Northeast Florida Real Estate - St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville
Nov. 16, 2009 - Grocery Store in Vilano
Just when you think it we will never get a grocery store in Vilano, we have a Vilano Beach Main Street meeting where prospective developers from south Florida have plans to bring a grocery store to our area.
Come to the Vilano Beach Main Street meeting this Wednesday, November 18th from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Vilano where the prospective buyers of the grocery store site will be in attendance. They will be asking questions of the community and we will have the opportunity to ask questions, too.
Also on the agenda will be the restoration of the Bluebird and an update on the Sunday Market.
Here are details on this meeting and others that are happening this week that affect Vilano Beach.
Thanks and see you at a meeting this week?
Barbara Jenness is the Vice-President of the North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), the parent organization for the Vilano Beach Main Street. She is also President of Friends of A1A and a homeowner in Porpoise Point---all areas that are having meetings this week.
Nov. 11, 2009 - 72-Mile Super Scenic A1A Garage Sale - Nov. 14, 2009
The 72-mile Super Scenic A1A Highway Garage sale will be taking place this Saturday, November 14, 2009 along A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway in St. Johns and Flagler Counties. Here are the details.
Hope you pick up a great deal while enjoying a scenic drive on one of our nation's National Scenic Byways in our nation's oldest city.
Nov. 10, 2009 - North Atlantic Right Whales - St. Augustine, FL
I just posted on my ActiveRain blog details about the North Atlantic Right Whales and how calving occurs off the St. Augustine Coast from mid December to March. Please click here to view. Thanks!
Nov. 3, 2009 - Army Corps to Dredge St. Augustine Inlet and Intracoastal
I just received word about the Army Corps' plans to dredge the Intracoastal in 2010 to renourish St. Augustine Beach. I knew about the plans to dredge the St. Augustine Inlet, but did not know about the Intracoastal. I have more details here. Below is a map showing where they plan to dredge. It does not show up well, so let me know if you'd like me to e-mail you a copy. Basically it is up and down the Intracoastal by the St. Augustine Inlet. There will be a public meeting at 3 p.m. on Nov. 17th at St. Augustine Beach City Hall.
There is so much happening in Vilano Beach now that September has arrived and summer is almost gone. I have been meaning to keep you up-to-date, but have been falling behind.
Tonight, Monday, September 14th is the first ever Pot Luck Dinner at North Shores Improvement Association's (NSIA) meeting tonight. Instead of the monthly forum, it has changed to a pot luck dinner. Not much notice was given, so I hope you can make it. Bring hors d'oeuvers or a dish to share while getting to know your neighbors.
Directions:Vilano Beach is the closest Beach to downtown St. Augustine, FL. Take the Vilano Bridge (Usina Bridge) to Vilano. Take a left on A1A. Go less than 1 mile to just past Surfside Park to a left on Meadow. Go a little over a block to 120 Meadow Avenue.
Date: Monday, September 14, 2009
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: North Shores Community Center at 120 Meadow Avenue (1 block off of Coastal Highway)
Who: Everyone in the area!
Bring: Dish to share with your neighbors
There will also be a tour of the old Fire Station. There will be a new Sheriff Stop Station located here.
Aug. 26, 2009 - Weekend Events in St. Johns County
Events in St. Augustine, Florida this weekend, August 28-30, 2009.
Another beautiful weekend is on tap for St. Augustineand Ponte Vedra, Florida.
Weather.com weekend forecast shows scattered thunderstorms which are typical for this time of year during the afternoon with temperatures from the low 70s to the mid-80s.
Attend the Grand Opening of the Heather Blanton exhibit at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra on Friday. Ruth's Chris will be catering the wine & appetizer opening reception starting at 6:30 p.m. Blanton uses photographic images to show the ever-changing face of the Florida landscape.
Friday and Saturday, Black Raven Adventure Cruise for adults only is a sing-a-long pirate cruise. Cruise departs at 8:15 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m.
