THE CITY MAGAZINE of SAINT AUGUSTINE OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2019
MAKING NEIGHBORS OUT OF STRANGERS, ONE STORY AT A TIME
e g n a h C
makers They're using their lives, their talents, and their unique opportunities to make a difference in the St. Augustine community and beyond.
Meet Donte Palmer on pg. 90
STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM
Display until November 30, 2019
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HELLO
Love it or hate it, we want to know it. Send your thoughts on this issue or on anything in St. Augustine to our editor at molly@occasionsmediagroup.com.
Your dress matching the black and white of Domu's bar (page 126) is as good a reason as any to take a photo.
SEASON OF GIVING
T
he pages of the October/November issue practically fill themselves. This season we honor the givers – the non-profits, the charities, the philanthropists big and small – and there are so many givers in St. Augustine that our struggle is only ever to narrow down the list. This issue is a celebration of all the good in our beautiful community, and the stories are an encouragement to us as well as all our readers to reach out a hand to our neighbors.
The one particular story I want to talk about, though, is Donte Palmer. Donte is a local dad who, through one simple act, is now bringing support to thousands across the globe. When he posted online a photo of himself squatting on a bathroom floor to change his son’s diaper (forced into this position by the lack of changing tables in the men’s room) he never expected the message to extend so far. He had hit upon a shared struggle and, instead of enjoying the five minutes of fame, used his influence to enact change. He grabbed an opportunity right in front of him, an opportunity to make a difference in lives around the world, and brought it to new heights. Donte’s story is unique, and we certainly won’t all achieve that kind of success. But, details aside, the same principle applies. Our lives are full of opportunities to make a difference, even if it’s only one person’s life we affect. As you read through the stories in this issue, I hope their commonality inspires you – they are each just individuals who wanted to use their lives for the better. And whether their cause was big or small, they are making a significant impact in a meaningful way.
-Molly Wilson
molly@occasionsmediagroup.com
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FAVORITE QUOTE “I DON’T WANT THIS TO BE SIMPLY ABOUT ADDING CHANGING TABLES TO MEN’S RESTROOMS IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA,” SAYS DONTE. “I SEE THIS MOVEMENT NOW DEVELOPING INTO A GLOBAL CHANGE IN PARENTING ROLES FOR ANYONE WHO IS FACING A CHALLENGE.” PAGE 93
Photo by Brian Miller
We find inspiration in Crystal and Rob Timmons, a couple who is using the earth to bring healing to veterans and their families; James Maynard, a high school student who found a way to assist the elderly at local libraries; Orvando Freeman, an educator who offers hope to incarcerated juvenile offenders; Dan Nevins, a veteran who wants to reach other veterans through yoga; and all the others who bring their causes and passions to these pages.
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INSIDE
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LEADING MEN Lawyers and jewelers, dentists and doctors – meet the city's most industrious men devoted to their craft, cause, and community.
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LIVING
STYLE
LOCALS
EATS
Rising Star
CULINARY CHARACTER
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Concerts and galas, races and art shows and a whole lot of festivals – fall fun is in the air this season. Don't miss out on these events!
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LONG STORY SHORT
With the power of nature, the couple behind new non-profit Veteran Garden Project is healing local heroes.
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Gather 'round
With holiday entertaining looming, get some table inspiration whether your style is coastal or contemporary.
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A part of the library's Inclusive Internship Program, James Maynard is reaching out to connect seniors with technology.
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Line of duty
GETAWAY
When you want to be a world away from Orlando's chaos, you stay at the Orlando Marriott World Center.
An inspiration to civilians and soldiers alike, Dan Nevins has a heart for helping veterans through yoga.
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TASTE TEST
They may have a new name and new decor, but Michael's is sticking to what they do best – delicious, decadent dishes.
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Forrest Masters of The Sprout Kitchen is making comfort food – healthy comfort food that will leave you feeling great.
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THERE'S MORE TO THIS MAGAZINE THAN WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND
STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.COM 8 DRINKS TO HELP YOU GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX
St. Augustinians love their coffee, this much is true. From the classic to the creative, local baristas know how to give us that much-needed jolt of energy in a delicious way. Photo via First Coast Opera
RECENT PRESS RELEASES >> Butterfly garden
Eagle Scout Matthew Hanvey from Troop 63 recently donated $1,214 to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and built a butterfly garden near the Keeper's House on the grounds.
CALL FOR ROWITA
A delicious and decadent pick-me-up!
FIRST COAST OPERA'S PASTA & PUCCINI
Photo via Kookaburra Coffee
The opening of the First Coast Opera's 20th season promises to be delectable as they present a delightful dinner accompanied by scenes from Puccini's La Bohème.
More Online Now >>
Christmas tour of homes
Talks & tours in October & November
Hosted by our local state and county parks, these talks and tours will get you in touch with nature.
THE ULTIMATE FALL BUCKET LIST There are those of us that aren't mourning the passing of summer. If you're ready for sweaters and apple cider, this is the way to spend the season in our city.
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN in st. aug Whether you're on the lookout for the best pumpkin patch or want the low-down on trick or treating, here's your guide to Halloween in the Ancient City.
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The St. Johns Cultural Council is on the lookout for nominees for the 2020 ROWITA and Jr. ROWITA awards that honor influential women in the local arts community. Nominations can be submitted online before the deadline of December 1.
QUINTESSENTIAL COASTAL LIVING AT 5812 RUDOLPH AVENUE With stunning views of both the beach and the Intracoastal, this affordable property is beach living at its finest. Take a tour of this charming beach home – all of the beauty of coastal living without the elevated prices. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Celebrating a popular holiday tradition from 1969 to 2019, the St. Augustine Garden Club is offering a special 50th Anniversary Christmas Tour of Homes that will show off some of the city's most illustrious and enigmatic residences.
C O M E
D I N E
O C E A N S I D E
FOCUSED ON FARM FRESH AND SHORE TO TABLE CUISINE, set in a modern open kitchen design, Harvest & Reel in St. Augustine Beach provides an elevated and unique coastal dining experience. C H E F
I N S P I R E D
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LATIN INSPIRED OCEANSIDE CASUAL DINING featuring a selection of home made tacos, tortas
and fresh ensaladas, as well as a large collection of agave based cocktails, frozen drinks and an impressive selection of cervezas.
A SOPHISTICATED HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAIL
experience providing indoor and outdoor oceanview seating, delivering Rhum based cocktails with the freshest of ingredients, and other island favorites.
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Visit HarvestandReel.com or call +1.904.461.9004 300 A1A BEACH BLVD. | ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH | FLORIDA | 32080
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The Power of + Since 1889, Flagler Hospital has cared for our community, and now we are expanding to become Flagler Health+. Flagler Health+ is about becoming a true care partner, dedicated to advancing the physical, social, and economic health of the communities we serve. We’re leading the change in healthcare with innovative solutions to improve health, like cost-efficient virtual visits, mental health outreach, and our new health villages. That’s the Power of +. Connect with us at FlaglerHealth.org.
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Going to be making some metal prints of some of these textures I shot the other night at Vilano Beach!
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Red sky at night and a double rainbow!
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The beginning, a beautiful unfolding/A whisper of Love to steady the journey
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LIFE SYKES FAMILY FARMS MAZE SYKES FAMILY FARMS, ELKTON October 5-27, Weekends
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ou can just feel it now – the crisp breeze of the incoming season, the sudden yearning for sweaters and cider, the need to get outside and bask in the beauty of fall. And there's no better way to celebrate than a trip to a local corn maze that's nothing short of, well, a-mazing. 9 acres of "cornfusion" make for a delightful adventure at Sykes Family Farm. You can explore any of the four phases of the maze – whether you're up for a challenge, directionally deficient, or simply want to let the little ones lead the way. And that's not all. After you're finished with the maze, head over to the hayride, take a break on the playground, or sit back for a spin on the cow train. You can also meet the local farm animals, make a stop at the cow milking station, even check out the duck races. It's a day of delightful fall fun out in the open air. Since this is an outdoor activity (and we are still in Florida), guests are encouraged to wear sunscreen, bug repellent, hats, and closed-toed shoes. The maze is open Friday-Sunday. General admission is $13. Children 2 and under are free, and tickets for senior citizens and military are $11.
www.sycofarms.com
Photography by Kate Gardiner
Inside:
Calendar of Events // Trending // Q&A // Long Story Short // We Tried It
LIFE
SOCIALIZE
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER PAPADOSIO THE AMP BACKYARD STAGE October 4, 8pm If you’re looking for a fun concert in a comfortable space then this is the show for you! The dynamic progressive rock band, Papadosio is coming to St. Augustine to perform live on the backyard stage of The Amp. This band’s musical style is a mix of rock, jazz, and electronic creating a mix of perfect sounds to dance to in this comfortable setting. They work to create music that is strangely familiar, and calls all walks of humanity to bask in a unique experience celebrating the one constant in an ever changing world: music. Day of show tickets are $25 and doors open at 7pm. www.staugamphitheatre.com
18TH ANNUAL TACTILE ART SHOW ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION October 4-27 In partnership with the Florida
School for the Deaf and Blind, the St. Augustine Art Association presents an art show like no other. This unique exhibit showcases “touchable” art and includes pottery, sculpture, fiber art, wall hangings and mixed media, all with Braille labels and audio guides. The opening reception of the exhibit as well as an awards ceremony will take place during October’s First Friday Art Walk, and the exhibit will be on display throughout the month. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public. www.staaa.org
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FOUNDING OF THE CASTILLO CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS October 5, 9am-3:30pm In partnership with Living History, the annual heritage event of the Founding of the Castillo de San Marcos will mark
PINK UP THE PACE FRANCIS FIELDNE October 5 7am-10:30am
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ANNIE GET YOUR GUN LIMELIGHT THEATRE September 19-October 20
Kicking off Limelight’s 28th season, rough-andtumble Annie Oakley is the best shot around. A backwoods gal, Annie uses her skill to support her family by selling the game she hunts. When she’s discovered by Buffalo Bill and persuaded to join his Wild West Show, Annie is plucked from obscurity and becomes the toast of Europe. This classic tale is a delightful romp for the whole family. The show will take place Thursdays-Sundays. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows begin at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office. www.limelight-theatre.org
the historical event that took place in 1672. This will be the 347th anniversary, and visitors will be given the opportunity to learn about the history of the fort through reenactments and historical demonstrations. National Park Service staff and volunteers as well as living history guides will offer opportunities for visitors to learn more about this undefeated fortress. Admission to the Castillo is $15 for adults. www.nps.gov/casa
HANDMADE IN THE SOUTH RENAISSANCE RESORT AT WORLD GOLF VILLAGE October 5, 11am-3pm Jacksonville Business Connections is hosting a vendor expo that will feature over 50 vendors for attendees to browse including Southern Embellishes, Mad Gypsy, Lark Bee Company, Creations by Eliseca, and more. This vendor expo will also include door prizes, a charity raffle, meet and greets for the
Pink Up the Pace is a 5K walk and run that raises money to support the uninsured or underinsured of those who want and need testing for early detection of breast cancer; they also wish to support survivors and their families as well as increase public awareness of early detection importance. Pink Up The Pace is more than a race. Serving both women and men in an effort to raise money to help fund imaging services to detect breast cancer, they aim to have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer. www.pinkupthepace.com
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kids, and free discount/sample bags for the first 50 guests who attend! This is a great chance to come and explore some amazing local vendors in our community. This event is free and open to the public. www.jaxbizevents.com
DATIL PEPPER FESTIVAL ST. JOHNS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL CENTER October 5-6 With the popularity of the county’s favorite spicy little pepper, it’s no wonder we need a whole festival to celebrate it! The festival will feature a variety of vendors inside the center and out as well as the beloved plant sale and food court. On Saturday, the Festival will host the annual Datil Pepper Restaurant Cook-Off, where local chefs will have the chance to show off their culinary skills with their favorite datil pepper cuisine. There will even be an amateur hot sauce competition. So get ready to get fiery. www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stjohns/datilpepper-fall-festival
6 SAIRA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL ST. AUGUSTINE RIVER HOUSE October 6, 12-4pm The annual SAiRA Food and Wine Festival is back for another year! This is the 10th annual festival and all proceeds will go toward raising funds for the St. Augustine Boys & Girls Club. Guests will be greeted with a glass of wine, and are then free to browse and enjoy appetizers, main courses, salads, and desserts provided. Over 100 wines will be available for sampling and the festival will also include a silent auction for guests to participate in. Tickets to this event begin at $75. www.staugustinerestaurants.com
HOLLYWOOD CONCERT ORCHESTRA LEWIS AUDITORIUM October 6, 3pm The EMMA Concert Association will be presenting the popular Hollywood Concert Orchestra
this fall. This ensemble includes some of America’s most talented musicians and they will be performing popular Hollywood renditions of “the music that made the movies”, with special performance, “Night at the Oscars”. This year’s program includes themes from Oscarwinning movies over the last century as well as a solo and orchestral versions of popular movie scores. Tickets to this event are $40. www.emmaconcerts.com
ST. AUGUSTINE RESTAURANT WEEK PARTICIPATING LOCAL RESTAURANTS October 7-13 Take this week to explore the city’s culinary offerings! Food lovers can enjoy a special chef ’s choice lunch or dinner experience at local restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to sample some of the city’s most decadent dining choices – from Michael’s to The Floridian to Cap’s on the Water. Prix fixe prices are $20 per person for lunch and $35 per person for dinner. Diners who receive passport stamps from four restaurants throughout the week will receive an offer of $25 off their fifth visit to a participating restaurant. www.staugustinerestaurants.com/ restaurantweek
OLDEST CITY RED TROUT CLASSIC CONCH HOUSE MARINA October 9-11 Back for another year, this beloved catch and release tournament features two days of fishing in St. Augustine's inlets and waterways. Each team of two fishermen is paired with a local fishing guide to compete for prizes as they hunt down the local redfish and trout. The event features a captain’s party, happy hour, an awards celebration, and silent and live
Bid for A Cure auctions. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of North Florida. www.events.cff.org/nflredtroutclassic
CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN WITH GUEST JULY TALK THE AMP October 10, 7pm This fall – as they approach 1 billion global streams – indie rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen return to the road in North America for a two-week headline tour and will make a stop in St. Augustine as they play the Backyard Stage at The Amp! Renowned for explosive gigs, Catfish and the Bottlemen’s live presence attracts widespread praise. They’ll be joined on the stage by July Talk, a band with an explosive stage presence and provocative lyrics that thrives on live performance. Day-of tickets to the event are $40. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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ANNUAL WOMEN UNITED LUNCHEON EMBASSY SUITES ST. AUGUSTINE October 11, 12pm In the inspirational annual event, two highly successful women will be on hand to share their passions as they broker change and progress in their fields – Pam Stewart, former commissioner for the Florida Department of Education under Governor Rick Scott, and Alex Sink, who served as Florida's Chief Financial Officer after a successful career as one of the first female executives in banking. This event is hosted by United Way of St. Johns County, and tickets start at $85. VIP packages are also available for purchase. www.unitedway-sjc.org
MAGGIE ROGERS THE AMP October 11, 7:30pm Emerging indie pop singer/ songwriter, Maggie Rogers is coming to The Amp along with special guest, Jacob Banks. The BBC, Tidal, Google Play,
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
REGULAR EVENTS 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 12pm every Wednesday, rain or shine.
www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket. com
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK
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 ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE Every Saturday
Visit the Old City Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items and plants directly from the producers. 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.
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LIFE
PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL Catch a show at the concert hall just a short drive up A1A.
