St. Augustine Social - Apr/May 2018

THE CITY MAGAZINE of SAINT AUGUSTINE APRIL MAY 2018

WE AMPLIFY WHAT ST. AUGUSTINE HAS TO SAY

e c a l p o N e m o h e lik BUILDERS, ARTISTS, DESIGNERS, AND MORE ALL HERE TO GIVE YOU SOME EXPERT HOME INSPIRATION STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM

Display until May 31, 2018

Explore

this home pg 54

PLUS:

OUR FAVORITE SPACES LET'S GO SOLAR CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Be the

Mother of the bride

We think these are moments you should be present for Delegate the details HELP IS HERE

Image by Davy Whitener Photography

HELLO COMFORTS OF HOME

I

think we can all agree, being at home is all about being comfortable. It’s your safe place, where you can let go and let loose. It’s a true reflection of your style, personality, and preferences. Home is where you can just be yourself. Am I right?

On February 7, Molly and I nervously stood outside of the Limelight Theatre waiting for Amy Angelilli’s Level 1 Improv class to start. We had no idea what to expect. Molly had a leg up on me – at least she is an experienced actress (though she says she prefers a script). Me? I’ve had my share of band concerts and dance recitals, but I’ve never peeped a word on stage!

Between the two of us, we were a hot mess overcome by our warped ideas of what improv really was (thanks to the beloved 1990’s show Whose Line is it Anyways?). You mean we may have to be funny on the fly, perform at immediate prompt for the crowd and all that with clever wit and charm? Hand me a barf bag.

See the rest of our experience from Mollly's perspective on page 38. To learn more about the class series and view the schedule and rates, visit www.adventure-project.com

Photos by Brian Miller

So, it makes complete sense that for our annual “Home” issue, we would opt to make ourselves entirely UNcomfortable and try an improv class for our regular “We Tried It” column. I hope you can sense my sarcasm.

But that’s not what happened at all.

What I learned is that improv is all about being comfortable with being spontaneous. The two-hour class was a menagerie of exercises all designed to get us warmed up, thinking quick, and establishing connections with the other classmates (like remembering their names) and then diving deeper into commonalities we shared to further a relationship with them. In the end we were all thinking (and acting) like a team and then it made me realize improve isn’t for the stage at all – improv is for real life. It’s for the teenager going through the “awkward stage” that needs some encouragement to come out of their shell. It’s for the new mom at the playground who wants to find more like-minded friends. It’s for the business person at a networking group who doesn’t know anyone in the room. It’s for a corporate team of people, from all walks of life, tasked with the often-complicated responsibility of finding a way to work well together.

After the class I left energized and inspired. And then a week later I swiftly came down with pneumonia and spent the next three weeks in bed... in my comfortable home. I’m happy to report I’m on the mend and this issue is here as a result of my quick thinking team. I encourage each of you to give improv a try. What’s the worst thing that could happen?

-Heather Vreeland heather@occasionsmediagroup.com

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g An exercise in payin quick att ention and being on your fee t.

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WHY WE WORK

E

very time we dive into a new issue, we get to meet inspiring people. We've had the privilege of telling their stories and experiencing how the details of those stories affect, motivate, stir, and move us. This particular issue, however, came together during flu season and Heather found herself out of commission for nearly three weeks. Zach and I were working hard to just keep all of our ducks in a row with the deadline looming ever closer.

When Heather recovered and we finally got back into the office, I realized how disconnected I felt from these pages. It was like I had been running on auto pilot, only trying to stay on schedule with the team a man down. But when I sat down to edit the stories our contributors had submitted and do some writing of my own, the excitement I usually felt came flooding back.

That was thanks to the people whose stories we were able to tell.

Photos by Brian Miller

I got to read about the passion of Bill Lazar, who runs the St. Johns Housing Partnership and works to assist those affected by the county-wide housing crisis, and Beverly Carmichael and Robin Cooper, the forces behind Women of Vision. Daniel Carter – who we met through the Emerging Leaders nominations – speaks up for the marginalized and is taking real strides toward change in our country. Jackson Taylor and the Police Athletic League are making a difference in the lives of local youth.

Hanging out in a gallery is always more dramatic in black and white.

In this issue, we got to learn more about going solar, discover a new seafood spot, and taste more of the city's unmatched culinary offerings. We met a bartender named Gumby and explored one of the original Davis Shores homes.

Photo by David Steele

When I was able to step away for only a moment from the stress that unexpected hurdles can cause, the stories and the people in this issue captivated me. Their passion, their success, their extraordinary lives invigorated and inspired me. As you flip through these pages and meet these people, I hope they will do the same for you.

-Molly Wilson molly@occasionsmediagroup.com

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is When Rob McGee shots are involved, even test entertaining.

INSIDE

Page 84

HOME EXPERTS Local professionals helping you make your house a home Special Advertising Section

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54

82

108

LIVING

STYLE

LOCALS

EATS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

From races to concerts to parades – and everything in between – get ready for a packed season.

SUN SUPPLIES

Protect yourself while out in the sunshine and after you come home. These products can help block and help heal.

52

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TRENDING

Spring has sprung and so have our gardens! Meet the faces and flowers behind the St. Augustine Garden Club.

FAVORITE SPACES

From our very first issue onwards, we've rounded up our best spaces and favorite rooms from past Home Features.

RISING STAR

Daniel Carter's calling as a local activist has allowed him to make a difference in his community and in himself.

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MUSICAL CHAIR

The local band Salt & Pine uses their music to capture the sounds and atmosphere of the Ancient City.

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62

32

TALE OF TWO

Calamari is a seafood staple, but the chefs from Cap's on the Water and The Conch House have two very different preps.

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BEHIND THE BAR

Meet Kevin "Gumby" Carter.

He's the charismatic and hilarious bartender behind the taps at Beachcomber.

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ONLINE

THERE'S MORE TO THIS MAGAZINE THAN WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND

STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM GAMBLE ROGERS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The celebration of the legacy of Americana returns to the Colonial Quarter stage. Folk greats like Peter Rowan (pictured), Mean Mary, and Verlon Thompson will headline.

RECENT PRESS RELEASES >> TOURISM EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Photo by Rob Futrell

ISLAND PREP EXPANDS TO THE MAINLAND The eco-friendly school is growing onto US 1, where they will open a new preschool. The school will be built across from the St. Augustine Shores south entrance.

f o n o i t a r b e l e c A ! e g a t i r e h l a c musi

More Online Now >> 5 WAYS TO GET YOUR TUNA FIX

2018 SPRING RUN SCHEDULE

SPRING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

If you're trying to find the stage shows that go beyond the most popular music venues, this is your guide to orchestras, plays, and more in the Ancient City.

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DISCIPLES OF JIMMY DEAN

Limelight announces its June show – Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean.

In a small town dime store in West Texas, the “Disciples of James Dean” gather for their 20th reunion.

BE A SUPERHERO

There isn't just one way to eat fresh tuna right. We'll introduce you to five different preparations from local chefs – from sushi to tacos.

Slip into your running shoes because spring is race season in St. Augustine and there are a lot of runs to train for!

Each year, the Visitor and Convention Bureau recognizes outstanding employees in the county’s largest industry, tourism.

This year, Theresa Letterman, clerk in the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor Information Center’s (VIC) gift shop, was named the recipient of the award in the government category.

VW OF ST. AUGUSTINE HOSTS A GATSBY CHARITY AFFAIR For the fifth year in a row, Volkswagen of St. Augustine is throwing the Jazz Age-themed party of the season and all for a good cause! The gala will be held in the historic pool area of the Lightner Museum and proceeds will benefit the St. Johns Cultural Council. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

The St. Johns County Parks & Recreation Department will be holding the Be A Superhero! 2018 Summer Camps.

They will feature outdoor activities, field trips, arts & crafts, and swimming.

When it co m e s to s e l ec t in g a h osp it al...

Wouldn’t you want to choose one of America’s Best?

Flagler Hospital was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2018. It’s true. One of the nation’s best performing hospitals is right here, close to home. America’s 100 Best are among the top 2% of all hospitals, demonstrating exceptional, comprehensive, and consistent quality clinical care year-over-year.

Simply put, patients are more likely to have a successful treatment outcome at America’s Best Hospitals.

Flagler Hospital has operated as a not-for-profit healthcare institution in St. Augustine since its founding in 1889. Our commitment to quality has resulted in numerous national accreditations including, designation as a Primary Stroke Care Center, ANCC Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence, national accreditation for its total hip and total knee replacement programs and accreditation of its Cancer Institute by the Commission on Cancer.

Flagler Hospital 400 Health Park Blvd.

St. Augustine, FL 32086 904.819.5155 To learn more about all of the hospital’s services log on to www.FlaglerHospital.org.

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?

PEOPLE

If you have something to say about St. Augustine and need a soapbox to stand on, this might be the place for you. We’re seeking contributors to write articles on a regular basis for St. Augustine Social. Email heather@staugustinesocial.com to get the conversation started.

From a very early age, Daniel knew he was gay. But being a young, gay black man is not so typical and as a consequence, he was bullied within his own community. He learned to bottle up his emotions and feelings and instead became an actor of sorts. A straight actor. He worked very hard to blend in.

BRIAN MILLER

Photographer ••• Father Photographer Dreamer

ALEXTER ALBURY

LYNETTE SNELL

Writer

Writer

••• Artist Movie Nut Super Dad

••• Fiesty and Fun Youthful Grandma Animal-Lover

Lynett e wrote that!

CARMEN FLEISCHMANN

DAVID STEELE

Writer

Photographer

••• Mother Believer Adventurer

••• Father Free-Thinker Surfer

SHANNON O'NEIL

STEVE PARR

Writer

Photographer & Writer

••• Author Floridian Explorer

••• New Yorker Veteran Photographic Adventurist

MEEKA ANNE

Writer

••• Mom Idea Seeker Wanderer

Photo by Holt Webb

Zach makes a great stunt double for our Home Experts photo shoo ts

MATTHEW SHAW

Writer

TEDDY REGIS

LAUREN EASTMAN

Writer

Writer

••• Pianist Blogger Locavore

••• Mother Foodie Yogi

From the mouth of Teddy Regis..

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Imagine curating the soundtrack to a sun-soaked downtown stroll. Which mood would it evoke? Would it capture hometown nostalgia? Perhaps the notion that good things are forthcoming? Four St. Augustinians have joined forces in the name of making wistful music that, while steeped in tradition, is ever progressive.

••• Surfer Music-lover Thrift store enthusiast

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK

TALKING

Love it or hate it, we want to know it. Send our editors your thoughts on this issue or on anything St. Augustine to heather@staugustinesocial.com

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If you’re from the South – like we are – you appreciate a really good biscuit. Let us tell you that @maplestreetbiscuitcompany makes a really good biscuit. : @totallyswellstudio "Dang it! I’m not eating carbs, but if I was, I’d pick this!!! Yum!!"

- @amy_dalley

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"That looks like bliss" - @koastal_fl

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Soooooo good!"

- @1shadeofginger

OVERHEARD ON TWITTER

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"Magnificent St Augustine Lighthouse. I shall climb it.

Dare me? #travel #staugustine" -@CharlesMcCool

"Holy smokes" -@thehappyenthusiast

WE ASKED...YOU COMMENTED Who are the local makers, artists, craftsmen, and designers influencing your home style in St. Augustine?

"Moonshine Wood & Steel – I see their furniture and I'm like, I need new custom furniture."

- Stacey Marks

"Sara Pedigo – artist, her "smalls" made me rethink the impact of art and space."

- Nancy Shaver

"Paper Root Clothing and Classic Blends" - William Keohane

"West to East" - Michelle Pruitt Vijgen

@bethputtick

"Looks like a take-your-workto-outside type of day. Our friend @__drifters__ knows what's up."

-@The_ Kookaburra

"Old Town Timber" - Jeanetta Salyer "Liz Dolan at Design Your Own Home has 100% influenced our home!"

-Justin Dolan

@drlotesblossom

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"It’s such a beautiful day, the birds are tweeting about it and so are we. #staugustine" -@FlaglerCollege

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Details ANDREW VREELAND Publisher

DISTRIBUTION

If you'd like to be considered for our exclusive local distribution route, email Publisher, Andrew Vreeland with information about your storefront or location. We're continually seeking partnerships with local businesses who would like to sell copies of St. Augustine Social. andrew@staugustinesocial.com

HEATHER VREELAND Editorial Director

ZACH JANIK Advertising Manager

MOLLY WILSON

PITCH YOUR STORY

Managing Editor

SANDRA SCHULTZ Graphic Designer

That 's Zach

COVER PHOTOGRAHY BY Leonard Blush

Getting featured in St. Augustine Social is as easy as Sunday morning. We’re looking for the scoop on upcoming events, hometown talent, local food flavors, announcements, top tastemakers, interesting personalities and new products and services available at local businesses. If you have something to share about your business, family or friends, pitch us the story below. Don’t be afraid to give it all you’ve got. We want to hear from you. www.StAugustineSocial.com/editorial

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Don’t miss a single issue of the oldest city’s only magazine celebrating life and style in St. Augustine. For and about St. Johns County residents, St. Augustine Social is the authority on a life well lived on the first coast. Designed to engage active families and the cultured reader, our editorial highlights the stories that residents and visitors truly want to know about our town like weekend guides, hometown talent, local food flavors, home improvement, top tastemakers, interesting personalities and nationwide shopping trends available right in our backyard.

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St. Augustine Social is published six times annually. Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of Occasions Magazine, Inc. is strictly prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in St. Augustine Social, no responsibility can be accepted for the quality of goods and services provided by advertisers or printer’s errors. All advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that advertisers are properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All editorial images not specifically credited to a photographer are courtesy of the respective company and used with their permission.

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If you have an upcoming event that should be listed on our calendar of events in an upcoming print issue or posted on StAugustineSocial. com, you can now upload your event details and photos all by yourself on our website. No more waiting and wondering if our editorial team has received your submission. Post and published within 1 day. www.staugustinesocial.com/events/community/ add

POST A JOB

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BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR

If you have something to say about St. Augustine and need a soapbox to stand on this might be the place for you. We’re seeking contributing bloggers to write articles on a regular basis for StAugustineSocial.com and St. Augustine Social, the magazine. www.StAugustineSocial.com/editorial

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Living PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT St. Augustine Art Association April 22-29

“Plein air” is a French expression that means “in the open air,” and the practice of plein air art encourages artists to work in a purely natural environment. For the second year, the St. Augustine Art Association invites fine artists from across the region to set up their easels and work from dawn to dark in various locations, capturing the beauty of the nation’s oldest city.

The eight-day, city-wide gathering of artists will begin on Sunday with a “Quick Draw” at the Lightner Museum Gardens. The public is invited to meet the artists, watch the paintings come to life, and buy selected works of art right off the easels. There will, as well, be a painting demonstration on Thursday by Roger Bansemer, host of the PBS Series “Painting and Travel.” Finished works will be featured in the juried exhibition “Where Art Meets History” on display May 4-31 at the Association’s main gallery.

Artists interested in participating may register through April 16. The artist application fee of $45 includes an orientation brunch, artist packet, maps, social events, and eligibility for the juried exhibition.

www.staaa.org/pleinair

Inside:

Calendar of Events // Trending // Long Story Short // We Tried It // Getaway

LIVING

Calendar of Events

Photo by Stacey Sather

THINGS TO DO IN ST. AUGUSTINE DURING APRIL AND MAY MUSIC IN THE PARK Anastasia State Park Select Saturdays April-August

Bask in the summer sun (or shade if it’s just a little too warm) and enjoy the musical stylings of some of the city’s favorite artists and bands.

Each event starts with an open mic session at 5pm and the concert at 6pm. Food and drink are available for purchase at the Island Beach Grill. Concerts are free with park admission. A full schedule of concerts is available online. www.friendsofanastasia.org

EASTER SUNDAY PROMENADE Plaza de la Constitución April 1, 12pm

Free to the public, the annual Easter Promenade will feature over-the-top and outlandish costumes and hats. In its 62nd year, the beloved Promenade will celebrate the Easter holiday, St. Augustine history, and the

ST. AUGUSTINE RACE WEEK St. Augustine Yacht Club April 5-8 It’s time once again to celebrate one of the city’s favorite pastimes – sailing. During the 2018 St. Augustine Race Week, Sailors from Savannah to Daytona are scheduled to race offshore in yachts from 24 to 50 feet long. In addition to the multiple sailing events, post and pre-race socials and parties will be hosted at the Yacht Club and along the bayfront. The event is free for spectators.

www.staugustineraceweek.com

RHYTHM & RIBS FESTIVAL

Francis Field April 6-8

What began as a small Barbeque Fest (its original name) has grown each year and attracts music lovers and barbeque aficionados from all over the Southeast and beyond. Now the beloved local festival features well-known headliners, award-winning barbeque, a mechanical bull, and fun for the whole family. Admission to the festival on Friday and Saturday is $10. Admission on Sunday is $5. Children 15 and under are free. www.rhythmandribs.net

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local community. Costume registration begins at noon and prizes for the contest are donated by local businesses. So don your Sunday best and take a stroll through the Plaza. www.oldestcityeaster.org

EASTER PARADE Stars at Mission Nombre de Dios April 1, 3pm

Now in its 59th year, St. Augustine’s Easter Parade is the second oldest Easter parade in the nation. Spectators line the streets to watch the marching bands, floats, drill teams, the Easter Bunny, clowns, the Royal Family, Imperial Stormtroopers, and the city’s carriage horses wearing their Easter hats. Trophies are presented to winners in four categories.

27 Ocean Avenue www.oldestcityeaster.org/easter-parade

READY SET GLOW Ring Power, World Commerce Parkway April 6, 7:45pm

Hosted by and benefitting Mill Creek Elementary School, Wards Creek Elementary School, Pacetti Bay Middle School, and Picolatta Elementary School, this 5K race is one that even the most avid runners will enjoy. The purpose of this event is to increase community involvement and support in student learning, to bring awareness to health & fitness, and to raise needed funds for technology and educational enhancements in the classrooms. www.facebook.com/readysetglowwgv

HANK WILLIAMS, JR. St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 6, 7:30pm

Hank Williams Jr.’s extremely impressive resume has spawned 70 million albums sold worldwide, six platinum albums, 20 gold albums, 13 #1 albums and 10 #1 singles. As a touring artist, Hank was a pioneer in bringing arena rock production values to country music, and he remains one of the most consistent ticket sellers in music, period, as generation after generation gets turned on to one of the most dynamic live performers to ever take the stage. Tickets start at $44. www.staugamphitheatre.com

APRYLE SHOWERS 10K Nocatee Splash Park April 7, 7:30am

Sponsored by the Nocatee Community, the 2nd Annual Apryle Showers 10K benefits the Apryle Shower Foundation, a non-profit organization serving individuals ages 30 to 55 who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Held on an open 6.2-mile route which makes for excellent running conditions, the race is billed as “Florida’s Fastest 10K.” Registration ranges from $35-$50. www.apryleshowers10k.itsyourrace.com

NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY Lewis Auditorium April 7, 7:30pm

Neil Berg’s widely acclaimed 100 Years of Broadway is a musical revue of Broadway’s most celebrated shows features a dazzling cast of four to five Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band. The show recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, and

Jekyll & Hyde. Tickets are $40. www.emmaconcerts.com

BETTY GRIFFIN CENTER RUN FOR PEACE St. Johns County Pier Park April 14, 8am

Wind through the beautiful St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods and along scenic A1A in this gorgeous race for a good cause. Proceeds from this race benefit The Betty Griffin House, the mission of which is to end domestic and sexual violence. The race will begin and end at the St. Augustine Beach Pier and awards will be given to the top three finishers in multiple age groups. www.runforpeace5k.org

FAMILY FARM DAYS Florida Agricultural Museum April 14-15

It’s hand-on learning and lots of active fun for the whole family! Let your little ones watch agricultural demonstrations, look at neat farm equipment, and pet livestock. They can talk with historical interpreters and visit a native encampment all while listening to live music

STYX AND DON FELDER

St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 13, 7pm

The six men comprising STYX have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by averaging over 100 shows a year every year since (yes) 1999, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. They’ll be joined by Don Felder, who is renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time. Tickets start at $39.50.

25 West Castillo Drive • www.rhythmandribs.net

SPUD RUN HHS Community Building April 7, 7:30am

Benefitting the Putnam-St. Johns County Farm Bureau, the annual Spud Run consists of a 10K and 5K course as well as a one mile fun run for kids. Funds for the event will go towards programs and opportunities for agricultural education, such as Future Farmers of America, Farm City Week, and 4-H. Registration is $70 for the half marathon, $35 for the 5K, and free for the Cabbage Crawl Fun Run. www.spudrun.net

April

! o h t r i a h t a Th www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL Catch a show at the concert hall just a short scenic drive up A1A.

and trying delicious food. It’s two days of letting your family explore getting back to the land and seeing how a farm works! Tickets are $5.

Children 3 and under are free. www.floridaagmuseum.org

THE BLACK ANGELS WITH GUEST BLACK LIPS St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 14, 7:30pm

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE WITH GUEST THE BELLE GAME April 1, 7:30pm

TOMMY EMMANUEL WITH GUEST ANTHONY SNAPE April 7, 8pm

AMANDA SHIRES AND HER BAND WITH GUEST CORY BRANAN April 13, 8pm

If you're going to sing something, it might as well be something important," reflects The Black Angels' Alex Maas. That ethos is the pulsing heartbeat of Death Song, the Austin neo-psych rockers' first new album in four years and their most fully realized work to date.

Written well before the vitriolic election cycle and the uncertainty left in its wake, these songs now form an uncanny soundtrack to our modern American climate of division and anxiety. Tickets start at $27. www.staugamphitheatre.com

JUST TRI IT! KIDS TRIATHLON Solomon Calhoun Community Center April 15, 8am

DR. DOG WITH GUEST KYLE CRAFT April 15, 8pm

THE LONE BELLOW April 16, 8pm

TODRICK HALL AMERICAN: THE FORBIDDEN TOUR May 4, 8pm

BAHAMAS

May 14, 8pm

Have your little ones pull on their swimsuits, strap on their running shoes, and grease their bicycle wheels, because it’s time to race! The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting this non-competitive event and giving children ages 5 to 14 the opportunity to participate in an exciting race that involves running, bicycling, and swimming. www.sjcfl.us/Recreation/youth/JustTriIt

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION St. Augustine Beach City Hall April 20, 5:30-7pm

St. Augustine Beach will celebrate Arbor Day with live music, free food, nature exhibits, educational activities for kids and adults, and tons of fun. Smokey the Bear will be on hand for photos and sharing information about the importance of trees and protecting our forests.

Special exhibits include a live bee hive exhibit, a touch tank with live sea creatures, butterflies, baby birds, wildlife exhibits, and representatives from local wildlife preservation organizations. www.sabevents.com/arbor-day-event

BAD JEWS Limelight Theatre April 20-May 13

OH WONDER WITH GUEST ASTRONOMYY May 15, 8pm

CHAD PRATHER “STAR SPANGLED BANTER COMEDY TOUR” May 18, 8pm

AN EVENING WITH DAVID CROSBY & FRIENDS May 27, 7:30pm

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1050 A1A North www.pvconcerthall.com

The night after their grandfather’s funeral, three cousins engage in a verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. In one corner is Daphna Feygenbam, a “Real Jew” who is volatile, selfassured, and unbending. In the other is her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man, who has his shiksa girlfriend, Melody, in tow. Stuck in the middle is Liam’s brother, Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray.

When Liam stakes claim to their grandfather’s Chai necklace, a vicious and hilarious brawl over family, faith, and legacy ensues. www.limelight-theatre.org

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

THE BEACH BOYS St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 15, 7pm

You can capsulize most pop music acts by reciting how many hits they’ve had and how many millions of albums they’ve sold. But these conventional measurements fall short when you’re assessing the impact of The Beach Boys. This band has birthed a torrent of hit singles and sold albums by the tens of millions. But its greater significance lies in the fact that it changed the musical landscape so profoundly that every pop act since has been in its debt. Most recently, The Beach Boys celebrated the 50th anniversary of the hit “Good Vibrations,” which is widely considered one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of rock and roll. The Beach Boys have continued to create and perform with the same bold imagination and style that marked their explosive debut over 50 years ago. Tickets start at $44.

www.staugamphitheatre.com

REGULAR EVENTS

16TH ANNUAL BIRDING AND PHOTO FEST Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve April 18-22

Market at the Pier

Now in its 16th year, Florida's Birding & Photo Fest has gained international acclaim among nature lovers and photography enthusiasts and has grown in attendance each year. More than 100 classes, events, and activities are packed into the five-day festival along with sixteen speakers and numerous programs. There is a one-time $25 registration fee. Each class and program has an additional fee.

www.floridasbirdingandphotofest.com

St. Augustine Beach Pier Every Wednesday Shop and support local vendors every Wednesday at St. Augustine Beach, featuring baked goods, hand-made gifts, jewelry and home décor.

The market hosts anywhere from 60 to 80 vendors each week and is open from 8am to 12:30pm every Wednesday, rain or shine. www.thecivicassociation.org

ng i n n i g Be April

First Friday Art Walk

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vid's a D d a o l n Dow and e r e h w n r a e-b oo k to lee pics like this how to tak ST A in

Downtown St. Augustine First Friday of the Month Kick off the weekend on the first Friday of every month, from 5pm to 9pm, for a tour of the latest exhibits, music and entertainment at more than 20 participating galleries in downtown St. Augustine.

Jump on board one of Ripley’s Red Sightseeing Trains or Old Town Trolleys for a complimentary shuttle service to a majority of the galleries. Shuttles run every 30 minutes for convenience. www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org

Photo by David Long www.davelongphoto.com

2ND ANNUAL VILANO FEST Vilano Beach April 20-21

The celebration of all things Vilano Beach kicks off on Friday with the Sea Turtle Soiree at the Vilano Beach Pier. The party is 1920s-themed and will feature lighted tents of gourmet food and spirits. The Tour of Homes will take place on Saturday, supported by Old Town Trolley transportation, and will explore the eclectic abodes of the beach community. Saturday afternoon will feature a music fest with a number of local favorites. www.vilanofest.com

SHEARWATER 5K ON THE TRAILS Shearwater Kayak Club April 21, 8am

This 5K & Fun Run is Shearwater Community’s way of celebrating healthy living. All proceeds from this event will benefit Timberlin Creek

Elementary School, Switzerland Point Middle School, and Bartram Trail High School. In addition to raising money for these schools, the 5K on the Trails takes place on the weekend of Earth Day. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by stepping outside to enjoy a nature run on these beautiful trails? www.shearwater5k.itsyourrace.com/event

MODEST MOUSE St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 21, 7pm

Modest Mouse formed in Issaquah, Washington and has become, over the past two decades, the indie rock golden standard: One of the few bands capable of achieving massive popularity without sacrificing their longtime fans. Modest Mouse’s latest album, Strangers to Ourselves, debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, and at #1 on the Rock, Alternative, Vinyl, and Internet charts the week it was released. Tickets are $48. www.staugamphitheatre.com www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Old City Farmers Market

St. Augustine Amphitheatre Every Saturday Visit the Old City Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items and plants directly from the producers. There’s even fresh seafood in season. The farmers market is always a lot of fun for the whole family with live entertainment and much more. The Old City Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on A1A South in St. Augustine. 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays, Admission is Free. www.staugustinefm.com

Hosting an Event? Submit all the details to us to be included here and online at StAugustineSocial.com 23

LIVING

For The Kids!

Magical Melodies

St. Johns Golf and Country Club Tuesdays at 10:30am 205 St. Johns Golf Club Drive Palencia Amenity Center Wednesdays at 10:15am 625 Palencia Club Drive Well Women 360 Friday at 10:30am 240 San Marco Avenue Introduce the little ones to learning through the magic of music! magicalmelodies@bellsouth.net

Toddler Story Time

April

FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO

2 2 1 2

St. Johns County Agricultural Center April 21-22

An ever-popular event in Northeast Florida, the Garden Club of St. Augustine’s Flower and Garden Expo will delight gardeners of all ages with growers, nurseries, and artisans from around the state offering shoppers everything they need to get their spring garden in bloom! Enjoy arboretum tours and lectures as well as a wide variety of both native and unusual horticulture.

www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org/flowershow

HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS WITH GUEST RICHARD MARX St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 22, 7pm

Huey Lewis and The News are truly one of America’s great rock and roll bands. As they enter their 39th year together, their contagious brand of music has outlasted countless trends, and is as fresh today as ever. Formed from two rival Bay Area bands in 1979, they continue to thrill audiences worldwide, selling over 20 million albums in the process, earning them the right to mark their place on the pop history map. www.staugamphitheatre.com

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MIRACLE ON THE BAYFRONT GALA The White Room April 25, 6pm

Bring on a little glitz and glamour for a good cause! The 5th annual Miracle on the Bayfront Gala will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and feature a gourmet dinner, cocktails, live and silent auctions, live entertainment from 5 O'Clock Shadow, and a chance to meet some local St. Jude patients and hear their stories. The cocktail reception and silent auction will begin at 6pm, the dinner at 7pm, and the after party on the rooftop at 9:30pm. Tickets are $150. www.stjude.org

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

St. Johns County Public Library, Main Branch Every Thursday, 11am, 11:30am Let your littles explore the library and be captivated by creative storytelling.

Toddler storytime is held in the large meeting room at Main Library. Join Mr. Andy and Mrs. Marcia for singing, dancing and great stories.

Toddler storytime is aimed at children ages 1-3, but all are welcome to come and join in the fun. www.sjcpls.org 1960 N Ponce De Leon Blvd.

Open Gym Time

Ancient City Martial Arts at Palencia Wednesdays 9:15-11:15am Bring your boys and girls for play time and exercise in a safe environment at Ancient City Martial Arts at Palencia.

Obstacles, slides and toys galore! $5 per child.

(904) 806-3128 7440 US Highway 1 North Suite 104

Toddler Jump Time

Rebounderz of Jacksonville Mondays and Tuesdays 9:30-11:30am A special time where Rebounderz opens for only the littles (children ages 5 and under). Not available during summer break. $8 per child. www.rebounderzjacksonville.com 14985 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville

R E L A X AT T H E B E A C H

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LIVING

YANNI 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 27, 7:30pm

Legendary performer and composer Yanni has announced he will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Live at the Acropolis with a world tour. Live at the Acropolis was released in 1994 and is the first ever live album and concert video from the maestro. Recorded at the Herodes Atticus Theatre in Athens with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra from London, the concert took a year and a half to complete. Tickets are $34. www.staugamphitheatre.com

FEEL THE WHEELS St. Augustine Outlets April 28, 10am-3pm

The Junior Service League of St. Augustine proudly presents the sixth annual Feel the Wheels! The festival is a excitement-filled day of hands-on fun that lets kids explore trucks, fire engines, cars, helicopters, boats, and more, and the professionals that run them. Admission is $5 per person, children 2 and under are free.

All funds go to the the tag! Children's Museum underway in St. Augustine. www.facebook.com/FeelTheWheels

the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, whose mission is to help families tackle childhood cancer by providing comprehensive financial, emotional, and practical support. Tickets are $10. www.roscolusa.com

A GATSBY CARNIVAL Lightner Museum April 28, 7-11pm

Volkswagen of St. Augustine is at it again, and if you’ve been to one of their parties, then you know it’s unbelievable. This year, the gala will add a carnival atmosphere to its speakeasy theme, with a circus tent at the entrance.

Hand-crafted cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, dancing, and live entertainment.

Tickets are $55 per person and $100 per couple. www.gatsbyforcharity.com

27TH ANNUAL TOUR DE FORTS CLASSIC St. Augustine High School April 29, 6:30am

Hosted by the North Florida Bicycle Club, the ride begins at St. Augustine High School, where cyclists can choose their route of 25, 37, 56, 70, or 100 miles. The five routes wind through the most scenic parts of the county – the Castillo de San Marcos downtown, Fort Matanzas, and the beaches along A1A. The longer routes ride along the Palatka-to-St-Augustine Trail and the St. Johns River. Registration is $60 per person. www.nfbc.us

RACE TO THE TASTE St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 29, 11am

FAMILY FUN FEST Francis Field April 28, 10am-8pm

A dynamic all day festival with activities for the kids and the kid in you! Live entertainment, a team obstacle challenge, “Be the Hamster” snow cones, jumperamas, face painting, DJ Line Dancing, games, golf activities, fire trucks, car smash, costumed characters, vendors, food trucks and more! The event is hosted by Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine to benefit Alpha-Omega Miracle Home. www.aomh.org/2018-family-fun-fest

ROSCOLUSA SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Nocatee Center Way April 28, 5pm-10pm

A songwriters festival in Ponte Vedra, Roscolusa brings singer/songwriters from Nashville, TN to the warm beaches of Florida for a musical night that you won’t forget. You’ll not only get to hear hit songs, but you also get to hear the stories behind them. In addition to the music, there will be food trucks, a play area for kids, and a teen zone. All proceeds benefit

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Benefitting EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, Race to the Taste is the best way to get your appetite ready for Taste of St. Augustine! The beautiful 5k starts at the Amphitheatre winds through the scenery of Anastasia State Park and back to the Amphitheatre where the delicious food of Taste of St. Augustine will be waiting. Preregistration is $25 and includes two tickets to the event afterward. www.racetothetaste.org

16TH ANNUAL CRUISERS CAR AND TRUCK SHOW Florida School for the Deaf and Blind May 5, 8am-3pm

The St. Augustine Cruisers are hosting their annual auto show – cars, trucks, motorcycles, jeeps, boats, dragsters and any custom driveable vehicles on wheels. There will be live music, food, door prizes, and a raffle throughout the day at the event, as well as 25 awards given out including a Best of Show and Sponsor Award.

The event is free for spectators. Proceeds from the show will benefit St. Augustine Youth Services and the Sertoma Club Toy Drive. www.staugustinecruisers.com/annual-car-show

ROMANZA FESTIVALE HEADLINERS The Festivale is a ten-day celebration of all things historical, cultural, and creative. Here are just a few of the highlights of the events.

CINCO DE MAYO CONCERT Saturday, May 5

Plaza de la Constitucion

Get ready to dance the day away in celebration of Mexican heritage.

Caribeño Tropical and Mariachi Garibaldi will be in the Plaza playing all genres of Latin music. Their energy could put anyone in a dancing mood! So pull up a chair to listen or slip on your dancing shoes to take to the floor.

​

KALEIDOSCOPE OF DANCE Tuesday, May 8, 7:30pm Lewis Auditorium

Performers in this lively show run the gamut from highly professional tap, hip hop and ballroom dancers to skilled, talented students from public and private institutions engaged in the preparation of future professionals, to those equally skilled and talented who dance exclusively to nurture their bodies and souls.

HOT HOT HARMONY! Sunday, May 6, 2:30pm Lewis Auditorium

If you like your tunes with an attitude and a whole lot of fun, this show is a can’t miss double-header featuring two fabulously harmonious groups.

The performers will be Return 2 Zero and Satin Dolls. This toe-tapping performance will be free.

THE PLAYERS DONNA 5K TPC Sawgrass May 5, 8am

Presented to raise money for breast cancer awareness, the race takes participants through The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

www.romanzafestivale.com

LIVING The start line is at the world-famous Island Green at hole 17, and then continues along the cart paths through all the back nine holes, passing the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. A postrace ceremony will take place at The Grove. All participants will receive a grounds ticket to the Players Championship. www.theplayersdonna5k.com/the-players-5k/ participant-info

April

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THE NATIONAL WITH GUEST BIG THIEF St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 5, 8pm

Four years have passed since the release of Trouble Will Find Me, and to the outside world it might have seemed like the members of The National spent that long interim working on everything but new National songs. But never fear, they’ve been in the studio and they’re ready to unleash their new project on the world – with a little help from Big Thief. Tickets start at $41. www.staugamphitheatre.com

THE GIPSY KINGS FEATURING NICOLAS REYES AND TONINO BALIARDO WITH GUEST DOE PAORO St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 6, 7:30pm

Melding deep-heated flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop to the tune of 20 million albums sold, the GRAMMY Award-winning hit-makers behind “Bamboléo” celebrate in their very own, blistering tradition – taking audiences back to the south of France with flamenco guitars and booming Spanish vocals. The Gipsy Kings will raise the roof with dance-ready furor, returning to their groundbreaking eponymous album and celebrating over 25 years of flamenco, salsa, and pop fusion perfection. Tickets start at $41.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com

VANCE JOY

St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 8, 7pm

Vance Joy has an original voice which at first he kept to himself. Feeding on a diet of The Pogues, Paul Kelly, and whatever else was playing, he cut his teeth performing at open mike nights in Melbourne. It is folk music with pop influences. His songs capture the familiar pulse of everyday experiences in a unique and celebratory manner. His lyrics will reach out to you and hold on for a moment. Tickets start at $34. www.staugamphitheatre.com

THE THREE TELLERS: ST. AUGUSTINE SCOUNDRELS Corazon Cinema & Cafe May 9, 12-1pm

Famed for their mastery of Florida, Appalachia, and the South, Wayne and Jane Sims are joined by Margaret Kaler to bring to life the tales of some of St. Augustine’s most notorious scoundrels and outrageous villains (of the dirty, rotten variety). Lunch will be available at the cafe one hour prior to the show. Tickets are $10

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A TASTE OF ST. AUGUSTINE St. Augustine Amphitheatre April 29, 11am-5pm

Get to know the culinary delights of the Ancient City when some of the best restaurants come together for a little friendly competition.

Over 25 participating restaurants will compete for awards like People’s Choice, Best Family, Best Ethnic, Best Upscale, Best Dessert, and Best Beverage. Proceeds benefit EPIC Behavioral Healthcare. Admission is $5 per person and tasting tickets are $1.

www.epicbh.org/taste-of-st-augustine

or $15 for two. www.romanzafestivale.com

AN EVENING WITH JOE BONAMASSA St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 10, 8pm

Joe Bonamassa has been featured on the cover of virtually every guitar magazine multiple times.

His name is notorious among guitarists not only for being a virtuoso, but also for www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

his incredible collection of vintage guitars, gear and memorabilia (which he now calls the Bonaseum). He is one of the biggest names in Blues Rock and one of the world's greatest guitarists.

Tickets start at $87.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com

MASTERWORKS CONCERT Ancient City Baptist Church May 13, 3pm

Join the St. Augustine Community Chorus as they explore and perform classic choral arrangements at their spring Masterworks

The Gift that Gives All Year

$

15 For the Year

GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS BUY ONLINE AT WWW.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM

LIVING

GREAT CHEFS OF ST. AUGUSTINE The River House May 24, 6pm

Decide where your loyalties lie as two culinary teams go head to head to see who takes home the prize – Team Mainland or Team Island. Chefs from multiple restaurants on the Island and the mainland respectively will prepare one course each that creates a full dining experience. And then the judges will decide who reigns supreme. Tickets to the event can be purchased online. Proceeds from Great Chefs benefits Catholic Charities of St. Augustine. www.jacksonvillemag.com

BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL Downtown Palatka May 25-28

May

GAMBLE ROGERS MUSIC FESTIVAL

4-6

Every Memorial Day weekend, Palatka hosts the Blue Crab Festival to honor the US military who died serving our country. The free festival features carnival rides, live music, a seafood cook-off, vendors, arts & crafts, and a fireworks finale. The festival kicks off with a party on Friday with bands performing from 5pm to midnight. A Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday at 11am. www.bluecrabfestival.com

The Colonial Quarter May 4-6

Get together for a weekend of celebrating the legacy of Americana. The Gamble Rogers Festival is dedicated to commemorating the life and music of Gamble Rogers, whose passion for balladry, storytelling, and the oral tradition have shaped American folk music. Featured artists in 2018 will be international greats, Peter Rowan and Verlon Thompson plus Mean Mary, Veronica Jackson, the Starlight Trio, and over 40 more acts.

www.gamblerogersfest.org VIKING 5K Concert. The concert will delve into the chorus’s extensive repertoire and provide a delightful afternoon of musical diversions for a plethora of appreciative listeners. www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org

Lena Franklin, who both work with ways to find a holistic and mindful approach to healing. www.flagler.edu/wov

WOMEN OF VISION - POWER OF THE PURSE

University of St. Augustine May 19, 8am

Flagler College May 17, 10am

The Women of Vision Advisory Board of Flagler College will host its third annual Power of the Purse luncheon, an event that raises funds for scholarships and educational opportunities for deserving female students at the College. The event will include a silent auction of beautiful purses and an inspirational keynote address. The speakers this year will be Meghan Klein Toups and

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5 FOR THE 50 A 5K Run/Walk supporting the 50 million Americans suffering from an autoimmune disease, 5 for the 50 supports both the Lupus Foundation of America and the AARDA. Race director Jimmie was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis at the age of 22, so the former beneficiary is very close to his heart. The race day entry fee is $30. There will be awards for the top three finishers in 15 age categories. www.racesmith.com/races/5forthe50

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Bronson-Mulholland House, Palatka May 26, 8am

The Viking 5K Run is a fun-filled event welcoming runners, health-walkers, families, and anyone who seeks to raise their heart rates and support St. Johns River State College’s athletic programs. All proceeds are deposited by the SJR State Foundation and administered by the SJR State Athletic Association according to the needs of the athletic department and student-athletes. www.racesmith.com/races/Viking5K

More Online!

We’ve taken the flavors in Mellow Mushroom’s kitchen and reinvented them into catering options we know you are going to love.

Choose your favorite Signature Sandwiches, Salads and Sweets by the dozen that are bound to make any occasion more flavorful!

Mention this ad for $25 off $100 on your next catering order.

410 Anastasia Blvd.

ST. AUGUSTINE 904-826-4040 mellowmushroom.com

LIVING TRENDING VENTURES

BUSINESS NEWS THIS MONTH St. Augustine businesses are rebranding, relocating, building, and brewing up some serious new opportunities for our small town. Here's what we know this month...

Smoked. Southern BBQ opened its doors at the Fountain of Youth park. It's the deliciously smoky brainchild of Preserved's Brian Whittington.

11 Magnolia Avenue

GARDEN CLUB OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Fresh blossoms and lush, verdant gardens come to mind with the words “garden club.” Yet the deep roots that the Garden Club of St. Augustine nurtures within our nation’s oldest city continue to grow.

By Lauren Eastman | Photography by Brian Miller

I

f you’ve ever marveled at the garden centerpiece at Flagler Hospital or wondered who keeps the grounds at the Wildflower Clinic, you’ve been touched by the work of the Garden Club of St. Augustine.

Many of the city’s public spaces have been maintained season after season by this group of thoughtful green thumbs. This extraordinary group of men and women enrich our community with a shared appreciation for nature and connecting us to it, quite quietly in fact. If you open your eyes and breathe it in, you may just get a glimpse and scent of what they are up to. With a collaborative, aesthetic eye and a penchant for preserving nature’s most beautiful – yet temporary – gifts, a common interest in horticulture and floral design is behind this club’s mission. In addition, much of its work educates the public on

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the importance of conservation and sharing that beauty with the next generation. “The memory of beautiful flowers lasts forever,” says President Beverly Stuart, who oversees the many outreach programs organized by the 10 separate circles of members – over 250 in total.

They host the heavily-attended Christmas Annual Tour of Homes, which partners with local homeowners to showcase perfect florals in exquisite homes, and the annual GCSA Flower Show and EPIC Spring Garden Fest at the Agriculture Center in April. This year, a partnership with the Lightner Museum supported the Dressing Downton Exhibit with freshly-themed flower arrangements perfectly paired with costumes from the internationally-acclaimed series.

Perhaps the club’s most lasting work is planting seeds for the next generation. Imbuing interest in protecting shared natural resources while educating youth on the important link between pollinators and flowers, the Nature Detectives Annual Summer Program offers programs for children up to 12 in partnership with all St. Johns County Libraries. The series of workshops delves into the science of pollinators, from bees to birds and beyond. If you thought flowers were just for girls, this summer focuses on lizards. Definitely boy approved!

Throughout the year at their headquarters, the club hosts Fun with Flowers workshops with local designers. The best part is creating your own to bring home. And yet there is more – each circle provides grants for schools, nursing homes, assisted living residences, and hospitals. Recently the club’s Las Adelfas Circle worked with the Florida School for The Deaf and Blind (FSDB) to create herb and vegetable gardens by campus kitchens while beautifying grounds. www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Island Prep is set to open a new location on US 1. The ecofriendly school will be able to bring its preschool services to a different side of the city.

150 Blackford Way Well Women 360 has opened in uptown. They aim to provide all-inclusive care for women during pregnancy – facials, massage, chemical peels, and more!

240 San Marco Avenue Swillerbees Craft Donuts and Coffee Bar is stirring up something sweet downtown.

The Flagler Beach staple is opening a much-anticipated second location right here in St. Augustine.

8 Granada Street Magnolia Supply has moved just off the main San Marco drag. Their enviable bohemian style and vintage finds are now just a little more off the beaten path.

4 Rohde Avenue Perky Pelican moved from the hustle and bustle of St. George Street into a new storefront in uptown San Marco. Visit them for Christmas cheer all year round.

41 San Marco Avenue

P R O M OT I O N

SUMMER CAMPS Secure a spot for your child in these coveted local summer camps around town. From archeological adventures to centerstage performances, there are activities of all kinds aimed to keep your kids occupied during the summer time.

Island Prep

Island Prep provides a fun and exciting setting for summer learning including field trips, STEM and science activities, outdoor sports, camp cooking, gardening, and water fun. Our camp program focuses on a new theme each week from treasure hunting, to science and technology. Our outdoor areas are equipped with shade sails and misting fans to keep our students cool during the hot summer days. Available for children ages Kindergarten - 4th grade. Full time, part-time and half day options available. Summer camp is offered at the Island location and the new US 1 South campus.

(904) 547-2996 • www.islandprep.com

Lighthouse Museum

Nation’s Oldest Port® Summer Camps this year are You Are Here!: St. Augustine’s 500-year maritime heritage, May 28th – June 29th and Coastal Community: Middle School Camp (new for 2018) July 9th – July 13th. Get out on the water and in the coastal community of St. Augustine! Discover how people have lived and interacted with the marine environment from the early 1500s to the present. Practice boat building skills, fish from shore and on the water, row and sail locally-made-watercraft, visit archaeologists at a shipwreck site, go on an eco-tour by kayak and more!

(904) 829-0745 • www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Limelight Theatre

Limelight Theatre's KidzfACTory & Teen Club will hold 8 summer camps — from one-week mini-musical and Improv theatre camps, to month-long musical theatre productions. Limelight camps are by age range, and include something for ages 5 to 18! Willy Wonka Kids, Guys & Dolls Jr., and Bring It the Musical are the three fully staged musicals — complete with costumes, stage, set, and music. Go to limelight-theatre.org/kidzfactory for details and registration.

(904) 825-1164 • www.limelight-theatre.org

Summmer Musical Theatre Camp

The Summer Musical TheatreCamp, now in its 24th season, has excelled in its goal of giving students a taste of musical theater by instructing in all aspects of a musical theater production: acting, music and dance. The camp culminates in the creation and performance of complete staged musical theater and theatrical productions before a live audience. This summer over 175 kids ranging from age 5 to 18 will take part in this 2018 summer season. Register your child to reserve their spot on our website.

(904) 501-7396 • www.summermusicaltheatrecamp.com

LIVING

SHELBY SAYS SOW

TOMAYTO, TOMAHTO

By Shelby Stec

Nothing tastes better than a homegrown tomato.

But without proper plant selection, trellising, and pruning, they can be a real hassle to grow. The first step for a successful tomato harvest is to choose if you’d like to grow indeterminate (vining) or determinate (bush) tomatoes. Indeterminate tomatoes produce tastier fruits over a longer season while determinate tomatoes produce a lot of fruit at once.

Their main vine that should be trellised up a support at least 8 feet high. The suckers – cylindrical shoots that grow at a 45 degree angle between the leaves and vine – and the leaves below the first fruit cluster should be pruned to help create larger fruits, allow for airflow, and eliminate pathways for disease.

Determinate tomatoes, on the other hand, grow short, stout plants that do best in cages.

They are easier to grow as they don’t require any pruning or trellising, but they produce fruit over a shorter season. Whichever variety you choose, remember to keep the leaves dry when watering and to fertilize well with compost and worm castings!

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Angela is pictured in front of Push Push Salon and Aldrich Heat Transfer, two of the first local businesses to use solar power.

LONG STORY SHORT

SOLAR UNITED NEIGHBORS OF FLORIDA Director Angela DeMonbreun and her organization are working towards making Florida's future just a little brighter through the use of solar energy.

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

I

f there’s one thing that the Sunshine State has in abundance, it’s...well...sun.

That’s one of the reasons that, in 2016, Solar United Neighbors of Florida formed to help residents harness the power of the sun to generate their own electricity, save money, and build a strong community of solar supporters. Director Angela DeMonbreun has been with the organization since its inception and has made great strides in helping the state get a little brighter. "I have always been involved with community outreach, education, and advocacy," says Angela, "so when I saw the opportunity to share the sunniest news in Florida, I jumped at the chance to lead this amazing state program."

There has been a lot of buzz lately about solar energy and the benefits it can provide to its users, so Solar United Neighbors is there not only to advocate for solar energy-beneficial legislation in Tallahassee but to give information to individuals about resources, what solar can accomplish, and how they can get started on the path to going solar.

The primary way that they accomplish this is by organizing solar co-ops, one of which recently came to St. Johns County. “Our solar co-ops,” says Angela, “are groups of neighbors and community members who come together to go solar on their homes and businesses with the technical support of www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Solar United Neighbors. To date, our solar co-ops have taken more than 2,500 individuals solar.”​53 of those households are St. Johns County residents – collectively saving $225,000 and offsetting 24,856,000 pounds of CO2 over the lifetime of their systems.

Those are pretty big numbers for the local households, a lot of money and energy saved for residents who decided to take the leap. They're pretty high numbers whoever you are and the stats on solar energy in general are just as impressive.

“A solar photovoltaic system (PV) is typically guaranteed for 25 years,” says Angela. “Think of all the electric bill savings over that 25-year period. Along with the resulting electric bill savings, local wealth creation, and public health benefits​by creating clean energy​,​solar creates lots of state and​local solar jobs.”

Even though the St. Johns County solar co-op has since passed, locals are still able to utilize the resources of Solar United and, if enough interest is shown, the organization will bring another solar co-op to the area. So it might just be the time for us to bask in the sun and take a step forward for clean energy. www.solarunitedneighbors.org

Now Building in: Anastasia Dunes St. Augustine Beach Vilano Beach

Sea Colony Marsh Creek South Ponte Vedra Beach

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LIVING

Q&A

ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP Housing in our county is a hot-button issue, so we sat down with Bill Lazar, Executive Director, and Susan Giddens, Rehab Program Manager, to explore the work they're doing and the programs they offer for residents with housing concerns.

Photography by Brian Miller

F

rom rapid resident expansion to recent hurricane devastation, it would be difficult to say that St. Johns County isn't in a housing crisis. Citizens from all walks of life and backgrounds are unable to find or retain afforadable housing and are having to move elsewhere. But the team from the St. Johns Housing Partnership is here to answer the need. They stand alongside residents to assist with buying or renting a home, home repairs, lowering costs, and financial counseling. Their work is focused on affordable housing, wherever the need may be. Executive Director Bill Lazar and Rehab Program Manager Susan Giddens talk assistance, obstacles, and how the hurricanes have affected their work.

Social: Tell us a little bit about what the St. Johns Housing Partnership does.

Bill Lazar: The SJHP has been in business in SJC for 20 years. Our primary activity has always been a home repair service for homeowners with limited incomes who need to address health and safety measures. The majority of homes we work on belong to seniors citizens, many of whom have deferred maintenance issues after the loss of a partner and that other income. Some are also local working families who may have inherited family property and never had enough income after the basic necessities to take care of major maintenance issues.

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e n a ic rr u h to g in l e s n u co to t n From re ! p l e h to re e h e 'r y e th , ry e v reco What are the biggest obstacles to finding affordable housing in St. Johns County? The biggest challenges in St. Johns County are caused by our booming real estate market. The old adage of “a rising tide lifts all boats” has an inverse impact on affordable housing prices. The boom has completely left our workforce out of the new home market.

I’m primarily talking about first responders, teachers, medical staff who earn a decent wage (less than $80,000 annually in household income) but can’t find anything that is close to 30% of their income. The same challenge exists for renters. The two hurricane whammy really hurt our rental supply. We’ve lost some units, and because of the high demand, we’ve seen rents go up over $200 a month since Matthew. That’s a crisis waiting to happen for many of our service sector and young people just starting out. And they are a critical part of our community workforce, so we cannot afford to have them leave town for better opportunities.

Is the work of the SJHP geared mostly toward people who are looking for a home? Are there other services or assistance that you offer? All of our work is geared towards affordable living, obviously at different levels depending on who we’re trying to assist. We’ve expanded in different directions to address unmet needs. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Our counseling program began almost 15 years ago as a credit counseling effort to help local residents understand predatory lending.

That expanded into homebuyer education preparation in the last building boom.

How have the recent hurricanes affected the work that you do? We have over 400 households that have come to us for help, either with just navigating the confusing process between FEMA, insurance, and finding contractors, to those who do not have enough to repair their homes. We have a grant that provides three full-time positions just to help provide “disaster case management” for all the applications. We haven’t added programs, but many of our resources are being redirected by the funders towards storm-damaged homes.

How can people help out and volunteer with your organization? What are your greatest needs? We’ve got volunteers helping us with our construction projects, and we have volunteers helping answer the phones in the office. We’re recruiting volunteers to help write stories about our work (to assist in fundraising efforts). We’re always looking to stretch our resources further. www.sjhp.org

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LIVING LIVING

ROOM FOR IMPROVISATION Walking into Amy's improv class, we weren't sure what to expect.

What we got was more than we bargained for – in the best way possible.

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

WE TRIED IT

I

’ve done theater in one form or another since I was eight years old. I started in classes then moved to the stage and loved every second of it. But improv. Improv had me shaking in my boots. Improv was a whole different beast and I didn’t feel ready. However, from the moment Heather, Brian, and I were greeted by Amy Angelilli of The Adventure Project, I could tell my assumptions about what to expect in an improv class were completely off base. The rest of the students were just normal people, not particularly theatrical, attending the class for a variety of reasons – a new hobby, a change of pace, getting ahead in their job, or getting out of their shell. None of them were planning to join Second City in Chicago but just wanted the everyday benefits that a six-week improv course could give you. And as Amy walked us through what she teaches in the classes, it was clear that benefits were numerous.

“Improv isn’t about being smart, funny, witty,” says Amy. “It’s not about telling jokes.

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Often it’s not even about comedy. It is always about working with your ensemble/team and actively supporting each other by staying in the present, connecting, and accepting the reality that is discovered together.” Each class focuses on themes that bolster this message.

Amy teaches you to say yes – be positive – stay present, make your partner look brilliant, look for connection, allow yourself to be changed, and serve the bigger picture.

These are all big accomplishments that push you beyond the world of improv, but Amy explores them during each class with a series of games. She starts with quick and lighthearted warm-ups that force you to keep your focus and connect with other students. After each warm-up, Amy asked the class to acknowledge, embrace, and examine the moments in which they failed.

After warm-ups, we moved into the more substantial games that centered around the week’s theme (ours was connection). We spent three minutes finding things in common with www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

a partner, four minutes making silent eye contact.

None of the games were complicated, but all were significant and Amy discussed the meaning behind each, their relation to both improv and life.

Improv isn’t all about scene work, crazy jokes, and making people laugh.

Improv is “we before me” – choosing the team, the group, the relationships before yourself. And having some fun while you do it. www.adventure-project.com

STOP right now and go online to see the rest of the photos from our crazy improv antics. You can also read a little more about the experience and about an improv show we attended later in the week!

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LIVING

GETAWAY

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Over the river and through a handy detour to avoid the stop-and-go traffic of Orlando, you'll find a place so sunny (both literally and figuratively) that you won't mind escaping the beach for a change of scenery.

By Heather Vreeland

T

he most amazing discovery that real estate developers and hoteliers can make is that they can partner together to take a seemingly uninspiring piece of property and turn it into something magical.

That’s just what happened here. Located on the outskirts of Disney World, deep in the rolling hills of Central Florida, you’ll find Reunion Resort, a Salamander Hotel Group property.

But don’t let the word “hotel” fool you.

Stretched across 2,600 acres of Kissimmee, this place is more than a hotel for visiting tourists.

It’s a town in and of itself for travelers who want to escape the schedule of everyday but not necessarily the comforts of home.

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The master-planned community brings together condominiums, luxury estates, Key West-style cottages, and the 11-story Reunion Grande at the center of it all. With three golf courses, 5-star restaurants, resort amenities, a waterpark, and a day spa all intertwined between. If it sounds to you a little like Pleasantville, it is. And it’s only a 2 hour drive from St. Augustine.

If you’re asking yourself “why would I escape from this beach town to the middle of Florida?,” let me state my case.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR If you’re anything like me (a family-girl at heart), it’s likely your vacations are always www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

with kids in tow. I’m here to tell you, this a place where you and your family can unwind, disconnect from technology, and do the things that vacations call for – together.

Reunion Resort is just 6 miles from Disney World. I call that close enough to see Mickey and far enough from the madness. But let’s not be #basic and make this trip all about Disney – the waterpark is truly where it’s at.

Just picture a Caribbean island vibe with giant, lush Bismarck palm trees shading the slowly meandering lazy river, a piña colada in your hand, and the sight of your kids playing with new friends. There is a beach-entry pool, cabanas, a 110-foot water slide, yard games, bike rentals, and the most intense splash

playground you have ever seen. Bring the sunscreen, because you’re going to need it with the amount of time you’ll spend here.

favorite home-style entrees like Fettuccine Bolognese, Shrimp Scampi, and Chicken Marsala.

When you’re ready for some alone time, send your kids off to Kids Crew for some peace and quiet. The property provides child care in “summer camp” style where the counselors (some moms call them “angels sent from heaven”) entertain your kids from 10am to 4pm with crafts and coloring projects, games and contests, group story time, and lunch. It’ll be the best $45 you’ve ever spent.

THIS PLACE WAS MADE FOR FAMILY REUNIONS Remember when I mentioned not wanting to leave the comforts of home earlier? That’s because a large portion of the rooms available at Reunion Resort are actually homes and you can rent a whole home with up to 12 bedrooms. The residences are a comfortable mix between estately and cottage-y, and each of the neighborhoods are connected to the rest of the property by winding walking and biking paths, so that you never have to get in your car while you’re here. When the adults want to play, Parents Night Out, the property’s built-in baby-sitting service, will keep the kids occupied with crafts and activities on Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm.

The convenience factor of having a kitchen for all the “in between eating out” meals and a private pool (or nearby neighborhood one) to share makes these rentals a no-brainer meeting spot for when the family wants to come together.

GOLFING GALORE Second to families, they are serious about golf in these parts. Reunion Resort is the only property in the U.S. that has golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson. That means, whatever challenge you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it here. I wouldn’t know because I don’t golf (yet), but I did try my best at Foot Golf, a unique twist on the use of the greens where instead of golf balls, players kick soccer balls into special holes. It’s a fun way for someone who doesn’t partake in the game of golf to at least partake in some sunshine and athleticism on the course.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY SPA Heads up – the Spa at Reunion Resort is not your typical resort-style spa. That doesn’t make it any less relaxing, but it does make it a whole lot cozier. Located inside one of the residences overlooking the golf course, the setting is bed and breakfastesque and very much “boutique.” There are five treatment rooms, three pedicure stations, two nail stations, and a small hair salon to give you an idea of the size. The menu of services range from The Golfer’s Massage and the Hydropeptide Brightening Facial to the Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and the Reunion Signature Escape that combines a 50-minute massage, scalp massage, and body exfoliation. All fancy words to say you will look and feel amazing after this visit.

THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS. Food is at the forefront of what the Salamander team does best. In addition to their top-notch room service, poolside grills, and a lobby sushi-bar, the property is home to two awardwinning restaurants. Eleven, a rooftop oasis of cured meats, artisan cheese, seafood, meats and … all cooked to perfect by the Chef de Cuisine. For a bonus, the restaurant overlooks the rooftop pool, outdoor fireplace, and a remarkable view of the Disney Fireworks.

IF YOU LIKE IT, YOU CAN BUY IT. Quite possibly the biggest selling point of all. Since all of the rooms are actually privately owned, managed, and maintained from the hotel group for you to rent, if you find something you like, you can buy it or something comparable. Keep it for yourself or add it the portfolio of rental properties onsite for the ultimate #incomeproperty win.

I can say without a doubt: this is no basic hotel. It’s like a little city where everyone is in a great mood because they are all on vacation too. And that is a reason worth visiting all on its own. www.reunionresort.com

Five stars for the foo d!

The Forte Grille, a ground-level Italian restaurant, serves your

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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SUBSCRIBE In-the-know locals get their news about old city events, people and food first by subscribing to St. Augustine Social.

You should too.

ST. AUGUSTINE ST. AUGUSTINE THE CITY MAGAZINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE THE CITY MAGAZINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

www.staugustinesocial.com/subscribe

Style History you can wear!

A PIECE OF HISTORY

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

T

here is something romantic to old maps. They were a point of connection for people and revealed the sites that their makers held sacred. They allowed settlers to explore new lands and introduced people to the place that they would then call home. The pure artistry of cartography is somewhat diminished with the rise of GPS, but there are some people keeping it alive any way they can.

Katie Petrinec is the creative talent behind Me-o-Mya, a shop that specializes in historic map keepsakes – particularly of St. Augustine.

From beautiful and delicate necklaces to cuff and charm bracelets to coasters, Katie breathes life into intricate pieces of historic St. Augustine maps. The maps – copied from the Historic Society and the Library of Congress – show familiar landmarks and areas as they were many years ago. It’s a little bit of history that you can hold in your hand.

You can find Katie and her work at the Old City Farmers Market on Saturdays or you can visit her online to browse her inventory or request a custom design.

www.meomya.com

Inside: Trendsetter // Backyard Barbeque // Millennial Pink // Sun Supplies // Our Favorite Spaces

STYLE

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1 - TINTED SUNSCREEN "This is a great option when you want protection but with a little kick." Revision Skincare

Intellishade, available at Facial Rejuvenation Centre

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2 - NAIL POLISH "I find getting a pedicure is the easiest way to relax while catching up on emails!" OPI 'I’m

Not Really A Waitress,' available at Spa Life

3 - PAIN CREAM "I love this because it eases my aches and pains and is easy to throw in my purse." CBD Pain

Cream, available at CBD Supply House

5 TRENDSETTER

VALERIE LEE

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For more than 20 years, the owner and founder of Anastasia Design Group has been creating and crafting beautiful spaces. She's been all over the country spreading her stylish skills. But if you've had the pleasure to meet Valerie, you know that her talent for style doesn't merely extend to home interiors. She's a classic but adventurous fashion maven who only needs a swipe of red lipstick and a pair of yoga pants to take on the world. So pop a bottle of champagne and sit down for a lesson in style.

Lipstick, available at Ulta

5 - HAIR TONIC “Some people say I am addicted to spraying this in my hair because I use it all the time!” Bumble & Bumble Hair

Tonic, available at Hues Hair Salon 6 - CHAMPAGNE “My favorite way to relax around my pool is with a refreshing mimosa!" Korbel,

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available at Publix

7 - YOGA PANTS "They are the most comfortable yoga pants on earth!” Alo Yoga

Pants, available at 8 Limbs Yoga

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Photography by David Steele

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4 - LIPSTICK "I don’t leave home without a good red lipstick! This one is a matte finish that feels great, looks great, and stays on forever – just ask my 10 year old everytime I kiss her!” #203

8 - MOISTURIZER "I have been using this since I was in my early 20’s. It’s a miracle cream and it really works! " Oil of Olay Regenerist Face

Cream, available at Target www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

L E T US I N SP I RE Y O U R S U R O U N DI NG S

Discover our new arrivals!

Interior Design Home Furnishings Lighting Home Accents & Décor Bedding Fabric Window Treatments Rugs Art

904.217.4150 w w w . p ea c e lo v e h o m e. n et

In Store Monday / Friday / Saturday 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 6pm

STYLE

ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS

BACKYARD BARBEQUE

The spring months are the perfect time to host an outdoor soirée – before the summer heat kicks in. All the gear you need is available from these local retailers.

1 - CHAIR The Adirondack chair is the classic way to sit back and enjoy the smells of grilling and the sounds of spring.

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Available at Tropical Rattan

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2 - CAP Declare your dedication to the 904 and keep the sun off your face while you do it!

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Available at Declaration & Co.

3 - BRUSH & TONGS Perfect grilling needs the perfect tools. Made from stainless steel and Ash pakkawood, these should do the trick.

Available at Urban Asado

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4 - WINE GLASS It’s possible to stay elegant outside without worrying about breaking your glassware.

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Available at West to East

5 - SAUCE Every barbeque needs a signature sauce to up the ante on all the grilling. Our favorite pepper should do the trick.

Available from Minorcan Datil Pepper

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6 - TRAY CART It’s never been easier (or more stylish) to serve your guests from the kitchen to the backyard.

Available at A1A Patio

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7 - CANTEEN At 60 ounces, this canteen isn’t playing around. Keep a whole bottle of wine chilled and your guests happy.

Available at Peace Love Home

8 - SPICE BLEND Sometimes your dishes need just a little extra oomph.

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Available from Florida Greek Guy

9 - GRILL No backyard barbeque is complete without a grill that can get the job done.

Available at Coastal Casual

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

STYLE

LIFESTYLE MUST-HAVES

EARTH-FRIENDLY FINDS

Celebrate Earth Day by bringing environmental awareness into your own life and try a few earthconscious products from these local shops.

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1 - GLASSES From wood frames to stabilized seashells, Shwood is pioneering new materials in the industry.

Available at Nettles Fine Jewelry

2 - SANDALS Birkenstock has been setting environmental standards worldwide for years. And their shoes will last you a lifetime.

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Available at Kind Walking

3 - GROCERY BAG Ditch the plastics and rely instead on this eco-conscious and adorable woven grocery bag.

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Available at West to East

4 - AIR FRESHENER Give your car a delightful scent with an air freshener of pressed paper and essential oils.

Available at Market Street Boutique 5 - BABY DRESS This line of kids’ clothing is made entirely on 100% organic cotton and in the US, from fabric to the final stitch.

Available at Goldfinch Boutique

6 - WINE Made from sustainably-grown grapes, this wine’s packaging has half the carbon footprint of a glass bottle.

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Available at the Diane's Natural Market

7 - CLEANSER Mother Nature is the maker of this aloe-infused charcoal cleanser.

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Available from Soluna Beauty

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8 - SOAP This small-batch, handmade soap is scented with healing essential oils. Bathtime has never been so relaxing!

Available from Nurturepelli Handmade Soaps

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

(sale is on in-stock jewelry only)

1811 US 1 SOUTH, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32084 (904) 824-5145 www.nettlesfinejewelry.com facebook.com/nettlesfinejewelry

êêêêê

Uptown Casual Dining

“Made a reservation for Mothers Day lunch and arrived on time and was immediately seated in an atrium type dining area. Very cozy and comfortable. Great service, excellent food, great ambiance and a lovely lunch.

Dessert was outstanding and I was totally impressed with this restaurant.”

An OpenTable Review

R emarkable P lace for R emarkable D ining Courtyard & Indoor Dining Sunday Brunch n Dinner Full Bar n Free Parking Available

102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, Fl 32084 n (904) 824-7211 n RaintreeRestaurant.com

STYLE

COLOR CUE

MILLENNIAL PINK Somehow nearly a whole generation fell in love with one color.

But we're kind of digging this pink obsession and you can certainly find it anywhere.

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1 - TEETHER This adorable teething ring is totally baby-safe and very durable. Not to mention, pretty darn cute.

Available from Boca Bebe

2 - TUMBLER All you need is a quick swipe of millennial pink to make any beverage a little more elegant.

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Available from Lauren Ytterbom

3 - SHAMPOO Keep your light-colored hair bright and shiny with an Angel Wash just for blondes.

Available at Philosophie Salon

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4 - CANDLE Made right here in the city, these classic pillar candles come in a variety of shades.

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Available at Southern Lights

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5 - BAG This is just the shade that you can incorporate into any outfit and just the bag that you’ll want with you everywhere.

Available from Yield Design

6 - EARRINGS The shape is a little edgy, but the hue is oh-so-feminine.

Available at Blue Water Jewelers 7 - FRENCH PRESS Start your day out stylishly with a French Press that you’ll want to put on display.

Available at Obscura

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8 -SOAP Make bath time a little sweeter with the “Sweet Thang” soap that’s almost too pretty to use.

Available at Antoinette's Bathhouse 9 - GLASSES Who said a pair of reading glasses can’t make your whole outfit? Not us.

Available at dHd Home

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Classical Classical to to Contemporary Contemporary Museum Quality Art at Affordable Prices Museum Quality Art at Affordable Prices

Antiquities Antiquities to to Contemporary Contemporary Fine Art Fine Art from Around from Around the World the World

NEW EXHIBIT NOW OPEN!

USS Constitution, 1910, Oil on Canvas USS Constitution, 1910, Oil on Canvas

SUMMER Camille Pissarro, Danish-French, (1830-1903) Camille Pissarro, Danish-French, Watercolor on Paper (1830-1903) Watercolor on Paper

Irene Salley, French-American, Oil on Linen Irene Salley, French-American, Oil on Linen

FULL DAY, G WEEK LON

Lost Art Gallery Lost ArtGeorge GalleryStreet (South) 210 St. 210 St. GeorgeFL Street (South) St. Augustine, 32084 St. Augustine, FL 32084 904.827.9800 904.827.9800 fineart@lostartgallery.com fineart@lostartgallery.com

www.lostartgallery.com | artnet.lostartgallery.net www.lostartgallery.com | artnet.lostartgallery.net Southern Living magazine Editors Choice Southern Living magazine Choice “Hidden Treasure” of St.Editors Augustine!

“Hidden Treasure” of St. Augustine!

ENJOY OUR NEW AND IMPROVED FULL-DAY CAMP SCHEDULE! Artisan Blown Glass Decor Artisan Blown Glass Decor

Lorraine Millspaugh, Acrylic on Canvas Lorraine Millspaugh, Acrylic on Canvas

Blown Glass Jellyfish Chandelier Blown Glass Other Colors Available Jellyfish Chandelier Other Colors Available

ALL CAMPS include zoo tours, hands-on animal presentations, shows, crafts, games, themed activities and FUN, FUN, FUN!

2000 year old Roman Glass Jewelry 2000 year old Roman Glass Jewelry

One-of-a-Kind Glass Sea Float, ShellGlass and One-of-a-Kind Crystal Sculptures Sea Float, Shell and Crystal Sculptures Custom Designed Stained Glass Art Custom Designed Stained Glass Art

Treasures Inspired by the Sea Treasures Inspired by the Sea Specializing in original paintings, sculpture, glass art, specialty jewelry, Specializing in original paintings, sculpture, glassstunning art, specialty jewelry, unique men’s gifts, nautical finds and other treasures. unique men’s gifts, nautical finds and other stunning treasures.

210 St. George Street, C-2 (South of the Plaza off King St.) 210 St. George Street, C-2 (South of the Plaza off King St.) info@seaspiritsgallery.com • seaspiritsgallery.com 904.679.3811 info@seaspiritsgallery.com • seaspiritsgallery.com 904.679.3811

$225 mem bers $250 non -members

• See webs ite for camp sched ule •

STYLE

BEAUTY BUYS

SUN SUPPLIES Even before summmer starts, that spring sunshine can be a little harsh. Protect yourself before the rays and heal after the heat.

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1 - DRY SUNSCREEN Nourish, protect and soothe your skin with an SPF 30 sunscreen with a slight tint.

Available at Facial Rejuvenation Centre

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2 - BODY OIL Diminish the look of sun damage and improve your skin’s texture with this body oil.

Available at Fountain of Youth Spa

3 - ESSENTIAL OIL Apply lavender oil after sitting in the sun to reduce redness and the sting of burns.

Available at City Wellness

4 - LIP BALM Your lips need just as much care as the rest of your body! Protect them from the sun with a little balm.

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Available at Debbie's Day Spa

5 - MASQUE After a day in the sun when your skin is parched, you’ll be ready for some intense hydration.

Available at Poseidon Spa

6 - MOISTURIZER It’s protection, moisture, and coverage all in one! The SPF 20 will block the sun’s rays and the tint will keep you smooth.

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Available at The Rosy Cheek

7 - AFTER SUN SPRAY If the sun hits you a little hard, start the healing with a spray of aloe, witch hazel, green tea, and essential oils.

Available at Cambium Surf Shop

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8 - MINERALS These sun defense minerals can protect with SPF 30 and provide a little post-sun care.

Available at Spa Life

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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G N NO R O W LL IN E PHOTO: ANGEL GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

CLASS GROUPS FOR TODDLERS – SIXTH GRADE Give your child a private montessori foundation rooted in independence and hands-on learning in an inviting, natural setting where children grow.

MoultrieMontessori.com | 904.826.0216 37 S. Dixie Hwy, Saint Augustine, FL 32084

STYLE

A City Original Brought to Life HOME STYLE

This Davis Shores gem was once a diamond in the rough, but Jason Hawk and Marla Christon turned it into paradise.

By Shannon O'Neil | Photography by Leonard Blush

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I

t was the summer of 2012 and Jason Hawk was cruising the winding roads of Davis Shores in search of paradise.

He and his wife, Marla Christon, had just moved to St. Augustine and were staying with Marla’s parents in Crescent Beach while trying to find a new home that met their criteria. “I wanted something move-in ready and he wanted a pool,” says Marla. “The only thing we really agreed on was the style of house we wanted – a Mediterranean revival.”

The couple was surprised to find that unlike South Florida, which is filled with the Spanish revival-style influences made popular by famous architects like Addison Mizner, St. Augustine’s residential communities held few traces of the red tile roofs and stucco exteriors that they had in mind. But on that one fateful drive through Davis Shores, Jason spotted an empty rental bungalow that was about to go on the market.

“I looked in the windows and instantly I knew this was it,” says Jason.

He brought Marla to see the house the next day, and though it didn’t have a pool and was far from move-in ready, the couple agreed it was the perfect place to raise their family.

They bought it four days later and embarked

on a ten-month renovation project, during which time Jason and Marla discovered that their dream home-in-the-making had an interesting backstory.

In 1925, famed Florida real estate magnate D.P. Davis chose Anastasia Island as the location for his third major development – a planned residential community with a golf course, casino, and yacht club. Despite amassing $50 million in sales, the collapsing Florida real estate economy and D.P.’s untimely death kept the Davis Shores development from ever coming to fruition.

Only 12 residences were built, and ten remain still, including Jason and Marla’s house.

“Jason had a vision right from the start,” says Marla. “We knew we wanted to stay true to the house.”

Keeping the character of an older home while also making it comfortable for a family of three is no small task, but Jason and Marla managed to bridge the gap with beautiful results. The dark-stained oak planks spanning both the floor and cathedral ceilings of the great room were refinished, along with the tapered stucco fireplace. A new chef’s kitchen with stainless appliances, a copper farmhouse sink, and www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Details Residents: Jason, Marla, and Jarrett Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 home offices, a pool and outdoor entertaining space, and a game room Size: 3,500 square feet Year built: 1925

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STYLE

granite-topped island was outfitted between the formal living area and new den.

Just off the great room, three small bedrooms were paired down to two, one for the couple’s five-year-old son, Jarret, and one master suite with a new bathroom, soaking tub and walk-in closet for Jason and Marla. To make up for the lost bedroom, they decided to convert one of the three garage bays off the den into a spacious guest suite that would also double as Marla’s home office.

unwelcome visitor named Matthew arrived in October 2016.

“Jason had a vision right from the start,” says Marla. “We knew we wanted to stay true to the house.”

On Mother’s Day 2013, Jason, Marla, and Jarret moved into their little slice of paradise. Though there were a few things they would’ve done differently and a few items still on the wishlist (like Jason’s dream pool) the family was happy with their new home – right up until an

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Before Jason and Marla even returned home from evacuation, their next-door neighbors and close friends, Brian and Rachael Hanson, were already in action.

The Hansons, owners of West to East Builders, helped their friends launch a second renovation project on their dream home. Brian not only restored Jason and Marla’s house to its original state but helped the couple complete a few new projects including a game room, second guest room and office, an outdoor kitchen, and (finally) a gorgeous pool with a built-in waterfall.

Inside, Rachael, an interior designer and proprietor of the West to East boutique, www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

In each detail, Marla and Jason tried to stay true to the heritage of their historic home.

In the great room, your eyes are immediately drawn upward to the goregous beams then guided through the space by pops of classic Spanish red.

A Medite rranean masterpiece!

STYLE STYLE

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Metallic accents kee p things modern!

Marla and Jason expanded the master bedroom and created a room anyone would dream of coming home to. Though much of the decor is metallic and modern, details like wooden accents and small chandeliers keep everything classic.

A roo m perfect for bedtime, study time, play time www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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STYLE

The backyard is an absolute oasis of neighborhood living. Plenty of seating and space for entertaining (like a built-in bar and grill), a gentle waterfall, and plush greenery allow for many an evening spent lounging and relaxing.

helped Marla furnish the house with pieces “For me, I start to feel it as soon as I come over that matched its Mediterranean the Bridge of Lions,” Jason says. feel. A careful balance of neutral “My blood pressure just drops.” tones and dark wood grains kept the house light and airy, while With Marla and Jarret at his side, “For me, I still intoning a bit of the romance Jason flips on his favorite feature of inherent to Spanish Colonial style. the backyard remodel. An enormous start to feel piece of coquina, salvaged from a it as soon as Brian also helped Jason and Marla nursery in Jacksonville, now sits I come over match the original style of their beside the pool where it’s been the Bridge home with a few special touches repurposed as a gas fire pit, perfect of Lions,” like the cypress plank accent wall for cool spring nights. in the game room and the handJason says. painted terracotta tiles in the “We finally feel at home,” says “My blood courtyard.

Marla. “We love the neighborhood, pressure just love the city, and even after dealing drops.”

Six years (and two hurricanes) after with a couple of hurricanes, leaving he first peered in the windows, this place was never even a thought.

Jason now sits outside beneath a We’re here for the long haul.” string of lights, with a beer in hand, glad to be home after a long week of business travel.

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The entire gallery of images from this photoshoot online

Accidents • Collisions

1030 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.

St. Augustine, FL 32084 • 904.824.9402

cananlaw.com

FEATURE

Our Favorite Spaces From the first issue we published more than three years ago, we've gotten to feature some of the most stylish spaces in St. Augustine. So as a celebration of the diverse beauty of our city's homes, we've rounded up just a few of our favorite rooms.

Photography by Leonard Blush and Rob Futrell

LIVING ROOM

The Anderson and Peters Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Unparalleled city views and serious style This room is a throwback to one of our very first issues and it ages like a fine wine. The perfectly curated and exquisitely elegant details are only made more beautiful by the stunning downtown skyline and Lions Bridge visible out the windows. The condo is in The Lyons Building, which used to be a part of the original Casa Monica Hotel back in the late 1800s and owners Bill Anderson and Jerry Peters have made sure that it has kept all of its old world charm.

Simply chic!

KITCHEN The Clingan-Darack Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Quality use of space.

The best kitchens aren't necessarily the biggest.

Now to be completely candid, we’re the type of people that could spend practically a whole day just looking at kitchen inspiration without shame. But too often the kitchens found on glossy magazine pages are just unattainable for mere mortals. They’re huge and intimidating, with fancy gadgets and huge budgets. Though these are definitely fun to look at, they’re pretty impractical for any real redecoration planning. So when we come across a kitchen that achieves a highstyle, striking look using a small space, we’re ready to swoon. Joe and Laurie have one of those kitchens. The high ceilings and the overall bright white palette give the illusion of far more space, and they’ve focused on getting rid of clutter on the countertops and using the height of the room to their advantage. It all works together to not only create a gorgeous room, but use the space that they do have with purpose. Their house is only 1700 sq. ft. but the kitchen never feels cramped and has plenty of storage. Curating a kitchen such as this one takes a little planning, but it has a huge pay off. This is a kitchen that the family will congregate in.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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STYLE

MASTER BEDROOM The Holloway Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Minimalism and midcentury modern, masterfully combined Simplicity in a home is a hard thing to achieve, but sometimes it’s the most lovely. That’s why there’s been a recent movement toward home decor minimalism – a movement that Jason and Leah have mastered. Though the style and the sophistication of the room is impressive and the use of color and mid-century furniture is divine, the most striking thing about it is that – despite little decor – the owners’ imprint is on everything. It doesn’t take much to make a room truly and uniquely you.

DINING ROOM The Dumas Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Goodbye, formal dining room. Hello, dining rooms that actually get used.

When I was growing up, my grandmother’s dining room was used on two occasions – Thanksgiving and Christmas. Otherwise, it was a room we grandchildren didn’t enter and was mostly closed off from the rest of the house. It used to be fairly standard to have a room in the house that so rarely got used, but those days are gone. These days, we want the most of our space and this pretty informal dining room is the perfect example.

Situated between the living room and the kitchen, this dining room is completely open and welcoming. Sure it’s beautiful and stylish enough to be center stage for holidays, but it can also be a place where kids do their homework when mom or dad is cooking.

It can be breakfast or dinner together or even just a place of rest. Really it’s a point of connection in what otherwise might be a difficult space to negotiate. Far from falling into disuse, this is a space that is the meeting point of a home.

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

PORCH The Springfield Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Swing to the feeling of summer camp.

Perfect rainy day spot

Let me just preface this paragraph by saying that I have strong feelings about porches.

Having grown up in the South, I know the important role that a porch plays in the dynamic of a home. As for Patty and Jim’s porch...well, porches hardly get better.

Overlooking their lush, wooded backyard, the screened porch acts as a serene escape and is an ideal place to listen to rain during summer storms or enjoy a book disturbed only by a fall chill. It’s no surprise that Patty and Jim spend ample time in this place relaxing on the swinging bench that Jim constructed. We would too. Natural wood that practically blends into the wilderness around it, high ceilings, and twinkling string lights give the space a quietly romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for entertaining.

And when you’re not entertaining, the soft light and buzzing of the surrounding woodland harkens back to days of summer camp, bringing with it the authentically nostalgic. Honestly, with a porch like this, you hardly need a house to go with it.

LAUNDRY ROOM The Benjamin Residence WHY WE LOVE IT No detail was overlooked in this house, not even the laundry room.

Laundry rooms don’t typically make it to the top of the home decor list. Usually they’re a place where you toss things, a room you only spend time in when you have to. Not so in Phil and Christina’s home. With mason jars dispensing detergent and fabric softener and adorable vintage signs, every inch of this home – even down to the rooms guests will never see – has been carefully thought out and curated. It almost makes you want to do a load of laundry. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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STYLE

MASTER BATH The Herrick and Herzog Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Spa-like serenity, marsh-adjacent Okay, where do we even start with this bathroom? We could start on the intricatelytiled and exquisitely-colored floors. Or we could start with the elegant shape of a tub that would make you feel like royalty – which just happens to be situated under a chandelier.

Or we could cover the sleek shower with even more beautiful tile. But if you start any of those places, you haven’t even covered the uninterrupted view of the marsh. With just enough comfortable details, like plush towels and natural sponges, you could be in a hotel spa. It’s a masterful marriage of classic elements, modern design, and colorful playfulness. It’s the kind of room that just makes a house. Excuse us while we just live in this bathroom.

PROPERTY The Sabato Residence WHY WE LOVE IT Bringing the family together – not necessarily under one roof but on one lot.

The simple, yet elegant and functional abode of George and Lori grew from a tiny seed of thought that George had sat on for a couple of decades. He’s a true family man and had always dreamed of living with his extended family on the same property – now he and his wife kind of do. Their garage suite sits next to their daughter’s family’s home. But don’t get us wrong, this isn’t your run-ofthe-mill in-law suite. It’s large and spacious, with an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, and a large covered porch.

Using the space already on their daughter’s land has not only allowed utilization of an otherwise unused space, but the family now has the ability to spend as much time together as they like.

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

OFFICE The Foley Residence WHY WE LOVE IT A lifetime of collections displayed for everyday appreciation.

The decoration of home offices is important. In a place where it might be easy to get distracted, they have to be inspiring. They have to encourage productivity but at the same time instill creative energy. They have to suit you, so you can work comfortably and feel at home.

John has that difficult balance down perfectly, but that’s not all. Even to the mere passerby, his home office is pretty darn impressive. The walls around him display only a fraction of the sports memorabilia that he has been collecting his whole life. He has signed baseballs, basketballs, football, and boxing gloves. He has figurines, cards, hats of his favorite players and of the sporting greats. Not only is this a room where you can be spurred on by the exhilaration of the victory that the pieces represent, but it’s a space that is truly and uniquely John’s. Home offices should make you productive and inspire you. If being surrounded by the success of your life’s passion isn’t inspirational, we’re not sure what is.

! m a e r d 's r o t c e ll o c A VIEW The Cooper Residence WHY WE LOVE IT 180 degrees of cool, blue ocean views.

Just look at the photograph and this hardly needs an explanation. Brad and Robin’s home sits on the St. Augustine Inlet and has probably one of the best views that a home could hope for. Gaze out over the pristine water to see just a sliver of sandy beaches, tropical trees, and a peninsula of houses. The view is unobstructed and breathtaking. So rest in the cool water of the backyard pool and take a look at paradise. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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Locals MEET

ROB MCGEE

By Molly Wilson | Photography by David Steele

T

o anyone in the real estate industry, Rob McGee is a familiar face. Certainly, he’s the kind of man that anyone wouldn’t soon forget – charismatic, outgoing, and always the life of the party– but it’s more than just his general charm that keeps Rob in the minds of agents across the city. Whenever he stops by an office, Rob brings cookies.

Rob McGee has been running Olde Towne Title since 2007, but his cookie distribution goes back to 2001 when he first started work in the title business. He needed a way to get in the door of real estate offices and to be remembered by a group of people who are constantly busy, and bringing fresh-baked cookies got him on a lot of people’s radars.

Flash forward to 2018 and Rob makes around 350 cookies every week (which, if you do the math, means Rob has made around 180,000 cookies for Olde Towne Title). “A good chocolate chip cookie,” says Rob, “is what makes the world go around. Bring in the treat and a smile and people are more inclined to have a little time for you in their day.

Bring a half gallon of milk along with it and you’re friends for life.”

Even though they’re instrumental in helping people buy their houses, the title business can often come down to a lot of paperwork and legalities. Rob has found a way to bring a creative twist to his industry, stand out, and spread a little joy.

Recently, Olde Towne Title Group has partnered with Dave Wierzbicki, Treasure Coast Title & Settlement of Vero, and The Power of Edge to be able to expand their professional reach across the state. But don’t worry- Rob’s cookies aren’t going anywhere. www.oldetownetitle.net

Fresh-baked coo kies served wit h a smile!

Inside: Rising Star // Family Favorites // How I Got Here // Line of Duty // Home Experts

A D V E R TO R I A L

LOCALS

PROMOTION

FOXTROT CREATIVE STUDIO Print & Graphic Design

Husband and wife team Grant and Madison Paxton are living out their dreams while helping small businesses fulfill theirs.

By Shannon O'Neil | Photography by Brian Miller

S

t. Augustine often has a way of becoming less of a geographical place and more of a spiritual calling. For Grant and Madison Paxton, that calling began five years ago when they decided to get married in the Ancient City. After visiting Madison’s grandparents in St. Augustine, the couple knew it was the perfect spot for their wedding.

It wasn’t long after the newlyweds returned to Pennsylvania that they realized their dreams about a sleepy beach town in Florida weren’t limited to just a wedding. Two years later, in 2015, Grant and Madison packed up and moved south, launching not only their new lives by the ocean, but a brand new business venture as well.

“If you had told me years ago that I’d someday be living in Florida, running a print shop, I would’ve called you crazy,” says Grant. “But now it just feels like this is what was meant for us. Plus, this city has open arms for creativity.”

The decision to open Foxtrot Creative Studio, a design and print shop with a wide range of services for businesses of all sizes, was a natural fit for the Paxtons. Madison’s background in design combined with Grant’s experience in sales gave them a blended set of skills that was perfectly suited to fit their new business. Originally launched in a small storefront on Anastasia Island, the couple quickly outgrew their first space and relocated to a larger shop on the mainland. The new, two-story location features a pair of massive, state-of- the-art digital printers that share space with a relic worthy of St. Augustine’s ancient

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roots.

Tucked in the back corner of the studio is an original 1894 Chandler & Price letterpress, still in working order. With each pump of the foot pedal, the press rolls ink onto a custom designed plate that is then pressed onto an individual card, coaster or other material, one color at a time, and one piece at a time. This methodical, original form of traditional printmaking still produces a crisp, beautiful piece of artwork.

Grant and Madison’s talents and expertise have led to a rapid growth in clients both small and large. From Old City Brew and Crescent Beach Construction to the Black Molly Grill and the Guantana Tolomato Research Reserve, Foxtrot has provided logo designs, brochures, invitations, tickets, business cards, envelopes and more. Each piece is tailored to meet each customer’s needs. Because they do almost all of their printing in-house, they can turn around projects of all sizes in a short amount of time.

“What I’ve enjoyed the most is getting to know some of the amazing small businesses in St. Augustine,” says Madison. “I especially like being involved with new businesses that are just starting out and getting to be a part of that process from the beginning.” www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Although their specialty is print, Foxtrot also offers affordable, custom website and eCommerce solutions with built-in content management systems. Keeping everything under one roof, with one team, keeps branding consistent across all platforms.

“What I love about the businesses in this town is how everyone has found their own perfect little niche,” says Grant. “There’s cold brew coffee makers and surfboard builders and they’re all doing something they love. We feel very blessed to be a part of that.”

205 Waler Way www.foxtrotcreativestudio.com

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LOCALS different. From a very early age, Daniel knew he was gay. But being a young, gay black man is not so typical and as a consequence, he was bullied within his own community. He learned to bottle up his emotions and feelings, and instead became an actor of sorts. A straight actor. He worked very hard to blend in.

One day, while riding his bike around, a neighbor invited him in for some free food.

“No middle school kid is ever gonna turn down free food!” he said with a laugh. So he went.

The neighbor was hosting some members of the local Democratic Party chapter to make phone calls in support of President Obama’s second presidential campaign. Daniel showed an interest in their activities and soon the members had him making phone calls, encouraging people to vote. He was an instant hit. “I just read from a script and since I love to act, I felt like I was just on another stage.”

From that day on, Daniel stopped by the party office every day after school, finished his homework, then picked up the phone.

Facing the occasional racial slur during his phone calls, he learned quickly that there are many other types of prejudice, judgment, and oppression in the world.

But he also learned how much work goes into a campaign. By 2016, Daniel had a new goal: become a delegate for Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign. Daniel started a Go Fund Me page, raised enough money for the trip to Philadelphia, and became the second youngest delegate from the state of Florida at the Democratic National Convention. The time spent in Philadelphia was another cog in his wheel of activism, and Daniel recognized a true passion in his life.

RISING STAR

DANIEL CARTER Whether it's making phone calls for specific organizations, working with kids in an afterschool program, or standing up for the downtrodden and oppressed, a common thread for Daniel Carter is activism.

By Lynette Snell | Photography by David Steele

D

aniel Carter is a 21-year-old St. Augustine native. A 2015 St. Augustine High School graduate, Daniel has spent most of his life preparing for a future in activism, but it wasn’t until he was

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“I think of myself as a success story instead of a statistic. I was presented with opportunities and I chose to take advantage of them instead of other alternatives.”

13 years old that he was able to put a name to a burgeoning passion.

Daniel was raised along with his older siblings by his father and stepmother in what he calls a typical African-American “God-fearing” community. Daniel spent a lot of time outside, riding his bike, just being a normal kid. Except Daniel knew he was www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Daniel declines to identify himself with a specific political party. He simply prefers to represent “his people.” When I asked for clarification of that statement, he instantly replied, “Anyone who is unloved, anyone who is oppressed or bullied, and anyone who needs someone, anyone to stand up for them and be their advocate.” Daniel’s agenda definitely crosses all lines.

Currently enrolled at St. John’s River State College, Daniel plans to finish his Associates Degree then transfer to FAMU to study sociology. He loves working with children, and while he does not want to be a teacher, he does want to be their voice, their advocate, and mostly, show them they are not alone.

Daniel recently announced via Facebook that he was gay. The relief, for Daniel, was palpable. “A stone that had been pressing down on me my entire life was finally lifted.

And I felt free! I want to help others know that freedom.” With a philosophy like that, Daniel’s star could illuminate a new generation of rising stars.

