A $210,000 advertisement program is targeting those living in the southeast to bring more people to Ponte Vedra and downtown St Augustine during August and September.
“It’s the slowest time of the year; the occupancy for hotels is slowest, availability in restaurants is the greatest,” said Richard Goldman, CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Goldman said in August and September, many local attractions will offer discounts for both locals and visitors.
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“You get some of the best prices of the season, many attractions from trolleys to trains and Ripley’s have free admission,” Goldman said.
Some visitors are excited about this.
“With the discounts, it definitely makes it a lot less expensive to tour and see more of the events that’s offered,” Patricia Steward said.
But St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver said some neighbors are on the fence about this.
“One of the concerns that’s being expressed is, 'Gee this is the time when we have the town more or less to ourselves and we don’t want to see more visitors,'” Shaver said.
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One neighbor said he may have to adjust when he goes into town if the traffic is heavy, but he also know the town thrives off of tourism.
“Without tourism this town really suffers,” said neighbor Alex Kassay.
“It’s the yin and yang of living in a tourist town,” Shaver said.
Shaver said the city is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to figure out ways to help with congestion.
Cox Media Group
