Published by former Mayor George Gardner June 27 2012
The Report is an independent publication serving our community.
Contributions are greatly appreciated, by mail or 'Donate' button below.
George Gardner 57 Fullerwood Drive St. Augustine FL 32084 |
Healing rites off 450 calendar |
Tribe withdrawal follows 'uncomfortable' conference call
A proposed Native American Gathering & Healing Ceremony during the 450th commemoration has been cancelled following an "uncomfortable" telephone conference call with representatives of the Florida Seminole Tribe, Indigenous Elders and Medicine Peoples Council, the city's 450 staff, and Mayor Joe Boles. 
"The Native American Gathering & Healing ceremony was one proposed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida," Boles read from a prepared statement at Monday's City Commission meeting. "It was supported by the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI ) with the understanding that the Seminole Tribe would serve as the hosting organization.
"The Seminole Tribe has subsequently withdrawn their proposal for cultural reasons and we respect this. The NMAI has, as well. This event has been withdrawn from our 450th calendar out of respect for the Seminole Tribe of Florida."
Bill Hamilton, sponsor of an Environmental Youth Council addressing environmental and social issues, brought the matter to light during public comment at the Monday meeting, noting, "Joe, you were in a big hurry that day. You probably didn't know how long they wanted to talk."
At meeting's end, Boles responded. "At one point, when the discussion moved toward the desire to tear down the fort (Castillo), and that no healing could occur until the fort was torn down, I knew our involvement in this was not going to be very helpful," Boles said.
"If anyone was offended by my leaving (the conference call), I certainly apologize." |
|
|
450 years
of defense
To "Establish St. Augus-tine, Florida as the premier destination for learning about the vital role of the military, as demonstrated by 450 years of continuous protection of our city, our state and our nation" is the mission of the St. Augustine 450th Military Commemorative Committee, described to city commis-sioners Monday by Chairman Col. Ron Radford, USAF (ret).
He highlighted the committee logo, noting "it represents all our services, land, sea and air."
The committee was developed by the Ancient City Chapter of Military Officers Association of America and St. Johns County Veterans' Council. Visit http://www.450military.org/ |
|
|
Store plan no convenience for Nelmar neighborhood |
A 7-Eleven convenience store and gas pumps are planned for the long-vacant lot at San Marco Avenue and May Street, and the vice president of the Nelmar Terrace Neighborhood Association is not considering it a convenience. "7-11 stores are typically open 24 hours," said Matthew Shaffer. "The noise, lighting, and increased traffic will certainly have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood. "Even worse, there are no plans to improve this already busy intersection to accommodate the increased traffic. What a terrible first impression this gas station would make to visitors coming to our historic city from Vilano Beach / Ponte Vedra." The corner was once anchored by the Manatee Café, since moved to the Westgate Plaza. Developer Wally Devlin had plans in 2006 to redevelop the site with sidewalk frontage businesses similar to what had existed when the economy soured, stopping as well his Sebastian Inland Harbor project. The project goes to the Planning and Zoning Board Tuesday, July 3, in a session beginning at 2pm in the Alcazar Room at City Hall. |
|
|
Following unanimous approval by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) last week on a slightly modified plan, Flagler College takes its proposed 20,000 square foot communications facility for Cordova and Cuna streets to the Planning and Zoning Board Tuesday, July 2.
Modifications in height triggered an amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD), needing PZB approval, for the complex's five building units, three of them two stories high.
The college can expect continuing opposition from neighbors who are educating themselves not only on this project but the college's total land holdings and number of PUDs granted over the years.
Neighbor Pat Reilly noted, "I think it is important that our messaging is clear that we support Flagler College, but that we want Flagler to be part of downtown St Augustine, not the other way around." |
|
|
|
|
Lincolnville CRA advances - with caution |
City commissioners voted unanimously Monday to spend "up to $75,000" for a consultant to determine the feasibility of a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for Lincolnville.
Not only the question of the estimated consultant fee but whether the CRA would produce funds and how they could be used occupied commissioners in debate with Assistant City Attorney Isabelle Lopez for almost an hour.
Combining the fee with the stagnant economy, Commissioner Bill Leary said, "It could take quite a few years just to pay that bill."
CRAs are based on the incremental increase in property values from the time the CRA is created. City Comptroller Mark Litzinger said he expects the taxable value of Lincolnville will remain flat or show a minimum growth in the near future. Lopez said the $75,000 figure is "only an estimate" and bid proposals will come back to the commission.
While the CRA idea began as a means to support the Galimore Center and pool, commissioners began to explore other allowed uses, finally deciding they need professional advice. |
|
Ponce clinic in any weather | |
Weather didn't stop ponce de Leon, and it won't stop a mini-clinic on the garb and gear of 1513 tomorrow at 7pm in the courtyard of the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse on St. George Street. The wine-and-cheese reception/presentation will feature examples of period clothing, equipment, weaponry and personal goods used by soldiers, sailors, and attendants in Ponce's journey of 1513. A suggested donation of $10 will help offset the cost of refreshments. |
|
History's Highlight | |
The Battle of Bloody Mose
3 years, 2 months, 17 days to St. Augustine's 450th anniversary
Last weekend's turnout for the reenactment of the Battle of Bloody Mose is one more step in advancing the unique black and native American history of St. Augustine. This account of the combined force of Spanish regulars, black militia and Yamasee Indians defeating British forces is drawn from Fort Mose, in St. Augustine Bedtime Stories. Click for further information on this fascinating historic series.
Predawn, June 26, 1740, both the wisdom of Spanish Governor Manuel Montiano in establishing this northern outpost and refuge for escaped slaves, and their fighting will against the hated British, would be tested.
Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose - Fort Mose (Mo-SAY),was established two years earlier as a matter of both religious pressure and military expediency. It answered the moral dictates of the Catholic Church, and would weaken the plantation economy of the British colonies.
That early morning of June 26, Fort Mose was occupied by British and Scottish forces after being abandoned by its black settlers to the security of St. Augustine's Castillo.General James Oglethorpe, founder and governor of the British colony of Georgia, was poised to seize the Spanish colony of St. Augustine.
Governor Montiano saw recapture of Fort Mose as key to defeating Oglethorpe's plans. Gathering his officers, including Fort Mose's Commander Francisco Menendez, a former slave, a surprise attack in the predawn hours was planned.
Spanish soldiers, black militia, and native Yamassee auxiliaries made up a 300-man force that "swept over (Fort Mose) with such impetuosity that it fell with a loss of 68 dead and 34 prisoners," Montiano later wrote.
"At length they came on again sword in hand and entered the gate. At the same time another party entered one of the breaches so that the fort was at once full of Spaniards, it being then about half an hour before the day," a surviving British soldier recounted.
The attack came to be known to the British as "Bloody Mose," and successfully helped end Georgia's invasion of Florida. The black militiamen rebuilt Fort Mose in 1752, and it prospered until 1763, when Spain ceded Florida to Britain by treaty. Its commander, Captain Menendez, and black residents of Fort Mose - knowing slavery would return under the British - fled to Cuba with most of the Spanish citizens, where they formed a new community, Ceiba Mocha, in the Matanzas province. Menendez is believed to have died in Havana. |
|
|
|
The St. Augustine Report is published weekly, with additional Reports previewing City Commission meetings as well as Special Reports. The Report is written and distributed by George Gardner, St. Augustine Mayor (2002-2006) and Commissioner (2006-2008) and a former newspaper reporter and editor. Contact the Report at gardner@aug.com |
|
|
