Reuben Franklin named interim city manager

The STAR Circulator's expanded route proved popular over Nights of Lights in 2025-2026, so the city planned a bigger route for everyday service as well. A Sept. 25 city release said 15 stops along Anastasia Boulevard and A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach would join the daily route starting Oct. 1. Downtown, riders board at the Visitor Information Center, at Cathedral Place on Cordova Street, or on the Bayfront where Hypolita meets Avenida Menendez. Shuttles run from the VIC 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A Florida Department of Transportation grant covers the cost, so riding is free, and Old Town Trolley, part of Historic Tours of America, operates it. For beachside residents, that would mean a no-cost ride downtown that keeps going late on weekend nights.

The Wendler family began assembling the block between King and Oviedo streets in 1998, and the 1.3-acre site now spans eight properties: four King Street addresses from 130 to 136 and four Oviedo Street addresses from 129 to 135. This month the Planning and Zoning Board gave the family a key approval for a boutique hotel with 50 rooms, allowing hotel and event venue use there and construction nearer to property lines than city rules usually permit. "We are very excited about this project," Ryan Wendler told the board on his family's behalf. Under the plan, seven historic main buildings would be kept as guest rooms, and a new three-story structure mid-block would put rooms above parking, a lobby and a sheltered valet drop-off. A 63-seat restaurant with a lounge, cocktail bar and roof deck would sit at 130 King St., and a banquet space for about 100 people would mainly serve hotel guests. Two pools are planned. Valets would park cars, many on stacked lifts, and the site plan shows 75 spaces. Neighbors who spoke mostly praised the plan, and board members said most written comments were supportive too. Board member Mike Davis sat out the vote over an interest in the project.

City leaders are spreading out around town Oct. 19-23 for Florida City Week, a yearly nod to public workers and the services they provide. All week, "Discussion with a Director" sessions at local coffee shops let residents talk informally with city staff. Topics range from planning and building to resilience, community services and how the city is managed. Two outings need sign-ups. A guided walk through Fish Island Preserve on Oct. 20 runs 10 a.m. to noon and covers the land's history and ecological value, with limited space. On Oct. 21, police will show off their vehicles from 2 to 3 p.m. Those coffee chats are a low-pressure way to ask about a project or a permit without waiting for a commission meeting.

The St. Augustine Fire Department's Marine Unit answers about 100 emergencies a year, from boat fires and boating accidents to hazardous spills, bridge strikes, drownings and sea life rescues. The $425,000 total award, from the Florida Inland Navigation District's 2026-2027 Assistance Program, will pay toward Salt Run channel dredging and help cover the cost of a new fire boat for that unit. Statewide, 78 applications came in, and the city's projects are among the 64 chosen. Within city limits sit 11 marinas, plus the two boat ramps that get the most use in the county.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts the yearly St. Augustine Greek Festival Oct. 17-18. Expect Greek food and pastries, plus music and dancing. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Food can also be ordered ahead online for anyone who would rather eat at home.