The more we travel and access the Internet on the go, the more cyber risks we face. Follow these simple tips to stay safe online when traveling.

COMMON CYBERSECURITY THREATS WHILE TRAVELING
Unsecured wireless networks.

• While public wireless networks provide great convenience, they are unsecure and can allow cyber criminals access to your Internet-enabled devices. Beyond the typical public wireless networks found at airports, restaurants, hotels, and cafes, they are increasingly available in other places, such as on airplanes and in public parks.
  Publicly accessible computers.
• Hotel business centers, libraries, and cyber cafes provide computers that anyone can use. However, travelers cannot trust that these computers are secure. They may not be running the latest operating systems or have updated anti-virus software. Cyber criminals may have infected these machines with malicious viruses or install malicious software. One example is keylogger malware which, when installed, captures the key strokes of the computer’s users and sending this information to criminals via email. Through this malware, criminals are able to receive users’ personal information, such as name, credit card numbers, birthdates, and passwords.
  Physical theft of devices.
• Thieves often target travelers. Meal times are optimum times for thieves to check hotel rooms for unattended laptops. If you are attending a conference or trade show, be especially wary — these venues offer thieves a wider selection of devices that are likely to contain sensitive information, and the conference sessions offer more opportunities for thieves to access guest rooms.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES JIMMY LEWIS

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Jimmy Lewis to the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

Jimmy joins Florida Network Realty with an extensive background in business and sales. Jimmy has been in the Home Furnishing Industry for thirty years and is the President and Principal Designer of Designs 2 Envy which he founded in 2003. Prior to opening Designs 2 Envy, Jimmy worked in the furniture industry for fifteen years with merchandising, sales, management, and sales training.

Becoming a Realtor was a natural and obvious transition for Jimmy, allowing him to take his experiences in business and passion for helping others to a new level. The ability to help his clients navigate making their largest single investment is what drives Jimmy as a Realtor, and he is eager to grow his career with Florida Network Realty.

“From your first meeting to the final closing, Jimmy will provide best-in-class service to his clients. He has the experience you can count on and the passion to make things happen even with the most challenging of circumstances. I am excited to welcome Jimmy to our team,” shares Christine Scalf, Broker/Manager of the Mandarin/St. Johns office.

For more information, Jimmy can be reached by phone at 904.994.4663 or at Jimmy.Lewis@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: JLewis.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Mandarin/St. Johns office is located at 11576 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES JELTSJE DERKSEN

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Jeltsje Derksen to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

Jeltsje, who was raised partially in the Netherlands and partially in the United States as a child, has been a resident of Northeast Florida for the past twenty years. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Jeltsje earned her Physical Therapy degree from the Hanzehogeschool, Hogeschool van Groningen, in Groningen, the Netherlands, and has worked as both a Pediatric Specialist and also in Home Health settings.

As a Home Health Physical Therapist, Jeltsje evaluated, treated, and helped patients age in place and assist them to obtain the highest quality of life, which assists their families as well. Working as a Pediatric Specialist, Jeltsje worked mostly with children, 0-5 years old, with special needs. Jeltsje states, “It brings me the most joy to assist the children and their families to give them a new opportunity in life!”

Moving around as much as she did, Jeltsje has loved exploring the beauty, nature, and cultures in the U.S., the Netherlands, and around the world. Jeltsje is fluent in Dutch, English, German, and French as well. As a Realtor, Jeltsje is eager to assist her clients in fulfilling their dreams and maximizing their full potential in life, and in their living situation.

“I am happy to have Jeltsje Derksen join the Fleming Island office! She is sure to excel here. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

For more information, Jeltsje can be reached by phone at 904.982.2193 or at Jeltsje.Derksen@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: JeltsjeDerksen.com. The Fleming Island/Orange Park office is located at 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES PATTI ROSEPILER

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Patti Rosepiler to the Metropolitan office with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

“I am excited to welcome Patti to the Avondale office of Florida Network Realty! She is an experienced agent from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast in Wilmington North Carolina. From your very first meeting to the final closing, Patti provides best-in-class service to her clients. She has the experience you can count on and the passion to make things happen even with the most challenging circumstances. She was born and raised in Jacksonville and is happy to be back home, and we are happy to have her on our team,” shares Josh Cohen, Broker/Manager of the Metropolitan office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty with locations in Avondale and San Marco.

For more information, Patti Rosepiler can be reached by phone at 904.445.0659 or at Patti.Rosepiler@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: PRosepiler.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Metropolitan offices in Avondale and San Marco are located at 3627 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 and 1983 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES KAY HALL

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Kay Hall to the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

 

Kay joins the Fleming Island office as an experienced Realtor with a background in residential sales, new home/new construction home sales, condo sales and home staging. When asked why she loves being a Realtor, Kay states, “I have always been an independent-minded person, and I love being in control of my own destiny. As a Realtor, I love helping people, and love the thrill of helping my clients find their special home or selling a home that’s been loved but outgrown.”

A Northeast Florida native, Kay knows there’s no place she’d rather be – she loves the communities, beaches, culture and, of course, weather, of Jacksonville! When not working, Kay loves stretching her creativity muscles – through photography, interior design (Kay has worked in interior design for both residential homes and corporations) and teaching no-sew draperies in school settings. Kay has also worked as a caterer, and has worked in the wedding industry from flowers to cakes; she was also a nurse for thirty-eight years and loved her time working in the ER and in Home Health.

“We are so excited to have Kay join our team. With her knowledge and experience, her clients will receive the best representation. Please join me in welcoming Kay to Florida Network Realty,” shares Linda Benson, Broker/Manager of the Fleming Island/Orange Park office.

