Has your family experienced the St. Augustine, FL Night of Lights? From mid-November through January 2013 the historic district is aglow with over 2 million lights, leading National Geographic magazine to include St. Augustine on its list of the Top 10 Places To See Holiday Lights. St. Augustine is a great walking city, but for a real treat you may want to view the Night of Lights on a Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley. These tours run nightly, stop at various points throughout the city, and include a visit with Santa, cider and cookies, and caroling.  11/28/2012

Bullying Education in School. Golf at Palencia to help Children.   Over the past few years we've been hearing more and more about bullying among our youth. While bullying has been around since the beginning of time, technology increases the pain that some children feel. Where they used to be able to come home and get away from it, social media, cell phones, and other various online connections mean that children rarely have a chance to escape.      Staggering Statistics on Childhood Bullying.    In the time that it takes you to read this blog,  Two children will be bullied on nearby playgrounds, and more will be bullied online One child will attempt suicide as a direct result of being bullied 95 kids will be physically or sexually abused or neglected One person will call the National Hu... 11/28/2012

A Military Court Martial and Public hanging is on the schedule in St. Augustine this weekend.  Night Watch Parade Marshal John Thornton promises both that will exciting events will lead into to Saturday's celebration as the British flag rises over St. Augustine for the 38th annual reenactment this weekend of the city's British occupation, 1763-1783. An encampment at Francis Field Friday and Saturday will offer a duel, fife and drum drill, artillery, Colonial Market and colonial entertainment, leading up to the Night Watch's premier Grande Illumination torchlight parade at 8 pm Saturday in the Plaza de la Constitución.  Encampment gates open at 7 pm Friday, admission $5, to enjoy the Celtic band Father, Son and Friends, and at 10 am Saturday, $3 admission, for a full day of colonial acti... 11/27/2012

One of my favorite places in St. Augustine is  The St. Augustine Amphitheatre.  It is a great venue that offers great events such as concerts and movie nights for the kids throughout the year.  However, this time of year is really special.  In just a few days,  November 23rd  thru January 26th it is magically transformed into a “Winter Wonderland”. Admission is FREE (we love FREE events) and each evening you may enjoy: Snow - yes, snow....Florida's Blizzard is presented each evening.                   Nightly Snowfall (Times & Location) 7:00pm – Over the Ice Rink & Over the Elf Village 8:00pm – Over the S’more Pit 9:00pm – Over the Ice Rink & Over the Elf Village *Snowfall lasts for 5 minutes at each location  Elf Village - See where Santa's little helpers live and work Lighted nature T... 11/20/2012

There are many ways in St. Augustine Florida to give thanks this Thanksgiving Day Thursday.  Take only a few hours out of your day to show your gratitude by helping others. Hope & Deliverance Ministries 10th year Community Dinner 10-2 at Ketterlinus gym on Orange Street. Email hdministries@live.com St. Francis House Traditional Turkey Dinner 10:30-noon St. Francis House on Washington Street. Council on Aging Meal for Seniors with O.C. White's Restaurant support, 11:30 at Council on Aging, Marine Street. 904-209-3686 or 904-209-3685.   11/20/2012

St. Augustine is preparing to celebrate its 450th birthday with many festivities and events being planned.  the rich history and culture of St. Augustine will be featured throughout the next couple of years.     Quilts Always Tell A Story Quilters know that quits will always tell a good story.  In true fashion, a small group has gathered to create a rendition of the last several decades.  This group has designed a quilt with 7 different panels identifying 5 different time periods.  The completed project will be in the neighborhood of 98" x 98".  Each panel includes lifestyle and historical events of that period.  Woven throughout the work of art will be related architecture and flora and fauna. We meet at the Sew Chic Stiching Lounge at the Ponce Mall and invite anyone interested to att... 11/18/2012

OK, now this is a switch. A woman in the Jacksonville area is foreclosing on a Wells Fargo branch!  Wells Fargo owes her about $20,000 and they have not paid her in two years, so she is turning the tables on them to get her money. She was in foreclosure and the judge awarded her the house and Wells Fargo was 'awarded' the attorney's fees. They have yet to pay, so this is her incentive to get them to do so. Yes, folks, this is true. You can't make this stuff up. Here's the article to prove it. 11/17/2012

