After many years of setbacks, perseverance and community support have led to the groundbreaking of Ayla’s Acres Animal Resource Center, marking a major milestone for animal welfare in St. Augustine.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30, at the future home of the center at 5051 County Road 208 in St. Augustine. Community members, supporters and local leaders are invited to attend and help mark this important milestone for animal welfare in the region, as well as celebrate a memorial tribute to actress and animal advocate Loretta Swit on the first anniversary of her death.
Ayla’s Acres Animal Resource Center will provide a warm, non-institutional, clean, safe and loving environment for dogs and cats. The facility will offer shelter, nutritious food and meaningful interaction between people and animals. An on-site veterinary clinic will provide free and low-cost spay and neuter services, as well as vaccinations.
Education will be a major component of the center, with an on-site Education Center offering field trips for children from surrounding counties, along with adult education programs focused on animal welfare.
The 10,000-square-foot facility will include private adoption rooms, a community gathering area, walking trails, a memorial orchard and two on-site caretaker residences.
The project is estimated to cost approximately $6 million and is designed to support both the animals and the people who care for them.
“This groundbreaking represents years of hard work, hope and unwavering support from our community,” said Fran Charlson, executive director of Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue. “Ayla’s Acres has always been about creating a place rooted in compassion — where animals are safe, cared for and valued, and where education and community come together to make a lasting difference.”
For more information, text Fran Charlson, executive director, at 650-520-5201.
