The Historic Area Community Redevelopment Area (HACRA) has pushed its "Redevelopment 25!" festivities to October 30, a move precipitated by unpredictable weather patterns. The celebration, honoring a quarter-century of community revitalization efforts, will maintain its original location atop the Historic Downtown Parking Garage at 1 Cordova Street, inviting attendees from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to revel in a blend of music, fun, education, and interactive experiences, according to an announcement on the City of St. Augustine's official website.
Community Services Director Jaime D. Perkins expressed disappointment in the schedule upheaval, stating "We tried to reschedule from Thursday to Friday, but Mother Nature just wasn’t cooperating," she shared her optimism for the rescheduled event and urged the St. Augustine community to save the new date, as reported by City of St. Augustine. Despite the delay, the event promises a lively evening complete with lawn chairs optional ambiance, the musical stylings of the Palmetto Pickers starting at 5:30 p.m. and a series of complimentary activities ranging from a prize-laden spin wheel to a picturesque photo booth bus, not to mention pizza and an array of educational prompts with CRA staff mingling among the crowd.
In a bid to promote sustainable transportation, the Old Beach Bike Riders Association, Inc. has paired with HACRA to offer a no-cost bike valet service directly across the street from the parking garage entrance. While biking and walking are recommended, those driving can avail themselves of the Historic Downtown Parking Garage, with parking fees set at $5 for non-residents and a slightly reduced $3 for those hailing from St. Johns County.
Established in 2000, the HACRA was the city's inaugural foray into the domain of Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) and now spans a 218.8 acre expanse, its plan having championed a number of key initiatives, from the erection of the very parking structure serving as the event's venue to fostering a pedestrian-friendly downtown and dialing back traffic congestion these efforts, symbolized in the impending celebration, reflect a commitment to sustainable growth and the historical preservation that remains at the heart of the community's identity. For those interested in a deeper dive into the HACRA's past and future projects, the CRA website hosts an array of informational resources including the CRA Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report, accessible online in accordance with Florida State Statute CH 163 Part III.
More about St. Augustine's redevelopment plans and community initiatives can be found by visiting the CRA website.
