Comments on: Blessing of the Fleet celebrated in Matanzas Bay http://www.historiccity.com/2010/staugustine/news/florida/blessing-of-the-fleet-celebrated-in-matanzas-bay-2868 St Augustine is First America, founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez, it is the oldest, continually occupied European settlement and port in the continental United States. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:47:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Capt. Buzz http://www.historiccity.com/2010/staugustine/news/florida/blessing-of-the-fleet-celebrated-in-matanzas-bay-2868/comment-page-1#comment-802 Capt. Buzz Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:55:05 +0000 http://www.historiccity.com/?p=20056#comment-802 It's a good thing. Why doesn't the city and media exploit these events? Seeing it in the news a day after it happens doesn't do anything to promote these events. Heck it isn't even in the Mullet Wraper, aka The St. Augustine Record. This is the oldest port in the USA. You would think there would be more fan fare for these important maritime events. The 18th annual Lighthouse Festival had a record turn out this year. But, there was very little in the media about it. I don't think the Tourism Committee, or what ever they are, have a clue of how to promote this city's greatest attractions. Their total concentration is on the shops on St. George St. Pretty pathetic. BTW, I participated in the blessing of the fleet in 2004. It was a zoo. No control by the USCG, or City Marine Police. Their was 1 FWC boat that didn't do anything to control the traffic. We were the second largest boat behind the Freedom until two other boats cut us off on the approach to the City Marina. That was the last time I participated. Now I'm a spectator and enjoy it every year . It’s a good thing. Why doesn’t the city and media exploit these events? Seeing it in the news a day after it happens doesn’t do anything to promote these events. Heck it isn’t even in the Mullet Wraper, aka The St. Augustine Record. This is the oldest port in the USA. You would think there would be more fan fare for these important maritime events. The 18th annual Lighthouse Festival had a record turn out this year. But, there was very little in the media about it. I don’t think the Tourism Committee, or what ever they are, have a clue of how to promote this city’s greatest attractions. Their total concentration is on the shops on St. George St. Pretty pathetic.

BTW, I participated in the blessing of the fleet in 2004. It was a zoo. No control by the USCG, or City Marine Police. Their was 1 FWC boat that didn’t do anything to control the traffic. We were the second largest boat behind the Freedom until two other boats cut us off on the approach to the City Marina. That was the last time I participated. Now I’m a spectator and enjoy it every year .

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