Historic Florida Militia re-enacts raid on city

St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys warns Historic City News readers that buccaneers will be afoot throughout the city this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday: March 5 & 6

THE SACK OF ST. AUGUSTINE: CAPT. ROBERT SEARLE’S RAID OF 1668
Relive a horrible day in history as the Historic Florida Militia re-enacts the Sack of St. Augustine. The sack occurred in 1668, when Capt. Robert Searle and his pirates sailed from Jamaica to loot the silver ingots held in the royal coffers at St. Augustine. The raiders will have an encampment set up at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park on Magnolia Drive, where visitors can experience authentic 17th century arms, equipment and food Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, the buccaneers will proceed to the Plaza de la Constitucion where at 5 p.m. they will attack Spanish soldiers and St. Augustine citizens. Townspeople and soldiers flee up St. George Street to the Redoubt at Orange and Cordova Streets in the Historic District. For more information, call 904.534.6168, visit www.Searlesbucs.com.

BALD EAGLE BIRD WATCHING TOUR
Experience something like never before…this boat tour will leave from the St. Augustine City Marina to observe wild dolphins, a variety of birds and many other marine organisms. Then, the boat make a special stop beneath an endangered Bald Eagle’s nest. This stop will provide a chance to see two eagles that have recently returned to the area. Cameras are encouraged whether you’re a novice or experienced photographer. Binoculars are provided on board as well as all the information you could ask for about the creatures and environment you see. Tours are limited to 2-6 guests, $35 for adults / $30 for kids 12 & under. Saturday and Sunday 10:00am. Call Zach for reservations and details 904-377-7245.

SPRING EQUINOX KAYAK TOURS
Experience the lengthening days of Spring and the rich colors of a North Florida sunset from the best seat in the house, a kayak! Participants will paddle among acres of quiet protected marshlands of the Guana Reserve. The tour is from 6 to 7 p.m., costs $55 per person and includes a guide, kayak and brief instruction. Some proceeds benefit the GTM. Morning bird watching tours by kayak are also available. The tours depart from the Guana Preserve, located on A1A between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call 904.347.1565.

Saturday: March 5

LESSONS FROM A BEST SELLER
Learn the craft of writing from New York Times best-selling author Steve Berry at this special workshop. Berry is the author of ten historical thrillers with 11 million books in print in 37 languages. The workshop will consist of five 50-minute sessions, question and answer session and a luncheon featuring his tales of rejections and perseverance. The workshop is brought to Northeast Florida through a partnership between the Florida Heritage Book Festival and History Matters. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, I-95, Exit 323. Registration is $100 or $60 for the luncheon only. For details, go to www.fhbookfest.com or call 904.940.0194.

2nd ANNUAL PONTE VEDRA HOME & ART TOUR
Come tour outstanding creativity in architecture and interior design at the Ponte Vedra Beach Home and Art Tour. Five exquisite homes, located on Ponte Vedra Boulevard and within the beautiful gated communities of The Plantation, Sawgrass and Marsh Landing, have been selected for their creative design and use of art in decorating. Featured on the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tour will be the works of local artists that will be on sale at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach following the tour. Tickets for the tour are $30 and benefit Cultural Center programs. They can be purchased online at www.ccpvb.org or by calling 904-280-0614.

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE
Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

Sunday: March 6

MUCH ADO ABOUT WOMEN: PORTRAITS IN DIVERSITY
Experience this exhibit of portraits and self-portraits of women that is the main feature of the Festival of Muses, a month-long celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibit will be on display in the Limelight Theatre Gallery located at 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer