St. Augustine news highlights – August 31, 2012

Sep 1st

Posted by St. Augustine Channel 1 in St Augustine Channel 1

City offices closed on Labor DayCity of St. Augustine offices will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of the Labor Day holiday, but there will be no change in the solid waste collection schedule.

Next step in 2012-2013 budget process: Public HearingsTwo public hearings on the City of St. Augustine’s 2012-2013 budget are scheduled for Thursday, September 6 and Thursday, September 20, each starting at 5:05pm in The Alcazar Room at City Hall, 75 King St. The 2012-2013 budget goes into effect with the start of the fiscal year on October 1.In preparation for the workshop, staff prepared a workbook for commissioners with a budget summary of each of the funds on which the city relies for operations. To view the workbook, click here.Additional budget information was made available to the Commission with a staff developed presentation. To see the presentation, click here.

City’s 447th anniversary to be commemorated on September 8

St. Augustine’s Founder’s Day, the annual commemoration of the founding of the city in 1565, is usually held on the Saturday closest to the city’s actual anniversary. This year that date is the actual founding day: September 8.

Held on the grounds of the Mission Nombre de Dios starting at 10:00am, the commemoration, as is traditional, will include a reenactment of the landing of Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the city’s founder, followed by a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop of St. Augustine Felipe J. Estevez.

After the Mass, Dr. Timothy J. Johnson, Chairman of the Flagler College Humanities Department will offer a presentation related to the city’s founding. Activities then continue at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park.

The Founder’s Day commemoration is sponsored by the Mission Nombre de Dios and the La Compania de Santiago, a member unit of Florida Living History, Inc.. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Florida Living History, Inc. at 877.352.4478.

City’s Ceremony of Remembrance set for September 11

Annual observance of 9/11 set for city’s main fire station starting at 8:30am

The City of St. Augustine continues its annual recognition of the anniversary of 9/11 with its Ceremony of Remembrance, a community gathering to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 11 starting at 8:30am at the St. Augustine Fire Department’s main station, 101 Malaga Street. The ceremony is open to the public.
The city’s first Ceremony of Remembrance was held just two days after 9/11 and has continued each year on the anniversary of the attack. The 15-minute program will include a presentation of the colors by the St. Augustine Police Department Honor Guard, an invocation by Larry Clay, St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chaplin, musical presentations by Bob Patterson, and remarks from Vice Mayor Leanna Freeman.The ceremony will conclude with a minute of silence at 8:45am, timed to coincide with the time the first plane hit the first tower of the World Trade Center in 2001. Then after the Fire Department’s historic 1900 fire bell rings 11 times, once for each year since 9/11, the ceremony will end with the playing of Taps by Arthur Tenney, Florida National Guard Master Sergeant, Ret.For more information, call the Public Affairs Department at 904.825.1004.

Break Room topic: Where’s the right-of-way and why do I need a permit

One might think the only activity in the city’s right-of-way is driving, but that would be wrong. Utilities of all types pass under and over the area generally defined as “from the outer edge of the sidewalk on one side of the street to the outer edge of the sidewalk on the other side,” and activity in that narrow zone has to be carefully monitored.

That’s the responsibility of the city’s Construction Inspector, Xavier Pellicer, who stops by The Break Room this week to discuss his work and the this important space: the right-of-way.

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 Roomairs 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.

Public Works Department moving aggressively against “red water”The City of St. Augustine delivers three million gallons of water per day to more than 10,000 utility customers through a complex and intricate delivery system that includes more than 200 miles of pipe. That system, managed by a team of skilled professionals, ensures that every home, restaurant, school and hotel room receives quality water at the moment it is needed.Like every other municipal or private utility system, the City of St. Augustine’s system demands constant monitoring and an ongoing program of repairs and upgrades in order to maintain reliability and quality. Nonetheless, the city has had recent challenges from its aging distribution system and buildup of sediment from under utilized water lines resulting in “red water,” water that’s tainted because of corrosive pipes.
The Public Works Department has now launched an aggressive program of immediate actions, new procedures and a stepped-up construction plan of replacement lines all in an effort to eliminate “red water.”To learn more about these increased efforts and the source of increased funds available to update the city’s utility system, read High priority given to upgrading infrastructure and adopting new procedures to eliminate red water on the city’s web site.

