St. Augustine Shortens Nights of Lights by 7 Days

The St. Augustine City Commission has voted 3-2 to alter the dates of the annual Nights of Lights festival, moving the start date to November 15 and the end date to January 11, 2026, which shortens the event by seven days. This decision aims to address significant traffic congestion and overcrowding issues that have plagued the city during the festival. Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder initially proposed a more drastic reduction of 20 days, but the commission settled on the new dates after public input. While some business owners rely heavily on the festival for revenue and oppose the shortening, residents have voiced concerns about being trapped in their homes due to blocked streets. The city is also considering hiring a consultant to devise long-term solutions to manage the festival's impact. Despite disagreements, city leaders hope the date changes will provide a balanced solution for both residents and businesses.