On Saturday, August 29th it's Uptown Saturday Night, a favorite end-of the-month event from 5 - 9 p.m. in the San Marco Shopping Distric. Appetizers are provided by the Saint Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA). Free parking at the Mission of Nombre de Dios.
More details on all of the above events can be found here.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has released the following press release:
The replacement of the Summer Haven Bridges along State Road A1A just north of the Flagler County line is scheduled to begin in August and take approximately two years to complete. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has scheduled a construction open house to provide more information and details, including traffic impacts on this major project in St. Johns County.
The open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 20 at Whitney Laboratories located at 9055 Ocean Shore Boulevard, across from Marineland. For the convenience of the public, it will be held twice -- between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.
FDOT staff will be available to go over the plans and answer questions. There will be no formal presentation so those interested in the project are encouraged to drop by at any time.
For more information about the open house or FDOT construction projects in St. Johns County, contact Sandra Mancil at 800-475-0044 or sdmancil@pbsj.com.
Aug. 2, 2009 - Aunt Kate's Restaurant in North Beach, St. Augustine
Aunt Kate's restaurant at the river in St. Augustine, Florida is in the North Beach neighborhood of Vilano Beach.
When we moved from Ponte Vedra to St. Augustine (North Beach) in 1998, the first night after we closed on the purchase of our new home, we went to dinner with our new neighbors. We walked a couple of blocks to Oscar's. I was in very casual clothes and had to borrow my neighbor's sandals, which were many sizes too big. But, I knew it was a casual place and would be fine. We had an enjoyable time on the back deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway(ICW). Unfortunately, a fire destroyed Oscar's in 2001. We waited many years for the Usina family to rebuild. We are glad they took the time necessary to do things right.
In March, Frank Usina and his family built a new 5,000 square foot waterfront restaurant on the former site of Oscar's. The Usina family has owned the property for more than a century and the new restaurant is named for his grandmother, Catherine ("Kate") Usina, who bought the property in 1904 and ran the restaurant for many years. With 2,000 square feet of deck outside overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and 150 feet of floating dock, Aunt Kate's has quickly become a favorite St. Augustine dining establishment. You can visit Aunt Kate's by road or water. Many people walk or ride their bikes to this new favorite neighborhood restaurant.
Yesterday, I had visiting friends visiting. They live in Jacksonville, but were visiting St. Augustine for the day. When it came time for the dinner decision, I knew just where to go.
I have been enjoying Aunt Kate's frequently. My last visit I had the baked Rotini with fresh locally caught shrimp and had to have that again. Our waitress, Heather, said it was her favorite, too. I also recommend the baby-back ribs. I really like the fish tacos, too and my husband usually gets the pulled pork. I have enjoyed each of my meals here. During the grand opening celebration I sampled each of their soups (Minorcan Clam Chowder, New England Clam Chowder and She-Crab).They are all future award winners! Aunt Kate's is currently serving locally caught blue crabs, too.
The service at Aunt Kate's is responsive and friendly. Matthew, the general manager, checks on every table and ensures the customer's satisfaction. He told me they stage seating to make sure the kitchen doesn't get overloaded so people get their meals quickly and hot. Ours were.
Upon entering Aunt Kate's you will notice a wall of old photos portraying the history of Vilano Beach, North Beach, Porpoise Point and the restaurant.
The history provided by the restaurant says that just before the turn of the century (that being the century before this one---i.e, 1890s) Captain Frank Usina married Catherine Evans. The newlyweds moved south, just north of Miami so Frank could continue his job building railroad depots for Henry Flagler. Yellow fever struck so they moved back to St Augustine. Adolphus Pacetti (North Beach is named after this family: Pacetti North Beach) suggested they use one of the railroad houses that still stands North East of the restaurant.
When the yellow-fever epidemic was over instead of moving back to south Florida, Frank suggested they purchase the property. Her family built the current restaurant so her legacy lives on.
The restaurant is built in a low-country style with great porches for relaxing, a metal roof and a wonderful deck on the Intracoastal. The deck is built around great oak trees. Many people request the "tree" table. There are many misters installed to keep you cool.
