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St. Augustine Visitor Information Center maintains Certified Autism Center™ status

VIC recognized for continued commitment to inclusive visitor experiences

News Flash Posted on September 10, 2025

The St. Johns County and St. Augustine Visitor Information Center (VIC) remains a registered Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).  This credential is awarded to organizations that show their ongoing dedication to creating an environment that welcomes, supports, and accommodates all visitors. To earn the designation, staff undergo a comprehensive training and certification program to ensure they are equipped with the best practices and resources to assist every person, including autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors.

Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline congratulated the city for its recertification, saying, “It’s important to continue this commitment to our visiting public.” She also remarked, “we strive to excel at providing the kind of welcoming and inclusive services that improve our visitors’ experiences.”

By maintaining their CAC program status, the VIC is part of the greater St. Johns County movement to achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation, which IBCCES also awards to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, entertainment options and service organizations.  The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is seeking one hotel, three restaurants or entertainment centers, and only two attractions to achieve the CAD designation.

For media inquiries, contact Melissa Wissel, Communications Director, at 904.293.3307 or via email at mwissel@citystaug.com.

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About St. Johns County and St. Augustine Visitor Information Center

For half a century, visitors to St. Augustine have made the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center their first stop upon arriving in the Nation’s Oldest City. Commonly known as the “VIC,” the center offers brochures and guidebooks for the area’s attractions, clean restrooms, a gift shop, and information on special and cultural events.

Ample parking is available adjacent to the Historic Downtown Parking Facility, located at 1 Cordova St. 


About IBCCES

Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.


  1. NOTICE OF CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS: The City of St. Augustine has designated the City Clerk, Darlene Galambos, its Custodian of Public Records pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Anyone wishing to inspect or copy public records consistent with Florida law should contact the Custodian of Public Records at: 
     
    City of St. Augustine
    Custodian of Public Records
    Darlene Galambos, City Clerk
    75 King Street, PO Box 210
    St. Augustine, FL 32085 
    Phone: 904-825-1007 

    Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
  1. If you have a civil rights or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint regarding your ability to participate in a City program or activity please contact the City Clerk at: 
     
    City of St. Augustine
    Darlene Galambos, City Clerk
    75 King Street, PO Box 210 
    St. Augustine, FL 32085 
    Phone: 904-825-1007 

    Si usted tiene una queja con respecto a su capacidad para participar en un programa o actividad de la Ciudad en acuerdo con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades o sus derechos civiles, por favor llame al Secretario de la Ciudad al 904-825-1007.
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