St Augustine City Blog

Aside from being the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine is also well known for its talented art community. It’s no surprise really with the amount of culture built into the cobblestone streets of the Ancient City that we would have so many incredible artists floating around.

As we finally roll into spring (and hopefully bid farewell to this abnormal streak of  cold weather!) the art community is coming out of hibernation with some great events and offerings through March and April.

Coming up this weekend, March 12-14, is the 29th Annual Lions Seafood Festival at Francis Field (known as the Special Events Field to out-of-towners)  in downtown St. Augustine. In addition to some phenomenal seafood from restaurants all over the Ancient City, the festival also features hundreds of arts and crafts booths. From jewelry and sculptures to paintings and glass art, this is event is packed with some incredible displays of local art. There will also be a few live music performances, raffle prizes and more!

Locals and visitors can also get a taste of St. Augustine’s artsy side each month at two different recurring art events. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can head downtown for the First Friday Artwalk in the Plaza de la Constitution. If you miss that event, Bartram Walk on the north end of town hosts a Second Saturday Artwalk as well. Both events are free to the public.

If you’re looking for something more interactive, consider signing up for weekly art classes offered at the St. Johns Cultural Center. Local artist Joan Tasca will be the instructor for two separate courses offered from the beginning of April until late May. Budding artists of all skill levels are encouraged to join. Class details are as follows:

TUESDAYS, 9:30-12:30. April 20 through May 25.

Drawing, All Levels: Beginners will focus on line, perspective, composition, value, texture and form, while Intermediate and Advanced students will hone skills with black and white media and work in color.

THURSDAYS, 9:30-12:30. April 22 through May 27.

Oil or Acrylic Painting, All Levels: Beginners will learn color theory, tools and techniques. Intermediate and Advanced students will refine skills, learn new ones, and work on personal style.

Tasca has experience as an art instructor for all age groups as well as an educational background in art that includes degrees from the University of Delaware and the University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Call her at (904) 794-2594 for materials and more information. The registration fee per course is $140. Class size is limited, deadline to sign up is April 9th.

So whatever tickles your art fancy, you can find it in St. Augustine this spring! For more information you can check out our listings of St. Augustine art galleries in the Art and Music section of  OldCity.com.

- OldCity.com

P.S. - The Bridge of (Mil)Lions is scheduled to re-open on St. Patrick’s Day (next Wednesday, March 17th). You’ll want to be in downtown St. Augustine to see the triumphant completion of this five-year, $80 million project in downtown St. Augustine.

Local citizens (both the people and animal varieties) will be glad to know that the St. Augustine Humane Society has re-opened its doors! The newly renovated facility will be open for business Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Although the SAHS is not currently housing pets, they will open their doors as an education center to help the local community with its informational needs about the proper care of our animal companions.

The SAHS also offers important services to the community including their low-cost spay and neuter service called the “Spay Shuttle” (which launches every Thursday) and a series of dog and puppy training classes that take place each week. These services will be on-going as the renovations to the new facility are completed.

If you’d like to help out, the St. Augustine Humane Society is currently seeking volunteers for their committee programs (overseeing certain aspects of the group’s operation) as well as receptionists and greeters to welcome guests on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The OldCity.com family is thrilled to welcome SAHS and all of its hard-working volunteers back into the community! We can’t wait until all of the new renovations are complete!

- OldCity.com

Planning a trip to a Florida state park just got easier with the launch of a redesigned one-stop-shop Florida State Parks Web site. FloridaStateParks.org, the online portal for Florida’s 160 state parks, today launched the redesigned site packed with vacation planning resources, lodging information, deals and discounts, striking photos and park descriptions, special events and activities guide, a media room, the opportunity to purchase annual park passes and passports, and many more features - all in one easy to navigate format.

The timing of the Web site redesign launch coincides with the 75^th Anniversary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida State Parks in 2010. The Web site was created internally using existing staff and resources, saving the state more than $200,000.

“With the growing presence of the Web and technology in our daily lives, it is important that we offer exceptional customer service, not just in our parks, but online as well,� said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “The redesigned Web site is a phenomenal resource for both frequent park visitors and first time Florida vacationers, as it provides the tools needed to plan a cost-efficient trip and presents a gateway to the natural, cultural and historic gems that exist in Florida’s state parks.�

One of the Web site’s new features is a section dedicated to ‘deals and discounts.’ Florida’s state parks are proud to boast a value that can’t be beat, at a price that fits most any budget. Now visitors can also learn about special deals and discounts through both the redesigned Web site and Twitter.

Examples of current promotions include:

· Go Play Weekday Discount – visitors pay 75¢ admission Monday through Thursday at featured state parks.

· Travel Tuesday – One state park will offer free admission exclusively for @FLStateParks Twitter followers each Tuesday.

