Cradle Creek Preserve is yet another hidden gem in Jacksonville Beach, FL. For those of us locals this is a little cut through street that takes you through the middle of the beach when you're trying to get South Beach and avoid the traffic on 3rd. We find ourselves just zipping by and not taking a second notice to this hidden little parking lot (really hidden couple of parking spots) on the corner of South 15th Street and Fairway Lane. Next time you've got a few extra minutes on your commute and you're looking for a place to clear your mind then pull over and discover Cradle Creek Preserve.
First, it's hard to believe that there can be almost 37 acres of undeveloped land that's waterfr...
CHECKMATE THE NUETRAL MARKET VS THE SELLERS MARKET
Duval County specific statistics (the above use the 5 county area) are indicating in the 4th Quarter Statistical Review that as a whole we are a neutral market yet teetering on the edge of a sellers market. Many areas already reflect a sellers market as the months of inventory is very low. Part of that lack of inventory is due to seasonal adjustments (sellers taking homes off the market for the holidays or delaying listing as not wanting to show over the holidays) and many owners in distressed properties were waiting it out to see if the Mortgage Debt Relief act provision got extended (which they did until end of 2013). It will b...
Dwight's Bistro in Jacksonville Beach, FL is a hidden jewel. Known by the best foodies, locals and anyone who's ever had a personal chef it by far gets my vote for the most intimate dining experience in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
First, MAKE A RESERVATION! If you're driving down Penman Rd after 8pm Tues-Saturday it's worth just glancing over to see the parking lot of Dwight's just packed. If you drove by there at 6pm it might look completely vacant. So don't be surprised if you walk in at 6pm and they ask you if you have a reservation, just make a reservation. This place is all about the planning, careful detail is put into EVERYTHING when they say everythin...
In Jacksonville Beach, FL there is only one Bakery and sandwich shop that has stood the test of time and become an icon to both locals and townies alike. Cinotti's Bakery is no stranger to baking, this is family tradition. The original bakery was started over 65 years ago by the current owners grandfather and was moved to Jacksonville Beach, FL back in 1955. His sons Nick and Joe took over 1965 when "Papa Nick" passed. In 1985 the current family members Mike and Doodle took over and it's been in its present location at 1523 Penman Rd since 1990.
You can't possibly live or visit Jacksonville Beach, FL without patronizing Cinotti's it's been a beaches icon for 50 years.
If you can dream...
Jacksonville Beach, FL has tons of BEACH ACCESS and dune walkovers, handicap accessible entry, restrooms and showers. Click on BEACH ACCESS to pull up the map.
As a beach resident here are a few of my favorites:
If you're in North Jacksonville Beach, FL then 19th Avenue North is my choice. If you're driving they have a large parking area and there is usually spaces available. Plus there is always parking on the adjacent streets if needed. They have a shower there with a foot wash so if you're looking for a place to drive to and walk the beach it's a great choice. You're very centrally located it's about equal distance to walk to the town center in Atlantic Beach north or head south to t...
It's refreshing to see the "good old days" of the family friendly neighborhood bar and grill revived in Jacksonville Beach, Fl. It's difficult to find an atmosphere that is kid friendly yet also provides entertainment venues you can attend on your date nights. This one is a 10+ in all categories.
The owners are no strangers to the restaurant business they've provided us over the years very iconic places like Sun Dog Diner, The Moon Raw Bar and most recently Sun Dog Brewing Co. in Ponte Vedra. It's nice to have a return to Jacksonville Beach, Fl as they've not had a presence here since The Moon. It speaks volumes about an owner when many of your staff have been with you for years and prov...
Attending a live theatre event should be a staple to add to one's bucket list. The performances at Players by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach, FL are no exception to this rule. This community theatre was founded in 1966 by three beach couples known for energy and creativity.
It's been in its current location 106 6th Street North since 1999 and has been entertaining the Jacksonville Beach, FL and surrounding community with multiple performances in each season. What makes this theatre so special for me, in addition to great casting and very entertaining venue, is the fact that no matter where you sit you always feel like you're a part of the show.
If you think have talent you'd like to sha...
Recently I attended the planning commission meeting series to hear the discussion on an application for conditional use approval for an indoor pistol range on Penman Rd (PC#30-12) in Jacksonville Beach, FL it was a very educational experience and if you are unfamiliar with how our local government works attending one of these is a must-do.
In Jacksonville Beach, FL zoning exceptions (variances, conditional uses etc) are applied for through the city and are heard before a panel of planning commissioners. The overview of the Planning Commission is stated on their website *"The Planning Commission serves as the Local Planning Agency as required by Florida Statutes and hears applications for...
Driving down 3rd Street (the main drag) in Jacksonville Beach, FL you can't help but notice the campus of Beach Church between 7th and 8th Streets North. It's been a beach icon for 75 years!
While sitting in service Sunday the new series pastor, Jerry Sweat, is pitching left me feeling the need to share this powerful message. Not only have they been a long standing member of the Jacksonville Beach, FL Community (Since 1937) but they've always adjusted with the "tides". The offer a traditional service at 8:45 am and two contemporary services at 10:45 am Sundays and 6:45 pm on Thursdays.
The current series (Jan 2013) is called the Relationship Games "may the odds forever be in yo...
Jacksonville Beach, FL is a great place to visit and an even better place to call home. Jacksonville, FL is known for its amazing parks and recreation facilities and that reputation is paralleled in Jacksonville Beach.
One of the parks in Jacksonville Beach, FL is known as the Oceanfront Park. It's located between 5th and 6th Avenues South on 1st Street. It's a hidden gem frequented by the neighbors and beach residents and is considered an insider secret. There is plenty of parking in this 2 Acre sprawl which is rare for the beach. There are two beach entrances at the North and South ends of the beach. It's a really great place to picnic as they have four sun shaded picnic areas that are...
There are many things you could do on a Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. rather than participate in a beach cleanup in Jacksonville Beach, FL, but as the saying goes, "don't knock it till you try it".
Jacksonville Beach, FL is home to many public parks including the ocean front park at 6th Avenue South which is where Hands on Jacksonville hosts a monthly beach clean. Located between 5th and 6th Avenue's south it has two acres filled with great public open space. There are four sun sheltered picnic areas on the outskirts of a circular lawn which in the midst hosts the Sea Express, a bronze statue, by sculptress Kristen Visbal. The Sea Express symbolizes Jacksonville Be...