Read the full article from the Jacksonville Business Journal (opens in new tab).
WILDLIGHT, Fla.—Sept. 22, 2025—Wildlight, a mixed-use master-planned community in Nassau County, is launching the Garden District, a new phase that builds upon its “town in nature” vision by emphasizing natural surroundings and outdoor living. Initial homebuilders of the new Garden District will include Toll Brothers, Perry Homes, David Weekley Homes and Ashton Woods.
The new phase of development will complement the lively Town District, adding a serene, nature-centric setting where residents can enjoy a sense of escape. While the original district offers a fresh take on the classic town mix with retail and restaurants among a variety of homes, the Garden District is where the community’s Florida lowcountry concept takes root in the landscape.
“The Garden District represents the evolution of the Wildlight story, with a stronger connection to the natural environment,” said Wes Hinton, Vice President of Wildlight. “We sought out builders who not only create exceptional homes but also understand our vision for a community where nature is an integral part of daily life. This new district will provide residents and the public with unparalleled access to nature and a way of life that is truly unique to Wildlight.”
How does a community choose its lifestyle director, the person in charge of planning events that bring everybody together? Do you pick the person who’s spent the most years as a lifestyle director? Or do you look for someone who’s led an eventful life?
As you’ve probably guessed by now, we took the latter path. Elizabeth Bricknell, Wildlight’s new Community Lifestyle Director, has never held the official title of lifestyle director. But she has plenty of experience doing everything a lifestyle director does. And she gained that experience living a life filled with music, adventure, creativity and spontaneity.
Liz is originally from Canada. She lived near Lake Michigan. Then Lake Ontario. Then she headed to western Canada. Then finally made her way down to Florida. And if that feels like a wide-ranging journey, wait till you hear about her career path.
It was just a stage
Like so many animal-loving kids, Liz’s first dream was to be a veterinarian … that is, until her mom told her about some of the ickier parts of the job. “As I got older, I wanted to be a performer,” Liz says. “My passion was singing, acting and doing shows. And that’s what I went to college for.”
That’s what sent Liz into teaching. “I figured, well, if I can’t be on Broadway, I can at least inspire passion.”
As with everything Liz does, she brings all sorts of creativity to the classroom. Whether it was teaching fifth grade math. Or coaching high school theater. Or launching a “morning show” written and produced entirely by students. And she has a particular knack for working with teenagers. “It’s just about having real conversations. No judgments.”
Liz completed a four-year degree in musical theater. But then starry-eyed, Broadway-bound Liz suddenly got upstaged by sensible, simplicity-loving Liz. “Real life hits you and says, ‘Do you really want that kind of life?’ And I thought, ‘No, I don’t.’”
Great White North to Sunshine State
So what do you do if you’re living in Canada and have a love of teaching, a natural feel for planning and a taste for adventure? Well, if you’re Liz, you take a job as a teen counselor on a cruise ship based out of Miami. New job? New work environment? A whole new country? Bring it on.
And what exactly does a cruise ship teen counselor do? “I would run the teen clubs. I would take them on youth excursions. I would be their guide and leader.” Sounds a whole lot like a community lifestyle director, doesn’t it?
Working on a cruise ship is what introduced Liz to Florida. It’s also what introduced Liz to her husband Ryan, who was a trombone player in the ship’s show band.
The job she didn’t know she wanted
Eventually Liz would wind her way to Duval County School District, where she spent over a decade teaching, inspiring other teachers and planning enrichment events. Then one day as she was updating her profile on LinkedIn, she decided to see what other kinds of jobs might be out there. And she just happened to come across the description for the Wildlight Lifestyle Director.
“I didn’t even know ‘lifestyle director’ was a job,” she says. “But reading the job description, I thought, ‘This is what I already do at school. I plan events.’ It’s amazing how the universe kind of opens things for you when you’re ready.” (Btw it occurs to us that “Ready” could be Liz’s middle name.)
Expect the unexpected
Liz is now deep into planning events for 2026: “I’ve been given so much room to explore what we want to do for activities.” As Liz has gotten to know more about Wildlight’s devotion to conserving nature, she’s gotten very excited about including more environmental education. “It’s just part of Wildlight. Conservation is so important. And it’s why Wildlight is so beautiful.”
But of course, with her musical background and her unquenchable creative spirit, she’s already thinking outside the box. “I’m trying to rein myself in and not go too far too fast. But eventually I want to go there. Like, how can we combine music and kayaking? How can we do performances by the pond? There have to be so many ways we can do things that people haven’t seen before.”
