The St. Johns County Tourist Development Council voted unanimously to recommend $850,000 in additional funding for the St. Augustine’s signature holiday event, Nights of Lights, addressing growing costs associated with the popular attraction.
St. Johns County officials recommend additional $850,000 for St. Augustine ’s Nights of LightsCalm night settles in before heat and storms return TuesdayJacksonville traffic stop prompts questions about drivers’ legal rights– The St.
Johns County Tourist Development Council voted unanimously to recommend $850,000 in additional funding for St. Augustine’s signature holiday event, Nights of Lights, addressing growing costs associated with the popular attraction. Higher garage fees, steeper parking fines among major changes St. Augustine is considering for special eventsto support transportation and visitor amenities for the event, which illuminates downtown with millions of holiday lights and draws thousands of visitors annually. “We have asked for an additional $1 million for a total of 1.2 ,” Meredith Breidenstein, assistant city manager of St. Augustine, said.The current allocation from the county for Nights of Lights stands at $200,000 for shuttle services and $100,000 for lighting. Half of the $200,000 for shuttle services is for spring shuttles while the other half is exclusively for Nights of Lights. Despite shortening the event by eight days, city officials emphasize the need for additional resources to manage growing attendance. City Manager David Birchim said there is an urgency in securing additional funding, stating, “If that’s not possible we will have to scale back.” The Tourist Development Council deliberated extensively on funding sources before reaching their recommendation. Irving Kass, Vice Chair of the council, said, “We need to have those discussions or we will never be able to fund Nights of Lights.” Councilmember Michael Wicks acknowledged the time-sensitive nature of the decision, saying, “Our backs are against the wall. We don’t really have time to try and figure out where every nickel is going to come from. I think my biggest concern is what we do moving forward after this year.” The suggested $850,000 allocation, while less than the city’s initial request, received unanimous support from council members. The recommendation will advance to the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, who will review the proposed budget at theirChris Will has joined the News4JAX team as a weekend morning reporter, after graduating from the University of Florida in spring 2024. During his time in Gainesville, he covered a wide range of stories across the Sunshine State. His coverage of Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award.
St. Johns County Nights Of Lights
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
St. Johns County residents file lawsuit against company stinking up their neighborhood with ‘foul odors’An unpleasant odor in parts of St. Augustine is gaining national attention.
Read more »
St. Johns County signs off on $25 million worth of road improvements for SR 16The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners recently announced the approval of about $25 million in road upgrades for State Road 16.
Read more »
St. Johns County officials to discuss development plan for 52 new townhomes in World Golf VillageSt. Johns County officials will review a plan on Friday afternoon that aims to bring a brand-new townhome community to World Golf Village.
Read more »
3 St. Johns County Airport Authority Board members facing charges, accused of repeatedly violating Sunshine LawsAfter allegations first surfaced in March accusing St. Johns County Airport Authority Board members of violating Florida’s Sunshine Law, the State Attorney’s Office officially filed a charging affidavit against three members this week.
Read more »
‘Pickle Mafia’ comments spark debate over proposed St. Johns County indoor facilityTensions rose at a St. Johns County Planning and Zoning meeting this week as opponents raised concerns about what one speaker dubbed the “Pickle Mafia” during discussions about a proposed indoor facility along US 1 North.
Read more »
State incentives for Anduril weapons factory near Columbus swell to nearly $850 millionJobsOhio announced a new $310 million grant for a massive new autonomous weapons factory near Columbus.
Read more »