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.
Read the full article from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
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.
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.
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!