Now you know why we hired her.
Things to do on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach
When you live in Wildlight, you’re just 20 minutes from the sights, sand and surf of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. And while the water is certainly a big attraction there, you’ll also find plenty of other ways to spend your day in the beach town.
Hit the links
You’ll find an impressive variety of golf courses on Amelia Island (opens in new tab), whether you’re a beginner or more seasoned player. From the prestigious Amelia River Club, with its live marshes and towering trees, to the Fernandina Beach Golf Club, where you can improve your shots (and have fun with friends) at the Toptracer-powered Lighthouse Driving Range, there are 99 holes to be played on the island. You’ve maybe even seen some of them on “best of” lists by Golf Digest and Conde Nast Traveler. And if you prefer your golf to be more of the ‘miniature’ type, there are options for that as well.
Listen to music
There’s no shortage of places to hear live music when you come to the island. Stop by the iconic Palace Saloon or the laid-back Green Turtle, both with impressive live music sets on the weekends — including Wildlight’s own Sean McCarthy (if you see him downtown, ask him to sing the “Wildlight song” for you.) Or enjoy dinner with a side of music at restaurants like Sandbar Amelia Island, Slider’s Seaside Grill, Kitchen251 or Salt Life (which all feature amazing views, too.) If you’re heading to Amelia Island without kids, consider Amelia River Cruises’ adults-only, BYOB sunset river cruise, complete with local musicians on board.
Ride on the beach
Just when you thought an Amelia Island sunrise or sunset couldn’t get more beautiful, you get the chance to experience it with a horseback ride on the beach (opens in new tab). Perfect for families or romantic proposals, if it’s not already on your bucket list, you may want to add it.
Take a tour via trolley
It just might be the best (and cutest) way to see the historic sights and landmarks on the island. From downtown Fernandina Beach to Old Town (and everywhere in between) this 1.5-hour trolley tour (opens in new tab) is like a taking a trip back in time.
Go from one island to another
Pack a picnic and hop on a boat tour to Cumberland Island (opens in new tab). Offered seven days a week, you can choose your own adventure, from a narrated sightseeing ride to a sunset cruise with live music. Explore the island and keep your eyes out for dolphins, sea turtles … and the main awe-inspiring attraction, wild horses. And speaking of animals, the cruises are pet-friendly, so your furry family members are welcome.
Support local artists
You’ll find plenty of art galleries on Amelia Island, with local artists displaying and selling everything from paintings to pottery. A few to note: Blue Door Artists (opens in new tab), Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery (opens in new tab) and the Island Art Association (opens in new tab) — which also offers classes and workshops for kids and adults.
Shop, eat, repeat
If you just want to browse (or grab a brew), Downtown Amelia Island (opens in new tab) offers plenty of stores, coffee shops and restaurants. You don’t even need to know what you’re looking for … because chances are very good that you’ll find something you didn’t even know you needed.
Live near it all
Your perfect home is waiting at Wildlight. And the sooner you move in, the sooner you’ll be able to spend your days just 20 minutes away on Amelia Island.
Photo source: Amelia Island (opens in new tab)
So you’ve heard the news, right? That would be the news about what’s coming to Wildlight — a whole other side of the community, immersed in nature and connected to the St. Marys River. (If you haven’t heard, you should hit pause on this story and take a few minutes to watch the video (opens in new tab).)
Ok, so if you know that story or at least watched the vid, you know the other side of Wildlight will begin with a place called the Garden District, which will include a variety of neighborhoods, miles of trails and acres upon acres of parks and pure unadulterated nature. And at this point you may be asking yourself a couple questions. Beginning with: exactly what is Wildlight growing into?
In short, Wildlight is becoming a town. That means more than just homes. It means the full spectrum of community. Workplaces. A grocery store. Schools and daycare centers. Banks and boutiques and burger joints. And what that adds up to is a place where you can walk or bike more and drive less. A place that lives like a small town because it is a small town.
Maybe another question is: if the new part of Wildlight is called the Garden District, then what is the existing part of Wildlight called?
Well, we started with the piece of Wildlight that will contain most of the community’s offices, shops and restaurants. It also includes plenty of neighborhoods where you can buy a lovely new home. But because of the businesses that are here and the businesses that are coming, you can think of this first part of Wildlight as the downtown of the community. So, we’re calling it the Town District.
And finally: will Wildlight add more districts after the Garden District?
Yes, over the coming years and decades, Wildlight will continue to grow. And the beautiful thing about Wildlight is how it’s been designed to become even more diverse and interesting as it grows. So at every stage, it will have so much to offer and yet so much more to look forward to.
