St. Augustine Social - Dec/Jan 2018

THE CITY MAGAZINE of SAINT AUGUSTINE DECEMBER JANUARY 2018

WE AMPLIFY WHAT ST. AUGUSTINE HAS TO SAY

and dog

CONVERSATIONS WITH GUEN HOW A LITTLE CREATIVITY MADE THIS WRITER A LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION That's Guen

PERSON OF THE YEAR

PLUS:

MONEY MENTORS HEALTHY EATING CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Meet

Gary pg 85

A

rd 3 nniversary

Issue!!

STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM

Display until January 31, 2018

WEST AUGUSTINE

Uppity Art

Shop Small in St. Augustine

Located in West Augustine, Uppity Art Gallery's privately owned original artwork consists of paintings, wooden, metal and ceramic sculptures, unusual furnishings, glassware and much more. The exhibited works have been purchased from international artists as well as local and regional creators, especially the local talent of James Rivers and Deane Kellogg.

67 South Dixie Hwy

DOWNTOWN

ANASTASIA ISLAND

DOWNTOWN

San Sebastian Winery

Aqua East

San Sebastian Winery is nationally known for its award-winning wine and locally known for so much more.

The gift shop offers a variety of San Sebastian wines and other wine accessories. The Cellar Upstairs Wine Jazz and Blues Bar offers live music, San Sebastian wine, local beers on tap, gourmet food, downtown and waterfront scenery, lounge area, indoor and outdoor rooftop seating.

Aqua East is the local superstore for everything your adventurous lifestyle needs. The place to find gear for surfing, skateboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding and snowboarding, plus swimwear and lifestyle clothing from all major brands are available for men, women and children along with rental equipment for locals and visitors. Inside find a wide selection of boards, accessories, and wet suits.

For over twenty five years, Lost Art Gallery has specialized in Antiquities to Contemporary Fine Art. The gallery features 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st century American, Latin American, Asian, Indian and European Fine Art and Objets d' Art released from private collections at affordable prices. Located in the Lyons Building just around the corner from the Casa Monica Hotel.

157 King Street www.sansebastianwinery.com

1850 South A1A www.aquaeast.com

200 St. George Street www.lostartgallery.com

Lost Art Gallery

ONLINE

ANASTASIA ISLAND

312 & U.S. 1

Lauren Ytterbom Ceramics

Blue Water Jewelers

Rose & Pearl Gift Boutique

Lauren Ytterbom Ceramics is a local, modern ceramic studio and online retail shop. We offer homeware and dinnerware that are clean, modern & classic and suitable for everyday use.

Each unique piece is hand thrown in stoneware or porcelain and glazed with recipes mixed from scratch.

When you walk through the doors of this fabulous jewelry store you will be greeted with a warm and friendly staff of experts who love what they do. You will also find beautiful handcrafted jewelry, a large selection of Forevermark and GIA diamonds, Breitling Watches, John Hardy, a Master Jeweler, watch repairmen and diamond experts who are available to help you with your jewelry needs.

Located inside Nettles Fine Jewelry you’ll discover a perfect place to find locally made products, seasonal home goods, intentional gifts and personalized gift baskets for baby showers and corporate thank you gifts. Come by and have some fun without having to dodge the downtown traffic.

Shop Online at www.laurenytterbom.com

500 Anastasia Boulevard www.bluewater-jewelers.com

1811 US 1 South www.nettlesfinejewelry.com

DOWNTOWN

Sea Spirits Gallery & Gifts

ANASTASIA ISLAND

Debbie's Day Spa & Salon

DOWNTOWN

Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe

The concept of this beautiful gallery and gift shop is to reflect the owners wonderment of the sea by showcasing specialty, one-of-a-kind pieces and beautifully designed items from around the world. It has been curated with unique sea-inspired fine art, blown glass, stained glass, sculptures, stunning jewelry, nautical artifacts and much more.

Located on the Island, Debbie's Day Spa & Salon, is an award winning spa and salon always focused on their mission to improve their clients "state of well being.� Inside you'll find a curated collection of jewelry, accessories, womenswear for all body types and spa and salon products. Gift cards are the perfect present no matter the occasion.

The most magical place in St. Augustine! Our year-round Christmas shop features unique holiday gifts, collectibles and the largest selection of Christmas ornaments and decor in the historic district. Visit us to be transported to December any time of the year and find your favorite Christmas decor brands.

210 St. George Street www.seaspiritsgallery.com

403 Anastasia Boulevard www.debbiesdayspasalon.com

162 St. George Street www.perkypelican.com

HELLO

S

ince Andrew and I were married 11 years ago, I have wanted to take ballroom dancing classes with him. And for 11 years he's been eluding the opportunity like the plague. Shocker. So, as we began to plan our "We Tried It" column for this Dec/Jan issue I thought, "What could be more seasonally relevant than learning to dance?" After all, dancing is synonymous with celebrating and we're celebrating our 3 year anniversary of St. Augustine Social this issue. Plus, this is the season of celebrating! Be it a charity event, wedding, or night out on the town, this time of year we all find ourselves at a place where the music is turned up and the crowd heads to the dance floor to shake a leg, and if dancing isn't really your "thing,"often you're left feeling like a weirdo. And then, like clockwork, there's that one couple who emerges from the crowd with their quick step, tango, and perfectly synchronous twists and turns. Oh to be them!

I had my plan. For the sake of St. Augustine Social, and all the really ground-breaking journalism we do here, I would make dance classes a requirement for the entire team....you know for the articles' sake...so he couldn't say no. He happily obliged my request. And so it was. But, like every good plan that goes bad, there was a terrible cold, a sick three year old, no babysitter in sight, and a long-awaited sales meeting finally confirmed for Zach that all culminated on that fateful Friday afternoon leaving Molly, her partner Gareth, and myself (all by myself) at dance class.

Go online right now to see all the pictures from our dance lesson.

Photos by Brian Miller of Swell Studio and Rob Futrell.

DANCING OUR WAY

I want to feature people in this magazine who fly under the radar, keeping their nose to the ground focused on their mission with no hope of recognition or PR goal in mind.

You can see six of these people in our first annual Person of the Year cover story on page 84. They were nominated by their peers and voted for by the community because of their good work and the positive vibes they bring to our town. The best part – we had zero involvement in the selection.

You did. So thank YOU for making this story possible.

But we STILL had so much fun.

FUN is what we have every issue when we're currating the best information to share with you.

I want you to know that St. Augustine Social exists to be a megaphone with a mission to amplify what St. Augustine has to say. We hear your stories, we read your press releases and relate to your business goals more than you know. We work day and night to create the best platform that makes the most noise in the most effective way to unite this community for good. Thank you for three amazing years. I can't wait to see what we can do together in the next 30 years.

ergetic, Vitalie is the most en e met in spirited person I hav e makes St. Augustine and h ard fee l fee ling super awkw reall y fun.

-Heather Vreeland heather@occasionsmediagroup.com

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What’s Aging You?

age spots acne scars sun damage rosacea uneven skintone hair removal wrinkles Introducing the state-of-the-art

ICON LASER

CALL TO SET UP A CONSULTATION

(904) 245-1320 · WWW. ANHVUMD.COM · 301 HEALTH PARK BLVD., SUITE 109, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32086 BOTOX & JUVEDERM · FACE & NECK LIFTS · TUMMY TUCKS · BREAST AUGMENTATIONS · VASER LIPO · NEOGRAFT · COOLSCULPTING · CYNOSURE

WHY Photo by Rob Futrell

That hair of Adam Morley's didn't just happen.

WHY WE WORK

B

efore I started working at St. Augustine Social, I would have assumed that a city magazine like this one is mostly for entertainment, pure and simple. I would have said that it’s full of surface, fluff pieces that are perfect for thumbing through distractedly without any need for true attention. It has its purpose, sure, but it’s not important work.

Only a few months into this position and I can tell you that I was very, very wrong.

Naturally, one of our purposes with the stories that we tell is entertainment. We want our readers to enjoy their experience with the magazine and we try to relate the stories in an interesting way. We’ll add in small roundups and sidebars that are meant for that kind of light, cursory reading. But the people featured on these pages are much more than that.

Ultimately, we are a people-oriented magazine.

Anyone in the city can go visit Kingfish Grill and learn about their business while sitting at the tables.

But with only that experience they might never get to know Chef Austin Katoh and the training that went into his art of sushi. Without a magazine like this, people might never know the passion behind the work that Melissa Nelson does with United Way of St. Johns County. They might never give a thought to Chris Fitts, who hangs all the holiday lights in the city. They might never consider the voice on the other end of their 911 phone call and the work it took Christie Taylor to get there. It’s quite possible that these stories would never reach the readers, reach you.

Photos by Brian Miller of Swell Studio.

Post-lesson pow-wow before the party starts!

A community like St. Augustine runs on these people, the people doing this quiet work. With each passing issue, we want to become more and more acquainted with our city and the individuals who form its foundation. We’re not here to promote their business or tell you the same things that you could learn by walking through their doors.

's As a stunt double, it gnature important to have a si ed loo k. This one is call y into the "gazing dramaticall distance."

We want to bring St. Augustine together as a community. So we’re here to introduce you to your neighbors.

-Molly Wilson molly@occasionsmediagroup.com

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INSIDE

Page 64

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Weddings, Birthday Parties, Celebrations Special Advertising Section

34

45

84

102

LIVING

STYLE

LOCALS

EATS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TRENDSETTER

The holidays aren't the only things taking up December and January! The city is brimming with events this season.

Sometimes it's best to hear from a pro. Floral and event designer, Tessa Manton, gives out some style and life advice.

19

46

Q&A

NEW YEARS ENTERTAINING

38

52

Tasha Peters of By Design Catering shares the details of their healthy, delivered-to-yourdoor Chef Prepared Meals.

We've got nearly everything you need to make the dive into 2018 both memorable and little bit sparkly.

ADVOCATE

As Executive Director of the local United Way chapter, Melissa Nelson's desire to give is just second nature.

74

LIVING ON THE VEG

Don't let the tofu myths scare you away. Purple Olive's Sesame Ginger Tofu is packed with flavor and excitement.

98

BEHIND THE BAR

LINE OF DUTY

It's time to meet the voice on the other end of your 911 call. Lt. Christie Taylor talks life, training, and her most memorable call.

82

The Tao of Andy Norris, head bartender at The Floridian, is one we're eager to learn and to live by.

104

A G O D G 8

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

ONLINE

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

STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM 8 SUNDAY BRUNCH SPOTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS If the sight of this breakfast wrap from Brunch at the Casablanca Inn has your mouth watering, then you need to know where to find the hottest Sunday spots in the city.

Photo by Ryder Haske

RECENT PRESS RELEASES >> THE ICE HOUSE

St. Augustine writer Laura Lee Smith’s second novel, The Ice House, has been released. The book, partly inspired by the iconic Ribera Street building that now houses The St. Augustine Distillery and The Ice Plant, tells the story of a man on the verge of losing his livelihood and of losing forever his relationship with his only son.

SIZEMORE

OCEAN COURSE AT HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT

r e tt e b e b d What coul runch?! t han b

After taking damage from two hurricanes, the beautiful golf course with a view of the sea is back up and better than ever!

Photo by Laryssa Goberts

More Online Now >>

FARMERS MARKET

STORM WRECK

The 1782 St. Augustine shipwreck has been added to the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS 2017/2018

Catch up on everything you need to know about St. Augustine's biggest holiday event. From parking to tours, we've got the details.

GET GILDED

The Lightner Muesum is hosting a swanky tribute to the new year in true Gilded Age fashion.

10

Acoustic duo, Jack and Amy Sizemore, are excited to announce that they will share the stage together once again with a weekly residency at the Tropical Tradewinds Lounge, where they will play every Thursday through December.

ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION FALL MEMBERS SHOW AWARD WINNERS (left to right) Jean Wagner Troemel (award sponsor); Gina Torkos, Xi Guo, Dan Voelliinger, Siv Spurgeon, Nancy Hamlin-Vogler, B.K. Moring, Cindy Wilson, Betty Morris Parker, Roger Bansemer, Sandra Maler.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market has expanded to include new vendors and activities. The community can now come out to enjoy live music and refreshments on the Front Porch (now open during the Market!)

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.

As happiness advocates from the multi-billion dollar self-improvement industry champion our creative, entrepreneurial impulses and encourage us to find “work that doesn’t feel like work,” Andy Norris is quietly two steps ahead of the pack. Mixing stiff drinks and sharing laughs behind the bar...

Andy distills his job requirements to “hanging out.”

ROB FUTRELL

Photographer ••• Husband Father Picture-Taker

ALEXTER ALBURY

LYNETTE SNELL

Writer

Writer

••• Artist Movie Nut Super Dad

••• Fiesty and Fun Youthful Grandma Animal-Lover

CARMEN FLEISCHMANN

BRIAN MILLER

Writer

Photographer

••• Mother Believer Adventurer

••• Musician Photographer Dreamer

SHANNON O'NEIL

STEVE PARR

Writer

Photographer & Writer

••• Author Floridian Explorer

••• New Yorker Veteran Photographic Adventurist

MEEKA ANNE

MATTHEW SHAW

Writer

Writer Photo by Holt Webb

Sometimes gett ing the perfect shot means reaching new heights!

••• Mom Idea Seeker Wanderer

TEDDY REGIS

••• Surfer Music-lover Thrift store enthusiast

Matt wrote that!

Writer

••• Pianist Blogger Locavore

From the mouth of Teddy Regis...

Only a handful of locals get to see the rarely-spotted angel designs in our city's architecture. The time these locals spend on rooftops installing the lights that illuminate the historic district is what reveals hidden details that are often lost on passersby.

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Behind the scenes at the Person of the Year shoot with Guen and Gary

TALKING

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK

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

#staugsocial GET YOUR PHOTO IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Send us your view of St. Augustine with the hashtag #staugsocial on Instagram and we'll feature our favorites.

Get Social With Us

By using the hashtag #staugsocial you agree to allow St. Augustine Social to publish your Instagram profile, photo and words.

FACEBOOK Facebook.com/ staugustinesocial

TWITTER @StAugSocial

@omalleysgrooming INSTAGRAM @StAugSocial

WE POSTED...YOU SAID

@staugsocial

OVERHEARD ON TWITTER

#staugustine #oldcity

Now with a pretty new spot and some adorable decor, @juniper_ market is jumping headfirst into the entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit of the Abbott Tract district. : @photosbyrob "She's a winner!

- @palmbeachbound

"

" Best Grilled cheese of my life" - @braid_bar_sta "Best errrr thang " - @kristenjoyhair

" the Magic Coffee " - @staugustineguesthouse " " - @llamasaintaugustine

"LYMI Oddities by the

pier at St A Beach!"

- Laurie Sage Royal

"Declaration & Co!!!"

- Liz Dolan

"The St. Augustine Farmer's Market!"

-Jen Snare

"Dixie Cottage!"

-Amanda Tison Alton

"Spice and Tea Exchange!"

- Susan Sutherland

@greengirl80

"Antoinette's Bath House Soapery & Boutique" - Bridget Healy

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

"We made a little trip on the way home from our cruise to St. Augustine!ď¸?đ&#x;?ť #staugustine #love #milkstout"@CheyannaLZubas "Can't. Stop.

Taking. Photos.

Beautiful buildings everywhere!"

-@CanBlogHouse

@kylemcummings

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"My goodness... đ&#x;˜? S unrises in St. Augustine do not disappoint."

-@ChristyANJax "Our stop in the oldest city in the US brought us to #catch27" -@TasteSimplicity

"The Woman. @juniper_market" - @meganbwproduce

WE ASKED...YOU COMMENTED What's your favorite St. Augustine store to find stocking stuffers?

"Bought all the ladies necklaces from Bluewater last year and my child picked out fun purses to put them in at Spanish Dutch Convoy."

- Heather Neville

@molly.elisa

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

JODY HICKS Inside Sales Coordinator

SANDRA SCHULTZ

That 's Zach

Graphic Designer

COVER PHOTOGRAHY BY Rob Futrell

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

SUBMIT AN EVENT

ADVERTISE

Through a vast print distribution network, popular website, local networking and promotional events, St. Augustine Social remains in front of up and comers, business owners, local trend-setters, families and visitors of St. Augustine. We provide targeted, visually appealing print and digital platforms that captures attention and returns results for our advertisers over and over. www.StAugustineSocial.com/advertise

SUBSCRIBE

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.

With a regular retail price of $4.99 per issue, at just $15 per year you’ll save $14.94 by subscribing in advance. www.StAugustineSocial.com/subscriptions FOR CONTACTS, PHONE & ADDRESS VISIT STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM/ABOUT WWW.OCCASIONSMEDIAGROUP.COM

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.

Published and printed in the USA.

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

If your company is hiring, post the job opening on our popular job board on StAugustineSocial. com. Posts are just $10 and you can easily upload the details and pay online in minutes. www.StAugustineSocial.com/jobs

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

MEDIA SPONSOR

Charitable causes and community events are especially close to our heart. If your company or organization has an upcoming event and are lookin for a partner to help promote it, give us a ring or shoot us an email www.StAugustineSocial.com/contact

Become a Community Partner

made s i e n i z a g a This m e by their po ssibl do ll ars! advertising

St. Augustine Social Community Partners do more than just advertise... their investment gives way to new conversations, supports charitable and community events and unites a city by helping us tell interesting stories and faciliate an environment where no one is a stranger.

Call (904) 501-3411 to learn about our advertising options.

Living THE GIVERS GALA Casa Monica Hotel & Spa January 19, 2018 United Way of St. Johns County will host their first inaugural gala, aptly called "The Givers Gala" to celebrate 60 years of service and giving in St. Johns County this January 2018. You won't want to miss this occasion.

