Threatened Structures
Threatened Features
La Punta Community
Mission Archeological Site
The
City’s Civil Rights
Landmarks
Threatened Districts
The brick streets of St. Augustine’s historic districts are survivors of
the Flagler Era and the early automobile age. They add much-commented charm to
the ancient city. They are highly visible and part of what makes the town’s
ambience and romance. But they often are overlooked and taken for granted as
part of what makes St. Augustine feel and look special. Most of the brick streets
of St. Augustine’s historic districts have been asphalted over. Those few
remaining are in need of repair. The future appears bleak as the remaining brick
streets continue to become more and more uneven and complaints increase from
drivers demanding that something be done. Asphalting over a bumpy street is quicker,
easier and probably cheaper than removing the present surface, re-leveling the
street base and re-laying the cleaned brick. But communities all over the country
have discovered that the removal of asphalt from the brick streets is worth the
effort and in fact is wildly popular. Efforts are often successful because labor
is drawn from community volunteers who are enthusiastic about the opportunity
to participate in the preservation of their town.
Some Florida communities that have completed brick street restoration projects are Brooksville, Largo, Dade City, Punta Gorda, Orlando, Tarpon Springs and Winter Park. One Illinois city celebrates its real brick streets with an annual community wide event named “Brick Street Days and Barbeque Cookoff.” The City of Orlando publishes a helpful brochure that gives guidance and assistance to residents that think the streets in their neighborhood might hold brick treasure beneath the asphalt.