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6 days ago

City staff outlines Lincolnville CRA annual report, $2.87 million expended and project timelines Jamie Perkins, St. Augustine community services director, presented the Lincolnville CRA annual report covering 12 active projects, FY2025 expenditures of $2,870,018, and timelines for Haley Plaza, the Eddie Vickers Park kayak launch, playground replacement and residential repair programs.

St. Augustine's Lincolnville CRA has invested nearly $2.9 million this fiscal year into revitalizing the community with exciting new projects on the horizon!

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2 weeks ago

Architecture Review Board recommends emergency partial demolition at 7 Aviles Street, directs salvage and archaeology protections The City of Saint Augustine Architecture Review Board on March 27 recommended emergency partial demolition of unstable front walls at 7 Aviles Street, endorsing a contractor shoring plan but requiring 3D scans, a salvage list for historic elements and archaeological protections before further work. The recommendation passed unanimously as an advisory action; full demolition or reconstruction requires a future HARB application.

The Saint Augustine Architecture Review Board has taken urgent steps to prevent a potential disaster by recommending an emergency partial demolition of the crumbling front walls at 7 Aviles Street, while ensuring the preservation of historic materials.

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3 weeks ago

Carriage-horse welfare and franchise renewal flagged after multiple public complaints; city to notify operators of nonrenewal pending new ordinance After sustained public criticism about carriage-horse deaths and treatment, the city manager told commissioners staff will notify two carriage-franchise holders their current agreements will not be renewed as-is and offered a first right of refusal under a forthcoming franchise ordinance.

Public outcry over carriage-horse welfare intensifies as the city prepares to overhaul franchise agreements amid allegations of neglect and inadequate veterinary care.

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3 weeks ago

St. Augustine commission votes to set Nights of Lights season through MLK weekend after heated public debate After hours of public comment and two data presentations, the City Commission voted 3–2 to restore the earlier November start and extend the Nights of Lights season through the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, citing a compromise between resident quality-of-life concerns and business revenue needs.

The St. Augustine City Commission's controversial decision to extend the Nights of Lights season has ignited a fierce debate between residents seeking peace and businesses fighting for survival.

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4 weeks ago

Residents press for a no‑wake zone in Salt Run as city approves $300,000 dredging grant Amid passionate public pleas from youth and sailing instructors for a no‑wake zone, the commission approved a $300,000 grant application for Salt Run maintenance dredging with a $100,000 interlocal match; staff offered follow‑up and contact to pursue safety signage and enforcement data needed for a formal no‑wake request.

Residents and young sailors are rallying for a no-wake zone in Salt Run to safeguard their training and local programs, while the city moves forward with a $300,000 dredging grant to enhance safety!

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4 weeks ago

St. Augustine delays franchise and vehicles‑for‑hire overhaul after public outcry; schedules workshop After hours of public comment and commissioner questions, the City Commission agreed to pause two first‑reading ordinances that would rewrite vehicles‑for‑hire and franchise rules, including new pedicab and tour‑vehicle caps and stricter animal‑welfare rules for carriage horses, and to hold a point‑by‑point workshop before a revised first reading.

St. Augustine's City Commission hits pause on new regulations for vehicles-for-hire after a heated public outcry, scheduling a workshop to reassess crucial changes for safety and oversight.

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4 weeks ago

St. Augustine commissioners send sweeping vehicles‑for‑hire and franchise overhaul to workshop after heavy public debate The City Commission advanced first readings of two ordinances rewriting rules for vehicles for hire and tour franchises, including caps on pedicabs and new tiers for sightseeing vehicles, but voted to pause formal second readings and hold a workshop after commissioners and stakeholders raised enforcement, insurance and equity concerns.

St. Augustine's City Commission is shaking things up with proposed ordinances that could transform the landscape of vehicles for hire and tour franchises, igniting a heated debate between local businesses and new regulations.

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5 months ago

'Know Before You Go': Visitors bureau launches Knights of Lights app as residents and merchants clash over temporary parking The Visitors and Convention Bureau unveiled a Knights of Lights 'Know Before You Go' campaign and app (about 15,000 downloads), while Uptown residents and merchants urged the commission to balance temporary residential parking protections and business access during the Nights of Lights event.

St. Augustine's Nights of Lights is shining brighter than ever with a new app to enhance your experience, but residents and merchants are raising concerns about temporary parking changes that could impact local livability.

