St. Augustine Beach commission approves annexation, code changes and budget reallocations; appoints planning board alternate

The City Commission of the City of St. Augustine Beach on March 3 unanimously approved multiple ordinances and budget actions, including an annexation of nearby property, amendments to the city’s land development regulations and two budget resolutions to address urgent stormwater repairs. The commission also approved a first-reading ordinance raising business tax receipt rates and appointed Joshua Robert Thompson as a junior alternate to the Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Board.

The commission passed Ordinance No. 205-1, annexing the canal property and adjusting the city boundary to include the parcel. Brian Law, speaking during the final reading, summarized the item as presented at the prior meeting: “This is the final reading for the annexation of the canal right across the street. This is ordinance 20 five-one, nothing has changed since last month, we ask that you pass this so we can have a ditch.” The motion carried unanimously.

The commission approved three final-reading ordinances amending the city’s land development regulations (Ordinance Nos. 25-02, 25-03 and 25-04). The ordinance language amends appendix A (various articles) of the city code; staff said the measures were primarily administrative clarifications and the versions before the commission reflect changes discussed at the prior meeting. No public speakers spoke on those items, and the ordinances passed by unanimous vote.

The commission adopted two budget resolutions (filed as 25.03 and 25.04) reallocating funds to cover urgent stormwater and drainage repairs across three locations identified by staff. Public works staff described three priority repairs: a failed storm pipe on Ocean Pines Drive in Sea Oaks, a compressed prestressed concrete pipe on Lakeshore Drive, and a buried manhole cover in another residential area. Commissioners discussed prioritizing the repairs over a planned equipment purchase; after debate the commission voted to approve the reallocations unanimously.

Also during the meeting the commission approved Ordinance No. 25-05, a first reading to raise business tax receipt rates. Staff said state statute allows adjustments up to 5% every other year and presented a rate schedule showing most increases would be small dollar amounts. The ordinance passed on the reading before the commission.

The commission appointed Joshua Robert Thompson as a junior alternate to the Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Board. Thompson told commissioners he was motivated by interest in bike advocacy and pedestrian safety and said he looks forward to learning in the role. The commission moved and seconded the appointment and voted in favor.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 205-1 (annexation of canal property): approved unanimously (5–0). - Ordinance 25-02 (amend Appendix A, Article 3): approved unanimously (5–0). - Ordinance 25-03 (amend Appendix A, Article 6): approved unanimously (5–0). - Ordinance 25-04 (amend Appendix A, Article 12): approved unanimously (5–0). - Budget Resolutions 25.03 and 25.04 (stormwater/drainage reallocation): approved unanimously (5–0). - Ordinance 25-05 (business tax receipt rate increase — first reading): approved unanimously (5–0). - Appointment — Joshua Robert Thompson, junior alternate to Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Board: approved unanimously (5–0).

Why it matters: The annexation alters the city boundary and brings county land into the city’s jurisdiction; land-development amendments change permit and code review procedures; the budget reallocations move city funds to repair public infrastructure staff said is at risk of causing roadway failures.

What's next: Annexation and the land-development ordinances take effect as provided in their text. Staff will proceed with the stormwater repairs described in the adopted resolutions; the newly appointed junior alternate will be connected with legal and planning staff for onboarding as noted at the meeting.