Notice the bar. The part of the hull of the old Victory II forms the base of the bar. The Victory II was launched in 1918 and was the main mode of transportation to our area (North Beach and Vilano Beach) from St. Augustine before the bridge was put in.
Today, during my visit, I notice a new brick patio just off of the back deck being constructed. I can't wait to see the final product. This brick patio leads down to a sandy beach. Next to Aunt Kate's is a bait shop called Mike's Place, which I will blog about shortly.
The food is wonderful, the prices are affordable, the service is spot-on and all with this wonderful view:
Directions to Aunt Kate's Restaurant:
Take Scenic A1A from St. Augustine over the Usina (Vilano) Bridge over the ICW. Continue on A1A by taking a left on Coastal Highway and travel about 2.5 miles north to Euclid (by The Reef Restaurant). Take a left on Euclid as directed by this homemade sign
all the way to the Intracoastal. Aunt Kate's is on the right.
612 Euclid Ave Saint Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 829-1105
Jul. 26, 2009 - Car Registration Fees & other fees going way up September 1
The Florida State Legislature this year approved across-the-board rate increases for fees charged by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The new prices take effect September 1, 2009. It was a state decision and the local counties will see no additional revenue. Because the new rates do not take effect until September 1st, anyone who renews their vehicle registration and driver's license before then can pay the lower rates.
You can renew your vehicle registration up to three months in advance. If your registration expires on or before November 30, 2009 you should renew it before the new fees take effect on September 1st. You can save even more money by renewing your registration for two years rather than just one.
Driver's licenses can be renewed up to 18 months in advance. Changes of address can be updated at the lower rate by accessing http://www.flhsmv.gov/dhsmv/express.html before September 1.
Below are some of the hikes:
- License plate renewals: From $28.10 to $46.65.
- Registration fee for new vehicles: From $100 to $225.
- Drivers license: From $32.25 to $54.25.
- Replacement of lost license: From $15.25 to $31.25.
This applies to boat registrations, too. So, enjoy your summer, but you might want to take care of some registrations before the summer's end.
Jul. 26, 2009 - Don't Call Me Honey Unless you Mean It
On July 13th, the state of Florida got serious about our honey. As the 4th leading honey-producing state, Florida beekeepers were seeing what I would call unfair competition from overseas. Honey was being sent to Florida (and other places) with additives and calling the product pure honey. This was not fair to people selling pure honey.
Five major honey producers and processors approached the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 asking for a U.S. standard of identity for honey. The FDA did not take up the cause "due to other more pressing matters".
So, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stepped in. Under the new regulation, honey containing anything other than the "natural food product resulting from the harvest of nectar by honeybees" is considered an adulterated or mislabeled product.
Florida is the first in our nation and possibly the world to have such a regulation on honey. Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson says 28 others states are now considering it and hopefully the USDA and the FDA will get involved, too. The regulation went into effect on July 14, 2009.
The USDA allows for up to 18.6% of added water to honey for it still be classified as grade A. Honey is one of nature’s perfect foods as it does not spoil and you can store it almost indefinitely without additives or preservatives.
If you like honey, rest assured you will get pure honey in Florida.
Enjoy St. Augustine and St. Johns County with your dog. (Will cats be next?)
On Monday, July 6, 2009 the St. Augustine Beach City Commission passed Ordinance 09-08, which amends the city's land development regulations to allow four-legged canine companions in outside serving areas of Beach restaurants.
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) announced that a new website devoted to both resident and visitor dog lovers is about to be launched. Among its many features will be a listing of dog-friendly attractions, restaurants and hotels in the St. Augustine area. Here is a list of some of the places that are already dog-friendly. I look forward to updating this list based on input from the VCB.
Barbara Jenness is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and friend of nature serving northeast Florida from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, specializing in waterfront properties (ocean, river, and Intracoastal) and foreclosures. She is an active community volunteer and has been involved with redeveloping Vilano Beach since 1998. She is the current President of Friends of A1A and the Vice-President of North Shores Improvement Association, the governing board of Vilano Beach Main Street.
