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.

THE PLAYERS Championship golf course and clubhouse view in distance

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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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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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.

Jenn and Dad celebrating birthday 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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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.

Animal Care & Protective Services in Jacksonville, Florida

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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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas --- which means, holiday light displays! What better way to enjoy the holidays then to grab some hot chocolate and drive around town to see all the amazing light displays near the beach. It will make for a fun family night, get the kids out of the house and there's nothing better than hearing their excitement in the back seat while seeing all the incredible displays.

holiday lights

    

Deck the Chairs

Dates: November 27 thru January 1
Where: Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach

Deck the Chairs is celebrating it's 12th season in 2024. This community supported display showcases decorated lifeguard chairs to help promote arts and education.

    

Glowing Gardens

Dates: November 29 thru December 29, 2024
…

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by Jenn Heller

You've ticked off the school shopping list, snagged fresh supplies, and even sharpened the pencils. But have you thought about tuning up your child's sleep routine for the upcoming school year? Sleep is a key player in alertness, stress levels, and overall temperament, which all circle back to learning and social interactions. After a summer of carefree nights and leisurely mornings, your child's sleep schedule might need a little nudge before school starts. Here are some tips to help you out:

sleepy child at school

Start Early

Get a head start;10 days to two weeks before school begins is ideal. If time's tight, no worries, just kick it off as soon as you can. Gradually push wake-up and bedtime 15 minutes earlier each day to ease into the…

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Hey there, adventure seekers! Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Today, we're diving into the natural wonders of Florida as we explore four stunning springs that are just a short day trip away from Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach. Get your sunscreen and your favorite float ready because we're about to take you on a refreshing and exhilarating adventure. These hidden gems are brimming with paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters that will leave you in awe. So, let's buckle up and dive into the beauty that awaits us as we make our way down these incredible springs.

Ichetucknee Springs  

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is an absolute gem, known for its natural beauty and…

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by Jenn Heller

With school out for the summer and temperatures soaring, there's no better time to pack up the beach towels, sunscreen, and head to the beach. And while building sandcastles and splashing in the waves can be exhilarating, we all know that the perfect beach day isn't complete without a scoop (or two!) of creamy, refreshing ice cream.

Jacksonville is renowned for its stunning beaches, and lucky for us, it also boasts some incredible ice cream spots that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a much-needed cool down for the kids. In this blog, we'll be sharing our top five picks for the most delectable frozen treats no matter where you are at the beach. So grab a beach chair, settle in, and let us guide you through the…

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By Jessica Malosh, High School Senior
Class of 2022 and 2022 Ponte Vedra Focus Blog Scholarship Participant

Lovers of culture, history, and a trendy urban core are guaranteed to be captivated by the uniqueness of Riverside Jacksonville. If that sounds appealing to you, follow my footsteps on my fun-filled and intellectually stimulating day around the Riverside area that will satisfy your mind, step-count goal, and tastebuds. 

Jaxson Five Points & Brooklyn Walking Tour

My Saturday morning began with a brisk walk to the Cummer Art Museum, the starting location of the Jaxson Five Points & Brooklyn Walking Tour. During this two-hour experience, I learned about the forces that shaped Riverside's infrastructural and economic development. The tour took…

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by Sadie Pichelmann

I’m not a native of Ponte Vedra Beach, or even of Florida. Before moving here seven years ago, I was more familiar with snow than sand. One of the first memories I have of living in Ponte Vedra is of looking for treasures buried in the sand or being washed over by the ocean. I loved collecting pink-and-white seashells, shark eyes, sea glass, and encountering interesting creatures like crabs, seagulls, and sometimes even jellyfish. My family had heard that shark teeth could be found on the beach too, but that particular prize eluded me for a long time. A friend of mine told me that once you find one, you will start seeing them everywhere, which is something I now find true as a shark tooth searching aficionado.

Shark teeth…

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