Friday, Saturday and Sunday: May 18-20

Friday and Saturday: May 18 & 19
Riding into History Motorcycle Concourse
For the 12th straight year,Riding Into History, one of America’s premier motorcycle events, returns to World Golf Village in St. Augustine. On Friday, at 10 a.m. there will be a Grand Marshall Historic Ride lead by National Champion Racer and Motorcycle Hall of Famer, Kevin Scwantz. Then on Saturday the gates to the Concours d’Elegance open at 10 a.m. The event will feature hundreds of classic American motorcycles along the Village’s Walk of Champions. Vendors, exhibitors and entertainment will be included. All proceeds will benefit Wounded Warrior Project. World Golf Village is located at I-95 Exit 323 in St. Augustine. For more information, please visit www.ridingintohistory.org

2012 Music and Art Breastaval
Enjoy art, health and music at the Fountain of Youth. Friday evening’s event begins with a Vaudeville performance followed by a Swing Band Dance; on Saturday afternoon the Breastaval features a Health Awareness and Art Show. Lots of art, music and kids activities. Then, on Saturday evening, enjoy entertainment by a mini-British invasion featuring Terry Sylvester performing favorite hits from the Hollies and Jimmy Laine performing hits from the Moody Blues and Wings. These fun music and art event benefits ArtBreakers, St. Augustine local charity assisting cancer patients. It all takes place at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, 11 Magnolia Street, St. Augustine. For more information, visit .
www.artbreakers.org

Friday and Sunday: May 18 & May 20
Piercing the Darkness at Limelight Theatre
As part of Romanza Week, noted actor and playwright Lee Weaver will present Piercing the Darkness: St. Augustine Light House Keepers. This innovative production puts the beloved lighthouse at the center of the story of St. Augustine’s long history. Three lighthouse keepers from three different eras tell the story in dramatic and compelling fashion. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20 each. For reservations, call the box office at 904.825.1164 or purchase tickets online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org

Saturday: May 19
Tolomato Cemetery Tours
Come explore the historic markers at the oldest extant cemetery in Florida. The self-guided and docent led tours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. TheTolomato Cemetery, an historic cemetery is located on Cordova Street, the site of an earlier Franciscan Indian mission (Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Tolomato) in St Augustine. Burials officially ceased in 1884. Visits are free of charge, but visitors are encouraged to offer a donation. All money goes to the preservation and restoration of the cemetery. For more information, visit www.tolomatocemetery.com

Low Tide Bike Ride at Anastasia State Park
Ranger-led bike ride and bird watch on Conch Island. Ride is 3 ½ miles and departs at 2:30 p.m. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Participation is free with paid Park admission. For more information, call 904.461.2033 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia

Kayak with St. Augustine Eco Tours
The most convenient kayaking location in town allows provide an opportunity to get a unique view of the Castillo de San Marcos, an up-close investigation of productive salt marsh habitats, and a little exercise! 10 a.m. to noon. $35 per paddler. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours at 904-377-7245

Romanza! Lincolnville Street Fair
Visit the Lincolnville Street Fair for music, art and more. Sponsored by Cyprian’s Center for the Expressive Arts, this promises an artistic immersion into the cultural and history and arts that are a very important part of St. Augustine’s Lincolnville neighborhood.www.FirstCoastOpera.com 904-829-8828

Sunday: May 20
Taste of the Beach
Take a nibble from the signature dishes of the finest restaurants in St. Augustine Beach at this annual ‘taste-fest”. The crowd and judges get to pick the coveted “Best of the Beach” restaurant at the end of the evening. Admission is free and taste tickets sell for $1 each. Sample the signature dishes of more than 15 of the island’s favorite restaurants. The Taste of St. Augustine Beach takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd. For more information, call 904-347-8007 or visit www.thecivicassociation.org

Sea Turtle Festival
Grab the family and head to the downtown St. Augustine City Marina for a fun filled afternoon! Children can earn a prize for completing a series of education activities where they’ll learn about sea turtles, birds, dolphins and more! Shoppers will love the unique selection of arts, crafts, and goods provided by local artisans where you can shop at individual vendor booths or try your luck in the silent auction. The Sea Turtle Festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Marina, located at 111 Avenida Menendez (at the base of the bridge of Lions). For more information, visit www.keepersofthecoast.org.

