Posts tagged San Marcos
News from the City of St. Augustine
Oct 14th
Prevention message and this year’s theme, “Have 2 Ways Out,”
gets extra emphasis from St. Augustine Fire Department this month
For the last 90 years, the week in which October 9 falls has been designated as Fire Prevention Week, but for the St. Augustine Fire Department, what is nationally a week is locally a month. Taking advantage of the nation-wide emphasis on fire prevention in October each year, the St. Augustine Fire Department uses the themed month to educate the public on fire safety.
Much of that education takes place in the community’s elementary schools, pre-schools and daycare centers where fire personnel are greeted by an audience ready to listen and willing to learn. According to John Rayno, St. Augustine’s Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Chief, having firefighters visit schools is a very effective way to get information into the home.
“For instance, we spend time talking about the importance of not just having smoke alarms, but taking the time to test them. After one of our visits, I’m sure there are parents being asked to check smoke alarms by students we met that day, and that’s good,” said Rayno in an interview on WFCF’s weekly program, The Break Room. To hear the entire interview, visit www.breakroom.info.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out,” focusing on the need for escape plans to incorporate two exits for each room. Taking stock of available exits is essential to every escape plan, whether for home or business, and those plans need to be well known and practiced.
While the month of October has an emphasis on prevention education, fire department personnel are ready to bring tailor made programming to civic associations, businesses, living facilities, churches and anywhere else a group wants to know more about fire prevention.
For more information about National Fire Prevention Week visit www.fpw.org. For more information about the St. Augustine Fire Department’s fire prevention programs contact the department at 904.825.1098.
See also this related story:
http://www.staugustinegovernment.com/the-city/featured-stories-archive/FirePrev.cfm
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City plants 23 trees in just two days
Live oaks, red cedars and magnolias replace trees
removed following tree assessment program
If it is true that any day is made better by the planting of a tree then last week the City of St. Augustine gave the community some great days by planting over 20 new trees in just a two-day period.
Most of the plantings are replacement trees for those that had to be removed following receipt of the results of a tree assessment that identified 15 trees in the city right-of-way that were deemed to be so far decayed as to be unsafe, commonly referred to as hazard trees. The inventory was made possible by an Urban and Community Forestry grant provided through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services which provided $6,000 that was matched by the city. The funds made possible the long overdue inventory and assessment of over 500 trees in the city rights-of-way and parks within the historic areas of St. Augustine.
The new trees included live oaks that were planted along the most northern section of San Marco Ave. and Vickers Field, magnolias planted on Riberia St. next to Francis Field and red cedars along Flagler Blvd. and at the Visitors Information Center.
The Urban and Community Forestry grant was used to retain the services of an International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Arborist to provide the initial tree inventory baseline data which provides the basis for the development of an urban forestry management program. That program specifies recommended management practices, provides guidance for the City Manager and maintenance supervisor in allocation of tree maintenance resources, and documents the inventory and required maintenance.
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 904.825.1040.
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Avenida Menendez crosswalk installation
necessitates lane closure
Traffic reduced to one lane in each direction
The installation of crosswalks at two locations on Avenida Menendez will necessitate the reduction of traffic to two lanes, one for northbound traffic and one for southbound, in two locations on two different occasions in coming weeks. The crosswalks at Fort Alley and Cuna Street, currently delineated with stamped asphalt to simulate brick, will be replaced with historic, authentic brick.
To accommodate the extensive work, Avenida Menendez will be reduced to two lane, two way traffic for a period of four days lasting from mid-day Sunday through Wednesday evening. At no time will Avenida Menendez be closed, but traffic will be slowed through the area during the work. The work is scheduled for:
• Fort Alley crosswalk installation: mid-day Sunday, October 21 through the evening of Wednesday, October 24.
• Cuna Street crosswalk installation: mid-day Sunday, October 28 through the evening of Wednesday, October 31.
The crosswalk installation is the final element of an extensive project that began in early February of this year and includes extensive pedestrian improvements along south Castillo Drive that have included the installation of new street lights, widening of sidewalks, and improved signalization for both pedestrians and vehicles. Funding for the project was secured by Congressman John Mica who, during a visit to St. Augustine, noticed the challenges pedestrians had in the congested area lying between popular St. George Street and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. He then set about seeking an appropriation to fund the changes needed to alleviate those challenges.
For more information, contact the Planning and Building Department at 904.825.1065.
Source: City of St. Augustine
This Weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, & The Beaches: August 31 – September 2
Aug 31st
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.
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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 |
Bridge of Lions 5K necessitates traffic re-routing
Jul 20th
The Bridge of Lions 5K Run, set for Saturday, July 21 at 7:30am, will necessitate brief traffic re-routing along St. Augustine’s Bayfront, the Bridge of Lions and on streets throughout Davis Shores on the north side of Anastasia Blvd.
Scheduled to start at the north end of Avenida Menendez near the Castillo de San Marcos, the participants will run south on Avenida Menendez using the northbound lane and cross the Bridge of Lions during which the bridge will be closed to all vehicular and boat traffic.
The race then continues north on Gerado St., west on Arpeika Ave., north on St. Augustine Blvd, east/south on Inlet Drive, west on Arpieka Ave., south on Zorayda Ave., east on Oglethorpe Blvd., south on Comares Ave., west on Flagler Blvd., north on Alcazar to the finish line at Oglethorpe Park.
Traffic along Avenida Menendez and the Bridge of Lions should return to normal by 8:00am and the entire race concluded by 9:00am. To avoid delays, the public is advised to avoid these areas during the race.
Source: City of St. Augustine