HISTORIC CITY NEWS
Historic City News has been published daily since March 2000. Reporting local news for St Augustine and St Johns County Florida, Historic City News is the county's only free press. Our mission is to hold public figures accountable to the public.
Historic City News learned that Governor Ron DeSantis issued executive orders Thursday removing two Sumter County commissioners from office for allegedly lying under oath during an investigation into possible Sunshine Law violations.
St Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles announced to Historic City News reporters that Fire Safety Inspector Abby Pedigo has been selected as the City’s next Fire Marshal. Pedigo will succeed retiring Fire Marshal Bob Growick effective Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
St Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles announced to local Historic City News reporters that Fire Prevention Chief Bob Growick will be retiring from the City effective February 22, 2022. Chief Growick is a 40-year veteran of the fire service and has served as the city’s Fire Marshal since August 2, 2013.
As Historic City News subscribers ring in 2022, St Johns County Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes says that she is prepared for the elections in the coming year and she thinks our readers should be, too. It is never too soon to begin your research on those people who will offer themselves as candidates for public office.
Historic City News readers attending last week’s meeting of the St Johns County Board of Commissioners on December 21st welcomed Sarah Arnold to the Board. Arnold took the ceremonial oath of office in the presence of her husband and four children. Her father-in-law, a retired judge, administered the oath. Arnold has been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Jeb Smith. Her e-mail address is bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us
St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Brandon J. Patty reminds Historic City News subscribers that many Clerk services are available online even when physical offices are closed.
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.