🏴‍☠️🏝️ MAJOR Upgrades at The Amp

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Good Morning, St. Augustine! Lots of great Old City updates today, so we’ll get right to it.

But first, I wanted to thank you for taking part in last week’s poll. Thanks to 43% of the vote, we will keep sending the Old City Lowdown on Wednesdays before noon.

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— JF

The Amp Announces Merch Shop, Kookaburra Outpost & Renovated Box Office

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is having a moment.

The 2025 lineup is absolutely stacked, and if we're being honest, it’s got locals willingly handing over their paychecks just to keep up with all the killer shows rolling through town.

Just when you thought the excitement might settle down, The Amp went and dropped another big one yesterday—some seriously cool upgrades to the venue.

They're adding the first-ever on-site merch shop, a revamped box office, and The Kookaburra Coffee Outpost, which will be brewing daily from 7 AM to 5 PM (with extended hours on show nights).

You won’t want to miss the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 15 at 8:30 AM.

Nappy Roots Live at Prohibition Kitchen

You read that right — a HUGE show for St. Augustine. Catch hip-hop legends Nappy Roots live at Prohibition Kitchen for a night of great music and high energy! Local artist DeeJay Natural will be kicking the night off at 7PM with Nappy Roots to follow at 8PM. Grab your crew, hit the dance floor, and soak in the vibes. This is a 21+ show.

Tickets are on sale NOW.

📆 February 27, 7PM
📍 Prohibition Kitchen | 119 Saint George St

City Commission Weighs Changes to Nights of Lights

At Monday’s City Commission meeting, officials debated how to address growing concerns over St. Augustine’s annual Nights of Lights festival. City Manager David Birchim presented short-term recommendations aimed at alleviating congestion and improving logistics, and commissioners agreed on three key action items moving forward.

First, the city will lease the Bank of America parking lot at Cathedral Place and Cordova Street for a trial run during the July 4th celebrations. The lot will serve as a staging area for portable restrooms and a cooling tent, with the possibility of using it for additional porta-potties and a trash compactor during NoL. Officials hope this will improve sanitation and reduce overflowing waste downtown.

The Commission also approved hiring a consultant to lead a NoL task force, which will include business owners, city officials, and—at Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline’s insistence—residents. While the move is intended to create a structured approach for evaluating NoL’s impact and proposing long-term solutions, some remain skeptical about whether another consultant will bring meaningful change.

Additionally, city staff will return with cost estimates for short-term fixes, including the consultant’s fees. While discussions focused on better messaging, improved shuttle services, and reducing trash piles, Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder and other commissioners emphasized a larger issue—unsustainable levels of visitor traffic. Blonder called for suspending NoL advertising and expanding pedestrian-only areas, while Commissioner Jim Springfield suggested reducing the length of NoL if St. Johns County does not contribute additional funding.

While the city appears committed to making adjustments, the discussion largely centered on making NoL more manageable for visitors rather than tackling the fundamental issue of overwhelming automobile traffic. As the task force takes shape, the challenge will be finding ways to balance tourism’s economic benefits with maintaining residents' quality of life.

Florida Senate Moves to Block Development in State Parks

A bill aimed at preventing large-scale development in Florida state parks, including Anastasia State Park, is moving forward in the Florida Senate. SB 80, sponsored by Sen. Gayle Harrell, was unanimously approved by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The legislation is a response to last year’s controversial "Great Outdoors Initiative," which proposed golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotel-style lodges in parks. Gov. Ron DeSantis paused the initiative after public backlash, and lawmakers are now seeking to ensure similar plans do not resurface. Environmental groups support the bill but want stronger protections against future development loopholes. | Story ($)

San Sebastian Winery Plans New Marketplace and Restaurant

San Sebastian Winery, a staple in downtown St. Augustine since 1996, is planning to expand its offerings. The owners have proposed developing an adjacent marketplace at 157 King St., which will feature a restaurant, retail space, and additional parking. The St. Johns River Water Management District is currently reviewing the proposal. This expansion aims to enhance the winery experience for both locals and visitors. | Story

St. Augustine PZB to Discuss Flood Prevention Strategies

The City of St. Augustine’s Planning & Zoning Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 1:30 p.m. in The Alcazar Room at City Hall. The agenda includes discussions on potential updates to the land development code aimed at strengthening flood prevention and mitigation efforts. This initiative seeks to establish criteria for resilient development in flood-prone areas, aligning with the city’s broader strategy for long-term sustainability and infrastructure resilience. | City of St. Augustine

St. Johns County Approves Funding for SR 207 Intersection Improvements

St. Johns County has approved a $1.695 million contract with Chinchor Electric Inc. to enhance the intersection at State Road 207 and Brinkhoff Road. The project includes installing a signal-controlled intersection with an ADA-accessible crosswalk, milling and resurfacing the asphalt, and adding raised islands to deter cut-through traffic from Brinkhoff Road and Twin Lakes. Construction is set to begin in spring 2025, with completion expected by fall 2025. | St. Johns County

