The St. Augustine Beach Civic Association’s next scheduled General Membership meeting is on September 9, 2008. We will make sure to keep all members posted about events and activities over the summer. We will be planning a Meet the Candidates Nite for candidates in the primaries for county and possibly city commission seats. Hopefully it will be televised on the City Channel 2.  The Crab King(Arthur Glaser) hosted the May membership meeting along with the Joyful Cork providing the wine and coffee by Starbucks. We certainly wish you all a healthy, happy and safe summer. And while you’re at it, visit the great new Splash Park at the Pier. It’s always busy with delighted children, young moms and people picnicking. Also notice the newly painted picnic enclosures and the beautiful Southern Horticulture landscaping below our building’s sea mural by Doug Robinson. Over the years we with support from the chamber and the city, have been able to change the perception of the pier area from just a parking lot to an active ocean-front community recreation center.

                         Our newest participating merchant is SWEET TREATS. Sweet Treats is located one mile south of the St. Johns County Pier Park at the A Street beach access on Anastasia Island. Owners Bill and Stephanie Fish delight in making their special sundaes, milk shakes and traditional hot fudge sundaes or banana splits. Sweet Treats offers more than thirty flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, sherbets, yogurt and Italian Ices. Don’t forget that Sweet Treats also has the Fudge Lady’s fudge as well. Visitors and Island residents alike all love to indulge in the wonderful cool treats that are a true delight. Sweet Treats is open year round. During April through September they are open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until dusk.   During November through March it’s Wednesday through Saturday 12:00 – 6:00 and Sundays 2:00 – 6:00 year round.

.  The 6th Annual “MUSIC BY THE SEA” concert series began on Wednesday May 7th.  We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces and new ones as well. The “Opening Night” was better than we could have hoped. The weather was balmy, the food was delicious and the Jazz Ambassadors were terrific. June’s line- up promises to be even better, if that’s possible. For complete concert listings check our website at www.staugbchcivicassoc.com.  Remember to bring your chairs, dinner at 6pm, and music at 7pm.

            On Sunday May 18  the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association sponsored the third annual “Taste of the Beach” fundraiser for the Betty Griffin House. The Betty Griffin House is a safe house for abused people of all ages and sexes.  There were (14) local restaurants competing for prizes. The menus were spectacular. The South Beaches Area Council of the Chamber of Commerce supplied the beer and wine. Our judges Sally O’Hara Director of the A1A Scenic Highway, St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Richard Hedges, County Commissioners Tom Manuel; Cyndi Stevenson and Sheriff David Shoar were ready, able and willing. We thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to have some fun and help us find the BEST of the BEACH.

            The St. Augustine Beach Civic Association would not be the success it is without the help of its many volunteers. Community members, like yourselves, who are caring and generous to share their time with us. The Board of the St Augustine Beach Civic Association would like to say thank you for all that you do. I wish I could name all the volunteers, businesses, restaurants, musicians and local agencies but there wouldn’t be enough room in the paper. So I hope that our humble “thanks” will do.

             Don’t forget, the Wednesday morning Farmers/Arts & Crafts Market is in full swing at the Pier Park. Meet our new Market Manager Mitch Hall. Mitch will be there every Wednesday to help with any questions you may have.   Be sure to check out the artists, craftspeople and fresh produce vendors that have been the foundation of our market.  Meet your neighbors, taste the fresh breads, hand pick out your produce and enjoy being out by the beach.