‘Find another solution’: Residents push back on potential plan to replace St. Augustine shop with bathrooms

'I'm meant to be here': St. Augustine shop owner fears a public restroom could replace his business

St. Augustine's Manly Toys and Hobbies, facing potential displacement by a public restroom expansion, has secured a temporary extended lease through September 2027.

‘Find another solution’: Residents push back on potential plan to replace St. Augustine shop with bathrooms

A St. Augustine shop owner says the city may convert his city-owned storefront into public restrooms as his lease expires. Supporters packed City Hall, and commissioners extended his lease while plans continue.

Residents push back on proposal to replace St. Augustine shop with restrooms

Just off St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine, a pirate statue stands guard outside a shop that doesn’t look like most of its neighbors. Step inside Manly Toys and Hobbies and you’ll find pocketknives, camping and outdoor gear, and gifts — the kind of place owner Ted Hill says he created on purpose. “There’s 200 stores that have dresses and candles and perfume,” Hill told News4Jax. But this summer, Hill’s attention turned from merchandise…