Ponte Vedra Focus - Kid Friendly

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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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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Holiday Lights in Jacksonville and The Beaches

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.

Deck the Chairs

Dates: November 23 thru January 1
Where: Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach

Deck the Chairs is celebrating it's 10th season in 2022. This community supported display showcases decorated lifeguard chairs to help promote arts and education.

Dazzling Nights

Dates: November 27 thru January 1
Where: Jacksonville…

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Nailing the Back-to-School Sleep Routine: 8 Tips for Restful Success

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:

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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Top 4 Springs to Day Trip from Jacksonville

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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5 Delicious Ice Cream Spots at The Beach

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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The Best of Riverside: A Day in Jacksonville's Urban Core

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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How to Search for Shark Teeth: A Guide By Sadie Pichelmann

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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