A Tale of a Tourist City: St. Augustine Curriculum for the 50 th Anniversary of Flagler College and the Tourism Impacts on St. Augustine, Florida

Transcription

1 A Tale of a Tourist City: St. Augustine Curriculum for the 50 th Anniversary of Flagler College and the Tourism Impacts on St. Augustine, Florida

2 Table of Contents (key topics covered in this curriculum): Introduction of the tourism industry in St. Augustine Population changes over years that defines the growth of this destination area America s First City and new findings Walt Disney World and the impacts this tourist attraction has on economy Finding a balance between St. Augustine and Tourism Henry Flagler Hotel Ponce de Leon The New South in the Ancient City Tourism, Memory, and Urban Space in the New South Interview held with Samantha Palmer, Director of Legacy Tours for Flagler College Activity Glossary Conclusion This information addresses some of the main topics that are used to give a full understanding of the importance of the tourism industry in this constant advancing and evolving destination area and to assist students that are studying Florida history.

3 Introduction Tourism the commercial organization and operation of vacations and visits to places of interest. Tourism in St. Augustine is a booming business that helps promote the opportunities the city offers to the residents in the community and for tourists that travel the world to discover exciting new places and experience authentic history. Tourism in Florida is a primary economic engine that drives the community and creates a place for visitors to enjoy. Throughout St. Augustine, but particularly downtown, historical markers and plaques illustrate important events in the city s history from the time of the founding in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles through the Gilded Age to the Civil Rights era and into contemporary history. Some of the themes identified include: St. Augustine was the Spanish capital of La Florida for two centuries. Henry Flagler was a man of many talents and developed the city into the winter Newport. The cultural diversity in this city is truly something special. Between the Spanish houses, and the tiny shops located in the heart of downtown, as well as the numerous number of museums, St. Augustine is a thriving cultural community recognized for the historical significance and importance. The lifestyle here is unlike any other. From the beautiful stretches of beaches, to the preserved historical and maintained national monuments like the 17 th century Castillo de San Marcos, life is enjoyable. Photo:

4 Population Changes Population change is very important to document when it comes to any tourist destination. St. Augustine has many visitors from different places around the world. They come here to experience the unique European architecture, rich history, and cultural experiences found across this ancient city. Changes in the population for this destination city resulted in changes in the economy and the driving forces that keep the city vibrant, healthy and enjoyable. Some numerical statistics to further show tourism & economic benefits 1 In 2016, Florida welcomed million out of state and international visitors In 2017, there were million people 87.1% of Florida s visitors are domestic travelers Every 78 visitors to the state supports 1 tourism job In 2016, $11.6 billion in state and local tax revenue was generated $42 million in sales tax revenue since ,000 jobs in the tourism industry created for county residents.

5 America s First City The year 2015 marked the 450 th Anniversary of St. Augustine s founding, making it the Nation s Oldest city. It is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States. This city is composed of many buildings including residences, commercial structures, churches, and military institutions. St. Augustine s history is blended with many different cultures and themes that make the city a vibrant mix of past and present. Henry Flagler morphed this small community into one of the most world s most popular Gilded Age tourist destinations, leaving a legacy of the city s most beautiful skylines. For what it is worth, as a student, the discovery of this new city is something truly amazing and to learn about the rich history of it is undeniably and unmistakably so interesting. When Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the city, he believed that it could play a major role in history. More importantly, St. Augustine has been the scene for some of the most important episodes in the nation s history, including the civil rights movement of the 1960s 2.

6 Finding A Balance Tourism drives the economy of St. Augustine and there has been talk about the ways that the revenue brought in by the tourists can be increased and raised to reach maximum profits. Millions of visitors come to St. Johns County each year, and many of those people make their way to St. Augustine. Tourism and hospitality is the largest industry in St. Augustine and has the largest economic impact 3. The article provides some useful information and was written back in 2014 and at that time and still to this day, Richard Goldman is the Executive Director of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. He notes that the tourism industry in St. Augustine brings in more than 20% of revenue through the hospitality business. This can include any attraction, hotel, bed & breakfast, and/or any other establishment. Also mentioned is the balance that is created between the residents and the visitors and how the city gets more and more tourists every year. For an example, the Night of Lights exhibition brings in exorbitant amounts of people from all over and is said to be one of the main contributing factors of the tourism industry during the time of business. Tourists who have visited the city of St. Augustine, have a reason to always come back because it truly creates an amazing experience for them. Tourism is St. Augustine s No. 1 industry, and the economic base is built on it. People return regularly to the city because their experience has been so positive. Photo:

7 Henry Flagler Henry Morrison Flagler ( ) was a man of many talents. He had the dream of transforming the East Coast of Florida from a frontier area to a winter wonderland of luxury and elegance. He envisioned building a place where the wealthy could come and enjoy themselves. The railroads that he built made transportation much more accessible for passengers and for transportation of good and services. In addition, his railroads lined a string of luxury resorts that began with the Hotel Ponce de Leon, the most beautiful resort in the world at the time, and ended ultimately in Key West in Flagler funded hospitals and churches, paved streets, supported municipal services and facilities, launched the St. Augustine Record newspaper, helped develop the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and founded the precursor of Florida Power and Light. He established the cities of West Palm Beach and Miami. Flagler s investments in the development of St. Augustine and Florida established a permanent legacy, bringing the sunshine state into the 20 th century, building a resort empire, and creating a state based on tourism. The tourism and agricultural industries that he created to this day are considered to be the most ambitious engineering ever undertaken by a private citizen 4.

