Players by the Sea Reopens in Jacksonville Beach

The Show Goes On

For over six decades, community theater has been the beating heart of local storytelling in the Jacksonville Beaches area. But fourteen months ago, that heartbeat faced its toughest challenge yet. An isolated fire, paired with the subsequent severe flooding from necessary sprinkler systems, left the beloved Players by the Sea facility devastated and its operations temporarily displaced.

But true to the spirit of the arts, the curtains didn't stay down for long.

On Tuesday, June 9, local leaders, artists, volunteers, and supporters gathered to witness a momentous occasion: the official grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Players by the Sea.

A Community-Driven Resurrection

The atmosphere was electric as staff…

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How Florida’s Free Property Fraud Alert Safeguards Your Most Valuable Asset

For most of us, our home is our largest financial investment and a sanctuary for our families. But imagine waking up one day to find out that, on paper, you no longer own it.

It sounds like a plot from a movie, but property and deed fraud are among the fastest-growing white-collar crimes in the United States. Scammers use stolen identities to forge deeds, transfer property ownership into their names, and then take out massive loans against the home before disappearing. Because these documents are filed directly with local government recording offices, the true homeowners often have no idea anything is wrong until a foreclosure notice arrives at their door.

Fortunately, Florida homeowners have a powerful, completely free tool at their disposal to…

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Sea Turtle Season is Here (And You Can Help!)

If you've lived here a while, you've probably noticed the orange tape and wooden stakes popping up on our beaches. That means sea turtle season is officially underway!

From now through October, our beaches transform into a nursery for loggerheads, greens, and the occasional leatherback. These massive turtles haul themselves onto the same beaches where they were born decades ago, dig nests under the cover of darkness, and head back to the ocean before sunrise. About two months later, baby turtles the size of your palm emerge and make a run for the water.

It's honestly one of the coolest things about living at the coast. And there are a few simple things we can all do to help these nests succeed. 

The Basics

Female sea turtles come ashore at…

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The Wild Beauty of Little and Big Talbot Islands

by Jennifer Heller

Just about 20 minutes north of the city, the tall buildings of downtown Jacksonville give way to the A1A Ocean Islands Trail. This is where you’ll find the Talbot Islands. While most of Florida’s coastline has been built up with condos and hotels, Little and Big Talbot have remained almost entirely untouched. They are sister islands, but they couldn’t be more different.

Little vs Big:  Which One Should You Visit?

Think of Little Talbot as your classic, sprawling beach off the Atlantic. It’s got five miles of wide, white sand perfect for those long walks or a day of surfing and sun. If you want to camp, use a real restroom (always my preference), or let the kids run wild in the waves, this is sure to be your spot.

Big…

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More Than a Marquee: 5 Things to Know About Jacksonville’s Ritz Theatre

A Guide to the Ritz Theatre and Museum

In the heart of Jacksonville lies a neighborhood with a story so vibrant it was once known as the "Harlem of the South." That neighborhood is LaVilla, and its crown jewel is the Ritz Theatre and Museum. For residents and visitors alike, the Ritz is more than just a venue; it is a living testament to resilience, a sanctuary for African American culture, and a bridge between a storied past and a hopeful future.

A Legacy Reborn

The Ritz story began in 1929. Designed in a striking blend of Art Deco and Mediterranean styles, the original theater served as a primary cultural hub for the community during the era of segregation. It was a vital stop on the "Chitlin’ Circuit," hosting legends like Duke…

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Sawgrass Country Club Announces $55 Million Capital Improvements Plan

by Jennifer Heller

Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach is entering a new era of growth and refinement with a $55 million Capital Improvements Plan designed to elevate every aspect of the member experience. Recently approved by the club’s membership, this initiative marks one of the most significant upgrades in Sawgrass’s five-decade history — blending tradition, luxury, and innovation to ensure the club remains one of Northeast Florida’s premier clubs.

The comprehensive enhancement plan includes a full renovation of the club’s 27-hole championship golf course, a 7,347-square-foot expansion of the fitness center, and a modernization of the Beach Club Pavilion and dining spaces. The Tennis Pavilion will also receive major updates,…

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Emotional Staging That Sells: How to Create a Home Buyers Fall in Love With

Selling your home is more than a financial transaction — it’s an emotional one. While square footage, location, and price matter, the decision to buy is often driven by how a home feels. Emotional staging taps into the senses and psychology of buyers, helping them connect on a deeper level. Done right, it can make your property stand out, sell faster, and even command a higher price.

Why Emotional Staging Matters

When buyers walk into a house, they’re not just evaluating walls and finishes — they’re imagining a life. Emotional staging creates subtle cues that spark feelings of warmth, comfort, and belonging. Studies show that buyers form an opinion within seconds of entering a home. A staged property that appeals to the heart as much as the eyes…

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Helping Kids Shine: Parisi Speed School in Ponte Vedra Beach

At the Parisi Speed School inside the PVB Performance Center, kids aren’t just learning how to run faster—they’re learning how to believe in themselves. This nationally known program has trained more than a million athletes, but here in Ponte Vedra Beach, it feels like family.

Take it from local parents Brittany and Billy Horschel, whose 8-year-old daughter Colbie has been training as part of Girl Power NFL Flag Football for almost a year: “She gets incredible coaching on nutrition, strength, speed, and even flag football technique. But honestly, the best thing she’s gained is self-confidence.”

A Community Built on Performance and Character

Parisi is open to kids from about age 7 through high school, with programs tailored to match where they…

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Jacksonville Golf & Country Club Announces $30 Million Upgrade Plan

by Jennifer Heller 

Jacksonville Golf & Country Club has issued a press release approving an exciting $30 million renovation project called the “Blueprint for Tomorrow.” Designed to enhance both the social and golf experiences for its members, the plan focuses on modernizing amenities while honoring the club’s longstanding reputation as one of the First Coast’s premier private communities.

A Fresh Take on the Clubhouse Experience

The renovation includes a story, 18,000-square-foot expansion of the clubhouse, featuring expanded indoor and outdoor dining areas, a new fitness center, and a resort-style pool with cabanas, lounging spaces, and a kids’ splash zone. These updates are aimed at creating a year-round destination for members and their…

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Maximize Your Florida Property Tax Savings: Homestead Exemption & Portability in St. Johns and Duval Counties

 By Jenn Heller

Purchasing a home in Northeast Florida isn’t just a lifestyle investment — it’s also an opportunity to tap into valuable property tax savings. Two powerful tools available to Florida homeowners are the Homestead Exemption and Portability benefits. If you're buying or already own a home in St. Johns or Duval County, understanding how these work can lead to significant, long-term financial advantages.

Homestead Exemption: Built-In Tax Relief for Florida Homeowners

Florida’s Homestead Exemption is a tax benefit designed to reduce the taxable value of your primary residence. When approved, it can lower the amount of property taxes you pay each year — starting with an initial $25,000 exemption off your home’s assessed value. An…

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