Sharon's Blog

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Reclaimed Water is wastewater that has been treated for certain purposes. The water is filtered and disinfected, but it still contains nutrients such as aluminum, chromium, lead, molybdenum, zinc, phosphorus, boron, copper, magnesium, nickel, sodium, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and nitrogen.

Reclaimed water does not meet state and federal standards for drinking (potable) water.

Reclaimed water is intended for irrigation.

Reclaimed water is shown by purple pipes in St. Johns County newer subdivisions. In Clay County, the heads of the tall sprinklers have purple fittings.

DO NOT USE RECLAIMED WATER FOR ANY OF THESE ITEMS:

- Drinking

- Bathing people or animals

- Connectiong to a dwelling for household use

- Connecting to another water source

- Filling swimming pools or hot tubs

- Increasing lake or pond levels

- Supplying air conditioning units

PLEASE NOTE: Water at hose bibs is drinkable (potable) water. This provides an outside water supply for the above uses.

Using reclaimed water for irrigation conserves fresh water.

Up to 50% of water flowing through meters in some cities is used to maintain grass, according to research by DEP.

If reclaimed water is not used for irrigation, it makes its way back into the St Johns River.

If you live in one of the communities in the Jacksonville Florida area, including Orange Park and Fleming Island that use reclaimed water, the new water restrictions from the St. Johns River Water Management do not apply to you.

Acording to Clay Utility, this water needs to be utilized so it isn't poured into the river.

"Due to the environmental benefit of reclaimed water and eliminating discharge to the St. Johns River and its tributaries, there is no restriction on the use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation. If you irrigate with reclaimed water, the new watering restrictions do not apply."

This water has very specific uses and is for irrigation only. Please consult the Clay Utility web site if you have any questions.

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If you want to know about homes in communities using reclaimed water, please email us or call 904-673-2308.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Reclaimed Water Has No Water Restriction*

Community District Developments (CDDs) were created in the 1980s in Florida as a way for developers to fund planned unit developments. These communities have above average amenities and a lifestyle that is desired by many residents in the Jacksonville area of Northeast Florida.

Here is a list of CDD Communities as of this date. This post will be updated periodically as more are added. The list is believed to be complete, but it is possible there are some not on the list.

CLAY COUNTY - FLEMING ISLAND

Eagle Harbor - 3000 acres, 2300+ homes including single family, townhouses and patio homes, Golf Community w/ 3 Water Parks including Superpool with Waterslide, Adults-Only Heated Pool, and Beach Entry Pool with Sprayground, Tennis, 5 Day Docks on Navigable Water, Playgrounds, Boat/RV Storage. Developer East West Partners.

Fleming Island Plantation - 1680 acres, 2000+ homes including single family and multi-family, Golf Community, Clubhouse, Swimming Pool with Waterslide, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Playgrounds, one Gated Neighborhood. Developer Centex.

CLAY COUNTY - ORANGE PARK

Oakleaf Plantation - 4000+ homes at present, plans for 11,000 homes including single and multi-family, Swimming Pool with Water Slide, Swimming Pool, Clubhouse, Fitness Center,  Tennis, Playgrounds and access to Eagle Landing Golf Course. Developer D. W. Hutson Companies.

Eagle Landing - 1400 acres, Golf Community with Clubhouse, Swimming Pool with Waterslide, Athletic Club w/Indoor Basketball Court, Tennis, Garden Golf, Kids Club, Tree House, Lake House, General Store, Playgrounds and more. Developer East West Partners.

Kindlewood - Traditional Neighborhood Development, Swimming, Tennis, Playground, Multi-Purpose Field. Developer Taylor-Morrison.

CLAY COUNTY - MIDDLEBURG

Two Creeks -  800 homes planned, Clubhouse with fireplace and kitchen, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool with Water Feature, Tennis Courts, Basketball and Volley, Multi-purpose Sports Field. Playgrounds. Gated section.

Pine Ridge - Clubhouse with Superpool with Waterslide, Sprayground, Fitness Center, Tennis, Playgrounds.

CLAY COUNTY - LAKE ASBURY AREA

Rolling Hills - 1400 acres, 1200 homes, Amenity Center w/ Clubhouse, Superpool with Waterslide, Sprayground, Party House with outdoor fireplace, Garden Golf, Amphitheater, Dog Park, Nature Trails. Developer East West Partners.

