ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- There are many reasons to love St. Augustine, and local leaders want the world to know.
With the 450th commemoration in 2015, city leaders say it's the perfect time to brand St. Augustine, and they've decided on a logo designed by local artist Emily Charette.
"The top half of the mark represents the Castillo de San Marcos," she told Action News, "and the bottom represents water. In St. Augustine, people live on the water -- it's a part of them."
Charette says the concept mixes history with water, with colors significant of Spanish architecture, and a "U" shape that is similar to the city's crest. She also added the message, "find yourself in our past."
"It's very nice," said Tourist Jim Souders. "I think it stands up to what the city stands for."
"I like it," added local artist Bruce Andrews. "I may have picked other colors, though. You think of rustic colors for St. Augustine -- not orange and red. That's the only thing that caught me offguard, but I like the design."
The city spent $14,000 on the design, which it now owns and plans to place all over town, and on merchandise to sell online and possibly in local stores.
"What I hope is when St. Augustine is here celebrating its 500th anniversary, is that this logo is still around," said Jennifer Zuberer, Communications & Resources Manager for the 450th Commemoration.
While reviews are mixed, Zuberer says citizens should give it time.
"People may not like it right now, but once they see it in place, and they see the full picture and see how it all comes together and works together, then we might change their minds."