Vilano Beach Dressing of the Palms Holiday Event This Weekend!  Homes for sale in Vilano & St Augustine    Looking for something fun to do during the day around Jacksonville? Head down south and check out Vilano Beach's Dressing of the Palm. An annual celebration by the small St Augustine Beach town, Vilano Beach's Dressing of the Palms is a celebration of restoration.    After restoration of Vilano Beach's town center, local shops, restaurants, hotels, charities, and professionals wanted to showcase the fun and whimsy of this once neglected community. Not able to compete with the big St Augustine light festivals or boat shows, Vilano Beach began the tradition of dressing the pine tree lined streets in costume.    Cash prizes are awarded to the best tree designs. Trees will stay decorat... 11/16/2012

Property in St Augustine FL - November 2012 from http://www.searchhomesstaugustine.com There are currently 760 active homes for sale in St Augustine FL. The average listing price for Property in St Augustine FL during the month of November is $334,615. The median list price in November for single family residential and condo/town home properties in St Augustine FL is $249,000. The typical home for sale during the month of November in St Augustine FL is a 3.43 bedroom, 2.47 bath home built in 2005. To break down pricing further we can look at price by bedrooms in St Augustine FL. During the month of November a 3 bedroom homes average for sale price is $271,276 while a 4 bedroom homes average for sale price is $397,849. The 5 bedroom homes are listing for an average of $500,605. All marke... 11/16/2012

Real Estate in St. Johns County - November 2012 from http://www.homesofstjohnscounty.com There are currently 1623 active homes for sale in St. Johns County. The average listing price for Homes in St. Johns County during the month of November is $475,062. The median list price in November for single family residential and condo/town home properties in St. Johns County is $299,000. The typical home for sale during the month of November in St. Johns County is a 3.58 bedroom, 2.68 bath home built in 2002. To break down pricing further we can look at price by bedrooms in St. Johns County. During the month of November a 3 bedroom homes average for sale price is $335,084 while a 4 bedroom homes average for sale price is $530,451. The 5 bedroom homes are listing for an average of $708,647. All ... 11/16/2012

  Christmas in St Augustine Florida It's that magical time of year when the beautiful Nights of Lights start in downtown historical St Augustine Florida. Starting November 17th and running though January 31st, millions of white lights will make downtown St Augustine come alive at night. This tradition started in 1997 and over the years has gained more and more visitors stopping by to enjoy the holiday cheer. Another favorite around Christmas time in St Augustine s the Regatta of Lights,  where the boats are all decked out in Christmas decorations and lights. Mark  December 8th  on your calendars, so you don’t miss this St Augustine favorite. For more Christmas events, click here.     11/10/2012

Nights of Lights 2012. Downtown St Augustine Holiday Festival   November 17th, 2012 starts Downtown St Augustine's Holiday Festival, the Nights of Lights. National Geographic even included St Augustine's Night of Lights in their Top 10 Places to see Holiday Lights. "Once under Spanish rule, this 16th-century city fetes its heritage. Single white candles once flickered from colonists’ windows; during Nights of Lights, the 144-square-block historic district twinkles with two million bulbs (each white, per city ordinance). November 19-January 31."   Homes for sale in St Augustine, FL    St Augustine's Night of Lights Festivities   The Holiday Festivities begin November 17th 2012 and run until January 31st, 2013. The two month long celebration in the Oldest City in America, traces back to t... 11/05/2012

Hampton Golf Buys Palencia Golf Course Hampton Golf, partnering with Randy Frankel (partner in the Tampa Bay Rays), closed on the Palencia Golf Course and Club Assets at Palencia on October 31, 2012. There are plans for improvements to both the golf course and the dining and club facilities, according to a Jacksonville Business Journal post. The 33,000 square-foot clubhouse and Arthur Hills championship golf course will remain a private, membership driven club. High end amenities and superior service will be provided by Hampton Golf management. Hampton plans to renovate private, banquet and public dining and begin course improvements in the Spring. Palencia is a 2,350 acre master-planned community in St. Johns County with a St. Augustine address. The developer is Hines, an international... 11/05/2012

  Veterans Day at Castillo De San Marco in St Augustine    If you have never been to the fort in St Augustine or want to go back, they are having a special Veterans Day at Castillo De San Marco in St Augustine to honor our veterans for Veteran's Day. November 10, 2012 to November 11, 2012, 8:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.   For more information call 904-829-6506, x234 Castillo De San Marco in St Augustine      This is outside of the fort. The fort faces the Intracoastal Waterway, with a clear view of the ocean. No ships were going to sneak up on them.                                                                        My son in uniform. Clearly, he wasn’t having any fun. :)         11/02/2012

