Old City Life Magazine - September 2018 issue by Castaway Publishing, Inc.

S EPT EM BE R 2 0 1 8

S A I N T A U G U S T I N E ’ S P R E M I E R C U LT U R E A N D L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

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IN THIS ISSUE: VOL 12 ISSUE 8

CONTENTS S A I N T A U G U S T I N E ’ S P R E M I E R C U LT U R E A N D L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

DEPARTMENTS

19 PEOPLE AN EYE FOR OPPORTUNITY 21 “PROFESSIONAL” SURFERS 39

SURFING SIBLINGS 64

69 LIFE A GROM’S LIFE 77

FEATURES 21 “KLING” OF THE WAVES 73 WAVES OF NOSTALGIA 105 SING OUT LOUD

111

ST. CARDIFFSTINE 81 WHAT HUGH KNEW 87 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 104

91 BUSINESS LOCAL CRAFTSMAN 93 FULL SERVICE 101 CUP O’JOE 124

ON THE COVER: One of the appeals SEPTEMBER 2018

of surfing is the variables and

S A I N T A U G U S T I N E ’ S P R E M I E R C U LT U R E A N D L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

potential of the unexpected. Sometimes that

SURF

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means finding waves in unusal places. David Macri captures

a late day “liquid glass” moment within view of downtown St. Augustine. 6

CORRECTION: Unfortunatelty some of the ingredients were left off the August recipe for the Chocolate Bourbon Squares. The full list will be updated on oldcitylife.com OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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THANK YOU TO OUR S A I N T A U G U S T I N E ’ S P R E M I E R C U LT U R E A N D L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE: ISSUE 8

Castaway Publishing, Inc PO Box 35 St. Augustine, FL 32085 904.461.6773 OCL@CastawayPublishing.com LURA READLE SCARPITTI

Managing Editor Editor@CastawayPublishing.com 904-325-5930 BRIAN HORNUNG

Art Direction

ADVERTISING: DIANA L. GARBER

Ad Sales Director OCLads@CastawayPublishing.com

For over 40 years, St. Augustine resident DAVID MACRI has been documenting surfing, nature, & wildlife in Florida and across the globe. David is the winner of several awards from the London Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine in the prestigious international Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest. davidmacri.com St. Augustine’s ZANDER MORTON started surfing at age five. By 10 he had his first sponsor, by 17 his first ESA Championship, and by 18 his first byline- a travel narrative detailing an exploratory trip to Haiti for SURFING Magazine. He’s since worked as associate Editor for Transworld SURF, editor-in-chief at SURFING, and field editor for SURFER. While he spent the last 14 months traveling the globe, he now calls Encinitas, CA home. BOB MOSELEY has lived and surfed in St. Augustine since 1982. Most winters he spends some time surfing the North Shore of Oahu. Locally he can usually be found in Anastasia State Park, or being one of the few grandpas still riding the concrete “waves” of the skatepark.

904-679-1550 JEN LEARY

Advertising Sales Jen@castawaypublishing.com 386-295-2764

OLD CITY LIFE MAGAZINE publishes 11 issues annually subscription $24.95

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable, published without responsibility for errors or omissions. Castaway Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photos.

KARA POUND is a professional writer with work published in Florida Design, INKED, Dog Fancy, Design Aglow, and Flagler College Magazine among many others. She has coauthored nearly a dozen books and has worked on hundreds of marketing projects for local and national businesses and organizations. KATE GARDINER a seasoned photojournalist, turned her camera towards weddings and families after leaving a job at a major daily newspaper in Connecticut to move to Florida in 2007. Kate’s fashion work has been published in Old City Life Magazine as well as Jacksonville Bride Magazine and editorial work in newspapers and magazines worldwide. ROBERT WALDNER grew up in the Greater Boston area. He fell in love with St. Augustine at a young age and moved here in 1999. Robert is a poet, writer of essays, and a contributing member of Ancient City Poets. He currently lives in Palm Coast with his wife and three children.

It was over 10 years ago that photographer & waterman CODY COLEMAN discovered his fascination with chasing light and searching out swell. With his camera in one hand and a pair of fins in another, Coleman has traveled all over the world to capture images of the ocean & surfers in a way that has given him a very distinct style and passion for what he does.

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O L D C ITY: F R O M T H E ED I T O R

BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI

OCL together, I started to

IT’S BEEN SWELL

think just how many people

could, as completely as we could, and

omewhere in the midst of getting this special issue of

as much of it as we could manage in

I had to stop because it seemed like

a 132-page magazine. And I’ll be the

in force for us and we owe them the

the list was endless. I began with my

first to say that we’ve barely scratched

biggest “thank you” imaginable and

immediate circle of friends (starting

the surface. The stuff that we had to

our fondest hopes that all the waves

with my husband, who, although

leave on the “cutting room floor” could

they catch from this point on will be 6

sidelined by a “shoulder thing” these

fill a book. Maybe one day it will.

feet and glassy.

days, has surfed since he was a teen),

No way could we have done this

All of these amazing people came out

The growth of surfing, not only here

and that led to friends of friends, and

alone and there is an arm’s length list

but across the country, is a complex

children of friends, and colleague,

of people we need to thank for lending

one, with origins tracing back to the

business associates and on and on and

their time and talent to us to help

movie “The Endless Summer.” The

on…

make this what it should be. I’ll start

poster for that iconic film of a group

For all the jokes about “Lake

with the Editor of Surfing Magazine

of guys with their boards silhouetted

Atlantic,” and our less-than-desirable

Alexander (Zander) Morton and the

against a gloriously represented sunset

waves, St. Augustine has a seriously

Photo Editor, Jimmicane Wilson,

is one that I seemed to distinctly

dug in surf scene, and has had one

whose St. Augustine roots sprouted

remember as an image that stuck in my

for almost as long as the sport started

a journey that led to them becoming

brain in my youth (even though I didn’t

to spread across the country in the

parts of one of surf journalism’s most

surf — and sadly still don’t). This issue

early 1960s. Adjust for the geographic

respected publication. They both told

has made me think about that poster

size of the area and total number of

their stories in OCL this month and

a lot as we assembled it. I guess it’s

residents and I’d bet good money that

Jimmicane supplied us with so many

fitting because this issue is the sunset

the number of those residents who surf

great shots it was overwhelming

of my time with Old City Life. It’s been

rivals that of any oceanside community

trying to figure which ones would

a great ride, 5 incredible years, but it’s

in the country, even some of the most

make it in and which ones didn’t. Ryan

time for me to follow my own path to

famous spots in California. We’re

Miller, an international star on the

bigger opportunities which lie in front

stupid crazy about the sport here. It’s a

surf photography scene, was not only

of me. Like those surfers, I will always

huge part of our collective identity. It’s

gracious enough to share his story in

be chasing that “perfect wave of life…”

more than just a hobby — it’s a way of

the pages of OCL, he also provided us

I guess. A little clue though — there

life; a social influencer; an economic

with some of his crazy good photos to

isn’t one. I liken it to feeling like you’re

driver; ingrained into who we are, no

go with it. Local (but no less talented)

always building on something, like

matter whether you paddle out on a

photographers David Macri and Cody

that fabled seventh wave of surfing

regular basis or not. Think about it —

Coleman answered the call for shots

lore. For a born storyteller like me,

if you’re not a rider of the waves, you

of area waves and personalities that

that means finding new audiences and

know at least one person (and probably

we desperately needed to help tell the

new subjects to take on until that’s no

many more) who is. You can’t get away

story.

longer possible (meaning I’m no longer

from it, even if you try. It’s only fitting then that we

and a lot more carefree.

I know, or know of, who surf…and

And a HUGE shoutout goes to Bob Mosely for his piece on the history of

drawing breath). I’ll always be proud of what Old City

dedicated the bulk of an entire issue

an early-era surfing mecca — the

Life has become during my time here

to this one subject. It’s so deep and so

St. Augustine Beach pier. No

and wish it continued success and

rich that we couldn’t just give it 10 or

publication about surfing in

growth.

so pages with a bunch of pretty photos

St. Augustine would be complete

and feel like we were able to do it

without an account of the good ol’ days

Mahalo, St. Augustine.

justice. We had to tell it all, as best we

when times were a little bit wilder

Lura Readle Scarpitti

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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SURFER GIRL...NOT!

BY MAYOR NANCY SHAVER

h I wanted to be a surfer

me about the grace of someone riding a

boards and heads bobbing in the distance,

girl. I lived in California

wave. My daughter, who is blond and a

waiting for just the right moment, I can

when I was a little girl and

little taller that I am, mastered surfing

feel just for that moment as if I’m part of

went to the beach every day

easily. She went to college in California

the club. But my favorites are watching

and marveled at the waves. I grew up

and a wet suit was one of her first

surfers with dogs coming along for the

on Beach Boys music and am old enough

purchases. So I got to be a surfer mom

ride or my all-time favorite — a local

to have ridden in a real woodie station

when I went to visit.

pirate and his dog.

wagon. But I was short and had brown

According to Coastal Living Magazine,

That’s one thing for certain that we

hair, didn’t swim very well, and was (and

we are among the top ten surfing beaches

have over California or Hawaii — ancient

still am) pretty uncoordinated.

in Florida, and renowned — if not for

pirate surfers. Come to think about it,

So I had to content myself with

the most awe inspiring waves -- for our

maybe surfing was how Pedro Menendez

watching and wishing. There is something

tight knit and loyal surfing community.

actually came ashore. You never know.

completely impressive and impossible to

And even if I just sit and watch those

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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PEOPLE

urfing has different meanings top different people, and different

lifestyle roles to the variety of people that engage in it.

IN T H IS :

One common bond are the

SU R F R O YALT Y AN E YE FO R FU N PR O SU R FE R S SIBLING R IVALR IE S

unknown, unique, and natural encounters that surfers see and experience — like this St. Augustine sunrise photo captured by David Macri, talented local photographer, and owner of “Blue Sky,” St. Augustine’s longest-running surf shop.

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

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AN AUGGIE SUCCESS STORY

ay the name “Gabe Kling” in these parts and you immediately get

people’s attention. Kling is as close to being a legend in (and out) of surfing circles as it gets. As the only local guy to qualify for the World Championship Tour (being ranked as high as 36th in the world at one point), he’s the pride of the Old City. More than that, though — the St. Augustine native is known to be a down-to-earth guy who never let the “glamorous” life of being a professional surfer go to his head. Many up-and-coming surfers in the area talk about how much of an inspiration and mentor he is to them, and he’s always happy to appear at area meetings to share his experiences traveling the world, and competing on the pro circuit. A “St. Augustine Surf” issue wouldn’t be complete without having him reflect on his life, his love of surfing, and everything else in-between. We asked Gabe if he wouldn’t mind sitting down and answering a few questions for OCL and he happily obliged.

BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI PHOTO: DAVID MACRI

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

Take us back to when you first started surfing. I don’t remember my first wave, but I have a few photos of me on a board at 4 years old. My brother said he pushed me in on some waves before then. I think I really

“

I T WA S A L O T O F TR AVE L I NG, A ND AT TI M E S I T WA S TI R I N G , B UT I WA S HAVI N G F U N A N D A L L I H A D TO D O WA S C O M E B AC K TO F L O RIDA A ND R E A L I Z E H O W LU C K Y I WAS T O B E TR AVE L I N G A N D S U R F ING P E RF E C T WAVE S FO R A L I VI N G.

“

started surfing on my own at age 6 or 7. Can you share some of your earliest memories? We lived on the beach in Vilano and some of the first waves I remember surfing were behind the house on a huge red longboard that weighed like 30 pounds and was nicknamed “The Beast.” It was indestructible. I remember just trying to drag it down to the beach was a challenge and there was no way I could turn it or do anything once I caught a wave. I think

would make me go surf with them. We

around eight years older than me and

would get dropped off a few miles up

they were a huge early influence on my

the beach and drift back to the house. If

surfing. It’s a small town with a great surf

I couldn’t make it out, they would drag

community, and there are lots of people

me out by their leashes and make sure I

that influenced me (both good and bad

was safely out the back. I’m pretty sure

— lol), and lots that helped me along the

they just wanted me to make it out the

way. Tory Strange at the surf station was

back and not catch any waves because I

a great influence and my first sponsor.

was their responsibility, but it was great

He helped me get my first surfboards and

having a few big brothers pushing me.

would take me to contests.

Who were some of the figures you

When did you first start thinking about

looked up to and were influential to

being a competitive surfer? What was

your development in the early days?

your first contest and the first time you placed or won?

I was around 6 when I got my first board and my brother and his friends

UNEXPECTED MOVES IN UNEXPECTED PLACES CODY COLEMAN PHOTO

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

My brother Lance and his friends were

I think from the time I started surfing

FRONTSIDE SLASH DAVID MACRI PHOTO

I wanted to be a pro. I remember

was when I turned pro officially. I won

time every year at their team house,

looking through the old magazines and

$5,000 and although I felt like I was

right in front of Pipeline (on Oahu).

I knew I would be one day. My parents

pro before then, that was the first real

This was so much fun, just surfing

were supportive but would always

money I won as a pro surfer. At the

and traveling and seeing the world.

tell me to have a backup plan (I didn’t

time I didn’t really have any clear

really have a backup plan.) I was very

goals. I just wanted to travel, go new

When I was 24, I got a new sponsor

lucky to have their support, and once

places, and surf the best waves I

(Matix) and decided to really dedicate

I was old enough to start traveling,

could find. I had a great sponsorship

myself to qualifying for the World

I really got the bug and my surfing

with Rip Curl that let me do just

Tour. I traveled to every qualifying

improved. When I was 14, I got to go

that. It took a few years, but I did

series contest imaginable and came

to Puerto Rico and then that summer

eventually set some competitive goals

very close twice, before finally

my parents let me stay in California

for myself.

qualifying in 2007. I was on tour and

for a few months with friends. I was

off tour three times between 2007 and

so stoked. I surfed every day. I think

Can you share your memories of your

2011. It was a blast. I think the best

that’s when I started to feel like being

professional surfing experience?

part of it being that I was able to surf

a professional was actually a possibility.

the best waves in the world (Pipeline, My experience being a pro was

Tahiti, Jbay, and Trestles were some of

When did you decide to go pro? Why?

amazing. I feel like there were really

my favorites) with only a few people

What goals did you have set out in

two phases of my surf career: the

out. I traveled with the Hobgood

front of you when you made that

early days, I was sponsored by Rip

brothers and Cory Lopez. It was

decision?

Curl and got to go on trips and surf

awesome. I think my favorite contest

all over the world in exotic places

was at Trestles, but really I enjoyed all

I won a pro contest in Sea Isle City,

like Indonesia, Papua, New Guinea

of the stops on tour, all the waves are

New Jersey, when I was 18 and that

and the Galapagos islands, and spend

great, and it really is the dream tour.

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

I was traveling close to nine months a

don’t have the best waves here, but I

It’s a pretty weird time in surfing. I

year and doing both qualifying series

think that makes us appreciate those

think the level of surfing has never

and championship tours.

special moments when we do have

been higher. The wave pool technology

good waves.

is improving and changing so fast.

It was a lot of traveling, and at times it was tiring, but I was having fun and

Being able to surf and practice on the Are you still surfing professionally?

all I had to do was come back to Florida

same wave every day is going to really help people improve but nothing will

and realize how lucky I was to be

I still have a few sponsors —

ever compare to the real thing. I am a

traveling and surfing perfect waves for

Quiksilver, Surf Station, Electric and

pretty huge fan and still watch World

a living. I had so much fun and got to

Channel Islands) but I am staying local

Surf League events every chance I get.

see the world and meet so many great

a lot more; still doing some traveling

people I still call friends.

but not doing many contests. I have

Any advice for those out there

a family now and most days I am

wanting to do the same — become

working at Endless Summer Realty.

a professional surfer or just those

What’s the best thing about surfing in general?

wanting to surf in general? What’s your life like away from

It’s a great sport but I think it’s more

surfing?

than that. Being in the ocean is so

Just have fun with it. If you are having fun you are doing it right. It is pretty

healthy and going surfing always helps

It’s awesome. I am so blessed! We have

tough to become a professional surfer

me clear my mind and puts a smile on

three boys and that keeps us pretty

from Florida because the waves aren’t

my face.

busy. Our oldest is six and just started

great. Surf every chance you get and

to get into surfing himself, so its fun to

anytime you get to travel take that

What’s the best thing about surfing in

watch him learn. I’m saving up for a lot

same approach, surf like its going to be

St. Augustine?

of surf trips with them in the future.

flat for the next month!

The surfing community in St.

What do you have to say about the

Augustine is really tight-knit. When I

future of competitive/professional

was traveling I would see friends from

surfing?

St. Augustine all over the world. We

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

long with its own culture

“shapes” foam blanks into surfboards

made choppy by onshore winds

and lifestyle, the surf

OFFSHORE WINDS: a land breeze

community over the years

blowing into the ocean

has also developed it’s

ONSHORE: winds blowing in from the

WAVE PERIOD: time between swells MUSHY: soft breaking waves WATERMAN: someone proficient in

own vernacular. While most of the

sea

ocean sports and conditions

stories in this issue were written by

TUBE / BARREL: the inside of a

OVERHEAD: literally over the head of

true surfers, we realize that a good

hollow breaking wave

a standing surfer. “Double overhead”

portion of our readers are not, so

GNARLY: extreme DAWN PATROL: surfing at first light

would be 2x the height of the standing

/ dawn

FADE: slow turn to the steepest part of

hopefully this list helps.

surfer

GROM: short for “Grommet” - a young

HANG TEN: riding with ten toes

the wave

enthusiastic surfer

hanging off the nose of the board

CLOSEOUT: when a wave breaks all

RED BELLY: slapping a bare stomach

WEDGE: a steep bending section of a

at once

until it turns pink / red

wave

LINEUP: the spot in the ocean where

STOKE/STOKED: enthusiastic,

GOOFY FOOT: surfer that stands with

surfers line up to catch waves, as they

exhilarated, or excited

their right foot forward (usually a lefty)

start to break

DROP IN: to get in the right of way of

WAX: sticky wax rubbed on the deck

LIP: the breaking part of the wave

a surfer who is already riding a wave.

of surfboards for traction

Also the decent down the wave’s face

TROUGH: the bottom of

FACE: the front of a wave RIPPING: surfing very well and

breaking waves / swells

aggressively

“escape”

SHAPER: someone who designs and

BLOWN OUT: waves

BAIL OUT: essentially to

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sk any great photographer why their photos stand out from others out there, and they’ll tell you that love and knowledge of the subject is

one of the most important things to have, to be successful. This fits Ryan Miller perfectly — local boy and internationally known and revered surf photographer. Not one to rest, these days he splits his time between running a seasonal ice cream shop, and jetting around the world capturing great photos for the World Surf League. As a “local-gone-global” story of the area, we asked him if he wouldn’t mind sharing how it all happened for him.

