Oct
 
29
 

Calling all ghouls and goblins! It’s the start of Halloween Weekend 2021 and there are plenty of spooky sights to see around the First Coast to celebrate the end of the spooky season. We’re rounded up all the fun and games to take advantage of this weekend. 

Jacksonville Zoo and Garden: Spooktacular

Enjoy the last weekend of Spooktacular 2021 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden. Dress up in your favorite family-friendly costume and go trick-or-treating around the zoo. Music, entertainment, and photo opportunities await you and your family as animals loom. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden Website.

Ripley’s Haunted Castle Investigation 

Get your investigative caps on for this one! Ripley’s Believe it or Not is offering first-hand training and hands-on, sixty-minute experience to discover what’s haunting Ripley’s Castle Warden. Use the latest ghost-hunting equipment such as infrared thermometers, laser grids, and spirit boxes to explore one of the most haunted buildings in the Southeast. For tickets, please click here

Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Adventures

Southern Living Magazine recently voted this trolley tour one of the five best ghost tours in the South. Climb aboard the trolley to hear historical and harrowing tales from St. Augustine’s past. You won’t want to miss this tour around the Old City to get your share of fright. To book your tour, visit the Ghost & Gravestones website.

Spooktacular Junior Clinic

For those ages seven to seventeen who are looking for a less spooky and more sporty Halloween event, check out this FREE junior golf clinic at the Slammer & Squire Golf Course held on October 31 from 2 – 3:30 pm. Enjoy interactive, hands-on instruction from professional players participating in the PXG Women’s Match Play Championship. To learn more and claim your spot for this event, visit their website.  

There is no shortage of Halloween fun going on this weekend in Northeast Florida! We hope you and your family have a fang-tastic time. 

 
 
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If you live in Northeast Florida there is no doubt you’ve heard of all the wonderful, thriving neighborhood communities in St. Johns County, but if you’ve driven around the area, you’ve likely noticed a need for commercial property. Like most developments, residential precedes commercial growth, and St. Johns County is ready to flourish with new businesses. “St. Johns County is a fantastic place for businesses to call home. Not only is the residential population continuously growing, but the location is conveniently situated between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. With so many new developments coming soon to the area, the opportunities are really exciting,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re rounding up just a few of the exciting additions coming to St. Johns County. 

World Commerce Center

At the intersection of Interstate 95 and International Golf Parkway, you’ll find World Commerce Center, a 996-acre property with approvals in place for residential, office, medical, retail, warehouse, and hotel developments. The popular “attraction” Buc-cee’s has already called World Commerce Center home since February 2021. Businesses, including GreenWise Market, 7-Eleven, and Panera Bread, are coming soon to the new development. 

Grand Cypress

In late May 2021, Gatlin Development Co. Inc. purchased the land at 6256 and 6322 Race Track Road, the site of a former racetrack and poker room that closed in 2021, from Bayard Raceways Inc for more than $16.5 million. The site sits at southwest U.S. 1 and Race Track Road. Gatlin Development plans to build a $250 million mixed-use development called Grand Cypress. The more than one hundred acre property will include a grocery store-anchored shopping center, retail, restaurant space, 588-unit luxury multifamily community, and a 256-unit upscale boutique multifamily complex. The commercial space tenants will be announced soon.

Greenbriar Helow

Another massive development likely coming soon to northwest St. Johns County is Greenbriar Helow. Landowner, Joseph Helow, of Helow Properties Ltd., hopes to rezone the property from open rural land to a planned unit development. Located off Greenbriar Road, Longleaf Pine Parkway, and Veterans Parkway, this new development could include single-family, multifamily, and senior housing, natural preservation land, retail uses, and offices. If the rezoning is approved, the development would allow for up to 3,500 single-family homes and more than 2.5 million square feet of non-residential development. 

Development in St. Johns County is showing no signs of slowing down. With an attractive location and a rapidly growing residential community, these new developments are sure to provide some much-needed commercial property to the area.

 
 
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With its close proximity to both St. Augustine and Jacksonville, World Golf Village is a highly desired and attractive area. Over the past twenty-five years, the community surrounding World Golf Village has rapidly grown with further real estate development. The new WGV Office Park will be a welcomed addition to the area and provide businesses the opportunity to own prime office space. 

The new WGV Office Park site is located at the entrance to The King & Bear Community at the corner of Pacetti Road and Registry Boulevard. “What makes the site perfect for this project is that it is centrally located for all the current and future development in the World Golf Village area,” shares Sam Davidson, Realtor® at Davidson Realty and Vice President of Special Operations for Davidson Development. “The new office park is conveniently located at a signalized intersection and has the added benefit of being adjacent to all the new retail development at the Publix anchored Shoppes at Murabella. The WGV Office Park is also  right across the street from the new Flagler Center so it will be incredibly convenient for medical users.”

With such a perfect location, it is clear that the WGV Office Park is a wonderful investment for business owners especially as this area continues to grow. “The WGV Office Park will allow business owners that have been forced to rent due to the lack of office space in our area the opportunity to own and build equity,” shares Davidson. “With spaces starting at 1,120 square feet and the ability to purchase multiple spaces and combine them, it will allow both investors and companies to tailor their purchases to their budget.”

The project, with five buildings totaling 44,000 square feet, is expected to break ground in November 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2022. “This project is an exciting opportunity. World Golf Village and all of St. Johns County will experience an incredible amount of growth in the coming years. With attractive communities like SilverLeaf, Trailmark, and Adler Creek adding more homes to the area, larger retailers will come to the area,” continues Davidson. 

If you are interested in owning an office condo in the new WGV Office Park, contact Sam Davidson at (904) 502-2397 or jsdavidson@davidsonrealtyinc.com or Tim Nemethy at (904) 553-6194 or tnemethy@davidsonrealtyinc.com

 
 
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Northeast Florida is thriving and ready to be enjoyed! “Residents of World Golf Village live in the perfect location to conveniently explore each neighborhood that makes Northeast Florida so special. In such a fruitful area, all the activities, restaurants, and sites provide a unique experience to make lasting memories with friends and family,” shares Davidson Realty President, Sherry Davidson. We’re sharing some MUST visit neighborhoods on the First Coast that you need to check out! 

Ponte Vedra Beach 

Known for its elegant shopping and fine dining, Ponte Vedra Beach is a luxury resort town with plenty to see and do! Ponte Vedra Beach is home of the pristine TPC Sawgrass, one of the most famous golf courses in the world, and the host course for The Players Championship. If you’re interested in a little outdoor adventure to take in the beauty of Northeast Florida, enjoy a hike at the GTM Reserve. Ponte Vedra Beach provides ample options for a night out with friends like Valley Smoke which offers classic Southern BBQ plus a variety of tasty cocktails. 

Downtown St. Augustine 

Even if you’ve visited historic Downtown St. Augustine before, you likely only scratched the surface of this charming city on Florida’s Historic Coast. Truly immerse yourself in the Old City by paying a visit to Villa Zorayda to see art from around the world, taking a stroll down St. George Street and having lunch at Columbia, and partaking in the #1 Whiskey Tour in North America at St. Augustine Distillery. There is always something new to find in Downtown St. Augustine.

Anastasia Island

Just east of St. Augustine, you’ll find a barrier, 14-mile-long island called Anastasia Island. Known for its breathtaking beaches, Anastasia Island gives visitors a taste of Historic St. Augustine without the crowds. To get the full Anastasia Island experience, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Fort Matanzas National Monument, and Anastasia State Park. Oh and if you have some little ones with you, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is a MUST SEE! 

Riverside/Avondale 

New meets old in historic, eclectic Riverside and Avondale! While the area is most popularly known for being the home of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Riverside and Avondale have the wonderful ability of making everyone feel like a local. From the charming Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge on Saturday to the multitude of breweries (Aardwolf and Brewz are excellent choices!), there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Amelia Island 

Whether you are interested in a romantic getaway, a fun family vacation, or a day trip exploring, Amelia Island has it all! Amelia Island is a quiet piece of Northeast Florida paradise with a stunning beach and a quaint town. Enjoy a bite at Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro for a relaxed, island atmosphere and fresh seafood specialties. Visit the tranquil Amelia Island State Park – the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches! Once you visit historic Amelia Island once, you’ll be longing for another visit. 

It doesn’t matter where you live on the First Coast, you’re always just a short drive to something new to discover.

 
 
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Jul
 
2

Top 3 World Golf Village Home Sales in 2021

Posted by: Peyton Davidson in News
 

As a locally owned and family operated brokerage servicing all of Northeast Florida, Davidson Realty has a team of more than forty real estate agents who are ready to help you navigate this  competitive and unpredictable housing market. The team at Davidson Realty is truly passionate about finding the right buyer for every home.

