After a string of recent violence in downtown St. Augustine, city leaders are now talking about ways to keep the area safe.
Those incidents include a suspected DUI crash into a cemetery, a stabbing and an alleged sexual assault, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.
Mayor Nancy Shaver was part of a strategic planning meeting today to talk about possible solutions that could be addressed when the budget is set later this year.
"It’s all about having that balance and making sure one piece of who we are doesn’t overtake or make people uncomfortable," Shaver says.
She says they're in the planning stages of determining whether there's a problem downtown and how they should handle that problem if it exists. Leaders say potential solutions could include a business improvement district, additional courses for bars teaching them not to over serve patrons and more resources for officers.
Shaver says nightlife could be a point of emphasis in making sure downtown St. Augustine is both a vibrant and safe place for anyone visiting or living in the area.
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