;

John Lawrence, Broker-Associate

Nocatee

Saint Johns

St Augustine

Silverleaf

First Coast Report Newsletter September 2026

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • Downtown Jacksonville
  • Area events
  • County Updates
  • John’s Viewpoint

I hope everyone is doing well as we proceed with 2026 and notice the Halloween decorations showing up in all the stores! Demi is back in high school for her Senior Year and Spencer is attending UNF in Jacksonville. We are thankful to have them with us and close to home for a while longer!

I truly love living in the Sunshine State! Kassy and I were able to enjoy a couple of quick trips to go visit a high school friend of mine who lives directly on the Gulf of Mexico south of Tallahassee.

The expression “Any day on the water is a good day” definitely rings true for us.

We loved scalloping in the Gulf, doing some fishing, and swimming in the freshwater of the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers. There are so many ways to enjoy the water in Florida. I hope all of you take the time to experience these great opportunities that our state has offer.

Please visit my YouTube channel by clicking this link https://www.youtube.com/@johnlawrencerealtor and hit the SUBSCRIBE button. It does not cost anything and would be a huge favor that would really help me out!

I look forward to hopefully providing some helpful information for you in the First Coast Report. If you ever have any suggestions for content or any questions to ask, please let me know.

DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE

I am big Jacksonville Jaguars and NFL fan, so I have been watching the transformation of the area around Everbank Stadium the past few years. It began a few years ago as the Jaguars completed their team and practice facilities called the Miller Electric Center. The team previously had their offices beneath the stadium, but now enjoy the 125,000 square foot facility that includes an indoor practice facility, outdoor grass fields, a fan amentity building with covered 2,000 seat capacity, workout and training facilities, dining & kitchen spaces, etc… We have been able to enjoy watching girls high school flag football at this complex as the Jags host an event here every Spring.

After years of discussion, the Jaguars and local government agreed on a plan to renovate the existing Everbank Stadium. Construction began in February of 2025. The Jags will play this season with reduced capacity, and play their home games at Camping World Stadium in Orlando for the 2027 season. The new “Stadium of the Future” will open in August of 2028 and will feature a protective canopy that will provide sun, wind, & rain protection and reduce heat retention by 70 percent. If anyone has attended a game when the sun was shining brightly will know this sounds great! The stadium design will include wider concourses and flexible seating capacity up to 70,000.

In addition to NFL schedule, other events will benefit including the Florida-Georgia game and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with a venue that will provide a state-of-the-art fan experience. It will also enhance the ability to attract other events, such as soccer games and major concerts.

Besides the stadium renovation, a trip to downtown will notice other projects in the area. Just south of the stadium at the old Shipyards site, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville is nearing completion. The HKS-designed project includes a 170-key hotel, 25 branded residences, marina building, and six-story office building, One Tower Court, which is the new home of the Jaguars team headquarters. A marina and park along with retail and restaurants are also included.

A local dining option that started in St. Augustine in 2022 will be featured at 5 Shipyards Place. Asado Life … Argentinian-inspired concept of cooking methods including ember roasting, smoking and live-fire parilla grilling.

There are many other projects under construction and some completed including RiverEdge Parks and Boardwalk on the SouthBank that includes more than four acres of public park spaces opened to the public in Dec. 2025

September 2026 … Area EVENTS

NOTE: These are clickable links that will take you to the event page

Sept. 5-6 – Monster Jam @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena (Jacksonville)

Sept. 8-13 – Gwinnett Stripers vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp @ VyStar Ballpark (Jax)

Sept. 12 – Fall Festival @ Clay County Fairgrounds (Green Cove Springs)

Sept. 13 – Endless Summer Watermelon Ride (Fernandina Beach)

Sept. 15 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre Night Market (St. Augustine)

Sept. 19 – 19th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup (Palm Coast)

Sept. 19 – Ella Langley @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – (Jacksonville)

St. Johns County UPDATE

Hastings

Hastings is currently enjoying a community wide revitalization. The history of Hastings began around 1890 when Henry Flagler’s cousin, Thomas Hastings, established Prairie Garden farm in western St. Johns Count to grow vegetables for Flagler’s hotels in St. Augustine. Once a busy agricultural hub, hard times and municipal debt led to the residents approving a 2017 referendum to dissolve the town and become an unincorporated part of St. Johns County.

