🏴‍☠️🏝️ "Overtourism" in St. Augustine | January 15, 2025

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Happy Wednesday, St. Augustine!

I hope your week is off to a great start. Thanks to a ridiculous Instagram post, we have a couple hundred new readers today and I wanted to start out by saying ‘Thank You' to all of the new subscribers. Welcome to the club!

It’s been an action-packed week, so let’s get to it right away.

But first, some St. Augustine trivia:

Thanks for playing! I hope you have the best week of your life.

— JF

Nights of Lights and “Overtourism”

Yesterday, Noah Hertz of the Jacksonville Today (and all around good guy) wrote a piece about the challenges the City is facing in the operation of the Nights of Lights celebration and I hope you check it out.

As we all know, the festival has become a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually and boosting the local economy. However, city officials are raising concerns about its sustainability, citing issues like traffic congestion and strain on infrastructure. At Monday’s City Commission Meeting, Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and Commissioner Barbara Blonder expressed that changes need to be made to make things better for locals while balancing the economic boost the festival brings. Commissioner Blonder went on to request that St. Johns County marketing funds used to promote the event would be better allocated to operational needs, such as infrastructure maintenance and public services.

This dialogue offers a refreshing shift after years of seeing local government prioritize development and tourism over the local business owners and residents who make this town so special.

Local Flavor Spotlight: Outer Banks Boil Company

A lot of folks have asked me to write more about our local food scene and to highlight some of the great places we have here in St. Augustine. I thought that there was no better way than to start with a business that truly caters to locals year-round.

Chances are you’ve seen Outer Banks Boil Company steaming up a pot at a local event or even at a friend’s house — but if you haven’t already, you need to check them out. Led by owner Brian Packer, the team provides two convenient options: full-service catering, where they handle everything from setup to cleanup, or to-go steamer pots complete with all the ingredients and tools for an at-home feast.

As a guy that grew up on the Outer Banks, I can attest to how legit this operation is.

Visit them at 711 A1A Beach Blvd on the Island to learn more, pre-order takeout, or book catering services. Outer Banks Boil Company promises to make your next event unforgettable — and be sure to tell Brian I sent ya 🤙 

City Commission Meeting Summary

This week, the St. Augustine City Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall. Here’s the breakdown on what was discussed:

• Unanimously voted to annex St. Joseph Academy (property tax exempt)

• Tabled the vote to purchase the 1.18 acre lot on May St., west of the causeway

• Voted to require supermajority when approving/amending PUD

• The Jan 27th meeting will have a vote to rezone 404 Riberia St. (30.15 acres) to PUD

Reminder: Manhole Inspections and Smoke Testing Begin This Week

From January 13 to February 14, St. Augustine and St. Johns County will conduct manhole inspections and smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system to identify stormwater inflow or groundwater infiltration issues. Testing will occur across various neighborhoods, including Cordova Palms, Madeira, Lincolnville, and Spanish Quarter. Residents in affected areas will receive notifications via door hangers. Learn more at CityStAug.com/SmokeTest.

St. Johns County Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

The St. Johns County School District has announced the finalists for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award, with the winner being named on January 31:

• Jessica MacMillan – First Coast Technical College ESOL Teacher

• Jake Lankford – Tocoi Creek High School History Teacher

• Madison Gowin – Switzerland Point Middle School Media Specialist

• Jill Adams – Creekside High School Instructional Literacy Coach

• Jordan Mattheus – Palm Valley Academy Band Director and Guitar Instructor

Reba’s Second Chance at Forever

Reba, a 9-year-old stray with a loving past, was reunited with her foster family after her owner’s passing. Despite losing her dad, Reba’s resilience shines. She’s house-trained, affectionate, and fits seamlessly into her foster home, bonding closely with her foster dad. Playful and loving, Reba is great with other dogs and ready to find her forever home. If you think Reba could be the perfect addition to your family, reach out today!

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New Hotel coming to Uptown…

Marriott International’s SpringHill Suites is set to establish its first St. Johns County location in St. Augustine. The proposed hotel will occupy a 1.7-acre site at the southeast corner of North Ponce de Leon Boulevard and West San Carlos Avenue, near the San Sebastian River. The property, owned by Vista Hotel IV Inc., currently includes a used car dealership, All Florida Auto Exchange, and two additional structures.

Site plans indicate the hotel will feature 83 parking spaces, though details about its square footage and room count are yet to be determined. The St. Johns River Water Management District is reviewing the application, with construction plans moving forward once approvals are finalized. | Jacksonville Daily Record

Construction to Begin on West Augustine Health Center

Construction is set to begin on the West Augustine Health and Wellness Center, a 35,000-square-foot medical facility located at 100 N. Brevard St. in St. Augustine. St. Johns County issued a building permit for the $6 million project on January 9, 2025. The two-story building is expected to open in October 2025 and will feature a covered entrance and 41 parking spaces. Services will be provided by Flagler Health+ hospital, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, and additional tenants. | Jacksonville Daily Record

St. Johns County Pier Reopens for Fishing

The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier in St. Augustine Beach will reopen for fishing and sightseeing on Sunday, Jan. 12, tide permitting. Fees for both activities will resume, with pre-closure annual passes extended by seven months. The pier's final 100 feet remains closed until further notice. | SJCFL.us

Florida Manatees Remain Listed as Threatened

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denied a petition to classify Florida manatees as endangered, maintaining their "threatened" status despite concerns over pollution and seagrass loss. Environmental groups argue uplisting could secure more resources for conservation, warning of future die-offs linked to wastewater discharge, septic leaks, and runoff.

