Coke Florida has unveiled its limited-edition “America250 Coca-Cola cans” at its Jacksonville manufacturing facility on Thursday, April 2, 2026. This special initiative is part of a nationwide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the Jacksonville plant being one of the select locations producing commemorative packaging representing all 50 states.
As a precaution, residents in the affected area should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.
In St. Johns County, Historic City News readers need to understand that publicly carrying of firearms remains strictly prohibited in several “sensitive locations” mandated by Florida Statute § 790.06(12). These restrictions apply regardless of whether the weapon is concealed or open.
For decades, the sight of a holstered handgun on a citizen’s hip was a rare occurrence for Historic City News readers. That was typically reserved for those actively engaged in hunting or fishing. Nevertheless, after the landmark September 2025 ruling by the First District Court of Appeal in McDaniels v. State, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically. The court struck down Florida’s long-standing ban on the open carry of firearms, declaring the prohibition unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
I received an unexpected telephone call yesterday morning in response to last week’s obituary announcing the passing of a familiar local activist. The call was from Edward A Slavin, the subject of the announcement.
Most every St Augustine elected public official, whether their politics ran conservative or liberal, knew a man who was seen and spoke at nearly every county commission meeting, meeting of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, as well as most meetings of the Airport Authority and both City of St Augustine and St Augustine Beach commissions.
Public Information Officer Dee Brown reported to Historic City News tonight that the Office of State Attorney RJ Larizza is investigating “financial discrepancies” and conducting a review of official records of St Augustine Police Benevolent Organization, Incorporated over the past 5-years. The private group was organized on August 19, 2002. It is funded through voluntary donations from St Augustine Police officers.
