Gift-wrapping service begins Dec. 13
MS volunteers will return Dec. 13-24 for a 13th year of holiday gift wrapping in south Jacksonville Beach. The daily service, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., is in front of the Hallmark and Five Below stores in the South Beach Regional Mall. This year, beginning Dec. 17, the volunteers have expanded their service to include a wrapping location at Books-A-Million near Marsh Landing.
Paper, tissue, bows and boxes are provided. Donations benefit the North Florida MS Chapter and provide programs and services for the 18,000-plus people in the region impacted by multiple sclerosis.
For overnight concierge service or to volunteer to wrap, call 904-982-6510.
Church plans Christmas events
Ponte Vedra Church, 76 South Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, invites the community to these Christmas events:
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.: Christmas musical service followed by a luncheon. Enjoy the choir and musicians sharing the message of Christmas. (Child care is available.)
Christmas Eve, 5:30 p.m.: Candlelight service for the whole family. Adults receive a small gift and kids get an activity bag and a brief children’s moment. (No child care will be available.)
Concert and food drive planned
The 2025 Feed Your Neighbors benefit concert and food drive will be held 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Beluthahatchee. Musicians include Michael Legasse and John French.
The music starts at 2 p.m. No reservations are necessary, though a $10 donation is suggested to help support the presentation of live local music.
Beluthahatchee is located a quarter mile south of Roberts Road, at 1523 State Road 13, Fruit Cove. The concert will be held at the Hart House at the end of the short dirt road.
To schedule a tour of Beluthahatchee call 904-549-9444.
For more information, contact sundaysatstetsons@gmail.com.
Upcoming Sundays at Stetson’s shows include:
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.
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.
Family seining activity planned
Join a guided family seining activity from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Learn about the animals and their roles in Guana Lake by pulling a seine net and collecting species of fish, crabs and other marine life.
Meet at GTM Research Reserve Guana Dam, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Register online at gtmnerr.org/calendars.
The event is free, but parking is $3 per vehicle. All necessary gear (waders and boots) will be provided. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended.
UF Health plans holiday event
UF Health “North Pole” in Nocatee (formerly known as Flagler Health+ Village at Nocatee) invites the public to a magical holiday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The address is 351 Town Plaza Ave., Ponte Vedra.
Take pictures with Santa, share your holiday wishes and enjoy seasonal entertainment and activities for all ages, all free of charge. Decorate crafts to donate to patients who will be at UF Health Flagler Hospital over the holiday and create your own holiday ornaments to take home.
Meet the dedicated service teams and physicians, and celebrate the season with the UF Health St. Johns community.
Registration is required. Go to UFHealthNorthPole2025.eventbrite.com to reserve a spot. Your ticket will be checked at the door.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
