Finding the fountain of youth

St Augustine is the nation's oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in North America in the United States. Florida was first sighted by Ponce de Leon. After his death, it was said he had been in search of the Fountain of Youth.

St. Augustine is definitely steeped in history. We stopped for a short visit on our way back from visiting George's brother and sister-in-law near Jacksonville on our way to Tampa.

Our first stop was the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, for many years the northernmost outpost of Spain's New World empire. We followed the walking tour around the fort. A large crew repairing the walls reminded me that the National Park Service hires seasonal workers. Undoubtedly, some of these workers were on just for the project. A costumed interpretive ranger could also have been a seasonal worker. You can find openings at USAJOBS.OPM.gov.

In town, walking in the old section, we saw a help wanted sign in a jewelry store window. Retail establishments in tourist towns often need help during busy seasons.

Since there are many tourist places and tours in St. Augustine, those are also potential employers. The Red Train tour and a trolley company had trams continuously running, dropping people off at various stops. The Fountain of Youth is a major tourist attraction, boasting it has the famous spring.

Any tourist area has potential for finding seasonal jobs. Come early in the season and you might find openings. Or, get a list of attractions and seasonal businesses from the chamber of commerce of the tourist board and begin contacting employers to see if they are hiring. You can not only experience the history of this oldest town by being part of it, you may even find the fountain of youth! Jaimie

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