Celebrating 250 Years in America’s Oldest City

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our Nation’s independence, I’m filled with quiet pride to be an American—especially here in St. Augustine, Florida. This city, founded in 1565, is older than the country itself, its coquina walls and timeless streets holding stories that long predate the freedoms we honor this weekend.

St. Augustine offers something rare: a deep sense of history paired with genuine tranquility and warm hospitality. The light along the coast, the rhythm of the tides, and the unhurried pace of its historic streets create an atmosphere that nurtures creativity—whether I’m behind the lens or reflecting on the page. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, notice, and appreciate what endures.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Independence Day weekend grounded in gratitude for the freedoms that let us create, explore, and call places like this home.