Show Notes
July 28, 2026 | In this episode of The Break Room, Building Official Buddy Schauland explains Florida’s new House Bill 803, which creates limited residential building permit exemptions for certain home improvement projects under $7,500. He clarifies which projects qualify, outlines the application process, highlights important exclusions such as structural, plumbing, electrical, and flood-zone work, and reminds homeowners that zoning, historic preservation, and other local requirements still apply.
More from The Break Room
October 20, 2026 | FDOT Community Outreach Specialist Jacob Pickering joins Melissa Wissel on The Break Room to explain how transportation projects are planned and share updates on the King Street Bridge rehabilitation, upcoming pedestrian safety improvements near the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, and traffic changes following the bridge’s reopening.
October 13, 2026 | Communications Specialist Rachel Murphy joins Melissa Wissel on The Break Room to preview Florida Cities Week, including discussions with department directors, a Fish Island walking tour, and a police vehicle show-and-tell. She also shares how residents can stay informed through the City’s social media and News and Notes newsletter.
St. Augustine Fire Marshal Abby Pedigo joins Melissa Wissel for Fire Prevention Month to discuss lithium-ion battery safety, safe charging practices, and warning signs of battery damage. She also shares reminders about smoke alarms, home escape plans, and holiday cooking safety.
In this episode of The Break Room, host Melissa Wissel talks with St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes about preparing for the upcoming General Election. They cover voter registration deadlines, vote-by-mail, early voting, Election Day polling locations, sample ballots, and how voters can check or update their information at VoteSJC.gov
September 22, 2026 | In this episode of The Break Room, Events and Venue Coordinator Kristin Odom highlights the City of St. Augustine’s rentable public spaces, including Francis Field, the Plaza gazebo, Galimore Center, Eddie Vickers Park, Lightner Courtyard, and the Municipal Marina. She also explains updated event fees, photography and film permitting, and new online reservation and payment systems designed to streamline the process for event organizers.