· Sweetheart Special – A getaway package including a one-night stay at the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park Lodge, dinner for two at the Wakulla Ball Room restaurant, a boat tour for two on the Wakulla River, and garden entry for two at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, all for just $145.

Other Florida State Park Web site highlights include:

· Information about the 75^th Anniversary of Florida State Parks.

· A listing of more than 40 activities available and the parks that offer them.

· ‘One Tank Trip’ locator identifies parks within 100 miles of a specific location.

· Resources for becoming a state park volunteer.

· A link to each park’s citizen support organization.

· Opportunities for visitor feedback through the report card and feedback form.

· An online request form for persons with disabilities to receive special accommodations.

Bad news for St. Johns County commuters who regularly use the S.R. 206 bridge at Crescent Beach. The county is about to begin a 300 day job to give the bridge a fresh coat of paint, which will warrant some complete closures of the structure. According to a press release from the FDOT today, the bridge will be closed for 15 days at some point during the process (it has not been stated yet when the dates of the closures will be).  On those days the bridge will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., allowing for some rush hour traffic to pass through. Traffic will otherwise be diverted north to the S.R. 312 bridge.

The FDOT promises to put out signs advertising the closures at least two weeks beforehand. Additionally, the project may require some one-lane closures not restricted to specific times and possibly even channel closures or restrictions for the water below, as much of the work will be conducted on the underside of the bridge.

Take this into account over the next few months and remember to drive safely out there!

- OldCity.com

The PGA is bringing the Nationwide Tour to Sawgrass on October 18-24, 2010.  The Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open wil be played at the famed TPC Sawgrass on the Dye’s Valley Course.  This tournament is the proving ground for the PGA TOUR with the 25 leading money winners at year end earning PGA TOUR status for 2011.  This golf tournament will showcase our beaches community to an international television audience on Golf Channel.  The Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open will benefit many area non-profits - including The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach.

The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is selling tickets NOW for the Nationwide Tour Golf Tournament and keeping 100% of the proceeds.  Money raised will go directly to our  arts education programs.

The price of a Weekly Grounds ticket purchased through the Cultural Center’s website is $25 (a savings of $10 when purchased at event). There is also a 10-Pack Weekly Grounds Tickets for only $200 - a great savings for corporate entertainment or perks.

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting our website at www.ccpvb.org under our events link. Order forms are also available by calling 904-280-0614.

In order to make it more convenient for St. Augustine residents to make donations for the victims of the recent devastating earthquakes in Haiti, the City of St. Augustine has designated its main fire station as a collection point for donated items.

Starting Monday, February 1, the city main fire station, located at 101 Malaga Street near the intersection with Ponce de Leon Blvd., will accept donations any day of the week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The donations will be collected from the fire station and transported to Haiti through the cooperation of Mission Harvest and the American Red Cross.

Specific items which may be donated are:

· Non-perishable food items, canned-food in pop-top cans, water and juices;

· Warm weather clothing, flat shoes or boots; towels, washcloths, lightweight quilts and blankets, sleeping bags;

· First aid type medical supplies, toiletries, insect repellent, candles, flashlights, batteries; and

· Tarpaulins, trash bags, plastic wrap, packing tape.

For more information call the Department of Public Affairs at 904.825.1053.

Our entire community is partnering with Foodforthepoor.org who have been in Hati for the last 25 years.

The St. Augustine Humane Society (SAHS) in conjunction with the First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) in Jacksonville, will be offering low-cost spay/neuter services to the local community this Thursday, January 21st through their “Spay Shuttle” program.  The shuttle will take pets to the FCNMHP for same-day services and bring them home in the evening. Prices are $50 for cats and $75 for dogs, which includes a rabies shot in addition to the spay/neuter procedure. Additional vaccinations are also available at a reduced cost.

The shuttle operates every other week and will also be “launching” on February 4th and 18th. To reserve a spot for your pet, e-mail the following information to sbk@staughumane.org:

Your name

Your phone number

Your Pet’s Type (cat or dog)

Name

Sex

Age

Breed

Weight Estimate

What services you require

You can help support the services offered by the Spay Shuttle by participating in the SAHS Spay-ghetti Lunch and Dinner on January 26, 2010.  Visit the First United Methodist Church at 118 King Street in downtown St. Augustine between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to pick up your delicious meal including spaghetti (choice between meat sauce and marinara sauce prepared by Napoli’s), garlic toast, drink and brownie for $8.00. If you order five or more meals for your business or family, the SAHS volunteers will deliver your order free of charge. All deliveries must be scheduled in advance however by calling Barbara at 904-461-4096 before 4:00 p.m. on January 25th.

The St. Augustine Humane Shelter is still in the process of rebuilding after it was forced to close its doors in 2009. You can help with the rebuilding process by purchasing a memorial tile to be placed on the front desk of the new facility. Paw print tile kits are available for $150.00.

