https://www.nps.gov/casa News releases from Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. en-us https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/fonsi-2026.htm Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:46:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos issues “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” for the project to Raise and Rehabilitate the Fort’s Seawalls https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/fonsi-2026.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/05-26-25-seawall-rehab-public-input.htm Mon, 26 May 2025 11:55:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is planning a multimillion- dollar project to raise and rehabilitate the failing seawalls at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Funded by the 2023 Disaster Supplement bill, this project aims to repair damage from storms and enhance resiliency to create an optimal visitor experience and improve safety while minimizing potential impacts on natural and cultural resources. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/05-26-25-seawall-rehab-public-input.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/certified-autism-center-designation.htm Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:03:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument joins a growing number of tourism and recreation-related organizations in northeast Florida to be awarded the Certified Autism Center™ designation by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/certified-autism-center-designation.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/sidewalk-closure-dec-16-2024.htm Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:07:00 EST Due to construction, park sidewalks will be closed at the Fort Alley crosswalk. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/sidewalk-closure-dec-16-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/holiday-open-house-scheduled-for-saturday-december-14.htm Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:56:00 EST Holiday Open House at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Scheduled for Saturday, December 14. Events to include cannon firing demonstrations and performances by the US Navy Band Southeast. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/holiday-open-house-scheduled-for-saturday-december-14.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-reopening-after-hurricane-milton.htm Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:28:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will return to normal operations on Saturday, October 12, 2024, following Hurricane Helene. Fort Matanzas National Monument will reopen, with restrictions, on Saturday, as well. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-reopening-after-hurricane-milton.htm https://www.nps.gov/foma/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-to-close-due-to-hurricane-milton.htm Sun, 06 Oct 2024 06:11:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments will be CLOSED starting Monday, October 7, 2024, in anticipation of severe weather and potential impacts from Hurricane Milton. https://www.nps.gov/foma/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-to-close-due-to-hurricane-milton.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-reopening-with-restrictions-following-hurricane-helene.htm Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:53:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will REOPEN to the public on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Fort Matanzas National Monument will REOPEN with Restrictions on Saturday, September 28, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-reopening-with-restrictions-following-hurricane-helene.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-closed-for-tropical-storm-helene.htm Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:07:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments will be CLOSED starting Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in anticipation of severe weather and potential impacts from Tropical Storm Helene. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-closed-for-tropical-storm-helene.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/08-15-24-seawall-project.htm Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:21:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is planning a multimillion-dollar project to raise and rehabilitate the failing seawalls around the fort. The NPS is inviting public comment on this project from September 17 to October 15, 2024. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/08-15-24-seawall-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/2024-06-14-seawall-rehabilitation-project.htm Sat, 15 Jun 2024 12:38:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is is planning a multimillion-dollar project to raise and rehabilitate the failing seawalls around the fort. The NPS is inviting public comment on this project from June 17 to July 17, 2024. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/2024-06-14-seawall-rehabilitation-project.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/2023-11-15-historic-footprint.htm Sat, 04 Nov 2023 05:37:00 EST In honor of Native American Heritage Month, join the National Park Service and partners for special FREE events November 15th and 16th, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/2023-11-15-historic-footprint.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/storm-closure-080-28-2023.htm Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:34:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments will be CLOSED starting Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in anticipation of severe weather and potential impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/storm-closure-080-28-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/foma/learn/news/propose-1-reservation-fee-for-special-events.htm Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:21:00 EST If you would like to provide comments on this proposal, please e-mail comments to CASA_RESERVATIONS@nps.gov no later than October 1, 2023. The National Park Service at Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments is proposing a $1 reservation fee for after-hours special events, including the popular Castillo by Candlelight and Fort Matanzas Torchlight Tours. This $1 reservation fee is necessary to allow for on-line reservations for these programs and to ensure space is available for all with reservations. https://www.nps.gov/foma/learn/news/propose-1-reservation-fee-for-special-events.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/04-20-2021-ook.htm Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:48:00 EST Students nationwide will be able to experience national parks in new and exciting ways, thanks to the National Park Foundation’s (NPF) Open OutDoors for Kids Hybrid Learning grant program. NPF is awarding grants to 32 National Park Service (NPS) sites and their partners to implement or enhance innovative distance learning programs to better serve educators and students, especially in under-resourced communities. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/04-20-2021-ook.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1205/new_listings_10-08-2020.htm Fri, 09 Oct 2020 10:57:00 EST The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom accepted 13 new listings from its 40th round of applications, representing sites and programs in eight states across the United States. These new listings, which join 650+ sites, facilities, and programs in the Network, were accepted in the final days of September, which represented International Underground Railroad Month in 11 states. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1205/new_listings_10-08-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-fort-matanzas-closed-due-to-covid-19.htm Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:52:00 EST St. Augustine, FL – Today, the National Park Service temporarily suspended visitor service operations at Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments. Park visitor facilities, programming, and visitor services will be CLOSED starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-fort-matanzas-closed-due-to-covid-19.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/reopening.htm Fri, 06 Sep 2019 10:39:00 EST The Castillo and Ft Matanzas to reopen on Saturday, September 7, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/reopening.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-fort-matanzas-closed-due-to-hurricane-dorian.htm Thu, 29 Aug 2019 07:25:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments will be CLOSED starting Friday, August 30, 2019 in anticipation of severe weather and potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-fort-matanzas-closed-due-to-hurricane-dorian.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/independence-day-fireworks-over-the-matanzas-july-4th-2019.htm Mon, 01 Jul 2019 12:17:00 EST If you’re planning on viewing the fireworks from the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, please remember these important regulations that will be enforced: https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/independence-day-fireworks-over-the-matanzas-july-4th-2019.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/the-castillo-reenacts-the-change-of-flags.htm Mon, 29 Apr 2019 04:20:00 EST The National Park Service will reenact the change of flags between the Spanish and the British in 1763, on Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/the-castillo-reenacts-the-change-of-flags.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-your-national-parks-2019.htm Mon, 15 Apr 2019 07:52:00 EST In honor of National Park Week, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening candlelight event on Saturday, April 20, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-your-national-parks-2019.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-the-mose-story-2019.htm Mon, 04 Feb 2019 04:42:00 EST In honor of the important African American heritage of this community, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening event on Saturday, February 16, 2019. T https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-the-mose-story-2019.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-enemy-at-the-gates-2018.htm Fri, 23 Nov 2018 11:18:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host special evening tours on Friday, November 30, 2018. Please join us for a special look into the Siege of 1740 https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-enemy-at-the-gates-2018.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/soldiers-veterans-history-and-the-castillo.htm Fri, 02 Nov 2018 07:08:00 EST On Veterans Day, November 11th, Castillo de San Marcos will be open free to the public in honor of our veterans’ service to our nation. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/soldiers-veterans-history-and-the-castillo.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-taking-the-plunge-2018.htm Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:07:00 EST In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening tour on Saturday, October 20, 2018.  Please join us for a special look at soldier life in the Castillo during the First Spanish period (1565-1763). https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-taking-the-plunge-2018.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/special-guest-lecturer-david-kroese.htm Mon, 01 Oct 2018 06:09:00 EST On Sunday, October 7 through Tuesday, October 9th, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will be hosting special guest lecturer, David Kroese, to speak on his travels through 417 of the National Park Service’s park sites. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/special-guest-lecturer-david-kroese.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/founding-of-the-castillo-de-san-marcos.htm Fri, 28 Sep 2018 06:03:00 EST On Saturday October 6, 2018, Florida Living History, Inc. (FLH), in partnership with the National Park Service’s Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will commemorate the founding of the Castillo de San Marcos. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/founding-of-the-castillo-de-san-marcos.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/independence-day-fireworks-over-the-matanzas-july-4th-2018.htm Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:17:00 EST – If you’re planning on visiting the old fort to watch the City of St. Augustine’s Independence Day fireworks celebration, please remember these important regulations that will be enforced: https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/independence-day-fireworks-over-the-matanzas-july-4th-2018.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-will-increase-entrance-fees.htm Tue, 15 May 2018 08:32:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos Will Increase Entrance Fees Beginning May 22 https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-will-increase-entrance-fees.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-national-monument-changes-entrance-fee-to-address-infrastructure-needs-and-improve-visitor-experience.htm Tue, 15 May 2018 08:15:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will increase its entrance fees effective June 1, 2018 to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance needs that enhance the visitor experience. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-national-monument-changes-entrance-fee-to-address-infrastructure-needs-and-improve-visitor-experience.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-to-honor-fallen-spanish-soldiers-2018.htm Mon, 14 May 2018 10:58:00 EST On Saturday, May 26, 2018, Castillo de San Marcos will host a one- hour special event, commencing at 9:30 a.m., to commemorate those Spanish soldiers who fell in defense of the Castillo and the colony of St. Augustine during the British siege of 1740. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-to-honor-fallen-spanish-soldiers-2018.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-teacher-ranger-teacher.htm Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:52:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments are currently accepting applicants for the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas-teacher-ranger-teacher.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-women-s-work-keeping-the-colony-alive.htm Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:45:00 EST In honor of Women’s History Month, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening event on Saturday, March 24, 2018. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-women-s-work-keeping-the-colony-alive.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-hosts-holiday-open-house-event.htm Wed, 06 Dec 2017 09:48:00 EST The National Park Service is pleased to announce the annual Castillo de San Marcos National Monument “Holiday Open House” on Saturday, December 9, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-hosts-holiday-open-house-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/enemy-at-the-gates-2017.htm Fri, 17 Nov 2017 08:37:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host special evening tours on Friday, December 1st. Please join us for a special look into the Siege of 1740. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/enemy-at-the-gates-2017.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/celebrate-veterans-day-at-castillo-de-san-marcos.htm Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:28:00 EST On Veterans Day, Nov 11, the Castillo de San Marcos will be open free to the public in honor of our veterans’ service to our nation, and to commemorate 452 years of militia in St. Augustine. Events will include a parade sponsored by the Veterans Council of St. Johns County and the Ancient City Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces. The all-military parade, which begins at 11 a.m. will include units from all the military services. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/celebrate-veterans-day-at-castillo-de-san-marcos.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-taking-the-plunge.htm Tue, 26 Sep 2017 06:16:00 EST In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening tour on Saturday, October 14 (Originally scheduled for October 21). https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-taking-the-plunge.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/operations-update-for-castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas.htm Fri, 22 Sep 2017 12:49:00 EST Operations Update for Castillo de San Marcos & Fort Matanzas https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/operations-update-for-castillo-de-san-marcos-and-fort-matanzas.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-to-reopen-on-saturday.htm Fri, 15 Sep 2017 11:17:00 EST Castillo de San Marcos to Reopen on Saturday https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-de-san-marcos-to-reopen-on-saturday.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-the-enemy-at-the-gates-2016.htm Mon, 14 Nov 2016 04:08:00 EST Castillo by Candlelight: The Enemy at the Gates https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillo-by-candlelight-the-enemy-at-the-gates-2016.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/local-national-monuments-closed-for-thanksgiving.htm Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:31:00 EST Local National Monuments Closed for Thanksgiving https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/local-national-monuments-closed-for-thanksgiving.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/soldiers-veterans-a-parade-history-and-the-castillo.htm Tue, 01 Nov 2016 12:41:00 EST On Veterans Day, Nov 11, the Castillo de San Marcos will be open free to the public in honor of our veterans’ service to our nation. To commemorate 451 years of militia in St. Augustine, the Veterans Council of St. Johns County is sponsoring a Veterans Day Military Review parade that will pass the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument at 11:00 a.m. The parade will include historic military vehicles, military units, and some of the Castillo’s living history volunteers. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/soldiers-veterans-a-parade-history-and-the-castillo.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/native-american-heritage-month-programs.htm Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:44:00 EST Throughout the month of November, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will be offering programs to commemorate Native American Heritage Month. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/native-american-heritage-month-programs.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/student-artwork-contest-winner.htm Wed, 26 Oct 2016 11:40:00 EST The winning student artwork entry for the Castillo annual pass has been chosen. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/student-artwork-contest-winner.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/local-national-monuments-closed-due-to-tropical-storm.htm Tue, 30 Aug 2016 12:27:00 EST UPDATE & CHANGE TO CLOSURE Local National Monuments Closed Due to Tropical Storm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/local-national-monuments-closed-due-to-tropical-storm.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/sisters-and-survivors-2016.htm Mon, 07 Mar 2016 05:20:00 EST In honor of Women’s History Month, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening event on Saturday, March 12, 2016. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/sisters-and-survivors-2016.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillocandlelightflighttofreedom.htm Fri, 05 Feb 2016 06:04:00 EST In honor of the important African American heritage of this community, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening event on Saturday, February 20, 2016. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/castillocandlelightflighttofreedom.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/holiday-open-house-2015.htm Tue, 08 Dec 2015 09:28:00 EST Please join us for our annual “Holiday Open House” at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument on Saturday, December 12, 2015 https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/holiday-open-house-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/2014holidayopenhouse.htm Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:16:00 EST Park Rangers and volunteers will bring the history of the Castillo to life at this free, community event. Experience the Castillo after dark and mingle with the soldiers, sailors, marines, and civilians who have served within the Castillo's walls. This event highlights the Castillo's history from the 16th through the 20th centuries. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/2014holidayopenhouse.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/nps98.htm Mon, 25 Aug 2014 03:35:00 EST National Park Service Celebrates 98th Birthday! Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Will Offer Free Admission on August 25 https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/nps98.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/change-of-flags.htm Mon, 28 Apr 2014 05:02:00 EST The National Park Service will reenact the change of flags between the Spanish and the British in 1763, on Saturday May 3rd at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/change-of-flags.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/enemies-within.htm Fri, 11 Apr 2014 08:20:00 EST In March 1862, St. Augustine became an occupied territory when Union forces captured this Confederate town. For the remainder of the Civil War both sides had to contend with an enemy on their doorstep. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/enemies-within.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/theenemyatthegates.htm Mon, 24 Mar 2014 10:12:00 EST The Enemy at the Gates: Evening Living History Tours of Castillo de San Marcos, March 28, 2014 https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/theenemyatthegates.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/voicesfromthepast.htm Mon, 03 Mar 2014 07:21:00 EST Experience your history with an evening program celebrating Women’s History Month. https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/voicesfromthepast.htm https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/from-battlefields-to-classrooms-torchlight-tour.htm Mon, 10 Feb 2014 09:04:00 EST From Battlefields to Classrooms Torchlight Tour https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/news/from-battlefields-to-classrooms-torchlight-tour.htm