City outlines Knights of Lights budget shortfall and approves STAR circulator beach trial; staff to cover small deficit

City staff presented updated financial estimates for the 2025 Knights of Lights season, described adjustments to the proposed plan and said the Tourism Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners provided partial funding.

Assistant City Manager Meredith Briedenstein told the commission the city's initial Knights of Lights request to the TDC sought $1.2 million to cover expanded lighting, extended shuttle service, portable restrooms, increased public safety and barricades. The TDC recommended about $1,050,000 but, after eligibility discussions, the county approved approximately $851,000. Staff said the city had proposed a $450,000 contribution but that with adjustments — including purchasing barricades ($300,000) and cutting portable restrooms from ~116 to about 50 — the plan still shows an estimated deficit of roughly $58,000 that the city would need to cover to implement the full proposal. Briedenstein said staff would continue to find internal reductions or cover the difference within the general fund budget for fiscal 2026.

On transportation, Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin presented a revised STAR circulator route to connect downtown to St. Augustine Beach. Franklin said operators could not safely make a U-turn on Anastasia Boulevard and that the operator had safety concerns about using a narrow alley. Staff proposed limited use of Arcola Avenue to preserve consistent headways and reduce congestion, with no scheduled stops on Arcola. Franklin said he had conferred with the mobility manager and jurisdictional staff and that Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had confirmed no formal public-advertising requirement was necessary for the route change; staff said they would still advertise the service to riders. Commissioners gave consensus to trial the route extension and requested staff continue to minimize time on Arcola Avenue when traffic allows.

Staff also asked for and received consensus authorizing a pilot bike-valet program at an Oct. 9 redevelopment event; the pilot would be provided by a local association at no charge to the city and donations would go to local charities.

Why it matters: Knights of Lights is a major seasonal event with significant city, county and business interest. The staff estimate shows the city will provide the remaining funding to present the full plan unless cost reductions are identified. Extending the STAR circulator to the beach is a trial to improve connectivity during events; FDOT review did not require a formal advertisement, staff said.