There is no doubt that 2021 has been a wild year for real estate. The team at Davidson Realty have worked tirelessly for their clients and have helped them sell their home for TOP DOLLAR! Let’s take a peek at the top three World Golf Village home sales by Davidson Realty so far this year.

305 Oakhaven Court, St. Augustine, Florida 32092

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac on a wooded preserve lot in the Royal Pines community, you’ll find a meticulously maintained custom home that sold for a list price of $750,000 in April. This home is every bit impressive with a “Florida Basement” and FOUR car garage. The details of this home surely helped elevate this impressive listing. With crown molding, arched doorways, and stunning wooden floors, this home radiates exquisite taste. This five bedroom, four bath home was listed by Davidson Realty agent, Suzy Evans.

1732 East Cobblestone Lane, St. Augustine, Florida 32092

In just SEVEN days this beautiful home behind the gates of The King & Bear SOLD for more than $10,000 over list price – thanks to listing agent Mirtha Barzaga! Complete with a new roof and lovely, luscious gardens throughout the lot, this four bedroom, three bathroom home captured the attention of potential buyers instantly. This updated home was truly captivating from its attractive curb appeal to it’s stunning screened, tiled lanai.

335 North Shore Circle Unit #1034, Saint Augustine, Florida 32092

Take an elevator ride up to this luxurious three bedroom and three bathroom condominium which overlooks the Slammer & Squire Golf Course. This upgraded and maintained to perfection unit included custom Plantation shutters and spacious screened porch. The great room featured a cozy fireplace with tumbled stone accents to make this condo feel like home from the minute you walked in. Margherite Myers helped her sellers get their home on the market quickly and pending in less than a week!

It’s clear to see that the World Golf Village experts at Davidson Realty are TOP talents in Northeast Florida. If you or someone you know are interested in buying or selling their home, trust the real estate experts at Davidson Realty. Call today at (904) 940-5000.

 
 
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It’s finally summer vacation. Take advantage of the beauty and fun Northeast Florida has to offer and create a summer full of memories to remember with your family and friends with our summer bucket list! 

Treat Yourself

Kickback, relax, and enjoy a sweet treat! Stop by The Donut Experiment for some donuts you won’t soon forget. We’re serious…they have a Sriracha Donut! If you’re in need of a cold treat, look no further than Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops to cool you down. The Mango Mojito and Blueberry Lavender Lemonade are just a sampling of the refreshing and delicious flavors you can choose from. If you’re in the cookie mood, pick up a box of Insomnia Cookies and try the Confetti Deluxe Cookie and the Salted Caramel Cookie. Enjoy the sugar rush – it’s summer! 

Move Around

Make staying active fun this summer no matter how hot it is outside! Embrace the heat and make a splash at Shipwreck Island Water Park. From the waterslides to the Typhoon Lagoon, you will have hours of fun in the sun. Visit Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf Course after dinner to enjoy a leisurely round of mini golf while the sun is going down. Don’t forget to grab a soft serve ice cream cone while you’re there! Take a break from the heat at Anastasia Bowling Lanes. Sign your kids up for a Summer Fun Bowling Pass and receive two FREE games of bowling every day all summer long.

Try Something New 

Ditch your comfort zone and try something different! Sign up for a Candy Class at Sweet Pete’s Candy where you can learn how to make all kinds of tasty treats like Lollipops and Taffy. Take an afternoon to explore Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Hanna Park is one of the premier surf spots in Jacksonville and the perfect place to watch the waves. 

Back to Basics

You can never go wrong with some classic Northeast Florida staples. The Jacksonville Zoo is always a hit! IllumiZoo will be happening every Friday night between June 4 and August 27 from 6-10 pm. The Zoo will come alive at night with live music and entertainment that are sure to make for a memorable evening. Root for the home team at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game this summer. Get tickets for a Friday game and enjoy fireworks after the game! 


Make this a summer to remember! Be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook every time you cross one of these experiences off your list.

 
 
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May
 
3

Top Interior Design Trends of 2021

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in News, Tips
 

While in quarantine, you’ve likely grown an appreciation and love for the interior design of your home out of a renewed respect for your space. To satisfy the newfound designer in you, enjoy a roundup of the latest interior design trends of 2021! 

Wallpaper

In recent years, wallpaper has become increasingly popular and it looks like wallpaper has made its official comeback in 2021 in a new and exciting way! Wallpaper can be used to create a statement wall, add a pop of color, and even make a bold statement when used on the ceiling. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has led the charge in the wallpaper comeback because of how easy it is to remove and change, especially for renters or homeowners with evolving tastes. 

