Beach cleanup is Saturday
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) will conduct a beach cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, where gloves and trash bags will be provided. Participants will be directed to a specific beach for cleanup. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended.
Email Abigail.Kuhn@FloridaDEP.gov to participate.
Garden club plans holiday market
Ribault Garden Club is planning its Kris Kringle Market, to be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at 705 Second Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach. Admission is free. The event is open to all. There will be holiday treasures, a wrapping station and handcrafted gifts. For further information, email Dsaff229@gmail.com.
Gift-wrapping service helps a good cause
Gift-wrapping “elf” volunteers are returning to the Beaches area for the 13th consecutive holiday season to raise funds to benefit the 18,000-plus North Floridians impacted by multiple sclerosis.
The project begins Saturday, Dec. 13, and runs through Christmas Eve. Located at South Beach Regional Mall in Jacksonville Beach, daily hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Look for the wrappers in front of Hallmark, Five Below and JCrew.
For more information, call 904-982-6510.
Santa visit to feature Toys For Tots
Santa is coming to Walden Chase, and this year he is bringing his friends in the U.S. Marine Corps to spread joy outside the community with a Toys For Tots collection.
This year’s event features live entertainment by Kyle Manning, a bounce house, hot cocoa, crafts for the kids and raffles. If you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate for Toys for Tots, you get a free raffle ticket.
There will be vendors, food trucks and soft-serve ice cream.
The event will be held 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Walden Chase amenity center and community pool.
Vendor booths are free this year, information and sign-up form is here: https://forms.gle/nTnScPt569eiasTj9
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It offers organically grown produce, pasture-raised chicken, eggs and pork; grass-fed and finished beef; local honey; raw milk; bone broth; whole grain, sourdough and gluten- and dairy-free sourdough breads; an array of baked goods; all-natural plant- and animal-based skincare; local artisans; and more. This charming venue located in the heart of Palm Valley affords customers both an indoor and an open-air shopping experience. Palm Valley Market — Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Blvd.
For more information, email info@PalmValleyMarket.com.
Farmers market open every Friday
The Ponte Vedra Friday Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at Palm Valley Outdoors, 377 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, offering fresh produce, local farm goods and a welcoming space to connect with neighbors and small businesses.
This farmers market features fresh, organically grown produce; Florida grass-fed beef and pork; real local honey; pasture-raised chicken and eggs; wholegrain breads; gluten-free sourdough bread; natural botanical skincare; creations by local artisans and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
