St. Augustine businesses say Nights of Lights parking rules are keeping customers away

St. Augustine business owners are pushing back on Nights of Lights parking restrictions, saying the rules are keeping customers away.

City leaders say the restrictions are about safety, and they’re pointing to free shuttles. But business owners say more needs to be done, and they’re taking that to the City Commission.

Nights of Lights is a holiday tradition and a parking hassle. During the event, if you park in a temporary residential zone in North Davis Shores without being a resident, you could be fined $100.

St. Augustine city leaders say it comes down to safety.

“It’s really important that we think about the emergency services,” said Jaime D. Perkins, community services director.

They also point to free rides into town.

“We offer free shuttling services from three designated locations, our Rowdy lot, San Marco, and also we’ve partnered with St. Johns County, and so we use their administrative parking lot to offer those free shuttle services,” a speaker said.

Hornski’s owner Andrew Horn says businesses faced the same restrictions last year and lost substantial revenue.

“If people can’t get to our business by car on the entry corridors, then we are in big trouble,” Horn said.

Horn’s attorney sent the city a demand letter, arguing city paperwork listed no businesses as impacted. Horn says he represents more than a dozen businesses that rely on Nights of Lights after what is traditionally their slowest season.

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

The letter gave the city until Friday to act or face a lawsuit. Tonight, business owners plan to voice their concerns at the City Commission meeting.

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