I have been trying to access Facebook.com all morning and have been unsuccessful. Well, I found this great website that tells you if a site is down or if it is a personal problem (i.e., just me!).
Which isn't that wonderful as now I have to determine why. But it is good to know this site exists. It will save me a lot of wasted time as I hope it does you.
Happy 4th of July everyone!
Barbara Jenness is a Licensed Real Estate Broker serving northeast Florida from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, specializing in waterfront properties (ocean, river, and Intracoastal) and foreclosures. She is an active community volunteer and has been involved with redeveloping Vilano Beach since 1998. She is the current President of Friends of A1A and the Vice-President of North Shores Improvement Association, the governing board of Vilano Beach Main Street.
Jul. 1, 2009 - Vilano Beach 4th of July Celebration
Yes, this is the biggest weekend activity in Porpoise Point and Vilano Beach. It seems the entire northeast Florida area comes to Porpoise Point to enjoy the 4th of July weekend on the beach and then watch the fireworks over our nation's oldest city. The entire neighborhood is one big party. It is one of my favorite weekends and makes me happy to live in Porpoise Point so I don't have to fight the traffic to get home!
This year our local community association, North Shores Improvement Association along with Vilano Beach Main Street , is make the experience even better if you can imagine that!
With funds raised from the Sunday Market, we are able to have The Falling Bones provide a pre-fireworks entertainment experience (aka concert). Band members Rick Levy, John “Long John” Higginbotham, Rob Piazza and Angello Olivieri will provide an intimate performance of classic cover tunes from the 1960’s on.
The Falling Bones will perform from 7pm until the simulcast of the St. Augustine July 4th Fireworks on local AM1240 WFOY. Simulcast of the fireworks soundtrack will also be presented at the Vilano Beach Pier Park. The venue is open to the public and free of charge. Viewing locations and parking are on a first come first serve basis so come early, enjoy the beach, a stroll along Vilano Beach Main Street and enjoy the show!
And don't forget to come back on July 5th for our Sunday Market from noon - 4 p.m.
Now you can read all about the Vilano Beach area via North Shores News. This monthly community newspaper is distributed by the St. Augustine Record, our local newspaper, to properties in the Vilano Beach (North Shores) area. The area distributed includes Porpoise Point to the last house on the ocean just before the The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and to Camachee Island on the west. This includes Vilano Beach, Surfside and North Beach and parts of South Ponte Vedra Beach. Some of the communities in this area are: Porpoise Point, South Beach, Serenata, Ocean Grande, Beachwalk, Turtle Shores, Tide's Edge, Mariner's Watch, Seaside of Vilano, and Villages of Vilano.
Jun. 10, 2009 - St. Augustine Selected Top 10 Best Places to Live for 2009
I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it. Yes, I already knew that St. Augustine is one of the best places to live, but it is so nice to hear others verify it. With the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal and the St. Johns River we have so many water choices. And our nation's oldest city has to be one of the most charming places ever. I feel like I am on vacation every day here. There is always stuff happening. I try to keep my website updated under Calendar of Events with all the happenings.
We are a small town, with so much culture (art, music and dance) and great restaurants with fresh seafood. The recreational activities are overwhelming: great fishing and boating, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sailing, parasailing, wind surfing, the beach, etc. plus parks, golf, tennis, hiking, biking and many attractions (Alligator Farm, The Lighthouse, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Castillo de San Marco & Ft. Matanzas to name just a few), Flagler College with original Tiffany windows, Lightner Museum, grand old churches, historic St. George Street, the list goes on and on. And one of the nation's Scenic Byways, A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway runs along our coast and through St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach. Enjoy nature throughout the area, in the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and our many parks. Watch endangered Right Whales and sea turtles. Explore the nation's oldest city including oldest school house and house.
People are what really make St. Augustine grand. Yes, every one knows your name (if you want them to).