House Plants

Bridge the gap from outdoor to indoor living with fresh, luscious greenery. Plants not only bring natural beauty to a home, but have the added benefit of purifying the air and improving your mood. Some of our favorite low maintenance house plants include Bird’s Nest Fern, Bromeliad, and, the nearly impossible to kill, Snake Plant! 

Multifunctional Spaces

This trend is inevitably a side effect of the quarantine. With more people working from home and schools going virtual, rooms were quickly serving multiple purposes as everyone adapted to quarantined life. However, these spaces don’t have to sacrifice style. Maintaining a seamless flair throughout the room will not only unify the space, but make it more enjoyable and productive to spend time in. 

Textured Walls

Adding texture to your walls is the perfect accent to any space that needs a little boost. Textured walls bring dimension and mood to a space. With the addition of textured walls, rooms will appear larger as eyes will be drawn to the outer edge of the room. Trending textured wall applications include marble slabs, padded velvet walls and plastered walls.

Natural Elements

Organic materials and natural wood hues are making a statement in 2021. From earthy tones, terracotta vases, marble, and wicker there is no shortage of options to add natural mediums to your decor. The earthy appeal is just another way to add texture to your home especially if you have upholstered furniture. Adding natural accessories can help make your home more welcoming and complete. 

Sustainable Design

This year, interior design will take a more conscious approach than ever. While some will shop at antique and thrift shops for unique pieces to bring back back to life, others will research to find designers whose production is ethical and sustainable. Choosing decor made from wood, bamboo, cork and recycled metals are easy ways to make an impact on the environment. 

 
 
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Spring has sprung and rain is inevitable. While the weather in Northeast Florida is envied by many with an average of 223 sunny days a year, St. Augustine also gets, on average, fifty-one inches of rainfall per year. Keep those rainy days interesting with a trip to one of these classic spots in St. Augustine that will be sure to entertain and educate you.

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

AHOY, MATEY! Spend the day at The Pirate Museum and explore owner Pat Croce’s impressive collection of pirate memorabilia. Hunt through more than 800 pirate artifacts and state-of-the-art displays created by the Disney Imagineers. The Pirate Museum is home to the only surviving treasure chest in the world AND one of the only remaining Jolly Roger flags. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase a little pirate booty of your own to take home. To plan your day at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, visit www.thepiratemuseum.com.

The Old Jail

In 1891, Henry Flagler commissioned the company that eventually built Alcatraz to construct a jail just north of downtown St. Augustine. To avoid instilling fear in the public and to encourage his friends to invest in the city, Henry Flagler disguised the jail to look like a hotel! The Old Jail provides guests a glimpse into the daily lives of St. Augustine’s most notorious prisoners. Enjoy an interactive experience as costumed actors tell stories of the jail and the prisoners behind bars. Visitors will also have a chance to view the large collection of weapons and artifacts on display. The Old Jail is truly a must-visit in St. Augustine!

St. Augustine Distillery

If a rainy day has you in a drinking mood, stop by St. Augustine Distillery. This family owned and operated establishment is committed to making world-class spirits using the best of Florida’s agriculture. St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours everyday so visitors can learn how they make their spirits from farm to bottle, the differences between each spirit, and, best of all, learn how to make St. Augustine Distillery’s FOUR signature cocktails! No reservation is required for these amazing tours and they are FREE – can’t get much better than that! 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum

If you haven’t already visited, you have to admit you’ve always been curious about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! From incredible artwork to shrunken heads, your eyes won’t know where to look next. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum was founded by Robert Leroy Ripley to display the amazing artifact collection from his extensive travels. He documented his adventures in his famous comic strip, “Believe It or Not!”. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website

Contact each location for their latest COVID protocols and restrictions.

 
 
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The attraction to World Golf Village is easy to see. From the vibrant communities and the exceptional school district to the golf courses and nearby shopping, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It seems as if new businesses are popping up every day, but most recently there have been a few notable additions to the St. Augustine community that you NEED to check out. 