8 Hotel Ponce de Leon One of the most widely known landmarks of St. Augustine is the Hotel Ponce de Leon, fondly known as the Ponce. This building is a highlight of the hospitality and tourism industry for the area. At the time of its opening, the building epitomized St. Augustine s economic recovery from post-civil War reconstruction. From the ornate woodwork, to the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world, to its Edison electrical system, the Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine was the place to spend a vacation. New York architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings designed the Spanish Renaissance style hotel. The building was the focal point of the downtown area and constituted the social and cultural gathering place for people. After the hotel closed, its legacy continued a year later in 1968 as the newly founded Flagler College. Since then, the college has grown and thrived. The 50 th Anniversary is a special time for the college to celebrate. The Ponce remains the physical and symbolic heart of the campus and is appreciated by the members of the college, the community, and visitors alike. Photo: Library of Congress

9 The New South in the Ancient City Tourism began in Florida in the 1820s when the former Spanish colony became a United States Territory. Tourism expanded with statehood in 1845, enjoying strong economic success until the advent of the Civil War in Visitors from the north and Europe enjoyed the small town of St Augustine, capital of the former Spanish province. Re-invigorated after the Civil War by Henry Flagler on the east coast and Henry Plant on the west coast, the New South in Florida was a creation based on winter visitors. St. Augustine and the cities that developed as a result of the two Henry s railroads and resorts shared a cosmopolitan sophistication unavailable otherwise. Though not necessarily embraced by the local populations, the economic investment ensured the futures of communities and their residents. Similarly, beginning in the 1950s with the development of central Florida, longtime residents avoided embracing Walt Disney s vision, but found it difficult to ignore the impact of fantasy tourism on the sunshine state once again.

10 Tourism, Memory, and Urban Space in the New South When it comes to the development of a new city, it is important to make note of the tourism, memory, and urban spaces that will be created. Reiko Hillyer, author of Designing Dixie, addresses reconstruction, northern visitors, radical changes, and wars and their aftermaths. In particular, he discusses the phrase urban boosterism. During the Civil War era in the United States, hucksters, would make assumptions and claims about their town to encourage investment companies and increase real estate values. This tactic became extremely prevalent, The souvenir and promotional images of St. Augustine affirmed these picturesque descriptions of ancient narrow streets in an effort to cater to northern tourists romantic interests and hunger to escape the hurly-burly of northern industrial life. Untouched by the North s crass commercialism, St. Augustine was a living artifact of a bygone era 5. Though vestiges of that early effort remain, St. Augustine and many of its attractions emphasize authenticity in their tourism programs. This industry is constantly changing and evolving to meet the needs of visitors and to incorporate a high quality of life for the residents of tourism-based communities. Photo:

11 Interview with Samantha Palmer Director of Flagler College Legacy Tours Tours began in 1991 and expanded to become the Legacy Tours in In 2002, 22,000 guests were taking the tours and since then it has increased to 40,000 or more annually. Weather is a contributing factor as for all tourism activities. The Legacy Tours was placed on an Accolades list as best tour and propels St. Augustine into the spotlight for tourism and how the industry has grown rapidly Revenue generated program not a part of the college s educational effort National Historic Landmark The Hotel Ponce de Leon, is one of the three best known architectural aspects of St. Augustine Picture to the right explains visitors categorized into school grades 6

12 Activity With the notecard that has been provided answer the following questions: Do you see yourself attending Flagler College? What inspires you to live in St. Augustine? What career industry do you want to be in? If you could attend college anywhere but here, where would it be? Draw thing your favorite about St. Augustine!

13 Glossary Envisioned to picture mentally, especially some future event or events Exorbitant exceeding the bounds of custom, especially in amounts; highly excessive Impeccable flawless Interactions reciprocal action, effect, or influence Morphed to transform Organizations the administrative personnel or apparatus of a business Prestigereputation or influence arising from success, achievement, rank, orother favorable attributes Prosperous having or characterized by financial success or good fortune; flourishing; successful Provisions arrangement or preparation beforehand, the meeting of needs, the supplying of means Tourism the commercial organization and operation of vacations and visits to places of interest Undeniably unquestioned as to quality Unmistakably not mistakable; clear; obvious Urban boosterism assumptions and claims about towns encouraging investment companies and increasing real estate values

14 Conclusion All in all, the city of St. Augustine is a prime tourist destination spot that citizens from all over the world come to visit every day and year. The amazing city has so much to offer. Travel and tourism are important parts of this city s history and ione of the main economic forces in the region. Life here is different from anywhere else because of the atmosphere and environment that surrounds this quaint city. Residents, students, and visitors especially enjoy living, working, and attending school in a city that demonstrates its potential every day. Photo: Anthony Beraldi

15 Endnotes 1 Florida Tourism Handout & Dunkle, John R. "Population Change as an Element in the Historical Geography of St. Augustine." Population Change as an Element in the Historical Geography of St. Augustine, 1st ser., 37 (July 1958): Accessed March 18, Francis, John Michael, and Glenn Hastings. St. Augustine Americas First City: A Story of Unbroken History Et Enduring Spirit. Strasbourg: Éditions Du Signe, Gardner, Sheldon. "Finding a Balance: Tourism and St. Augustine." Finding a Balance: Tourism and St. Augustine, October 12, Accessed March 18, doi: St. Augustine Record. 4 Graham, Thomas. Mr. Flaglers St. Augustine. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2014 & Cohen, Patricia. "Henry Morrison Flagler Biography." Home. Accessed April 17, Hillyer, Reiko. Designing Dixie: Tourism, Memory, and Urban Space in the New South. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, Source depicts the school grade visitors from 2017 and part of 2018 by number of schools, and number of people. This information was given by Samantha Palmer. Information was given during interview.