ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Augustine business owners are expected to attend Monday’s city commissioners meeting to request a two-week extension of the Nights of Lights event.
According to an email obtained by News4JAX, the St. Augustine Business Coalition is urging business owners to attend Monday’s meeting to request a two-week extension while voicing concerns about the current end date for the event, Jan. 11.
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The group said in the email that it all “points to a steep and immediate decline in demand after that date.”
“Early indicators suggest that January may perform even worse than September, which was already one of the most challenging months many of us have experienced in years,” the group wrote in the email.
The coalition said a sudden downturn has “real consequences” for these businesses, which are already struggling with higher costs and insurance, labor shortages, and thinner margins.
The extension request comes after city leaders decided back in March to shorten the wildly popular holiday attraction because of growing concerns over traffic congestion.
City commissioners decided in a 3 to 2 vote on a compromise to shorten the event to 57 days instead of the regular 65, cutting the event by eight days.
RELATED | St. Augustine leaders decide to cut Nights of Lights by 8 days to ease holiday traffic
However, the business coalition said it fears an earlier date will result in reduced hours, seasonal staff being let go and employees losing income.
“This isn’t just a business issue—it affects every hospitality worker, every retail team member, and hundreds of families throughout the city and county who depend on steady winter visitation," the email says.
According to the business coalition, a two-week extension would:
- Create stability during the slowest part of winter
- Help protect local jobs
- Reduce the likelihood of layoffs or reduced hours
- Support workers whose income depends on winter tourism
- Strengthen the economic foundation that supports the City’s tax base, services, and workforce
Monday’s city commission meeting is set to start at 5 p.m.