Several developments are unfolding in St. Augustine, ranging from infrastructure updates to legal inquiries and cultural partnerships.
The city is preparing for a seawall improvement project that requires the Bridge of Lions to close to through traffic overnight. As part of the preparation for this work, crews are removing and relocating the iconic lion statues that currently guard the west side of the bridge.
In legal news, the state attorney’s office has opened an investigation into former St. Augustine assistant police chief Anthony Cuthbert. The inquiry follows the discovery of financial discrepancies within the St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization. Details regarding the specific nature of the discrepancies or the timeline of the investigation are not yet clear.
On the cultural front, Florida Memorial University has been recognized as a partner in the Florida Museum of Black History Project. The university, which educated students in St. Augustine between 1918 and 1968, will receive a proclamation on Friday morning to acknowledge this collaboration with the state museum initiative.
Meanwhile, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine has introduced a new attraction titled Cryptids: Where Legends Live. The exhibit, which is included with regular admission, celebrates the Odditorium’s 75th anniversary. It features interactive displays, videos, and photo opportunities centered on regional legends and creatures such as Bigfoot and Mothman.
In other local news, the St. Johns Housing Partnership continues its long-standing mission of providing free home weatherization services to fixed-income residents. The organization, which has operated for three decades, aims to help low-income households save money and maintain healthy living conditions as temperatures fluctuate.
