🏴‍☠️🏝️ Aliens in St. Augustine - Your Friday Lowdown

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - a local newsletter that’s reaching over 2,500 St. Augustine residents this morning. Not bad for 112 days in circulation!

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In today’s edition:

• Mail-in ballot confusion? 📫️ 

• Wawa coming to 207? ⛽️ 

• All the weekend events 🎉 

Now, lets’ get to the Lowdown.

-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown

Fri • 81 🌡️ 65 | 🌤️ | 💧6% | 🍃 N 7mph

Sat • 81 🌡️ 64 | ☀️ | 💧10% | 🍃 N 7mph

Sun • 80 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | 💧6% | 🍃 NNW 8mph

General News

📫️ Mail-In Ballot Postage Confusion

If you requested and received a mail-in ballot for the upcoming election in St. Johns County, you may have received some conflicting information regarding postage. The return envelope calls for one stamp, however some voters received an insert stating that two stamps were recommended. First Coast News spoke with SJC Supervisor of Elections, Vicki Oakes, who assured voters that ballots will make it to her office. Oakes stated that the elections office will cover the difference in postage. If you have questions regarding mail-in ballots for voters out of the area or abroad, you can direct those to Supervisor of Elections office.

💧North Beach Utilities to be acquired by SJC

St. Johns County Utility Department has purchased North Beach Utilities and the transition is underway. The County is hosting two public meetings next week to provide color to the change and what it means for customers. Existing rates will stay in place until a public hearing is held in January. The first bill from SJC will be sent out by mail on December 5.

Business News

⛽️ Convenience Store coming to SR-207 & Hilltop Rd… Wawa?

A new development is proposed for the southeast corner of State Road 207 and Hilltop Rd, featuring a 6,372-square-foot convenience store with 16 gas pumps. The six-acre property, owned by Chase Properties Inc., was acquired in 2021. Previous plans included a fast-food restaurant and an office building, though they were withdrawn. (Jacksonville Business Journal)

Bonus info: the Jacksonville Daily Record did some quick math and determined that this proposed development matches the size and makeup of a typical Wawa location. Just some food for thought…

🧘Yoga Den St. Augustine Grand Opening Celebration Oct 26

The newest Yoga Den location celebrates its grand opening Saturday at 1580 US-1, just south of Target. The second St. Augustine location is offering free yoga classes all day following the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30AM.

🥕 Anastasia Island Publix closing for complete rebuild

The Publix Supermarket at 1033 A1A Beach Blvd is set to close on Saturday, October 26 at 7PM for a significant amount of time. The Anastasia Island location will be demolished with a new Publix to be built on-site. No official word from the Lakeland-based grocer to my knowledge, but you can expect this to be a lengthy process - in excess of 12-months or more. If you’re uber loyal to the Pub, you’ll need to visit other locations in Cobblestone Village or Moultrie Square.

Have news to report? Email me.

🎾 2nd-Annual Pickleball for Peace Fundraiser
📆 Oct 25-26 | Times Vary
📍 Old Coast Pickleball | 76 Dockside Dr

The second annual Pickleball for Peace tournament, benefiting the Betty Griffin Center and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, will be held at Old Coast Pickleball. Registration is $65, open to ages 12 and up.

👽️ Sheriff Hardwick's Haunted Jail: Alien Invasion
📆 Oct 25 & 26 | 6:30PM-10:30PM
📍 St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Jail Annex | 4015 Lewis Speedway

Sheriff Rob Hardwick's Haunted Jail returns for its 4th year in 2024 with a new Alien Invasion theme. Purchase tickets online - recommended ages 10 & up.

🐬 Monster Mash Halloween at Marineland
📆 Oct 25 & 26 | 6-9PM
📍 Marineland | 9600 Oceanshore Blvd

This family-friendly Halloween event features a haunted house, dolphin show, and spooky performances across six themed stations. Get your tickets in advance online.

🍬 Trunk or Treat at Beaver Toyota
📆 Oct 25 | 6-8PM
📍 2995 US-1

Enjoy music, pumpkin decorating, costume contest and explore the decorated vehicles on the Beaver Toyota lot. Candy and pizza are available, as well is the Kona Ice Truck!

🌟 Glow Maze at Sykes Family Farms
📆 Oct 25 | 7-10PM
📍 5995 Brough Rd. in Hastings

The Sykes Family Farm maze gets lit up on Friday night! Navigate the glowing 9-acre maze in the dark and take in the music, food, and games at this annual tradition.

🎤 Magic Mic at Third Space Improv
📆 Oct 25 | 8PM
📍 200 Malaga St.

Open mic night for all forms of entertainment! Music, comedy, whatever you got! Free parking at Third Space, too!

🌽 St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
📆 Oct 26 | 8:30AM-12:30PM
📍 1340C A1A S

Every Saturday, you can enjoy fresh, local food, farm-fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, and live entertainment under the oaks at The Amp.

👻 Marina Munch Pet Costume Contest
📆 Oct 26 | 1PM
📍 English Landing Marina | 509 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd

Dress up your dog in their best costume for a chance to win prizes. Judging starts at 2PM, and everyone gets a treat! Be sure your pet’s costume is safe, comfortable, and fun.

🍺 Boos and Brews 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
📆 Oct 26 | 5PM
📍 Ancient City Brewing | 3420 Agricultural Center Dr

The Halloween-themed race includes a costume contest, music, food trucks, and… beer! Awards are given based on age groups and team participation. RSVP to get in on the fun!

🎉 28th Annual Ancient City Kids Day by Epic Behavioral Healthcare
📆 Oct 26 | 11AM-3PM
📍 Francis Field | 25 W. Castillo Dr

This free event offers family-friendly entertainment and activities, including over 40 booths featuring games, crafts, giveaways, bounce houses, and contests.