Pet Paradise: 

Calling all dog and cat parents! Pet Paradise opened a new location on 291 Center Place Way, St Augustine, FL 32095. The Jacksonville based company recently opened five new locations in Northeast Florida. Pet Paradise is equipped to handle all your pet boarding, daycare, grooming or veterinary needs. With multiple boarding options, Pet Paradise has the perfect accommodation for every furry friend. Pet Paradise clients love having access to the live webcam. That’s right! Pet owners can check on their pet any time with their live pet cam. Pet Paradise offers a wide variety of pampering amenities for your pet to enjoy including a dog bone shaped swimming pool, misting stations, and full-service dog grooming spa. Next time your pet needs a vacation, take them to Pet Paradise!

Carnival Sweets:

Travel back in time at Carnival Sweets. This establishment has something to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth. Enjoy classic carnival favorites – without the carnival! You and your family will love exploring Carnival Sweets with their shelves of candy and delicious funnel cakes, gourmet popcorn, and shaved ice. This nostalgic candy shop takes these classics and gives them a modern twist. When you visit consider trying fan favorites: Cotton Candy Burrito, Banana Pudding Popcorn, or the Ice cream stuffed snow cone. A visit to Carnival Sweets is well worth the sugar rush! 

And last, but certainly not least…

Buc-ee’s:

You won’t want to miss this first of its kind in Florida. With more than 52,000 square feet and more than 104 fueling stations, Buc-ee’s has opened its doors in St. Augustine on 200 World Commerce Parkway. The Texas-based travel stop has already created quite the buzz around town as hundreds waited in line for Buc-ee’s grand opening on February 22, 2021. The store is open twenty-four hours a day and offers an array of food, drink, and merchandise. Buc-ee’s has tasty treats ranging from traditional homemade fudge, kolaches, and jerky to snacks that are a little more unusual like pickled quail eggs. Buc-ee’s promises friendly service and the cleanest bathrooms in America.

 
 
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Feb
 
19

The Vision of World Golf Village

Posted by: Sherry Davidson in News
 

Behind anything great, you find a great story. World Golf Village is no exception. In the 1980s, St. Johns County had less than 100,000 residents. It was inevitable that the area would blossom with the right vision and execution. Jim Davidson, President of Davidson Development, was the man for the job. 

Jim could see the pieces of the World Golf Village puzzle come together. “Not only could Jim see the Jacksonville market heading south and knew this was the perfect area between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, but he could see the pine trees becoming the development he envisioned,” shared Davidson Realty President and Jim’s wife, Sherry Davidson. “Jim saw beyond the golf courses, lakes, and homes and saw people walking their dogs and pushing their children in strollers on the sidewalks.” 

Jim was persistent in bringing World Golf Village to life. He met regularly with land planners, engineers, attorney’s and an environmental team to make sure the pieces came together as he planned. Although many along the way didn’t believe, Jim never doubted he could get the job done right. Once the World Golf Village developer financed a new interchange on Interstate 95, the development became extremely attractive to commuters, as World Golf Village was one of only a few options for buyers in St. Johns County who worked in Jacksonville. 

The pieces continued to come together after Jim brought the PGA TOUR and other golf organizations on board to build the World Golf Hall of Fame. From there, Jim assembled various partners for the golf courses, the hotel, and the retail stores to further bring attraction to the area. World Golf Village turned out to be exactly what people were looking for, including the Davidsons. Jim and Sherry Davidson were one of the first homeowners in World Golf Village and still live in World Golf Village to this day. 

While building World Golf Village, the Davidsons worked hard to protect the environment to ensure the community maintained its natural beauty. More than 2,775 acres, nearly half of the project site, was set aside for preservation. These efforts were recognized by the Florida Association of Realtors ®  when the Davidsons received the ENVY award in 2002. The ENVY award honor is given to developments that preserve Florida’s natural quality of life. 

The infrastructure added by World Golf Village paved the way for the development of other communities in the area like The Hutson Companies’ SilverLeaf, which will have 10,700 homesites, 2,650,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space, and more than 3,500 acres of conservation land. It is clear that World Golf Village blazed the trail. 

The master planned community has prospered over the last 23 years and is regarded as one of the most desired communities on the First Coast. With more than 6,000 homes and more than 15,000 residents, World Golf Village provides a place to live that is picture perfect. Whether you are a golf lover eager to take advantage of the award winning golf courses or a family wanting to give their children the opportunity to attend fantastic public schools or interested in enjoying an active adult community, you have a home in World Golf Village.

World Golf Village has a vibrant history to be proud of and a legacy to look forward to, as it continues to be a highly sought-after area. No one knows World Golf Village better than Davidson Realty. If you are interested in calling World Golf Village home, contact Davidson Realty at (904) 940-5000.

 
 
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