Wildlight’s newest neighborhood, Hawthorn Park, doesn’t have a pond. It has three. But that’s not the only nature you’ll find here. This enclave by Pulte Homes backs to a preserve and has trail connections right outside your front door. And if you want to stroll to sushi or the hair salon, or bike to a craft beer at Mocama, you can do just that, because those trails will lead you to the Village Center.
Want to experience even more of the great outdoors? Whistling Duck Pond will be opening nearby soon (hint: start looking for a kayak or canoe). And Four O’clock Park, Coin Toss Park and Waterbug Park offer even more ways to spend your days — from sports courts and an event lawn to bocce ball and a playful pool. Even the furry family members of the four-legged kind have their own opportunity to expend some energy, at their very own off-leash area. If you’re thinking that sounds like a pretty perfect place to live, well, you’re absolutely right.
New homes … and a new kind of home
Hawthorn Park has two kinds of single-family homes by Pulte Homes. New-to-Wildight bungalows, with front porches and alley-load garages (many with homesites facing the pond). And the Village Homes, with thoughtful features like family-friendly gathering spaces and oversized kitchens. Whatever stage in life you’re at, or whichever floorplan you prefer, you’ll find the home that suits you best in this exciting new neighborhood.
Ready to find your new home at Hawthorn Park? Prices start in the $300s.
March 9th was a big day. As in big fun. A big run. And a big donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County.
Let’s start at … well, the starting line. Where over 923 runners participated in our second annual Run Wild 5K, new 10K and Family Fun Run. The course took place on the trailways and through the neighborhoods of Wildlight, where mile paces were met and personal records were set. And spectators had a great time lining the streets and cheering on friends, family — and complete strangers, too.
Across the finish line (where runners 21+ were greeted by a finisher beer from Mocama Beer Company), there was a lot more fun waiting. Like food trucks with crepes and refreshing Italian ice. A local vendor marketplace. A kids’ zone with rock wall, face painting, balloon animals and more. Massages for the runners. And live music by The Band Be Easy for a little post-run dancing.
A big shout-out to everyone who participated — and helped Wildlight raise $3,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County. The volunteers who made everything run (pun intended) seamlessly. And our top men’s and women’s finishers: Eden Kendall (24:24) and Cayden Driggers (19:29) in the 5K and Marin Bograd (45:00) and Zach Wrobel (40:43) in the 10K. (Check out the full list of participants and finish times here.)
We’ve included some of our favorite pics from the day. But if you want to see more (or see what you missed), you can find more photos here and a video here.
After two years of successful races, we’d say we’re sufficiently warmed up for another Run Wild next year. Stay tuned!
The benefits of living in Nassau County
Living in Nassau County has countless benefits. And call us biased, but Wildlight is one of them. Beyond the variety of homes to fit every kind of family, we’re also proud to have a top-rated school right in the community. Read on to see why our part of Northeast Florida just might be the right move for you.
A lower cost of living
When you look at the price of a home in Nassau County vs. neighboring St. Johns County, the numbers are a welcome change. According to The Jacksonville Business Journal, the median price in Nassau County is $458K compared to St. Johns’ $510K. Meaning you can either get the same size home for less money—or get more bang for your buck. And because much of the land here is still being developed, your options for variety when searching for a new home are greater, too. (You can start your home search at Wildlight right here.)
Beaches, jobs and a small-town feel
Nassau County has been gaining popularity because it puts you close to beaches. Close to employment centers. Near the airport and activity of Jacksonville. But with a noticeably less crowded feel than some of the surrounding areas. In fact, at the end of 2023, the population of Nassau County was 102,000—about a third of St. Johns’ 327,000 residents. In other words, a little breathing room.
A great education at Wildlight
Students who live in our community get to learn in one of the best school districts in the state. The Nassau County School District is ranked #2 out of 67, thanks to high graduation rates, impressive test scores and consistent “A” ratings. Combine that with a low 16:1 average student-teacher ratio, a diverse variety of sports and extracurriculars, academically rigorous courses and a focus on incorporating the latest technology in classrooms, and you can see why kids here are set up to succeed. And if you have a child in elementary school, you’ll be happy to know that U.S. News & World Report just ranked our very own Wildlight Elementary 4th out of all the public elementary schools in Northeast Florida. Which means your kids can not only learn at one of the best schools in the area … they can walk there, too.
Interested in living in Northeast Florida? Find your new home at Wildlight from the $500s. Find your home.
Under beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures on Feb. 1, more than 50 people joined Pattillo Industrial Real Estate and the Nassau County Economic Development Board for the official announcement of the opening the Wildlight Commerce Park located at Wildworks Avenue and SR 200.
Read the full article on News-Leader here.
The next 30 years of development in Wildlight were recommended for approval by the Nassau County Planning and Zoning (P&Z) board.
Read the full article on News-Leader here.
A well-known and highly respected amphibian once said, “It’s not easy being green.” And he was right. Figuring out how to build a community that lives in balance and in close relationship with nature is a complicated, work-intensive undertaking. But is it ever worth it.
