The City of St. Augustine is seeking a new Poet Laureate for the 2025-2026 term. This voluntary position was created by Resolution 2022-18 in June 2022 to support the city's arts and cultural scene. The first Poet Laureate, Norma Sherry, is finishing her term, according to the City of St. Augustine.
St. Augustine's Poet Laureate serves as a civic poetic voice, participating in city events such as dedications, memorials, and other local occasions. The position is unpaid but provides an opportunity for poets to engage with the community and reflect the spirit of the city through their work. Interested candidates can submit their applications by December 30. Details and requirements are available online and at the City Clerk's Office, as reported by the City of St. Augustine.
The position of Poet Laureate has clear criteria: applicants must be 18 or older and either live in St. Augustine or have familial or community ties to the city. A strong commitment to poetry and comfort with public speaking are essential, as the laureate will represent the city at various events. Sherry, the first Poet Laureate, has participated in city-sponsored events and public recitations, helping to shape the city's cultural narrative, as stated by the City of St. Augustine.
