In a communication received by Historic City News this morning, Charles Cox, chairman of the board of the Visitors and Convention Bureau, promises that a number of recent changes made at the Visitors and Convention Bureau will make the organization more responsive to industry needs during a difficult period for tourism.

It wouldn’t have been possible under up-front utility connection fees, but under a lease plan approved by commissioners Monday, a 400-seat restaurant on SR 16, expected to employ 200, can move forward.

As reported by Historic City News on October 8, 2009, a portion of the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor Information Center has been closed for repairs made necessary by an apparent design flaw in the HVAC system serving the restrooms and entrance lobby.

Friday afternoon, County Administrator Michael D. Wanchick released his bi-weekly St. Johns County report to Historic City News. The following updates in the Public Works and Utilities departments were provided by Wanchick:

The St. Johns County Office of Management & Budget furnishes Historic City News with a quarterly Performance Measures Report to measure the performance of county programs and activities.

Historic City News has learned that at last Tuesday’s meeting of the county commissioner, the board adopted the 2010 Legislative Action Plan; a focused list of issues for which the County seeks assistance from our state and federal delegations.

With the busy fall event season upon us and holiday shopping right around the corner, the City of St. Augustine send a reminder to Historic City News about opportunities for free and discounted parking that are available downtown.

Based on the published agenda, Historic City News is prepared for what should be a lengthy meeting of the St. Augustine city commission Monday night, October 12th.