Friday: September 14
First Muster at Florida National Guard Barracks

The Florida National Guard and Florida Department of Military Affairs, in partnership with La Compañía de Santiago (The Company of St. James), a member unit of Florida Living History, Inc., will commemorate the 447th anniversary of the first mustering of America’s original citizen-soldiers and the “birthday” of the US National Guard. This heritage Event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Florida National Guard’s headquarters in the St. Francis Barracks, at 82 Marine St., in St. Augustine. The museum will have an open house until 3 p.m. and a military retreat with historical re-enactors will take place from 3-3:30 p.m. Admission is free.1-877-FLA-HIST

Saturday: September 15
Florida Heritage Book Festival

Celebrate Florida’s rich and colorful literary heritage at the Florida Heritage Book Festival at the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street in St. Augustine. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be author presentations and a book marketplace. At 11:45 a.m., Jeff Lindsay will be there to sign copies of his Dexter novels – the basis for the popular TV series of the same name on the Showtime network. His wife, Hilary Hemingway, niece of Ernest Hemingway, will be there too. Admission is free. www.fhbookfest.com

Coastal Cleanup Day

From 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Local volunteers can join over a half million people in more than 150 countries cleaning up the shores of rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. Participants can pick up their supplies from the GTM Research Reserve’s Environmental Education Center, located at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach South or the Marineland office, 9741 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine. The Reserve hopes to have people cleaning the Atlantic shoreline throughout Florida’s Historic Coast. 904-823-4500

3rd Saturday Beach Walk

Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers Rick and Roz Edwards for a beach walk at the Guana South beach location. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. http://www.gtmnerr.org/events.htm

Tolomato Cemetery Tours

The self-guided and docent led tours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tolomato 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

Kayak Astronomy Tour

Paddle beneath the stars and then drift on the quiet waters of the Guana River during this special astronomy tour presented by Ripple Effects Eco Tours. Guides point out both nature and the constellations on this unforgettable nighttime adventure. The tour, from 7-9 p.m., begins at the GTM midway between Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine. Tickets are only $55 for adults. Plus, their kayaking tours of the beautiful Matanzas basin depart daily from Marineland. For details and reservations, call904-347-1565 or check out their complete schedule of tours at www.rippleeffectecotours.com

Vegas Revue

Kevon Remonte and Trey Dees present a dazzling visual and vocal tribute to some of the greatest singers of all time – Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Lou Rawls and many others! It all takes place at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn at Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are only $12 and can be ordered by calling 904-824-8874.

Saturday & Sunday: September 15 & 16
Ecology Boat Tour

Join St. Augustine Eco Tours aboard their comfortable explorer boat for a 12+-mile excursion. Use the boat’s underwater microphones to listen in on dolphin conversations and see fascinating wildlife. Learn something new from the naturalist guide – guaranteed! Departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 10 a.m. and noon each day. Tickets are $35 per person. Call 904-377-7245 for reservations.

Local Resident Specials

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are freeto everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, 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.NEW: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID now receive FREE admission to the Oldest House in St. Augustine.

Source: Visitors and Conventions Bureau