St. Augustine city officials are asking for the public’s thoughts about naming the green space at the southwest corner of the Bridge of Lions in honor of the city’s first harbormaster, Sam Adukiewicz.
The property, next to the Municipal Marina, is currently unnamed, but it is commonly referred to as the Marina’s North Lawn.
Commissioner Cynthia Garris is sponsoring the site’s renaming as "Sam’s Park," saying he worked for the Municipal Marina for 15 years before retiring about two years ago.
"He was a strong, humble man, great leader, and loved his job,” Garris said. “I’m honored to sponsor this naming and believe ‘Sam’s Park’ is a very appropriate recommendation.”
Adukiewicz was the city of St. Augustine’s first harbormaster, implementing the Harbor Management Plan, which included establishing the city's three mooring fields and installation of a breakwater dock. In 2014, the marina was awarded the designation of a Clean and Resilient Marina by the Department of Environmental Protection. It was the second marina in Florida to receive the designation.
Suggestions will be gathered through an online survey, which will include providing a brief supportive statement as to why the name is suggested. Submissions also may be mailed to the Communications Department, City of St. Augustine, P. O. Box 210, St. Augustine 32085; or emailed to info@citystaug.com.
The city will accept public input and suggestions until April 28. A committee will review the input and make a recommendation to the city manager. The City Commission will then vote on the name on May 22.
