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2025- The Break Room
Whether working in an office cubicle, on a factory floor or along the aisles of a retail store, time spent in the break room is usually a quiet time—away from pressure, away from work routines and often a place where co-workers can converse in a relaxed environment. That’s the idea behind the WFCF/Flagler College Radio program, The Break Room (TBR).
This collection features the 2025 episodes of The Break Room that were recorded throughout the year. Hosted by Communications Director Melissa Wissel, the 15-minute weekly program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of city government through conversations with city employees who do the work every day.
The Break Room airs every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 a.m. on WFCF/Flagler College Radio.
Here are a few listening options to help you tune in:
12.30.25 | This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Jordan Neisler, Environmental Compliance Inspector. It’s Jordan’s first time on the show, and she’s sharing all about Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG), the wastewater treatment plant, and the upcoming post‑holiday recycling event. Listen now to learn how you can take part! View the transcript.
12.23.25 | This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Jacob Webber, Grants Administration Coordinator. He shares some of the projects he completed this year like St. Francis House and the lighthouse park boat ramp and gives us a glimpse into what’s ahead. Tune in! View the transcript.
12.16.25 | This week on The Break Room, we are joined by Barb Moore, Deputy Director of General Services, who will give us a final wrap-up of all the historic grant projects completed in 2025. Tune in to learn more! View the transcript.
12.9.25 | This week on The Break Room we are joined by Todd Clark, Mobility Coordinator for the City of St. Augustine. Todd shares with us how shuttles are operating during this Nights of Lights season, including how the new STAR Beach Shuttle is running. Tune in to learn more! View the transcript.
12.2.25 | This week on The Break Room we’re joined by Jacob Weber, Grants Administration Coordinator, and Eric Mauldin, Harbormaster. They share insights on the Lighthouse Park boat ramp dock repair and explain how the City secures funding for projects like this. View the transcript.
This week on The Break Room we’re joined by Carlos Aviles, Fire Chief for the City of St. Augustine. He shares how his team is navigating Nights of Lights and offers important tips to keep your family safe this holiday season. Listen to learn more! View the transcript.
11.18.25 | This week on The Break Room we’re joined by City Manager David Birchim, who shares insights about Nights of Lights, how Light‑Up! Night went this year, and the efforts the City made to improve the overall experience. Tune in to learn more! View the Transcript.
11.11.25 | This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Tara Bennie, Parking Supervisor. Tara shares details about parking plans and upcoming changes for the Nights of Lights season, beginning Saturday, November 15. Tune in to learn more! View the transcript.
11.4.25 | This week on The Break Room, Mobility Coordinator Todd Clark joins the conversation to talk about all things Park & Ride as Nights of Lights returns to St. Augustine. With record crowds expected, the City is expanding shuttle services, adding more days of operation, and introducing a new STAR Circulator at St. Augustine Beach to help visitors and residents get around safely and enjoy the season. View the transcript.
10.28.25 | This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Kevin Moon, Foreman with the City of St. Augustine. He walks us through the process and preparation that goes into making the Plaza shine for the Nights of Lights season. Tune in! View the Transcript.
10.21.25 | This week on The Break Room, Fire Marshal Abby Pedigo joins us to talk about the 100-year history of Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme focuses on lithium battery safety, a growing concern in many homes. Tune in to learn simple steps you can take to help prevent fires and keep your household safe. View the transcript.
10.14.25 | This week on The Break Room, Chief Resiliency Officer Jessica Beach joins us to talk about King Tides, the causes behind flooding, and a new tool that helps residents monitor flood conditions in downtown St. Augustine. Tune in to learn how the city is preparing and how you can stay informed. View the Transcript.
10.7.25 | This is a rebroadcast of the episode from Sepember 23,2025. This week on The Break Room, Parking Enforcement Supervisor Tara Bennie joins us to talk about the new fines for illegal parking downtown, how to use the Parking Finder tool, and the St. Johns County resident parking discount program. Tune in for helpful tips and updates on parking in St. Augustine. View the Transcript.
9.30.25 | This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Assistant City Manager Meredith Breidenstein. Meredith shares insights on the upcoming Nights of Lights season, the financial commitment from county commissioners, how those funds will be used, and what it means for taxpayers. View the transcript.
