FEATURED STORIES

Pergolas, screens make summer better in Sunshine State

Summer is the season when residents all along the First Coast seek to spend as much time in their backyard oases as possible. But that sunlight can be a bit relentless if no shade is available. …
In Northeast Florida, we are surrounded by water, primarily the Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns River. But with a short drive, area residents and visitors can enjoy a day at one of Florida’s many …
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Volunteers sought to pack meals for starving children

Volunteers pack food that will help feed hundreds of starving children during a past MobilePack event.

The statistics are sobering: 10,000 of the world’s children die each day from hunger and related causes, according to the United Nations. In addition, UNICEF’s most recent report estimates …

Students take part in Girls State summer program

The nine delegates that were selected by Unit 129 in Jacksonville Beach. They were from Nease and Fletcher high schools.

Hundreds of high school juniors and seniors traveled out to Tallahassee for a week-long summer leadership and citizenship programs as part of the Girls State initiative. The trip to the capital …

More Local News
Several area students have been recognized for academic success at their respective colleges and universities. Georgia Tech spring 2024 graduates announced The Georgia Institute of …
The following programs will be held in July at COA’s THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach. Most classes are four weeks long and begin July 2. If you have …
There’s no better time than summer for a delicious frozen treat, and fortunately for area residents, there’s no shortage of shops offering a wide range of products and flavors. Lets’ take …
The First Coast Cultural Center hosted its fifth annual Beaches, A Celebration of the Arts gala April 28 at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse. The affair was rich in elegance with an Audrey …
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville recently announced the success of the 2024 McGala, which took place on May 11 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Thanks to the generosity …
FEATURES
‘Big-Hearted Charlie’s’ legacy lives on at swim meet
Planet Swim Aquatics in Ponte Vedra held its annual summer championships last weekend and it was even more special than it usually is because it was sponsored by Big-Hearted Charlie. Big-Hearted …
As we celebrate America’s birthday, we often stay busy with cookouts, summer activities and fireworks. But don’t forget your landscape! There are many options for adding patriotic colors to your …
Pickleball continues to be a growing craze in America and now it has hit downtown Jacksonville and in a big way with the opening of Toon Town Pickleball. Toon Town has become the largest indoor …
The Jacksonville Zoo is a popular place for the family to visit throughout the year, and their spectacular exhibits are known to bring about amazement. The latest of these exhibits include …
On Sunday, May 19, St. Francis House celebrated its donors at a reception at the Magnolia Room at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Donors enjoyed mimosas, light refreshments, live guitar …
NOCATEE HAPPENINGS

COA Center at UF Health Nocatee announces July schedule

The following programs will be held in July at COA Center at UF Health Nocatee, 351 Town Plaza Ave., Suite 205, Ponte Vedra. Unless specified otherwise, register by email to …

Watch for sandhill cranes crossing roads

A sandhill crane family seen recently in Nocatee.

New sandhill crane parents are out and about with their babies in tow.

Sports marketing highlighted during inaugural Jax Sports Night at the link

Jax Sports Night at the link in Nocatee was hosted for the first time on March 6 and focused on the local sports marketing landscape.

Sports have always been something unique that seems to bring people together, and that was the goal behind Jax Sports Night at the link in Nocatee on March 6.

Stay informed on local elections

Candidates serving St. Johns County receive big name endorsements

As the primary election approaches, candidates are striving to capture the voters’ attention, and a big part of that is promoting endorsements they’ve won. Here’s a look at some of this …

