🏴‍☠️🏝️ The Lowdown is BACK | December 18, 2024

Happy Wednesday, St. Augustine! I hope the holiday season is treating you well so far. It’s great to be back in your inbox today!

After some significant life changes, the Old City Lowdown is back. To keep things running smoothly, we’re shifting to a once-weekly schedule on Wednesdays, packed with everything you need to know about town. Here’s what’s inside:

• The Rundown: Top 5-ish local news stories

• The Happenings: Best upcoming local events

• Live Music Lowdown: Weekend music schedule (Thu-Sun)

• The Digest: Extra tidbits I’m excited to share

Thanks for your support—now, let’s get to the Lowdown!

But first, a quick question:

Thanks for your input! Have a fantastic weekend.

-James Foote
Publisher | Old City Lowdown

Welcome to Pirate Island

"James, where’ve you been the past few weeks?" Great question! In late November, I jumped on board as the Director of Business Development at Pirate Island Carts in St. Augustine Beach. My focus? Expanding programs in rentals, leasing, and helping the company grow.

Thinking about a new ride for your family or need a rental to explore A1A Beach Blvd.? Give us a call at (904) 201-3048 or swing by our shop at 125 Pope Rd., and let the team know I sent you. We’ll get you cruising in style 👌

Extra credit if you give Pirate Island Carts a follow on Instagram. You’re in for some great content and your support means the world to us!

St. Johns County homes are worth WHAT?!?

Curious about how much your home is worth in today’s market? St. Johns County real estate is always changing, and now’s a great time to check. Use this quick, free tool from Mike Sontos of the Welch Team, Keller Williams St. Johns, to get an instant home value estimate.

Have questions about buying or selling locally? Mike’s your go-to for expert advice and a smooth process - email him today.*

FWF Conservation Though the Arts Livestream

Join the Florida Wildlife Federation for an inspiring livestream panel on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6–7 p.m. (ET) on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Featuring singer-songwriter Grant Livingston, illustrator Oona Watkins, and photographer Anthony Sleiman, the discussion will explore how art connects people with nature and drives conservation efforts. Panelists will share creative approaches and tips for using art to support environmental stewardship. RSVP to receive a day-of reminder!

Journey Into the North Pole at The Lab

Journey Into the North Pole at The Lab is more than a holiday attraction—it's an immersive, choose-your-own-adventure experience running weekends through Dec. 23. This magical North Pole town features an elf bunkhouse, candy castle, historical museum, and workshop, with no set path, allowing guests to roam freely and uncover surprises at every turn. Touching and exploring are encouraged as part of the fun. Activities include writing letters to Santa, crafting ornaments, and solving kid-friendly quests. Tickets are $18 online, with photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus included.

Invader Zim Needs a Home!

This goofy, toy-loving pup is 34lbs of pure joy. Once shy, now he’s playful, snuggly, and full of life—cat, dog, and kid-friendly, too! If you’ve got a playful dog buddy and a cozy couch, Zim’s ready to “beam up” to his forever home. Adopt him today!

*Denotes paid content

👓️ City to Hold Joint Meeting on Vision Plan Update

The City of St. Augustine, in collaboration with the Northeast Florida Regional Council, hosted a joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Board, Historic Architectural Review Board, and Corridor Review Committee this morning in The Alcazar Room of City Hall. The agenda included discussions on updating the Vision Plan and potential land development code changes to enhance flood prevention and mitigation strategies. Residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey before it closes on December 22. The updated Vision Plan is scheduled for adoption in January 2025. | Info

🐬 Development Clashes with Whitney Lab Expansion

The University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, a vital research and conservation institute south of St. Augustine, faces challenges from proposed developments by Jacoby Development in Marineland. While the lab seeks to expand its educational and environmental initiatives, Jacoby plans to build a marina, housing, and a town center on nearby land. Whitney Lab's efforts to purchase the land for conservation have been blocked, raising concerns about preserving one of Florida's few remaining pristine ecosystems amid growing development pressures. | Story

⚠️ St. Augustine Residents Petition Against Biomass Facility

Over 200 residents in west St. Augustine have signed a petition urging Indianhead Biomass to cease operations due to persistent foul odors. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection cited the company in October for improper waste processing and storage violations, which have since been addressed. Despite corrective actions, neighbors remain concerned about environmental impacts and potential effects on property values. | Story

🗳️ Special Election Set for January in District 6

Residents in St. Johns County’s District 6 have until January 14 to register for the January 28 primary, which will fill Congressman Mike Waltz’s vacant seat. The election spans six counties, including parts of St. Johns County. With nine precincts and two early voting sites, over 100 poll workers are being mobilized. Sample ballots will arrive in January, with costs reimbursed by the state. | Story