9.23.25 | This week on The Break Room, Parking Enforcement Supervisor Tara Bennie joins us to talk about the new fines for illegal parking downtown, how to use the Parking Finder tool, and the St. Johns County resident parking discount program. Tune in for helpful tips and updates on parking in St. Augustine. View the transcript.
9.16.25 | This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Jessica Beach, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of St. Augustine. Jessica shares insights on king tides, coastal resiliency, and the recent federal funding awarded to support the City’s environmental initiatives. It’s a timely conversation about planning, progress, and protecting what St. Augustine. View the transcript.
9.9.25 | Fire Chief Carlos Aviles joins The Break Room to discuss hurricane season, its impact on St. Augustine, and how residents can prepare. From city readiness to evacuation tips, this episode offers practical advice to help you stay safe before a storm arrives. View the transcript.
9.2.25 | This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin to talk about the newly passed ordinance increasing illegal parking fines. Reuben breaks down what drivers need to know, what to watch for when parking, and how to avoid getting ticketed. Tune in for helpful tips and insights straight from City Hall! View the transcript.
8.26.25 This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Buddy Schauland, Floodplain Administrator, and Ray Deschler, Floodplain Coordinator. Buddy and Ray dive into the Community Rating System and explain how the City of St. Augustine’s participation in the program helps residents qualify for discounts on flood insurance. Tune in to learn how this initiative benefits our community and what it means for you! To view the transcript, click here.
8.19.25 This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director. In part two of our interview, Jaime shares how the CRA is celebrating twenty-five years with Redevelopment 25!, the upcoming opening of neighborhood grant applications in October, and much more. Tune in to listen now! To view the transcript, click here.
8.12.25 This week on The Break Room, we are joined by Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director. Jaime updates us on the recent Cordova Street Improvement Project public meetings, the community response to Redevelopment 25!, and an upcoming Fountain of Youth Elks Lodge Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. Tune in to hear all the details! To view the transcript, click here.
8.5.2025 This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Todd Clark, Mobility Coordinator for the City of St. Augustine. Todd shares updates on the discontinuation of ParkNow cards, how to reclaim any remaining balance, and details on the resident discount program. Plus, he introduces the Parking Finder web-based app, an easy new way to locate available parking. Tune in to get all the latest on parking in St. Augustine! To view the transcript click here.
7.22.25 This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Jabari White, Nightlife Liaison and Permit Technician. In part one of this special two-part episode, Jabari gives us insight into his role and shares details about drive-for-hire. Listen now! To view the transcript click here.
This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Anthony Cuthbert, Assistant Chief of Police. Anthony shares insights on the recently passed noise ordinance and what it means for our businesses and residents. He also recaps how the Fourth of July went under the city's new safety measures. Listen to this great conversation now! To view the transcript click here.
This week on The Break Room, we are joined by Liz Johnson, Sustainability Specialist. Liz tells us all about the projects she works on throughout the year, including the Tree Canopy Program, the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, and more. Give it a listen to learn how sustainability is taking root in St. Augustine. To view the transcript click here..