The Hastings Community Center and Library is nearing completion and will be offering public meeting spaces, comprehensive library services and a teen center.

The historic Hastings High School is undergoing restoration and will become a west county extension campus for First Coast Technical College. Upon completion the Hastings campus will offer a wide range of programs and services, including early childhood education, adult education, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language courses. Career training opportunities will include medical assisting and cosmetology programs. The facility will also feature a student center, dedicated community space, and the restoration of the building’s historic auditorium.

I recommend checking out Holcomb’s Seafood and Meats @ 415 N Main St in Hastings. We have purchased several meat packages from Jeremy and love the quality of the beef and pork. They have fresh & frozen seafood at affordable prices and we really like the Royal Red Shrimp for a seafood boil!

Main Street Pizza, Norma D’s Restaurant, Hasting Coffee Co. & ChocoLattes, Main St. Nutrition, and Belles Seafood Market are other places along Main Street to definitely check out.

This building was built in 1927 and operated as Hastings Motor Company that became Stanton Motors, an authorized Ford dealership. In 2021, a local St. Johns couple, Allyn and Jena Davis, purchased the building. After a restoration that focused on preserving original architectural elements, the building officially reopened as The Venue—a revitalized space dedicated to bringing people together once again. Reimagined as a destination for connection and celebration, it now hosts weddings and receptions, community & cultural events, corporate gatherings, and special occasions.

JOHN’S VIEWPOINT

Valued Friends and Customers …

Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter!

I have had a busy past few months with some twists and turns on a few deals. A couple of listings went under contract and the buyers cancelled for personal reasons after the inspection periods were complete. I was able to obtain binder deposit money for my customers and one listing has been temporarily withdrawn. I do think we will get them sold pretty soon … As I have always said, “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!”

I am seeing more total inventory and longer days on market in NE Florida. There are still lots of new construction inventory homes that are affecting the resale market. There does not seem to be a slowdown with developers continuing to announce new neighborhoods and large tracts of land being purchased and planned for development.

First Coast Report Newsletter August 2026

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First Coast Report Newsletter August 2026

The Lawrence Family enjoyed a nice family vacation in June. We flew from Orlando to Los Angeles and rented a van to fit six adults as Demi brought her friend Kate and Spencer his girlfriend Kiali. After a quick pit stop at In-N-Out Burger, we headed to Mariposa, California.

Yosemite National Park was beautiful and Spencer & Kiali hiked all the way to the top of Half Dome. We enjoyed the park for several days before moving on to Three Rivers. There we visited Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. After a few days, we headed toward the west coast and Santa Cruz and stopped at Pinnacles National Park on the way. Henry Cowell State Park is a great place to check out the giant Redwoods!

Santa Cruz is a cool beach town and the kids enjoyed watching all the surfers and activity on the Boardwalk. Point Lobos State Reserve and Carmel-By-The-Sea were highlights. On the way back to LA, we toured US 1 along the Big Sur coast and loved the Sea Lions! We checked out Venice Beach and the Boardwalk before flying back to Orlando!

Thank you for your continued support! I truly appreciate all of my previous customers and am so grateful for all the referrals of family and friends over the years.

www.WelcomeHomeStJohns.com

We are continuing to work on the website. If you are able, please visit this link … (GOOGLE REVIEW)

or use the QR CODE below and provide a personal google review. This would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

                                                                              County by County statistics through June 2026

July 2026 First Coast Report Newsletter

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

  • Jacksonville Area Beaches
  • Area Events
  • County Updates

Most of the country is expected to see extreme high temperatures as we begin July. A few months ago, I highlighted some of the top beaches in St. Johns County. This month I mention of few of the best places to cool off and enjoy the ocean views in Nassau and Duval counties in NE Florida.

