We don’t need to tell you how great living in Northeast Florida is. (The beaches! The sun! And did we mention the beaches?!) But if you’re looking for some other outdoor ways to spend your days, we’ve put together some thought-starters.
Outdoor Fun in Northeast Florida
Kayaking & Canoeing
If you want to get out on the water, the kayaking in Yulee, Florida has plenty of opportunities. Like Lofton Creek, for one. This protected hardwood creek is shaded, shielded from wind, and suitable for all ages and skill levels (although younger kids may want to ride with an adult). And while you’re paddling through the towering trees keep your eyes peeled and your ears open — you might see a sea turtle, alligator, otter, hawk or heron … or hear the distinctive bird calls of the creek’s winged residents. Of course, if you’d rather stay close to home (as in right in the community), you’re in luck. Wildlight has its own pond — Whistling Duck Pond — for kayaking coming soon!
Biking
Northeast Florida is a terrific spot for two-wheeled fun, including 40 miles of bike trails on Amelia Island. You can take the Amelia Island Trail that runs from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park in the city of Fernandina Beach — a 7-mile paved and tree-lined route, much of it with views of the water. Of course, in Amelia Island some of the best biking isn’t on a trail at all, but on the wide, flat beaches when the tide is low. Here at Wildlight, we have 11+ miles of trails, and many more planned, that beckon bikers, and take them past parks, through nature — even down to our Village Center.
Sea Turtle Season
If you’ve never seen a sea turtle up close and personal, take note of when it’s sea turtle nesting season in Nassau County. Running from May 1st to October 31st every year, turtles are actively nesting, and may be seen emerging from or re-entering the ocean. There are three different types of sea turtles in Northeast Florida (Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle and Leatherback Sea Turtle), each endangered, and each with a distinct track that they leave in the sand as they drag their shells in search of a dry place to lay their eggs. While catching sight of one of these amazing creatures is exciting, if you do see one, make sure to keep a quiet distance, stay out of their path and report any sighting to ameliaislandseaturtlewatch@gmail.com.
Go Fish
So. Much. Fishing. And so many kinds of fish to be caught. Redfish are one of the most sought-after species, for good reason: they’re a challenge to catch, and they’re big — like impressive-in-a-social-post big. In fact, fishing for reds is so popular, there are whole tournaments based on catching them. Rather focus on bass? Northeast Florida bass fishing rivers include the St. Marys and Nassau Rivers, with their feeder bodies of water — like Lofton Creek, a haven for bass. And don’t be surprised if you also catch a saltwater fish … sea trout, flounder and others like to live where saltwater mixes with freshwater. Whether you go at it alone, or out with a charter, there are almost as many opportunities as … well, fish in the water.
Whatever outdoor adventure you embark on, Northeast Florida (and the parks, pools and trails here at Wildlight) will satisfy your curious spirit. Enjoy your time. (Make sure to tag some pics with @wildlightliving and share your adventures with us!)
Actually, make that good things at The Horizon. Because Del Webb’s newest amenity, Horizon Club, is going to have everything you need to make your days even more delightful. Exclusively for use by residents of our gated Del Webb 55+ neighborhood, Horizon Club is where relaxation meets activation — and this 16,000-square-foot space has room for it all. (Even dogs get their very own park.)
Start your day with yoga on the event lawn, or soak in the sun by the resort-style pool. (Want to get a few laps in? There will be lanes for that, too.) For the fitness-minded, a fully equipped workout center will feature top-of-the-line machines, weights and equipment. And outside, pickleball and tennis courts will serve up some fun for beginners and more seasoned players alike. Green thumbs (or those striving to be) can hone their skills in the community garden. And an arts & crafts room will provide an outlet for creativity — whether your passion is painting or pottery.
There will be plenty of other spaces to gather as well — like an event ballroom for bigger get-togethers and an outdoor firepit for impromptu happy hours. Speaking of happy hours … the onsite bar and grill just might become your new favorite hangout (if, of course, you don’t want to head to Wildlight’s Village Center for a burger, tacos or sushi). And the best part? This is just the start of what Horizon Club will have.
With all this space to play, relax and meet new friends and neighbors, don’t be surprised if you feel like every day feels like a little vacation — there’s even plenty of golf cart parking.
Homes in Del Webb Wildlight start in the $300s. Located conveniently between Amelia Island and Jacksonville, the architecture captures the charm of the Florida Lowcountry. Del Webb model homes are open daily.
Being residents here, we know about all the things that make living in our little part of the country so great. But for those of you who may be considering a move from New Jersey, Georgia, New York or anywhere else in the U.S., you may want to know about the benefits of being a “Northeast Floridian.”
There’s always great weather (and a beach where you can enjoy it).
Sunny days and mild winters are the norm here. And there’s no better place to soak in the rays than one of the myriad beaches that dot our shoreline. From calm and quiet, to social and surf-worthy, there are a variety of spots (and beach towns) to enjoy the sun and sand.
Our county keeps growing — and so do the job opportunities.
As more people come to our county, so do more businesses and jobs. In the past two years, nearly every industry has seen the employment rate rise — and particularly in medical careers at facilities like UF Health (which has a location right at Wildlight!). In fact, the unemployment rate is about 2% lower than the national average.
Statewide tax breaks can put a little cash back in your pocket.
Our governor just signed a bill that provides tax breaks on items that include diapers and children’s clothes, gas, EnergyStar appliances and more. Some are “tax holidays” and some are longer-lasting—like the fact that since 1924, Florida hasn’t had a state income tax.
There’s always something to do.
Head into Jacksonville for a day at a state preserve, a night at the symphony or a Jaguars game at TIAA Bank Field. Or head to beachy Amelia Island or Saint Augustine for a quintessential Florida feel.
Of course, Wildlight is a pretty big deal, too.
We’re a true town in nature, with ways to stay healthy and happy, right in our community. Miles of trails. Creative parks. A UF Health and YMCA right in our neighborhood. And a true village center with everything from daycare and a dentist, to sushi, tacos, ice cream shops and more. (Bonus: if you work at one of the above-mentioned places, your commute couldn’t be much shorter.)
The kids here go to top-notch schools (including our own Wildlight Elementary) in the highly rated Nassau County School District. Front porches tend to turn into spots for spontaneous happy hours. And community events mean there’s plenty of fun for our residents to take part in. And that’s just IN Wildlight. We’re ideally situated smack dab between Amelia Island and Jacksonville, which means beachside lounging and culture experiencing are an equal distance away, too.
The best part? We’re only getting started.
So, have you called the movers yet? We’ll be waiting for you!
In the interest of efficiency, we’ll let you know you can skip this entire article if you simply go tour the nine new model homes that Del Webb recently unveiled in Wildlight. We’ll do our best to briefly describe the homes and the whole wonderful place that Del Webb is creating here in Wildlight. But as always, the real thing is so much better than words.
Ok, now that we’ve gotten the disclaimer out of the way, let’s dive in.
When it comes to creating beautiful homes designed to make life easy and comfortable, nobody has more experience than Del Webb. And in Wildlight, Del Webb is offering four home collections, which include 16 of Del Webb’s most popular floor plans. From the surprisingly attainable Villa Series, with prices starting in the $300s, all the way up to the open, flowing spaces and elegant finishes of the Estates Series, priced from the $500s. Altogether, the homes offer anywhere from 1,343 square feet and two bedrooms to more than 3,300 square feet and five bedrooms.
The primary takeaway here is that with this kind of variety, you’re sure to find a home plan that fits your life plan.
Here’s something else to know about these homes, something that’s pretty special. In Wildlight, Del Webb is offering a lowcountry-inspired architectural style that’s available nowhere else. With raised front porches and other charming details, this exclusive style honors the Florida lowcountry spirit that is at the heart of Wildlight. After all, this is a place where you can get out on a trail and explore parks and wetlands and Florida lowcountry nature in all its unfiltered glory.
But suppose you’re looking for fun that’s a little closer to home. Del Webb has you luxuriously covered. Construction has already begun on what will be a 16,000-square-foot resort-style clubhouse amenity. Think onsite bar and grill. Pickleball and tennis courts. An event lawn and community event room. A huge menu of interesting classes: yoga, cooking, wine-tasting and so forth. Oh, and a swimming pool that feels like your own private neighborhood lagoon. All planned to open in 2023.
So now that you’ve read a little about the new homes and soon-to-be amenities of Del Webb Wildlight, ready for a tour? Feel free to drop by any day of the week from 9:30am to 5:30pm except for Wednesdays and Sundays, which are open noon to 5:30pm.
Then again, if you just can’t wait to explore the homes, click directly over to the new Wildlight.com.
Third Northeast home donated by PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® Program
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 16, 2022) –U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Matthew Perry, a Purple Heart recipient, has received the life-changing news that PulteGroup is building him a new mortgage-free home through PulteGroup’s Built to Honor Program. Sgt. Perry and his family will break ground on their future home at Forest Park at Wildlight later this summer.
“We are honored to build this home for Sgt. Perry and his family in appreciation of his bravery and service to our country,” said Tony Nason, Division President of PulteGroup’s Northeast Florida Division. “We are thrilled to build a home for Matt and his family that is fully accessible and that will vastly improve his quality of life.”
