ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The 23rd annual Nights of Lights has drawn thousands of people into the St. Augustine area as more than 3 million lights illuminate buildings and trees.
Many shops and restaurants are benefiting from an economy surge as tourists flock to the holiday display.
The city was bustling Monday night. Many folks at the Colombia Restaurant said this comes at a great time, after the city endured the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and cleanup, the business is much appreciated.
“It's just done great things for the economy,” Columbia Restaurant assistant manager Dan Williamson said.
For years now, they’ve been lighting up the historic district and the eyes of spectators.
Williamson said it’s done wonders for the economy.
“St. Augustine and the surrounding area is about 70,000 people," Williamson said. "When we get the holiday season and the Nights of Lights, we're looking at close to 250,000-300,000 people that are coming through the area.”
On top of that, the city celebrated its 450th birthday last year, and Williamson said he believes that has had a lasting effect on tourism.
Monday night the Columbia had a two-hour dinner wait -- a good sign for business. Williamson said they’ve seen a 25-percent increase in profit since this time last year.
“Every day since school has been out -- school got out I believe it was the 22nd, 21st -- and each day since we've pretty much booked our reservations and we are seating about 1,800 to 2,500 people here in the restaurant each day.”
Williamson said he hopes the excitement keeps going strong throughout the year.
The lights will remain up until Jan. 31.