The New Year is a perfect time for big plans, living better and a happier you. Even little changes in your activities and your perspective can make a major difference in the coming months. That’s exactly the kind of thinking that Wildlight was built around, and wherever you are in 2020, we’ve got a few ideas for resolutions to make the year ahead a great one.
Spend More Time Outdoors
The outdoors rejuvenate the soul. The fresh air and open spaces let you breathe, relax or just have some fun. Whether it’s hiking a nature trail, visiting the local park or a fun-filled day at the community pool, it makes an impact on your mood and well-being. So, carve out some time to escape those four walls and enjoy what outside has to offer.
Make New Friends
New faces. New ideas. Meeting new people is the best! A friendly wave and “hello” is an easy start and might just kick of a great conversation or a lifelong friendship. So, if you’re sitting on your front porch and see a new passerby, why not say hello? Or if you’re at the store, at a party or just out and about, make a point to meet and greet new people, and you never know who you might find!
Get More Exercise
This is kind of a classic, but working out more never hurts, and there are great ways to make it fun. Walk with a friend, join a biking group or get out on the water for some kayaking or paddle boarding. Think of it less like a workout and more like playing with health benefits. Before long, you’ll wonder why exercise wasn’t a regular part of your routine.
Play More and Stress Less
Speaking of playing, having fun in 2020 is a great way to reduce stress. From the workplace, home, finances and other sources, stress affects all of us to some extent, and too much can have serious health consequences. So be sure to schedule some downtime this year. Go out with friends, take yourself on a shopping spree downtown, or find a new event or class to try out. A community like Wildlight is built for residents to live and play, but you can make your own fun anywhere. And in doing so, you’ll be making an even better 2020.
Happy New Year!
“Is this farm-to-table?” “Are the ingredients locally sourced?” “Are these artisan-made accessories?” These days knowing where an item comes from — or how it’s made — is a big part of your purchase decision. And buying a home shouldn’t be any different. Partnerships with the most trusted builders in Northeast Florida, boasting more than a century of combined home-building experience, mean you get a quality home you can feel good about.
D.S. Ware Homes
The team at D.S. Ware Homes has been building homes and making customers for life for more than three decades. With repeated recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for their customer satisfaction and warranties, D.S. Ware’s commitment to a home goes far beyond when the last nail is hammered. Founder Donnie Ware sums it up best: “A home is the single most important purchase people will make in their lifetime and it has to be right, every time.” And that’s a philosophy they build every home with.
Dream Finders Homes
Within three years of opening, Dream Finders Homes was recognized as the “#1 Fastest Growing Private Company in Jacksonville” by The Jacksonville Business Journal, and with good reason. With an eye to the future of homebuilding, Dream Finders Homes is designing eye-catching and inviting homes. Their unique designs and commitment to superior quality materials have earned them more than 20 Parade of Home Awards from the Northeast Florida Builders Association.
Dostie Homes
With six decades and three generations of homebuilders, you might expect Dostie Homes to take it easy. But they’re still exceeding expectations, receiving the “2018 Northeast Florida Builder of the Year” award from the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Brothers Rick and Chris Dostie carry on the family’s legacy of quality homebuilding, leading a team of innovative professionals to deliver timeless luxury homes.
Labor Day can be a little bittersweet, as holidays go. Of course, it marks the unofficial end of summer, but you also get to kick back for a long weekend. At Wildlight, the warm days don’t end with the arrival of September, but with school starting up and work schedules coming off vacation time, Labor Day is still a great excuse to celebrate with friends and family with summertime traditions.
Throw a Neighborhood Barbecue
Break out the charcoal and gather at a local park &ndash or someone’s backyard &ndash and share good times over burgers, hot dogs, salads and more. It doesn’t take much to make a memorable party this way, the outdoor environment and simple pleasures are a perfect recipe for happy memories. Of course, if you really want to celebrate Lowcountry style, check out the next recommendation…
Do a Lowcountry Boil
If barbecue is quintessential Americana, a Lowcountry boil is the local flavor. Friends and neighbors gathering around for fresh seafood, sharing the day and filling their plates is a tradition that can’t be matched. Be advised: the delicious smell may attract folks from the block who you haven’t met before, but that’s how new friends are made! For more tips on a Lowcountry boil, you can check out this blog post.
Make a Splash
With kids going back to school, they’ll love an opportunity to dive into the water for some aquatic action! The beach is a perfect place to gather and have fun before it’s time to get back into the workday or schoolday routine. From Wildlight, the beach and all its excitement are just half an hour away on Amelia Island. Take the long weekend as a chance to get wet, soak up the sun and make memories.
Spend Time with Family
It’s easy to get caught up in our schedules &ndash whether it’s a job, a project to work on or after-school activities. Labor Day is a time to put on the brakes and focus on those closest to you. Instead of big plans, you can just make time together as a family, to enjoy some outdoor activities, cook together, or just relax. When life gets busy again, you’ll be glad you took the time to be together.
