[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6518828,"mediaKeyId","5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30","parentId",5385657,"title","City proposes wide-ranging traffic, parking and enforcement changes for Knights of Lights to reduce downtown congestion","audioSeconds",1167,"startMs",7446000,"endMs",8613000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30&start=7446&end=8613","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30/thumbnail_7446000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518828/St-Augustine/St-Johns-County/Florida/City-proposes-wide-ranging-traffic-parking-and-enforcement-changes-for-Knights-of-Lights-to-reduce-downtown-congestion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518828-7186a676051d1d62a78bdf7b4f11a3ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501009&Signature=eEYTsZtpaNJsq7NPymcrxg5u2xVCk1YAz-8uIy3t~V8lcglGu6INhzTPnsSoXSuG54aq9rL5FiMrBZtfruRLLUPQDNfTo1mYNxxhH0WSbT0qo5J0-ve9MozlOmYOu9FgrOi1e~Y7QdHEpD3GFe5oSmFRtuUppDE9NGrzQI6C8gT64RUQ7-n8aIxNmJZ7S3oelLTrpAXTW85kpaQwE9Y4V9TswWEstR68BYXuxJpDhkmMH~bYTx4PyihfOLgWBAmYfbSjrpC19IwKrE~EHQprX7HG13HXvxjIAEz9JELrBtNlmehdwNJMccIWopU4VlCqxrREQtOxlTGw3a2htC3DaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Augustine","date","2025-07-14T00:00:00Z","article","City staff presented a multifaceted plan to the St. Augustine City Commission on July 14 aimed at reducing traffic congestion and protecting neighborhoods during Knights of Lights and other high-visitor events.

Ruben Franklin, assistant city manager, told commissioners the city held five advertised public meetings and received feedback from 84 attendees. Staff proposals fall into five categories: parking strategies to reduce congestion; traffic-circulation changes; expansion of park-and-ride shuttle service; protections against cut-through traffic and spillover parking into neighborhoods; and public-safety deployments including temporary barricades.

Key short-term proposals discussed
- Run shuttles later (into evenings and on peak days between Christmas and New Year) and expand park-and-ride locations; negotiate use of Flagler College garage during winter break for workforce parking.
- Convert the Granada and Toks lots to workforce-permit parking to reserve spaces for employees.
- Create temporary resident-only parking zones in neighborhoods adjacent to the historic district during peak nights; staff recommended a targeted outreach process and suggested starting with neighborhoods that have petitions or organized support (Flagler Model Land submitted a petition indicating support).
- Increase fines for illegal parking in key downtown areas from $35 to $100 to deter unsafe or obstructive parking; staff sought direction on whether the higher fine should be zonal (downtown only) or citywide.
- Consider increasing the entry fee for the historic parking garage when free shuttles are operating, to encourage park-and-ride use; staff proposed options in the $40'$60 range for shuttle-operating periods.
- Install and redeploy larger meridian barricades and control intersections at peak times (for example closing Treasury Street to through traffic at St. George Street) to secure pedestrian mall areas.

Traffic circulation proposals
Staff discussed temporary restricted turns from U.S. 1 into neighborhoods during peak congestion to prevent drivers from cutting through residential streets. Other suggested steps included removing parking on Cathedral Place to widen pedestrian space and create controlled crossings and restricting the Orange Street slip lane during peak times to prevent queuing into Avenida Menendez.

Enforcement and operations
Franklin said the temporary resident-only parking program would require an outreach and pass issuance plan; staff recommended using license-plate registration and issuing hangtags or other visible markers for enforcement. The workforce-permit program would be administered by the city's parking division with businesses applying for allocations based on employee needs.

Commissioner feedback and next steps
Commissioners generally supported the proposals but stressed implementation details. Commissioners asked staff to: (1) consult neighborhood associations before expanding temporary resident-only zones beyond the area that has already petitioned; (2) keep resident permit fees low or waived to encourage participation; (3) consider zonal application of the higher illegal-parking fine rather than a citywide increase; and (4) present specific fee options for the parking garage entry increase.