International Surf photog Ryan Miller has

An Eye for

OPPORTUNITY BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI AND BRIAN HORNUNG/ PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN MILLER

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

Talk about growing up and surfing in St. Augustine. What was it like “back in the day?” I grew up surfing in St. Augustine in the 1980s and ‘90s. In the ‘80s, I was really young and would just surf at the end of my street. I loved hitting up the local surf shops and buying stickers. I still remember getting laughed out of the place for being a kid with a pocket full of pennies. In the ‘90s I was a teenager and would mobilize to different surf spots with friends. The only glaring difference I see between myself then and the kids I see now is the addition of the telephone. We would just all pile into one guy’s car and be together all day. Once you got separated, there were no phones to find each other with. It was a good sense of community amongst kids. Surfing has had an impact on a lot of other people’s lives and careers from the area. Can you comment on whether, and how, growing up in the St. Augustine surf community made an impact on your, and their lives? Why did it have an effect? The strong ties I had to the other surfers in St. Augustine helped me start a solid network in the surfing community. When Gabe Kling was

A MOMENT WITH THE CHAMP JOHN JOHN FLORENCE

Who has been your inspiration? I’m not so sure there is a who. More like a what. All of the learning I

making the tour, he helped me out a

ACROSS:

have done on the road has been

ton. I literally built my entire network

TRULY A “FISH EYE” VIEW

hugely inspiring for me. The culture,

from him. It was great to have a friend

architecture, food, religion, etc., in all

I grew up with out there on the road

the countries I have been has been my

when we were traveling. Similar story with Zander Morton. I had taken him on his first real national magazine writing assignment. He eventually became the editor of Surfing Magazine. 30

ABOVE:

When did you start developing an interest in photography and, specifically, surfing photography?

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Maybe like 16 in high school. We had a really good photography class that I gravitated to. So I did surf photography for like two years and realized I hated it. Shooting film of average waves and not doing anything with the photos. I realized I would way rather be surfing myself.

biggest inspiration. Is there anything that you haven’t done in your career that you have in front of you? And what goals did you have when you started that you’ve been able to achieve? I’ve thought a lot about this and my

“

TH E C U LTU R E, A RC H I TE C TU R E , FO O D, R E L I G I O N E TC . I N A L L TH E C O U N TR I E S I H AVE B E EN H A S B E E N M Y B I G G E ST I N S PI R ATI O N .

“

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

JOHN JOHN FLORENCE, SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

“ 34

I JU S T T RY A ND G I VE E ACH DAY T H E MO S T OPPORT UNIT Y T O H AVE A G OOD T IME . W HE N I S TA RT THI N K ING IN T E RMS O F FAVOR IT E S I S TA RT TO WA N T TO G O T O T H AT P LAC E A N D N OT G IV E T H E P L AC E I A M I N AT THE M O M E NT 1 00% .

“

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

only goal is to be as productive

really special seeing a good

with work and happiness on

friend win.

that given day. Everyday I

wake up I ask myself how can

Favorite places in the world?

I be the most productive with

Favorite breaks, waves, people

work given the conditions I

in the world surfing scene?

am granted. Same goes for my happiness on a personal level.

I don’t have any favorites. I just

How can I be the most happy

try and give each day the most

today? After that everything

opportunity to have a good

falls into place for me. I don’t

time. When I start thinking

care at all about goals in the

in terms of favorites I start to

future.

want to go to that place and not give the place I am in at

You’re known for having this

the moment 100%

way of managing to get the best travel situation — flying

Last, but not least, care to

first class, always scoring

tell us how a St. Augustine

amazing accommodations. Can

kid turned surf photographer

you talk about that?

has an ice cream shop on the television series “Jersey

That is a lot of work! I put so

Shore?”

much time into researching flights and mileage programs

Yum Yums was kind of the

and travel hacks, it is silly. I

catalyst for everything. My

just really enjoy the logistics of

wife, her sister, her husband

traveling. I would much prefer

and I got the store when we

to write out someone a list of

were 20 years old and still in

restaurants for any city in the

school. We had no idea what

world than to do my actual

we were doing but somehow

work.

managed to grow the business year over year. In the early

What sticks out in your mind

days when we had no personal

most in your career? Any

expenses, we could just work

memories that you can share?

in the summer and then the money we made would fund

Top of the list is the

our around the world trips all

relationships I have formed

winter. When I first started

with the guys I’m on the road

doing surf photography again

with all year. One memory that

for real, the income I made

was really special, was John

helped subsidize all of my

John Florence’s first world

travel. I didn’t have any trust

title in 2016. I had seen a lot

fund or safety net, so I needed

of world titles go down before

to pay for that travel somehow

that but not with anyone I had

until I began making money

the same relationship I had

from photography.

with John John. That day was

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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“PROFESSIONAL”

SURFERS W

hen you hear the word “surfer” used to describe someone, what’s the picture that immediately flashes in your mind? Chances are, it’s something like what’s pictured

here — the typical Jeff Spicoli t-shirt-and-baggies-clad, shaggy, blond-haired, super-tanned/sunburned-faced, flipflop-wearing dude, focused on one thing and one thing only: catching the ultimate wave (and then hopping on a private jet and jamming with the Stones…or, well, these days, Slightly Stoopid). And while it can’t be denied that this is certainly one type of “surfer” here in St. Augustine (and everywhere else), you’ll find that there really isn’t a universal, stereotypical surfer “type.” You would be surprised at some of the people who don’t necessarily fit that mold who consider the sport an integral part of their lives and have been surfing almost as long as they’ve been walking. On the First Coast, your average surfers come from surprisingly different backgrounds, live considerably different lives, and do vastly different things for a living. If you look, you’ll find that it’s not just a bunch of Spicoli clones out there in the lineup every day, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to introduce you to some area residents who are as at home in the ocean as they are in an office.

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

“The Endless Summer”

he effects of filmmaker Bruce Brown’s iconic documentary, which took the country by storm in the late ’60s, are still felt today. If you bring it up around any surfer

worth his weight in salt water, they’ll animatedly start talking about the first time they saw that movie and what it meant to them; how seeing it inspired them and made them want to do the same thing. The epic surf journey of two friends, chasing the perfect wave and the “endless summer” around the globe captured the imagination of millions of people across the nation (those not living in California and Hawaii, that is, where the sport took root in its early days) who hadn’t been exposed to this exciting new sport called surfing. One of those people, St. Johns County Judge Charles “Chuck” Tinlin, was one of the millions, who found themselves sitting in a darkened theater completely taken in by the fun, adventure and camaraderie playing out in front of them on the screen. “I started surfing because I saw the movie ‘The Endless Summer’ when I was a teen in Memphis,Tennessee,” Tinlin states matter-of-factly. “That was it. From the moment I saw it, I said, ‘I want to learn how to do that.’” Granted, the Birthplace of the Blues isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the sport. Unless you’re riding the wake behind one of the huge barges traveling up and down the Mississippi River, landlocked Tennessee provides zero opportunity to paddle into a wave. What’s a surfobssessed boy to do? The eager youngster was fortunate, though. “My parents would vacation in Florida every summer. The year that I saw ‘Endless Summer,’ we went to Boca Raton. I begged a board off a kid I didn’t even know and tried my hand at it. That’s how I spent every summer after. Wherever we were, I’d borrow boards

BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

RULING THE LINEUP CHUCK TINLIN

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

Mexico. Once again, Tinlin points to “The Endless Summer” as the inspiration for wanting to experience new places, meet new people, and surf different spots. He’s navigated faces up to twenty feet in the past, but these days he admits to taking it a little easier. Now, it’s more about the experience and not being quite as aggressive as he was when he was younger. His last adventure was when he spent a couple of weeks in Sumatra’s Telo Islands. Put one more pin on the map. Traveling with his buddies is a way to reset and recharge. “We surf, eat, and drink…and do it all again the next day,” he’s says with a laugh. “It’s always a great time. You can only do it for so from whomever I could and taught

are up, he’ll quickly exchange his robes

long because it’s expensive and you

myself how to do it.”

for baggies and paddle out during

have come back and work to pay for it

lunch (always sure to make it back to

all,” Tinlin says with another chuckle.

Tinlin started surfing in earnest in 1974 when he took off for the University of Miami after high school but didn’t stay because “the waves

proceedings. Throughout the years, surfing has

In the end, he believes that all the time spent chasing down waves makes him a better legal professional. “Being a judge is stressful,” he admits.

aren’t any good down south,” he

remained a

concedes, “…so I came up here and

constant in

“Getting out on the water

went to Flagler (College) because

his life and

helps me get away from all

the waves were a lot better.” After

he’s been a

the stress of the job. It’s

receiving his degree in both Social

fixture on

not easy having to hand

Science and English in 1979 and having

the local

down judgments which

no luck gaining employment, Tinlin

surf scene

end up sending people to

decided law school was the next step…

for decades.

prison. Surfing keeps me

and of course, it had to be someplace

He’s also

grounded and is like a form

near a good break.

become a

of meditation. It helps me

fixture in

in the courtroom, too. There

knew there would be good surf there,”

a group of

are times I’m out there and

Tinlin readily admits. Three years later,

equally-

I find myself working out

he received his juris doctorate from

avid surfers

a particular issue between

California Western School of Law and

who make

sets. But even though it’s

headed back east to start his career.

it a point

relaxing, I still have the

“I had always planned to come back

to travel

same passion for it as I did

and I had offers here which made the

together to destinations all over the

when I was a kid. It’s as exciting to me

decision easy.” Easy access to the ocean

planet in search of great waves and

now as it was then.”

helped seal the deal.

a good time. Their excursions have

“I went to San Diego because I

court on time!) or before/after the day’s

These days, that easy access allows

taken him to Indonesia (seven times),

for surf sessions when court isn’t in

the Maldives (twice), Hawaii, Tahiti,

session. Tinlin admits that if the waves

Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

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D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

f you live in St. Augustine,

a testament to the fact that when

sport. “I’ve always wanted to do it,”

whether you’re a surfer or

she gets into a good thing, there is

she says. “Between people at the

not, it’s a good bet that you

nothing pulling her away. It’s s no

office who were always going out

know at least one person who

different with surfing. “My friend,

surfing, plus a friend I met in my

is. In a community so richly laden

Beth Masters, put me on a longboard

running group, I just felt that it was

with surfing culture, you’ll be hard-

back in 2015 and I couldn’t stop

time for me to try it.” A long-time

pressed to find a whole lot of local

laughing,” says Blevins. “I had so

runner, Blevins says, “I used to use

surfers who haven’t been riding the

much fun my first time out that I was

running as an outlet to de-stress

waves since shortly after learning

hooked. Beth has taught me a lot.

and clear my mind, but once I

to walk. In fact, there seems to be

In fact, we have this thing where I

started surfing I realized it was more

a widely preconceived notion that

call her my ‘Surfing Sensei’ and she

effective for me. It doesn’t allow me

if you’re approaching mid-life and

calls me her ‘Grasshopper.’”

to think about anything else, because

haven’t been surfing since childhood,

Blevins decided to

I always have to be focused on

you just aren’t a surfer. However,

give surfing

people like Gina Blevins want you to

a shot after

Surfing has become so much

know that notion just isn’t true.

spending

of a passion for Blevins in the

“I just celebrated my third

catching that next wave.”

years

last three years that she has

surfing anniversary on July 20th,”

surrounded

begun the tradition of taking

says Blevins. “I’m originally from

by friends

Ohio. I moved here in the fall of

and co-

1994 to attend Flagler College and

workers

part of has actually become

never left.” The fact that Blevins

who were

more of a surfing travel

has been employed with Dat’l Do

completely

group recently,” she says.

It, Inc. since 1995 and is now part

immersed

of the management team there, is

in the

international surf trips. “The running group I have been

BY ROBERT WALDNER PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

PULLED IN BY THE WAVES GINA BLEVINS

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

pleasure” doesn’t

gave me a mason jar with a note on it

apply to Blevins, who

that reads, ‘Every Time You Surf, Grab

has incorporated

a Shell.’”

her favorite new pastime into her professional life. “When the surf is really good, we have ‘board meetings’ on the water. It’s a great way to get out of the office for a bit and regain our focus in a more natural

The group, self-titled “Team WIT” (Women In Training) has been to Puerto Rico, Panama, and Costa Rica over the last few years. Of course, the trips do more than just expose the ladies to great waves, they also introduce them to different cultures. “We are all taking Spanish lessons,” says Blevins. The phrase “Never mix business with

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

environment,” she says. “It’s a big journey,” says Blevins. “I’ve been to beautiful places and I have met a lot of great people through surfing.” She also has a very unique way of commemorating each session. “When I first started, my ‘Surf Sensei’

She admits, “I’m currently working on my third jar.”

O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

ou could say that saltwater

did not have skis, and then trying to

support his wanderlust for surf travel

has always been in the

make it barefoot from Fish Island all

and his newly-discovered passion

veins of Chris Way, former

the way to the Bridge of Lions. His

for photography. His tireless work

owner of the famous

passion for surf

Barnacles Bills (which he opened

travel comes from

in 1981 and sold just last year),

his first surf trip

and founder of the St. Augustine’s

to Mexico when he

famous Dat’l Do It Hot Sauce. Way, a

worked two jobs,

St. Augustine resident since second

O’Steens by day

grade, grew up on St. George Street.

and a gas station

His earliest memories of surfing

by night, to save

go back to 1970, when he started

up $150 so he and

surfing on rebuilt surfboards made

two buddies could

from cut-down longboards that were

drive 900 miles in

shaped and re-glassed. He recalls

an AMC Gremlin to

hitchhiking to the pier and hanging

San Blas, Mexico.

out, and surfing on the weekends with

At the time, it

Elaine Davis. Surf Station owner Tory

was the absolute

Strange was one of Way’s good friends

coolest thing he

growing up, and they were known for

had ever done and upon his return,

ethic and inherent business acumen

going on surf trips together back in

he vowed to continue the surf travel

proved to be the secret to success

the day. They even earned their black

lifestyle whenever possible.

which has allowed Way the ability to

belts in karate together. He tells of learning how to barefoot waterski on surfboards because they

College not being an option at the

invest in good surfing equipment and

time, Way forged his own path as

photography gear, and the freedom to

an entrepreneur in order to better

travel to exotic locations in style.

BY ED TOY PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

HAVE BOARD, WILL TRAVEL

continued on page 63

CHRIS WAY

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

RECREATIONAL SURFER BILLY ZEITS

BY KARA POUND PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

s a student at the

when he can — typically in the early

renowned waves of Bodega Bay.

University of Central

mornings or closer to dusk once his

“During that time, I ran a farm

Florida, Billy Zeits would

work and family obligations have

and garden center for kids,” Zeits

spend all of his free

been fulfilled. “Surfing, for me at this

remembers. “Every other minute, I

time surfing at Playalinda Beach in

point in my life, is about relishing the

was surfing. It’s like an adventure. You

Titusville. Raised in Indian Rocks Beach

moment of just being in the water,” he

can do it by yourself and each wave is

on the west coast of Florida, Zeits

says. “Every wave that I come across

its own individual thing. No two are

was a latecomer to the surfing world.

makes me happy.”

alike.”

“Back in those days, it was all about

After graduating from UCF, Zeits

A short six-month, surf-heavy

finding the perfect wave,” he explains

moved to the Napa area of California

stint in Kauai, Hawaii, was followed

of his late teens and early twenties. “I

to serve as an outdoor educator for

by another six years in California

wanted all of them and if I missed one

AmeriCorp

before Zeits was looking for a “small,

along the way, it gave me a serious

case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).”

and be to the

affordable coastal town with somewhat regular surf.” That was in 2015. He

Today, Zeits, who has served

chose St. Augustine to put down roots

as Assistant Director of Parks and

and immediately found employment at

Recreation for St. Johns County since

Stir It Up, Leonardi’s

January of 2014, finds time to surf

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

Nursery, and St. Johns County Government (as a beach lighting officer). Zeits worked his way up in the county, spent a few years as a park naturalist, then a few more as beach superintendent, before landing his current position overseeing much of the County’s Parks and Recreation Department. All the while, he was surfing his favorite spots on the First Coast such as Anastasia State Park, and traveling wherever he could find waves, including Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, California, Costa Rica and Mexico. “I definitely surf less now than I used to,” Zeits admits. “I don’t go out necessarily when the waves are good, but when I have time. I also ride bigger boards to accommodate the perpetually small conditions. It’s really just about being in the ocean.” Zeits’ go-to boards are a 6’0 Twin Fin made by Drew Baggett at Inspired Surfboards, and a 9’6 Single Fin Longboard. As far as how surfing helps Zeits in his professional life, he explains, “Surfing establishes a deeper connection with your community — from people, to environment, to weather conditions. If I can help facilitate the chance for other people to surf, whether that’s a killer parking lot with amenities or new

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beach access points, that makes for a better place to live for all of us.”

O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

HEALING WATERS DR. ERIC SEARCY

BY ED TOY PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

ric Searcy is as embedded in the Old City lifestyle as anyone possibly could be. Whether it be by playing

music or playing among the waves, Searcy finds solace in the finer and simpler things in life. A banjo and dobro player in the local well-known bluegrass band, The Driftwoods, as well as an avid surfer, it seems that the 69-year-old Searcy is always on the go. In terms of his lifelong passion for surfing, he claims, “From the first experience of feeling the wave carrying my board, I was hooked.” That first experience happened in 1961 when Searcy moved with his parents to Ponte Vedra Beach. Searcy may be better known in the community by his friends of the fourlegged kind, as he has been a beloved veterinarian at Antigua Veterinary Practice for more than forty years. “I began practicing in 1977 after I graduated from Auburn University,” says Searcy. “I’m mostly retired now which gives me more time to catch waves and do some of the other things I’ve always enjoyed.” The good doctor’s love for the ocean

goes far beyond the shoreline of the

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

of the First Coast. “We don’t always

my age that I’ve surfed with over the

utilizes his surfboard as a tool for

have good surf here. I’ve been

years. We enjoy the camaraderie as

personal wellbeing. “Surfing can be a

fortunate enough to be able to travel to

much as the waves.”

meditative and quiet time,” says the

some of the hotter surf destinations in

Searcy also reaps the physical and

the world. I’ve surfed all over Central

mental benefits of being active within

for his motivation to remain active

America and Puerto Rico,” he says.

the vast nature of the ocean. “I love it

and doing the things that he loves into

When he’s not paddling out somewhere

because it’s a great, physical and fun

retirement, he says, “My goal is to

off our coast, he’s most likely at the

workout,” he says. “I’ve always loved

wear out and not rust.”

most iconic surf destination of all:

being outside and I’ve always had an

Hawaii. Before he went to school

affinity for the ocean.”

for veterinary medicine, Searcy had

soft-spoken, good-natured doctor. As

Aside from the occasional surf sighting somewhere off the coast of,

Probably more so than most people in

well….anywhere in Northeast Florida,

enrolled at The University of Hawaii to

the same stage stage of life, Searcy and

the doctor is in when The Driftwoods

study oceanography and meteorology.