We are continuing to make changes on the newsletter and on the website. If you are able, please visit this link … (GOOGLE REVIEW) or use the QR CODE below and provide a personal google review. This personal google review follows me and is very helpful for anyone searching online and would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

If you have a new business or restaurant that you like, please share with me. Thanks for reading!

Jacksonville & Amelia island beaches

A few months ago I highlighted the beaches of St. Johns County. This month I will mention some of the best spots to admire the Atlantic Ocean in Nassau and Duval counties! From north to south, check out …

Fort Clinch offers a great place to search for seashells and hunt for sharks’ teeth. In addition to a great beach, enjoy a walk or bike along the miles of nature trails including a six-mile off-road trail or 3.3 miles paved trail. Fishing is available at the half-mile pier and nearby jetties. There is also a picnic area, showers, and restrooms.

 

Amelia Island offers several beaches to enjoy including Main Beach which provides many activities including putt-putt golf, skate park, and dining opportunities. Seaside Park provides a great beach plus family friendly restaurants, ice cream shops, and a variety of accommodations. American Beach includes the A.L. Lewis Museum that explains the creation of this beach created in 1935 in response to Florida’s segregation laws.

 

Little Talbot Island offers more than 5 miles of pristine beach on one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands. The natural beauty includes eroding sun-bleached roots and fallen cedars and palms to enjoy. Enjoy beachcombing, surfing, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, a winding kayak journey along the bluffs of Myrtle Creek and camping in a lush forest hammock.

This 449-acre city-run park is bordered by ocean, inlet and river. It’s located on Fort George Island, just over the St. Johns River from Mayport. The beach here is long and wide, and provides the perfect environment for wildlife. The park is popular with families since the area along the inlet is calm and shallow.

This 450-acre park lies south of historic Mayport village and features 1-½ miles of sandy beach. Swim, sail, fish, or surf in the sparkling Atlantic water. As an added treat, the park has a 60-acre freshwater lake that is nice for kayaking and canoeing. There are lakeside picnic tables and grills, and nature trails wind around the lake and through the park.

These two beach towns offer miles of golden-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, or relaxing. Beach access is available at most eastern street ends. Parking is limited but there is a pay parking lot available in Atlantic Beach. There are showers at some access points and lots of dining options to enjoy.

July 2026 … AREA EVENTS 

NOTE: These are clickable links that will take you to the event page

July 4 – American Pride 4th of July @ Moosehaven – (Orange Park)

July 7-12 – Durham Bulls vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp @ VyStar Ballpark – (Jax)

July 11 – Billy Bob Thornton @ Ponte Vedra Music Hall – (Ponte Vedra) – SOLD OUT!!

July 17 – Men at Work with Toad the Wet Sprocket @ The Amp – (St. Augustine)

July 18 – Last Splash Summer Fun in the Sun @ Ronnie Van Zant Park – (Green Cove Springs)

July 24 – Cody Johnson @ VyStar Arena – (Jacksonville)

July 25 – Ultimate Rush Tribute Band @ Cafe Eleven – (St. Augustine Beach)

COUNTY / NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

PUTNAM County UPDATE

Putnam County is growing and offers excellent pricing compared to neighboring counties. Downtown Palatka is seeing renewed interest and development from investors, business owners, and homebuyers alike. Downtown Palatka sits directly on the St. Johns River, offering a scenic, walkable environment. A riverfront amphitheater and open green space provide venues for concerts and community gatherings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that continues to draw both locals and visitors.

Investors are purchasing properties, opening businesses, and restoring historic buildings. These efforts are bringing new life to structures that have existed for more than a century. This activity isn’t limited to one neighborhood. Growth is happening across the North Historic District, South Historic District, and downtown business district. Despite this growth, Palatka remains more affordable than surrounding

markets as prices are still much more affordable than in areas like Jacksonville, St. Johns County,

Alachua County, and Flagler County. That creates opportunities for investors to make a good return. Storefront businesses are in demand, and there is growing interest in mixed-use spaces.