Michael’s Finds New Home in Vilano Beach

Michael’s, the upscale steakhouse by chef Michael Lugo, has officially reopened in Vilano Beach, just weeks after closing its longtime downtown St. Augustine location. Now housed in the Hyatt Place at 117 Vilano Road, the move offers more space, easier parking, and relief from the flooding issues that plagued its original spot. The new location features an expanded menu, a curated wine library, and live piano performances. Lugo’s Viva Hospitality group still maintains a presence downtown with La Nouvelle, while Pesca Rooftop continues to serve Latin-inspired cuisine above Michael’s at the Hyatt. | Story ($)

Quick Clicks:

🌳 St. Augustine to Celebrate Park & Community Center Upgrades

🏈 Solomon Calhoun Center Football Field Set for Major Upgrades

🏥 HCA Healthcare to Establish Freestanding ER in St. Augustine

📜 Bill Supports Black History Museum in St. Johns County

🚧 St. Johns County Pier Gift Shop Closing for Renovations

🏗️ St. Johns County Considers Demolishing Historic Jail

🤝 Rutherford Relaunches Congressional Deaf Caucus

🏰 British fort discovered in St. Augustine

Wednesday, February 12

Wednesday Pier Farmers Market at St. Johns County Pier Park | Local produce, crafts, and unique goods by the beach | 8:00 AM | 350 A1A Beach Blvd

Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum | Vinyasa flow yoga on a historic lawn | 8:30 AM | 20 Aviles St

STAAA: Fort Mosé 1738 Fashion Pop Up at St. Augustine Art Association | African heritage clothing line, modern designs meet tradition | Tue-Sun thru Mar 2, 12:00 PM | 22 Marine St

The Illusion of Reliable Brain Function at UF Whitney Laboratory | Lecture on brain function and mistake detection by Dr. Carlos Lois | 6:00 PM | Watch Online

Valentine's Day Film Showing at Temple Bet Yam | Award-winning romantic short films, mulled wine and snacks | 7:00 PM | 2055 Wildwood Dr

Improv Comedy Night at Colonial Oak | Hilarious, unscripted improv show for all ages | 7:30 PM | 21 St George St

Bingo Night at Spinster Abbott’s | Numbers, letters, prizes, and local craft beer | 7:30-9 PM | 61 San Marco Ave

Thursday, February 13

Military Veteran Kayaking at Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp | Guided kayak tour for veterans, explore nature and history | 10:00 AM | 4805 Shore Dr | Register

Galentine's Day Party at The Art House | Sip wine, create custom lip colors with makeup artist | 6:00 PM | 3920 A1A South, Unit 8 | Register

St. Johns County Fight Night at The Amp | Deputies, firefighters fight for charity, supporting local youth programs | 6:00 PM | 1340 A1A South | Tickets

Friday, February 14

Valentine's Day Paint-A-Pint at Ancient City Brewing | Customize pints, enjoy a free beverage, fun with friends | 6:00 PM | 3420 Agricultural Center Drive, Suite 8

Galentine's Disco at Pierre's Pub | Dance and sing in silver attire and cowgirl boots | 7:30 PM | 69 St. George St

Third Space Improv Presents 3 Blind Dates | Unscripted romantic comedy with audience-inspired speed dating | 8:30 PM | 200 Malaga St | Tickets

Saturday, February 15

Lighthouse 5K and Fun Run at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum | USATF-certified 5K, fun run, and free lighthouse access | 8:00 AM | 81 Lighthouse Ave | Register

Yoga in the Garden at Lightner Museum | Donation-based yoga session in the Radzinski Family Garden | 8:30 AM | 75 King St

Amphitheatre Farmers Market at St. Augustine Amphitheatre | Local produce, crafts, and live entertainment every Saturday | 8:30 AM | 1340 A1A South

St. Johns County Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics at Francis Field | 1.9-mile run with law enforcement motorcade, benefits Special Olympics | 9:00 AM | 25 W Castillo Dr | Register

Arts & Crafts Show at St. Augustine Beach | Local arts and crafts at the Ocean Pier Park Pavilion | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sat) | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Sun) | 350 A1A Beach Blvd

6th Semi-Annual Shuffleboard Tournament at Dog Rose Brewing Co. | Shuffle it up with you and a friend for cash prizes | 11:00 AM | 77 Bridge St

Huguenot Cemetery Guided Tour at Huguenot Cemetery | Learn about the oldest non-Catholic cemetery in Florida | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 81 A1A Orange St

Tolomato Cemetery Tour at Tolomato Cemetery | Guided or self-guided tours of St. Augustine's historic cemetery | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 14 Cordova St

Vilano Beach Artisan Market | Local artists, live music, and unique crafts | 4:00 PM | 260 Vilano Rd

Cruisers Car Club Cruise-IN at The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine | Classic cars, music, and door prizes | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 4730 US-1

Third Space Improv Presents Love Bites | Hilarious, unscripted take on modern romance and dating | 7:30 PM | 200 Malaga St | Tickets

Giggly Squad Live at The Amp | The hosts of the girlies favorite podcast are stopping by The Amp for a night of laughs | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Sunday, February 16

Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum | Vinyasa flow yoga on a historic lawn | 8 AM | 20 Aviles St

