This Ancient City

From rentals to repairs and a flare for local lore, a new purveyor of luxury transport is a one-stop-shop en route to the perfect beach day.

To live and play in a veritable beach town is a treasure. A day in St. Augustine Beach is often marked by a combination of peace, tranquility, and the dynamic versatility of all that coastal life offers. For some, this means a sandy sunrise workout followed by a dip in the ocean. After a short walk, local coffee is accessible without having to step foot indoors. From there, a brunch buffet could be the move. There, that was a springboard - keep dreaming up your perfect day at the beach from there.

Still, any beach day can be enhanced with the help of efficient mobility. While a car is hardly needed to swing by the farmers market before a visit to the lighthouse - a more understated and eco-friendly mode of transportation is tempting to onlookers, struck with the fear of missing out. Enter Pirate Island Golf Carts. They saw a need, and began to fill it in ways that embrace the culture of our coastal community. Pirate Island Golf Carts opened their doors in the autumn of 2024. Co-owners Aaron Moyer and Kevin Cannon had a number of run-ins when Aaron would visit his former office (subsequently occupied by Kevin) to retrieve mail. The two became golfing buddies, sharing a vision of bringing golf carts off the green and onto the mainstream. Between Aaron’s marketing and graphic design skill set and Kevin’s experience owning car dealerships, their combined sensibilities lent themselves to operating a full service showroom. Prior to becoming CEO of Pirate Island Golf Carts, Aaron obtained his bachelor's degree in Media Communication and Business Development from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. He later relocated to Key West, where he ran a rental business offering pedicabs, scooters and golf carts. Says Aaron, “I wanted to bring a Key West feel to St. Augustine Beach.” In other words, the freeing feeling of being barefoot, wind in your hair, and friends in tow. Why the name “Pirate Island Golf Carts”? “We were playing off the historical accounts of St. Augustine,” explains Aaron. “Pirates were known to frequent our town…thus we have a pirate museum, pirate ships, people dressed like pirates…and of course, pirates were known to stop on Anastasia Island.” he continues.

Located a stone’s throw from the beach, Pirate Island Golf Carts is a one-stop-shop: covering sales, rentals and maintenance. They carry an inventory of iconic brands such as Club Car, E-Z-GO, Cushman (E-Z-GO’s commercial division), and Garia. Garia is rightfully a pride point with its high-end design, street-legal options, European craftsmanship and customization options. Partnering with such brands reminds clients that golf carts can be redefined as bonafide luxury leisure vehicles vs. simply a means of transport on the green. Carrying the Cushman line paves the way for residual income opportunities for the likes of college campuses, warehouses and resorts. They allow the establishments to lease carts and then utilize a subleasing arrangement that can procure revenues surpassing the initial rental price. This arbitrage is made possible by Pirate Island’s introduction of E-Z-GO’s commercial fleet. The Cushman brand opens the way to partnering with neighborhood associations, RV parks, airports, campgrounds, and law enforcement entities.

The narrow passageways common on Anastasia Island make golf carts a handy means of getting around. By reducing air and noise pollution, they are a great fit in a community with a love of preservation and respect for our #realflorida flora and fauna. Open air and leisurely travel with friends is an ideal way to soak up coastal scenery that might be missed while in a car. Many can relate to the struggle of securing beach parking during peak season. Zipping around in a compact cart offers a unique parking advantage - making otherwise tight, empty spaces fair game.

Some clients have an interest in converting existing carts into LSVs (low speed vehicles.) This is a service offered by Pirate Island Golf Carts, which helps ensure compliance with ordinances unique to the territory.

As much as St. Augustine is a tourist destination, Aaron and Kevin have a passion for enhancing experiences for locals, too. They have sweetened the deal by extending special pricing to beach residents. When sharing testimonials, clients tout the diligence and professionalism of the Pirate Island team along with their inventory of high tech models. To make the booking process as seamless as possible, deliveries can be arranged.

Pirate Island Golf Carts is more than a business; it's a supporter of St. Augustine Beach culture. They have tapped into the community's desire for seamless, environmentally conscious, and enjoyable transportation by purveying a wide range of cart options. Beyond sales and rentals, Aaron and Kevin are curating an experience - blending old world delight with cutting edge comfort. Here’s to a new phase of relaxation and portability at the beach.