When you look at a map of the greater World Golf Village area, ever wonder what all those curvaceous creeks are like?  Well, it is simple to channel that wonder into an easy exploration, for most of the larger creeks in our area are beautifully serene and old-Florida wild.
 
Two of the best creeks for a paddle excursion are right at the doorstep to the World Golf Village.  One of them, Six Mile Creek, forms the western boundary of the King & Bear and Heritage Landing neighborhoods.  Six Mile Creek, along with its sister, Trout Creek, flow into the St. Johns River at their confluence with Palmo Cove.  In the 1800’s both creeks enabled loggers to gain access to harvest prime timber and raft it out to the broad St. Johns River, eventually delivering it to the mills in Jacksonville.  Today, the creeks offer a pristine glimpse into the flora and fauna that so intrigued the Bartram’s during their discoveries in the late 1700’s.
 
For starters, I suggest a half-day of boating that will reveal the unique character and quality of both Six Mile Creek and Trout Creek, while providing a window to the St. Johns River’s majesty.
 
There are two ways to do my suggested trip.  For an out-and-back trip, try putting in at the St. Johns County Trout Creek boat ramp on SR 16 / SR 13 – paddling out from there and returning to the same location.  Optionally, you can set up a shuttle with one car at the Outback Crab Shack on CR 13 – that way you can put in at Trout Creek and take out at the Crab Shack (after your lunch or dinner – just tell Ms. Margaret, Joe or David that you are leaving your car, before you depart).

In July, we will be opening the gates of our one-of-a-kind Jacksonville golf course community! July’s Sneak Peek Saturdays will feature Jacksonville golf course homes in the King & Bear. Tour the homes and be sure to check out our Swim and Tennis Center where all our social happenings take place. Fall in love with our resort-style amenities; a Junior Olympic-sized adult pool, kiddies’ pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, a clubhouse where tons of events take place, and more!

In World Golf Village, we like to celebrate the 4th of July all weekend long. Join us on Friday, July 2nd for the World Golf Village Community Fireworks Show. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and relax around the Walk of Champions before the big event. Then, join us for Sneak Peek Saturdays on July 3rd from 1-4 pm and you may be lucky enough to win a beach basket full of summer fun. If that just isn’t enough for you, make sure to book a tee time at the Slammer & Squire or King & Bear course for the 4th!

There’s a neighborhood for everyone in the King & Bear, so come out and find your perfect fit. For more information on the Community Fireworks Show call (904) 940-4123 and for more information on Sneak Peek Saturdays call (904) 940-5000. We look forward to showing you around our home!

Todd Oakes lives with his wife of 40 years, Cathy, in the Cascades at World Golf Village. They were among the first residents when they moved to the St. Augustine golf community in 2006. Although Todd’s favorite quote is, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt,” he has graciously agreed to be our featured resident this month! Meet Todd…

1. If you could have front row seats to any concert who would you like to see?

I don’t know if you would call it a concert, but the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. I love to laugh.

2. If you could be brilliant in one subject, which would you choose?

Marital respect. We’ve made it 40 years and have been doing pretty good, but there is always room to improve.

3. Which is more important, the respect of your children or your parents? 

I don’t think you can separate the two.  If I did not have the respect of my parents, I don’t know how you would think your kids would respect you.

4. Should the individual or society be of primary importance? 

Since I am a lifelong conservative, this one is easy. It has to be the individual.

I am no stranger to Sherwin Williams. Truth is, I am practically a regular.  There are approximately nine paint swatches on my kitchen and breakfast area walls at this very moment.  All Sherwin Williams.  It’s hard to choose when they are each so lovely and the selection process is my favorite part.  Oh, the possibilities! 

Point is, I am so familiar with our local Sherwin Williams that I was surprised to hear that a lot of World Golf Village, Murabella, Kensington, Palencia and other nearby neighbors don’t know SW is right in our backyard.  Granted, its location is a little hidden – they are tucked just off International Golf Parkway behind Roots ‘n Wing Preschool in the office park near the Shell station.  It sure beats hauling to one of the huge big box retailers and I always get immediate and attentive service.  I figured out a while ago that their paint is better quality than any I had tried from the big stores. But hands down the best reason to use Sherwin Williams is for their fastidious electronic record keeping.  Store Manager Tore Isacsson said himself, “I’m a little fanatical about records!”  Thank goodness Tore can look up the last gallon I purchased and match it exactly.  It means one less thing to remember and we could all use that.

