LIFESTYLES

Nonprofit helps control cat population

Teresa O’Brien started Pura Vida Volunteer Cat Services, Inc., which helps to assist and control the growing cat population in Duval County. O’Brien said her nonprofit involves TNR, which stands …

Neck Road home rooted in history, powerfully reimagined

Neck Road is one of Ponte Vedra Beach’s most historic corridors — once a quiet shell road that traced the edges of the Intracoastal, lined with modest homes and native oaks. It was here that …

Beaches Tour of Homes set for Nov. 8

The Beaches Town Center Agency Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, presents the Beaches Tour of Homes, a fundraiser for the nonprofit, with Keystone Presenting Partner Magnolia Lane Builders. The Tour …

60 years of marriage: a heartwarming story

George and Pat Ryan celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at Starling at Ponte Vedra.

Recently, residents of Starling at Ponte Vedra and their families came together to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Pat and George Ryan. The evening featured a special dinner, live music by …

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

GALLOWAY James Austin Galloway Jr. was born at 12:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2025, to James A. Galloway, Esq., and Dr. Mercedes Galloway of Ponte Vedra Beach. The family is pictured at The Lodge & …

Cocktails to try right now

TOURIST TRAP

Fall flavors may be moving in across the northern United States, but Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen in sunny St. Augustine is keeping the summer vibe going. Castillo’s summer cocktail menu, …

An Evening on the Matanzas, A Coastal White Christmas Gala at River House
Holiday gala to benefit senior programs, services
St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) invites members of the public to ring in the St. Augustine holiday season at An Evening on the Matanzas, A Coastal White Christmas Gala at River House from 5 …
Autumn is the perfect time for fun things to do
ST. JOHNS COUNTY Autumn is officially here, and St. Johns County is the perfect place to celebrate. Discover harvest-themed and spooky events happening in and around St. Augustine. The following …
Fall colors in landscaping
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Fall Colors!
As the temperatures drop to the low 80s (or maybe even 70s!), we start to feel hints of fall in our Northeast Florida home. It is cooling off enough to return to the garden, but what is best to plant …
World Poker Tour returns to bestbet Jacksonville
The World Poker Tour (WPT) returns to bestbet Jacksonville with 14 events taking place from Oct. 30 through Nov. 18. Satellites began on Sept. 2 and continue through November 14. The tour kicks off …
The Rotary Club of Palm Valley is taking part in an effort to ensure that people in rural Ghana have clean water.
Palm Valley Rotary builds bridges — and wells — in Ghana
The Rotary Club of Palm Valley is stepping into a new chapter of service, one that stretches far beyond Ponte Vedra Beach and reaches across the Atlantic to the villages of Ghana. There, in …
Alyssa Wakeley started her own jewelry business to encourage others.
Breast cancer survivor spreading hope and love through jewelry line
Alyssa Wakeley has a new outlook on life and the way she interacts with people on a day-to-day basis. In 2020, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 27. “Life as I knew it …
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife announces schedule
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife — W3 has announced its final schedule for all events. This unique culinary weekend, to be held Nov. 7-9, offers award-winning restaurant tastings and unlimited …
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Decorating for Fall
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 …
Why nuptial agreements matter in blended family dynamics
Florida Women’s Law Group focuses exclusively on representing women in divorce and family law matters. Many of our clients are part of blended families in which one or both …
Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Chrysanthemums
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 …
Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Annuals vs Perennials
Homeowners often wonder whether it is better to plant annuals or perennials to develop color in their landscape. The answer is both! Planting a combination of annuals and perennials adds color and …
Crape Myrtle
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Transplanting Trees
In Northeast Florida, we are part of Planting Zone 9. We have warm winters and hot summers that allow us to plant year-round. This climate also enables us to transplant trees during the fall, winter …
Hibiscus blooms
Kathy’s Gardening Guide: Heavenly Hues — Hibiscus and Hydrangea
Are you looking for bold, bright blooms to bring color into your landscape? Hibiscus and hydrangea plants are great options! Both produce large, colorful flowers that stand out in garden beds and …
Eric “Doc” Honour
Learn to navigate Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has become the go-to publishing platform for independent authors, but new writers, particularly those not technically inclined, may find the process …
A third-grade class at Ocean Palms reads a book from their “You’ve Been Book’d!” reading bag as part of a new library program at the school.
Ocean Palms launches new reading program
Ocean Palms Elementary is embarking on a new chapter when it comes to inspiring a love of reading amongst its students. This year, teachers and staff are taking a three-pronged approach with multiple …
Health

