Street Tree Advisory Committee Revives Annual Yard of the Year Application Process

During the recent St. Augustine City Commission meeting held on August 25, 2025, significant discussions centered around the revival of the "Yard of the Year" program, aimed at promoting native gardening and sustainable landscaping practices within the community. This initiative, which had been previously implemented, is being reintroduced to encourage residents to enhance their outdoor spaces with native plants and environmentally friendly landscaping techniques.

The program will involve a scoring system developed in collaboration with the Street Tree Advisory Committee (STAC). Applicants will submit their gardens for evaluation based on criteria such as the use of native plants, water conservation efforts, and overall curb appeal. The STAC will review and score the applications, ultimately selecting a winner who will receive recognition for their efforts. The commission expressed enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its potential to foster community pride and environmental awareness.

Commissioners discussed the importance of providing resources for residents, such as lists of native and Florida-friendly plants, to facilitate participation. While no specific lists will be provided, it was noted that information is readily available online. The program is set to be annual, with plans to solicit applications in the spring, allowing for a timely award ceremony shortly thereafter.

In addition to the yard program, the meeting touched on various other topics, including a request from the sheriff's department to use city logos on their command vehicle, which was met with general consensus among the commissioners. There was also a reminder about ongoing applications for the planning and zoning board, emphasizing the need for community involvement in local governance.

The meeting concluded with discussions on traffic concerns, particularly regarding e-bikes on sidewalks and the need for potential ordinances to address safety issues. Commissioners acknowledged the growing prevalence of e-bikes and the importance of ensuring safe usage within the city.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to enhancing community engagement through environmental initiatives and addressing public safety concerns, setting the stage for future developments in St. Augustine.