St johns mag march 2016

S T .J OHNS ST.JOHNS

MARCH 2016 2016 FEBRUARY

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MAGAZINE

Photo by Wes Shinn

MAGAZINE

Its All About THE

LOVE

REAL ESTATE ISSUE

The Heart Chakra Romantic St. Johns The Art of Love

Top Real Estate Professionals Wear Many Hats.

Local Realtors Mark & Kasia Kaprelian share why they have a passion for transforming homes!

1 Photo by Mindy Kerr | Nature’s Child Photogrpahy

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Real Estate Issue Real Market Estate Stats Issue

March 2016 | St. Johns Magazine

by Sherry Davidson, Davidson Realty Inc.

for sale are downin 57%January from last year’s 2,705 St. Johns Real Estate Trends ! properties.

There is 3.8 months supply of inventory available Low Inventory Makes For a Great Sellers Market! pending sales of 2,141 which is 10% more than last January. compared to 5.4 months supply last January for a 30% deThe Northeast Florida Association of Realtors

market stats indicate that 2016 is off to a great start with

by Sherry Davidson, Inc. supply is considered a balanced marThe last 12 months have averaged 2,322 pending sales per Davidson crease. A Realty 5 to 6 months month compared to the previous 12 month’s average of 1,995 ket so the advantage is to the seller in all price ranges below

The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors There is 3.8 months supply of inventory availfor a 16% increase. $500,000 at this time. market stats indicate that 2016 is off to a great start with able compared to 5.4 months supply last January for a 30% Closings for January of 1,535 are 3% more than inventory for sale is down despite pending sales of 2,141 which is 10% more than last Janu- decrease. A 5 to 6The months supplyofishomes considered a balanced last January. We have averaged 2,233 closings per month for the fact that new listings for the last 12 months are up 7%. ary. The last 12 months have averaged 2,322 pending sales market so the advantage is to the seller in all price ranges lastcompared 12 months to121,995 for average the previous 12 Builders alsotime. adding more homes. There were 6,725 per the month to compared the previous month’s of below $500,000are at this months for a 12% increase.

1,995 for a 16% increase.

Thepermits inventory of homes sale is down de-6,076 in building in 2015 for anfor 11% increase from Distressed property closings are more downthan 33% from

Closings for January of 1,535 are 3% spite 2014. the fact for829 the were last 12 are 2,473 Ofthat the new 6,725listings permits, in months Clay County, January closings are up That isupa 7%. Builders are also adding more homes. There were last last January.

We and havetraditional averaged 2,233 closings per25%. month in Duval County, 700 in Nassau County and St. Johns County for the last 12 for months compared to 1,995 for the previous 6,725 building permits in 2015 for an 11% increase from great sign our market in that the distressed closings conhad the highest number for the year with 2,723.

12 months a 12% increase.

6,076 in 2014. Of the 6,725 permits, 829 were in Clay tinue tofor drop. recap all the700 good news, pending

Distressed property closings are down County, 2,473 in To Duval County, in Nassau County sales and are up, The median sales price of $165,000 is up33% 15% over closings are up, sales prices are up, inventory continues to from last January andthe traditional closings 25%. That St. Johns County had the highest number for the year with last January and average sales priceare of up $207,774 is up 11% is a great sign for our market in that the distressed closings 2,723.decline mainly because the distressed properties are down over last January. The prices go up and down every month continue to drop.

To recap allhave the gone good down news,even pending sales and interest rates though theare Fed raised but looking back at the last 12 months compared to the previ The median sales price of $165,000 is up 15% up, closings are up, sales prices are up, inventory continrates slightly. ous 12 months, the median price is up 7.5% and the average over last January and the average sales price of $207,774 is ues to decline mainly because the distressed properties are I appreciate all the support we have received for salesover price is January. up 5.9%The which is another positive up 11% last prices go up and down sign everyfor our down and interest rates have gone down even though the our new Jacksonville Beach office! We have a Realtor on duty market. month but looking back at the last 12 months compared to Fed raised rates slightly. week to help any saleswe orhave rentalreceived needs you may inventory of homes sale7.5% at the the previous 12The months, the median pricefor is up andend of 7 daysI aappreciate all with the support have.

Our World Golf Village office is seeing many customers January was 8,874 properties which is down 20% from the the average sales price is up 5.9% which is another positive for our new Jacksonville Beach office! We have a Realall the newto construction in St. Johns County. If we sign10,777 for ouravailable market.a year ago. Of the 8,874 properties, 1,162 are tor onlooking duty 7 at days a week help with any sales or rental lender-mediated The inventory of homes for sale at the endtotal of comneedscan youassist may you have.with Ouranything, World Golf Village is seeplease stop office in or give us a call at or distressed which is 13% of the January properties which down 20%mediated from thehomes ing many looking at all the new construction paredwas to 8,874 25% this time last year. isThe lender (904)customers 940-5000 or visit www.davidsonrealtyinc.com.

10,777 available a year ago. Of the 8,874 properties, 1,162 in St. Johns County. If we can assist you with anything, are lender-mediated or distressed which is 13% of the total please stop in or give us a call at (904) 940-5000 or visit compared to 25% this time last year. The lender mediated www.davidsonrealtyinc.com. homes for sale are down 57% from last year’s 2,705 properties.

