In St. Johns County, Historic City News readers need to understand that publicly carrying of firearms remains strictly prohibited in several “sensitive locations” mandated by Florida Statute § 790.06(12). These restrictions apply regardless of whether the weapon is concealed or open.
For decades, the sight of a holstered handgun on a citizen’s hip was a rare occurrence for Historic City News readers. That was typically reserved for those actively engaged in hunting or fishing. Nevertheless, after the landmark September 2025 ruling by the First District Court of Appeal in McDaniels v. State, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically. The court struck down Florida’s long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms, declaring the prohibition unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
I received an unexpected telephone call yesterday morning in response to last week’s obituary announcing the passing of a familiar local activist. The call was from Edward A Slavin, the subject of the announcement.
S. Gary Snodgrass
Former Mayor, St. Augustine Beach
Most every St Augustine elected public official, whether their politics ran conservative or liberal, knew a man who was seen and spoke at nearly every county commission meeting, meeting of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, as well as most meetings of the Airport Authority and both City of St Augustine and St Augustine Beach commissions.
Public Information Officer Dee Brown reported to Historic City News tonight that the Office of State Attorney RJ Larizza is investigating “financial discrepancies” and conducting a review of official records of St Augustine Police Benevolent Organization, Incorporated over the past 5-years. The private group was organized on August 19, 2002. It is funded through voluntary donations from St Augustine Police officers.
Historic City News was informed that on last Friday, January 9th, St. Johns County Fire Rescue dedicated a permanent “Fallen Firefighter Memorial” honoring firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty and recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and commitment that define the profession. The ceremony also included the dedication of the department’s 9/11 Memorial, symbolized by a tree planted at the site to commemorate the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and the sacrifices of first responders.
As the founding editor of Historic City News, I had the honor of interacting with Kerry McCarthy on any number of non-profit causes and in support of many local political candidates. I’ve known Kerry for more than the 25 years that we have published, and in no small way it is fair to say that she was an influencer in my decision to pursue political campaign consulting as well as digital publishing.
