Category: Government

Communications Director Melissa Wissel reported to Historic City News that Wade Giddens has been appointed Deputy Director of the St Augustine Utilities Department by City Manager, David Birchim. Giddens, formerly the Utility Field Operations Manager, will report to the department director, Stephen Slaughter, P.E.

As many Historic City News readers predicted following the ouster of former St Johns County Administrator Hunter Conrad, Joy Andrews, the Deputy Assistant County Administrator for the last seven years, has been selected to continue in her position permanently.  She has been serving as Interim County Administrator since July 2023.

According to Public Affairs specialist Joey Pellegrino, an exciting event is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning. St Johns County officials will be celebrating the start of a significant renovation and expansion project for the Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park. This much-anticipated endeavor is set to last for four months and has been allocated a budget…

Visit full text article “County celebrates the start of $1.8 million Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park project” »

City Manager David Birchim reported to Historic City News today that he has immediately promoted Brandon Miller to Director of Information Technology.  Miller will spearhead the comprehensive management and operation of the City’s information systems.

As previously reported by Historic City News, the St Johns County Board of County Commissioners recently accepted the written resignation of controversial former County Administrator, Hunter Conrad, together with a separation agreement effective June 29, 2023.  Wayne Larson, St Johns County Director of Public Affairs, also announced that an employment agreement with Deputy County Administrator…

Visit full text article “The new face of St Johns County administration” »

Wayne Larson, St. Johns County Director of Public Affairs, confirmed for Historic City News this afternoon that St Johns County Administrator Hunter Conrad has resigned — despite just being given a $30,000 annual salary bump.

The City of St Augustine, the largest surviving municipal government within St Johns County, has reorganized after the retirement of former City Manager John P Reagan, who turned 61 years old on February 2nd.  As Historic City News reporters reviewed the documents associated with the inevitable “deck shuffle” that only happens after someone is removed…

Visit full text article “New city government looks a lot like old city government” »

The St Johns County Clerk of Court reviewed for the County Commission last week the statutes regarding mental health services under the Baker Act and the Marchman Act. Historic City News reviewed a summary of items also presented during the regular commission meeting, as reported by the St Johns County Civic Roundtable.  Clerk Brandon Patty…

Visit full text article “Recap from St Johns County Commission meeting June 6th” »