The city wants a bigger fire fee on your tax bill
Plus new pool hours and two dates for the civic calendar.
September starts with decisions that affect property bills, public events and a familiar city pool. Here are the dates and numbers St. Augustine residents need this week.
St. Augustine property owners could soon pay more for fire protection. City commissioners have set a public hearing for September 9 on the proposed increase.
The city puts the current residential rate at 7.76 cents per square foot. The proposal would raise it to 9 cents per square foot, an increase of 1.24 cents. The assessment applies to covered square footage and appears on the annual property tax bill.
A home with 2,000 square feet of covered area would move from $155.20 to $180 a year, a difference of $24.80. For a quick estimate, multiply covered square footage by 0.0776 for the current charge and by 0.09 for the proposed charge.
New rules for events on city property start October 1
St. Augustine has approved one manual for events on public property. The rules bring scheduling, public safety, venue limits, street closures and city fees into a single document.
The manual sets block-out periods at Francis Field and parameters for the Plaza de la Constitucion Gazebo. It also covers road closures, permit appeals, shuttles, parking and traffic support. Protections remain for some established multi-day events, while a formal policy governs space for new events. City officials said the goal is clearer, more consistent guidance for residents, organizers and staff. The new policies, procedures and fees take effect October 1.
Galimore Pool shifts to its late-season schedule
Galimore Pool moves to modified hours on Tuesday, September 8. Weekday daytime hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evening sessions run from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Weekend hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The pool will also open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. The final day of the 2026 pool season is Saturday, September 26. The St. Augustine Family YMCA operates the programming and handles schedule questions.
The city's 9/11 ceremony returns to the Plaza
St. Augustine's Ceremony of Remembrance returns to the Plaza de la Constitucion on Friday, September 11. The 15-minute program starts at 8:30 a.m. and marks 25 years since the attacks.
The ceremony includes music, a multi-agency honor guard, an invocation and remarks from retired FDNY Captain Chris Garaizar. A moment of silence begins at 8:45 a.m. The fire department will then perform the Striking the Four 5's, a bell tradition for a firefighter's last alarm. Bagpipes and drums close the program.
First Friday Art Walk opens the weekend downtown
- When
- Friday, September 4 · 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Where
- Downtown St. Augustine galleries
- Address
- 22 Marine Street
- Price
- Free
Downtown galleries open for the monthly art walk on Friday, September 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. Participating stops will have new exhibits, refreshments and music. Maps are available at the galleries and online.
The free walk begins at 22 Marine Street and continues through downtown. Visitors can use the map to identify participating galleries and choose a route among the evening's stops. The four-hour schedule makes it possible to visit more than one gallery without committing to a fixed tour. Admission is free.
City and Flagler College take questions next Thursday
- When
- Thursday, September 10 · 6:00 p.m.
- Where
- Flagler Room, Flagler College
- Address
- 74 King Street
- Price
- Free
The city and Flagler College will hold a free community town hall on Thursday, September 10. Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and college President John Delaney will give updates and take questions.
Topics include community and cultural programs, students living in St. Augustine and the college's local economic impact. The format gives residents a chance to hear from both leaders and join their question-and-answer session. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in Flagler College's Flagler Room at 74 King Street. It is free and open to the public.