Here a few restaurants to check out on a visit to Putnam County …

Velcoff’s Corner – Authentic Southern comfort food and classic American favorites are featured

here at a location just steps away from the Palatka boat ramp.

The Magnolia Cafe – Located on St. Johns Ave., the Magnolia touts locally sourced ingredients and offers a variety of sanwiches and brunch fare.

The Fillin’ Station – Another great option is The Fillin’ Station Bar & Grill featuring a beautiful building with cool outdoor seating and a nice bar. Featured items are the smash burgers, interesting appetizers, and a variety of other sandwich options including Mahi, Chicken, and a Shrimp Bo Boy .

Renegades on the River – If you are looking for a destination on the St. Johns River, check out Renegades. From fresh seafood and pizza to full entrée options, there is something for everyone.

Stop in for a quick bite, linger over a full meal, or unwind with a cold drink while enjoying river views, boat traffic, live music, and Florida sunsets.

JOHN’S VIEWPOINT

Valued Friends and Customers …Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter!

June was a very successful month for me with two closed listings. I also helped four buyers close on their new homes, including three new construction homes. New construction continues to have lots of inventory with builders offering incentives that include price reductions, rate buydowns, and other incentives like gourmet kitchens and swimming pools. There are many new neighborhoods being built all over NE Florida despite a downward trend in migration into Florida.

MY LISTINGS

254 SEAFORTH DR  https://www.homes.com/property/254-seaforth-dr-saint-augustine-fl/es3wsppg1gknn/

This better than new Trevi floor plan with a beautiful water-to-preserve view is now available in Shearwater! You will love relaxing on the screened lanai enjoying this prime lot that had a $42k builder premium. This home is move in ready as all appliances convey including garage refrigerator, washer & dryer plus all the furnishings are available. Awesome kitchen with double ovens and gas stove. Upgraded ceiling fans.

100 Twilight Tear Way https://www.iheartrealtyinc.com/real-estate/100-twilight-tear-way-st-johns-fl-32259/2143720/196246419

Welcome home to 100 Twilight Tear Way … the popular Clarendon floor plan on an awesome water-to-preserve lot in Rivertown! Lots of structural and design options are yours to enjoy in this 3,529 square foot home offering 5 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths. Custom organizers added to the kitchen pantry and master bedroom closet.

 

44 UTINA WAY

254 OAK SHADOW PL

First Coast Report Newsletter June 2026

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If you ever visited a freshwater spring, you were probably amazed at this amazing natural wonder! If you haven’t ever checked out any of the natural springs in Florida, June would be an awesome month to do so.

I have visited the ones on my list on the next page, but this a very small sample size. As it starts to heat up, consider cooling off in a natural spring with a constant average temperature of 72 degrees.

We are continuing to work on the website. If you are able, please visit this link … (GOOGLE REVIEW)

or use the QR CODE below and provide a personal google review. This would be greatly appreciated!

https://g.page/r/CZnaA6R_8d2gEAI/review

If you have a new business or restaurant that you like, please share with me. Thanks for reading!

Florida Natural Springs

Florida is home to over 700 natural springs! Not all of these are open to the public, but many offer great recreational opportunities. Here are just a few of the many options that are definitely worth a visit!

 

Silver Glen Springs – Marion County

Silver Glen Springs is known for its vibrant turquoise water, shaded picnic areas, and easy access to outdoor adventure. Popular for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and hiking, the spring offers something for all ages in a setting that feels both peaceful and wild. With calm, shallow water and a scenic trail along the shores of Lake George, Silver Glen is very popular for boaters as it is accessible from the St. Johns River.

 

Fed by nine springs, the Ichetucknee River lets visitors experience the natural beauty of its blue-green waterways year-round. Let the gentle current of the bright turquoise river guide you on a relaxing retreat through shaded hammocks and forests of cypress, maple, oak and pine.