St. Augustine Mobility Institute offers community avenue for input

Moving to and through St. Augustine, whether in a personal or commercial vehicle, is a challenge. The city’s compact historical district’s small, narrow streets draw millions each year, and when volume meets capacity, there can be gridlock.
In recent years there have been many studies by governmental and private entities evaluating the existing traffic systems and proposing ways to increase the ease of moving around St. Augustine. Some studies focused just on street use, others on pedestrians and bicycles, still others on light rail and shuttle services, but there has not been one with the complete, overall view that is likely to result from the St. Augustine Mobility Institute.
Running September 17- 21, the Institute is a week long intensive effort to learn about mobility challenges along the city’s three entrance corridors – King Street, San Marco Avenue, and Anastasia Boulevard – and by week’s end propose solutions based on input from a series of public workshops.

The Institute, a partnership between the City of St. Augustine and the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization,(NFTPO) will be managed by the engineering consultation firm of HNTB. It was City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline who, as a member of the NFTPO, became aware of the program and the with the help of the city’s Planning and Building Department was able to secure an allocation of $125,000 to cover the cost of the study.
For complete details and a schedule of the corridor, neighborhood meetings, read St. Augustine Mobility Institute set for September 17-21 on the city’s web site.

More recycling will Make St. Augustine Cleaner & Greener

City and Advanced Disposal partner on effort to boost both recyclers and recycled materials

If, as a resident of St. Augustine, you recycle, chances are you are not recycling as much material as you could. Most everyone is certain they can place newspapers, glass and cans in their recycling bin, but those are just a few of the items welcomed.

The city and its contractor, Advanced Disposal, are launching the Make St. Augustine Cleaner & Greenercampaign to encourage residents to recycle and thus increase the amount of recycled material collected. But, with increased recycling comes the need for increased capacity, so a second bin is being provided, free of charge, to every one of the city’s more than 4,600 customers. Bins currently used throughout the city are 18-gallon capacity, as will be the additional one. The new bins will be delivered the week of September 24-28.

For an up to date list of what is and what is not accepted for recycling, and a map illustrating the collection schedule, visit www.StAugRecycle.info, and watch for your additional recycle bin the last week of September.

Wanna be on the PZB?

The City Commission is currently accepting applications to fill two, three-year terms on the Planning and Zoning Board. Applicants must be city residents. Those wishing to apply much be city residents and submit a completed application by Friday, September 14. For more information on the Planning and Zoning Board, click here.

AgendasPlanning and Zoning Board meets on September 4.The agenda is available here.City Commission meets on September 10. When available the agenda will be posted here.

Planning and Zoning Board will hold a Special Meeting on September 11.The agenda is available here.

Code Enforcement, Adjustments and Appeals Board will meet on September 11. The agenda is available here.

Budget public hearings

First Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 6 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be here.

Second Budget Public Hearing — Thursday, September 20 at 5:05pm. When available, the agenda will be 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 Weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, & The Beaches: August 31 – September 2

Aug 31st

Posted by St. Augustine Channel 1 in St Augustine Channel 1

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Friday: August 31

St. Augustine Lighthouse Sunset/MoonriseEnjoy 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. The tour takes place from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required.904-829-0745 www.StAugustineLighthouse.org Stars Flashin’ with Passion for Fashion

Several fashion designers fight to stay in and become the top fashion designer for 2012. The competition takes place at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn at Old Florida Museum, located at 259 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 904-824-8874 http://oldfloridamuseum.com/index_files/Calender.htm

Before and After 1565: A Participatory Examination of St. Augustine’s Native American History

Through October 19, an examination of the rich history of the First Coast’s indigenous population, as well as the later history of Native American internment at the Castillo de San Marcos, on display at Flagler College Crisp-Ellert Art Museum located at 48 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine. The museum is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free Admission. www.flagler.edu/crispellert/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html

Friday thru Monday: August 31-September 3

Blue Moon Sails…and moreThe Schooner Freedom will offer two, rare Blue Moon Sails — one each on Friday and Saturday, departing from the St. Augustine City Marina at 8:45 p.m. and returning at 10 p.m. There will not be another blue moon until 2015. In addition, the Freedom will be sailing all weekend with 12:15-2 p.m. day sails and 6:15 p.m. two-hour sunset sails. Tickets for each trip, including the Blue Moon Sails, are $35 per person and include complimentary soda, water, beer and wine. Plus, you can bring your own picnic basket for the entire family! For reservations, call 904-810-1010. www.schoonerfreedom.comPatriot Days at World Golf Hall of Fame

