Category: Government

Island residents heard the noise of skateboards emanating from Hamilton Upchurch Park — and city officials heard the residents’ complaints, according to a report received by Historic City News from the City of St. Augustine.

Historic City News has learned that City Attorney Ron Brown will ask commissioners to rescind City Ordinance Section 22.6 that bans sales in the Plaza de la Constitución and surrounding areas at their upcoming meeting Monday night.

Cultural advocates will ask “to be a true partner in shaping our county’s future” as the County Commission convenes a public workshop next Tuesday, August 11th.

I interviewed St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar for Historic City News this afternoon to talk about his impressions of the Manuel hearing today.

“If you want to do business in this county, this is what you have to do …..” Historic City News has learned that this, in paraphrasing FBI testimony and the admission of former County Commissioner Tom Manuel, was the demand made to government informants in exchange for bribes.

According to his court docket, Historic City News has learned that Thomas G. Manuel, who was suspended by the Governor from his office as St. Johns County Commission Chairman, is scheduled to change his not-guilty plea to bribery charges this morning.

I like to discuss opinions and perspectives with our elected leaders — especially at budget time. County Commission Chairman Cyndi Stevenson forwarded some of her observations about this year’s budget along for me to consider.

City commissioners agreed Monday in a special commission workshop to spread coverage of an anticipated $1.38 million deficit in next year’s budget with increases in tax millage, fire assessment fees, and electric utility taxes according to a report received by Historic City News.