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.”
Trails, Parks and Community Benefits
The Garden District will introduce an extensive trail network, eventually spanning 19 miles, designed to connect the community with nature. The plan for the district will also include a trailhead leading to the first portion of the Green Ribbon, a 13-mile-long linear park along the bluffs of the St. Marys River. Once complete, the Green Ribbon will provide unprecedented public access to the river.
The Garden District will also feature the new Oak Hammock amenity center, with a clubhouse, fitness center, pool and playground for community residents. The Gear Shed at the amenity center will serve as a central information hub and offer bicycles and recreational equipment for use by both residents and the public, encouraging exploration of the Green Ribbon.
Additionally, land has been designated in the Garden District for both a 53-acre county park as well as a future elementary school to accommodate the growing community.
New Homebuilders and Sustainable Vision
Located seven miles east of the original Town District and with a future entrance off Chester Road, the Garden District will encompass 4,700 acres—2,000 of those acres dedicated to conservation—and is planned to include up to 4,100 homes. Currently under construction, the Riverbluff Parkway will create an additional east-west route alleviating State Road 200 traffic and providing a crucial hurricane evacuation route.
The first neighborhood, Bellflower, will showcase homes by Toll Brothers and Perry Homes on 50, 60 and 70-foot lots. Award-winning homebuilders David Weekley Homes and Ashton Woods will introduce additional neighborhoods, Woodlyn and Mayfield, featuring homes on 40, 45, 50 and 60-foot lots.
“Toll Brothers is proud to be part of the Garden District at Wildlight,” said Greg Netro, Group President of Toll Brothers in North Florida. “Our homes will complement the community’s focus on nature and outdoor living, providing residents with high-quality, sustainable homes that align with this unique vision.”
The first model homes are expected to open in mid-2026, with more builders and neighborhoods to be announced in the future. Wildlight’s development is guided by a commitment to sustainable principles, including preserving natural resources and integrating development with the existing landscape. The community is designed to balance progress with the preservation of the land, creating a place where people can truly live in and with nature.
Follow this link for renderings and a map of the Garden District, and visit the webpage to learn more.
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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 Toll Brothers
Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded 58 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.” The Company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers, as well as urban and suburban renters. Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, as well as in the District of Columbia. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, insurance, smart home technology, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution, house component assembly, and manufacturing operations.
Toll Brothers has been one of Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies™ for 10+ years in a row, and in 2024 the Company’s Chairman and CEO Douglas C. Yearley, Jr. was named one of 25 Top CEOs by Barron’s magazine. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com.
About Perry Homes
Perry Homes is the largest woman-owned homebuilder and has established a Tradition of Excellence in homebuilding over the past 57 years. Family-owned and operated since its inception in 1967, Perry Homes is committed to building quality, superior homes while providing first-class customer service before, during, and after construction. The homebuilder has earned a phenomenal reputation by evolving with the wants and needs of its 60,000+ customers, all while securing a 95% satisfaction rating*. With more than 450 new home designs, buyers will find a robust selection of quality standard features and design options in every home that radiate elegance and sophistication, including soaring ceilings, gorgeous walls of windows, open concepts, and flexible spaces to fit any lifestyle.
Perry Homes offers a variety of timeless and modern architectural concepts in over 100 of the most sought-after communities throughout Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and now Florida. In Florida, Perry Homes is building in communities across the state including Tampa, Sarasota, Port St Lucie and Jacksonville. Perry Homes | Britton Homes is led by Executive Chair Kathy Perry Britton and Chief Executive Officer Todd Chachere.
About David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, operates in 19 markets across the United States and has operated in Northeast Florida for 24 years. Headquartered in Houston, David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Weekley Homes has been recognized 19 times by Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 120,000 homes. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company’s website at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.
About Ashton Woods
Ashton Woods is the largest private home builder in the United States.* The company was recently named Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine and was recognized in 2025 by Newsweek as a Most Trustworthy Company in America. The company markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods Homes and Starlight Homes. Ashton Woods is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. The company’s industry-leading experience at the AW Studio and curation of distinct AW Collections® results in exceptional design and special designer touches in every Ashton Woods home. Starlight Homes builds homes specifically for the first-time homebuyer, offering affordable homes with well-executed designs and quality finishes for buyers looking to make the dream of home ownership a reality. The company’s commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason it is one of the most celebrated homebuilders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product design, community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, customer service and innovation. For more information about Ashton Woods, visit www.ashtonwoods.com.
* According to industry news publication Home Builder Executive based on calendar year 2024 closings.
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 (opens in new tab) to Wildlight Elementary School (opens in new tab). 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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and UF Health Wildlight (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) for a caffeinating cup of coffee after drop off or Bohemian Bull (opens in new tab) 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!
The first phase of the park in Nassau County includes two speculative buildings totaling 217,000 square feet.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record (opens in new tab).
Wildlight Commerce Park in Nassau County continues to move ahead with three buildings, totaling 255,100 square feet of space.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
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 (opens in new tab)? 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 (opens in new tab). 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 (opens in new tab) and karate (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab)!
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!
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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) (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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and see if you made it into any of the race day photos here (opens in new tab).
We can’t wait to see what other PR’s we’ll hit in 2026!
View the Run Wild 2025 sizzle here!

Finding a new job is hard. But finding a home that’s the right fit for your family can be even more daunting. Add moving to a new city or state to the list. Now that’s a doozy.
With help from Find Your JAX (opens in new tab), newcomers and locals alike can find their forever home right here in Northeast Florida. But let’s say you want information from actual residents in a community you’re eyeing – like the Dugan family who live in Wildlight to be exact. We have the perfect video for you.
Why Wildlight?