During their time in our county, the United Way has collected and distributed over $30 million to community partners including the Council on Aging, the Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, the USO, and a number of others. Since 1957, the organization has been assisting local nonprofits and charitable organizations to stay on their feet and keep fighting the good fight for St. Johns County. This has been no easy task and no small feat.

When you give to United Way of St. Johns County, all of that money stays in St. Johns County – and that is something to celebrate! The gala, a magical night of black tie, ball gowns, glitz, and glamour will bring together local givers from all walks of life for a festive night of fellowship and inspiring stories. Tickets are $150 per person if purchased before December 20, 2017. Purchase your tickets online to reserve your seat.

www.unitedway-sjc.org

Inside:

Calendar of Events // We Tried It // Trending // Long Story Short // Q&A

LIVING

Calendar of Events

THINGS TO DO IN ST. AUGUSTINE DURING DECEMBER AND JANUARY

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PAL MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY 2017 St. Augustine Attractions December 2

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

For the 60th year in a row, local attractions are teaming up with the USO to offer free admission to all active-duty servicemen and their families. Free lunch is provided by the St. Augustine Elks Lodge from 10:30am-3pm. The participating attractions this year include the Colonial Quarter, Marineland, Potter’s Wax Museum, the Alligator Farm, and many, many more. A full list of attractions can be found online.

Plaza de la Constitución November 18-January 31

www.jaxuso.org

GINGERBREAD MAN 10K/5K DASH World Golf Village December 2, 8am

Get in the holiday spirit at this 10K and 5K that takes place at World Golf Village. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday attire. Pets

St. Augustine's Nights of Lights has gained worldwide recognition as one of the best seasonal destinations to see some pretty spectacular holiday lights. Everything kicks off mid November with a dazzling night of entertainment and fanfare before a countdown to the lighting of the city. Throughout the holiday season, you can stand in the middle of the Plaza de la Constitucion under a canopy of towering trees and feel the millions of white lights illuminate you and take your breath away.

CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS

Limelight Theatre November 30-December 30

Two hilarious kid pageants layered into a timeless story with a heartwarming lesson about coexisting with other religions and ethnicities. Based on a Grace Paley short story, the play is the story of Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant, as told by her in later years to her greatgranddaughter. 11 Old Mission Avenue • www.limelight-theatre.org

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Photo by Stacey Sather

gh Throu ry Janua

are welcome. Participants will receive a medal and t-shirt. Also, gingerbread cookies and food from PDQ and Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be available. The 10K begins at 8am, the 5K at 8:05am, and the Kids Fun Run at 9:05am. www.ultimateracinginc.com/gingerbread-man-10k5k

CHRISTMAS PARADE Mission Nombre de Dios December 2, 9am

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOURS There are plenty of ways to see the city's favorite holiday tradition, but sometimes you want more than just a sidewalk view. These local tours will let you enjoy the dazzling lights in style.

FLORIDA WATER TOURS November 18-January 31 www.floridawatertour.com

SCHOONER FREEDOM November 18-January 27, Fridays and Saturdays www.schoonerfreedom.com

ATLANTIC WATER TOURS November 18-January 31

St. Augustine’s 63rd Annual Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season with floats, festive decorations and plenty of fun. Holiday season decorations adorn all the entries, from floats to marching bands to antique cars and horses and carriages. Even Santa joins in the spectacle, as visitors and locals alike come down to the historic district to watch the procession.

(904) 824-4997

RAILS TO TRAILS Armstrong Park, Elkton December 2-3

Hosted by SEA (Spuds/Elkton/Armstrong) Community Help Resource Center, this festival at Armstrong Park is a celebration of our

Gullah Geechee heritage and features cultural arts and crafts, food vendors, historic films, heritage corridor discussions, live music and a bike ride. This free event is scheduled for 127pm on Saturday and 12-6pm on Sunday. The bike ride begins at 9am on Saturday. www.seachrc.org

PIN UP PAWS PUP PARTY Limelight Theatre December 2, 6:30pm

Help celebrate the fundraising efforts of all of the participants as they reveal the 2018 Pin Up Paws Calendar! Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a silent auction. Tickets include the 2018 calendar and admission to the play, Coney Island Christmas. Tickets are $48 each. www.staugustinehumanesociety.org

GUANA 50K AND 12K RACE Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve December 3, 8am and 1pm

Spend a speedy time winding your way through the beautiful reserve during the 50K individual race or team race or spend a little less time in the park during the 12K. With each race you’ll experience the natural beauty of Florida while

ST. AUGUSTINE WINTER SPECTACULAR

Lewis Auditorium December 2-3

Bring the whole family to one of the Oldest City’s newest Christmas traditions. The Winter Spectacular showcases the many talents of the St. Augustine Dance Company in cozy storytelling, charming characters, and holiday scenes expressed through a variety of dance styles. Prepurchased tickets begin at $15 and tickets at the door begin at $20 depending on seat location.

www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com

www.atlanticwatertours.com

b Decem

GOLD TOURS

November 19-January 12, No Saturdays

er

2-3

www.staugustinegoldtours.com

RED TRAINS

November 19-January 6 www.ripleys.com/redtrains

OLD TOWN TROLLEY November 19-January 31 www.trolleytours.com

ROCKIN' RED ROADSTER TOUR

November 18-January 31 www.trolleytours.com

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.

CHRISTMAS MESSIAH WITH UNF CHAMBER SINGERS AND LAWSON ENSEMBLE December 2, 3pm

JD MCPHERSON December 8, 8pm

GIN BLOSSOMS

December 12, 8pm

HORTON’S HOLIDAY HAYRIDE STARRING REVEREND HORTON HEAT WITH JUNIOR BROWN, THE BLASTERS AND BIG SANDY December 19, 6:30pm

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY December 21-23

focusing on health, wellness, and having fun!

Day-of registration for the 50K is $60. Team 50K is $120. Day-of registration is $45. www.1stplacesports.com/races/guana/

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Downtown St. Augustine December 3, 12-5pm

Presented by the Garden Club of St. Augustine, this walking tour gives participants a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to see these beautiful homes dating from the 1800s decorated with fresh wreaths, garlands and floral arrangements. Rich with the charm and grandeur of the holiday season, this tour is a very popular annual tradition.

www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org/TourofHomesInformation

CLUTCH WITH DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT AND THE OBSESSED St. Augustine Amphitheatre December 5, 8pm

Clutch combined elements of funk, Led Zeppelin, and metal with vocals inspired by Faith No More. Formed in 1991 in Germantown, Maryland, the group is Neil Fallon, Tim Sult, Dan Maines, and Jean-Paul Gaster. Their latest album, Psychic Warfare, has set the already high bar even higher for a new kind of rock. Tickets start at $27. www.staugamphitheatre.com

LUMINARY NIGHT St. Augustine Lighthouse December 6, 7-9pm

HENRY ROLLINS "TRAVEL SLIDESHOW SPOKEN WORD TOUR" January 1, 8pm

BETTYE LAVETTE January 4, 8pm

THE ZOMBIES: ODESSEY AND ORACLE 50TH ANNIVERSARY January 12, 8pm

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS January 24, 8pm

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES January 25, 8pm

BLACK VIOLIN January 27, 8pm

1050 A1A North www.pvconcerthall.com 22

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum goes all out for Luminary Night, offering children’s activities and holiday crafts, yuletide refreshments, and live music, including a string quartet inside the Lighthouse tower. Get an up close look at the spectacular holiday decorations, lighting displays, and the impressive Christmas tree in the Lighthouse Keeper’s House. www.staugustinelighthouse.org

FEST WRESTLING PRESENTS BRAWL BY THE BEACH St. Augustine Amphitheatre December 8, 8pm

FEST Wrestling is the wildest party in independent professional wrestling. Featuring a large number of pro wrestlers, the epic Brawl by the Beach will pit wrestler versus wrestler in a battle for the ages as they duke it out for the official FEST Wrestling title belt! VIP Ticket includes early entry, meet and greet with wrestlers and full-color show poster. Tickets start at $20. www.staugamphitheatre.com

FIRST COAST ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW Mark Lance National Guard Armory December 9, 9am-3pm

Holiday shopping done right! The show offers visitors a chance to browse a variety of handcrafted items, from jewelry and home décor to clothing, candles, artwork, and more. This event is a perfect opportunity to pick up unique

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

SANTA SUITS ON THE LOOSE 5K St. Augustine Beach Pier December 9, 8am

More than a hilariously good time, this festive 5k benefits one of the most important organizations in our county – St. Augustine Youth Services, a group home for boys providing food, shelter, care and therapeutic treatment since 1989. Bring your best holiday cheer to this marvelously merry 5K! The first 100 adult registrants are given either a free t-shirt or a free Santa suit to run in and child registrants will receive a Santa-inspired t-shirt. Because there's nothing like a brisk run with Old Saint Nick to get you in the mood for the holidays (even if we experience the time-honored Florida tradition of 80 degree weather in December). The course winds through the beautiful neighborhood of St. Augustine Beach and benefits the St. Augustine Youth Services.

Day-of registration is $35. www.racesmith.com/races/ SantaSuitsOnTheLoose5K

CROCFEST 2017

REGULAR EVENTS

Alligator Farm Zoological Park December 9, 12-9pm

Help support the critically endangered Cuban crocodile and have a little fun at the same time! Tour the grounds of the Alligator Farm and meet its reptile, bird, and mammal inhabitants. Encounter crocodile experts from all around the globe, eat a little BBQ, and participate in a silent auction (followed by a rousing live auction and t-shirt sale!). Adult tickets are $25.

Children (5-17) are $10.

www.crocfest.org

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Market at the Pier

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

First Friday Art Walk

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

Old City Farmers Market holiday gifts. Local food vendors will also participate in the event.

who have served within the Castillo walls throughout its long history.

REGATTA OF LIGHTS

BED & BREAKFAST HOLIDAY TOUR

St. Augustine Bayfront December 9, 6pm

Downtown St. Augustine December 9-13

www.firstcoastcrafts.com

Watch the beloved Nights of Lights take to the water when boats and ships sail past the St. Augustine Bayfront to show off their dazzling light displays. Hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club, it’s a dazzling sight for spectators along the bayfront between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos. www.staugustineyachtclub.com

CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS OPEN HOUSE Castillo de San Marcos December 9, 6-8pm

Immerse yourself in 300 years of history at the Castillo by lantern light. Guests can experience the Castillo after dark and meet a variety of historic military personnel portrayed by park rangers and volunteers. These reenactors bring to life the soldiers, sailors, marines, and civilians

www.nps.gov/casa

This is the 24th Annual tour, and participating inns will be decorated according to the theme, “Coastal Christmas.” Guests are given a tour guide package with a map to help them navigate the tour. Along with showing off their best Christmas presentations, the bed and breakfasts partner with some of the finest restaurants in the area to provide delicious food and drink throughout the tour. www.staugustinebandbtour.com

ST. AUGUSTINE MAKERS FEST Mark Lance National Guard Armory December 10, 11am-5pm

The St. Augustine Makers Fest will be a showcase of works by talented people in St. Augustine who make and create. This special festival will feature craftsmen, artisans, jewelers, www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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

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THE SANTALAND DIARIES Ponte Vedra Concert Hall December 15-16, 8:30pm

Written by NPR favorite, David Sedaris, "The Santaland Diaries" tells the tale of one man's experience working an an elf at Macy's Santaland.

The hilarious and irreverent classic is a perfect way to laugh your way into a celebration of the season. The play contains mature content and language. Tickets are $20.

bakers, brewers, potters, apothecaries, and more. There will be vendors on site with goods for sale, as well as food and drink vendors throughout event. A silent auction will be held to benefit the St. Augustine Public Montessori School. www.staugustinemakersfest.org

HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS Washington Oaks State Park December 10

Take advantage of the crisp December air with a stroll through one of the area’s most charming state parks. Not only will the gardens be festively decorated, but the park will be playing host to Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as arts and crafts for the little ones and live entertainment all day. Admission is free with the donation of toys or canned goods.

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www.washingtonoaks.org/holiday-in-the-gardens

THE ART OF DINING: THE TABLE AT DOWNTON ABBEY Casa Monica Hotel December 13, 10:30am

Francine Segan will lead you on a journey to discover the elaborate etiquette, enchanting entertainments, and dishes Ms. Patmore would have been proud to send to the table. Vivid descriptions of Lord Grantham-esque dinner parties, cotillions, and elegant picnics will transport you back in time, while you learn all the popular toasts of the era and when it’s proper to remove your gloves or tip your hat.

The event includes a trivia contest on the uses for now-obsolete objects that Mr. Carson would be shocked to find you couldn’t use properly. www.lightnermuseum.org/Francine-Segan

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 9:15am-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 9:30am-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

LIVING was originally commissioned by NBC and performed by the NBC Opera Theatre in 1951.

It has become a holiday favorite ever since.

Hear the Christmas story, told anew. Tickets are $40 per person. www.emmaconcerts.com

MUNCH, MINGLE, AND MATRICULATE: A HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE WITH FRANCINE SEGAN Casa Monica Hotel December 14, 10:30am

Discover chocolate’s history, starting with its New World origins. Journey to Europe and learn how it evolved from a grainy bitter brew into the treat we know and love today.

Learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar as you are guided through a tasting of various types of fine chocolates. Discover the roles Christopher Columbus and Casanova played; how decadent 17th-century European high society experienced chocolate; and how candy is made today. www.lightnermuseum.org/Francine-Segan

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE FOR CHARITY Willis Family Home December 16, 12-7pm

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December 16-17

The classic holiday tale comes to life on the Saint Augustine Ballet stage again this December! Join Clara on a whirlwind journey with a mysterious uncle, mischievous mice, sentient dancing sweets, reindeer-drawn sleigh rides, and the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy – all when her Christmas Nutcracker comes to life! Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (904) 824-1746.

www.staugustineballet.com

GILDED AGE DINING AT THE ALCAZAR HOTEL Lightner Museum December 13, 6pm

Held in the Historic Pool Area of the Lightner Museum, this event will introduce you to the best of Gilded Age dining. Join the Lightner Museum for an evening of gilded elegance and sophisticated sipping as Francine Segan and Sommelier, Anthony Porcellini, of Carrera Wine Cellar, guide guests through a 19th century-inspired menu and wine pairing. Ms. Segan will give an introduction to the dining

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The annual Willis Family Open House is a festival of holiday decor from top to bottom.

Visitors who come by the Willis house can see 26 themed Christmas trees, 19 wreaths, holiday light displays, and other holiday decor, both indoors and out. This year’s event benefits K9s for Warriors.

740 S. Heritage Creek Way

ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine December 16-17

One of SACC’s only three yearly events, the holiday concert is always an unforgettable experience. With beautiful renditions of holiday classics and a triumphant, uplifting delivery of Handel’s Messiah, this concert ought to become one of your Christmas traditions (if it isn’t already!). Adult tickets are $20. Students, children under 12, and active military are $5. www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Ponte Vedra Concert Hall December 16-17

trends and expectations of the Gilded Age and will be assisted by Mr. Porcellini in explaining how the wine is meant to bring out the inherent flavors of each dish. www.lightnermuseum.org/Francine-Segan

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS Lewis Auditorium December 13, 7:30pm

The EMMA concert series presents its annual Holiday Traditions concert, this year in partnership with the First Coast Opera.

This opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the six mischievous and slightly delinquent Herdman children.

The Herdman children start attending Sunday school after hearing that the local church offers snacks. Soon after, they join the church’s nativity production and cause chaos, general mayhem, and hilarity as they relate the Christmas story. Tickets are $15. www.apextheatrejax.com

ST. AUGUSTINE EXOTIC BIRD EXPO Mark Lance National Guard Armory December 17, 9am-4pm

For lovers of all things exotic birds, you’ve

LIVING come to the right place! Spend a day wandering among a unique variety of bird breeders and vendors for a large selection of exotic birds, toys, cages, food, floor stands, and much more.

Admission is $5. www.staugustineexoticbirdfair.com

WINTER THEATER DAY CAMP Limelight Theatre December 27-29, January 2-5

Let your little ones celebrate the season and brush up on their acting skills with Limelight Theatre's winter day camp. Christmas on Candy Cane Lane is a musical designed for young voices to practice their singing and dancing in a festive way. The day camp is $35 per day or $225 for all seven days. There will be a showcase of the musical on the final day of the camp, January 5. www.limelight-theatre.org

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NORTH FLORIDA WOMEN’S CHORALE Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine December 29, 7pm

The annual holiday concert is titled "Cradle Songs and Carols," and will feature a variety of seasonal favorites. It is always a beautiful and sonorous highlight of the holiday season. The chorus of 40 treble voices consists of singers from Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Augustine. The concert is free and open to the public. www.womenschorale.org

GET GILDED: NEW YEAR'S EVE SOIREE Lightner Museum December 31, 9:30pm-12:30am

Ring in the New Year with live music, a champagne toast, and balloon drop in Lightner Museum’s Historic Pool Area as the Museum celebrates the 130th anniversary of the Alcazar Hotel and 70th anniversary of the Lightner Museum! The museum will have a cash bar serving spirits, wine, and beer. Small bites will be catered by “A Step Above” catering. Tickets to the event are $50. www.lightnermuseum.org/New-Years

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BEACH BLAST OFF 2017 St. Augustine Beach Pier December 31, 4-10pm

Ring in the new year with the sand between your toes at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. The evening will be jam packed with live entertainment from local bands, delicious food and drink, amusement for the little ones, and a fireworks show to boot. The fireworks display will take place at 8:30pm and the afterparty will continue until 10pm. Entrance to the event is free and tickets for kids’ activities as well as food and drink are available for purchase.

www.sabevents.com/beach-blast-off

FLORIDA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT PRESENTS BOCCHERINI, PUCCINI, ROTA, & WOLF Ponte Vedra Concert Hall January 7, 3pm

The first chamber music concert of 2018 will feature Boccherini’s Quartet “Opus 58,” No. 4 G245 in B minor, Puccini’s “Crisantemi,” Nino Rota’s String Quartet, and Wolf’s Italian Serenade. Brought together as masters of the uniquely beautiful Italian sound, the composers span generations but remain utterly timeless. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Season tickets for the FCMP can be purchased, but the individual tickets for performances are $25. www.flchambermusic.org

ST. AUGUSTINE MILITARY BALL Mark W. Lance Armory January 13

Support local veterans and active duty military personnel all while experiencing the pomp and circumstance of a military gala. This year the black tie event will benefit retired Lt. Col. (Ret)

The Gift that Gives All Year

$

15 For the Year

GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS BUY ONLINE AT WWW.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM

LIVING

ST. AUGUSTINE FILM FESTIVAL Flagler College & Corazon Cinema & Cafe January 18-21

An ever-growing event for local film lovers, the St. Augustine Film Festival is celebrating its eighth year. Independent filmmakers from all over the world come together to present their latest original work in a stunning range of genres, themes, and voices. Tickets are available for individual films as well as passes for all films and the special events of the weekend.

