Historic City News was at the Supervisor of Elections office this morning when Bruce Maguire became the first candidate officially to declare his campaign to seek office to one of the three seats opening on the St Augustine city commission.

St Johns Cultural Council Executive Director Andrew Witt announced to Historic City News that two workshops have been scheduled for those interested in applying for Arts, Culture and Heritage grant funding during the 2013 fiscal year.

Congressman John L. Mica, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, reports to Historic City News that he has uncovered evidence that US General Services Administration officials flew to Hawaii on taxpayer-funded junkets, sometimes for a week or more, just for brief federal building ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

The interpretive staff of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument reported to Historic City News that the St Augustine Tea Party will be holding a rally for up to 3000 participants on the west green on April 14 with speakers scheduled from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Harlan Mason, Chairman of the Republican Party of St Johns County, announced to Historic City News that this month’s meeting of the Republican Executive Committee would convene Thursday evening, April 12 with a Social Gathering at 6:30 p.m. followed by a business meeting and candidate forum at 7:00 p.m.

The St Johns County Industrial Development Authority reported to Historic City News that the county agency has approved the issuance of up to $30 million in industrial revenue bonds to support the expansion of Flagler Hospital, Inc and thus bring new jobs to the area.