Concerns Rise Over Late-Night Chaos in Downtown St. Augustine: Local Business Owners Demand Action
Late-Night Chaos in St. Augustine Raises Concerns Among Local Business Owners
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — As the sun sets over the historic streets of St. Augustine, the vibrant nightlife that draws visitors to the city is becoming a double-edged sword for local business owners. Late-night crowds are raising alarms, with some claiming the revelry is spiraling out of control.
Mare Martelli, owner of the Art Collective gallery, faces a daunting cleanup routine every Sunday morning. “There is rarely a Sunday morning that we don’t come into the gallery without some kind of mess,” she lamented, pointing to broken bottles and vomit as common sights outside her doors.
Martelli, located just across from Bourbon Street Po-Boy’s and Bar, is not alone in her concerns. Fellow business owner Scott York echoed her sentiments, describing a scene where intoxicated patrons roam the streets, trespassing and causing property damage. “People getting drunk, walking out on the streets, urinating, vomiting on the walls,” York said, painting a grim picture of the aftermath of weekend festivities.
The situation has escalated to the point where both Martelli and York feel the need for increased police presence to ensure safety. “The businesses down here deserve better,” York stated. “The visitors deserve better.”
Martelli has taken matters into her own hands, reviewing surveillance footage to document the chaos. One particularly alarming incident captured on video shows an individual smashing their head into her shop window. “I have to run through a lot of security video with the St. Augustine Police detectives,” she explained, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain order.
In response to the growing concerns, Commissioner Cynthia Garris addressed the issue during a recent city commission meeting, advocating for more oversight in downtown areas to protect both residents and visitors. “More people need to be on the ground to oversee the areas downtown,” she urged.
Action News Jax has reached out to the St. Augustine Police Department to inquire about potential increases in police presence on Hypolita Street, but a response has yet to be received.
As the nightlife scene continues to thrive, local business owners are left hoping for a balance that allows for both a lively atmosphere and a safe environment. With the city’s charm at stake, the call for action is clear: St. Augustine’s businesses and their patrons deserve a safer, more welcoming experience.
