🏴‍☠️🎃 HALLOWEEN IN THE OLD CITY

Good Morning, St. Augustine!

I’m James and this is the Old City Lowdown - crashing into your inbox like the Nao Trinidad into the Bridge of Lions (it’ll buff out).

In case you missed the short-lived drama on Monday, the replica of Magellan’s Nao Trinidad lost propulsion en route to City Marina, coming in contact with the north side of the Bridge of Lions. Fortunately, both the ship and the bridge sustained little to no damage, so all is well that ends well. Phew!

The Nao Trinidad will be in St. Augustine until November 17. Purchase tickets online and visit the City Marina for a tour—it's a truly unique experience you won't want to miss!

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In today’s edition:

• Spanish Street Update ⛔️

• Hangar Expansion at NEFRA ✈️ 

• The Top Halloween Events this week 🎃 

Now, lets’ get to the Lowdown.

-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown

PS - We’re approaching 1,000 followers on Instagram. Help us get there!

Wed • 81 🌡️ 73 | ⛅️ | 💧19% | 🍃 E 15mph

Thu • 81 🌡️ 69 | ⛅️ | 💧12% | 🍃 ESE 14mph

⛔️ Spanish Street permanently close to traffic

On Monday, St. Augustine’s City Commission approved a permanent closure of several blocks of Spanish Street to vehicles, with only a loading zone accessible. This shift, part of a recent traffic test, has drawn mixed public reactions; while residents support the pedestrian-friendly space, some businesses express concern over reduced access. A new paved road, Rosario Lane, will also replace a nearby dirt lot, commemorating a historic defensive wall that once protected the city. (Noah Hertz, Jacksonville Today)

✈️ Hangar Expansion begins at Northeast Florida Regional Airport

Construction began Monday on two new T-hangars at St. Augustine’s airport to help address a 200-pilot waitlist. Funded by the FAA, FDOT, and the Airport Authority, the $4.62 million project is a “start,” says Director Courtney Pittman, with more expansions planned. Pilots like look forward to shorter commutes and more frequent flights, while board members see added convenience for local aviators. (Mauricio La Plante, Jacksonville Business Journal)

⛪️ Sisters of St. Joseph to sell Motherhouse downtown

The Sisters of St. Joseph, after over 150 years in St. Augustine’s historic district, plan to sell their long-standing Motherhouse and convent to relocate to a modern facility. The sale process, projected to span three years, will fund a new site designed for sustainable growth and enhanced ministry efforts. Notably, the historic Fr. Miguel O’Reilly House and Don Toledo House will remain, preserving the congregation's legacy in the community. (Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record)

Have news to report? Email me.

Featured Halloween Events:

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Wednesday, October 30

🎥 Double Feature Movie Night at Spinster Abbott’s | The Nightmare Before Christmas + Little Shop of Horrors | 7:30PM & 9:00PM | Free

🌽 Halloween Alternative at Wesley Wells Farm | Don’t celebrate? Play + Candy | 3-6PM | Free

Thursday, October 31

🪦 Uptown Block Party, Halloween Edition | Uptown vendors, trick or treating, costume contest & live muisc | 5-9PM | Free

🦴 HalloWine Costume Party at Carrera Wine Cellar | Delicious wine & spooky fun | 5PM | $50 at door

🎃 The Great Pumpkin at ArtBox 137 | Live jazz, art, themed food & drinks | 6PM | Info

🍬 Trick or Treat at Pedro Menendez High School | Treats and a movie on the big screen | 6-7:30PM | Free

🍭 St. Johns PAL Trunk or Treat at Pomar Park | Costume contest, pizza & more | 6-8PM | Free

👻 Boos & Booze Cruise ft. AsadoLife aboard Sabrage | Appetizers and cocktails | 6-8PM | Tickets, $99

🚴 WitzWheels Halloween Costume Group Ride at Cheeba Hut | Family-friendly, all-ages ride downtown | 6-10PM | Free

👄 Movie Night at Graet Goods ft. Rocky Horror Picture Show | Doors at 7PM, Showtime at 8PM, Beer/Wine/Concessions available | Donation-based

🧟 Halloween Party at Barley Republic | Win a Fernet bicycle | 7PM-2AM | Free

🏥 “The Forgotten Ward” Secret Asylum at Prohibition Kitchen | Live music, costumes, dancing | 8PM | Tickets, $15

🧙 Halloween Party at Meehan’s Irish Pub | Costume contest & live music | Judging begins at 10PM | Free

🦇 Halloween Silent Disco & Costume Contest at Odd Birds | Ft. Hush Hush Jax, 21+ | 10PM | Free for 1st 30 headphone rentals

❣️Halloween is for Lovers at Chez L’Amour | A night of spooky fun and romance | 10PM-1AM | Tickets, $20

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

This Weekend at The Amp

• Nov 1-2 | Goose | LOW TICKETS!

(And don’t forget the pre-parties at Spinster Abbott’s and after-parties at Sarbez!)

Wednesday, October 30

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Wes Register, 2-5PM

• Casa de Vino 57 | Havana Night w/ Dharma, 7-10PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery | ZaZa Flamenca, 5:30-8:30PM

• Milltop Tavern | Jim Lamb, 12PM | Scott Halls, 4:30PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Cookin’ in the Kitchen, 6PM

• Salt Life Food Shack | Joe Downing, 6-10PM

• Tradewinds Lounge | Smokin’ Joe, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Jack Hammer, 9PM

Thursday, October 31

• ArtBox 137 | Burn Unit | 6PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Jolie, 1-4PM | Cason Caines, 4-7PM

• Casa Maya | Carry the Day, 6-9PM

• Chez L’Amour | Bill Abbott, DJ Papi Disco (Halloween is for Lovers event, 10PM-1AM)

• Colonial Oak | Halloween Caravel Concert w/ Jess Zimmerman Band, 7-10PM

• Fuzion 904 Eatery | Buffalo Rose, 5:30-8:30PM

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

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Josh Worthy, 1PM (Backyard) | Jackalope Band, 8PM

• Milltop Tavern | Jim Lamb, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM | Jon Q., 9PM

• No Name | VersVtile, 10PM

• Pesca Vilano | Jax English Salsa Trio, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Cassidy Lee + Annie Dukes + Ivan Pulley, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | DJ Natural, Trae Pierce & The T Stones, 8PM

• Salt Life Food Shack | Reggie Starrett, 6-10PM

• Spinster Abbott’s | Airtight, 7-10PM

• Trade Winds Lounge | Just Wade, 1-4:30PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | TBD 9PM

*Artists & times are subject to change. That’s showbiz, baby.

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