Rainbow Springs State Park is a portal to a world of captivating history and breathtaking natural beauty. Here, where the crystal-clear waters of the Rainbow River erupt from the earth, lies one of Florida’s most magnificent first-magnitude springs. There is a new reservation program for day-use visitors, so plan ahead.

DeLeon Springs State Park (DeLeon Springs – just north of Deland)

Visitors enjoy a Florida experience that includes a swimming area and a fascinating history as De Leon Springs is a place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails that feature a massive old-growth bald cypress tree and huge live oaks. The popular Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, located in a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill, features cook-your-own pancakes at the table with an enhanced menu of food and beverages.

Blue Spring is a very popular location to check out the manatees! By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200, and by 2023 that number skyrocketed to a record 729. Visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail and can also launch a canoe or kayak (rentals are available at the park) or take a guided river boat cruise.

June 2026 Area Events

Note: These are clickable Links that will take you to the Event Page

June 2-7 – Nashville Sounds vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp @ Vy Star Ballpark – (Jax)

June 27 – Vince Gill @ The Amp – (St. Augustine)

Duval County Update

I recently attended the St. Augustine vs. Bishop Kenny spring football game in Jacksonville on the banks of the St. Johns River. I was able to see that the Jax skyline looks different as the renovations on Everbank Stadium and the Four Seasons complex & Shipyards development are really taking shape. The Four Seasons will include a marina, private residences, hotel, and office space for companies including the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Emerald Trail is another exciting project that has the potential to be a catalyst for social and economic development in Jacksonville. Pearl Square is a nine-block district currently transforming the west side of Downtown. It is bringing over 1,200 new residential units, a full-service Publix grocery store, renovated hotels, and curbless pedestrian-friendly streets.

EverRange is a large master planned community just north of Nocatee. This development is also managed by the Parc Group, who created Nocatee that is currently in the final phase of single family homes. Many of the same builders will also be in EverRange. The first neighborhood is a 55+ community by Toll Brothers called Regency at EverRange. They are actively selling and have several model homes featuring both the Acadia & Willow Collections to tour. Mariposa will feature single family homes from 1,450 – 3,400 sq. ft. Builders include David Weekley Homes, Dostie Homes, ICI Homes, Providence Homes, Riverside Homes, and Toll Brothers—each bringing their own distinct style and craftsmanship to the community. The amenity center called The Grove, is under construction and will include resort style & splash pools, dog park, playground, and tennis/pickleball courts.

Seven Pines is another large master planned community on the Southside of Jacksonville along Butler Blvd. and I-295. Seven Pines was named for Seven Brothers of the Skinner family who have owned the land for over a century. Seven Pine is built on over 1,000 acres with new homes, walkable neighborhoods, a vibrant village center, plus parks, trails, lakes and family outposts. The Village at Seven Pines, managed by Regency Centers Corp., is a unique retail development with a pedestrian friendly design, elevated storefronts, restaurants, services, landscaping and gathering spaces meant to turn a shopping center into a community hub.

David Weekley and ICI Homes are the two builders. David Weekley has many options including Rear Entry Townhomes, 40′ and 50′ Front Entry single family and 50′ x 70′ Rear Entry Single Family homes. ICI Homes is offering rear load plans on 40′, 60′, and 70′ lots and front load plans on 60′ lots.

John’s Viewpoint

Valued Friends and Customers….Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter!

May was a busy month for me with several new listings … two of them went under contract in less than 10 days! I really enjoyed helping a young first-time home buyer get under contract on a home in Ormond Beach. I am very proud of him for living at home and saving over the last few years in order to have a nice down payment on a beautiful home! He definitely beat the age of the first time buyer in the United States, which is currently 41 years of age.

MY ACTIVE LISTINGS

First Coast Report Newsletter May 2026

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John Lawrence Newsletter May 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May is an awesome month to take advantage of our local beaches before the larger summer crowds come to visit! We have so many great public beaches with various qualities to enjoy. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe or enjoy people watching in a more active environment, St. Johns County definitely offers something for everyone!