On the Cover

Cover image by Wes Shinn of Shinn Media portrays Kasia and Mark

Kaprellian, Team Kaprelian of Watson Realty Corp. with the beautiful intracoastal backdrop at Emerald Homes in Palencia.

Favorite New Home Communities Coming in June 2016 Issue!

Hartley Ad 7.29 x 1.38 4

ST. JOHNS MAGAZINE Debbie Gaylord - Publisher Darren Rosenbaum - Editor Contributors: Crystal Spencer ST. JOHNS MAGAZINE Chris Shee Debbie Gaylord - Publisher Nancy Cohen Darren Rosenbaum - Editor Dr. Peter Veling Contributors: Lori King-Kocsis Crystal Spencer Mindy Kerr Chris Shee Wes Shinn Nancy Cohen WWW.STJOHNSMAG.COM Dr. Peter Veling 904-687-8538 Lori King-Kocsis debbie@stjohnsmag.com Mindy Kerr All Wesrights Shinnreserved ©2015 St. Johns Magazine LLC. WWW.STJOHNSMAG.COM Printed by 904-687-8538 The Hartley Press, Jacksonvile: debbie@stjohnsmag.com Published monthly and distributed All rights reserved

by US Postal Service. ©2015 St. Johns Magazine LLC. In print and on the web and Printed by distributed free of charge to The Hartley Press, Jacksonvile: consumers.

Published monthly and distributed

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Photographs by Wes Shinn

Top Real Estate Professionals Wear Many Hats

Home Flipping in St. Johns County with

Mark & Kasia Kaprelian

Mark and Kasia (Team Kaprelian) are real estate professionals at Watson Realty Corp. with 35 years of combined experience. They specialize in new construction and marketing existing homes in St. Johns County. While helping buyers and sellers find their dream home is their main focus, Team Kaprelian also incorporates a dynamic background in land development and home flipping to complement their knowledge and serve their customers.

A Passion for Flipping St. Johns

A few months back REALTORS® Mark and Kasia (Team Kaprelian)

significantly under market value, either through online auctions or through live

transformed an abandoned foreclosed home in Mill Creek Landing into a beautiful

auctions” They focus on Real Estate Owned by a lender (REO). “For us land is key.

like-new show piece. When they chose the project, they imagined a young family

Anyone can remodel a home but in development communities your lot is your lot,

with children would one day live in the home which is located in a beautiful neigh-

so better start with a good one” says Kasia. With this in mind they like to find

borhood in an A-rated School district in northern St. Johns.

homes on preserve lots.

Mark says that when his triplets were born he always worried about pay-

ing the bills. “Going from two incomes and no kids to one income and 3 kids was

or lack of it. Mark and Kasia possess that rare ability to walk into an abused decrepit

a big shock with plenty of sleepless nights.” Helping families is at the heart of what

home and see what it could look like with improvements.

is really important to Mark and Kasia, whether they are helping families buy or sell a home as REALTORS® or when they get involved in a flipping project as investors.

“We can do our small part now by helping a few young families enjoy a beautiful home within their means,” says Mark.

It is amazing to watch a home receive a makeover, transforming it from

before to after. You may have seen home-flipping shows on television and been intrigued about how it’s really done. According to Mark and Kasia, flipping a home is complicated and requires more than simply slapping down new paint and carpets – it is a process that requires strategy, knowledge and integrity.

6

Next they must view the property in person and evaluate the potential

First they must find the perfect property. “We typically buy a home

“Before we buy a home, we do a market analysis of the neighborhood to better understand what the market will bear. If we think our home cost, home acquisition cost and improvement cost fall within the market analysis, we buy. In our case we do not seek a profit and would sell it to break even. We are REALTORS®, we flip homes to give back, not to make a living.”

Cover and interior images were taken by Wes Shinn on location at a home located in the beautiful community of Palencia and built by Emerald Homes.

Mark & Kasia specialize in helping buyers with new home construction. “Builders legally represent builders but Realtors represent buyers,” Mark says.

Then comes the bidding process. According to Mark and Kasia this is not for the faint of heart and investors really

need to have a strong knowledge of market value, market conditions and general construction. This allows them to accurately calculate how much it will cost to make renovations and resell the property. They also advise enlisting the help of other professionals. REALTORS® like themselves, inspectors, contractors, insurance and mortgage brokers, title companies and accountants may all be required at some point during the process. In the end the costs to consider would be buying/selling expenses, construction repair costs, legal fees and holding costs like property taxes, insurance and utilities.

Then comes the fun part as transformation begins. Mark and Kasia typically gut the property, keeping the bones

but making cosmetic changes like flooring, fixtures and upgrading kitchens and baths, if necessary.

Finally, the home is ready for resale. “Many times we have multiple offers in the first few days of listing,” Mark says.

As they had hoped, the home they renovated in Mill Creek Landing sold to a young family. They loved the house

and the kids really loved the tree in the back yard. Thanks to Team Kaprelian, instead of a foreclosure eyesore on the street, the neighborhood now has a beautiful home with wonderful new residents.

Mark and Kasia began investing in real estate in the 1990s and have never looked back even through some very

tough markets. The experience they gained as investors led them to pursue real estate licenses. Kasia, who is originally from Poland moved to the United States in her twenties and became a naturalized citizen. She truly appreciates the importance of home ownership and its place as part of the American dream.

