If you missed Deb and the Dynamics the last time they played at the St. James City Civic Center, don’t worry, because they plan to play there again next weekend for the St. James City Civic Association’s 60th anniversary party.

The celebration will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the SJCCA grounds.

Ticket are $25 prepaid and $30 at the door. Visit sjccapi.org to purchase tickets in advance.

Board president Cena Hamby said she wants everyone to bring golf carts, lawn chairs and an appetite for vendor foods. Ticket prices for the concert in the park are to cover the expense of a much needed new septic system.

“We found out we needed a new septic system after Tropical Storm Debbie (Aug. 5) exposed a huge hole. We started a Gofundme and the island donated $6,600. We wrestled with permitting and the Department of Health and finally got a septic system we could afford,” Hamby Said.

The building flooded twice recently, she said. All refrigeration was lost, and the gas range was damaged, as well as the women’s restroom. Hamby said she’s afraid to ask what might come next, for fear that something else will need repairs or replacement.

“We been rebuilding for the last year. We replaced the roof, the ceiling — we’ve done it all — we’ve had half our trees trimmed. Gerard (of Gerard’s Tree Service) came and gave us a great quote and then trimmed them four days before Helene and Milton came, which was great timing,” Hamby said.

Now, she said, she and the board are hoping the community will come out and support the center with this upcoming fundraiser. They are ready to be done with their mission to repair and replace items and utilities in the building, she said.

“We’ve done a beautiful job inside. We’ve had weddings here, anniversaries, big parties with bands — it’s a great venue. We need people to come out, buy tickets, enjoy the island and celebrate the day with us,” Hamby said.

Hamby said although their neighbors are going through this as well, making it a difficult ask from the association, they are seriously low on funds and need the island to come together and support the SJCCA, if possible, at this difficult time. 

The St. James City Civic Center is at 3300 Fourth Ave., at the corner of Lemon Street, in St. James City. For additional information about the organization and its programs and activities, please call 239-283-0242 or visit sjccapi.org.