Chamber partners with FPL to help local businesses participate in Nights of Lights

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In partnership with Florida Power and Light Company (FPL), the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is helping more St. Augustine businesses twinkle with holiday lights for Nights of Lights this year in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The Chamber and FPL launched an effort last year to help businesses get their lights back on after many were damaged during Hurricane Matthew. The businesses are decorated for St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, an annual holiday tradition that runs until Wednesday, Jan. 31, and attracts international visitors, shoppers and locals to the historic downtown area.

According to Chamber President and CEO Isabelle Rodriguez, business partners benefitting from the funding efforts and receiving lights include Firestone Complete Auto Care, Athena Restaurant, RE/MAX COAST 2 COAST, Crème de la Cocoa, DOS Coffee & Wine, the American Legion, Tempo Restaurant & Bar, Romeo’s Café, Ancient City Brewing Company and Old City Gifts.

“We are dedicated to helping FPL customers in the local communities where we provide utility service,” said Jim Bush, FPL’s area manager. “Florida is our home, and we believe it’s the best place to visit, work and raise a family. Our sponsorship of Nights of Lights and assisting local business owners to participate in the world-renowned event helps to make the yearly display a win for the local economy.”

 Mary O’Brien, who serves as chairperson of the board of directors for the Chamber, is very pleased that the organization was able to partner with FPL.

“Chamber members and business owners in Downtown St. Augustine rely heavily on visitor and local traffic,” she said. “Holiday shopping that comes with the famous Nights of Lights is imperative to their financial success. Additionally, we’re not only helping businesses that suffered loss, but also employees who missed or lost work as a result of the storm and its aftermath. The Nights of Lights will be as beautiful as ever this year. And, we are proud to be associated with such a fantastic annual event.”                                                                                                

According to Rodriguez, the Chamber works hard to help businesses in St. Johns County thrive and expand through a wide variety of business and sponsored partnerships along with programs and services. To find out more information about the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, call (904) 829-5681 or visit www.sjcchamber.com.