Debra have known loss and heartache

are performing at Creekside Dinery

“I must admit,” says Searcy, “I mostly

of the highest degree, having lost both

on the first and third Sunday of each

did it for the surfing.” Now he and his

of their sons in tragic accidents eight

month from 5 to 9 p.m. For more

wife, Debra Alexander Searcy, spend

years apart. The latest was this past

venues and scheduled Driftwoods

their time in the South Pacific solely for

December. “We surfed together a lot

events, visit www.thedriftwoods.net.

pleasure. “I go out there for a month or

when my kids were growing up. There

two at a time to get some of the really

are a lot of great memories there,”

good surf,” he states. “Most of my trips

says Searcy. With firsthand experience

now are usually with a group of guys

of the ocean’s healing power, Searcy

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

native St. Augustinian

setting any appointments or making

including Fiji, Indonesia, Nicaragua,

and President and CEO

commitments on the days the waves

Dominican Republic, California and

of The Bailey Group,

are supposed to be good,” Bailey

Mexico, just to name a few.”

Mark Bailey, Sr. learned

admits. “The waves are good in St.

As for his favorite spots to surf

to surf at the wee age of 5 with his

Augustine so infrequently that I

around the First Coast, Bailey says

older brothers, John and Bruce, at the

have to take the opportunity to get a

you can typically find him on the

St. Augustine Beach Pier. “They both

session in when I can.”

north or south side of the pier.

had very different styles, and were

These days, Bailey says he gets

“Growing up, I spent a ton of time

really good,” Bailey recalls. “What still

out two to three times a week. But

out at Vilano Beach and Anastasia

surprises me to this day is that they

when it comes to traveling out of

State Park, surfing Blow Hole and

quit surfing at some point. I’ll have to

town, surfing is always at the top

Middles,” he reveals. “During the

be physically unable to surf before I

of his mind. “My very first surf trip

work day, I’d throw my baggies on

hang it up.”

was to the Abacos in the Bahamas

and go surfing. Then I’d come back,

in the early 1980s,” he explains.

throw my suit back on — all sticky

member of the family’s insurance/

“That was also my first experience

and salty — and head back into the

financial services firm The Bailey

surfing over a reef, which I fell in love

office. I introduced surfing to all of my

Group, surfing is something he’s

with. I followed that up with a trip

kids. I would say the two that really

always tried to fit in around his work

to Costa Rica, and have been back

enjoyed it the most were Cassidy and

schedule, and vice-versa.“I make

there numerous times. Since then,

Brooks. Surfing is life for Brooks.”

sure to look ahead and understand

I’ve been on close to 50 surf trips

With a busy work schedule running

what the forecast looks like before

to destinations all over the world,

The Bailey Group, and spending time

For Bailey, who is an integral

LIQUID ASSETS MARK BAILEY SR.

BY KARA POUND / PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

with his friends and family, Bailey says that the benefits of surfing are plentiful and keep him engaged in the sport. “As I age, surfing provides a motivation for me to stay in shape because there are some days that I feel like I can surf as well as I did when I was younger,” he says. “Some of my closest friends in life I met through surfing, and the culture that goes along with it.”

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

FLUID DYNAMICS KERRY TUSTIN

BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

n many ways, the world of business is a lot like the ocean — a constant in our lives, always there but always changing. Even the most established

businesses are not immune to the changing world around them and to survive, they have to adjust to changing trends and influences, both large and small; much like a surfer having to adapt to changing tides and conditions on any given session. This business/surfing comparison might not be evident to non-surfers, but for those who paddle out on a regular basis, the similarities are quite clear. Kerry Tustin, founder and owner of advertising/marketing firm Hybrid Studios, will tell you that her life-long obsession with the sport has instilled in her a kind of sixth sense about the nature of change in the world of marketing today and how to stay on top of it, and even to get ahead of the “wave.” “When you’re sitting out there waiting on a wave, you’re assessing everything — how the waves are breaking; where they’re breaking; if it’s better to go left or right; which ones in the set are good; and which ones not to bother with. You’re constantly monitoring conditions to see how to react, and that’s before you even try to catch the wave. Once you make that decision and start to paddle in, timing is everything. It’s a balance of motion and energy and finding that point at the crest of the wave at just the perfect moment. If you don’t hit it, you’re left waiting for the next one.” When asked if she thinks Hybrid’s sucess

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

is due to this inherent ability to

a company’s message out, just like

see what’s coming and quickly

finding that perfect moment to catch a

adjust to any situation, she answers

wave. It doesn’t seem like there would

Syracuse University, earning her

emphatically, “Absolutely.” Obviously,

be a connection, but I can absolutely

M.A. in Advertising and Design,

riding a wave and developing a

say that all that time spent in the water

Tustin ended up in St. Augustine as

marketing scheme aren’t the same

for me makes me a better professional

creative director and graphic designer

thing at all, but being able to look

at what I do out of the water.”

for Talented Friends, Inc., then KAT

at things from, let’s say, a quantum

Tustin first caught the surfing bug as

she could yet still be a good student. After graduating Cum Laude from

Design. She struck out on her own in

perspective on the water has helped

a youngster in New Jersey. She started

2002 and never looked back. Now one

Tustin assess how to best promote a

on a foam board just before third grade

of the most highly-regarded firms in St.

business.

and begged her mom and dad for a

Augustine, Hybrid Studios continues

real board. Finally, they finally struck a

its wave of success because of Tustin’s

the best outcome I can from the

deal with her in sixth grade: if Tustin

ability to read the world of advertising

session, no matter what the weather,

made straight As, they would buy

and marketing as well as she can read

the tides, or the ocean have to throw

her a real surfboard. The determined

the waves on any given session.

at me. At Hybrid, I’m trying to do the

middle schooler buckled down, got the

same thing for our clients: look at all

grades…and got her board.

“When I’m surfing, I want to have

the things going on and come up with

Over the years, Tustin added snowboarding to her surfing obsession,

“It was my prize possession,” she

but if pressed to choose one or the

the solution that will serve them best.

says. “I took the best care of that

other, she says, “I’d have to choose

The world of advertising and marketing

board. I kept it in my room and I

surfing. It would be hard, but surfing

is always changing, on both the global

just remember being so stoked when

is my life. When I’m out there on the

scale and the local scale. Finding that

I looked at it.” The obsession was

ocean, I’m in a state of bliss. Really, it’s

perfect combination is vital to getting

cemented and Tustin rode as much as

nirvana.”

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

or James Whitehouse,

of surfing there.” The world was a

competition when he was younger.

there has always been a

different place when Whitehouse

“I used to surf in little contests up

sense of calm and serenity

was growing up. “I can remember

and down the First Coast. Some were

associated with surfing.

many times in grade school when my

ESA (East Coast Surfing Association)

“The beach has always been a place

mother would drop me and my friends

sanctioned and some were just local

of fun and thought for me,” he

off in Atlantic Beach in front of the

surf shop contests,” says Whitehouse.

says. “Even just sitting out there

Sea Turtle. We would surf all day

“The main surf shops in my area back

floating in the lineup brings me great

long,” he remembers. Today that’s

in the ’80s were Sunrise Surf Shop

peace.” During the day, Whitehouse

unimaginable.

and Hart’s Surf Shop in Jax Beach,

is a Partner at St. Johns Law Group,

Surfing has also provided

Hixon’s Surf Shop in Neptune Beach,

handling local government law

Whitehouse with fond family

and Aqua East in Atlantic Beach. It

and real estate litigation. When

memories. “My older brother and I

seems like there were always surf

one works in a field that can be as

would go surfing a lot in front of the

competitions going on between all of

contentious as governmental law can

beach house in South Ponte Vedra.

them everyday. It was fun to get in on

be, the value of a pastime offering a

I remember sitting in the lineup in

that. Later, when I was in high school,

sense of reflection and calmness is

the evenings and talking for hours. I

we had a surf team that I was on.”

immeasurable.

would ask him what high school was

Just as many avid surfers do,

“I’ve been surfing since I was ten

like and he would tell me what he

Whitehouse makes it a point to travel

years old,” says Whitehouse. “I grew

thought I would like and wouldn’t like

to other parts of the world in order

up in Jacksonville Beach with seven

about it,” he recalls.

to experience the surfing lifestyles

brothers and sisters. We spent our

While Whitehouse uses the sport

summers on Ponte Vedra Beach at

mainly as a therapeutic outlet

our family beach shack. I did a lot

these days, he did dabble in a bit of

of other cultures. “I have been very blessed to have been able to take

continued on page 63

A GOOD ARGUMENT FOR SURFING BY ROBERT WALDNER PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

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O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

or Mike Davis, owner

business has been keeping him

on, how does Davis keep up with it

and operator of the local

very occupied. Currently, they are

all and still paddle out for a quick

construction company A.D.

restoring the steeple at the Memorial

session when surf’s up? For one, cell

Davis Construction, surfing

Presbyterian Church downtown,

phones make it easier for him take

makes him a better boss, husband

which was damaged during Hurricane

advantage of a good swell, plus he

and father. Being able to paddle

Irma. They are also continuing

credits his amazing staff at A.D. Davis

out between the responsibilities of

resorations to Flagler College, and

for allowing him to go for a sunrise

running A.D. Davis, co-hosting the

several structures around town

surf session before work without

daily Uncommon Ground Radio show

which were damaged from both Irma

worrying that things are getting

on WFOY Radio, being a father of two

and Matthew. With so much going

done. It doesn’t hurt that Davis has

active children and husband to wife

some beachside friends with hot and

Darcy, gives Davis a way to steal a

cold showers outside so he can rinse

few precious moments away from the

off and throw some work clothes

many things requiring his attention

on without having to head home to

during any given day

change.

The construction company, which

More than anything, Davis

was started by his father in 1954 and

appreciates the opportunity to get out

specializes in historic renovations,

on the water, run into some friends

commercial, and high-end residential

in the lineup — many made through

construction, has been under Mike’s

surfing — whom he has not seen in

stewardship for the past 30 years.

a while, and catch up on everything

Turns out, he’s been working at A.D.

from their personal lives to what’s

Davis almost as long as he’s been

going on in their professional worlds.

surfing, taking to the waves at the

Then, when Davis gets out of the

age of 16, about the same time he

water after taking on the ocean, he

started learning the business.

finds he’s ready to take on what the

These days, the construction

rest of the world puts in front of him.

BY ROBERT WALDNER PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER

CONSTRUCTIVE PASTTIME MIKE DAVIS

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

O L D C I T Y: P EOPL E

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER BERT TAVARY

hasing waves all over

BY ED TOY PORTRAIT PHOTO BY KATE GARDINER SURF PHOTO: ADDISON FITZGERALD

Tavary’s introduction to surfing

the world is one of

came in 1962 when he and a

the things Bert Tavary

friend took advantage of high

likes best. When he

school Senior Skip Day to try

isn’t filling cavities, the popular

their hand at this new sport that

Anastasia Island dentist trades in

was sweeping the coastal areas

his white coat for baggies and fills

of the nation. He then joined the

his time with surf trips to exotic

Navy, becoming the crew chief

locales spanning the globe. In fact,

for the Blue Angels in Pensacola.

a recent trip to the breathtaking

After his service in the Navy, he

crystal blue waters of the Maldives

attended the University of Florida

ranks first among Tavary’s favorite

and continued on to dental school

surfing sojourns.

at Emory University in Atlanta.

The once-in-a-lifetime

Landlocked Atlanta proved to be

excursion was organized by local

too far from the beach for Tavary,

photographer and avid surfer,

so he moved to one of the best

Tommy Addison and consisted of

surfing towns in the nation: Santa

thirteen indescribable days living

Cruz, California.

aboard an 80-foot yacht which

When he relocated to

shuttled them from reef pass to

St. Augustine in 1982,

reef pass. Imagine day after day of

Tavary quickly became

great waves, great companionship

a fixture in the surfing

(Tavary was joined by nine other

community and the

mates, including Judge Chuck

surf travel bug kicked

Tinlin, and retired St. Johns

back in. Paddle-out pals

County Fire and Rescue Captain

like Tinlin and Morgan

Jack Morgan), and great cuisine

became regular travel

(the group brought along a chef

partners and he’s gone

who supplied them with the best

as far as investing

in local fish, vegetables, pastas,

in a Costa Rican

fruits and other Maldivian dishes).

condominium with some

To Tavary, the 54 hours it took to

like-minded surf fanatics

get there by plane were justified

whom he visits often.

continued on page 63

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WHITEHOUSE CONTINUED...

TAVARY CONTINUED...

surf trips to many incredible

Nicaragua and El Salavador are frequent

locations like Hawaii, Nicaragua,

destinations, as well as, of course, the surf

St. Augustine-based and

and up and down the Pacific

mecca of Hawaii, where he plans to travel

internationaly-sold No Profile Boat

Coast,” says Whitehouse. “Costa

next January for a couple of weeks.

Lifts believes that surfing created a

For Tavary, who also plays beach

network of friends and connections

Rica has become my favorite

WAY CONTINUED... The current co-owner of

surfing spot, Ollie’s Point….well,

volleyball and competes in spartan races,

that remain vital to him in business

besides my home break,” he says,

surfing is a way to get outside, enjoy the

to this day. Mark Bailey, Chuck Tinlin,

smiling.

ocean, and stay fit at the same time. As

Bert Tavary, Reid Connor and Kramer

for the traveling, Tavary certainly agrees

Upchurch — those are just a few of the

those people who have wanted

with Addison, who wrote about their

names in his surf posse. Together, the

to surf but just haven’t gotten

Maldives trip in a feature article for Old

group has traveled many times to surf

around to it yet is, “The ocean

City Life back in 2015. According to the

destinations like Mexico, Indonesia,

can bring you great peace and

photographer, “There is nothing better than

Costa Rica, and Hawaii.

pleasure. Get out there and enjoy

the surfing with good friends, paddling out

the vastness and beauty of God’s

as they drop into perfection, hooting and

injuries have kept him out of the water

great creation. Whether you are

hollering with every turn. It takes you back

a great deal, but he gets out when

riding perfect, head-high, glassy

to your childhood surf days when nothing

he can. Even if he can no longer ride

waves or enduring sloppy washing

else mattered. Surfing keeps you young at

them like he used to, the memories of

machine or even flat conditions,

heart. That’s why we do it. It’s an addiction

the countless waves and epic trips are

get out in the lineup and enjoy the

and it only grows the more you explore and

enough to carry him on. He still makes

sea breeze, the sun in your face,

do it. The term ‘only a surfer knows the

it a priority to travel when he can, and

and the salt water. It will change

feeling’ couldn’t be more accurate.”

his boards are never far from his reach.

Whitehouse’s message to all of

These days, Way laments that

your life.”

www.WHOCPA.com 2825 Lewis Speedway, Ste. 104 | St. Augustine, FL 32084 | Phone: (904) 829-0082 | info@whocpa.com D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

BY ROBERT WALDNER , PORTRAIT PHOTOS BY KATE GARDINER, SURF PHOTOS BY CODY COLEMAN AND ASHER NOLAN

ompetition surfing is a sport you have to experience for yourself to fully understand. Not only are athletes competing against other athletes, they’re also contending with weather and surf conditions which are out of their

control. Ultimately, for a surfer to be truly competitive, they must learn to stay calm under pressure, no matter what Mother Nature throws at them. It’s an individual sport that tests a surfer on a mental level, more so than many people would imagine. Jason Brownell, local surfer and father of two of St. Augustine’s most upand-coming competitors, says it best, “There’s a lot of strategy and logic that a lot of non-surfers probably don’t realize.” What exactly does training time consist of for surfers? Surely it can’t be just about flying solo and catching waves in their own little box. There must be some interaction and collaboration between competitors, right? Here in St. Augustine, two families, the Brownells and the Langes, have the answer to that question. Meet Evan (19) and Noah (15) Brownell and Eden (16) and Benji Lange (11) — four local youths

who many people believe are the next wave of St. Augustine’s competitive surfing legacy. All four have been competing in the sport in their individual divisions and all of them win. However,

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Surf Siblings SHARING

S A LT W A T E R I N T H E I R V E I N S

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

the impact of their friendships may

As the parents of the only girl

a bunch of boys,” says Allison. Both

have more to do with their personal

between the two families, the Langes

sets of siblings train with Surf Station

successes than anything.

see the positive effects that essentially

team rider and personal trainer, Chris

having three brothers has made on

Ropero. “Training with Chris has been

are achieving their ambitious goals.

their daughter Eden. “Eden is one of

a huge asset to all of them because he

“They have all traveled to Puerto Rico,

the only girls in St. Augustine who

is a surfer and a teacher who pushes

Barbados, and California together.

surfs regularly, so she is used to

them to be their best. Even when they

They are each other’s biggest

being around Evan, Noah, and Benji,

are tired and frustrated, Chris instills

cheerleaders and critics,” says Allison.

and having to hold her own around

in them that anything is possible if

“Paul Lange and I went to high school together,” says Debby Brownell, mother of Evan and Noah. “Eden and Noah have grown up surfing together and Benji has been in the mix since he’s been able to swim.” The bond between the Brownells and the Langes is undoubtedly one that has stood the test of time and continues into the next generation. “Watching our kids grow up together has been one of the greatest things about living in St. Augustine,” says Allison Lange. She and her husband Paul can attest to the fact that their kids forming such unbreakable bonds so early in life has made a big impact on how they

BENJI AND EDEN LANGE SHOW OFF THEIR BACKHAND TECHNIQUE PHOTOS: ASHER “SLASH” NOLAN

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

they don’t give up. He really does

his belt and

bring out the best in all of them,” says

numerous titles

Allison.

that have taken

“

WATC H I N G O U R K IDS G R O W U P TO G E THER H A S B E E N O N E O F TH E G R E ATE S T TH I N GS A B O U T L I VI N G IN S T. AU G U S TI N E .