⚾️ County Approves Funding for Diamond of Dreams

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved $2.18 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Diamond of Dreams project. This all-inclusive park, planned for southwest St. Johns County, will feature a wheelchair-accessible baseball field, playground, dugouts, press box, family seating, ADA-compliant parking, and restrooms. | Story

🏰 Historic Flagler-Era Home Listed for $2.95M

A restored 1910 Flagler-Era home at 178 Avenida Menendez, designed by architect Fred A. Henderich, is now on the market for $2.95 million. The nearly 4,000-square-foot duplex features river views, Victorian details, and museum-quality restorations, including a copper roof, sky room, and panoramic views of Matanzas Bay. | Story

Quick Clicks:

🏖️ 2025 Beach Driving Passes Now Available | Info

🍷 Señora Xerez Brings Spanish Flair to St. Augustine | Story

🛩️ Aviation Training Program Launches in St. Augustine | Story

🎥 St. Johns County Seeks New Operator for IMAX Theater | Story

🛒 Beachwalk BJ's Wholesale Club likely to open before Christmas | Story

🌱 Sprouts Farmers Market Opens Jan. 31 at Shoppes of St. Johns Parkway | Story

Featured Events

Wednesday, December 18

🛍️ Wednesday Pier Farmers Market at St. Augustine Beach Pier | Shop local produce, arts, and crafts by the beach | 8 AM-1 PM | 350 A1A Beach Blvd.

🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus at Bog Brewery | Bring your kids, your list, your best Christmas outfit, and your camera | 4-8 PM | 218 West King St.

🖌️ Paint-A-Present at Flo Yoga Spa | Create a hand-painted gift with local artist Carrie Horn | 5-6:30 PM | 4320 A1A S, Suite 7 | Tickets

👑 West King Market hosted by Buena Onda Café | Final 2024 pop-up with local vendors and neighborhood vibes | 5-8 PM | 224 W King St.

❓️ Trivia Night with STA Trivia at Spinster Abbott’s | 7-9 PM | 61 San Marco Ave.

😂 First Coast Comedy Improv Night at Colonial Oak Music Park | Family-friendly improv comedy with pay-what-you-will admission | 7:30 PM | 33 St. George St. | Info

😆 Paper Root Comedy Showcase at Paper Root Comedy | End the year with laughs featuring headliner Zach Bennett | Doors 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM | 91 King St. | Tickets

Thursday, December 19

🎣 Paddleboard Fishing at Trout Creek Park | Guided paddleboard fishing trip; board rentals available - freshwater fishing license required | 12-3 PM | 6795 Collier Rd.

🎪 Venardos Circus at The Amp | Runs thru Jan 5 | A magical, Broadway-style animal-free circus experience | Times Vary | 1340C A1A South | Details

⏺️ St. Augustine Holiday Record Pop-Up at Dog Rose Brewing Co. | A holiday celebration and record shopping featuring ToneVendor, Rocking Chair Records & Modern Music | 5-9 PM | 77 Bridge St.

🎤 Christmas Karaoke at Spinster Abbott’s | Wear your best Christmas outfit or ugliest sweater and belt some tunes | 7:30-9:30 PM | 61 San Marco Ave.

Friday, December 20

❄️ Friends of St. Augustine Amphitheatre presents It's a Wonderful Life at The Amp | Runs thru Dec 21 | FOSAA & Apex Theatre Studios bring the classic holiday story live | Times Vary | 1340C A1A South | Tickets

🩰 The Nutcracker at Lewis Auditorium | St. Augustine Ballet's holiday classic with local and guest performers | Runs thru Dec 22, Times Vary | 14 Granada St. | Tickets

Saturday, December 21

🌴 December Sip & Shop at Isla Blends | Holiday shopping, local vendors, food truck, and Santa photos | 8 AM-4 PM | 322 Anastasia Blvd.

🧘‍♀️ Free Community Yoga at Marina Munch | Mindful flow to close out 2024 with connection and gratitude, hosted by Marina Bendt | 9-10 AM | 509 S Ponce De Leon Blvd.

👨‍🌾 Amphitheatre Farmers Market at The Amp | Shop fresh food, local art, and enjoy live entertainment | 8:30 AM-12:30 PM | 1340C A1A South

🎅 Vilano Holiday Village & Market at Vilano Beach Main Street | Festive fun with music, crafts, Santa, and local shopping | 4-8 PM | 101 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine

🎸 Gamble Rogers Concert Series at The Waterworks | Celebrate folk music with Gretchen Peters and Frank Douglas | 7-10 PM | 184 San Marco Ave. | Tickets

🎉 Holiday Hootenanny at Third Space Improv | Festive improv comedy show packed with holiday cheer | 7:30-9:30 PM | 1965 A1A S, Suite 5 | Tickets

