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.
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
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.
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
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.
We are excited to announce the groundbreaking of our newest neighborhood, Del Webb Wildlight! Land development is now underway as Del Webb prepares to bring their signature combination of quality homes, inspired designs and resort-style amenities to Wildlight for residents 55 and older.
The gated neighborhood will feature 660 homes with a variety of Lowcountry floorplans and welcoming front porches, plus exclusive clubhouse amenities including a pool, fitness center, sports courts and much more.
“Wildlight is the perfect place for Del Webb because both brands focus on a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Justin Dudley, Vice President of Land Acquisition at Pultegroup, the builder behind Del Webb Active Adult Communities.
Interested in starting your next chapter at Del Webb Wildlight? Watch the video above to learn more!
The new YMCA at Wildlight has opened its doors and we’re so excited to give you a look at some of the amazing programs and perks available for Wildlight residents!
“We’re ready to welcome the community into our facility, support them as they reach their health and wellness goals, connect them to other resources and invite them to join our cause,” said Melissa, Operations Director of YMCA at Wildlight.
One of the biggest benefits of the new YMCA is its convenient, walkable location.
“You can literally live and walk right across the street from the Y and then go out on our trails. Everything is just integrated,” said Wes Hinton, Wildlight’s VP of Community Development. “UF Health has been a great partner in bringing the Y here. It’s just a huge benefit to our residents.”
Check out the video to learn more!
Every Wildlight builder brings something special to our floco community. For Matt Roberts and Chris Wood, co-managing partners of Riverside Homes, it’s a commitment to customer satisfaction and beautiful home designs with luxurious touches.
“We focus on our customers’ experience, and also the process that we’re building from start to finish, even after they move into the home,” Wood said.
What can you expect when you step inside a Riverside home?
“When we design our product type and what amenities we want to have inside of it—the taller ceilings, the attention to detail, the crown molding—some of the finer appointments you don’t see in most neighborhoods like this.”
Why buy a Riverside home in Wildlight?
“Location, location, location. That’s what real estate is about,” Roberts said. “To me it’s a no-brainer. I think this is an outstanding community and has a great future.”
Interested in touring a Riverside home? Visit our Move-in-Soon inventory to see what’s available!
This is the third post in our UF Health Wildlight series. Throughout this series, we’ll be interviewing various UF Health professionals about services and wellness practices that can help our residents live their healthiest lives.
As we’ve learned from our previous two UF Health Series posts, The UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight team offers a unique tri-disciplinary approach to pediatric therapy services.
We’ve seen how Physical Therapist Jessie Walczak and her team work with children on movement. We talked with Speech-Language Pathologist Ashley Parker about how she and her team help children with speech delays learn to communicate. Today, we’re pleased to introduce Shannon Taylor, an occupational therapist who helps children improve fine motor skills, sensory processing and daily life skills.
Could Occupational Therapy Help Your Child?
“Pure magic” is a term Shannon Taylor, an occupational therapist at UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight, has heard parents use to describe the gains their children make from therapy. Many children enter therapy unable to perform basic daily living tasks, such as getting dressed, self-feeding or brushing their teeth, and go on to master those skills and many more that facilitate independence of daily activities at home and school.
“Being an occupational therapist is a very rewarding career. I get to see children on a day-to-day basis make progress, whether big or small,” Taylor said.
Behaviors related to sensory processing difficulties, self-care delays and fine motor deficits can leave parents with many questions and concerns. An occupational therapy evaluation may be warranted if a parent is noticing that their child is having difficulty with any of the following areas below. It is important to talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about your child’s development.
- Daily living skills
o Difficulty dressing, fastening buttons and tying shoelaces
o Using silverware or straws at an age appropriate level
o Using zippers
- Reaching developmental milestones
o Holding a bottle and moving toys from one hand to another by 5 months old
o Banging two objects together and holding a spoon by 9 months old
o Pointing with an index finger by 9 to 12 months old
o Using thumb and finger to pick up objects by 12 months old
- Fine motor delays
o Coloring and tracing
o Difficulty holding a pencil
o Holding and manipulating toys
o Letter and number formation
o Poor handwriting
o Using scissors
- Sensory processing difficulties
o Constantly moving, jumping and crashing
o Demonstrating sensitivities to touch, taste, sound or movement
o Difficulty coping with change
o Easily distracted
Pediatric occupational therapy can provide personalized services to children from birth to teenage years. They use age-appropriate, purposeful activities to minimize the effects of diseases, injuries, congenital defects, disabilities or developmental delays so the child can live and learn to his or her full potential.
In addition to occupational therapy, UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight offers physical and speech therapy. Many kids who have significant developmental delays benefit from two and sometimes all three disciplines. The specialists work together to give patients and families a customized treatment plan to help meet their needs.
To learn more about pediatric physical therapy services at UF Health Rehabilitation–Wildlight, please visit their website at wildlight.ufhealthjax.org or call 904.427.8300.
This is the second post in our UF Health Wildlight series. Throughout this series, we’ll be interviewing various UF Health professionals about services and wellness practices that can help our residents live their healthiest lives.
In our last UF Health Series blog post, we learned from Pediatric Physical Therapist Jessie Walczak about how the UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight team helps children move more confidently. Today, we’re introducing Ashley Parker, a pediatric speech-language pathologist whose focus is empowering children with speech delays to unlock their inner voice.
Does Your Child Need Speech Therapy?
Every night for the last three years, a local mom put her son to bed and said, “Love you, love you, love you.” He was old enough to speak, but wasn’t able to respond. After a month of speech therapy, he looked at his mom and said, “Love you, love you, love you” right back.
For Ashley Parker, a pediatric speech-language pathologist at UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight, stories such as these remind her that her career is more than science — it’s work that comes from the heart.
“When I hear things like that, not just as a therapist, but also as a mom, it keeps me going,” Parker said.
Parker works with children with speech difficulties. They might have trouble speaking, deciding which words to say or understanding the meaning of some words. Parker also helps children with feeding, swallowing and behavior difficulties.
One of the early signs of a speech disorder in children is not babbling by the time they are 6 months old. Examples of babble sounds are “bababa,” “ahhh,” “uhhh” and “ehhh.” By the time a baby is 12 to 13 months old, they should have at least one word they use consistently for an item, even if it isn’t the correct word, such as saying “baba” for bottle. They should also be able to understand a one-step direction and point to things they see or want.
By 18 months, toddlers should have a minimum of 10 words in their vocabulary, with the average child having around 50 words. Parents should look for their child to be learning new words consistently, both receptively and expressively, and talk to their pediatrician for a speech therapy referral if they have concerns about their child’s development.
Children 3 years and older should have appropriate speech articulation, or how well their words are understood. Some speech sound errors are age appropriate at age 3, like saying /w/ for /r/ as in “wace” for “race.” Consulting with a speech-language pathologist can give a parent a good idea of whether or not their child’s speech clarity is appropriate for their age.
In addition to speech therapy, UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight offers occupational and physical therapy. Many kids who have significant developmental delays benefit from two, and sometimes all three, disciplines. The specialists work together to give patients and families a customized treatment plan to help meet their needs.
To learn more about pediatric physical therapy services at UF Health Rehabilitation–Wildlight, please visit their website at wildlight.ufhealthjax.org or call 904.427.8300.