Ponte Vedra Focus - Community Blog

Filling the Gaps: The Beaches Homeless Coalition's Unique Approach

by Ellen Glasser
President, Beaches Homeless Coalition Inc.

Working with many volunteers and several churches over the last two years,  the Beaches Homeless Coalition (BHC) recently became “official” as a 501c(3) non-profit organization.  It is our unwavering mission at the BHC to serve the homeless people of the beaches by meeting them "where they are" in life and providing services to them through a robust network of community partners who are dedicated to treating them with dignity and compassion.  

Formed as a corporation, the BHC is a secular organization that assists host organizations and volunteers to provide food, meals, temporary shelter, clothing, hygiene services, transportation, and other assistance to homeless people at the…

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THE PLAYERS Championship Info and FAQ

Every March, Ponte Vedra Beach becomes center stage in the golfing realm as THE PLAYERS Championship brings golfers, fans and media to our coastal town.  Welcoming this annual tradition is nothing new to residents of Ponte Vedra Beach as the PGA Tour has called Ponte Vedra Beach home to this tournament since 1974.  This event brings hundreds of thousands of fans to our community annually for this world class golf event. If you haven't purchased tickets yet, it's not too late! We've got you covered with ticket information, newer fan experiences and some important Frequently Asked Questions, so you know before you go.

TICKETS

Stadium Pass - A Stadium Pass ticket is for general grounds access and all public areas of the Tournament.  Tuesday’s…

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Increases in Traffic in Ponte Vedra Beach: Is It Commuter Traffic? Cut-Through Traffic? Population Increase?

by Gwinn Volen

Is it cut-through traffic that clogs Palm Valley Road? Has construction in Nocatee and St Johns County caused increased commuter congestion on A1A?

The Citizens Traffic Task Force in Ponte Vedra/Palm Valley commissioned a study to understand where traffic originates for some of our more congested roads. Since I moved here in 2006, traffic has definitely picked up, and yet, having lived in large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and DC, the traffic still feels pretty minimal to me, albeit sometimes annoying.

Using Streetlight data, which pulls from cellular carriers, car movement and where the car came from can be tracked.  Here's a link to the report, and here are the key findings on where the traffic comes…

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Downsizing Options in Ponte Vedra Beach

By Gwinn Volen

With just one kid left in the house, the 'empty nest' is on the horizon, and with it, thoughts of downsizing are starting to creep in. Honestly, the idea of maintaining a large home as we get older isn't exactly thrilling. Who needs the hassle of a pool, with its monthly upkeep, not to mention the inevitable (and expensive!) pump replacements and the need to re-surface it every decade or so. There's also the constant exterior maintenance – the yard, the never-ending list of repairs, the inevitable "Oh no, what's that sound?" moments as yet another system decides to give out. Maybe it's not even about the work; maybe it's the desire for a simpler life, the freedom to travel more. Whatever the reason, the time feels right for a change. But…

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7 Benefits of Independent Living Communities

by Jenn Heller

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, and independent living communities offer the perfect environment to embrace it. These communities are designed to provide the ideal balance of freedom and support, allowing seniors to maintain an active, engaged lifestyle without the hassles of home maintenance. With thoughtfully planned amenities, secure living spaces, and opportunities to connect with like-minded neighbors, independent living allows residents to fully enjoy their golden years in comfort and style.

From chef-prepared dining to social clubs and safety features, independent living is about enhancing your quality of life. Imagine where your day could include a morning swim, an afternoon art class, and dinner with friends at the…

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Discover the Capybara Café: St. Augustine’s Newest Attraction for Animal Enthusiasts

by Jenn Heller

Rediscovering My Inner Child (and a Love for Wildlife!)

Growing up on Long Island, my exposure to wildlife was...limited, to say the least. Aside from the occasional backyard squirrel or a rogue snake slithering onto the patio—let’s just say my daddy handled that situation in a way snake enthusiasts wouldn’t approve of—our “wildlife” was mostly our family dogs. No cats, no hamsters, no guinea pigs. Just loyal, four-legged friends.

Fast forward to raising my own kids, and history repeated itself. Except for a brief two-hour stint with a turtle (which quickly found its way back to the pond), we kept it simple: two dogs.

Now, at the youthful yet ornery age of 56, I seem to be channeling my inner Benjamin Button and revisiting the…

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8 Best Ways to Experience St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights

by Jenn Heller

Having a late November birthday always felt like I got cheated when I was growing up. Without fail, my “special day” ended up doubling as a joint celebration with either my cousin or my dad for their birthdays.  On top of that, it also falls on Thanksgiving every couple of years.  It was like a two-for-one deal I didn’t sign up for. Yes, I know—what a selfish brat. Feel free to roll your eyes; I’ve come to terms with it.

me and Dad celebrating our birthdays in 1990.
Don't I look thrilled?

This year, though? My birthday, my rules. I declared it a "me" day, and my better half (bless his soul) was game for the ride. He survived a marathon of not one but TWO local artisan shops (Atlantic Beach Art Market and Seaside Shoppes), dinner…

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Personal Recommendations: Kathryn Pearson and Team at Boutique Breast Imaging

By Gwinn Volen

I suspect each of us has had a recent medical story where either a) it took months to get an appointment b) you felt like a number, not a human or c) you felt like the CYA culture in our medical universe precludes you from getting real answers. 

I found a lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago. It was alarming, though I tried to keep my cool. I scheduled an appointment with my general practitioner, and he confirmed that he felt what I was feeling and gave me imaging orders for an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram. 

I left the office thinking I'd take those over to my regular imaging center that afternoon to have the scans done hoping to alleviate my anxiety. I called the imaging center, and after waiting on hold, listening to…

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Loving Hearts and FURever Homes: A Glimpse Into Animal Care & Protective Services

by Jenn Heller

Did you know that approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters annually?  As a passionate pet lover, that statistic truly breaks my heart.

In addition to the animals in shelters, there are also thousands upon thousands of pets being fostered at any given time while awaiting their forever homes. Fostering plays a crucial role in the adoption process, with an estimated 3.2 million shelter animals finding new homes each year thanks to the dedication of foster families. 

In the Jacksonville area, there are several animal rescue organizations that I admire and support on a regular basis. One such organization is Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) where we adopted our sweet boy Joker, formerly known…

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Northeast Florida Women Veterans: Helping Women Rebuild and Transition to Civilian Life

By Gwinn Volen

50% of women leaving the military have experienced some kind of sexual trauma while in service. Yes, it's a staggering statistic. It's difficult to fathom the profound sense of despair one might feel after such an experience, compounded by the challenge of rebuilding a life outside the military, and trying to transition skills into civilian settings. Often, women do not even explore the benefits and retraining programs offered by the VA. Instead, they fall into depression and poverty.

 "It became overwhelming to see the increase of women veterans coming into my office needing help that was not available in the community," said Dee Quaranta, President and Founder of the organization. "After asking some of my community contacts if they…

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