Update from Friends of A1A

Barbara Jenness, President of Friends of A1A and Chair of Scenic and Historic A1A, updated Historic City News through her organization’s recent communique THE SPOONBILL.

Jenness wrote, “Another year has flown by as fast as some of our drivers along our A1A scenic Byway. I am pleased that our newly formed Strategic Planning Committees are taking their assignments to heart meeting regularly to work on as-signed projects to preserve, protect, promote, and enhance our “Old Florida” avenue.”

Special thanks were extended to chair leads Charlie Helm, Anne Wilson, Tony Bosco, Bob Samuels, George Harnden and Irene Kaufman. Telling the A1A corridor story gets easier by the year with definite goals and objectives.

Transportation safety is high on Friends of A1A’s agenda to eliminate the dangers in some areas of A1A. Every mile is being re-examined for recommendations to FDOT and others for improvements. Those suggestions, along with a Scenic Conservation Plan in development, should make the roadway more beautiful than ever. And then, of course, the stories give character to our area.

Jenness extended thanks to Robin Moore, with St. Johns County and our volunteers, who were fortunate to capture some old history to share with others.

Friends of A1A will miss Tom Scofield who was very helpful in conceiving of the Cell Phone Tour proposal which will incorporate some of the old lore of the area. Tom is now with John Milner Associates in Pennsylvania. Replacing Tom is Melissa Dezendorf, representing the City of St. Augustine as a Board member.

Quoting St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson, Jenness wrote, “Water view – sea breeze – sea oats – salt pruned vegetation and open horizons to the ocean are conjured up when I think of A1A Coastal highway that makes me want to take an unhurried drive with the top down & minimal traffic….free, open, and breezy. “

Jenness said, “We need to slow to a stroll as in the song and enjoy the beauty we have around us.”