Thursday 21 September 2017
Wednesday 20 September 2017
7 Out Of The Box Activities To Do In Northeast Florida
You know by now that there are a lot of things to do in Northeast Florida. You can head to any of the area’s beautiful beaches or check out some of the many alligators that live in this part of the state. But if you’re looking for unique ways to spend a couple hours or a couple days, here are seven out of the box activities to do in Northeast Florida.
7. Chamblin Bookmine
Chamblin Bookmine has been selling new, used, and rare books in Northeast Florida for so many years that it’s practically an institution – especially because their inventory is comprised of over two million novels. Spend a few hours getting lost in the world of literature at either of the two locations, you won’t be disappointed.
6. Treaty Oak
The Treaty Oak is a live oak tree that boasts as many limbs as an octopus and is believed to be over two hundred years old. It’s a historic monument thanks to a fabricated story that claims a treaty between the Americans and the Indians was signed underneath this old tree. Now you’re able to visit it anytime in Treaty Oak Park. Make sure you bring your camera because you’re going to want to Instagram this feat of nature.
5. Sweet Pete’s
Sweet Pete’s is a fully functioning candy factory with retail areas that sell handcrafted quality chocolates and over a thousand different types of candy. Not only does this factory have its own restaurant, bar, rooftop patio, and dessert bar, it also features classes that teach the art of candy making, with hands-on interactive and informative sessions. You’re bound to be in for a sweet afternoon at Sweet Pete’s.
4. Abandoned Annie Lytle Elementary School
The Abandoned Annie Lytle Elementary School that used to be full of students is now full of ghost stories and overgrown vines. Rendered inconvenient to get to and noisy due to the highways that were built in the 1950s, this spooky spot has been abandoned since 1960. Yet there’s still something alluring and interesting about it, head on over to Chelsea Street to get a good look at this place and you’ll see what we mean.
3. Braddock Blueberry Farm
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Check out Braddock Blueberry Farm for your fix of fresh locally grown blueberries. Nothing beats picking your own fruit and bringing them home in your own containers. The best part is that this amazing farm is close by, so you don’t have to go far to get fresh fruit and vegetables from hardworking, friendly people.
2. Mandarin Park
Mandarin Park, located in the Mandarin section of Southeast Jacksonville, is a unique place to bring a picnic – especially if your picnic includes oranges. This part of town is known for the Mandarin oranges that were grown in the area back in the 1800’s. The area’s residents had input on the design of the park and its facilities, which is why there are nature trails, a pier, a boat ramp, and of course an excellent picnic area.
1. Diamond D Ranch
If you’re interested in horseback riding, there’s no beating Diamond D Ranch. They offer guided trail rides around their five hundred acres or through the Jennings State Forest. It’s fun for beginners and advanced riders alike, with the option of riding for an hour or two – or even doing a trail ride that lasts either half a day or a full two days!
6 Reasons Raising a Family is a Good Idea in Northeast Florida
Choosing where to put down roots and raise your children can be one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make, luckily you can’t go wrong settling down in Northeast Florida. Aside from the lack of snow days and the proximity to Disney World, here are six reasons why raising a family is a good idea in Northeast Florida.
6. Family-Friendly Activities
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There are so many things to do in Northeast Florida, especially for kids. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, ran out of activity ideas on a rainy day, or are in need of a relaxing afternoon at the beach – Northeast Florida has got you covered. You and your children will never grow bored.
5. Sense Of Community
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The diverse sense of community that you’ll find in this area of the state is unbeatable. You know you’ll be living in close proximity to good people who will be supportive neighbors and will make you and your family feel safe, something that is important to all of us.
4. Family-Oriented Neighborhoods
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Because you’re living in neighborhoods that boast like-minded people and other young families, your children will have other kids to play with. And because of the high number of children in the area, there’s more of a focus on family-oriented shops and restaurants. Northeast Florida offers quiet residential areas that have that suburban feel, even in the bigger cities.
