🏴‍☠️🏝️ Winter is Coming | January 22, 2025

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Happy Wednesday, St. Augustine!

I hope you’re staying warm and dry this week as some wild weather is rolling through much of the country — even right here in North Florida.

Two callouts for today:

• No live music schedule for this week. Let’s chalk it up to technical difficulties (it’s my eyes). Please don’t come for my head.

• You 100% absolutely, positively have to go to the The Listening Room show featuring Laura Gibson at Spinster Abbott’s on Saturday. More info below in The Digest. Just trust me on this one.

I’m headed south for some warmth work, but maybe I’ll see you this weekend running around the Old City.

Hey, really quick:

Stay warm, my friends, and have a phenomenal end to the week. You deserve it.

— JF

The Voice That Launched Tiny Desk: Laura Gibson Live in St. Augustine

This Saturday, January 25, Spinster Abbott’s and The Listening Room present an unforgettable evening of music featuring Laura Gibson. The Portland-based folk songwriter, known for her hauntingly heartfelt sound, was the first-ever performer on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, a moment that sparked the beloved series.

This intimate concert, part of a new collaborative series, celebrates live music in its purest form. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with opening acts by Tampa’s Deb Ruby and local favorite Kevin PM. Hosted at the cozy Spinster Abbott’s in Uptown, it’s a must-see for music lovers.

Tickets are limited—get yours today and I will see you there Saturday night!

So, What’s Your Home Worth in 2025?

Curious about your home's value in today’s ever-changing market? My good pal, Mike Sontos of the Welch Team at Keller Williams St. Johns, offers a free, quick tool for instant home value estimates. Whether you're planning your next move or just curious, Mike is a trusted local expert ready to help. Email Mike today for advice or a smooth buying or selling experience.*

Food Trucks Find New Homes

Ragga Surf Cafe

2024 didn’t end with high hopes for Ragga Surf Cafe down in Marineland, but thanks to our local community, the Ragga crew found a new home right here in the heart of St. Augustine. As of January 17, you can get down on Ragga Surf Cafe’s scratch made favorites at 134 Riberia Street — right next door to St. Augustine Fish Camp and the St. Augustine Distillery 🤙

Funkadelic Food Truck Shack

I failed to mention it earlier this month, but there’s some big news for Funkadelic Food Truck. The legendary St. Augustine food truck is moving to the Island, taking over the former site of Ebb Tide Poolside Bar & Grill. Keep an eye out for a grand opening next month at 4225 A1A S just south of the loop on Anastasia Island.

HARB to Discuss Development Near Plaza

St. Augustine’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) meets today at 2:00 PM in the Alcazar Room to review plans for a new project at Cathedral Place and Charlotte Street. Proposed by Rogers Towers, P.A. and owned by Kasam Hospitality, the project includes new three-story commercial spaces around a parking garage and changes to the historic property at 22 Cathedral Place.

Located near the Plaza in the historic district, the design aims to balance modern use with the area’s character. Updated plans incorporate Mediterranean Revival and St. Augustine colonial styles, addressing earlier concerns about scale and style. This workshop sets the stage for future decisions.

City Commission Prepares for Key Votes

On Monday, January 27, at 5:00 PM, the St. Augustine City Commission will address major topics, including rezoning 30.15 acres at St. Augustine Marine Center to allow 50-foot-tall marine-related structures. The agenda also includes the potential purchase of the Hospital Creek/May Street parcel, noise ordinance updates, and a Revolutionary War marker for Oglethorpe Park. Public comments are welcome.

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Baptist Health's Silverleaf Medical Campus Approved

Baptist Health has received approval to begin constructing a 59,000-square-foot medical campus in Silverleaf, St. Johns County. The $16.8 million facility will feature a 24/7 emergency center, primary care offices, a helipad, and more. Slated to open in early 2026, it aims to meet the area's growing healthcare needs. | Read More

Medical Complex Planned for Anastasia Island

A 51,552-square-foot medical office complex is proposed for nearly 6 acres on Anastasia Island, near Florida 312 and Mizell Road. The project includes five interconnected buildings with retail space and 129 parking spots. Approved for rezoning in 2023, it will be reviewed by the St. Johns County Development Review Committee on February 5. | Read More

Gatlin Development Buys 32 Acres in St. Augustine

Gatlin Development acquired a 32.176-acre property at Florida 16 and Four Mile Road in St. Augustine for $8.5 million. The site is slated for multifamily development, with further details pending. | Read More

SilverLeaf Among Fastest Growing U.S. Communities

With 905 home sales in 2024, SilverLeaf ranked eighth nationally for growth. Spanning 11,000 acres, it continues adding neighborhoods and amenities, including a Publix-anchored shopping center and a Baptist Health medical campus. The rapid expansion raises concerns about balancing growth with infrastructure. | Read More

Alhambra Owner Saves Iconic Double-Decker Bus

Craig Smith, owner of Alhambra Theatre and St. Johns Food Service, rescued the 72-year-old double-decker bus from the now-closed Kings Head Pub. The bus is now at his St. Johns Food Service facility for restoration and future display. | Read More

Airport Authority Approves Eastside Development

The St. Johns County Airport Authority approved plans for eastside development at the St. Augustine airport, including relocating Hawkeye View Lane, large hangars, and aeronautical infrastructure. Concerns were raised about prioritizing roadwork over operational needs. The plan aligns growth with long-term objectives. | Read More

Main Library Branch to Close for Roof Replacement

The St. Johns County Public Library’s Main Branch will close on Feb. 3 for at least two months to replace its roof. During the closure, book drops and donation bins will be unavailable, and no late fees will accrue.

Patrons can use the Anastasia Island or Southeast branches, or visit the bookmobile, available Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Branch. For more details, visit the library’s website. | Read More

Quick Clicks:

🏪 IGP Place Fully Leased | Story

🏦 Fifth Third Bank adding Murabella branch | Story

🥃 Fresh Market Ponte Vedra Beach continues work on new liquor store | Story

Wednesday, January 22

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

Thursday, January 23

Chelsea Saddler Album Pre-Release Show at The Waterworks | Celebrate the release of Chelsea Saddler’s (Bad Dog Mama) new album in an intimate concert | 7:00–9:00 pm | 184 San Marco Ave. | Tickets

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

Friday, January 24

Parks and Crafts: Jackson Pollock-Style Art Workshop at Canopy Shores Pavilion | Explore creativity with Jackson Pollock-inspired drip-painting techniques | 10:00–11:30 am | 804 Christina Dr. | Pre-Register

2025 New Year’s Trash Bash Beach Cleanup | Help clean local beaches as part of the Vikings Day of Service | 1:00–4:00 pm | Locations & Info

Ray McNiece Performs Poems, Songs and Stories at Spinster Abbott’s | Performing poems and songs from his newest collection, The Bone Key Sutra | 5 - 6:30 pm | 61 San Marco Ave.

St. Augustine Film Society: In the Fade at The Waterworks | Screening of a German thriller about loss and revenge | 6:30 pm | 184 San Marco Ave. | Info

Magic Mic at Third Space Improv | Open mic night featuring comedy, music, storytelling, and more | 8:00 pm | 200 Malaga St. #7 | Tickets

Saturday, January 25

Cars & Coffee at Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine | Enjoy coffee, doughnuts, and classic cars at this monthly event | 8:00–10:00 am | 4730 Dixie Hwy S.

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

Civil War Living History at Castillo de San Marcos | Experience reenactments, cannon firings, and history talks about the Civil War era | 9:00 am–5:00 pm | 1 S Castillo Dr.

Gamble Jam at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area | Acoustic jam session honoring Florida folk singer Gamble Rogers | 2:00–4:00 pm | 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd.

The Listening Room Presents Laura Gibson at Spinster Abbott’s | Intimate live music experience with acclaimed singer-songwriter Laura Gibson, plus Kevin PM and Deb Ruby | 6:30 pm | Tickets

Pecha Kucha Night: Tales From the Deep at St. Augustine Amphitheatre | Storytelling event with sea-themed presentations and a social hour | 7:00 pm | 1340C A1A 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

Romanza Collage Concert Series: Akia Uwanda at The Waterworks | Enjoy smooth vocals and engaging jazz performances by Akia Uwanda | 7:30 pm | 184 San Marco Ave. | Tickets

Sunday, January 26

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

How I Learned (Not) to Drive at Third Space Improv | A one-man comedic show about overcoming fears and life lessons | 2:00 pm | 200 Malaga St. #7 | Tickets

Poetry Open Mic at The Waterworks | Share your poems or enjoy others in a themed open mic event | 3:00–4:30 pm | 184 San Marco Ave.

Monday, January 27

Holocaust Remembrance Concert at Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine | Pianist Golda Vainberg-Tatz performs works by Bach, Šenderovas, Beethoven, and Chopin | 7:00 pm | 38 Cathedral Pl.

Tuesday, January 28

🦗 

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