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!
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 (opens in new tab).)
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.
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!
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).
Morning coffee on mom’s porch. A bike ride to baking cookies at grandma’s. A trail hike with Papa. And … let’s talk about a biggie … free babysitters, right in the neighborhood. When the whole family lives at Wildlight, everyone can find the home, along with community events and amenities, that best suits their needs. Along with the best feature of all — relatives right down the street.
Your closest relatives, close by
There’s something special about being just a short walk or bike ride away from family. No need to schedule a family dinner weeks in advance. No rushing through weekend visits. No long drives or fighting traffic. Here, grandparents are close enough to attend every school program — or meet up for an impromptu ice cream cone down in the Village Center (opens in new tab). At Wildlight, spontaneous family time is the norm, not the exception. And when you’re just blocks (or a trail) away from one another, the physical proximity can make you feel that much closer. It’s like you’re all living under the same roof … but with the perfect amount of breathing room.
Gathering spots that feel like home
When you live at Wildlight, the community itself feels like an extension of your home. Planning a big family picnic? Head to one of our parks (opens in new tab). Don’t feel like cooking? Meet up at one of the restaurants. Love trivia? Mocama hosts weekly themed trivia nights (opens in new tab). There’s no shortage of places throughout the neighborhood where you can enjoy the company of those who matter most. (And even get a side of fries or craft beer while you’re at it.)
And then there’s the year-round events (opens in new tab) that provide more ways to play. Do a family 5K or 10K at the annual Run Wild race (opens in new tab). Check out the weekend market place (opens in new tab). Even play in the snow (yes, snow) at Winterfest. There’s always something going on here, which means making plans (and memories) just got easier.
Yep, there’s a club for that
Okay, so you can’t spend ALL your time with family. Which is why there are lots of ways to meet your neighbors, too. Whether you’re into games or gardening, books or cooking, there’s a club for almost every interest. Get together for Bunco night. Get in on the pickleball craze. Stay fit while making friends (and exploring the trails of Wildlight (opens in new tab)) with the Run/Walk club (opens in new tab). If you have a hobby, there’s probably a club for it. (And if there’s not, well, we’d love for you to start one!)
So where will everyone live?
At Wildlight, it’s easy to find a home that fits your needs. Families with kids love Riverside Homes (opens in new tab) single-family homes — with plenty of space to grow, and an easy walk or bike ride to Wildlight Elementary. Dostie Homes’ (opens in new tab) Village Homes are modern and stylish — and low-maintenance. The new Pulte Homes (opens in new tab) bungalows in Hawthorn Park are perfect for those just starting out, or empty nesters who are settling down. And if you’re 55+, Del Webb Wildlight (opens in new tab) is a gated community with its own exclusive clubhouse (opens in new tab) that offers everything from a pool to a fitness center to a craft room to a bar & grill. In other words, everyone gets the home that suits their life, but they’re all still just a hop, skip or jump (or bike ride) away from each other.
Healthcare and wellness just around the corner
One of the perks of living in Wildlight is that your health and wellness needs can be handled right in the community. UF Health (opens in new tab) is right in the neighborhood, making doctor’s and physical rehabilitation appointments easy. The Wildlight Y has everything from fitness classes and equipment to an indoor running track to keep you moving. There’s a dance studio to help kids get some creative energy out. And when it’s tooth-cleaning time, Family Dental at Wildlight can take of your smile.
For the school-aged family members
At Wildlight, a great education is a given. Kids can start out at St. Clare Early Learning Center or KinderCare, both ready to help get them prepared for school. And then it’s on to Wildlight Elementary (opens in new tab) — a top-rated school right in our community. Carpooling just got that much easier.
A whole new kind of family friendly
No matter how big your family, or how old its members, everyone has a place here at Wildlight. We can’t wait to help you find it. (All of you.)
A retail/commercial facility along Florida 200 near a new Wawa is the latest development in the works for the area in and around the master-planned Nassau County community.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record (opens in new tab).
Wildlight is a town in nature. And while a whole other blog could be spent talking about the ‘town’ part — from the go-to restaurants to the must-have conveniences (opens in new tab) — this blog will be spent on the ‘nature.’ Because, there is oh-so-much of it.
Here’s a little peek into our parks.
Coin Toss Park
Wildlight’s newest park is now open. And no matter how you toss this coin, it always comes up fun. It’s the place to be if you want to play pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball. Let the dog run off leash and the kids climb on the play structures. Or relax by the water. This fenced-off park is a residents-only spot, which means chances are good you just might run into a neighbor there.
Whistling Duck Pond
Like to kayak? How about paddleboard? Or, if you’d rather stay near the water, rather than on it, how about reading a book by the shore, walking around the pond, or enjoying a picnic on the lawn? Whistling Duck Pond is the biggest water feature in our community, providing plenty of opportunities to rest, relax and reap the benefits of finding yourself in nature.
Four O’Clock Park
The hammocks say it all. This is a place to hang out, any time of day (don’t let the name fool you). Of course, we know that some people prefer active fun over the passive kind. So working out on the outdoor fitness equipment is always a good idea. (Don’t worry, you can relax by the pond after.)
Waterbug Park
Hear the phrase “community park” and one like Waterbug Park probably comes to mind. It has the pool. The kids’ playground. The cornhole and bocce ball and ping pong. In other words, Waterbug Park has it all. It’s a cool place to hang out on hot days. And an awesome way to meet your neighbors. Get ready, get set, and go have some water-filled fun.
Can’t wait to get out into the great outdoors? Visit these parks, or head out onto one of the trails that connect them to our neighborhoods and village center. Welcome to nature, the Wildlight way.
