HISTORIC CITY NEWS
Historic City News has been published daily since March 2000. Reporting local news for St Augustine and St Johns County Florida, Historic City News is the county's only free press. Our mission is to hold public figures accountable to the public.
Coastal St. Johns County is now under a “hurricane watch” as winds are expected to reach a peak of 35-45 mph and there is a potential for storm surge flooding greater than three feet above ground in some areas. This comes as Hurricane Ian is approaching Category 5 strength and landfall is expected to hit the Sunshine State beginning in southwest Florida today.
Areas of coastal St. Johns County were placed on warnings for tropical storm and storm surge as Hurricane Ian strengthens to Category 3 and continues its track to Florida. Residents are cautioned of the potential for life-threatening conditions within the next 36 hours.
Director of Communications, Taryn Fenske, informed local Historic City News reporters that yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a new Executive Order, expanding the limited state of emergency declared Friday for several counties in Florida’s Peninsula and the Florida Keys.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County reported to Historic City News that it has issued a health alert after harmful blue-green algae toxins were detected in the St. Johns River near Shands Bridge. Residents are encouraged to take precautions as blue-green algae can have harmful effects on humans, pets, and other animals.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is monitoring the trajectory of Tropical Depression Nine and any potential impact it may have on Florida. Director Kevin Guthrie reported to Historic City News that he is communicating with the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and emergency management directors at the county level.
The oceanside Las Brisas Condominium, part of the Matanzas Shores community, was in the news recently after the homeowner’s association president was arrested on four felony counts of video voyeurism. Historic City News local reporters were informed that a video camera focused on the master bedroom had been installed without the owner’s permission.
In defense of 31-year-old Luis Casado, St Augustine attorney Patrick Canan has petitioned the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for a “stand your ground” hearing arising from the shooting death of 37-year-old Adam Amoia in May 2021. Casado has been charged with manslaughter and carrying a concealed firearm in the fatal shooting. Casado was released from custody after posting a $52,500 appearance bond.
Florida Department of Transportation Community Outreach Specialist Allen Nelson has updated Historic City News with the weekly lane closure report containing information regarding ongoing construction projects and traffic impacts for the coming week. Our readers and subscribers will be updated every Friday by 5:00 p.m., with some unavoidable exceptions and state holidays.