(This article was revised to correct a spelling error and to include a better photo of Julie Settle.)
Julie Settle was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Maryland. St. Augustine’s Flagler College became her alma mater after she earned degrees in English and communications.
She spent almost 25 years in Atlanta working in broadcasting, data centers, channel sales and later mortgage lending. She was also a part of the team that launched TNT, the classic movie channel.
Settle returned to St. Augustine searching for a better quality of life and has lived in Lincolnville for almost 11 years. She is running against Matt Brown for the city’s District 5 seat in the general election, which will be held Nov. 3. The seat is currently held by Jim Springfield, who is not running again.
Settle is active in numerous civic and community organizations, including St. Augustine’s Maria Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
‘I am a fixer’
Settle told the St. Augustine Record that she’s a listener, facilitator and communicator who believes elected officials should carefully consider expert advice while ensuring residents feel heard. Her campaign is framed around improving communication between residents, businesses and city government through transparency and accessibility.
“I’m here for the residents,” she said. ”I am a fixer.”
Settle is determined to balance the city’s tourism and the quality of life for its residents, underscoring the burden major events levy on neighborhoods. She supports efforts that encourage walking, bicycling and alternative transportation methods while reducing dependence on automobiles in historic downtown. She also insisted that new infrastructure projects include landscaping and shade.
“Outside parking is key,” she said. “The city wasn’t made for cars. It’s a walking town.”
While touting the importance of bicycles and alternative transportation uses, Settle expressed her concern for e-bikes, suggesting licensing, education or certification requirements for younger riders, cognizant that state laws limit local authority.
Settle said that she’s less concerned about the length of Nights of Lights than she is with how the event affects residents and businesses. She said traffic management should focus heavily on expanding and improving off-site parking options, making shuttle services quicker and more appealing, and encouraging visitors to leave their vehicles outside the historic downtown area.
While she supports preserving the historic character of Nights of Lights, she supports removing some of the “Disney-esque experience.” She also suggested adding family-friendly and interactive features to attract the “younger generation.”
With flooding one of the city’s most persistent challenges, Settle said she supports ongoing efforts to improve resilience infrastructure. When discussing major infrastructure investments (seawalls, drainage systems or stormwater projects), she said commissioners should rely on engineers and subject-matter experts to make informed decisions. And while admitting that she was not an “expert” on these issues, she said she’s not afraid to ask questions.
“I like clarity and understanding” she said.
‘Protect the character of older neighborhoods’
As a Lincolnville resident, Settle spoke extensively about the historic neighborhood’s evolution, embracing its diversity, culture and history while expressing concern about its deteriorating sidewalks, neglected structures and the loss of neighborhood character as redevelopment continues. She said beautification requires ongoing maintenance, not just initial investment.
“I would love to see the dilapidated buildings brought back, the sidewalks repaired and safeguards put in place for inappropriate development,” she said. “And in doing so, we must protect the character of the older neighborhoods. People coming into this town must care about its history.”
She stressed that the city should continue to work on Lincolnville’s park improvements and set a kayak launch in place.
Regarding the property tax debate, Settle said St. Augustine would manage the loss of property tax if Amendment 3 passes on the statewide ballot in November. Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption on primary residences from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Settle said the city could adapt because of the relatively low number of homesteaded properties within city limits.
Relationships over political squabbles
Settles said one of her priorities would be maintaining positive relationships with county officials, city staff and community stakeholders. Rather than focusing on political disagreements, she emphasized collaboration and communication, saying many issues affecting residents require cooperation between local governments.
“Effective governing depends on open relationships,” she said.
Settle welcomed Cynthia Garris’ election as mayor, highlighting her experience and the historic significance of becoming the city’s first Black female mayor.
“I want her to celebrate that one piece that she has that no one else has,” she said.
She described West Augustine as an untapped reservoir, an underutilized asset with significant history and opportunity. She also believes West Augustine has significant potential and deserves continued attention and investment.
Settle supports efforts to educate seniors about scams, strengthen neighborhood organizations and ensure residents have opportunities to engage directly with local government.
“The pace at which fraud happens is incredible,” she said. “We all need to look out for everybody. Community engagement and family involvement are critical protections, and information should be distributed through multiple channels, not just social media.”
She said her message is ultimately about balance — balancing growth with preservation, tourism with neighborhood life and progress with the city’s historic identity.
My philosophy is about preserving the past and planning for the future.
Throughout the interview, Settle underscored the importance of community connection.
“My goal is simple,” she said. “I want a St. Augustine where residents feel heard, businesses can thrive, visitors are welcomed and the character of our city is protected for future generations.”
According to campaign finance reports filed with the Supervisor of Elections Office, Settle raised $2,852 in donations through the first two quarters of 2026, including several contributions from individuals. Settle spent $304 on qualifying fees and signage.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Why Julie Settle says she is ‘a fixer’ for St. Augustine
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record | USA TODAY Network
