In today’s Digest:
🌿 A $100 million conservation bond heads to voters
🏘️ West Augustine adds 92 affordable apartments
🧾 New business licenses pause for September
🥪 Spanish-Cuban cooking on St. George since 1983
At 98 St. George Street, Columbia Restaurant has served Spanish and Cuban family recipes since Fourth of July weekend in 1983. The menu includes Cuban sandwiches, black beans and rice, paella, and arroz con pollo.
Hundreds of hand-painted tiles, artwork, and a Spanish-style fountain fill the two-story dining rooms. The St. Augustine location belongs to the Hernandez/Gonzmart family's Florida restaurant group, which began in Tampa in 1905.
Read more here.
🌿 $100M conservation bond goes to November ballot
The Gist: St. Johns County commissioners voted 3-2 on Aug. 18 to send voters a bond of up to $100 million for the Land Acquisition and Management Program, which now receives $500,000 a year. Repayment could add up to $15 annually per $100,000 of taxable property value.
Why It Matters: The money could help the county move faster on willing-seller land that protects drinking water, wildlife habitat, farms, forests, coastlines, and flood storage.
What's Next: Voters will decide the bond referendum in the Nov. 3 general election.
Read more here.
🏘️ West Augustine opens 92 affordable apartments
The Gist: Ability Housing completed the $26.5 million Village of New Augustine at 280 N. Volusia St. The 92 apartments serve households earning up to 60% of area median income, with current rents from about $634 for a one-bedroom to $1,599 for a three-bedroom.
Why It Matters: The project adds below-market housing near downtown jobs in a fast-growing county where many service workers commute long distances.
What's Next: Leasing continues after the community opened 30% to 40% leased.
Read more here.
🧾 New business licenses pause for September
The Gist: The City of St. Augustine will issue no new business licenses during September. Existing licenses must be renewed by Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Why It Matters: The month-long pause can delay new storefronts and service businesses, while current operators still face the normal renewal deadline.
What's Next: New license issuance resumes after Oct. 1. The city's Business Licensing Office is taking questions at 904-825-1037.
Read more here.
Family Friendly
🥕 Amphitheatre Farmers Market | St. Augustine Amphitheatre | St. Augustine | Saturday, August 22, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | More
Browse local produce, plants, art, and prepared food beneath the oaks.
🏄 SurfQuest Beach Days | Mary Street Boat Ramp | Crescent Beach | Saturday, August 22, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. | More
Free adaptive surfing lessons make beach recreation accessible to people with disabilities.
🏊 First Coast Kids Swim Run Race | Aberdeen Amenity Center | St. Johns | Sunday, August 23, course briefing 8:30 a.m., race 9:00 a.m. | More
Kids ages 6 to 14 tackle chip-timed swim-and-run courses.
🏰 National Park Service Birthday Fee-Free Day | Castillo de San Marcos National Monument | St. Augustine | Tuesday, August 25, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | More
U.S. citizens and residents receive free admission for the park service birthday.
📚 Toddlers Playground Storytime | Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park Pavilion | St. Augustine | Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | More
Young readers enjoy a story, snack, and playground time; registration is free.
Adult Events
🎨 A Brushstroke Journey Opening Reception | First Coast Cultural Center | Ponte Vedra Beach | Friday, August 21, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. | More
Refreshments accompany Midge Scelzo's colorful paintings of light and travel.
🎸 Buddy Guy 90 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre | St. Augustine | Saturday, August 22, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. | More
The electric blues legend performs with young guitar standout Taj Farrant.
🎶 Slightly Stoopid: Road Trippin Summer Tour 2026 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre | St. Augustine | Sunday, August 23, doors 5:00 p.m., show 6:15 p.m. | More
Reggae-rock favorites share the bill with The Elovaters and Denm.
🎤 Music & Art by the Sea: Bad Dog Mama | St. Johns County Ocean Pier | St. Augustine Beach | Wednesday, August 26, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.; concert 7:00 p.m. | More
A free beachside concert pairs live music with food and local art.
🚲 Wheelman: An Evening with Keith Pariani | Lightner Museum | St. Augustine | Thursday, August 27, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. | More
Hear stories from a 775-mile high-wheel bicycle journey, then explore the exhibit.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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