Ponte Vedra Focus Blog - Our Community

Jacksonville's Beaches Guide to Hurricane Preparation

Living at the Beach? ’Tis the Season to Have Your Hurricane Season Game Plan Ready 

Living at the beach in Northeast Florida comes with incredible perks, yet hurricane season is part of the reality. The good news is, with the right preparation, you can stay safe, protect your home, and avoid the last-minute scramble. 

Hurricane Season Basics 

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The most active stretch is usually mid-August through October, when storms are more likely to form and strengthen. 

Know Your Evacuation Zone 

If you live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Atlantic Beach, you’re likely in an evacuation zone—most commonly Zone A.  Evacuation zones generally break down like this: 

• …

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Moving to Jacksonville or Ponte Vedra: How to Find the Right School Fit

Relocating to a new city is about more than just finding a house with the right number of bedrooms; it’s about finding the right environment where your family can truly thrive. In Northeast Florida, one of the first and most important questions we hear from families is: "How do I choose the right school?"

Beyond the Rankings

While Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra have some of the highest-rated schools in the state, the "best" school isn't always about a number on a ranking site. It’s about alignment.

Every child is different, and every family has unique values. What works for one student might not be the ideal environment for another. Whether you are looking at the top-tier public options in St. Johns County or the prestigious private schools in…

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Jacksonville Ranked #4 Best Market for Homebuyers in 2026

If you've been watching the national real estate headlines, you've probably seen the news: Jacksonville just landed at #4 on Zillow's list of the most buyer-friendly housing markets in the entire country for 2026.

That's not "top 10 in Florida." That's top 10 in the nation. Out of the 50 largest U.S. metros, Jacksonville beat out major markets like Miami (#8), Tampa (#9), and Pittsburgh (#10). Only Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Charlotte ranked higher.

For those of us who live and work in Northeast Florida, this isn't exactly surprising. But for buyers who are considering a move to the area - or who've been on the fence about Jacksonville - this is validation from one of the most trusted names in real estate data.

Let's break down what this…

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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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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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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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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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Chasing Pavements in St. Augustine, Florida: A Guide to Running in the Nation’s Oldest City

By Graci Flaherty

Just when you think you have a place all figured out, it finds a way to surprise you.

Ponte Vedra’s most historically significant neighbor, St. Augustine brings to mind less sneakers and races, and more museums and forts. But look close enough and you’ll find a thriving running community, from the Flagler Cross Country team to the Ancient City Road Runners. Growing up in St. Johns County, I thought I knew the area like the back of my hand, but after spending the past 2 years falling in love with running, I can attest to the fact that St. Augustine feels entirely different when you experience it on foot So, download Strava, grab your Garmin watch, and start chasing pavements!

ROUTES

From Bridge to Bridge and Back (6.5 miles)

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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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