Blake Deal III will continue to hold weddings at his property located at 7 Bridge Street to the chagrin of many Historic City News readers who live in the city’s historic preservation districts; and, so long as he keeps attendance to 35 guests or less (45 guests after the first year), and a few other conditions, the city will do nothing to interfere with his rental business.

Each year, Historic City News reports on a gold rush, of sorts, sponsored by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. This year, 34 prospectors laid their claims to $847,666 in bed tax money to publicize and promote their programs to potential out-of-town visitors.

Historic City News local reporters were invited to share in the groundbreaking ceremonies this afternoon when the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum announced construction of a new facility that will provide a permanent, handicap-accessible home for maritime research and education programs.