Barbara Jenness - View Homes in St. Augustine: BarbaraJenness.com

St. Augustine Events - this weekend

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:02:22 -0600

St. Augustine events this weekend are many and varied including my annual Customer Appreciation Cruise aboard the Schooner Freedom.

St. Augustine's Winter Wonderland is in full force. Yes, we have snow in St. Augustine, FL. This annual event is held at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and includes an ice skating rink and ice slide. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride at night through an enchanted forest. Kids will enjoy the "Elf Express" train and can take a trip to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. daily through January 3, 2010 with special hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. Admission is free, but there are tickets for ice skating and the rides. For more information call 904-471-1965.

The Cirque du Cabaret at the Limelight Theatre is November 20-21 and features more than 60 of St. Johns County's promient personalities. Tickets are $85/person.

Holiday Shoppes at Ponte Vedra Beach features 17 unique vendors and is located at 50 Executive Way in Ponte Vedra.

Our big event this weekend in my opinion is the St. Augustine Nights of Lights. The switch will be flipped at 6:30 p.m. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Click on the link above for more info. Our downtown gets lit up with thousands of tiny white lights. That is why I am having my Customer Appreciation Cruise that night.

More details on the Nights of Lights and all the other great events this weekend can be found here.

Barbara Jenness takes joy in assisting people in buying or selling their home or land in northeast Florida (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville). She is a community activist and leader serving as President of Friends of A1A and vice-president of Vilano Beach Main Street (North Shores Improvement Association). She is the advisory president for WCR in St. Augustine and a member of South Ponte Vedra Civic Association, Porpoise Point, Serenata Beach Club, and Palencia.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Grocery Store in Vilano? Dredging? Friends of A1A Cruise

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:21:07 -0600

Almost too many important meetings this week concerning Vilano Beach and A1A. I will be busy. I hope you join in.

DREDGING

Tomorrow, November 17th at 3 p.m. at 2200 A1A in St. Augustine Beach City Hall is the St. Augustine Port, Waterway & Beach District Meeting that will be discussing dredging the St. Augustine Inlet and Intracoastal Waterway that I blogged about last week.

Here is the meeting agenda. Please come hear the Army Corps of Engineers' plans to dredge around Porpoise Point and the placement of the sand on St. Augustine Beach.

GROCERY STORE IN VILANO?

Then on Wednesday, November 18th from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. is the regularly scheduled Vilano Beach Main Street meeting held at the Hampton Inn in Vilano Beach. On the agenda are three items:

1. Grocery Store

2. Bluebird Restoration Project

3. The Sunday Market at Vilano Beach

There are new developers with new plans for a grocery store in Vilano. The prospective buyers/developers from south Florida plan to attend this meeting. They are doing due diligence and will be asking questions. The public can ask questions, too.

FRIENDS OF A1A CRUISE - all welcome to attend

On Thursday, November 19th from 5-7 p.m. will be the Friends of A1A Cruise aboard the Sundancer Yacht that will include a Chinese Auction.

Boarding Ticket is $12.00 Make Payment to the Friends of A1A. Please contact susiek@scenicA1A.org for reservations.

The Chinese Auction will require cash or check, all other purchases are credit/debit card ONLY (this would be the cocktails or snack plates).

The Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway

Social Hours will be

Aboard the Sundancer Yacht

Boarding time is Between 4:30 and 5:00 on Thursday

November 19th

The Cruise will be from 5:00-7:00

Park as directed by the Guard Station at Yacht Harbor Condos

A Shuttle will take you from the parking area to the dock (participants will have to walk about 75 yards to the boat)

Attire can be casual or semi formal

Driving Directions:

Yacht Harbor is a gated Community

Located on A1A at the Corner of

A1A and Palm Coast Parkway

From Palm Coast: Take Palm Coast Parkway East

Cross the Bridge

Turn Left at the Stop sign and drive towards A1A

Stop Sign at A1A , GO Straight Across

The Guard Gate will be right there in front of you

(easy to misunderstand for Palm Cast Residents as we all see the sign at an unreadable angle)

Chinese Auction Prizes, 2 Tickets to the Moonlight Toast atop the St Augustine Light House($50.00 value)

2 Trolley VIP Passes and $50.00 at Cafe Atlantico ($100.00 Value)

2 Sunday Brunch Tickets for the Sundancer ($70.00 Value)

Flagler Beach Gift Package(70.00 Value)

(Beach House Beanery Coffee $10.00

Silver Bells Gifts $10.00

Bahama Mama's $10.00

GOLA $15.00 towards an art class (classes $15-$50)

Finns Beach side Pub $25.00)

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Furnished Oceanview Condo in Colony Reef - St. Augustine Beach

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:22:28 -0600

Barbara Jenness | Barbara B. Jenness | 904-823-0027

4670 A1A S, Unit #1210, St. Augustine, FL

Furnished Oceanview Condo - least expensive oceanview in Colony Reef

3BR/2BA Condo

offered at $399,900

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	1,080
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$400 per month

DESCRIPTION

Newly furnished and wonderfully appointed. Now on the rental program. New paint, too. This fresh, oceanview 3 bedroom & 2 bath condo is well-priced and ready for you to enjoy. Master bath has jetted tub. Nice oceanviews and pool views from the living room and balcony. Visit http://BarbaraJenness.com for more info on this and other properties and to get more info on St. Augustine, FL

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse	- Fitness center	- Swimming pool(s)
- Sauna/Spa	- Tennis court(s)	- Gated property
- Elevator

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- RV and Boat Parking

- Newly Furnished

- Newly Painted

- Ocean and Pool views

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

View	Dining Room / Kitche
Second Bedroom	Floorplan
Master Bedroom	Living Room

Contact info:

Barbara Jenness

Barbara B. Jenness

904-823-0027

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 11, 2009, 2:04pm PST

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

72-Mile Garage Sale On Scenic A1A - November 14, 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:02:43 -0600

72-Mile Garage Sale On Scenic A1A - November 14, 2009 in St. Johns & Flagler Counties

What a great idea: a garage sale along the entire National Scenic Byway that runs through our nation's oldest city---St. Augustine, FL. Friends of A1A is pleased to announce the first annual Super Scenic A1A Highway Garage Sale for this Saturday, November 14th.

