NEWS

9 to 5 Pets offers Halloween tips

To keep all of our furry friends safe this Halloween, here are some helpful tips from 9 to 5 Pets to avoid any spooky mishaps and ensure your pet enjoys a safe and calm holiday: 1. Pet ID: …

Gallery plans arts market

In collaboration with gallery neighbors, Art Box Gallery and Rakov Studio Gallery, The Butterfield Garage Art Gallery will host its first Holiday Arts Market on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, from …

Tailor Your Closet to the Coastal Florida Lifestyle

Living in Ponte Vedra offers a highly sought-after blend of relaxed coastal charm and upscale elegance. From morning tee times to evening charity galas, the First Coast lifestyle is distinctly luxurious. Yet, while homeowners invest heavily in their living rooms and outdoor kitchens, the master suite is often overlooked. Your dressing room should be a personal sanctuary, designed with the same plush, resort-style luxury you experience at your favorite local country club. Read More...

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Champagne adds Spirit of Revelry to holiday gatherings
The clinking of crystal flutes toasting the holidays. The sound of Champagne corks popping and the thought of elegant extravagance. What could be more festive to commence the long holiday season of …
Mission House holds 4th annual Grazie Gala
Mission House held their fourth annual Grazie Gala on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Marsh Landing Country Club. Mission House is a nonprofit organization located in Jacksonville Beach that provides …
Drinks on the patio at The Local
The Local: A Neighborhood Favorite
For a taste of exciting and diverse flavors from abroad, you don’t need to travel or even leave your neighborhood! Just dine at The Local, an eclectic restaurant featuring New American cuisine and …
Restaurant Doro’s crispy short ribs
Restaurant Doro celebrates 10 years
When dining out, people want to feel at home. They want healthy, straightforward ingredients, delectable dishes and an inviting, ambient atmosphere. At Restaurant Doro, guests are truly treated like …
This photo collage features dancer Tess Sturgeon and aerialist Stevie Sol.
Jacksonville Dance Theatre’s Circo del Pantano returns
Following a successful sold-out debut that captivated audiences with its daring blend of contemporary dance, theatrical spectacle and aerial artistry, Jacksonville Dance Theatre has announced the …
High School Sports PREVIEW

Nease, Ponte Vedra prepare for rivalry game

Nease had a strong offensive performance against the Bears.

As high school football playoffs inch closer, the Ponte Vedra Sharks defeated the Fletcher Senators 40-31 on Friday, Oct. 16. This was a must-win game for the Sharks to keep their playoff hopes …

Nease soccer team looks forward to season

Pictured from left: Kate Healey (sophomore), Isla Palenik (senior), Star Reed (sophomore), Tessa Harry (senior), Hadley Mahoney (sophomore)

One word describes the atmosphere surrounding the Nease girls soccer team this year: excitement! The excitement begins with a new coaching staff, led by long-time Edward Waters University and Nease …

Another big win for Nease Panthers

The Panthers played well on offense against the Generals.

Many high schools across the First Coast brought in the month of October with a bye week, but there was still plenty of high school football action to go around. The Nease Panthers defeated the …

Ponte Vedra gets second win of the season

The Sharks offense had a strong performance against the Golden Eagles.

The Ponte Vedra Sharks earned their second straight win of the season on Friday, Sept. 18, with a 31-18 road victory over the Fleming Island Golden Eagles. Carter Sole passed for 240 total yards …

Nease wins first game of the season

Creekside players celebrating after a touchdown

High school football is in full swing, and the Nease Panthers got their first win of the season on Friday, Sept. 4, over the Mainland Buccaneers. The Panthers put together a full team effort to earn …

A look at some other football programs nearby

Bartram Trail Bears The Bartram Trail Bears are off to a good start this season with a current record of 2-0. On Aug. 21, the Bears won their home opener against the Tocoi Creek Toros 37-3. …