Come visit St. Augustine. Let me know if you are interested in staying. I would enjoy showing you why St. Augustine is a great place to live.
US News & World Report selected St. Augustine, FL as a top 10 Best Places to Live for 2009. Here's the article. And the detail on St. Augustine.
Enjoy the beach this summer. Vilano Beach, the closest beach to historic St. Augustine, Florida. Here's what's happening. Call me at 904-823-0027 or e-mail me at Barbara@BarbaraJenness.com with any questions or if you'd like to get involved.
Monday
June 8
9 am
ST. JOHNS COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION ROUNDTABLE
Special meeting at the newly dedicated Emergency Operations Center, 100 EOC Drive at the end of Agricultural Drive.
Monday
June 8
7 pm
NSIA FORUM - NEW WEB SITE TOOLS
At the North Shores Community Center, 120 Meadow Avenue
Info: 904-607-7771Understanding what is needed to be an important part of our image to the world. Come provide input on what you want on the VilanoBeachFL.com website. Presented by our webmaster, Mike Kilgallon of Aardvark Associates.
Monday
June 15
9 am to 2 pm
SPARS YOUTH SAILING CAMP
8 weekly camps for ages 10 to 15. At Salt Run in Anastasia State Park.
Info: 904-687-4625
Wednesday
June 17
4 pm
VILANO BEACH MAIN STREET PLANNING GROUP
At the Hampton Inn Oceanside on Vilano Road
This meeting will feature a presentation by the Sheriff's department to discuss vandalism and a possible Neighborhood Watch Program.
Thursday
June18
6 pm
ALTRUSA CLUB
Community minded international group who welcome new members. (3rd Thurs)
At South Ponte Vedra Civic Association, 2724 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Info: Janet Gandara. 904-823-1101
Wednesday
June 24
3 to 5 pm
FRIENDS OF A1A SCENIC & HISTORIC COASTAL BYWAY
Whitney Hall Auditorium, Marineland.
Info: 904-425-8055, 904-540-0402.
Mon July 6
to Fri July 10
SURF'S UP CAMP
Camps also from July 13 to 17, August 3 to 7 & 10-14.
Ages 6-16.
Learn to Surf, Lifeguard rescue techniques, the ways of the water.
Info: Eddie Zielman. 904-669-1269.
Mon July 13
3-5 pm
SCENIC & HISTORIC A1A
Transportation Safety to be discussed including speed limits, parking, and crosswalks from Vilano to Ponte Vedra
At South Ponte Vedra Civic Association, 2724 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Info: Barbara Jenness. 904-823-0027.
Tues July 14
7 pm
FREE "LOOSE LEASH ON THE BEACH"
Dog Training Class. Beach Pavilion area.
Info: A1A Dog Training. 904-377-0037.
Tues July 21
6 pm
COMMUNITY DOG TRAINING CLASS
Dog Training Class. 6 weeks class every Tuesday
Info: A1A Dog Training. 904-377-0037.
Every Friday & Saturday Night
5:30 to 7:30 pm
WINE TASTING
Pawnee's Café & Fine Wines, 165 Vilano RD, 904-824-2455
Friday $10 for 6 wines. Saturday $7 for 4 wines. Case discounts.
SUNDAYS
Every Sunday 9:30 & 10:30 am
CHURCH AT VILANO
North Shores Community Center, 120 Meadow Avenue
808-8304
Bible Study 9:30 am, Worship 10:30 am, except Easter.
Prayer & Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 pm.
Every Sunday
7:00 pm
CHRISTIAN INTERDENOMINATIONAL SERVICE
Full service with live music.
At the Vilano Surf Hut, 120 Vilano Rd.
