The Break Room

This week on The Break Room, we're joined by City Manager David Birchim! David shares his journey with the city from starting as a City Planner in 1997 to becoming the City Manager, reflecting on the changes and challenges he has faced over the years. We also discuss Nights of Lights and how the city is planning to manage future large-scale events.

In this episode, we wrap up our City Commission series with Commissioner Cynthia Garris, the first Black female elected commissioner in St. Augustine. Cynthia shares her story from city employee to public office, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement and addressing local issues like traffic and safety. She also hints about running for a second term, inspired by the positive changes sh...

Join us on The Break Room as we sit down with Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline to discuss her 16-year tenure and what's on her radar for the new year. From historic preservation to resilience in the face of hurricanes, find out how the city is tackling its biggest challenges. Tune in to hear Mayor Sikes-Kline share her insights on growth, transportation, and community development in St. Augustine.

Welcome to The Break Room! This week, we are joined by Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder as she discusses her environmental initiatives, including reducing fertilizer use and safeguarding our precious waterways. Join us as we dive into the key issues that drive this dedicated leader and learn about her efforts to help make St. Augustine an extraordinary place to live.

In this episode of The Break Room, City Commissioner Jim Springfield shares his experiences halfway through his first term in office. He discusses various city projects, including a potential park in Francis Field, improving mobility and parking options, and his vision for a more walkable and bike-friendly St. Augustine. With his background in public service, Commissioner Springfield offers insigh...

Communications Director Melissa Wissel sits down with newly elected St. Augustine City Commissioner Jon DePreter to discuss his background, motivations for running for office, and experiences as a commissioner so far. They cover topics such as the differences between serving on the planning board and city commission, getting used to public life, and learning about the inner workings of city operat...

Jamie D. Perkins, Neighborhood Services and CRA Manager, joins The Break Room this week and talks about the latest developments in Lincolnville, including the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new park dedicated to George and Ollie Smith. Also, other exciting topics include the renovation of the Willie Galimore Center and the redevelopment of Eddie Vickers Park and Dr. Robert B. Hayling Park.  ...

In this episode of The Break Room, the City’s Mobility Manager, X Pellicer, discusses the re-launch of St. Augustine's bike share program, which has been revamped with a new vendor, Drifters Rentals.  Hear from Drifters’ owner, Ian Gutherie, how they are working to create a unique and user-friendly experience for residents, with custom-built bikes and a focus on promoting local businesses.  This b...

Fire Chief Carlos Aviles joins The Break Room for a recap of the 2024 hurricane season and shares insights on how the community responded, particularly after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. As they discuss the lessons learned from these storms, they also shift focus to holiday fire safety tips, including safe use of space heaters, turkey frying, and Christmas tree care. Finally, Chief Avile...

In this week's episode, Todd Clark breaks down all things related to parking and transportation in St. Augustine during Nights of Lights season! From park-and-ride shuttles to the STAR Circulator, Todd shares insider tips on how to navigate the city without dealing with traffic chaos. Tune in to learn about shuttle schedules, digital signs, and online tools like Modii's Parking Spot Finder to make...

Tune in to this week's episode of The Break Room for a closer look at the magic behind Nights of Lights, the city’s cherished holiday display. Joel, assistant manager of the grounds division, shares insights into the planning, dedication, and teamwork involved in bringing this festive event to life. From coordinating decorations to handling unexpected weather, this conversation gives listeners a b...

Join The Break Room this week as we discuss ways to reduce waste and keep our community clean with Olivia Smith, Solid Waste and Sanitation Manager.  Learn about our upcoming “America Recycles Day” event on Friday, November 15, and how you can recycle glass, electronics, cooking oil, and more at the solid waste facility's drive-thru drop-off. From storm recovery efforts to holiday debris managemen...

Park Smart in St. Augustine: Join us in The Break Room this week with Tara Bennie, Parking Enforcement Supervisor, as we talk about the ins and outs of parking in downtown St. Augustine.  Before you come downtown this holiday season, we have some reminders for you - from the ParkStAug mobile app features to resident discounts, learn how to navigate city-managed lots and avoid privately managed lot...

On this week's episode of The Break Room, Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes shares essential information about the presidential election. Vicky covers key issues on the ballot, insider tips for navigating the long ballot, and how to find early voting locations (votesjc.gov). Don't miss this informative chat about voter turnout, poll workers, and election integrity. Mark your calendars for Novemb...

Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline returns to The Break Room to talk about the city’s recent response to Hurricane Milton. Kudos to residents for their preparedness, response, and clean-up! AND… Nights of Lights is just around the corner – do you know who will be lighting the city this year? Tune in to find out.

Listen to Part 2 of a two-part conversation with Mr. Bill Dudley about the important work he's doing for local veterans and how it makes a difference in our community - and what it means for him to be honored with this prestigious citizen award.

Listen to Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Mr. Bill Dudley about the important work he's doing for local veterans and how it makes a difference in our community - and what it means for him to be honored with this prestigious citizen award.

Follow-up with Part 2 of a recent interview with Barry Fox, Code Enforcement Manager, on  The Break Room .

Catch a brief recap of 100th Anniversary activities with the delegation from Spain, details about the upcoming Sing Out Loud Music Concert at Francis Field, shuttles, and Nights of Lights!

Lots of great things happening in the West City CRA, Lincolnville, and Downtown Historic Area!  Pickleball courts are coming and upcoming community meetings in West City are just the beginning!  

Planning & Building Director Amy Skinner returns to talk about the 2014 Vision Plan update and how the community can provide input.  The purpose of the Vision Plan is to consistently refer to it as a set of governing principles to find balance in the interests of the community and create a livable, authentic, character-based, and vital community. 

Reuben Franklin, Assistant City Manager, joins this week's episode of The Break Room to talk about recent updates and upcoming construction projects around the city.  Topics include the recent permanent changes to Spanish Street pedestrian and vehicle access, as well as a crosswalk installation on Anastasia Island, King Street development and intersection designs for the base of the  Bridge of Lio...

We're back in the studio this week with Code Enforcement Manager Barry Fox! He catches us up on what's going on in Code Enforcement as well as gives us updates on the City's different homelessness initiatives. Broadcast by WFCF 88.5

This week, we're back in studio with Public Art Committee Member and St. Johns Cultural Council Executive Director Christina Parrish Stone! She discusses exciting progress in the May Street/San Marco intersection art installation and the upcoming Spanish delegation visit. Broadcast by WFCF 88.5