When a community is oriented around nature — protecting it and connecting to it — day-to-day life takes on a different complexion. It becomes richer. Healthier. Filled with more activity, more fresh air and more moments of quiet awe.
So that’s the kind of community we’re creating in Wildlight. Here’s how …
Sustainable by design
Long before construction began, a team of engineers and scientists worked together on a plan that would allow community and nature to thrive together. What resulted was a new pattern of community, in which neighborhoods and business districts are carefully interwoven with each other and with parks, trails and conservation land. Creating a place that both preserves nature and inspires everyone to get out and enjoy it.
Conservation gone wild
We’ve set aside roughly half of Wildlight’s overall acreage as dedicated conservation land, much of it in the 7,000-acre Wildlight Conservation Network located in the next phase of Wildlight. In Wildlight’s permanently protected wetlands and forests, native species can continue to thrive. And the expanding Wildlight Trailways network (already 10+ miles long) lets you explore these pristine expanses of Northeast Florida lowcountry nature.
All-natural water management
Nature is more than beautiful. It’s practical. It’s really good at what it does. And one of its most important jobs is capturing and purifying water. With its extensive natural forest and wetland areas, Wildlight allows rainfall to seep into the ground, slowly being cleansed as it travels down into the soil, and eventually making its way to the underground aquifer that supplies the region’s drinking water. Even the developed areas of Wildlight are designed to intelligently manage stormwater runoff and allow nature to do its thing.
Mixing it all together
It’s one thing to conserve nature. It’s another to make it readily accessible to people. The community plan for Wildlight lets us do both at the same time. Each homesite has easy connections to parks, trails and big swaths of nature for even more access to the outdoors. And by providing plenty of walking/biking paths and bringing the homes closer not only to nature but to restaurants, shops and offices, we create a community that lives more like a small town where everything is an easy stroll or bike ride away.
More nature, just around the corner
The Wildlight Conservation Network isn’t the only important new nature area we’re introducing in our next phase. We’re also creating a 13-mile-long linear park that will stretch along the bluffs of the St. Marys River. We call it the Green Ribbon. And with its 8 miles of river frontage, the park will be anchored by a variety of experiences including a publicly accessible trail that ties the park together.
Also, we can’t talk about nearby nature without mentioning the White Oak Conservation center. Located about 10 miles north of Wildlight, White Oak shares some of its heritage with our community since both places are built on land that was once part of Rayonier’s sustainable timber-growing operation. On its 17,000 acres, White Oak helps to protect and advance the understanding of dozens of endangered species including the Florida panther, the Mississippi sandhill crane and three different types of rhinoceros.
Get a little wild
If you visit Wildlight, you’re welcome to take some time exploring our Wildlight Trailways. You might spot a fox or bobcat or one of the dozens of bird species that migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. You can even experience some of the wetlands using our boardwalk trails. And all along the way, you’ll find fun, informative signs that inspire a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of all things wild and Floridian.
Download our trail map.
On March 11th, over 500 runners took their marks and got set to run in the first Run Wild 5K and Family Fun Run. Participants of all ages (from 2 to 83!) found themselves enjoying a morning of events that included everything from an exciting race course to an awesome Kids’ Zone.
Running through our trails and neighborhoods — on asphalt, gravel and boardwalks, and over wetlands and natural grass, we think it’s safe to say our racers had a great time. (Speaking of times, we want to give a shout-out to Kathryn Ches and Connor Etheridge, our top female and male finishers who finished in 21:43 and 19:26, respectively.)
Of course it wasn’t “run and done.” Racers (and spectators) also got to enjoy the food trucks, beers from SJ Brewing, and the local vendor marketplace. As for the kids? They lined up (balloon animals in hand) to ride the rides in the Kids’ Zone.
It was a good day, and we did some good, too — awarding Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida with a check for $3,000 from the race proceeds.
So, what do you say? Let’s do it again next year.
P.S. Whether you missed the Run Wild 5K (or just want to relive the memories) you can view some highlights in the video.
Actually, make that good things at The Horizon. Because Del Webb’s newest amenity, Horizon Club, is going to have everything you need to make your days even more delightful. Exclusively for use by residents of our gated Del Webb 55+ neighborhood, Horizon Club is where relaxation meets activation — and this 16,000-square-foot space has room for it all. (Even dogs get their very own park.)
Start your day with yoga on the event lawn, or soak in the sun by the resort-style pool. (Want to get a few laps in? There will be lanes for that, too.) For the fitness-minded, a fully equipped workout center will feature top-of-the-line machines, weights and equipment. And outside, pickleball and tennis courts will serve up some fun for beginners and more seasoned players alike. Green thumbs (or those striving to be) can hone their skills in the community garden. And an arts & crafts room will provide an outlet for creativity — whether your passion is painting or pottery.
There will be plenty of other spaces to gather as well — like an event ballroom for bigger get-togethers and an outdoor firepit for impromptu happy hours. Speaking of happy hours … the onsite bar and grill just might become your new favorite hangout (if, of course, you don’t want to head to Wildlight’s Village Center for a burger, tacos or sushi). And the best part? This is just the start of what Horizon Club will have.