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www.staugfilmfest.com

William Dudley, current chairman of the veteran’s council in St. Johns County. Dine and dance and even participate in a silent auction. Tickets are $100 and space is very limited. www.4wardmarch.org

MARCH FOR LIFE Mission Nombre de Dios January 13, 9:45am-4pm

The March for Life St. Augustine is an annual event that includes live music, a procession in historic downtown, guest speakers, and a dinner. As many as 2,500 people from all over Florida have joined in the March for Life in past years to support pro-life causes.

This year's speaker is Stephanie Gray, a Canadian pro-life activist who served 12 years as executive director of the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform and currently works in her ministry Love Unleashes Life. www.marchforlifestaugustine.com

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: GAINESVILLE ORCHESTRA Lewis Auditorium January 13, 7:30pm

EMMA Concerts presents a special live concert featuring the Gainesville Orchestra with Music Director and Conductor Evans

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Haile. Evans Haile is an internationally known artist whose home is in Gainesville.

As its new Maestro, Haile has significantly increased the reputation and quality of the Gainesville Orchestra. Tickets are $40.

with a beautiful run through downtown St. Augustine. The Matanzas 5K is in its 38th year running and is still one of Florida’s fastest 5Ks. Cash prizes are given for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female participants as well as the top three finishers in each age group. Pre-registration begins at $25. Day-of registration is $35.

www.emmaconcerts.com

FOOL FOR LOVE Limelight Theatre January 19-February 11

www.matanzas5k.com

Penned by beloved American playwright, Sam Shepherd, Fool for Love follows two former lovers – May and Eddie – who meet again in a desert motel. The play is a crisis of identity, destructive cycle, about family, genealogy, and features Sam Shepherd’s iconic father character – distant, alcoholic, and unable to communicate. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. www.limelight-theatre.org

MATANZAS 5000 5K & FUN RUN Francis Field January 27, 8am

Celebrate a new year and new beginnings

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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OLD CITY PIRATE FEST Colonial Quarter January 27-28

Do you long for the days when Pirates roamed the streets of St. Augustine? Would you like to walk the streets of the city where famous pirates once raided their fortunes? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you should probably attend the Old City Pirate Fest. Watch musicians, gypsies, dancers, magicians, and mermaids perform and take in blacksmithing, sword-fighting, and black powder weaponry demonstrations.

Fest passes are $13. www.colonialquarter.com

More Online!

LIVING

QUICK STEP TO A FUN TIME "We should consider every day lost in which we don't dance."

-Freidrich Nietzche

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

WE TRIED IT

W

e’ve all watched the mesmerizing gracefulness of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and wished we could be them – with the music, the spinning, the long flowing dresses.

Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, when we hit upon the idea of ballroom dancing for our holiday-geared “We Tried It” column, I wasn’t the only one whose enthusiasm skyrocketed. In the season of elegant galas, festive parties, and even weddings, skills on the dance floor can be quite an impressive asset.

But even armed with this excitement when we walked into Arthur Murray Dance Studio, we were admittedly a little nervous. Dance skills in our group were fairly minimal and had mostly been retired since the days of pink tutus in school auditoriums. Who knew what we were in for.

However, we found our instructor Vitalie Majullo was determined to really ease us into the steps the same way beginning students are

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treated. At first, he demonstrated a few of the dances with Heather in tow, just to give us a feel for the movement and music. Afterwards, Vitalie said he’d walk me and my partner, Gareth, through the whole process of a first class – from introductions to a final review.

We were given a form to fill out about prior experience and which dance styles we wanted to learn. Vitalie then picked two of our choices and led us onto the dance floor. As someone with only a little dance experience next to a partner with almost none, the process was surprisingly simple. “If you can walk,” said Vitalie, “you can dance.” He guided us through the three basics steps and gave us time to get comfortable with those before we put them together to music.

In next to no time, Gareth and I were revolving around the studio floor – slow... slow...quick, quick. After a few rotations with our new Foxtrot talents, Vitalie moved us onto the faster-paced Hustle, and we finished out the lesson dancing to something upbeat and www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

energetic. The program the studio uses is designed to ease new participants into their newfound hobby by taking the process slowly and keeping it light.

Despite the intimidation of trying not to fall in high heels on a slick floor (while a photographer clicks away in the corner), we left the studio eager to return to the dance floor. Maybe we’re not channeling our inner Ginger Rogers yet, but we’re a couple of steps closer. www.arthurmurraystaug.com

STOP right now and go online to see the rest of the photos from our private dance lesson and the group class we attended later in the week for a closer look at their process (and us kicking up our heels!).

LIVING TRENDING

ROUND UP

MICROGREENS THE NEW SOUPING CRAZE Bridget Jawara may just change your thinking around “drinking green.”

Visit her vegan soup bar, Green Veggie Co., at the Farmers Market and you’ll understand why.

By Lauren Eastman

Bo tt oms Up!

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ridget Jawara smiles brightly amid the morning heat of the Old City Farmers Market, offering cool sips of her delicious, organic soup line under the name Green Veggie Co. With names like "Refreshing Cucumber," "14 Karat," and "Strawberry Basil," a delicious mix of whole plant-based nourishment awakens the taste buds and satisfies the palate while providing a nutritious boost.

A lifelong vegan, Bridget began selling her soups at local farmers’ markets in North Carolina and Florida in 2013. She soon realized how many people desired healthy lifestyle support with a fast, healthy option. By creating nutritious, plant-based soups made in a sustainable way, she was able to support herself and her philosophy to fuel the body and soul – without compromising flavor or satisfaction. Today, she partners with local, organic farmers to select the perfect mix of seasonable produce for each soup. She has 15 cold blends and 20 hot soups (think

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fresh broth, leafy organic greens, Japanese herbs). The organic, vegan, and non-GMO concoctions are created without additives, preservatives, sugars, dairy, eggs, or animal products.

Known for detoxifying the body, souping recently replaced the juicing trend after it evolved into a less-than-healthy mix of high sugar content lacking nutrients.

Soups provide sustained energy by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

They clean the gut and boost metabolism, melt fat, strengthen immunity, and bring a glow to the skin. Moving into the winter months, soups also provide a warmer way to nourish the body.

Green Veggie Co. utilizes nutrientrich plants resulting in soups with easily digestible fiber and healthy fats from coconut, avocado, and olive oils, helping “soupers” maintain a healthy lifestyle.

With the approaching holidays, embarking on a souping cleanse for as little as one day can provide an immediate recharge for those lacking time for a longer program.

Bridget offers five soups for $65.

Her three day cleanse of 15 soups for $195 is touted to strengthen digestion, build healthy body tissue and rid toxins from the system.

Of course, before embarking on any cleanse, Bridget recommends speaking with your healthcare provider.

Green Veggie Co. is currently based in Fort Mill, South Carolina, but Bridget is in the process of moving her operation to St. Augustine. We'll soon be able to count her among our trendsetting residents. You can buy her soups firsthand at the market, or through her website for $8 to $12 bottle.

In the spirit of getting more involved in the St. Augustine community, Bridget is expanding from just selling at the market.

She will soon be embarking on a partnership to sell her soups at The Corner Store in Lincolnville with “The Beet Lady,” Nyk Regine. www.greenveggieco.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

These healthy little greens are popping up all over the place.

Whether you're an amateur in the kitchen or a culinary expert, microgreens add some interest to your presentation and some health to your diet.

Microgreens of St. Augustine Focused on maintaining a safe and organic farming practice, this fairly new business will either harvest to order for you or deliver by the flat (so you can harvest yourself). They currently grow 26 varieties of microgreens.

2965 Green Acres Road

www.microgreensofsaintaugustine.com

Veggie Confetti Farm Using vertical farming techniques, the farm is indoor and self-contained in order to provide greens year round.

They also offer hydroponic kits so you can start growing yourself!

530 Lindsey Lane www.hydroponic-microgreens.com Gyo Greens Gyo Greens uses a sustainable farming method which combines traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals – in their case, fish – in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment.

147 Canal Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach www.g yogreens.com

THE OLDEST CITY “FUNNEST” EVENT GUARANTEED JAIL BREAK 5K Regional Coverage

The Old Town Telegraph ST. AUGUSTINE

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

Halloween Edition

The Authentic Old Jail, St. Augustine, Florida.

Halloween Weekend

Exhibit & Display Products

Thanks to: info@signsnowstaug.com

Forecast: Seasonally Florida with a chance of FRIGHT

CAPTURED AT JAIL BREAK 5K J A I L B R E A K AT T E M P T T O E S C A P E F R O M S T. AU G U S T I N E D I S G U I S E D A S 5 K R U N N E R

FREE HELMETS & BICYCLE LIGHTS THANKS TO RUNNERS & SPONSORS Thank you participants, partners & veloteers.

Editorial: VeloFest

Without the unwavering support of partners like Old Town Trolley, VeloFest Community Initiative could not continue to provide free programs in St. Johns County. Since 2011 free bicycle lights and helmets to education programs and community events, VeloFest has committed to safer streets for all road users and encourages safe cycling. VeloFest hopes to see you on the road and at one of our next projects. For more info go to www.velofest.org.

A special thank you to Old Town Trolley and the Historic Tours of America Family for believing in us enough to partner on this crazy endeavor.

It should go without saying, but an event of this caliber would not be possible without the partnership and belief in us to represent your successful brand so willingly.

TOP: Sheriff and inmates watch helplessly as #PaulTheTRex flees the Old Jail.

JAIL BREAK 5K HITS THE ROAD

How Old Town Trolley & VeloFest joined to catch #PaulTheTRex and plan the funnest 5k ever to hit the streets of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, FL. Established in 2016, Jail Break 5k, Escape from St. Augustine was launched by VeloFest Community Initiative and Old Town Trolley. The partnership aimed to produce a 5k race as unique as the oldest city. It didn’t take long before planning was underway and some of the zaniest, quirkiest and best 5k details were established. But while distracted, one of the inmates, a tyrannosaurus rex named “Paul”, managed to escape the guards!

Thanks to Old Town Trolley and the excellent supporting cast, a point to point 5k was possible. But it wouldn’t be a VeloFest Community Initiative event without bicycle safety.

The Jail Break Bike Rodeo provides fitted bicycle helmets, lights and information free to attendees 2-99. Being inclusive, the duo added a 0.0 Costume Contest so no one was left behind.

In an effort to ensure success for years to come, VeloFest and Old Town Trolley keep the party going before and after the finish line! Chasing #PaulTheTRex all over St. Johns County and beyond, they have built up quite the excitement.

Live local music, the best local food and drinks, entertainment for the whole family and exclusive perks like custom designed t-shirts and entry to the Old Jail await those who register for the fun. This is sure to be an event you will remember.

With a partnership like that, it was inevitable that #PaulTheTRex wouldn’t remain on the run for too long and that runners of the Jail Break 5k wouldn’t be caught anywhere else. More info on VeloFest, Old Town Trolley & the Jail Break 5k can be found at www.escapefromstaugustine.com.

Pictured: Built in 1891 and commissioned by Henry Flagler, the Old Jail operated until 1953.

Photo credit: Unknown

FEATURED STORIES: For pictures or stories:

ABOVE: An inmate awaits “The Crawler” as night approaches in the Old Jail, St. Augustine, FL Photo credit: Jak Krumholtz, St. Augustine Pics VeloFest Community Initiative Builds Bike Love in St. Augustine and Beyond Founded in 2011 after our friend Bryan B. Wrigley was killed riding his bicycle, VeloFest is a 501c3 based in St. Augustine, Florida. The mission of Velo Fest is to educate the cycling community and community at large about the historical significance of cycling, as well as build a

mutually beneficial environment where cyclists and 4 plus wheels can co-exist to make a more peaceful commuting experience while decreasing carbon foot print, promoting healthy activity, and promoting the cultural importance of cycling. Learn more at VeloFest.org.

www.velofest.org

Facebook: VeloFest and Jail Break 5k Twitter: VeloFestFlorida Instagram: VeloFestFlorida Instagram:JailBreak5kSTA Hashtags: #JailBreak5k #EscapeFromStAugustine EscapeFromStAugustine.com

Thank you.

PREMIUM PARTNER FLAGLER HOSPITAL Strong support since 2013

Since 2013, Flagler Hospital has given annually at the premium sponsor level to VeloFest and our community projects. If not for their support, the very first Bike Rodeo could not have happened without the financial assistance to purchase helmets when funding for the state program was pulled. Thank you for continued partnership.

www.buildanewspaper.com

CAPTURING THE WIN

We m e a n c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t e a m “Overprotective Father” on winning the Jail Break 5k Group Costume Contest and ad in St. Augustine Social! There were a lot of great contenders, but crowd appeal took the day.

Thank you to inmates Gar y & Aliyah Winograd for your second attempt! Glad we were able to catch you two years in a row. Let’s see what happens in year three! Also a Strawberry, Tomato and Forrest Gump walked away with $1000 CASH for costumes!!!

Below: A strawberry, Forrest Gump & a Tomato holding $1000 in checks thanks to Old Town Trolley!

CAPTURED WWW.ESCAPEFROMSTAUGUSTINE.COM

This could be you // Save the date Halloween Weekend 2018 for Jail Break 5k // Don’t Get Caught Anywhere Else

LIVING

TAKE NOTE

DISCOVER A NEW EVENT SPACE

By Carmen Fleishmann

As we move into the season of parties and events, new venues are always big news. Since 2007, the St. Augustine Catholic Church and Parish Hall downtown has completely renovated their space in order to cater to the ever-growing need for community event space. The church’s new facility offers a 22,000-square foot banquet hall, able to host plated dinners for 300 guests and boasting a 250-person dance floor. 10 classrooms and four additional breakout rooms are perfect for businesses and organizations hosting professional off-site meetings and conferences. Each room is outfitted with fiber optic, high-speed internet and the latest audio-visual technology – ideal for conferences or if your party takes a high tech turn. While the new facility is open in April to all rentals, it will of course still be open for parish events. To inquire about renting the new facility, contact Dr. Brian Schoonover at info@sacc.org. www.sacc.org

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Though you can change the color of the light to your preference, most opt for this calming shade of blue.

LONG STORY SHORT

HEALING WITH SALT THERAPY

Revitalization of your lungs is as simple as relaxing in a zero gravity chair while breathing in pure Himalayan crystal salt at LaCura Salt Spa.

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By Meeka Anne | Photography by Brian Miller

round eight years ago while living in North Carolina, Diane Brann accidentally stumbled upon a salt spa in Asheville. Feeling invigorated by the experience, she immediately began to learn as much as she could about the benefits and concept of the therapy.

“I made it a point," she says, "to visit salt spas wherever I traveled.”

As she has two granddaughters with asthma, she had a personal interest in the treatment.

Diane, additionally, had always suffered from allergies and discovered with delight that the treatments were helping to alleviate her discomfort. And thus, the seed of LaCURA Salt Spa was planted.

The history of salt spas dates back centuries to European monks who observed improved health from sitting in natural salt caverns. In the 1800s, a Polish doctor noticed that, unlike coal miners who suffered great respiratory distress, salt miners' lungs were pristine.

Today, salt spas are popping up worldwide and proving to be a relaxing, drug-free alternative for those suffering from respiratory problems. Salt spa-goers have found relief from sneezing and shortness of breath and reduction of the need for inhalers and decongestants. “One of my clients," says Diane, "who suffer from COPD said he www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

couldn’t get over how much further he can walk since he has started treatment.”

When you walk into LaCURA Salt Spa, you enter a room with six zero gravity chairs with padded pillows. Salt spas must be no warmer than 74 degrees to keep the particles dry. Half a ton of salt covers the floor, and an entire wall provides soft light emanating from behind blocks of pink salt.

You may choose to listen to tranquil music on an iPod or snuggle into a cozy blanket.

The treatment is executed using a halogenerator which blows a steady flow of salt particles into the air. These microscopic particles reach deep inside airways and offer significant relief of inflammation. In 45 minutes you are all done and most likely feeling calm and relaxed. The spa also boasts an infrared sauna, a gentle alternative to traditional steam heat saunas offering the benefits in a more soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Heat increases blood flow by expanding the capillaries and also raises the body’s core temperature, producing sweat that purges toxins.

Diane has also been a certified yoga instructor for 15 years and specializes in gentle yoga classes focused on stretching and incorporating pilates. She says, “You can breathe, relax, and stay well with our holistic approach to health.” www.lacurasaltspa.com

A smile is how you greet the world.

Let’s make yours great.

A multispecialty dental practice conveniently located right off 95 in World Golf Village.