The agency stated existing protections, like manatee protection areas, remain effective, with populations not declining enough to warrant a status change. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s manatee population, estimated at 250, will be upgraded to endangered. Advocates continue pushing for stronger protections to safeguard Florida’s iconic sea cows. | WLRN.org

Quick Clicks:

🛫 St. Augustine’s airport wants its old name back | Jacksonville Today

🛒 Indian market coming to The Forum at Greenbriar | Jacksonville Today

🍕 Rosati's Pizza permitted for IGP Place | Jacksonville Business Journal

🌊 SJC Receives Resiliency Award for Alpine Groves Park Shoreline Restoration Project | SJCFL.us

🛩️ SJC Airport Authority ends lease of flight school owned by prominent aviation couple | Jacksonville Business Journal

Wednesday, January 15

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.

Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum | All-levels Vinyasa yoga in a historic outdoor setting | 8:30-9:30 AM | 20 Aviles St. | Register

Guided Trail Walk at River-to-Sea Preserve Marineland | Explore local wildlife, dunes, and coquina rock with GTMNERR guides | 9-11 AM | 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast | Info

Thursday, January 16

Auggie’s Storytime at Vaill Point Park Pavilion | Join Auggie the gopher tortoise for a captivating storytime with nature lessons | 10 - 11 AM | 252 Vaill Point Rd. | Register

Guided Kayak Tour at Nocatee Landing | Paddle the Tolomato River marshes with naturalist-led tours | 10 AM-1 PM | 2015 Nocatee Landing Trail | Register

Friday, January 17

Crimes of the Heart at Limelight Theatre | Award-winning Southern drama about three sisters with troubled pasts | Runs thru Feb 2; times vary | 11 Old Mission Ave. | Tickets

42nd Arbor Day Ceremony at Plaza de la Constitución | Celebrate Arbor Day with tree planting, performances, and free saplings | 10:00 am | 1 Plaza de la Constitución

Shuck for a Truck II at Genung's Fish Camp | Oyster roast with live music by Saw Paw to support Matanzas Riverkeeper | 5:00–7:00 pm | 291 Cubbedge Rd. | Info

Drag Queen-a-Palooza at Third Space Improv | A dazzling drag performance celebrating self-expression and diversity | 8:00 pm | 200 Malaga St #7 | Tickets

Saturday, January 18

45th Annual Matanzas 5000 at Francis Field | Scenic 5K race through historic St. Augustine with cash prizes | 8am | 25 West Castillo Drive | Register

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

Bendt Yoga at Marina Munch | All-levels yoga class led by Marina Bendt | 9-10am | 509 S Ponce De Leon Blvd

Yoga in the Garden at Lightner Museum | Enjoy a relaxing yoga session in a beautiful garden setting | 9am | 75 King St | Register (Donation Based)

SaltWater Sportsman National Seminar Series at World Golf Village Renaissance Resort | Educational seminar on marine fishing techniques with expert speakers | 9am-3pm | 500 S Legacy Trail | Tickets

Native Landscaping Workshop at Beluthahatchee Park | Learn winter sowing techniques to grow wildflowers that attract songbirds | 10am-12pm | 1523 CR 13 S | Register

Guided Kayak Tour at Nocatee Landing | Paddle the Tolomato River marshes with naturalist-led tours | 10am-1pm | 2015 Nocatee Landing Trail | Register

2025 Southeast Eurofest at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine | Celebrate European vehicles with a showcase, trophies, and food trucks | 10am-3pm | 4730 Dixie Hwy S

The Big Chilly Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-off at Guy Harvey Outpost Resort | Brave the Atlantic for fun and charity with awards for costumes | 12pm | 860 A1A Beach Blvd. | Info

Vilano Beach Main Street Artisan's Market | Explore local vendors, music, and craft beers at this vibrant market | 4-8pm | 260 Vilano Rd

St. Augustine Cruise-IN at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine | Enjoy cars, music, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing | 5-7pm | 4730 Dixie Hwy S

Sans Script Saturdays at Third Space Improv | Improv comedy where anything can happen, with quick-witted humor | 7:30pm | 200 Malaga St #7 | Tickets

Giro d’Italia Ride Like A Pro USA at World Golf Village | Two-day European-style cycling event with races and an Italian expo | Times Vary, Jan. 18-19 | Renaissance Resort, 500 S Legacy Trl. | Register

Sunday, January 19

Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum | All-levels Vinyasa yoga in a historic outdoor setting | 8-9am | 20 Aviles St. | Register

