Local artists are set to restore the iconic guardians of the Bridge of Lions over the next year and a half, as the Florida Department of Transportation undertakes the construction of a new seawall.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — St. Augustine will temporarily bid farewell to two of its beloved sentinels.
The marble lions, known as Faithful and Firm, which proudly stand at the western entrance of the Bridge of Lions, are scheduled for removal to accommodate the seawall project.
“They’re definitely a standout feature,” remarked Sherry Tucker while capturing a memory beside Faithful.
Sherry and Eric Tucker are frequent visitors, traveling from Albany, Georgia, to St. Augustine, with one ritual they never miss.
“It’s become our tradition; we always make a point to snap a photo with the Lions,” shared Tucker.
So when they saw the Lions would come down in about a week for repairs, they had to make sure they saw them one last time.
“Oh, I was worried because when I saw they were taking them down, I thought it was going to be a permanent thing, so I panicked, but knowing it’s just temporary, we’re good,” said Tucker.
The City of St. Augustine reported some local artists will take the Lions to work on them for a bit while FDOT moves in to build a new seawall along Avenida Menendez.
“The Lions are not just a feature, they’re an icon in St. Augustine, so we want to make sure they’re protected,” said FDOT Spokesperson Hampton Ray.
Ray says the current seawall was built back in the ’60s and is starting to deteriorate.
“That’s really what this project is about, is making sure we protect our communities as best we can from sea intrusion,” said Ray.
The new, $20 million seawall will stand three feet above the sidewalk, so visitors won’t be able to walk on top of it with just a chain link separating them from the water anymore.
“Having a physical barrier between the waterway and the sidewalk is generally safer,” said Ray.
Once the refreshed Lions make their way back out, they’ll be looking over a brand new seawall as St. Augustine goes roaring into a new era.
“Just as long as they’re back up by the time we come back, we’ll be good,” said Tucker.
FDOT says the project should take about 18 months, so hopefully by the end of 2027, visitors will be walking alongside the seawall instead of on top of it, and the lions will be back in place to keep an eye on them.
The City of St. Augustine specified Firm and Faithful will be removed during a temporary bridge closure from around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27th to 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 28th.
The City of St. Augustine did not indicate the construction would have any impact on Pax and Peli, the newer, granite lions on the east side of the Bridge of Lions.
