At the November meeting of the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association the induction of the newly elected and appointed Board was held. The St. Augustine Beach Civic Association Board thanks John Mawhinney for volunteering to fill the treasurer’s seat. Congratulations on your new two-year term!
            The Civic Association is pleased to announce an addition of a new business as a Participating Merchant offering discounts to our members who show their cards. Pizza Inn is located on US 1 S at the Food Lion Plaza. Pizza Inn is offering 30% off all checks. Kevin Whitlock is the owner and wants everyone to know that they don’t just offer Pizza.  They have an all day Italian Buffet that offers many delicious foods.  We hope our members will patronize this establishment as well as all the other Participating Merchants. 
            The New Year will be starting soon. We just want to remind everyone that you will need to renew your membership cards for 2008. The 2008 cards are in and ready to be mailed out to you.  Membership to the Civic Association is open to all residents and is only $5 for individuals and $10 for families. For more information and membership forms check our website www.staugbchcivicassoc.com.
            The Nights of Lights celebration, already underway in St. Augustine, is coming to the beach at the Pier Park on Saturday December 8th with the Surf Illumination. This family oriented event begins at 4pm and ends soon after dark.  Santa will be arriving to hear what is on everyone’s list for Christmas. That’s not all, Sparky the Clown will be there with balloons for the children. Magician Mark Allen will also be present to entertain every one of all ages.  Jazz artists Joe Wytiaz and Friends will provide Holiday music. Choruses, caroling and other entertainment will be presented by: the St. Augustine Children’s Chorus, the St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts, Temple Bet Yam Choir and The Dance Company. Food, shopping, raffles, Christmas tree and Park lighting will all be happening on December 8th. Please come and help us bring in the holidays with laughter and good cheer.
            The 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off will take place on December 31 at the Pier Park Pavilion sponsored by the South Beach Council of the Chamber of Commerce. This fundraiser is to support the newly opened Splash Park. After dark the most fantastic Fireworks Display will take place from the Pier. This is a great way to start New Year’s Eve celebrations. It’s early enough for the kids to enjoy and still let mom and dad go out later. Keep an eye out for more information to come!
            In other news, the A1A Scenic Highway has received a grant for planting wild flowers all along the roadway. Ideas are being gathered for good locations. If you have a thought you can contact the Civic Association and we’ll pass it on. Also, you may have noticed signs marking the Scenic Highway. The next step is to place “Way Finding” signs with arrows at various points to indicate where notable historic and cultural places can be found. The grant for this project will be submitted in early 2008.
            Of course the Farmer’s Arts & Crafts Market will be open every Wednesday morning, except the day after Christmas. There are many new vendors for this season with great gift ideas that are not made in China. Come check us out and support the Civic Association. For more information call 347-8007 or contact us on the web at www.staugbchcivicassoc.com.