Corridor Review Committee approves neon signage modification for Boat Drinks

The City of St. Augustine Corridor Review Committee on April 3 approved a modification to neon signage for Boat Drinks, application HP2025-0022, allowing slightly larger signs and an aluminum backer behind the neon elements.

Committee staff reported the property sits on the east side of San Marco Avenue between Ocean and Myrtle avenues and that the application modifies a September approval for neon signage along the entry corridor. Staff said the previously approved signs were approximately 3 by 16 feet and within size limits; the revised installation increases one or both signs by up to about 16 square feet but still meets sign-code size limits. Staff noted the use of neon color triggered CRC review and that the applicant is proposing a polo-blue backer behind the neon to screen wiring and increase daytime visibility.

Applicant Whitney Hobbs told the committee the neon arrived in individually pieced segments rather than the expected transparent-backed units. “We thought that it was gonna have a backing on it that was transparent, and it arrived in a giant box individually pieced neons,” Hobbs said, adding a local company will assemble the units and that the aluminum backer is needed to prevent breakage and conceal wiring. Applicant Robert Crabtree said the backer is shallow — “about an inch and a half, 2 inches deep” — and will mount directly to the building.

No members of the public spoke on the item and staff reported no written communications had been received. After discussion, a motion to approve application HP2025-0022 as presented passed by voice vote; the committee recorded unanimous assent.

The CRC’s approval is specific to the property and its conditions and does not establish precedent, staff reminded the committee. The committee’s approval follows the San Marco Avenue entry-corridor design standards and the CRC review criteria included in the staff report.