With Evan being the oldest of the

him all over the

four, Debby and Jason Brownell have

country and to

spent more than fifteen years with

different parts

their toes in the sand of hundreds of

of the world,

beaches from coast to coast in support

Evan has his

of their boys. “One of the things that

sights set on

makes me proud,” says Jason, “is when

his future. “I

I’m watching my kids out there and

want to give back to the community

I see them putting a beautiful wave

because it has done so much for me.

together. That’s when you realize that

I recently received my Class A Surf

they know what they are doing and all

Coach license and I’m going to school

of the hard work they put in is paying

to become a personal trainer,” he says.

off.” Evan has been putting the work in

“I want to work in the St. Augustine

for three quarters of his life.

surfing community.”

“I realized that surfing was more

As for younger brother Noah, he’s

than just a hobby to me when I was

just having fun with the entire surfing

around 8 years old. Two years later, I

experience. At 15, Noah knows that he

began competing,” he says. “I fell in

has time to improve. “This year, I’m

love with it the first time I learned how

really focused on trying to get better.

to stand on my dad’s longboard when

I am also focused on traveling a lot.

I was about 4 years old.” Now, with

Next year I’d like to turn my attention

hundreds of surf competitions under

to the Junior Pros,” he says. Following

“

in his brother’s footsteps, Noah has

also made some impressive placings. “My favorite competition moment was when I got fourth place at the East Coast Regionals when I was 14.

It wasn’t first place, but it was a really tough competition and I was very happy with my performance.” While Evan tends to be a bit harder on himself when he feels he hasn’t performed his best, Noah takes things a little more in stride. “I try to put my losses behind me,“ he says. “Surfing is very subjective. You can’t take every loss personally. Sometimes you get worked by the judges and sometimes

NOAH FINDS A ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH BARREL PHOTO: CODY COLEMAN

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

EVAN. EHUKAI, HAWAII PHOTO: CODY COLEMAN

you don’t surf your best. If I lose, I just

much fun. There’s not a whole lot they

character. “For Paul and I, witnessing

try to move onto the next competition.”

can say when they know that I can surf

our kids’ good sportsmanship,

Growing up surfing together has taught

just as well as they can.”

camaraderie, and great attitude toward

the Brownell boys to build each other

From the parents’ perspective, the

up. “Evan and I have always coached

relationship between the four surfers

says Allison. “They are always happy,

each other and worked to help each

has been nothing short of inspiring.

positive, and kind. That is all we could

other get better,” says Noah.

“Our two families have a forty plus

ever ask. Contest results don’t define

year history together,” says Paul

you, but your attitude sure does!”

The positive energy that the

others makes us the most proud,”

Brownell’s share between each other

Lange, who started surfing around the

carries over to their relationship with

same age as his boys did. “My hope

that my kids know how to conduct

the Langes. “Evan and Noah are like

is that these kids carry on the St.

themselves like adults when they are

my big brothers,” says eleven-year-

Augustine surfing tradition long after

meeting with event organizers, judges,

old Benji. “They always help me and

we are no longer able to.” With many

and other competitors makes me

give me advice. But in reality, they

of the same sponsorships and all of

proud,” he says.

know I’m the best surfer!” he says

them being Surf Station Team Riders,

laughing. Sixteen-year-old Eden takes

The Brownells and Langes have had

comes from19-year-old Noah himself.

the friendly competition to a level that

multiple opportunities to improve their

“I want kids who are just getting

only a member of the opposite sex

performances by working together.

into surfing to know that they should

could. “Surfing with Evan and Noah

“Both Benji and Eden ride for Hurley,

always be respectful of the older, more

automatically makes me want to kick

Channel Island Surfboards, and The

experienced surfers, to learn as much

their butts,” she says. “But really we

Surf Station,” says Allison.

as they can, and to never be afraid to

are like a big family. There’s a lot

With multiple titles and high placings

of love, but there is always a sense

between all four of them, perhaps the

of competitiveness too. That’s what

most important achievements the kids

makes surfing with all the boys so

have made are associated with their

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Jason Brownell agrees. “Seeing

Perhaps the most powerful message

ask questions.”

LIFE

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EAST OF DOWNTOWN OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8 22. SIMPLE GESTURES: 4 WHITE ST. E. & ANASTASIA BLVD. 23. THE ART STUDIO OF ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH:370A A1A BEACH BLVD.

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Waves of Nostalgia THE GLORY DAYS OF SAINT AUGUSTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PIER(S)

BY BOB MOSELEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID MACRI WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY MARK BERNSTEIN AND CHRIS WAY

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

he original pier in St. Augustine Beach was built in the late 1930s. It has stood proud in glassy lined

up swells. On several occasions it has been rolled up and wiped out by powerful storms, then built new again. Through the years, its grounds have been home to a carnival, arcade, skating rink, bowling alley, and several restaurants and bars. In the 1960s, those rickety planks embraced a youthful stoke to ride waves. Like Mayberry meets Malibu, the pier gave St. Augustine’s first generation of surfers a place to figure it all out and set the local standard for decades to come. Terry Drozd grew up a young pier grom. In the mid to late 1950s, his family built the recently demolished Panama Hatties building on the opposite side of A1A from the pier. Back then it was a restaurant and bar called The Islander. “I would go to work with my

BELOW: THE PIER SCENE CIRCA 1947 ACROSS TOP: SURF TEAM CIRCA 1966

ABOVE: MARK BERNSTEIN WITH SURFING LEGEND DAVID NUUHIWA

parents,” Drozd said. “As soon as I was

then, Drozd recalled. “It was longer

able, I would slip across the street to

than it is today, and had a T section.

the pier. I was there every day.” Drozd

At low tide it always broke on the

did a lot of fishing and whatever action

outer bar beyond the end. It was a long

the pier offered up that day. In the

wave,” he said. Swell direction didn’t

early 1960s there was only a handful of

matter as the peak held waves in the

surfers in town. After Drozd saw a few

winter and summer. “But I always liked

guys riding waves it didn’t take him

the North swells best because I am a

long to join the crew.

goofy foot.”

The pier had a great set up back

Mark Bernstein owned Sun-N-Surf Shop at the pier for many years. “The left off the pier was a great wave,” Bernstein said. “Some days you could nose ride, get barreled, and hit the lip all on the same wave. I can remember Biddy Hunter and Bill Eicholz riding forever on the nose. A lot of the established guys surfed there. You didn’t paddle over until you were a bit older.” Sun-n-Surf Shop evolved from a series of stores and buildings that included the old Bath House where Drozd rented boards as a kid. Bernstein’s father, Philip, was one of

several people involved in the early years. “They put some boards up for sale and rent in the back room at first,”

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Bernstein recalls. As surfing grew, it became a bigger part of the business. Bernstein bought the shop from his father in the early 1970s. Like the pier itself, Sun-n-Surf became a home away from home for local surfers. “Even if you surfed somewhere else,” Bernstein said, “you ended up back at the pier. Sometimes a bunch of us would spend the night in the shop so we could paddle out early in the morning. We would surf all day when the waves were good. If you knew the person working at Sea Hag’s on the pier, sometimes you could yell up and they would toss down a burger so you didn’t have to paddle in.” “We would just hang out,” Drozd recalled. There was a lot of pranks going on. Many times, Bill Eicholz was the instigator. “We did stuff like the wallet on a string trick. I would hide under my VW van holding the string and Bill would be on the boardwalk with his camera. I would wait for his signal, then pull.

“

I F Y O U KNE W T H E PERSON W O R KING AT SE A HAG ’ S ON T H E PI ER, SO M E T IME S Y O U COULD Y E LL UP A N D THEY W OUL D T OS S DOWN A B UR G E R SO YOU DID N’ T H AV E TO PADD LE IN.

“

PHOTO: DAVID MACRI D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

boardwalk onto the sand. There was a long beach going for a few hundred yards. Once the sand was gone, though, the wave never really was the same.” In the early 1980s, Sun-n-Surf Shop moved to Anastasia Boulevard because the building at the pier was deemed unsafe. The shop eventually moved to St. George Street where Bernstein operated it until the mid 1990s. As the pier scene began to fade, Vilano and Blowhole became the dominant spots in town. It was the lessons learned and relationships made at the pier that helped local surfers regulate those breaks as the outside world became more fond of day tripping to St. Augustine for surf. Looking back at an era is a bit like remembering historic

ABOVE: CONTESTS BECAME A BIG PART OF THE GROWING 1960S SURF SCENE

swells. One guy might have called it six foot; another might have said it

I will always remember the look on this one lady’s face. She was so mad!” “It seems a bit silly maybe today,” he said. “Back then it was just stuff to do while we waited for the waves to get good. Bill Eicholz was definitely Wild Bill, but he could surf really well.” For many years, the St. Augustine Jaycees ran a Fourth of July celebration at the pier. They featured crowd favorites like the greased pole climb, ice sitting, and bikini contest. Once surfing became popular, the Jaycees added a surf contest. As it grew, Bernstein and the shop became more involved as the main sponsor of the surfing event. The Jaycees’ celebration ended its run in the 1980s. The 51st edition of the Sun-n-Surf Fourth of July contest ran this past summer. Over time the pier grew weary, buildings crumbled, and the bottom 76

changed. Sometimes it was in chunks RIGHT: ANOTHER BIG SWELL DELIVERS A TKO TO THE OLD WOODEN PIER. MACRI PHOTO

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

from Hurricanes Dora and David.

was overhead. Waves become vapor

Sometimes it was a nameless

after the ride ends. What’s left is a

Nor’easter. Even on calm days, a pier

recollection, a feeling, and a smile

is built to die. The ocean always wins.

that can only be shared with the

“When I was a kid,” Drozd said, “you could step right off the

people who were there.

A GROM’S LIFE

RECEIVING A SURF SHOP EDUCATION

was born in Jacksonville but

was also a meeting place. A skatepark.

and 45 minutes later, when their shifts

moved to the Old City when I

A classroom. From the day we moved

ended, I followed them out to their

was seven, after my parents,

to St. Augustine, if I wasn’t at school,

cars. This was back when you could

who opened Ragtime, decided

or sleeping, or surfing, I was at the

still drive on the beach in Anastasia

shop.

State Park.

to bring another brewpub called A1A Ale Works to St. Augustine. My family

When I was 12 years old, longtime

One afternoon, after the winds

bought a lot a stone’s throw away from

Surf Station employees Scott Calvin

shifted west on the tail end of a strong

the Surf Station, and in many ways,

and Brian Hornung, both in their early

nor’easter, I hitched a ride like I’d

the proximity of our home to the shop

20s, started taking me surfing after

done so many days before. But when

defined my career.

school. I don’t know if they really

we got to Middles that day, it might

While the Surf Station was my first

wanted to, but I didn’t give them much

as well have been Pipeline. Double

sponsor (at 10!) and also my first job

choice. I’d show up at the shop at 2:15

overhead teepees were barreling both

(at 15!), it was much more than that. It

in the afternoon with my surfboard,

ways. Terrifying.

BY ALEXANDER MORTON

“THE BEST OF DAYS!!” L TO R: JEFF LOGAN, ZANDER MORTON, DANIEL LEWIS, MATT HESSON

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

Scott and Brian quickly paddled out and

When I was 13, Tory Strange, owner of the

started trading tubes, while I sat on the

Surf Station, found me hanging around at the

beach with my friend Richard Barile, both of

shop and drove me to Gabe Kling’s house over

us in our wetsuits already, but with our tails

on Vilano. Gabe was one of my heroes and I

between our legs, sure that if we joined them

was both nervous and excited to meet him.

we were going to die. It didn’t matter that these

The waves were tiny, but Tory wanted Gabe

were the best waves we’d ever seen. We would

to give me pointers on my technique. So he

die. We were convinced.

asked him to watch me surf. I’m not sure if he

Against Brian’s wishes, Bob Moseley gave us a

did it begrudgingly or not, but Gabe sat in the

ride back to the shop. But Brian wouldn’t let me

sand for about an hour. I thought I was ripping

live it down. He passed word down that I wasn’t

and came in hoping to hear Gabe’s praise.

allowed back inside Surf Station — or to hitch a

Instead, he told me I was hopping around too

ride to the beach — until I copped a 10-minute

much and that I needed to slow everything

red belly (the grom abuse of choice back then).

down. It was a painful lesson from my hero,

After a week hiding at home I decided to face my punishment. The second my red belly began,

but that day I learned what it meant to be humbled. A year later I skateboarded up to the shop at 8 a.m. on Saturday for a bar of wax. The shop opened at 7 back then. To my surprise, the door was locked, lights still off. What was going on? I waited in the

A BOUNTY OF

parking lot for

COMPETITIVE

someone to open

“RICHES”

up, practicing ollies between the concrete islands where the fuel pumps had once been. 30 minutes later, Tripp Turner, another Surf Station OG, showed up. Normally Tripp was smiling and happy, I vowed to myself that I’d never turn my back on

but this day he was tired, quiet, with shiny red

good waves again.

eyes.

That day, I learned to face my fears (shortly

I loitered around the way I always did, bar

after I copped another red belly from Brian for

of wax in hand, perusing the latest surf mags,

wearing rollerblades inside the shop. I hated

while Tripp struggled to answer the phone,

it at the time, but I’m forever indebted to him

keeping his sunglasses on inside. After awhile

for making sure I never wore those stupid

I asked him what was wrong — was he sick?

things again).

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Tripp just laughed. “Self induced sickness,”

NO MATTER WHAT SHOP THEY CALL “HOME,” KIDS SHOW US THAT THE LOVE OF SURFING, IS WHAT REALLY MATTERS.

THIS PAGE: HOPEFULLY THE NEXT WAVE OF GROMS CONTINUE TO PROVE THAT PLAYING OUTSIDE IS THE MOST FUN

PHOTOS: DAVID MACRI

he told me. “Never touch Wild Turkey.” That morning I learned what it meant to be hungover (of course I would learn the hard way many times later). It went on like that. Year after year. Something new every day. I met Kelly Slater and Rob Machado together in the shop while they were ranked first and second in the world. They signed my surfboard! Tory brought me surfing with Chris Ward at A Street after his biopic “Psycho Ward” was released. He told me I was ripping! Those moments taught me my heroes were human. By the time I was 16 I had a job at the shop and I could drive. But nothing changed. I’d hang out there before my shift started and stay after it ended. For my friends and me, the Surf Station was, without exaggeration, at the center of our lives. Bored? We’d go to Surf Station. Looking for friends? We’d hang out at The Shop. Those were the days! While I’ve been living in California

for the past seven years (with a 14

Ropero. Collin Wicker. Jeff Logan. The

month stint in Indonesia), and don’t

list of late 1990s and early 2000s kids

get home as much as I’d like, from

raised by the shop goes on and on.

what I hear, the “shop grom” has gone

We all have similar stories. And we all

the way of the surf magazine. It hardly

owe the Surf Station for setting us up

exists (a bummer, but social media has

for success.

made the world infinitely less social, unfortunately). Jeff McNally. Daniel Lewis. Kelly Conway. Matt Hesson. Jake Burghardt.

Because we’ve all learned as much inside those walls (and outside in the parking lot) as we have anywhere else in life.

Ross Howatt. Jimmy Wilson. Chris

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

ST. CARDIFFSTINE THE ST. A — CALI CONNECTION

BY ED TOY / PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIMMICANE

t. Augustine has always been a quaint little surfing town with a fishing problem. Just ask Jimmy Wilson and

Zander Morton, who both grew up in St. Augustine and have gone on to make successful careers in the surf industry. Wilson and Morton started out hanging around the Surf Station as teenagers, eventually working at the shop together in high school. Back in those days local surfers like Gabe Kling, Jody Davis, Jason Hadjis, Scott Calvin and OCL’s graphic designer Brian Hornung were mentors to younger surfers like Wilson and Morton. Vilano was the spot on higher tide, Anastasia State Park at low tide, and on any given day when the surf was up, you could find the list of area all-star surfers jockeying for position in the shallow barreling waves. Afterwards everyone would head back to the shop and talk, judging who got the best waves that day and heckling the ones with the biggest wipeouts. The older crew really inspired the younger surfers to make something of themselves. Wilson, also known as Jimmicane, started shooting photos with his father’s camera after breaking his ankle skating at Kona skatepark with local surfers Matt Whetmore, Johnny Barclay and Zander Morton. His first surf photography

was at Matanzas Inlet, and then

Kelly Slater. Despite missing classes

Sebastian Inlet with pro surfer (and

at school, Wilson could not pass up

future Flagler graduate) Eric Taylor.

this amazing opportunity. Upon his

He had a knack for capturing the

return, he decided to quit school and

action, and was awarded a check for $15 from Eastern Surf Magazine (ESM) after entering a photo for a Surf Station Ad. Soon after, Wilson purchased his first waterproof camera housing, and ended up with a spread in ESM. ESM dedicated an issue to St. Augustine a few months later and at 15 years old Wilson decided to dedicate his life to surf photography. He had begun taking classes in the photography program at Daytona Beach Community College after high school, when he was approached by Transworld Surf, where he had interned the previous

move to Puerto Rico to pursue his

summer, about flying to Barbados to

goal of shooting surf photography

shoot on-the-water photography with

full-time.

81 ABOVE:

ZANDER MORTON (L) AND JIMMY WILSON AT THE OFFICE OF SURFING MAGAZINE

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

fortunately Dick Meseroll,

pulled some strings in the

Photo Editor and Co-Founder,

industry and recommended

offered him a position as his

him for a writing position as

assistant at ESM at the age

associate editor at Transworld

of 20. Eventually his eye for

Surf, working with editor

surf photography at ESM

Chris Cote. Morton went on

landed him the position

to become editor of Surfing

of photo editor at the internationally-known and respected Surfing Magazine and he moved to California. Zander Morton started out his career as At that time it was very difficult to make a

Magazine until the magazine closed up shop last year. Around the same time, another close friend, Ryan Ripko, left his job as shipping manager at the Surf Station and started working for West

a professional surfer, traveling

Wetsuits, also in southern

up and down the east coast

California.

with Gabe Kling and Asher

As fate would have it,

Nolan, where he discovered

Wilson, Morton, Ripko, Ross

living shooting surf photos,

his love for writing about the

Howatt, and good friend Dylan

especially in Puerto Rico, but

sport. His good friend Wilson

Graves, a pro surfer from

ABOVE: LEFT UNCHECKED, JIMMICANES CAN BE A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE OF NATURE, BUT ARE A CREATIVE FORCE WITH A CAMERA. SURFING MAGAZINE FEATURE MAIN: KELLY SLATER, GRAND ENTRANCE BEFORE HIS US OPEN HEAT

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Puerto Rico with family in

disbanded, but they are still close

St. Augustine, rented a house

friends. Wilson is social media

together in Cardiff-by-the-Sea,

creator at Vans Surf in Newport;

and the “St. Cardiffstine” house

Ross Howatt is the North America

was born. If you’ve ever met

Snow and Surf marketing

any of these classic characters,

manager and Ripko is a product

you can just imagine the sort of

developer for the compa. Morton,

shenanigans that must have gone

back from traveling around the

on back in those days. Ask any

globe following the World Surf

of these guys and they will say

League, is a field editor for Surfer

that those were some of the best

Magazine.

days of their young lives. If those

What really stands out for this

walls could talk...they would

crew of St. Augustine surfers is

have some entertaining stories

how tight our community is, and

to tell of happening backyard

the breadth of talent that has

barbeques, rousing Jaguar and

come out of such a small Florida

Seminole football games, and

beach town. Jason Woodside is

chill get togethers after long surf

a visual artist whose large scale

sessions.

works have graced walls in his

These days the crew has

New York City home as well as in

TOP: ROSS HOWATT, AND JIMMY AT THE DUCT TAPE INVITATIONAL IN TOFINO INSET: PASSION FOR THE JAGUARS ALIVE AND WELL IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA... THE “TAILGATING” JUST STARTS EARLIER MAIN: DEFINITELY NOT IN FLORIDA ANYMORE... LA JOLLA, CA

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

Los Angelos, Paris and Australia. Jake Burghart is now Director of

arts, culture, and news topics. So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for surfing in the

inspiration to those of us who dream to make a living in the surf industry.