Their background wearing different real estate hats has given them a thorough understanding of the industry as

a whole and it is why they are effective agents as well as successful flippers. Today they make their home in northern St. Johns with their family and a rescue dog Shady where they continue their passion as REALTORS® helping home sellers and buyers with all of their real estate needs.

Sample Flipping Scenario

when its from the heart

For more information on Team Kaprelian: MarkKaprelian@watsonrealtycorp.com Kasia@watsonrealtycorp.com Office (904) 436-1345 Cell (508) 333-1342 KasiaAndMark.com

Home Price

$250,000

Aquisition & Selling Costs (closing, interest, insur-

$25,000

Repair/Updating

$50,000

Selling Price

$325,000

Profit

0

Mark consulting with John Bishop, builder at Emerald Homes, on a new construction sale.”

ance, holding, taxes)

(kitchen, bathrooms, paint, moldings, A/C heat, plumbing, electrical, roof, walls, floors, appliances, landscaping, etc.)

Mark Kaprelian, GRI Katarzyna “Kasia” Kozlowski-Eidle, GRI REALTORS® Watson Realty Corp St. Johns Office

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Interior Design Corner with Crystal Spencer Room by Room Interiors

Hang Curtains Like a Pro

How high? How wide? How high off the floor? Ceiling height and window size are key factors in determining where curtain hardware should be hung on the wall. But answering the ‘how far off the floor?’ question depends on the look you want for the curtains.

What look do you want at the floor?

Floor and trouser length are the most common looks for today’s homes. Floor length, where the curtains just kiss the floor, provides a clean, tailored look. It works for all types of panel header styles, but is especially nice with grommet, back-tab and non-pleated curtains. The curtain height target should be 1/4” to 1” off of the floor.

Trouser length is when the curtains touch the floor just enough to have a slight break/bend in the fabric. It is similar to the look a tailor would give to suit pants: a slight break at the leg. The trouser length look is nice for more traditional styles and curtains with pleats. Typically, the curtains are 1” beyond the floor in length.

the window look bigger, the curtains should hang 1 - 2” past the inside trim.

The curtains should hang 10 - 12” beyond the outside of the window on each side, adjusting accordingly to the wall space next to your windows. Easy formula for selecting the correct rod width for a single window: Window width (trim to trim) + 20” to 24” = rod length What NOT to do: Use a rod that is the same width as your window.

wrong

right

What NOT to do: Capri pants are a great fashion trend, but not so much for curtain panels! Curtains more than 1 1/2” off the floor will look like a hang job gone bad; it visually chops the height of your room. Exception: cafe curtains in the kitchen or child’s bedroom should be hung just below the windowsill.

How high should I hang the rod? There are three good options: •• •• ••

Ceiling height (hardware mounted 1” to 2” down from the ceiling or crown).

2/3 the distance between the ceiling and window trim.

In the middle, between the ceiling and top of the window trim.

What NOT to do: Hanging the rod on, or just above the trim will make your window and room look shorter.

How wide should the rod be?

To maintain the light that comes in from the windows and make

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Nutrition for Autism March is National Autism Awareness Month

Nutrition for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD can be

Seek Guidance for Special Diets

challenging on many levels, and healthy eating is no exception. Caring for a child

There are many schools of thought on what to feed a child with ASD.

that has a disability places even more emphasis on the importance of nutrition.

Dietary changes can improve symptoms of ASD. Some children respond well to a

For a child with ASD, a healthy, balanced diet can make a world of difference in

gluten free casein free diet. Studies indicate that these diets may be effective for cer-

their ability to learn, how they manage their emotions and how they process infor-

tain children, yet more research is needed. Having your child work with a trained

mation. Children with ASD often have restricted diets as well as difficulty sitting

RDN and an MD trained in treating children with ASD are imperative. In my prac-

through mealtimes and they may not be getting all the nutrients they need, particu-

tice, I’ve seen children who do much better following a dietary change. I offer my

larly calcium and protein.

parents the opportunity to do food sensitivity testing with their children. Some benefit from this and some do not. Keep in mind that very restrictive diets require

If you have a child with ASD, try these nutrition strategies.

careful planning to make sure your child’s nutrition needs are being met. Consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist like me, before making any drastic changes

Be Prepared for Pickiness

to your child’s diet.

Many parents find their special needs children are hypersensitivity to

There are several simple changes that can be made to meals for children

tastes, colors, smells and textures. Many parents find that getting your child to try

and young adults with ASD. Reduction or elimination of processed foods, food

new foods — especially those that are soft and slippery — may seem nearly impos-

additives and colorings, increasing protein, reducing sweets and excessive carbohy-

sible. Using time proven methods of offering one food with another familiar food

drates, offering food sensitivity testing and nutritional supplementation can make

over and over again may be a technique that allows your child to gradually open to

a significant change in the way your child responds. Every child is unique and spe-

a new taste, texture or smell.

cial. Give them a chance to be their absolute best.

You may find that your child avoids certain foods or even entire food

groups. One easy way to approach sensory issues is to tackle them away from the kitchen table. Take your children to the supermarket and let them choose a new food to experiment with. When you get home, research it together and learn how and where it grows. Then, decide together how to prepare it. When you’re done, don’t worry if your child doesn’t want to eat it. Simply becoming familiar with new foods in a low-pressure way can eventually help your child become a more flexible eater.