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5 months ago

City approves $550,000 settlement for Lake Maria Sanchez seawall easements The City Commission approved a settlement totaling $550,000 to secure permanent and temporary easements from the Steely family for the Lake Maria Sanchez seawall project; the package includes stipulated attorney fees under Florida eminent-domain statutes.

The City Commission has greenlit a $550,000 settlement to secure critical easements for the Lake Maria Sanchez seawall project, marking a significant step in combating chronic flooding and protecting local infrastructure.

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5 months ago

St. Augustine OKs modified revocable license for 117 Inlet Drive after months of neighborhood dispute After hours of public comment and council debate, the City Commission approved a revised revocable license allowing landscaping and lighting to remain at 117 Inlet Drive but requiring the fence be moved to private property and ground cover in the right-of-way replaced with grass; the vote was 4–1.

St. Augustine's City Commission has made a controversial decision to allow landscaping at 117 Inlet Drive to stay while enforcing a fence relocation, igniting months of public debate over the use of taxpayer-owned land.

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5 months ago

Board recommends land‑use change and approves use‑by‑exceptions for cafe/dog‑park at Flagler Crossing parcel with conditions The board recommended changing the parcels future land use and rezoning to allow a café and fenced dog park at the Flagler Crossing pond edge, approved off‑site parking and beer/wine use‑by‑exceptions with conditions (alcohol hours and perimeter limits), and approved conservation overlay work including a bulkhead and one tree removal contingent on

A new café and fenced dog park could soon transform Flagler Crossing, but not without stirring concerns over tree loss and environmental impact.

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5 months ago

Board continues multilot tree‑removal application in Madera Phase 3 to Dec. 2 after residents raise canopy and flooding concerns Toll Brothers multilot request to remove selected significant trees in Madera Phase 3 was continued to Dec. 2 so applicants can supply refined lot‑by‑lot plans, updated arborist data, and to allow staff and neighbors time to review. Dozens of residents spoke in opposition and flagged flooding and wildlife concerns.

A contentious tree-removal proposal in Madera Phase 3 has sparked fierce resident opposition, delaying crucial decisions until December as concerns over wildlife and flooding loom large.

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5 months ago

Commission authorizes stormwater reserves to cover Avenida Menendez seawall shortfall Commission voted to use stormwater reserves to cover a $476,937 construction shortfall on the Avenida Menendez seawall project so the city can meet FEMA grant deadlines; staff will seek reimbursement from FEMA and the Florida Inland Navigation District.

St. Augustine's City Commission has approved the use of stormwater reserves to cover a $476,937 shortfall, ensuring the crucial Avenida Menendez seawall project stays on track for FEMA deadlines!

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5 months ago

Residents press commission over alleged horse‑carriage abuse and workforce parking rules Public comment at the Oct. 13 meeting included multiple speakers urging the city to address alleged physical abuse of carriage horses by a franchise operator and asking the commission to reconsider carriage partnerships; other speakers raised concerns about workforce parking access at the Tokes lot, short‑term rental aesthetics in Lincolnville, blJ

Residents are demanding action after shocking allegations of horse abuse during a city meeting, raising questions about animal welfare and local policies.

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5 months ago

City wins survey/story-map grants; consultant documents 441 resources, flags Davis Shores as a candidate for listing City historic-preservation staff reported two FY25 matching grants that funded 441 site surveys and interactive story maps covering modern-period resources; staff said three individual properties were flagged as eligible for listing and recommended outreach on potential Davis Shores district work.

St. Augustine is set to uncover its architectural gems with new grants funding a survey of 441 mid-20th-century resources, potentially elevating Davis Shores to National Register status!

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5 months ago

HARB backs Model Land Company National Register update; staff to notify owners of newly included properties The board voted to support an update to the Model Land Company National Register historic-district nomination, extending the period of significance and modestly expanding boundaries; staff will coordinate owner notification and follow state review procedures.

St. Augustine's Historic Architecture Review Board has taken a significant step by expanding the historic district boundaries and updating the Model Land Company's National Register nomination to include new resources and implications for property owners.

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5 months ago

Historic review board seeks design changes, more detail before approving two small-cell installations HARB continued consideration of two Verizon small-cell antenna installations at Tokes Place parking lot and near 69A Cordova Street, directing applicants to supply lower-height options, clearer scaled renderings and equipment-placement alternatives that reduce visual impact.

St. Augustine's Historic Architecture Review Board is pushing for a redesign of Verizon's proposed streetlight poles to preserve the city's historic charm—will they find a solution that satisfies both technology and tradition?

