August 26, 1998 AIA Scenic Highway Committee Endorsement to Save the Bridge of Lions The AIA Scenic Highway Committee would like to show its unanimous support of efforts being made to restore the Bridge of Lions. Our committee was appointed by the St. Johns County Commission to study and make recommendations concerning possible state and federal designation of AIA as a Scenic Highway. Department of Transportation guidelines for making application for this designation begin with identifying the resources that would qualify this stretch of highway. The categories are historic, cultural, natural, recreational, scenic and archaeological.
This committee feels that the Bridge of Lions is a very important highlight along this route. The Bridge of Lions is the gateway to the ancient city. Not only is it of architectural, historic and scenic significance, but it is also one of the great vantage points along A1A for being able to see other aspects noteworthy of those categories. From the Bridge of Lions, the traveler is able to see various water activities in either direction, as well as the natural vegetation on both sides of the Intracostal Waterway. Many recreational and cultural events involve this crossing: The Blessing of the Fleet, the Seafood Festival, Nite of Lights, Fourth of July Fireworks Display, Bridge of Lions Run, to name a few. Since inception, over a year and a half ago, the portion of the route to be included in this application has grown to include all of A1A from the south end of our county (Marineland) to the north end (Ponte Vedra). Our committee is excited and inspired by the information we have gathered from various experts and though our own research to determine the feasibility of making application for this designation. We enthusiastically endorse efforts by the Save Our Bridge Committee to protect the Bridge of Lions. We have identified this bridge as an important resource in seeking eligibility for designation as a state and federal scenic highway. We commend and support their efforts. Thank you, The St. Johns County Commission Appointed A1A Scenic Highway Committee. 
Patrick
S.
Hamilton |