ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — St. Johns County Beach Services has announced two free shuttles for Memorial Day weekend, running May 23-25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This, officially, is to "reduce traffic congestion" on what everyone knows is one of the busiest weekends. Unofficially, it’s an admission that prime beach parking is now a sport for the truly desperate.

Beachgoers can grab a ride from St. Augustine Beach City Hall (2200 A1A South) to the Pier, or from Cornerstone Park (1046 A1A North) to Mickler’s Landing. So, while the ride is free, the actual distance you're parked from the beach remains very much a cost.

While you're being shuttled, the usual cast of characters — Sheriff's Office, St. Augustine Beach Police, and Marine Rescue — will patrol the beaches. Lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but apparently, the absence of a flag does not mean the absence of danger. Which, let's be honest, is peak Florida.

On-beach driving is still 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. within designated lanes, because some traditions, even confusing ones, must endure. For updates, you can consult social media or the SJC Connect app, because navigating beach access needs a whole tech stack now.