ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Nights of lights and brake lights are filling downtown St. Augustine as the city hosts its world-renowned holiday event.
City officials say this year is breaking records for attendance, but police report a rise in some traffic incidents during the festivities.
Bob, a visitor, said, “What we’ve witnessed about traffic, it’s heavy.”
Susan Curry, visiting the city, said, “Yeah, I come down let’s say about five o’clock, it’s not crazy yet, park up by West King.”
The city tracks visitor numbers closely. Officials evaluate the numbers regularly and hold meetings to discuss how many riders are coming through.
Reuben Franklin, assistant city manager, said, “This is what happens when you have a popular event, traffic and people.”
Visitor Frank Catarius added, “It’s kind of busy and, you know, we kind of knew that. That’s why we stayed across the bridge just to stay out of all the traffic. People are in good moods and it’s gorgeous. Very festive. Yeah. Very festive.”
St. Augustine Police report an increase in minor traffic incidents during the event.
“You know, it’s holiday season, so we’re going to be busy. People are coming in for Nights of Lights. We have seen an increase in fender-benders. Nothing major, just fender-benders on U.S. 1,” Dee Brown, public information officer for the St. Augustine Police Department, said.
The city tracks the number of riders taking shuttles. Officials said this year’s numbers show an increase from last year and previous years.
They said so far they have shuttled more than 15,000 people and Island STAR Circulator has serviced more than 3,700 people.
“Right now we’re very happy with the way things are running,” Franklin said. “We have a lot more staff in place with the sheriff and police directing traffic, and we’re seeing that’s a big benefit.”
When asked if the traffic would deter visitors, one said, “Oh yeah, this is our second visit.”
City of St. Augustine officials will present an update on Monday at the city commission meeting to evaluate how operations are functioning during the event.