Episodes

  • The Break Room with Roger Smith, Historian, April 28, 2026

    The Break Room with Roger Smith, Historian, April 28, 2026
    Apr 28 2026
    April 28, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features historian Dr. Roger Smith discussing St. Augustine’s role during the Revolutionary War, particularly the unique treatment of over 2,000 prisoners of war held in the city, including signers of the Declaration of Independence. The conversation highlights how many prisoners lived relatively freely under parole agreements and shares intriguing stories of espionage and daily life. It also promotes the upcoming St. Augustine History Festival, emphasizing its focus on authentic local history and the city’s connection to America’s 250th anniversary.
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    15 mins
  • The Break Room Glabra Skipp Deputy Director Utilities and Public Works and Steve Wright Sanitation Manager, April 21, 2026

    The Break Room Glabra Skipp Deputy Director Utilities and Public Works and Steve Wright Sanitation Manager, April 21, 2026
    Apr 21 2026
    April 21, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features Solid Waste and Sanitation Manager Steve Wright and Deputy Director of Utilities and Public Works Glabra Skipp, who discuss St. Augustine’s recycling programs and Earth Month initiatives. They cover services like glass and electronics recycling, environmental efforts such as tree planting and native species programs, and promote an upcoming Earth Week recycling event.
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    15 mins
  • Abby Pedigo, Fire Marshal, April 14, 2026

    Abby Pedigo, Fire Marshal, April 14, 2026
    Apr 14 2026
    This episode of The Break Room highlights Fire Marshal Abby Pedigo’s work in public education, including CPR training, fire safety programs, and smoke alarm initiatives in St. Augustine. A key story features a successful cardiac arrest rescue at the lighthouse, demonstrating how recent CPR training helped staff save a life. The discussion also covers fire prevention efforts, common fire risks, building safety, and ongoing projects like a new fire station.
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    14 mins
  • Darlene Galambos, City Clerk, April 7, 2026

    Darlene Galambos, City Clerk, April 7, 2026
    Apr 7 2026
    April 7, 2026 | This episode of The Break Room features City Clerk Darlene Galambos continuing a discussion on influential women who shaped St. Augustine, highlighting figures in historic preservation, archaeology, education, and business. The conversation emphasizes their lasting impact on the city’s cultural heritage, including contributions to museums, historic sites, and community development. The episode also touches on current city updates, volunteer opportunities, and Galambos’s role in preserving local history.
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    15 mins
  • Darlene Galambos, City Clerk, March 31, 2026

    Darlene Galambos, City Clerk, March 31, 2026
    Mar 31 2026
    March 31, 2026 | Part 1: This episode of The Break Room highlights influential women who have shaped St. Augustine’s history and development, featuring City Clerk Darlene Galambos discussing female city leaders, historians, and community contributors. The conversation explores their impact on areas like environmental preservation, arts, civil rights history, and city planning, while also encouraging community involvement through local boards.
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    16 mins
  • Dr. Andrea White, City Archaeologist, March 24, 2026

    Dr. Andrea White, City Archaeologist, March 24, 2026
    Mar 24 2026
    March 24, 2026 | This episode highlights Dr. Andrea White’s work on major archaeology projects in St. Augustine, including recent discoveries and ongoing excavations tied to city improvements. She also shares updates on a new archaeology center and reflects on how these finds connect the community to its past.
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    15 mins
  • Melissa Burns, Finance Director, March 17, 2026

    Melissa Burns, Finance Director, March 17, 2026
    Mar 17 2026
    This episode of The Break Room features City of St. Augustine Finance Director Melissa Burns during Women’s History Month and Government Finance Professionals Week. Burns discusses what distinguishes government finance professionals from other accountants, emphasizing their role in responsibly managing and safeguarding public funds. The conversation highlights the work of the city’s Finance Department and the importance of financial stewardship in local government.
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    14 mins
  • Meredith Breidenstein, Assistant City Manager, March 10, 2026

    Meredith Breidenstein, Assistant City Manager, March 10, 2026
    Mar 10 2026
    In this episode of The Break Room, Communications Director Melissa Wissel talks with Assistant City Manager Meredith Breidenstein about her 21-year career with the City of St. Augustine and her role as the city’s first female assistant city manager during Women’s History Month. Breidenstein discusses the city’s strategic planning efforts, priorities for the 2026 state legislative session—including funding for a resilient fire station and water infrastructure—and the potential impacts of proposed property tax reforms on city services.
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    15 mins