Emma Concert Series: Jacksonville Symphony - Dvorak and Tchaikovsky at Flagler College, Lewis Auditorium | Enjoy a performance featuring Dvorak and Tchaikovsky selections | 2pm | 14 Granada St. | Tickets

Sundays With SAMF: Aaron Lehrian, Jazz Pianist at The Waterworks | Enjoy a captivating performance by jazz virtuoso Aaron Lehrian | 3-4pm | 184 San Marco Ave. | Tickets

2025 MLK Commemorative Celebration at Light of Life Worship Center | Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday | 4pm | 605 Wilson Rd, Hastings, FL 32145 | Info

Monday, January 20

MLK Commemorative Celebration: Silent March and Program at Plaza de la Constitucion | Honoring Dr. King with a march and speech by Pastor E. Chris Washington | 9am | Begins at 86 MLK Ave, ending at Plaza de la Constitucion | Info

MLK Day of Service Cleanup Event at West Augustine Nature Society | Honor MLK with a street and cemetery cleanup event | 8-11am | 252 N McLaughlin St

Bad Outdoorsmen Exhibition at Crisp-Ellert Art Museum | Katie Hargrave and Meredith Laura Lynn's exploration of public lands through sculpture and imagery | Runs Jan 20 - Apr 19, times vary | 48 Sevilla St.

Tuesday, January 21

St. Augustine Songwriters Night at Oasis | Local singer/songwriters share stories and songs at this free event | 6:00–8:00 pm | 4000 A1A South

Thursday, January 16

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Craig Smith, 1-4PM | Josh Worthy, 4-7PM

• Casa de Vino 57 | Wesley Ochs, 5PM

• Casa Maya | Edwin Barbosa, 6-9PM

• Colonial Oak | John Tyler Band, 7-10PM

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

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Smokin’ Joe, 3PM

• Milltop Tavern | Jim Lamb, 12PM | John Tyler, 4:30PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Chase Fouraker, 1-5PM | Vice Versa, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Taylor Roberts, 6PM

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

• Trade Winds | Just Wade, 1-4:30PM | Acoustic Anomaly, 5-8PM | Vegas Gray, 9PM

Friday, January 17

• Arnold’s | Second Opinion, 7-11PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Yael Zaza Flamenca, 1-4PM | Damon Slaughter, 4-7PM

• Cafe Eleven | Acoustically Speaking: Kat & Mik from the Garcia Project, 8PM | Tickets

• Casa de Vino 57 | Jolie, 7PM

• Casa Maya | Black Mango, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak | One Good Ring, 7-10PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Dennis Gallo, 6-10PM

• Dog Rose Brewing | Pyletribe, 8PM

• Fuzion 904 | Burn Unit, 6-9PM

• Guy Harvey Resort | Rob Peck, 5-8PM

• 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 | Jimmy Bragg 1PM | Seamus Kelleher, 8PM

• Milltop Tavern | Scott Halls, 12PM | Josh Worthy, 4:30PM | Walker Road, 9PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Chase Fouraker, 2-6PM | Chillula, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Good Pluck Trio, 6PM | Trae Pierce & the T Stones, 10PM

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

• Trade Winds | Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart, 5-8 | Nickoloff, 9PM

Saturday, January 18

• Arnold’s | Bedrock Band, 7-11PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Jolie, 1-4PM | Shawn Ryan, 4-7PM

• Cafe Eleven | Tray Wellington Band, 8PM | Tickets

• Casa de Vino 57 | Shayla Nelson, 2:30PM | Common Ground, 7PM

• Casa Maya | Big Papa Fish, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak | Smokestack, 7-10PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Jessie Abbey, 6-10PM

• Dog Rose Brewing | Pyletribe, 8PM

• Fuzion 904 | Merkin Brothers, 6-9PM

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

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

• Marina Munch | John Winters, 12-4PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Mike Cook, 1PM | Seamus Kelleher, 8PM

• Milltop Tavern | Scott Halls, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM | Walker Road, 9PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Hays, 2-6PM | Will Neal Music Group, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Bottom Feeders, 6PM | Universal Funk Orchestra, 10PM

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

• Spinster Abbott’s | Babe Honey & Sunchild, 7-10PM

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

Sunday, January 19

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Jolie, 1-4PM | Banjo Brown, 4-7PM

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

• Casa Maya | Sam Pacetti, 12-3PM | Cesar Romero, 6-9PM

• Colonial Oak | Spafford, 6-10PM | Tickets

• Crabby’s Beachside | Esh & Schief, 5-9PM

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

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Heather Craig, 1PM | Seamus Kelleher, 6PM

• Milltop Tavern | Michael Bo Griner, 12PM | Jon Q., 4:30PM

• Pierre’s Pub | The Space Heaters, 1-5PM | Soulfull Roots Band, 6-10PM

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

• Salt Life Food Shack | Fond Kiser, 6-10PM

• Trade Winds Lounge | Keith Godwin & the Rio Grande Band, 1-4:30PM | Shayla Nelson, 5-8PM | Johnson + Burns, 9PM

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