A diagnosis she didn’t see coming

(BPT) - One woman's journey from an unexpected diagnosis to learning how to manage a chronic, progressive lung disease.When Lavonda was told she had bronchiectasis, she didn't know what the word …
The Foundation of Healthy Living: Why Now is the Time to Double Down on Leafy Greens
(Family Features) As concerns about childhood obesity and chronic disease reach crisis levels, public health experts are urging Americans to eat more fresh produce. For the first time in history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight - a reversal driven largely by diets dominated by ultra-processed foods and a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Offers New Hope for Veterans
(Family Features) For generations, America's veterans have borne not only the visible scars of battle but also the hidden wounds of war. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury and anxiety have long haunted those who served, often with devastating effects on their quality of life and their families. However, science is now reopening doors once closed, and therapies previously dismissed are being reconsidered with fresh eyes.
Beyond the diagnosis: What people with diabetes wish you knew
(BPT) - Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide.1 Daily management is tough, but one of the biggest challenges for those living with diabetes is confronting stigma, …

Brewery waste can be repurposed to make nanoparticles that can fight bacteria

Some compounds in waste produced in the brewing process could be repurposed for antibacterial drugs.

Breweries nationwide create waste at several stages of the beer-making process. Repurposing parts of this waste could improve antibacterial drugs.

The Heart-Body Connection: How other organ systems affect heart health

Array Heart health is about more than just the heart itself. It's a two-way street between the heart and the rest of the body. However, many U.S. adults aren't aware of the connection between organs.

Eczema's True Impact on People of Color: More Than Skin Deep

(BPT) - When most people think of eczema, they picture a dry, red, inflamed and itchy rash. But on darker skin tones, eczema can look very different, sometimes appearing purple, gray or dark brown. …

Stress Less, Celebrate More: Holiday Cleaning Hacks

(BPT) - The holiday season is filled with fun, laughter, and festivities, but it can also be marked by chaos. From gift-wrapping mania to the cookie crumbs, spills, and clutter of prepping and …
Make Homemade Pizza the Centerpiece of Holiday Parties
(Family Features) During a season of turkey dinners and festive cocktails, those rich holiday staples may start feeling heavy. When it's time to reset with a lighter, delicious homemade dinner, try Truffle Mushroom Pizza as a simple solution for returning to routine.
5 Health Benefits of Whole Milk for Kids
(Family Features) With 13 essential nutrients and vitamins - including calcium, vitamin D and protein - real dairy milk is a simple, nutrient-dense staple. It's also an easy addition to family favorites like Breakfast Cookies and Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup.
Master Fall Hosting with a Medley of Color
(Family Features) Make fall entertaining a breeze this year, regardless of the occasion, with warm, satisfying sides that serve a crowd. Whether you're enjoying roasted chicken, tender turkey or grilled fish for the main course, Sheet Pan Roasted Grapes and Sweet Potatoes provide a medley of color and taste that call to mind the flavors of the season.
Fall Into Fresh Ideas for Autumn Entertaining
(Family Features) Crafting cozy crowd-pleasers is a must for hosting - especially during the cooler fall months. Give your crowd something to celebrate, regardless of the occasion, with comforting sides and appetizers that warm loved ones from the inside-out.
3 lighting tips to keep in mind for your home watch party
(BPT) - Love sharing the thrill of the gridiron with fellow football fans in the comfort of your own home? Take your homegating game over the top by creating an epic atmosphere, before your friends …
Pet coverage from around the web

Happy paw-lidays! How to keep it festive with furry family members

(BPT) - With the holiday season fast approaching, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos.If you're worried about how you and your pet can enjoy the festivities safely, you're not alone. A recent …

Wellness Beyond the Bowl: Exploring a holistic approach to happy, healthy pets

(Family Features) When you think about your pet's wellness, it's easy to focus solely on the food you're placing in their bowl. However, true wellness encompasses a much broader spectrum, inclusive of nutrition, preventative care, oral health, exercise, mental stimulation and more.

6 ways cats are good for your mental health

(BPT) - The U.S. is facing a mental health crisis, with 1 in 5 adults (about 59 million people) experiencing daily mental health challenges, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. …

5 Tips to Help Anxious Dogs Find Their Calm

(Family Features) Just like humans, pets experience anxiety due to various triggers such as loud noises, changes in their environment or separation from their owners.

These 10 states have the healthiest dogs

Ollie reports Michigan, Florida, and Arizona have the healthiest dogs in the U.S., based on health screenings for digestion, weight, and dental care.

Dogs are helping people regulate stress even more than expected, research shows

Studies show that dogs help humans cope with stress.
A new study finds that dogs’ mitigation of human stress is more biologically complex than scientists previously understood.