Our community is built for gathering and celebrating together, and Labor Day is a wonderful time to do just that. Take the long weekend to stop worrying about work and just enjoy the company of those closest to you, to socialize with your favorite people, and maybe make some new friends, too!
The Floco Festival 5K and Fun Run is just a few weeks away at Wildlight, and we look forward to seeing community members, runners and all our guests who participate. Running can seem like an intense or intimidating activity to take up, but here are four tips to keep you motivated:
1. Start Your Day With a Run
It’s easy to begin the day with good intentions of taking a run, but then unexpected events get in the way, or you just run out of energy or interest. In addition, a late run can actually hinder your sleep habits, as the endorphins you produce from running keep you awake at night. Instead, get ahead of any conflicts and put those endorphins to good use with a morning run — it can actually make you more productive as you use that positive energy to do more throughout your day.*
2. Get a Running Partner or Group
Having someone to run with helps keep you accountable. It’s tougher to skip out on your daily run when you have to cancel on someone else. A running group also provides a social aspect to running that can enhance your enjoyment. Choose wisely, though, you want to find a partner or group with a similar pace to yours, or maybe a little faster if you’re looking to improve your running times.
3. Find the Right Shoes
The right running shoe doesn’t need to break the bank, but finding the right fit and support can save you a lot of discomfort in your feet, legs and back. Your best bet is to go to a running store and work with a professional to find the right style of shoe for your needs. Most stores these days have advance equipment to track things like the size and shape of your foot, and how your foot contacts the ground, to help find complementary footwear.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
This is good advice even if you don’t run, but its exceptionally important to maintain your water intake if you’re running. Water will help prevent cramping, so you don’t wreck a potential personal-best run. And drinking after your run will help replenish fluids you sweat out on the road, track or path. For long-distance runs, consider a running belt or even a hydration pack to keep water in easy reach.
Hopefully these tips help you hit the ground running. If you’re at the Floco Festival and join in the 5K or fun run, share your pictures and experiences with us here in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter. We’ll be here to cheer you on!
* https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20814665/12-habits-to-keep-up-your-running-motivation/
A resident of urban Brunswick, Georgia by way of Southern California, Felicia Adams had one key requirement for her next move: a sense of community. After learning about Wildlight through her realtor, Felicia quickly fell in love with the FLOCO lifestyle.
“I appreciated that everything was being consciously built,” Felicia said. She pictured herself exploring the walking trails, meeting neighbors at the shops and restaurants and enjoying sunny days and special events to be held throughout the community.
In addition to all the opportunities for play, Felicia saw Wildlight as the perfect setting for her work life, as well. She selected a floor plan with space for the home office she’s always wanted and was thrilled to be so close to the airport for her frequent business travel.
Since moving in, Felicia has enjoyed her role as Wildlight’s pioneer. She has welcomed a few families to the neighborhood and is excitedly watching new homes being built around her.
“With the school in session and some neighbors moving in, it already feels like a community,” Felicia said. “But I’m looking forward to sharing Wildlight with more new neighbors.”
WILDLIGHT, FL – July 26, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Jacksonville-based Dostie Homes has been selected as the third residential homebuilder in Wildlight, the new town being developed in Nassau County. Dostie Homes will build the community’s first townhomes near Wildlight Village along with single family homes.
(more…)A seafood boil isn’t unique to the Florida Lowcountry or even to the south. Folks from Maine to Louisiana have been celebrating family, friends and good food for decades, and even the west coast has its own spin on the tradition. But there is something about being outside on a sunny day in Florida, enjoying a dish of fresh shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes and onions with family and neighbors around that truly feels like it belongs right here in the Lowcountry.
The tradition of getting together, sharing food and time and memories is as true to this region as sitting on your front porch at sunset, waving to and chatting with your neighbors. If you have the opportunity to attend a Lowcountry boil or want to try to capture the experience wherever you are, here are a few tips to make the most of this grand get-together.
• Fresh is best. A good boil is all about the ingredients, especially the seafood. Down here, a boil will use shrimp caught that day (or that hour!). If you have a local seafood market, we recommend stopping by and getting a heaping portion of shrimp or your shellfish of choice there.
• Be ready to get dirty. Digging into a plate of shrimp and sausage and veggies can get messy, but that’s what makes a boil so much fun. You’re around friends and family, so don’t stress and just embrace the experience. Everything tastes even better that way.
• All are welcome. A Lowcountry boil isn’t just a recipe, it’s an event best shared with others. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors or whoever’s around (that delicious smell might just attract some new friends), it’s best to make plenty of food and enjoy the time you spend together.
If you’re throwing your own boil, we wish you luck, good food and good company. And if it seems intimidating to host, just come on down to the Florida Lowcountry for the real thing. It’s an experience you won’t regret, and you’ll make memories to savor for years to come.