From surfing to biking to fishing to wildlife viewing to dining, there are all kinds of activities available for a great day … sunrise to sunset! Please plan on visiting a beach that you haven’t ever been to before and check out what a great time you can have enjoying the coastline of St. Johns County Florida!

PLEASE NOTICE EVERYTHING THAT IS UNDERLINED IS A CLICKABLE LINK!

Please visit my YouTube channel by clicking this link @johnlawrencerealtor and hit the SUBSCRIBE button. It does not cost anything and would be a huge favor that would really help me out!

I look forward to hopefully providing some helpful information for you in the First Coast Report. If you ever have any suggestions for content or any questions to ask, please let me know. If you have a new business or restaurant that you like, please share with me. Thanks for reading!

St Johns County Beaches

Here are some of the great beaches in St. Johns County, Florida for you to put your toes in the sand!!

Crescent Beach / Butler Beach – St. Augustine   https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/beaches/butler-beach/
I will admit I am prejudice here, as this is my go to choice that is closest to my home. But you will agree this is a gorgeous beach that locals love because it is wide, has convenient parking, and isn’t as congested as many beaches tend to be. Because it is in the southern end of Florida’s Historic Coast, it maintains an “old Florida” vibe as a quieter beach with white sand and located in a mostly residential area. And, in a throwback to Florida’s age gone by, there is vehicle-driving permitted on the beach (although there are fees and passes required between March 1 and September 30).

St. Augustine Beach – St. Augustine https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/beaches/st-augustine-beach/
St. Augustine Beach is a more tourist driven location that has everything you need for the ideal beach vacation – seaside restaurants, a beachfront park with a fishing pier, a large beachside pavilion, a Summer Concert Series, and sand volleyball courts. There is also a weekly Farmers Market held at the pier parking lot.

Vilano Beach – St. Augustine https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/beaches/vilano-beach/
Vilano Beach has a very cool vibe with easy access with many lodging and dining opportunities. On the Intracoastal side, there is a fishing pier and a great place to watch the sunset over the Vilano Bridge.

Anastasia State Park – St. Augustine https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/beaches/anastasia-state-park/
If you are looking for laid back experience without commercialism, Anastasia State Park features four miles of white quartz sand beaches and is one of Florida’s most popular parks. The park’s protected wildlife area and trail systems attract birders, bicyclists, fishermen, and surfers. The sunrise from the park can be excellent.

Guana River South Beach Access – Ponte Vedra Beach https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/beaches/anastasia-state-park/
Known for a great spot to search for Shark’s teeth, Guana River South Beach offers a beautiful mix of pristine beaches, trails, and preserved wetlands/estuaries. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) protects 73,000 acres of Florida’s northeast coast, stretching from Ponte Vedra Beach to Palm Coast. The Reserve is divided geographically into a Northern Component in St. Johns County and a Southern Component, which is primarily in Flagler County.

Mickler’s Landing – Ponte Vedra Beach https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/beaches/micklers-landing/
Mickler’s Landing (pronounced “mike-lers”) is just two blocks east of A1A. The first public beach in Ponte Vedra, Mickler’s remains a local favorite, famous for its pink, coquina-sand stretches of beach. This is also a great spot to hunt for Shark’s teeth.

 

May Area Events

May 8-17 – 17th Annual Wild Amelia Nature Festival – (Amelia Island)

May 9 – Railroad Day Festival & 60th Anniversary Celebration – (Green Cove Springs)

May 16 – Journey @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – (Jacksonville)

 

County / Neighborhood Updates

If you haven’t been to Nassau County recently, the expression, “My, how things have changed”, comes to mind. The I-95 Interchange at SR 200, is the new “Diverging Diamond” design that really moves traffic efficiently. If you remember SR 200 being a sleepy roadway on the way to Yulee, now it is filled with lots of new retail development all the way to Amelia Island!