Being built specifically for the Perry family, the home is designed to meet all of Sgt. Perry’s needs. The Forest Park at Wildlight location offers easy access to parks, nature trails and is within walking distance of UF Health Wildlight.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and welcome the Perry family into the Wildlight community,” said Wes Hinton, vice president, Wildlight. “It truly is our honor to be a small part of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for their country.”
This is the third home dedicated in Northeast Florida through PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program and is in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes®, a national non-profit organization strongly committed to rebuilding lives and supporting the brave men and women who were injured while serving our country’s armed forces, with the support of Wildlight.
For more information about PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® program, visit builttohonor.org and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
The Jacksonville-based real estate developer offers experiences and spaces inspired by Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry architecture and outdoor-living approach
WILDLIGHT, FL – July 18, 2019 – Skinner Bros. Realty is expanding at Wildlight with an additional multi-tenant retail complex and standalone business development that will continue to transform the area’s Village Center. Having opened Wildlight’s first retail complex this year, the Jacksonville-based real estate developers are continuing to focus on the community’s growth with the introduction of its second multi-tenant retail complex, slated for completion in summer 2020.
“We want to continue the momentum in Nassau County and Wildlight by delivering an innovative and unique environment that will shape the community’s experience and convenient lifestyle,” said Chet Skinner, vice president of Skinner Bros. Realty. “We hope that our commercial complexes will not only provide a place for residents and community members to gather, but also serve as an example for other master-planned developments within the city.”
Skinners Bros. Realty submitted a preliminary site plan to Nassau County’s Development Review Committee in June 2019, with construction for the second multitenant building starting in late fall 2019. The developers envision the next 10,400-sq. ft. mixed-use building as an extension of the first multi-tenant complex, complete with an outdoor courtyard and covered dining area that serves as a public leisure space and link between the two buildings. Embodying Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry architecture and design, both developments will feature simple lines, native Florida landscaping and exterior color palettes that complement the community’s natural surroundings. The first complex has already signed on a variety of lifestyle-focused tenants, including Royal Amelia Dance Academy, Great Clip’s, Cold Stone Creamery and Tasty’s Fresh Burgers & Fries. In the coming months, developers hope to announce additional businesses to round out the shopping and restaurant spaces.
“We are very pleased to continue working with Skinner Bros. Realty on the expansion of Wildlight,” said Chris Corr, president of Raydient Places + Properties. “We have created a special experience for the community with a modern aesthetic and design that aligns with Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry ambiance and architecture. Our recent and upcoming developments will continue to transform and bring this area to another level that will serve locals, future residents and those traveling from afar.”
In addition to the two multi-tenant complexes at Wildlight’s Village Center, Skinner Bros. Realty is overseeing the development of Heartland Dental, slated to open at the end of 2019. While not led by Skinner Bros. Realty, other community developments in the area that are slated to open in the next year include the First Federal Bank Wildlight branch, UF Health Rehabilitation – Wildlight, Fairfield Inn & Suites and KinderCare® Learning Centers’ Yulee location.
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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 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.
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Initial renderings of Skinner Bros. Realty’s Wildlight Retail Building ‘C’. Renderings are subject to change. Images provided courtesy of Skinner Bros. Realty.
WILDLIGHT, FL – April 25, 2019 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that KinderCare® Learning Centers is building a more than 10,000-sq. ft. early childhood education and care facility in Wildlight, the new town under development in Nassau County. The Yulee KinderCare center will serve more than 100 children between the ages six weeks to 12 years old when the center opens in late 2019.
“At KinderCare, everything we do is designed for learning,” said District Leader Nora Bergeon-Capps. “We believe that when a parent drops their child off at one of our centers, they’re ensuring that their child is in a safe, nurturing education program that will provide a strong foundation for learning. We believe every child deserves access to high-quality early childhood education and care, which is why we’re excited to join the new Wildlight community in Yulee.”
In 1969, the first KinderCare opened its doors in Alabama with a singular calling: to help hardworking families pursue their personal and professional dreams. Today, KinderCare is a nationwide community of passionate teachers and staff striving to make each child’s potential shine, imparting a lifelong love of learning and helping children build confidence for life. The Yulee KinderCare center will include nine total classrooms, a full-size gym and fully-equipped outdoor playground.
“We are excited to welcome KinderCare® Learning Centers to Wildlight as the community’s first child care provider,” said Chris Corr, President, Raydient Places + Properties. “The Yulee KinderCare center will provide the community’s growing number of families with high-quality learning and child care that directly aligns with our fundamental values and will.”
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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.