First Federal Bank of Florida to Build Newest Full-Service Branch in Wildlight
WILDLIGHT, FL – April 16, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that First Federal Bank of Florida (First Federal) will build a 2,000-sq. ft. full-service branch location in Wildlight, the new town under development located in Nassau County.
“We are proud of this initiative and grateful to be a leader in this new community, which will enhance our prominence in Nassau County,” said Keith Leibfried, president and CEO, First Federal Bank of Florida. “We are excited about the opportunity to expand our services further west and develop a new branch that will offer a more modern banking experience for customers.”
Founded in 1962, First Federal is a community-based mutual bank that serves customers at multiple branch locations across North Florida. First Federal has recently announced plans to merge with Coastal Banking Company, the holding company of CBC National Bank, which currently has one branch in Fernandina Beach, FL. This merger and the opening of its Wildlight branch, will increase First Federal’s presence to four locations throughout Nassau County.
“We are excited to welcome Nassau County’s soon to be largest financial institution as the latest company to establish a location in Wildlight,” said Charles Adams, vice president of Community Development for Raydient Places + Properties. “First Federal Bank of Florida’s commitment to its customers and the communities in which it serves is directly in line with Wildlight’s core values.”
The bank’s stand-alone building in Wildlight will be designed using the community’s Florida Lowcountry architectural guidelines. Projected completion date is early 2019. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.
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About First Federal Bank of Florida
First Federal Bank of Florida is a community bank founded in the heart of North Florida in 1962. Today, First Federal is a $1.37 billion-asset institution offering a full line of personal and business financial solutions, loans, and services from Florida’s Panhandle to the First Coast. First Federal is a mutual bank and continues to receive a “5-Star, Superior” financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, FL. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.
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About Wildlight
Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with businesses, shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of connecting trails and pathways intended to promote a walkable community and healthy lifestyle. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes throughout 260 acres, approximately. In addition, the community will have approximately 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight offers comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living located 20 miles north of Jacksonville and just east of Interstate-95 on A1A. There is easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.
WILDLIGHT, FL – March 20, 2018 – Wildlight, the mixed-use, new town under development in Nassau County, is proud to announce Comcast as its newest technology provider. Comcast plans to deliver a high-speed fiber network solution throughout the entire community. In addition, Comcast plans to deploy outdoor community Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots for residents, businesses and community members to enjoy.
“At Comcast, we strive to create the best entertainment and online experience for all communities and their residents,” said Rafael Visbal, Vice President of Xfinity Communities for Comcast’s Florida Region. “We are extremely pleased to work with Wildlight to provide a comprehensive network with gigabit-speed capability to every aspect of this unique community – from the residential neighborhoods to the commercial and retail sectors, in addition to Wildlight Elementary School.”
From the beginning, Wildlight’s developer understood the importance of establishing a strong technology foundation for the community. Residents and businesses will have access to high-speed internet, home entertainment services and community Wi-Fi from day one.
“During the initial planning phase, we made a conscious decision to invest in technology as a necessary amenity for the entire community,” said Charles Adams, vice president of community development for Wildlight. “We are excited to work with Comcast to help build Wildlight’s technology infrastructure and ensure all entities within our community have universal access to the most advanced communications network.”
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About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Wildlight
Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes
and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.
WILDLIGHT, FL. – Feb. 22, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Skinner Bros. Realty will build the first retail complex on the northeast corner of Wildlight’s front entrance. Skinner Bros. Realty is in the final stages of purchasing the first two acres of an overall three-acre development which will begin with a 9,100-sq. ft. multi-tenant building plus a courtyard and a 4,000-sq. ft. building on the corner of Wildlight Blvd. and A1A.
“There is so much momentum in Nassau County right now, and we see the new town of Wildlight as a major factor in that growth,” said Chet Skinner, vice president of Skinner Brothers Realty. “We were excited by Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry architectural character and design and look forward to delivering a quality product for future residents, businesses, and the local community to enjoy for years to come.”
Focusing on the multi-tenant building first, the Jacksonville-based real estate developer submitted a preliminary site plan to Nassau County’s Development Review Committee (DRC) in November 2017. This building will include an outside courtyard and covered dining area. Following the DRC’s review, Skinner Bros. Realty is working with engineering consultant Connelly and Wicker and design firm Ervin Lovett Miller to build-out the site’s full horizontal construction plan. Skinner Bros. Realty plans to submit civil drawings to Nassau County in February 2018.
“We are very pleased to work with Skinner Bros. Realty to develop the first retail space in Wildlight,” said Charles Adams, vice president of Community Development for Wildlight. “Skinner Bros. Realty’s vast experience and success in developing and managing retail projects for this type of community make them a natural fit for Wildlight.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.
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About Skinner Bros. Realty
Skinner Bros. Realty Company, established in January 1999, is a developer, investor, owner and manager of retail, office and mixed-use properties. The firm specializes in acquisition, planning, permitting, development and marketing of real estate as well as the representation of individual and corporate clients in the search for premier business locations.
About Wildlight
Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes
and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.