Vilano and 450th Civic Roundtable topics

Chairman Anthony Bosco convened this morning’s meeting of the St. Johns County Civic Association Roundtable at the Conference Center at Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine and Historic City News reporters were on hand.

Two speakers addressed about 30 members and guests, including Vivian Browning who addressed the group with an update on the Vilano Town Center and First America Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Jamie E. Alvarez, discussed the commemoration of the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine.

Vivian Browning was the first to speak; describing the progress and timelines for several Vilano Town Center projects; including 60 dock slips and a grant for a floating dock at the west end of the Vilano Road pier.

Of special interest was the potential 70 person employer, Publix Supermarket, who has broken ground and investing millions in the oceanside community. Several potential retail customers are also expected to follow Publix, according to Browning, renting space for an urgent care “doc-in-a-box” type concept, a nail salon and possible hair salon, among others.

“Publix will not hold a grand opening during the holidays,” Browning said. “If they don’t make an October opening date, they will open in January.” One participant questioned the sale of alcohol at Publix and Browning indicated that it is part of the plans, along with a pharmacy, delicatessen and full feature supermarket. Later in the meeting, there was a spirited discussion between County Commissioner Ken Bryan and former Commissioner Kohnke over the operation of a package store by Publix Supermarkets at the new Vilano Beach location.

Browning was also asked about the elevations for the project and she clarified that the shopping center is a one-story building within the 40′ height restriction providing 155 parking spaces.

Browning, who also sits on the board of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, pointed out that Vilano Beach is the closest beach to the City of St. Augustine and that “if it were not for the good mosquito control district,” people who wanted to enjoy outdoor communities and outdoor activities could die from bites from the mosquitoes in the area — “bites can infect and kill people, dogs and horses.” Browning used to moment to admonish those, like Bryan who was in the audience, to “protect it”, making reference to the long running friction between the District and County Commission members who would like to take over the taxing district.

North Shores Improvement Association President Sacha Martin made additional comments about plans for the art deco and old Florida vernacular styled revitalization of the Vilano Beach neighborhood.

First America Foundation Director Jamie Alvarez gave an overview of the transition of responsibility for several planned commemorations from the City of St. Augustine’s Heritage Tourism department, to the Mayor’s appointed steering committee, to the contractual relationship with First America.

Alvarez, who originally worked for the City when she and Dana Ste. Claire were planning the commemorations on their own, said that she could see early on that the City government did not have the ability to act as “party planners”. Alvarez told the audience that in frustration she asked the City, “Please fire me.”

Alvarez said that she was excited when the announcement was made that First America Foundation had been created to assume responsibility for the commemoration planning and that she was honored to have the opportunity to work within the private organization.

Alvarez cleared up the status of the Federal Commission that has been talked about and the “$500,000” figure that has been circulated as money supposedly heading our way each year. “Although Public Law 111.11 created the Commission, it was passed but it has not yet been funded.” When asked by Historic City News, Alvarez confirmed our understanding from Mica Chief of Staff, Wiley Deck that the money, if it is ever appropriated, goes to operate the Federal Commission — not to the City or Foundation to finance the commemoration.

“There is a lot to communicate to the public,” Alvarez said, explaining that the Foundation’s staff consists of two people — herself and one assistant. Some people in the community see the commemoration as “a birthday cake and a six-pack of beer” while other rumors indicate “a visit from the Pope”. Alvarez laughed, “We don’t have the infrastructure for the Pope”.

Alvarez sees First America as a coordinator of commemoration events presented by cultural and historical organizations “that already exists”. Groups like the Hispanic Heritage Council, British Nightwatch and the interactive Pirate Museum will produce their own events, according to Alvarez. “We are not competing with that or trying to replace it.”

St. Augustine and St. Johns County are a “model for cultural diversity” Alvarez noted. “British, French, Minorcan, Hispanic, African and other communities have roots here.” Alvarez seemed concerned about revised history, saying that it was important to promote “authentic history” referring to claims that Ponce de Leon did not make his first landing in St. Augustine. Other accounts exist that record Ponce de Leon running along the length of the coast seeking harbor for the night in 8 fathoms of water near Mickler’s Landing.

Alvarez is also running down a claim that Pedro Menendez was Celtic, a claim being advanced by a group known as People for a Celtic St. Augustine. “After all,” Alvarez said, “bagpipes originated in Spain, not Ireland. We’re getting to the bottom of all of that by 2013.”

“It all comes down to parking spaces and restrooms,” Alvarez said. “That will determine how successful we will be in the end.”

The meeting also included reading and approval of minutes of previous meeting, a financial report and committee reports.

Dan MacDonald and Walter Rohrer led a discussion of the St. Johns County budget presentation made before the last County Commission meeting. Kohnke made comments concerning the St. Johns County Sheriff’s budget and the county budget process, including a discussion of beach access fees.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Daniel E. Chitwood, Jr., made comments on the budget and the relationship of the Sheriff’s Office and Board of County Commissioners in that process. Chitwood also responded to comments about the proposed Inmate Work Center and informed the audience of the 100 bed dormitory currently being planned.

The County hiring “chill” was also discussed.

After budget talk by MacDonald, general budget discussion followed, including state initiatives.

Fruit Cove resident Ellen Whitmer brought up bonds, Assistant County Administrator Jerry Cameron set the comments into context. Commission Chairman Bryan came back to the relationship between the Board of County Commissioners and the Sheriff, referring to a “spirit of mutual cooperation”.

Cameron spoke about the negatives with the Firefighter’s Union and the progress in those negotiations. Kohnke expressed her impression of the diminishing influence of the union.

Cameron commented on Commissioner Stevenson’s remarks regarding a staffing grant to operate the Palencia Fire Station.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer