Today InSt. Augustine
Issue 6Thursday, July 16, 2026

City offers free trees to homeowners through Aug. 31

One free tree per household, a multiyear seawall rebuild on the bayfront, and new beach rules on the table.

Lead story

The City of St. Augustine is taking applications for its Tree Canopy Enhancement Program from July 1 through August 31, 2026, or until the available trees are reserved. Homeowners inside city limits can request one free tree for private property and choose from eight species. Before a final selection is made, the city carries out a site assessment to help match the tree to the property. Applications remain open while trees are still available, and approved trees are scheduled for winter planting after the assessment process. (City of St. Augustine)

Around town

Seawall replacement is underway on the A1A bayfront

Construction began the week of June 15 on FDOT's $19.9 million seawall replacement along State Road A1A between the Bridge of Lions and Charlotte Street. The work replaces the existing seawall, rebuilds the bayfront promenade and its timber pergolas, and adds a solid 3.5-foot coquina concrete wall. Completion is anticipated in fall 2027. Traffic is set to be maintained through the project, but pedestrian access along the bayfront may be temporarily affected while crews move through the corridor. (City of St. Augustine)

Beach commissioners weigh e-bike limits, parks smoking ban

At their monthly meeting Monday, St. Augustine Beach city commissioners discussed an ordinance aimed at reckless electric-bike riders and advanced a separate ordinance that would prohibit smoking or vaping in public parks. Under the proposed e-bike rules, riders would be barred from using e-bikes on pathways, courtyards, arcades, promenades, seawalls, and boardwalks. The measures were taken up as the commission works through how to manage e-bike traffic and park use in the beach community. (St. Augustine Social)

County sets Aug. 18 hearing on major rezoning near Nocatee

St. Johns County commissioners have set a public hearing for August 18 on a proposed rezoning that could clear the way for thousands of new homes on a wooded tract north of Nocatee Parkway and west of the Intracoastal. The request covers a 4,462-acre property owned by the Jacksonville-based Sonoc Company, and the item was added to the commission's agenda shortly before noon on July 9. (St. Augustine Social)

Beating the heat: indoor options around town

With the midafternoon heat settling in across Northeast Florida, indoor stops are an easy way to get out of the summer sun in St. Augustine. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is among the family-friendly indoor options highlighted for visitors and residents looking for relief. It's a practical fallback for the stretch of the day when the sun is strongest. (OldCity)

Things to do

Dierks Bentley's Off The Map Tour

Dierks Bentley brings his Off The Map Tour to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and Cole Goodwin are the billed special guests for the night. (St. Augustine Amphitheatre events)

Lindsey Stirling at the Amphitheatre

Lindsey Stirling takes the stage at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Monday, July 20, with the performance set to begin at 7 p.m. It falls within the venue's run of mid-summer shows at the outdoor amphitheatre. (St. Augustine Amphitheatre events)

Songwriters Festival returns in September

The St. Augustine Songwriters Festival is set for September 24–27, 2026, with times varying by day. Performances are scheduled across several downtown spots, including Colonial Oak Music Park at 21 St. George Street, Prohibition Kitchen, Tradewinds Lounge, DJ's Clam Shack, and Boat Drinks. (OldCity)

EMMA announces its 48th season

EMMA Concert Association has announced its 48th season of music and dance at Flagler College in St. Augustine. Season tickets went on sale June 29, continuing the association's long-running local performance series at the college. (Totally St. Augustine)

Slightly Stoopid brings its summer tour to the Amp

Slightly Stoopid brings the Road Trippin Summer Tour 2026 to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6:15 p.m. The Elovaters and Denm are billed as special guests for the show. (St. Augustine Amphitheatre events)

City Hall

City meetings coming up July 27

The next St. Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency and City Commission meetings are both set for Monday, July 27. Agendas for both meetings are still forthcoming, so the specific discussion and action items have not yet been posted. (City of St. Augustine)

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