lively atmosphere, and know your night out helps conservation efforts. Plus, with the event being 21+, it’s a perfect excuse for an adult night out, all while making a difference for wildlife! (more info)

🌽 The Maze at Sykes Family Farm
📆 Oct 5-27 | Times vary
📍 5995 Brough Rd in Elkton

It’s that time of year again! Get lost in fun at Sykes Family Farms with one of the best fall traditions. Admission includes the 9-acre corn maze, as well as hayride, playgrounds, cow milking station, duck races, cow train, teeter totter, farm animals, barn yard ball zone, and glow-in-the-dark pumpkin blasters. (tickets & more info)

🎸 Diversity Showcase: Live Music & Art Market
📆 Oct 5 | 8PM
📍 Shanghai Nobby’s | 10 Anastasia Blvd

Funk, punk, rock & R&B at Nobbys. Need we say more? $5 gets you in the door for some great live music and art at one of St. Augustine’s favorite joints. Bands on deck include Cry No Mas, Zalongo, The Cosmic Highway, and Curse the Gloom.

🕊️ Hurricane Helene Fundraising Concert
📆 Oct 6 | 7-10PM
📍 Spinster Abbott’s | 61 San Marco Ave

Lillie Corrine and Spinster Abbott’s are teaming up for an evening of Bluegrass and brews to raise funds for the Helene recovery efforts.

Money raised will be going to local non-profits in the Asheville, NC area (more details to come).

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!

Friday, October 4

  • Arnold’s | Broke Til Friday, 8:30PM-12:30AM

  • Beaches | Supernatural, 5-9PM

  • Bin 39 Wine Bar | Josh Worthy, 1-4PM | Damon Slaughter, 4-7PM

  • Cafe Eleven | Stephen Kellogg, 8PM (Tickets)

  • Casa de Vino 57 | Dharma, 7-10PM

  • Colonial Oak | Baba Caiman, 7-10PM

  • Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Bad Dog Mama, 8PM

  • Fuzion 904 | Burn Unit, 6-9PM

  • Guy Harvey Resort | Morrow Family Band, 5-8PM

  • Kingfish Grill | Charlie Ellis, 6-9PM

  • La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Yael ZaZa Flamenca, 1-4PM

  • Marina Munch | Dewey Via, 5-8PM

  • Meehan’s Irish Pub | Mike Cook, 1PM (Backyard) | Michael Hynes, 9PM (Pub)

  • Milltop Tavern | Michael Bo Griner, 12PM | Walker Road, 4:30PM | Chuck & Eliot Duo, 9PM

  • No Name | TBA

  • Pesca Vilano | Vegas Grey Acoustic Trio, 6-10PM

  • Pierre’s Pub | Josh Worthy, 11AM-1PM | Chase Fouraker & Jonathan Lee, 2-6PM | Green with Envy, 7-11PM

  • Prohibition Kitchen | Toots Loraine, 6PM | The Head Tones, 10PM

  • Trade Winds Lounge | Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Blistur, 8:30PM

Saturday, October 5

  • Arnold’s | Glory, 8:30PM-12:30AM

  • Beaches | Shyla Macaluso, 5-9PM

  • Bin 39 Wine Bar | Yael “ZaZa” Flamenca, 1-4PM | Banjo Brown, 4-7PM

  • Cafe Eleven | Boredom, 8PM (Tickets)

  • Casa de Vino 57 | Sarah Herforth, 2:30-5:30PM | Common Ground, 7-10PM

  • Colonial Oak | Circus, 7-10PM

  • Conch House Marina | Paper City Hustlers ft. Zachary Stepp, 3-7PM

  • Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Remedy Tree, 8PM

  • Fuzion 904 | Merkin Brothers, 6-9PM

  • Guy Harvey Resort | Mike Cook, 5-8PM

  • Kingfish Grill | Cheryl Watson, 6-9PM

  • La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Gary Douglas Campbell, 1-4PM

  • Meehan’s Irish Pub | Bret Blackshear, 1PM (Backyard) | Smokin’ Joe, 9PM (Pub)

  • Milltop Tavern | Charlie Ellis, 12PM | Eric Groves, 4:30PM | Chuck & Eliot Duo, 9PM

  • No Name | John Phillips, 1-5PM | Bigly, 10PM

  • Oasis | Contact Buzz, 5-8PM

  • Outback Crab Shack | Dewey Via Band, 5-9PM

  • Pesca Vilano | DeeJay Natural, 6-10PM

  • Pierre’s Pub | Clayton Bush, 11AM-2:30PM | Chase Fouraker & Joanthan Lee, 3-7PM | Bad Dog Mama, 8-11PM

  • Prohibition Kitchen | Shine, 6PM | Chillula, 10PM

  • Shanghai Nobby’s | Diversity Showcase, 8PM

  • Trade Winds Lounge | Elizabeth Roth, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Blistur, 9PM

Sunday, October 6

  • Bin 39 Wine Bar | Edwin Barbosa, 1-4PM | Ashton Taylor, 4-7PM

  • Cafe Eleven | The Chris O’Leary Band, 8PM (Tickets)

  • Casa Maya | Cesar Romero, 6-10:30PM

  • Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Dewey Via Band, 3:30-6:30PM

  • Kingfish Grill | Tabasco Brothers, 5-8PM

  • La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Vinny Jacobs, 1-4PM

  • Meehan’s Irish Pub | Trevor Compton, 1PM (Backyard) | TBD, 6PM (Pub)

  • Milltop Tavern | Allen Arena, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM

  • Old Coast Ales | Bad Dog Mama, 2-5PM

  • Pesca Vilano | Chillakaya, 5-9PM

  • Pierre’s Pub | AC Power Unit ft. Buddy Crump, 1-5PM | 3 the Band, 6-10PM

  • Prohibition Kitchen | Shaney P's Miracle Extravajamza, 6-9PM

  • Spinster Abbott’s | Hurricane Relief Fundraising Concert, 7-10PM

  • Trade Winds Lounge | Keith Godwin & The Rio Grande Band, 1-4:30PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | Mike Johnson & Brad Burns, 9PM

*Artists & times are subject to change. Some shows are weather permitting.

🏈 High School Football

Oct 4 | St. Joseph Academy vs. Young Kids in Motion | Score not reported
Oct 4 | Tocoi Creek vs. Beachside | Score not reported
Oct 5 | FSDB vs. Alabama School for the Deaf, 2PM

Menendez & St. Augustine on bye

🦁 Upcoming Flagler Contests:

Men’s Tennis
Oct 4-6 | at Mercer Gridiron Classic (Macon, GA)

Volleyball
Oct 4 | at Wingate (Wingate, NC)

Men’s & Women’s Cross Country
Oct 5 | at Live in Lou Classic (Lousiville, KY)

Women’s Soccer
Oct 5 | at Georgia Southwestern (Americus, GA)

Men’s Soccer
Oct 5 | vs. Florida Tech, 6PM

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