Make Mealtimes Routine

Children with ASD have to work harder at mealtimes. Environment of

a busy kitchen, bright lights and even the way the furniture is arranged are all potential stressors. Make meals as predictable and routine as possible. Serving meals

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Or, let your child choose a favorite seat at the table.

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St. Johns County An exciting place to call home!

Building News

by Chris Shee Mastercraft Builder Group

As the old saying goes, “The only thing constant in life is

will be “our ‘St. Johns’ town center.” Durbin Lakes, the name of this

change.” That’s certainly the case for those of us that call St. Johns

exciting new development, is expected to break ground on Phase 1

“home.” It seems impossible to drive anywhere around here for

in early 2017 and will eventually bring a total of 2.4 million square

more than five minutes without seeing new development occurring.

feet of retail, 2.8 million square feet of office, 350 hotel rooms, and

While the common uninformed naysayer is grumbling under their

nearly 1,000 multifamily homes. Durbin Lakes will provide won-

breath after reading that, if you take a good look at what’s going on

derful new opportunities for us to shop, dine, work, and even live

here in our community and the bigger picture of how our area is

right here in our own backyard. It will also provide a nice boost

shaping, it’s actually really exciting to see how many wonderful new

in property tax revenues and hopefully help St. Johns County gain

changes are coming our way.

some much needed employment centers.

9B / 2209 Extension

Real Estate

(2209) and Race Track Road over the last couple months, you’ve

word. As we all know, location will always be the most important

seen many trees being cleared over a very long swath of land. What

variable influencing the value of real estate. Being in the best loca-

you’re seeing is the new 2209 extension that will run from 210

tion is always the safest place to weather the economic cycles affect-

through the Durbin Creek National property (see map) and connect

ing real estate. I don’t know about you, but there’s not a better place

to I-95, 9B, and 295. It’s part of the same roadway construction you

to live in my opinion than St. Johns County. As one of the fastest

see from I-95 just south of Old St. Augustine Road. Once Silverleaf

growing counties in the nation, I’m not the only one to share this

begins development, you’ll see 2209 continue south of 210 crossing

opinion and it shows. The supply of homes for sale in our market

through the new Outer Beltway (which creates another connection

is ridiculously low, even causing bidding wars in some instances.

to I-95) and connecting to 16 at 16A. As the major north/south cor-

Values are and have been on the rise for a few years due to both the

ridor for our part of the county, 2209 will provide relief to many of

higher demand and lack of supply. Homeowners are able to sell

the bottlenecks we’ve become so used to hating.

their homes quickly and for great prices. Magnificent new commu-

If you’ve driven along the areas of St. Johns Parkway

St. Johns’ Town Center…and not the one you’re thinking

If you remember the article I wrote last year, you’ll re-

member me mentioning these new roadways on the horizon and how 2209 will tie into the Durbin Creek National property, which

12

It doesn’t seem that long ago that “real estate” was a bad

nities like Shearwater (see map) are developing and not only welcoming new homeowners to St. Johns County, but also welcoming large numbers of neighbors that are selling their older homes in the 210 and Julington areas to move into a new home with the latest and greatest in design, energy efficiency, community amenities, etc.— but the important point is that they (you) are staying right here.

As the market continues to strengthen and our area continues and mature, there is no doubt we will see higher demand for many years to come. Even when the overall market feels its next headwind, we are in the best location which is a huge advantage for our home values.

We live in the greatest country in the world, the best state in our country,

and the best county in our beautiful state. Personally, I hope to never leave St. Johns County and would love nothing more than for my boys to raise their families here, too. I’m extremely fortunate to work in an industry that gets to shape our wonderful community into what it will be for decades, and possibly even centuries, to come. With the exciting changes coming in the very near future, as a resident of St. Johns County, there will be much to be proud of for many years to come.

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DESTINATION NORTHERN ST. JOHNS

by George L. Ballou, II Broker Associate, Watson Realty Corp.

I am often asked what is it

option for them. To be honest I said

about St Johns County that makes it

“where is that” and she quickly rat-

so special. Why is it the most sought

tled off the statistics that every par-

after location in all of Northern FL. I

ent seems to know around here…

have been in the real estate business

it’s the #1 school system in the state!

for well over 30 years and no matter

Prior to moving to Florida my first

where I have lived there is one fact

answer would have been that there is

you can take to the bank…wherever

no state income tax in Florida. Leave

you find a highly rated school sys-

it to parents to see past that issue to

tem you will also find growth, strong

the real heartbeat of a community…

property values with greater appre-

schools!

ciation potential, people who value

education, and a strong economic

Economist for Realtor.com in 2015

environment providing a solid tax

home sales were up approximately

base. Congratulations once again to

7% from 2014 driven by a 6% in-

St Johns Co. We have been recog-

crease in resales and a 15% increase

nized for having the #1 school sys-

in new construction. Once resi-

tem in the state of Florida for 2015.

dential growth re-established itself

When I deal with buyers

from the desperate times just a few

who are relocating to our area they

years ago the retail and commercial

show up fully aware of what they

development followed. These com-

want to find and that is a home in

mitments create jobs and new com-

the St Johns County school system.

munities and a positive and forward

This simple fact is what drives every-

looking expectation for all and this

thing else in our county. Developers

is especially true in St. Johns County.

are flocking to SJC with incredible

Everywhere you look roads are being

plans to develop and expand places

improved, businesses are opening up

like Nocatee, Shearwater, Markland

and new residents are moving in.

