St. JOHNS COUNTY
County Offices
4020 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine 904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
One Riberia Street
St. Augustine 904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Services
Home to the nation’s oldest city and a favored tourist destination, scenic St. Johns County offers an outstanding quality of life. SchoolMatch, the nation’s largest school selection consulting firm, ranks the public school system among the top 14 percent in America based on competitive scores, classroom size, and competitive teacher’s salaries. Both instructional and library/media expenditures are above the national average, and St. Johns County invests more of its operating dollar on instruction than any other Florida school district. Support from hundreds of businesses through Business Partners in Education combines with exceptional family and community involvement to ensure value-added education for every child. Students of all age can access quality higher education within the affordable and convenient community college system or at a variety of private and public colleges and universities throughout the region.
The 274-bed healthcare institution of Flagler Hospital anchors the county’s network of medical facilities, which includes several nursing homes and hundreds of offices for skilled professionals. Providing a mall concept in healthcare, the hospital’s 75-acre Health Park features nearly a half-million square feet of office space. The Patient Tower is the centerpiece of the center, where climate-controlled walkways connect visitors and patients to the various facilities and wings. The emergency room, birth unit, pediatrics unit, and new oncology center, intensive care unit, and heart and lung center are just a few of the specialties. Flagler Hospital anchors an entire network of supportive healthcare facilities and skilled professionals in every major specialty.
Lifestyle
Combining the charm of historic St. Augustine with panoramic riverfront and 43 miles of pristine beaches, St. Johns County offers a residential paradise of crafted and natural beauty. A growing economy and affordable cost of living are further enhanced by outstanding recreational and cultural amenities. Newcomers will discover welcoming neighborhoods in friendly small towns, fine waterfront properties, and beautiful new planned communities. Freshwater and saltwater fishing, inviting cafes and wonderful restaurants, unique boutiques and convenient retail centers, private sports clubs, and velvet golf courses are just a few of the amenities in this area. Camping, hiking, swimming, water-skiing, windsailing, boating, sailing, and every imaginable water sport are common pastimes.
The leading city of St. Augustine boasts more than four centuries of history, attracting visitors from around the world. Founded in 1565, the city showcases the heritage of its founding by the Spanish in architecture, street names, cuisine, and fine art. The county enjoys a reputation as a world sports destination, home to the World Golf Village and serving as the headquarters for the Professional Golf Association and the Association of Tennis Professionals. World-class fishing tournaments and the million-dollar St. Augustine Speedway represent other major sports attractions. Active community and professional theaters, art associations, and music associations enrich the area with visual and performing arts. Whether you prefer the symphony or bass fishing, St. Johns County is a paradise waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
Crescent Beach
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Located in the southern section of the county, the small community of Crescent Beach is situated on the wildlife refuge of Anastasia Island. Beachcombers are attracted to Crescent Beach for the serenity of its natural settings. One of the most scenic, unspoiled beaches in Florida, this area offers boating, diving, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Only 25 minutes from downtown St. Augustine, Crescent Beach balances the seclusion of a beach community with close proximity to urban conveniences. The nearby Anastasia State Recreation Park with its protected bird sanctuary stretches over 1,700 acres and five miles of breathtaking, sandy beaches. The park offers swimming under the supervision of lifeguards, a bath house, hiking and nature trails, a boat ramp, fishing, a volleyball court, rental canoes, grills and picnic areas, concessions, playgrounds, and camp sites.
Fruit Cove, Switzerland
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
The closely associated communities of Fruit Cove and Switzerland are nestled along the east bank of the St. Johns River. These friendly small towns south of Duval County provide bedroom communities for many commuters who are employed in Jacksonville and St. Johns County. The area is a prime location for single-family developments and a wide variety of attractive subdivisions. Many newcomers appreciate this area for the lack of commercial development, the country atmosphere, and the preservation of the scenic Bartram Trail or State Road 13. Residents enjoy a kaleidoscope of recreational opportunities that include boating, sailing, canoeing, fishing, golfing, tennis, and other sports. The nearby Champions Golf Course at Julington Creek ensures challenging play for all levels at its semi-private, 18-hole golf course. This northwest county setting ensures easy access to shopping, schools, services, and churches.