548 W Twincourt Trail St. Augustine, Florida 32095 904-940-7990

Saturday appointments available.

Learn more about payment plans with no interest for up to 2 years.

• Cerec Crowns – Completed in one visit!

• Emergency visits • Implants & Veneers • Dentures & Partials • Extractions & Wisdom tooth removal • Invisalign • Traditional and Cosmetic Braces • CT Scans - (3D X-Ray) • IV Sedation

Great Expressions Dental Centers - Twincourt Trail is an in-network provider that participates with most major insurances, including PPO and HMO. Look for the smile above our name. greatexpressions.com

LIVING

Q&A

HEALTHY EATING DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR

We're always trying to find ways to save time and get healthier. So we sat down with Tasha Peters of By Design Catering to see how their Chef Prepared Meals are making that task a whole lot easier.

Photography by Brian Miller

What is a chef prepared meals program? By Design Catering's chef prepared meals program is a weekly menu with up to five meals to use as the customer wishes. The meals can be used to supplement lunches and dinners for up to five days. It is designed to give the customer properlyportioned, healthy meals that are portable and ready to eat.

Is it designed for convenience or diet?

The prepared meals program is designed for both convenience and to help customers with their nutrition. We live in a very busy world that seems to require more and more from us each day. For some, carving out the time for a healthy lunch or dinner is almost impossible.

And who wants to go grocery shopping or cook after a long day? For those customers, the meals may be more about convenience than diet. For customers who are also working hard on fitness goals, the prepared meals give them the convenience of having the meals ready to eat and gives them the comfort of knowing they aren't killing their macros counts for the day.

What’s the menu like? Do I get to pick options? The menus can be viewed on the chef prepared meal page on the By Design Catering website. Weekly menus have five meals. Customers have an option to choose large portion sizes or small portion sizes. They

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_ m ir ff a n ca d n a it d ie tr e W the meals are goo d! can choose three, five, or ten meals at a time. The comment section is used for special communications like Paleo or Keto diets.

Give us the details. What can we expect in each delivery? The chef prepared menus go out on Monday. The cut off for ordering is Friday at midnight. The food is prepared on Sunday morning and delivered Sunday afternoons. We text the clients a delivery window Sunday morning. Customers choose to have us bring a cooler with freezer packs, or to leave their own coolers for us to store their food in upon delivery. The meals are portioned and labeled with reheat instructions and best quality dates.

What prompted you to start a Chef Prepared Meals program? By Design Catering started as a personal chef service in Jacksonville in 2005. We've always done meal planning, just on a much larger scale. With the recent boom in delivery meal services, the public is more knowledgeable about the concept of meal prep. Marshall and I saw an opportunity to offer a program that is everything these customers want but aren't getting in the mass delivery model. With By Design Catering, there aren't subscription fees, your food is prepared the day it is delivered www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

and is truly fresh.

Customers don't have to gather ingredients, follow a recipe, cook the food, and clean up after.

You can choose either three, five, or ten meals to be delivered each week.

Menu options are creative and offer enough variety that you won't have to worry about pleasing the whole family!

How do you think prepared meals contribute to your customers' wellness? I think most customers will tell the best part of having the service is the time they get back in their lives and the peace of mind knowing they are eating a fresh meal prepared with their lifestyle in mind. The customer doesn't stress about how to find a quick place that will have a healthy meal; they have one ready and waiting. The meal program also saves customers money when they don't have to throw away rotten veggies they never ate, and budgeting in the meal prep service helps customers know exactly how much is spent on meals during the week. For those eating on a schedule for medical, weight loss, or training purposes, having the meals adds a layer of confidence that keeps them moving towards their goals. www.bydesigncatering.com

LIVING

PROMOTION

FINDING WELLNESS IN 2018

It happens every year. A desire ignites deep down within us to change old habits, set new standards, find inner peace, and get fit. So if you find yourself searching for a way to change your mind and body in the new year, you might find these local businesses are the first place to to assist your efforts.

You can do it!!

Anastasia Fitness

Anastasia Fitness is St Augustine's place for fitness. Join with a membership and have the opportunity to exercise however you want. We have the gym basics of cardio, strength machines and free weights. We have other choices like a heated swimming pool, racquetball court, 50 group exercise classes a week, steam room and sauna.

We have what is most scarce in the fitness world, competent coaches that can offer guidance to help you get the results you deserve. Our coaches lead personal training, small group training and team training, with options to fit your budget and style. You can do it yourself, do it with others in a class or do it guided by a coach. Just come on in and do it.

1045 Anastasia Blvd, (904) 471-4300 – www.anastasiafit.com

Purity Day Spa

Purity Day Spa is located on A1A S on St Augustine Beach. We offer a peaceful, pampering and top-notch service in an environment that offers relaxation and comfort We created the surroundings to offer our clients the opportunity to enhance their appearance, promote good health and provide a short getaway from their day to day reality. Purity Day Spa has a wide variety of treatments, offering the ultimate in skin and body rejuvenation. We invite you to visit our talented team of professionals dedicated to creating the essence of health and beauty through science, nature and relaxation. Your experience will be both pleasurable and beneficial. Without “you” there is no “us.”

3915 A1A S Suite 104, (904) 602-8390 – www.puritydayspafl.com

Funkytown Fitness

Join the only fun, and funky group fitness studio in St. Augustine that offers over 45 classes a week which includes Zumba, Body Pump, Spin, Barre, Yoga and more. We have certified instructors who connect with the members and help them feel good inside and out! All ages and fitness levels are welcome. We accept Silver Sneakers for seniors and will be adding kids classes in the new year! Be sure to check out AMP Small Group Training a 6 week, program that will get you back into shape after the holidays. Come "find your groove" at Funkytown Fitness!!

105 Southpark Blvd, (904) 770-2391 – www.funkytownfit.com

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Orangetheory Fitness

At Orangetheory, you’ll get the energy of a group workout with the attention of an experienced personal coach. Backed by the science of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (or EPOC), Orangetheory’s heart rate monitored training is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. We call it the afterburn. Our members burn an estimated 500 to 1,000 calories in 60 minutes. And keep burning calories for up to 36 hours. Top-of-the-line equipment, upbeat music and motivational trainers make the Orangetheory Fitness environment the most energetic fitness environment around. Keep Burning!

833 S Ponce De Leon Blvd #1, (904) 647-8088 – www.orangetheoryfitness.com

The Bar Method

The Bar Method’s signature technique is the fastest and most efficient way to reshape the entire body. Precise isometric exercises keep students working “in the muscle,” followed by active and passive stretching to lengthen and elongate the area just worked. The result is a graceful, strong dancer-like body, including sculpted arms, flat abs, a lifted seat and elongated thighs, as well as improved posture and body alignment. The fast pace of the class spikes the heart rate at different intervals to burn calories not just in the classroom but long after.

1000 S Ponce De Leon Blvd #7, (904) 679-4045 – www.staugustine.barmethod.com

Small Indulgences Day Spa

Walk through our doors, and begin to unwind in the comforts of your surroundings.

Here, luxurious Spa treatments and total hair care fuse, creating a memorable body and mind experience. Take a vacation away from the everyday, and let us indulge your senses.

9 Sanchez Avenue, (904) 824-6220 – www.smallindulgencesdayspa.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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LOCALS

I KNOW A GUY

CLEAN UP YOUR LIFE IN THE NEW YEAR The beginning of the year is a symbolic restart for a lot of people. It's a way to jumpstart yourself into taking the time to get into shape, clean up your house, and get yourself in order. But if you want your life overhaul to be more than just a new gym membership, these locals might be able to help.

Hypnotist

Organizer

Poop Scooper

Cleaner

Junk Removal

Isobel McGrath

Serene Spaces

Doggy Piles Be Gone

Conscious Clean

JDog Junk Removal

Once your home is basically clean, it’s time to tackle keeping it that way. That's right. It’s time to organize (dun, dun, dunnnn). Okay, maybe this isn’t such a chore for some people, but for those of us that dread having to throw out things and find plastic containers to keep the things we didn't throw out together, a professional organizer might be the way to go. Cassie is the person who will put your life in order and help keep it that way.

It’s your friendly neighborhood pooper scooper! Doggy Piles Be Gone is a service that will come to your house and remove the pet waste from your front yard. After it’s removed, these guys will double bag it and dispose of it themselves. It keeps your yard and your family healthy and clean. And that way, you can have a little more time with your pets and your family and won’t have to worry about that unpleasant chore ever again.

A cleaner home is much less stressful than a messy home. That’s probably a proven fact somewhere. And yeah, you could always do the deep cleaning yourself, sure, but that takes up a lot of time and in between all the other things you have to do, it’ll probably never get done completely.

So a professional service that does it for you (and one like Conscious Clean that’s environmentally conscious to boot) should be your new year’s treat to yourself.

Sometimes cleaning up your life takes a little more than just taking out the trash. Sometimes the things you have to clean out are pretty overwhelming and a bit more than you can handle. That’s where a service like JDog comes in. They’ll haul away all the big junk in your life that would be pretty hard to haul on your own (unless you have a giant truck and equipment yourself).

Moving away junk like that will feel pretty refreshing.

ISOBEL MCGRATH

CASSIE THOMPSON

The most important way to start your new year clean up is by cleaning up yourself!

And because most of us have a hard time really looking at ourselves, a life coach can step in as a mediator between you and...well, you.

Isobel McGrath has a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling, and certifications in Clinical Hypnosis, Medical Hypnosis, Deep Memory Processing, and Regression work.

Those seem like pretty good places to start.

CAST YOUR VOTE

Emerging Leaders 42

SHAYNE LEWIS

DANIEL & SHALAH ROMINE

MIKE HAIRE

We've got another chance for you to have your voice heard! In our upcoming February/ March issue, we'll be highlighting the best of the next generation of community leaders. If you know an innovator, an entrepreneur, even an outstanding volunteer under 40, send in a nomination. We want to give the spotlight to the rising stars who are making waves and standing out in St. Augustine. And once all the nominations are in, make sure you cast a vote! We'll present the top six Emerging Leaders in a special print feature. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Give & Receive the Gift of Panache!

OUR GIFT TO YOU ALL SEASON! Receive 5 in Panache Bucks for every $ 50 spent on holiday spa packages, gift cards or Aveda gift sets. $

Holiday Spa Packages

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ALL A-GLOW ...................................................... $160

(VALUE $185)

60-minute Deep Cleansing Facial, 60-minute Swedish Massage followed by a Luxurious Shampoo Blow-dry

ON VIXEN!............................................................ $250 (VALUE $275) Full set of lush, lasting lashes including follow-up Fill-in

BROWS THAT WOW .......................................... $350 (VALUE $400) Eyebrow micro-blading to create customized perfect brows

CHRISTMAS EVE: Open from 12-4pm for last-minute gift purchases!

NEW YEAR’S EVE: Special event hairstyles and makeup! (by appt. only)

CALL TODAY 904.461.9552

1089 A1A Beach Blvd. • St. Augustine, FL 32080 • MM34813 • getpanache.com

Celebrating 65+ years of keeping families and businesses comforable.

A i r Co n d i t i o n i n g · H e a t i n g · D u c tw o r k H VA C M a i n t e n a n c e · A i r P u r i f i c a t i o n Co m m e rc i a l S e rv i ce s

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The perfect gift for little minds.

Buy online at www.littleature.com

Style LOCALLY-MADE LEATHER

By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller

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f you’re on the go and around the town as much as we are, there’s no better asset to you than a really great bag. It will end up holding your life in its pockets and following you on every brunch date and business meeting. Sure, it’s always easy to pick up the trendy ones from the department stores, but one small tear or one big trend later, you’re going to need a new one. But a bag like the ones on display at Dan Holiday Leather is something you might just pass down to your kids.

Each of these bags is handcrafted by the man himself, Dan Holiday, who has been mastering the art of leather since his shop opened in 1959.

That in and of itself is one pretty amazing review. Though the bags themselves stick to a certain (timeless and adorable) style, each has slight design differences – a special buckle here, a different strap there. You can rest assured that yours will be one of a kind.

The shop itself isn’t just a haven for bags but features leather belts, custom Roman-style sandals, and a conversation’s worth of stories with Dan worthy of their own novel. The shop, the bag, and the man are an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

11B Aviles Street (904) 377-0814

Yass!

Inside: Trendsetter // Mint Madness // Nurture with Moisture // Home Style // Celebrate in Style

STYLE

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1 - LEATHER SLIDES "I spend a ton of time on my feet and on the go. I found Vince a few years ago and will forever support!"

Vince Leather Slides, available at Nordstrom

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2 - PEARLS "My gorgeous grandmother... taught me the importance of an impression and looking good always."

3 - CHAPSTICK "There are not many places I travel without Chapstick in my clutch. I’m not a huge lipstick girl but moisture is key!"

Original Chapstick, available at Target

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TRENDSETTER

4 - T-SHIRT "I live in white tee shirts! Good quality, nice fitting white v-neck tee makes me happy!" Free

People v-neck shirt, available at Magnolia Supply

TESSA MANTON

5 - DRY SHAMPOO "R+Co dry shampoo paste is a game changer. Next to a great hair cut, this product keeps my morning routine short and simple."

As she's the creative mind and floral extraordinaire behind Tula Rose Floral & Event Design, it's no real wonder that we'd turn to Tessa for style and life advice. Sometimes simplicity, comfort, and a little bit of fun are all a person needs to look and feel put together. Here's how Tessa accomplishes all that (and looks good doing it!).

Photography by Brian Miller

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R+CO Dry Shampoo, available at Philosophie Salon

6 - WATCH "It keeps up with my life style and keeps me mostly on time!"

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Nixon gold watch, available at Surf Station 7 - WORKOUT "I am a happy girl when I have the time to work out."

Tessa works out at Bar Method and Bikram Yoga

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8 - BEER "There is no other porter like this one and I just crave it on a hot afternoon or chilly night!"

Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, available at Publix

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9 - WORKOUT ATTIRE "Zella is FANTASTIC! I live in this brand."

Zella workout tank, available at Nordstrom Rack

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

EXPERIENCE.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE • FAMILY L AW • APPE AL S

Clyde M. Taylor III

Clyde M. Taylor Jr.

Bradley A. Waldrop

A T T O R N E Y S

www.taylor-taylor-law.com 2303 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Suite L St Augustine, FL 32084 Tel - 904.687.1630 • Fax - 904.342.6296

STYLE

COLOR CUES

MINT MADNESS

The holiday season typically plays host to an abundance of really bright red and green. But for those that don’t want to look like a Christmas tree, this subtle shade is a super chic way to be festive.

1 - CANDLE Fill your home with a delightfully clean and pure sugared citrus scent. And the cute jar is just a bonus.

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Available at Market Street Boutique

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2 - MULES Made by local designer Souadou Barry, these trendy mules are a great woven fabric that will carry you through the winter months.

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Available from Fulani Handbags

3 - MATCHBOX You’ll want this highly inspirational matchbox on display every time you celebrate.

Available at Declaration & Co.

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4 - SUGAR SCRUB Carry mint through your daily routine with an invigorating scrub.

Your winter-weathered skin will be oh-so-soft.

Available at Antoinette's Bathhouse 5 - GLASS Bring the hue into your home in a subtle way with these slightlytinted drinking glasses.

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Available at Obscura

6 - BAMBOO DINNERWARE T-rex-printed and super sustainable, these bamboo plates are a great choice for little hands.

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Available at West to East

7 - EARRINGS These turquoise dangle earrings will make you the talk of the party.

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Available at Blue Water Jewelers

8 - POUF Perfect for perching during a party or putting your feet up on a chilly winter day.

Available at dhd HOME

9 - SWEATER The bright color can be toned down or played up depending on how festive you feel.

Available at Target

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STYLE

BEAUTY BUYS

NURTURE WITH MOISTURE

That harsh winter chill will dry out anyone’s skin. Luckily, these local experts have just the thing to keep your skin soft in the coming months.

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1 - WHIP Harness the power of pure apricot and carrot to give your skin a soft, youthful glow.

Available at Spa Life Skin & Laser

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2 - MASQUE Rosewater helps tone and refresh skin, providing soothing relief from dryness, stress, and exposure to the elements.

Available at Panache

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3 - MILK BATH The hydrating and decadent blend of coconut and creamy rum will make you feel irresistible.

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Available at Fountain of Youth Spa

4 - MOISTURIZER This moisturizer is designed to help makeup go on smoother and last longer.

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Available at Facial Rejuvenation Centre

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5 - BALM Apply to your face, hair, scalp, skin, hands, feet, nails for overall moisture richness.

Available at The Rosy Cheek

6 - MOISTURIZER For desperately dry and cracked skin, go for the heavy stuff.

Available at City Wellness

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7 - EYE SERUM Pharmaceutical-grade refreshing, moisturizing, and age-defying.

Available at Harmony Medical

8 - BODY BUTTER Coconut oil infused with nutrientrich jojoba oil and rose oil for longlasting and therapeutic moisture.

Available at Debbie's Day Spa

9 - HAND CREME Treat your hands with this ivy, grass, and rose-scented Topiary creme.

Available at Philosophie Salon

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STYLE

SHOP THE SEASON

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY PIECES It’s the party of the year and it’s time to celebrate! With pops of gold and a whole lot of sparkle, find your entertaining essentials from these local retailers.

1 - BANNER A banner is a must-have.

Keep it simple and stylish with something gold.

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Available at Celebrations

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2 - CAKE STAND The stand says it all – let’s celebrate!

Available at The Sunshine Shop 3 - COASTERS These cheeky coasters are locally made and will definitely be a party hit.

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Available from M.C. Pressure

4 - BUBBLES The effervescent wine is a midnight must-have. Moet & Chandon is a delicious and affordable toasting option.

