An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 17, 2012

Florida National Guard participates in groundbreaking for historic seawall project

By Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa Florida National Guard Public Affairs

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - An historic seawall in one of the nation's oldest city will soon be getting a makeover, nearly two centuries after the U.S. military started construction on the initial project in Northeast Florida.

Members of the Florida National Guard joined with local dignitaries Monday morning for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Seawall Rehabilitation Project in downtown St. Augustine.

Soldiers and Airmen helped kick off a $6.3 million project to restore a 175-year-old seawall stretching south along the bay front from the city's center to the Florida National Guard headquarters.

Adjutant general of Florida, Air Force Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr., joined Rep. John Mica of Florida, Bryan Koon, director of Florida Division of Emergency Management, and St. Augustine Mayor Joseph Boles, at the city's marina to announce the start of the year-long project.

The seawall restoration will not only help protect the immediate area from flooding by tropical storms, but is intended to beautify the downtown bay front. The new seawall will include a twelve-foot wide barrier into Matanzas Bay, and encapsulate the historic seawall as part of a new waterfront park.

According to Titshaw, the fact that the original seawall was designed and built by West Point graduates and military engineers in the early 19th century adds to the proud military heritage of St. Augustine – a heritage that modern-day Guard members carry on each day.

"We in the Florida National Guard are privileged that we have some sort of oversight into the protection and well-being of the citizens of not only the city, but of our state and nation," he said. "…The Florida National Guard is proud to be a part of that and we will be proud about a year from now when we stand here and celebrate the completion of this project. It will add one more jewel to the crown that St. Augustine wears."

The original seawall was constructed between 1837 and 1846 by military engineers incorporating cut blocks of coquina topped with a layer of granite. The new wall will be constructed with joint funds from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the City of St. Augustine. It is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The new seawall restoration will be completed in time for St. Augustine's 450th Celebration, commemorating the founding of the settlement by the Spanish in 1565.

 

 

Related Articles
Indiana National Guard leadership poses with front from right, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Adams, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Kabella and Sgt. Dalton McCollum, are recognized for their heroism during a ceremony at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The soldiers received their awards for helping to save lives during Kentucky floods in February.
Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers Awarded Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | Sept. 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Four Hoosier National Guard Soldiers received the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross awards during a Sept. 12 ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters at Stout Field.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett...

U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

U.S. Army Capt. Mitchell Hagen teaches Ecuadorian servicemembers of the 9th Special Forces Brigade how to approximate the height of trees as part of a class on landing zone designation in Latacunga, Ecuador, Aug. 21, 2025. This final day of the State Partnership Program's air assault exchange consisted of practical, hands-on training in the field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)
Kentucky Guard, Ecuador Conduct Air Assault Training Exchange
By Sgt. Caleb Sooter, | Sept. 12, 2025
LATACUNGA, Ecuador - Members of the Kentucky National Guard took part in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State...