Alligator Farm’s 119th Anniversary
Head over to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to celebrate their 119th anniversary. The farm opened in 1893 and over the years has become a world class zoological park. In addition to their exciting exhibits, hundreds of nesting coastal birds are now on the property – perfect for photos! Plus, just mention Alligator Farm Day to the staff at the TouCantina snack bar and receive a free bag of popcorn! For more information, call 904.824-3337 or go towww.alligatorfarm.com

St. Augustine Chorus Performs Four Rebels with a Cause
Enjoy this enlightening performance which features works from composers that changed the way we think about music. Featured compositions include “In Ecclesiis” by Giovanni Gabrielli; “Chorus and Finale” (from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) by Richard Wagner; “Symphony of Psalms” by Igor Stravinsky and “Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein. The performance will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Ancient City Baptist Church located on Sevilla Street in St. Augustine. For more information and ticket prices, visit www.StAugustineCommunityChorus.org

Source: Jay Humphreys, Communications Director, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau

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In budgeting funds, the NFTPO described the study’s purpose as a way to “develop an overall transportation plan, incorporating developments over the past 20 years as well as future potential developments such as pedestrian, bicycling, transit and rail improvement needs to be developed for all modes of transportation in and around the city.”   The study is scheduled to be completed in June 2013.

“The city is very fortunate to have received this support and especially at this time,” said Sikes-Kline, who represents the City of St. Augustine on the NFTPO. “This will fund an independent consultant with a fresh set of eyes to look at transportation to and through our city, and then evaluate what we have and speculate on what we might have. It’s a great opportunity, and one we could not afford without the TPO’s assistance.”

The NFTPO pointed out that the millions of visitors who access downtown each year do so via three “constrained roadways,” being King St., San Marco Ave., and the Bridge of Lions adding “Getting visitors into and out of the downtown historic district is challenging.” The NFTPO further identifies the city’s anticipated increase in visitors because of the current multi-year 450th Commemoration, a point emphasized by Commissioner Sikes-Kline.

“The TPO recognized that the 450th Commemoration will impact all types of traffic that moves through our historic districts including motorized, non-motorized and pedestrian traffic. This study will identify what might be done to meet those unique needs,” said Sikes-Kline. “Success with this funding has two parts: because the city has a representative on the TPO, we were aware of the opportunity, and the request was filed because of the work of the city’s Planning and Building Department under Mark Knight’s direction.”

“This is a big deal,” said City Manager John Regan. “Securing funds for a study like this is the necessary first step towards any broad based, long-term changes that will improve traffic in St. Augustine. We should thank Commissioner Sikes-Kline and Planning and Building Director Mark Knight for their diligent pursuit of this support. The payoff for the entire community will be big.”

For more information on the work of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization, visit www.northfloridatpo.com. For more information on this grant, call the Planning and Building Department at 904.825.1065.

Source: Paul Williamson, City of St. Augustine Department of Public Affairs

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Council member Montero accused us tonight of being Hit and Run activists. What is really hit and run is the ordinance itself.

If we take the city at its word, and not at the verbiage of this fascist piece of legislation, we are expected to believe that there will be few arrests, and then only after unavailable services have been offered.

Chief White says that the police will have a “light touch.” We would like to remind the city that Denver County Jail is no day spa, in fact we’re quite sure there’s not a hot tub in the building.

The Denver Police claim that this bill will be selectively enforced. What that means, literally, is that if they don’t like where you are, who you are, or what you stand for, then you might be arrested. We remember when the Patriot Act was passed, we were told that it would only apply to terrorists, now petty NSA surveillance, TSA strip-searches, and the death of habeas corpus are an accepted reality to all Americans.

Homelessness is the ultimate symptom of a dying economy. To arrest people for sleeping on the streets because you don’t like the way it looks, is like throwing pumpkin seeds at an oncoming bear.

Lopez was right, “this is class war.”

Unfortunately, the front line is now the most vulnerable members of our community.

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The family-oriented festival will feature live music, conservation and wildlife education tables, arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, food and beverages, and “Keeper’s Cove,” an interactive children’s program. Local talent, Sam Pacetti, will headline the musical performances and other featured artists include, Saltwater Cowgirls, Aslyn and the Naysayers, and Honeysweet. Mojos Tacos will provide food vending and Sweetwater beer will be available for purchase.

Keepers of the Coast is a local non-profit organization, which focuses on wildlife education and conservation of sea turtles and other species that we share our beach and ocean environment with. The organization’s operation is completely reliant upon volunteer support, collaborative sponsorship for all events, and monetary donations.

To learn more go to www. Keepersofthecoast.org.

Parking for the event will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is available free of cost at downtown public parking areas.