🎂 Dog Rose Brewing Co. 7th Anniversary
📆 Oct 26 | 12PM
📍 Dog Rose Brewing Co. | 77 Bridge St

Happy Birthday to the good folks over at Dog Rose Brewing Co.! This Saturday, they celebrate 7-years of amazing craft beer and good times. Outside bar opens at noon with a complimentary pig roast at 2PM and the psychedelic sounds of Not Quite Dead at 4PM.

🏴‍☠️ 4th Annual All Hallow’s Eve Bash by Krewe of the 13
📆 Oct 26 | 6:30PM-10PM
📍 St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 | 1420 A1A S

Enjoy live music, a costume contest, dancing, and more! Krewe of the 13 is a 501(c)(3) not for profit public charity. Proceeds support local families in need. Tickets are $60, including entry and a light meal.

🎃 Nobby’s Spooktacular Halloween Party
📆 Oct 26 | 9PM
📍 Shanghai Nobby’s | 10 Anastasia Blvd

Head down to Nobby’s and take part in a costume contest, drink specials, and DJ Lee on the 1’s & 2’s. Just $5 at the door to take part of the spooky shindig at Nobby’s.

🎨 Make Space Open Studio
📆 Oct 27 | 11AM-3PM
📍 39 Masters Dr #1

Head over to Make Space for a Halloween-themed open studio! Create, peruse, or purchase some awesome works of art - costumes encouraged!

🤓 Nerd Night at Spinster Abbott’s
📆 Oct 27 | 5-9PM
📍 61 San Marco Ave

Artists, vendors, food & drink, anime, video games, comic books, and more! Cosplay encouraged!

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Want us to share your event in the Old City Lowdown?

This Weekend at The Amp

• Oct 25 | Juvenile and The 400 Degreez Band w/ Mannie Fresh and Hot Boy Turk | Tickets

• Oct 26 | Stephen Sanchez w/ The Paper Kites | Tickets

Friday, October 25

• Arnold’s | The Roadrunners, 8:30PM-12:30PM

• Beaches at Vilano | Michael Chancellor, 5-9PM

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

• Casa de Vino 57 | Jolie, 7-10PM

• Conch House Marina | Bill & Trev’s Excellent Duo, 4-8PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Clayton Sturgeon, 6-10PM

• Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Fire Riot (Chelsea Saddler & Dewey Via), 8-11PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery | Burn Unit, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort | Whitecaps, 6-9PM (Santiago’s)

• Hurricane Patty’s | New Guys on the Dock, 5-9PM

• Kingfish Grill | Tabasco Bros, 6-9PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Tony Scozzaro, 1-4PM | Soul & Dagger, 6-9PM

• Marina Munch | Ollie Twist, 5-8PM

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

• Milltop Tavern | Scott Halls, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM | Jon Q. & Ashton Taylor, 9PM

• No Name | VersVtile, 10PM

• Oasis | Jim Lamb, 6-9PM (Upstairs)

• Pesca Vilano | Landfall, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Joe Nash, 2-6PM | Bigly, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Soulo Lyon’s, 6PM | Paper City Hustlers, 10PM

• Salt Life Food Shack | Colin Kosco, 6-10PM

• Tradewinds Lounge | Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Cottonmouth, 8:30PM

Saturday, October 26

• Arnold’s | Brothers Futch, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Beaches at Vilano | Eric Alabiso, 5-9PM

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

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

• Colonial Oak | Dalton & Campbell, 7-10PM

• Conch House Marina | D’Marvin Band, 3-7PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Ryder Cole, 6-10PM

• Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Not Quite Dead, 4PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery | Best Years Ever Band, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort | Denny Blue, 5-8PM (Surf Shack)

• Kingfish Grill | Charlie Ellis, 6-9PM

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

• Marina Munch | John Winters, 12-4PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Trevor Compton, 1PM (Backyard) | Heather Craig Duo, 8PM (Pub)

• Milltop Tavern | JC Hatfield, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM | Jon Q. Duo, 9PM

• No Name | Loopmandan, 1-5PM | TBA

• Oasis | Contact Buzz, 5-8PM

• Pesca Vilano | DJ HU, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Preson Pohl, 2-5PM | Livestream, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Bad Dog Mama, 6PM | Josh Gluck and the Family Tree, 10PM

• Salt Life Food Shack | Caleb Joye, 6-10PM

• Spinster Abbott’s | Uncle Marty, False Star | 6:30PM

• St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Co. | Dewey Via Band, 5-9PM

• Tradewinds Lounge | Elizabeth Roth, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Cottonmouth, 9PM

Sunday, October 27

• Arnold’s | Blistur, 4-8PM

• Beaches at Vilano | Heather Craig, 5-9PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Jolie, 1-4PM | Scott Halls, 4-7PM

• Casa de Vino 57 | Wayne & Friends, 4-7PM

• Conch House Marina | Eric Albiso, 3-7PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Evan D, 5-9PM

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

• Emma Concert Series | Boston Brass, 2-4PM (Tickets)

• Kingfish Grill | Bad Endings, 5-8PM

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

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Mike Cook, 1PM (Backyard) | Jimmy Bragg, 6PM (Pub)

• Milltop Tavern | Charlie Ellis, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM

• No Name | Aam Latiff, 1-5PM

• Pesca Vilano | Chillakaya, 5-9PM

• Pierre’s Pub | The Spaceheaters, 1-5PM | Julie Papili + Jim Johnston, 6-10PM

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

• Tradewinds 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. That’s showbiz, baby.

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