For more information, Kay Hall can be reached by phone at 904.708.2001 or at Kay.Hall@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: KHall.FloridaNetworkRealty.com. The Fleming Island/Orange Park office is located at 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island, FL 32003.

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA NETWORK REALTY WELCOMES SANDRA DONOVAN

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is pleased to welcome Sandra Donovan to the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.

Sandra joins Florida Network Realty as a Realtor with a strong background in business and sales. Sandra not only has experience as a Realtor in Pennsylvania, but she is also the owner of Two Fish and An Elephant, Beachside Services, and specialized in home staging, Realtor photo staging, and bookkeeping.

As a business owner, and as a Realtor, Sandra’s main focus has always been centered on making her clients feel comfortable and at ease. Quality, attention to detail, and understanding are her core values, and she loves the opportunity to help her clients find their forever home in Northeast Florida.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Sandra moved to Northeast Florida three years ago. Two years ago, however, she was married in Pittsburgh – in the middle of a bridge! Sandra explains, “My husband and I are huge sports fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. The bridge we got married on is the Roberto Clemente Bridge that leads to PNC Park. They close the bridge before Pirate’s games, usually two hours before the game. On that Saturday they closed the bridge seven hours before the game, and we got married in the middle of the bridge with our family and friends forming a circle around us. It was as though we had rented a bridge for our ceremony and it turned out perfect!”

“I have great expectations for Sandra, and I am excited to welcome her to our team. She has a plan, and a ‘can do’ attitude. Sandra’s drive and commitment to excellence are right in line with the service we provide our clients at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty,” shares Don Cline, Assistant General Manager and Broker/Manager of the Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office.

For more information, Sandra can be reached by phone at 724.494.2506 or at Sandra.Donovan@FloridaNetworkRealty.com and website: AtlanticBeachOpenHouses.com. The Beaches/Intracoastal West and Southside office is located at 375-1 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.

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10 Short Road Trips To Take From Jacksonville

 

Jacksonville’s prime location in North Florida offers easy access to numerous incredible spots around the state. You can see so many different towns, state parks, and beaches, without driving for longer than a few hours outside of the city. Fill up your gas tank, pack your snacks, and get ready to hit the road. Here are ten short road trips to take from Jacksonville.

 

1. Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs, a privately owned park in Gilchrist County, is less than two hours away from the city of Jacksonville. The waters are cool and crystal-clear, not to mention ideal for divers as they are filled with extensive caverns to explore. Get away from the city and snorkel, swim, or lazily float around the scenic blue springs. Your first visit to Ginnie Springs won’t be your last.

 

2. Ocala

Two hours south of Jacksonville is where you’ll find Ocala, a city filled with natural attractions. In the Ocala National Forest, you can paddle in Juniper Run or visit the swimming holes in Silver Glen Springs. There’s even the opportunity to go horseback riding in Silver Springs State Park. This historic place was an important site during the Second Seminole War and there are pre-Columbian artifacts at the Appleton Museum of Art.

 

3. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is only 30 miles north of Jacksonville. It’s home to The Palace Soon, the oldest longest operating saloon in the state of Florida. There are also many art galleries and locally owned boutiques in the area. The downtown area is incredibly historic and you can tour it on the Amelia Island trolley. It’s a place where life moves more slowly, and a great quick getaway if you want to unwind.

 

4. Blue Springs State Park

Only a two-hour drive from Jacksonville, Blue Springs State Park is just west or Orange City and stretches across more than 2,600 acres. The 72-degree waters of the largest spring on the St. John’s River are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddling. Take in the natural landscapes and the famous West Indian manatees from the boardwalk or from boat tours that are offered throughout the area.

 

5. Palatka

Palatka is an hour south of Jacksonville. A charming cultural city filled with homes and churches that were built in the 1800s, you can partake in the Palatka Mural Tour in order to see all the architecture and art that showcase the area’s rich history. Drive or bike through the Ravine Gardens State Park to check out the large ravines that are up to 120 feet deep and the 59-acre gardens.  

 

6. Ichetucknee Springs

It’s a short trip to Ichetucknee Springs, an area only 90 minutes away from Jacksonville. The state park is the right place to go to if you’re looking for some outdoor recreation. Set up a picnic under the area’s old trees, check out the wildlife, snorkel the clear water of the springs, tube on the river, take a refreshing swim in the cool waters, or go canoeing. It’s a quiet area to spend the day relaxing.

 

7. Ponce Inlet

Enjoy some fun in the sun at the Ponce Inlet, less than two hours from Jacksonville near Daytona Beach. The beaches are picturesque, the shoreline is filled with beautiful colorful shells, and the waves are surf-worthy. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the state of Florida. Climb the 203 steps up to the top to be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the entire area.

 

8. Winter Park

Winter Park is two hours south from Jacksonville. The city is filled with outdoor spaces that are not to be missed, including the Mead Botanical Gardens, Central Park, the Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Rose Garden. If you want to learn more about the local culture of the area, visit the Winter Park Historical Museum and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

 

9. Gainesville

Gainesville is just an hour and a half outside of Jacksonville. Home to the University of Florida, this college town is filled with state parks and natural attractions. There is so much to see and do in Gainesville, including the 62-acre Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, the live butterflies at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the sinkholes in Devil’s Millhopper State Park.

 

10. Big Talbot Island

20-miles east of Jacksonville is Big Talbot Island, an ecologically diverse and beautiful state park. Have a picnic at the water’s edge of The Bluffs or check out the wild birds that populate Sarabay. Don’t skip out on Boneyard Beach, named for the tree skeletons on the shore that are sun-bleached and salt-washed. It costs $2 to fish on the pier and $3 for vehicle access to the park.

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