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5 months ago

HARB continues review of 24 Cathedral Place tower rehabilitation; board presses for shop drawings and materials details The Historic Architecture Review Board continued a long-running application to rehabilitate and adaptively reuse the Atlantic Bank tower at 24 Cathedral Place, asking the applicant for detailed shop drawings, window specifications and terracotta testing before final approval.

The Historic Architecture Review Board is diving deep into the intricate details of rehabilitating the iconic Atlantic Bank tower, pushing for meticulous plans to preserve its historic charm amidst exciting new developments.

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6 months ago

City reports storm flooding downtown; city staff and first responders mobilized City manager reported widespread coastal and neighborhood flooding after a rain-and-tide event over the prior weekend; fire, police and utilities responded to multiple incidents and staff will compile damage assessments and follow up on sewer lift-station spills.

A late-October storm wreaked havoc in St. Augustine, flooding neighborhoods and prompting an urgent response from city officials and first responders.

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6 months ago

St. Augustine staff to tighten oversight of horse-drawn carriage franchises after public complaints City staff presented a review of the citys animal-drawn vehicle franchises after months of public complaints about animal care, stalled recordkeeping and lease violations. Commissioners agreed the industry would remain but directed staff to return with concrete changes on facilities, heat thresholds, routes, fees and enforcement.

After alarming public testimony revealed potential animal abuse and unsanitary conditions, the St. Augustine City Commission is pushing for reforms in the horse-drawn carriage industry.

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6 months ago

Commissioner Taylor Calls For Collaborative Night of Lights Planning Meeting City plans informal meeting to enhance collaboration for upcoming Night of Lights event.

St. Augustine's Commissioner Taylor is rallying the community for a brighter Bridal Lights event this November, emphasizing collaboration and engagement for a holiday season to remember!

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6 months ago

Saint Augustine City Commission Adopts Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 2026 City Commission approves ordinance for the annual budget starting October 1, 2025.

St. Augustine's City Commission has unanimously approved a forward-thinking budget for 2025-2026, paving the way for sustainable growth and community enhancements!

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6 months ago

Saint Augustine Officials Address Hotel Tax Distribution and Night of Lights Challenges Saint Augustine officials discuss hotel tax issues and community support during Night of Lights.

St. Augustine officials are grappling with the financial fallout from a booming tourism season during the Nights of Lights, raising crucial questions about local support and revenue distribution.

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6 months ago

City Commission Approves Utility Rate Adjustments and Budgets for Fiscal Year 2026 Commissioners pass resolutions adjusting utility rates and adopting a balanced budget for 2026.

St. Augustine's city commissioners just approved critical budget resolutions that will reshape utility rates and infrastructure funding, promising a significant impact on community development.

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6 months ago

T Mobile proposes installation of cellular equipment in Flagler College bell towers T Mobile seeks approval for cell antennas to enhance service at historic Flagler College.

St. Augustine's Historic Architectural Review Board is tackling the challenge of preserving the city's unique charm amidst new developments—will they find the right balance?

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6 months ago

Flagler College Discusses Antenna Installations to Preserve St. Augustine's Historical Aesthetic Flagler College presents antenna modifications enhancing aesthetics while ensuring safety and technology.

St. Augustine is on the brink of a transformative project that merges cutting-edge technology with the rich historical architecture envisioned by its founder, Henry Flagler.

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6 months ago

Saint Augustine Approves Cellular Equipment Installation at Flagler College City board approves cellular antennas installation, ensuring minimal impact on historic structure.

Historic preservation meets modern connectivity as the St. Augustine board approves cellular antennas at Flagler College, balancing progress with the protection of the past.

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7 months ago

Planning Board Approves Height Variances for Sisters of Saint Joseph Mother House Planning board unanimously supports raising building height to 49 feet for flood safety.

St. Augustine's Planning and Zoning Board just voted unanimously to raise the building height for the Sisters of Saint Joseph to 49 feet, prioritizing flood safety amid rising concerns!

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7 months ago

St. Augustine City Commission to Host Joint Meeting on 2025 Nights of Lights Planning St. Augustine and St. John's County plan joint meeting to discuss 2025 Nights of Lights.

St. Augustine is gearing up for a spectacular 2025 Nights of Lights with a groundbreaking collaboration between the city and county to enhance this beloved holiday tradition!

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7 months ago

St. Augustine Celebrates Gordy Wilson's Retirement from National Park Service City honors Gordy Wilson for decades of service and dedication to the community.

St. Augustine paid heartfelt tribute to Gordy J. Wilson's decades of dedication and service, marking a bittersweet farewell to a beloved community leader.

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