St. Johns County has announced to Historic City News that West King Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic between Arenta Street and U.S. 1 from 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 8, until 7:00 am Thursday, July 9, 2009.

Yesterday the City of St. Augustine reported to Historic City News that it was three years ago to the day that the City of St. Augustine opened the gates and welcomed the very first vehicles into the Historic Downtown Parking Facility.

While state officials continue talks over a gambling compact with the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, Historic City News has learned that another, less public series of negotiations may soon begin on another activity; smoking.

SJCFR Public Information Officer Jeremy Robshaw reported to Historic City News that St. Johns County Fire Rescue officials are encouraging residents to use extreme caution when using or discharging fireworks of any kind during 4th of July celebrations.

Arguably one of our greatest local treasures and site most true to the way it appeared around the time it was built in 1824 is the public market pavilion located in the central plaza of St. Augustine.

From the records of Cheryl Strickland St. Johns County Clerk of Court

Cathy Dupont urges Historic City News readers on behalf of St. Augustine’s Fire and Police Chiefs to do our part to keep July 4th safe and legal with a friendly reminder of ordinances in force in the City regarding personal fireworks.

Historic City News has learned that a measure allowing managers of the five water management districts to approve permits without a formal governing board vote became law on Tuesday over the objections of environmentalists.