Info: 904-806-8120
Every Sunday Noon to 4 pm
VILANO BEACH SUNDAY MARKET
AT THE PIER
A non-profit community service that provides fresh produce, baked goods, other foods and fine arts and crafts by local artists. Info: 904-540-8797
May. 18, 2009 - NiƱa & Pinta Leave St. Augustine - May 18, 2009
The early bird may get the worm, but I was very fortunate this morning to capture the Nina and the Pinta as they were leaving St. Augustine. It was a little before 6:30 this morning when I noticed what I thought were shrimp boats heading back to sea. I thought they were shrimp boats as we had rough waters last night and thought they had come into the St. Augustine inlet for safe harbor, as they are known to do.
Well as the two vessels passed the inlet and continued heading north on the Intracoastal Waterway, I realized what they were and leapt for my camera.
I would have taken pictures of the shrimp boats, too, as many of you know. But this was exciting to have them this close in the early morning hours.
I knew they were visiting St. Augustine from May 5- 18th, but the days they just fly past. Don't miss my video posted below.
May. 11, 2009 - North Shores Improvement Association Forum Tonight!
Come hear Maria Cristina Rivero, a native of Cuba, present information on different cultures at tonight's North Shores Improvement Association's (NSIA) Community Forum. Her topic should help both in your international travels and in working with visitors to our area from other countries. Come learn and share. Updates on our community will also be presented. Come. Get involved.
Date: May 11th
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: North Shores Community Center, 120 Meadow Avenue, Vilano Beach, FL 32084
May. 11, 2009 - Scenic A1A Meeting 3 p.m. Today in S. Ponte Vedra
Many people in northeast Florida traverse Scenic and Historic A1A in St. Johns County from Jacksonville, through St. Augustine to Flagler County, especially on weekends. This past weekend was no exception with the most traffic I have seen in a long time. It was a challenge crossing A1A to enjoy the beach, but it was possible and well worth it. With The Player's Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, the Ancient City Crawfish Boil in St. Augustine, The Sunday Market in Vilano Beach, and Mother's Day, much was happening in our area. We had such fabulous weather, too!
Scenic & Historic A1A is the St. Johns County state scenic highway section of a National Scenic Byway, A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway(aka Friends of A1A). If you have been wanting to get involved in helping to protect, preserve, maintain, and enhance this beautiful byway, please come to our meeting today from 3 - 5 p.m. at the South Ponte Vedra Civic Association Building located at 2724 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Here is today's agenda:
SCENIC & HISTORIC A1A
Corridor Management Council Meeting
AGENDA
St. Johns County
May 11, 2009
South Ponte Vedra Civic Assn - 2724 South Ponte Vedra Blvd., S. Ponte Vedra, 32082
3:00 - 5:00 pm.
1. Convene Meeting / Introductions Barbara Jenness
Approval of Minutes from prior meeting and Approval of current Agenda
2. Discussion Topics
· New Business
· RFP Evaluation Committee Representative (2 LAP Projects)
· SawgrassVillage Major Modifications
· Florida Coastal and Ocean Policy Report Card
· DRI - SW Commerce Center Status
· Scenic Conservation Issues - Billboards
· OAR House - North Florida Land Trust Plans for North Guana Landing
· Code Enforcement Follow-up
· Old Business Updates
1. Windswept Acres Park / Frank Butler/Green Road Wil Smith
2. Pope Road Scenic Overlook Bob Samuels
3. Northern Gateway & Kiosk Vickie Renna
4. Garbage collection - North Coastal Corridor Irene Kaufman
5. Transportation Committee Study Tony Bosco
6. CMP 5 Yr Update Report Vickie Renna
7. Bird Island Park Alyce Decker
· Friends of A1A Update Sallie O'Hara
(Grants/Operations/Fundraising/Conference/Awards)
· FDOT Update Debrah Miller
3. Other Issues: Sector Updates: Ponte Vedra >> North Beach-Vilano >> City of St Augustine >>City of St Augustine Beach >> Mid Anastasia Island
4. Next Scenic & Historic A1A - CMC Meeting Place and Time - July 13, 20095. Adjourn Meeting
Let's talk waterfront-ocean, river, Intracoastal in Northeast Florida, A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal National Scenic Byway, beach renourishment and Vilano Beach Town Center news.