Local teen creates national book drive initiative

Local high school student Sam Evans of Nocatee with Asheville City Schools representatives after recently dropping off 1,315 new and gently used donated children’s books to the school system.
In just a matter of months since beginning Leading with Literature, local high schooler Sam Evans’ dream of making a difference with his nonprofit is in full swing. Evans is a 16-year-old …
Joni Zwick at the grand opening of Cereset
On January 22nd, community members and brain-balancing fans braved the chilly North Floridian temperatures to attend the grand opening of Cereset, a new wellness facility bringing the power of …
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Community gathers for second annual Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate event

Dr. Rudy Jamison, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission

On Thursday, January 30th, members of the community joined together at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach for the 2nd annual Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate kickoff meeting and dinner. …

Landrum event inspires students

Teacher Dean Grall talks to OPE Students.

Principal Troy Kasting of Landrum Middle School recently organized visits to Ocean Palms Elementary and PVPV Elementary to engage fifth graders about opportunities awaiting them at Landrum. These …

Build your portfolio on a solid foundation

Asset allocation can be to investment planning what the foundation is to a house or the chassis is to a car. It’s what everything else is built upon. And just as important as constructing a house …

FEATURES
Real estate team to air season two of ‘Property Tours of NE Florida’
Brad and Alyssa Hammond of The Hammond Family Group will premiere season two of their local TV show, “Property Tours of Northeast Florida” at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 on ABC25 (WJXX) — one week after …
Greenscape of Jacksonville, a tree advocacy nonprofit teamed up with the city of Jacksonville to hold the annual Great Tree Giveaway in downtown Jacksonville on Jan. 18. A total of 1,600 trees of a …
When Jennefer Flood left her 15-year career as a paralegal in New York City to move to Northeast Florida with her family, she knew it was time to pursue a career that truly aligned with her passions. …
The Betty Griffin Center is the only provider of support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in St. Johns County. On March 3, the Betty Griffin Center Board of Directors will host …
IN THE ARTS
Student art, poetry to be featured in 'A Day Without Violence' calendar
Betty Griffin Center is accepting art and poetry submissions from St. Johns County students for the 2026 “A Day Without Violence” calendar. The project is open to all St. Johns County …
The Jacksonville Symphony will present “Violins of Hope: Building Bridges Through the Power of Music” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Jacoby Symphony Hall. This special concert features instruments once …
The Jacksonville Symphony presents four programs in February, including the internationally renowned project “Violins of Hope” on Feb. 15. All performances take place in Jacoby Symphony Hall at …
More Local News
Many of us are frustrated with the appearance of our beautiful flowers and trees. Winter’s cooler temperatures can be challenging for our favorite heat-loving plants! But do not despair — many of …
On Monday, Feb. 3, Florida Sen. Thomas J. “Tom” Leek, District 7, filed legislation creating a governance framework for the Florida Museum of Black History. “On behalf of St. Johns County …
Grand prize winners of November's Caring for Our Community Raffle, held by the Rotary Club of Palm Valley, recently enjoyed their prize: an executive chef-created multi-course dinner with paired …
Salt Life Food Shack is continuing its tradition of supporting The DONNA Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance and support for families living with breast cancer and fund critical …
Players by the Sea, Jacksonville Beach’s community theatre, is celebrating its 60th season. Since its founding in 1966, the theatre has been a cultural cornerstone to the Jacksonville Beach …
NOCATEE HAPPENINGS

February fun at the link

Check out the great events happening at the link in Nocatee for the month of February. Go to app@thelink.zone for more details and to register for any of the events listed below. Kids …

Spring break camps planned

The link is planning a couple of spring break camps to run March 17-21. For more information, contact the link through the app or by calling 904-299-3671. The link is located at 425 Town Plaza Ave., …

Motorists asked to watch for sandhill cranes

Four sandhill cranes stand in shadow in Nocatee where they can be difficult to see.

In Nocatee, a group of four sandhill cranes has been routinely frequenting the area around Valley Ridge and Nocatee Parkway East, particularly in the grassy medians near the on/off ramps and the …

ONE OF US
Vic DiGenti
Vic DiGenti of Ponte Vedra Beach is the author of several novels, short stories and works of nonfiction. His most recent work is “James R. Anthony: The Banker Who Shaped Florida’s History.”
Jessica Chard, owner of To the Moon Party Designs, brings creativity and joy to Nocatee through custom balloon designs and community events, making life’s …
Amy Novak, owner of The Gifted Boutique, turned her passion for crafts into a thriving business offering custom spirit wear and gifts, while fostering community …
SPORTS

Offense coming alive for Barracudas playoff run

Beachside High defeated Ponte Vedra High 1-0 to win the boys soccer district championship on Jan. 30.

In just three years as a program and the boys soccer team at Beachside High already has two district championships to its name. The second of which came when the Barracudas defeated the Ponte …

Sharks outlast Barracudas, rack up another district title

The Sharks earned the top seed in the Class 5A state tournament after winning the district championship over Beachside on Jan. 29.

The quest to defend their state championship from a year ago is in full swing after the Sharks handled business as the top seed with a convincing 8-0 win over Lake City Columbia High in the Class 5A …

Sharks ride wave of momentum into districts

David Sanchez Barrera was one of three seniors who played their final regular season game for the Sharks on Jan. 31 against Ribault.

It was a furious end to the month of January for the Ponte Vedra High boys basketball team as they finished the regular season 6-2 in their final eight games and are carrying a ton of momentum into postseason play.

Obituaries
Death Notices for Feb. 6, 2025
George Lee Bishop George Lee Bishop, 93, of Jacksonville, Florida, died Jan. 31, 2025. Arrangements by Quinn Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, …
James Randolph Brown, Jr.
James Randolph Brown, Jr. (Randy), age 89, died peacefully at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla, January 25, 2025, after a two-year battle with melanoma. Randy was born April 4, 1935, in …
Carlotta S. Ray
Carlotta S. Ray passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on March 29, 1940, in Lebanon, Tennessee to Roggie and Lucille Ray. She graduated in 1958 …
Colleen Roberts Schneider
Colleen Roberts Schneider, 56, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away on December 23, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, after a long illness. Colleen was born on February 5, 1968, to Gloria and …
Death Notices for Jan. 30, 2025
Eleanor Potts Corbett Eleanor Potts Corbett, 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, died Jan. 24, 2025. Arrangements by Quinn Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. www.quinn-shalz.com. 904-249-1100 …
Galentine's Day has become a thing—why hasn't Malentine's Day?
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How a 4-day workweek could reduce burnout without hurting productivity
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How to level up your cleaning routine in 2025
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