Staff said it will return with ordinance language and operational details, including options for zonal illegal-parking fines, workforce-permit program rules and proposed signage/enforcement approaches. The commission asked staff to coordinate heavily with the county (for additional park-and-ride capacity), Flagler College and private stakeholders to finalize options prior to the Knights of Lights season.

Ending: Commissioners requested follow-up reports and an implementation schedule. Staff will prepare ordinance draft(s) and operational plans to return to the commission for approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Augustine - City Commission - Jul 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff proposed extended shuttle hours, temporary resident-only parking, workforce permits for downtown lots and targeted higher fines to reduce congestion and protect neighborhoods during the Knights of Lights season.","taxTitle","St. Augustine, St. Johns County , Florida","taxId",4620,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518833,"Votes at a glance: commission passes antisemitism resolution, sets millage rate and advances several land-use and code changes",387,4685000,5072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30&start=4685&end=5072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30/thumbnail_4685000.jpg","/articles/6518833/St-Augustine/St-Johns-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-commission-passes-antisemitism-resolution-sets-millage-rate-and-advances-several-land-use-and-code-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518833-c5742b78e7c765ab10db86adc326b8cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501009&Signature=MG8yUmvVmOJVoncEgvCDF9001fkPazwkS7eHCNkJGDn5CQsDhPUcFfmFxYLayl3V4pP63p9ro2R1hhJGG2UNsLuau5u~nE3epqZPVWZ5KiLiqMci6qk5eC1DP56IzB-aP7eeXPS8WkYTOSwzM22k-d3h6BsbECbo0LCLHhN~yMreHqDG9lVXu5G6vLVvhvFrTIwrbUn0dzRGp0AODlc27Ubmz5XnYfeePHymCwnQ1PSiGPK3DtuhOloVFuHSDnFBCI9bITpxhFbv2VNKyuNkBZ6Lc-s00hTfi7~LUUgSLDRqZRcgGi9TBtwLeBekh2WDY~1OT7DRH9E4p1pgPKgTGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Augustine City Commission on July 14 unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the state'adopted working definition of antisemitism, set a proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2026 and approved a package of land-use and administrative code items for further consideration.

The commission voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2025-24 backing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as the city'endorsed definition. Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein moved the resolution; Commissioner Jim Springfield seconded. Commissioners John DePrater, Jim Springfield, Cynthia Garris and Mayor Klein voted yes. Assistant City Attorney April Owen presented the resolution to the commission prior to the vote.

The commission also set a proposed ad valorem millage of 7.5 mills for FY 2026, a figure the staff said matches the city's current rate and provides a ceiling for budget hearings. The roll-back rate calculated for the year was 7.3513 mills; the commission scheduled the required public hearing on the millage and budget for Sept. 11, 2025.

On land-use and planning matters the commission approved on first reading several ordinances and moved them to second reading and public hearing dates: amendments to the comprehensive plan and zoning for 241 West King Street to allow an archaeology center and to 500 Anastasia Boulevard to allow a relocated island fire station; and an ordinance to amend the comprehensive plan to incorporate the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan updates. The commission also passed an ordinance (first reading) designating an administrative authority for plat and replat submissions after a state statutory change preempted the prior public hearing requirement; a companion resolution designating the planning and building director as that administrative authority was also approved.

The commission accepted the city's audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal 2024, receiving an unmodified opinion from auditors.

Most items that were introduced or passed on first reading will return for required second readings or public hearings on future agendas, at which point the commission will take final votes as required by city code.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution 2025-24 (Adopt IHRA working definition of antisemitism): Passed unanimously (4-0). Moved by Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein; seconded by Commissioner Jim Springfield.
- Resolution 2025-25 (Proposed millage rate 7.5 mills for FY 2026): Passed (4-0).
- Ordinance 2025-10 (Amend comprehensive plan to adopt updated water supply plan): Passed first reading; recorded affirmative roll call; to return for second reading with required public hearing.
- Ordinances 2025-12/13 (land use and rezoning for 241 West King Street for archaeology center): Passed first reading; moved to second reading.
- Ordinances 2025-14/15 (land use and rezoning for 500 Anastasia Blvd for island fire station): Passed first reading; moved to second reading.
- Ordinance 2025-16 (amend code to create administrative authority for plats/replats): Passed first reading; companion Resolution 2025-26 designating the planning & building director as that authority: Passed.
- Acceptance of FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Accepted.