Sunday, December 22

🌾 Holiday Market at The Feed Mill | Local vendors, live music, petting zoo, and festive crafts | 11 AM-2 PM | 6400 County Road 214

🐶 Santa Paws Holidog Pawty at Guy Harvey Resort | Festive fun with dog Santas, photos, and costume contests | 11 AM-2 PM | 860 A1A Beach Blvd. | Info

Thursday, December 19

• Beaches Vilano | Josh Ford, 3-7PM

• Chez L’Amour | Rachel Warfield, 6-9PM

• Colonial Oak | Country Night w/ Cam Wheaton, 7-10PM

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

• Guy Harvey Resort | Evan Dease, 5-8PM

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

• Marina Munch | Dewey Via, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Walker Road Duo, 1PM | Preston Pohl, 7PM

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

• Oasis | Allen Arena, 5-8PM

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

• Pierre’s Pub | Bottom Feeders, 1-5PM | Zaza Flamenca, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Bad Dog Mama, 6PM

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

• Tradewinds Lounge | Just Wade, 1PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5PM | TBA, 9PM

Friday, December 20

• Ann O’Malley’s | Dewey Via, 6-10PM

• Arnold’s | Contact Buzz, 8:30PM-12:30AM

• Beaches Vilano | Bad Endings, 5-9PM

• Casa de Vino 57 | Jolie, 7-10PM

• Chez L’Amour | Sam Pacetti, 6-9PM

• Colonial Oak | Dyer Davis Band, 7-10PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Lucky, 6-10PM

• Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Not Quite Dead, 8PM

• Fuzion 904 | Burn Unit, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort | Claire Vandiver, 5-8PM

• Kingfish Grill | Caleb Joye, 6-9PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Tony Scozzaro, 1-4PM | Yael Zaza Flamenca, 6-9PM

• Marina Munch | The House Cats, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Josh Worthy, 1PM | John Phillips, 9PM

• Milltop Tavern | Charlie Ellis, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM | Jon Q. Duo, 9PM

• Pesca Vilano | The Palmetto Pickers, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Joe Nash + Chase Fouraker + Jonathan Lee, 2-6PM | Green with Envy, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Tru Phonic, 6PM | Madam, 10PM

• Salt Life Food Shack | Bret Blackshear, 6-10PM

• Spinster Abbott’s | Sooza Brass Band & Teal Cabana Club, 7-10PM

• Tradewinds Lounge | Heather Craig, 1PM | Mark Hart, 5PM | Vegas Gray, 8:30PM

Saturday, December 21

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

• Beaches Vilano | Eric Alabiso, 5-9PM

• Cafe Eleven | Selwyn Birchwood, 8PM | Tickets

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

• Chez L’Amour | Doug Carn Trio, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak | Bret Blackshear, 2-5PM | Dewey Via Band, 7-10PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | David Alexander, 6-10PM

• Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Smokestack, 8PM

• Embassy Suites | Lauren Gilliam, 5-8PM

• Fuzion 904 | Good Time Charlie, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort | Denny Blue, 5-8PM

• Kingfish Grill | Charlie Ellis, 6-9PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Vibe RW, 1-4PM | Russ DeFilippis, 6-9PM

• Marina Munch | John Winters, 12-4PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Marshall Bailey, 1PM | John Phillips, 9PM

• Milltop Tavern | Eric Groves, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM | Jon Q. Duo, 9PM

• Oasis | Vinny Jacobs, 5-8PM

• Pesca Vilano | Deejay Natural, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Cassidey Lee + Christian Powers + Chase Fouraker, 2-6PM | Alanis Sophia Band, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Bad Dog & Friends, 6PM | Marshall Horn & the Rock & Roll Cowboys, 10PM

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

• Tradewinds Lounge | Elizabeth Roth, 1PM | Mark Hart, 5PM | Vegas Gray, 9PM

Sunday, December 22

• Arnold’s | Open Mic, 6-10PM

• Cafe Eleven | Davis Loose, 8PM | Tickets

• Casa de Vino 57 | Wayne & Friends, 3-6PM

• Chez L’Amour | Dennis Fermin, 6-9PM

• Colonial Oak | The Life Atlantic, 6-9PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Janet Laverne, 5-9PM

• 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 | Heather Craig, 1PM | Jimmy Bragg, 6PM

• Milltop Tavern | Gabby Samuels, 12PM | Kaleb Dougan, 4:30PM

• Pesca Vilano | Chillakaya, 4-8PM

• Pierre’s Pub | The Space Heaters, 1-5PM | JR Parks with Mynolia + El Castillo, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Old City Jam w Shane Platten, 6-9PM

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

• Tradewinds Lounge | Keith Godwin & the Rio Grande Band, 1PM | Crawford Boyd’s Acoustic Anomaly, 5PM | Johnson + Burns, 9PM

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