JOHN MEDESKI’S MAD SKILLET October 5, 8pm
MARTY STUART’S PILGRIM SHOW October 10, 8pm
THE WOOD BROTHERS WITH GUEST TODD ALBRIGHT October 17, 8pm
THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND WITH SPECIAL GUESTS JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR AND JD SIMO October 24, 7pm
JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING October 25, 8pm
HERE COME THE MUMMIES “DARK MATTER TOUR” November 2, 8pm
FLORIDA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT PRESENTS FRANZ SCHUBERT November 3, 3pm
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY November 7, 8pm
THE FAB FOUR – THE ULTIMATE BEATLES TRIBUTE November 22, 8pm
JOHN OATES WITH THE GOOD ROAD BAND November 24, 8pm
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1050 A1A North www.pvconcerthall.com
Vevo, Pandora and numerous publications – including Rolling Stone, NYLON, SPIN, Billboard and more – have tipped her as an artist to watch. NPR named her one of its Favorite Musicians and The New Yorker declares, “Maggie Rogers is an artist of her time.” Now on tour for her debut album, Heard It In A Past Life, this rising star is not one to miss. Tickets to this event start at $34. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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ST. AUGUSTINE GREEK FESTIVAL FRANCIS FIELD
ST. AUGUSTINE AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENT ST. JOHNS GOLF CLUB October 11-13 The talented players who have earned a place in the tournament will compete for the John C. Jennison III trophy and World Amateur Golf ranking points. Tee times for each round/day of the tournament will begin at 9am and end at 11am. The course format is 54-hole stroke play, walking only. Tournament proceeds will go to the First Tee of Northeast Florida, a nonprofit youth development organization that teaches young people of all backgrounds valuable life skills through the game of golf. The tournament is free for spectators. www.staugustineamateur.com
UNITY PINK MOTORCYCLE RIDE HARLEY DAVIDSON October 12, 8:30am-2pm Presented by Unity Outreach, the Annual Unity Pink Motorcycle Ride is back again this year. This police-escorted ride begins at Adamec Harley Davidson St. Augustine and will feature live music, food, raffles, and a silent auction. Vendors, food, and drink will be available for purchase, and this event is free and open to public spectators. All proceeds will go to the Unity Outreach nonprofit which helps raise awareness and provide support for women currently undergoing breast cancer treatment. Registration for a single rider is $25. www.unityoutreachstaug.org
October 11-13
Hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the 22nd Annual Greek Festival is back for another year! This beloved local festival celebrates the cultural and historical importance of Greek influence and impact on our ancient city. Recreating a traditional Greek village, the weekend will offer three days full of Greek dance, music, cuisine, and culture as well as rows of local vendors and plenty of rides for the kids! Adult admission is $5. Children 14 and under are free. Active duty military with ID and their families are also free. Sorry, no pets are permitted, but documented service animals are allowed. www.stauggreekfest.com
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CROCTOBERFEST BREW AT THE ZOO ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM October 12, 6-9pm The Alligator Farm’s annual CROCtoberfest is back, featuring 20 local breweries offering two to three different brews to taste and local restaurants with a variety of food samples as well as live music and lawn games throughout the park. The event raises money for a variety of conservation efforts, this year focusing on the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, found in Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Tickets are $40 per person and tastings are unlimited. This is a 21 and older event. No children are permitted. www.alligatorfarm.com
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FASHION ASADO URBAN ASADO October 12, 6-10pm It's the most delicious and stylish event of the season. Make your way to Urban Asado for some of the best culinary and couture offerings of the city – from foods cooked on the famed Argentinian grill by local chefs like Josh Day, Natasha Olivera, and Jody Petronella to designs from Erin Healy, Dmitri Sieracki, and Rochelle's. You'll also be treated to St. Augustine Distillery drinks from some of the city's swankiest bartenders. Tickets to the event
GET MORE MELLOW ON ANASTASIA ISLAND, JUST OVER BRIDGE OF LIONS
48 BEERS ON TAP SALADS & HOAGIES HAND TOSSED PIZZAS GLUTEN FREE MENU 2-FOR-1 HAPPY HOUR COVERED PATIO DINING
410 ANASTASIA BLVD. • ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
LIFE surrounding trails. Be sure to come and enjoy this local favorite and all that it has to offer! Admission to this event is $5 a day. www.flaglerchamber.org/pages/creeksidefestival
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FOSSA CHILDREN'S ARTS FESTIVAL THE AMP October 13, 10am-3pm
ZZ TOP THE AMP
October 16, 7pm Rock and Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top are celebrating their 50th year with a massive North American tour this summer. An iconic rock band, ZZ Top will be joined by special guest, Cheap Trick. ZZ Top is the longest-running major rock band, known for their roots in American rock and blues, their musical stylings cannot be rivaled. In 1969, BFG formed ZZ Top with drummer Beard and bass-guitarist Hill, both from Dallas. Fifteen studio albums, 30 million record sales and 5 decades later, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” is still going strong. Tickets to this event begin at $64. www.staugamphitheatre.com are $95. www.urbanasado.com
brings her big power to the other half. We can already feel the high vibe container, a congregation cultivating a safe space for transmission and reconciliation. Tickets to this event begin at $34.50. www.staugamphitheatre.com
CREEKSIDE FESTIVAL PRINCESS PLACE PRESERVE October 12-13
NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE THE AMP October 12, 7:30pm Alternative global fusion band, Nahko and Medicine for the People is coming to perform live at The Amp’s Backyard Stage. This band’s unique blend of rock, hip-hop, and alternative folk musical stylings is one you must experience, so don’t miss out on this opportunity! Ayla Nereo brings her big medicine to half of this tour and Nattali Rize
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Hosted by the Flagler County Chamber on the shores of Pellicer Creek, the popular Creekside Festival is back for its 15th year. This year’s festival will feature the essential bluegrass music with local favorites as well as arts and crafts, photo exhibitions, kids activities, food and drink, historical demonstrations, a beer garden with free samples, hay rides, and much more. When you’re not enjoying the music and history, take a beautiful hike through the
Free and open to the public, this event is a can’t-miss for any family with little ones! Artists and organizations have donated their time and talents to make this an incredibly exciting day of interactive arts activities. Children can sing, dance, play instruments, engage in a variety of art projects, play theatre games, frolic with pirates, get a library card, join a drum circle, learn about the environment, and lots, lots more. Area organizations with information for families, and a select group of non-food vendors will also be on hand. www.fosaa.org
18 BRATINI FUNDRAISER GUY HARVEY RESORT October 18, 6-9pm St. Johns County cancer charity ARTBREAKERS presents the 11th Annual Bratini Fundraiser this October. The event will take place at the Guy Harvey Resort in St. Augustine Beach and all proceeds will benefit ARTBREAKERS, a local, non-profit which provides services to cancer patients. The fundraiser will include a dinner gala in which guests will be able to bid on local community men as they model artistically designed bras. The event also includes a silent auction, live music, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and more. This fundraiser is intended to help raise awareness for cancer patients within the community. Admission to this event begins at $55. www.bratini.com
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BILLY CURRINGTON “SUMMER FOREVER” THE AMP October 18, 7:30pm Country music singer-songwriter Billy Currington is coming to to perform at The Amp on his “Summer Forever” tour. Despite the title of the tour and the album, the talented Georgia native has spent more than a decade in the spotlight proving he’s truly a man for all seasons. Possessing one of the smoothest and most distinct voices in any genre of music, Billy Currington is equally skilled at delivering upbeat summertime anthems as well as exploring the complexities of life and love with a poignant ballad. Ticket prices start at $42. www.staugamphitheatre.com
ST. AUGUSTINE ORCHESTRA'S MASTERWORKS CONCERT LIGHTNER MUSEUM October 18, 8-9:30pm Opening their 58th season, the St. Augustine Orchestra will present the resonate works of Brahms, Schubert, and friends. Music of the evening will feature Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, which was written as a tribute to the University of Breslau, Schubert's Symphony No. 8, which showcases flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and trumpets, and Broughton's Tuba Concerto, performed by Jason Harris. Tickets for adults are $27.50. Students ages 11-17 are $12. www.staugustineorchestra.org
SAINT BENEDICT THE MOOR BLUES FEST ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH October 18-19 The Blues Fest at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church is all about good music and good BBQ – two
things we can definitely get behind. The musical line-up includes the Ken Jensen Blues Ensemble, the Brent Byrd Band, the Duffy Bishop Band, and JW Gilmore & The Blues Authority, just to name a few. Come out to try beef brisket burgers, gumbo, pulled pork, BBQ ribs, and lots of side dishes. There will be plenty of beer and other beverages, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. All proceeds will benefit the church. www.stbensbluesfest.com
19 SURFQUEST MARY STREET BEACH RAMP October 19, 1pm SurfQuest empowers people with disabilities by providing adaptive surfing instruction and therapeutic educational programs on water recreation and enriches lives by assisting families to access the beach and ocean together in a barrierfree environment. They act as an advocate for accessibility to the water that will allow people with limited mobility to reach the beach (i.e. wheelchairs, assisted devices, strollers, etc.). This monthly beach day is free and open for all ages and disabilities. They provide adaptive equipment with education and training for the advancement of adaptive surfing. www.arcsj.org/surfquest
LAGWAGON & FACE TO FACE WITH GUEST H20 THE AMP October 19, 7pm Southern California punks Lagwagon formed in the small town of Goleta in 1990, went on hiatus in 2000, and have re-formed several times over the years. But their distinct American punk rock sound has always stayed the same. They’ll be joined by Southern California outfit Face to Face who got together in the early '90s, delivering nofrills, fast-paced blasts that trod familiar anti-authority punk ground. Unforgettable performers with an unrelenting showmanship, this is a concert you don’t want to miss out on. Day-of tickets are $34. www.staugamphitheatre.com
SIDE STORY
GIVING WITH GLAMOUR WITH ALL THE CHARM OF OLD HOLLYWOOD, THE JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE IS HOSTING A FALL GALA THAT GIVES BACK. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Christine Cousart
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ack in 1935, a group of local women came together to make a difference. Looking around, they saw unmet needs in the community and decided to answer the call themselves. So the Junior Service League of St. Augustine was born, and they’ve been offering support to the city in a big way ever since. No matter your preconceptions about Junior Service Leagues, the JSL of St. Augustine is much more than just a social club or even a group of fundraisers; just this last year, local JSL members logged over 3,752 community service hours. Their desire to change St. Augustine for the better is an active one. In 1988, the Junior Service League was instrumental in the restoration of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, and in 1997, the League helped to conceptualize and direct Kids Bridge Visitation Center. They organize an annual fundraising event for the construction of the Tag! Children’s Museum, lead healthy cooking classes with at-risk youth at St. Augustine Youth Services, and volunteer on Habitat for Humanity build days. Most recently, they’ve partnered with The Webster School to create the Peace Marketplace, serving low income families in need. Kimberly Mayo-Correal of the Greater St. Johns County Foster and Adoptive Parent www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Association has seen the kind of impact the JSL can have on an organization when they organized storage units for one of the association's facilities. “JSL came in, bought rolling metal shelving units and plastic storage bins, and resolved the clutter issue,” says Kimberly. “Most children come into care with very little clothing or items of their own. This helps the children feel a sense of freedom by picking out what they want and there is no worry about costs.” The reach of the Junior Service League is far, but the work can’t be done entirely on their own. So each year, the community joins in at the annual fall gala, an event that helps support existing projects and new endeavours. Headed by JSL President Barbara Holland and Gala Co-Chairs Michelle Chapman, Julie Kay, and Alyssa Nelson, the theme of 2019’s fall gala will be The Golden Age of Hollywood. On October 26, the Tringali Barn will be transformed into the world of Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn – complete with live jazz, an open bar, charitable gambling, and a cigar bar. So don something glamorous and do your part to give back. www.jslofstaugustine.org
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LIFE a weekend of festivities leading up to Halloween during their Creatures of the Night event. This event offers a fun and unusual way for both kids and adults to enjoy Halloween this season! Enjoy this evening of tricks and treats featuring creepy insects, and alligator feedings along the way. Kids will also have the opportunity to meet the animals at the farm and learn more about them by collecting informational cards as they trickor-treat along the path. Don’t miss out on this family-friendly spooktacular event! Admission is $8 for children, and $10 for adults. www.alligatorfarm.com
COWART RANCH AND FARMS MAZE DAYZ
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COWART RANCH AND FARMS October 4-November 3, Weekends There's plenty to do at the Cowart Maze Dayz! Wander through the corn maze adventure, explore the ranch from a tractor-pulled hayride, meet the farm animals, ride a pony, buy some local produce, take a ride on the farm slide, play lots of games, and enjoy the bonfire. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children 3 and under. www.cowartranchandfarms.com
ST. AUGUSTINE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
20 FALL RECORD FAIR THE AMP October 20, 11am-5pm The Amp, in partnership with ToneVendor presents the 2019 Fall Record Fair, this October! This biannual event features live music, family-friendly activities, food, drink, and over 25 music vendors to browse. Music lovers and collectors come together to browse the tables and find something unique. With over 30,000 music-related items including new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, collectible items and much more, this event is free and open to the public, so be sure to stop by and get your groove on. www.staugamphitheatre.com
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MULTIPLE VENUES October 25-27 The 3rd annual St. Augustine Songwriters Festival is back again this year, taking place at multiple venues throughout the historic district. This festival will include performances from outstanding songwriters ranging from legendary artists, current hit-creators, and up-and-coming stars. This event will host a variety of concerts for attendees to enjoy around town throughout the weekend. These concerts are free and open to the public and will take place at various times throughout the afternoon and evenings. www.staugustinesongwritersfestival.com
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT THE ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM October 25-27, 5:30-7pm The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is hosting
JAIL BREAK 5K OLD JAIL October 26, 8am Get started on the Halloween festivities a little early with a fun and frightening 5K! Dress up in your favorite costume as you “escape” from the Old Jail. Runners will enjoy a 5K to the Atlantic Ocean, facing a treacherous climb over the Vilano Bridge as they flee from the Authentic Old Jail. If you don’t want to run, be a part of the team, enjoy the fruits of no labor, and donate at the 0.0! The 0.0 will also feature a costume contest, live entertainment, trickor-treating for kids, and some "genuine prison food," including cornbread, baked beans, grits and beer. www.escapefromstaugustine.com
ANCIENT CITY KIDS DAY FRANCIS FIELD October 26, 11am-3pm Coordinated by EPIC and brought to the community by a committee of children's organizations, Ancient City Kids Day is a day of fun-filled activities for children and families. The event is free for the public and will include over 40 youth service organizations each of whom will offer games, activities, crafts, giveaways, bounce houses, or fun contests for kids. The festival will also provide information about
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programs and services all over the county. www.epicbh.org/ancient-city-kids-day
GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD GALA TRINGALI BARN October 26, 6-11pm The Junior Service League of St. Augustine is hosting its 37th Annual Fall Gala. This year’s theme is The Golden Age of Hollywood, in which guests will be able to immerse themselves in the glamour and charm of Old Hollywood while enjoying an entertaining cocktail hour with dinner, full open bar, and dancing. This black tie celebration will also include charitable gambling and an impressive silent auction showcasing local artisans and businesses. All proceeds benefit the Junior Service League of St. Augustine and its charities. This is sure to be an evening to remember. Admission to this event begins at $125. www.jslofstaugustine.org
PASTA & PUCCINI ST. ANASTASIA CATHOLIC CHURCH October 26, 6pm First Coast Opera’s 20th season kicks off with a festive evening of dinner theater. Enjoy scenes from Puccini’s La Bohème performed by FCO guest artists along with a catered dinner by Moveable Feast. The opera is a delightful and iconic collection of vignettes from the lives of Rodolfo and Mimì, young bohemians living in Paris in the 19th century (lives that ultimately end in tragedy). The music and the beauty is unforgettable, and FCO opera is pairing it with the perfect meal – pasta! General seating is $75. www.firstcoastopera.com
BY ADAM LONG, DANIEL SINGER AND JESS WINFIELD
216 Reid St. • Palatka, Florida
Champagne Opening Night sponsored by Michael Gagnon
produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc. NYC
LIFE
SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE WITH SPECIAL GUEST: NIGHT RANGER THE AMP November 1, 7:30pm Coming to the The Amp this fall! If you’re a rock music lover, then this concert might be perfect for you. Joined by Night Ranger, Sammy Hagar and The Circle are set to bring the house down with a concert. Having done this as well as produce music for almost 40 years, the show should be one of great music, good performance and an all-around good time. Having just released their latest album on May 10, Space Between, the band is excited to perform some of their older hits as well as their new music! www.redrocker.com
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COTTONMOUTH QUARTER MARATHON AND 5K SYKES FAMILY FARMS November 2, 7:45am In order to benefit the St. Johns County 4-H (a Youth Development program), join those who will be participating in the Cottonmouth Quarter Marathon and 5k taking place in early November. There will be t-shirts, goodie bags, and postrace snacks. The course is about 6.55 miles long and it is USATF approved. Make sure you register by October 20 to ensure that they have your size shirt. All proceeds will be donated to the furthering development of the St. Johns County 4-H. www.sycofarms.com
VILANO FEST VILANO BEACH PIER November 2-3 Celebrate the beautiful Vilano Beach community with this delightful annual festival. The fun kicks off with great food and live music for the Sea Turtle Soirée on Saturday night, then the popular Tour of Homes all day on Sunday. The Soirée will feature hors d'oeuvres and drinks provided by The Reef and live music provided by the Ramona Band Trio. Transportation for the Tour
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of Homes will be provided by Old Town Trolley, and the tour features eight stops, including homes with amazing views of the ocean and of the Intracoastal, as well as of the city of St. Augustine. www.vilanofest.com
THE GREAT CHOWDER DEBATE CONCH HOUSE MARINA November 3, 12-4pm The Annual Great Chowder Debate features over 30 local St. Augustine Restaurants competing for “Best Chowder” bragging rights in five different chowder categories: Minorcan Conch Chowder, Minorcan Clam Chowder, New England Clam Chowder, Seafood Chowder, and Non-Seafood Chowder. Tickets for chowder tastes will be sold for $1 each. Patrons are welcome to vote for their favorite chowders to decide which wins the “People’s Choice” award. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. Johns County. www.bbbsstjohns.org/chowder-debate
THE WHOLE STAIRCASE FILM SERIES ST. JOHNS RIVER STATE COLLEGE November 4, 11am-1pm As part of a series celebrating 400 years of African American History and Culture, St. Johns River State College will be presenting, “By The People: The Election of Barack Obama”. It is a free event and it will be held in the campus library. Obviously, the history of Africans in America is a lengthy one, but this short film will highlight certain portions of it. Specifically paying homage to the arrival of Africans to the English colonies, this film is certain to serve as not only informational but as a film that is well put together and worth your time. www.libraries.sjrstate.edu
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PIN UP PAWS PARTY "PETS AHOY" GUY HARVEY RESORT November 7, 6-9pm What theme could be more perfect for St. Augustine pets than pirating? The St. Augustine Humane Society will host the
OLD DOMINION "MAKE IT SWEET" TOUR THE AMP November 2-3, 6:30pm
Come and listen to some sweet country music at the Amp! This fall, as part of their “Make it Sweet Tour” the country music band, Old Dominion is making a pit stop in little old St. Augustine, They’ve had a number of songs make the Billboard charts, including their album Happy Endings which debuted as #1 on the Billboard Country charts. They are critically-acclaimed which tells tales of their amazing sound and their obvious stage presence. Go down to The Amp to experience the one-of-a-kind band! The gates open at 5:30pm. www.weareolddominion.com 9th Annual Pin Up Paws (PUP) Party where the winners of the 2020 "Pets Ahoy" calendar contest will be announced. This year's pirate-themed party will include a cocktail hour, dinner, live music, a special appearance by the Krewe of the 13, and a silent auction to help raise funds for the programs of the St. Augustine Humane Society. Tickets to the event are $65. www.pinuppaws.com
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS THE AMP November 8, 8pm With a career starting back in 1977, Elvis Costello has been around for a while. That is not to say that he and his band, The Imposters, have lost their spark. Coming to St. Augustine this fall, Costello will perform at the The Amp. With years of experience, successful music and a sound that appeals to many, Elvis Costello & The Imposters have garnered
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many awards and chart-topping singles as well as Costello’s place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The gates open at 6:30pm. www.elviscostello.com
HISTORIC LINCOLNVILLE FESTIVAL HISTORIC LINCOLNVILLE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER November 8-10 To start off the three-day Historic Lincolnville Festival, join the community for Jazz Music at the center. This date is the only one that has a cost and that is $20 per ticket. Either way, all three dates are ones that you should attend! The weekend will be centered around African American Educators. There are two other dates, Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 that are free to the public. There will be food, dancing, kids activities, and tours and it is one of the best events of the year in downtown St. Augustine! www.lhprs.org
THE RACONTEURS WITH GUEST MARGO PRICE THE AMP November 9, 7pm The world hasn’t heard much from The Raconteurs since 2011 but in the later portion of 2018 and the earlier portion of 2019, they emerged again. The saying “Good things come to those who wait” is certainly proven true with said reemergence. This November, see them with their musical guest Margo Price at The Amp! Composed of all equally talented members but with Brendan Benson and Jack White as the frontmen, The Raconteurs offer a slightly different take on good ol’ rock and roll that everyone seems to enjoy. www.theraconteurs.com
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ANCIENT CITY AUTO SHOW FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND November 9, 8am-3pm Whether it rains or shines, head on down to The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind for St. Augustine’s 35th annual Ancient City Auto Show. There will be a Best of Show prize, door prizes, and drawings, but the main attraction is the collection of gorgeous antique cars owned by the residents of St. Augustine. Hundreds of cars are on display, all kept in pristine condition. The event is free for spectators but you do need to register if you would like your car to be on display. Visit the link to learn more! www.fsdbk12.org
ST. AUGUSTINE HALF MARATHON FRANCIS FIELD November 9-10
SIDE STORY
HEALING POWER WITH A FEW WILLING HANDS, A WHOLE LOT OF HEART, AND A PINK FIRETRUCK, PINK HEALS IS GIVING BACK TO ST. AUGUSTINE. By Marisella Veiga | Photography by Richard Dole
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nugget of wisdom from a stranger, an unexpected compliment, a hummingbird feeding at a flower – these moments lift our spirits above the mundane. If someone anonymously sent a caravan to your house, would a pink firetruck and pink squad car, horns and sirens blaring and parking in front of your house bring a smile?
informally by patient advocates or a friend or family member. Michael calls for volunteers among public safety officers, and the surprise caravan is arranged so there is a large show of support when it arrives. “We drive up with sirens blowing, horns honking and line up dressed in pink uniforms to give the person hugs, flowers and sometimes a small gift,” says Michael. “We get the enjoyment of seeing a smile.”
Michael Meacham, president of a local chapter of Pink Heals and a St. Johns County firefighter for the past 18 years, works to make such an event happen for those who are undergoing treatment for serious diseases, especially cancer. The all-volunteer non-profit unites firefighters, police officers, and locals to brighten people’s lives; they also help local charities raise funds.
Pink Heals lifts spirits and helps ease patients’ concerns in other ways (like contributions to insurance co-payments, groceries, or bills). Pink Christmas helps one family annually, an effort particularly important when patients are undergoing treatment and finances are tight. “We hate to see kids miss out on a joyous time of year,” says Michael. So Pink Heals volunteers arrive in a pink fire truck and a pink squad car with a special meal and gifts for the family.