What this means next: Several items (most notably ordinances affecting land use) will return for required second readings and public hearings. The city staff will proceed with administrative steps on statutorily required items and follow up on implementation details the commission requested during the meeting.

Ending note: Most votes were unanimous; items moved forward with limited debate. Public-comment topics at the meeting included a proposed residential parking zone on Rode Avenue, multiple speakers urging the removal of horse-drawn carriages from city streets, and a multi-point presentation from staff on traffic and safety proposals for the upcoming Knights of Lights season.","At its July 14 meeting the St. Augustine City Commission unanimously passed a resolution adopting the state'endorsed working definition of antisemitism, set a proposed millage rate for FY 2026, adopted an updated water supply plan, and moved several land-use and code changes to second readings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518813,"Commission tells staff to re-survey Rode Avenue block after residents request changes to proposed residential-parking layout",510,12067000,12577000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30&start=12067&end=12577","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30/thumbnail_12067000.jpg","/articles/6518813/St-Augustine/St-Johns-County/Florida/Commission-tells-staff-to-re-survey-Rode-Avenue-block-after-residents-request-changes-to-proposed-residential-parking-layout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518813-974f0a8cdf79ad0125c367c6031e29b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501009&Signature=bogVnyohnXTbOR5w5ly3ijXgsh8V7Y0Y-Dy2gqyRbHbjeUIwTGK~M0cAhR-m105MBfdF1LhSYjb4dQ55kl3ObGtqEUGhnPOU4W7PMJAdOLqaT11kd9k5kUlLuLJoDDI6v9DFKNxmQAzF6k323-dcEGCkHyG0vNzWvJlymnV2S8k~MUH0jobWV1zctXYjoCwyUtAZl0gUmLIsK6p8J6Sp8OOzAXMmBRANJQWCyTG-bRaMZcQZU4KvVxpwlao~uyKDtbXeTaEM806O3w68CXHNpqDk83WK1qEAE29jgyclc8ixg83qOMMDnTBgb55-GwqRkFZlUTquchN3uXSHDk5Tjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff provided an update July 14 on a proposed residential-permit parking zone for a single block of Rode Avenue between U.S. 1 and Loring. The block submitted a petition earlier that reached the 60% signatory threshold required by code; staff then conducted field surveys and parking counts and prepared a proposed stall layout.

What staff found and proposed
- The block contains approximately 12 properties and, under the field measurement standard (20 feet per on-street space), 16 existing on-street parking spaces.
- Staff observed side-swipe incidents and safety concerns tied to narrow travel lanes with parking on both sides. The initially proposed permit layout placed parking on one side to preserve a wider travel lane; residents on the block asked for an alternate layout retaining parking on both sides while holding acceptable through-lane width.
- Staff prepared a revised plan that would retain two-sided parking and accommodate roughly 16 stalls that more closely match current conditions. Staff proposed to re-circulate the plan to the block's property owners for an updated vote.

Commission direction
Commissioners noted the petition and the effort residents made to bring the item forward. The commission asked staff to re-send the revised plan to the block and, if the updated plan receives the required 60% approval per the code, to proceed with establishing the residential-permit zone. Commissioners requested a follow-up evaluation after implementation (suggested 6 months) to assess spillover into adjacent streets and to validate safety outcomes.

Notes on parking program rules
Staff and commissioners clarified that residential parking permits are limited to residents and their guests; commercial use is not permitted. Short-term rental (Airbnb) properties may receive guest passes only if they meet the city's off-site parking requirements; if not, a special exception through Planning & Zoning is required.