In the Florida Lowcountry, the holiday season is a blend of coastal charm and traditional Southern hospitality. Where palm trees dressed in twinkling lights illuminate the warm December nights. And a variety of festive gatherings reflect the spirit of the coast. Here are just a few of the ways you can connect with family and friends near Wildlight.
Wildlight’s Winterfest
Head to Winterfest (opens in new tab) on December 7th from 2–5 pm, when Tinker Street will fill with holiday cheer. We’ll have festive crafts, local food trucks. Horse-drawn carriage rides. And the magic of honest-to-goodness snow (yes, really). VIP guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance. And since it’s the season of giving, we invite attendees to bring donations of arts and crafts supplies for Micah’s Place (opens in new tab).
Festive Tree Lightings
If you love seeing a giant tree come to life with holiday lights, you’re in luck. Because there are two near Wildlight. One right across the street from our community, at the Nassau County Courthouse (opens in new tab) — held this year on December 6th, and featuring food trucks, a holiday vendor market, photo ops with Santa and more. And The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s grand tree lighting (opens in new tab) on November 27th — a 25-year tradition that includes the lighting of a 40-foot tree, live holiday music, fireworks, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Parades (Two Ways)
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a Christmas parade, and there are two we think are especially worth noting. Fernandina Beach’s Lighted Christmas Parade (opens in new tab) (December 7th) will be a spectacular sight, with Illuminated floats, local marching bands, and community groups parading through downtown. And if you’re looking for a furrier festivity, the Parade of Paws (opens in new tab) at Fernandina Beach (December 14th) features four-legged friends to prance through Fernandina Beach in their best holiday attire, vying for prizes in different categories — you can even register to participate!
Hey Santa
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers a lineup of enchanting Santa experiences at all times of the day. Start the morning at Breakfast with Santa (opens in new tab). Attend Santa’s Storybook Tea (opens in new tab), where you can gather to hear holiday tales and enjoy treats. Or make reservations for Santa’s Magical Dinner (opens in new tab), where kids can share their holiday wishes over a delicious meal.
Dickens on Centre
Step back in time with the Dickens on Centre (opens in new tab) festival from December 12-15, where the streets of Fernandina Beach transform into a scene from a Charles Dickens novel. Expect carolers in Victorian dress, vibrant market stalls, and delicious holiday treats — all in an atmosphere that feels like Christmas from another era.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
New Year’s Eve in the Florida Lowcountry has a charm all its own, especially with Amelia Island’s family-friendly Shrimp Drop (opens in new tab) on Fernandina Beach’s waterfront. The highlight? When the giant illuminated shrimp drops, followed by fireworks lighting up the sky. And don’t worry — the event is coordinated with Greenwich Mean Time, which means “midnight” will actually be at 7pm!
Rockin’ Around the Neighborhood
Drive or stroll through Wildlight and you’ll see a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations as residents go all out to compete in the beloved Deck Your Porch contest — decking their homes with everything from classic holiday lights to imaginative displays. For those lucky enough to call Wildlight home, there’s even more holiday fun to be had, with exclusive events planned by our Lifestyle Director.
Happy Holidays from Wildlight
Celebrating the season in the heart of the Florida Lowcountry is a unique blend of coastal charm, warm hospitality, and vibrant community spirit. And when you live at Wildlight, you’re in the heart of this holiday magic. Enjoy every festive minute of it.
At Wildlight, we believe in building more than just homes — we believe in creating a community where neighbors support neighbors, and we show our appreciation to our dedicated and hardworking military service members, teachers, nurses, firefighters, EMS workers and law enforcement officers.
As a small way to show our gratitude for your selfless service, our builder and rental partners are offering special incentives* designed to make your journey toward finding a home in Wildlight a little easier.
Pulte Homes and Del Webb
The 2024 Hometown Heroes program from Pulte Homes and Del Webb offers a $2,000 incentive that can be used at their design center when you purchase a Pulte Homes bungalow or Del Webb home. Active teachers, nurses, EMS, police and firefighters are eligible, as well as active duty and retired military. See full details at DelWebb.com/Jacksonville.
Riverside Homes
Purchase a Riverside Homes residence, and take advantage of preferred lender incentives — including loan rate pricing that is lower than conventional rates.
Exchange at Wildlight
For the month of November 2024, the Exchange at Wildlight is offering waived application and administrative fees for active duty military and veterans.
