Social Magazines Acquires St. Augustine Beaches News Journal and St. Augustine Observer Newspapers
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Social Magazines, publisher of St. Augustine Social, St. Johns Parent and Palencia Press, has acquired the St. Augustine Beaches News Journal and St. Augustine Observer from longtime publisher Cliff Logsdon.
The two monthly newspapers will join the company’s growing family of locally focused publications, extending its print coverage to communities along the beaches and throughout southern St. Augustine.
“Cliff has spent years building trusted publications that give residents a place to learn about the people, organizations, businesses and issues closest to home,” said Heather Vreeland, publisher and owner of Social Magazines. “We are honored to continue that work and build upon the strong foundation he created.”
The acquisition completes Social Magazines’ vision of creating neighborhood- and region-specific sister publications to complement the citywide reach of St. Augustine Social. While the flagship magazine shares stories from across St. Johns County, the three community newspapers will provide more concentrated coverage of the neighborhoods and regions they directly serve.
“Our community has grown tremendously, and each area of St. Johns County has developed its own identity, concerns and stories,” Vreeland said. “These newspapers allow us to get even closer to residents while connecting each community to the larger story of St. Augustine.”
Readers can expect the publications to continue highlighting neighborhood news, local government, schools, businesses, clubs, nonprofit organizations, events and the people who make each community distinctive.
Both newspapers will undergo a modern redesign intended to improve readability, strengthen visual storytelling and make the publications easier to navigate. Social Magazines will also expand the range and depth of stories shared while preserving the familiar, community-centered nature readers value.
“Our goal is not to take away what has made these newspapers meaningful,” Vreeland said. “It is to invest in them, modernize their presentation and create publications residents will look forward to receiving each month.”
With the addition of the St. Augustine Beaches News Journal and St. Augustine Observer, Social Magazines now offers businesses and organizations a coordinated way to reach residents through countywide lifestyle media, family-focused publishing and highly targeted neighborhood newspapers.
About Social Magazines
Founded in 2008, Social Magazines is a locally owned St. Augustine media company dedicated to creating a more connected community. Its publications include St. Augustine Social, St. Johns Parent, Palencia Press, the St. Augustine Beaches News Journal and the St. Augustine Observer, along with the community news and lifestyle website StAugustineSocial.com.