With all this space to play, relax and meet new friends and neighbors, don’t be surprised if you feel like every day feels like a little vacation — there’s even plenty of golf cart parking.
Homes in Del Webb Wildlight start in the $300s. Located conveniently between Amelia Island and Jacksonville, the architecture captures the charm of the Florida Lowcountry. Del Webb model homes are open daily.
Mocama Wildlight to open in community’s former StoryCenter
WILDLIGHT, Fla. – January 31, 2023 – Wildlight is pleased to announce that Mocama
Beer Company will open a new satellite taproom in its mixed-use community. Occupying
2,000 square feet of space with beer taps and wine selections, the new location will
serve as a gathering place for residents of both Wildlight and greater Nassau County.
Reflecting the sophisticated, mid-century design of the historic Fernandina Beach
location, the taproom will offer ample parking along with additional outdoor space for
community events, activities and games. It is expected to open in the summer of 2023.
“From the beginning, Wildlight was created to encourage community connections
through a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, walkable trails, and dining and retail options,”
said Wes Hinton, Vice President, Wildlight. “We’re excited to offer residents a social hub
that embodies the authentic Nassau County spirit with the addition of Mocama’s
thoughtfully-designed concept.”
Mocama plans to serve its distinctive products through 12 taps, along with a curated
selection of craft beers from around the world, in a large custom bar and lounge room.
Unique to this location, an enhanced wine program offers an expanded collection from
varying regions available by the glass, bottle or to go. Outdoor seating areas will play
host to festivals, culinary events and live music ideal for families and guests of all ages.
Future plans for the taproom include the addition of Mocama Coffee.
“We hope to create a welcoming space for friends to gather and drink great beer,” said
Dan McCranie, Mocama Beer Company’s operations manager. “Our vision perfectly
aligns with the goals of Wildlight, and our new partnership allows us to serve even more
residents as we expand our Northeast Florida presence.”
About Wildlight
Wildlight is a mixed-use master-planned community inspired by a character, culture and
way of living called “Florida Lowcountry”. Approximately half of this 2,900-acre
community is devoted to green space, including parks and nature trails. The other half
features a mix of unique homes, townhomes and rental properties, as well as
businesses, shops, restaurants, schools and medical facilities, connected by trails and
walkable pathways. It is located 20 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville and Amelia
Island, just east of I-95 on A1A with easy access to Jacksonville International Airport.
Wildlight is being developed by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of
Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit
www.wildlight.com.
About Mocama Beer Company
Mocama Beer Company offers an experience curated for seekers, blending classic
design, future vision, and expert attention to detail. Finding beauty in the pursuit of
perfection, the goal is to engage the senses while creating opportunities for connection.
Founded in historic Fernandina Beach, Mocama Beer Company offers a range of beers
from lagers, stouts, and “not your average” IPAs. Mocama was designed from the
ground up to have a meaningful positive impact on our communities and the
environment.
WILDLIGHT, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2022) – PulteGroup, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, has announced plans for its newest neighborhood, Hawthorn Park, coming soon to the Wildlight community, a master-planned mixed-use development in Nassau County.
The new construction single-family home community will consist of 25 50-foot homesites and 49 bungalow-style homes with rear-loading garages. Hawthorn Park at Wildlight will embody the community’s overall Florida Lowcountry and coastal aesthetic. Development is underway and sales are anticipated to open in mid-2023.
“We are thrilled to be building on our success at Forest Park and proud to announce our next community at Wildlight, Hawthorn Park,” said Tony Nason, PulteGroup’s Northeast Florida Division President. “With Wildlight’s superb location, excellent local schools and outstanding recreation offerings combined with the value Pulte offers, we expect strong home buyer interest at Hawthorn Park.” As Wildlight’s newest neighborhood, Hawthorn Park is truly unique. Surrounded by three ponds in close proximity to the trail system, residents will have plenty of opportunities to bike, kayak and birdwatch. And although it may feel like a private sanctuary, it’s still a short bike or golf cart ride away to Wildlight’s village center with a variety of restaurants and services, including a new Publix.
“We really value our partnership with PulteGroup and are excited about the future.” said Wes Hinton, vice
president, Wildlight. “Hawthorn Park will be a unique addition to their existing Forest Park and Del Webb communities that have been so instrumental in shaping the residential landscape here at Wildlight.”
Hawthorn Park is a welcomed addition to Wildlight’s initial phase, consisting of 2,900 acres with a mix of residential homesites, multi-family apartments, an expansive town center including a new Publix, top rated schools, and UF Health and YMCA facilities already in place. Miles of trails, creative parks and amenities, and almost half of the community dedicated to green space create a healthy and vibrant environment for residents.
For information on the two additional communities at Wildlight – Forest Park at Wildlight and the popular age-restrictedDel Webb Wildlight visit www.Pulte.com/Jacksonville or call (904) 595-9180.