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St. Augustine commissioners move to end carriage franchise after horses die and quarantine
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Summary
After weeks of public outcry and a state quarantine at a city-leased stable, commissioners instructed staff to notify the carriage franchise holder that the city will not renew the franchise at the end of its term, citing repeated violations, documented animal deaths and ongoing public-safety concerns.
The St. Augustine City Commission voted to instruct staff to notify the holder of the city's carriage franchise that the city will not renew the franchise when the current agreement expires Sept. 30.
The decision followed a lengthy public-comment period in which residents and animal-welfare advocates said multiple horses kept at a city-leased stable had died and accused the franchisee of inadequate oversight. "Ghost's death was not an isolated event," said Catherine Zoda, a resident who described the outbreak as a "preventable tragedy" and urged a phase-out of carriage operations.
Corey Sackard, the city's director of general services, told commissioners the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) initiated a quarantine at the 650 Riberia Street stables after confirmed cases of strangles. Sackard said FDACS began weekly checkups and that a 21-day quarantine window began on Feb. 11, with staff expecting the quarantine to end on March 3. He added that the city had documented prior code and lease violations and that building inspectors had prepared a punch list of electrical and structural items to be fixed once the quarantine lifts.
Supporters of the carriage businesses and some tourism stakeholders urged the commission to preserve the practice with stronger oversight and safeguards. Jason, a carriage driver who identified himself at the podium, said carriage rides were part of longstanding local traditions and described an emotional ride he gave to three soldiers from Arlington National Cemetery's caisson platoon.
Commissioners weighed the competing concerns. One commissioner warned that the Riberia site's low elevation and runoff from a capped landfill made persistent standing water and related health risks likely; another highlighted electrical hazards staff had flagged. After debate, the commission voted to direct staff to prepare a nonrenewal notice under the franchise terms so the matter can be decided before the renewal deadline.
Next steps: staff will issue the notice required by the franchise agreement and return with documentation of outstanding corrective actions, compliance history, and draft language for reassigning medallions if the franchise is not renewed.
Actions: The commission instructed the city attorney and staff to notify the franchise holder that the city will not renew the franchise at the end of the current term (motion seconded; roll call in favor).
