Today InSt. Augustine
Issue 3Tuesday, June 2, 20262 min read

Chamber sets candidate forums for St. Johns County races

St. Johns County voters get a chance to size up candidates for local office this month.

01Lead story

Meet the Candidates events give voters a direct look at local office-seekers.

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is organizing its Meet the Candidates 2026 forums, giving residents a chance to hear directly from people running for local office. The Chamber-hosted events are a long-running fixture of election season in St. Johns County, bringing candidates and voters together in a structured Q-and-A format. Details on specific forum dates, locations, and which races will be featured are being released by the Chamber as they are confirmed. Voters heading to the polls later this year can use the forums to compare candidates side by side before casting a ballot.

02Around town

DeSantis property-tax plan could squeeze city budgets statewide

A proposed homestead-exemption expansion would shift billions away from local governments.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing a property-tax homestead-exemption expansion that Florida cities warn could cost them billions in revenue. The plan, backed by state lawmakers, would put the question before voters as a ballot amendment. City officials across the state say the lost revenue could force cuts to services or push local governments to find replacement funding elsewhere.

03Around town

U.S. Navy Band plays Concerts in the Plaza on Wednesday

The free downtown series brings a military band to the historic square.

The Concerts in the Plaza series hosts the U.S. Navy Band at Plaza de la Constitución on Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. The long-running summer series offers free live music in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.

04City Hall

The Black Crowes at the Amphitheatre tonight

The rock veterans bring their 2026 tour to St. Augustine.

The Black Crowes play the St. Augustine Amphitheatre tonight, Monday, June 2, at 7 p.m. as part of their 2026 tour.

05City Hall

Music by the Sea returns Tuesday at Ocean Pier Park

Weekly beachside concerts pair live music with local food vendors.

The Music by the Sea concert series picks back up Tuesday, June 3, at 7 p.m. at St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, with live music and food vendors on the beach.

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