The Lofts at Wildlight
Firefighters, educators, healthcare workers, law enforcement, childcare employees and military personnel receive 3% off their monthly rent (rates subject to change – waived application and administration fees for military personnel).
Hamlet Wildlight
Members of the military receive half off their application and administrative fees and up to $1,000 off move-in cost for the month of November 2024.
Wildlight YMCA
To offer support and help military families navigate unique challenges, the Wildlight Y provides discounted memberships, camp programs and a Military Back-to-School bash with free school supplies to members of our armed forces.
Whether you’re looking to buy a home, rent, or find programs that support your family, Wildlight has options tailored just for you. We are proud to support you as you continue making a difference in the lives of others, and we can’t wait to welcome you home.
*The incentives mentioned in this blog are offered by individual builders, rental partners, and neighborhood partners, and are subject to their own terms and conditions. Wildlight is not responsible for the availability, modification, or fulfillment of these incentives. Please contact the respective providers directly for further details and eligibility requirements.
Morning coffee on mom’s porch. A bike ride to baking cookies at grandma’s. A trail hike with Papa. And … let’s talk about a biggie … free babysitters, right in the neighborhood. When the whole family lives at Wildlight, everyone can find the home, along with community events and amenities, that best suits their needs. Along with the best feature of all — relatives right down the street.
Your closest relatives, close by
There’s something special about being just a short walk or bike ride away from family. No need to schedule a family dinner weeks in advance. No rushing through weekend visits. No long drives or fighting traffic. Here, grandparents are close enough to attend every school program — or meet up for an impromptu ice cream cone down in the Village Center (opens in new tab). At Wildlight, spontaneous family time is the norm, not the exception. And when you’re just blocks (or a trail) away from one another, the physical proximity can make you feel that much closer. It’s like you’re all living under the same roof … but with the perfect amount of breathing room.
Gathering spots that feel like home
When you live at Wildlight, the community itself feels like an extension of your home. Planning a big family picnic? Head to one of our parks (opens in new tab). Don’t feel like cooking? Meet up at one of the restaurants. Love trivia? Mocama hosts weekly themed trivia nights (opens in new tab). There’s no shortage of places throughout the neighborhood where you can enjoy the company of those who matter most. (And even get a side of fries or craft beer while you’re at it.)
And then there’s the year-round events (opens in new tab) that provide more ways to play. Do a family 5K or 10K at the annual Run Wild race (opens in new tab). Check out the weekend market place (opens in new tab). Even play in the snow (yes, snow) at Winterfest. There’s always something going on here, which means making plans (and memories) just got easier.
Yep, there’s a club for that
Okay, so you can’t spend ALL your time with family. Which is why there are lots of ways to meet your neighbors, too. Whether you’re into games or gardening, books or cooking, there’s a club for almost every interest. Get together for Bunco night. Get in on the pickleball craze. Stay fit while making friends (and exploring the trails of Wildlight (opens in new tab)) with the Run/Walk club (opens in new tab). If you have a hobby, there’s probably a club for it. (And if there’s not, well, we’d love for you to start one!)
So where will everyone live?
At Wildlight, it’s easy to find a home that fits your needs. Families with kids love Riverside Homes (opens in new tab) single-family homes — with plenty of space to grow, and an easy walk or bike ride to Wildlight Elementary. Dostie Homes’ (opens in new tab) Village Homes are modern and stylish — and low-maintenance. The new Pulte Homes (opens in new tab) bungalows in Hawthorn Park are perfect for those just starting out, or empty nesters who are settling down. And if you’re 55+, Del Webb Wildlight (opens in new tab) is a gated community with its own exclusive amenity clubhouse (opens in new tab) that offers everything from a pool to a fitness center to a craft room to a bar & grill. In other words, everyone gets the home that suits their life, but they’re all still just a hop, skip or jump (or bike ride) away from each other.
Coming late 2025, fresh home designs (including single-family homes and townhomes) from Pulte Homes and David Weekley Homes will be coming to our newest neighborhood, Westerly Park (opens in new tab). Stay tuned!
Healthcare and wellness just around the corner
One of the perks of living in Wildlight is that your health and wellness needs can be handled right in the community. UF Health Wildlight (opens in new tab) is right in the neighborhood, making doctor’s and physical rehabilitation appointments easy. The Wildlight YMCA (opens in new tab) has everything from fitness classes and equipment to an indoor running track to keep you moving. There’s a dance studio to help kids get some creative energy out. And when it’s tooth-cleaning time, Family Dental at Wildlight can take of your smile.
