Loving Our Town December

Art Box Studios – A Creative Cultural Haven By Cathlene Miner St. Augustine has a gem that sits in the heart of the historic area. A place where creativity feels like home,Art Box Studios is a nonprofit creative cultural hub built on the belief that everyone deserves access to beauty, expression, and community. What began as an unexpected gift of Art Box Gallery has grown into a vibrant, judgment-free space where people of all ages and backgrounds come to make art, decompress

The Human Condition By Robert Waldner Aramis Stone is an artist of perhaps the most unconventional kind. At a young age, his love of music propelled him into a world of self teaching, where in due time, he would create a brand all his own. “I really have no official music background,” says Aramis. “Neither of my parents were musicians.” A native of Miami, Aramis’ family struggled financially throughout his childhood.  As his mom worked hard to put food on the table for him an

No Pity Party – Chef Eric’s Story of Southern Fusion By Danielle Torry   Chef Eric and Wife- No Pity Party Long before anyone heard the name No Pity Party, Chef Eric Israel was known as a builder.  He launched and ran several successful businesses, poured himself into his work, and built a life that looked solid from the outside. He was the person people called when they needed something done, and done well. Then the market crashed, and almost overnight, the life he’d worked

Embracing St. Augustine’s Community Spirit  By Susan Swearingen  Artwork by: Scott Morphew In today’s often polarized world, it can feel like we’re more divided than ever. But here in St. Augustine, diversity takes on a shape that’s found not just in obvious differences, but in the tapestry of stories, perspectives, and layers of history that shape our community.  This is an invitation to tap into our own selves and find unity in these subtle differences. The fac

A Culinary Narrative By Chef Rosaria Cammarata Thischickcancook.com This city, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the States, has a food story that’s less about dainty tea parties and more about grit, adaptation, and the sheer audacity of hungry people making do. It’s a culinary narrative forged in the salt spray and the desperate need to eat. As an executive chef who lives and breathes this chaos, I can tell you it’s a hell of a ride. The Original Hustl

By Courtney Olson Greg White has dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for the underserved communities in Saint Augustine, Florida. His tireless efforts have led to the creation of transformative infrastructure projects that address critical issues such as healthcare, mental health, youth development, and cultural preservation. Through his leadership and vision, White has become a cornerstone of progress in Saint Augustine’s historic Black community. Beside the

By Courtney Olson Lavardis and Dwala Anderson exceptionally embody the sacrificial and hardworking spirit necessary to commit oneself to community building.  Both born and raised in St. Augustine, Lavardis and Dwala had very different childhoods. While Dwala was raised in a two parent household, Lavardis’s young life did not bring him the same stability. He lost his mother at a pivotal point in his childhood, leaving him homeless through his high school career. Despite these

By Courtney Olson Regina Gayle Phillips became involved in The Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center as a volunteer when her husband, Floyd Phillips accepted the position as its President in 2015. Now, a decade later, Gayle serves as the Executive Director of the museum, where she has taken on many projects to further meet the center’s goals: to preserve, present, and perpetuate Black history and heritage in Saint Augustine. Phillips emphasizes the importance of a multifacete

By Courtney Olson Charles Tingley is the Senior Research Librarian and resident encyclopedic mind at the Saint Augustine Historical Society. His work gives this story a different, broader perspective. While discussing The Civil Rights Movement, specifically, Tingley is distinctly aware of the lack of information the Historical Society houses, and what that means in a wider context. The Historical Society’s research library is home to scores of incredibly important documents f

By Courtney Olson Lincolnville, a historic neighborhood in St. Augustine, Florida, is a treasure trove of African American history and culture.  Once a vibrant community with over 65 businesses, including hairdressers, grocers, doctors, dentists, and lawyers, Lincolnville was alive with activity. However, much of its rich history has been overshadowed by new construction and residential development, leaving the neighborhood quieter and less connected than it once was. Today,

By Courtney Olson “You have value”, “You are beautiful”. Pastor Delly Sands reminds us that these simple words can alter the course of our lives.  Raised by her grandmother in Miami, Delphine Sands grew up as one of seven children in a family that was struggling to make ends meet. Her childhood was marked by confusion and hardship, even believing for a time that her mother was her sister. In this challenging environment, Sands turned to drugs as a way to escape her reality. H

By Courtney Olson Thomas Jackson, a lifelong resident of St. Augustine, Florida, has dedicated much of his life to preserving the history and legacy of his community. Born in 1951, Thomas grew up in Lincolnville. His childhood, then, intimately coincided with, and was deeply affected by The Civil Rights Movement.  Jackson attended St. Benedict the Moor School in Lincolnville for kindergarten through seventh grade. The school, along with the church of the same name, was a corn

By Courtney Olson Since arriving in St. Augustine in 1977, historian David Nolan has played a pivotal role in uncovering and preserving the city’s rich and once overlooked civil rights history. Hired to survey the city’s historic buildings, Nolan was initially advised to avoid Lincolnville, as there “was no history there”, and to steer clear of mentioning Martin Luther King Jr. in his studies.  Nolan, who had moved to Saint Augustine after following the Civil Rights Movement

By Courtney Olson Irwin Brunson’s life story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and community. Growing up in St. Augustine, Florida, Brunson’s childhood not only coincided with The Civil Rights Movement, but was directly shaped by it. In 1963, at just eight years old, Brunson was one of the five initial African American students to integrate Fullerwood Elementary School, an experience that profoundly altered his perception of the world and his identity. Brunson recalls the

By Courtney Olson The decision to delve into history and share its stories often stems from a spark of curiosity.  For one individual, this spark ignited a passion project that has grown into a significant exploration  of African American experience in St. Augustine, Florida.  What started as a personal endeavor has evolved into a full gallery series where Lenny Foster shares both stories and images, shedding light on the profound history of the area and the people who have s