Wildlight is known for being a “Town in Nature.” But what does that really mean? Is Wildlight truly surrounded by 1,200 acres of preserved land? Is it normal to see wildlife right in your backyard? Should you document those encounters? The short and simple answer to all of these questions is “yes.” Fortunately, Wildlight offers residents environmental sessions called “BioBlitzes” in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). These engaging classes teach both kids and adults how to identify and survey animal, insect, and plant species throughout our community.
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz gives people of all ages the opportunity to learn about and properly document the natural environment around them. These sessions provide continuing education for anyone interested in the importance of conservation areas like those found throughout Wildlight. They also cover the measures communities take to keep residential green spaces both sustainable and beautiful—and how we can all work together to help maintain them for generations to come.
As one of Wildlight’s trusted sustainability partners, UF/IFAS facilitated the session with a short class on pollinators (supported by their extensive pollinator research), how to classify and document them using apps like iNaturalist, and what steps to take if a plant is identified as invasive.
It’s important to remember that not everything growing in our Wildlight yards belongs there (looking at you, weeds).
Let the discovery begin
With a lively group of homeschool families and curious onlookers, the scavenger hunt began at Pioneer Park—a favorite spot for critters cooling off by the pond. Down at the water’s edge, participants were encouraged to search for wildlife. Some spotted Island Apple Snails, while others discovered the soft purple blooms of Muhly Grass and the bright yellow Lavender Tickseed. Not sure what these look like? No sweat! Visit the Wildlight iNaturalist page to see these discoveries and more than 1,758 other nature observations. Wildlife is truly all around us here.
Although many participants had never heard of a BioBlitz before, they quickly became immersed in the experience and loved learning more about the place they call home. For 90% of the crowd, this was their first BioBlitz—but by the end, they were all iNaturalist pros and enthusiastic nature explorers.
More to come (and explore)
With 1,200 acres of conserved natural space, Wildlight offers countless places to explore, learn from, and protect. And that means more BioBlitz sessions are on the horizon. We’re planning seasonal classes, each dedicated to a unique spot within Wildlight and highlighting what makes it special. Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming dates and be sure to reserve your spot.
A little birdie once said “a video is worth a thousand words,” so please enjoy this short clip put together by Marice Nazzaro, from our very first Wildlight BioBlitz.
The Wildlight mixed-use development continues to grow its retail side to serve its expanding Nassau County residential footprint.
Read the full article from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Ten years ago, driving through Nassau County most likely meant a long stretch of pine forest and “just passing through.”
Few thought of this area as a destination until the first shovel turned over the dirt of what would become Wildlight.
Read the full article from The Florida Times-Union.
Turn on the alarm clocks, the lazy days of summer are winding down and a new school year is right around the corner. Bookbags are being packed. Pencils sharpened. First-day outfits picked out. The anticipation of brand new possibilities of a new school year are fresh in the air.
Need a little help turning off summer mode and switching on the school-day routine? We’ve got you. Here’s how families at Wildlight are gearing up for the 2025-2026 year ahead.
A+ Education, Just Steps from Home
At Wildlight, learning is woven into everyday life. We’re proud to be located in the A-rated Nassau County School District— ranked #1 in all of Florida. Talk about an A+ win for the community.
Right here in Wildlight, our very own Trailblazers walk and bike on the 12+ miles of trails to Wildlight Elementary School. That means drop-off and pick-up are much easier. Parents appreciate the low teacher-to-student ratio. And kids love the playground and outdoor learning center that brings the nature part of our Town in Nature into their curriculum.
Have a little one that’s not quite ready for elementary school? There’s two early learning centers in the community where curiosity leads the way. They’ll spend their days learning through play and exploring, adding educational fun into their schedules.
Start School in Style
A fresh school year means new friends, a new teacher and… new school supplies! Thanks to the Nassau County School District, all supply lists can be found on their handy website. Just filter for your school, print your list and head out to stores to find the supplies that match your personality, hobby or favorite color. And here’s a tip— the annual Back-to-School Tax Free holiday runs all of August. You’re welcome, parents!
And if your student wants to wait until the first bell rings to pick out that perfect folder or pencil pouch, we’ve got you covered. Back-to-Schoolapalooza returns to Tinker Street on Saturday, August 16th. There’ll be a foam party, custom water bottle stations, and plenty of chances to make this year feel extra special. The Wildlight YMCA and UF Health Wildlight will also be there helping families prepare for a healthy and happy season ahead.
Have a few extra notebooks or crayons laying around the house? We’ll be collecting school supplies for Wildlight Elementary School classrooms. Look for the yellow donation bins!
So long, summer
Want to spend a few extra days out in nature before the school doors open? No problem. There’s still time for one last splash or two before the school routine kicks in. With four parks in the community, every parent and kiddo has something to look forward to. Like competitive pickleball games at Coin Toss Park to lounging at Waterbug Pool or kayaking Whistling Duck Pond. Which leads to our next question, does school really have to start?
Although the long days spent in the great outdoors are coming to an end, there’s always a reason to celebrate in Wildlight. After a long day of back to school shopping or even the first day of school, grab a sweet treat at Rita’s Ice at the Crossings at Wildlight. With a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, it’s the perfect way to erase the first day jitters.