The World Golf Hall of Fame is joining with the PGA of America in support of the sixth annual Patriot Golf Days, which benefit the Fields of Honor Foundation which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving. The World Golf Hall of Fame will match donations from visitors collected at the box office for Folds of Honor. For more information, go to the Events Calendar at www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org

Saturday: September 1

Platters, Coasters, Drifters and Temptations Salute

Former Platters lead-singer Myles Savage

presents a Motown musical salute at the Pioneer Barn at Fort Matanzas, 239 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine. Performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. – plus there’s an exhibition of classic cars throughout the day. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.904-824-8874. http://oldfloridamuseum.com/index_files/Calender.htm

Faver-Dykes Kayaking Tour

A guided kayaking eco-tour led by a Ripple Effect’s interpretive naturalist guide includes instruction in proper kayaking techniques. The cost is $55 which includes the finest kayaking equipment and admission to the park. Space is limited to ensure a high quality experience. Faver Dykes State Park is located at 1000 Faver Dykes Road of US 1 South and I-95, St. Augustine. 904-347-1565 www.RippleEffectEcoTours.com

Sunset Celebration At Vilano Beach Town Center

See a spectacular St. Augustine sunset cast from across the bay at the Vilano Beach Town Center, 95 Vilano Road. This special event includes artistic performers, local arts and crafts and genuine Old Florida surprises. Dine on food samples from businesses along Vilano Road and see why Vilano Beach is the best-kept hidden treasure in the county. Floating docks near the pier allow for waterway transport from the mainland to the island – just as in the early Flagler days. The event is from 3:00 pm to dusk every first Saturday of the month at the Vilano Beach Pier and Pavilion. Free to the public.www.vilanobeachfl.com 904.540-0402.

Historic Haunts Author at Ripley’s

Jamie Roush Pearce, author of Historic Haunts Florida, will be signing copies of her book beginning at 6 p.m. at Ripley’s Believe It or Not’s Castle Warden in St. Augustine. Roush features Castle Warden in her book, especially the story of the two female hotel guests who died in a fire there n 1944. She maintains the women were murdered and attributes other paranormal activity in the building to the bizarre items displayed there in Ripley’s museum. For more information, call 904-824-1606.

Saturday & Sunday: September 1 & 2

International Vulture Awareness Days at St. Augustine Alligator FarmExhibits and demonstrations about the Vultures of the World at St. Augustine Alligator Farm,

located at 999 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine. Activities include vulture presentations, Kidz Zone – build a Vulture nest, vulture displays, and interactive self-guided quizzes and games. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is Adults $21.95. Children $10.95 (ages 3-11). www.alligatorfarm.comHomes For Our Troops CookoutAmerican Legion Post 37, located along St. Augustine’s historic bayfront will be barbecuing burgers, hot dogs, and brats from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help fund the construction of a new specially adapted home in Saint Augustine. This Homes For Our Troops project will benefit Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Hayes who was on his 4th deployment when he lost both of his legs and suffered life-threatening injuries in Sangin, Afghanistan on December 28, 2010. http://legionpost37.com

Catamaran Excursions

Celebrate Saturday thru Monday with a relaxing excursion aboard St. Augustine Eco Tour’s catamaran. Traverse Matanzas Bay and learn about manatees, dolphins and more! Perfect for the entire family. Departures are at 12:15; 2:45; and 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children. For reservations, call 904-377-7245. www.StAugstineEcoTours.com

Monday (Labor Day): September 3

Labor Day Concert In The PlazaCelebrate Labor Day at a free concert by the St. Augustine Jazz Society in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion, 1 King Street. The free concert takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. 904-825-1004. http://www.plazaconcerts.com

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 Convention Bureau

Update on Hurricane Isaac – Wednesday August 29 at noon EST

Aug 29th

Posted by St. Augustine Channel 1 in St Augustine Channel 1

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Isaac Drenching Southeastern Louisiana, Dangerous Storm Surge and Flood Threat From Heavy Rains Likely to Continue Through Wednesday Night

At 10 AM CDT the center of Hurricane Isaac was near Houma, La. Isaac is moving toward the northwest at about 6 mph and this general motion is expected to continue through Wednesday night, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest by Thursday night or early Friday. The center of Isaac will move farther inland over Louisiana on Wednesday and Thursday and over southern Arkansas by early Friday.

Source: National Weather Service — http://www.weather.gov