Michael was drawn to Pink Heals, a selfsufficient national organization with more than 50 chapters, because all funds are raised locally and stay local. Michael, his wife Kelli, and Brandon Seymore form the core team, and no one is paid. A larger group of volunteers is called on depending on the size of the motorcade or public event. The patients celebrated are nominated
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The organization raises funds through merchandise sales at events and online. And, at times, the pink firetruck appears at local community events, like Rhythm and Ribs and the Greek Festival. “If we network with other small organizations,” says Michael, “we can do so much more.” www.pinkfiretrucks.org
This story is shared in partnership with
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LIFE World Golf Village to have some Fall fun! Entry is free for all. www.jaxbizevents.com
EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD LIMELIGHT THEATRE November 22-December 22
ST. AUGUSTINE FESTIVAL OF ART FRANCIS FIELD November 30 and December 1
The St. Augustine Art Association, with the support of many community volunteers, has been hosting the annual St. Augustine Festival of Art for over five decades. Discover and shop thousands of original works of fine art for sale, from paintings and pottery to handbags, jewelry, sculpture, woodworks, glass, and other one-of-akind creations. Enjoy live music produced by the Gamble Rogers Folk Music Festival, cultural displays, artist demos, food trucks, beers and wines, and the popular downtown Nights of Lights! This two-day event benefits the programs of the Art Association while animating the art scene and boosting the local economy. www.staaa.org A beloved annual event for serious and up-and-coming runners throughout the area, the St. Augustine Half Marathon starts in downtown St. Augustine, races along the bayfront, and travels over the Bridge of Lions and through the Island. If you aren’t quite up for such a long haul, you can instead participate in the 10K, the 5K, or even the Kids Fun Run for the little ones. In addition to the race, the St. Augustine Expo will feature the latest gear and equipment at discounted prices and a yoga and meditation class. www.staugustinemarathon.com
singles such as “Black Water,” the band will play some of their older hits as well as whatever new music they have recently been working on. They’ve been playing for so long which tells tale to their loyal fanbase. People would not stick around if the music was not good! Make sure you check them out! The show starts at 7:30pm but the gates open at 6:30pm. www.thedoobiebrothers.com
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Presented by the Jacksonville Business Connections, the 7th annual free craft and vendor event is coming to the Renaissance Resort in World Golf Village! With around 130 vendors who will feature art, food, and other crafts, this event is perfect for a family outing. Bring the kids to see Santa and take pictures that will last a lifetime. There are also chances to enter raffles and win prizes so grab your kids and head down to
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS THE AMP November 13, 7:30pm For over 4 decades, The Doobie Brothers have been providing the world with guitar-focused rock music that has catered to many. With a loyal fanbase, gold-rated
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It's time to start working on your Christmas spirit! Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! www.limelight-theatre.org
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JOE BONAMASSA THE AMP November 23, 7:30pm Joe Bonamassa’s sound is noted as one of the best “bluesy” style of music in the world to date. He has been playing soulful sounds and songs for years and absolutely knows how to put on a show. His chart-topping music and electrifying stage presence has warranted him all of the acclimations that he has gotten. The show begins at 7:30pm and the gates open at 6:00pm. Get your tickets today! www.jbonamassa.com
when the entire downtown area is decorated with sparkling lights and displays for the Christmas season. There will be music from the All Star Orchestra, holiday carol singing, and a countdown for the lighting of the massive Christmas tree in the center of it all. Make sure you secure your spot on the grounds early because when it comes close to the time of the countdown, there is not a vacant spot anywhere around! www.citystaug.com/LightUpNight
BIKE MS: PGA TOUR CYCLE TO THE SHORE NORTHEAST FLORIDA REGIONAL AIRPORT November 23 and 24 In an effort to raise money for MS research, cyclists will tour to Daytona Beach and back, with multiple one- or two-day routes available that range from 36 to 100 miles on Day 1 and 36 to 60 miles on Day 2, all with fullystocked rest stops, lunch stops, and safety provided by medical personnel, law enforcement, and motorcycle escorts. This beautifully-scenic ride along the Florida coastline is the perfect way to raise funds for a great cause. Fees to register start at $55, and the fundraising minimum is $250. www.nationalmssociety.org
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RUN TURKEY RUN 5K WORLD GOLF VILLAGE November 28, 7:30am
HOLIDAY CRAFT & VENDOR EVENT RENAISSANCE RESORT IN WORLD GOLF VILLAGE November 17, 10am-4pm
NIGHT OF LIGHTS: LIGHT UP! NIGHT DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE November 23, 4-7:30pm Join thousands of tourists and city residents as they celebrate the annual “Light Up! Night!” It marks the beginning of the “Night of Lights” season which is
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Get your turkey in the oven early, go down to World Golf Village and participate in the Turkey Run 5k, and make it home just in time to eat. The Run Turkey Run 5k is a great way to begin a family tradition for Thanksgiving. All participants receive a custom medal and there will also be fruit and other refreshments provided. There are also chances to win prizes. The 5K begins at 7:30am but there is also a Fun Run for children that begins at 8:30am. www.worldgolfhalloffame.org
LIFE TRENDING
SHELBY SAYS SOW
Fall Veggies and Greens By Shelby Dixon
A SECOND CHANCE OFFERING A HELPING HAND AND A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE FUTURE, OPERATION NEW HOPE IS COMING TO ST. AUGUSTINE. By Robert Waldner | Photography by Pam Oates
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ge old stigmas and stereotypes have made second chances hard to come by for rehabilitated convicted felons in the United States. However, Operation New Hope will soon be changing the future for many St. Johns County residents by giving them the tools needed to successfully rejoin the workforce and society. Operation New Hope (ONH) was born in 1998 in the Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville. Now, after years of successfully reintroducing our neighbor to the north’s most exploited citizens to the workforce, ONH is branching out in the Ancient City. The organization’s Ready4Work (R4W) program provides life and career training to formerly incarcerated men and women, decreasing the likelihood of recidivism by helping clients find and sustain employment. The nationally-acclaimed
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program also saves taxpayers millions of dollars annually by investing in people and communities instead of the prison system. The idea to bring a reentry program to St. Augustine materialized in 2015 when representatives of Compassionate St. Augustine attended an ONH conference in Jacksonville. “Afterwards, we started brainstorming how to bring a reentry program to St. Augustine,” says Nancy O’Byrne, CSA’s Compassion In Action Initiative Organizer. With years of outreach experience and visiting incarcerated inmates, Nancy is a fervent advocate for workforce reentry programs and a facilitator for the ‘Alternatives to Violence’ program at St. Johns Youth Academy. Nancy has spent the last two years working tirelessly to help initiate the ONH St. Johns effort. To date, this bipartisan-supported
expansion is strongly endorsed by the City of St. Augustine and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department. Geared towards adults 18 and older, ONH will work hand-inhand with CSA’s ‘Alternatives To Violence’ training program. Both will be temporarily housed in St. Paul AME Church’s Development Center. Still in its preliminary stages, the local branch of ONH’s Ready4Work launched on July 19 with an appearance by prison reform advocates Dr. Makaziwe and Tukwini Mandela, daughter and granddaughter of legendary South African prisoner and president, Nelson Mandela. With many opportunities to help and with much more R4W fundraising needed to open locally, the journey has only just begun. But the future is bright for this program. www.operationnewhope.org
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
With greens, root veggies, crowning veggies, and cool season herbs all vying for a position in your fall garden, it’s important to prioritize plants that grow quickly or produce over the entire season if your growing space is limited. Greens like kale and chard produce for months if you harvest the bottom leaves, while salad greens like leaf lettuce and arugula regrow if you cut them at least an inch above the soil. Salad turnips, radish and baby beets produce more quickly and take up less space than other root veggies and sprouting broccoli produces more florets than larger varieties. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t plant veggies like cauliflower and cabbage – just make sure to load up on plants that will flourish throughout the season.
Join Us Saturday October 19 10am–3pm Benefiting St. Augustine Humane Society
Awarded Best Community of the Year
A new neighborhood in Northern St. Johns County with the amenities of a larger community, but a scale and feel that keeps you connected to what matters most. Custom residences from the $300s to the $800s. Arthur Rutenberg Homes • CalAtlantic Homes • CornerStone Homes • Dream Finders Homes • Providence Homes Entry gatehouse just 1/2 mile east of I-95 at World Golf Village. Model homes open daily.
2001 International Golf Parkway 904.513.5740 markland.com
LIFE
Q&A
HUGH DO YOU KNOW?
GIVING FOR GOOD
By Hugh Ward
Stephanie Newman Hustle: Founder of Girl Gang/ Manager of Push Push Salon Talent: Brow Expert, Makeup Artist Life Goal: Be the best form of myself possible and help women see their full potential Follow: @girl_ganggsta
WE TURNED TO A LOCAL FINANCIAL EXPERT FOR HER TAKE ON PHILANTHROPY DONE THE SMART WAY. In the financial field for almost 40 years, Denise Hagan of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company focuses her work on helping women gain control of their finances and empowering them to make better decisions with their money so they reach their financial goals. But we don't always know how philanthropy and charitable giving enter into that equation. So as we're thinking about giving back this season, Denise offers some advice on making the most of your money and finding the right footing as you factor charity into your finances. Social: Are there certain basics of my finances that should be prioritized before I consider giving? Denise: Absolutely! Most people make big mistakes when it comes to understanding their priorities. Giving involves complicated strategies. Decisions should be intentional and customized so you can leverage your money. If you aren't prioritizing properly, you’re making decisions in a vacuum. You can end up giving so much away that it’s not sustainable and hurts your cash flow. At the other
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"Money is just a number unless it’s combined with purpose," says Denise. "When you integrate that with know-how, ideas become actions because your choices become informed ones."
extreme, you can end up later in life regretting that you didn’t do more. Planning allows you to be efficient and effective without harming you or the people you care about. Do you have rules of thumb for how much a client gives or is it on a case to case basis? It's definitely a case by case basis. This is very personal. For some, it’s important to tithe 10%. Others may feel compelled to give more or less. No matter, there are certain things that need to be in place before you just start giving your money away. First, you need to make sure you can pay for your basic expenses and for things that can go wrong when life doesn’t go as planned. We’re not talking about relatively small things
like getting a new roof or repairing the A/C in your car. We’re talking about covering the basics in case of a catastrophe like losing your job or an unexpected hospital stay. Planning for these possibilities gives people freedom because they can make sure whatever is important to them, including giving, can be accomplished without leaving it to chance. Should the tax benefits of charitable giving be considered when deciding how much I can give or are they just an added bonus? Absolutely. For every $1 you save, it's another $1 you can give. People miss this all the time. There are incredible ways where you can actually Continued on page 36...
Since Stephanie was a kid, St. Augustine has been her favorite place, and the day she graduated high school, she made it her home. Falling in love with the city and the people is how her story begins. But there's so much more to this beauty guru. She's now the founder of Girl Gang, a group that works to inspire the women of St. Augustine. WHAT IS GIRL GANG? The Saint Augustine Girl Gang is an empowerment group for women. We strive to help women become their greater self with empowerment and meetings. WHAT DOES GIRL GANG DO? We host bi-Monthly events called Girl Gang Swap Meet with local artists, photographers, jewelry makers, etc. Girls can host a table and learn to sell their products and make money! Everyone and anyone can attend the swap meets to shop. We also create safe places for women to feel comfortable and talk. We strive to let women know that no bad situation has to be permanent. We can help.
THIS CONVO CONTINUES ONLINE www.staugustinesocial.com
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LIFE Giving for Good continued... leverage tools to give more and avoid taxes. And the reason isn’t to hurt the government. In fact, Congress regularly creates tax benefits when they want to encourage people to act in a certain way. It’s seen as a “social good” when people use their treasure to benefit the community and lighten the burden on the system. There are many phenomenal (and legal) ways to protect money from taxes so people can give more to support the causes that are important to them.
Crystal and Rob Timmons are the founders of Veteran Garden Project, a non-profit that heals veterans and their families in a holistic way. LONG STORY SHORT
HEALING HEROES
CRYSTAL TIMMONS FOUND PEACE BY SHARING HER HOLISTIC HEALING PROCESS WITH VETERANS AND FAMILIES FACING POSTDEPLOYMENT DIFFICULTIES. By Kara Pound | Photography by Brian Miller
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rystal and Rob Timmons met in 1999 through a mutual friend. “We just really enjoyed each other’s company and immediately had a close bond,” Crystal explains of those early days. “We balance each other out like yin and yang.” The couple married in 2005 and not long after, Rob joined the military – serving as a cook in the Army and later deployed to Afghanistan where he worked on the Special Intelligence security team.
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so she started searching for a holistic healing approach. Having grown up in Kashi Ashram, an interfaith spiritual community based in Sebastian, Florida, Crystal focused on getting herself healthy, so she could help her family. “I got back into yoga – really took the reins and made some changes,” she says. “I’ve always been a natural caregiver and realized that I needed to serve myself first before I could serve others.”
“Rob came back a different person,” says Crystal. “He was medically discharged in 2012 having been declared ‘not fit for duty’ and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He had suffered multiple injuries including a brain injury.”
Crystal got Rob involved in yoga and found Honoring the Brave, a local nonprofit organization run by David Hernandez that gets military and first responders out on the water fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. She also started planting fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs in their backyard.
Crystal was not only the caregiver for Rob; she was also caring for their daughter, Hailey. In February of 2012, the family moved to St. Augustine and Crystal quickly realized that the area didn’t have the services that Rob needed,
It didn’t take long for Crystal to realize that she was out of her element when it came to gardening, so she enrolled in continuing education programs at First Coast Technical College (FCTC) focusing on Nursery Management, Horticulture Science,
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So I've decided how much I can give financially. Is there anything else I should consider before donating? Some people feel they should spread their money around. In reality, their contributions can have much more significance if they make larger focused contributions to fewer organizations. Consider the impact that you want to have long-term. What handprint do you want to leave on society? And why is that important to you? How do you want people to remember you? This will help guide you to where you ultimately want to give. What is the number one piece of advice you give to clients who want to give philanthropically? Know your options. The number one mistake people make is not working with a someone who knows what they’re doing. People make mistakes – sometimes out of ignorance because they don’t know how, sometimes because what they think they already know is simply wrong. Philanthropy is a complicated subject. And the rules change all the time. It’s critical to ask for help from an advisor who specializes in it. To make the most efficient and effective impact possible, it’s got to be done right. Even if you already have an advisor, get a second opinion. Understand your options. You may find that you can give much more than you thought possible… without sabotaging the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to create. And you will feel really good about it!
This story continues online at www.staugustinesocial.com.
French Market Pasta
Andouille Crusted Grouper
• Cajun & Southern Flavors with a Modern Twist • Fresh Seafood, Steaks, Chicken, Pasta & more!
• Dine In Our Beautiful Courtyard • Bayfront Dining in Historic Downtown • Live Music Every Night! Offer Available Nov 1st – Dec 24th
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$
WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF $100 IN GIFT CARDS.
LIFE
SOCIAL IMPACT
Seeking Helping Hands THE NEEDS ABOUND IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY. YOUNG, OLD, AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN ARE LOOKING FOR A COMPASSIONATE HAND, SO REACH OUT THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THE COUNCIL ON AGING.
Hastings Senior Center
Bring happy to Hastings. Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, activities, lunch, and clean up at the Hastings Senior Center on Mondays & Fridays, 9am-1pm.
“One of the veterans that we’ve helped is a Purple Heart Recipient named Jimmy,” Rob explains from the couple’s backyard garden. “We’ve seen the project give him back his spark and give him a purpose."
Sunshine Center
Share the joy of the arts with seniors with memory problems. Volunteers needed who have talents in arts and crafts, music, storytelling, or other forms of entertainment.
Meals on Wheels
Help deliver nutritious meals and warm visits to individuals in need. Volunteers needed to assist as substitute Meals on Wheels drivers on weekdays. A variety of routes are available, and volunteers pick the day they can help.
Integrative Memory Enhancement Class
Help seniors preserve their precious memories. Duties include making coffee, greeting participants and assisting with classroom activities. Volunteers needed to assist on Thursdays, 9:30am to noon.
If you're interested in these or other COA volunteer opportunities, please contact Sandy Hollett, Volunteer Coordinator, at 904-209-3686 or shollett@stjohnscoa.com.
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and Landscape Design and Installation. She also enrolled in a Permaculture course at Kashi Ashram called Sustainable Kashi, an interactive demonstration program dedicated to teaching sustainable environmental practices – commuting once a month to the Treasure Coast for courses. “I knew that I wanted to find a community service project to get involved in,” says Crystal. “It was either that or create my own. I wanted to continue to heal ourselves, my family, but I also didn’t want it to be all about us.” Crystal quickly discovered the healing power of horticulture and wanted to share the importance of connecting to the Earth with others. As thus, Veteran Garden Project was created. An all-volunteer community service project that provides opportunities for veterans to heal through nature, Veteran Garden Project was started nearly three years ago and became a 501(c)(3) in April of 2019. The nonprofit focuses on garden therapy, socialization, education, positive and healthy attitudes, and teaching new skills through a renewed sense of purpose. “I had the vision and set the goals, but there are so many people who helped make this possible,” Crystal explains of Veteran Garden Project’s board members and volunteers. “We have promised to help six veterans in 2019 and hope to increase that to 36 families in 2020-2021. There is a lot of work to be done.”
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
The mission of Veteran Garden Project is to support the local healing veteran community, through cultivation and production of individual organic gardens and garden therapy. Crystal, Rob, and others offer garden installations for veterans as well as gardening meetups, free workshops, and events. The organization’s current focus is helping veterans install a 4x8 raised garden at their homes by working with military families to plan a custom-designed edible and medicinal landscape complete with a worm tube compost container, tools, and seeds. Veteran Garden Project will also facilitate wheelchair-accessible bed options for veterans who need them. “One of the veterans that we’ve helped is a Purple Heart Recipient named Jimmy,” Rob explains from the couple’s backyard garden. “We’ve seen the project give him back his spark and give him a purpose. It’s something that I can relate to firsthand. Putting your hands in the dirt gives you patience, nurture and sense of giving back to the Earth.” As they expand their organization, Veteran Garden Project is presently seeking community donors and sponsors, volunteers, and donations. www.veterangardenproject.org
C OMING SO ON
Introducing a rare real estate opportunity in St. Augustine. This brand new, gated community offers a private lifestyle in a convenient location just 10 minutes from the Historic District.
All Lots are 1+ Acre Lot Pricing Starting at $179,880 Heavily wooded property with limited waterfront lots available SPECIAL EARLY SITE SELECTION
is happening now – text your name, email and phone number to 904-888-4624 for an opportunity to be the first on our list to select first property choice. No CDD l Low HOA Fees
Buy now, build your custom home later.
LIVING LIFE
WE TRIED IT
A TRIP DOWN THE RIVER
MORE THAN JUST A CHANCE TO SEE A SPECTACULAR SUNSET, THIS KAYAK TOUR LETS YOU GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORLD AROUND YOU. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Kate Gardiner
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any visitors to our city would probably expect to see nothing more than the beach, never feeling the need to take their eyes off of the sparkling Atlantic waters nor their feet out of the sand. However, the Ancient City is home to two bodies of water – the ocean, of course, but also the Matanzas River, our little piece of the Intracoastal Waterway. This estuary opens up wide the possibilities for local outdoor exploration. So with the blaze of the summer sun fading fast and the cabin fever that the heat always gives me threatening to bubble over, we followed the beach road down to Marineland. Our guide, Brandon Mellin of Ripple Effect Ecotours, was waiting waterside with some life jackets hanging from the trunk of a palm tree (Brandon having informed us that this was how life jackets grow in the wild). So we climbed in
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the tandem kayaks and awaited the start of our adventure. Owner Chris Kelley started Ripple Effect Ecotours back in 2007 with the desire to spread environmental education, so the tours you take aren’t merely for exercise or a way to get outside. The highly-educated and trained guides are there to help you learn a little more about the ecosystem you’re exploring. As the sun began to droop closer to the horizon and the blue skies of the day gave way to oranges and pinks, our kayak tour began as most do – with a few basic instructions, guidelines, and rules. So with our new kayak knowledge and fighting just a little against the current, our group headed south on the river and soon found out that Brandon’s education and experience weren’t what made him an www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
exceptional guide. It was his enthusiasm, an infectious and palpable excitement for the landscape our boats were moving through. Between clever quips and jokes, he would offer facts and answer questions about the river's residents – plants and trees, birds and fish. Brandon lets himself be moved by the ebb and flow of the environmental current, so no two tours are ever the same. We reached a point not far down the river that the guides call “South 1” (“We aren’t super creative at naming stuff,” says Brandon) and turned west to head into the marshes. As our kayaks followed the water alongside oyster beds and in between high grasses and mangrove trees, the distant sounds of cars along the road and construction down the river faded. We docked briefly against a sandbar, and Brandon picked a snail up out of the water to tell us some fun facts (the snail actually
Complimentary Winery Tours & Wine Tasting Daily www.SanSebastianWinery.com
LIFE
We watched as the sky became brilliant shades of orange and purple, red and pink. If there’s one thing that Florida does right, it’s sunsets. “This isn’t even one of our better ones,” said Brandon. “Usually our sunsets on this tour are breathtaking.” Even though it seems we were cheated out of a truly spectacular sunset, this one was hard to take your eyes off of. turned out to be a small hermit crab, but he told us about snails anyway). As Brandon guided us through the winding marsh, he would call out interesting facts over his shoulder. “The reason the marsh smells at low tide,” he said, “is because the bacteria and microbes in the mud release gas as they break down the organic material. Which is the same thing the bacteria and microbes in our gut do!” The sun was sinking quite low as we reached our sunset-watching destination. Brandon anchored us near some oyster beds, overlooking the Pellicer Flats. Oysters spitting all around us, we watched as the sky became brilliant shades of orange and purple, red and pink. If there’s one thing that Florida does right, it’s sunsets. “This isn’t even one of
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our better ones,” said Brandon. “Usually our sunsets on this tour are breathtaking.” Even though it seems we were cheated out of a truly spectacular sunset, this one was hard to take your eyes off of. But we did eventually have to leave, so – current in our favor now – we made our way back to the starting point. As the quiet darkness of evening enveloped the tour and our kayaks hit the banks once again, Brandon left us with this thought (his own addendum to the famous Jacques Cousteau quote), “We do this tour to tell people about this environment they’re living in. Because people protect what they love. And people can only love what they know.” www.rippleeffectecotours.com www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Pizzalley’s on
Pizzalley’s
ST. GEORGE
CHIANTI ROOM
Fresh Salads | Brick Oven
Classic Italian Entrees
Pizza by the Slice or Pie
10” and 16” Pizzas
Chicken Wings | Desserts
Homemade Desserts
117 St. George Street
60 Charlotte Street
904.825.2627
904.825.4100
Serving St. Augustine for two generations, Pizzalley’s Chianti Room is a full-service Italian restaurant offering everything from gourmet, brick oven pizza to mussels and marsalas. Always made from scratch with the freshest, best-quality ingredients.
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER DAILY
VOTED ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BEST HAPPY HOUR Visit us online: PIZZALLEYS.COM
St. Augustine’s first and only GASTROLOUNGE offering a full bar featuring vintage cocktails with a contemporary twist. Sashay in and let your senses be seduced with experiential dining at its best!
LIVE MUSIC • LOCAL OYSTERS • Burgers & Sandwiches Handspun Milkshakes • SOUPS & SALADS • KID’S MENU
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK Now offering late night snacks after 10 pm! 119 ST. GEORGE STREET • PKSTAUG.COM • 904-209-5704
VOTED ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST BAR PUB
LIFE
SOCIAL CIRCLES
BUSINESS OF LIVING Photography by Gary LeVeille
I
n August, United Way of St. Johns welcomed nearly 150 supporters to their annual meeting where the focus was Living United. Held at Art n’Motion, the rare and antique car showroom, the venue fit the message of driving United Way's impact, bridging boundaries, and accelerating advocacy. The program touched on the impact of United Way's work, finances, the board, and how all are invited to join in the fight for the health, education, and financial stability of everyone in our community. During tax season, United Way was able to help 658 individuals with filing returns, resulting in nearly ž of a million dollars in refunds and an impact of $1.2 million to fuel the local economy. EPIC and St. Francis House Port in the Storm each received $21,500 in January. In May, $27,000 was announced for hurricane relief in Putnam, and an Emergency Food and Shelter program, benefitting many organizations, encompassed another $19,000. The huge impact of United Way all over St. Johns County was certainly a cause for celebration.
Image by Mat Franke
www.unitedway-sjc.org
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HOMETOWN FLAGLER COLLEGE SAINTS! 8X Institution of The Year Sportsmanship Award Winner
PBC COMMISSIONER’S CUP
CHAMPI
NS!
FLAGLER COLLEGE TOPS THE PEACH BELT! Saints’ Athletics Program Makes History Never before in the history of the Peach Belt Conference has a member institution won the Commissioner’s Cup and the Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award in the same year. The Saints did it 2018-19! Flagler captured the 2018-19 PBC Commissioner’s Cup, the award presented annually to the conference’s best overall athletics program based on regular
season standings and select championships. The Saints won 4 conference championships and had 11 of their 13 PBC championship sports finish in the top 4 of the conference. 2018-19 also saw Flagler win the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award for the eighth time in the last nine years. No other PBC college or university has won the award more than once.
OUR TOWN, OUR TEAM!
Flagler’s student-athletes did all this while also volunteering more than 2,000 hours of community service and earning their fourth consecutive NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence for achieving an Academic Success Rate above 90%. The Saints are St. Augustine’s Team!
Visit us online: FLAGLERATHLETICS.COM
LIFE
SOCIAL CIRCLES
RED CARPET WELCOME Photography by Gary LeVeille
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hat better way to get excited for the school year than a welcome back fit for a celebrity? The students at The Webster School off of West King opened the doors to a red carpet welcome on their first day of school back in August. "We wanted to greet the students as if they are celebrities and take their pictures as they arrive on campus on the first day," said Alexius Ferguson, the school's Community Partnership Director. "We do a minor version of this event after every break and the students love it." So complete with a red carpet and a photographer, the Webster kids took on the new year! The Webster School holds their kids to high expectations, says Alexius, but sometimes it can take a little extra boost of excitement and encouragement for the students to perform at a high level. This regular event serves as a bit of motivation for both the kids on the red carpet and the parents who get to see their stars start back to school. www.webster.stjohns.k12.fl.us
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Welcome to our Team! PAUL ROETTGES, MD Hip & Knee Specialist
ALEXANDER LAMPLEY, MD Hand, Wrist & Elbow Specialist
oastaug.com 904.825.0540 Independently & Privately Owned
LOCAL GUIDE
PR0MOTION
ST. AUGUSTINE
self-care EVERY GIRL WILL TELL YOU – WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD, AND THAT SENTIMENT RINGS TRUE WHETHER IT'S WEDNESDAY OR YOUR WEDDING DAY. SO GET FIT, GET A FACIAL, OR GET YOUR HAIR DONE. DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT PUTTING YOURSELF FIRST AND INDULGE IN A LITTLE #SELFCARE TO HELP THE INNER YOU SHINE.
Orangetheory Fitness What is Orangetheory Fitness? Orangetheory is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out. The hardest part of our workouts is showing up - we make it simple for you to push yourself, be your personal best and give you more life.
Bardot Bridal The Bardot Bridal is an onsite bridal beauty company that loves to customize your wedding day look into something magical! Our onsite beauty team comes to you on your wedding day, wherever that may be! Our makeup artists and hair stylists are all licensed, trained, and love being a part of this special time for you! We specialize in large parties, airbrush makeup, and event styles for all ages. We love all things bridal beauty and will create a wedding day look just for you! @thebardotbridal • www.thebardot.com
At Orangetheory we incorporate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in our workouts. According to recent studies by Mayo Clinic, HIIT is not just for the young and healthy. Researchers have found that HIIT can improve health and fitness for just about everyone and has even bigger benefits for older adults. What they discovered may surprise you: Some age-related deterioration of muscle cells had actually been reversed. Orangetheory is based on the science of EPOC, excess postexercise oxygen consumption. If you challenge your body at the right intensity, your body will work harder to recover oxygen lost during exercise. This revs your metabolism and makes you burn calories long after your workout is over. MORE results. MORE confidence. MORE Life. More than a gym. Because you shouldn’t live to exercise. You should exercise to live. (904) 647-8088 • 833 S Ponce De Leon Blvd #1 www.staugustine.orangetheoryfitness.com
P R O M OT I O N
LaCura Salt Spa Indulge in one of the HydraFacial services for a rejuvenating, effective exfoliation and high potency hydration. It is perfect for all skin types and provides immediate results leaving the skin feeling refreshed, renewed and invigorated. LaCura provides their clients with a space to relax, restore and breathe easier with many spa services & packages to choose from in addition to Salt Therapy (Halotherapy), Infrared Therapy, Chromotherapy (Light Therapy), Sauna, Facials, Microblading and Massage. Gift Cards are available. (904) 217-7341 • 804-A Anastasia Blvd • www.lacurasaltspa.com
Panache: An Aveda Salon & Spa While beauty, wellness, and personal care is our business, Panache is where style and environmental sustainability meet. As an Aveda Salon and Spa, it is our mission to not only care for you but to care for the world we live in. At Panache, we believe that treating the whole person leads to greater balance and consider the effects of our products not only on hair and skin, but on mind, body, and emotion. Staying true to our mission, our Aveda products are cruelty free, naturally derived, responsibly packaged, and manufactured using 100% wind power. We are proud to offer you a team of exceptional service providers who believe in our mission and are committed to giving you Panache. We are proudly led by four strong women who are passionate about this mission and thrive in offering the world of beauty to St. Augustine: Mandy Borna, Esthetician; Kristy Weeks, Founder and Owner; newest team member, Michelle Vijgen, Managing Partner; and Pat O’Brien, Reception Manager.
1089 A1A Beach Blvd, St. • (904) 461-9552 • www.getpanache.com
Club Pilates As you gain core strength, better flexibility, enhanced mind-body connection and coordination, you’ll feel the benefits ripple through your daily experience. A balanced life, with sustained energy throughout the day – what could be more empowering? The workouts are low-impact and tailored to fit your individual needs. Not only do we offer the use of the Reformer, a Pilates apparatus utilizing spring tension and body weight, we also offer several other equipment pieces, over 7 different class styles, and 4 different levels! 220 SR 312 • (904) 494-8693 • www.clubpilates.com/staugustine
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style COZY COCKTAILS By Gabrielle Ervin
A
s the giving season approaches, we’re all about spending meaningful time with loved ones and savoring the finer things in life. And there’s no better excuse than the holidays to plan a few get-togethers with friends and family. Luckily, Camp Craft Cocktails has the perfect flavors for this season’s gatherings. The Jacksonville-based company created these kits with care to make delicious drinks just a little easier (and a little more creative). Whether you’re throwing a party or attending one, their fall flavors have something to satisfy every taste bud and steer you away from the worn-out cocktail concoctions. Made with whole, fresh ingredients, these cocktail kits are widely universal, yet utterly unique and offer the option to infuse any flavor with a liquor of your choice – or hot water for a non-alcoholic version. And the process is as easy as 1,2,3 – fill the jar with a spirit of your choice, refrigerate for 2-3 days as it infuses, shake...and enjoy! And their recently-released fall flavors will have you dreaming of red leaves, sweaters, and nights spent fireside – Butternut, Sage Turmeric, Cranberry Martini, Hot Toddy, and Cacao Cafe. Sip away this holiday season with delectable cocktails that were specially crafted with the flavors of fall in mind. We’re ready to raise a glass. www.campcraftcocktails.com
Inside:
Family Favorites // Sweater Weather // Gather 'Round // Getaway // Home Style
STYLE
FAMILY FAVORITES
THE HELWIGS
THREE LITTLE ONES KEEP MOM AND DAD ON THEIR TOES, BUT THIS FAMILY OF FIVE IS LOVING A BUSY, FULL LIFE SPENT EXPLORING ST. AUGUSTINE. Photography by Dawn Wallace
Meet the Helwig family. With three kids five-years-old and under there is never a dull (or quiet) moment in the Helwig house. Though the family always savors meals together as a time to bond, they love to take advantage of all that the St. Augustine community offers – like dance, soccer, and hanging out with friends. For five years, Vivian has been the owner of Vested Metals International, and Brittany, a former teacher, now offers Zumba classes at the YMCA as well as adaptive dance and hip hop at the St. Augustine Dance Conservatory. Between work, school, The Helwig family pictured and playtime together, the Helwigs stay from left: Maxwell 4, Viv busy. But whether it's days at the beach, (Dad) 33, Brittany (Mom) trips downtown for popsicles, or just 34, Calvin 1, Amelia 5 rainy days playing games, mom and dad keeping their family close and loving life in St. Augustine.
Photos by Brian Miller
Favorite family restaurant? Manatee
Cafe is a family favorite for breakfast or lunch! Even our picky eater (who shall remain nameless) can find something yummy there. For dinner, Mellow Mushroom is a great spot.
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When we have out-of-town guests, we always take them to... If our
guests are not from Florida, we love showing them around the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. They always seem to be in awe of all the alligators and Florida wildlife.
Photo via St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Favorite place for dessert? The cakes at Chocolattes are pretty heavenly! Hyppo Pops never fail us and we love trying new and exciting flavors. Mayday Ice Cream is a new favorite – where else can you get lavender ice cream?!
Favorite date night destination? Date nights are
One place we've always wanted to go but have never been is...
We've wanted to go to Llama and Collage. We just haven't made it there yet!
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
fun at Prohibition Kitchen and Odd Birds. It's always a plus if we catch a great band playing. If we do dinner out, we will probably be found at Casa Maya with some delicious Sangria and guacamole!
STYLE
COLOR CUES
TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH CHANGING LEAVES, CRACKLING FIRES, AND – OF COURSE – PUMPKINS...THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF COLOR INSPIRATION THIS SEASON.
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1 - FRENCH PRESS A hot cup of coffee is an essential as the days get chillier. And there's no reason for coffee prep not to be stylish.
Available from Yield Design
2 - SWEATER This stunning shade of burnt orange will carry you from Halloween celebration to the Thanksgiving table.
Available at H&M
3 - HAND TOWELS Beautifully-printed in a butternut squash hue, these towels add a little fall color to your kitchen.
Available at Feather + Bloom
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4 - BAG Room for all your gear and stunningly stylish? Sign us up.
Available at Dooney & Bourke
5 - SPICES We're all doing our share of entertaining this season. Take your dishes to the next level with this special Colonial Seasoning.
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Available at Spice & Tea Exchange
6 - SOAP Soft citrus scents abound in this handmade Drops of Karma soap.
Available at Antoinette's Bathhouse
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7 - MUG Coffee, tea, cocoa, and anything in between – cozy up with this adorable mug.
Available at Pink Pineapple
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8 - TUMBLER Brave the chill with a hot drink (and a stylish hue) in hand.
Available at Market Street Boutique 9 - Linen Pants Let's be real – it might take a while for the chill to show up. So stay comfortable in the Florida sun and still proclaim your love for fall with some linen trousers in orange.
Available at Linen + Waves
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STYLE
STYLE SELECTIONS
SWEATER WEATHER WHETHER YOU'RE CURLED UP INSIDE KEEPING WARM OR BREATHING IN THE CRISP AIR OUTDOORS, THE CHILLY SEASON HAS ARRIVED. GET READY TO STAY TOASTY WITH SOME ESSENTIALS TO KEEP YOU COZY.
1 - HAT Nothing like a classic (and ohso-soft) winter hat to keep you warm.
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Available at Saks Off Fifth
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2 - HOT COCOA Warm from the inside out, courtesy of some deliciously organic hot cocoa mix.
Available at Diane's Natural Market
3 - MUG Handmade by a local artist, each of these mugs is just a little bit unique. And the perfect vessel for your hot drinks.
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Available from John Quick Ceramics
4 - SWEATSHIRT Do sweatshirts get any cuter? We're going to say no.
Available at Declaration & Co.
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5 - COAT Not too heavy and not too light – this is the perfect coat for the chilly season in Florida.
Available at Banana Republic
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6 - scarf Made from wool, these gorgeous neutrals will go with anything.
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Available at J. Crew
7 - SOCKS Whether you're inside or out, cozy socks are a must-have.
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Available at Express
8 - THROW For a little extra warmth when you're curled up in your favorite chair.
Available at Tre Sebastian
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9 - SLIPPERS Keep your toes toasty.
Available at Target
TASTE the Life
have a happy, healthy
holiday season.
Come see us for antibiotic-free turkeys to cold-fighting zinc supplements and everything in between.
Voted St. Augustine’s Best Health Food Store
21 Years Running! US 1 & SR 207 • 904.808.9978 dianesnaturalmarket.com Locally Owned and Operated
321 A1A Beach Blvd | St. Augustine Bch, FL 32080 | 904-217-3256
SaltL ifeFoodShack .com
STYLE
ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS
GATHER 'ROUND AS YOU PREPARE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ARRIVE, FIND SOME INSPIRATION FOR SETTING AN UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY TABLE .
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COASTAL
CONTEMPORARY
1 - Rope Vases - Available at Donna Mancini Interiors, 2 - Bottle Opener - Available at Rose & Pearl, 3 - Serving Platter - Available at Tre Sebastian , 4 - Wine Glass Available at Tre Sebastian, 5 - Mule Mix - Available at St. Augustine Distillery, 6 - Candle - Available at Artsy Abode
1 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Available at The Gifted Cork, 2 - Bottle Stopper - Available at Coconut Barrel, 3 - Candle - Available from Yield Design , 4 - Cake Stand - Available from Lauren Ytterbom , 5 - Wine Glass - Available at dhd HOME , 6 - Vase - Available at Peace Love Home
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The perfect gift for little minds. Buy online at www.littleature.com
STYLE
GETAWAY
WHEN YOU WANT TO GET A WORLD AWAY BUT YOU WANT THE CONVENIENCE OF STAYING ALMOST AT HOME, YOU EXPLORE THE ORLANDO MARRIOTT WORLD CENTER. By Heather Vreeland
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www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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efore parenthood, my husband and I were never much for vacations. We’re home bodies, creatures of habit, and, frankly, busy. But – much like many things – children change that, and so through the journey of parenting, we’ve found ourselves looking outside our norm for adventures fit for the whole family. The one thing I have learned is that, if you want to see a child’s eyes wide with wonder, take them on vacation. If you want to achieve this without the hustle of airports, long car rides, and the feeling of being trapped in the middle of the ocean – take them to the Orlando Marriott World Center. It’s not news that just two hours south of St. Augustine is where the rest of the world vacations. Orlando is the epi-center of
childhood dreams coming true, but if I’m being completely honest here – we’re not “attractions” type of people. The Vreelands like to chill poolside, eat good food, and enjoy great company while vacationing. Could we possibly find that needle among the haystack of the busiest place on earth? The Orlando Marriott World Center is a destination in and of itself. Its four restaurants, two pools, two jacuzzis, a resort-style spa, on-site hydroponic garden, 2,009 rooms, a golf course, waterslides, activity yard, and nightly laser show make it the largest Marriott in the entire world. The amenities, combined with the overall vastness of the property, give you a real sense that checking in and not getting back into your car (or worse, one of those jam-packed tourist shuttles) until check-out may not be such a crazy idea.
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So, that’s exactly what we did. Walking into the atrium lobby, Asher’s eyes immediately locked into the glass elevators rising up to the 28th floor, and I knew we were in for four days of fun. Our days went a little like this...breakfast, pool-time, lunch, rest during the summer thunderstorms, dinner, pool and jacuzzi, laser light show, and bedtime. But it wasn’t monotonous. Instead, every day was a new, different adventure because of the variety of food this place has to offer. Yes, I said food. I’d say that within 300 steps from one another, there is an Italian restaurant, American grill, sports bar, sushi bar, and poolside cantina serving every flavor you could possibly crave. Not to mention the always-open Pantry where you can grab
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quick snacks and soft-serve ice cream any time of the day. It’s a foodie’s paradise, so we set out to taste our way through the entire property.
bathing suit for a night swim completely illogical…but I went for it anyway. This is vacation after all, and I simply cannot turn down a hot tub soak.
On the first night, we dined at the on-site Italian restaurant, Siro Urban Italian Kitchen. It’s a hip mix of pizza and Italian favorites set in a rustic, industrious corner of the hotel lobby. Not long after it opened, it was named “Diner’s Choice Winner” by OpenTable, so our expectations were set pretty high when we were seated. I had the Lamb Bolognese, Andrew chose the grilled pork chop, and of course (in true kid-menu style) Asher had chicken tenders. We did share mussels as an appetizer, which Asher proudly proclaimed were the “best mussels he’s ever had.”
The next morning we woke early to try the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Latitude and Longitude. Not like I was hungry yet, but I was curious what a menu with over 80 items could possibly entail. And it didn’t disappoint.
The food was really good – I mean really good – and the inevitable “food baby” it left me with made the idea of putting on a
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The buffet wraps around almost the entire dining area when you walk in. There are chef-appointed stations where can put in a special request, or you can choose from the waffle and pancake station, fruit bar, cereal dispensaries, or even something more adventurous. Lox and bagels? Sure. Mediteranean salad? You got it. Because they have so many international guests, the variety available here is remarkable as they try to cater to everyone’s personal breakfast
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preference. Latitude and Longitude is actually open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving up American classics with a creative culinary spin, and it’s big enough to seat 500 guests! We spent the remainder of the day pool-side making new friends and working off calories with competitive games of ping-pong and soccer and exploring the activity yard/field. That night, not yet fully digested from the day, we opted to dine lightly with appetizers at High Velocity – a name which doesn’t sound like a place where one might find light food. But its bar food curbs appetites of any size while the entertainment fulfills the “high velocity” expectation. There are TVs on every single wall and at almost every single table. If the creators were going for the sentiment of “let no sports
game go unwatched on our watch,” they succeeded. On day three, my love of pool-side snacking and fruity drinks was fulfilled. While you sun yourself nearby, the Falls Poolside Grill & Bar caters to your every craving with a menu that is a little bit Caribbean, a little bit Tex-Mex, a little bit all-American, and a whole lot of good. On our last night, we went all out at the hibachi-style Japanese restaurant, Mikado. Talk about a surprise to see a hotel with its very own hibachi grill. Their menu has everything that you love and expect to see here, but the ambiance really takes you by surprise. It’s a beautifully-designed setting far more theatrical than something you’d find in your local strip mall, and it immediately transports you from Orlando to Japan.
All of these restaurants source their greens from Hycube – an on-site pesticide free, non-gmo hydroponic vertical garden – giving you the peace of mind that, while you are over-indulging, at least it’s on the good stuff. The convenience of all of these restaurants made our trip feel like we were a world away from traffic, crowded theme parks, and complicated schedules you might find during a typical vacation. The scope of the property, stylish redesigned rooms, pools, water slides, golf and games made the hotel feel just our style. So, as it turns out, we did actually find that “needle” by simply checking-in and letting our preconceived ideas of what an Orlando vacation is really like completely check-out.
The food was really good...and the Inevitable “food baby” it left me with made the idea of putting on a bathing suit for a night swim completely illogical…but I went for it anyway.
www.marriott.com
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
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STYLE
HOME STYLE
an oceanfront family retreat AFTER BLENDING TWO FAMILIES AND BUILDING 19 HOMES BETWEEN THEM, JORGE AND SONIA CASMIRO CREATED THEIR CROWNING GLORY ON CRESCENT BEACH. By Lauren Eastman | Photography by Brian Miller
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igh above the gates, atop a rare Floridian incline, stands a home that embodies coastal living. Two stories of white balconies wrap around the blue beachside manor like a hug. Built to maximize the 360-degree oceanic paradise above the dunes of Crescent Beach, the home offers ample open spaces to entertain a crowd – namely the 22 members of the Casmiro family – when everyone is in the same place at the same time. “This house was literally built for the grandkids. They can destroy it and that’s fine by me,” says Jorge Casmiro with a grin. “This home is my dream. I walk in the door, take one look at the ocean, and my blood pressure lowers immediately.” Jorge first arrived in the US from Cuba in February of 1962 at eight years old. It made an immediate impact, particularly in New York’s The Bronx. His childhood was spent in New York and New Jersey, and he
made it his life’s goal to move to Miami Beach. Eventually, he opened Little Essex Deli around the corner from the World Trade Center. In 1984, his mother called asking for his help with a family business venture in Houston, Texas, so he sold the restaurant and moved. One day while setting up his accounts at the bank, he noticed Sonia, and asked his banker for an introduction. “He was very persistent,” she smiles. “When we first met, I said to him, ‘I’d like to chat, but I’m heading out to lunch. He said, ‘How about lunch?’ He had two kids and I had three,” says Sonia. “When we started seeing each other, he got very serious very quickly. I told a friend, ‘He has to be totally insane or totally in love.’ Thirty-four years later, I’m glad that I bet on love.” “We blended really well,” says Jorge. “I told her, my kids are the most important thing in life, and yours are included in that. They are all our kids.”
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Details FAMILY: Jorge and Sonia Casmiro Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 6 1/2 bathrooms, garage apartment, wine cellar, laundry room, mudroom, movie theatre, outdoor bar, oceanfront pool, private beach boardwalk Size: 7,300 square feet
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STYLE
A picture of Sonia's dream kitchen in hand, Jorge set out to exceed all of her expectations. The house has now become an oasis for the whole family – from the oceanfront views and access to the beach to the elegant but functional feel of every living space.
Breathtakingly edgeless ocean-to-sky views greets guests who enter the dual front doors, along with a serene setting curated by Debbie Hanks of DHD Design. “Debbie has been truly great,” says Sonia. “I felt it was really important to have someone else lead the design of this house, and we are so grateful for her expert eye.” When they moved in, the Casmiros had a few couches and chairs, as well as “inspiration” items for the guest bath and study, but it was otherwise a clean slate for Debbie. They had been introduced to her by St. Augustine Realtor, Elaine Wallace. “Our goal was to create serenity in the guest rooms and make the home generally kid / teen-proof,” says Debbie, “while creating an inviting haven for entertaining and fun.” In 2014, after their daughter moved to
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St. Augustine with five of their 15 total grandchildren, Sonia and Jorge began talking about the house. Sonia shared a photo of the dream kitchen that she’d been carrying in her wallet for the longest time. Jorge set out to exceed her expectations and was successful, as usual. Michael Stauffer served as architect on the project, and Corner Construction acted as builder. Jorge’s years of project management on his multiple homes played a huge role in its evolution. Though Sonia and Jorge initially planned 4,000 square feet, the first round of plans showcased a whopping 8,000. They brought the house in by editing down extra spaces and balconies before realizing that it wouldn’t be complete without Sonia’s cozy living room for her reading obsession. Jorge balanced it out with his study in the back, building above it, adding a detached www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
garage. They ended up with a "cozy" 7,300 square feet. “We look at each other and laugh and say, motorhome next time,” Jorge quips. But, to be fair, the couple moved over the years practically once a year through nineteen different homes with five children to get to this point. It’s doubtful that they are going anywhere soon, now that the dream is complete. “We had properties on the Intracoastal and the ocean, and decided to build on the ocean,” she says. “We watch sunrise by the pool and the sunset on the porch. I love the history here. On Sundays after church, we’ll have lunch with the kids, and I’ll hop downtown to learn more about St. Augustine.”
Blue, grey, and white hues throughout the home (even in the out-of-theway rooms) give the beachside atmosphere an elegant tone. As far as favorite rooms go, Sonia’s beautifully-appointed closet is second only to her reading study downstairs.
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Plug-ins next to each of the bunk beds make screen time cozy in the nautical-inspired kids’ bedroom – once beach, pool, and dinner time are done. With plenty of space to entertain as well as settle down for the night, the home was built to accommodate the Casmiro's large family.
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STYLE
Changing colors of the sunset sky over the Intracoastal provide a pastel light show each evening. Sitting so high above the tide line, the house provides shelter from peering passersby on the beach below.
The open kitchen features expansive white quartz countertops that can withstand wine spills and any cooking mishaps with the kids. In the dining room, a beautiful resin and gold leaf painting selected by Jorge at DHD Design, draws the eye up from the massive table. Jorge’s wine cellar showcases his favorite Oregon Pinots, while the laundry, mudroom, bathroom, and “hot dog room” – also known as an outside bar – are affectionately called “kids alley.” A staircase leads upstairs, though the elevator is also an option. On the second floor, a laundry room for “non-sandy” items helps Sonia to keep the bed linens separate from beach towels. The movie theatre features five oversized flat screens and plush seating to kick back. The kids’ built-in bunk beds offer plug-ins for the screens and phones, and once settled, it’s
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hard to get them to leave. Overlooking the ocean, the pool sparkles with celadon tiles and five beautiful fountain vases, beckoning. A long private boardwalk crests the dunes to the beach. “I’m living what I have always worked for,” Jorge says. “Building houses was what I wanted to do, and I had great success at it. Now, I suppose, I’m still tinkering.” See more of this house online at www.staugustinesocial.com.
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The entire gallery of images from this photoshoot online
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LOCALS Donte never expected his life to take this direction, but now that he’s firmly entrenched upon it, he expects the road ahead to be full of not only challenges and struggles but also rewards and fulfillment. “It’s now so much deeper than just a movement about changing tables,” says Donte. “It’s about growing as men and becoming better dads, husbands, partners. It’s a way to bond with other men and learn from each other.”
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Inside:
Rising Star // Line of Duty // Educator // Person of Interest // Leading Men
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PROMOTION
BUILDING COMMUNITY DYLAN READ, LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR AT SHEARWATER, WORKS TO CONNECT NEIGHBORS IN ORDER TO BUILD A STRONGER, HEALTHIER COMMUNITY.
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s one of the fastest-growing communities in St. Johns County, Shearwater sets out to meet the needs of current and future residents, while remaining true to its vision of fostering healthy living, community engagement and a connection to the outdoors. Shearwater has something for everyone – whether you are a growing family, empty nesters or living in a multi-generational home. As the full-time Lifestyle Director for Shearwater, Dylan Read leads the community’s unique approach to lifestyle programming and activities. It is his responsibility to bring the community together and help families cultivate strong, long-lasting relationships. From day one, Dylan works with Shearwater families directly to develop events and activities that fit their interests – from casual coffee dates and fitness classes to community concerts and holiday events. Dylan offers a varied
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and robust social calendar yearround to ensure residents have many opportunities to meet each other and foster new friendships. Dylan has been in the community management industry since 2013. Before coming to Shearwater, he was the Lifestyle Coordinator for a community in Tallahassee, Fla. and worked to create a fun and engaging lifestyle program for residents. In 2016, when he became the Lifestyle Director for Shearwater, he brought his secret to success with him – people and relationships build a strong community. At Shearwater, Dylan combines his work with the community’s resort-style amenities, active living opportunities and close proximity to nature. Neighbors can start their day with a light hike along Shearwater’s 15 miles of nature trails, stop at a neighbor’s front porch for coffee, then join another group of neighbors for yoga on the lawn or to swim in the pool. Since coming to Shearwater, Dylan has www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
planned dozens of events for neighbors to enjoy. From large scale, signature events like this annual “Pups and Pints” which features pet adoptions from local animal shelters, food trucks and craft beer tastings to smaller, more intimate settings such as a run club. This fall, Shearwater residents will have the opportunity to enjoy an outing to the Jaguars v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game in Jacksonville, a Fall Garden Workshop, a Harvest Gathering event, a Fright Night for kids on the Saturday before Halloween and the inaugural "Vital Walk" to raise money and awareness for a local charity chosen by the residents themselves. Dylan makes sure there is something for everyone. Shearwater continues to buzz with energy as more families call the 1,500-acre community home. Visit shearwaterliving. com to see how you could spend your days hiking the trails, meeting neighbors at the dog park, picking up vegetables for dinner in the community garden and soaking up every bit of this community’s resort-style living. 100 Kayak Way www.shearwaterliving.com • (904) 342-3732
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RISING STAR
BRIDGING THE GAP THOUGH A LIBRARY PROGRAM, JAMES MAYNARD EMBARKED ON A PATH OF ENRICHING SUCCESS – REACHING OUT TO AN OLDER GENERATION IN NEED AND OFFERING HIS HELP. By Teddy Regis | Photography by Richard Dole
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t has been said that for many young adults, the pressure is on to have a life plan mapped out in detail by the time they turn 18. Still, there are increasing examples of professionals who settled into their respective niches after a combination of successes, failures, diverting paths, and powerful lessons along the way. When high school senior James Maynard accepted an invitation to work with the Public Library Association's Inclusive Intern program, he knew that – in principle – the experience would propel him professionally. The specifics of just how this would come to pass remained to be seen. James’s flexible approach to opportunities would prove advantageous. As a child in Connecticut, he imagined that he would one day become a scientist. Even though librarianship was not a field he anticipated for himself, he says, "If there's a good opportunity, even though it may not be the first option you would think of, always go for it and see what happens.” That's the advice he would like to share with those struggling to decide which career path to take.
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Even though librarianship was not a field he anticipated for himself, James says, "If there's a good opportunity, even though it may not be the first option you would think of, always go for it and see what happens.”
James followed through on this principle when he applied to be a summer intern at the Anastasia Island Library Branch. After completing an application through his school, James went on to be interviewed about his prior accomplishments (which include volunteering at the Southeast Branch) and how he would function in the potential role. In time, James appreciated how the position would hone his highlytransferable people skills.
When hired, James attended a kickoff event in Chicago with fellow interns from various states. Upon his return to St. Augustine, he was tasked with identifying a need unique to the St. Augustine community. “Children have a lot of places to work and go,” observes James. In fact, he provided assistance with the library’s children’s programs. “But,” James continues, “the elderly really don't in terms of tech help, so I wanted to aim toward that community.” The elderly are a segment of the population that he doesn’t want to see left behind as tech advances. So with resources provided www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
by the library, James held sessions with senior citizens to help them become savvy with things like online bill pay and downloading e-books. Upon request, he also taught the basics of email, password management, Facebook, Snapchat, and photo editing. This special assignment has given James a boost in confidence. He knows now more than ever that he can reach his professional goals equipped with the skills gained through his internship. To conclude the summer program, James reconvened with his peers in Washington D.C. When he isn’t busy with community involvement, James builds model kits, hangs out with friends, works at Publix, and reads a vibrantly-illustrated Japanese Manga series. With such a rich variety of talents and interests under his belt, this surely won't be the last we hear of this local star on the rise.
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LINE OF DUTY
WAKING A WARRIOR SPIRIT DAN NEVINS HAS OVERCOME UNIMAGINABLE OBSTACLES, ENDURED UNSPEAKABLE LOSS AND DESPAIR. NOW, HE MOTIVATES AND INSPIRES THOUSANDS WORLDWIDE. By Carla Tesconi St. Gelais Photography by Mark Cubbedge
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t. Augustine and its surrounding communities continue to surprise. From rich historical and cultural intrigue, to culinary specialties and coastal beauty, there simply isn’t another place in the country like it. And now we can add to the list that one of the more inspirational people in America lives here. His name is Dan Nevins, and he teaches yoga. Dan was seriously injured in Iraq with four other men when an IED detonated under their vehicle on November 10, 2004. His boss and friend Mike Ottolini was killed immediately. Dan lost his left leg, spent twenty months in Walter Reed Military hospital, and lost his right leg almost a decade later. “I thought my life was over,” he says. But after being exposed to yoga and meditation he found himself transformed. Now, he teaches Baptiste Yoga and motivates people worldwide to “get out of their heads and into their bodies.” Twenty-two veterans a day take their own life, and Dan is determined to lower this statistic. His message? “Invite a veteran to yoga. You might just save his life.”
Dan understands the multiple conflicting emotions veterans feel. “The military is a purposedriven life. You put on the uniform; you are going to answer the call. But when you’re disabled, it’s taken away.
Dan grew up just outside the Baltimore city
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line, where he witnessed firsthand high-end drug deals and gang violence. His mother left when he was thirteen and his father, a truck driver, spent long stretches of time on the road. He faced a silent despair that burned inside, forcing him to crave a better life. He knew that a happy family life was attainable, but not for him, not there. He needed out. When the Gulf War began, he became acutely aware of the bonds portrayed by military folk on TV. He longed for such connection. “I could join the army!” he thought. But the war ended before he could go, so he served eight years in noncombative capacity. Eventually he moved to California, got married, built a house, and pursued a sales career. He joined the National Guard, figuring perhaps some day he would serve in real combat. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
That day came. He was deployed with orders for 545 days. “We went to Iraq during the deadliest time,” says Dan. “We were told, ‘You’re going to be the ones kicking down doors.’” His group, by necessity, became a family. “Our National Guard Unit wasn’t ready. But when you start losing people, it galvanizes you. It’s this sort of toxic masculinity thing that happens, keeping people alive. Yet, when you return, you don’t need that anymore, and it becomes a real problem to transition back.” He now spends much time talking people off that ledge, whether it’s PTSD or not, they have similar symptoms – “They want to be prepared for something awful to happen, so they can be the one who steps in.” Dan understands the multiple conflicting emotions veterans feel. “The military is a purpose driven life. You put on
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“At first I wanted to teach only military people,” Dan says, “then I realized it wasn’t a military person that taught me, just a regular teacher. I want to teach everybody. The more people you reach, the more veterans you reach.”
the uniform; you are going to answer the call. But when you’re disabled, it’s taken away. It’s a catastrophic fall, the contrast from being so in control to not being able to get out of bed.” Less than a year after being deployed, Dan experienced such a fall when he and four other men were blown out of their vehicle early one morning. “I’m outside the truck; my legs are inside. They’re still attached, but I can’t get them out.” He lost a friend, but his team ensured he would survive. “I had to pinch my femoral artery, press, and pray, hoping that would give enough time for the medic to arrive.” Dan was airlifted to Germany. When he awoke the nurse said, ‘You lost one leg, probably you’ll lose the other.’ He thought, ‘What does a guy with no legs do?’ “I had to realize I could still do things,” he says. “I could ride a bike. In fact, I rode thousands of miles across the country with no adaptive gear.” He’s done incredible
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things since he’s recovered, even skydiving and mountain climbing. Dan is convinced everyone has that capacity, that personal courage to overcome, to believe in oneself. “Even those that are physically fine, who just can’t get off the couch, that ‘thing’ hasn’t been woken up. That’s my focus, waking that ‘thing’ up in people.”
primary focus. He’s worked for the PGA tour, raising money for charities and the Wounded Warrior Project. He speaks motivationally and teaches yoga worldwide. “At first I wanted to teach only military people,” he says, “then I realized it wasn’t a military person that taught me, just a regular teacher. I want to teach everybody. The more people you reach, the more veterans you reach.”
“Yoga is about waking up,” he says. “It’s about everything that’s happening in your body.” After the removal of his right leg, he struggled with feelings of worthlessness. “I finally understood the 22 suicides a day.” He called a friend who said, ‘You need some yoga in your life.’ She taught him that meditation was about being completely present. “If you’re completely present, you can’t be anywhere else.” He taught his first class to a veteran who was struggling with suicidal feelings. Helping him reinforced Dan’s determination to pursue his teaching certification.
He currently has plans for a non-profit called Warrior Spirit Retreat. His vision is to create an environment where veterans who are suffering can go to heal, where nature combined with yoga and meditation can facilitate healing and positive forward energy. His vision includes horsemanship, golf, and culinary education to teach healthy eating habits. Space for walking and reflection will abound. “With the curriculum, I can change people’s lives in five days.”
Dan now makes helping others his
www.warriorspiritretreat.org
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MUSICAL CHAIR
BIG ISLAND VIBE THE TRANSITION FROM ROCK AND ROLL TO HAWAIIAN MUSIC WAS BORN OUT OF CURIOSITY, BUT NOW BIG PINEAPPLE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THE ISLAND SOUND. By Robert Waldner Photography by Mark Cubbedge
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ary Goldsmith and Rocky Tabyanan (AKA Rocky Blaze) have shared a unique musical journey which has lead them on a path very different from most St. Augustine bands. Their band ‘Big Pineapple’ started out as a duo eighteen years ago, and today, they are joined by two additional bandmates, Randy Day and Dorman Pantfoeder. Big Pineapple’s style – a variety of genres fused with the unmistakable island sounds of traditional, Hawaiian music – was born of their eagerness to learn something new.
“We used to play a lot of rock and roll but eventually became drawn to Hawaiian music,” says Gary about his and Rocky’s switch from the world’s most popular genre to one with a more lighthearted vibe to it. “This was a different style for us, but once we got into Hawaiian music we really wanted to learn more about it.”