Ending: Staff will re-circulate the revised two-sided parking plan to property owners on the block and will implement the residential-parking zone if 60% of property owners approve under the revised plan; the commission asked for a monitoring report after six months.","After neighborhood petition and staff survey, the commission instructed staff to re-circulate a revised parking plan for the Rode Avenue block between U.S. 1 and Loring and proceed to implement the program if the petition meets the code'required 60% buy-in.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518818,"Developer gives timeline for Shipyards intersection improvements; city, developer to finalize cost and escrow requirements",647,10530000,11177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30&start=10530&end=11177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30/thumbnail_10530000.jpg","/articles/6518818/St-Augustine/St-Johns-County/Florida/Developer-gives-timeline-for-Shipyards-intersection-improvements-city-developer-to-finalize-cost-and-escrow-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518818-b2ea4fcd03a13ed08829fc4b60a2d3a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501009&Signature=EVJJIY8jFrGE3IYSQtErqde8uH-Uw~DogvjacPSHrFnov-3D9HUIKL11safwwL-JbGUjmYXIfpQHgPVOP2dzEeIeABy~eybQVBsEkVrsrwem~8AYNppe~3kfV8MlTTlWvIOdoX-L~nFsllCZ000OmmKnSTq1zEjmChmHu92XzcRaOrPjc85Iz-owCX3yaELN71kpKMpCVdcpxEE--y6CabmuManWkmkcrQ8kCVwnwMHrbWdvdKNU5~df2bDXfivMDVUzE9sXYYYj5iAzaCrKHC5swVTWNHLuMRS5sVDB-QwTJC5in4jiOh-lTkFq1eyHBFyZeF6U6WKOx6uoE9Ql3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives for Windward Marina Group updated the St. Augustine City Commission on July 14 about intersection improvements associated with the Shipyards development, focusing on permitting, redesign work requested by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and a proposed construction timeline.

Carl Masters, the developer's director of development, told commissioners the project team has invested more than $300,000 in design and planning to date and is working through FDOT's review. FDOT provided a revised preferred conceptual layout earlier in the year; the developer is redesigning plans to reflect DOT's preference. The city has already committed $500,000 toward intersection work; the developer said early budget estimates for full intersection and signal work are on the order of millions (the developer provided a planning-scale estimate near $2 million for signalization and roadway work but said definitive costs will be determined only after final plans are bid).

Key points
- The intersection improvements have been through FDOT's Interchange/Intersection Control Evaluation process and will move to formal permitting with DOT and the city.
- FDOT indicated the roadway work can be constructed ahead of signal upgrades; signalization installation requires traffic volumes to reach FDOT's thresholds before activation.
- Windward expects final construction plans and contractor bids to be available in spring 2026 and to complete roadwork by October 2026; signal work would follow when traffic counts qualify.
- Ownership transfers within the project area do not remove obligations under the development agreement; successors and assigns that own land within the development agreement area remain subject to the agreement's provisions.

City staff said they will coordinate with the developer on escrow or bonding arrangements to secure construction funding once final bids are received; the developer said a formal escrow or letter-of-credit approach is anticipated once final construction costs are established.