Source: StAugustine.com

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Toedtman, a speaker at the program for the last 13 years, succeeds Victor Ostrowidzki, who passed away this past spring after battling cancer. Ostrowidzki, 80, was a veteran journalist and former White House reporter who covered every presidential election from 1964 to 1988. He joined the faculty at Flagler in 1997, founded the Forum series and taught classes on elections and the media.

The Forum brings nationally-recognized journalists and authorities to St. Augustine to discuss issues of local, federal and global importance. Past speakers have included Robert Novak, Mark Shields, David Broder, Joe Klein, Anne Coulter, Pat Buchanan and Chris Matthews.

“I am delighted with the opportunity of continuing and enhancing the Flagler Forums in ways that enrich the academic lives of Flagler students and benefit the St. Augustine community,” Toedtman said. “I look forward to the challenge of building on the solid foundation set by my friend Vic Ostrowidzki.”

Toedtman has had a distinguished career as reporter and editor for the New York daily newspaper, Newsday, and as an editor for Hearst Corp. newspapers in Boston and Baltimore. At Newsday, he was part of a team of reporters investigating Long Island land scandals that won the 1970 Pulitzer Prize for public service. From 1986 to 1995, he served as managing editor of New York Newsday and helped develop and direct the staff, which won numerous awards including the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting. He was named Newsday’s Washington Bureau Chief in 1995.

He was named editor of the AARP Bulletin in 2005. Since his appointment, the Bulletin has been consistently recognized for excellence in covering a range of public policy and consumer issues. It is published 10 times a year and has a circulation of 22 million. He also helped develop AARP’s online news and information website.

Toedtman graduated from the College of Wooster and earned a M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. He also studied at the University of Queensland, Australia, as a Rotary Foundation Fellow.

Flagler College President William Abare said, “I am delighted that Jim Toedtman has agreed to accept our offer to serve as the director of the Forums. Over the past 13 years, Jim has become a good friend of the College and a close personal friend.”

Abare added, “We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Jim’s experience to lead this important program. He is a well-respected journalist who has a great network of friends and colleagues from which to draw Forum speakers. He is very familiar with our campus and our community and will be a great addition to our staff.”

Source:  Brian Thompson, Director, News and Information, Flagler College

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Friday, Saturday and Sunday: May 11-14
THE PLAYERS Championship
The game’s greatest players compete at TPC Sawgrass – THE PLAYERS Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach.THE PLAYERS Championship is recognized by PGA TOUR members as “their” championship tournament. It features one of the most coveted titles in professional golf, the strongest field of competitors and the richest purse. Previous winners of THE PLAYERS Championship include K.J. Choi in 2011, Tim Clark in 2010, Henrik Stenson in 2009, Sergio Garcia in 2008, Phil Mickelson in 2007, Stephen Ames in 2006, Fred Funk in 2005, and many other greats. In addition to practice rounds Monday through Wednesday, this year’s schedule includes Executive Women’s Day on Monday; Community Day on Tuesday, Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday and THE PLAYERS Championship competition rounds Thursday through Sunday. Television coverage will be aired live on the Golf Channel from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with NBC Sports picking up weekend coverage from 2 to 7 p.m. each day. www.pgatour.com or call 800-741-3161

Free Mini-Golf
From Friday thru Monday, the mini golf course operated by Ripley’s at the St. Augustine City Marina will be free for everyone to play. Bayfront Mini Golf will be open from 9:a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday. For more information, kkiff@ripleys.com

Saturday: May 12
Historic Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma

National Miniature Golf Day at Adventure Landing
Adventure Landing will celebrate National Miniature Golf Day by offering a free Miniature Golf Season Pass ($59.99 value) to the first 100 guests that purchase a round of golf! Other discounts, Activities and special offers will be available throughout the day. Adventure Landing is located at 2780 SR 16 (At the entrance to the St. Augustine Premium Outlet Mall). Admission to the park is $7 click here

Annual Dine on the Wild Side
Explore the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park and enjoy a complete BBQ or vegetarian dinner and lively entertainment at this annual event that helps to raise funds for HAWKE, a not-for-profit organization licensed torehabilitate injured and orphaned wild birds, mammals, and reptiles. Dine on the Wild Side is from 6 to 9 p.m., butcome early to enjoy the park and then stay all evening to participate in a guided tour of the bird rookery to view thousands of birds including endangered wood storks. Bring your camera for unique photographic opportunities! When the park closes to the general public, the wild fun begins. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at 999 Anastasia Boulevard in St. Augustine. For ticket prices and more information, call 904-692-1777 or visit www.hawkewildlife.org.