“We used to play a lot of rock and roll but eventually became drawn to Hawaiian music. Now, we are hooked on it,” says Gary about his and Rocky’s switch from the world’s most popular genre to one with a more lighthearted vibe to it. “This was a different style for us, but once we got into Hawaiian music we really wanted to learn more about it.” So that’s exactly what they did. Now, thanks to their passion, music lovers in St. Augustine have been introduced to a vibe that no other band in the area can provide in quite the same way. “It wasn’t a conscious decision to put a band
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together,” says Rocky. “When we set our sights on Hawaiian music, I picked up the ukulele.” With his talents on the uke and vocals, Gary on the steel guitar and dobro, Randy Day on bass and vocals, and Dorman Pantfoeder on drums and vocals, Big Pineapple’s main objective is to share a good time with their audience. “Playing music and having fun are very natural things to do,” says Rocky. Originally from Southern California, Rocky moved to St. Augustine in the seventies. Gary arrived in town in 1980 by way of San Francisco. However, having been raised down in Jupiter, Gary was already well acquainted with the Sunshine State way of life. The two later joined forces professionally at two St. Augustine advertising agencies, but their real bond was through their shared passion for music. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
“More than anything else about playing music, I like the fact that we’re always learning,” says Gary. “We’ve learned how to blend other genres into our main style.” Adding to their band’s individuality is a varied song list, including both original tracks and covers from genres like 1940’s jazz, Bossa Nova, country, and swing. “Our instrumentation also gives us a signature sound,” says Rocky. With a long history of sweetening the ambience of favorite waterfront venues such as Kingfish Grill, The Reef, and Beaches at Vilano, Big Pineapple’s main venue is The Conch House Restaurant, where they play every Saturday night from 7-10 pm. Their relationship with the local dining institution is one that goes back almost two decades. “Sixteen years ago, we were presented with the idea of playing on the deck for dinner guests,” says Gary. “It has been a great partnership. We love this place.” www.bigpineapplemusic.com
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EDUCATOR
HARD KNOCKS A LIFE-ALTERING CAREER CHANGE BROUGHT ORVANDO FREEMAN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF INCARCERATED JUVENILE OFFENDERS. By Robert Waldner Photography by Brian Miller
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was going to be a basketball coach,” says Orvando Freeman of the career path he started on. Now serving as the Executive Director of St. Johns Youth Academy, he has first-hand experience with how simple connections can change lives. More than two decades ago, a summer job working with incarcerated boys at an emergency shelter made Orvando realize that he could better serve as a life coach to society’s most vulnerable citizens. It was an epiphany that led By him to change his college from Meeka Anne | Photography by major David Steele kinesiology to psychology. Orvando came to St. Augustine in 2015 with Sequel Youth Services, when the company took over the contract for operating the St. Johns County Juvenile Detention Center. The now-titled ‘St. Johns Youth Academy’ is a level 8 facility and houses boys all between the ages of 13 and 18, who are some of the most serious juvenile offenders in Florida. “There were very few services for the boys when I came here,” he says. Within his first year, Orvando teamed up with Caren Goldman, Executive Director of Compassionate St. Augustine to develop programs for the residents that would
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More than two decades ago, a summer job working with incarcerated boys at an emergency shelter made Orvando realize that he could better serve as a life coach to society’s most vulnerable citizens. It was an epiphany that led him to change his college major from kinesiology to psychology.
promote healing and prepare them for a wholesome life on the outside. “We don’t want to do time. We want to do treatment,” he says.
Together, Caren and Orvando brought in Gregory Bright, a wrongfully-convicted and later exonerated activist to give a speech to seventy of the boys about his journey through incarceration, overcoming adversity, and his process of healing in the years leading up to and after his release. “The kids were really inspired by Mr. Bright’s speech,” says Orvando. “Afterwards, a group of us went to lunch and Caren asked me to make a wish list of what I wanted for the kids at this facility.” That list was the beginning of what is now ‘The Experiential Arts, Culture, and Behavior Enhancement Initiative’. Since 2016, the program has transformed inmates into students, allowing them to learn about art, music, culture, meditation, and even dinner table etiquette.
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
“The programs we offer allow us to see a very low recidivism rate after the kids are released,” says Orvando. “All of our facilitators are volunteers, which is a huge deal. It shows the students that the teachers are here because they genuinely want to be, not because they are getting paid.” Overseeing a staff of 93 employees consisting of nurses, therapists, and case managers, Orvando insists that the positives of his job far outweigh the negatives. “I wear many hats. My job is to align all entities with our mission of enriching the lives of the boys who live here,” he says. “It is truly an honor to work with these kids. They give me more than I could ever give them.” The waves of Orvando’s career change all those years ago are now the ripples of success for the students at St. Johns Youth Academy. www.sequelyouthservices.com
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PERSON OF INTEREST
A TIME FOR CHANGE A SIMPLE INSTAGRAM POST HAS TURNED INTO AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT AS LOCAL DAD DONTE PALMER IS STANDING UP (AND SQUATTING DOWN) FOR CHANGE. By Lynette Snell Photography by Kate Gardiner
D
onte Palmer grew up in Philadelphia, one of five children, including a twin brother. Raised by a single mom, Donte and his siblings learned from their mother’s example how to fight for what is important and support those who need the most help. Donte’s early years were difficult, and the opportunities for poor choices were available every day. But his mom was always a big supporter of Donte and all his siblings. Her support helped direct him as he graduated from Indiana University – Pennsylvania with a degree in Communications and a minor in Theater Arts. His goal upon graduation was to pursue a video production career, and the best place in his mind to work towards that goal was in New York City. For two years, he lived in New York pursuing his dream, but the expense of city living became overwhelming. During this time, his mother had moved to Jacksonville, and Donte made the difficult decision to say
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goodbye to the Big Apple. He moved to Jacksonville to be closer to his mom and secured a teaching position in St. Johns County. With a new career secured, Donte decided to try out the online dating world and soon met his wife. Four years later, their blended family includes three boys, ages 12, 7, and 2. Donte and his family lived a typical, normal life. His twelve-year-old dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. His two-year-old entertained everyone with his toddler antics and burgeoning www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
personality. His wife had her own successful career. Nothing major happens in normal families, right? Life was good, quiet, and peaceful. Until the day he changed his son’s diaper and, literally overnight, everything changed. It all started in October of 2018 when Donte and his sons were out at a restaurant, and his youngest son needed a diaper change. Donte got to the men’s room and realized there was no changing table, no counter, no surface anywhere upon which to change his son’s diaper. So, he squatted
Donte realized there was something larger happening than simply a brief “15 minutes of fame” phenomenon. People from all over the world began reaching out to him, thanking him for bringing awareness of the plight of men everywhere trying to care for their children by doing something as simple as changing their diaper in a public restroom.
“It was surreal,” Donte says of the incessant notifications from the app. And just when he thought things couldn’t be any crazier, his phone started actually ringing.
and placed his son across his knees, awkwardly (yet successfully) changing the baby. As he maneuvered through the process, his oldest son silently took a picture of him. He showed it to his dad, and they had a quiet laugh about how hard it is to change a squirming two-year-old perched upon his knees. Donte shared the picture in a brief Instagram post that evening, lamenting the lack of changing facilities for dads. Then he went to bed. The next morning, Donte was awakened by his wife who excitedly said “Look. At.
Your. Phone. Now!” Confused and curious, Donte picked up his phone. To say his post was “blowing up” is quite possibly the grandest understatement of the year for Donte. “The phone was buzzing so fast from all the notifications,” says Donte, “that I could hardly unlock my phone and see what was going on.” The simple picture he had posted before bedtime had become an overnight sensation. Quickly, he had over 1,000 likes. And the www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
number grew rapidly with each passing moment, on its way to reaching over 10,000. “It was surreal,” Donte says of the incessant notifications from the app. And just when he thought things couldn’t be any crazier, his phone started actually ringing. Yahoo, BBC World News, CNN, and Fox News – just to name a few – were clamoring for an interview. The Washington Post even tracked Donte down by locating his mother first and getting his phone number from her before reaching out to him directly. Donte was still teaching at this
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Since February, his entire focus has switched from “Why aren’t their changing tables in every bathroom?” to “How can I use this platform to reach more people?” Pampers teamed up with John Legend, Koala Kare, and Donte’s organization to commit to installing 5,000 changing tables over the next two years in the U.S. and Canada.
point, but the fervor was not dying down. Media outlets from all over the country were reaching out to him, some even showing up at his door, requesting interviews or just a few statements regarding the picture. After several weeks of this activity, Donte realized there was something larger happening than simply a brief “15 minutes of fame” phenomenon. People from all over the world – Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, several Asian countries – began reaching out to him, thanking him for posting the picture and bringing awareness of the plight of men everywhere trying to care for their children by doing something as simple as changing their diaper in a public restroom. Members of the LGBT community also contacted him, telling him of their unique struggles in parenting. Soon, Donte had a group of about 100 individuals from all over the planet that formed a support group of sorts – sharing, talking, and encouraging each other on a regular basis.
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As 2018 came to an end, major brand name companies began reaching out to him, asking to collaborate in some aspect with Donte and the movement. Before he could get involved with them, however, it became clear he needed to make a major decision: it was time to become official. #SquatForChange became his motto and in January of 2019, he formed the 501c3 nonprofit organization of the same name. As soon as the hashtag went public, the picture went viral all over again with renewed vigor. Requests for interviews came pouring in again, but this time people began to ask, “What’s next?” Donte was asking himself the same question. In early February 2019, Pampers released a new commercial for the Super Bowl featuring John Legend and Adam Levine. Donte sat in his home watching the commercial and he thought to himself, “Why am I not included in this?” He took to Instagram again, tagging Pampers and asking that very question. Within five www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
minutes, Pampers had reached out to Donte saying, “We’ve been looking for you!” Since February, his entire focus has switched from “Why aren’t their changing tables in every bathroom?” to “How can I use this platform to reach more people?” Pampers teamed up with John Legend, Koala Kare, and Donte’s organization to commit to installing 5,000 changing tables over the next two years in the U.S. and Canada. That simple diaper change all those months ago was now making waves around the world, and Donte was at the center of it all – the good and the not so good. One aspect of his sudden rise to fame that bothered him was the fact that he was being treated like a “unicorn,” he says, “as if there are no other men of color being dads, raising families, having careers. Not all men of color are thugs and criminals.” Donte knew he had tapped into something enormous that simply needed a platform and a voice. “In all the time since the picture was posted, I had never anticipated
“I don’t want this to be simply about adding changing tables to men’s restrooms in St. Augustine, Florida,” says Donte. “I see this movement now developing into a global change in parenting roles for anyone who is facing a challenge.”
the movement heading in this direction.” Suddenly, there was so much more he felt he could do. He quickly came to the realization that he didn’t want this to become just a “local man makes a big splash,” but something much larger, and with greater purpose. A quick Google search of #SquatforChange shows multiple Twitter feeds from activists, individuals, and larger organizations calling for more gender-neutral facilities allowing men to take a publicly active part in the parenting process. Donte references a statistic he learned that in 1982, a UK survey showed that 43% of dads had never changed a diaper. By the year 2000, that number was down to 3%. That number clearly shows that parenting styles have changed drastically, Donte thinks. And the movement has not created awareness only globally but also locally. Alex Mavris of Panama Hatties relates to being on solo dad duty. When his wife
gave birth to twins, she needed his help caring for them, especially immediately after their birth. He found the experience eye opening. Having twins certainly played a role when it came time to remodel the restaurant in St. Augustine Beach. Alex says it was a “no brainer” that changing tables would be included in both gender restrooms. “More dads are helping out with parenting duties now, which is great to see,” he says. “And moms can always use the help.” Monica Parisi, owner of Terra and Acqua restaurant, also in St. Augustine Beach, echoes this sentiment, but from the opposite side of the changing table, so to speak. “The changing table was already in place in the men’s room when we purchased the restaurant, but I have to say, as a mom, I have done my fair share of changing diapers on my knees in random places.” While she is thrilled to see men taking on greater parenting roles and raising awareness about their activities, she thinks women have always had to www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
adapt to changing diapers in awkward and less than sanitary places. Regardless, Monica says that the movement is great to bring awareness to all types of parenting, not just moms or dads. And as the #SquatforChange movement evolves and takes on a more definable shape, Donte has come to the same conclusion. “I don’t want this to be simply about adding changing tables to men’s restrooms in St. Augustine, Florida,” says Donte. “I see this movement now developing into a global change in parenting roles for anyone who is facing a challenge.” It’s not lost on Donte that young men of color don’t have access to many great role models. Donte knows he has the opportunity to be a strong role model for all men but especially for young men of color, and with every passing day, he becomes more and more aware of the fact that his organization is pushing him in a new direction – as a positive role model – for men all over the world. Now he sees the
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LOCALS The possibilities are really endless, Donte thinks, as to where Squat for Change could go. Right now, his goals are as simple as developing corporate and other partnerships to expand the movement’s reach globally. There are early plans developing to travel to the UK next year and establish a strong presence in order to branch out to the rest of Europe. Donte hopes the more awareness these partnerships bring, the more he can tap into some celebrity dads who might want to travel alongside him in this journey. And ultimately, he’d love to design and brand his own changing table. For now, his team is strong, though, and his wife is acting as the head of his board of directors, bringing her own experience in helping families in need through her work to the table. “She’s the strength behind this whole endeavor,” Donte insists. “On days when it seems impossible to go on, she helps me focus on the big picture and not One aspect of ever give up.” His marriage and his sudden rise family, he says, are stronger than to fame that ever.
doors opening up to step in and not only become a visible, down-to-earth example, but also to use his organization to train other young men to become role models in their own communities. The first step is a six-city tour this fall. While details are still being ironed out, the goal is to visit two cities on the west coast, two in the Midwest, and two on the east
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bothered him was the fact that he was being treated like a “unicorn,” he says, “as if there are no other men of color being dads, raising families, having careers. Not all men of color are thugs and criminals.” Donte knew he had tapped into something enormous that simply needed a platform and a voice.
coast. The tour, which he hopes to fund with sponsorships and partners, will provide free educational classes with subjects like CPR and first aid, gun safety and protection measures, single parenting, navigating teen conflict, understanding children’s test scores, and having moms teach dads how to do girls’ hair.
www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
“My 12-year-old used to want to be a professional baseball player. The other day he came to me and said, ‘Dad, when I grow up, I want to do work like you and help people out.’” That, Donte says, is the greatest reward. Donte never expected his life to take this direction, but now that he’s firmly entrenched upon it, he expects the road ahead to be full of not only challenges and struggles but also rewards and fulfillment. “It’s now so much deeper than just a movement about changing tables,” says Donte. “It’s about growing as men and becoming better dads, husbands, partners. It’s a way to bond with other men and learn from each other.” If you’re looking for a way to make a change in the world, just change a diaper. Who knows where it will take you.
Learn more about Donte's mission at www.squatforchange.com. Follow Donte on Instagram where it all started at @3boys_1goal.
S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
Leading MEN MEET THE CITY'S MOST INDUSTRIOUS MEN DEVOTED TO THEIR CRAFT, CAUSE, AND COMMUNITY
Photography by Leonard Blush
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LEADING MEN
NETTLES FINE JEWELRY CLAY NETTLES
C
lay Nettles was born here in St. Augustine, raised here, and, upon completing graduate school, couldn’t wait to bring his family back here. The second generation at the helm of Nettles Fine Jewelry, Clay and his family came back to join the family business. Clay received his graduate degree from Reformed Theological Seminary then went on to become a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist, and the store is certified as a Master Jeweler by the Independent Jewelry Association. The store has been serving the city for four decades, specializing in engagement rings, custom designs, and in-house jewelry repair. They’ve cultivated a reputation for quality service alongside a vast selection of designer lines and estate jewelry, a skilled in-house jewelry repair and design department, and a diamond inventory purchased directly from Antwerp. Clay and his team, though, make the experience a top priority. Purchasing a piece of high-quality jewelry is a memorable occasion, and the Nettles team understands their crucial role in the moment. “I try my very best to create a memorable experience instead of simply a financial transaction,” says Clay. “I hope to provide joyful experiences for our customers.” When he isn’t at the store, Clay can be found with his wife and seven children hitting some of their favorite St. Augustine spots. Clay serves on several local boards and community service organizations. They are active in their local church, homeschool co-op, sports programs, and Jiu Jitsu academy. “I am just happy to call St. Augustine home,” says Clay. “This town is filled with creative, passionate, and talented men and women leading the way towards progress.” Clay hopes to be a part of making St. Augustine more beautiful, creating a city that his seven children will want to call home as well – whether that be through his time in the community or through his work with clients at Nettles Fine Jewelry. “Life is filled with wonderful moments that can be memorialized and celebrated with gorgeous jewelry,” says Clay. “Whether you are getting engaged, celebrating a holiday, or repurposing a piece of inherited jewelry, we are here to make the memories of life even more beautiful.”
(904) 824-5145 1811 US 1 South 7458 US 1 North www.nettlesfinejewelry.com
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LEADING MEN
DESIGN EXTENSIONS JAY OWEN
J
ay Owen started Design Extensions as a 17-year-old student at Nease High School. At the time, he just built simple websites for customers, but today, the company has a team of experts who use digital marketing to help companies grow. For the past 20 years, Design Extensions has grown year over year with a simple commitment to help businesses grow. “Marketing can be confusing and expensive,” says Jay. “We make it clear and effective to help clients get attention and acquire customers so they can grow their business by focusing on their strengths. Over the years, it’s been a joy to grow a team of people dedicated to the growth of others.” Under his leadership, Design Extensions has become the largest marketing agency in St. Johns County and even made the Inc. 5000 list of most successful companies in America.
A St. Augustine local since he was in fifth grade, Jay’s heart is in the city, and he’s committed himself to helping businesses prosper. That isn’t only accomplished by offering measurable and effective marketing. He also hopes to lead by example. “My desire is to grow a business and team that is an example for others,” says Jay. “We believe that Mondays don’t have to suck, that work can be fun, and that people matter more than profits (but we need profits to run just like a car needs fuel). Design Extensions is in the business of helping other businesses grow.” You can hear business growth ideas from Jay and special guests on his podcast at BuildingaBusinessthatLasts.com.
(877) 378-6101 701 Market Street, Unit 101 www.designextensions.com
Photography by Josh Haltam
His focus on business hasn’t stopped him from being involved in the local community, though. Jay is the chairman of the board for Foundation Pierre Smith Modelus (foundationpsm.org) and this year’s campaign chair for the United Way St. Johns. He’s also a member of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine, and his whole family is actively involved in their church. When he’s not working and volunteering, you will usually find Jay with his wife Claire and their five children. They love walking around downtown or grabbing a bite to eat at one of their favorite local spots.
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LEADING MEN
CANAN LAW PATRICK CANAN
P
atrick Canan’s father was a career Marine Corp/Naval Aviator. He was born in Hawaii, but he and his family (five children) lived many places across the country. Upon his father’s retirement, the family moved to Florida, and Patrick attended Clearwater High School. He then received a BA and JD from the University of Florida. After law school, he was an Assistant Public Defender in Gainesville and Key West, and in 1990, he moved to St. Augustine and was hired as an Assistant State Attorney. He ultimately became the Division Chief of the St. Johns County Office, but he left government work in 1994 and entered private practice. Now Patrick is the managing partner of Canan Law, a local litigation firm. Patrick specializes in personal injury, auto accidents and medical malpractice and is also a Florida Supreme Court-certified Circuit Court mediator. The five other lawyers in the firm focus on civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law. “At Canan Law, I have worked diligently to create an environment where people feel respected, want to work hard, take pride in their work product, and feel comfortable being themselves,” says Patrick. “Our company’s core values are honesty, integrity, respect, and community involvement. For me, I’m driven by a desire to help people through difficult times. Folks who are seriously injured through no fault of their own are victims. They deserve justice. And I do everything I can to bring it.” Patrick and his wife Dawn have raised three beautiful kids, all of whom graduated from St. Augustine High School (the last just three months ago!). Over the years, he has been very active in the community – serving with Leadership St. Johns, St. Johns Education Foundation, EPIC Community Services, United Way, St. Francis House and Rotary. He is currently on his second term as an elected member of the St. Johns County School Board. Patrick Canan has devoted himself to service – whether defending victims and seeking justice through his law practice or working for the betterment of the community at large.
(904) 824-9402 1030 N Ponce De Leon Boulevard www.cananlaw.com
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LEADING MEN
OXFORD DENTAL ASSOCIATES DR. GREGORY E. OXFORD
T
wenty years ago, Dr. Gregory Oxford, DDS, MS, PhD was asked by the former CEO of Flagler Hospital to come to St. Augustine and establish a dental presence at the hospital, so he came to our city with his spouse and partner, Dr. Isabell Oxford from the faculty of the University of Florida with a unique set of qualifications. With board-certification and a master’s degree in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery as well as a PhD in Molecular Biology from UF’s College of Medicine, Dr. Oxford has published seminal research, lectures nationally and internationally, helped found the Dental Implant Center at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and did the first dental implant for the Navy in Jacksonville. For 36 years now, he has been at the forefront of the dental industry. Oxford Dental Associates is a unique local dental practice that provides a dental surgical specialist as well as both restorative (Drs. Isabell Oxford and Linda Johnson) and preventive care (dental hygienists) in a single facility. The opportunity for these aspects of a patient’s dental health to be tended to in a single setting streamlines their care, controls variables, and elevates the level of care delivered. Even though their work is state-of-the-art, Dr. Oxford places a different value as the focus in their practice. “Ultimately it’s not about teeth; it’s about people,” he says. “We take our time to personally educate our patients on the reason for their current dental issues and explain to them what their choices are to help them achieve the oral health, comfort, and esthetics they desire. Our sincere desire is to serve our patients with the respect and care that they deserve.” Dr. Oxford is a charter member of Pedro Menendez High School Health Career Academy and charter member and chairman of the Steering Committee for Dental Assisting Program at FCTC. He’s a charter member of Institutional Review Board member at the University of St. Augustine, a member of both the Flagler Hospital Education Committee and Flagler Healthcare Foundation Committee and a committed member of Anastasia Church. “I want to be a positive role model for our dental community and inspire them to focus on serving others before themselves,” he says. “I want to elevate our community’s respect for the dental profession by practicing what I preach.”
(904) 810-2345 100 Whetstone Place, Suite 308 www.oxforddental.net
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LEADING MEN
OLD CITY HOMES JERRY FOLCKEMER
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erry Folckemer helped found Old City Homes when he moved here with his wife in 2012. The company was started with a few simple values at its core – homeownership can and should be within reach of every American family; homes should be well designed and well-constructed; and their paramount responsibility is to their customers and community. For 7 years, Jerry and his team have remained committed to these high standards and maintained the excellence that sets them apart. “At Old City Homes, we’re more than just a team of experienced and dedicated contractors – we’re family,” says Jerry. “Delivering unparalleled customer service is in our DNA. But, more importantly, we look at each day as another opportunity to expand our OCH family by making the dream of home ownership a reality for others. Our team has over 40 years of corporate business knowledge and countless years of hands-on construction experience.” Jerry is known to his team as a visionary executive, with more than 25 years of sales, marketing and financial leadership experience. With proven skills in organizational transformation, he is adept at delivering top/bottom line results in competitive landscapes. State licensed as a Registered Residential Contractor and Real Estate Sales Associate, Jerry has helped to build more than 70 homes in the affordable housing arena over the past five years. That’s a huge impact in giving families that couldn’t normally afford a house in St. Augustine an opportunity to have a brand new home. When he isn’t building and selling, Jerry gives his time to a number of local charitable organizations – Blessings in a Backpack, Justice Coalition, Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam, SAYS, Hopeful Handbags, and the Alzheimer's Association. He also regularly hosts fundraisers in his plaza to help raise money for people that really need it. The impact that Jerry and his team at Old City Homes have made on St. Augustine has been great. “We will do it right or we won’t do it at all,” says Jerry. “We strive very hard everyday to provide the quality homes that people need at prices they can afford.”
(904) 466-4719 2820 US1 South, Suite G www.oldcityhomesllc.com
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LEADING MEN
ADAMEC HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF ST. AUGUSTINE
®
MARK ADAMEC CHRIS ADAMEC
(904) 831-1931 380 Outlet Mall Boulevard www.adamecharley.com
damec Harley-Davidson® has been in business for almost nine decades and is the sixth oldest dealer in the nation. It was started in 1931 when George Adamec opened his first dealership in New Jersey. Almost thirty years later, he relocated his family to North Florida where he opened a HarleyDavidson® Dealership in Jacksonville, an operation that eventually grew to three locations in the area. Three generations have operated the dealerships and lived the lifestyle, and now George’s grandsons Mark and Chris Adamec are continuing the legacy with another location here in St. Augustine. St. Augustine has been a part of Mark and Chris’s lives as far back as they can remember. They recall field trips to the Fort and spent years surfing local spots, an activity you can still find them enjoying to this day. They’ve had a Harley-Davidson® Retail store on St. George Street since 2012 and many of their employees are St. Augustine residents. The new dealership was a natural extension into a community they love. When they’re not tending to the ins and outs of a dealership’s day-to-day business or hosting charity rides for the community, Mark and Chris really do live the lifestyle themselves. “Riding is our passion and part of our family history,” says Mark, “and we go whenever we get the chance, whether it’s here or in the mountains.” Mark, Chris, and their team view every day as an opportunity to build lifelong relationships between themselves and their customers with R.I.D.E. (Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence). Opening the new dealership will allow them to be a bigger part of the history of this city they love and reach the community with their service. “Customers are our focus; we view this opportunity as an honor to serve the incredible people of St Augustine with a full service dealership,” says Chris. “We want to make a difference. Riders and non-riders alike all enjoy the rich history of Harley and of the Ancient City.” To that we say “Welcome To The Family.”
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LEADING MEN
AMERICREST LUXURY HOMES DAVID EISNER
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t. Johns County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Homes and neighborhoods are popping up all over, and the cities are expanding with new residents calling the county "home" every day. The first of its kind in the nation, Beachwalk is being constructed as a self contained village around a 14-acre Crystal Lagoon. It's beachfront living on a beautiful 100' wide manmade beach without the sharks, jellyfish and seaweed. Every amenity and practical need of the residents will be close at hand. At the heart of this community surrounding the Crystal Lagoon are the beautiful customizable Villas of Atlantica Isles and The Cove being offered by David Eisner and his team at Americrest Luxury Homes. Americrest has built a reputation of beauty, quality and personal service. "I believe in each of the communities that we build as if it were my own and take pride in seeing them take shape-from the drawing board to the finished product," says David. Working with the company since 2005, David brings more than just years of experience and expertise to his interactions with clients. He wants each one of them to feel a part of creating the community and have an active hand in bringing to life the home of their dreams. Priding themselves on a listening ear, David and his team do all they can to attend to their buyers' wants and needs, doing their best to see that each new resident becomes part of the community vision. "We set ourselves apart by courtesy," says David, "listening to our buyers, communicating during the construction process and being there even after they have moved into their new homes." David and his team at Americrest Luxury Homes know the importance of a house that feels like home and the beauty of a neighborhood that becomes a community. Backed by beautiful designs and a personal connection, the team wants to give buyers all that they are looking for. As a semi-customizable builder "if you can visualize it, we can probably build it for you," says David, “and do our very best to make this the best home buying experience you have had."
(301) 537-6226 117 Rum Runner Way, St. Johns www.americrestluxuryhomes.com
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LEADING MEN
LENOIR GILLIS INSURANCE TIM GILLIS
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im Gillis is a man of many roles. For three years, he has operated Lenoir Gillis Insurance, providing auto, home, and commercial insurance. Tim and his team work hard to do business differently, keeping things strictly local and being accessible to clients whenever they’re needed – even outside of business hours. At the same time, Tim handles business management and marketing at The Gillis Law Firm, where he and his wife Adrianne focus exclusively on the practice of family law. And even though his experience, education, and expertise are all impressive, this is not what sets Tim Gillis apart. In April 2018, Tim was diagnosed with Lyme. The diagnosis immediately changed his perspective.“Every part of my life is driven by a larger principal to get and give the most out of each and every day,” says Tim. “I am a husband, father, and family man above all else. I feel my family values ascend into my work ethic and business life and, in such a corporate world, I think my family-oriented approach to business sets me apart from your average small business owner. Additionally, I have a respect and deep connection with the community as a result of my history here and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work in and watch my community thrive both professionally as well as personally.” With his family having been here for four centuries, Tim is about as local as they come, and his love and respect for St. Augustine is deep seeded. An active member of Rotary, Tim supports St. Augustine Little League, Fostering Connections St. Johns, and Kids Bridge through Lenoir Gillis Insurance and The Gillis Law Firm. He has invested his life, both professionally and personally, in seeing the city flourish. “I have had the opportunity to watch St. Augustine develop and grow at the hands of small business owners just like myself over the years, and it is particularly motivating and inspiring to be part of that and of continued growth,” says Tim. “Creating a legacy, a proper example and opportunity for my children, Ashton and Pierce, is a motivating factor in my daily life.”
(904) 824-5337 125B King Street www.LGInsurancepros.com
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LEADING MEN
DENTAL SPECIALISTS OF NORTH FLORIDA PERIODONTICS AND IMPLANTS
JOHN W. THOUSAND IV, DDS, MSD
(904) 794-1000 10 St. Johns Medical Park Drive St. Augustine 3 Cypress Branch Way, Suite 107 Palm Coast www.DSNFPerio.com
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hen Dr. John Thousand came to Florida and took over his practice, he sat down with his team to clarify who they were, what they stood for, and how they wanted to move forward as an organization in the future. It took almost a month, meeting multiple days a week. But what they came up with guides Dental Specialists of North Florida every day, with every patient. They started with the value of Service – each interaction with each patient is as positive and enthusiastic as possible, and they always strive to go above and beyond in their care. Next came Lightheartedness – the team knows that visits can be stressful for patients, so staying upbeat and humorous is their way of reducing some anxiety. The value of Integrity means that the team always sticks to their word in every situation. The team serves patients with Compassion and cares deeply about their well-being. Finally, the value of Excellence guides their work – aiming always to deliver ridiculously high quality as quickly and efficiently as possible. “These values aren’t just words, they are a way of life,” says Dr. Thousand. “Every member of this team has taken an oath to uphold the mission statement and live by the core values put forth by this organization.” This team is what really sets this practice apart from the others. “We’re a high-energy, fun, funny, incredibly focused, and detail-oriented group, hell bent on delivering only the most incredible services in the most consistent way possible,” says Dr. Thousand. “We are here to break the mold and blow up the status quo. No nickel-and-diming, no shady salesmanship, no pulling the wool over your eyes. We are transparent. If you need it, we’ll recommend it. If you don’t, we won’t. It’s that simple. Just 100% honest and enthusiastic treatment delivered with maximum effort on every single procedure, every single day!”
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LEADING MEN
FOCUSED MEN'S HEALTH RICHARD J. HANEL MSN, ARNP
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ichard Hanel spent 16 years in the US Army before moving to St. Augustine in 2003, and once here, he fell in love with the city, the people, and their vibe. And for the past six months, Richard has been devoting his work to improving the health of the men of St. Augustine. Richard started Focused Men’s Healthcare to provide a confidential, comfortable consultation to better men’s health and sex life. The practice offers ongoing medical care specifically for hormone replacement, erectile dysfunction, and optimal physical and sexual performance. “I truly believe in hormone replacement therapy as I’m not only a provider but also a patient,” says Richard. “I am easy to talk to and my office provides a comfortable experience for a very delicate subject for most men.” Richard received his master’s degree in nursing as a nurse practitioner from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Board certified in adult healthcare by the American Nursing Credentials Center, the State of Florida Board of Nursing, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants, Richard is also certified in PRP injections, advanced injection techniques for aesthetic enhancement, and protocols of hormone replacement from the Foundation of Care Management. His extensive education and experience allow him to bring the best and most effective care to each of his patients. “I love seeing my patients’ progress in their lives,” says Richard. “It brings me great pleasure to see my patients transform into the physical specimen they want to become. I strive for health in my everyday life and try to provide an example for men my own age to improve their quality of life through diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification.” When he isn’t at his practice, Richard volunteers his time to provide physicals to student athletes, medical coverage for football games at local high schools, and helps with local breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. His heart is in the community, and he is dedicated to improving the lives of every patient he sees. “I am here to help my patients feel like themselves again,” says Richard, “We offer services to all men of any ethnicity and sexual orientation, in a confidential and comfortable environment.”
(904) 217-7058 2760 US Highway 1 South www.focusedmenshealth.com
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LEADING MEN
STRIVE RESTAURANT GROUP PRESERVED RESTAURANT, CHOP SHOP ARTISAN BUTCHER, AND SMOKED. SOUTHERN BBQ BRIAN WHITTINGTON, EXEC. CHEF /OWNER BEN ZIMMERMAN, CHEF DE CUISINE JOHN MAGSINO, SOUS CHEF MIKE BUMP, PASTRY CHEF GAVIN MCCOOEY & BRENT LEE, BUTCHERS
(904) 679-4940 102 Bridge Street www.PreservedRestaurant.com www.ChopShopSTA.com www.SmokedSouthernBBQ.com
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ith a group of knowledgeable and talented industry professionals at the helm, the Strive Restaurant Group has dedicated itself to growing the St. Augustine restaurant scene through innovative culinary experiences. The team of passionate chefs, cooks, managers, sommeliers, servers, butchers, and server assistants have committed themselves to a common goal of creating wonderful memories for every guest and elevating the standards of the local industry. “We have a team here,” says Executive Chef and owner Brian Whittington, “who really enjoy interacting with our guests and passing on their knowledge. We feel that it is our responsibility to the ingredients, the craft, and the community to pass along what we know and why we are so devoted and excited about what we are doing.” There are three establishments within Strive Restaurant Group – Preserved Restaurant in historic Lincolnville, Chop Shop Artisan Butcher on the Island, and Smoked. Southern BBQ in the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Chop Shop has become the hub of ordering, fabrication, and production for a large portion of the proteins, produce, pickling, and charcuterie for Preserved and Smoked. Preserved uses these locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, and their highly-skilled staff and beautiful Bridge Street location give guests an unforgettable local experience. The menu at Smoked is a diverse offering of the best of BBQ , and peacock-adjacent outdoor dining at the Fountain of Youth makes it utterly individual. Despite their differences, these locations have a unique synergy and a dedication to excellence in their culinary endeavors that unites them in their purpose. Each member of the team at each location has a passion for the quality of their work – improving and innovating and helping to represent St. Augustine's phenomenal culinary scene. The Strive Restaurant Group has a beautiful synergy that sets them apart in the industry. “Our purpose is pretty simple,” says Brian, “a memorable setting, fresh ingredients, attentive service, and delicious food.”
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LEADING MEN
UNCOMMON THEO THEO GARRETT
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ncommon Theo is a business that stemmed from Garrett Brothers Eclectic Home Decor, a company that was birthed from two brothers’ creative passions. Theo Garrett says that his late brother, Kenny, was a major factor and great partner in that business’s success, and it is his legacy of determination that inspired him to focus on his passions and open Uncommon Theo, a boutique decorating gallery. “I love the relationships that we have built over the years with our customers,” says Theo. “We try our best to go beyond just selling them merchandise or designing their home. To me, it is important to know our customers and be at each other’s tables for holidays, inviting each other to celebrations…do life with our clients whenever possible. That to me is very special. I believe that if we have that going for us, we will always be successful in our pursuits.” It is from these clients and their lives, too, that Theo finds inspiration for his design work. He’ll create rooms around a simple piece that a client shows him in their home, a feeling that they hope to achieve, their life story or aspirations. The objective is to slow down, most importantly listen, and get to know the client – then he translates that life and that world into paint colors, furniture, art, and overall atmosphere. Incorporating pieces that his clients have acquired over their lifetime, Theo will generate spaces that reflect the life they love while injecting a bright, fresh and unexpected twist to their space. “I always want to be challenged,” says Theo, “and design environments that can withstand the test of time. It makes me smile when a patron tells me that every time a guest comes to visit, they are eager to tour their home and are interested in every piece that was selected for them and the way each item was strategically positioned in their home.”
(904) 814-9992 213 West King Street www.uncommontheo.com
For every client, Theo is an innovative, respectful, and truthful resource. His work is always motivated by creating timeless and classic spaces – a commitment that has made his business so successful. “I conceive spaces that my clients are excited to celebrate in,” says Theo. “I want to produce homes that reflect a memorable life.
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LEADING MEN
ROMANZA - ST. AUGUSTINE, INC. ALBERT SYELES
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ay back in June of 2009, Albert Syeles and twenty-one other community leaders got together to organize a festival that they named “Romanza.” Since that day, the Romanza Festivale and its yearly events has grown to reach thousands in the arts community – nationally and internationally – showcasing the work of acclaimed artists from all over the world and supporting the growth of the arts right here at home. Every year, the Romanza Festivale of Music & the Arts (which in 2020 will expand to be seventeen days long!), the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival, and the St. Patrick Parade celebrate St. Augustine's vibrant living culture. “Our mission is to appreciate and help grow the excellence and impact of St. Augustine’s many cultural organizations and creative individuals,” says Albert, “for the benefit of our whole hometown, as well as for our very large tourist audience.” For the past decade, these festivals and Romanza’s smaller bi-monthly events have been a huge success and made an enormous impact on uniting St. Augustine’s grassroots cultural community as a whole. But for Albert and the Romanza team, the work doesn’t stop there. They are committed to growing the arts community – and that means identifying local needs and their untapped solutions. The purpose of the latest project on the horizon for Romanza focuses in on the lack of mid-size performance venues in St. Augustine. So, the organization is leading a community effort to bring a performing arts center to St. Augustine. This “St. Augustine EpiCentre” will offer a stage to passionate and talented performers of all kinds. “We have a wealth of talent and an audience to fill seats right up,” says Albert, “so we’re uniting to get our city’s first dedicated Performing Centre built.” Through their annual events and projects like the EpiCentre, they both support the growth of the city’s cultural community and increase outside recognition that St. Augustine is already a unique and vibrant arts and culture enclave. Albert Syeles and the Romanza team have a big purpose here in the Ancient City.
www.RomanzaFestivale.com www.CelticStAugustine.com www.RomanzaStAugustine.org
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LEADING MEN
FLOOR FACTORY OUTLET & CABINET FACTORY OUTLET TOM MARINO AND NICK HORTA
(904) 892-8789 1760 Tree Boulevard
www.floorfactoryoutlet.com www.cabinetfactoryoutletllc.com
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hen you are designing your home, creating a foundation, a canvas for the space is essential. And that starts from the ground up – literally. A floor can make or break a room, but finding the perfect one isn’t always the easiest task. That is why it’s always best to turn to someone you can trust and someone with the experience you need to create a space you love. Since 2001, owner Tom Marino, manager Nick Horta, and their team at Floor Factory Outlet have been serving customers with honesty and integrity, bringing St. Augustine a huge selection of flooring options so that homeowners can find exactly what they’re looking for (and not break the bank to get it). With their vast stock and fast installations, they’re the only spot in town where you can buy today and install tomorrow. After almost two decades in the community, the team has built up a reputation of providing quality products, unparalleled selection, affordable prices, and a friendly and helpful experience. Their clients know them for their trustworthiness and attention to detail. With Tom and his team on your side, you will be able to find exactly what you need to make your space something special. And when your project is over, you’ll know that you got the best value from a team that was devoted to your overall satisfaction. Since starting his business, Tom has always brought a positive approach to his work, operating every aspect of the company ethically and offering trustworthiness and integrity to every client’s experience. He and his team commit themselves to customer satisfaction, making sure they never over-promise and under-deliver and always relay tremendous value onto their clients. “I always strive to understand each and every individual and customer’s project to find them the perfect product for their complete satisfaction,” says Tom. “Our goal is that our customers are always satisfied with the service we provide and the product that we sell them.”
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LEADING MEN
LEADING MEN
MATTHEWS DESIGN GROUP
HAYMOND LAW
ROB A. MATTHEWS III, PE
JAN C. TRENDOWSKI
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ob Matthews started Matthews Design Group in 2005 to create a firm with a unique culture and vision, different from other civil engineering firms he knew. The MDG culture is professional, yet fun-spirited where employees feel valued, connected, passionate and empowered to make a difference both within MDG and within the community. “We treat every project and every client,” says Rob, “as an opportunity to build and shape a better future.” MDG takes an innovative approach to every project, creating thoughtful designs that balance functionality while preserving the often historic and eco-sensitive quality of the communities we serve. They seek ways to optimize the usability, convenience, and aesthetics of a project while reducing environmental impact. Each year, Rob and his team donate countless hours, dollars, and their engineering talents to benefit a large number of local non-profit organizations. “We love our community,” says Rob, “and want to preserve everything that makes it special.”
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an Trendowski is the managing partner for the Haymond Law Firm in St. Augustine, though he also maintains offices throughout New England. The firm focuses on all types of personal injury cases from collisions to medical malpractice, but Attorney Trendowski concentrates on motorcyclists as he's been riding for forty years. He has completed over 120 civil jury trials to verdict and is one of fewer than 1000 attorneys statewide who are currently Board Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Florida Bar. Jan’s dedication to his legal profession is very evident in his personal attention to client service. “Lawsuits are often a terrifying experience for clients,” explains Jan, “I believe in keeping the client informed at all stages.” Jan has been with the Bikers Against Animal Cruelty for 11 years and is active in animal rescue. He and his wife have rescued over 26 dogs and currently have 6 dogs.
(904) 826-1334
(904) 342-7009
7 Waldo Street www.mdginc.com
2807 North 10th Street www.HaymondLaw.com
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LEADING MEN
LEADING MEN
WELTON POOL & SPA INC.
MANGO MANGO'S CARIBBEAN GRILL & BAR
NOAH WELTON
RICK WORLEY
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he second-generation of this family-owned business, Noah Welton and his wife, Ambra Wayne, run Welton Pool & Spa with the purpose of providing knowledgeable service to every customer. Their 3000 square foot showroom offers a welcoming, no-pressure environment where the customer can explore over 50 different models of spas. “This is a very personalized business and we want to know WHY everyone is in to buy a spa,” says Noah. “Whether it be back or neck pain or just a fun way to spend time with friends, when we know the ‘why’ then we can find the best product for them. So our space is all about getting to know the people coming in the door.” Noah has continued a legacy of treating every customer like family. “Nothing makes me feel better,” says Noah, “than when a customer tells me how much better they feel after they started using their spa and the relief it gives them from pain or about the time they have enjoyed it with their family.”
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ick Worley came to St. Augustine in 1985 while he was working with Chart House Restaurant, but you probably know him now as the man behind Mango Mango’s. He’s been in the restaurant industry for 45 years, and it’s the people that keep him going. “I thoroughly enjoy taking care of people,” says Rick. “I want to always have a restaurant where customers feel welcome and find value in what we offer, in addition to being a company that cares for its employees as family.” Through the unique flavors of their food and the quality of their service, Rick and his team work tirelessly toward 100% customer satisfaction. Though he loves spending time with his family, golfing, going to the beach, and helping out at his church, Rick stays involved with every aspect of the restaurant to make sure the high standards are always met. “I’m really a people person,” he says. “I love taking care of our guests.”
(904) 471-4919
(904) 461-1077
240 Blackford Way, Suite B www.weltonpoolspa.com
700 A1A Beach Boulevard www.mangomangos.com
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EATS “Looking back at this change, it didn't do enough to change perception,” says Michael Lugo. “I knew we were a completely different restaurant from how we started and needed to get that message to the public. I get to bring my Puerto Rican heritage and my experiences from my time in Dallas Steakhouses in addition to our history with Spanish Food.”
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Inside: Living on the Veg // Culinary Character // Taste Test // Worth the Drive
EATS
TAKE NOTE
BACK ON THE BEACH
THE DISH Grilled Portabellas LIVING ON THE VEG
A FUNGHI FAVORITE PART OF AN EVER-GROWING VEGETARIAN MENU, THE GRILLED PORTABELLAS FROM GAS ARE SURE TO PLEASE THE PALATE. Written and Photographed by Tammy Harrow
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n Anastasia Island just before the Bridge of Lions, there's an old filling station-turnedrestaurant where you’ll find some of St. Augustine’s best comfort food. Gas Full Service Restaurant, owned by Ben and Lindy Loose, is a longtime local favorite featuring nearly a dozen vegetarian options. Unlike an unfortunate number of other veggie dishes, the Grilled Portabellas are satisfying and hearty enough to share. The jumbo-sized mushrooms are stuffed with marinated tomatoes then topped with shaved parmesan and the best mozzarella cheese I’ve ever tasted. Next, they’re immersed in a rich garlic cream sauce and finally finished off with a sprig of fresh basil. On the side is Congaree and Penn’s Jupiter Brown Rice – which, if you haven't tried local Florida rice, you’re missing out. Perfectly cooked with a slight bit of crunch, zucchini and summer squash also accompany these portabellas. Sides at Gas are plentiful with nearly a dozen to choose from.
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Ben and Lindy’s goal is to feed customers the way they feed their own family with food that’s grown and raised the most natural way possible, free from artificial ingredients or GMOs. Ask them about any ingredient and they’ll be able to tell you where it’s sourced. Gas restaurant isn't exactly a secret spot – at least not after being featured on The Food Network...twice (once on Guilty Pleasures and once on Ginormous Foods). Their grass-fed burgers are what first made them famous, but their veg menu is definitely gaining notoriety as health-conscious foodies grow in numbers. Fried green tomatoes, Beermento cheese and veggies, salads with tofu and tempeh, black bean and Veggie Cuban burgers, and soups are all part of the extensive menu. So if you’re looking for vegetarian comfort food with a twist, look no further. Just be sure to bring your appetite...and even your carnivore friends. 9 Anastasia Boulevard www.gasrestaurant.com
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You'll notice it as soon as you take a drive down Beach Boulevard. The striking grey and blue building stands out as an invitation to St. Augustinians – we're back. Following a two-year renovation, local favorite Panama Hattie’s Bar and Grill is back in business on the beach! Oceanfront and with breathtaking views of the water, the newlyupdated building and decor are not the only things that have been overhauled. The new menu boasts of fresh and tasty delights from a variety of seafood appetizers to racks of lamb and a Crab and Shrimp Boil with all the fixings – just to name a few. They also have a number of specials listed that are sure to be absolutely mouth-watering (like a Pan-Seared Mahi and a Grilled Salmon Bowl). So take a trip to the Island, grab a cocktail, and welcome Panama Hattie’s back to the city. 361 A1A Beach Boulevard www.panamahattiesrestaurant.com
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CULINARY CHARACTER
A NATURAL PASSION FORREST MASTERS OF THE SPROUT KITCHEN HAS TAKEN HER LOVE OF ALL THINGS CULINARY AND TURNED IT INTO SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE BODY AND THE SOUL. By Susan Johnson Photography by Kate Gardiner
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’ve always liked to serve food that makes you feel good. Food that is comforting; that makes you feel satisfied and grounded. Food that you’re going to enjoy and that’s going to be comforting, but that’s still going to feel good after your plate is empty.” Forrest Masters of The Sprout Kitchen comes by both her love of St. Augustine and her love of food naturally. Her name is immediately recognizable to most of us who live in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Born and raised here, she belongs to one of the Ancient City’s oldest Menorcan families and comes from a long line of avid cooks. (Her father is the late Timmy Masters, St. Augustine native and founder of Master’s Masonry, and her uncle is Stephen "Beanie" Masters, a highly-regarded cook who, for close to 20 years, worked alongside Ned Pollack at Gypsy Cab Co.) "My grandfather was actually one of the first people to teach me to cook,” recalls Forrest. “I remember going to his house. They had nine children so there were tons of grandkids and extended family. We all cooked dinner and
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"My grandfather was actually one of the first people to teach me to cook. I remember going to his house. We all cooked dinner and sat down together. Food was a big part of our family gatherings. It was definitely Southern-style cooking that I've adapted over the years!"
sat down together. Food was a big part of our family gatherings." She laughs, saying, "It was definitely Southernstyle cooking that I've adapted over the years!" The progression from Southern-style foods – with all the sauces, gravy, and deep-frying – to dishes utilizing whole, raw, unprocessed and living foods came about due to some health issues Forrest experienced during her college years at www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Flagler. "I had different stomach problems and didn't understand what was going on, so I decided to research holistic cooking styles,” she says. “One of my first forays into the health world started with my job at Blue Planet co-op. The owners were really informed and opened my eyes to alternative food preparation options. Even though I was an English/Pre-Law major, I realized then that my passion was in the food world." Pursuing that passion took Forrest from
"We want you to want to walk away from your plate feeling good," says Forrest, "not uncomfortable or tired.”
St. Augustine to major metropolitan and culturally-diverse culinary hubs like Puerto Rico, NYC, and Los Angeles. "I moved to Puerto Rico and worked as a chef for the Ann Wigmore Living Foods Lifestyle School, a two-week retreat where guests would learn about sprouting, fermenting foods, food combining, and raw foods," explains Forrest. "One client who really enjoyed my food offered me the opportunity to help create a location in Los Angeles. I opened a juice-bar / food setting for Kimberly Snyder, a celebrity nutritionist and best-selling author who became a mentor; she took me under her wing and taught me a
lot! I worked for her in NYC and LA. Then it was back to Puerto Rico and, finally, home again." Forrest's original Sprout Kitchen concept was developed about three years ago and is housed in a commercial warehouse owned by her father and located – fittingly – on Masters Drive. It’s a plant-based meal delivery and wellness program that incorporates 100% whole, non-GMO, and, whenever possible, locally-sourced foods. But what does all that mean? Do they, as I first thought, only serve sprouts? (Admit it...some of you thought the very same thing!) But no. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Forrest explains, “We are a sprouted kitchen. We sprout all of our greens, nuts, seeds, and beans. It’s all about making things easier to digest. When people have problems with seeds or nuts or grains, it’s usually because those foods are not being handled properly. We take care to ensure that the food we prepare is easily digestible and that you’ll get the most nutrition from it and feel good after eating it.” Forrest says that the transition from celebrity kitchen to home-town kitchen wasn’t really a difficult one to make. "I feel like St. Augustine has always been a special
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"As an avid traveler and a foodie at heart, I love incorporating what I’ve learned. We're very seasonally-focused, and I use a lot of local farms for my ingredients because I just get a better product. And I feel good knowing that I’m contributing to our community's economy."
place,” she says. “The people here have an interesting outlook and progressive approach to life. And my husband and I are both ocean-lovers at heart so we appreciate the unique beauty of St. Augustine." Although the reverse could have been true, her adventures outside St. Augustine seem to have eased her return from big-city bustle to the slower pace of smaller-town life. "As an avid traveler and a foodie at heart, I love incorporating what I’ve learned. We're very seasonally-focused, and I use a lot of local farms for my ingredients because I just get a better product. And I feel good knowing that I’m contributing to our community's economy." Although living food is becoming more commonplace, it’s still something of a novelty here in the oldest city. To counterbalance any negative food pre-or mis-conceptions, Forrest adds her own
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unique twist to some of the more classic, comfort foods. “We always do different soups and we experiment with some cooked food options,” she says. “Cooked, plantbased foods can be really healthy choices. We’ll take a traditional tomato soup and pack it with veggies – spinach, zucchini, carrots, celery – and blend it all together so you’re getting a wide variety of good things. I’ll do plays on macaroni and cheese using a pumpkin sauce, nutritional yeast, and a brown rice or chickpea pasta so it’s nutritionally dense and gluten free. We want you to want to walk away from your plate feeling good; not uncomfortable or tired.” Because the Sprout Kitchen delivery-based meal service was so well-received, Forrest decided to venture into the brick-andmortar food business, recently opening a second Sprout Kitchen on Charlotte Street, right in the heart of downtown St. www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
Augustine. The food is freshly-prepared at the Masters Drive location and delivered to Charlotte Street, allowing locals and tourists alike the chance to take advantage of more healthy dining choices in a casual, sit-down setting. Does Forrest think this area can support another business sprouting up (sorry, couldn’t help it) in an alreadycrowded, downtown space? “I think St. Augustine is ready for greater variety,” she says. “Our food culture has evolved more toward businesses that are trying to raise the bar as far as healthy food, conscious eating and active lifestyles are concerned. There is still real opportunity here for entrepreneurs. We’re excited to share our love of food with everyone here. Downtown seems like the perfect spot!” 86 Charlotte Street, 39 Masters Drive www.thesproutkitchen.com
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TASTE TEST
A NEW CHAPTER A FRESH SPACE AND A FRESH NAME ARE BUT A CANVAS FOR THE MASTERPIECE – THE MENU AT MICHAEL'S. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
The elegant blue hues and eclectic art in the Michael's dining room are the perfect way to showcase dishes like the Tuna Tartare. This dish is a little bit of an optical illusion – that "egg yolk" in the middle is actually a flavorful preserved mango.
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or the outside observer, the change of Michael’s Tasting Room to the newly-rebranded Michael’s may have seemed quick and perhaps even unexpected, but the change was more than just a fresh coat of paint and some new chairs. Back in June of 2006, Michael Lugo opened The Tasting Room, a seasonal restaurant that focused on small plate tapas. The Tasting Room, over the years, seemed to adapt with the menu – the team tried to stimulate the senses through live music, revolving local art, a house magician, and even bringing in flamenco dancers. The reception was a little mixed; some guests
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couldn’t get enough, but others didn’t really understand the experience. Fast forward to 2016 when Hurricane Matthew swept in and essentially gutted the restaurant’s interior. The road to recovery was slow and arduous, but this was an opportunity to try something new. So out of the flood waters rose Michael’s Tasting Room. Besides the addition of Michael’s name, the new direction of the restaurant focused on the menu, and the culinary team moved away from the original tapas intention. “Looking back at this change, it didn't do enough to change perception,” says Michael. “I knew we were a completely www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
different restaurant from how we started and needed to get that message to the public. I get to bring my Puerto Rican heritage and my experiences from my time in Dallas Steakhouses in addition to our history with Spanish Food.” This is a promising and delicious concept, so we were eager to see how it plays out on the plate. The Tuna Tartare is a bit of an optical illusion, which is something I never thought I’d say in an article about food. In some senses, it’s classic – fresh and colorful tuna with a generous swipe of avocado crema and a serving of plantain chips. But where one would expect to find
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Pictured here (clockwise from top right): Whole Branzino a la Plancha, Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops, Empanaditas, and the Criollo Shrimp.
an egg yolk instead sits mango. Perfectly round, this mango even oozes like egg yolk when you break it. Michael laughed as I hesitated bringing the fork to my mouth. It’s a hesitation that almost every patron has, he says, because the mind is still fully convinced it’s an egg yolk. But once I got over that mental hurdle, the fresh and light flavors worked in perfect harmony. A personal favorite, the Criollo Shrimp has definite roots in Michael’s Puerto Rican heritage. Beginning with a bed of yuca mofongo mash – a dish that’s typically made with mashed fried plantains – the sauteed red shrimp are drizzled with smoked tomato nage (a thick broth). The criollo tomatoes are poured tableside and
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add a flavor without which the dish just wouldn’t be complete. The Criollo Shrimp is a dish you’ll go back to again and again. Visually distinctive, the Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops are paired with forbidden black rice. That name is certainly a little ominous, but it was dubbed so because (as they say) it was once reserved exclusively for the Chinese emperor. Its deep, dark hue is natural and juxtaposed with the brightness of the scallops, green coconut curry, and charred pineapple makes for a striking picture. As for the next dish, if you’ve never eaten whole fish, the idea can be a little intimidating. The Whole Branzino a la Plancha at Michael’s, though, alleviates all those seafood fears. So tender www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
and beautifully-cooked that it practically falls off of the bone, the Mediterranean sea bass is served with fingerling potatoes, pearl onions, crumbled Marcona almonds, and citrus gremolata. Sweet, savory, even citrusy – this dish has it all. The new blue hues and sleek style of the Michael’s interior are a welcome change for the team, but the food – as always – takes center stage. “These additions will continue to expand our growth, and truly take the Michael's experience to higher grounds," says Michael. "We want to be a world-class dining destination for our city.” 25 Cuna Street www.michaelssa.com
ry f this sto o e r o m e Se w! online no
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WORTH THE DRIVE
DOMU DYNASTY OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD RAMEN IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE DELECTABLE MENU AT THIS ECCLECTIC JACKSONVILLE EATERY. By Molly Wilson | Photography by Brian Miller
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s a child, I existed almost entirely on pasta and noodles – lunch, dinner, sometimes even breakfast (don’t judge, I was young). A couple of decades later and my tastes have certainly evolved and expanded, but noodles still have a firm place in my heart (read: stomach). That’s probably why the first time I visited Domu in Jacksonville, I fell completely in love. Tucked away in one of the many storefronts on the expansive grounds of the St. Johns Town Center, this quirky and colorful little restaurant is home to some of the best ramen in the state. Domu was actually born in November of 2016 down in Orlando, where the original store still operates in the East End Market. Chef and owner Sean “Sonny” Nguyen decided to expand into Jacksonville only a little over a year ago when he and his team saw a void in the area for craft ramen and wanted to bring their own experienced touch to the Bold City. Making their food the right way is important to the team. Sonny studied with a Japanese noodle master who made noodles in Tokyo for 18 years, and the restaurant sticks to authentic techniques. “We are using true Japanese techniques,” says Sonny, “from simmering our bone broths for hours to making our own noodles on a machine we imported from Japan.” Though their methods of preparation stick
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to tradition, the space is anything but. Walking through the doors, you’re greeted by a glowing neon “Domu” sign on the wall, a sleek black and white bar lined with shimmering bottles, and a colorful mural of swimming koi on the far wall of the main room. The open kitchen to one side is a hustle and bustle of culinary activity matched only by the liveliness of the always-busy dining room. The food, though, is the reason this restaurant is always busy. We started our Domu experience with the most popular dish on the menu – the Richie Rich Ramen. Braised pork belly, a brûléed-seasoned soft boiled egg, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
fried garlic, and black garlic oil all swim in a miso-shoyu pork bone broth. Like the name implies, the flavors are rich and decadent. With every ingredient cooked to perfection, it isn’t hard to see why this dish tops the charts. And though not quite as popular, the Tokyo Ramen is still a serious crowd pleaser. It starts with shoyu chicken broth then a fried chicken thigh, a brûléed-seasoned soft boiled egg, wood ear mushroom, seared garlic chives, infused duck fat, and a garlicscallion confit. Forget chicken noodle soup. This is my new comfort food. You can’t go to Domu and just ignore the
Pictured here: (from top to bottom): Richie Rich Ramen, Shishito Peppers, Domu Wings, and Tokyo Ramen (far left).
ramen (especially if it’s your first time there), but they aren’t the only culinary creations that the chefs are slinging in the kitchen. You also can’t miss out on the Domu Wings – another of the most popular dishes on the menu. These wings are slathered in Domu’s own extra crispy batter then coated in kimchi butter sauce, and, as an added bonus, they happen to be gluten free.
up your alley and you’re looking to satisfy cheese cravings, then Cheezus might be the way to go. This unusually delightful dish consists of corn off the cob, kewpie mayo (a mayo made with rice vinegar), mozzarella, scallions, Japanese spices, and just a squeeze of lime.
I’ve always been a sucker for blistered shishito peppers, those odd little peppers where 1 in 10 are spicy. And Domu makes them just perfectly. Served with brown butter, soy tare, and crispy quinoa, they have just the right amount of crunch and a whole lot of flavor. And if more apps are
Sonny and his team at Domu are just out to make some seriously good food and have a good time while they do it. “We just try to be ‘us’ and people seem to be attracted towards it,” says Sonny. “The music we play is 90s hip-hop, so you’ll hear Biggie and 2Pac. We allow our staff www.STAUGUSTINESOCIAL.com
to have no uniforms so they can express freely how they want to dress. We don’t take reservations to keep an equal opportunity of dining, and we don’t do take out so the food isn’t compromised. We want to bring a unique experience to the customers that they may not be accustomed to, but at the same time not trying to follow suit of what our identity is. We just want to serve good food and cocktails to the people who are willing to take a chance on a new experience.” 4852 Town Center Parkway #101, Jacksonville www.domufl.com
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