Read December 12, 2025 SABC letter to Mayor and Commissioners on extending Nights of Lights

Dear Friends of St. Augustine:

I heartily agree with the St. Augustine Businsss Coalition's letter to the City Commission:

December 12, 2025

Subject: Urgent Request for Special Meeting on or Before December 22 — Nights of Lights

Extension

Dear Mayor and Commissioners,

On behalf of the St. Augustine Business Coalition (SABC), representing hundreds of local businesses across the city, we respectfully request that the City Commission hold aspecial meeting on or before December 22 to reconsider a two-week January extension of Nights of Lights.

While we appreciate the careful deliberation at the recent meeting, local businesses and employees remain deeply concerned about the economic impact of the shortened season. A two-week extension— from January 11 through January 25—would provide a critical lifeline for workers and small businesses during a historically slow month.

Specifically, this modest extension would:

• Support hundreds of hospitality, retail, and service workers - local residents - helping maintain hours and reduce layoffs

• Stabilize small business revenue, preventing avoidable financial strain

• Provide additional economic activity for the City, through sales tax, parking revenue, and

visitor spending January visitor levels are historically much lower than in December, and prior extended Nights of Lights seasons show that additional bathrooms, traffic mitigation, law enforcement, or shuttle services

are likely not needed. The extension primarily benefits local residents, who enjoy the uncrowded Nights of Lights while supporting the local economy.

Each day that passes without action increases the risk of reduced hours, layoffs, and lost revenue.

This is a practical, low-cost opportunity to support our workforce and local economy during a vulnerable period. By calling a special meeting on or before December 22, the Commission can make a meaningful difference for residents and businesses alike.

We urge you to take this timely action and stand with the community during this important period. The SABC is ready to provide any additional information or data to assist in your decision-making.

Thank you for your service and for considering this urgent and impactful request.

With respect and appreciation,

Len Weeks, Chair

St. Augustine Business Coalition

62 Hypolita Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084