St. Augustine, Florida, December 5, 2025
St. Augustine is experiencing a rise in minor traffic accidents during the Nights of Lights festival, urging the community to follow safety measures. The festival, drawing large crowds, has increased congestion especially on weekends, leading to more fender benders. Authorities have implemented free shuttle services, traffic detours, and resident-only parking to ease the situation and ensure a safe environment for visitors and residents alike.
St. Augustine, Florida
Increased Traffic Accidents During Nights of Lights Festival
St. Augustine has reported an increase in minor traffic accidents, commonly known as fender benders, during the ongoing Nights of Lights festival. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to exercise patience and adhere to traffic guidelines to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
The Nights of Lights festival, which began on November 15, 2025, and runs through January 11, 2026, has attracted large crowds to downtown St. Augustine. This surge in visitors has led to heightened traffic congestion, particularly on weekends, resulting in a higher number of minor traffic incidents. As the city welcomes this annual event, it also faces the challenges of managing increased traffic, and the community has shown resilience in adapting to these circumstances.
Local entrepreneurs and businesses benefit from the increased foot traffic, as visitors flock to experience the dazzling light displays and holiday shopping options. The determination of local leaders and residents to create an inviting atmosphere showcases how a well-executed festival can boost local economies and foster a spirit of community despite the challenges posed by congestion and minor accidents.
Traffic Management Measures
To alleviate congestion and promote safety, the city has implemented several measures during the festival period:
- Free Park & Ride Shuttle Service: Available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with extended hours on December 6 due to the Christmas Parade. This service operates from various parking locations to the Visitor Information Center.
- Traffic Detours: Westbound traffic on the Bridge of Lions is detoured onto Avenida Menendez from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to manage increased vehicle flow.
- Resident-Only Parking: Certain residential neighborhoods near downtown have restricted street parking to residents and their guests during the festival to reduce congestion.
Authorities emphasize the importance of following these measures and remaining patient during the festival to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Nights of Lights festival?
The Nights of Lights is an annual holiday event in St. Augustine, Florida, featuring millions of tiny white lights illuminating the city’s historic downtown. The festival runs from November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026.
What measures has the city implemented to manage increased traffic during the festival?
The city has implemented several measures, including a free Park & Ride shuttle service, traffic detours, and resident-only parking restrictions in certain neighborhoods to manage increased traffic and ensure safety.
How can visitors avoid traffic congestion during the Nights of Lights festival?
Visitors are encouraged to use the free Park & Ride shuttle service, adhere to traffic detours, and be patient with increased traffic to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the operating hours of the free Park & Ride shuttle service?
The shuttle service operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with extended hours on December 6 due to the Christmas Parade.
Are there any parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods during the festival?
Yes, certain residential neighborhoods near the historic downtown have restricted street parking to residents and their guests during the festival period to reduce congestion.
Key Features of the Nights of Lights Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026 |
| Free Park & Ride Shuttle Service | Available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with extended hours on December 6 due to the Christmas Parade. |
| Traffic Detours | Westbound traffic on the Bridge of Lions is detoured onto Avenida Menendez from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. |
| Resident-Only Parking | Certain residential neighborhoods near the historic downtown have restricted street parking to residents and their guests during the festival period. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Modest Mouse’s Inaugural Ice Cream Floats Cruise Set to Sail
Florida Christmas Road Trip: Eight Cities Celebrating the Holiday Spirit
NATO Meeting Highlights U.S. Commitment Concerns
Jacksonville Public Library Announces December Events
Seasonal Pop-Up Markets Boost Local Business in Florida
Lake City Crash Raises Concerns Over Immigration Policies
Jacksonville Body Camera Footage Reveals Violent Traffic Stop
Jacksonville Zoo Hosts ‘Colors of the Wild’ Event
Jacksonville Battles Surge in Teen Takeover Events
Highgate Partners with Gencom to Acquire InterContinental NY Times Square
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
