Whether working in an office cubicle, on a factory floor or along the aisles of a retail store, time spent in the break room is usually a quiet time, away from pressure, away from work routines and often a place where co-workers can converse in a relaxed environment. That’s the idea behind the WFCF/Flagler College Radio program, The Break Room (TBR).
Hosted by Communications Manager Melissa Wissel, the 15-minute weekly program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of city government through conversations with city employees who do the work every day.
Kristin Odom, Events and Venue Coordinator, Part 2, September22, 2026
Sep 22, 2026
Show notes
September 22, 2026 | In this episode of The Break Room, Events and Venue Coordinator Kristin Odom highlights the City of St. Augustine’s rentable public spaces, including Francis Field, the Plaza gazebo, Galimore Center, Eddie Vickers Park, Lightner Courtyard, and the Municipal Marina. She also explains updated event fees, photography and film permitting, and new online reservation and payment systems designed to streamline the process for event organizers.
Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director, September 15,2026
Sep 15, 2026
Show notes
September 15 2026 | Community Services Director Jaime D. Perkins returns to The Break Room to celebrate Redevelopment Week and highlight the work happening across the City of St. Augustine’s three Community Redevelopment Areas: Lincolnville, Historic Downtown, and West City.Jaime explains how Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) work, how redevelopment areas are established, and how CRA funding supports projects and programs tailored to the needs of each community. She also shares updates on Lincolnville’s residential rehabilitation programs, the Historic Area’s sign diet and Cordova Street Improvement Project, and West City’s Revive and Restore Program.The conversation wraps up with a look at improvements underway at Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park, including Hayling Plaza, new trees and seating areas, and the planned installation of a statue honoring Dr. Robert B. Hayling.
Kristin Odom, Events and Venue Coordinator, September 8, 2026
Sep 08, 2026
Show notes
September 8, 2026 | Events and Venue Coordinator Kristin Odom discusses her first year with the City of St. Augustine and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into coordinating events such as Light-Up! Night and Fireworks Over the Matanzas. She also highlights the City’s newly updated Terms of Use for Public Property Events Manual, how it streamlines the event planning and application process, and plans to move applications online through Cityworks. Kristin also explains the City’s role in supporting events held on public property and shares more about her work coordinating City events, ribbon cuttings, and community celebrations.
Jaime D. Perkins, Community Services Director, September 1, 2026
Sep 01, 2026
Show notes
September 1, 2026 | Community Services Director Jaime D. Perkins discusses the City of St. Augustine’s updated Terms of Use for Public Property Events Manual, which brings information about event venues, reservations, fees, and requirements together in one place. She highlights updates for Francis Field, the Plaza de la Constitución Gazebo, Eddie Vickers Park, and other public spaces, as well as plans to introduce online event reservations and applications. Jaime also announces a new free laundry service at Dignity Pavilion beginning September 8 and shares how community partnerships and volunteers are helping the City expand services for vulnerable members of the community.
Morganne Lanni, Code Enforcement Officer, August 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
Show notes
August 25, 2026 | Code Enforcement Officer Morganne Lanni discusses how St. Augustine’s enforcement program has expanded, particularly around short-term rentals, with common issues including noise, trash, parking, rental density, permitting, and tree removal. She also explains the upcoming move to the Cityworks platform, which will introduce rolling 365-day short-term rental registrations and streamline administration, while emphasizing that property owners, especially those renovating historic homes, should understand zoning and preservation requirements and obtain permits before beginning work.
Jessica Beach Chief Resilience Officer and Caitlyn Sargent, Grants and Program Coordinator, August 18, 2026
Aug 18, 2026
Show notes
August 18, 2026 | In this episode of The Break Room, Chief Resilience Officer Jessica Beach and Grants and Projects Coordinator Caitlyn Sargent discuss how the City of St. Augustine is addressing flooding and strengthening resilience. They share how the Hohonu water-level sensor helps monitor tides, highlight recently completed drainage and shoreline projects, and explain how grant funding makes major infrastructure improvements possible. Tune in to learn how these projects are helping protect St. Augustine and prepare the city for future flooding.
Barb Moore, Deputy Director, August 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
Show notes
This episode of The Break Room features Deputy Director of General Services Barb Moore discussing the City of St. Augustine’s plans to improve public restrooms, including a proposed major expansion at the Casa, renovations at City Hall, and future upgrades at other City facilities. The conversation also highlights improvements underway at Lighthouse Park, including new playground equipment, ADA-accessible sidewalks and ramps, and careful tree maintenance, with completion anticipated in September.
Reuben Franklin, Assistant City Manager, August 4, 2026
Aug 04, 2026
Show notes
August 4, 2026 | In this episode of The Break Room, Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin discusses the City of St. Augustine’s newly adopted vehicle-for-hire and franchise ordinances, which reorganize regulations, establish operator caps, strengthen licensing, insurance, and safety requirements, and improve enforcement to better protect local businesses and the public. He also highlights updates to horse carriage operations, including enhanced animal welfare standards and a new downtown route, while explaining that the self-funded program is expected to be fully implemented by October 1 in preparation for the busy Nights of Lights season.
Buddy Schauland, Building Official, July 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
Show notes
July 28, 2026 | In this episode of The Break Room, Building Official Buddy Schauland explains Florida’s new House Bill 803, which creates limited residential building permit exemptions for certain home improvement projects under $7,500. He clarifies which projects qualify, outlines the application process, highlights important exclusions such as structural, plumbing, electrical, and flood-zone work, and reminds homeowners that zoning, historic preservation, and other local requirements still apply.
Marcus Pinson, Mobility Manager, July 21, 2026
Jul 21, 2026
Show notes
Marcus Pinson returns to The Break Room to discuss his transition from Utilities to the City of St. Augustine’s new Mobility Manager, sharing updates on the nearly completed Sevilla Street reconstruction, Fourth of July parking and shuttle operations, and plans to expand the STAR Circulator route to connect downtown with St. Augustine Beach. He also previews upcoming mobility initiatives, including improvements for the Nights of Lights residential parking program, the South Dixie Sidewalk Improvement Project, and the Broudy parking project, emphasizing the City’s ongoing efforts to improve transportation, safety, and accessibility for residents and visitors.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
