St. Augustine business owners blowing fuses over Night of Lights expanded parking restrictions

More than a dozen St. Augustine businesses are demanding that city officials reconsider recently expanded parking restrictions in the North and South Davis Shores neighborhoods.

Drivers parked in the designated areas could soon face a $100 fine as part of the city’s effort to manage traffic congestion ahead of the annual Nights of Lights celebration.

The city commission passed the extended parking restrictions almost two weeks ago.

Business owners along Anastasia Boulevard say the ordinance eliminates accessible street parking along the northern corridor of the boulevard, which is frequently used by Nights of Lights attendees.

Local merchants explain that they rely heavily on the annual event to stay open after surviving their slowest season of the year.

Hornski’s Brewing Co. is among the local businesses leading the fight against the new parking rules.

On Wednesday, the brewery filed a formal demand letter to the city of St. Augustine, arguing that the expanded parking restrictions are in direct violation of municipal city code.

Andrew Horn, owner of Hornski’s Brewing Co., said the lack of accessible street parking directly threatens local economic survival.

“If people can’t get to our business by car on the entry corridors, then we are in big trouble,” said Horn, who explained that businesses along San Marco Avenue dealt with the same parking restrictions last year.

Last year they suffered a substantial loss in revenue and Horn warned that sustained restrictions could force nearby establishments out of business entirely.

“We’re going to struggle,” Horn said. “And I mean, a year of this, two years of this. I don’t know how many places will stay in business.”

More than a dozen St. Augustine businesses are demanding that city officials reconsider recently expanded parking restrictions in the North and South Davis Shores neighborhoods. Drivers parked in the designated areas could soon face a $100 fine as part of the city’s effort to manage traffic congestion ahead of the annual Nights of Lights celebration.

The city commission passed the extended parking restrictions almost two weeks ago. Business owners along Anastasia Boulevard say the ordinance eliminates accessible street parking along the northern corridor of the boulevard, which is frequently used by Nights of Lights attendees. Local merchants explain that they rely heavily on the annual event to stay open after surviving their slowest season of the year.

Hornski’s Brewing Co. is among the local businesses leading the fight against the new parking rules. On Wednesday, the brewery filed a formal demand letter to the city of St. Augustine, arguing that the expanded parking restrictions are in direct violation of municipal city code.Andrew Horn, owner of Hornski’s Brewing Co., said the lack of accessible street parking directly threatens local economic survival. “If people can’t get to our business by car on the entry corridors, then we are in big trouble,” Horn said.Horn explained that businesses along San Marco Avenue dealt with the exact same parking restrictions last year and suffered a substantial loss in revenue as a result. He warned that sustained restrictions could force nearby establishments out of business entirely. “We’re going to struggle,” Horn said. “And I mean, a year of this, two years of this. I don’t know how many places will stay in business.”

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