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Available at Tim's Wine Market

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5 - ICE BUCKET An essential item for keeping drinks both chilly and accessible all night.

Available at Peace Love Home

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6 - DRESS Clearly the most important party decoration is you!

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Available at GOLDFINCH Boutique

7 - FLUTE There’s no classier way to ring in the new year.

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Available at Tre Sebastian

8 - SPARKLER Try some sparkle on the hour.

Available at Extreme Fireworks

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9 - NAIL POLISH Bring the glitz from your heads to your toes.

Available at Debbie's Day Spa

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10 - LIPSTICK No party is complete without a kissable swipe of red.

Available at The Rosy Cheek

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STYLE

COLOR CUE

TITANIUM PICKS Silver has toned down and grown up. Get the classy and industrial metallic sheen from some of our favorite local shops.

1 - WATCH A well-crafted watch is the perfect accessory. This minimalist design is a great choice for the modern man on the go.

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Available at Neff Jewelers

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2 - VASE Whether you garnish this vase with flowers or not, it’s going to be a room staple.

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Available at dhd HOME

3 - CUP Keep coffee warm and drinks cold in this rugged cup. Steel never looked so manly.

Available at Oak & Adze

4 - CUFFLINKS Every man needs a classic pair of cufflinks. These give you both function and form.

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Available at Madalyn’s Jewelry & Fine Gifts

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5 - CHANDELIER Every room needs a statement piece and we’ve just found yours.

Available at West to East

6 - TRAVEL KIT All your essentials in one little place – face wash, face cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, and face towels.

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Available at Rose & Pearl

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7 - BRACELET With a few different metals mixed in, it won’t matter the sheen of your other accessories!

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Available at Nettles Fine Jewelry

8 - WINE GLASS In a modern gunmetal shade, this stemless wine glass is a step away from the traditional.

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Available at Artsy Abode

9 - KNIFE Take your chopping to the next level with this durable and sleek titanium kitchen knife.

Available at Home Depot

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STYLE

Drawing a Wild Card HOME STYLE

Although the Holloways’ home is a dream now, what pictures don’t reveal is the nightmare they survived to earn it and the work it took to create it.

By Shannon O'Neil | Photography by Leonard Blush

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A

fter a few long winters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Florida natives Jason and Leah Holloway were excited to return to the Sunshine State in 2008. They stumbled into St. Augustine and rented an apartment on the beach with Jason’s brother, never intending to extend any roots.

"It was supposed to be temporary," says Jason, "but we just fell into this great town and didn’t want to leave.”

A year later, the couple purchased a 2,250 square foot home in Davis Shores that met their three most important criteria: a big yard, two home offices, and room for a growing family. As the couple – both mathematicians who work from home – and their new baby, Kellen, settled into the space, they began to make some critical improvements. Out went the astroturf in the master bedroom and the cadre of decorative seashells affixed to the fireplace facade and architectural beams.

Although the Holloways’ budget didn’t allow for the removal of the orange-tinted wood paneling, an unused cedar-lined sauna, and a bizarre, diagonal copper bar, the young family and their eclectic style found a way to turn their house into a home.

Fast forward seven years to October 2016, when a shell-shocked Leah and Jason stood in their sopping wet living room trying to comprehend what Hurricane Matthew had done to their home. “There wasn’t a square inch of this house that wasn’t touched,” says Jason.

After everything was ripped out and Leah had spent days in the crawlspace under the house, scraping the settled sediment from the sewage-tainted floodwaters, the couple and their new contractor, Brian Hanson of West to East Builders, began piecing the house back together.

“Once we got rid of all that orange-ish, pink-ish stuff," says Leah, "I wanted cool colors that reminded me of river rocks and cool mountain streams.”

From the ground up, the Holloways were guided by that peaceful palette, selecting graytoned wood floors, white cabinets with marbled white and gray granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a gunmetal paint hue that runs throughout most of the house.

To keep things from feeling too contemporary, Jason scoured vintage stores for a 50s-era lime and white couch, plus a few other mid-century www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Details Residents: Jason, Leah, & Kellen Holloway Amenities: 2 bedrooms, 3 bath, 2 home offices, walk-in closet, fireplace, workshop, deck, & a huge collection of skulls Size: 2,250 square feet indoor space

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STYLE

The Holloways have created the perfect blend of edgy, eclectic, and minimalist all while maintaining the clear imprint of their personalities on the space. The home doesn't need a lot of clutter, just a few antiques, vintage pieces, and some really cool skulls.

pieces with warm wood accents. The new master suite with its double-door entry is now complemented by an enormous attached bathroom with a double-headed shower where the sauna used to be. Beyond the bath, a walk-in closet connects to Leah’s favorite hideaway, a combination laundry and craft room where she works on custom leather and wood projects.

appliances.

"Once we got rid of all that orangeish, pink-ish stuff," says Leah, "I wanted cool colors that reminded me of river rocks and cool mountain streams.”

At the opposite end of the house, Kellen’s green-walled lair that once served as a separate rental apartment now features its own en-suite bath and closet. Jason’s office next door and a third bathroom connect to Leah’s office tucked in an alcove off the living area. In the kitchen, the couple was inspired by Jason’s parents’ recent remodel and opted for drawers over cabinets, providing easier access for pots, pans, and small

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Of course, any home still needs a little character, and the Holloways have found plenty of places to add their unique flavor. On shelves, walls, and windowsills in nearly every room, there are a smattering of Leah’s best thrift store finds including a collection of animal skulls, a coffin model, and a couple of vintage Ouija boards. “I just can’t believe we get to have this house,” says Leah.

Much of the Holloways’ post-storm renovation was aided by friends and family, including Jason’s bandmate and St. Augustine Amphitheatre director Ryan Murphy, who spearheaded a fundraiser for the family after Matthew. The family also received support from the families of Kellen’s friends www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

STYLE STYLE

The master bedroom is their private sanctuary full of natural light. Leah's closet (below) is almost full to bursting with crazy cool vintage clothing that she's scoured at thrift stores and modified for stylish, modern wear.

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Decades of Fashion in here www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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STYLE

You won't find any themed type of decor here. Kellen's room is decorated with the things he loves: books, video games, musical instruments and dinosaurs. It's a clear extension of the rest of the house that exudes the family's authentic personality.

who helped watch him during the renovation, from a couple of FHP officers who stopped to help Jason haul debris to the curb for hours, and from strangers who came by handing out “You barbecue sandwiches and water.

“You can’t replicate that kind of community,” says Jason. “Our roots here grew so much deeper as a result of Matthew.”

“If it wasn’t some of the worst days of my life, it would’ve been the best,” says Leah.

can’t replicate that kind of community,” says Jason.

“Our roots here grew so much deeper as a result of Matthew.”

When Hurricane Irma made her approach earlier this fall, the couple’s contractor swung by the house to show them how to seal their doors and crawl spaces with special tape to prevent another flood. As they watched a neighbor’s Facebook livestream during the storm and saw

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him standing in six inches of water in his own home, they feared the worst but returned to find the tape had held against the flood.

“It’s pretty rare for someone to become friends with their contractor,” Jason says with a laugh.

“But Brian and [his wife] Rachael have been so great to us. I mean he could have gotten himself a lot more work if we’d flooded again, but instead, he was here to help us out.

That tape is now part of our regular hurricane prep kit.”

On a Saturday afternoon with open windows, an ocean breeze, and Kellen laughing his way through a game of T-shirt tag, it’s easy to see that the nightmare of Hurricane Matthew did not destroy the heart of the Holloway family’s dream. 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

Celebrate in Style

Image by Rustic White Photography

WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES •ENTERTAINING

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

Celebrate in Style

Stationery

LEMONLARK PAPERIE DANIEL AND JENNY BOOKHOUT

Our high-quality paper products, custom color palettes and one-of-a-kind illustrations add exceptional detail to life’s biggest moments.

J

enny Bookhout is one of St. Augustine’s beloved Flagler College alumna having graduated with degrees in Fine Art and Graphic Design.

Jenny and her husband Daniel combined their talents and opened Lemonlark Paperie in 2011.

Daniel handles the day-to-day management and Jenny flourishes by utilizing her artistic flair to create custom wedding invitations.

Jenny says, “I believe I’m unique in that I incorporate custom illustrations, watercolor elements, and other fine art applications into my work. Paper goods are a special tangible memento of your special day that you can tuck away and years later be flooded with memories of that event.”

Clients start the process with a questionnaire and a vision board combining colors, textures, and illustration styles. Once she has an overall concept, Jenny designs the custom monogram and presents a first draft of the invitation to the client for feedback.

A large part of the process for Jenny is looking for the common thread that creates a cohesive vision for the project. One example she remembers fondly is a close friend’s wedding themed around adventure.

A vintage suitcase in the couple’s engagement photo caught her eye, and it became the inspiration for a custom illustration Jenny used throughout the process. She utilized the drawing for items such as custom shot glasses and wedding favors. Jenny says, “The best part of my job is when I can work with people and incorporate details that are unique to them which tell their love story specifically.”

(904) 814-0453 hello@lemonlark.com www.lemonlark.com

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

Celebrate in Style Venue PARLOR ROOM EVENTS NATALIE CANTY & JULIE JACOBSON

T

wo sisters joined talents and passions to create The Parlor Room and fulfill a niche market providing an industrial event space in the North City area of St. Augustine.

Julie Jacobson, owner of DOS Coffee & Wine, was only using the front section of a vast industrial space.

Her sister, Natalie Canty was working with an architectural salvage in Jacksonville, when she says, “Julie called and said she had a crazy idea and asked if I wanted to give the old auto warehouse new life as an event space.”

The duo didn’t hesitate and proceeded to prepare the space with the idea of preserving the integrity of the industrial ambiance. They left the open arched ceiling trusses and kept the cement floors. A mid-70s church proved to have the perfect lighting and they salvaged an old marble top bar for the east wall.

The venue also comes with wood farm style tables adding a bit of rustic appeal. Natalie says, “One of the unique features of the Parlor Room is the glass garage door that looks out on the patio area and lets the natural light flood into the space.”

The venue launched in October of 2016 and thus far has accommodated weddings, corporate events, graduation parties, and fundraisers. One memorable event was a St. Augustine Fire Department fundraiser to refurbish the first motorized fire vehicle in the city. They parked the antique truck in front of the building and decorated the room in ‘80s prom décor.

Natalie says, “My favorite part is interacting with the clients and watching them envision the space in their own way.” Julie says, “I love having the opportunity to work with my sister.”

(352) 440-5146 300 1/2 San Marco Avenue www.parlorroomevents.com

An intimate space with an eclectic industrial vibe, original concrete floors and a marble top bar accomodating parties with up to 150 guests.

Image by Sarah Annay Photography

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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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

Catering

Celebrate in Style

BY DESIGN CATERING MARSHALL AND TASHA PETERS

M

arshall Peters graduated from Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts. His wife Tasha received her degree outside of the culinary field but found herself always drawn back towards food.

With 45 years of culinary experience between them, Marshall and Tasha have learned every aspect of the culinary trade from the ground up. Their careers have spanned every possible role in restaurants from line cooks to management. Tasha says, “Our history in controlling the chaos of a restaurant comes in handy when designing menus, logistics of venues, building great teams, and giving excellent customer service.”

By Design Catering opened in Lighthouse Plaza in 2013 as a full-service catering company. Marshall and Tasha pride themselves on offering customers unlimited culinary freedom. They consistently tell their clients, “It’s your wedding, you should have exactly what you want.” Tasha says, “There are no rules anymore, and we love that. We start the process with a phone call so we can understand a potential client’s expectations first hand. Sometimes, I can even have the menu planned before I finish that first phone call.”

At By Design Catering we work closely with you to design a custom menu for whatever occasion you’re celebrating.

Marshall and Tasha love ‘the dance’ aspect of the business, meaning the unspoken language of working together with the team to get the food out to the guests. Tasha says, “At the end of a great service, it feels like sheet music has come to life. Nothing is more rewarding than looking around at all of the smiling faces after the completion of a successful event.”

(904) 679-5177 900F Anastasia Blvd. www.bydesigncatering.com

Photography by Brian Miller 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

Floral & Event Design

Cakes & Dessert

JADE VIOLET WEDDING FLORALS

CRÈME DE LA COCOA

NULITA LODER

NILS AND BAILEY ROWLAND

N

ulita Loder received her Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

After owning a floral business in Key West for ten years, Nulita opened Jade Violet Wedding Floral in St. Augustine. She says, “I cherish, adore, and absolutely love flowers. My mission is making my clients wedding floral visions come to life. Creating beautiful artistic floral arrangements for a couple’s special day is very rewarding. My favorite part of it is making hand-held bouquets, especially the bridal bouquet.”

Her process to achieve a client’s vision includes asking for pictures, their color palette and three adjectives that embody the style they are seeking.

Nulita says, “I work with them until the tiniest detail is perfect. Often when a couple tells me their colors and three adjectives like elegant, natural, romantic; I immediately understand their vision. My ultimate goal is to provide couples with perfect flowers on their special day.”

(904) 415-2480 – 2600 US 1 Highway South www.jadevioletweddingfloral.com

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C

hef Nils Rowland has a degree in Hospitality Management and European Baking & Pastry. His wife Bailey has a degree in Hospitality Management and Marketing. Nils and Bailey embody the perfect combination of talents for operating a bakery. Nils is the Pastry Chef & Chocolatier.

Bailey's focus is more on marketing and customer relations.

Crème de la Cocoa opened in 2015 with a focus on weddings & events.

Less than one year later, they expanded to offer a spacious retail area and a wider variety of desserts. Bailey says, “We customize the look and the flavors specifically to our client’s desire. Our favorite part is making something special for someone’s most memorable occasions. We always meet with our clients to discuss their visions and spend a lot of time communicating with them.” Nils creates extraordinary cakes. How does a cake with a blown sugar peacock and four tiers of hand-painted edible feathers sound?

(904) 466-9499 – 299 San Marco Avenue www.cremedelacocoa.com

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Locals

MEET

KEEPERS OF THE LIGHTS

Round of app lause for these guys!

Augustine and moved here with his brother, Steve. While here, Chris and Steve have owned multiple companies including a surf shop called Shakka Surfboards, Inc.

By Teddy Regis | Photography by Brian Miller

O

nly a handful of locals get to see the rarely-spotted angel designs in our city's architecture. The time these locals spend on rooftops installing the lights that illuminate the historic district is what reveals hidden details that are often lost on passersby. That's why the company is called "Angels in the Architecture."

For over twenty years, Chris Fitts and his team have been hanging millions of lights throughout historic St. Augustine. Chris works with Tore Howe, Louie Astorga, and his nephew Mickey Fitts.

After relocating frequently, the Fitts family settled in Jacksonville, where Chris started a personal training career. In 1987, he felt the call of St.

But in 1997, Chris told Steve about plans for a hiatus. "It just seemed like days after I told him that, he came to me and said, 'Chris, I've got an opportunity. The city came to me and wanted to know if I would consider forming a company and taking this contract over.'" Steve's was the winning bid, and Angels in the Architecture was established.

"There's a lot of angels in the architecture around here," notes Chris of their choice in name, "that...people don't get the opportunity to see."

Before his death in 2006, Steve made a request of his brother: "Never let these lights go out...it's who we are." Chris has not forgotten those words and says with pride, "It's my brother's legacy." www.facebook.com/AngelsintheArchitechture

Inside: All Star // Family Favorites // How I Got Here // Line of Duty // Person of the Year

LOCALS he was 15 and got into BMX bikes. Then a friend, Levi, introduced him to the world of non-BMX cycling when he gave him a 1970s Schwinn bike. Harrison began riding laps through downtown St. Augustine on that free bike and his need for speed was born.

Five years and about 8 bikes later, Harrison graduated from doing laps downtown to participating in group rides in the St. Augustine Shores neighborhood then riding out to Hastings on weekends. Things took a distinct turn in January 2017 when a fellow cyclist suggested Harrison enter a competition in Miami. And he won.

Since January, Harrison has won about 10 races in Florida and has no plans to slow down. So far his racing career has kept him in the state, but he hopes as he progresses through the five competitive skill levels, he will broaden his scope and move beyond Florida.

The five competitive categories range from Category 5, the lowest level, to Category 1 or “domestic pro” competing nationwide.

He recently jumped Category 4 and is now a Category 3. His goal? Category 1 of course.

Harrison keeps busy with constant training for cycling races, averaging 250 miles each week.

This year alone he has ridden close to 10,000 miles. And that’s less than he wishes but Hurricane Irma slowed him down, requiring him to pay more attention to his business.

When we met Harrison, he had just returned from a statewide race in Tampa where he placed third.

His goal of reaching Category 1 is clearly not far off.

ALL STAR

HARRISON SCALES

Competitive bike races, family, blueberry smoothies, and cheese toast. These are just a few of the things Harrison Scales approaches with gusto.

By Lynette Snell | Photography by Brian Miller

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H

arrison Scales does nothing by halves. At only 20 years old, this St. Augustine native tackles everything he does with fervor and a definite purpose. I watched in amazement as he ate like it was his first meal in a month. I asked him if he always eats this way, and he could only nod his head — he was too busy eating!

Harrison’s voracious appetite is brought on by a constant need to replace the energy he expends on his daily 40 and 50-mile bike rides. Harrison’s love of cycling started when www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

When he’s not riding a bike, Harrison's riding his lawnmower, taking care of approximately 70 clients on a regular basis, and working diligently to grow his own lawn care business. His day job starts around 8 in the morning. By 5pm, he’s done with grass and switches to rubber and asphalt. As the daylight starts to fade, he hops on his carbon fiber bike and hits the roads around town.

I asked Harrison if he ever relaxes.

