Old City Lowdown

01/08/2025

👋 Hey everyone, I’m James, the elder millenial behind the Old City Lowdown local newsletter. I’m a St. Augustine local, lacrosse coach, proud girl dad, and your go-to for local news, events, and even the occasional mediocre meme.

Starting this newsletter has been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for the support from all of you. Whether you’re here to stay informed or just entertained, I’m glad to have you along for the ride. Let’s keep celebrating the best of St. Augustine together.

If you’re a just a follower and not a newsletter subscriber, head over to OldCityLowdown.com to sign up for free. I’ll give you the lowdown on the Old City every Wednesday ✌️

01/07/2025

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01/04/2025

St. Johns County’s annual State Legislative Delegation hearing is set for early January 10. Residents can propose legislation, request state funding, or share opinions on state matters.

Read about this and more in the next Old City Lowdown. Subscribe for free at OldCityLowdown.com

01/03/2025

😍 Boat Drinks

01/02/2025

☕️ Coffee, anyone? The newest Southern Grounds & Co. location is set to open Friday at 124 King St.

The building, previously owned by the Catholic Church, dates back to c. 1917 and the new tenants will be a welcome addition to the King & Riberia intersection.

12/31/2024

T’s & P’s to our friends on the Island. Tis the season!

12/31/2024

🍟 Fast-Food Restaurant Planned at St. Augustine Walmart Site

Plans are underway for a 5,558-square-foot fast-food restaurant with a dual drive-thru at the proposed Walmart Supercenter on International Golf Parkway in St. Augustine. While the project's civil engineer, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd., frequently collaborates with Chick-fil-A, the restaurant's identity remains undisclosed. The site will offer seating for 122 patrons and accommodate up to 57 vehicles in the drive-thru. | Jacksonville Daily Record

Read about this and more in the next Old City Lowdown. Subscribe for free at OldCityLowdown.com

12/30/2024

🎶 Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Renovation Nearing Completion

The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, closed since spring, is undergoing a $10 million renovation to enhance capacity, comfort, and patron amenities. Updates include 209 new stadium seats, wider chairs, expanded lounge areas, and a redesigned front entrance. The venue’s capacity will increase from 900 to 1,200 for mixed standing/seated shows.

Expected to reopen by summer 2025, the revamped hall promises premium options like balcony seating and a closed-in viewing area. Despite the upgrades, ticket prices will remain unchanged. Organizers aim to preserve the hall’s intimate atmosphere while positioning it as a cultural destination in Ponte Vedra Beach. | Jacksonville Business Journal

Read about this and more in the next Old City Lowdown. Subscribe for free at OldCityLowdown.com

12/29/2024

🤦🏼‍♂️ Hope you didn’t have anywhere to be yesterday

12/29/2024

🏘️ Hutson Companies Acquires $89M in St. Johns County Land

The Hutson Companies, based in St. Augustine, purchased 805 residential lots within the SilverLeaf master-planned community for $89.04 million.

The acquisitions include 553 lots in Brookwood Forest Phases 1A, 1B, and 2, and 252 lots in Reverie at Silverleaf Phases 1 and 2. SilverLeaf is zoned for 16,300 residential units and 2.9 million square feet of commercial space. | Jacksonville Daily Record

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hutson-companies-acquires-89m-st-johns-county-land-oldcitylowdown

The Hutson Companies, based in St. Augustine, purchased 805 residential lots within the SilverLeaf master-planned community for $89.

12/28/2024

🛒 New Publix Super Markets Location Approved for Elevation Pointe in St. Augustine, Fla.

St. Johns County has issued permits for Publix Super Markets Inc. to construct a 48,387-square-foot grocery store and an attached 2,100-square-foot liquor store at Elevation Pointe, a mixed-use development along Florida 16 near Interstate 95. The project, with a combined cost of $4 million, will feature 253 parking spaces and a pharmacy. Other planned tenants at Elevation Pointe include Chase Bank, Circle K, and Dutch Bros Coffee.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/publix-approved-elevation-pointe-st-augustine-oldcitylowdown-3g2qe

St. Johns County has issued permits for Publix Super Markets Inc.

12/27/2024

2 San Diegos, 1 St. Augustine, 1 Baja Fish, a gallon of Chili Arbol and a Static Haze from