Freeman presses for relaxed ordinances

Vice Mayor Leanna Freeman referred to the 446th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony in Monday night’s regular meeting of the St. Augustine City Commission saying, “We need something more for our birthday than two Spanish songs.”

Recent plans for a revitalized “Days in Old Spain” celebration were scuttled when former carriage operator turned event promoter Stuart Gamsey discovered that, because of current ordinances, he could not sell beer or wine on the proposed site west of the Visitor Information Center.

The Vice Mayor wants a “sense of urgency” in modifying City codes to allow celebratory events to take place. “Let someone try something,” Freeman said. “People need time and for excitement to build.” Mayor Joe Boles was out-of-town and did not attend the Monday night meeting.

Assistant City Manager Tim Burchfield assured the Vice Mayor that details have been worked out with Gamsey to move forward with such events.

City Attorney Ron Brown said an ordinance, modifying current codes, would be presented at the next commission meeting on September 26th.