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.
# # #
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.
–
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.”
###
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.
# # #
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.
WILDLIGHT, FL – January 24, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Florida Public Utilities (FPU) will relocate its Florida headquarters to Wildlight, the new town under development in Nassau County. The Florida energy provider is building a new, 18,000-square-foot office in Wildlight’s commercial district next door to Rayonier Inc.’s headquarters.
“Wildlight’s strategic location within our Florida service territory, and commitment to sustainable growth and infrastructure, make relocating to this community a natural fit,” said Jeff Householder, President of Florida Public Utilities. “We believe this move is a smart decision for our Company, our employees and our customers.”
Established in 1924, FPU provides natural gas, electricity and propane gas services to growing residential, commercial and industrial markets throughout Florida. FPU’s 315 employees provide energy services to customers in 39 Florida counties. The new FPU headquarters at Wildlight offers a central office location that is easily accessible to its company employees.
“This new location will enable us to serve our customers and pursue growth more economically, efficiently and effectively. It also demonstrates the Company’s on-going commitment to Florida, which has welcomed us as a business partner and neighbor for more than 90 years,” said Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, FPU’s parent company.
FPU’s new headquarters building will incorporate Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry architectural style, while complementing the area’s natural landscape. “We are pleased to welcome Florida Public Utilities as the newest company to put down roots in Wildlight,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Wildlight. “One of Wildlight’s key goals is to attract and retain quality corporations such as FPU and talented employees which will continue to strengthen and diversify Nassau County’s economy.”
Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2018.
# # #
About Florida Public Utilities
Florida Public Utilities Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. Headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Florida, FPU distributes natural gas and propane and provides electric services to approximately 120,000 customers in markets throughout Florida. For more information, visit fpuc.com.
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 – Dec. 20, 2017 – Today, Wildlight, the new town under development in Nassau County, announced the opening of its StoryCenter, the construction of D.S. Ware’s first model home and the selection of CCMC as its community management company.
The StoryCenter serves as the community’s welcome center and central location for information about Wildlight. Featuring Wildlight’s signature Florida Lowcountry architecture, the StoryCenter provides a glimpse into the town’s unique character. “As the first stop for future homeowners and business investors considering a purchase in Wildlight, the StoryCenter is vital to telling the community’s story,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Wildlight.
D.S. Ware Homes will soon complete construction of its first model home near Wildlight’s Village Center. The cottage home is 2,001-sq. ft. and features the River Birch floor plan with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Prices start in the mid $200,000. “We’re excited to debut our first model home in Wildlight,” said Tony Raso, President, D.S. Ware Homes. “The River Birch offers Florida Lowcountry living at its best with a sweeping front porch and open floorplan. We’ve already seen strong interest, including lot reservations and sales during the pre-construction sales period and we expect this success to continue when we open the model home in 2018.”
In addition to the StoryCenter opening and construction of the first model home, Raydient Places + Properties, Wildlight’s developer, has selected CCMC, a nationally-recognized community management company, to develop community programs and services for Wildlight. With over 30 years of experience, CCMC brings people and neighborhoods together by focusing on human connectivity.
“We are extremely pleased to work with CCMC on developing lifestyle-oriented programs and community services to meet the needs of Wildlight’s future residents,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Wildlight. “In every community they serve, CCMC seeks to create a culture of connectivity between residents and their neighborhood, which is also one of Wildlight’s core values.”
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.
###
Setup for Economic Success
How do you kick off a thriving business community?
Economic development is both an art and a science. It’s not as simple as checking off a list of ingredients, but without some key elements, achieving success can be near-impossible. To build strong, vibrant communities, economic development boards are tasked with finding the right balance of work and play, business and pleasure. That way, communities can encourage businesses to build, expand or relocate, as well as homeowners to put down roots and support those businesses as customers and employees.
One factor communities must consider is transportation. Good transportation is not only dependent on a community’s infrastructure, but also on the location of the community itself. Access to Class I rail lines, major interstates and international airports all support business travel and consumer traffic. Seaports for importing and exporting can also impact how a business operates, manufactures its goods and distributes worldwide.
But transportation is just the beginning. For healthy economic development, you also need a quality workforce for local businesses to employ and a robust residential community to surround and support those businesses. That relies on residential perks such as smart urban design, first-rate schools and libraries and infrastructure for safety and security.
Economic development boards should make their community a place to play as well as work. Places for relaxation and recreation – lakes, oceans, greenspaces, parks, dining, entertainment and more – are essential to attracting and retaining residents. It’s not just about great offices, it’s about having a great time and loving where you live.
With these pieces in place, in a community that is well-planned for its residents and well-marketed to potential businesses, that community can grow and flourish.