Wildlight
Wildlight is the largest master planned residential community in the county and is being developed by the real estate arm of Rayonier called Raydient Places + Properties. I am a Wildlight Certified Agent and have access to all the current news about this master planned community. The Town District is where you’ll find the vibrant Village Center, with its eateries, offices, shops and services including UF Health, the Wildlight YMCA, multiple parks and Wildlight Elementary. And with miles of Wildlight Trailways connecting it all, everything’s an easy walk or bike ride from home. The new section called the Garden District will include 5 planned neighborhoods, 4,100+ homes with the first models planned to open in the Summer of 2026. There will be 2,800+ acres of Florida nature, 19+ miles of trails and 484 acres of planned parks. The Green Ribbon is the plan for a linear park and trail – fully 13 miles long – that will eventually stretch along the bluffs above the St. Marys River.

Tributary
Tributary is a 1,550 acre master planned community to the west of I-95 on SR 200. Tributary’s amenities include the lakefront Lookout Amenity Center and nature trails to the adjacent Tributary Regional Park and future river-access points. The trail system connects all the neighborhoods and will soon lead to the trailheads of neighboring Four Creeks State Forest. Residents can also enjoy the resort-style pool, work out at the fitness center, take their dogs to the Pawsome Dog Park or participate in planned social activities at the Amenity Center. David Weekley Homes is offering six different floor plans and has The Brasher and The Cartesian as model homes. Lennar Homes has the Princeton II and Sierra II Bonus plans available as well as the Lakeview 55+ neighborhood.

Headwaters at Lofton Creek
Taylor Morrison is the developer of Headwaters at Lofton Creek featuring 80′ wide lots and six different floor plans. Tucked away on nearly 200 acres, this community will offer amenities like a pool, cabana, event lawn, dog park, playground and walking trails.

 

John’s Viewpoint

I enjoyed showing properties to customers in some areas outside of NE Florida in April including Ormond Beach in Volusia County as well as the Orlando area. I am a member of the Flagler County Board of Realtors that is part of StellarMLS, which consists of over 20 real estate boards and counties throughout Central and SW Florida. It is always nice to use this resource to help my customers!

I have a customer who is relocating to the Orlando area due to a new job and we toured homes in the Winter Garden and Windermere area west of Orlando. This is a beautiful area with highly ranked school systems and that local market is currently very strong! We had several homes go under contract right before we were able to tour the properties. We did make an offer on a home but another offer was received just after ours. After discussions with the buyers, we decided to add an escalation addendum to our offer. I have used this addendum successfully in the past, and it worked out great this time. The other offer was higher than our initial contract amount, but our escalation clause won the acceptance by a slight amount. Also, I had a lengthy conversation with the listing agent the night before, and developed a good relationship with him.

Escalation Addendum: “An escalation addendum (or clause) is a real estate contract provision allowing a buyer to automatically increase their offer price by a set increment over competing bona fide offers, up to a maximum cap. It is designed to secure a property in competitive, multi-offer situations without overpaying, ensuring the buyer beats competitors by a specific amount.”

After we went under contract, the experienced listing agent said he appreciated the attention to detail in presenting and explaining our offer and said I was what he called in the Navy as “AJ SQUARED AWAY”. I had never heard this term before and had to look it up.

“AJ Squared Away” is a military slang term, particularly used in the US Navy, to describe a sailor who is perfectly organized, professional, and sharp in appearance (e.g., perfect uniform, haircut, and shave). The phrase implies being fully prepared, efficient, and having all personal or professional matters in order.

This example proves that the real estate market is HYPER LOCAL. One area may be a strong buyer’s market and another a seller’s market. Also, it definitely helps to have an experienced Realtor who understands all the buyer and seller tools available (including addendums). Also, as we gravitate toward a more virtual world, picking up the phone and talking with other real estate agents is still important. And being professional and paying attention to all the small details is never a bad thing in any vocation!Thanks for reading and please let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns!

 



4475 US 1 S Ste. 202, St. Augustine FL 32086
John Lawrence, Broker-Associate
Ph: