St. Augustine to consider shortening Nights of Lights

Officials in St. Augustine have acknowledged the overcrowding that the city’s annual holiday lights displays inflicted on residents this past year, and the city’s vice mayor is now supporting a measure that would pare back the next Nights of Lights.

Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder said Monday night that one key reason she backs shortening Nights of Lights in 2025 is that while the city is in the process of hiring a consultant to get advice on operating the event more smoothly, there may not be enough time to implement those suggestions before crowds descend on the city in November.

“That whole process will not unfold and be completed in time for Nights of Lights in 2025,” Blonder said. “We can’t just go forth with 2025 and make no changes and expect it’s going to get better on its own.” 

Blonder also pointed out that construction planned for this summer on the King Street bridge over the San Sebastian River may not finish in time for the November start of the event. 

Her proposal, which she has directed the city’s staff to research and bring back to the City Commission, would kick off Nights of Lights later in November than in past years and end it just after New Year’s Day, roughly a month earlier than the 2024 event. 

Article continues below

More from Jax Today

JSO lieutenant fires at truck after ‘contact’ on I-95, police said

‘Granny flats’ would be allowed everywhere under Florida housing proposal

St. Johns Airport Authority anticipates criminal investigation

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.

A later start for Nights of Lights, Blonder said, could also reduce the risk of a hurricane damaging the city’s displays before they can even light up.

In addition to Blonder’s proposal to shorten the event this year, the city is also petitioning St. Johns County to provide the city with more money to operate the event so St. Augustine can provide the public with more bathrooms as well as a larger public safety presence.