New Photo Contest Coming Soon to Your Hood

One of the best things about living in World Golf Village is the great neighbors.  We share laughs, trade stories, watch out for each others’ kids and look after each others’ pets.  That’s why we’re celebrating our neighbors.  Starting June 1st, send us a photo of you and your neighbor – make sure they know you’re snapping it for the contest:)  Show us why your neighbor is the best. Maybe he’s a master BBQ chef who grills steaks to order, or perhaps she has a crazy gardening get-up that makes you smile every Saturday, or maybe your kids have become fast friends.  We’re celebrating the wonderful neighbors of World Golf Village.  Watch for the official contest start on June 1st.  We’ll accept your photos from June 1st to 15th.  Voting is from June 15th to 30th so get your friends and family queued up to vote and you could win our grand prize: World Golf Village Fun Packs for 4 and a $50 gift card to Caddyshack so you can treat your neighbors.  The WGV Fun Packs offer a single day admission to the museum, one round on the putting course and admission to one IMAX film. Get ready to send your photos to Peyton Davidson starting June 1st at pdavidson@davidsonrealtyinc.com.

GroveWood can be described in many ways – a beautiful single family neighborhood engulfed by nature, a family-oriented community full of activities, or a collection of 122 unique homesites inside The Village. But, I am here to tell you what you won’t read on a website; the inside scoop about living in the community I call home.

You know you live in GroveWood if:

You see a golf cart pass by every 30 minutes & you always want to hop on!

There’s a block party every night & all neighbors are invited

You land boat on Boat Landing

You go through a box of Capri Suns everyday

Your golf cart has as many miles as your car

Your neighbors discipline your kids

Breaking ground this Summer at Mill Creek Elementary School will be a new two-story building housing 16 new classrooms.  The state-of-the-art facility will feature the latest in classroom technology and a flexible design plan that allows for functional breakout spaces.  The building is slated for completion in Spring 2011.

The expansion comes just in time.  Enrollment at A-rated Mill Creek Elementary now tops 1,000 students. The school grew faster than any other in the St. Johns County School District this past school year.  Explains Mill Creek Elementary Principal Mary Ford, “Parents seek out St. Johns County for its top-rated schools and that includes Mill Creek. We expect growth to continue in the North St. Johns County area and we’re planning accordingly.” 

When you enter the realm of the World Golf Village, you will encounter many beautiful Southern Live Oaks. Before designing the thematic plant palette for the community, I went on a Tree Hunt to witness the majesty of the oldest and most grand and massive Live Oaks in the region. I encourage you to take a Saturday or Sunday break and go on the same hunt, for I know you will be pleasantly rewarded.

I suggest you start in America’s First City, St. Augustine. There you will find the Old Senator, a gigantic Live Oak persisting within the confines of the Howard Johnson’s Motel parking court, off of San Marco Boulevard. This tree is testament to the strength, adaptability and long-life characteristics that distinguish its species. No wonder that its wood was prized by ancient boat-builders.

Jock Ochiltree has been selling St. Augustine real estate at Davidson Realty for over three years now. Jock loves learning about the history of St. Augustine, so needless to say he really enjoys the presentations given for St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary celebration. A week or two ago he attended “Flagler’s Age of Opulence,” which shared Henry’s Flagler’s impact on St. Augustine real estate. Although Jock’s highlights were many, here are my favorite five tidbits of knowledge he shared!

1. Flagler first came to St. Augustine in 1878 (to improve his first wife’s health) and he hated it! He called it a “pest hole full of sick people.” They left immediately.

2. When Flagler eventually returned he built the Hotel Alcazar (pictured above), which has an underground pool that is fed by a 78 degree spring. Other Florida springs are only 72 degree.

3. The facade of the Hotel Alcazar – now the Lightner Museum – was never completed.

4. Flagler built the overseas railroad to Key West, which was the largest privately funded construction project in U.S. history.

5. Flagler didn’t make any money on developing Florida. He said he did it to give back to the community!

If you are interested in attending upcoming events for St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary, just ask Jock Ochiltree!

On June 5th we are kicking summer off right in the premiere active adult community, The Cascades! Not only can you tour attractive single family homes, but you can check out their 22,000 sq. ft. grand clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, bocce ball court, tennis court and all the other fun summer activities this community offers! So, come on out between 1 and 4 pm and see why it is called an active community for yourself!

Not only are we opening the gates of this beautiful neighborhood for your viewing, we are also offering an awesome register to win prize! At one of the open houses, you can register to win a night’s stay at The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village on July 2nd for the World Golf Village Community Fireworks show! With one of the largest fireworks displays in Northeast Florida right outside your window, you are sure to fully experience this St. Augustine golf course community.