St. Augustine South, FL

County: St. Johns

History

St. Augustine South, Florida

St. Augustine South, Florida is a quaint community located in St. Johns County, along the eastern coast of Florida. Its history is closely tied to the larger city of St. Augustine, which is considered the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States.

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the area was inhabited by the Timucua people, a Native American tribe. However, it was in 1565 that St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish explorer and admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. This marked the beginning of European colonization in the region and the establishment of a strong Spanish presence.

Over the years, St. Augustine faced various challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and pirate attacks. The city also changed hands a few times between the Spanish, British, and Americans during different periods of history.

In the mid-20th century, St. Augustine South began to take shape. It was developed as a residential community in the 1950s, primarily to provide housing for the growing population associated with the military installations in the area. The St. Augustine South development company, led by Joseph Courson, played a significant role in the establishment of the community.

St. Augustine South grew as a suburban neighborhood, attracting more residents as the years went by. Located just a few miles south of St. Augustine, it offered a more affordable alternative for families wanting to settle in the area.

Today, St. Augustine South remains a vibrant community with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Its proximity to the beautiful beaches of Florida's coastline and historic attractions in St. Augustine make it an attractive destination for those looking to enjoy the coastal lifestyle.

The community has continued to develop over the years, with the addition of amenities such as parks, a boat ramp, and community centers. St. Augustine South is known for its sense of community and active social life, with various events and gatherings bringing residents together.

Overall, St. Augustine South's history is intertwined with the larger historical narrative of St. Augustine itself. It has evolved from a Spanish colonial settlement to a thriving suburban community, offering a glimpse into Florida's past and present.

Attractions

St. Augustine Beach

There are several attractions in St. Augustine South, FL. Here are some notable ones:

St. Augustine Beach

Located just a short drive from St. Augustine South, this beach offers white sand, clear waters, and various recreational activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

This family-friendly attraction features a wide variety of alligators, crocodiles, birds, and other exotic animals. Visitors can also enjoy educational shows and interactive exhibits.

Anastasia State Park

Situated on Anastasia Island, this state park offers outdoor activities like camping, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and canoeing. It also features beautiful beaches and natural sand dunes.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

This historic lighthouse provides panoramic views of the city and the coastline. The museum exhibits artifacts and offers insights into the maritime history of the area.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Located on Rattlesnake Island, this Spanish fort dates back to the 18th century. Visitors can take a ferry ride to explore the fort and learn about its significance in protecting St. Augustine.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

This fortress is the oldest masonry fort in the United States and offers guided tours to learn about its rich history. Visitors can explore the fort's rooms, walk along the ramparts, and watch reenactments.

St. Augustine Distillery

This local distillery offers free tours and tastings of their handcrafted spirits, including bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. Visitors can learn about the distilling process and enjoy delicious cocktails.

Flagler College

The historic Flagler College campus features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Guided tours provide insights into the rich history of the college, which was once a luxury hotel.

Additionally, St. Augustine South is just a short drive away from the historic district of St. Augustine, where visitors can explore even more attractions such as the St. George Street, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, and numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Climate

St. Augustine South, FL has a humid subtropical climate, typical of most areas in northeastern Florida. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters.

Summers in St. Augustine South are long and hot, with high temperatures averaging around 90°F (32°C) in July and August. Heatwaves occur occasionally, with temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C). The humidity levels are high, making the summer months feel even hotter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during this time, providing some relief from the heat.

Winters in St. Augustine South are mild with average high temperatures in the low to mid-60s°F (15-18°C) during December and January. Overnight lows rarely fall below freezing, averaging around 45-50°F (7-10°C). Rainfall decreases during the winter months, making it a relatively dry season.

Spring and fall are transitional seasons in St. Augustine South, with pleasant temperatures. Spring brings gradually warming temperatures and increasing humidity, while fall sees temperatures cooling down and decreasing humidity levels. These seasons offer comfortable weather with average temperatures ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C).

Rainfall in St. Augustine South is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with around 50-60 inches (127-152 cm) of precipitation annually. The wettest months are usually in the summer, with frequent thunderstorms and the possibility of tropical storms or hurricanes affecting the region.

Overall, St. Augustine South, FL experiences a warm and humid climate with hot summers, mild winters, and ample precipitation throughout the year.

Neighborhoods

St. Augustine South, FL is a small unincorporated community located in St. Johns County, Florida. It is situated just south of the historic city of St. Augustine and is known for its residential neighborhoods and natural surroundings.

Here are some of the different neighborhoods within St. Augustine South:

St. Augustine South

This is the main neighborhood within the community and gives the area its name. It consists mostly of single-family homes and offers a suburban atmosphere with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal homeowners.

St. Augustine South Shores

Located along the Matanzas River, this neighborhood offers beautiful waterfront properties and picturesque views. Residents here can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities.

St. Augustine South Village

This is a smaller neighborhood within St. Augustine South, offering a quieter and more secluded living environment. It is surrounded by nature, with many homes nestled among trees and green spaces.

St. Augustine South Estates

This neighborhood features larger homes and spacious lots. It offers a more upscale living experience, with many homes boasting modern amenities and luxurious features.

St. Augustine South Lakes

As the name suggests, this neighborhood is characterized by several man-made lakes that dot the area. It offers a scenic setting, with many houses having water views or direct access to the lakes.

Overall, the neighborhoods in St. Augustine South provide a mix of residential options, ranging from affordable homes to waterfront properties and larger estates. The community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, natural beauty, and proximity to the historic city of St. Augustine.

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