Southern Lifestyle Homes. Build in Murabella, St Augustine   Southern Lifestyle Homes, one of the preferred home builders in Murabella, has more than 40 years combined building experience. With a customer oriented focus, you'll love the upscale finishes and available floor plans in your new construction St Augustine home.   Homes For Sale in Murabella           Some of the standard features* you will love in your new Southern Lifestyle Home:   Energy Saving Features Energy Star features and products Low E windows R-30 blown insulation for ceiling R-13 batt insulation for walls 1-2-10 year builder warranty Energy efficient water heater Quality Service Personal color appointment Private set of plans provided Three separate orientation meetings Weekly construction updates   Homes For Sale ... 11/02/2012

Southern Lifestyle Homes: Murabella Available Floor Plans Southern Lifestyle Homes, one of the preferred home builders in Murabella, has more than 40 years combined building experience. With a customer oriented focus, you'll love the upscale finishes and available floor plans in your new construction St Augustine home.    Homes For Sale in Murabella       Southern Living Homes Murabella Available Floor plans  (click the link below to see floor plans): Addision, 1843 sqft, from $193,900 Caroline, 2038 sqft, from $203,000 Ivory, 2432 sqft, from $215,900 Lauren, 3644 sqft, from $268,900 Monroe, 3259 sqft, from $263,900 Olivia, 2917 sqft, from $247,900 Sebring, 2343 sqft, from $218,900 Some of the standard features* you will love in your new Southern Lifestyle Home:   Designer Interior Ten-... 11/01/2012

Homes in St Augustine FL - October 2012 from http://www.searchhomesstaugustine.com There are currently 763 active homes for sale in St Augustine FL. The average listing price for Property in St Augustine FL during the month of October is $333,460. The median list price in October for single family residential and condo/town home properties in St Augustine FL is $249,000. The typical home for sale during the month of October in St Augustine FL is a 3.44 bedroom, 2.47 bath home built in 2005. To break down pricing further we can look at price by bedrooms in St Augustine FL. During the month of October a 3 bedroom homes average for sale price is $272,757 while a 4 bedroom homes average for sale price is $386,405. The 5 bedroom homes are listing for an average of $491,931. All market data a... 10/31/2012

Real Estate in St. Johns County - October 2012 from http://www.homesofstjohnscounty.com There are currently 1653 active homes for sale in St. Johns County. The average listing price for Real Estate in St. Johns County during the month of October is $476,267. The median list price in October for single family residential and condo/town home properties in St. Johns County is $299,000. The typical home for sale during the month of October in St. Johns County is a 3.59 bedroom, 2.68 bath home built in 2003. To break down pricing further we can look at price by bedrooms in St. Johns County. During the month of October a 3 bedroom homes average for sale price is $333,263 while a 4 bedroom homes average for sale price is $523,032. The 5 bedroom homes are listing for an average of $702,214. All... 10/31/2012

Marsh Creek is Anastasia Island's only gated golf course community with over 800 acres and 600 plus up-scale single family homes. Ammenities include a top-rated championship golf course, clubhouse dining, tennis, fitness faciltiy, full time security and swimming pool. Marsh Creek borders the intracoastal waterway and many of the homes have outstanding waterfront, preserver, or golf course views. Homes range in both price and size from smaller patio homes to large Estate villas. Currently a Free social memebership with the purchase of a home in Marsh Creek is being offered. This is a $4,000 value and is being offered for a limited time to new home owners. If you are considering Marsh Creek, now is the time to act! Check out the video for a quick tour. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKLT3... 10/28/2012

A bonus room turns into a living space after home staging.    In Isles of the World in St Augustine's World Golf Village, we were challenged to make a functional living space out of a box of a room, over the two car garage of this fantastic town home. The space is quite large, though with an open floor plan, it is undefined and buyers were having difficulty deciding how the space might be used.    View homes for sale in Isles of the World at World Golf Village     Because the main home, located downstairs and across the courtyard and private pool, only has one living room, it made sense that younger buyers may want an apartment style area. A place to kick back and enjoy a football game, entertain guests, or even house friends and family when they are visiting.      Now the bonus room is... 10/22/2012