The City of St. Augustine voted Monday not to extend the franchise for Country Carriages, effectively ending the operator’s 20-year run in the Old City.
The decision comes after months of intense debate over horse care, safety, and violations within St. Augustine’s more than century-old horse carriage sector.
Country Carriages’ lease and franchise agreement for the one-acre property at 650 Riberia Street will expire on September 30, and the horses will be vacated.
Stable owner Jennifer Cushion defended her operation before the vote, casting opponents as outsider activists bent on abolishing the industry outright.
Cushion’s business went on quarantine last month after a horse contracted strangles, a contagious respiratory infection. She said two horses died during that period.
“I spend $60,000 to $80,000 a year on vets,” she said. “The second a horse becomes sick or shows signs of anything being wrong, the vet is there.”
Cushion addressed criticism over Hurricane Milton in 2024, when horses were not evacuated. She said she was out of state and could not return in time. Cushion said she believed the horses were safe because previous storms had not disrupted their environment.
She asked commissioners to consider her history of care and contributions to city events.
“A few months back you said you support the carriages,” she said. “Please stand by your words and not give in to these bullies with misinformation and uneducated horse background.”
But vocal opponents, who have been speaking at public meetings for many months, criticized the city for insufficient oversight Monday. They cited horse deaths, unsafe practices, and code violations in calling for action.
“It is unacceptable that officials admit that they don’t know what occurs at the property they lease and only show concern after insurmountable violations are exposed by the unpaid public,” carriage opponent Patricia Ramos said prior to the vote. “It’s not oversight. It’s neglect.”
City staff said prior walkthroughs showed the horses were generally kept in good condition.
But inspections also revealed repeated code violations.
Officials cited electrical safety concerns at the stable, including extension cords used as permanent wiring, a broken conduit, and a damaged switch box that commissioners said could pose a fire risk.
Staff also cleared an overgrown drainage ditch to address flooding concerns at the low-lying site.
Commissioner Jon DePreter also noted concerns about concentrated control of horse carriage medallions by a single operator.
The City Commission ultimately voted unanimously not to renew the franchise, and the future of the property remains unclear.