Hastings
Town Hall
904-692-1420
http://hastings-fl.com/
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Located 18 miles southwest of St. Augustine, the small town of Hastings serves as the county’s agricultural center. Hastings actually had its genesis as a garden planted in the late 1800s when Henry Flagler was building grand hotels in St. Augustine for wealthy visitors. Flagler convinced Thomas Hastings to develop a large farm that could grow winter vegetables for the enjoyment of hotel guests. Known as the potato capital of Florida, the community has retained its rural atmosphere. In addition to potatoes, the area harvests other vegetable crops and benefits from ornamental horticulture, timber, and livestock interests. Highlights in this unusual town include picturesque old farmsteads, bustling new agricultural operations, the Hastings town center, and the vintage St. Ambrose parish.
Julington Creek
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Distinguished as the fastest-growing community in northeastern Florida and one of the most rapidly growing in the entire state, Julington Creek Plantation provides beautiful residential neighborhoods and an exceptional quality of life. Homes in this area are available in a variety of architectural styles and sizes, priced to accommodate a wide cross-section of lifestyles and budgets. This suburban area just a 30-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville provides a highly rated school district and superb recreational amenities in addition to a close-knit family oriented atmosphere. Golfers will appreciate the semi-private Champions Club, a semi-private golf course that offers challenging play for every level. The Avenues Mall expands shopping options, although convenient retail stores and services are close to home. Also nearby are beaches, business centers, marinas, schools, airports, and family entertainment.
Nocatee
Community Offices
245 Little River Rd
Ponte Vedra 904-924-6850
www.nocatee.com
Nocatee is a master planned community that spans the northeastern corner of St. Johns County and southeastern portion of Duval County in Northeast Florida. Nocatee has been designed as a completely new town to balance work and recreation, in a modern community. Nocatee is located in Ponte Vedra, Florida, just west of Ponte Vedra Beach and between the cities of Jacksonville and St. Augustine. At full build-out, Nocatee is expected to have 13,000 homes; and up to one million square feet of retail, four million square feet of commercial space and nine public schools. Almost two-thirds of the land will be placed in preservation and protected. Nocatee is just a few minutes away from pristine beaches, golf courses, business parks and major airports in downtown Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
The Town Center is designed to be a one stop location for shopping, dining, business and socializing. It will showcase a diverse selection of specialty boutiques and popular businesses that will bring resident conveniences, such as: clothing, banking, gas station, casual and café dining, dry-cleaning and much more. And with its location near the neighborhoods, residents are able to walk, bike or ride electric carts to this lively downtown destination. The community is also home to several parks and other resident amenities including the Nocatee Splash Water Park. The 8-acre park features 53-foot tall water slides, a lazy river, family lagoon pool and interactive spray ground. The facility also includes a 2-story clubhouse with banquet facilities and conference room, and a state of the art fitness center. The Nocatee Community Park contains multi-purpose sports fields, tennis courts, a fenced dog park and walk, and concession stand. There are also miles of greenway trails have been completed that wind through five neighborhoods, the Community Park and Nocatee Town Center. Nocatee is designed to be modern living in a setting that remembers the past when neighbors knew each other and a community could come together in shared enjoyment.
Orangedale
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
The growing riverfront community of Orangedale continues to welcome new business and residential development, particularly as it expands to the north. Planners continued to invest significant dollars in improvements to ensure a high quality of life, including the recent construction of the Trout Creek Park Community Center. Housed in a former scallop plant on scenic Trout Creek the center enjoys 16 surrounding acres of Trout Creek Park with a boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Civic and social organizations are active in this family-oriented atmosphere, providing the pleasures of small-town, country living within a short commute from metropolitan advantages. Beaches, shopping, fine restaurants, performing arts, and premier recreational land are all available in close proximity to Orangedale.
Ponte Vedra Beach
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Once known as Mineral City, the community of Ponte Vedra Beach lies just south of Jacksonville Beach. The Intracoastal Waterway and Route A1A traverse the community north and south, opening access by water or highway. Careful planning has preserved the area’s marshes, lakes, and lagoons, making Ponte Vedra Beach one of the most desirable and naturally beautiful locations in Metropolitan Jacksonville. Upscale resorts, wonderful spas, fine dining, excellent shopping, and first-rate entertainment combine with world sports headquarters to place Ponte Vedra Beach in a class of its own. The beach city is home to the international headquarters for the PGA and the Association of Tennis Professionals. Attracting revenue and prestige to the region, these organizations sponsor tournaments and exhibition matches throughout the year. Just a 20-minute drive from St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach is also convenient to Jacksonville’s cosmopolitan amenities.