Photography of Vice Media LLC, an

small city of St. Augustine, Florida? Up

alternative Canadian-American digital

and coming young surfers like Noah

Morton on the web and social media:

media broadcasting company focused on

Brownell and Benji Lange are the hope

Jimmy Wilson Instagram: jimmicane

of the next generation of surf stars, and

Zander Morton Surfer Magazine: www.

CAPTURING MOMENTS: MICK FANNING

they still have the local crew of rippers

surfer.com/author/zmorton/

FACES HIS MORTALITY WITH A GREAT

to back them up. Morton, Wilson and

Zander Morton Instagram:

WHITE SHARK ENCOUNTER WHILE

Ripko are proud of their St. Augustine

zandermorton

COMPETING IN SOUTH AFRICA

northeast Florida roots, and are an

BELOW:

Find Jimmy Wilson and Zander

TAHITIAN DREAM WAVE

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

In the fall of 1774 William Bartram was preparing to leave his beloved St. Johns River after spending 6 months based at Spalding’s Lower Store near Palatka. As America’s first naturalist, he was here to document the native flora and fauna, gather plants, observe the native people, and write about his adventures. He did this in his book TRAVELS and in over 40 artistic drawings. He writes about a “watermelon feast” and an “Indian frolic” in Palatka which provides the inspiration for the 2018 St. Johns River Bartram Frolic. We invite you to celebrate with us the St. Johns River and William Bartram’s travels by learning about the people he met, the river he sailed upon and the drawings he made while traveling on our National Heritage River and National Recreation Trail. This is an educational and recreational event.

85 First Presbyterian Church of Palatka

Come Home to the Love of the Lord

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CONRADS STEAKHOUSE

HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE Located in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine with beautiful courtyard dining on the Bay front, Harry’s

Conrad’s Steak House is known for outstanding service and generous portions, along with keeping a Spanish flair in Conrad’s cooking. Offering chicken, seafood, pastas and salads this “gem” of a restaurant is a “FEAST OF QUALITY & TASTE”.The best Paella on the East Coast! Order one day in advance for Conrad’s famous Paella. . Lunch Tues-Fri. 11:30-2pm. Dinner 5-9pm Closed Mondays.. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 904-794-9440 4010 US1 South conradssteakhouse.com

offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Jambalaya, Etoufée, Gumbo, Shrimp Creole and Red Beans & Rice. We’ve taken the best of Cajun, Creole and Southern flavors infused with a current day twist to create some of our most popular dishes like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Salmon Rockefeller, and French Quarter Pork Tenderloin to name a few. With a great selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork along with burgers, po’boys, salads and much more; Harry’s menu is sure to have something for everyone. Dine in our courtyard and enjoy live music and the best

THE SOUTH BEACH GRILL

atmosphere St. Augustine has to offer. Open Sun-Thurs 11-10 and Fri-Sat 11-11

904.824.7765

46 Avenida Menendez St. Augustine, FL HookedOnHarrys.com OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from both the upstairs dining room or the expansive covered deck directly on the ocean in Crescent Beach. Widely known as THE place to go for locally sourced fresh fish, seafood and produce with all sauces and dressings made from scratch. Open 7 days a week at 11 am. Full bar, air conditioned and kid friendly. 904.471.8700 45 Cubbedge Rd Saint Augustine, Florida www.southbeachgrill.net

onnection. That’s what the

and friend Chris Bisbee were driving

the only way they knew how to survive

close-knit group of friends,

home in, was t-boned by a wreckless

the tragedy was to cling to each other

standing on the beach on

driver fleeing police on Saragossa

for solace and comfort as the months

a balmy May day, have.

wore on.

Connection to each other; connection

Instead of wallowing in their

to their community; connection to

grief — something they knew

the ocean; connection to the world

Shaw would have hated — they

around them. Most importantly, they

channeled their love for their

share a connection to a man named

absent friend and organized an

Hugh Shaw, and it’s that connection

informal surf competition in his

that brought them together, and has

honor. The First Annual Hugh

kept them together over the years

Shaw Memorial Longboard Classic

since Shaw was senselessly and

was held two years after his death

tragically ripped from their lives, 35

as a tribute to his memory and in

years ago.

honor of the devotion and love he

A deep, abiding passion for

had for the sport of surfing, his

surfing was the thread that initially

friends, his family, and life itself.

tied these people together when

What grew out of that original

they began their higher education

event is something which you

experience in the early 1980s at

don’t see often in today’s world.

Flagler College, but there was

The “Hugh Shaw” (the event’s

something deeper that held them

affectionate nickname) is a

together. They laughed, lived, loved,

permanent and popular fixture

and grew together, forging the bonds that many young men and women

of the annual Flagler College BY LURA READLE SCARPITTI PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Alumni weekend, which has

do when they get their first taste of

seen tremendous growth since its

freedom. It was college life at its best,

inception. The phenomenal impact

with all that you could imagine it to

Street. Bisbee suffered life-threatening

be.

injuries, but thankfully survived.

Back in those carefree days, no one

and influence

But Shaw, the

could have imagined how important those bonds of

of the event, and the man who it honors, has become the handsome, kind,

main subject of “What Hugh Knew,” a

charismatic “Gentle Giant” as he was

feature-length documentary produced

called, did not. Both men were rushed

and directed by award-winning

be, until the unthinkable happened

to the hospital, where Shaw lingered in

filmmaker, Todd Thompson, (of Orlando-

and it became painfully clear. The

a coma, passing away three days later at

based film company, Stars North), Susan

night of April 11th, 1983, two weeks

the age of 23. The accident sent shock

Stauffer, Mary Shaw (one of Shaw’s two

before graduation, the car that Shaw

waves through the group of friends, and

surviving sisters) and Jennifer Bisbee,

friendship would

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

company, and Stars North’s

and watching Hugh’s family,

producing partner. Jennifer is

friends and their children

wife to Chris, who was in the

experiencing such joy

car on that fateful night.

together was my wake-up

The film examines how,

call. I wanted to explore the

33 years later, the event and

mystery of what Hugh knew

Shaw’s memory serve to not

that made others gravitate to

only deepen the relationships

him, why his life made such a

between Shaw’s friends, but

lasting impact, and share that

also to create and foster new,

discovery in today’s culture of

and lasting friendships, even

hyper connectivity.”

in a world where technology

Jennifer took the idea

and social media threaten the

of producing a movie that

very existence of interpersonal

would try to answer those

connections. Mary Shaw

questions to Thompson who

believes that the overall

immediately came on board.

message the “Hugh Shaw”

“After a lifetime of telling

sends out is a powerful one

heartfelt stories with inspiring

that people need to hear in

messages, I was immediately

these disconnected times.

drawn to Hugh’s journey and

“I wanted to collaborate with

Jennifer’s vision for this film,”

the production team of “What

he states. “Producing and

Hugh Knew” so that we could share this story with a wider audience,” Mary says. “I have witnessed the

directing “What Hugh Knew” to anyone outside of that circle? What

has been transformative for

makes it more than just another film

me, so I am confident that it will

about surfing? For an outsider looking

have a similar impact on others.”

in, Jennifer Bisbee, who met married Chris just two yeas after the launch

Thompson has assembled the best talent that Central Florida has to offer, capturing footage at the “Hugh Shaw” over the past 4 years, and

beautiful evolution of this memorial surf contest, as

it has turned into a family-friendly

of the

event that is eagerly anticipated each

“Hugh Shaw”and has

year. It means a great deal to me that

experienced its effect ever since, it

people outside of his immediate circle

was one of curiosity coupled with the

interviewing over

of friends could be so impacted by his

right timing. “After reading a book

20 of Hugh’s friends and notable

life and death.”

about how relentless internet use is

figures in the world of surfing, along

A story of this kind is of obvious

creating pervasive social isolation,

with experts in digital connection

interest to the Flagler faithful, as well

I attended the 29th Annual Hugh

and relationships. With principal

as fans of surfing, but you have to ask

Shaw myself,“ she recalls. “The

photography almost completed, they

how is “What Hugh Knew” relevant

juxtaposition of reading that book

are looking to bring in interested

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

investors, both individual and

continuing: “Hugh died in 1983. You

story as the surfing. The formative

institutional, to help complete the

could still make a phone call on a

years that we shared in the Oldest

film in 2019. As word has been

street corner pay phone for a quarter,

City are etched on our hearts forever.

getting out, there’s a definite buzz

or maybe even a dime! He didn’t live

Whether you surf or not, this story of

about what this film will mean to

at the pace we are living now with

connection is shared by all.”

those outside of our community.

the ability to ‘tweet’ messages around

Hugh’s other sister, Beth Shaw

In the end, Beth believes “What

the world in a span of seconds. He

Hugh Knew” will carry the lesson her

Masters, puts it this way: “It has

embraced simplicity and frugality and

brother cannot. “It’s ironic to me that

come to be meaningful to people

living in the moment. He’s the poster

he is teaching us things over thirty

outside the Flagler College surf circle.

boy for the theme of the film.”

years later.”

Like a pebble thrown into the middle

Hugh’s girlfriend during his

For more information on “What

of a calm body of water, we are

days at Flagler, Linda (Bevilacqua)

Hugh Knew,” please visit

seeing a ripple effect,” she states. As

Farber, who has been involved in the

www.whathughknew.com. Donations

for what she hopes people will walk

production from the very beginning,

and inquires for investment

away from the film with, she says

believes: “The greater message that I

opportunities can be made through

“I hope the story helps wake people

think will really connect with people

the website or by contacting Jennifer

up to the fact that life isn’t a dress

is the concept of a ‘tribe’ that shares

Bisbee directly via phone at (407) 257-

rehearsal. This is it, so be present in

your lifestyle and passions. The St.

4667 or email whathughknew@gmail.

your moments with the people you

Augustine community will relate to

com

love.”

this documentary because this special

Beth elaborates on that thought,

location is as much a part of the

2018 St. Augustine

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For More Details, Visit StAugustineRestaurants.com/RestaurantWeek D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

TRYING TO REASON WITH HURRICANE SEASON

’m no Parrothead, but that

Bertha ’96 (Still the best surf I’ve seen

about that). Naturally, it became

quote by Jimmy Buffet pretty

in St. Augustine); Fran (tubes galore);

easy to let our guard down…then a

much sums up our last couple

Eduoard; Katia; Sandy; Bonnie ’98 (I

character named Matthew paid us a

of years here in Florida, and the

was leaving for a surf trip in Mexico

visit in 2016 and changed everything.

conundrum of being a surfer and a

the day the surf became perfect here...

coastal homeowner in general.

and why I’ll NEVER plan a trip in late

almost a year rebuilding his house

August-September ever again).

after Matthew, only to have to deal the

As a surfer on the east coast, and particularly northeast Florida,

Those are just some names off the

Hurricane Season is our one brief

top of my head (if I could remember

a PAIN IN THE A$$, after spending

period of validation; our one season

dates like that, my life would’ve been

one and a half years rebuilding my

to say “We get good waves too!” (at

a lot easier). Although, ‘95 and ‘96

house - by myself - during what would

least those of us wanting REAL surf).

were so active and GOOD that it’s

have been my free time!

Not that it always works out that way,

hard to keep track.

and it’s often the equivalent of Charlie

In my 26 years of living in

Brown trying to kick the football as it

St. Augustine (with most

gets yanked away, but it’s the glimmer

of those within a short

of hope that gets us excited. No surfer

bike ride, or less) from the

ever wants to get hit by a hurricane,

water, it seemed that we

but having a large storm take a

were always lucky in the

leisurely stroll up the coast 500 miles

hurricane dept. Every time

offshore is what we all hope for.

it seemed that we were

I confess, I’m a weather nerd. Ever

BS of Irma, I see Hurricane Season as

Is this the new norm, or is it a deviation from our past history?

destined for impact and

since I was a kid learning to surf in

destruction, nature had

South Florida, I’d be glued to the

other plans and the storm

Weather Channel for the latest marine

would make a hard north

forecast update in our waveless

turn, often to the dismay

summers, and at 10 minutes before

of the Carolinas. I was

the hour, something exciting from

convinced that’s why this

John Hope, the grandpa of tropical

was the oldest existing

weather forecasters. Now in the

city in the country. In almost 25 years,

My brain (and wallet) wants nothing

age of the internet, I probably have

I evacuated once, for Hurricane Floyd:

to do with hurricanes ever again,

more links to weather maps than the

a monster of a storm that thankfully

but somewhere inside there’s a little

Weather Channel itself.

made that turn once again (and the

voice naively saying “it won’t happen

largest surf I’ve ever seen here, for

again...we need some surf”

While I can barely remember what 90

Now, as a homeowner who spent

I ate for breakfast, I can remember

those who made it back to the island

the names of hurricanes that gave

as soon as the bridges opened up).

forecast models, I see a “blob” coming

us swell over 20 years ago and the

Rumors have it that some guys used

off of Africa…

surf sessions that followed. Gabrielle;

the pier to facilitate their way to the

Grace; Felix The Great; Bob; Bill;

lineup (not that I would know anything

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

OK, time to check the latest GFS

BY BRIAN HORNUNG

BUSINESS

IN T H IS : M AD E LO CAL FU LL SE RVIC E

t. Augustine has maintained a solid pressence in Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surf on the North Shore of Oahu going back to Wild Bill Eicholz and Elaine Davis. Many surfers and characters have come and

gone since; some visit; and some now call it home. Local surfboard shaper Josh Autrey makes an annual pilgrimage

and is sure to make his pressence known at Waimea Bay when the surf presents itself. PHOTO BUTCH YOUMANS

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

BEACHCOMBER Smell the salt air as you sit inside or outside at St. Augustine’s favorite beach side restaurant and bar located Where ‘A’ Street meets the Ocean. Guests can sit and enjoy the beach atmosphere for lunch or dinner daily daily. A local favorite, the Beachcomber offers a full menu including tacos, burgers, wings, chowders, salads, fish, and seafood with chef inspired daily lunch and dinner specials. We’ve recently added some fresh new menu items to complement the classic Beachcomber favorites Enjoy Happy Hour from 3-6 pm with a large selection of draft and bottled beers including an ever evolving craft beer selection. Truly one of St. Augustine Beaches’ favorite landmarks for great food created from all fresh ingredients. The Beachcomber is located on A Street, directly on the beach. Bring your entire family and pets…they are always welcome here! Come check out the changes…”Have you been to the Beachcomber lately?”

904.471.3744 2 A Street St. Augustine, FL 32080 www.beachcomberstaugustine.com OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

SUNSET GRILLE Sunset Grille opened for business in 1990 on the “original A1A strip” and became a place for both St. Augustine locals and tourists alike to kick back and enjoy a Key West style atmosphere, a warm sea breeze and a wide selection of delicious food with a unique twist. Proud of our numerous culinary awards received over the past two decades of operation, the Sunset Grille is the most award winning restaurant in St. Augustine. Guests can choose from three different seating areas including our inside dining area and a second floor outdoor deck. Feel the ocean breeze from the upper deck while indulging in one of the many incredible seafood dishes including shrimp, crab, scallops and fresh locally sourced fish or one of our hand cut steaks, tasty pasta dishes, sandwiches and crisp salads. Start your meal by choosing from a wide selection of appetizers and finish with a decadent homemade dessert like Peanut Butter Pie, Key Lime Pie or the Ultimate S’mores Brownie. Sunset Grille offers full bar service, an enjoyable wine list and a creative list of original cocktails. Open for lunch, dinner or a late night bite seven days a week from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm so come in and see why Trip Advisor users have ranked Sunset Grille with the most 5 star ratings in Northeast Florida!

904.471.5555 421 A 1 A Beach Blvd St. Augustine Beach, Fl www.sunsetgrilleA1A.com

Local Craftsmen

S H A P E R S O F S T. A U G U S T I N E

BY OCL STAFF

y some, the surfboard is

handcrafted by actual surfers who also

considered “outside the box.” You can

viewed as just another

used them. A good shaper inherently

easily find professionals with varying

piece of sporting

understands the small design

styles and personalities whose work

equipment; but for

adjustments that can hopefully give

has been embraced far beyond local

them that “magic” board they seek.

boundaries.

many, it’s a very personal and iconic symbol. Before the influx of overseas

Fortunately, even with today’s

Whether you’re looking for

mass production, surfboards were

cookie-cutter trends, there are still

progressive performance or classic

as original as the personalities who

innovative shapers out there; in

retro-style: use your dollars to support

rode them. Unlike today’s barcoded

fact, our town is home to many local

one of our expert local shapers (no

pieces crowding the shelves of huge

shapers still designing boards with an

barcode necessary).

sporting goods stores, surfboards

electric planer, hand-tools, and the

were inherently unique, as they were

desire to experiment with materials

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

DREW BAGGETT -OLD CITY CUSTOM EPOXIES INSPIRED / . .LOST SURFBOARDS

Specializing in high-end epoxy composite construction. Carbon fiber, cork, wood veneer, and other exotic surfboard manufacturing. Filling customs orders for ...Lost surfboards. Small-batch, high-quality surfboards. @INSPIREDSHAPER

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

KEN WHITE

WHITE SURFBOARDS / “GHOST SHAPER” FOR OTHER MAJOR BRANDS Winner of the 2016 Surf Expo “Shape Off” Everything from performance shortboards to big wave guns; specializing in classic longboards and retro fishes

@WHITESURFBOARDSLLC

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

BURGESS AND JOSH AUTREY WARRIOR / AUTREY SURFBOARDS

The Autrey family has been making boards since 1980 when Rob started Autrey Surfboards. All boards are handshaped with the same Skil100 planer that Jeff Sturtevant used to shape all the boards in the 80s and early 90s. All boards are built start-to-finish to the specific demand of each individual surfer. Autrey boards are available for purchase and custom order at The Surf Station.

