St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights event kicks off Saturday, and while last year’s event caused significant traffic problems for both visitors and residents, city officials have spent about 10 months preparing to improve the experience this year.

Reuben Franklin, assistant city manager for St. Augustine, said the city is expecting a large crowd this year and is hopeful the efforts will pay off.

To better manage crowds and traffic, the city will offer more shuttle service days and increase law enforcement presence to help circulate traffic.

Additionally, parking around the plaza on Cathedral Street will be removed during busy weekends and daily from Dec. 19 through Jan. 1 to expand pedestrian areas.

“We’re gonna use those parking spaces to widen the pedestrian areas, that also will contro

See Full Page