This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director. Jaime talks about her recent promotion and shares details about the upcoming Lincolnville Redevelopment 25 event. Tune in! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room we are joined by Jacob Webber, Grants Administration Coordinator. Jacob gives us an inside look at his role and how he helps secure funding to support both large- and small-scale city projects. Jacob's work helps ensure that important initiatives get done. Tune in to learn how grants play a key part in our city moving forward! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Assistant Fire Marshal Dustin Hamilton! Dustin will share insights on his recent promotion, offer tips for staying prepared during hurricane season, and discuss how to stay safe this Fourth of July. Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by St. Augustine Police Department’s Marine Operations Officer, Pat Harvey! Pat will share essential summer boating safety tips, what to look out for on the water, and how to stay prepared for a smooth and safe ride. Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Assistant City Manager, Reuben Franklin! Reuben will share details on the upcoming public meetings for Nights of Lights, where residents and stakeholders can discuss feedback and concerns about the event and other large-scale gatherings in St. Augustine. Tune in to learn how you can get involved! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Marcus Pinson, Environmental Project Engineer! Marcus will share details on the water main improvement project near the King Street Bridge, a crucial step as the city prepares for the FDOT’s upcoming bridge replacement project later this year. Tune in to learn more about this and other upcoming projects around St. Augustine! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re joined by Sister Kathleen from the Sisters of St. Joseph! Sister Kathleen will share how the Sisters were recognized for their dedication to rehabilitating the St. Benedict the Moor Schoolhouse, an effort that earned them the prestigious Adelaide Sanchez Award for Historic Preservation and Restoration. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about their incredible work and its lasting impact on our community! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re sitting down with the City of St. Augustine’s Poet Laureate, Ann Browning Masters! Ann will share what inspired her to start writing poetry, how her work connects to the city’s rich history, and what it means to serve as Poet Laureate. Plus, she’ll treat us to a special reading of one of her poems. Tune in and celebrate the power of storytelling and poetry in our community! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re sitting down with Solid Waste and Sanitation Manager Olivia Smith! Olivia will share all the details about the upcoming recycling event on Friday, April 25th, as well as how you can take part in the city’s composting program. Learn how you can contribute to building a greener future for St. Augustine! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re catching up with City Archaeologist Dr. Andrea White! Dr. White will share updates on city archaeology volunteers, how you can get involved, and her latest project at Francis Field with Flagler College students. Discover the fascinating work happening right here in St. Augustine and learn how you can contribute to uncovering our city's history. Tune in! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we’re celebrating Earth Month with Sustainability Specialist Liz Johnson! Liz will share all the details about the exciting Earth Week Awareness events, including the Fish Island Tour, the Resiliency Tour, and our upcoming recycling event. Discover how you can get involved and make a difference for our planet. Tune in! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Chief Resilience Officer Jessica Beach! Jessica will explain the City Commission's recent resolution approving the procurement of easements through negotiated conveyance—which, to most of us, is eminent domain. We'll dive into how this decision advances vital flood mitigation and drainage improvement projects at Lake Maria Sanchez, and what it means for the fight against flooding in Old City South. Don't miss it! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Code Enforcement Manager Barry Fox! Barry also oversees our homeless outreach specialist. He'll share the latest updates on the Homeless Drop-In Center and where we are in the process of that project. Listen to find out what services will be provided at the Drop-In Day Center! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Neighborhood Services and CRA Manager Jaime D. Perkins! Jaime will be giving us an update on the exciting projects that have been launched with the CRA. She'll share the latest news on the Eddie Vickers Park sports courts grand re-opening and the progress with Cordova Street Public Engagements. Tune in for the inside scoop on these fantastic developments! Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, City Manager David Birchim is back in the studio! David will be recapping his Nights of Lights presentation from the February 10th Commission Meeting. He'll provide insights on the next steps and how we will proceed to make future large-scale events a success. Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we're joined by Assistant City Manager Meredith Breidenstein! Meredith will help us connect the dots between the city's annual budget and strategic plan. It's been a few years since Meredith was last on the show, and we're thrilled to welcome her back to provide her expert insights on how these initiatives align with our city's vision and goals. Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we welcome Visitors Services Supervisor Jessica Joyce and General Services Deputy Director Barb Moore to join us! Jessica takes us behind the scenes of the VIC's modified daily operations and details the upcoming transformation of the newly restored floors. Then, Barb shares with us the multitude of projects the city is tackling with funding assistance through a state grant program. Click to view the transcript.
This week on The Break Room, we're joined by City Manager David Birchim! David shares his journey with the city from starting as a City Planner in 1997 to becoming the City Manager, reflecting on the changes and challenges he has faced over the years. We also discuss Nights of Lights and how the city is planning to manage future large-scale events. Click to view the transcript.
In this episode, we wrap up our city commission series with Commissioner Cynthia Garris, the first Black female elected commissioner in St. Augustine. Cynthia shares her story from city employee to public office, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement and addressing local issues like traffic and safety. She also hints about running for a second term, inspired by the positive changes she's been part of and the work still to be done. Click to view the transcript
Join us on The Break Room as we sit down with Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline to discuss her 16-year tenure and what's on her radar for the new year. From historic preservation to resilience in the face of hurricanes, find out how the city is tackling its biggest challenges. Tune in to hear Mayor Sikes-Kline share her insights on growth, transportation, and community development in St. Augustine. Click to view the transcript