Category: Government

Historic City News watched carefully as years of bad blood between city management and local artists came to a head, and a unanimous city commission voted to approve Ordinances 2017-24 through 2017-29 in order to comply with the terms of a mediated settlement in the case of Bates, et. al. v. City of St. Augustine.

Hastings voter and Historic City News reader Chris Stanton received a long-awaited letter last week that memorializes the commitments of St Johns County Administrator Michael D. Wanchick as the town readies themselves to vote whether or not to disband and become another un-incorporated part of the county.

Paul Williamson, Director of Public Affairs for the City of St Augustine, announced to Historic City News that with the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, the City began operating under its new budget which includes several fee increases.

St Johns County Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes reported to Historic City News that the Florida Department of State has launched the state’s new online voter registration website, RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov

The St Johns County Courthouse in St Augustine will be the new venue for the jury trial of accused killer and gang leader Luis Albert Toledo of Deland, and Historic City News reporters will be in the gallery.

After 27 years serving in the trenches, literally, City Archeologist Carl Halbirt will retire from his position at the end of September.  Historic City News was informed that upon his departure, Halbirt will turn over his trowel to Andrea White.

On the heels of another drug-related arrest Friday in the Plaza Market, covered exclusively by local Historic City News reporters, the St Augustine City Commission will hear, on first reading tonight, revisions to current ordinances that will pave the way for creative artists to return to public places inside the City.

Wednesday afternoon, the St Augustine City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, considered resolutions related to the budgets of its two Community Redevelopment Areas; the Historic Area CRA and the Lincolnville CRA.  The Community Redevelopment Agency also voted on the Lincolnville “Fix It Up Program” and “Rehabilitation Program”.