He does. But even relaxation for him involves high energy activities. When he’s not working or riding his bike, Harrison roller blades, plays Call of Duty, and only occasionally watches TV. One thing you’ll never see Harrison watching on TV, however, is televised bike races. Why not? “They’re too boring.”

In spite of TV races being too boring, Harrison does dream of competing at a national level. His goal is simple – compete in a televised race at a world-class level, whatever that race may be. In the meantime, he focuses on the realities of his life – continuing to grow his lawn care business, save money, and one day maybe have a family.

He has no plans of ever leaving St. Augustine.

Unless of course it involves riding his bike.

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LOCALS

ADVOCATE

MELISSA NELSON Meeting the needs of the community is the shared pride of The United Way and the organization's leading member, Melissa Nelson.

By Alexter Albury | Photography by Brian Miller

T

he United Way is an organization known worldwide for its generous commitment to the well-being of the many communities it serves. By partnering with other charitable organizations, the United Way helps to provide essential health, education, and financial resources to vast numbers of people.

The St. Johns County branch of the United Way is the local arm of this global outreach.

And this local arm is guided by Executive Director Melissa Nelson, whose own spirit of giving and compassion acts to advance the goals of the organization.

After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations, Melissa worked in non-profit management for twelve years for several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the American Institute of Architects, and the American Medical Association. Her experiences with those groups enabled her to fulfill and broaden her desire to aid others. This desire to offer help was increased by two when her children were born. For fifteen years after the birth of her children, Melissa chose to be a stay-athome mother. “It was such an amazing gift to be able to be with my children!" says Melissa.

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"It was where I wanted to be.”

She is fierce!

While busily raising her children, Melissa’s drive to help her community never diminished. She continued volunteering at schools and helping with programs and functions at her church. The busy mother and volunteer also found time to become a small business owner where she taught creative problem-solving techniques to students.

“I have been truly blessed in my life," she shares. "I felt that I could align myself with a philanthropic nonprofit and make a difference."

But after fifteen years in these roles, Melissa returned to the workforce.

She applied and was accepted for the Executive Director position at the St. Johns County United Way. “I have been truly blessed in my life," she shares. "I felt that I could align myself with a philanthropic non-profit and make a difference. A push from friends and a push from God and the next thing you know, I’m here!”

Melissa immediately went to work pursuing and enforcing the core visions of the United Way. The organization is a great fit for her calling to stand alongside those in need and giving them much-needed ways to improve www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

their lives and the families in their care. “It’s all about fundraising,” explains Melissa. “Year after year, day after day, we go out to seek funds for programs that matter the most.

But it’s not about the dollars; it’s about the lives changed.”

Melissa and the United Way service the community in a generally softspoken way. By partnering with other local nonprofit organizations and charities, the United Way acts as a bridge to bring resources to many people throughout the area.

The United Way is well known, but its true presence and impact aren't always visible. “It’s kind of hard to wrap your head around it," says Melissa, "but we’re all over the community. People don’t always know us or see u because we’re behind the scenes enabling a lot of programs to exist. We’re not running them. We are allowing those who are equipped to run these programs the means to do so. If we can plan the fundraising while they focus on their programs, it helps everyone more. The community wins!” www.unitedway-sjc.org

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LOCALS

FAMILY FAVORITES

THE LOUDEN-TALIAFERROS Cort and Laura are instilling in Marquesa a love of science, art, travel, and their favorite spots in the Oldest City.

Photography by Brian Miller

Meet the Louden-Taliaferro family. Laura and Cort are the perfect match of right brain and left brain. Cort spends his days at North Florida Center for Otolaryngology as a surgeon and Laura explores her love of creativity through her calligraphy and lettering business, The Native Mama Studio, as well as being a part-time wedding planner and stay-at-home mom to 2-yearold Marquesa. When they aren't satisfying their love of travel, the family of three spends their time walking to the beach from their home in Vilano, visiting their cows, and teaching Marquesa about the bees in their yard and how vegetables are grown. Their busy days The Louden-Taliaferro take them all around the city; from sitting family pictured from left: outside at Casa Bennedettos to tasting their Cort (Dad) 55, Marquesa 2, favorite Salted Caramel Brownie at The Laura (Mom) 28 Floridian, the Louden-Taliaferros are living the best life that the Ancient City has to offer.

Favorite Sunday evening tradition? Sitting

outside for dinner (so Marquesa can run around and explore) while watching the sun set at one of the restaurants down the road (Casa Bennedetto’s, Kingfish Grill, Vilano 180 Grill). It’s an easy and relaxing way to end the weekend!

When we have out-oftown guests, we always take them to...

The Floridian for dinner! It's Laura’s favorite restaurant for the best seasonal and “homemade” food.

a week usually in Ponte Vedra or Jacksonville Beach! But if in St. Augustine, Blackfly the Restaurant is our go to (if not The Floridian!).

On a rainy day in the city, we're... having a lazy day

Favorite place to let the kids loose? The beach! Luckily,

because we are so close, as soon as Marquesa gets grumpy or hungry we are back home in 30 seconds.

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Favorite St. Augustine date night destination? Date night is once

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

at home! We’re always on the go, so rainy days are our excuse to sit back and relax. If we’re trying to get out of the house and it’s a weekday, Marquesa LOVES the St. Johns County Library and we are there almost every week.

LOCALS

HOW I GOT HERE

A DOG-GONE GOOD TIME Using only humane practices rooted in three generations of animal training experience, one couple has created a sensational family affair.

By Shannon O'Neil Photography by Brian Miller

I

magine teaching your dog to do a somersault. How about balancing on two front paws? Or (here’s the real test) get Fido to climb up a ladder, and then back down again, all while an audience watches and cheers.

If that seems like an impossible feat, you haven’t seen the Menestrelli Dog Show. Sergey and Yanina Yazlovskie have spent the last 16 years performing a choreographed show with their nine dogs at circuses and amusement parks around the world. Their award-winning act even scored them an audition for America’s Got Talent.

“I come from a dynasty of dog trainers,” says Yanina, who followed in the footsteps of her parents and grandfather when she became a third generation circus performer.

While performing with dog shows in a traveling circus in Moldova, Yanina and Sergey, a clown, found love under the big tent.

The couple married in 1998 and three years later began performing the dog show they call “Menestrelli.”

“Teaching a dog to do tricks requires a lot of effort and patience,” says Yanina. “The hardest part of our show is discipline because the dogs want to keep playing all the time, but they are expected to stay focused and behave like artists.”

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“Every dog has got to love what it does,” says Yanina. “This way, the dog is happy to perform and do the tricks. For our dogs, performing and interacting with an audience are the happiest moments of their lives.”

The Yazlovskies’ nine dogs – one Pomeranian, one Jack Russell, and seven toy poodles – perform a series of tricks including somersaults, balancing on their two front paws, and forming a doggie conga line while standing on their hind legs.

But the highlight of the show is when the dogs climb up and back down a ladder, a special family trick passed down through generations.

Yanina says they are able to elicit such great performances from their dogs because the animals truly enjoy what they do. “Every dog has got to love what it does,” says Yanina.

“This way, the dog is happy to perform and do the tricks. For our dogs, performing and interacting with an audience are the happiest moments of their lives.”

Outside of performing, the Yazlovskies’ dogs are part of their family. They go to the beach and the dog park, and the couple’s children love to read books to them at home. “All day, every day, we spend with our dogs,” says Yanina. “They need us to read to them, to www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Making fun a family aff air

play ball with them, and to care for them every day.”

After performing abroad for so many years (sometimes putting on four shows a day for months at a time) Sergey and Yanina are now based out of Orlando, Florida. They still perform often for schools, senior centers, parties, and special events, and even made a recent appearance in St. Augustine. “The first time we brought our show to St. Augustine was when we performed at a shopping mall,” recalls Yanina. “The audience was really amazing. I hope we get to perform again in this beautiful town.”

As for training your own pets at home, Yanina has some advice to offer. “The most important things are patience, responsiveness, and understanding,” she says. “In response to our caring for them like parents would, the dogs are happy and eager to do anything to please us or make us happy.” www.menestrelli.com

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LOCALS

MUSICAL CHAIR

LORI AND JONNY PELLICER

It’s been said that being in a band is a lot like being married.

Well, these two longtime local musicians have been putting that theory to the test for the last 40 years.

Written and photographed by Steve Parr

T

he names Lori and Jonny Pellicer are pretty much synonymous with the St. Augustine music scene, and Jonny’s family is about as “St. Augustine” as a family can get. His ancestor, Francisco Pellicer, settled here from Menorca in the late 1700s. Today the name can be found all over town, including Pellicer Creek and the house at 53 St. George Street which bears Francisco’s name.

Lori is also native, having been born and bred right here in the Ancient City.

The couple hasn't always been in a band together, though. Jonny was initially the musician of the two and says he started plucking around on guitar at an early age.

“I picked around on the guitar when I was really young and I think I was about eight years old when I got my first one,” says Jonny, “but I didn’t really start playing until I was about 19.” Like most guitarists, he got his start in pick-up bands and garage bands. After a while, Lori would sing back-up and play tambourine, and they would often end up playing into the wee hours. Those late night jams ended, though, once the couple got married.

They’ve welcomed into their musical fold some of the same musicians they’ve played with in years past...Jonny and Lori have a knack for surrounding themselves with people who enjoy playing good music almost as much as they do.

Lori’s move into being a bass player came much later. Her first real gig was when she played bass for Bo Diddley in 1992. She agreed to learn a few songs on bass to cover for Jonny (who played bass for a time) and it morphed into eventually being the bass player in the band. “I was scared

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Catch JP Driver at ! s y a d rs u h T n o s d in w e d Tra to death. It was against my will. I didn’t really play, I didn’t want to play, and I had no desire to play.”

But play she did.

Over the years, the couple has cemented their place as St. Augustine musical favorites.

Their longtime group The Red River Band continues to be a mainstay at area festivals, and they were regular entertainment at several local music venues including Tradewinds and Arnold’s. What they’re quite proud of his how members of The Red River Band have gone on to play with other musical stalwarts in the area, demonstrating how closely knit the music community in St. Augustine is.

Their latest project, Pellicer Creek, follows their www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

tried and true formula for a successful band – good music played by some seasoned musicians who have a great time doing it. They’ve welcomed into their musical fold some of the same musicians they’ve played with in years past, and the chemistry is obvious. Jonny and Lori have a knack for surrounding themselves with people who enjoy playing good music almost as much as they do.

And, as if all of that wasn’t enough, Jonny has his own group, JP Driver, which also includes some of those aforementioned seasoned musicians. And, while not an official member of the band, Lori often takes to the stage, either on vocals or on bass or, most often, both. It’s rare to find performers so comfortable with each other on stage, but Lori and Jonny Pellicer are exactly that. It’s just like being married.

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LOCALS

LINE OF DUTY

LT. CHRISTIE TAYLOR The voice on the other end of the phone is the lifeline for citizens in emergency situations. That's why 911 dispatchers like Christie Taylor are the "first responder's first responder."

By Carmen Fleischmann | Photography by Brian Miller

I

n 1995, St. Johns County native Christie Taylor followed some advice that completely changed her life.

Christie's husband, a deputy with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, suggested she become a 911 dispatcher.

Now, twenty-two years later, she’s now a lieutenant in charge with overseeing the entire operation of communications.

Though now in a supervisory role, over the years Christie has taken her fair share of calls.

As the head of communications and dispatch, she witnesses her team members consistently solve crimes and save lives because they asked the right questions. Being a part of this behind-the-scenes assistance – the position Christie aptly refers to as the “first responder’s first responder” – is what fuels her love of the communications field.

“I want to take care of the people that call on me, because typically when they call, it’s the worst day of their life,” says Christie. “We need to realize that no matter what’s going on in your life, you’re there for them right then.”

The most common question a 911 dispatcher is asked concerns their most difficult or memorable call. Unfortunately, those calls are usually the most morbid or disturbing. Instead,

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Christie likes to focus on ones that remind her that they are doing something important.

In her early years as a dispatcher, before cell phones, before the lines were extraordinarily busy, she took a call from a citizen in the middle of the night. The man just wanted to talk. “I honestly felt like he just needed to make a human connection,” says Christie. “We talk about exciting 911 calls all of the time, the police chases and when people get shot and we’re working the radio. But for some reason that call from 20 years ago sticks in my mind.”

She felt like she made a difference, and her gut instinct tells her that if someone hadn’t been there to talk to him, even to chitchat for a few moments, something awful might have happened.

Unfortunately, dispatchers often don’t receive the closure of what happened after they hang up the phone. Instead of finding out the end of the tale, they have to move on to the next emergency, and then the next. “Sometimes we never know,” says Christie. “Did that little boy really drown? Did we get the pulse back on him? What really happened?”

amazed at how her staff manages to keep up with all of the calls. While she occasionally gets to step in and take a call herself, her main purpose is to keep things running smoothly for the dispatchers. She also maintains an active role in providing training to new recruits and assists in the hiring process.

The SJSO is always accepting applications.

Multitasking is a must and while dispatchers will often be busy, Christie recommends finding a way to leave work at work.

For her, she focuses on life with her husband and her four-year-old daughter.

“That’s my grounding," says Christie. "When there’s a lot of stress in the work, or a bad call has happened, it’s good to go home to my family.” www.sjso.org

Still, as a supervisor, Christie is continuously www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

“I want to take care of the people that call on me, because typically when they call, it’s the worst day of their life,” says Christie.

“We need to realize that no matter what’s going on in your life, you’re there for them right then.”

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COVER STORY

Person Saint Augustine's

Year of the

The votes are in! These six people captured the hearts of the St. Augustine community with their generosity, leadership, spirit, and compassion. Together they encompass what it means to be an outstanding local.

By Meeka Anne | Photography by Rob Futrell

PERSON OF THE YEAR

GARY WILLIAMS

W

ith its history, quirky nature, joviality, and sense of community, St. Augustine was the perfect setting for Gary Williams to debut the personification of his canine companion Guen. Certainly it befits our small town to have a talking yellow lab who regales residents of the daily adventures of her human with the use of some frivolous repartee. And after some extensive historical research for an upcoming novel set in the area, Gary has become a treasure trove of historically accurate and engaging tidbits. Who doesn’t love a little local history served up with a wet nose and a dog cuddle? The endearment of his canine companion, Guen, and Gary’s eagerness to share his knowledge has created a captivating presence on the streets of St. Augustine.

Most days Gary gets up early and walks Guen at daybreak. They often make it to Castillo de San Marcos and stroll alongside the bay before returning to King Street. Upon arrival back at home, Gary makes a Facebook post, usually with a humorous anecdote by Guen, which begins with “While walking through the historic streets of St. Augustine this morning…”

These posts, which began as an intermittent pastime, led to an almost cult following, with fans putting in requests for a daily dose. “Gary,” says Cheryl Bacon, “starts my day off with a smile and even a laugh.”

While Beth Thomas insists, “On Gary’s daily walks with his dog, he enlightens us all to the wonderful history of St. Augustine through conversations with his ‘talking dog’ Guen.”

“St. Augustine,” says Gary, “became home the moment we moved in. I love nothing more than walking the streets with Guen and meeting people, sometimes sharing my historical knowledge or just allowing Guen to be Guen.” It’s lucky for St. Augustine that the charm of the city beckoned to Gary and his wife Jackie when they became empty nesters with three grown children ( Josh, Jeff, and Kristin) in 2013. Gary thought the atmosphere would be the perfect creative cove he needed to pursue a full-time writing career. However, it is Gary’s unique conversations with Guen that have captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

RISING STAR

MAKALA CORBIN

"

When Makala was seven,” says Makala Corbin’s mom Heather, “she said to me, ‘Instead of buying a toy for a child this Christmas, can I buy pet food for the homeless pets?’ Since that conversation Makala’s giving heart has fundraised thousands of dollars to help homeless pets, children, and hurricane victims in St. Johns County.” A simple idea inspired

by Makala’s third-grade teacher, Ms. Fenner, would be the roots which grew into Makala’s expansive giving tree. It all started with Makala making bookmarks with duct tape which she sold for $1 each. She earned a total of $275 that she donated to Dreams Come True, a wish-granting organization in Jacksonville.

At the surprisingly young age of 10, Makala is about to embark on her third annual furry friend fundraiser which benefits the SJC Pet Center. She also created the Summer Fun Campaign to assist the homeless children in St. Johns County. “Unfortunately,” says Makala, “St. Augustine has a lot of homeless children.

Last summer we were up to almost 800 homeless students in the school system, and this has affected my heart because it’s so sad. I do a Summer Fun Campaign to buy toys for these children so they can have an enjoyable summer.” Makala’s keen intuition and instincts help her identify needs in the community. After Irma, she collected personal hygiene products, school supplies, laundry soap, and linens for blessing bags. She distributed two bags to ten families from local schools.

All this graceful giving got Makala nominated for the Beaver Toyota Extraordinary Accomplishment Award which led to a radio interview which aired for a week.

It might seem like a girl as philanthropic as Makala wouldn’t have spare time for herself, but she loves her American Girl doll collection, gymnastics, and basketball. She has also been learning ASL for about a year. Makala enjoys spending time at Vilano Beach with her family. She says, “In the evenings my family goes there to look for shark’s teeth, sea glass and to play. It is a nice way to end our day.”

use ca 's a al ak M lp e h n ca ou Y by visiting her website www.makalacorbin.com

GOOD NEIGHBOR

KATIE LAY

K

atie Lay didn’t hesitate to become an organ donor when she got her first driver’s license on her 16th birthday.

“My parents,” she says, “raised my brother Kris and I to believe strongly in helping others, and we’ve done our best to teach our children the same lessons. We lead by example as much as we can.”But that was put to the test in April of last year when Katie heard via a friend on her Facebook page that Scott Christensen needed a kidney that could not come from a relative due to it being a genetic disorder. Katie felt compelled by the story right from the beginning. “I felt like it was something I was meant to do, and I had a very calm peace throughout the entire process.”

