On December 20, 2021, the City of St Augustine reported to Historic City News that a new assistant city manager position has been created within the organization. City Manager John Regan has promoted Planning and Building Director David Birchim to be responsible for large-scale, long-term strategic initiatives for the city commission.
Amy Skinner, Deputy Director of Planning and Building for the City of St Augustine since 2016, has been appointed to replace recently promoted Planning and Building Director David Birchim. Skinner has worked for the city for a total of 15 years.
In a collaboration between the Property Crimes Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Loss Prevention at local retail stores, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported to Historic City News that they conducted “Operation Bad Santa” during this Christmas shopping season.
St Johns County Tax Collector Dennis Hollingsworth reported to Historic City News that his offices are now selling Beach Driving Passes for 2022, suggesting that they make “great stocking stuffers” for the holiday season.
Historic City News reported last year when the St Johns County Commission voted to fully fund the county’s tourism marketing budget — in spite of insufficient bed tax collections.
St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau reported to Historic City News that the following local restaurants and attractions will be open with modified hours on Christmas Eve and will be open on Christmas Day.
Florida Department of Transportation Community Outreach Specialist Allen Nelson has updated Historic City News with the weekly lane closure report containing information regarding ongoing construction projects and traffic impacts for the coming week. Our readers and subscribers will be updated every Friday by 5:00 p.m., with some unavoidable exceptions and state holidays.
The Miami Beach investor behind the Embassy Suites at St Augustine Beach failed to convince the North Coastal Design Review Board that their plans to develop a 194-room Vilano Beach Hotel, on the site of the iconic Magic Beach Motel, was the highest and best use of the land.