Arts & Crafts Festival at the Pier at St. Johns County Pier | Handmade arts, crafts, and live entertainment | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 350 A1A Beach Blvd

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Wednesday, February 12

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Shawn Ryan, 2-5PM

• Cafe Eleven | Toronzo Cannon, 8:00PM | Tickets

• Casa de Vino 57 | Dharma, 7PM

• Casa Maya | Cesar Romero, 6-9PM

• Fuzion 904 | Taylor Roberts, 5-8PM

• Milltop Tavern | Jim Lamb, 12PM | Charlie Ellis, 4:30PM

• Old Coast Ales | Rambler Kane, 6-9PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Ray Boudreaux, 1-5PM | Yael Zaza Flamenca, 6-10PM

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

• Trade Winds | Smokin’ Joe, 1-4PM | Mark Hart, 5-8PM | Jack Hammer, 9PM

Thursday, February 13

• Beaches at Vilano | Bad Endings, 5-9PM

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Edwin Barbosa, 1-4PM | Bret Blackshear, 4-7PM

• Casa Maya | Edwin Barbosa, 6-9PM

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

• Fuzion 904 | Wesley Ochs, 5-8PM

• Guy Harvey Resort | Joe Downing, 5-8PM

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

• Marina Munch | Acoustic Jam, 6PM

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

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

• No Name | Dharma, 10PM

• Oasis | Allan Arena, 5-8PM

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

• Pierre’s Pub | Ray Boudreaux, 1-5PM | Olivia & John, 6-10PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Justin Howell, 6PM

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

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

Friday, February 14

• Arnold’s | Brothers Futch, 7-11PM

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

• Bin 39 Wine Bar | Damon Slaughter, 1-4PM | Shayla Nelson, 4-7PM

• Casa de Vino 57 | Jolie, 7PM

• Casa Maya | Juan Mallorca, 7-10PM

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

• Conch House | Trevor Compton, 4-8PM

• Crabby’s Beachside | Savi Fernandez, 6-10PM

• Fort Mose | Dinner Party, 7PM | Tickets

• Fuzion 904 | Buffalo Rose w/ Rusty Springfield, 6-9PM

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Russ DeFilippis Duo of Burn Unit, 5-10PM

• Marina Munch | Thick & Thin String Band, 5-8PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Colin Kosco, 1PM | Heather Craig, 8PM

• Milltop Tavern | Scott Halls, 12PM | Adam Grayford, 4:30PM | Hillbilly Hellcats, 9PM-12AM

• No Name | Dharma, 10PM

• Oasis | Wesley Ochs, 6-9PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Ray Boudreaux, 2-6PM | Galentines Disco, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Clairmont Cupid, 6-9PM | Mandalla, 10PM

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

• Spinster Abbott’s | The Smiths (Robert), 8PM

• Trade Winds | Heather Craig, 1-4:30PM | Mark Hart or Sizemore, 5-8 | Live Stream, 9PM

Saturday, February 15

• Arnold’s | Glory, 7-11PM

• Beaches at Vilano | Money for Nothing, 5-9PM

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

• Cafe Eleven | Unlimited Devotion, 8PM | Tickets

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

• Casa Maya | Cesar Romero, 12-3PM | Black Mango, 7-10PM

• Colonial Oak | The Jess Zimmerman Band, 7-10PM

• Conch House | Tabasco Bros., 2-6PM

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

• Fort Mose | Macy Gray, 7PM | Tickets

• Fuzion 904 | Merkin Brothers, 6-9PM

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

• La Cocina at San Sebastian Winery | Edwin Barbosa, 1-4PM | Russ DeFilippis Duo of Burn Unit, 6-9PM

• Marina Munch | John Winters, 12-4PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Mike Cook, 1PM | Spade McQuade, 6PM

• Milltop Tavern | Gabby Samuels, 12PM | Eric Groves, 4:30PM | Hillbilly Hellcats, 9PM-12AM

• No Name | John Phillips, 1-5PM | VersVtile, 10PM

• Oasis | Josh Worthy, 5-8PM

• Pesca Vilano | DeeJay Natural, 6-10PM

• Pierre’s Pub | Preston Pohl & Ray Boudreaux, 2-6PM | Chillula, 7-11PM

• Prohibition Kitchen | Esh & Schief, 6PM | Marshal Horn, 10PM

• Salt Life Food Shack | JT Boyles, 6-10PM

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

Sunday, February 16

• Beaches Vilano | Hurricane Bob, 5-9PM

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

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

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

• Conch House Marina | Paper City Hustlers, 2-6PM

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

• Dog Rose Brewing | Dewey Via, 3PM

• Fort Mose | Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 7PM | Tickets

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

• Marina Munch | Katherine Archer, 12-4PM

• Meehan’s Irish Pub | Preston Pohl, 1PM | Spade McQuade, 6PM

• Milltop Tavern | Michael Bo Griner, 12PM | Charlie Ellis, 4:30PM

• Pesca Vilano | DJ Hu, 1-5PM | Jessie Abbey, 6-9PM

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

• Prohibition Kitchen | Ramona Duo, 2PM | Pili Pili, 6PM

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

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

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