And parents, make sure to treat yourself too. Stop by Foxtail Coffee for a caffeinating cup of coffee after drop off or Bohemian Bull for enticing beer on the weekend. You deserve it.
Make it a great year
Whether you’re sending your little one off for the first time or watching your senior enjoy their last “first day,” we’re cheering you on. Here’s to a year of bright possibilities, endless high-fives, and lots of gold stars. Go Wildlight Trailblazers!
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The Nassau County School District made history in the 2024-2025 school year.
Based on the latest rankings released by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), Nassau County was ranked the number one school district in Florida, earning an “A” rating for every single school in the district.
Read the full article at News 4 Jax.
The first phase of the park in Nassau County includes two speculative buildings totaling 217,000 square feet.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Wildlight Commerce Park in Nassau County continues to move ahead with three buildings, totaling 255,100 square feet of space.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
If there’s one sign that this year is flying by, it’s this—summer break is finally here! And in our eyes (and let’s be real, every school age kid’s too), it’s the best time of the year. Time to bust out the fresh pool towels, slip into colorful bathing suits and make use of that vacation time that’s begging to be spent on a sunny beach in Northeast Florida.
But before we dive headfirst into those carefree, sun-soaked days, we know a little structure can go a long way—especially when the kiddos are home. That’s where Wildlight’s summer camps and classes come in. They’re kicking off soon, and we’re here to help you plan a break that’s packed with fun and keeps the routine in check.
Wildlight YMCA
Sure, the Wildlight YMCA is known for their entertaining workout classes, numerous youth sport programs and military outreach. But have you heard about their Summer Youth Day Camp? Let’s just say—this isn’t your typical “in-the-woods” camp experience. Campers aged 5-12 years old have the opportunity to connect with old and new best buds, explore activities from STEM to character development all the way down to swimming all summer long. And that’s just the beginning! Every two weeks brings a brand-new theme that encourages confidence, skill-building, and creativity, giving campers tools they can take with them into the school year and beyond.
Sound like Summer Youth Day Camp is the perfect solution to keep your little one(s) engaged and busy over the break? Sign up now. But hurry, there are only a few spots left! We know they’ll have a blast and bring home stories they’ll be excited to share (nonstop, probably!).
But what if camp isn’t their thing? No worries—the Wildlight YMCA offers tumbling and karate classes all season long. They’ll learn to flip and chop their way through summer in no time.
Dance and Music Classes
It’s pretty RAD to have a dance company in Wildlight—especially, when it’s the Royal Amelia Dance Academy. Even better? Half day camps are being offered in June. During the month, your tiny dancer(s) aged 4-12 can try hiphop, acro, and cheer. Have a sibling that also wants to get in on the fun? Sibling discounts are available, too. So here’s your cue— twirl, don’t run, to reserve their spot!
Got a music lover at home? Amelia Music Studio is hosting a 4 to 8-year-old Tiny Treble Makers class during the heart of summer in June & July. This class will introduce students to the magic of music, exploring different genres and instrument families—all while having the best time. Registration is now open!
Summer in Wildlight is just heating up and we can’t wait to be a part of your summertime family fun. Whether it’s spent socializing at day camp, in a hip dance class, or singing your heart out, we’re glad you’re here. Here’s to a wonderful and happy summer in our Town District!
The growing coffee chain started brewing May 5 and the tavern opened April 17.
Read the full article on Jacksonville Daily Record.
March 8th wasn’t a typical morning. It was a race day, feel good, do even better for the Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County Foundation type of morning.
To get us on our marks, let’s begin at the start line on Tinker Street. Where participants were ready to put their 5K & 10K training to the test. But before the cannon could signify the start, we took time to bring up our dear friends from the Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County Foundation. With the help of our participants and race-day sponsors, we were able to raise $5,000 to help drive their mission to provide after-school and summer programs which benefit the community’s youth in our area. Talk about a win!
Once the race began, runners got the VIP tour of the Wildlight trailways and neighborhoods while on the race course. And family and friends had the chance to cheer on their favorite racers as they passed by. To put a little bit more pep in their step, local singer Michael McDaniels gave the runners some almost-to-the-finish-line inspiration through his encouraging tunes and downright good vocals.
Back on Tinker Street, the fun was just getting started. Onlookers enjoyed classic hits sung by The Honey Badgers (we even saw some dancing), fresh eats from three local food trucks and a vendor village that had just about something for everyone. Even the kids had a dedicated area to play in, including a rock wall, balloon artist and face painter. And all runners (age 21 and up) were greeted with a refreshing beer from Mocama Beer Company Wildlight and a completion medal when they hit the finish line.
It takes a village to host Run Wild and it wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors and volunteers who made the day go off in a flawless stride. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to hit a new Run Wild personal record with over 1,000 participants.
Weren’t able to attend (or just want to learn more)? View the full list of the race results here and see if you made it into any of the race day photos here.
We can’t wait to see what other PR’s we’ll hit in 2026!
View the Run Wild 2025 sizzle here!
