Category: Government

When the St. Augustine City Commission meets Monday night, starting at 5:00 p.m., Historic City News will be watching as a revised horse carriage ordinance, including franchise requirements and a limit of 25 permits, is considered.

Historic City News Editor Michael Gold has just returned from the Supervisor of Elections office where political newcomer Gary Snodgrass has defeated incumbent Edward S. George for the City of St. Augustine Beach Commission Seat 5 in a recount conducted by the St. Johns County Canvassing Board.

Supervisor of Elections Penny Halyburton announced to Historic City News today that on Friday, the Canvassing Board will canvass provisional ballots cast in Tuesday’s General Election and that there are potentially two recounts in the offing — depending upon the Board’s results.

Florida’s Department of Community Affairs told Historic City News local reporters today that by June 30, 2012, St. Johns County must include in their comprehensive plan required “land use compatibility” criteria for property around the Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

Historic City News was informed that assistant city attorney for St. Augustine, Carlos E. Mendoza, is among six finalists to replace St. Johns County Judge Patti A. Christensen, who was appointed to the circuit bench in Putnam County last month.

Historic City News noted that many around the state were expecting to unseat incumbents given the “throw the bums out” attitude of tea party groups and other conservatives unhappy with government spending and what they consider liberal social agendas.

With campaign signs flapping in the wind outside, St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections Penny Halyburton tells Historic City News that her office has seen no slow-down in residents wanting to vote; just one day before Election Day.

With only 24 hours to go before St. Johns County voters cast their final ballots, Historic City News learned that things are in full gear at the headquarters office of the Republican Party in St. Augustine.