The idea started with the South Ponte Vedra Civic Association, another group of which I am a member and quickly grew to include all of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (A1A). A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway in a National Scenic Byway of 72-miles spanning both St. Johns and Flagler counties in northeast Florida.

Quickly, North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA)in Vilano Beach jumped on the bandwagon. As vice-president of NSIA, the parent organization to Vilano Beach Main Street, it was easy to convince the board of directors of the benefit of this garage sale to our community. In fact, NSIA has mentioned this idea to me in the past.

The Flagler county section of A1A got just as excited about this event as did St. Augustine Beach. St. Augustine Beach is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and this is a great clean-up idea for them, too.

So if you live along A1A, please participate. There are not set times. If you don't live along A1A, don't fret---you can participate, too. Friends of A1A has arranged for space at two locations:

-St. Johns County: South Ponte Vedra Civic Association Building - 2724 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

- Flagler County: 1616 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach, FL

Those interested in securing space at either of the above locations or hosting a garage sale should contact the Friends of A1A in advance at 904-823-1395 or 904-501-5545. Additionally, the Ocean Grande condos in South Ponte Vedra across from Serenata Beach Club will be participating in the event and Tide's Edge in South Ponte Vedra Beach will have at least 5 families participating. The Dance Company in St. Augustine Beach is involved, too. They have called their sale a "court" event as it will be held in the courtyard near the Splash Park. How's that for making a splash?

Friends of A1A will also be doing a Beach Cleanup on St. Augustine Beach on November 14th and will have a table set up near The Dance Company. You can purchase new clothes that were donated to the Friends of A1A as well as A1A gear.

So if you are thinking about a great drive for this weekend, may I suggest a scenic one along a national scenic byway? You can enjoy great views and pickup a bargain at the same time.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

The North Atlantic Right Whales' Calving in Northeast Florida

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:57:49 -0600

The North Atlantic Right Whale-‘tis the season for birth in Northeast Florida off the coast of St. Augustine, FL.

On 11/10/09 at the Scenic & Historic A1A Corridor Management Council meeting at the St. Augustine Library, Joy Hampp with the Marineland Right Whale Project gave an insightful presentation on the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.

As a Right Whale volunteer in years past and having reported spotting Right Whales in St. Augustine and Vilano Beach, I enjoyed her presentation. The Marineland Right Whale Project works along the coastline from the St. Augustine to Ponce Inlets - a distance of about 50 nautical miles. The project began in 2001 and includes about 200 volunteers.

Joy shared many interesting facts:

How big are Right Whales?

Adults: 45-55 ft.

30-60 tons

Calves: 15 ft at birth!

1 ton

Population: originally there were 50,000 to 100,000.

In 1935 less than 100 were left

Today it is estimated that there are 350-400

The calving season to see Right Whales in the St. Augustine area:

Mid December to end of March

North Atlantic Right Whales come to our area (northeast Florida) to calf and nurse. This is the only place in the U.S. where this occurs. Only 1/3 of the population comes to our area---predominantly adult females. Some calves and some males come as well.

Births

2004 16
2005 28
2006 19
2007 23
2008 23
2009 39

Please stay at least 500 yards from any whale.

Why are they called Right Whales? They are called right whales because whalers found the whales to be the "right" whales to hunt. Whalers liked catching right whales because they are big, slow, and float when they are killed. Right whales were heavily whaled for many years. Commercial hunting stopped in 1935 after an incident in St. Augustine, FL. They are an endangered species.

3 main ways to identify a Right Whale:

1) Callosities - white spots on head

2) No dorsal fin

3) V-shaped blow

The callosities form a unique pattern on every right whale. There are like a fingerprint and are used to help identify each whale.

A plane is flown every day over our section of ocean during the season to spot Right Whales and to notify vessels in the area of their location. Joy Hampp is one of the pilots. Joy reported that there is a new federal law requiring ships over 65' to travel at less than 10 kts/hour from November 15- April 15 in the North Atlantic Right Whale Critical Habitat & Calving Ground (the area in Georgia and northeast Florida). Here's the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog.

If you see at Right Whale, please call
1-888-979-4253 and have the following information handy:

Location of whale(s)
Number of whales; any calves?
Direction whale(s) are traveling
Dolphins present?
Your name and a callback number.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer you can reach Joy Hampp at marinelandrightwhale@gmail.com.

Joy Hampp, Project Coordinator
Marineland Right Whale Project
GTM-NERR Science Center
9741 Ocean Shore Blvd.
Marineland, FL 32080-8613

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Army Corps to Dredge St. Augustine Inlet and Intracoastal

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:15:32 -0600

The Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is planning to dredge the St. Augustine Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway. There will be a public meeting on November 17, 2009 starting at 3 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2100 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach, FL at the St. Augustine Port, Waterway & Beach District meeting.

Articles have been written in local publications about the dredging of the inlet to renourish St. Augustine Beach at the possible detriment to the properties north of the St. Augustine inlet in Vilano Beach, North Beach, and South Ponte Vedra Beach.

Linda Chambless, with the South Ponte Vedra - Vilano Beach Restoration Association Inc., wrote an article that appeared in the North Shores News last month with great details about the dredging and its impacts. She is an oceanfront property owner in South Ponte Vedra.

The property owners north of the inlet do not have an issue with St. Augustine Beach being renourished, but do with the source of the sand for that renourishment.

Letters have been written requesting research to be done before dredging from the St. Augustine inlet commences. E-mails have been sent to county commissioners and others. Possibly the best e-mail was sent by Bob Moore, a North Beach property owner and member of the South Ponte Vedra - Vilano Beach Restoration Association Inc. His e-mail will be included in the next issue of North Shores News.

The latest news is the plan is not just to dredge the St. Augustine inlet, but also the Intracoastal. As a property owner on the Intracoastal, I was surprised that I was not noticed on this event. I have requested detailed info from the Corps and hope to receive it shortly. The Intracoastal in Porpoise Point is extremely deep, which begs the "why dredge" question. Hopefully, I will be receiving researched answers from the Corps shortly. The Corps is not only affecting beachfront properties in Vilano, North Beach, and S. Ponte Vedra, but Porpoise Point and others along the Intracoastal in those same neighborhoods. I don't believe the Intracoastal property owners in any of the neighborhoods north of the St. Augustine inlet got noticed. Let me know if you know otherwise.

The Florida State legislature passed HB 1427 in 2008, known as the beach management bill. The summary analysis on this bill states: "The bill provides legislative intent to direct and commit the state's beach management efforts to address beach erosion caused by Florida's inlets, and declares that it is in the public interest to replicate the natural flow of sand at inlets." The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary, Michael W. Sole, spoke to the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association's (ASBPA) National Coastal Conference on October 14, 2009 about HB 1427.

As president of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway ("Friends of A1A"), a national scenic byway, we are concerned about losing this highway to the ocean if dredging occurs in the St. Augustine Inlet. Commission Mica was contacted when water came within feet of washing out the road a couple of months ago and is keeping a watchful eye on anything that can endanger the evacuation route for residents.

South Ponte Vedra - Vilano Beach Restoration Association Inc. has been very involved in trying to understand the impact of dredging the St. Augustine inlet. Here is a report from an engineer and their letter to the Florida DEP (FDEP). Additionally they have requested further study to be done by the FDEP.

If interested, please attend the public meeting:

MEETING DATE: Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009
TIME: 3:00 P.M.
LOCATION: St. Augustine Beach City Commission
Meeting Room, 2200 A1A South,
St. Augustine Beach, FL

Please send any comments or concerns to: Robert Riddell telephone 904-232-2451 or email Robert.c.riddell@usace.army.mil.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Jacksonville Area Government Salaries

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:29:38 -0500

Government salaries for northeast Florida government workers are posted via our local Jacksonville newspaper, The Florida Times-Union on their website.

I found this interesting link while reading an article on-line and just below the article it has a section called: "Worth Clicking". So I clicked.

I always thought the public was entitled to know government salaries, but was still a little surprised by the information provided. I believe The Florida Times-Union created this database using available public information. I am happy to see a newspaper taking full advantage of technology, the Internet and databases to provide this service to its readers. I have been reading about The Florida Times-Union doing new things, but this is proof positive.

Does your local paper provide this service? Do you have a quick way to view the salaries in your municipalities? Do you think this information should be publicly available or is it an invasion of privacy?

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Oceanfront Home in St. Augustine Beach, FL -$729,900

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:13:13 -0500

Barbara Jenness | Barbara B. Jenness | 904-823-0027

5398 Atlantic View, St. Augustine, FL

Oceanfront 2 bedroom/2 bath cottage in St. Augustine Beach. Wraparound balcony, deck, screened back patio.

2BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $729,900

Year Built	1988
Sq Footage	1,603
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,500 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

REDUCED to Sell QUICKLY! New paint, tile and wood flooring, countertops, toilets, light fixtures, garage door, and more. New landscaping and pressure washed. Move-in condition! Well-priced 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath oceanfront home. Large wraparound oceanside deck. Open living area of kitchen, dining and living rooms with cathedral ceilings. Basically maintenance-free yard. Central heat/air plus window unit in garage plus 1/2 bath heats/cools oversized garage. Hugh screened (sleeping) back porch. Pick up an oceanfront deal today! Lift installed, but not warranted. Being sold as-is. Lift in front on 2nd garage door could be removed for access. Transferable termite bond.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Lift-not warranted

- Heated/Cooled oversized 2-car Garage

- Cathedral ceilings

- Wraparound oceanside deck

- Deck on front of home, too

- Large screened oceanside patio

- Yard

- Security System

- Transferable Termite Bond

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

View from beach	Front
Living Room	Kitchen
View from deck	Beach

Contact info:

Barbara Jenness

Barbara B. Jenness

904-823-0027

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 17, 2009, 1:51pm PDT

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

I Hope You Skip

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:26:29 -0500

I hope you skip. You will find it helps relieve stress and makes you smile. We all need more skipping in our lives for pure joy and carefree living.

I love to dance and I do like the song, "I Hope You Dance." I don't want to miss The Dance, but when it really comes to expressing joy, I like to skip. I thinking skipping is a lost practice in adults. Do you notice kids skipping?

Do they not appear to be free spirits without a care in the world?

How often do you see adults skipping? Not often enough in my opinion. Kids of all ages skip.

I hope you enjoy this video on skipping. It certainly made me laugh!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4xLwK4IUaE

Many times people are uncomfortable dancing and feel self-conscious. But skipping? Skipping is just a release for me. I find great joy in skipping.

Next time you need to take a stretch, try skipping. It only takes a moment, really it does. I found this website about the joys of skipping while researching (yes, researching) this post: iskip.com. I will be following their Tweets and becoming a fan as I already am a big fan of skipping.

When you are discouraged, try skipping. Difficult things seem possible after a good skip. Trying times seem more bearable after a good skip. The great thing about skipping is you burn calories, can actually get somewhere quicker and arrive with a smile! Get a group of your friends together and ENJOY!

When was the last time you skipped? Just do it. You'll feel better and you may even laugh a little. How great is that?

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Tudor Home on .6 acre - Short Sale - Just Reduced

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:10:51 -0500

Barbara Jenness | Barbara B. Jenness, P.A. | 904-823-0027

108 Crooked Tree Trail, St. Augustine, FL

Tudor Custom 5BR/3.5BA Home on lovely landscaped lot on creek in Moultrie Trails (St. Augustine)- Short Sale - $265,000

5BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $265,000

Year Built	1981
Sq Footage	3,276
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.6 acres
HOA/Maint	$78 per month

DESCRIPTION

Grand Tudor home with over 25 years of loving landscaping on over 1/2 acre on small creek. Granite countertops. Large 5 (one non-conforming) bedroom home on 3 stories. Bedroom and bathroom on main level, plus master and 2 other bedrooms on the top level with two bathrooms (Master and guest). Plenty of room for everyone with 3 large rooms on the lower level (finished basement?). These rooms can be for a media room, game room (recreation room) and 5th bedroom (non-conforming). No appliances. Newer decks. New well and well pump for irrigation. Extensive renovations done since 2004. New roof Sept. 2004. New siding in late 2004. Unique master bath in turret. New patio graces the entrance of this fine home. Wrought iron railing on balcony. Must see. View video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY-fY4yeHfk

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Granite countertop	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse

- Tennis court(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Finished Basement

- Wood-burning Masonry Fireplace

- Florida Room

- Pegged Wood Floors

- Fenced Yard

- Corner Lot

- Granite Countertops

- Turret- circular master bathroom

- Stained-glass windows

- Travertine Tile in Garage

- Many nooks & crannies and window seats

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front	Florida Room
Living Room	Kitchen
Master Bath	Master Bedroom

Contact info:

Barbara Jenness

Barbara B. Jenness, P.A.

904-823-0027

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 6, 2009, 1:36am PDT

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Furnished Oceanfront Condo-End Unit - Palm Coast

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:07:54 -0500

Barbara Jenness | Barbara B. Jenness, P.A. | 904-823-0027

104 Surfview Drive, #1308, Palm Coast, FL

Oceanfront condo, furnished, rare end unit, wraparound balcony one of best views in Surf Club in Palm Coast, FL. $299,500

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $299,500

Year Built	1992
Sq Footage	1,263
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$488 per month

DESCRIPTION

Rare end unit in Surf Club, Phase I is now on the market. New tile installed in bedrooms and living room gives condo a nice open, airy feeling. Incredible price for direct oceanfront 2 bedroom / 2 bath fully furnished condo. Huge wraparound oceanfront balcony (8 feet by 65 feet). Surf Club includes an Intracoastal day dock, tennis, 2 pools (one heated), library, and a clubhouse. There is no need to go anywhere to vacation or enjoy life. All the fun is here from ocean to Intracoastal. Underground parking and gated complex. Weekly rentals allowed.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking	- Guest parking	- Clubhouse
- Swimming pool(s)	- Tennis court(s)	- Gated property
- Secured entry	- Elevator

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Intracoastal Day Dock

- Underground Garage

- Weekly rentals allowed

- Furnished, nice new beach motif

- End Unit

- Wraparound Balcony

- Tiled Throughout

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

View	Living Room
Kitchen	Master Bedroom
Second Bedroom	Balcony

Contact info:

Barbara Jenness

Barbara B. Jenness, P.A.

904-823-0027

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 2, 2009, 1:49pm PDT

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Scenic Cruise for a A Cause

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:49:50 -0500

On Friday, September 18 my husband and I attended Artbreakers Scenic Cruise for a Cause. Pier Fitts and Gaye Jones, both cancer survivors founded Artbreakers to assist cancer patients in St. Augustine, FL. Artbreakers is a great local charity and this event was so much fun.

The cruise was on the Victory III, owned by the Usina Family and is Scenic Cruise of St. Augustine. It was a perfect night for a cruise and was sold out (60 people). The live entertainment provided by JR Roberts was wonderful.

Local artists donated works of art to be auctioned. The ride ended much too soon and all of the artwork didn't get auctioned, so I can't wait for the next event.

Next month, the Women's Council of REALTORS (WCR) in St. Augustine will have a fundraiser that will benefit WCR and Artbreakers called Bratini. I hope you can make it. It will be fun as it will featured decorated bras as artwork, to be auctioned as well as men modeling the bras and $5 Martinis all at beautiful Serenata Beach Club.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Pot Luck Dinner in Vilano Tonight

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:53:56 -0500

There is so much happening in Vilano Beach now that September has arrived and summer is almost gone. I have been meaning to keep you up-to-date, but have been falling behind.

Tonight, Monday, September 14th is the first ever Pot Luck Dinner at North Shores Improvement Association's (NSIA) meeting tonight. Instead of the monthly forum, it has changed to a pot luck dinner. Not much notice was given, so I hope you can make it. Bring hors d'oeuvers or a dish to share while getting to know your neighbors.

Directions: Vilano Beach is the closest Beach to downtown St. Augustine, FL. Take the Vilano Bridge (Usina Bridge) to Vilano. Take a left on A1A. Go less than 1 mile to just past Surfside Park to a left on Meadow. Go a little over a block to 120 Meadow Avenue.

Date: Monday, September 14, 2009

Time: 7 p.m.

Where: North Shores Community Center at 120 Meadow Avenue (1 block off of Coastal Highway)

Who: Everyone in the area!

Bring: Dish to share with your neighbors

There will also be a tour of the old Fire Station. There will be a new Sheriff Stop Station located here.

See you tonight.

Barbara Jenness is President of Friends of A1A, vice-president of the local community association North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), Board member of Vilano Beach Main Street since 1998 and has assisted with the redevelopment of Vilano Beach since 1998. She is a member of the Porpoise Point Homeowner's Association, Serenata Beach Club, and the South Ponte Vedra Civic Association. She was selected as Businesswoman of the Year last year by the Women's Council of REALTORS in St. Augustine because of her community involvement. Additionally she was selected as the 2008 REALTOR of the Year for St. Augustine. Realty/Builder Connection awarded her the SPIRIT award for Passion (selected from all builders & REALTORS in northeast Florida).

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Events in St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, Florida August 28-30, 2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:03:49 -0500

Events in St. Augustine, Florida this weekend, August 28-30, 2009.

Another beautiful weekend is on tap for St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, Florida.

Weather.com weekend forecast shows scattered thunderstorms which are typical for this time of year during the afternoon with temperatures from the low 70s to the mid-80s.

On Friday, August 28th, O.A.R. is in concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.

OR...

Attend the Grand Opening of the Heather Blanton exhibit at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra on Friday. Ruth's Chris will be catering the wine & appetizer opening reception starting at 6:30 p.m. Blanton uses photographic images to show the ever-changing face of the Florida landscape.

Friday and Saturday, Black Raven Adventure Cruise for adults only is a sing-a-long pirate cruise. Cruise departs at 8:15 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m.

On Saturday, August 29th it's Uptown Saturday Night, a favorite end-of the-month event from 5 - 9 p.m. in the San Marco Shopping Distric. Appetizers are provided by the Saint Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA). Free parking at the Mission of Nombre de Dios.

More details on all of the above events can be found here.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Oceanfront Lot with 100' frontage - Across from Nature Preserve - $699,000

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:36:37 -0500

Barbara Jenness | Barbara B. Jenness, P.A. | 904-823-0027

2739 S Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

100'-wide Oceanfront Lot on non-driving beach across from nature preserve

.36 acres Vacant Land

offered at $699,000

Lot Size

.36 acres

DESCRIPTION

REDUCED! Least expensive, Rare 100'-wide lot in S. Ponte Vedra on non-driving beach across from the Guana Preserve. Views possible of the Guana River from 3rd floor of home, providing waterviews on both sides of your home. High dune, nice lot without erosion. Owner is licensed real estate broker & listing broker. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (Guana) for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking and education center is just steps away. Located on Scenic & Historic A1A and A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, a National Scenic Byway with bike path from Vilano to Ponte Vedra.

see additional photos below

LOCATION FEATURES

- 100 foot ocean frontage

- Across from Guana Research Reserve

- Non-Driving Beach

- Located between Ponte Vedra & St. Augustine

- Close to entrance to Guana for kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing

- Bike path

- Located on Scenic & Historic A1A

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- REALTOR-owned

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

View from Dune	View of Beach
View of Lot	Survey
View of Ocean	View of Guana Preserve

Contact info:

Barbara Jenness

Barbara B. Jenness, P.A.

904-823-0027

For sale by individual owner

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 23, 2009, 7:59am PDT

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Bratini - FUN Fundraiser for Women's Council of REALTORS and ARTBREAKERS

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:00:02 -0500

BRATINI - Cancer & WCR Fundraiser in St. Augustine, FL

I am so proud to be a member of the St. Augustine Regional Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS (WCR). The friendship and support I have received from this professional organization is immeasurable. The chapter provides education assistance to encourage members to enhance their knowledge in the real estate business. Additionally, the chapter builds leaders in the community and assists the chapter's leadership in attending local, regional, state (Florida Association of REALTORS), and national (National Association of REALTORS) conferences.

Now the chapter has come up with a fun fundraiser---Bratini. It combines support for breast cancer along with support for the local WCR chapter. The event will be held October 23^rd at Serenata Beach Club in South Ponte Vedra, Florida from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served while watching men model decorated bras and enjoying $5 Martinis. The public is invited. Below is the flyer if you'd like to get involved.

Art Breakers -Artists for the fight against cancer, is a non-profit based in St. Johns County and the money raised stays in the county. Please read more about this wonderful group. We are so excited to be working with them.

There are other events around the country that raise money for breast cancer featuring the auctioning of bras such as we will be doing, but I think our chapter is unique in having men model them and combining it with Martinis. See how much fun this will be? I can hear you now: one Martini, Two Martini, Three Martini-FLOOR. We have such a wonderful group of men that have agreed to be models for this event.

I'll post pictures after the event. Should be fun(ny). And it's for a great cause.

Barbara Jenness has lived St. Augustine since 1998 and is an active community volunteer. She is President of Friends of A1A, vice-president of the local community association North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), Board member of Vilano Beach Main Street since 1998 and has assisted with the redevelopment of Vilano Beach since 1998. She is a member of the Porpoise Point Homeowner's Association, Serenata Beach Club, and the South Ponte Vedra Civic Association. She was selected as Businesswoman of the Year last year by the Women's Council of REALTORS in St. Augustine because of her community involvement. Additionally she was selected as the 2008 REALTOR of the Year for St. Augustine.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Summer Haven Bridges

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:28:00 -0500

Replacement of the two Summer Haven Bridges along Scenic & Historic A1A in St. Johns County, FL is to start in August 2009 and continue for 2 years.

A Construction Open House will be held on August 20th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 5-7 p.m. at Whitney Labs at Marineland. The bridges will be significantly wider and a bit higher than they are now. There will be shoulders, bike paths and fishing areas.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has issued the following press release so the public can view the plans and better understand the timeframe and possible inconveniences.

ST. AUGUSTINE The replacement of the Summer Haven Bridges along State Road A1A just north of the Flagler County line is scheduled to begin in August and take approximately two years to complete. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has scheduled a construction open house to provide more information and details, including traffic impacts on this major project in St. Johns County.

The open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 20 at Whitney Laboratories located at 9055 Ocean Shore Boulevard, across from Marineland. For the convenience of the public, it will be held twice -- between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.

FDOT staff will be available to go over the plans and answer questions. There will be no formal presentation so those interested in the project are encouraged to drop by at any time.

For more information about the open house or FDOT construction projects in St. Johns County, contact Sandra Mancil at 800-475-0044 or sdmancil@pbsj.com.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

What's Happening in St. Augustine, FL This Weekend

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:11:15 -0500

Another fun-filled weekend is in store for those of us in St. Augustine. Won't you come join us?

Here's the calendar of events with a summary below.

Concerts

I'll be going to Counting Crows tomorrow, Friday, August 14th and hopefully doing many of the other fun things that are happening in St. Augustine this weekend.

In addition to the Counting Crows, Judas Priest and Whitesnake will be performing at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 15th.

There will be an Elvis Tribute Concert at Flagler College Auditorium on Sunday, August 16th.

Theatre

Wild Dreams, a performance about Henry Flagler, will be on Friday & Saturday at the San Marco Theater (formally 3-D World). Friday night you can buy one, get one free.

Nature

GTM Research Reserve Beach Walk on Saturday from 9 - 11 a.m.

Kayak tour at Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve on Sunday from 9 a.m. - noon.

Other

Pub Crawl from 7 - 11 p.m. on Friday.

Pro Rodeo at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday.

FREE weekend at Castillo de San Marcos.

More details for all of the above: calendar of events.

Barbara Jenness has lived in the North Beach, St. Augustine area since 1998 and is an active community volunteer. She is President of Friends of A1A, vice-president of the local community association North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), Board member of Vilano Beach Main Street since 1998 and has assisted with the redevelopment of Vilano Beach since 1998. She is a member of the Porpoise Point Homeowner's Association. She was selected as Businesswoman of the Year last year by the Women's Council of REALTORS in St. Augustine because of her community involvement. Additionally she was selected as the 2008 REALTOR of the Year for St. Augustine.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Whetstone Chocolates - St. Augustine Family Business

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:36:09 -0500

Whetstone Chocolates - St. Augustine Family Business since 1967

Tomorrow is my mother's birthday, so I had to stop by Whetstone Chocolates to get her some dark chocolate truffles and dark chocolate. She likes all kinds of chocolate, but I am partial to dark chocolate and was hoping she would share. Every year I get her Whetstone Chocolates. Every year I wrap the box and we both laugh as we both know what is inside (or what had better be inside!). She doesn't live in St. Augustine, but Whetstone Chocolate is her favorite chocolate (and mine, too!).

Virginia Whetstone, President of Whetstone Chocolate, is a friend of mine. Yes, I do choose my friends wisely. I was first introduced to her years ago when I first moved to St. Augustine by my college roommate, a local CPA and native of St. Augustine (as is Ms. Whetstone). My former roommate introduced us as she thought we would share similar interests as I am industrial engineer and Virginia owns a "factory". Once I learned she owned a CHOCOLATE factory, I became a great friend and fan of hers.

Virginia gave me a personal tour that evening and said I could help myself to some chocolates. I didn't know her well enough at the time (nor did she know me well enough either or she would not have made such a generous offer that could have bankrupted her!), so I only sampled a few pieces. I had found my new home away from home.

I am a big chocoholic. I have chocolate every day and sometimes multiple times a day. So, when I say Whetstone has the best chocolate, trust me.

So, today I got dark chocolate truffles: rum, raspberry, amaretto, and chocolate. I then threw in some of Virginia's Select Blend. I just sampled some for breakfast. Hey, it is packaged in a coffee bean like bag, so I got confused. More than 1/2 of the chocolate is missing ("someone" ate it...), but wanted you to see the bag.

And besides, dark chocolate is good for you. I selected the Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa called Menendez. Pedro Menendez is the founder of St. Augustine. She names her Select Blend after different St. Augustine Streets. Here are the different pure chocolates (Select Blends) offered:

Menendez Dark Chocolate 72% Cocoa
De Leon Dark Chocolate 47% Cocoa
San Marco White Chocolate 0% Cocoa
Aviles Milk Chocolate 31% Cocoa

Whetstones also has pure chocolate from other countries:

Java Origin Milk Chocolate 32% Cocoa
Ecuador Origin Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa
Ghana Origin Dark Chocolate 60% Cocoa
Madagascar Origin Dark Chocolate 66% Cocoa

Norma Morris helped me with my selection today. I also met Jose Lopez, Whetstone's Operations Manager. He oversees operations at their two stores (see below for locations) and their factory. Their factory moved and is no longer open to the public. It was such a wonderful attraction, but as long I still get to enjoy their chocolate, I am not complaining.

I was at the store on Anastasia Island today. There is a great selection plus a relaxing seating area.

View history on the company.

Stores

DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE
open 7 days, Sun- Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm
42 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 | 904.825.1720

ANASTASIA ISLAND
8:30 am - 6 pm, Mon - Sat and 9:00 am - 4 pm, Sun
13 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 | 904.825.1725

Please visit Whetstone Chocolates. You can thank me later.

Barbara Jenness has lived in the North Beach, St. Augustine area since 1998 and is an active community volunteer. She met Virgina Whetstone in 1995. She is President of Friends of A1A, vice-president of the local community association North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), Board member of Vilano Beach Main Street since 1998 and has assisted with the redevelopment of Vilano Beach since 1998. She is a member of the Porpoise Point Homeowner's Association. She was selected as Businesswoman of the Year last year by the Women's Council of REALTORS in St. Augustine because of her community involvement. Additionally she was selected as the 2008 REALTOR of the Year for St. Augustine.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Pawnee's in Vilano Beach, FL - Fine Wines and More

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:14:42 -0500

Pawnee's Cafe and Fine Wines in Vilano Beach, FL

There's a great retail wine store in Vilano Beach where you can find your favorite wines at discount prices---Pawnee's. Pawnee's moved from Ponte Vedra to Vilano Beach a couple of years ago and is leasing the old Barrancotto's Italian Restaurant (was Since 1946 Restaurant after Barrancotto's) at 165 Vilano Road. Here are Sam & Laurie Barrancotto at last Friday night's wine tasting.

Wine Tastings are every Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Pawnee Weaver is the operator and is open Wednesday - Sunday. She serves lunch Wednesday - Friday from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and a fun Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Sunday Market in Vilano is held from noon - 4 p.m., so after enjoying brunch, you can pick up some produce and art from the market. Dinner is served Wednesday - Saturday from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The menu is below followed by more information on Pawnee's and directions.

Pawnee personally greets all of her customers and knows most by name (and also knows their favorite wines!). Pawnee knows how to find the deal on wines and passing the savings onto her customers. Stop by and pick up some wine for dinner tonight, or you can enjoy on the premises for a $5 corkage fee. Pawnee prefers to keep her wines priced reasonably so you can enjoy them with your meal or take home and enjoy, too. She has a great wine cellar.

If you don't see your favorite wine, Pawnee will get it for you! This is such a friendly store and cafe. Many neighbors walk to it. Come enjoy!

Directions: From St. Augustine, cross the Vilano Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway to Vilano. Take a right on Coastal Highway at the traffic light. Take a right on Vilano Road at the stop sign. Pawnee's in on the left close to the Intracoastal.

Barbara Jenness is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and friend of nature serving northeast Florida from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, specializing in waterfront properties (ocean, river, and Intracoastal) and foreclosures. She is an active community volunteer and has been involved with redeveloping Vilano Beach since 1998. She is the current President of Friends of A1A and the Vice-President of North Shores Improvement Association, the governing board of Vilano Beach Main Street. She is a past president of the Women's Council of REALTORS (WCR) in St. Augustine and the 2008 recipient of two WCR Awards: REALTOR of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year. She was awarded the SPIRIT Award for Passion from Realty/Builder Connection.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Mike's Place - Bait Shop in North Beach, St. Augustine, FL

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:20:25 -0500

Mike's Place - for bait, crabs and shrimp on the Intracoastal just north of St. Augustine, FL

I like crabs. I just do. I like picking crabs. I like taking a couple of hours just to eat them. You don't put on any weight this way. I am like Bubba in Forrest Gump. I like stone, Dungeness, snow, blue, king, you name it--- crabs. I like them steamed, cold, in a salad, crabcakes, baked in a casserole, you get the idea. I just like crabs.

I grew up eating blue crabs that we caught in the panhandle of Florida (okay, my brother caught them). Then I caught them (okay along with my husband) in Maryland. We have been trying to catch them here in Florida but all we keep catching are fish in our crab trap. We will try the St. Johns River soon.

We have been purchasing crabs throughout the northeast Florida area. I have noticed for years the handmade sign for Mike's Place that said "live crabs". As Mike's Place is a bait shop, I thought this meant small crabs for bait, so I never checked out my neighborhood bait shop.

But then a neighbor told me about their stone crab claws that Mike's Place got from Cedar Key, Florida. A 5 lb. bag was $30. I went over and bought the last bag. They went so quickly. So when I was at Aunt Kate's Restaurant that adjoins this property last week, I stopped in to see if they had crabs.

"Yes", said Randy Harris the operator of Mike's Place along with Janie Jones since 2005, "we do have crabs." Being a Doubting Thomas I asked to see them. There they were:

I brought them home at $3.50/lb., steamed them and enjoyed a great meal. Randy told me they usually get the crabs on Thursday (come on, no jokes here).

He also showed me their jumbo shrimp with heads on for $7/lb.

I will be back for those.

Of course, Mike's Place is the place for bait and supplies in North Beach. It is located next to a St. Johns County Public boat ramp, Usina Boat Ramp, at the end of Euclid St. See directions below. Mike's Place also has a boat dock so you can arrive by boat and get your bait and other supplies. Or grab a bite to eat at Aunt Kate's restaurant, get your bait, and have a wonderful day on the Intracoastal in St. Augustine. Come visit.

Directions to Mike's Place:

Take Scenic A1A from St. Augustine over the Usina (Vilano) Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Continue on A1A by taking a left on Coastal Highway and travel about 2.5 miles north to Euclid (by The Reef Restaurant). Take a left on Euclid as directed by this homemade sign

all the way to the Intracoastal. Aunt Kate's is on the right and Mike's Place is on the Intracoastal connecting to Aunt Kate's.

Mikes' Place: 614 Euclid Ave Saint Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 829-8567

Barbara Jenness has lived in the North Beach area since 1998 and is an active community volunteer. She is President of Friends of A1A, vice-president of the local community association North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), Board member of Vilano Beach Main Street since 1998 and has assisted with the redevelopment of Vilano Beach since 1998. She is a member of the Porpoise Point Homeowner's Association. She was selected as Businesswoman of the Year last year by the Women's Council of REALTORS in St. Augustine because of her community involvement. Additionally she was selected as the 2008 REALTOR of the Year for St. Augustine.

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

St. Augustine's Weekend Happenings August 7-9, 2009

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:38:46 -0500

St. Augustine, Florida Weekend Happenings-come enjoy the nation's oldest city.

Another fun-filled weekend is planned for St. Augustine. Click here for more details.

Art

The First Friday of every month in downtown St. Augustine is the First Friday Art Walk. This Friday, August 7th, Schola Contore, the St. Augustine women's Gregorian chant choir will present a free concert at the Cathedral Basilica. Shuttles run on a continuous look every 30 minutes.

Beach Activities

On Sunday at St. Augustine Beach there will be a party on the St. Augustine Pier in honor of St. Augustine's Beach 50th birthday. Live music. Party is 4-9 p.m. Free.

Concert

Jackson Browne will be performing on Sunday at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Outdoor Nature Events

Faver-Dykes Kayak Tour on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. $50/person.
Guided bird walk at Ft. Mose Historic State Park on Sunday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. $3/vehicle; $1/walk-ins.
Kayak Tour at Princess Place also on Sunday. 9 a.m. - noon. $50/person.
Second Annual National Marina Day 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor.

Barbara Jenness is a Licensed Real Estate Broker serving northeast Florida from Jacksonville to Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, specializing in waterfront properties (ocean, river, and Intracoastal) and foreclosures. She is an active community volunteer and has been involved with redeveloping Vilano Beach since 1998. She is the current President of Friends of A1A and the Vice-President of North Shores Improvement Association, the governing board of Vilano Beach Main Street. She tries her best to get out and enjoy all the wonderful things St. Augustine has to offer.

http://BarbaraJenness.com

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

Serenata Beach Club in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:20:29 -0500

Serenata Beach Club is a private club located on the Atlantic Ocean in South Ponte Vedra Beach, FL between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach.

I enjoy many social events here including Tuesday Trivia, live music on many Sundays during the summer, Ladies Luncheon, the Book Club, the Artist Series, dining, happy hour, the hot tub and the adults-only pool. I also appreciate that they don't have a meal minimum and there is a full exercise facility with many classes at no charge. I keep meaning to exercise and I do my best to avoid Kim Miller, the on-site personal trainer. Kim e-mails me and other members weekly with health information. See how I took the picture below outside of the room---too scared to even enter!

Some of the classes held include Yoga, Pilates, Cardio Intervals, Fitness Circuits, and Aqua Aerobics.

When I was inducted as the 2007 President of the St. Augustine Regional chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS (WCR), the installation was held atSerenata Beach Club. I think all the members remember the installation as during my "acceptance" speech an endangered Right Whale jumped out of the water. Yes, I lost all control of the meeting---gladly. It was so exciting! I guess she wanted to be part of the action. Cordel Crowley made sure all the arrangements were done to perfection for our lunch installation. He is assisting us with WCR's fundraiser in October to benefit WCR's education programs and breast cancer. The event is called Bratini and combines decorative bras sold at auction and modeled by men and Martini's. The event will be Oct. 23. More to come on that in another blog.

There are many activities planned for August. Hopefully this member's only link will work for you so you can view the August newsletter. Please leave me comments if it doesn't work and I will find a workaround.

There is golfing at Marsh Creek Country Club for Serenata Beach Golf Club (SBGC) members and guests on August 14th which reminds me that the club has established a golf club that competes in area tournaments. Additionally, members of Serenata have reciprocal rights with Marsh Landing Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for golf, tennis, dining, swimming, and fitness.

The August drink special is Malibu Punch which I had on Sunday---very sweet, but very good. Fantasy Football "education" will be this month, too so one will be prepared. Prime Rib Dinner Buffet will be August 14th, while on August 27th there will be Grill Out Under the Stars. The Ladies Luncheonthis month will feature fall fashions by ETCETERA. The Book Club will meet on August 11th and will discuss Dissolution by C.J. Samson.

Do you like physical challenges? On August 15th members will compete on the Jump Rope Competition. Additionally for ages 12 & up will be Kayaking (August 4th), Hiking (August 11th), and Biking (August 18th).

Serenata does so many special things for kids. On August 13th there will be the 3rd Annual Family Talent Show. August 20th members can go on a field trip to Sea World. There is also a Surf Camp and Serenata Kids Camp (ages 3-12) with fun events including a field trip to the Museum of Science & History (MOSH). I had a photo of the kid's activities room with Kelli Lojacono (she heads up the programs) and General Manager Steve Harrison, but the photo was not great so I thought I would like to keep them as friends.

Now, the picture of Sean, who made me a great strawberry/banana smoothie for this morning's Agent-to-Agent Breakfast, came out great.

The Agent-to-Agent Breakfast is held the first Wednesday of every month and is open to real estate professionals and site agents in northeast Florida (Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine). It is a great opportunity to share one property with the group. It has been very beneficial for my business and it is nice of Serenata to provide this event at a nominal charge. The attendees do not need to be members of Serenata.

Steve Harrison told me that one of the company's values is giving back to the community. He is on the board for the Council on Aging(COA). COA is also Serenata's charity. They sponsor a golf tournament and gala each year and raise about $50,000. Carol Hutnan, a Serenata staff member, teaches Brain Gym at COA. The entry fee for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting is a can of food that is donated to COA.

In addition to the Agent-to-Agent meeting there are other community events at Serenata that are open to non-members. The Economic Development Council(EDC) meets the second Thursday of each month. There is a church serviceat 9 a.m. every Sunday. Also, Serenata is where I (and obviously others!) go to vote. Serenata also is a sponsor of the WCR's golf tournament each year.

Serenata is a lot like Cheers: Everyone knows your name. It is a fun, relaxing beach club and I urge you to check it out. There is not a dress code. I usually take my customers here for lunch to break up the day. It gives you a great feel for the lifestyle of our area.

Membership information can be found on their website.

Directions:From Ponte Vedra take Scenic & Historic A1A(aka 3rd Street) south past Sawgrass and Guana Research Reserve to 3175 S. Ponte Vedra. From St. Augustine, go over the Vilano Bridge, take a left on A1A and go a little over 3 miles to 3175 S. Ponte Vedra.

3175 South Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

904-823-3368

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

North Shores Improvement Association Board Meeting Today - 4 p.m.

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:38:56 -0500

Find out info about Vilano Beach and North Beach at today's Meeting

There won't be a North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA) Forum this month, so you might as well come listen in at the Board of Directors meeting today at 4 p.m. The agenda is jammed back and I just might blog the results, but you never know.

The meeting will begin at the North Shores Improvement Association Building at 120 Meadow Avenue, Vilano Beach, Florida. It will then move next door to the old fire station. We will be discussing plans for the fire station building now that the new one has been built in South Ponte Vedra and this building is no longer used.

The Sunday Market will be discussed along with plans to make this farmer's and arts & crafts venue even better. Additionally the eviction notices for the mobile home occupants on Vilano Road will be discussed and our membership drive.

September 16-18th is the Florida Main Street Conference in Melbourne, FL. Register by August 21 to save $

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction

The Reef - Great Oceanfront Dining in St. Augustine, FL

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:33:13 -0500

The Reef - Great Oceanfront Dining in North Beach just a few miles from downtown St. Augustine.

We have enjoyed dining at The Reef Restaurant since it opened and before when it was Compton's. We would travel from Ponte Vedra for Compton's lobster specials and their wonderful Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Shortly after moving into our oceanfront home just a short walk north of this restaurant, we learned that the builder of our home, Coleman Construction, was also the builder of this restaurant. Our home was built in 1988, a year before Compton's. Compton's was open between 1989 and 1999 when it closed due to Mr. Compton's health.

The Usina family owns the property and had different managers and a name change to McMulVei's Reef (combining the 3 operator's last names at that time). Later the restaurant was renamed The Reef and in the summer of 2003, Jeremy Ticehurst became the General Manager.

Under Mr. Ticehurst's management, the Reef is once again the place to go for Sunday Brunch, repeatedly winning best brunch awards (3 years running!). Additionally, they have won other dining awards as shown on the wall upon entering the restaurant.

You will also see the fish tank soon after entering (no, dinner is not in the fish tank).

The Reef's local's discount of 10% in addition to their great food and service keeps me and other locals coming back frequently. They have great nightly specials and are currently having a great happy hour special from 3 - 7 p.m.: discounted well & house brands drinks and select appetizers at 1/2 price. (sesame-crusted tuna, spinach & artichoke dip, calamari, and fried green tomatoes to name some of my favorites).

On Tuesdays they feature Surf & Turf:

Slow Roast Prime Rib	$13.95
Classic Fried Shrimp	$10.95
Snow Crab Legs	$16.95
Prime Rib 'N' Shrimp	$17.95
Prime Rib 'N' Crab	$19.95

The Reef Restaurant has Twilight Dining Specials for Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Here's a sample, but I must warn you, their menu and offerings do change:

Classic Fried Shrimp	$10.95
Datil Lime Pasta Primavera	$11.95
Country Fried Steak	$12.95
Tilapia with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce	$13.95
Slow Roast Prime Rib	$13.95

There is a banquet room upstairs that is great for special events. There are plenty of oceanfront balconies to enjoy the view & breezes.

As one of the few true oceanfront restaurants in northeast Florida, The Reef is a wonderful dining experience. I feel like I am on vacation here.

Just about every Sunday, we enjoy brunch at The Reef. Richard ("Rick") Kuncicky performs classical guitar. We bought his CD early on and probably need to buy a new one by now. You get all you can eat snow crab legs, shrimp, omelet station, carving station, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, all you can drink champagne and more. Please view the Menu.

But yes, it is all about the view.

See you soon at The Reef!

Directions to The Restaurant:

Take Scenic & Historic A1A from St. Augustine over the Usina (Vilano) Bridge over the ICW. Continue on A1A by taking a left on Coastal Highway and travel about 2.5 miles north 4100 Coastal Highway. Turn right into The Reef Restaurant parking lot.

4100 Coastal Highway
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: 904-824-8008

Awards: REALTOR of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, SPIRIT Award Passion, Five-Star Best in Client Satisfaction