St. Augustine Beach
City Hall
904-471-2122
www.staugbch.com
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
The oceanfront resort community of St. Augustine Beach lies across the Intracoastal Waterway on Anastasia Island, a barrier island separating the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland. Wide sandy beaches are open to automobiles in some sections but limited to pedestrians in others. The dramatic beauty of a natural sand dune lines the coast for nearly 12 miles all the way to Marineland. Fine hotels, motels, condominiums, and camping resorts play a significant role in this beach city, where hospitality is a major industry. In fact, adjacent to the city hall lies the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Beaches Visitor Center. At the same time, you’ll discover tranquil island neighborhoods and idyllic settings for modest or lavish homes. Several excellent restaurants line Highway A1A, many specializing in local seafood. Outdoor adventures include beach volleyball, miniature golf, tennis, paddle tennis, and a myriad of water sports.
St. Augustine
City Hall
904-825-1007
https://www.citystaug.com/
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Founded in 1565, charming St. Augustine claims the status of America’s oldest permanently settled European city. The community’s blend of old-world charm, national monuments, and unique attractions are enhanced by the majesty of Spanish Renaissance and Colonial Revival architecture. At the same time, the city provides a family-oriented atmosphere and progressive, modern conveniences. Fascinating museums, performing arts, colorful festivals, fine galleries, exclusive boutiques, and outstanding sports and recreational opportunities are part of the St. Augustine culture. Retail centers and shopping malls skirt the town, contrasting high fashion with premier sites like the Spanish Quarter, the Fountain of Youth, and the living history museum represented by Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park is said to mark the place where Ponce de Leon sought everlasting youth, while the Mission of Nombre de Dios commemorates the first steps that Pedro Menendez de Aviles took on Florida’s shore in 1565. As you might expect, opportunities to renovate a vintage home is just one of the possibilities for newcomers to St. Augustine.
Sawgrass
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Closely associated with the famous shoreline community of Ponte Vedra Beach, the residential community known as Sawgrass is located along A1A south of Jacksonville Beach in northeastern St. Johns County. Carefully preserved wetlands stretching along miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline has ensured the unspoiled natural beauty that makes this area so appealing to newcomers and visitors alike. Considered by many to be a neighborhood within the greater Ponte Vedra Beach area, Sawgrass joins other beautiful developments like The Plantation and Marsh Landing to offer residents a resort lifestyle surrounded by country clubs, tennis courts, and the velvet fairways of premier golf courses. Sports play a major role in this area, which serves as the international headquarters for the PGA Tour and the Association of Tennis Professionals.
South Ponte Vedra Beach
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
Located in northern St. Johns County just 20 minutes from St. Augustine, the community of South Ponte Vedra Beach is closely associated with neighboring Ponte Vedra Beach to the north. Serving as the home of the PGA Tour and the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour, this area also hosts the Players Championship each spring. Well-preserved wetlands contribute to the breathtaking natural beauty that has made this area a favored destination for seasonal visitors and vacationers. Many resorts, spas and private clubs, upscale shopping developments, and lush parks dot this shoreline community. Guana River State Park offers a 2,000-acre sanctuary for endangered species, while abundant recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, shelling, and water sports.
Villano Beach
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
The serene community of Villano Beach remains one of the “best-kept secrets” in northern Florida. Excellent waterfront restaurants, vacation rentals and other accommodations, deep-sea fishing charters, and the Villano Beach fishing pier attest to the area’s appeal to visitors. Lush parks provide an oasis for relaxation, including Surfside Park along Coastal Highway with its picnic shelter, beach access, and outside showers. Boating, sailing, and every imaginable water sport seem to dominate the leisure hours of most residents and visitors to Villano Beach. Just minutes away from downtown St. Augustine, the community enjoys an ideal location just across the Usina Bridge. Vehicles are permitted on the beach within designated areas.
World Golf Village
County Offices
904-823-2509
www.co.st-johns.fl.us
Chamber of Commerce
904-829-5681
https://www.sjcchamber.com/
In a county that is rapidly becoming famous as a world headquarters for sports, the recently opened World Golf Village represents the crowning jewel. The only attraction of its kind, the World Golf Village honors the game of golf and provides an international travel destination. Home to the World Golf Hall of Fame, the World Golf Resort Hotel and Convention Center, Vistana Resort, PGA Tour Productions headquarters, and an 18-hole golf course, the area also offers beautiful residential development. Other amenities include Mayo Clinic facilities, the World Golf Village Spa, corporate villas, upscale shopping and dining, and a golf academy. The World Golf Village serves as the centerpiece of the ambitious Saint Johns Development, a multi-faceted commercial, residential, and recreational community.