Get “Pre Approved” … Then go find the home of your dreams!

LOCALS

ADVOCATE

WOMEN OF VISION To shape and empower lives takes vision and resolve – two attributes abundantly shared

by Dr. Beverly Carmichael and Robin Cooper.

By Alexter Albury | Photography by Brian Miller

W

alking through the stunning historic downtown of St. Augustine, passersby will usually find students of Flagler College busily making their way to campus or a taking well-deserved break from studies under the shade of a tree on the green. But as these promising youth laugh in the warm sun and rush off to class, there are a select few amongst them who have been singled out for a gift that will allow them to more easily live out their dreams and impact the world.

The Women of Vision Fund of Flagler College is the giver of these gifts.

Led by Dr. Beverly Carmichael and Robin Cooper, The Women of Vision Fund provides scholarships and educational opportunities for exceptional female students at Flagler College.

The fund uses the strength of local women to celebrate and encourage the success of their young beneficiaries.

As the board liaison, Beverly has both a personal tie to the scholarship as well as the college that operates it. An alumna of Flagler, Beverly greatly appreciates her role in catapulting new generations into the society that awaits their unique gifts and talents. “I’m a graduate of the 1972 first class of Flagler College,” says Beverly. After graduating

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Mark your calendar for Power of the Purse on May 17!

along with a class of thirty-two students, Beverly was asked to stay on as a Resident Supervisor of the Dormitory and later as the Assistant Dean of Students. After leaving Flagler College, Beverly continued her education to attain her Master’s and Doctorate Degrees and moved to Wisconsin to raise a family with her husband.

In 2013, Beverly returned to her Alma Mater as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The work she accomplished in this position inspired the birth of the scholarship, “In advancement work, my responsibilities include fundraising, development, and alumni. One of the priorities is to expand our donor and friend base of Flagler College. That’s what gave me the idea to start The Women of Vision Fund. That was the spark!”

founding of The Women of Vision Fund.

"We truly couldn’t have accomplished our goal each year in Women of Vision without the service, leadership, support, and vision of the women who serve on the advisory board."

It was then that Beverly met with Robin Cooper, an active member of the community already giving her time and resources to charitable work. Robin – who is now the board's chair – was quite interested in the idea and was more than happy to join Beverly in the great endeavor. Their meeting was the www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

It takes a great deal of work and proceeds to keep The Women of Vision Fund growing and moving forward successfully. The fund's most substantial support comes from an annual event called Power of the Purse. Power of the Purse is an event that hosts over three-hundred and fifty guests. Each year of the event’s three-year history has seen it quickly sold out. Attendees of the luncheon are seated at tables where purses of many styles and designs are placed for a silent auction. Along with the funds that are garnered by the silent auction for the purses are those received by purchases of art pieces and beautiful orchids.

“We truly couldn’t have accomplished our goal each year in Women of Vision," Beverly shares warmly, "without the service, leadership, support, and vision of the women who serve on the advisory board. Working together we have been able to furnish scholarships for deserving and needy students.” www.flagler.edu/wov

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Featuring

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FAMILY FAVORITES

THE APPLEBYS Whether splashing in the waves or hitting the gym, this family of four knows how to make the most of their lives in the city that they love.

Photography by Dawn Wallace

Meet the Appleby family. After having lived in St. Augustine for eight years, they've pretty much got the lifestyle down. Daily routines include the beach, downtown, popsicles, coffee, and more beach (their home on the Island allows perfect access to the ocean and all oceanside activities). As the owner and head coach of The Academy Strength and Conditioning, you'll often find Bobby hard at work at the gym. But when the weights are put away, Bobby, Emma, four-year-old Novalee, and two-year-old Lina love nothing more than just staying at home, playing with neighborhood friends, and enjoying the sunshine. They love serving as a family in their church and this involvement has The Appleby family afforded them an incredible community of pictured from left: Bobby friends. Whether they're chasing the little (Dad) 32, Novalee 4, Emma ones around at the Fort or basking in the (Mom) 29, Lina 2 stillness of a Sunday evening dinner, the Applebys are living their best life in the city they have fallen in love with.

Favorite Place for Dessert? Coneheads on the

beach for ice cream cones. We can ride our bikes there and it's perfect on summer nights.

Favorite Thing To Do on a Rainy Day? Stay in

and snuggle up on the couch and watch movies together.

One place in the city we've always wanted to go, but never been is...

We keep hearing great things about Llama.

That's next on our list, for sure!

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Favorite Family Restaurant?

Mellow Mushroom! Our girls are pizzaholics and we are never worried about them being too loud in there.

When we have out-of-town guests, we always take them to... Always to The

Favorite place to let the kids loose? We love to let the girls

run around at the Fort. We will pack a blanket and grab some Hyppo pops and they love it.

Image via Instagram www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Kookaburra, multiple times a day. And for dinner either at The Floridian or The Ice Plant. You can always count on a really great drink and the setting at both restaurants is so beautiful.

Four generations of helping families.

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LOCALS

HOW I GOT HERE

TRIPP HARRISON

This St. Augustine artist brings the whisper of a salty breeze to his work through his exquisite use of color, canvas, and story.

By Meeka Anne Photography by Brian Miller

A

s a child, Tripp Harrison’s favorite show was Gilligan’s Island. “You know," he says, "I loved the show, but I never understood why the inhabitants of Gilligan's wanted to be rescued, and I still don't.” This sentiment proved the prelude to Tripp’s passion for creating island-inspired paintings.

The creativity of his architect/artist grandfather and high-school teacher and watercolorist, Phil Capen, were early influences for Tripp. Even though he initially majored in computers and accounting at college, Tripp reconnected with Capen who eventually became his artistic mentor. Then suddenly Tripp’s life did a 180 when his grandfather began to lose his eyesight and decided to teach him the process of painting a portrait. “After watching him that first day," Tripp says, "I was hooked and never stopped thinking about painting after that. Both of my mentors were generous with their encouragement and kind words. They gave me the courage to leave college and pursue a full-time career as an artist.”

Childhood memories of boats, fishing, and exploring islands with his mother’s family in

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the Florida Keys is still a significant inspiration for Tripp. “I think painting these subjects is partially a way of recapturing those times," he says. "I never lived in the Keys or the Bahamas, but I spend as much time as I can manage in both places. I enjoy sportfishing and free diving, so naturally, those things emerge in my work.”

The process of a new painting starts in Tripp’s imagination. “I get inspired by the idea of what could happen in a place," he says. "I love the fantasy of living on a deserted island.

The adventure of sailing on the ocean. I love to look at something and imagine what it could be, what could happen, what might have happened. There is always a story in everything I paint. Sometimes it’s about a quiet way of life, a peacefulness that everyone longs for, and sometimes it’s about an adventure. My dad read Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer to me as a kid. I never outgrew those stories.”

The painting process, though, varies according to medium. Tripp’s watercolors move along quickly, but the oil paintings can take several weeks. “I am very conscious of the details in a painting," says Tripp. "Knowing how much to add and how much to leave out are part of the process. Most of my work is very detailed, but www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

lately I've been focusing on a looser style which I'm very excited about.”

The charm of St. Augustine often beckons to artists, and Tripp, his wife Kathleen, and children, McKenzie and Banks, moved here in the early 90s. The family is growing and now includes McKenzie’s husband John, and two dogs, Gracie and Dixie. Tripp finds inspiration all over St. Augustine and says, “You could say there is a painting on every corner. I love its proximity to the water, and of course, the architectural element is unique here.”

“I get inspired by the idea of what could happen in a place," he says. "I love the fantasy of living on a deserted island. The adventure of sailing on the ocean. I love to look at something and imagine what it could be, what could happen, what might have happened.

If the island lifestyle calling your name, you can view Tripp's work at his downtown gallery or you can make a trip to the Geoffrey Smith Gallery in Stuart or the Key West Gallery in Key West. www.trippharrison.com

HOME EQUITY LINES

WE WILL PAY CLOSING COSTS ON LINES UP TO $150,000!*

FLEXIBLE

As low as Current PRIME Rate**

• LOW FEES • LOW RATES • CONVENIENT

Joy P. Gossett VP Branch Manager NMLS#947571

CELL: 904.501.8072

Merry Colee Business Development Officer NMLS#718467

CELL: 904.342.4900 HOME IMPROVEMENTS • DEBT CONSOLIDATION • COLLEGE • VACATION • MAJOR PURCHASES

OFFICE: 904.342.4916 709 S. Ponce de Leon Blvd.

St. Augustine, FL 32084

CenterStateBank.com *Bank paid closing costs will include up to $200.00 towards “Appraisal fees.” Customer is responsible for paying any additional costs over that amount. Line must be funded by 50% or $10,000 whichever is greater at closing. If line is closed within the first two years, consumer will be required to pay back the closing costs. **Rate based on minimum beacon score of 721. Annual Percentage Rate may increase after consummation.

LOCALS

MUSICAL CHAIR

SALT & PINE Now and again, an act comes along with hearts full of gratitude for a city embracing them with arms wide open.

By Teddy Regis | Photography by Dan Florez

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magine curating the soundtrack to a sun-soaked downtown stroll. Which mood would it evoke? Would it capture hometown nostalgia?

Perhaps the notion that good things are forthcoming? Four St. Augustinians have joined forces in the name of making wistful music that, while steeped in tradition, is ever progressive.

Salt & Pine is a Folk Americana band with just a little Pop and Rock flair. They are front-man Nolan Baker, vocalist Haley Thompson, string maestro Matthew Kirkland, and cellist Sam Shen.

“We’re a St. Augustine story,” shares Nolan. While making rounds on the Old City music circuit, he met Haley.

Both were searching for people with whom to play music and after just one rehearsal, it was clear – their voices harmonized. Eventually, they met Matthew and Sam after their respective gigs. Nolan’s enthusiasm for their talent led to a direct invitation to join his band – they were in. “I don't think I had the cable out of my instrument yet,” recalls Matthew with a hearty chuckle.

If the band's name piques your curiosity, think of "salt" and "pine" as actions. Nolan says, "To salt something is to heal or to preserve...you can pine for something."

In a city still recovering from disaster, that speaks volumes.

The experiences that shaped each member prepared them for collaboration. Nolan was an avid writer before picking up a guitar in college. Musically, he was self-taught, finding songwriting the perfect vehicle for all his talents. Before she could even speak, Haley was using a washer and dryer as a drum set, and now Nolan describes her as a "consummate performer.” Matthew's journey to multiinstrumentalism crystallized in his 20s when

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he tapped into his Southern Gospel heritage. His first of many instruments was jazz bass, but while visiting his grandmother, Matthew found an Omnichord thrown in a closet circa 1983. It has a fitting new home with the band, paying homage to the folk revival. Sam's first memory is the sound of his grandfather's piano playing and he initially embarked on a four-year piano path before being persuaded to take up the cello. A defining moment arose when he saw a fellow cellist improvise stunning phrases during a rehearsal.

Though they book regular shows, Salt & Pine still performs to a warm reception of fellow open mic artists from their earlier days. Haley says it's like “playing on home field.” Their debut www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

album, Sinking In, was released in January and can be found across several platforms including Pandora and Spotify. Their second music video is in the works, and they're already sitting on enough material for another record. But when Salt & Pine isn't performing all throughout St. Augustine and a bit of Jacksonville too, they play audience and support local artists.

If the band's name piques your curiosity, think of "salt" and "pine" as actions. Nolan says, "To salt something is to heal or to preserve...you can pine for something." In a city that pines for restoration in the wake of major hurricanes, this is an act that speaks to the heart of who we are as resilient St. Augustinians. www.facebook.com/saltandpinemusic

LOCALS

LINE OF DUTY

JACKSON TAYLOR Watching his team teach thousands of children about winning, losing, and being a good citizen, the Executive Director of PAL realizes how fortunate he is to have been afforded opportunities for success.

By Carmen Fleischmann | Photography by David Steele

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hile in school Jackson Taylor could always be found on the field, playing any sport he could make time for. Later he even went on to play quarterback at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut where he studied neuroscience and biology. It was there that he discovered his passion for physical therapy, as well as health and wellness.

At this stage in his life, he’s nearly reached his dream of working in pediatric neurology.

Of course, he also realizes the sobering fact that not all children will see their dreams to fruition. His desire to benefit young men and women and shape their lives for the better, is what drove Jackson to take on the position of Executive Director of the Police Athletic League in January of 2017. The Police Athletic League or PAL is a non-profit organization that has been committed to instilling integrity, physical and mental fitness, citizenship, sportsmanship, and personal wellbeing in St. Johns County’s youth since 1991, a mission goal that deeply resonates with all aspects of Jackson's background.

He says when he sees someone arrested or caught doing something wrong, he always thinks, “what could’ve happened when they

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were a kid that maybe preempted that? We have an opportunity to change that course for the better, and we can.”

Other sporting activities teach children how to win or lose, but miss the mark in instilling other life lessons.

“What are they being taught about life?” asks Jackson.

“Being good friends, what it means to go through some hardships and come out of it the right way?”

The sports program is just a piece of the pie, however. What is most important to PAL are the children’s interactions with each other and police officers. Other sporting activities teach children how to win or lose, but miss the mark in instilling other life lessons. “What are they being taught about life?” asks Jackson.

“About being a good, contributing member of society? Being good friends, what it means to go through some hardships and come out of it the right way?”

continues to grow, so increases the need for affordable afterschool activities and sports programs. Unfortunately, there are a few obstacles keeping PAL from reaching more children outside the St. Augustine area. Growth would require greater community involvement, land development, more volunteers, and additional facilities to meet the county’s needs. “We have a lot of kids who don’t have mom and dad around.

We have a lot of kids who can’t normally play sports because it’s too expensive in other places. We provide a place where they can come and create success through becoming better people and learning how to play and have fun enjoying sports.

We’re doing this right now. We’re making a difference in children’s lives,” says Jackson.

“The only hindrance we have is how many more kids we can do that for.”

As the influx of residents to St. Johns County

www.stjohnspal.org

In the short time that Jackson has been involved in PAL, he estimates that the program has grown tremendously. This year, PAL has roughly 4,500 kids involved in various programs – including flag football, cheerleading, boys and girls’ lacrosse, baseball, softball, basketball, and taekwondo. They also have what’s called an Explorer’s Program which teaches young people the world of law enforcement. This spring, PAL is also starting up a team leadership council that’s aimed at giving older kids an opportunity to fill leadership roles.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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THE HOME

EXPERTS REALTORS // BUILDERS // INTERIORS // ACCESSORIES The people you need to know to make your house a home.

Photography by Ed Taylor

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Builder

THE HOME EXPERTS

Our clients appreciate the professionalism and transparency we bring to their construction projects.

BRANDON CONSTRUCTION BRANDON EKLUND KNOWN FOR...

USING CONSTRUCTION METHODS BEST SUITED TO OUR ENVIRONMENT, THEIR ATTENTION TO DETAIL, OUTSTANDING PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS, AND INTEGRITY.

(866) 814-9357 7 Waldo Street www.brandonbuilding.com License # CBC1256028

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uilding a custom home allows a homeowner to create a space that is uniquely theirs.

However, it is imperative to have a company you trust making the brushstrokes as you navigate the design and construction process.

For the past 14 years, from Palm Coast to Ponte Vedra, Brandon Construction clients have confidently placed their projects in the hands of the company. “We begin our client relationships early on during the property selection or design phase and offer construction information that really impacts early decision making,” says Brandon Eklund, President. “We provide specific input on the best materials, the best methods, and costs to be expected in our area.

This has a positive impact on scheduling and budget goals. We focus on the long-term protection of a homeowner’s investment and that’s always appreciated.”

The team’s goal is to make sure your decisions are well-informed and suitable to the end result you want. Brandon Construction prides themselves on using their industry expertise to your benefit.

And it isn’t just the visible construction aspects of the project that are tailor-made for the client. “We offer communication and accounting tools that are unique for a custom construction company of our size,” says Brandon. “It keeps the administration aspect of our work, which is a large component of any project, very efficient. Most importantly, it frees up time to give owners a personal connection with their builder while providing information throughout the project in an organized way.”

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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THE HOME EXPERTS

Realtor

Not only do we all listen to our customers, we hear what they want.

NOAH BAILEY GROUP RE/MAX 100 REALTY

ERICA SCHREUDERS, NOAH BAILEY, ANDREW BUTLER AND DOMINIC DEANGELIS KNOWN FOR...

INTEGRITY AND GETTING THE JOB DONE

(904) 540-2902 2798 U.S. 1 South www.noahbaileyrealestategroup.com

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urchasing a new home can be stressful. After all, it’s a life-changing decision that you’re making and that’s never done lightly. Decisions like that are always made easier by working alongside someone you know, someone you have established a relationship with, someone you trust. In all of these aspects, the Noah Bailey Real Estate Group excels.

First and foremost, Noah Bailey and his team are your neighbors. They’re the families that you see in the park on Saturdays and downtown in the evenings, sitting next to you at church and reaching out to the new faces. “We believe,” says Noah, “that big change starts small. Loving and serving our families well is the first place to begin. We are all active members of local churches in our community.

We were made to do life together and building relationships with our family, friends, and newcomers is definitely a benefit to the community.” Having a vested interest in and a complete knowledge of the community allows them to relate to you on a personal level in your home-buying decision and give advice that comes from individual experience.

The Noah Bailey group is able to guide you in every aspect of your real estate decisions – from curb appeal to financing. Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or making a new investment, the team can provide expert service and advice during every step of the transaction. Real estate is more than just signing a check and exchanging a key, and our team will be alongside you every step of the way.

Here at the Noah Bailey Real Estate Group we are motivated by a real desire to put individuals and families where they want to be. “We love,” says Noah, “working alongside people and witnessing their excitement and relief at the closing table as they start their new adventure.”

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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Contractor

THE HOME EXPERTS

Remodeling is a bit of a commitment, so if you can build that bond and go through the process with them, it is so exciting and rewarding to see the finsihed product together.

ST. AUGUSTINE KITCHEN & BATH

JANEL ASPLUND, TINA BOUTROS, CRYSTAL HARRIS

KNOWN FOR...

TOP SELECTION OF GRANITE AND QUARTZ, REMODELING KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS, A ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR REMODELING NEEDS

(904) 342-2296 1685 U.S. 1 South

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orking as a local contractor for many years, Dave Boutros decided to open his own kitchen and bath showroom doors in 2013, to increase the value and quality of homes in St. Augustine. With a female run company, for females, Dave and his ladies are here to listen to your ideas and help with getting your visions from your mind to a full realization in your home. We have designers on staff and years of experience to make it happen for you.

The experience starts with our ladies in the office, Janel, Crystal and Kaitlyn. Together they work as a team to create beautiful designs for all areas in your home. This includes our designer putting your ideas into our 3D program, to see what your project will look like after it’s completed, which is a big advantage over our competitors. We do the whole job, from start to finish with our experienced professionals including licensed electricians and plumbers, cabinet customization specialists, trim carpenters, painters, installers of stone, tile, and sheetrock, as well as granite and quartz fabrication.

Realizing a dream with a renovation can be a tough time, everything is out of place, and your normal routine is changed. We keep open communication to make sure you know what is happening and to help you feel more comfortable during the transition. This helps us build a relationship with our customers and it’s one of the most rewarding (and motivating) parts of our job. We are the best at what we do and would love to help turn your home into your treasure!

www.staugustinekitchenandbath.com

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THE HOME EXPERTS

Custom Builder

GENERATION HOMES CORA JOHNSTON

KNOWN FOR...

BUILDING AND DESIGNING COASTAL HOMES IN A VARIETY OF PRICE POINTS WITH QUALITY MATERIALS AND EASE OF UPKEEP THAT FINISH WITHIN EACH OWNERS BUDGET.

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home is the place where you can express yourself most completely. It is a reflection of how you live and the people that you love and value most.

A home is most beautiful when that philosophy is employed from the very foundation.

Generation Homes understands that. The specialty of Cora Johnston and her team is to take the integrity of the design, building, and finishing and reflect the people who will live in the home. “A home on the coast,” says Cora, “means different things to many people and it should always reflect how they want to live in their home.”

In fact, this desire to have the future owners at the center of the build is one of Generation Homes’s core values. This personal approach – alongside organization and communication – gives owners the confidence that the team will build their home with care and attention to detail. “Everyone on our team cares about the owners we build for as well as the reputation of our company,” says Cora. “Everyone of us knows and understands that it not our house we are building, but the home of the person we are building for.”

After nine years in business, Cora and her team aren’t looking for large expansion, but rather to perfect their art in the community that they love.

They all work hard to stay up-to-date with current building practices, styles and technologies. Every March, Cora attends the internationally-popular Parade of Homes and brings back new ideas to St. Augustine. Each new build brings opportunities for creativity and devoting themselves even more to growing the community and the industry that they love.

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We’ve brought together a group of highly talented and ambitious professionals who are excited to pave the way in home building.

(904) 759-0702 or (904) 268-0100 5860 U.S. 1 North www.generationhomesusa.com

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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Realtor

THE HOME EXPERTS

K. JENNIFER COOK RE/MAX LEADING EDGE

KNOWN FOR...

REPRESENTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF REAL ESTATE THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST FLORIDA.

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hoosing the right real estate agent is an integral step in an often lifechanging process. The decision to sell your home, buy a new home, or start a new investment can be stressful, but working alongside an agent that you trust will ease the process. It is these foundational relationships upon which K. Jennifer Cook has built her business. “Trust and empathy are essential,” she says. “My success in helping others find or sell a home depends greatly on my ability to create a trusting environment in which customers know that I have their best interests at heart.” There are many satisfied clients who have put that trust in Jennifer. For the past four years, she has been growing her real estate business and is currently a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Leading Edge.

Though Anastasia Island serves as her home base, her network extends from Jacksonville to Palm Coast.

Jennifer’s background in project management and business consulting has given her a unique ability to analyze data and walk clients through otherwise complex processes. This well-established business acumen, alongside a love for the St. Augustine community, has helped Jennifer rise rapidly to the top of the local industry. And she has maintained her place there by staying up-to-date on local inventory, pricing trends, property values, and legislation, as well as through involvement in multiple national and local associations.

Her market expertise and success in the industry are impressive, but it is a passion for the community and client relationships that really sets Jennifer apart.

“Thinking about my own family,” she says “and the sense of pride and excitement that we experienced buying a house and creating a home in St. Augustine, motivates me to continue working as a trusted resource and advisor in the real estate community.”

(904) 874-4480 3560 A1A South, Suite 2

Real Estate transactions are complex and often complicated, but I am passionate about creating a positive and stressfree environment for my customers, allowing them to make informed, confident decisions.

www.JenniferCookRealty.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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THE HOME EXPERTS

Heating & A/C

For 67 years our business has always been centered on the customer, our relationship with them is our top priority.

TAYLOR REFRIGERATION & AC, INC. MIKE BLASINGAME, LUKE TAYLOR AND BEN MCDANIEL KNOWN FOR...

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SOLUTIONS

(904) 829-3358 320 State Road 207 www.taylorrefrig.com

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or 67 years, Taylor Refrigeration and Air Conditioning has focused on making each relationship with their customers the center of their business. Their well-established reputation and devoted clientele have kept them going and only increased the expertise with which they operate. With more than half a century of excellence on their books, it’s pretty clear that keeping their clients at the center of their business has made Taylor stand out in the industry.

In order to stay up-to-date on new products, services, and practices, the team regularly meets with suppliers and other industry experts. Everyone on the team has a unique skill set and specialty, so they are always bringing fresh ideas and innovations to the table. This diversity on the crew also allows problems to be quickly and accurately assessed then fully resolved by an expert on the team. It is important to Taylor Refrigeration and Air Conditioning that they always stick to the idea that no two products, clients, or situations are created equal. Always making sure to listen carefully, they offer customized solutions that fit the customer’s needs, budget, and future plans. It doesn’t make sense to offer the same product to every person, so they take their expertise across the field and provide the best solution possible.

Longevity speaks to not only the skills of a team but to the values and concerns at the core of a business.

Mario Taylor, Sr. – the founder of Taylor Refrigeration and Air Conditioning – started the business in 1951 with excellence as his basic business practice and the generations that have succeeded him have worked tirelessly to honor him by maintaining that same standard.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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Contractor

THE HOME EXPERTS

YOUR HOME WORKS DONNIE TREDNECK

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ometimes building a house is more than just creating a space to live in. There’s more to it than finding your perfect location, decorating it with your style, and making it comfortable. At least, that’s what Your Home Works thinks. In a day and age where making your lifestyle more environmentally friendly is increasingly vital, Your Home Works creates an affordable option for those who want their earth-consciousness to begin right at their front door.

Upcycling and reusing are the building methods of the 21st century, so it’s time to step into the future.

Your Home Works employs advanced, commercial modular building practices. That means that shipping container shells are the primary building blocks for all home, retail, and office construction. Hence, YHW is “upcycling” by transforming by-products, waste materials, and useless or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and for better environmental value. Your new space will benefit you, the planet, and your wallet.

But don’t let the thought of a shipping container space put you in a box. Each home, office, or retail space has a customizable floor plan, 1,125-1,799 square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a storeroom, and a utility room. Donnie and his team customize appliances, fixtures, lighting, and amenities to your budget, provide interior design services with each home, and work to create the space you’ve always dreamed of.

These homes and spaces are tailor-made for first time buyers, retirees, vacations, rental properties, and easy office or retail space. So for the budget-conscious, environmentally-minded, little-bit-adventurous kind of people, Donnie and Your Home Works can build a space that suits your lifestyle, work-style, or businessstyle.

(904) 731-6403

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

THE HOME EXPERTS

Builder

WEST TO EAST BUILDERS BRIAN HANSON KNOWN FOR...

SPECIALIZING IN HIGH-QUALITY CUSTOM REMODELS AND NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY.

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t. Augustine is a town with a unique mixture of new and old architecture.

When it comes to new construction and remodeling, there exists a desire to make your home fit the landscape around it and sometimes you need help. The fifteen years that Brian Hanson of West to East Builders has spent in the construction industry have given him the skills to create a stunning residence, a clear vision, and a talent for achieving a beautiful final product.

Their distinct pride in what they do makes West to East Builders stand out from the crowd. Brian says, "I make sure I am very involved with every project to assure the customers get exactly what they want and more. We care about our customers and try to make a sometimes stressful endeavor as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We like to merge our vision with the customers' vision to achieve the best possible end result. ” No matter the size of the job, Brian and his team bring their commitment to quality, enthusiasm, and integrity to each project.

West to East Builders specializes in new construction, custom framing, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, and summer kitchens. Brian pays attention to detail and enjoys working with people to make a house their home. His main business goal is to be known as the company to trust when you need a home built or remodeled. West to East Builders has years of experience and has put together a strong team of employees and subcontractors who enjoy working together to get the job done with a positive attitude.

"I love that I have the opportunity,” says Brian, “to put my touch on residential architecture in St Augustine."

Give us your vision for the project and we will help you create the reality you have only imagined.

(904) 458-8180 or (949) 395-8178 77 San Marco Avenue, #2 www.westtoeastbuilders.com

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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Contractor

THE HOME EXPERTS

We take pride in all aspects of our work and strive for a superior finished result to our projects.

SIMS ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION ANDY SIMS KNOWN FOR...

ALL ASPECTS OF EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INCLUDING SEAMLESS GUTTERS, SOFFIT & FASCIA, SCREAM LANAIS, GLASS WINDOWS FOR SCREEN ROOMS, SIDING, PAVERS AND REMODELS.

(904) 814-1440 267 Cervantes Ave www.simsexteriorsolutions.com

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ood first impressions are essential in all areas of life, whether it be a job interview, meeting new friends, or even your home. And that last one is where Sims Aluminum Construction are the experts. Andy Sims and his team are known for all aspects of exterior construction services – seamless gutters to soffit and fascia, scream lanais and glass windows to siding, pavers, and remodels. For over ten years, they’ve cultivated a local reputation of quality craftsmanship and superior results. Curb appeal courtesy of Andy will always be stunning. “We take pride in all parts of our work,” says Andy, “and strive for a superior finished result to our products.” The Sims crew is continually meeting with suppliers, inventors, and vendors to stay up to date and knowledgeable about the newest products and services that they can bring to their clients. Not only will the team be skilled and experienced, but you can trust that they have done their research so that the materials that they use will always be held to the highest standard. Each installer is in-house, goes through extensive training to perfect their work, and is Nichiha and Hardie Lap Siding Certified. Though Sims Aluminum Construction has spent years growing their expertise and skills, at its core, Sims is about the relationships that they’ve built in the St. Augustine area. They have always desired to make an impact by building respect and a good reputation. “I feel when we help other people,” says Andy, “those people tend to pay it forward and this builds a reserve of goodwill in the community.”

Each project that they work on is backed by a passion that Andy and his team have for their craft.

“I love construction,” he says. “I love seeing customers pleased when I can help them transform their ideas into reality.”

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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THE HOME EXPERTS

Interior Design

DONNA MANCINI INTERIORS & FLOORING DONNA MANCINI KNOWN FOR...

CREATING A LASTING IMPRESSION

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very homeowner knows that focusing on the details is what makes an impression. From the fixtures that light your space to the floors that you walk on every day, a cohesive and appealing design will inspire and delight both you and everyone who walks through your door. But creating that kind of space on your own is no easy task. That’s why people like Donna Mancini and her design team come to the rescue.

Donna Mancini Interiors & Flooring is a fullservice interior design firm that offers everything from renovation project management to gorgeous selections in home furnishings, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, accessories, window treatments, and upholstery – including Donna’s private label line.

These details are on display in the company’s showroom, where clients can browse furnishings and fabrics, wallpaper and bedding, flooring and cabinets. Alongside Donna, there are three other interior designers on staff, as well as a cabinetry designer and flooring experts. The team is highlytrained, values integrity, communication and collaboration, and can transform your vision into a stunning reality.

For each designer and employee, their work is a passion project. “I truly love design,” says Donna, “and love what I do, but my greatest motivation comes from our customers’ reactions to a completed project. The sheer joy and excitement over the form and function of their new space are inspiring. It confirms to me every day that what we are doing at Donna Mancini Interiors & Flooring does make a positive impact on our customers. Life can be tough.

I am so grateful knowing that at the end of a long day, a client is coming home to a space that they love, a sanctuary that wraps its arms around them.”

(904) 810-2027 141 Hilden Road, Suite #202 Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 www.DonnaManciniInteriorsandFlooring.com

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Everyone deserves a beautiful place to call home

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

Realtor

THE HOME EXPERTS

Delivering Your Lifestyle Dreams!

FALLON REAL ESTATE GROUP BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA REALTY NETWORK KEVIN AND PAULA FALLON KNOWN FOR... LOYALTY, INTEGRITY, DEDICATION AND SERVICE

(904) 687-6177 (904) 687-4656 112 Sea Grove Main Street www.StAugustineLifestyle.com

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or any real estate agent to excel, being a part of their community is essential. Paula and Kevin Fallon of Fallon Real Estate Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty have always said that their long-term goal for their business is “to become an integral part of the fabric and culture of St. Augustine,” and they certainly practice what they preach. Kevin, a navy veteran, has been organizing volunteers to serve the veterans of the Clyde E. Lassen Veterans Home lunch for the past three years on Veterans Days. Paula has been involved with Women of Vision of Flagler College since its inception and is currently serving on the board.

As a couple, they are passionate about giving to the St. Jude's Research Hospital and have been doing so for years. Their dedication to the St. Augustine community that shows itself so distinctly in their service work weaves itself through their professional lives as well. Their business has been built on a strong foundation of loyalty, integrity, dedication, and service. Each client that they take on is treated like family and their needs and lifestyle dreams come first. As single agents, Paula and Kevin are able to offer the highest level of service available to their clients and have a confidential and fiduciary responsibility to them which protects their clients' interests.

Real estate decisions are important and can be stressful if you don’t rely on the right people to guide you through the process. “We believe,” says Paula, “in treating our customers as if they were family members or the closest of friends. We take them into our hearts, listen very carefully to what they say and then partner with them to help them accomplish their goals.” Paula and Kevin Fallon’s warm, friendly, collaborative style ease the process and ensure that their clients achieve their St. Augustine lifestyle dreams.

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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THE HOME EXPERTS

Heating & A/C

Serving St. Johns County residents for over 30 years Andrew Gause, (pictured above) has been with Powell Heating & Air for over 20 years.

POWELL HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING ANDREW GAUSE KNOWN FOR...

PROVIDING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF ST. AUGUSTINE AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

(904) 794-2665 2610 Dobbs Road www.powellac.com

License #CAC053851

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or 34 years, the team at Powell Heating & Air Conditioning have been bringing unparalleled service to St. Johns County. It’s the truth that we Florida residents know our air conditioning and the importance of keeping our systems working perfectly, so the number of happy customers that have kept Powell in business for so long certainly says something about their expertise.

Though they pride themselves on employing all NATE (North American Technician Excellence) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified technicians, the Powell team goes beyond just installing, fixing, or maintaining your heating and air system. Powell maintains core values that guide all their employees work and interaction with customers. They believe in honesty, integrity, and accountability. They commit themselves to discipline, respect for others, and open and honest communication all while serving others first and maintaining a strong work ethic.

When Powell knocks on your door, you can expect a professionally-trained and certified technician arriving in a timely manner and addressing your HVAC concerns the first time. A thorough and detailed inspection report, as well as a complete cleaning of your system, will be completed when you need maintenance. An installation crew with years of experience will always be the ones installing your new HVAC system. Continuously attending factory training means that Powell’s technicians are not only well-versed in how to attend to all their clients' concerns, they are also always up-to-date on the latest technology.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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espite now being the largest St. Augustine-based brokerage, Coldwell Banker Premier Properties is still very much a local company. They’ve been able to combine the power and reach of the national Coldwell Banker brand with the local expertise needed to serve St. Augustine with excellence. After building one of the largest independent brokerages in St Augustine, Steve Cupolo decided to pair with one of the nation’s most recognizable real estate brands and that pairing has propelled them to holding ten offices in North and Central Florida and led to closing over $365 million in volume last year.

Because they are a larger company with a wide range of specialties, they are able to assist anyone with their real estate needs – from commercial to residential, and working well with developers, investors, association management and property management. Whatever need you find yourself with, Coldwell Banker Premier Properties has many experts in every facet of the real estate industry.

And though this national association gives them access to a gambit of resources, always up-todate training, and a network of highly-skilled agents, the faces behind Coldwell Banker Premier Properties are very much local St. Augustinians. Their interest in a growing and thriving community is personal. From the beginning, they have been committed to a philosophy of strong community involvement through volunteering and contributions to various civic and charitable causes that serve our communities. The relationships with customers that they foster are really relationships with their neighbors, and growing as a company means growing as a community.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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Eats DISH

PRETZEL BREAD

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

I

n a world where increasingly complicated dishes with unusual ingredients and flashy presentations are becoming the norm, sometimes the most delicious things are the most simple.

Exhibit A: the Soft-Baked Pretzel Bread at Ice Plant Bar. This delectable (typically) appetizer – though we wouldn’t blame you if it served as your entrée – has been on the bar’s menu since day one, and according to the staff, it definitely isn’t going anywhere.

The warm, flavorful bread is served without much fanfare and, truly, none is needed. A little coarse salt, a subtle crunch to the crust, and soft, light inside. Though you could probably eat a pound of it just by itself, the bread is served with two sauces. The first is a housemade hot mustard – a classic and timeless pretzel pairing. The second is Mornay, a Béchamel sauce mixed with Gruyère (Béchamel, by the way, is one of the French mother sauces and for good reason). Dip the Pretzel Bread in these sauces and the dish might just become a welcome addiction. www.iceplantbar.com

Inside: Tale of Two // Culinary Character // Taste Test // Sweet Spot

EATS

Fresh from the garden!

ROUND UP

BREWING UP TROUBLE St. Augustine can boast quite a few great breweries, but when you walk in their doors, sometimes it's hard to know what to try first.

So we've collected a few of our favorite brews (the unique and the downright delicious) to help you get started.

THE DISH Du Jardin Sandwich LIVING ON THE VEG

DU JARDIN SANDWICH

As we sneak into summer, our palates are ready for something light and crisp that will fill us up without weighing us down. The Hyppo Cafe has just the thing.

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

M

ost St. Augustine residents (and even plenty of visitors) have encountered The Hyppo ice pops in one way or another.

They’re hard to beat in a blistering Florida summer or even chocolatecovered as a treat during a mild winter. But as it turns out, if you wander over to the Hyppo Cafe on 312, the Hyppo chefs can do more than just create unusually delicious popsicles. They can also make a mean sandwich.

The French translation of Du Jardin is “of the garden” and as soon as this sandwich is delivered to your table, the name will make sense. The Du Jardin is very greens-based, but it avoids blandness or even leaving you hungry and unsatisfied (as many lesser vegetarian sandwiches are wont to do). Mixed greens and sprouts are served on ciabatta and topped with cucumber and avocado. It’s all pure crispness and clean freshness. To add a little more flavor and kick, the bread is smeared with hummus and a black olive tapenade. Even from someone who isn’t normally a fan of olives, the sandwich wouldn’t be complete without the tapenade.

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The texture has the softness of the bread as well as a crunch from the cucumbers and even the sprouts.

The hummus, tapenade, and avocado ensure the sandwich doesn’t feel dry or incomplete.

Maybe sandwiches aren’t the most complicated or culinarily challenging dish, but a well-constructed sandwich that fills you and keeps your palate interested is a valuable find. Because the ingredients of a sandwich aren’t gussied up, each piece has to hold its own flavor while still working as a cohesive whole. The Du Jardin does all that and more. It’s the perfect meal to pair with an ice pop as you settle into the spring or summer sunshine.

The fresh, fruity purity that we’ve all come to expect from the Hyppo translates perfectly into their more substantial dishes. You're never weighed down by the food, but always feel full and satisfied.

The Du Jardin really does take you on a tour of the garden that will leave you wanting to return.

1765 Tree Boulevard, Suite 5 www.thehyppo.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Matanzas Red River Ale Ancient City Brewing A beautifully vibrant red ale, this brew has a robust flavor with hints of chocolate and just enough hops. It’s a little toasty and perfectly balanced.

Smoked Datil Ale Bog Brewing Company Mesquite and applewoodsmoked Datil peppers lend a lightly smoked and robust heat to this otherwise light beer. Could a beer be any more local?

Kookaburra Brown Ale Old Coast Ales Brewed with an infusion of coffee from the beloved local coffee shop, this is a hearty beer with a unique flavor.

If you’re a coffee-in-themorning, beer-at-night kind of person, this might just be the best of both worlds.

Pucker-Up Pale Ale Dog Rose Brewing Co. This kettle-soured pale ale, dry hopped to the gills with Citra hops, has an intense, tart citrus flavor and aroma that just screams Florida.

EATS

TALE OF TWO

CALAMARI The classic dish could satisfy on its own, but these locals chefs have added their own flair and flavor to an ocean favorite.

By Molly Wilson

Banana Pepper Calamari Calamari Vilano THE CONCH HOUSE

When we decided to feature calamari in this column, it didn’t take much research to figure out that The Conch House is a local favorite for the dish. Just browse Instagram a little and you’ll find it everywhere. #NoFilter. And one bite told us why there’s so much local love given. The uber-fresh, hand-cut calamari hardly needs anything on it, but since The Conch House chefs are generous, they coat and fry it in a spicy seasoned flour – a little onion, garlic, and blackening spice knock it up a notch.

Alongside the calamari is a bowl of sautéed banana peppers and roasted red peppers in a key lime butter wine sauce. Take note: the peppers could be a meal of their own. The calamari is simple but perfectly seasoned and perfectly breaded for a classic take on a classic appetizer.

We’re a town that knows its seafood and there are a few marine staples that you can find on nearly any menu in the city. Calamari is one of them.

Few things can beat just a simple calamari dish, but all calamari dishes are not created equal. Sometimes chefs take it above and beyond. One such chef is Chip Richard of Cap’s on the Water. Chef Chip’s Calamari Vilano is first breaded in rice flour and deep-fried. After the frier, the calamari is drizzled with the restaurant’s signature Vilano sauce (a slightly sweet, definitely delicious Thai chili concoction) and a spicy chili garlic sauce that gives it some heat. After the sauces, the calamari is topped with black olives and placed on a bed of spinach that has itself been introduced to the deep fryer. After a sprinkling of Asiago, you won’t want to share.

The cult following of the dish is no surprise to us and we’re pretty sure we count ourselves new loyal fans. You may just find it on our Instagram.

The Calamari Vilano may not be what you’d expect when ordering the dish, but it will be a welcome jaunt off the beaten culinary path.

57 Comares Avenue (904) 829-8646

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If you’ve ever been into the gourmet grilled cheese paradise that is Sarbez, you won’t be surprised that owner Ryan Kunsch has added an extensive arcade to his space.

The project started with Pacman, skeeball, pool, and air hockey – “Those four games,” says Ryan, “I view as essential to a game room.” But the rest, keeping in line with the eclectic atmosphere of the spot, deviate from the norm. The arcade boasts Ataxx, Gyruss (an updated version of the classic Galaga), Ghosts and Goblins (one of the most challenging arcade games of all time). There are also three pinball machines, a jukebox, and a photo booth. So if you’re longing for a little nostalgia, grab a beer and some quarters and start a game. www.facebook.com/theplanetsarbez www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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EATS

CULINARY CHARACTER

BRIAN WHITTINGTON

From appearing on national television to getting nominated for illustrious awards to opening hot new restaurants, Chef Brian Whittington’s meteoric rise was actually the product of fits and starts.

By Matthew Shaw | Photography by Brian Miller

I

t seems Brian Whittington, owner and Executive Chef of Lincolnville’s Preserved, has all the right moves. The 30-something chef parlayed a four-year stint as Executive Chef at Jacksonville’s bustling French-inspired establishment, Restaurant Orsay, into appearances on popular cooking shows, like Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Alton Brown’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and numerous accolades including a 2015 James Beard nomination for best chef in the South.

Preserved is the most recent sign-post on the path charting Brian’s seemingly meteoric rise. And the initial success of the young chef’s elevated Southern cuisine restaurant has prompted him to embark on at least two more concepts — each set to open in 2018. Though he’s undoubtedly developed a Midas touch, as Brian explains it, whatever success he is having now, both in the kitchen and as a restaurateur, is a product of many lessons in what not to do. “Everything I’ve done, especially the things that didn’t pan out, have only served to sharpen my focus,” he says. “I’ve worked with a lot of people in a lot of different places, and I think I know as much about what I don’t want, as what I do want.”

“There’s been a lot of enlightening negative experiences,” Brian says of his nearly 20 years in the industry.

“But a ton of positive ones, too.

I’ve learned that if you’re honest and transparent, if you prioritize quality, and if you work with good people, you’ll be successful.”

Growing up in East Moline, IL (the home of John Deere tractors), Brian’s father worked long hours as an auto mechanic for major car manufacturers. While he says he gets his restlessness and blue-collar work ethic from his father, cooking was not a big part of Brian’s formative years, as he says the Whittington

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family dinners were “nothing flashy.” “We ate, but I don’t really have a lot of memories of family cooking,” he says.

He might not have been a culinary prodigy, but it wouldn’t take long for Brian find his place in the kitchen. After the family moved to Crescent Beach in 1997, fourteen-yearold Brian got a job washing dishes at the oceanfront eatery, South Beach Grill. It wasn’t long before he had joined the ranks of the line cooks, toiling over fresh fish and seasonal vegetables. “I was very involved in sports growing up and I immediately picked up on www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

the competitive nature of the kitchen,” Brian says of that first job. “I liked the challenge of being on the line.”

After high school, Brian attended culinary school at Johnson and Wales in Miami, taking to the school’s emphasis on classic French techniques. Shortly thereafter he was invited back to South Beach, this time to serve as the restaurant’s executive chef. Though he was certainly more confident in the kitchen than when he’d left, the owners of the restaurant had ambitious plans for their young chef, installing Brian as the executive chef at a new concept on Anastasia Island called Zhanra’s.

Though the restaurant’s menu consisted of a

"I think I know as muchas about what I don't want what I do want." hodgepodge of cuisines from across the world and was well outside his wheelhouse, Brian took it on.

In hindsight, says Brian, it was an ill-advised move. “The reality is it gave me the experience of opening a restaurant, but to be honest I had no right to be opening that restaurant for them.

They were looking for someone young and willing. But I was buying into a concept that I wouldn’t have ever done.”

Brian left Zhanra’s and jumped over to the small, intimate French brasserie, Rhett’s in the historic district. He took over the menu, which was much more in his wheelhouse, and thrived for a time. But the experience was short-lived.

After what Brian calls a “personal and moral” disagreement with the restaurant’s owners, he was out of the kitchen again.

Frustrated with the dining scene in St. Augustine, Brian reached out to the brain-trust at Orsay, who he’d gotten to know a bit over the years. With one executive chef on the way out, owner and chef John Insetta invited Brian to

join the line at Orsay in the hopes that he could roll easily into the soon-tobe vacant position. Brian would serve as Orsay’s executive chef for the next four years.

For Brian, who’d, up to that point, had lots of instruction on what not to do, his experience at Orsay and mentorship under Insetta seemed to finally unlock the young chef’s potential.

“The number one person I’ve worked for in my life is John Insetta,” Brian says. “There’s something natural about him where he can breed a culture that is aggressively seeking out new and innovative things in a way that is full of integrity."

It was a turning point,” he continues. “John [Insetta] and I aligned in a lot of ways, culturally and professionally. I’m obsessive and love to be involved all the time. He matched me in that regard. He also had the means to get good ingredients and the vision to want to do it.” www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

The Orsay experience was like a cannon-shot for Brian’s career. And after the television appearances and award nominations, he left Orsay in 2016 to start Preserved in Lincolnville.

Back in St. Augustine, where he’s kept a home for nearly 15 years now, whatever free time he can spare (between all the projects he’s taken on under the umbrellas of his new Strive Restaurant Group –including a barbecue joint and a butcher shop) is spent with his girlfriend and young daughter. “There’s been a lot of enlightening negative experiences,” Brian says of his nearly 20 years in the restaurant business.

“But a ton of positive ones, too. I’ve learned that if you’re honest and transparent, if you prioritize quality, and if you work with good people, you’ll be successful.”

102 Bridge Street www.preservedrestaurant.com

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EATS

BEHIND THE BAR

KEVIN "GUMBY" CARTER For this longtime and welltraveled bartender, life’s a beach behind the bar at The Beachcomber.

By Steve Parr | Photography by Brian Miller

O

riginally from Kingsport, Tennessee, Kevin began his journey to St. Augustine on March 12, 1982. At 19 years old, he was a bit on the wild side, so his mother sent him to live with his aunt and uncle, in the hopes that they could get him to settle down. Before long, though, Uncle Glen was suggesting to Kevin that he find his own place. “I was a bit of a wild child,” Kevin laughs.

He got his nickname after arriving in the Ancient City, when Eddie Murphy, dressed as Gumby, would defiantly tell people “I’m Gumby! Nobody messes with Gumby!” on Saturday Night Live. Kevin was given the moniker when he would dance on the tables at Scarlett O’Hara’s and proclaim “Nobody messes with Gumby!” to the bar manager as they tried to get him to stop. “I’ve been in this town 35 years and a lot of people still don’t know what my real name is.”

Gumby’s first job in St. Augustine was at Scarlett O’Hara’s. He worked there from 1983 until 1998, and he served in just about every position they had. “I was always there in some capacity during those years, just not always in the same role.” He was also a bit of a fixture at the old Mill Top Tavern from 1995 to 2005. But, after losing his wife to breast cancer in 2003, he began to consider leaving the business altogether. “I needed a change. I needed a break. I had to get out of that whole bar scene. So in 2005 I just stepped away from it all.”

In the following ten years, Gumby says he found out what he could and could not do.

There were jobs he really liked, but they didn’t pay much money. Eventually, he decided to get back to the business he knew best and where he knew he could earn a living. He

106

"I have to te ll ya the tru."th.

The scenery ain't bad

found himself back at the Mill Top, this time as a server, which was a bit of a departure from the time he spent there behind the bar. “And then I was just starting to find my groove and make some money when it all went ‘POOF!’, the Mill Top Tavern was torn down and Gumby started scrambling again to find employment. He ended up at Henley’s Steak & Seafood until a friend told him about a bartender position which had come available at The Beachcomber, where Gumby started working part-time. While Henley’s was his primary job, it was clear that The Beachcomber held an attraction for him.

Gumby says “Eventually, I made the decision to let the Henley’s job go and come out here to the beach.”

bar” atmosphere on the deck at Scarlett O’Hara’s, the live music focus of Mill Top, the restaurant vibe of The Beachcomber. Now, in his mid-50s, he’s happy to have settled down from his early days in the industry and considers The Beachcomber home. When Beachcomber owner Danielle LeClair is asked what she enjoys about having him on staff, her response is quick and without qualification: “Everything. Just everything.” Danielle admired the loyalty he had to Henley’s when she first offered a job at The Beachcomber. “I saw his dedication to them, but I knew he’d be a lot happier at the beach!”

Over the years, Gumby has seen the “party

2 A Street, www.beachcomberstaugustine.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

“I have to tell ya the truth,” says Gumby. “The scenery ain’t bad.”

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EATS

Pictured Here: Upper Left: The Fresh Catch Sandwich is too good to pass up.

Upper Right: Try the classic Fried Shrimp Basket with one of the house-made sauces.

Lower Right: Oysters are even better with the Citrus Mignonette.

Lower Left: Chowder Fries are two delicious worlds brought together in one mouthwatering dish.

TASTE TEST

ST. AUGUSTINE SEAFOOD COMPANY

Steeped in local history and brimming with fresh seafood, this new St. George Street spot is already making a name for itself.

S

t. George Street is often dismissed by the locals as a tourist haunt.

The downtown side streets are home to favorite restaurants and bars, but the main shopping drag is generally left to visitors. That is, until now. When the owners of the St. Augustine Seafood Company stumbled upon unused retail space outside of the Colonial Quarter, they jumped at the chance to open a place on St. George that locals could feel was their own.

And they’ve done a pretty impressive job with a difficult task.

The restaurant is a rich tapestry telling the tales of the local fishing industry. It doesn’t, however, feel like another half-museum geared toward visitors who only want a cursory glance at a long and complex past. The artifacts are personal. Vintage photographs, old shrimp packaging, antique tools in display cases, and work by native photographer Sean Kelly Conway are all on display. And since they serve fresh seafood, nearly always sourced from local fishermen in Mayport, you almost feel like a part of the history that’s on the walls.

But as beautiful of work as they’ve done

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By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

curating the space, we were mostly there to explore the menu. And since this is a place where “fresh” is a way of life, the prospect was promising. Chef John Whitworth himself brought out the first dish to us – Oysters on the Half Shell. The oysters are brought in from Apalachicola and served with a unique Citrus Mignonette. The mignonette is a combination of orange, lime, ginger, and brown sugar and really makes the dish something special.

The next dish brought to our table was the Chowder Fries. Now I’m a fan of New England Clam Chowder and I’m a fan of fries, but you would never have caught me considering combining the two. But Chef John did and I am forever grateful. The chowder is thick and hearty enough that the fries don’t get soggy, but are still marinated in the flavors before being topped with bacon and green onion. Forget an entree; you’ll fill up on fries.

But honestly, I don’t really mean forget an entree. Because if you do, you’ll miss out on the Fried Shrimp Basket. Now fried shrimp is a staple in this part of the world, but not all are created equal. Fried shrimp like these rise above the www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

rest. They’re fried to a crisp, but not overly breaded. So you still get to taste the seafood freshness around the Cajun-spiced corn flour batter. Then they’re served with one of six house-made sauces.

Last – but by no means least – was the Fresh Catch Sandwich. The fish is topped with their signature John John Sauce (a sweet and spicy Korean chili aioli) and Cilantro Slaw, finished with Cilantro Crema (another signature sauce) and served on a Challah bun. The sandwich isn’t drowning in the sauces, but they add a richness and complexity to the dish that you wouldn’t expect from a humble sandwich.

Despite having only opened this past December, the St. Augustine Seafood Company is well on its way to becoming a local favorite. So take a seat in the bright white and blue dining room or slide into an emerald green booth in the lounge and experience seafood like St. George Street has never seen.

33 St. George Street www.saseafoodco.com

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EATS

ROUNDUP

BLUEBERRY PICKIN' Florida blueberries are unlike any other and we are entering the height of their best season.

Thankfully you don't have to rely on the grocery store to have them in stock. Head to these local farms and pick your own. Make sure to call the farms, though, since many are by appointment only.

THE DISH The Ghiottone SWEET SPOT

GHIOTTONE AT TERRA & ACQUA

Chocolate, cheese, and bananas all wrapped up in dough and baked in a brick oven. We might have just died and gone to dessert heaven.

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

T

hat Simone Parisi is a native of Florence is a fact evident from the moment you glance at the Terra & Acqua menu. His restaurant’s extensive selection of antipasti, handmade pasta, and traditional Italian of both the land and sea betray an intimate knowledge of Italian cuisine that could only have been learned through lifelong exposure. Because of this unbridled authenticity, they’ve become well-known in the area for their pasta and the flavor of their brick oven.

One thing you often don’t hear about, though, is their desserts. They’ll often fall under the shadow of the flashier antipasti and primi. And for us, that’s a problem.

That’s a problem because – if you haven’t tried their desserts – you’re seriously missing out. To prove this point, let me tell you about the traditional Florentine Ghiottone. To start off, ghiottone is Italian for “glutton.” Not a bad name for a dessert.

The foundation of the dish is the housemade dough that the chefs prepare for the pizza. That dough is then filled with bananas, mascarpone cheese, chocolate hazelnut spread, and chocolate shavings, folded over to make a pocket, and placed in the

110

brick oven. This baking style not only melts all the chocolate and cheese inside, but gives the dough that irresistible crispiness that you get in pizza crust. When you cut into the Ghiottone, the melted ingredients have melded with each other and seeped into the dough.

It isn't a dish to approach lightly (all that chocolate is nothing to sneeze at), but it's one you'll want to approach again and again. The chefs take a few simple ingredients, add in some tried and true culinary techniques, and take a dessert masterpiece out of the oven.

But listen closely, dear reader – the Ghiottone is for sharing. Unless you’ve decided it’s going to be your meal for the next week, this dish is far too much for one mortal to tackle. But trust us, it’s worth convincing your dining companions to try. And with everything the Ghiottone offers, we doubt there will be much resistance.

134 Sea Grove Main Street www.terraacquarestaurant.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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Selecting a Real Estate Professional is a Very Important Decision That is why DEBBY CRAGGS’ customers consistently say. . .

“We are glad we chose you!”

Thank you so much for your efforts to help us sell our house so quickly. The house sold for the price we wanted within 3 weeks

Debby is a great COMMUNICATOR… How do you like to get your information: phone call, text, email? Debby will use the best means to stay in touch and provide you with information to make your best real estate decision.

of listing! We appreciate your

Debby is RESPONSIVE…

expertise, professionalism, strategy

Have a question? She will get back to you quickly.

and consistent follow-up, all key characteristics that go into making an excellent real estate agent.

We are so glad we chose you!

– CHRISTINE & JAMES JEFFREY

Her weekly reports and consistent updates will keep you in the know! Keeping you informed is priority #1.

Debby LISTENS… Debby understands that your reasons for selling or buying are unique. She can help you achieve your goals.

Debby CARES… She always puts your interest at the forefront, Debby looks for your winning solution whether it’s selling or buying.

Debby is a PROFESSIONAL… She has an extensive marketing background as well as 18 years as a Real Estate Broker.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AN EXPERT MAKES...

Call Debby Today!

DEBBY CRAGGS, B.A., SRES, CLHMS 904.540.0496

DebbyCraggs@gmail.com

O L D C I T Y R E A LT Y.C O M