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Hey St. Augustine, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: A Nights of Lights cruise, a 20th anniversary concert, a chowder festival throwdown, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Elevating the car buying experience: Gainesville-based Tomlinson Motor Company is expanding to a second location in St. Augustine. The Sunday Drive storefront will be off I-95 on SR 16, with plans to hire about 30 people — learn more about the expansion.
A milestone in melody: St. Augustine Music Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a concert at The Waterworks on January 18 featuring Bach, Mozart, and Gershwin. Tickets are available, including a five-concert package — get all the details.
Community fellowship and fun: The Bartram Trail Newcomers Club hosts its Jumbled January luncheon today at St. Johns Golf and Country Club in St. Augustine, with activities like bingo for women connecting with community — get all the details.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
New era in city policing: St. Augustine named Sergeant Jon Marston as its next police chief. Chief Jennifer Michaux retires today, January 13, after 30 years with SAPD. City leaders praised Marston’s accountability and training focus, saying he will continue building a well-trained, community-oriented department Learn more about his experience.
Scents worth lingering: Small-batch soaps and candles, mixed and poured by makers Kristi and Michael in their Crescent Beach workshop, await at St. Augustine Bath & Candle. Their soaps now use water from the legendary Fountain of Youth, a subtle flex your skin will appreciate.
Rain-proof golf fix: Need a quick round without the sunscreen ritual? At Coastal Indoor Golf, a legit simulator and smooth putting green meet fittings, regripping, and PGA instruction, so you can actually see what that swing tweak does. Practice turns into a low-key hang with buddies and no weather drama.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🐊 Reptiles of Florida @ St. Johns County Public Library Main Branch | Tuesday (1/13) at 2:00 PM – Take a break from beach traffic and get acquainted with the neighbors that sunbathe in your driveway. SJC Parks and Rec breaks down Florida’s reptiles, from gators to geckos, what they do, and why we actually need them. Kid friendly, grandparent approved.
🎭 Level 1 Improv: Improv Basics for Grown-Ups @ 3rd Space Improv | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:30 PM – Ready to be brave in front of people without a PowerPoint? This six-week Level 1 improv class for grown-ups at Third Space Improv gets you out of your head, builds confidence, and turns strangers into scene partners, with supportive folks, big laughs, and no script.
🎤 Jonatha Brooke @ Café Eleven Restaurant & Catering | Tuesday (1/13) at 8:00 PM – If you like your 90s singer-songwriters who still write better choruses than your group text, Jonatha Brooke at Cafe Eleven brings smart lyrics, killer harmonies, and banter sharp enough to slice key lime pie. Intimate room, great sound, no bad seats.
This weekend
🏃 Foundation 5000 5K @ UF Health Flagler Hospital | Saturday (1/17) at 8:00 AM – Think you can still outrun your excuses? Lace up for the Foundation 5000 5K at UF Health Flagler Hospital, benefiting UF Health St. Johns Care Connect’s Mobile Outreach Unit. Walk it, jog it, then earn brunch and support care that meets neighbors where they are.
🎤 Intro to Stand-Up Comedy @ 3rd Space Improv | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been threatening to try stand-up since the PTA years, here’s your nudge. At Third Space Improv, Julie Sandoval walks you through writing, timing, and stage chops in a friendly room, with new pals, boosted confidence, and a student showcase to finish.
♻ West King Cleanup @ Maracuya by Llama Restaurant | Sunday (1/18) at 10:00 AM – Trade your scroll time for a trash grabber and help spruce up West King with the neighbors. We meet at Maracuya by Llama, then tidy the streets, swap stories, and feel smugly civic. West King cleans up nicely, and yes, cafecito counts as a reward.
🥣 CPS Chowder Festival 2026 @ Mission Nombre De Dios | Sunday (1/18) at 12:30 PM – This hometown chowder throwdown takes over the historic Mission Nombre de Dios grounds, with local favorites ladled out, ice-cold beer, and Airtight onstage. Bring your appetite, your opinions, and a forgiving waistband. Family friendly, salty, and surprisingly competitive, in the best way.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of St. Augustine locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 St. Augustine report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 64°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 60 in the afternoon. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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Tomorrow – High: 64°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 49%
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. West wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
This house is wild
A true riverfront compound on the St. Johns River in St. Augustine, this multi-generational property pairs a beautifully appointed main house with a full guest apartment and private boathouse. Set on deep water with panoramic views from nearly every room, the residence blends easy flow and light, offering an inviting front porch, an open plan, and large collapsible glass sliders that connect indoors and out. An updated kitchen with level 5 granite and generous storage anchors smart-lit living and dining spaces, plus an oversized screened river room for boats and sunsets.
Extras include a 1,200 square foot climate-controlled workshop, RV parking, and the rare peace of a no flood zone.
Take a peek inside →
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