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

PAT CONNER

CSD / SURF STATION SURFBOARDS

Specializing in small wave performance shortboards @CSDSURFBOARDS

KEVIN MILESKI

BLACK PEARL CREATIONS

Specializing in working one-on-one to create original, one-of-a-kind personal handshaped surfboards for 26 years.

@BPC_SURFBOARDS â&#x20AC;¢ 904-808-7006

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

worship Abbey of Castle Otttis (Ah-tis) (Interdenominational) Prayer on Sunday Mornings Adults and Mature Children only Vilano Beach | 824.3274

Cathedral-Basilica Parish (Catholic) Saturday Vigil Mass 5pm Sunday Masses 7am, 9am &11am, 5pm Daily Mass 7am Monday - Saturday 38 Cathedral PL | Historic Distict | 824.2806

Anastasia Baptist Church Sunday 9:30am Contemporary 11am Traditional 1650 A1A South | Anastasia Island | 471.2166

Celebration Church-St Augustine 10:30am Sundays St. Augustine High School Auditorium Childcare and Youth Services are provided 3205 Varella Ave | 737.1121 | celebration.org

All Saint’s Anglican Church Sunday Holy Communion 11:00 AM Wednesday Holy Communion, meal and Bible 1250 State Road 19 South Palatka, FL 32177 Fr. Frank Bartlett (352)304-6792 Anchor Faith Church (Word of Faith) Sunday 8:30 & 11AM, Wednesday 7:30 PM 2121 U.S. Hwy 1 South Suite #28 St Augustine 797-6363 Ancient City Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30am Sunday 10:45am, 6pm Wed 6:30pm Bible Study and Prayer 27 Sevilla Street | Downtown | 829.3476

Center for Spiritual Living Call for Services 1795 Old Moultrie Road | 825.3600 Chapel of Our Lady of La Leche (Catholic) 8:30am, 5pm, Holidays 8:30am, 3pm 27 Ocean Avenue | 824.2809 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Call for Services 500 Deltona Blvd | Shores | 797.4412 Christ Our Savior EV Lutheran Church Christian Formation 9am Divine Service 10:30am (deaf interpreted) 21 Milton Street | Uptown | 829.6823

Awaken City Church 10am Sundays 112 Theatre Dr info@awakencity.church 904) 417-8866

Christ The King Anglican Church Sunday Holy Communion 10:00 am 6900 US Highway 1 South St. Augustine, FL Wednesday Praise Prayer & Healing - 7:00 pm 904-460-2318 www.ctksa.org

Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church Sabbath School 9:15am, Worship 11am Prayer Meeting 7:30pm 151 M L King Ave | Downtown | 824.9145

Church Of Christ Sunday Bible Class 9am Sunday Worship 10am, 6pm, Wed 7pm 2900 Lewis Speedway | 824.1800

Bethany Baptist Church Call for Services 5465 CR 208 | Bakersville | 824.5169

Church at Vilano (Baptist) Bible School 9:30am, Sunday 10:30am Wednesday Prayer and Bible Services 7pm 121 Meadow Ave | Vilano Beach | 827.0477

Bethel Baptist Church Call for services 222 Riberia St | Downtown | 824.5304 Bible Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30am Worship 10:30am & 5pm 2485 Old Moultrie Rd | 797.3999 Bridge of Life Christian Center (Full Gospel Assembly of God) Sunday Worship 10:30am Wed 6:30pm Bible Study Lewis Point Plaza | 797.0669

Craig

OLD CITY / VOLUM E 1 2 ISPSark UE 8 Funeral Home • CLIFE rematory • memorial

Community Bible Church Equipping Hour (classes for all ages) 9:30am Fellowship Worship Service10:30am Wed (school schedule) Word of Life Clubs, ages 4 thru High School, Bible Study 6:30pm 3150 US 1 South | St Augustine | 797.3875 Corpus Christi Catholic Church Daily Mass Mon-Sat 9am • Sat Vigil Mass 4pm Sunday Mass 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00am 6175 Datil Pepper Rd | Shores Area | 797.4842 Congregation Sons of Israel (Jewish, Conservative) Services Friday 7:30pm & Saturday 10am 161 Cordova St | Historic District | 829.9532

Crescent Beach Baptist Church Sunday School Bible Fellowship 9:30am Worship 11am, Sunday Worship 6pm 885 SR 206 E | St Augustine | 794.7777 Dawson Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Sunday School 9:30am, Sunday Worship 110am, Bible Study Wednesday 7pm 225 N Orange St | St. Augustine | 824.8049 Sunday 10am, Thursday 7pm 2040 SR 207 | 819.9970 Destiny Church International Sunday 1030am Wed 7pm 1485 US1 South St. Augustine, FL 32086 904824-6176 First Church of Christ Scientist (Christian Science and Reading Room) Sunday School and Service 10am Wednesday Service 5:30pm 2555 Old Moultrie Rd | 797.8882 First Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30am, Worship 10:45am Monday Word and Action Bible Study 6:45pm Wednesday Prayer Service 12 noon 89 St Francis Street | Downtown | 824.6590 First United Methodist Church Sunday 8:15am & 11am - Traditional Worship Sunday 9:30am - Contemporary 118 King Street | Downtown | 829.3459 Grace United Methodist Church Sun School 9:15 am Worship 7:45, 8:00 & 11:00 am Junior Church during 11am Carrera St at Cordova St | Downtown | 829.8272 Good News PCA (Christian) Sunday Worship 9am & 10:30am Nursery provided for all services 1357 Wildwood Drive | 819.0064 Heritage Baptist Church Bible Fellowship 9:30am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship 10:30am & 5:30pm Wed 7pm prayer meeting 1480 Wildwood Dr | 824.8888 Hineni Messianic Fellowship (Messianic - Jewish & Non Jewish Believers) Friday Shabbat 7:30pm Tuesday Bible Study 7:30pm 1797 Old Moultrie Road | 827.9731 Holy Cross Charismatic Orthodox Sunday 10am 110 Masters Drive | 810.0535

Our Family Serving Yours Since 1915

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of St Augustine 2940 CR 214 | 829.0504

New Saint James Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30am, Worship 10:30am 135 Rodriquez Street | 824.6500

St. James Catholic Church Sunday Vigil Mass - 10:30 a.m. 86 ML King Ave. I 460.0535

Homeport Christian Church Sundays 9am Traditional 10:45am Contemporary Wednesday 6:30pm 5605 US 1 S | St Augustine South | 797.8921

Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church Saturday Vigil 4:00pm Sunday masses 8am, 10am, 12 noon Daily mass Tue 8:15am, Thurs 8:15am 5950 SR 16 | 824.8688 Pentecostal Fellowship Center Church Sunday Schoool 10:00am Worship 11am, 6pm | Youth Thursday 5:30pm 1065 Kings Estate Rd | Kings Estates | 797.6040

Saint Luke AME Church African Methodist Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship 11am 694 W Pearl St | Downtown | 824.6120

Hurst Chapel AME Church (Methodist) Call for Services 28-1/2 Bernard St | Downtown | 824.0500 Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall South Cong.- Sunday 4pm & Thur 7:30pm North Cong. - Sunday 1pm & Wed 7:30pm East Cong. - Sunday 1pm & Thursday 7:30pm 735 Kings Estate Rd | 797.7599 Lighthouse Church of God Sunday School 9:30am, Worship 10:30am Sunday Evening 6pm, Wed Evening 7pm 1230 Kings Estate Road | 797.6996 Mc Dowell Baptist Church 16 Bayview Drive | St Augustine Call for Services 829-8388

Pilgrim Church (United Church of Christ) Service Sunday 10am 5880 US 1 South | St Augustine | 797.5187 Rebirth Church Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday Bible Studies 7pm St. Augustine High School, 3205 Varella Ave. 904.325.9647 Saint Anastasia Catholic Church Saturday 4pm, Sunday 8am & 10:30am Daily Mass 9am Monday-Friday 5205 A1A South | Anastasia Island | 471.5364

Memorial Lutheran Church of the Martyrs Sunday School Sundays Traditional 8am Contemporary 10:30am 3375 US 1 South | 797.4377

Saint Photios National Shrine (Greek Orthodox) Monday - Saturday, Sunday Service Friday 11am 41 St George St | St Augustine | 829.8205

Memorial Presbyterian Church Sunday 8:30am Informal, 9:30am Church School 10:50am Pipe Organ Prelude, 11am Worship 36 Sevilla St | Historic District | 829.6451

San Sebastian Catholic Church Saturday Vigil Mass 4pm Sunday Masses 8am,10am, 12 noon Spanish Daily Mass 8am Tues - Friday 1112 SR 16 | 824.6625

Mill Creek Baptist Church Sunday Bible Service 10am, Sunday Worship 11am, 6:30pm, Wed 7pm 6019-A State Rd. 16 | Mill Creek | 940.3130

Seventh - Day Adventist Church Sabbath School 9:30am, Worship 11am 485 Shores Boulevard | St Augustine | 824.5855

Saint Mary’s Baptist Church Call for Services 69 Washington St | Downtown | 824.1314 Saint Paul AME Church Sunday School 9:30am, Worship Services 10:45am Bible Study Wednesday 6pm 85 ML King Avenue | 829.3918 Tabernacle Baptist Church Call for Services 280 Duval St | Downtown | 829.2041 Temple Bet Yam (Jewish Reform) Services First and Third Friday 7:30pm 2055 Wildwood Rd | St Augustine | 819.1875 The Village Church (Interdenominational) Bible School 9:00am Services 9am & 11am, Children’s 11am Adult Bible Study 10am, Youth 5pm 4225 Pacetti Rd | World Golf Village | 940.6768 Trinity Episcopal Parish Holy Eurcharist 7:30, 9am Family Service & 11:15am Wednesday 10am Holy Eurcharist and Healing Service followed by Bible Study 215 St. George St | Historic District | 824.2876 Turning Point at Calvary Baptist Church Sunday School 9:40am Worship 9:40am, 11am, 6pm 3500 SR 16 • 829.9795

Miracle Center Ministries (Non-Denominational) Sunday 10:30am 1797 Old Moultrie Road | 824.9673

Saint Augustine Shores United Methodist Church Sunday School 10am, Traditional 9am Contemporary 11am 724 Shores Blvd | St Augustine Shores | 797.4416

Unitarian-Universalists Fellowship of St. Augustine Sunday 10:30am 2487 A1A South | St Augustine | 471.2047

Moultrie Baptist Church Sunday School 9:45am Service 11am, 6pm, Wed 6:30pm 3699 US 1 S | Moultrie Creek | 797.9005

Saint Cyprian’s Episcopal Church Sunday Holy Eucharist 10am Third Sunday 5:30pm 37 Lovett Street | 829.8828

Zion Baptist Church Call for Services 94 Evergreen Ave | St Augustine | 826.1424

New Life Baptist Church Call for Service Times 346 Varella Avenue • Near SR 16 | 823.9537

Saint Francis In-the-Field Episcopal Church 9am, Sunday 10am 895 Palm Valley Rd | Ponte Vedra | 543.0112

Services for Funeral • Crematory Memorials • Pre-Planning

Call for a no cost consultation

(904) 824-1672 1475 Old Dixie Highway www.CraigFuneralHome.com D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

On A1A between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach on the Intracoastal 2 blocks south of the castle in North Beach

Causal Atmo sphere Fresh Local Seafood

ood Spectacular F le! and Fun Peop

Come By Car or Boat! (904) 829-1105 We offer outstanding family dining, whether you’re looking for steamed oysters, peel ‘n eat shrimp, fresh salad, great soups, a terrific steak or blackened chicken, we have something for everyone and every appetite!

Lunch & Dinner • 7 Days a Week Full bar • Live Music • Beautiful Sunsets Happy Hour 3-7 pm in the bar Ask Us About Private Parties In Our Covered Party Pavilion On The Water!

www.aunt-kates.com • 612 Euclid Avenue

THE VERY BEST OF TWO VIEWS

Spectacular Oceanfront Dining Best Brunch • Best Seafood • Best View

904-824-8008

4100 Coastal Highway on A1A

Just 3 miles north of the Usina Bridge • South of the Castle

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 7

FULL SERVICE HISTORY OF THE SURF STATION BY ROBERT WALDNER / PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

opened in 1984. “I saw a guy surfing with a big sail one day when I was hanging out at Anastasia State Park. I was intrigued,” says Strange. The curiosity he witnessed was the up-and-coming sport of windsurfing. After a long conversation with the man, Strange learned how to windsurf himself and began giving lessons at what was then Anastasia State Recreation Area.

riving south on A1A, just

It could be argued that The Surf

“One day a park ranger came up

past the Alligator Farm,

Station was born when Strange was

and very kindly told me that I could not

there’s a conspicuous

still a teenager; long before its doors

give lessons in the park, but almost

building with a car

sticking out of it. Anyone visiting from

BELOW:

outside the area might do a double

TORY STRANGE, OLE WEISS, AND NEIL MARTINCZAK MID ‘80S

take when it suddenly appears as they come upon the sharp turn heading towards the beach. For residents of St. Augustine, however, the front half of the woody surf wagon is just another part of the Old City’s surfing iconography — The Surf Station, St. Augustine’s most widely recognized retail surf shop. It’s safe to say that owner and co-founder, Tory Strange, has become part of that iconography too. Ask any surfer in St. Augustine what the number is for the Surf Report and they will probably be able to recite it from memory. Then ask them whose voice it is on the recording and without hesitation, they will tell you “Tory Strange.” That’s the way it has been since its first recording over thirty years ago. No one can remember a time when Strange hasn’t been a surfer and surfing advocate. The lifelong resident grew up as many kids

101

do here — pulled by the lure of the waves. Any free moment he had, he spent at the beach.

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

in the same breath he asked me to put in a

some time while he rented out a part of the

bid as a concessionaire,” Strange says. Being

property to me for the windsurf shop.”

personally acquainted with then State

Hence the name “The Surf Station.”

Representative Hamilton Upchurch, Strange ABOVE: ZANDER MORTON GETS HIS PHOTO “HANGING TEN” AT ONE OF THE SURF STATION SKATEBAORD CONTESTS SIGNED BY ROB MACHADO

INSET: TEACHING WINDSURFING

102

Eventually Lee wanted to sell, which forced

asked the beloved community leader to

Strange to make another pivotal decision.

write a letter of recommendation for his

“Just as before, I didn’t have the means or

concessionaire bid. Upchurch obliged, and in

the funds to buy the business. It took a lot of

no time Strange was official.

consulting and soul searching, but I did what

“One day when I was out at the beach,

I had to do, and…here we are,” says Strange.

Dr. Steven Lee, an anesthesiologist from

As time went on, the business shifted from

Jacksonville came out to windsurf,” explains

windsurfing to traditional surfing: a move the

Strange. “As we were talking, he mentioned

entire surfing community of St. Augustine

that I should open a windsurf shop. I told

believes was the right decision.

FOR HAWAI’IAN LEGEND

him that I had no money, no location, and

CLYDE AIKAU BEFORE

no experience.” Relatively unconcerned

and multiple expansions, Strange has

OPENING THE SURF

about the hurdles in Strange’s way, the good

built a First Coast empire. Being the most

STATION

doctor offered to go into business with him.

popular surfing outlet in town has not gone

“I knew that the Amoco gas station at the

without its challenges. “For more than a

entrance of the park would be the perfect

decade we were blocked from carrying some

location. So I made the owners an offer,”

popular brands of surfing apparel. Certain

says Strange. “I didn’t even know if they

brands simply would not do business with

were willing to sell, but when they counter-

us based on the influence of other retailers

offered, I got my answer. Dr. Lee bought

in town. We had to make changes in how

the gas station and kept it operational for

we operated our business,” says Strange.

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

Now, after thirty four years in business,

That”s when The Surf Station honed

my first custom surfboard through The

when she worked here. It made it sort

in and broadened their focus on the

Surf Station. Tory has been a huge

of tough when she left, but I’m proud,

one thing that all surfers simply must

influence on my life, and career,”

because I know she’s making a big

have, surfboards. “Around that time,

he elaborates. Having returned back

difference in children’s lives,” he says.

we started carrying Channel Island

to his roots, Kling is raising his own

Surfboards,” says Strange. “We’ve

family in St. Augustine.

built a great relationship with them,

Others to rise

and now through our website, our

through The

selection of Channel Island surfboards,

Surf Station

among other brands, is available all

ranks include

over the world. Our heightened focus

Zander Morton

on boards really helped us to sustain

who became

our standing in the surfing market.”

Editor of Surfing

Now that the supplier restrictions are

Magazine, Jimmy

a thing of the past, The Surf Station

Wilson, Photo

faces a relatively new challenge,

Editor of Surfing

competition from internet retailers.

Magazine, and

“The fact that people can buy

Ross Howatt,

surfing gear without leaving their

North America

house makes it tougher on us,” says

marketing

Strange. This is where The Surf

director at Vans.

Station’s personal touch comes in. “We

One longtime

know that you can only experience so

Surf Station

much ‘life’ shopping from behind a

employee,

computer screen,” he says. “We want

Shelley Tincher

to give people an experience when

has fond

they walk through the door.” The Surf

memories of her

Station has always been about people,

time there.

and now, more than ever, that is what they are maintaining their focus on. Strange knows better than anyone,

The Surf Station’s success is a product of Tory Strange’s vision, the

“I started working at The Girl Next Door

that when you design your business

in 2002. I left in

around people, you tend to attract

2014 to become

the best of them. Take, for instance,

a teacher, but my

hometown favorite Gabe Kling. “Gabe

inspiration was

was a Surf Station team rider when he

largely because I

was in his mom’s belly,” says Strange.

saw how amazing

“I taught Tae Kwon Do and surfing

Tory was with

to his brother Lance before Gabe

kids,” she says.

was born.” Coming up through the

“Between the

St. Augustine surfing scene proved

skate contests in the parking lot, all of

commitment and passion of his staff,

fruitful for Kling as he eventually

the surf camps that he held, and his

and the ability to ride with the ebb

became the East Coast Champion,

sponsorship of kids to help pay contest

and flow of the changing times.

and even went international, surfing

fees, and get them deals with big surf

with the likes of Kelly Slater on the

companies, Tory was always willing

Surf Station’s large selection of surfing

professional world tour.

to go above and beyond for others.”

gear, visit www.surf-station.com

“There has always been a strong

Tincher’s admiration for Strange does

bond between my family and Tory,”

not go unreciprocated. “Shelley is the

says Kling. “I got my first sponsor and

best. She did the job of three people

For more information and to see The

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

103

E N J OY I N G L I F E I N T H E N AT I O N ’ S O L D E S T C I T Y

AUG 25 GAMBLE JAM SESSION

WHAT’S GOIN’ DOWN IN THE TOWN.... AUG 25 LAST SATURDAY - UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

to bring their instruments and “Jam

AUG 25 RICK SPRINGFIELD PRESENTS BEST IN SHOW AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATER

Out’ on the second and fourth Saturday

’80s pop icon Rick Springfield and his

event for fashionistas, art lovers and

of the month. This event is free with

Best In Show Tour featuring special

antique shoppers from 5-8 p.m. on

park entrance.

guests Loverboy, Greg Kihn and Tommy

the last Saturday of each month year

3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd.,

Tutone to the stage. Doors open at

‘round on San Marco Avenue. The

Flagler Beach

5:30 p.m., performance at 7:00 p.m.

