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Published by former Mayor George Gardner December 26 2012
The Report is an independent publication serving our community.
Contributions are greatly appreciated. Click or mail to
George Gardner 57 Fullerwood Drive St. Augustine FL 32084
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2012 - The year in review
Neighborhood impacts, elections, projects
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It was a year of David and Goliath - neighborhoods challenging major impacts by the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind seeking eminent domain, Flagler College planning a classroom complex in a Historic Preservation District, and 7-Eleven planning a store and gas station at a congested neighborhood intersection.
It was a year of beginning major projects: Phase Two of the Riberia Street rehabilitation, the seawall south of the Bridge of Lions, and a breakwater at the Municipal Marina.
It was a year of continuing struggle for city hall trying to manage a 500/450 commemoration period without funding support - at year's end adopting a 'brand' in hopes of licensing merchandise for revenue.
For details on items, search Previous Issues for each month.
2012 - The year that was:
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Major impacts - Eminent domain / Flagler classrooms / 7-Eleven
City brand adopted
Visitor Center converted to exhibit hall
Former Sheriff Neil Perry dies
City elections - Roxanne Horvath replaces Errol Jones
Spanish Quarter to become Colonial Quarter
$4 million found in refinancing for water line replacement
$6 million seawall rehabilitation begins
Archaeology ordinance has 25th anniversary
Bayfront mini golf site uses debated |
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January
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 $28.2 million in New Year projects include Riberia Street Phase Two, Seawall, Marina breakwater ¨ Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind eminent domain legislation begins legislative committee reviews ¨ Flagler College announces plan for 20,000 square foot communications facility ¨ Workshops planned on vending regulations ¨ Redesign of Visitor Center begins
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February
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$6 million seawall rehabilitation begins ¨ King Street
 merchants upset at timing of utility project ¨ Sharrow signage placed on Bridge of Lions allowing bicycles to share roadway ¨ Conversion begins to transform Apple Jack shrimp boat into El Espiritu caravel ¨ Maritime Foundation 16th century boatyard being developed at Fountain of Youth ¨ Powersports eyes Burton Electronics on US 1 to expand business
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March
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 No federal funds to be available for 450 commemoration this year ¨ City Commission expands vending/performing ban on St George Street, but rejects yard sale regulations ¨ Commission rejects idea
 it must enforce mandatory West Augustine sewer hookups ¨ Sheriff's Deputy and former City Police Officer Joe Bowen of Teddy Bear Patrol fame retires ¨ Keel-laying for Maritime Foundation 16th century shipbuilding program ¨ Archaeology Association sets markers in Old Town
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April
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 City and St. Paul Church debate roof tiles sold from historic Echo House ¨ Flagler College classroom plan under fire; college consuming Cuna Street ¨ Future of bayfront mini golf site debated ¨ 2 studies will tackle traffic ¨ Sunday parking fees announced for Castillo parking lot ¨ Governor signs limited eminent domain bill ¨ Visitor Center becoming 450 Expo Center
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May
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 Vilano adds dock to waterfont ¨ Bayfront mini golf site debated ¨ Llambias House wedding events irritate neighbors ¨ $4 million state money for historic properties here ¨ Redesign for San Marco/West Castillo intersection ¨ Community organizations focus on 450th legacy projects
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June
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 Indian healing rites off 450 calendar ¨7-Eleven plan upsets neighborhood ¨ Former Sheriff Neil Perry 1947-2012 ¨ Maritime Foundation boat shed work delayed for permit ¨ Pat Croce wins Spanish Quarter bid; $1 million investment planned ¨ Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) proposed to maintain Galimore Center ¨ Mayor Joe Boles, Commissioner Leanna Freeman unopposed for reelection
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July
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 Planning and Zoning Board rejects Flagler classroom project ¨ Neighborhoods force 7-Eleven, Flagler classrooms review ¨ Ripley wins mini golf site bid, but commission wants more negotiation ¨ $1,525,520 voted for Visitor Center exhibit space, $385,000 for Picasso exhibit ¨ University of Florida plans First Colony exhibit ¨ 'What really represents St. Augustine' archaeology exhibit on display at Visitor Center
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August
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 Menendez headboard returns ¨ Colonial Quarter plans January opening in former Spanish Quarter ¨ Lightner building tops budget initiatives ¨ Roxanne Horvath, Bruce Maguire win primary, incumbent Errol Jones
 defeated ¨ New round of bidding called for Mini golf site ¨ Key West: No Ponce statue / County historian: No 'San Pablo Island' name ¨ Colonial Quarter designs include 35-foot watch tower, pub, ship ¨ Pole banners for the 450th ¨ Plan board tackles movie theater, Local Heros bar, Ice House PUD, law office expansion ¨ Galleon removed from Visitor Center ¨ Search for city brand begins
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September
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 City hopes to double recycling ¨ Veterans Island name proposed ¨ Major meetings here can promote city ¨ Mobility Institute planned ¨ Commission faces tests: 7-Eleven, Flagler classrooms, 450th workshop ¨ Planning and Zoning Board OKs Colonial Quarter liquor, Washington Street theater beer and wine
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October
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 Commission to workshop Planned Unit Developments (PUD) and zoning ¨ College to celebrate Ponce Hotel 125th; Solarium to be restored ¨ Flagler classrooms approved after 5 1/2 hour hearing ¨ Mobility ideas excite community ¨ Commission: 450th nonprofit formation is community's job ¨ Riberia Pointe for reef building?
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November
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 Roxanne Horvath replaces Errol Jones on City Commission ¨ 7-Eleven: FDOT focuses on drainage and driveway access ¨ Roundabout favored for May/San Marco intersection ¨ City, Historical Society battle on Llambias House ¨ Commission endorses 'La Florida' Island name ¨ $350,000 for Lightner repairs ¨ Archaeologist Bond selected for de Aviles Award ¨ Neighborhoods seek better communication on zoning
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December
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Brand adopted for city - Next: licensing merchandise to raise 450 funds ¨ Bayfront golf site called 'unseen opportunity;' No consensus on uses ¨ Proposed coral business prompts carriage horses consolidation on Riberia Street ¨ 1,218 wreaths for city's national cemetery ¨ Archaeology program celebrates 25th year
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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 |
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