Treasure Chest Quest
Yield to your inner pirate and go sailing with the crew of the Black Raven on a quest to capture Blackbeard’s Treasure Chest. The Black Raven will exchange cannon fire with Queen Anne’s Revenge while children learn proper sword play techniques in anticipation of a boarding. If you’re brave enough, there will booty for all! And if you’re not, you’re sure to capture a lifetime of memories. The Black Raven sails from St. Augustine Marina on this quest at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 for adults and seniors, $24.95 for children. For more information, call 877-578-5050 or go to www.PirateShipBlackRaven.com

Saturday and Sunday: May 12 & 13
Roger Bansemer’s Landscape Painting Journey Workshop
Take advantage of a special workshop led by Roger Bansemer, one of today’s most insightful artists and host of PBS series Painting & Travel. Roger’s Landscape Painting Journey workshop will take place at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine. The workshop takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and the cost is $275 per person. For more information, call 904-824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org/education

Mother’s Day Eco Tour
Celebrate mom by taking her on a relaxing 2-hour sail aboard the stable Sirenia (named after the endangered manatee). Hop on the 3:45 trip and be done in time to treat mom to a special dinner in beautiful, historic St. Augustine. Have the boat all to yourselves for $250 (up to 6 people) or pay $45 per passenger with mention of this ad. You can’t go wrong on this peaceful, professionally guided sail! Call (904) 377-7245 for reservations or visit www.staugustineecotours.com

Local Resident Specials

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Government House Museum, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).

NEW: St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admisssion to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year! The Lighthouse is now open until 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.

Source: Jay Humphreys, Communications Director, Visitors and Convention Bureau

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A joint drill between military and police in South Florida involving troops storming a building in the middle of the night was characterized by local media coverage not as a frightening example of how Americans are being acclimatized to accept a state of martial law but as a ‘cool tourist story’.

Panic-stricken residents in Coconut Grove were awoken at 1am to the sound of simulated gunfire and explosions as military helicopters hovered over buildings and dispatched troops to the ground.

The Department of Defense drills prompted a deluge of 911 calls, but instead of asking why the military is terrifying American citizens on U.S. soil with drills designed to acclimate the public to accept martial law, local news station WSVN-TV framed the incident as a ‘cool tourist story’.

“Miami police assisted in overseeing the exercises — but they were instructed to keep quiet about the exercises until late Monday, for security reasons. The police also blocked off roads around the Grand Bay during the exercise,” reports the Miami Herald.

Source: Paul Joseph Watson, Infowars.com

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Amy Thompson, a 2006 graduate and merchandising expert with Walmart, was honored with the Young Alumni Achievement Award, which is presented to alumni who are 32 years of age or younger and have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments since graduating. The award recognizes contributions to society, to a profession or to Flagler College.

During her time with Walmart, Thompson has stayed connected to Flagler College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), serving on the Walmart SIFE Advisory Council and serving on the Business advisory boards of Flagler, John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College. She has also helped to facilitate a relationship between Walmart and Flagler College, including a senior leadership recruiting trip, internships for five students and full time positions for four students.

Pete Peaver, the Dean of Students at Bartram Trail High School in St. Johns County, was awarded the Flagler Service Award, which is presented to alumni who have rendered a high degree of service to Flagler College for more than 10 years.

Peaver, a 1981 graduate, has helped organize or served as the coordinator of the Flagler College Alumni Golf Tournament since the inception and has been instrumental in helping with an increased growth in alumni participation. He played four years of varsity baseball at Flagler and was inducted into the Flagler College Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball in 2007. He was recently named the Florida High School Golf Coach of the Year.

Dr. Beverly Carmichael, Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award presented to alumni who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in their fields and have achieved recognition in their field.

A 1972 graduate, Carmichael’s professional background includes serving as Director of Development for Flagler for eight years, as well as 10 years in Washington, D.C. where she served as associate executive director of The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education and director of development for the American Association for Community and Junior Colleges.

Marc Williar, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Flagler College, was given the Pride of Flagler Award, which is given to alumni who have been Flagler College graduates for a minimum of 10 years and have achieved recognition in their field. In addition, these individuals must have rendered service to Flagler College or to their local communities. This is the highest award presented by the college.

Williar, a 1984 graduate, has been with the college since 1988 serving as associate director and director of admissions before taking his current position. During his 17 years as director, Flagler College enrollment grew nearly 100 percent from under 1,300 to more than 2,500. Since taking over as Vice President for Enrollment Management, Williar significantly increased out-of-state enrollment of new first-year students as well as minority student enrollment.

The Alumni Awards were initiated in 1999 to honor those who have made significant contributions to their fields, the college or their communities. Every spring, the awards are presented to deserving alumni at the Alumni Weekend banquet.

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