- OldCity.com

Here are some of the on-going FDOT projects in St. Johns County that may interfere with traffic patterns this week:

State Road A1A – Bridge of Lions (contact Laurie Sanderson:  904-825-3647 or 904-669-1165)

The channel beneath the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine is scheduled to be restricted to 35 feet horizontal clearance each day 7:30 am to 8pm January 18-22, 2010, except for full bridge/channel openings provided at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8:00 pm each day. Each night during the same dates (January 18-22, 2010), the channel will be fully closed from 8pm to 7:30am. Also, the short slip ramp onto the temporary Bridge of Lions from northbound Avenida Menendez remains closed. Motorists may access the temporary bridge at the adjacent traffic signal. In addition, westbound traffic over the temporary bridge remains reduced to one lane at the intersection with Avenida Menendez. No additional lane closures are planned at the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project during the week of January 18, 2010. Please visit the Bridge of Lions website at www.FDOTBridgeofLions.com for project information.

State Road A1A between Owens Avenue and SR 312

State Road A1A, between Owens Avenue and S.R. 312, may be reduced to one lane in each direction during the day while landscape crews work in the medians.

State Road A1A from Fairfield Boulevard/Sawgrass Drive to the Duval County line (Ponte Vedra)

State Road A1A in Ponte Vedra, from Fairfield Boulevard/Sawgrass Drive to the Duval County line, may be reduced to one lane in each direction during the day for installation of signal sensors and at night for paving.  Please note that the speed limit has been reduced to 40 mph throughout the limits of the project.

State Road A1A in Summer Haven

Possible short duration daytime lane closures at the south bridge for safety while crews remove portions of the old bridge.

Interstate 95 Exit Ramps onto State Road 207

There are no scheduled lane closures on this project the week of January 18 - 22.

I-95 interchange modification at C.R. 210 (contact: Mike Goldman 1-800-207-8236)

Southbound lane closings on I-95 may occur next week (Monday through Thursday) between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m.  This project will be finished in the early spring of 2010.

U.S. 1 from Moultrie Creek near Vail Point Road to State Road 207

Nighttime lane closures are scheduled on U.S. 1 between State Road 312 and State Road 207 Sunday through Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays and 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends for paving when temperatures remain above 45 degrees.

U.S. 1 south of Race Track Road near the Duval County line (Nocatee Flyover Project)

No new lane closures are scheduled the week of January 18 on the Nocatee Flyover Project.

State Road 16 from International Golf Parkway to County Road 16A

Traffic on State Road 16, between International Golf Parkway/Pacetti Road and County Road 16A, may be shifted onto the newly constructed lanes on the east side of the roadway as early as Monday, January 18 or sometime during the week of January 18. Motorists should use caution, particularly where County Road 16A enters State Road 16 at the curve and watch for motorists entering and exiting side streets and driveways until everyone is familiar with the new traffic pattern.

County Road 13 at Sixteen Mile Creek (contact Monica Reifeiss:  800-749-2967)

The roadway shoulder at Sixteen Mile Creek will be closed while crews continue to clear the area.  No lane closures are scheduled at this time.

Just a little over 900 miles from St. Augustine, the island nation of Haiti has fallen into the claws of a nearly unimaginable catastrophe on the heels of a massive earthquake. Millions of people have been affected by injuries, casualties and loss of shelter. As the world comes together to lend a hand, you may be wondering what you can do as one individual to assist a nation of people in such dire need. We have gathered here a few examples of reputable organizations who could use your help and how you can give it to them today.

- The American Red Cross: By simply texting “Haiti” to 90999 you can give $10 to the Red Cross, applied to your next cellphone bill. Already, the organization has raised $3 million through this text campaign. They estimate that 91 cents of every dollar donated to the Red Cross is actually invested in humanitarian aid. You can also donate redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

- UNICEF: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is also working around the clock to bring aid to the citizens of Haiti. You can donate in any amount to their cause at unicefusa.org. Every little bit helps get much needed supplies to the desperate island nation.

- Yele & The Haiti Earthquake Alliance: Haitian native and world renowned recording artist Wyclef Jean is on the ground in his home country helping to rescue survivors from the rubble. In the meantime, his organization Yele, a foundation for raising money for Haiti, has formed an alliance of networks that have already been able to send four airlifts worth of supplies to Port-au-Prince. You can donate to the alliance through yele.org or text “Yele” to 501501 to make a $5 donation.

Internet technology is also offering the world a unique way to get closer to what’s going on and get a better understanding of how bad this devastation is. Two high school graduates from Jacksonville who have been doing some missionary work in Haiti have a blog that you can check out for their first hand accounts of the earthquake.

For more ways that you can help the relief effort, take a look at this article from CNN.com.

Our prayers continue to rest with the citizens of Haiti and the rescuers working tirelessly to help them.

- OldCity.com