Posts tagged holiday
St. Johns County Library December Events
Nov 30th
Anastasia Island Movie Club
Tuesday, December 3 @ 5:30pm
We have a new selection for you the first Tuesday of the month. For more information, or the name of this month’s film, call 209-3730.
Stories with Santa
Wednesday, December 4 @ 10:30am
Bring in your little ones to have a very special visit with Santa and Ms. Clause. He will be here sharing stories about the North Pole and answering questions from the wee ones about what life is like for Santa. Be sure to bring in your cameras, as this is sure to be a memory you won’t want to forget.
New Disney DVD Family Movie Event
Friday, December 6 @ 3:30pm
(PG) The whole family will enjoy seeing this new DVD Disney release film about a cropdusting plane with a fear of heights. Dusty lives his dream of competing in a famous around-the-world aerial race. Light snacks are provided by the Friends of the Anastasia Island Branch Library.
Winter Wonderland Crafts for Kids & Tweens
Wednesday, December 11 @ 2:30pm
We’re feeling festive. Join us in creating holiday crafts and ornaments. We’ll supply the craft materials – you supply the creativity. All crafting supplies are provided, courtesy of the Friends of the Anastasia Island Branch Library.
Boom Science @ the Library
Friday, December 13 @ 3:30pm
Greg from Boom Science + crazy science experiments = Freaky Friday. Stop by to see what fun he has in store for us this time. Sponsored by the Friends of the Anastasia Island Branch Library.
Source: St. Johns Public Library System
News & Notes — March 15, 2013
Mar 17th
Procession set for Saturday, March 16 at 1:00pm
The procession associated with the Iskon of Alachua’s annual Festival of the Chariots will necessitate minor interruptions of traffic along Cordova St. and the area around the Plaza on Saturday, March 16.
The 90-minute parade is set to start at 1:00pm departing from St. George St. and Cathedral Pl. and proceeding west on Cathedral Pl., north on Cordova St. to the Visitors Information Center, then south on Cordova St., east on to Cathedral Pl. then south on St. George St. to the starting point. The procession is proceeded by a one-hour walking procession on St. George St. between Cathedral Pl. and Orange St. which may cause brief traffic halts at the street’s intersections with Treasury St. and Hypolita St.
In addition to the parade, the Iskon of Alachua’s cultural event will be held in the Plaza starting at 11:00 and lasting through the afternoon.
Traffic in the area should expect slow downs, congestion or brief halts to allow for the procession. St. Augustine Police will escort the procession and monitor key points to facilitate vehicular traffic and ensure the safety of the participants.
Complimentary motorcycle parking continues through Sunday
Cathedral Place is designated parking area through March 17
The City of St. Augustine continues the tradition of offering complimentary parking for motorcycles in a designated area of downtown during Bike Week concluding Sunday, March 17. Centered in Daytona Beach, Bike Week draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, many who make day trips to or choose to stay in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
The designated parking area, delineated by signs, encompasses portions of two-block long Cathedral Pl., between Avenida Menendez and Cordova St. The amount of parking will be adjusted each day by the St. Augustine Police Department based on demand. The designated area is the only area where motorcycles may park free of charge.
Over the years, the city has seen evidence that motorcyclists who utilize the specific area for complimentary parking tend to park multiple motorcycles in a single space, making for more efficient use of space while freeing other parking spaces for vehicles. Additionally, the area tends to becomes an unofficial display of a wide variety of motorcycles from around the county making it an attraction to visitors.
City establishes stormwater advisory committee
Monthly meetings open to the public
As the city nears completion on its Stormwater Master Plan, staff has compiled a group of interested citizens, homeowner associations, government and business leaders to discuss the findings of the report and issues related to the city’s stormwater and the stormwater utility.
The committee,comprised of 15 members will meet the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm beginning next Tuesday, March 19 and concluding on June 18. The meetings will be in The Alcazar Room, City Hall, 75 King St., and will last approximately an hour. Each session will be led by the city’s consultant CDM-Smith and are open to the public. For more information call the Public Works Department 904.825.1040.
Earth Hour’s message practiced every day at city’s parking facility
City’s message: “Lights out for an hour to start; find ways to conserve forever.”
