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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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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Just an hour and ten minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: the River to Sea Preserve just south of Marineland. This coastal sanctuary is perfect for nature enthusiasts, beachcombers, and adventure seekers alike, offering a variety of activities and amenities to enjoy.

If you're into treasure hunting, the pristine shoreline of River to Sea Preserve is a haven for sea glass enthusiasts. Spend leisurely hours combing the sands and uncover glimmering gems polished by the ebb and flow of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a free and rewarding activity, great for collectors or anyone looking for a serene beach experience.

Adventurers can rent paddleboards to explore the tranquil waters, immersing themselves in the…

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by Peyton Palmer, Senior Student, Nease High School
2024 Ponte Vedra Focus Blog Scholarship Winner


The Ancient City, St. Augustine, hosts two million visitors annually, and is home to many local hotspots. This national landmark encompasses a multitude of hidden gardens, restaurants, and roads perfect for Instagram posts or a formal photo session! Also, knowing where the top restaurants are is key to a memorable trip.  

Stone walkway and dining chairs at Ben's Pretzels in St. AugustineBen's Pretzels, St. Augustine, Florida

St. George Street is the main pedestrian only street in St. Augustine, consisting of clothing, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Off this street is Ben’s Pretzels, known for their delicious, soft pretzels. One incomparable thing this shop exhibits is their secret garden in…

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by Gwinn Volen

The St Johns County $36M beach renourishment project for Ponte Vedra Beach, where sand will be pumped in from the ocean to help protect against storms and prevent future erosion, has begun. The dredging work started March 29 just north of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, and it will finish up in the 1300 block of Ponte Vedra Boulevard in late June. Below is a look at the projected timeline, and here is an interactive map of the progress.

Local groups have been working tirelessly to push this through.


Map of beach restoration in Ponte Vedra Beach

Here are the full details of the Ponte Vedra Beach project.

Information on Other Coastal Projects in St Johns County

  • Porpoise Point Drive Armoring Project
  • South Ponte Vedra FEMA Project
  • St Augustine Beach Army Corps…

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by Jenn Heller

Moving, especially when downsizing, is a great opportunity to inventory the things that you have and begin the process of donating items that you no longer need, use or want. This can go beyond the scope of just clothing. Furniture items, small appliances and other household goods are highly accepted by donation centers who give back to your local community to support those in need. Donating items, especially while in the midst of packing for a move, can be a hassle, but it doesn't have to be. There are several local organizations in Jacksonville and the Beaches area that will come and pick up your donations, greatly alleviating the pressure of loading up the car and doing it yourself. Here's a few of our local favorites that we have…

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by Gwinn Volen

2023 was a year of home price course correction and normalization after 2 years of extreme appreciation. At a national level, 2023 saw the lowest number of home sales since 1995, yet prices still increased 1%, to a record high.

Quarterly Sales Price for Duval and St Johns County: 2019-2023

 real estate statistics

Duval and St. Johns County’s home prices closed out the year with a -0.1% decline. The above graph shows resale property home prices (single-family homes only) in Duval and St Johns County by quarter since 2019. Prices see-sawed from 2019-2021 but you then see the steady rise in prices we saw in 2021 and 2022. You can also see the flattening of prices in 2023, and though Q4 is a little down from Q3, overall prices are steady. Though the…

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by Gwinn Volen

LOCAL STATS

Q3 stats indicate the Jacksonville real estate market is relatively flat. Sales prices were up 1.5% from Q2 and flat (0.0%) from Q3 2022. Closed sales are down -13.7% from Q2 and -9% from Q3 2022. Days on the Market is up 6.7% from Q2 and 14.3% from Q3 2022 as buyers stand on the sidelines watching mortgage rates and the economy.

If we look at the beach market only (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jax Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach) sales prices are down -2.6% from Q2 and -1.3% from Q3 2022 with closed sales down -16.7% from Q2 but up 12.4% from Q3 2022.

Nocatee sales prices are up 2.8% from Q2 and 3.2% from Q3 2022 with closed sales down -3.7% from Q2 and -9.9% from Q3 2022. If I were to speculate I would say those…

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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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Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to where you want to live. No more being tied down by work – you’re free to choose a place that truly suits your lifestyle. It could be a warmer climate, a coastal paradise, or somewhere more affordable. Of course, the basics like cost of living, taxes, safety, and weather are essential factors in picking your ideal retirement spot, and yet there are some less obvious but equally important things to consider. With all these criteria, the decision can quickly become overwhelming. Here are five key things that Ponte Vedra Beach offers that make it the ideal spot to retire.

Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Golf and Club Options

For golf and club options there are plenty…

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