3. Education
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The high test scores and comfortable class sizes in public schools and the percentage of neighbors with college and graduate degrees are strong indications of the importance of education here. Ensuring your children can attend a school with a happy learning environment is easy if you’re choosing to settle down in the Northeast Florida area.
2. Low Cost Of Living
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The thriving job market here means securing work so that your family can live comfortably. The cost of living is also very low in Northeast Florida, living in this area costs a fraction of what it would cost to live in other parts of the state. There’s also the added bonus that house prices are down and rent is much lower than the national average.
1. Location Location Location
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Settling down and starting a family anywhere in Florida would be nice, but in the Northeast, you’re getting the best weather, you’re close to everything you would need or want, and you have the best beaches – all a short walk or drive away! It really doesn’t get any better than Northeast Florida when it comes to putting down roots.
Tuesday 5 September 2017
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Supports Dreams Come True
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is well-known for helping people fulfill their dreams of homeownership. The company is also recognized for its commitment to the community, devoting time and financial resources to a wide variety of charity organizations with an emphasis on organizations that benefit children and families.
For four years, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has supported Dreams Come True, Northeast Florida’s only locally based nonprofit dedicated to using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to local children battling life-threatening illnesses. The company’s relationship with the nonprofit started with a single donation that quickly developed into an ongoing commitment.
“We are truly honored by the support we receive from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty,” said Dreams Come True Executive Director Sheri Criswell. “Community support is vital to our ability to use the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to a child with a life-threatening illness. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has been an incredible blessing to the work of Dreams Come True, helping us stay true to our commitment to never turn down an eligible child.”
Beginning in 2013 and in honor of the company’s 25th anniversary, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty made a commitment to provide ongoing support to Dreams Come True. To date, the company has donated more than $150,000 to the nonprofit organization by contributing a portion of the proceeds from every completed home sale. Company leaders and associates are enthusiastic about supporting Dreams Come True.
“We are honored and privileged to celebrate our success by supporting Dreams Come True and its mission to fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses,” said Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick, who serves as secretary on the Dreams Come True Board of Directors. “We truly appreciate the support we receive from our valued customers and our passionate team to help make dreams come true for many deserving local children.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty provides more than financial support to Dreams Come True. The team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has turned out in numbers to support Dreams Come True’s Dream Day, an annual parade and superhero fantasy experience that celebrates 50 special children, also known as brave Dreamers. Dream Day is part of Dreams Come True’s Special Times program. While the children served by Dreams Come True can only receive one dream, Special Times provides the child and his or her family ongoing opportunities to momentarily forget the realities of a life-threatening illness. The real estate company also donated hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to Dreams Come True during its annual Backpack Challenge
“Our company is deeply committed to community service and we are thrilled to provide ongoing support to Dreams Come True,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer, who has been named Chair of Dreams Come True’s “Walk, Run and Roll” event on Sept. 28, 2018, at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. “This organization provides many uplifting special events to deserving children and their families, reminding them they are special and loved.”
To learn more about Dreams Come True, visit http://ift.tt/1cd2KVv or call (904) 296-3030.
For more information about buying or selling a home, contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty at (904) 296-1906 or visit http://ift.tt/1fEO8HN.
Photography:
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s Ann King and Josh Cohen took part in the Dream Day Dreamers Parade.
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty came out in numbers to support Dreams Come True of Jacksonville’s Dream Day 2017. From left, Sam Heinemann, Jeff Heinemann, Art Gerspacher, Josh Cohen, Stephanie Lancer, Michael Barbieri II, Marisa Mariano, Ann King, Shelby Heinemann, and Mallory Heinemann. The Princess is Melanie Lawson from WJXT News4Jax.
About Dreams Come True
In 2016, Dreams Come True fulfilled the dreams of 181 children on the First Coast who have been battling life-threatening illnesses or conditions. Founded in 1984, Dreams Come True is the only 100 percent community donor-funded nonprofit that grants the dream of every First Coast child who has a life-threatening illness and brings hope and joy throughout their medical journey. Dreams Come True has fulfilled the dreams of more than 3,600 children in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia since its inception.