Mission Nombre de Dios provides free

386-517-2086

Admission ranges from $44-$154.

parking most months.

www.floridastateparks.org/hours-and-

1340 A1A North

San Marco Avenue

fees/Gamble-Rogers

904-209-0367

904-829-6831

www.staugamphitheatre.com

www.facebook.com/UptownStAugustine

Musicians of all skill levels are welcome

SEPTEMBER 8

FOUNDER’S DAY

Uptown Saturday Night is the perfect

AUG 26 SUNSET/MOONRISE AT ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the top of the lighthouse. A $30 admission includes a champagne toast provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station.

This day honors the founding

83 Lighthouse Avenue

of America’s First Parish, the

904-829-0745

Cathedral of St. Augustine,

www.staugustinelighthouse.org

and St. Augustine, the nation’s together 453 years ago on Sept.

AUG 30-SEP 2 JUNIOR PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AT TPC SAWGRASS

8, 1565, by Pedro Menéndez

This Junior PLAYERS Championship

de Avilés. The event will take

tournament takes place on the TPC

place at the Mission Nombre

Sawgrass Stadium Course. Admission

de Dios, and Fountain of Youth

is $32 per day for spectators.

Archaeological Park. General

110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra

admission into the Fountain of

Beach

Youth is $15.

904-543-5105

27 Ocean Ave., 904-829-3168,

www.ajga.org

oldest city. Both were founded

104

www.hfm.club/sacalendar

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

REGULAR ROTATION TUESDAYS

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Trivia!!! Night at Ancient City Brewing

St. Augustine Farmer’s Market at the

Company, 3420 Agricultural Center Dr.

Amphitheater (Saturday) 9 a.m -12 p.m.

7:30-10:30 PM ancientcitybrewing.com

St. Augustine Flea Market 9-4 p.m.

THURSDAYS

SUNDAYS

Open Mic Night

Salt Air Farmer’s Market 10-2 p.m.

Tradewinds Lounge 5-9 p.m.

101 Tolstoy Ln., Marineland

SEPTEMBER

904-460-8501 www.veteransagent5k.org

SEP 1-23 SING OUT LOUD MUSIC FESTIVAL

St. Johns County, returns for three

SEP 1 DRUM RUNNER SERIES BARREL RACING AT ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

weekends this September. Hundreds

Saddle up and head over to the

of performances will take place at

St. Johns County Fairgrounds for

multiple music venues around St.

monthly barrel, pole and other timed

Augustine in an epic celebration. In

speed horse events. The event is

a convergence of musical genres as

open to public and free for spectators.

wide ranging as folk-tinged Indie

The races begin at 5 p.m. through

Pop, powerhouse Soul, conscientious

November.

Punk Rock, bittersweet Americana,

5840 S.R. 207, Elkton

progressive Bluegrass, alternative

904-588-8017

Country and more, this year’s festival

www.sjchc.org

The Sing Out Loud Music Festival, the largest free music festival in

CabaRet The opening of our 27th Season! SEPT. 20 - OCT. 21

CABARET Come taste the wine! Come hear the band! Your table’s waiting. Come to the cabaret! Welcome to the dazzling, provocative world of the Kit Kat Club, a fictional nightclub in preWorld War II Berlin.

carries on the tradition of presenting local, national and regional singers,

SEP 3 LABOR DAY SAVORY FAIRE FOOD & WINE TASTING TOUR

songwriters and musicians. Free.

Eat, drink and taste your way through

904-209-0367

St. Augustine’s delicious historic

www.singoutloudfestival.com

culinary influences on the original

an exciting and eclectic mix of

Savory Faire Food Tour. This award-

SEP 1 THE VETERAN’S AGENT 5K AND FUN RUN

winning, three-hour VIP tasting

This second annual run in

foodie tour started a decade ago and

Nocatee supports K9s for Warriors

will indulge your senses at renowned

organization. The race begins at

local restaurants and unique eateries.

the Nocatee Welcome Center. Visit

Tickets are $59. Advance reservations

the website for the start times and

required.

registration information.

4 Granada Street

245 Nocatee Center Way,

904-825-0087

Ponte Vedra Beach

www.staugcitywalks.com

adventure is the city’s very first

RESERVATIONS limelight-theatre.org 904.825.1164 SHOWTIMES 7:30pm Thurs - Sat 2pm Sunday 11 Old Mission Avenue Uptown St. Augustine FREE PARKING!

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

105

SEPTEMBER 22

BETTY GRIFFIN CENTER BENEFIT CONCERT

Features Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with The Decemberists and Lucero St. Augustine Amphitheatre - 1340C A1A South The Sing Out Loud

SEP 7 - OCT 16 EDUCATOR APPRECIATION DAYS AT ALL RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! ATTRACTIONS Ripley’s St. Augustine attractions want to thank to thank Florida K-12, college, homeschool, preschool educators and school support staff by

Showcase featuring

offering extended summer fun with the

Jason Isbell and The 400

return of Educator Appreciation Days.

Unit, The Decemberists

Ripley’s four attractions will offer free

and Lucero at the St.

admission for in-state educators. Also,

Augustine Amphitheatre

educators can bring up to three guests

is a benefit concert for

who will receive a 50 percent discount

the Betty Griffin Center

on admission.

of St. Johns County. This

19 San Marco Avenue

is the only ticketed event

904-824-1606

during the Sing Out Loud

www.ripleys.com/staugustine

Festival. For a minimum donation of $25.00, reserved seating or standing pit tickets are available online - Proceeds from this benefit show will go to assist the Betty Griffin Center in their mission of working to end domestic violence and sexual abuse. 4:00pm Gates Open, 5:00pm Show Starts

SEP 7-9 ANCIENT CITY CON Ancient City Con, Northeast Florida’s premier convention, returns in 2018 under new ownership with an all-new show that will be better than ever with brand new additions in entertainment along with all the classic gaming,

SEP 5 MUSIC BY THE SEA FREE CONCERTS

well known for more than a decade.

weekly concert for everyone. The concert series, which runs through

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of

under age 10 with the purchase of

September 12, features a different

the release of the pivotal MC5 album,

an adult ticket. Visit the website for

band each Wednesday playing a variety

Kick Out the Jams, punk supergroup

tickets.

of music that ranges from jazz, blues,

MC50 will perform the album in its

500 S. Legacy Trail

classic rock, pop, reggae, disco and

entirety plus additional MC5 material

www.ancientcitycon.info

country. Bring your cooler and beach

live from the Backyard Stage at the St.

chair. Parking is limited at and around

Augustine Amphitheatre. Doors open at

SEP 7 FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

the pier…take advantage of the Park,

6:30 p.m., and the show is at 7:40 p.m.

From 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of

Ride & Dance Shuttle.

Admission is $40-$35.

every month, the Art Galleries of

September 5 - JW Gilmore

1340 A1A South

St. Augustine features new exhibits,

September 12 - MBTS All Star Band

904-209-0367

refreshments and live music at many

St. Johns County Pier

www.staugamphitheatre.com

participating galleries. The event is

Music by the Sea Free Concert Series, in its 16th season, is a popular, free

106

cosplay and vendors the show has been

SEP 6 MC50 KICK OUT THE JAMS: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE BACKYARD STAGE

www.sabca.org

Ancient City Con returns home to St. Augustine. Admission is $30 for a weekend pass and is free for youth

held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

walking tour. Tour maps are available

of families want to taste, listen and

at participating galleries or on the

decide. Munch wings and compete in

website.

the karaoke contest. See you at the

Historic Area

beach. The event takes place at the St.

832-779-2781

Johns County Pier Park from 11 a.m.-

www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org

3 p.m. General admission is $5 and is free for 16 and under.

SEP 8 FEEL THE LOVE 5K

350 A1A Beach Blvd.

The Feel the Love 5K starts at the

904-813-5809

St. Johns County Pier at 8 a.m. The

www.facebook.com/TheGreatSt.

race route takes runners on a flat

AugustineWingOffandSingOff

course through St. Augustine Beach

350 A1A Beach Boulevard

SEP 11 JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR WITH SPECIAL GUEST JD SIMO AT THE PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL

843-309-5769

The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall proudly

www.feelthelove5k.com

announces the debut appearance

neighborhoods and ends at the pier. Registration ranges from $35-$25.

BE PART OF THE OLD CITY S EPTE MB E R 2017

S A I N T A U G U S T I N E ’ S P R E M I E R C U LT U R E A N D L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

of British blues-rock star Joanne

SEP 9 PONTE VEDRA AUTO SHOW

Shaw Taylor and special guest JD

The St. Johns County Chamber of

Simo. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the

Commerce will host the 16th annual

performance is at 8 p.m. Admission

Ponte Vedra Auto Show from 9 a.m.-

is $27.

3 p.m. in Nocatee. The auto show,

1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach

which is open and free to spectators,

904-209-0367

will feature up to 180 classic and

www.pvconcerthall.com

$4.99

new collectors’ cars all vying for the additional special awards, To find out

SEP 14-17 WIDESPREAD PANIC AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE Amphitheatre

more or to register an automobile in

Widespread Panic returns to the St.

the auto show, visit the website or

Augustine Amphitheatre for a three-

call. The cost to register a vehicle is

night concert run. On Friday and

$35.

Saturday, doors open at 5:30 p.m.,

245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra

and the performance is at 7 p.m.

Beach

On Sunday, doors open at 5 p.m.,

904-285-2004

and the performance is at 6:30 p.m.

www.pvautoshow.com

Admission ranges from $72-$57.

show’s 30+ trophies, including a few

1340 A1A South

SEP 9 THE GREAT ST. AUGUSTINE WING OFF AND SING OFF

904-209-0367 www.staugamphitheatre.com

THANK YOU!

STRUCTURAL ISSUES / OH MAMA, LLAMA! / OLD CITY LOVE

/ HOMETOWN BREWS

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN OVER 10,000 MONTHLY COPIES OF THE MAGAZINE THAT TELLS THE STORIES OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Who’s got the best chicken wing best karaoke in town? Join us at the

SEP 15 ENDLESS SUMMER RUN BY DON’S FRIENDS

beach and strut your stuff. Bring

This event features a 5K beach run/

your family and friends to enjoy a

walk and 10K cross country run in

brand-new, fun-filled event. Throngs

Anastasia State Park at 7:30 a.m. The

recipe in town? Who performs the

904-461-6773

ocl@castawaypublishing.com

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

107

Golf Village from 1-4 p.m. and features

through the website. Register early -

SEP 22 HERE COME THE MUMMIES THE WICKED NEVER REST TOUR AT THE PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL

this race sells out each year.

Here Come the Mummies is an eight-

$12 cash at the door or $8 in advance.

300 Anastasia Park Road

piece funk-rock band of 5,000 year-old

Tickets can be purchased through the

904-687-5939

Egyptian mummies with a one-track

website.

www.donsfriend.com

mind. The doors open at 7 p.m., and

500 S. Legacy Trail

the show is at 8 p.m. Admission is

904-551-2713

SEP 15 2018 INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP WITH FRIENDS OF A1A SCENIC AND HISTORIC COASTAL BYWAY

$43.50 and $38.50.

www.premierbrideexpo.com

904-209-0367

SEP 27 LIGHTNER AFTER HOURS

In conjunction with the Ocean

www.pvconcerthall.com

Join the Lightner Museum at Lightner

registration cost for the 10K is $45 and 5K is $35. Registration is available

organizing this clean up of the beaches from Flagler Beach to St. Augustine from 8 a.m.-noon. This movement helps keep the oceans and beaches clean. St. Augustine Beach 904-425-8055 www.scenica1a.org

SEP 21 CABARET AT THE LIMELIGHT THEATRE This musical is playing on the main stage at the Limelight Theatre. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $26 general admission, $24 seniors, $20 students and military. 11 Old Mission Avenue 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org

SEP 22 SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE MUSEUM DAY LIVE! Enjoy free admission to some of the area’s finest museums. You must register and print admission tickets for each museum from the Smithsonian Magazine Live! website. 108

www.smithsonianmag.com/ museumday/museum-day-2018

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

professionals in attendance. Tickets are

1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach

Conservancy, the Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway is

more than 100 Florida wedding

After Hours for an evening of

SEP 21 LEE ANN WOMACK AT THE PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, proudly welcomes the Grammy award-winning County Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Lee Ann Womack to the stage. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the performance is at 8 p.m. Admission ranges from $58.50-$38.50. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-209-0367 www.pvconcerthall.com

SEP 23 EMMA CONCERT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA This afternoon concert presented by EMMA Concert Association featuring the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 50th anniversary of Flagler College. The concert takes place at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Visit the website for the performance time and ticket information. 14 Granada Street 904-797-2800 www.emmaconcerts.com

SEP 23 PREMIER BRIDE EXPO Hosted by Premier Bride Magazine of Northeast Florida, this expo takes place at Renaissance Resort at World

enlightening conversation, exceptional music and exquisite cuisine from 6-8 p.m. in the museum. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are requested for beverages. 25 Granada Street 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

SEP 27 LOUIE ANDERSON AT THE PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL Louie Anderson is one of the country’s most recognized comics with a career spanning more than 30 years. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show is at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $51.50 and $41.50. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, 904-209-0367 www.pvconcerthall.com

SEP 27 2ND ANNUAL WOMEN OF DISTINCTION The Girl Scouts of America hosts the 2nd annual Women of Distinction/ St. Johns County at the Casa Monica Hotel at 11:00am. The event is a premier fundraising luncheon to honor local women for their professional accomplishments, service to others and community impact. Tickets are $100 per person.

95 Cordova Street

www.girlscouts-gateway.org

SEP 29 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

workshops. This is a kid-friendly event.

and taverns in St. Augustine’s historic

Held annually in more than 600

Admission is free.

downtown district on this exclusive

communities nationwide, the

500 S. Legacy Trail

2.5-hour halloween tour with our

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End

www.jacksonvillebusinessconnections.

licensed, professional ghost-hunting

Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest

com

guide. Learn to use EMF meters and

event to raise awareness and funds for

OCTOBER

Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This year’s walk for St. Johns County is held at The River to Sea Preserve. 9805 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast 904-281-9077 www.act.alz.org

SEP 29 CROCTOBERFEST Hosted by the St. Augustine Alligator

OCT 2-31 ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN AND HAUNTED PUB CRAWL TOUR Learn about how many of our presentday Halloween customs began… bonfires, jack-o-lanterns, costumes and masks, trick-or-treating…as you

professional ghost-hunting equipment, which is provided to you during the tour and included in your ticket. Tickets are $25 per person. Advance reservations required. 1 St. George Street 904-825-0087 www.ghosttoursofstaugustine.net

search for ghosts and goblins at pubs

Farm Zoological Park, this is a brewat-the-zoo event that features local breweries and vendors from the St. Augustine and North Florida areas from 6-10 p.m. Visit the website for details. 999 Anastasia Blvd. 904-824-3337 www.alligatorfarm.com/

SEP 30 MUSIC IN THE BOX

SEPTEMBER 28-30

ST. JOHNS RIVER BARTRAM FROLIC

On the last Sunday of the month at the Limelight Theatre, enjoy live acoustic music by some of the area’s best up-and-coming bands and musicians from 6-8 p.m. on stage in the KogerGamache Studio Theatre. Admission is $5. Refreshments available for purchase. 11 Old Mission Avenue 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org

SEP 30 SEPTEMBER HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO Hosted by Jacksonville Business Connections, this event features 87 health and wellness businesses at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be demonstrations and

The city of Palatka invites visitors to step 245 years back in time on September 29, 2018 when they host the St. Johns River Bartram Frolic, a celebration of the St. Johns River and the remarkable travels of famed naturalist William Bartram. The Frolic includes living history featuring William Bartram and food, Passport to the Past adventure, cruises aboard the Pride of Palatka, and more. Palatka Riverfront Park, 386-326-2704, bartram.putnam-fl.com

D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

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Toyota's Highest Honor Granted to Beaver Toyota Beaver Toyota is proud to announce that they have once again been granted Toyota's highest honor, the prestigious President's Award. This is the fourth year that Beaver Toyota has garnered the award, which reflects their complete commitment to customer experience and satisfaction. Fewer than twenty percent of all Toyota dealers nationwide qualify for the distinction, which is reserved for dealerships that maintain superior customer satisfaction, as well as service and sales retention within their community. The Presidents Award is Toyota's ultimate seal of approval and instills confidence in consumers that they are dealing with an established dealership that has

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

proven its loyalty to their customers. Beaver Toyota is humbled that greater Northeast Florida has shown unwavering faith and loyalty in their organization. Without their customers and their elite team, none of the accolades would be possible.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC N ow in its third

free music festivals is growing. And

year, Sing Out

fast.

Loud Festival has been garnering

Hurricane Irma last year, the St. Johns

the attention of

County Cultural Events Division,

some pretty big names in the music

which spearheads the festival, added

industry. With headliners for SOL Fest

another weekend to the multi-genre

2018 slated to include Jason Isbell

event making it not three, but four,

and The 400 Unit, The Decemberists,

weekends long throughout the month

Against Me!, Lucero, The Mountain

of September.

Goats and Leftover Salmon, it’s no wonder that one of Florida’s largest

RISING APPALACHIA

Even with the disruption of

“We’re getting a lot of larger artists asking to be a part of it, which is

BY KARA POUND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

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D OC U ME N T I N G L I F E / OLDCITYLIFE.COM

great,” explained Ryan Murphy, General Manager of the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division, which runs the the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. “This year, SOL Fest will have about 200 local and regional artists and a couple of dozen headliners. That in itself shows the scale of what we’re trying to do here.” Murphy said that including and scheduling the local acts has gotten easier over the years. There are more local musicians and more venues to work with. Venues such as Colonial Oak Music Park, Bokeh Bar Gallery, Dog Rose Brewing, and others will be welcoming everyone from Colton McKenna to Dan Andriano and The Young Step to Terri Gamble. “The festival is really just an extension of the vision that we have had for a long time,” Murphy said.

