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.
When choosing a home that’s right for you and your family, the typical must-haves are 3+ bedrooms, a big kitchen with plenty of space to sit and roam, and maybe even a pool (make that definitely if you live here in Florida), but what if we told you you could have all that and so much more in Wildlight? You might just find your dinner plates overflowing.
Wildlight is known for its 12+ miles of trails and parks, Florida low country homes and endless amounts of green outdoor space. But Lauren Titus, Editor-in-Chief and Partner for Edible Northeast Florida magazine, views the community a little more appetizing than that. In the latest issue dedicated all to HEAT, Titus highlights Wildlight for not only being a hot spot for homeowner growth but also “up-and-comers with local restaurateurs and food makers looking for untapped potential.”
With over eight eateries to choose from, we know the where-to-go decision can be hard to make. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Check out four restaurants that will never not hit the spot in Wildlight.
Anejo Cocina: Mexican restaurant and handcrafted cocktails
Grumpy’s Restaurant: Home-style breakfast, lunch and brunch options
Hana Sushi: Asian inspired cuisine
Mocama Taproom and Coffeehouse: Coffee, beer and wine gathering space
Tasty’s Fresh Burgers: Burgers. Fries. Shakes. Say less!
Okay… the decision may be a little harder than we thought. But when you call Wildlight home, you’ll never have to worry about everyone’s least favorite question – “what’s for dinner?” You can experience all of our delicious eateries any day of the week. And afterwards, you can go home and rest in your new home in Wildlight.
The benefits of living in Nassau County
Living in Nassau County has countless benefits. And call us biased, but Wildlight is one of them. Beyond the variety of homes to fit every kind of family, we’re also proud to have a top-rated school right in the community. Read on to see why our part of Northeast Florida just might be the right move for you.
A lower cost of living
When you look at the price of a home in Nassau County vs. neighboring St. Johns County, the numbers are a welcome change. According to The Jacksonville Business Journal, the median price in Nassau County is $458K compared to St. Johns’ $510K. Meaning you can either get the same size home for less money—or get more bang for your buck. And because much of the land here is still being developed, your options for variety when searching for a new home are greater, too. (You can start your home search at Wildlight right here.)
Beaches, jobs and a small-town feel
Nassau County has been gaining popularity because it puts you close to beaches. Close to employment centers. Near the airport and activity of Jacksonville. But with a noticeably less crowded feel than some of the surrounding areas. In fact, at the end of 2023, the population of Nassau County was 102,000—about a third of St. Johns’ 327,000 residents. In other words, a little breathing room.
A great education at Wildlight
Students who live in our community get to learn in one of the best school districts in the state. The Nassau County School District is ranked #2 out of 67, thanks to high graduation rates, impressive test scores and consistent “A” ratings. Combine that with a low 16:1 average student-teacher ratio, a diverse variety of sports and extracurriculars, academically rigorous courses and a focus on incorporating the latest technology in classrooms, and you can see why kids here are set up to succeed. And if you have a child in elementary school, you’ll be happy to know that U.S. News & World Report just ranked our very own Wildlight Elementary 4th out of all the public elementary schools in Northeast Florida. Which means your kids can not only learn at one of the best schools in the area … they can walk there, too.
Interested in living in Northeast Florida? Find your new home at Wildlight from the $500s. Find your home.
Mocama Wildlight to open in community’s former StoryCenter
WILDLIGHT, Fla. – January 31, 2023 – Wildlight is pleased to announce that Mocama
Beer Company will open a new satellite taproom in its mixed-use community. Occupying
2,000 square feet of space with beer taps and wine selections, the new location will
serve as a gathering place for residents of both Wildlight and greater Nassau County.
Reflecting the sophisticated, mid-century design of the historic Fernandina Beach
location, the taproom will offer ample parking along with additional outdoor space for
community events, activities and games. It is expected to open in the summer of 2023.
“From the beginning, Wildlight was created to encourage community connections
through a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, walkable trails, and dining and retail options,”
said Wes Hinton, Vice President, Wildlight. “We’re excited to offer residents a social hub
that embodies the authentic Nassau County spirit with the addition of Mocama’s
thoughtfully-designed concept.”
Mocama plans to serve its distinctive products through 12 taps, along with a curated
selection of craft beers from around the world, in a large custom bar and lounge room.
Unique to this location, an enhanced wine program offers an expanded collection from
varying regions available by the glass, bottle or to go. Outdoor seating areas will play
host to festivals, culinary events and live music ideal for families and guests of all ages.
Future plans for the taproom include the addition of Mocama Coffee.
“We hope to create a welcoming space for friends to gather and drink great beer,” said
Dan McCranie, Mocama Beer Company’s operations manager. “Our vision perfectly
aligns with the goals of Wildlight, and our new partnership allows us to serve even more
residents as we expand our Northeast Florida presence.”
About Wildlight
Wildlight is a mixed-use master-planned community inspired by a character, culture and
way of living called “Florida Lowcountry”. Approximately half of this 2,900-acre
community is devoted to green space, including parks and nature trails. The other half
features a mix of unique homes, townhomes and rental properties, as well as
businesses, shops, restaurants, schools and medical facilities, connected by trails and
walkable pathways. It is located 20 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville and Amelia
Island, just east of I-95 on A1A with easy access to Jacksonville International Airport.
Wildlight is being developed by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of
Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit
www.wildlight.com.
About Mocama Beer Company
Mocama Beer Company offers an experience curated for seekers, blending classic
design, future vision, and expert attention to detail. Finding beauty in the pursuit of
perfection, the goal is to engage the senses while creating opportunities for connection.
Founded in historic Fernandina Beach, Mocama Beer Company offers a range of beers
from lagers, stouts, and “not your average” IPAs. Mocama was designed from the
ground up to have a meaningful positive impact on our communities and the
environment.
Read more at Jax Daily Record: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/pattillo-plans-1-5-million-square-foot-industrial-park-in-wildlight
WILDLIGHT, Florida – November 11, 2022 – Pattillo Industrial Real Estate (PIRE) announced today the
development of a 1.5 million-square-foot industrial complex within the Wildlight mixed-use, master planned
community in Nassau County.
The environmentally friendly Wildlight Commerce Park will be constructed over the next 10 years as one part of
the economic growth component of Wildlight’s master plan. The industrial park is an approximate 165-acre
expansion within the initial phase consisting of 2,900 acres, a mix of residential homesites, multi-family
apartments, an expansive town center, schools, and UF Health and YMCA health & wellness facilities already in
place.
“As Wildlight continues to advance their vision for a new kind of community with focus on progressive
sustainable practices, PIRE is thrilled to have been chosen to work with them on the development of an
environmentally friendly Class A industrial park to serve and supplement the community and county,” noted
Josh Harrison, CEO of Pattillo Industrial Real Estate.
The Class A park is conceptualized to include 12 buildings surrounded by preserved wetlands to accommodate
light manufacturing, logistics, offices, laboratories and warehousing from 5,000 to 500,000 square feet, with the
first building anticipated to be ready for occupancy in spring 2024.
“PIRE has proven themselves the type of high quality, strategic partner needed to bring this project to life and
we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to Wildlight,” added Wes Hinton, Vice President, Wildlight. “We
are looking forward to this park advancing one of the core goals of Wildlight, which is a positive economic
impact and job growth for the residents of Nassau County.”
“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.
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…)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.