“It’s a very convenient, comfortable and tranquil place to call home.” – Dugan Family
Convenience
Not only does Wildlight offer an abundance of fresh restaurants and charming r (opens in new tab)etail stores, it’s conveniently located by the robust job market found in Jacksonville. Did we mention that Jacksonville has the #2 trending job market in the U.S.? And let’s not forget that Wildlight is just minutes away from I-95 and I-10 making your commute to and from work a breeze.
Having the #4 rated public elementary school in the state of Florida (opens in new tab), Wildlight Elementary School, right in our backyard (literally) is another major perk of our community. Parents can drop their A+ students off on a golf cart or walk them in on a trail. Students also get to enjoy nature during the school day at their outdoor learning center – connecting them back to what Wildlight is all about.
Comfortable
Nothing feels better than coming home to a community that you are safe and comfortable in. Especially when you have a family-focused lifestyle. With five community events and counting, Wildlight is the ideal place to come together with the ones you love. From mornings spent at the Wildlight Market Place (opens in new tab), to our very own Run Wild 5k & 10k race (opens in new tab), there’s something for every member of the family no matter what the season may be.
Wildlight is a place where everyday feels like vacation, especially with events, family and friends all around the corner. It makes life more comfortable knowing everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Tranquility
Imagine having easy access to 12+ miles of trails (opens in new tab) and parks with ample green space. That could be your Wildlight reality. We like to call our trailways our main amenities, because after all, who doesn’t love connecting with nature after a busy day? Whether you’re a biker or a hiker, Wildlight has the trails to take on any adventure.
Then there are the parks. We could go on and on about how wild we are about them (check out this article (opens in new tab)). With four parks here in Wildlight that range from family pools to playgrounds and ponds for fishing, there is always something to see, explore, and experience. There’s recreational equipment for the workout kind and hammocks for the leisure ones.
Calling Wildlight Home
It’s safe to say that Wildlight is the ideal place for convenience, comfortability, and tranquility. If you’re new to Northeast Florida or a local looking for a fresh adventure, add Wildlight to the top of the list.
But don’t just take our word or the Dugan’s family for it. Stop by for a visit and see what Wildlight is all about.
Visit us anytime. (opens in new tab)
In the Florida Lowcountry, the holiday season is a blend of coastal charm and traditional Southern hospitality. Where palm trees dressed in twinkling lights illuminate the warm December nights. And a variety of festive gatherings reflect the spirit of the coast. Here are just a few of the ways you can connect with family and friends near Wildlight.
Wildlight’s Winterfest
Head to Winterfest (opens in new tab) on December 7th from 2–5 pm, when Tinker Street will fill with holiday cheer. We’ll have festive crafts, local food trucks. Horse-drawn carriage rides. And the magic of honest-to-goodness snow (yes, really). VIP guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance. And since it’s the season of giving, we invite attendees to bring donations of arts and crafts supplies for Micah’s Place (opens in new tab).
Festive Tree Lightings
If you love seeing a giant tree come to life with holiday lights, you’re in luck. Because there are two near Wildlight. One right across the street from our community, at the Nassau County Courthouse (opens in new tab) — held this year on December 6th, and featuring food trucks, a holiday vendor market, photo ops with Santa and more. And The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s grand tree lighting (opens in new tab) on November 27th — a 25-year tradition that includes the lighting of a 40-foot tree, live holiday music, fireworks, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Parades (Two Ways)
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a Christmas parade, and there are two we think are especially worth noting. Fernandina Beach’s Lighted Christmas Parade (opens in new tab) (December 7th) will be a spectacular sight, with Illuminated floats, local marching bands, and community groups parading through downtown. And if you’re looking for a furrier festivity, the Parade of Paws (opens in new tab) at Fernandina Beach (December 14th) features four-legged friends to prance through Fernandina Beach in their best holiday attire, vying for prizes in different categories — you can even register to participate!
Hey Santa
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers a lineup of enchanting Santa experiences at all times of the day. Start the morning at Breakfast with Santa (opens in new tab). Attend Santa’s Storybook Tea (opens in new tab), where you can gather to hear holiday tales and enjoy treats. Or make reservations for Santa’s Magical Dinner (opens in new tab), where kids can share their holiday wishes over a delicious meal.
Dickens on Centre
Step back in time with the Dickens on Centre (opens in new tab) festival from December 12-15, where the streets of Fernandina Beach transform into a scene from a Charles Dickens novel. Expect carolers in Victorian dress, vibrant market stalls, and delicious holiday treats — all in an atmosphere that feels like Christmas from another era.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
New Year’s Eve in the Florida Lowcountry has a charm all its own, especially with Amelia Island’s family-friendly Shrimp Drop (opens in new tab) on Fernandina Beach’s waterfront. The highlight? When the giant illuminated shrimp drops, followed by fireworks lighting up the sky. And don’t worry — the event is coordinated with Greenwich Mean Time, which means “midnight” will actually be at 7pm!
Rockin’ Around the Neighborhood
Drive or stroll through Wildlight and you’ll see a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations as residents go all out to compete in the beloved Deck Your Porch contest — decking their homes with everything from classic holiday lights to imaginative displays. For those lucky enough to call Wildlight home, there’s even more holiday fun to be had, with exclusive events planned by our Lifestyle Director.
Happy Holidays from Wildlight
Celebrating the season in the heart of the Florida Lowcountry is a unique blend of coastal charm, warm hospitality, and vibrant community spirit. And when you live at Wildlight, you’re in the heart of this holiday magic. Enjoy every festive minute of it.
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 (opens in new tab).
Plans are advancing for Wildlight’s Westerly Park residential community in Northeast Florida.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record (opens in new tab).