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St. Augustine officials say Drop-In Day Center nearing opening; Dining with Dignity pavilion to start first
Summary
City staff reported construction is complete on the Dining with Dignity pavilion at the Drop‑In Day Center site; staff expect phased openings — dining first, then showers and laundry — and asked commissioners for help on volunteer support and potential kiosk/health services.
City staff reported that construction of the Drop-In Day Center’s Dining with Dignity pavilion at 9092 South Dixie Highway is substantially complete and that staff plan a phased opening beginning with the dining program.
A staff member (Fox) told the commission the canopy and building are constructed, the interior finish flooring and roof are installed, utility connections are in place, and doors and fixtures have been completed; electrical hookup remained subject to a final FPL easement and scheduling. The city has ordered picnic tables and fixed seating designed to be low-maintenance and easy to sanitize. Staff described a phased staffing and service plan: open Dining with Dignity first for a trial period to work out operational logistics, then add showers and schedule laundry services, using the phased approach to avoid overwhelming staff and to identify gaps.
Commissioners and staff discussed service partnerships and volunteer support. Commissioner Cynthia Garris said churches and nonprofits have offered volunteer and meal support and recommended coordinating continental breakfasts in addition to evening meals. Staff said they had presented the plan to the Continuum of Care and are coordinating with local nonprofits; commissioners also discussed kiosk-based health monitoring options introduced by local volunteers and potential alternative staffing sources including federal programs to help operate the facility.
Staff estimated the site could open to Dining with Dignity in mid-August, subject to final electrical work, and said they would host pre-opening walk-throughs with Continuum of Care partners and will present a staffing/budget plan to commission leadership. Staff also noted unresolved issues such as whether the post office will permit mailboxes on the site, which staff said raises legal and administrative complexities and may not be feasible. Commissioners praised staff and volunteers and encouraged continued coordination with nonprofit partners.