ONE OF US
Roger Amidon
Roger Amidon is the chief operating officer and general manager for The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach, an upscale community located off State Road A1A. He began working there in September after a …
Jeffrey Spear, of Jacksonville Beach, is a food writer and president and creative director for Studio Spear, a global branding company for food, beverage and lifestyle. His most recent book is “My …
Peter and Heather Sutton are a husband-and-wife duo that have given the local community a new boat rental option by opening St. Johns Premier Boat Rental roughly three months ago. They have called …
Dr. David Slossberg is the new owner and treating chiropractic physician of Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic. The practice is currently located at 814 A1A N., Suite 102, Ponte Vedra Beach, but later …
Johnattan Hernandez is the new executive chef at TPC Sawgrass.
IN THE ARTS
Alhambra’s latest show is fun mix of color, sound
The latest show to grace the stage at Alhambra Theatre & Dining is perhaps the most colorful and eclectic performance the theater has ever seen. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor …
Scrolling through the photos on her iPhone in search of inspiration, textile artist Jessica Pinsky kept finding inexplicable images of what appeared to be blurry globules. “I’m like, ‘What …
This summer, JaxTHRIVE volunteers are partnering with the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County for an engaging summer art program. They are examining the work of a variety of well-known …
In partnership with Sing Out Loud Festival and Bozard Ford Lincoln, the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival will return to historic downtown St. Augustine on Sept. 27-29. The festival offers music …
Paint, Shrinky Dinks and chicken wire? These were among the makings of priceless works of art at Ocean Palms Elementary School, where a new grade-level art auction was unveiled, featuring artists …
SPORTS

Sporting JAX clinic to add to already big day for soccer in city

Sporting JAX and All Nations Soccer teamed up to announce that a soccer clinic will be held prior to the Stateside Cup matchup between Wolves and West Ham United at EverBank Stadium on July 27.

Sporting JAX announced that it will host a soccer clinic prior to the Stateside Cup matchup between English Premier League clubs Wolves and West Ham United on July 27. The announcement was …

Ponte Vedra lacrosse teams triumph at tournament

The 8U Jaws Black Tip Team with their medals

The Ponte Vedra Lacrosse 8U Jaws Black Tip and Threshers teams emerged victorious in both 8U divisions at the Orlando Summer Faceoff Lacrosse Tournament, held on June 1-2 in Kissimmee. The Jaws Black …

Jaguars’ rookies join Special Olympics athletes at camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars teamed up with Special Olympics to provide a memorable experience for 63 local special needs individuals. It is an annual event that the Jaguars host each summer and one …

Lawrence, Jaguars agree to contract extension

The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to terms on a contract extension with starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, as they locked him up for the near future. “With this five-year extension, the …

Obituaries
Jill Ilene Hornsby
Jill Ilene Hornsby, age 88, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, passed away June 19, 2024. She was born February 21, 1936, to James and Ruth Ingraham in Oregon, IL. Jill was a loving wife, mother, …
Death Notices for June 27, 2024
James Milton Bates James Milton Bates, 74, of Jacksonville, Florida, died June 20, 2024. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, www.quinn-shalz.com. 904-249-1100 …
Sandra Gail Hansford
Sandra Gail Hansford, 84, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL.  Sandy, the daughter of David R. Hansford and Gladys Buchanan, was raised in Jacksonville alongside …
Wayne Charles Gerry
Wayne Charles Gerry passed away with family by his side on June 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born in Lewiston, Maine, on August 30, 1939, to the late Oliver and Arria Gerry. He grew up …
Death Notices for June 20, 2024
Barbara Jean Achatz Barbara Jean Achatz, 98, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, died June 14, 2024. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, www.quinn-shalz.com, …
Uncontested divorce: What it is and how to get one
LegalZoom explains how an uncontested divorce typically works, its benefits and drawbacks, and the steps to take if it's the right option.
All-inclusive golf resorts: 9 top courses to play in 2024
Honeymoons.com rates its top nine all-inclusive tropical golf resorts.
How Arizona hopes to avoid a 'nightmare' if November ballot stretches to a second page
Votebeat reports that Arizona election officials are planning ahead for paper problems and higher costs with two-page ballots, but they hope to stick to a single sheet.
Cicadas à la carte? Here's why it's so hard to get Americans to eat bugs
Grist reports that roughly 30 percent of the world's population considers insects a delicacy or dietary staple.
Freelance Like a Pro: Insider Tips from Millionaire Freelancers on Fiverr
(BPT) - As freelancers, we are at a major impasse within the larger future of work conversation. Freelancing has been booming around the world, with millions of professionals opting for the …