Good morning, St. Augustine.

Texas-based Buc-ee's is set to break ground in Fort Pierce on the first of four planned Florida sites; the new travel center (76,245 sqft with 120 fueling positions) is expected to open in 2028 while busy Daytona Beach and St. Augustine sites continue to draw crowds.

Since February 2025, KFC has closed 11 Florida locations, including one in St. Augustine—while the chain tests new store ideas by bringing back popcorn chicken and expanding its Saucy spinoff to 15 local sites.

Buc-ee's expansion has sparked local concerns as increased traffic and rising pollution near the St. Augustine travel center off I-95 have drawn criticism from officials and residents.

The company continues its growth plans despite pushback over environmental impact.

Sing Out Loud returns this September with free local artist showcases hosted by PNC Bank at 17 venues in St. Augustine, occurring over three weekends – Sept.

4-6, Sept. 11-13 and Sept. 18-20. The event highlights local music talent across diverse independent spots.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch on Thursday, July 9 produced a rare space jellyfish effect seen across the Space Coast, including St. Augustine.

The rocket’s exhaust and early sunlight combined to create vivid shapes such as a heart (a nod to local skies) in the pre-dawn light.

Florida's Attorney General subpoenaed General Mills as part of an investigation under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act to assess the use of potassium bromate in bread products sold on local grocery shelves.

The probe aims to ensure transparency and better protect consumers in Florida.

The CDC issued a health advisory on cyclosporiasis — a gastrointestinal illness from contaminated produce — after over 50 cases were reported in Florida counties between May 1 and July 4, and residents are urged to wash produce well and seek care for persistent watery diarrhea.

Sofia Rivera from St. Augustine qualified for match play in the U.S. Junior Girls Championship after posting a 4-under-par round at Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham and will face Erin Lee at 1 p.m. today.

Nease graduate Marcus Plunkett lost his Korn Ferry Tour status last season and now plays on the Asian Tour, earning his first major start at the British Open; he will tee off at Royal Birkdale tomorrow at 11:10 a.m. in Southport, England.

The Sound of Music

Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. & Sundays at 2 p.m. — Limelight Theatre, Inc. — $40 — Experience the beloved tale of the von Trapp family filled with music, love, and courage.

Men At Work & Toad The Wet Sprocket Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Anfiteatro de San Agustín — Tickets available through Ticketmaster — Enjoy a night of classic hits from iconic bands in a beautiful outdoor venue.

Dierks Bentley Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The St. Augustine Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of country music with Dierks Bentley, Ricky Skaggs, and Cole Goodwin.

Lindsey Stirling Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The St. Augustine Amphitheatre — $1 donation to charity — Experience an electrifying performance by Lindsey Stirling while supporting equitable healthcare and mental health access.

STOP MOTION Filmmaking Workshop

July 21-24 — Make Space Workshop & Classroom — Email for waitlist — Students explore stop motion filmmaking combining art and digital tech.

Captain Midnight Band Live

7-10 p.m. — Colonial Oak Music Park — Cost info N/A — Experience a vibrant fusion of jam, rock, R&B, jazz, punk, funk, and glam.

Kings Of The Coast Tour

6-9 p.m. — Colonial Oak Music Park — Click for tickets — Enjoy an evening of catchy surf rock blended with country and reggae from Twin Fin, a rising band from Honolulu.

Lord Huron Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The St. Augustine Amphitheatre — Tickets available — Experience the thought-provoking sounds of LA-based indie rockers Lord Huron live as they promote their acclaimed album 'Vide Noir'.

Murabella Kids Triathlon

9 a.m. — Murabella Pool — Cost info not provided — Young athletes compete in swim, bike, and run challenges in a fun and engaging environment.

The Band Solstice Live

8-10 p.m. — Café Eleven Restaurant & Catering — $16.64 — Enjoy a live performance in a vibrant beachside venue with great food.