Good morning, St. Augustine.

Love Island Games, a spinoff of the popular dating show, premieres today on Peacock at 9:30 p.m. with host Ariana Madix and two Floridian contestants competing for a $100,000 prize—filmed at a famed villa in Fiji.

A WalletHub study released on September 15 ranked Florida in the top 15 states for teachers—highlighting high starting salaries and a first-place digital learning plan while noting lower overall pay when adjusted for cost of living.

The study used multiple metrics to compare states and show how factors like school quality and teacher retention vary.

A state appeals court ruled on Sept.

10 that Florida’s open carry ban on firearms is unconstitutional—its decision technically covers 32 north Florida counties while all sheriffs have been advised not to make arrests until lawmakers update the state law. The ruling will take effect on Sept. 25 and sheriff Grady Judd explained the change in a video for gun owners.

Experts say many Florida families may lose health insurance if federal tax credits end and Governor DeSantis blocks KidCare expansion—leaving moderate-income children with less coverage.

Officials warn rising premiums will push nearly half of the state's 4.7 million ACA recipients out of the marketplace if no action is taken.

Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. dropped three passes in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Bengals—he finished with five catches for 60 yards on 19 targets.

His coach and teammates remain confident he will work hard and bounce back next week.

Annual St. Augustine Book Festival

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Ximenez-Fatio House Museum — Free entry — Celebrate literature in the charming courtyard with local authors and interesting talks.

Thick & Thin String Band Performance

5-8 p.m. — Marina Munch — Free admission — Enjoy live music while sampling delicious food from local food trucks.

Get Buzzed for Buzztails 2025

6-9 p.m. — St. Augustine Alligator Farm — Ticket required — Enjoy craft breweries, local food, and support rattlesnake conservation at this exciting charity fundraiser.

FRIDAY CLAY CLUB Workshop

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Make Space Workshop & Classroom — Class cost includes clay and firing — Explore creative hand-building techniques in a relaxed setting.

Pink Up The Pace 5k

8-11 a.m. — Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House — Registration $25-$40 — Participate in the largest 5K race in St. Augustine with a scenic route downtown.

THROWDOWN THURSDAYS: Wheel Throwing Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Make Space Workshop & Classroom — Class cost includes supplies — Learn the basics of wheel throwing while creating functional pottery from bowls to cups.

Game On! St. Augustine Triathlon

7:25-11:25 a.m. — Vilano Beach Oceanfront Park — Registration $139-$259 — Compete in various distances including Olympic and Sprint Triathlons along the scenic coast.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

6-7:30 p.m. — Colonial Oak Music Park — Ticketed Event — Enjoy an evening filled with the sounds of the Dave Matthews Tribute Band in a scenic outdoor setting.

Polyrhythmics Live

12-3 AM — Colonial Oak Music Park — $28.41 — Celebrate 15 years of genre-blending sound with Seattle’s Polyrhythmics and their dynamic performance.