Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
Good morning, St. Augustine.
The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau launched the free Nights of Lights app Oct.
15 to help visitors plan their trips, check shuttle wait times, and locate parking for the annual celebration scheduled from Nov. 15 through Jan. 11— the app also provides live webcam feeds and restroom locations for family convenience.
REI announced that three flagship stores in New York, Boston and New Jersey will close in 2026—its Jacksonville store at St. Johns Town Center remains open amid a new restructuring plan following a 6.2% revenue drop in 2024 and rising costs.
Local shoppers may face changes in inventory and services as the company tightens its national footprint.
A review of haunted attractions names 13th Floor in Jacksonville as a 2025 Top Haunt while noting ghost sightings at Evergreen Cemetery and other local spots across Northeast Florida.
St. Augustine ghost tours, with stops at Castillo de San Marcos and The Old Jail, draw visitors—highlighting the region's long-standing spooky legends.
First Coast Cultural Center received a grant from the Autism License Plate Fund to fund structured music therapy sessions for special needs elementary students in Title-I schools in St. Johns County — the program reaches over 300 students weekly.
St. Johns County approved a lease with the Florida Memorial University Foundation today to use the former West Augustine campus for the state’s first Black History Museum.
The county will pay $1,000 a month for a two-year term and will meet 90 days before the term ends to discuss future plans.
A St. Johns County mother said her post-delivery care at UF Health Flagler Hospital on July 7 lacked AC and hot water — a problem that grew when a $39,000 bill mistakenly credited her husband with the delivery.
She reached out to Ask Anthony after three months of unresolved complaints with the hospital and her insurance company.
The FDA warned local residents to discard ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels—some of which were sold from Feb 15 to June 28—as new alerts added more brands to the recall list.
A Consumer Reports report found that many protein powders, especially plant-based ones, contain unsafe lead amounts—experts advise limiting their daily use to reduce potential health risks.
Gloria Vinson, a 12 Who Care Honoree, founded the Vinson Foundation after her husband’s suicide to help families cope with loss by offering free support—such as in-person and online groups and financial assistance—and her program has aided over 300 families in the past year.
Ancient City Farmstead and J.C.
Kitaif Rodeos announced that the first professional rodeo in St. Augustine will begin early November and run through the weekend starting Saturday, Nov. 1—offering competitions such as bareback riding, bull riding, and team roping on historic farmland. The event is expected to draw families and visitors from across North Florida.
Ben Sollee Concert
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Limelight Theatre, Inc. — $34.50-$44.50 — Enjoy two intimate performances by acclaimed cellist Ben Sollee in a unique concert series.
Matanzas River Party Boat Tour
Daytime — 250 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine, FL — BYOB — Experience a lively cruise with drinks, dancing, and stunning river views in St. Augustine.
Jailbreak 5K
8-10 a.m. — Old Jail Museum — Registration $25-$45 — Escape St. Augustine with a scenic 5K running route benefiting local education.
Pete Frampton Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The St. Augustine Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary sounds of Pete Frampton live in concert.
Southern Fried Chicken Night
4-7 p.m. — St. Augustine Shriners Club — Enjoy a delicious Southern Fried Chicken meal with friends and family.
Ellis Paul Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — Café Eleven Restaurant & Catering — Tickets $29.02-$39.99 — Enjoy a captivating live performance in a cozy beachfront setting.
KISS Alive! Tribute Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Colonial Oak Music Park — $31.15 — Experience thrilling KISS tribute performance with fire-breathing and rock music.
Shwayze Live Performance
6-7:30 p.m. — Colonial Oak Music Park — $28.41 — Experience a night of rap and music with Shwayze, a celebrated artist from Southern California.
Historic Lincolnville Festival
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau — Free admission to museums on Friday — Celebrate music, history, food, and family fun during a lively weekend festival.
St. ARTistine Art & Food Festival
10 AM – 6 PM — Francis Field — Free entry — Celebrate local talent and enjoy unique crafts, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment.
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