For the school-aged family members
At Wildlight, a great education (opens in new tab) is a given. Kids can start out at St. Clare Early Learning Center or KinderCare, both ready to help get them prepared for school. And then it’s on to Wildlight Elementary (opens in new tab) — a top-rated school right in our community. Carpooling just got that much easier.
A whole new kind of family friendly
No matter how big your family, or how old its members, everyone has a place here at Wildlight. We can’t wait to help you find it. (All of you.)
Find Your Home (opens in new tab)
Wildlight is a town in nature. And while a whole other blog could be spent talking about the ‘town’ part — from the go-to restaurants to the must-have conveniences (opens in new tab) — this blog will be spent on the ‘nature.’ Because, there is oh-so-much of it.
Here’s a little peek into our parks.
Coin Toss Park
Wildlight’s newest park is now open. And no matter how you toss this coin, it always comes up fun. It’s the place to be if you want to play pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball. Let the dog run off leash and the kids climb on the play structures. Or relax by the water. This fenced-off park is a residents-only spot, which means chances are good you just might run into a neighbor there.
Whistling Duck Pond
Like to kayak? How about paddleboard? Or, if you’d rather stay near the water, rather than on it, how about reading a book by the shore, walking around the pond, or enjoying a picnic on the lawn? Whistling Duck Pond is the biggest water feature in our community, providing plenty of opportunities to rest, relax and reap the benefits of finding yourself in nature.
Four O’Clock Park
The hammocks say it all. This is a place to hang out, any time of day (don’t let the name fool you). Of course, we know that some people prefer active fun over the passive kind. So working out on the outdoor fitness equipment is always a good idea. (Don’t worry, you can relax by the pond after.)
Waterbug Park
Hear the phrase “community park” and one like Waterbug Park probably comes to mind. It has the pool. The kids’ playground. The cornhole and bocce ball and ping pong. In other words, Waterbug Park has it all. It’s a cool place to hang out on hot days. And an awesome way to meet your neighbors. Get ready, get set, and go have some water-filled fun.
Can’t wait to get out into the great outdoors? Visit these parks, or head out onto one of the trails that connect them to our neighborhoods and village center. Welcome to nature, the Wildlight way.
The kids are out of school — and full of energy. Good thing we know where they can get some of it out of their systems. The YMCA at Wildlight (opens in new tab) has programs and services for everyone to participate in.
Summer Camps
One of the most popular is the camps (opens in new tab) for kids ages 5–12. The YMCA has a wide range, including half-day specialty camps (opens in new tab) and full-day options — all offering the opportunity to learn new skills, find new hobbies and make new friends. The Y also offers swim lessons and swim tests (opens in new tab) for kids and adults alike. Active duty military? The Wildlight Y has a camp for kids of active-duty members through their Operation Hero (opens in new tab) program.
Sports Programs
The YMCA fun goes beyond camps. The Y has youth sports (opens in new tab) programs to get the kids moving, with youth basketball at the McArthur Family YMCA (opens in new tab), and flag football and soccer at the YMCA at Wildlight. These leagues are another great way for kids to build camaraderie with their peers and develop friendships that will last beyond even the summer. (And the games are fun to watch, too!) And teens don’t need to feel left out of the fun. There are awesome opportunities to be camp counselors. (Just ask Autumn Franks (opens in new tab).)
Fun for All Ages
The YMCA at Wildlight also has opportunities for the entire family to get out of the house, like the Families Unplugged (opens in new tab) series. It’s a chance to unplug and connect outside the house, without technology. (Kids not on phones … remember what that’s like?) And if you want to have a date night, Parent’s Night Out (opens in new tab) lets you go out together, and know that the kids are safe and staying occupied, having fun with games and arts & crafts.
It’s going to be a busy summer, and thanks to the Y, boredom won’t be a thing. Interested in becoming a member or learning more about the programs and services they offer? Stop by the Wildlight Y in person (it’s right in the community!), or visit online at fcymca.org (opens in new tab).
The Horizon Club at Del Webb Wildlight is now open. And it has everything residents of the 55+ neighborhood could want to make their days feel more delightful. In fact, you could say that 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.)
Here, you can 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 are lanes for that, too.) For the fitness-minded, a fully equipped workout center features top-of-the-line machines, weights and equipment. And outside, pickleball and tennis courts serve up 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 provides an outlet for creativity — whether your passion is painting or pottery.
Consider yourself a social type? There are plenty of 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 (opens in new tab) for a burger, tacos or sushi).
With all this space to play, relax and meet new friends and neighbors, don’t be surprised if spending time at Horizon Club 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.