LIFESTYLES
Abruzzo, Italy: A Family Goes Back
The story starts with my great-great-grandfather, Andrea DelSignore, a landowner, a farmer and businessman in the town of Sulmona, Italy. Andrea and his wife Cecilia had three sons, Panfilo, Cosimo …
Fall is a busy time of year for SAFE, a pet rescue dedicated to saving animals from euthanasia. They have been rescuing animals since the nonprofit began in 2008 and are always looking for new ways …
As shelters and rescues across the country continue to operate with strained resources, the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is partnering with PetSmart Charities to help more pets find families …
As fall arrives, we see seasonal decorations popping up throughout our neighborhoods. Fall is the season where harvest celebrates the hard work put in during the summer months and the prosperity that …
A chrysanthemum is one of the most recognized plants of the fall season! Also known as “mums,” these flowers are available in a variety of colors, but the name comes from the original gold — …
IN THE ARTS
Arts for All Grant Program takes applications
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the St. Johns Cultural Council (SJCC) are providing funds for the St. Johns County Arts for All (AFA) Grant Program. AFA grants provide between $5,000 …
Village Arts Framing and Gallery will host an artist open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Sawgrass Village in Ponte Vedra Beach. Guests are invited to meet the artists and enjoy light …
Now through April 18, 2027, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will mark its 65th anniversary in part with an exhibition showcasing a selection of works that were added to the museum’s …
How does a psychic detective communicate intuitive information to investigators, and what responsibilities come with that work? Psychic detective and author Pam Coronado will explore those questions …
The artists of the month at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery are Dee Roberts and Michael Higbe. Roberts is a very versatile artist who works in many mediums. She attended the Philadelphia College …
More Local News
Israel Friendship Day set for Nov. 3
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, in partnership with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, will join local Jewish leaders to mark the sixth annual …
Tucked away in Palm Valley, minutes from the beach, there’s a place where the pace slows down. Hydaway Collective has brought something Ponte Vedra Beach didn’t have before: a nature-inspired …
Personalized care for pets is a core belief for Sunrise Vet at Sawgrass & Mobile, a family-owned veterinary practice located both in the Sawgrass Village and your home. Dr. Melissa Johnson and …
Pawgrass Dog Spa has everything a pup needs for a relaxing day of pampering. Their salon and mobile dog spas offer something unique. Pets receive spa treatments in individual rooms, which keep stress …
The Nease Panthers defeated the Ponte Vedra Sharks 49-35 on Friday, Oct. 23, in the Battle of the Bridge. The game looked like it was over before it started as the Panthers led 21-0 going into …
ONLY ON THE WEB

COA’s River House announces programs for November and December

Council on Aging has announced the following programs will be held at COA’s River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine, in November. Classes are one to five weeks long and begin the first week …

COA’s THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center announces November schedule

The following programs will be held at COA’s THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, beginning in November. Most activities are weekly and will begin on Nov. 3. …

Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library announces November programs

The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library announced the following programs for November. See the complete schedule at https://sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch. Veterans Museum Guest …

NOCATEE HAPPENINGS

Nocatee residents bring Tropical Vibes Rum to First Coast

Kim Jones and Brett Morson enjoy some of their Tropical Vibes Rum.

U.S. Army veteran Brett Morson and his wife, Kim Jones, are bringing their award-winning Tropical Vibes Rum to Northeast Florida, launching the next chapter of their business with a focus on building …

JaxFuse offers weekend of creativity

Artist Tonya McGuire holds up her painting of Pegasus.

