Seawall Dedication Ceremony

The new Seawall built along the bayfront in St. Augustine will have a dedication ceremony including a 1740 Honor Guard procession along the seawall with state and federal officials present. This ceremony is set for Friday, February 7, 2014 at 3 pm.

The multi-million dollar project of updating the seawall along Avenida Menendez will fortify the infrastructure of the seawall as well as preserve its historic qualities. The procession will include a 1740 Honor Guard, state and federal officials and any visitors who wish to also participate. The procession will meet at the southern end of the seawall at the corner of Avenida Menendez and St. Francis Street prior to the ceremony.

Visitors are welcome to participate in the procession or gather at the Municipal Marina for the ceremony and the speakers. The ceremony will include remarks from a representative of the Florida Division of Emergency Management in recognition of that agency's assistance in the project. Also, Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw, Jr., the Adjutant General of Florida, will offer remarks in recognition of the Army and Florida National Guard's long association with the seawall.

Also, Congressman John Mica has been invited to offer remarks. Mica, whose district included St. Augustine until reapportionment two years ago, was one of the projects most vocal advocates. St. Augustine's current Congressional Representative, Ron DeSantis, is unable to attend the ceremony.

Brief History of the Seawall on Avenida Menendez: The Spanish first began building the original seawall in 1696 south of the Castillo de San Marcos fort. The section now being improved was built between 1833 and 1844 by graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point. But it has been battered by time and tide, from a devastating hurricane in 1846 that partially collapsed it to Tropical Storm Fay in 2008.

Where? Procession will start at the Corner of Avenida Menendez and St. Francis Street in historic downtown St. Augustine; off the bayfront. The Municipal Marina is a good landmark to find this street and seawall; the marina is located at 111 Avenida Menendez St. Augustine, FL 32084. There Ceremony will be at the City Municipal Marina.

When? Procession will be held prior to the ceremony at 2:45 pm and the ceremony will be held at the City Marina at 3 pm.

Parking: Street parking along Avenida Menendez will be closed during this event. Street parking elsewhere will be available and there is parking available at the parking lot in front of the Castillo de San Marcos located about 4 blocks North of the marina.