A Historic City News reporter stopped at the Visitor Information Center today in response to a citizen complaint from a private merchant who was upset that he had to compete with the City of St Augustine for retail sales of souvenir and gift items.

There have been a number of occasions during 2014 when Historic City News editor Michael Gold, and our citizen reporters, have been accused of having a crystal ball.  We admit that if any of us truly had one, it would be a valuable thing. We could make a killing in the stock market.

On September 8, 2015, we will commemorate an important milestone in our existence; 450 years since Admiral Pedro Menendez led about 600 voyagers to establish the permanent military colony of St Augustine.

Businesses in St Augustine have long heard the remark that “they roll up the streets at 5:00” and many Historic City News readers have seen downtown retailers who do just that; but in 2015, there’s a whole world of business going on that you don’t see.

Back again for 2015, we would like to recognize our advertising sponsor, Tobacco Free St Johns; and to thank them for their commitment to a free press for the residents of St Johns County.

Historic City News provides our Sunday readers with a recap of the previous week’s doings in business and industry, economy, education, energy and environment, health and human services, law and order, politics, and news from the public sector.

After two-and-a-half years of discussions and searching, St Augustine Aquarium LLC has purchased a 5-acre site to build an aquarium — but, it won’t be on Riberia Pointe, or even within the St Augustine city limits.