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

“

FR O M B O O K I N G FR O N T P ORC H S H O W S TH AT A R E FREE T O B O O K I N G L O C A L B A N DS AT T HE N I G H T M A R K E TS TH AT ARE FREE, I SEE IT AS A COMMON T HR E A D O F TH I S C E L E B R ATI ON O F M U S I C A N D C O M M U N I TY.. “From booking front porch shows that

As for the shows that Murphy

“

are free to booking local bands at the

himself is looking forward to seeing?

Night Markets that are free, I see it as

“Jason Isbell. He has been so good to

a common thread of this celebration of

us and we’ve been good to him. I’m

music and community.”

glad he’s flying the flag for this year.

The first two years of SOL Fest

To me, he’s one of the best songwriters

welcomed more than 25,000

out there. I’m also excited about The

attendees, a number that would have

Decemberists, War On Women and The

undoubtedly been larger without

Mountain Goats. It’s going to be pretty

destructive hurricanes making their

eclectic from hip hop and metal to

way to the First Coast. This year will

punk and folk.”

certainly increase that tally with four weekends of free music.

DID YOU KNOW? BY KARA POUND

PHOTO BY MARK CUBBEGE

Amphitheatre for a few years. He still

Benefit Concert featuring Jason Isbell

gets back to town quite often to visit

and The 400 Unit, The Decemberists

his wife and young daughter.

and Lucero at the Amphitheatre? FYI: For a minimum donation of $25,

Did you know that this year’s SOL Fest features local, regional and

attendees may purchase a reserved seat to the show.

national singers, songwriters and id you know that Sing

musicians varying in genre style from

Did you know that Sing Out Loud

Out Loud Festival is one

Americana and bluegrass to salsa and

Festival has welcomed an estimated

of Florida’s largest free

hip hop?

25,000 music fans in its first two years?

music festivals and this

year – the festival’s third year – adds

Did you know that the festival

an additional weekend to make it not

will also feature more than 200

three (but four!!) weekends long?

performances at 19 participating

of local musicians and bands slated

venues including Colonial Oak Music

to perform at the festival including

Park, Dog Rose Brewing Co., Bokeh Bar

Amy Hendrickson, Ancient City

Against Me!, a punk rock band from

Gallery, Limelight Theatre, Push Push

Slickers, Aslyn and the Naysayers, Billy

Gainesville and one of the festival’s

Salon and Sarbez!.

Buchanan & His Rock N Soul Revue,

Did you know that the bassist for

Bob Patterson, Chelsea Saddler, Dark

headliners, is named Andrew Seward? What’s even more interesting than

Did you know that there are dozens

Did you know that all of the

his name is the fact that Seward is a

performances will be free and open to

resident of St. Augustine and worked

the public, with the exception of the

in production at the St. Augustine

September 22nd Betty Griffin Center

Horse Saloon, Deron Baker and Kenny and The Jets?

EMMA MOSELEY WILL BE ONE OF MANY LOCAL AND REGIONAL ACTS PLAYING AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS ST. JOHNS COUNTY

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

5 QUESTIONS WITH

WAR ON WOMEN BY KARA POUND

up for the loss in other ways. Every

it is rewarding when other people

free event helps.

understand what we’re doing and that absolutely includes professional critics.

Q: Your Bandcamp profile describes the

In the end, we just want to make music

band as a “co-ed feminist hardcore-

that we are proud of.

punk band.” How would you explain the mission or message of the band?

Q: Tell me about “Safer Spaces” and other activism that the band is involved

self-described “co-ed feminist hardcore-punk

A: Co-ed: a mix of genders. Feminist:

band,” War On Women

a person who believes in the social,

will make their way to the

in.

economic and political equality of the

A: As a band, we believe in dismantling

St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s Backyard

sexes. Hardcore-punk: it’s heavier than

all forms of oppression. We all take part

Stage on Sunday, September 23 for

punk, but not straight up heavy metal,

in different forms of activism. There

a free show with fellow musicians

but also there is some catchy stuff in

are different ways to make a difference!

Propagandhi, Iron Reagan and more.

there and we just rock out and dance

Not everyone has to or is able to march

Old City Life caught up with singer

and have a good time singing about

in the streets, and I think it’s important

Shawna Potter, who is joined by Brooks

serious stuff.

for people to know they are powerful

Harlan on guitar, Jennifer Vito on

Q: Your second album, Capture The

and they have options when it comes

guitar, Suzanne Werner on bass and Ben Jones on drums, to chat about War On Women’s musical genre, the band’s new album and “dismantling all forms of oppression.” Here’s part of that conversation.

Q: Have you been to St. Augustine before?

A: Yes, we played the same stage in the middle of summer with FLAG in 2016 and I thought we were all gonna pass out. It was a hot one! Flag, was released in April. Pitchfork

to making an impact. Personally, I’ve

Q: You will be playing a free concert for

said of War On Women and the record,

been training venues to be “safer

Sing Out Loud Festival. What are your

“They’re not so much raging against

spaces for a few years now and I think

personal thoughts on free access to

the machine as blazing through the

it makes a lot of sense considering

music and the arts?

air that keeps it alive.” What does that

the kind of power we have as a band.

mean to you?

We want anyone and everyone to feel

A: I think it’s super important. Some

welcome at our shows. We don’t want

of the first shows I ever went to as a

A: I don’t know what the quote means

anyone to experience harassment,

young person were the free ones. They

exactly, but I think I get the sentiment

discrimination or violence when they

were all ages and “family friendly,” so

and it’s a lovely thing to hear. People

are just out trying to have a good time.

my mom felt safe letting me attend.

either understand why we’re pissed,

So, educating people on what they can

I saw a wide variety of bands and

or we piss them off. In this modern

do no matter their role (bartender, door

genres, and as someone who was

era everyone thinks themselves a

person, band or audience member) puts

playing guitar and writing songs, it

critic, often to a toxic degree, which

the power back into the community,

gave me something to aspire to. As

makes it easier for us to shut out their

and frankly has the biggest impact

funding for arts and arts education

opinions. While we didn’t start this

when curbing harmful behavior.

continues to decrease, we must make

band to please anyone but ourselves,

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5 QUESTIONS WITH

Nichols, Roy Berry on drums, Rick

few hours I felt like a man without

LUCERO

Steff (piano/organ/accordion) and Brian

a country, stuck in Atlanta with the

Venable on guitar, provided colorful

hours counting down. With a little bit

commentary. Here’s part of that

of Memphis charm I was able to get

conversation.

someone to stay behind and take their

BY KARA POUND

country-punk rock band

seat on the next overbooked flight to

based in Memphis,

Q: You’ve played St. Augustine quite a

St. Augustine. It was the largest sense

Tennessee, Lucero

few times. Is there a particular show or

of relief to make it to the gig with

will make their way to

experience in town that stands out in

30 minutes to spare and finally be

your mind?

rocking out in a courtyard with Lucero

the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, September 22nd for a concert

– fully surrounded, up-close-and-

benefiting the Betty Griffin Center

A: Lucero has lots of fellow touring

personal, with 200 others in old town

with fellow musicians Jason Isbell and

mates from the area – including

St. Augustine. I’ll never forget that

The 400 Unit and The Decemberists.

Against Me! and Grabass Charlestons

moment in time as long as I live!

Old City Life caught up with John C.

just to name a couple. One time James

Stubblefield, Lucero’s bassist, to learn

Bowman (lead guitarist of Against Me!)

Q: Among The Ghosts was just

about the band’s memories of playing

hired us to play a private party in old

released. It’s been over three years

Florida, the band’s latest album,

town St. Augustine. On the trip down, I

since Lucero put out an album. What

Among The Ghosts, and what’s next

somehow missed the connecting flight

went on between that time?

for the five-piece. Stubblefield, who

in Atlanta, but the rest of the band did

is joined by vocalist and guitarist Ben

not miss the connection. For the next

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

A: Life! We toured the last record for

two years during which time both Ben

couple of open mic nights back then,

Nichols and Roy Berry became fathers

and became a fan. But I didn’t get to

A: Giving back, paying it forward,

of the most beautiful baby girls ever.

know him. A few years later, he joined

considering our fellow man/woman is

Then we, as a band, spent the better

our tourmates the Drive-By Truckers

the most essential part of the symbiosis

part of a year writing and recording

and we became fast friends. Some

of true progressive community. For us,

Among the Ghosts at Sam Phillips

years later, he struck out on his own

Lucero, to be one small part of your

Recording Service in Memphis. Life,

with The 400 Unit and they opened for

community’s progress makes this show

just like making records, is a process.

us a couple of times. Lucero has since

that much more important to us as a

And all creative’s know, you can’t rush

had the honor of going on tour and

band.

the process. As far as we’re concerned,

opening for Jason Isbell and The 400

this next album will be released to the

Unit several times. They are currently

Q: Aside from the new album, what

world right on time.

the best and brightest band in all of the

else can you report is the latest and

land, so it is an understatement to say

greatest with Lucero?

Q: You’ll be headlining the festival with

that Lucero is truly stoked to be a part

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit and

of this bill.

A: We just celebrated 20 years as a band, as in all original members still

The Decemberists. Do you have a past relationship or have you toured with

Q: The show will be free, but reserved

at the helm of the ship. That’s the

either band before?

seating is a $25 donation ticket for the

difference between a band and a group

Betty Griffin Center, a local emergency

– consistent continuity of collaboration

A: Jason Isbell went to school at

shelter for abused women and their

and true consistent creative chemistry.

Memphis State University for a while,

children. How important is giving

We are planning and plotting for at

back in the day. I saw him play at a

back?

least 20 more!

STAYING IN TUNE To help you plan your Sing Out Loud experience, the Sing Out Loud app is just the ticket. It’s your official guide to one of Florida’s largest free music festivals, all courtesy of the St. Johns County Cultural Division. You can make a schedule of the shows you want to see; learn more about your favorite acts; and use the map to find your way to all the different venues. Plus, there are fun social media features to help you to share your SOL experiences. The 2018 version of the app went live on August 1; if you have last year’s installed, just refresh the data for the all new 2018 version! Remember to tag all your social media sharing with #SINGOUTLOUDFEST

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OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

5 QUESTIONS WITH

SOUTHERN AVENUE BY KARA POUND

Q: Have you ever been to St. Augustine

Q: You are a relatively new band –

before?

forming in 2015. Tell me a bit about how the group got together and what

A: We have not. We love Florida! The

the dynamics are like.

music, fans and the weather. Some of

our best moments as a band were in

A: We love each other as friends, as

emphis-based five-

Tampa, Miami and, of course, Live Oak,

family, as bandmates and as business

piece blues and soul

where the Suwannee Music Festival

partners. Our journey has been an

group, Southern

grounds are and where we’ve played

amazing one, but also a very hard

Avenue, make their

many times before. We are so thankful

one. Being away from our families

way to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre,

for everything that is in our lives. We

is a feeling that we cannot describe

Backyard Stage on Friday, September

hope that we bring love and light to

in words. Originally Tierinii and TK

21st for a free show with fellow

every place we play and visit.

joined my solo band before we started Southern Avenue. Getting to know them

musicians Rising Appalachia, Leah Song and more. Formed in 2015,

Q: You will be playing a free concert for

made us all want to create something

Southern Avenue is comprised of

the Sing Out Loud Festival. What are

fresh together.

five young but seasoned musicians

your personal thoughts on free access to

including sisters Tierinii and Tikyra

music and the arts?

Q: Your self-titled debut album, which

Jackson, guitarist Ori Naftaly, bassist

came out last February, has received

Daniel McKee and the band’s newest

A: I believe that free access to music

a ton of attention and accolades. How

addition, keyboardist Jeremy Powell.

is very important. As a community,

does it feel to have so much momentum

Old City Life caught up with Naftaly

experiences like these help us connect

right out of the gate?

to chat about playing Florida, the

and meet our neighbors near and far.

importance of free music events and

As a kid, I remember civic events like

A: We don’t really feel that. We have

what’s next for this fast-rising and

music festivals or art festivals that gave

worked hard all of our lives to get to this

multi-talented musical outfit. Here’s

me some of the best moments of my life

point. No instant success on our end. It

part of that conversation.

growing up.

feels right. We just never guessed that Stax [Records] would sign us . . . and so quickly. But as individual artists, we have been out there for a while.

Q: Aside from this current tour that wraps up in October, what else can you share about the latest and greatest with the band?

A: We just finished recording our sophomore album in Memphis and can’t wait to play live for our fans. It is our new identity both as songwriters and musicians. We are on tour 300 days a year, so writing always happens on the road. We wish we had the time to sit down and focus, but we don’t have that luxury yet. We can’t wait to share our new songs with everyone.

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5 QUESTIONS WITH

THE WEEPIES BY KARA POUND

We’re writing and playing pretty much

Q: You haven’t released an album since

any hour or any given day. It’s all

2015’s Sirens. Can fans expect new

jumbled up together.

music from you in the near future?

Q: Your music has been licensed for

A: Probably not. We used to sell

usband and wife duo, The

the use in everything from Sex and

100,000 records a year and make a

Weepies, will make their

the City and Grey’s Anatomy to an

dollar per record, which is sustainable.

way to the St. Augustine

Old Navy commercial – even Obama’s

Amphitheatre’s Backyard

2008 presidential campaign. Did you

Stage on Sunday, September 2nd for a

ever anticipate your music to have such

free show with fellow musicians The

mainstream appeal?

Mountain Goats, David Dondero, Al Riggs and more. Old City Life caught

A: We wanted to be in the world of

up with vocalist and guitarist, Steve

songwriters and performers, and that’s

Tannen, who founded The Weepies

as far as the dream went. Modern

with his now wife, Deb Talan, in 2001

music saved us, and we joined up.

in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to learn

Playing to a crowd was in some corner

about the band’s commercial appeal,

of our minds, but to have a wider

working with your significant other and

appeal with Weepies’ songs playing in

the possibility of releasing new music.

movies and the mall and 100 million

Here’s part of that conversation.

streams on Spotify. We’re reclusive writers and our egos aren’t really built

Q: What’s it like being in a band and touring with your spouse?

A: It’s great, but we are both naturally

to want that or deal with it.

Q: Do you ever write music with commercial success in mind or is that

circus folk. Being in a band, you’re with

simply a result of creating the music

like-minded people doing something

you already intended on creating?

creative. And that’s powerful. You just don’t get much personal space. We’re

A: We love bubble gum pop music.

also parents of three small children, so

That’s just not what we’re good at, so

it’s overwhelming – especially where

we keep creating as personally as we

there’s no boss or clear career path.

can. We did do two projects that were

It’s never about time off. It’s about

sort of commercial. Mandy Moore is

choosing what you want to do every

a pop star and she asked us to work

day, over and over. Still beats the hell

on her record, and we invited her

out of any job we’ve had before this.

into our living room and wrote there. The record featured friends of ours,

Now we get 10 or 20 million streams a

and the whole thing wasn’t that big a

year, which [equates to] tens of millions

for nearly two decades. Tell me a bit

stretch. Then PBS Kids asked us to do a

(with seven zeros) and we get checks

about the progression of your musical

one-minute “Schoolhouse Rock!” type

for three thousand dollars. On the

relationship over that time.

songs for five to seven-year olds, which

other hand, we are writers and we’ll

was totally awesome and we ended

always write, so we do have new music

up doing three of them: “Gravity,”

that exists. I don’t know what we’ll

We’ve been mirror images – especially

“Navigation” and one about nutrition.

do with it – maybe make a musical or

in the way we write and live, and that

Other than that, we still write and

something.

may be why it’s been sustainable past a

record the way we always did – very

decade. We generally don’t differentiate

emotionally.

Q: You’ve been creating music together

A: We were fans of each other first.

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SING OUT STRONG O

BY KARA POUND

n June 12, 2016, a

“We raised $12,055.00 in 2016 for

for change. Between $4,000 and

gunman walked into Pulse

the OneOrlando fund, the official fund

$5,000 was raised for the Lincolnville

Nightclub in Orlando and

for victims and families of the Pulse

Museum & Cultural Center from bar

shot and killed 49 people

Night Club Tragedy,” explained Ryan

sales and proceeds brought in during

while wounding 58 others. It was one

Hall, social media coordinator for the

a performance at the museum by the

of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S.

two venues. “We raised the money

Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

history. Ryan Murphy, General Manager

through ticket sales for the September

of the St. Johns County Cultural Events

9th Indigo Girls showcase.”

Division, which runs the the

In 2017, although much of

The same year, $2,118.25 was raised for the United Way of St. Johns County for Hurricane Irma Relief from the

St. Augustine Amphitheatre and the

St. Augustine was reeling from the

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, and his

second destructive hurricane to hit in

team chose to host a fundraiser during

the area in less than a year, the Sing

lot of thought into what we wanted to

one of Sing Out Loud’s headlining

Out Loud Festival crew continued to

do, because Jason Isbell is a show that

performances.

use the music festival as a vehicle

would sell well on its own let alone be

sales of festival posters and t-shirts. “This year, we knew we had to put a

122 JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT

OLD CITY LIFE / VOLUM E 1 2 IS S UE 8

a free show,” explained Murphy, who

will feature Jason Isbell and The 400

on the street. So Betty Griffin really

coincidently is wearing a Jason Isbell

Unit, The Decemberists and Lucero at

resonated with them.”

concert t-shirt

the Amphitheatre.

when we meet

So far, ticket sales

Sing Out Loud Festival is working on,

for coffee to

have already raised

the staff will also be creating a giving

discuss the

around $100,000.

back atmosphere at the headlining

upcoming

“I had sent

Aside from the financial contribution

concert with Jason Isbell where non-

festival. “We

Jason Isbell a list

profit organizations from around the

decided to do a

of non-profits in

area will be invited to set up tables

donation ticket

the area that we’ve

and educate concert attendees on their

like we did the

worked with and

cause.

first year and

he immediately

we thought

chose Betty Griffin

that need help,” said Murphy. “We do

$25 per ticket

Center,” Murphy

what we can, and encourage others to

seemed pretty

said. “In Nashville,

do the same. I wish that we could help

reasonable to

Jason and his wife

everyone.”

see that line-

support a group of

up.”

“There are so many different groups

women who own a business that makes

This article is

On Saturday, September 22, the

soaps and other crafts to hire former