This meeting is open to the public and a great opportunity to hear updates on what's happening in our community. Thank you so much for all your thoughtful and creative suggestions for the beautification of Vilano. We will present to SJC and apply for grants. We will give periodic updates on our progress.
We are encouraging your attendance. We need to address some concerns:
TRAFFIC -
As you know Feb 19th traffic control in Vilano was an epic fail. Attempts to have “traffic control” here seem to fall on deaf ears. Part of the issue:
Fact: SJC counted the $10 beach parking passes issued for Vilano beach Mar-Oct. 36,455 passes were sold. (This only includes $10 passes. Not annual, fishermen, etc.) At times there were 5 solid rows of vehicles on the beach. In 2025 parking totals exceeded 1200 cars on Saturdays.
There are not enough portolets, trash receptacles, hand washing stations. And most importantly, only one way out of Vilano.
FUNDING -
Beach revenue - Those 36,455 folks generated $364,000. Other beach revenues totaled $999,377. The expense breakdown is as follows: Law Enforcement $200,000. Beach personnel and operating exp $2,266,000. Lifeguards $2,300,000. Bed Tax- Bed Tax collection was $23,148, 563. Vilano receives no funding from either of these sources.
SAFETY -
We are constantly working on crosswalks and reduced speeds. HB 543 states that there may be some state/local speed limit flexibility. Our streets need to be at 15mph.
VILANO PIER -
Our dock has permitted space to be used only for a water taxi/shuttle. This is not being utilized. Tours are running from this dock space. This dock space should be open to the public so our resident visitors can use the dock versus the paved parking.
RV/PARK MODELS -
This property is going to be used as a “horizontal hotel” versus an RV park. (By the developers own admission).
You have spent countless hours on beautification, safety, fundraising, short term rentals, signage, ordinances, drainage, flooding, crosswalks, traffic, proposed developments, expansion of the beach properties and so much more. As many of you know, we have presented our concerns but we need your help. Please come to the community meeting and help us form a plan to present our concerns to the Board of County Commissioners at a future meeting.
Also check out other Meetups in Augustine.