Commissioners emphasized the safety need for the intersection improvements and asked staff to track progress and ensure required financial security mechanisms are in place before construction advances. No final funding transfer or escrow was executed at the meeting; staff and developer will return with bid-driven cost figures and documentation for the commission to review.","Windward Marina Group briefed the commission on redesigned intersection plans at U.S. 1 and Arapahoe Avenue, said the developer has invested several hundred thousand dollars in design work, and outlined a permitting and construction timeline that relies on FDOT approvals and traffic thresholds for signalization.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6518823,"Residents call for ban on horse-drawn carriages; commissioners ask staff to inspect city-owned barn and lease conditions",1566,929000,2495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30&start=929&end=2495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5385657-c3b17e190b3e96cec6893a2b448f4e30/thumbnail_929000.jpg","/articles/6518823/St-Augustine/St-Johns-County/Florida/Residents-call-for-ban-on-horse-drawn-carriages-commissioners-ask-staff-to-inspect-city-owned-barn-and-lease-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518823-45f5142c8d66a138771baaade36ce234/orig.mp4?Expires=1770501009&Signature=CywOAt6iBj8EQiCVne9-SnTwD2RY1qSbGxkbL~dJDk3jxwIGynTvEBKFrggGmCQcU~L-JknayEcqfyGyS1ZdwloT7pKSZ7nJk5Ogr2UVoS9wMVSzjNtFzqOIMoFamhN72aMyl1uEaO1TubMQzeqtZjuJEi1sInKbVyAi8OG~DZIRflyruM~0wmd4el7a-tXzoFy1uinvO8ib4~QLKZji52PEE7hjJs777Q4JuVqMXNYDfOMrXw3dcGQKfTaAshcDnH3aAjF2FJ~VnHtWebE8MjJVOqgzPephmsR3gsh4WYygcOLnua2FW-SghYqSL3hOgxwAUdnQOyvDJqQCQJoWTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A stream of public commenters at the July 14 St. Augustine City Commission meeting urged elected officials to end horse-drawn carriage operations in the city.

Speakers described repeated observations of horses working on hot pavement, exposure to weather, alleged improper shelter at facilities near Robert Hailing Freedom Park, and traffic-safety incidents involving carriages. Multiple residents asked the commission to add a discussion of carriage operations to a future agenda or to pursue immediate measures, including banning carriages from city streets or replacing them with electric vehicles.

What was said
- Zaveria Mota: urged retiring horse carriages and called the practice exploitative for animals forced to pull carriages in urban settings and severe weather.
- Catherine Zoda: said she had observed \"deplorable\" conditions at the site where horses are kept and characterized landscaping proposals to mask the facility as inadequate when compared to enforcement of lease maintenance standards.
- Heather Wilson, Carla Wilson, Patricia Ramos Rizzo and other speakers: cited witnessed code violations, safety incidents and concerns about emergency access during crowded events; asked the commission to place the carriage issue on a future agenda.
- Chris Taylor (pedicab operator): testified on behalf of the human-powered and electric alternative ride operators and described industry insurance and safety practices that pedicab operators follow.

Commission response and staff direction
Commissioners acknowledged the public concern and said they wanted more information. Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein and other commissioners asked staff to inspect the city-owned barn and transfer/holding areas used by carriage operators and to report back with: (a) the current lease terms for the city-owned property used by the carriage operator; (b) the results of any recent inspections by the county animal-ag or code-enforcement offices; and (c) whether lease enforcement steps or ordinance changes are appropriate.

What the record shows
The carriage operation uses city-owned property under a lease. Speakers requested transparency about the lease terms and city oversight. Several speakers asked the commission to consider immediate bans or to transition to electric alternatives, citing safety and animal-welfare concerns.

Next steps
Mayor and commissioners directed staff to review maintenance and lease compliance at the city-owned barn and return with findings; commissioners said they would consider next steps—including potential ordinance changes or nonrenewal of permits or leases—after receiving staff'produced information.

Ending: The commission did not adopt any ordinance or ban at the meeting; it requested a staff report and directed inspection and review of the leased facility.","Multiple speakers urged the commission to ban horse-drawn carriage operations in St. Augustine, citing animal welfare, traffic safety and poor on-site conditions; commissioners asked staff to inspect the city-owned barn leased to carriage operators and report back.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City proposes wide-ranging traffic, parking and enforcement changes for Knights of Lights to reduce downtown congestion

Votes at a glance: commission passes antisemitism resolution, sets millage rate and advances several land-use and code changes

Commission tells staff to re-survey Rode Avenue block after residents request changes to proposed residential-parking layout

Developer gives timeline for Shipyards intersection improvements; city, developer to finalize cost and escrow requirements

Residents call for ban on horse-drawn carriages; commissioners ask staff to inspect city-owned barn and lease conditions