Mayor holds first monthly Community Coffee

The kick-off coffee, which Mayor Shaver jokingly referred to as her “450th Signature Event”, was judged to be a success by those in attendance who spoke with Historic City News.

“These coffees are not about you hearing me,” Shaver told the two or three dozen citizens who attended. “They are about me listening to you.”

In a refreshing change of pace, after a brief introduction by Historic City News editor Michael Gold, the mayor, dressed in casual attire, made her way around the dining room; taking time to speak to everyone who wanted to meet her.

“The people in St Augustine are so very happy to see a retreat from elected officials who think they are royalty,” Gold told residents at one table near the back of the room. “Just the fact that the city didn’t spend money printing 4-color invitations, mailed to a list of the city’s elite, and that everyone who came paid for their own coffee and breakfast was a giant leap in the right direction.”

Local business couple, Cathy and David White, offered to host next month’s community coffee — Shaver was very pleased. “I think that this will catch on quickly, everyone seemed to appreciate the ultra-relaxed setting and conversation.”

Former Mayor George Gardner, and wife Sally, were in attendance from the opening bell; while, over the next hour and a half, others trickled in and out. It was “standing room only”.

Mike Theodosian, the owner of Theo’s, was excited to see so many people sharing ideas. Many residents shared his concerns about the deterioration of the city’s infrastructure allowed by the former mayor and administration. Priority was shifted to gala balls, junkets to Spain, and unneeded consultants, party planning, and millions of dollars in wasteful spending, on a 450th Commemoration that City Manager John Regan now admits was overreaching and, in truth, will come down to about a week of city-planned activities.

Donna Wendler, Sally Fay, and Vision Committee representative, Pat Reilly, all shared words of confidence and support for the city’s future. Yvette Monell, host of Events St. Augustine, gave the mayor an azalea clipping, and Sheldon Gardner, reporter for the St Augustine Record, chased the mayor looking for a quote.

Gina Burrell, a member of St Augustine’s Street Tree Advisory Committee, had ideas for the upcoming Arbor Day celebration. Retired educator, lifelong resident, and well know local actor, Gerald Eubanks, described Mayor Shaver as someone willing to listen and a positive change for the city. “The people are so glad that we have her,” he told one reporter.

When the date and time is announced for February, it will be posted to the event calendar of the mayor’s website, http://nancyshaver.com/