Good morning, St. Augustine.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is offering free day-use access to most state parks for Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25—exclusions apply—and U.S. residents can visit national parks free on Memorial Day, May 25.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch today for the NASA CRS-34 mission is set at 6:05 p.m. from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — the launch was delayed twice earlier this week.

Other launches are scheduled through the weekend.

Michael, a Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, is still playing in Florida theaters after its April 24 premiere and has grossed $577 million worldwide.

It will stream on Amazon Prime Video + Starz in late summer or early fall, with a potential release as early as August.

Florida beaches allow driving only on designated sections with paid passes to protect wildlife; in St. Johns County, residents pay $50 and non-residents pay $100 with access limited from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during nesting season.

Check county guidelines before driving + observe safety protocols.

Scientists at the Climate Prediction Center forecast an 82% chance of El Niño forming next month and a 96% chance it will persist through February, which may lower Atlantic hurricanes during peak season for Florida (though its strength remains uncertain).

The St. Johns River Water Management District imposed a Phase III extreme water shortage order on May 13 that limits landscape irrigation to once a week and bans watering between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The new measure affects residential, commercial (and) institutional properties amid worsening drought conditions.

The Shands Bridge along SR-16 is closing for routine maintenance from 9 p.m. today until 4 a.m. Sunday; drivers should use the Buckman or Memorial Bridges as alternate routes while work on a new bridge continues, with completion set for 2030 — officials advise extra travel time for weekend events.

Talkable Communities, a suicide prevention initiative serving six counties (including St. Johns), is seeking $300,000 to continue life-saving mental health first aid training through partner organizations.

The program lost state funding and is running its Hope Needs Help drive to secure training through 2026.

Iration Concert

5:15-8:15 p.m. — The St. Augustine Amphitheatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a vibrant evening of reggae-infused music with Iration.

Sam Barber Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The St. Augustine Amphitheatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening with Sam Barber at this iconic venue.

Terrance Simien Live at Cafe Eleven

8-10 p.m. — The Original Cafe Eleven — Tickets from $32.71 — Enjoy a vibrant live Zydeco music performance in St. Augustine's unique cafe setting.

Bead Mercantile Show - St. Augustine, FL

10 AM – 4 PM — World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort — Entry fee varies — Explore a vibrant marketplace showcasing beads, jewelry, and minerals from various exhibitors.

Tell Me Lies - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

6-10 p.m. — Colonial Oak Music Park — Click for tickets — Experience the timeless hits of Fleetwood Mac through a dedicated tribute band.

Chris Duarte Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — The Original Cafe Eleven — Tickets from $38.04 — Experience electrifying live music in a cozy café setting.

Black Uhuru Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — The Original Cafe Eleven — $38.81 — Enjoy an exciting live performance by the reggae legends Black Uhuru.

Bark in the Park: Big Buoys vs. Sardines Baseball Game

5-8 p.m. — St. Joseph Catholic Academy — No entry fee — Experience a thrilling baseball showdown between the St. Augustine Sardines and Big Buoys, showcasing community spirit and sportsmanship.

Gnarlies vs. Sardines Baseball Showdown

5-8 p.m. — St. Joseph Catholic Academy — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling baseball game between the fierce Gnarlies and Sardines.

Tailgators vs. Sardines Baseball Game

5-8 p.m. — St. Joseph's Catholic Academy — Free entry — Experience an electrifying baseball showdown between the Tailgators and Sardines.