The creative economy was on full display last weekend when the link hosted JaxFuse Food, Art and Music Day (Oct. 17) followed by Film Day (Oct. 18). On the heels of a very successful Fashion Day …

This is it! JaxFuse continues with 2 days of creativity

Northeast Florida’s one-of-a-kind celebration of the creative economy kicked off last weekend with a dynamic and very successful Fashion Day, but the JaxFuse festival is just getting started. …

ONE OF US
Chef Paul Sebess
Chef Paul Sebess has gained a solid following among area families who love excellent baked goods. He is the chef behind Le Pain de Paul. Tell us about your background, especially as it …
Danielle Mattiello opened A Will and a Whisk Bakery in Fernandina Beach in November 2025. Tell us about A Will and a Whisk Bakery. A Will and A Whisk is the culmination of many years …
Lizzie Baer is the owner of Zimmiz Hair Designers, a hair salon that is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Tell us about your business or your organization. What is your position …
Carina Buganem is an expert at helping leaders develop their reputations and become sought-after, industry-renowned names. Tell us about your career. I spent 15-plus years in luxury, …
Jacksonville native Brette Petway is a self-taught artist who has been creating artwork for more than 30 years.  Tell us about your art and gallery. What inspires you? My art has …
SPORTS

Ponte Vedran Honored

Joyce Crane (center) was accorded the honor of presenting flowers at halftime to this year's Stetson University royalty at the homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 17. Crane was given this …

Don’t flinch

The number of text messages astounded me, and all wanted to know the same thing. “Have you ever seen anything like that?” It was a great question in the hours after the Jaguars’ unlikely …

The Yards unveils renovated Pickle Garden

The new covered courts offer more flexibility to play in inclement weather.

On Friday, Oct. 9, The Yards officially reopened the newly renovated Pickle Garden, featuring brand-new covered pickleball courts. When The Yards Pickle Garden originally opened in May of 2022, …

Obituaries
Dorothy Adams Follett
Dorothy Adams Follett April 8, 1928 – September 7, 2026 Dorothy “Dottie” Adams Follett, 98, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. She was born on April 8, 1928, in …
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David Michael Lehman
David Michael Lehman, 81, passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic on October 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on September 5, 1945, to the late Delores …
Judith Hyle Hudgins
Judith Hyle Hudgins, age 81, passed away in her husband’s arms on October 2, 2026. Judy was born in Newport News, VA. and graduated from Ferguson High School. She was married to Edward A. Hudgins, …
David William Swanson
David William Swanson, 95, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 28, 2026. Dave was born on November 26, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to …
Rose Wittemen
Rose Wittemen, 78, passed away gracefully on Sunday, September 13, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on December 28, 1947, Rose lived a life defined by quiet devotion, …
More Lifestyle coverage

Americans own more clothes than ever. Here's how to store them correctly.

Closets by Design reports that Americans buy an average of 53 new garments yearly, leading to an increase in textile waste. 

Clinical vs. regular deodorant for heavy sweating

Degree Deodorant reports that clinical-strength antiperspirants offer greater sweat reduction than regular options. 

6 fixes for itchy armpits, dark underarms, and razor bumps

AXE reports six fixes for common body issues: soothe itchy armpits, brighten dark underarms, treat ingrown hairs, manage odor, prevent razor burn, and combat butt sweat.

Christmas creep? 58% want Black Friday messages at least a month early, but they’re getting choosier

Sinch reports that 58% of shoppers prefer early Black Friday promotions, especially via email, while budget-conscious consumers seek personalized offers.

Not a trick or treat: Halloween costs rise to $13.5 billion

Finder reports that Halloween spending is projected to reach $13.5 billion in 2026, driven by rising costs in costumes, decorations, and candy.
Self-Employed and Can’t Get a Mortgage? The Loan Type May Be the Problem
Many self-employed borrowers who are told they do not qualify for a mortgage are not actually unqualified. They are applying through a loan type that measures income in a way that works against them. …
A Seller’s Strongest Negotiating Position in Fairfield County, CT Starts Before the First Showing
The Fairfield County, Connecticut housing market heading into fall 2026 doesn’t fit neatly into a single headline. Some homes are drawing multiple offers above asking. Others, in the same county …
Massachusetts Appraisal Rules Change in November. Buyers Who Wait to Prepare Will Lose Deals.
Most Massachusetts homebuyers will not think about new appraisal rules until those rules delay their closing. By then, according to Colleen Barry of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, the …