& Twin Creeks and the foundation

for this commitment to our area is

is very positive in our county. Be-

the school system! When my wife

sides our schools we enjoy a unique

and I relocated to Florida just 6 years

location to the ocean, river and

ago from VT along with my daugh-

coastal waterways. In addition, con-

ter and son-in-law they asked me to

venient access to major highways for

assist them in finding a home and

commuting, shopping and enjoying

business location. When I asked my

the amenities of our area makes our

daughter if she had place in mind

lifestyle opportunities one to be en-

she was absolute in her knowledge

vied!

that St. Johns County was the only

16

According to the Chief

The outlook for the future

Durbin Crossing

St. Johns Parkway between CR210 & Julington

Durbin Crossing is a beautifully landscaped 2,000-

acre master-planned community, located in Northwest St Johns County. When arriving at Durbin Crossing you have a feeling of serenity and peace while taking in all of the natural surroundings.

This community boasts over 39 lakes, 1,000 acres of conservation area and acres of parks and preserves. It makes for the prefect community lifestyle. More than half of the 2,000 acres are left for the residents’ enjoyment of nature, biking, hiking, family activities and neighborhood games. With many of the home sites backing up to conservation areas or lakes, you get privacy. You will frequently see its residents out walking, jogging or biking on the over 19 miles of connecting sidewalks. Drive by and see multiple families gathering around a yard to chat and visit or host an impromptu party. Children will be out playing football and gathering for social events.

Durbin Crossing hosts two luxurious fully appointed

amenity centers on almost 11 acres. Every family can enjoy these well placed amenity centers, one being in North Durbin and another in South Durbin. Cool off in one of the two pools with junior Olympic length swimming lanes and waterslide or head over to the north pool with the younger ones to splash in the children’s splash park. Each center has a clubhouse and play area.

Residents can also get fit at the state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball court. Durbin also hosts an array of other activities including Food Truck Fridays, tennis clinics, Zumba classes, swim team, swim lessons, soccer leagues, yoga classes and multiple family parties including Memorial day events, Labor day events and Fourth of July festivities geared for fun for the entire family.

♦Heather Strazinsky, Realtor RE/MAX Specialists, 904-598-4656

| 12646 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32223 | heather@rejaxhomes.com , www.rejaxhomes.com

9 northern St. Johns Communities

WE LOVE!

Stonehurst CR210 Near Publix

Stonehurst is located in the heart of the CR210 corridor with easy access to I-95 and shopping, and is convenietly located about one minute from Publix. It is a family-oriented community with excellent amenities including a pool and play area that is walking distance from anywhere in the neighborhood. There are also a number of smaller parks large enough to play pick up football. On any given day there are kids of every age group outside playing which makes its nice. There are no CDD fees and the HOA is low.

From stunning golf communities to incredible amenity centers to parks and tennis courts, or life onthe St. Johns River, the communities of northern St. Johns provide everything you need to live the good life.

South Hampton CR 210

South Hampton is one of St. Johns county's premier golf course communities. A beautiful development that is attractive to multi-generational buyers.

Homes range from approximately 1600 square feet to over 4500 square feet with resort style amenities that appeal to all ages. South Hampton is conveniently located on the 210 corridor with an abundance of restaurants and family services.

South Hampton Golf Clubhouse has a great selection in the Pro shop as well as The Grille at South Hampton serving members and the general public daily. The community has a newly renovated amenities center featuring a state of the art fitness center, an olympic size pool and a water park for the young at heart.

On site is a RV and boat parking area for residence and 22 beautiful lakes throughout the community. This is a community that that has it all and no CDD fees.

Myrna Strain www.myrnastrain.watsonrealtycorp.com

♦

Rivertown

Rt 13 near Swiss Point

Few communities offer the authentic Florida experience like RiverTown. RiverTown’s access to the St. Johns River and surrounding conservation areas is unique to the area and provides the perfect setting to re-connect with family and each other. RiverTown fosters clean, healthy living with miles of hiking trails, running and cycling events and a world-class clubhouse amenity.

The re-birth of RiverTown has begun and with new ownership comes an exciting new vision of the future. More river amenities, new communities and commercial and retail opportunities are planned

Palencia Off Rt 1 toward St. Augustine

This gated 1400-acre community captures every element of a successful development: it offers world class tennis, a beautiful fitness center, a first class golf course and country club, a neighborhood elementary school, a scenic natural setting, incredible landscape with bike paths, nature trails and boardwalks. It also offers a village center with tile roofs and a whole lot of class. The homes range from starter to condos and town homes, to the very high-end multi-million dollar homes built by Arthur Rutenberg. Since we used to develop lots, we can really appreciate a community like Palencia.

“With all the new construction in St. Johns county, our role is to serve Buyers as free consultants in negotiating price, topographic/lot search and every aspect of new home construction. When purchasing a home, buyers should realize builders represent builders and we as REALTORS® represent the Buyer in the transaction” ♦Mark and Kasia Kaprelian. Watson Realty Corp www. KasiaAndMark.com -

Julington Creek Racetrack Rd

bike paths connecting its many developments. What makes it special it has its own elementary and middle school school, small businesses and its close proximity to

St. Johns Forest CR 210 1minute west of I-95

St Johns Forest is a gated residential community conveniently located near the corner of CR 210 and I-95. Built on 435 acres and holding more than 500 single family homes, this built-out community offers exquisite value for a neighborhood located in St Johns. Besides the beautiful gated entrance to the community, it boasts award winning amenities including a stunning 5200 square foot resident Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Basket Courts, a Roller Rink and Sports Fields.