About KinderCare® Learning Centers KinderCare Learning Centers is America’s largest, most accredited child care provider, serving more than 165,000 children every day at more than 1,380 centers. For 50 years, we’ve been creating safe, encouraging environments where kids can learn, grow and build confidence for life. At KinderCare, hardworking families are family—regardless of needs, backgrounds, and experiences.
To learn more, visit us online at KinderCare, on Facebook or on Instagram. For resources, information, and activity ideas for parents and teachers of young children please visit KinderCare.com/blog. In 2018, Rainbow Child Care Centers joined the KinderCare family. Learn more about Rainbow.
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Rendering of of KinderCare Learning Center’s Wildlight location is provided by KinderCare Education. All renderings are subject to change
WILDLIGHT, FL – Feb. 14, 2019 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Impact Properties will develop a Marriott-branded hotel in Wildlight, the new town under construction in Nassau County. The Marriott-branded hotel will be the first hotel to open in Wildlight.
With over 60,000 square feet and up to 105 guest rooms, the hotel at Wildlight will provide a full range of services for business and vacation travelers alike. It will offer a refreshing and stylish take on the travel experience with modern, upscale décor, premium food and beverage venues and a variety of wellness options.
Amenities such as a convenient 24-hour market, dedicated business center, state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor spaces such as a fire pit and pool area will cater to every guest’s needs and create the perfect stay.
“We are delighted to bring one of Marriott’s powerful brand names to Wildlight,” said Kish Kanji, Executive VP of Impact Properties. “Partnering with Marriott on this project will enable us to deliver a truly unique guest experience for visitors to and residents of Northeast Florida. As this region continues to grow and expand, having an established hotel in the heart of the Florida Lowcountry will further attract future business travelers and vacationers to the area.”
Impact Properties, a Tampa-based full-service investment, operating and development company, will develop, own and manage the hotel at Wildlight. Impact has been a leading operator of major national franchise brands in the hotel, restaurant, and retail industries for the past 30 years and currently owns 57 locations across the Southeast with an additional 16 locations under development.
“Marriott’s strong brand recognition and dedication to innovation makes it the perfect fit for Wildlight,” said Chris Corr, President, Raydient Places + Properties. “We are excited to provide a modern, upscale hotel for future visitors, located within easy driving distance to the best of Northeast Florida, such as Amelia Island and Jacksonville’s evolving urban core.”
Construction is expected to begin by late-2019 with completion planned for 2020. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.
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About WildlightWildlight 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.
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Rendering of Wildlight’s future hotel is provided by Impact Properties. All renderings are subject to change.
WILDLIGHT, FL – Jan. 23, 2019 – Wildlight, the new town being developed in Nassau County, is taking shape with residents moving in, commercial buildings under construction and exciting events going on for the greater community. The community’s distinctive Florida Lowcountry aesthetic is coming to life through its residential architecture.
Raydient Places & Properties, the developer of Wildlight, is working with three home builders, D.S Ware Homes, Dream Finders Homes and Dostie Homes, to design and build single family homes and townhomes inspired by the Florida Lowcountry’s character, culture and pattern of living. All three homebuilders are following Wildlight’s Pattern Book to build homes inspired by 19th century, southern architecture, but with a forward-leaning, more-contemporary perspective. Florida Lowcountry’s timeless design is characterized by large front porches, simple lines, native Florida landscaping and exterior color palettes that tie directly to the community’s natural surroundings.
Wildlight’s first homebuilder, D.S. Ware Homes, recently opened its second model home, the Willow. The new model is 1,866 sq. ft. with three bedrooms, two baths, and a covered patio. Much like D.S. Ware’s first model home in Wildlight, the River Birch, the Willow features high ceilings, large windows and a front porch, perfect for Lowcountry living. Base price for the Willow is $309,900.
Dream Finders Homes will hold a grand opening for its first two model homes on Wednesday, Jan. 23, for interested individuals to tour the Augusta II and Anderson models. The Augusta II model is a two-story plan with 2,776 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor living space. This home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms with grand double porches on the front of the home that capture the essence of Florida Lowcountry living. Base price for the Augusta II model is $344,990. The Anderson model is also a two-story plan, but with 2,862 sq. ft. and four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms. Base price for the Anderson model is $367,990.
Dostie Homes has broken ground on its first townhome model in Wildlight called the Charleston featuring one of the renowned builder’s all-new floor plans with 2,015 sq. ft., four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. Small, fenced rear yards with covered lanais also provide a sense of privacy, which is not typical of townhome living. Pricing for the townhomes start at $230,000. Dostie will also be building single family homes on 70-foot wide manor homesites with square footage ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 sq. ft.
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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.
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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.