She consulted with her husband Steve and her twins, Megan and Jeremy, and they offered her their full support. The recipient was in Connecticut, and the lengthy medical preparation involved several trips to both Connecticut and New York. “Scott may have been a stranger in the beginning,” she says, “but I got to know him and his wife Anne pretty well, and by the time the surgery came around, I felt like I was donating to a friend, not a stranger.” Scott says, “Katie Lay is a true angel that saved my life. She is a great mom and wife and truly cares about people. My life has been given back to me, and this allowed me the walk the aisle this past summer with my daughter on her wedding day.”

Katie moved to St. Augustine with her husband (a local deputy sheriff) in 2000. She works for the fundraising organization which aids in supporting Flagler Hospital. Katie was completely surprised when she found out her friend Kelly Wilson nominated her for good neighbor. “As I watched Katie’s consistent service for others over the years she became my role model,” says Kelly. “When I heard the news of the kidney donation, Katie’s role model status elevated to an angel on Earth in my eyes. She is the true meaning of selfless and completely humble in all she does.”

ADVOCATE

HAROLD GEORGE

H

arold George just celebrated his 30th year with the St. Johns County Library.

“Often people comment that they love books,” he says, “and would be interested in working at the library.

However, when it comes down to it, it is more about people than books. It’s been very enriching to serve so many people.”

Harold came from a large family, and his mother was a native of St. Augustine. When he was young, he was eager to leave the small town and came and went for a while before fate brought him back and he settled into his current post as Extension Services Manager for our library system. This position puts him in charge of extending library services to those who don’t have accessibility due to a variety of circumstances.

He accomplishes this with two bookmobiles and the placement of little libraries in some key locations around the county. To bring awareness to the bookmobiles, Harold brings it to events like the St. Augustine Farmer’s Market, Ancient City Kid’s Day, and the Christmas parade. He says, “We extend the relationship residents have with the library by bringing it into their lives.”

“Thirty years ago,” Harold muses, “I would never have imagined I would still be at this job. However, I have the best life, and I love having roots in a place that is both culturally and historically unique. I was a very shy and introverted kid, and through my role in this community, I feel embraced and supported, and there is nothing I love more than to cheer this town onward and upward.”

Harold’s nominator, LaKay Cornell, says “Harold is constantly connecting with the community to promote reading and literacy. Whether it’s money, time, creativity or just social media shout outs, he is always uplifting, supporting and helping St. Augustine in any way he can.”

Harold was honored to be part of the Public Information team during Hurricane Irma. “I am always better in a challenging situation,” he says, “if I have a role in helping people.”

TRAILBLAZER

ADAM MORLEY

A

dam Morley has a deep love and respect for both his wife and the water. “I may sound a little biased here,” he says, “but I seriously have the best wife on the planet, and we have the cutest 2-year-old daughter named Elon who makes me smile every day. They are so supportive of my efforts and a huge part of why I do the things I do.” About St. Augustine, he says, “The water is what makes the community stand out amongst other communities. The variety of beaches, waterways, and rivers allows everyone to be connected to the water.”

“Adam,” says nominator Nana Royer, “teaches and walks the talk of a true environmentalist.”

After taking some residents on a waterway cleanup with the eco tour boat he captains, Adam had an idea for something more permanent. He did some crowdfunding, found a used pontoon boat, and outfitted it with winches, nets, and boat hooks.

Now the “Litter Gitter” and Adam host weekly Matanzas clean-ups. Everyone loves the boat ride and the opportunity to assist in keeping our river pristine.

Adam and his wife opened and operated a recycling business for seven years, starting in 2008.

They sold it to First Coast Recycling in 2015.

“I attended a meeting about Adam’s recycling business,” Nana Royer says, “and was most impressed by his knowledge and acumen regarding the business of recycled materials, along with his sincerity regarding the need to mitigate their effect on the environment.”

Now Adam is using his knowledge of politics to go one step further in pursuing his passions. He is running for State Representative for District 24 next year. He regularly hosts trips to Tallahassee to educate citizens on how to better understand and become more engaged in the political process at the state level. He said, “Our groups have advocated for issues like solar, Amendment 1 funding, clean water issues, and protecting Home Rule.” Adam is thrilled he will soon be taking over Genung’s Fish Camp where he worked as a youth.

His love of the water has brought him full circle back to his roots.

LEADER

JAY WILLETS

S

chool principals have the opportunity to be notably influential stewards of a community. The delicate adolescent years benefit substantially from a supportive mentor. Jay Willets fulfills that role as he watches over 1500 students at Pacetti Bay Middle School. “One of my goals,” he says, “is to teach kids to live in this world and be citizens of good character. I want to instill in them a lifelong desire to help others.”

Jay loves spending time in classrooms and catching those moments when students and teachers cross through the barriers of challenging content. This past October, Jay taught by example by being the core leader of the school when it became an activated shelter. Pacetti Middle School was built to be a special needs shelter with reinforced buildings and an oversized generator. The facility accommodates anyone that needs electricity to stay alive and will hold up to 250 people. For both Irma and Matthew, the shelter took in around 230 people. Jay and his family all remained on the site 24/7 during activation to attend to everyone’s needs.

Not surprisingly, Jim has a few stories about incidents at the shelter. “A vent blew off through a storm, and the health department loaned us a body bag to cover the hole. I ended up on the roof with the maintenance person duct taping the bag on the vent. Another day, Tim Tebow came in to surprise everyone and raise morale. You never know what each day will bring.”

Jim spent several years as a lifeguard with Marine Rescue. He says his training there and as principal of three local schools has served him well and helped him to feel prepared to take action in all types of situations. Jay’s wife Sonja of twenty years says, “Jay’s good character shines through in his consistency and generosity with every situation and each person he encounters. He truly listens when you speak to him, and his response is always fair, reasonable, genuine and honest. His dedication to his family and community is evident in everything he does.”

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

SAINT AUGUSTINE

MONEY MENTORS Make your money work for you with the help of these local money mentors. Meet the local Financial Advisors specializing in retirement wealth strategies, investmenting, savings, and planning for your future.

Piggy banks are not a savings strategy.

Photography by Leonard Blush

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

Financial Planner

MONEY MENTORS

I want to understand what is important to you, and then work as a team to help achieve your goals

EDWARD JONES BEN REEP

KNOWN FOR...

FACE TO FACE MEETINGS. ONE ON ONE RELATIONSHIPS.

(904) 460-1200 4108 A1A South Ben.reep@edwardjones.com

B

en Reep attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After leaving the Marine Corps, he obtained his Series 7 and his Series 66 license.

Edward Jones offers a complete array of financial services. Ben says, “My focus is to understand and help achieve what’s most important to you. To do this, we’ll work together through an established process to build personalized strategies - including the specific actions needed to help achieve your goals.

Over time, we'll revisit your goals and your comfort with risk as well as the strategies we’ve developed, to help keep you on track.”

Ben became intrigued with Edward Jones after reading a letter written by the founder’s son Ted. When Ted was asked why he didn't take

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the company public and become one of the wealthiest men in America, he said, "I am the richest man in America. I have a wife who loves me in spite of my faults. I have four dogs. I enjoy my business. I love my farm and my home. I have a few close friends, and money has never been my God." Eventually, Ted gave the firm back to the employees and made Edward Jones a partnership. Ben says, “This culture is alive and well in the firm today.”

Ben says, “I strive always to put my clients first and establish a plan to meet their needs and goals and continue to work together on that plan.” He says, “There are many great folks in this town who do the same. We each have our own background and personality.”

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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

MONEY MENTORS

Banking

Quality relationships and valuing the customer are the foundation of community banking.

CENTERSTATE BANK

WAYNE STEVENS JIM ROBERTI

KNOWN FOR...

BANKING SERVICES THAT BRING TOGETHER SIMPLICITY, CONVENIENCE AND SOPHISTICATION.

(904) 342-4916 709 S Ponce de Leon Blvd. www. centerstatebank.com

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W

ayne Stevens graduated from University of Florida Banking School and holds numerous Credit Analysis Certifications. Jim Roberti received a Master’s Degree from the University of North Florida in Educational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Banking from LSU Graduate School of Banking.

as our superior customer service.” Through their backgrounds both Wayne and Jim have developed key relationships in the community.

Wayne was born and raised in St. Augustine, and Jim taught at a private school locally for seven years. They said, “We believe this gives us an advantage when working with local clients.

Many of the relationships we have are lifelong as well as multi-generational.”

CenterState Bank is growing exponentially in the state of Florida. Banking relationship managers Wayne Stevens and Jim Roberti are the key liaison figures between the customers and the bank, which means they establish new client relationships and maintain existing ones.

Their daily responsibilities are as diverse as the customers they serve. They said, “What sets us apart is our knowledge of the market as well

CenterState Bank is one of the largest Florida based community banks and base their philosophy on the true community of hometown banking. First, they believe a commitment to faith and families is fundamental to the overall culture of the company. Second, the bank believes in each market and community where it has a presence.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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

Insurance

MONEY MENTORS

PERRY D. UNWALLA

STATE FARM INSURANCEN AGENCY

KNOWN FOR....

WHETHER IT'S INSURING YOUR CAR OR HOME, STARTING A LIFE INSURANCE PLAN, OR LOOKING FOR BETER MORTGAGE OPTIONS, WE CAN DO IT ALL.

P

erry Unwalla received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University and his Master’s in Business Administration from California State University.

Together with State Farm, Perry offers a unique approach to insurance, protecting your whole world, including auto, home, life, and health coverage.

He says, “We strive to be your personal insurance representative and take a ‘long view’ in making sure all your possessions are protected, along with your income, health, and life. If we do our job well, you can live your life without worry.”

Perry says, “State Farm is the epitome of fairness.

They have been getting it right all the way back since the 1920s. They treat their employees like family and their clients like gold, always making decisions with the client’s best interests in mind.

When you buy a policy, you are buying a promise to pay what’s owed, promptly, accurately and fairly.”

Providing outstanding service is essential to Perry.

He says, “We strive to give outstanding assistance and protection to each client in every transaction.

We pride ourselves on our effort to build rapport with our clients.”

Perry says, “St. Augustine is a special and unique piece of paradise. People need protection in more than just the typical auto and home insurance.

When Hurricane Matthew hit, and then Irma eleven months later, we had hundreds of clients filing claims. Some households lost cars, had trees fall through roofs and flooded homes. They had many claims but only needed one agency to get them back on track...ours.”

(904) 461-5400 3791 A1A South www.perryunwalla.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

We are "Risk Advisors" for our clients, helping them insure and protect their world.

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There's more to this magazine...

urants a t s e r l a c o l Search sine sses, plus and bu ocal stories more l

than what's in your hand.

THE ALL NEW

StAugustineSocial.com Completely redesigned and developed to help you find just what you're looking for in St. Augustine. Log on, search, and be instantly connected with local events, restaurants, businesses, and people.

Eats DISH

CLEVER COOKIES

K

elly Ann Jones didn’t really intend to start a cookie business back in 2013, but she did. And we’ve got to say, we’re really glad The Cookie Camper happened. Fast forward to four years later, and she’s kept super busy with orders every week. And if you take a moment to peruse her Instagram or Facebook, it’s not hard to see why. Kelly Ann has a serious knack for cookies.

Each batch is perfectly tailormade to the client’s wishes and every design is uber-detailed and clever. She’s decorated everything from unicorns to tacos to logos to engagment rings to the Goonies (and we could go on for a while). Every design is created by Kelly and iced by hand. What started out as a Pinterestfueled favor to a friend has blossomed into a burgeoning creative business with a serious cult following – of which we now proudly consider ourselves a part. And the best thing about all this? The cookies are delicious. www.thecookiecamper.com

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

EATS

ROUND UP

IF YOUR PARTY NEEDS PRIVATE SPACE Hosting a party isn't just about the venue.

From something lowkey and casual to a posh setting, up the ante by planning your soiree in the event space of one of these delicious local restaurants.

LIVING ON THE VEG

Try it!

THE DISH Sesame Ginger Tofu

SESAME GINGER TOFU

A myriad of culinary influences have intersected in St. Augustine's Seaside Plaza. You might want to grab a bib!

W

By Teddy Regis

hen Purple Olive opened its doors in 2004, the Atkins diet was going strong. With this in mind, chef and owner Peter Kenney formulated a menu that would allow patrons to construct dishes piece by piece. With upwards of 12 entrees, sauces, condiments, and side items to work with, there are countless meal variations waiting to be crafted.

The variety you'll find on the menu didn't get there arbitrarily. Purple Olive's menu is a reflection of Peter's rich culinary history and progression, including training in Italy under a French chef during grape and olive season (which became the inspiration for Peter and his wife, Deidre, to choose the name). The other chefs contribute culinary styles that vary from Southern to Cuban, and French to Asian.

Take, for example, the Sesame Ginger Tofu.

It's a prime example of a meal created to be comprehensive. The tofu is packed with 22 grams of protein and paired with a serving of jasmine rice and a colorful vegetable medley of purple cabbage, red bell peppers, shredded carrots, and broccoli.

Michael's Tasting Room www.michaelstastingroom.com Aunt Kate's www.aunt-kates.com A1A Ale Works www.a1aaleworks.com

cornstarch for a serious and unexpected crunch.

It’s finished off with wheat-free soy sauce, ground ginger, and sweet chili glaze. Cutting into the crust reveals tofu disguised as white meat chicken and the consistency is favorable. No gummy texture here.

Raintree Restaurant www.raintreerestaurant.com

The rice is prepared traditionally and infused with rice wine vinegar and a sweet sauce. Neither is overbearing; rather they come together to lend a subtle sweet and savory blend. The vibrant vegetable medley is sautĂŠed in a fermented tamari sauce. Ultimately, this meatless dish manages to cover several food groups and will leave you satisfied. You might even take part of the meal home and enjoy leftovers the next day.

The Reef www.thereefstaugustine.com

Those who tend to see geometry in everything will appreciate the precisely executed presentation of the triangular tofu and dome-shaped rice serving.

Each corner of the rectangular plate is marked with a forty-five-degree angle segment of soy sauce.

Dispelled are the stigmas of bland and one-track vegetarian dishes. The Sesame Ginger Tofu is a meal both vegetarians and carnivores can agree on.

4255 A1A South www.purple-olive.com

Initially, the tofu is crusted with sesame seeds and

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Blackfly the Restaurant www.blackflytherestaurant.com

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Cap's on the Water www.capsonthewater.com

Columbia Restaurant www.columbiarestaurant.com Costa Brava www.casamonica.com/dining O.C. White's www.ocwhitesrestaurant.com Terra and Acqua www.terraacquarestaurant.com La Pentola www.lapentolarestaurant.com Harry's Seafood, Bar, & Grille www.hookedonharrys.com

EATS

TALE OF TWO

BEEF TENDERLOIN Steak is a melt-in-yourmouth canvas for chefs to paint on. Treat yourself to two very different culinary masterpieces.

By Molly Wilson

Filetto Magnifico Bleu Cheese COLLAGE RESTAURANT

There are many dishes that the dining public would consider pinnacles of decadence and sophistication, icons of the plates of the elite. Collage Restaurant decided to just take a few of these culinary paragons and create the Filetto Magnifico. But trust us, this dish isn’t just for show. The subtle flavors – all highly varied and cultivated to excellence – meet the expectation created by their ingredients. The Filetto Magnifico begins with, of course, a magnificent cut of char-grilled Beef Tenderloin. The steak is topped with a Foie Gras pâté and garnished with half of a Maine lobster tail (as if you can just “garnish” a dish with lobster) before being finished with sauteed mushrooms and a Cabernet demi-glace. For a dish with such a large number of components all vying for center stage, the result is surprisingly harmonious. The Filetto Magnifico is quite a celebration of a dish.

60 Hypolita Street (904) 829-0055

STOP BY

CARRERA WINE CELLAR WINE CLUB 100

COSTA BRAVA

The Bleu Cheese Beef Tenderloin may sound simple and straightforward, but don’t be deceived. Costa Brava has created a dish that fully embodies the feel and intent of the restaurant itself, with a beautifullyselected Mediterranean palate and ingredients. Served in a small cast iron pan, the steak is embellished with a variety of unique sides. To begin with, it’s topped with not just your standard off-the-shelf bleu cheese, by no means. The Blue Valdeon is imported from León, Spain where it is wrapped in chestnut or maple leaves before being sent to market (this gives it a wonderfully complex, earthy taste). The Cipollini onions are mildly sweet, offset nicely by a subtle heat from the stuffed peppers. Finally, the Castelvetrano olives are a difficult to find, but oh-so-welcome treat. A clean, fruity flavor and a delicate crunch add a new element to an already mouthwatering dish.

95 Cordova Street (904) 810-6810

The uncorked pleasures and the aged aromatics of a nice bottle of wine combined with the laughter of companions or the simple-yet-telling eyes of someone special sitting across the table are the makings of a memorable evening. This and many other joyful moments can be relished by the members of the Carrera Wine Cellar Wine Club. Located in downtown St. Augustine, the Carrera Wine Cellar is a specialty shop offering various delicious wines as well as education on the intricacies and histories of the tasty libations. The Carrera Wine Cellar Wine Club offers its members featured monthly wine flights as well as discounts on additional wine classes and special events. www.carrerawinecellar.com/wine-club www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

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EATS

CULINARY CHARACTER

AUSTIN KATOH

Traditional training and nomadic experience have prepared Chef Austin to both placate and elevate the sushi palates of St. Augustine.

By Matthew Shaw | Photography by Brian Miller

A

s sushi restaurants have proliferated across the country over the last few decades, there’s been a decided give and take between purveyors of the Japanese-style cuisine and American consumers.

While traditionally-trained sushi chefs have brought droves of the previously uninitiated to the table (or counter), the preferences of these same patrons have pushed the time-honored craft in varied and unconventional directions.

So you can thank American palates for the fried, sauce-slathered offerings like the “black widow” roll (tempura soft shell crab with vegetables, spicy mayo, and sweet soy reduction) at Vilano Beach’s Kingfish Grill. But with classically trained, JapaneseAmerican sushi chef Austin Katoh in charge of the menu at the quaint St. Augustine seafood staple, you’ll also find a decisively traditional array of sashimi options, prepared with impeccable technique.

“The Northeast Florida palate is a challenge as far as sushi goes,” Austin says. “I love doing the traditional stuff, but sometimes it seems rare for people to order it. I enjoy the challenge, though, and I still like coming up with new ideas for people to try.”

While the dishes Austin’s now preparing for St. Aug locals and visitors are markedly different from the ones he created training under stalwart sushi chefs in his parent’s hometown of Pearl City, Hawaii, he refuses to

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This is just how he ro lls! compromise on one very important aspect of his preparations.

memories of a childhood spent in the kitchen, where his Japanese mother and grandmother would prepare Asian-style dishes cribbed from their native country and Polynesian ones picked up from decades in Hawaii.

“Rice is the most important ingredient to good sushi,” he reasons. “The quality of the rice is important. As is proper washing and a good rice cooker. I did rice for so many years before I even touched the knife. Some might not see it as being so important, but rest assured, if my mom’s coming, the rice better be right.”

At just 16 years old, Austin started working at a Japanese restaurant in Pittsburgh, where his family had relocated years earlier. He quickly went from bussing tables and washing dishes to peeling carrots and doing the prep work under the watchful eyes of the restaurant’s staff of sushi chefs.

Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Austin has fond

“I was drawn to the sushi chefs early on,” he says of his introduction to the craft. But

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restaurant’s sushi menu.

it wasn’t until Austin relocated to Hawaii, in search of love and a steady paycheck, that he’d really get his hands on the sashimi knife.

“My plan was to meet a nice Hawaiian girl,” he laughs. “But I ended up training at a very traditional sushi place, learning the history and nuances of the craft.”

Austin spent two years in Hawaii perfecting the basics of sushi preparation – sourcing good fish, san-mai-oroshi (three-piece) and go-mai-oroshi (five-piece) cuts, proper rolling techniques – before moving to Austin, Texas where he spent more than a decade preparing

“The creativity aspect is a big bonus for me. We get fish from all over the world. I get to source the best ingredients from all over and prepare what I want.

I’m very thankful that the owners have the confidence to let me do all that stuff.”

sushi for a patrons in the then-burgeoning Southern culinary mecca, where he’d be introduced to the previously mentioned fried and sauce-slathered American takes on sushi.

A subsequent spell in Orlando and a desire to get back to the coast helped put St. Augustine on Austin’s radar. He’d get his chance to make it permanent when Spy Sushi opened on Hypolita Street and offered him a position.

In 2012, Austin joined the team at Kingfish Grill, where he says he’s been given free rein to unleash his idiosyncratic skill set on the www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

“The creativity aspect is a big bonus for me,” he says of the long leash he’s been afforded at Kingfish. “We get fish from all over the world – salmon from Scotland, other stuff from Hawaii and Japan. I get to source the best ingredients from all over and prepare what I want to prepare. I’m very thankful that the owners have the confidence to let me do all that stuff.”

Austin’s traditional tutelage is evident in Kingfish’s popular sashimi dishes like the Jalapeno Yellowtail, which features thinly sliced fish and jalapeno with a spicy homemade ponzu sauce made from fresh juices. Meanwhile, his years of interacting with a cross-section of palates from the islands of the Pacific Ocean to the Midwest and the South, have helped him bring life to Americanized, tempura-based rolls like the JHo (shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and pineapple topped with eel, avocado, shredded coconut, caramelized habanero brown sugar, and a sweet soy reduction).

Now 50 years old, Austin’s found that the pace of his adopted home suits his lifestyle quite nicely. In his free time, he likes to shoot pool at Anastasia Billiards, take trips to visit his parents who’ve retired to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and (surprise, surprise) spend more time in the kitchen.

“Believe it or not, I cook a lot in my free time,” he laughs. “I can’t get enough.”

Now, creatively satisfied and appropriately compensated, Austin’s nomadic ways may be behind him. “St. Augustine has been really good to me,” he says. “I can’t see myself leaving here. Kingfish is such a neat spot, right on the water. I couldn’t imagine a better place to make sushi.”

252 Yacht Club Drive www.king fishgrill.com

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EATS

BEHIND THE BAR

ANDY NORRIS According to the Tao of Andy Norris, making work not feel like work starts with a stiff drink among friends.

By Matthew Shaw | Photography by Brian Miller

A

s happiness advocates from the multi-billion dollar self-improvement industry champion our creative, entrepreneurial impulses and encourage us to find “work that doesn’t feel like work,” Andy Norris is quietly two steps ahead of the pack. Mixing stiff drinks and sharing laughs behind the bar at Spanish Street’s upscale, locavore-catering haunt The Floridian, Andy distills his job requirements to “hanging out.”

“As cheesy as it sounds, my favorite thing about bartending really is the customer service aspect,” he says. “I really enjoy the people I work with and I really enjoy meeting new people.

Mostly, I just feel like bartending is hanging out and having a good time.”

When it comes to doing what he loves, at just 28-years-old Andy’s already a hardened veteran. Born and raised in St. Augustine, Andy started working at noted Hypolita Street watering hole, Scarlett O’Hara’s, at the tender age of 18. While attending the University of Florida, he found himself behind the bar at an Italian restaurant in Gainesville. Years later, he was back at Scarlett’s when old friends and Floridian owners, Jeff and Genie McNally – having just secured a liquor license for their new, upstart restaurant – acquired his services.

He now works at both places. But while Andy’s easy-going, yet gregarious nature might mix with the low-frills scene at Scarlett’s like gin to tonic, he’s found a new, untapped well of creative energy in the Floridian’s seasonalitydependent menu. “The creativity aspect is a bonus,” Andy says. “With a seasonal menu, we are always trying and testing to see what kind

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That's made wit h b ee t juice! of flavors and interesting things we can come up with.”

They may not be reinventing the wheel for The Floridian’s cocktail menu, but Andy says the subtle changes to classic drinks and an insistence on quality liquor offer patrons a unique drinking experience that can also be educational.

“If someone orders a Crown and Coke, well, we don’t have Crown and we don’t have diet coke,” he says. “We’re not trying to be www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

pretentious, but if I might make you something with 1792 Small Batch [bourbon] and you might get turned onto something new.

It’s funny, I’ve had people who’ll take pictures of the bottle of liquor so that they can go to the store and buy it the next day.”

A self-proclaimed Florida history geek, he’s known to take day trips to visit state parks and Ginnie Springs with his dog and girlfriend. But, he’s sure to never stray too far.

“Sometimes on my days off I just want to be by myself in a quiet room,” he laughs.

72 Spanish Street, www.thefloridianstaug.com

S ’ Y T N U O C S N H O ST J TION

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EATS

Pictured Here: Upper Left: The Jibarito Chicken Sandwich usually features plantains and aioli.

Here it gets avocado and tomatoes.

Upper Right: On Thursdays, the truck parks at Bozard Ford Lincoln.

Lower Right: Datil BBQ Pork Sandwich is an explosion of flavor!

Lower Left: Vegetarians rejoice for the Latin Veggie Bowl!

TASTE TEST

WITH A TWIST TRUCK

Spanish flair on the go!

Harnessing his upscale culinary knowledge and taking it on the road, Michael Lugo is dishing out delicious street food with his well-known flair for Spanish flavor.

I

t’s no secret that St. Augustine loves Michael’s Tasting Room. For many residents, it’s a go-to date night, anniversary, birthday spot – a special occasions space, if you will. So when we all heard the news that the famous Michael Lugo would be expanding his culinary endeavors to a food truck called With a Twist, we were pretty ready to hop on board and try out for ourselves to see if Michael's extensive experience can work the same way for street food.

Thursday location of the With a Twist truck to try the casual version of the amazing flavor for which Michael has become known.

After Hurricane Matthew, the restaurant took a pretty big hit. “We were closed,” says Michael, “for nearly 3 weeks and the loss of revenue along with the damage we endured made for a difficult recovery.” So when an opportunity came up to purchase an older truck, Michael jumped at the chance. Though it’s used frequently to expand their catering abilities, Michaels says, “We chose to use it as a casual, every person alternative to our brickand-mortar restaurant.”

Channeling the spirit of the Ancient City, we moved on to the Datil BBQ Pork Sandwich, a fitting tribute to the area’s favorite pepper.

The hearty handheld meal is taken to the next level with house pickled onions that add the vinegary bite that so well complements barbeque. It has a lot of the flavors you'd recognize with traditional barbeque, but a distinct twist provided by something local and something exotic.

So we made our way over to the every-

106

By Molly Wilson

We started with the Jibarito Chicken Sandwich, typically topped with bacon, sweet plantains, and a garlic aioli. The unusual toppings give the sandwich a surprisingly harmonious mix of sweet and savory, with a departure from the usual humdrum meal that is a chicken sandwich. There’s nothing plain about this one.

The With a Twist truck even has a number of vegetarian entrees. As for us omnivores that www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

appreciate a well-crafted vegetarian dish, we were treated to the Latin Veggie Bowl. The base of the bowl is a flavorful and well-spiced Spanish rice that’s then topped with black beans and a cacophony of seasonal vegetables.

The substance and heart of the dishes will be familiar to any frequent patron of the Cuna street spot. As with every dish, Michael has infused each with the culinary hallmarks of his familial heritage and his adopted city alike.

Those same beloved flavors have merely found their way into a little more sidewalk-eating, handheld-friendly vessels. The already-beloved Spanish flare of the downtown restaurant has carried over into a perfectly casual atmosphere.

In a town that definitely knows its food trucks, the Michael’s Tasting Room spin-off is going to make a mark.

On Thursdays, the truck is located at Bozard Ford Lincoln, 540 Outlet Mall Boulevard. www.michaelstastingroom.com/with-a-twist-truck

Luis Vienrich

St. Augustine Allstate Agent

DOING GOOD IN OUR COMMUNITY LUIS VIENRICH St. Augustine Allstate Agent PASSION: Helping families like yours protect the things that are important.

WHAT I’M DOING ABOUT IT: We pay special attention to all of the details so we can meet our customers’ specific needs.

We strive to provide a customized service to make sure all angles are carefully considered and our customers are protected against the unexpected.

MY INSPIRATION: To be right next to our customers when they need us the most.

Luis not only helps the local economy here in St. Augustine, but he also can help protect what matters most to you and your family. That's because Luis cares just as much about his community as he cares about Allstate customers.

For a free, no-obligation Allstate Personalized Insurance Proposal SM, call Luis today at 904-201-8090. © 2016 Allstate Insurance Co.

EATS

THE DISH Maple Bacon Donut ROUNDUP

TOAST THE NEW YEAR Sure, Champagne is the traditional way to ring in the new year.

But sometimes, we just want to mix things up a little. Keep the bubbles but add a little pizazz with a few cocktails that are perfect for toasting to 2018.

SWEET SPOT

DO-NUT SKIP THESE SWEETS

Few things will put a smile on your face more quickly than a really good donut. And, if you want some really good donuts, you want to go to Happy Cakes.

Written and photographed by Steve Parr

L

ocated in the Sea Grove Town Center on Anastasia Island, owners Abbie and Matt Atkins opened Happy Cakes Bakery seven years ago. Since that time they’ve created an impressive menu of delicious confectionery, including a number of both breakfast and lunch selections. It’s difficult to walk up to the counter, though, and not be taken in by the wonderful array of delicious gourmet donuts perched just beneath the glass.

It would be difficult to try every one (there are a dozen or so), but a fair sampling of them is all you’ll need to be convinced that this should be your go-to donut destination. On any given day, a wide selection is available.

The maple syrup-based glaze on the Maple Bacon Donut is only half the equation of this mouthwatering treat. A generous helping of real bacon, crumbled on top, completes what can only be described as a savory assault on the taste buds. If you like donuts and you like bacon, this is absolute nirvana.

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The Sour Cream Old Fashioned is about as close to perfection as a donut can get. The sour cream used in this cake donut gives it a unique and delectable flavor.

Like donuts? Like Oreos? You’re going to love the Oreo Donut. This chocolate yeast donut has a meltin-your-mouth vanilla dip glaze that makes you think you’re biting into a tall glass of milk when you taste the Oreo pieces on top.

The Chocolate Glaze Donut is another classic which is expertly executed. The airy consistency of the donut is complimented by the gooey yumminess of the chocolate. The chocolate glaze can get a little messy, but that’s just part of the fun.

Finally, need we say more than “apple fritter?” Well, we don’t, but we’re going to. No comprehensive “baker’s dozen” is complete without one of these.

Dense and delicious, these are made with sweet chunks of real apple. Nothing cries out for a nice, hot cup of coffee quite like this.

112 Sea Grove Main Street www.happycakescupcake.com www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

Chicamosa Perfectly Peruvian and brimming with over-the-top flavor, this take on the mimosa has Champagne, purple corn, pineapple, lime, and spices.

Llama Restaurant

The Oxford Comma This blend of Prosecco, watermelon, lime, and mint is tingly, tangy and sweet all at the same time.

The Chatsworth Pub

The Hemingway Mojito lovers, this is the one for you. A little less sweet than the traditional, this nod to the literary great has dark rum, mint, lime, brown sugar, and Prosecco.

Blackfly the Restaurant

Sparkling Raspberry A bright and festive red, this delicious drink combines raspberry vodka, Chambord, and cranberry juice with a Prosecco float.

Tini Martini Bar

Le Pomme et Le Poire You'll feel fancy from the moment you order it! This sparkling cocktail blends pear preserves, Sapphire gin, lemon, cointreau, and a splash of Asti.

Dos Gatos

Classical to Contemporary Museum Quality Art at Affordable Prices

Antiquities to Contemporary Fine Art from Around the World USS Constitution, 1910, Oil on Canvas

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

Edouard Cortès, French-Spanish, (1882-1969) Oil on Canvas

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

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

Classical to Contemporary Museum Quality Art at Affordable Prices

Artisan Blown Glass Decor

Blown Glass Jellyfish Chandelier Other Colors Available

2000 year old Ancient Roman Glass Jewelry Jyotika Shroff, “Marlin”, Acrylic on Canvas 48" x 60"

Antiquities to Contemporary Fine Art from Around the World USS Constitution, 1910, Oil on Canvas

Custom Designed Stained Glass Art

One-of-a-Kind Glass Sea Float, Shell and Crystal Sculptures

Treasures Inspired by the Sea

Specializing in original paintings, sculpture, glass art, specialty jewelry, unique men’s gifts, nautical finds and other stunning treasures.

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

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

Edouard Cortès, French-Spanish, (1882-1969) Oil on Canvas

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

www.lostartgallery.com | artnet.lostartgallery.net Southern Living magazine Editors Choice

EATS

WHERE ST. AUGUSTINE EATS

There's no shortage of places to dine in St. Augustine, but we're always on the hunt for the next best thing.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, or dessert – we love them all.

Snap a shot of your new favorite dish and tag us for a chance to appear in the next issue.

ICE PLANT BAR - @sieandexplaur Talk about #cocktailgoals

KOOKABURRA COFFEE @lisaolschewskephotography Latte THROWDOWNUNDER @thekookaburra tonight #latteart

110

te ll Hashtag #staugsocial to d us what you're eating an . loving in St. Augustine

MOJOS OLD CITY BBQ - @tanyacervorealtor Doing the Mojo thing...Good food...even better company #foodies

MAYAN SUMMER FOODS @itspajan #farmersmarket #roasting peppers #autumninflorida

The Floridian - @thisancientcity Sometimes you need... #chickenandwaffles #hardcider

JUNIPER MARKET - @rere_lynzy Love the minimalist vibes at @juniper_market and the Moroccan iced tea is delish.

HAPPY CAKES BAKERY @lipstick_addicted_mom Lunch at Happy Cakes Bakery in Sea Grove with my dad.

If you haven't eaten here you're missing out.

www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com

CREATIVE JUICES NATURAL CAFE @bwell.fit Yummy hummus wrap with lentil quinoa salad and tahini dressing

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Mmmmellow...

Hand-Tossed Craft Pizza 48 Beers on Tap Salads & Hoagies Gluten Free Menu

Covered Patio Dining Online Ordering Catering

Just over the Bridge of Lions

410 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine

904-826-4040 • mellowmushroom.com *Must be 21+ to drink. Please enjoy responsibly.

Historic Living in Downtown St. Augustine

15 BRIDGE STREET

A home of exception quality and stature, 15 Bridge Street is one of the most iconic homes in this quaint little city. 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths, lovingly restored in 2009 with attention to detail in every room.

DEBBY CRAGGS

904-540-0496 OldCityRealty.com

Originally built for the Contessa De Montjoye in 1889 with assistance from Henry Flagler, this home has a sense that something special is still happening here each day. A warm welcome awaits you in the incredible wood wrapped library with the spectacular wooden stair case. French doors welcome the sun in and hand-crafted working shutters help to keep the winds out. A quiet courtyard garden embraces you and off street parking for your convenience.

A water view from the upstairs balcony is perfect for afternoon entertaining.

This home is a dream to be savored. Offered at $879,900

The right people for the right reasons.

904.671.9006 teamleadingedge.com 2017 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

93 KING STREET Downtown | 3560 A1A S, SUITE 2 Anastasia Island