The community boasts Florida’s best rated public school system. Most home prices range between $300k and 500k. St Johns Golf and County Club is located right across the street, while the World Golf Village, Ponta Vedra shores, St Augustine, the Town Center and Jacksonville are approximately all within a 30-minute drive.

When looking for a home to buy in St Johns county, this would be one of the first communities we would recommend for convenience, beauty, and affordability.

Mark and Kasia Kaprelian. Watson Realty Corp www. KasiaAndMark.com

♦

The original master planned neighborhood of the area, Julington is per-

fectly situated in the northwestern corner of the county with tree-lines streets and

Mandarin for other shopping needs. It is also close to the beautiful St. Johns River and local parks allow for activities for nature lovers as well as sports enthusiasts

Nocatee CR210 about 5 miles East of I-95

Located on nearly 15,000 acres of which over 9,000 acres has been

reserved for permanent preserve, community parks, dog parks and protected areas. Truly resort-style living, with a world class amenities center, including Nocatee Splashwater park. It also boasts both a k-8 (Valley Ridge) and a high school (Ponte Vedra HS) in the community. New home options in Nocatee range in price from $200,000 to over $1,000,000.

Nocatee is 10+ minutes to the ocean and Ponte Vedra Beach restau-

rants, clubs and shopping while also having easy access to I-95 for those heading to Jacksonville or further South. The Nocatee Lifestyle is waiting for you! ♦George l. Ballou II, Broker Associate Realtor® Watson Realty Corp

Shearwater (read the story on page 19) 17

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SHEARWATER Designed for Healthy Living in Nature A new community that reflects the desire for a modern American lifestyle of the twenty-first century in a setting that is purely northern St. Johns

There is a new community taking shape in St. Johns County. According to its developers, it is not just a new community. It is a new kind of community.

Freehold Communities is creating Shearwater around the idea of connections—connections between neighbors and nature, with a unique emphasis on healthy living. Parks, fields, 13 miles of trails, and 600 acres of preserved land will offer close proximity to the natural environment. In a future phase, a kayak/canoe launch on Trout Creek will allow residents to kayak or canoe from Shearwater to the St. Johns River and beyond.

Located along County Road 210, with numerous walking paths throughout the entire community, Shearwater is designed to encourage active enjoyment of the picturesque surroundings.

“We created Shearwater for families that enjoy spending time together, being outdoors, and being active,” said Freehold Communities’ Regional Development Manager Andrew Smith. “We wanted to focus the Shearwater lifestyle around the natural environment, with homes and amenities that reflect that intention. Every element will blend together to create a strong sense of community pride with a deep connection to nature.”

The focal point of the community will be the Kayak Club, an amenities center that will facilitate a variety of recreational activities, event venues and gathering spaces, with a 6,800 sq. ft. multidimensional clubhouse as the centerpiece. The Kayak Club will open this summer, with a full-time Lifestyle Director who will work with homeowners to create a calendar of events based on resident requests—with a unique emphasis

on family fun and community. Shearwater’s Kayak Club will also include a 7,200 sq. ft. Fitness Lodge, a lap and swimming pool, lazy river, slide tower, playground, sports fields, and four illuminated Har-Tru clay tennis courts.

Residents will enjoy close proximity to St. Johns County’s toprated schools. Shearwater is zoned for Timberlin Creek Elementary School (adjacent to the community’s entrance), Switzerland Point Middle School, and Bartram Trail High School.

The homes at Shearwater are designed to complement their surroundings with timeless designs. As part of Shearwater’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a sense of neighborhood and community, home designs will feature large porches and welcoming streetscapes. Even the cul-desacs—which are normally surrounded by houses—will end at nature trailheads, exposing the entire street to the picturesque setting.

The homes at Shearwater will offer a variety of architectural styles, which blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Distinguished homebuilders include David Weekley Homes, Lennar, Richmond American Homes and MasterCraft Builder Group.

What’s more, the first homeowners at Shearwater will be delighted to find mature landscaping already settled within the environment. Homeowners at Shearwater won’t have to wait five or ten years for the plants and greenery to grow up around them.

Freehold Communities, the developer behind Shearwater, specializes in creating “Vital Communities”—residential developments that encourage healthy living within vibrant neighborhoods that provide an authentic sense of place, community and stewardship of nature.

For more information about Shearwater, visit www.shearwaterliving.com.

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Calendar by Jennifer Yarbrough

ST. JOHNS magazine

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February 26-March 25 Photos with the Easter Bunny at the Avenues Mall Bring the entire family to pose with the Easter Bunny at The Avenues mall. Reserve your appointment for a photo with the fluffy one ahead of time at simon.noerrbunny.com March 6 Caring Bunny at the Avenues Mall Caring Bunny provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families.

9am-10:30am. Call the Avenues Mall for more information (904) 363-3054 35th St. Augustine Lion’s Seafood Festival March 4-6 Lions Seafood Festival Get ready to eat great seafood; tap your toes to live music, and then stroll through more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors at the 35th St Augustine Lions Seafood Festival, presented by Winn Dixie, located at Francis Field in St. Augustine. Families will enjoy the Zone, Spanish Landing and Pirate Village. Friday night is Jazz night. Festival hours are 3-9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Arts Village closes at sundown.

