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.
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, 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. 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 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. 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, Plantation Artists’ Guild & Gallery and the Island Art Association — 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 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
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!
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.)
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.
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!
Finding a new job is hard. But finding a home that’s the right fit for your family can be even more daunting. Add moving to a new city or state to the list. Now that’s a doozy.
With help from Find Your JAX, newcomers and locals alike can find their forever home right here in Northeast Florida. But let’s say you want information from actual residents in a community you’re eyeing – like the Dugan family who live in Wildlight to be exact. We have the perfect video for you.
Why Wildlight?
“It’s a very convenient, comfortable and tranquil place to call home.” – Dugan Family
Convenience
Not only does Wildlight offer an abundance of fresh restaurants and charming retail stores, it’s conveniently located by the robust job market found in Jacksonville. Did we mention that Jacksonville has the #2 trending job market in the U.S.? And let’s not forget that Wildlight is just minutes away from I-95 and I-10 making your commute to and from work a breeze.
Having the #4 rated public elementary school in the state of Florida, Wildlight Elementary School, right in our backyard (literally) is another major perk of our community. Parents can drop their A+ students off on a golf cart or walk them in on a trail. Students also get to enjoy nature during the school day at their outdoor learning center – connecting them back to what Wildlight is all about.
Comfortable
Nothing feels better than coming home to a community that you are safe and comfortable in. Especially when you have a family-focused lifestyle. With five community events and counting, Wildlight is the ideal place to come together with the ones you love. From mornings spent at the Wildlight Market Place, to our very own Run Wild 5k & 10k race, there’s something for every member of the family no matter what the season may be.
Wildlight is a place where everyday feels like vacation, especially with events, family and friends all around the corner. It makes life more comfortable knowing everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Tranquility
Imagine having easy access to 12+ miles of trails and parks with ample green space. That could be your Wildlight reality. We like to call our trailways our main amenities, because after all, who doesn’t love connecting with nature after a busy day? Whether you’re a biker or a hiker, Wildlight has the trails to take on any adventure.
Then there are the parks. We could go on and on about how wild we are about them (check out this article). With four parks here in Wildlight that range from family pools to playgrounds and ponds for fishing, there is always something to see, explore, and experience. There’s recreational equipment for the workout kind and hammocks for the leisure ones.
Calling Wildlight Home
It’s safe to say that Wildlight is the ideal place for convenience, comfortability, and tranquility. If you’re new to Northeast Florida or a local looking for a fresh adventure, add Wildlight to the top of the list.
But don’t just take our word or the Dugan’s family for it. Stop by for a visit and see what Wildlight is all about.
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 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.
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 — 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 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 (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 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. Attend Santa’s Storybook Tea, where you can gather to hear holiday tales and enjoy treats. Or make reservations for Santa’s Magical Dinner, where kids can share their holiday wishes over a delicious meal.
Dickens on Centre
Step back in time with the Dickens on Centre 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 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.
The Nassau County Economic Development Board honored its partners October 24th at its annual reception at Mocama Wildlight Taproom, it announced in a news release. Rayonier was recognized as The Regional Economic Impact Award honoree.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Plans are advancing for Wildlight’s Westerly Park residential community in Northeast Florida.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
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.