Episodes

  • Melissa Burns, Finance Director, March 17, 2026

    Melissa Burns, Finance Director, March 17, 2026
    Mar 17 2026
    This episode of The Break Room features City of St. Augustine Finance Director Melissa Burns during Women’s History Month and Government Finance Professionals Week. Burns discusses what distinguishes government finance professionals from other accountants, emphasizing their role in responsibly managing and safeguarding public funds. The conversation highlights the work of the city’s Finance Department and the importance of financial stewardship in local government.
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    14 mins
  • Meredith Breidenstein, Assistant City Manager, March 10, 2026

    Meredith Breidenstein, Assistant City Manager, March 10, 2026
    Mar 10 2026
    In this episode of The Break Room, Communications Director Melissa Wissel talks with Assistant City Manager Meredith Breidenstein about her 21-year career with the City of St. Augustine and her role as the city’s first female assistant city manager during Women’s History Month. Breidenstein discusses the city’s strategic planning efforts, priorities for the 2026 state legislative session—including funding for a resilient fire station and water infrastructure—and the potential impacts of proposed property tax reforms on city services.
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    15 mins
  • Isaac Kiltz, Engineer, March 3, 2026

    Isaac Kiltz, Engineer, March 3, 2026
    Mar 3 2026
    In this episode of The Break Room, Engineer Isaac Kiltz explains how the City of St. Augustine uses smoke testing and other inspection methods to find leaks and improper connections in the wastewater system. He also shares what residents can expect during upcoming neighborhood testing and how these efforts help protect and improve the City’s infrastructure.
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    17 mins
  • Reuben Franklin, Assistant City Manager, February 24, 2026

    Reuben Franklin, Assistant City Manager, February 24, 2026
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode of The Break Room, Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin shares details about the City of Saint Augustine’s 2026 Citizens Academy. He and host Melissa Wissel walk through the six-week program’s sessions, highlighting hands-on experiences with public safety, utilities, planning, and new conservation initiatives. The conversation also includes updates on major city projects, including the Broudy's parking garage and King Street improvements.
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    16 mins
  • Marcus Pinson, Environmental Project Engineer, February 17, 2026

    Marcus Pinson, Environmental Project Engineer, February 17, 2026
    Feb 17 2026
    2.17.26 | Environmental Project Engineer Marcus Pinson joins us to discuss two major capital improvement projects currently impacting the City of St. Augustine. Marcus provides updates on the recent relocation of the iconic Bridge of Lions statues ahead of the upcoming seawall replacement project, as well as infrastructure work in the Flagler Model Land neighborhood that will close part of Sevilla Street for an extended period. Listen now.
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    14 mins
  • Charles Ellis, Fort Mose Historical Society, February 10, 2026 - Part 2

    Charles Ellis, Fort Mose Historical Society, February 10, 2026 - Part 2
    Feb 10 2026
    2.10.26 | In Part Two of a two-part episode, Melissa Wissel continues her conversation with Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, as he reflects on his journey to St. Augustine and the importance of preserving Black history. Ellis discusses the impact of the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Festival and the Flight to Freedom reenactment, highlighting how these events help tell the story of America’s first free Black settlement.
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    15 mins
  • Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, February 3, 2026

    Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, February 3, 2026
    Feb 3 2026
    2.3.26 | In Part One of a two-part episode of The Break Room, Charles Ellis, President of the Fort Mose Historical Society, reflects on Black History Month, his journey to Saint Augustine, and his work preserving the powerful history of Fort Mose. Ellis shares what it meant to become the first Black store manager in JCPenney’s history and explains how the Flight to Freedom reenactment brings this often-overlooked story to life. Tune in now.
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    15 mins
  • X Pellicer, Mobility Manager, January 27, 2026

    X Pellicer, Mobility Manager, January 27, 2026
    Jan 27 2026
    X Pellicer joins this week’s episode of The Break Room to reflect on his retirement after nearly fifteen years with the City. As the City’s Mobility Manager, X shares highlights from his career and discusses key projects he helped lead during his time at the City. He also talks about what retirement means for him as he closes this chapter.
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    15 mins