Admission is $5 for adults and FREE for children under age 16, active duty Military and Colonial re-enactors dressed in period garb. NO pets. The proceeds benefit the St Augustine Lions Foundation, a 501(C)3 organization. Visit www. lionsfestival.com or www.facebook.com/ staugustinelionsfestival

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March 12 Minorcan Heritage Celebration The Llambias House at 31 St. Francis St. will host the 2016 Minorcan Heritage Celebration, marking the 239th Anniversary of the arrival of the Minorcan colonists in Florida. This heritage event takes place on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 10:30am-2:30pm and features descendants of the original Minorcans in St. Augustine, all sharing traditional dances, songs, stories, family photos, and traditional crafts, including demonstrations by cast net maker Mike Usina.

There will also be programs in the downstairs room of the Llambias House, featuring speakers Sandie Stratton, Brenda Swan, Brandon Burk, Ann Masters, and Michelle Reyne. Food at this event will include delicious variations of pilau, Minorcan chowder, fromajadas and different baked goods will be available. This event is free to the public.

March 12 St. Augustine St. Patrick Parade The St. Augustine St. Patrick Parade is an annual celebration of St. Augustine’s Celtic heritage and the Emerald Isle’s most revered Saint and the only St. Patrick Parade in NE Florida. With over 800 participants and thousands of spectators, lads and lasses converge upon the Ancient City each year, donning their tartans and green attire. This FREE event follows a route throughout downtown and ends at Francis Field just as the Celtic Music & Heritage Festival begins.

March 11-13 St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival Find the CELT in YOU at the St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival.

Celtic clans from around the world show their ancestral pride and demonstrate their strength through Highland games.

Vendors offer up Celtic cuisine and hand-made crafts and Scottish and Irish musicians play traditional and modernized renditions of ancient Celtic music.

Times and admission information can be found at www.celticstaugustine.com March 15 Disney’s, The Lion King, Jr. St. Johns County Center for the Arts at Murray Middle School presents the Murray Players in Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on March 15, 2016 from 7-9pm. Admission is $10 for Adults and $5 for Children/ Students. Join in the Circle of Life with over 150 SJCCA student actors, dancers, drummers and vocal ensemble as The Murray Players bring you Simba, Nala and the whole Pride Rock community in the story you know and love. he show is directed by drama instructor JoAnn Kirby Nance, with music direction by choral instructor Frank Schmidt. Music and Lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M and Mark Mancina and Jay Rifkin and Will Van Dyke. Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi. Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR Is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International.

Like St. Johns Magazine on FACEBOOK Join the conversation this month Tell us which northern St. Johns community you like best and why? Photos welcome!

March 18 Swamp Radio: An Evening with Tarra Connor Jones at the Omni An intimate cabaret evening featuring Swamp Radio showstopper Tarra Connor Jones at the Grand Ballroom of the Omni Hotel of Jacksonville. A 90- minute journey filled with soulful favorites, blues, gospel and Broadway melodies. Backed by a jazz trio and featuring a surprise guest or two. Dinner packages available. Contact the Florida Theater for more information.

March 19 GastroFest 2016 Mark your calendar for GastroFest 2016 at Hemming Park on March 19th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. GastroFest 2015 took Jacksonville by storm with over 30,000 people experiencing the best restaurants, chef demos, educational workshops and food panels, the kid’s zone, and so much more.

We are ready to do it again this year, so get out your stretch pants and we’ll see you there! Visit gastrojax.org for more information, including pricing.

March 18 & 19 8pm Cirque De La Symphonie You will be astonished by the combination of beautiful music and fantastic acrobatic feats when Cirque de la Symphonie and their aerialists join the Symphony for a performance you won’t soon forget. For more information visit: www.jaxsymphony.org March 19 Low Country Boil & Beer Fest to Benefit St. Francis House The savory scent of fresh seafood will fill

the St. Augustine Marina on Saturday, March 19th as the St. Augustine First Annual Low Country Boil and Beer Fest starts at 11 am. The Marina next to the Bridge of Lions is the perfect location for this food festival that also features live music, mermaids, dance performances, pirates and more! Food and beverages will be available for a nominal charge and enjoyed while seated beneath the entertainment tent. The St. Augustine Low Country Boil & Beer Fest is promoted by Southern Promotions & Events, Inc. of Palm Coast, to benefit St. Francis House.

Admission to the event is free. Since 1984, St. Francis House has been assisting the homeless and those in need within our community. It is the only comprehensive housing crisis center between Jackson and Daytona Beach. For information about the festival contact Dave Kolodzik of Southern Promotions & Events at 386405-9189 or Karen Lundquist, St. Francis House Special Events at 904-829-8937 or klundquiststfrancisshelter@yahoo.com.

March 19, 2016 Mandarin MiniCon Mythical Mountain and Three Muses Clothing are hosting the third Mandarin MiniCon on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 11am-5pm at Mythical Mountain, 11570 San Jose Blvd. 32223. Check out mandarinminicon.wordpress.com for more information.