On Saturday, March 23 at 8:30pm local time, businesses, households and governmental entities in communities all over the world will participate in the seventh annual Earth Hour by turning out lights for one hour as a way to show support for environmentally sustainable action. Earth Hour, an initiative of the World Wildlife Fund, began in 2007 in one city, Sidney, Australia, and by last year involved hundreds of millions of people in 152 countries across every continent.
The City of St. Augustine will participate by darkening the flood lights that provide up-lighting for the front of City Hall, but instead of a single hour, the city will darken the lights for the entire weekend including Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Though not planned, the Earth Hour date nearly coincides with the first anniversary of the city’s putting into action the message Earth Hour was created to communicate: environmental sustainability. And just like Earth Hour, it has to do with saving energy through more efficient use of lighting.
Learn more by reading Earth Hour’s message practiced every day at city’s parking facility.
This week on The Break Room: New lighting technology saves dollars
Todd Grant, Deputy Public Works Director, stops by The Break Room this week to share updates on a number of public works projects and shares the exciting news on how new technology is saving the city a lot of money at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility.
Each week the friendly and informative style of The Break Room offers the community an opportunity to
know a little more about how their city works by getting to know those who do the work every day. The Break Room airs Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Saturdays at 8:00am, and each program is archived at www.breakroom.info as podcasts available for download anytime. To listen to this week’s program immediately, click here.
St. Johns County beach survey asks What do you think?
St. Johns County is inviting residents, visitors, and businesses who enjoy our local beaches to participate in a survey that will help the county enhance beach services and facilities. The survey ends April 15. To participate by sharing your feedback regarding St. Johns County beaches, click here.
For a handy flyer promoting the survey for use on community or workplace bulletin boards or to share with others, click here.
Commemoration of Florida’s 500th set for April 3
April 3, 2013 is a big day in Florida’s history. In fact it is the anniversary of there being a place with the name Florida. The place was already here of course; it just was not known as Florida, or La Florida, until Juan Ponce de Leon called it that on April 3, 1513.
The anniversary is not going unnoticed in St. Augustine which will see a morning filled with activities marking the big day which include four events all open to the public. To learn more, click here.
Share your artistic impression as part of Ancient City Mosaic
Artists of all ages and ability levels are invited to share their artist impression of St. Augustine by participating in Ancient City Mosaic presented by Michaels Stores®, a project that will showcase the creative talent of the local and regional community.
Registration is available online at www.ancientcitymosaic.com and must be submitted by April 15.
Ancient City Mosaic is supported by the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration, Sertoma Club of St. Augustine, St. Johns County Education Foundation, St. Augustine Art Association, St. Johns County Public Library System and St. Johns Cultural Council.
For more information, call the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration at 904.825.1053.
Upcoming events will affect traffic
March and April are two of the city’s most event-ful months with activities being held in a number of venues, like Francis Field, as well as along the streets of the city. Below are some of the upcoming events what will affect traffic. To see details for a specific event, click on the its name.
– Sat, March 16: Festival of the Chariot (downtown) and Run4Hunt Fun Walk/Run (vicinity of R. B. Hunt School)
– Sat, March 23: Grand Muster Torchlight Parade (downtown)
– Sat, March 24: Blessing of the Fleet (downtown)
– Sat, March 31: Easter Parade (downtown)
– Wed, April 3: Commemoration of Ponce Landing (downtown).
Easter holiday closings for the City of St. Augustine
Offices for the City of St. Augustine will be closed on Friday, March 29 in observance of the Easter holiday. Solid waste pick up schedule will remain unchanged.
Meeting schedule and agendas
The Stormwater Advisory Committee meets on Tuesday, March 19. For more information contact the Public Works Department at 904.825.1040.
The Historic Architectural Review Board meets twice on Thursday, March 21. The first is a special meeting at 1:00pm (agenda here) and the second is its regular meeting starting at 2:00pm (agenda here). When available the agenda will be here.
The City Commission meets on Monday, March 25. When available the agenda will be here.
The Parking and Traffic Committee meets on Thursday, March 28. The agenda is available here.
The Planning & Zoning Board meets on Tuesday, April 2. The agenda is here.
All agenda, minutes and GTV info
Agendas and minutes for all city meetings can be found at www.staugustinegovernment.com with a schedule of upcoming meetings listed under City Calendar. City Commission meetings are broadcast live via GTV (Comcast Channel 3 in St. Augustine) each second and fourth Monday at 5:00pm. Commission meetings are also recorded and rebroadcast as are Planning and Zoning Board and Historic Architectural Review Board meetings. For a current schedule of all programming on GTV, click here.
Source: City of St. Augustine
This week Tuesday through Sunday: January 22 – 27
Jan 27th
Nights of Lights – St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. www.NightsofLights.com
2013 Annual Figure & Portrait Show – Expressions of the human form and face lend personality to this exhibit. Artworks may include gesture drawings, academic figure studies, formal portraits or busts and people in groups rendered in any style or material. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is Free. www.staaa.org
Celebrate Art: 6th Annual Juried Artist Member Exhibition – Thirty-five of the area’s finest artists will present their juried works in this popular members’ exhibition on display through February 15. The galleries are free and open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org
Dressing of the Palms – Complementing Nights of Lights, the Dressing of the Palms in the Town Center at Vilano Beach features holiday decorations adorning over 200 palm trees along Vilano Road and Coastal Highway in Vilano Beach. Through January. Free. Vilano Beach Town Center 260 Vilano Road, St Augustine Phone: 904-540-0402 www.VilanoBeachFL.com
Water Taxi Nights of Lights Tours – Board the Horizons II for a relaxing Nights of Lights tour from the water. Tickets are $39 on weeknights and $49 on weekends. Tours depart from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, 298 Vilano Road, Vilano Beach. www.jaxwatertaxi.com
904-322-7194
Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tour – Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets on this 45 minute tour. While enjoying the spectacular light display, indulge in a bottle of delicious boutique wine (red or white). Tours depart from Isabella’s Cuban Bar at 19 Cuna Street, at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $46 per person – Adults only! 904-386-5482 www.thetastingtours.com
Hotel Ponce De Leon Carrere & Hastings Blueprint Exhibit – In commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Ponce de Leon Hotel, historically and culturally significant ephemera relating to the construction and early years of the Hotel Ponce de Leon will be on display through February 22. This exhibit includes original Carrere and Hastings and McGuire drawings and blueprints, photographs, a copy of an 1885 map, and construction documents. Additionally, the exhibit highlights a group of artists who made the Hotel Ponce de Leon their seasonal home during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Original artwork and other artifacts related to their time in Saint Augustine will also be displayed at Flagler College’s Crisp – Ellert Art Museum, located at 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. The museum is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. www.ponce125.com 904-829-6481
Tuesday: January 22
Hotel Ponce de Leon 125th Anniversary Community Lecture – A presentation by Dr. Tom Graham titled “Life and Leisure in Flagler’s St. Augustine.” This presentation is part of the commemorative events celebrating The 125th Anniversary of the opening of the Hotel Ponce de Leon. Takes place at 10 a.m. in the Flagler Room at the former Hotel Ponce De Leon, 74 King St., St. Augustine. Admission to the program is free. www.ponce125.com
Tristan MacDonald Book Signing – Meet author Tristan MacDonald and have him personalize a copy of his latest book “Into My Fourth Quarter – Going for Overtime.” Books will be available for purchase for $10 for black and white and $25 for color. If you have already purchased a copy, bring it by for signing anytime between 6 -9 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. The signing takes place at the Raintree Restaurant, 102 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine. 904-824-7211
Richard Thompson Concert – Named as one of the world’s 20 best guitarists by Rolling Stone magazine, Richard Thompson performs at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $40 and $35. www.pvconcerthall.com 904-209-0399
Wednesday: January 23
Discover First America Series – Juan Ponce de Leon Finds La Florida – Theories and fascinating evidence of the landing of Ponce de León will be explored while re-enactors bring to life the moment when Old World and New World cultures collided. The program will take place at 7 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. Admission is free. www.StAugustine-450.com
St. Augustine Eco Tours Wildlife Boat Ride – See the natural side of St. Augustine aboard an ultra-stable rigid hull inflatable boat with a front row seat to see historic sites and the amazing animals that call this area home. Departure times vary. Tickets are $35. St. Augustine Eco Tour is located at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-377-7245
Thursday: January 24
Evenings at Whitney: Marine “Jelly Balls” – An evening lecture series about current science topics or on-going research at the Whitney Lab. This lecture about jelly balls, a part of our complex ecosystem, will be presented by Dr. Mark Martindale, Professor of Biology, University of Florida. The lecture takes place at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. The Center for Marine Studies at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience is located at 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine (Marineland). 904-461-4000
Friday: January 25
Nation’s Oldest City Kayak Tour – St. Augustine Eco Tours 2-hour program with a unique perspective of the historic Castillo de San Marcos and gorgeous views of Matanzas Bay. Guide will identify wildlife along the way and explain local salt marsh ecology. Stable tandem kayaks make the paddle enjoyable for all. $40 pe person. St. Augustine Eco Torus is located at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-377-7245 ww.staugustineecotours.com
Marshall Crenshaw & the Bottle Rockets Concert – Pop singer and songwriter Marshall Crenshaw & the Bottle Rockets perform at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $35 & $30. www.pvconcerthall.com
904-209-0399
We Got It Covered – Meet many of St. Augustine’s influential, and at times notorious, celebrities who have appeared on the cover of Old City Life Magazine during the magazine’s first seven years. The free event takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the 233 West King Art Gallery in St. Augustine. Live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres from Culinary Outfitters and a wine tasting included! The gallery is located at 233 West King Street. 904-217-7470
Friday and Saturday: January 25 & 26
New Year’s Rockin Trolley Tour – Take a musical journey back in time aboard the New Year’s Rockin’ Trolley. Featuring the most popular songs of each decade since the 1920’s, the trolley tours through the historic St. Augustine amid the dazzling Nights of Lights holiday display. The Pink Lady hostess and leather-jacketed conductor, characters straight out of Grease, lead guests in singing and dancing their way through musical history. The 35-minute tours depart at 6 and 7 p.m. from St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive. Tickets are $9 adults and $4 children ages 6-12. 904-829-3800
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: January 25 – 27
Limelight Theater Presents Lost in Yonkers – Neil Simon’s coming of age tale about a young man who must come to terms with his bleak life in Yonkers. The production takes place Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults; $22 for seniors; and $20 for students and active-duty military. www.Limelight-Theatre.org 904-825-1164
Saturday: January 26
Matanzas 5000 33rd Annual 5K & Fun Run – The 33rd Annual Matanzas 5K begins at 9 a.m. and the Fun Run begins at 10:15 a.m. from Swing Park at Francis Field, located on Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine, and continues downtown along the historic bayfront. The awards ceremony follows the race. Registration is $20 in advance through January 12th, $25 January 13th – January 25; $30 the day of the race. 904-461-1615 www.ancientcityrr.org www.matanzas5k.com
Living History Days at Fort Mose – From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., volunteers in period clothing offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past at the site of the first, legally-sanctioned, free black community in the United States. Program is weather permitting. Fort Mose State Park is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Info: 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose
St. Augustine Chocolate Tour – Guided journey to the finest chocolatiers in St. Augustine. Learn the history of chocolate while sampling truffles, pastries, and gooey delights. The 2 hours tour departs at 1:30 p.m. from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center at 27 San Marco Ave. The tour cost is $60. 904-829-3800
www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/tour-chocolate.asp
Uptown Saturday Night – From 5 – 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. 904-823-9263.
Sunset/Moonrise at The St. Augustine Lighthouse – Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – the top of the Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station, 81 Lighthouse Ave. Admission is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Advance ticket purchase required. 904-829-0745
www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Torchlight Tours at Fort Matanzas National Monument – Spanish reenactors conduct spectacular nighttime firings of two six-pounder reproduction cannons. Tours will depart the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center dock at 6:00, 6:45, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available beginning January 13th only at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center. The cost is $7 per person and children 3 and under are free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904-471-0116 www.nps.gov/foma
EMMA Concert Series: The China National Symphony Orchestra – One of the most outstanding professional symphony orchestras in Asia, performs at 8 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. in St. Augustine. Tickets are $35 per person. www.EmmaConcerts.com 904-797-2800
Sunday: January 27
Royal Family Transfer of Office
Colorful transfer of royal duties from the 2012 Royal Family to the 2013 Royal Family composed of heritage residents representing Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos and Princess Margarita Maria — the Spanish Royal Family of 1672, the year in which work began on the Castillo de San Marcos. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Isabella Gardens located at the corner of Hypolita and St. George Streets in St. Augustine. 904-829-2333
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 free to everyone. Also, admission isfree 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).
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum and Red Train Tours will be offering discoutned rates to St. John’s County residents through February 8, 2013. Admission to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-11. The Red Train tours will also extend this discount to residents for a one day pass on the Red Trains!
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau