The Break Room

April 21, 2026   |  This episode of The Break Room features Solid Waste and Sanitation Manager Steve Wright and Deputy Director of Utilities and Public Works Glabra Skipp, who discuss St. Augustine’s recycling programs and Earth Month initiatives. They cover services like glass and electronics recycling, environmental efforts such as tree planting and native species programs, and promote an upcomi...

This episode of The Break Room highlights Fire Marshal Abby Pedigo’s work in public education, including CPR training, fire safety programs, and smoke alarm initiatives in St. Augustine. A key story features a successful cardiac arrest rescue at the lighthouse, demonstrating how recent CPR training helped staff save a life. The discussion also covers fire prevention efforts, common fire risks, bui...

April 7, 2026  |  This episode of The Break Room features City Clerk Darlene Galambos continuing a discussion on influential women who shaped St. Augustine, highlighting figures in historic preservation, archaeology, education, and business. The conversation emphasizes their lasting impact on the city’s cultural heritage, including contributions to museums, historic sites, and community developmen...

March 31, 2026  |  Part 1: This episode of The Break Room highlights influential women who have shaped St. Augustine’s history and development, featuring City Clerk Darlene Galambos discussing female city leaders, historians, and community contributors. The conversation explores their impact on areas like environmental preservation, arts, civil rights history, and city planning, while also encoura...

March 24, 2026 | This episode highlights Dr. Andrea White’s work on major archaeology projects in St. Augustine, including recent discoveries and ongoing excavations tied to city improvements. She also shares updates on a new archaeology center and reflects on how these finds connect the community to its past.

This episode of The Break Roo m features City of St. Augustine Finance Director Melissa Burns during Women’s History Month and Government Finance Professionals Week. Burns discusses what distinguishes government finance professionals from other accountants, emphasizing their role in responsibly managing and safeguarding public funds. The conversation highlights the work of the city’s Finance Depar...

In this episode of The Break Room , Communications Director Melissa Wissel talks with Assistant City Manager Meredith Breidenstein about her 21-year career with the City of St. Augustine and her role as the city’s first female assistant city manager during Women’s History Month. Breidenstein discusses the city’s strategic planning efforts, priorities for the 2026 state legislative session—includin...

In this episode of The Break Room , Engineer Isaac Kiltz explains how the City of St. Augustine uses smoke testing and other inspection methods to find leaks and improper connections in the wastewater system. He also shares what residents can expect during upcoming neighborhood testing and how these efforts help protect and improve the City’s infrastructure.

In this episode of The Break Room , Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin shares details about the City of Saint Augustine’s 2026 Citizens Academy. He and host Melissa Wissel walk through the six-week program’s sessions, highlighting hands-on experiences with public safety, utilities, planning, and new conservation initiatives. The conversation also includes updates on major city projects, includ...

2.17.26  |  Environmental Project Engineer Marcus Pinson joins us to discuss two major capital improvement projects currently impacting the City of St. Augustine. Marcus provides updates on the recent relocation of the iconic Bridge of Lions statues ahead of the upcoming seawall replacement project, as well as infrastructure work in the Flagler Model Land neighborhood that will close part of Sevil...

2.10.26  | In Part Two of a two-part episode, Melissa Wissel continues her conversation with Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, as he reflects on his journey to St. Augustine and the importance of preserving Black history. Ellis discusses the impact of the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Festival and the Flight to Freedom reenactment, highlighting how these events help tell t...

2.3.26  |  In Part One of a two-part episode of The Break Room , Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, reflects on Black History Month, his journey to Saint Augustine, and his work preserving the powerful history of Fort Mose. Ellis shares what it meant to become the first Black store manager in JCPenney’s history and explains how the Flight to Freedom reenactment brings th...

X Pellicer joins this week’s episode of The Break Room to reflect on his retirement after nearly fifteen years with the City. As the City’s Mobility Manager, X shares highlights from his career and discusses key projects he helped lead during his time at the City. He also talks about what retirement means for him as he closes this chapter.

1.13.26  |  Mark Hartley, Streets and Grounds Manager for the City of St. Augustine, joins The Break Room to reflect on the recently concluded 2025 to 2026 Nights of Lights season. He shares insight into the behind the scenes work of coordinating city crews, installing and maintaining lights, decorations, and the holiday tree, and also discusses Arbor Day and how the city prepares for the annual c...

1.6.26  |  This week on The Break Room , we’re joined by Police Chief Jennifer Michaux for her final episode before retirement. She looks back on her years of service, shares insights from this season of Nights of Lights, and discusses how the department will continue managing major events in the years ahead.

12.30.25  |  This week on The Break Room , we’re joined by Jordan Neisler, Environmental Compliance Inspector. It’s Jordan’s first time on the show, and she’s sharing all about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), the wastewater treatment plant, and the upcoming post‑holiday recycling event. Listen now to learn how you can take part!

12.23.25  |  This week on The Break Room , we’re joined by Jacob Webber, Grants Administration Coordinator. He shares some of the projects he completed this year like St. Francis House and the lighthouse park boat ramp and gives us a glimpse into what’s ahead. Tune in!

12.16.25  |  This week on The Break Room , we are joined by Barb Moore, Deputy Director of General Services, who will give us a final wrap-up of all the historic grant projects completed in 2025. Tune in to learn more!

12.9.25  |  This week on The Break Room we are joined by Todd Clark, Mobility Coordinator for the City of St. Augustine. Todd shares with us how shuttles are operating during this Nights of Lights season, including how the new STAR Beach Shuttle is running. Tune in to learn more!

This week on The Break Room we’re joined by Jacob Webber, Grants Administration Coordinator, and Eric Mauldin, Harbormaster. They share insights on the Lighthouse Park boat ramp dock repair and explain how the City secures funding for projects like this.

This week on The Break Room we’re joined by Carlos Aviles, Fire Chief for the City of St. Augustine. He shares how his team is navigating Nights of Lights and offers important tips to keep your family safe this holiday season. Listen to learn more!

11.18.25  |  This week on The Break Room we’re joined by City Manager David Birchim, who shares insights about Nights of Lights, how Light‑Up! Night went this year, and the efforts the City made to improve the overall experience. Tune in to learn more!

This week on The Break Room , we’re joined by Tara Bennie, Parking Supervisor. Tara shares details about parking plans and upcoming changes for the Nights of Lights season, beginning Saturday, November 15. Tune in to learn more!

11.4.25  |  This week on The Break Room , Mobility Coordinator Todd Clark joins the conversation to talk about all things Park & Ride as Nights of Lights returns to St. Augustine. With record crowds expected, the City is expanding shuttle services, adding more days of operation, and introducing a new STAR Circulator at St. Augustine Beach to help visitors and residents get around safely and en...

This week on The Break Room , we’re joined by Kevin Moon, Foreman with the City of St. Augustine. He walks us through the process and preparation that goes into making the Plaza shine for the Nights of Lights season. Tune in!