The Civic Association will meet Tuesday February 13th at 7pm at City Hall. City Manager Max Royle will speak about the responsibilities of keeping a city running smoothly and efficiently. If you have any questions about how the local government works, Mr. Royle has the experience to know the answer.
            MEMBERSHIP/ RENEWAL is happening now. You can download an application at www.staugbchcivicassoc.com and mail it in. There are over 20 local restaurants and shops that honor Civic Association Membership Cards for discounts. See the list of Participating Merchants on our website. All of these fine restaurants have participated in the Music by the Sea Concerts or Betty Griffin House Taste of the Beach. On Beach Blvd. alone we have: F A Café, Panama Hattie’s, Sunset Grille, Café 11, Antonio’s Pizza, Pesky’s Baja Grill, Mango Mango’s and Beef O’Brady’s. Don’t forget the other restaurants that are participating include Amici’s,  Napoli’s Pizza. and The Oasis. 
            The MUSIC BY THE SEA CONCERTS will begin on Wednesday May 9th. Just about all the music and restaurants have been set. Opening the season will be the SAHS Jazz Ambassadors directed by Ms. Linda Andino. The kids are great and really enthusiastic. Dinner will be provided by Napoli’s Pizza at 6149 A1A S. On May 16th Eddie Trester’s E T Swing Band with vocalist Jan Crawford performs with Amici’s providing the meal. You can catch E T Swing every Thursday night at the Milano Room at Amici’s. You can dance, dine and just listen to great music in a club atmosphere. There’s plenty more planned and should be posted on the website in the very near future.
            As the Nights of Lights has drawn to a close, I would like to express my appreciation for the exceptional season we’ve all enjoyed. The Surf Illumination at the Pier Park has grown over the last six years to become a full illumination of the Park. A wonderful New Year’s event was put on by the South Beach Chamber that included a Chili Cook-off and spectacular fireworks show. I had the honor to serve as one of the chili judges. Thanks for the opportunity to taste all the wonderful chili recipes. I had a great time.
 The Beaches Council of the Chamber of Commerce and the City of St. Augustine Beach has shown a new level of dedication towards creating a sense of community pride and citizen involvement. I’m sure the Pier Park will continue to be much more than just a parking lot. It has and will continue to serve St. Augustine Beach as our community center.  My goal for the Civic Association was to create events that would give our residents and visitors a sense of our community and our spirit of involvement. Now other organizations have expanded on that goal. We of course say thank you to all the employees and volunteers that help the organizations bring these events to fruition. It looks to be a very good year for our community.