The St. Augustine City Commission held its regular meeting on Oct. 27, 2025, addressing several key issues, including an over-budget seawall project, workforce parking changes, and challenges with federal flood mitigation programs.
Seawall Project Funding Gap
City Manager John Regan requested authorization to use stormwater reserves to cover a funding gap for a seawall project at the city marina. The project came in over budget, requiring additional funds beyond the original allocation.
“We did not want to have to bring it to you like this. Believe me, it was a point of contention at the senior staff level, but we believe we must bring it to you and move this along,” Regan said. “It’s just the cost of the project came in a little bit higher than we anticipated.”
Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline noted that while she generally doesn’t like seeing large items added to the agenda at the last minute, the seawall project has been publicly discussed at multiple meetings, making the potential for cost overruns less unexpected. The commission approved adding the item to the agenda.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The commission proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognizing the serious impact of domestic violence on communities. Carol Sullivan from the Betty Griffin Center accepted the proclamation.
The proclamation noted that more than 1,600 helpline calls were made to the Betty Griffin Center in St. Johns County last year. Sullivan thanked the city for its support.
“Thank you to the city for all your support, and without which we wouldn’t be able to do what we do and help the community,” Sullivan said.
Workforce Parking Changes
Several residents spoke during public comment about changes to workforce parking at the Tolomato lot. The city plans to convert the lot from metered spaces to workforce parking ahead of the Nights of Lights event season.
Scott York, a resident and tour guide, praised the city’s communications team for organizing Coffee with the Commissioner events at five local coffee shops. He also supported the workforce parking plan, noting that employees had requested parking solutions at multiple community meetings.
However, York expressed concern that the parking passes would only be available to businesses with brick-and-mortar locations, potentially excluding independent contractors like tour guides.
“What I didn’t hear in any of these numerous meetings was that these spaces would only be available to brick and mortar businesses,” York said, according to the transcript.
Another resident raised similar concerns about the parking changes affecting independent workers who contribute to the local economy.
Federal Flood Mitigation Delays
Commissioner Barbara Blonder discussed frustrations with delays in federal flood mitigation programs. She explained that she and approximately 50 other residents applied for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance program years ago, but are still waiting for decisions.
Blonder said she applied for the new Elevate Florida program last year but was rejected because her application to the FEMA program is still pending.
“We’re trying to adapt to sea level rise, and we’re being blocked,” Blonder said. “And that’s a hard thing for everyone in the city.”
She noted that delays have been attributed to waiting on FEMA, but government shutdowns and reduced agency funding have contributed to the slow process.
Legislative Priorities
Mayor Sikes-Kline reported on her presentation to the legislative delegation regarding the city’s legislative requests. She learned that morning that the city would be required to provide a 50% match on all project requests.
“We’re going to go back to the drawing board and make sure that we have our messaging right and that our requests are in line with this policy,” Sikes-Kline said.
The mayor also discussed potential property tax cuts being considered by state legislators. She noted that while cities cannot create campaigns on political issues, they are allowed to host factual forums where residents can ask questions. She suggested the commission consider hosting such a forum in January before the legislative session begins.
Community Events
Sikes-Kline highlighted several recent community events, including an archaeology tour at the Visitor Information Center led by the city archaeologist, a dedication ceremony for Connor Park, and a celebration marking 100 years of Davis Shores that attracted over 200 people at the Alligator Farm.
The commission concluded the meeting after commissioner reports, with no additional business to discuss.