March 19-20 The Old Town Art Show ~ Spring The art show at Francis Field in St. Augustine will feature over 100 top-notch artists and craftsmen from Northeast Florida and

around the country. This is a juried art and fine craft event where each exhibitor is carefully selected with only the best work being accepted in each category. Items will be for sale. Hours are March 19 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, March 20 from 10am-4pm. Admission is free! The show is sponsored in part by Arbus, The Arts & Business Magazine of Northeast Florida and Folio Weekly, Northeast Florida’s News & Opinion Magazine. Visit www.

OldTownArtShow.com for additional information.

March 19 and March 26 St. Mary’s Railroad Peter Cottontail Express Journey to Peter Cottontail’s home in the woodlands of St. Mary’s, Georgia, where Peter boards the train to mingle with all the good little boys and girls. Easter egg hunt after each ride at the train station.

Rides will be at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Visit www.stmarysrailroad.com for ticket information.

March 27 Crescent Beach Easter Sunrise Service Greet the Easter sunrise with thousands of worshippers at Crescent Beach. The program, presented by Crescent Beach Baptist Church, begins at 7 a.m. on the beach with special music and an inspiring message. 45 Cubbedge Rd., St. Augustine.

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Dr. Peter Veling is the owner of Palencia Pet Clinic www.palenciapetclinic.com

One of the Greatest Sounds I have Ever Heard

by Dr. Peter Veling I was at home on my cold winter morning off with the clinic being covered by Dr. R. I had enjoyed reading the newspaper at breakfast from one end to the other. Then, I enjoyed a workout with weights and some indoor cycling while listening to some of my favorite music. When I got off the bike I checked my phone.

There was a call. It was the owner of the local dog breeding kennel.

He had a bitch in labor. Four puppies were on the ground and doing well. We had x-rayed her the week before, showing five.

It had been over an hour since #4 was born. There was no sign of active pushing. They had tried stimulating her uterus with oxytocin (“Pit” in human medicine). These people know what they are doing. When they call, they need help.

I spoke with him and said to keep in touch but try another injection and give it a little more time.

I called the clinic and told them what was going on. I was going to come in anyway to repair a 6 week old puppy’s nose that had been severely bitten by an older dog.

I got to the clinic an hour later. I repaired the puppy’s nose. As I was putting in the last suture, the owners of the bitch in labor walked in. I felt her abdomen. Sure enough, there was a puppy still in the uterus. No fever. Her gums were pink and moist.

She was alert and not stressed. No doubt about it. She was no longer pushing. I recommended caesarian section. Walks/Exercise They said yes, çMidday Pottya Breaks çMidday let’s go.

I got the drugs together. We got her anesthetized, made

30

the incision in the skin and body wall. Then I made an incision into the uterus. Out came a limp, blue puppy. I could not tell if there was a heartbeat. I handed him off to one of the owners and said, “Give it a try.” It was decided ahead of time to do an ovariohysterectomy. So, I got busy doing that. A few minutes later, I heard a squeak. Then, I heard a high pitched cry. I realized I was hearing the first vocalizations of a reviving puppy. I let out a whoop.

This just doesn’t happen very often. Truly, one of the thrills of being a veterinarian is handing off a puppy that seems to be dead and hearing sounds you don’t expect to hear. They are some of the greatest sounds in the world. It is an honor to witness them for all of us as a team.

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PALENCIA MARKET STREET FESTIVAL APRIL 2ND

LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, CRAFTS AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Palencia Realty LLC, the marketing and sales arm of Hines’ master-planned community of Palencia in St. Johns County, will host the annual Palencia Market Street Festival on Saturday, April 2, featuring live music, crafts and family-friendly activities.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Market Street within the Palencia community located on U.S. 1 North at the intersection of International Golf Parkway. The main stage of the festival is at 605 Palencia Club Drive in St. Augustine, with adjacent streets lined with vendor booths offering arts and crafts, jewelry and food. Entertainment will include live music by Take Cover! and local dancers, gymnasts, craft and food vendors.

For the kids, there will be bouncy houses, rock walls, bungee jumping, face painting, balloon artist, and plenty to see around Palencia’s bustling Village Center, the retail and activity hub of the community, just 20 minutes south of Jacksonville and five minutes north of historic St. Augustine.

Proceeds from vendors’ fees will benefit The StarLight Project, a not-for-profit organization partnered with the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville that creates custom bedrooms for children in Jacksonville and St. Augustine with special needs. The StarLight Project was founded in 2011 by Craig, Cherie, Eden and Elle Sussman. They are committed to enhancing the lives of children with all types of special needs; Down Syndrome, Autism and Cerebral Palsy. Please visit their website at: www.thestarlightproject.com for more information on this deserving charity.

About Palencia

Located 10 miles north of St. Augustine in central St.

Johns County, Palencia is a 1,450-acre master-planned community featuring attractive homes, family-friendly amenities and a town center set along the natural landscape of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. The community offers a variety of home styles, retail and office offerings and more than 33 acres of parks and open areas. A 40-acre Village Center contains an eclectic mix of shops and offices, as well as the Palencia Golf Clubhouse, swim facilities, tennis and fitness centers. An Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course is woven through Palencia’s coastal oaks with spectacular views of the Tolomato River.

Palencia has been developed by Hines, a privately owned real estate firm involved in real estate investment, development and property management worldwide. More information about Palencia is available at www.VivaPalencia.com or by calling (904) 810-0500.

33

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