DUVAL COUNTY 

Bartram Springs - acres, homes, Clubhouse with Fitness Center, Pool with Water Feature, Natural Gas Community (rare in NE Florida), Tennis, Playgrounds. Developers are Southstar Development Partners and Steve and Art Sandler.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Julington Creek - 4,200 acres, 1200 acres Preserve, 100 acres lakes, Golf Course, Clubhouse, New Aquatic Center w/ Waterslide, Tennis, Playgrounds, Volleyball and Basketball, Soccer and Baseball. Two Gated neighborhoods (one guard-gated, one with gate only).

World Golf Village  - Two Golf Courses, Clubhouse, Swimming Pools, Tennis, LaTerra Resort & Spa, Town Center, World Golf Village Museum, Gated Neighborhoods. Developers Jim and Sherry Davidson and Hillman Properties.

Heritage Landing at World Golf Village - 680 acres, CDD fees have been paid off for some if not all the builders. Develoopers Jim and Sherry Davidson and Hillman Properties.

MuraBella  740 single family homes planned, Clubhouse with Fitness Center, Super Pool with Waterslide, Tennis Courts, Softball, Soccer Field, Volleyball, Multi-Purpose Sports Court and Party Pavilion. Developer is The Wood Development Company.

Durbin Crossing - 2,000 acres, 1100 acres preserve, 1,500 single family homes planned, 947 multifamily homes, Clubhouse with Fitness Center, Swimming Pool with Water Slide and Water Feature, Tennis, Basketball,  Athletic Fields, Playgrounds and more. Developer is Southstar Development Partners.

Aberdeen -1300 acres, 500 acres of preserve, 68 acres of lakes, 1600 single family homes planned, 168 multi-family, Clubhouse with Fitness Center, Aquatic Facility, Walking Trails, Basketball Court, Playgorund, Sports Park with Softball and Soccer Fields. Developer Southstar Development Partners.

St. Johns Forest - 430 acres, 539 single family homes planned, Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool with Waterslide, Tennis, Basketball,  Roller Hockey Court, Playgrounds and Multi-purpose Sports Field. Natural Gas Community. Developer Taylor Woodrow.

Palencia - 1,450 acres, 3000 homes planned including single family, condo, townhouse, and patio homes, Private Golf Club, Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool with Water Feature, Tennis, Playgrounds, Nature Walk to Intracoastal, Gated Neighborhoods. Natural Gas Community. Developer Hines.

Nocatee - 15,000 acres, homes including single family, condominiums townhouses, patio homes and 55+ community. Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Water Park w/ Lazy River, Tennis, Playgrounds, and Town Center. Developer The Parc Group. This land was owned by the Davis family, founders of Winn-Dixie and the family is developing their former hunting land.

Rivertown - 4000 acres, 3700 single family homes planned, 800 multi-family, Traditional Neighborhood Development all the way to Estate, Farm and Equestrian neighborhoods in future phases. Riverfront lots and riverfront area. Owned and developed by St. Joe Company, largest land owner in Florida.

NASSAU COUNTY

Amelia National - Golf Course, Clubhouse, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Gated Community.

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If you want to know about homes in CDD Communities, please email us or call 904-673-2308.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Which Communities in the Jacksonville Florida Area are CDDs?*

Community Development Districts (CDD) were created by the Florida legislature in the 1980s as a way of funding developments in the state. Fleming Island is home to two CDDs - Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation. The Jacksonville area, including Clay, Duval, St. Johns and Nassau Counties, have more than a dozen.

How does a CDD work? It allows developers to become a government entity to issue bonds to pay for their communities. The buyers pay for the bonds in the form of an Ad Valorem tax for a specified period, say 20-30 years. When the development is 80% built out, the developer turns the Board over to the community and the community elects Board Members for a term to govern the CDD. Each CDD is governed differently according to its provisions and its Board.

CDD costs range from around $100 a month to over $300 a month depending on the bond and the community. The bonds run from 20 to 30 years depending on the community. Part of the CDD fee is to maintain the community and part of it is to pay the bond. There is a nominal HOA fee, usually about $50 per year. If you joined a country club, you would be paying monthly dues for the use of their facilities. The Golf memberships are additional but affordable and still average the same or less than a membership in a private club, in our experience.

How do I pay my CDD? CDD fees are an Ad Valorem tax and appear on your property tax bill. It is escrowed along with your property taxes in your mortgage and paid annually. If you do not have a mortgage or if you do not use an escrow account, then you receive the bill annually along with your property taxes. CDD fees can be paid in advance or even paid off if the homeowner wants to retire the debt early.

The benefits received is worth the extra cost to many residents. If you are not going to use the amenities, then CDD neighborhoods may not be for you. But if you want resort living year round, you can't beat the great communities we have in the Jacksonville area of Northeast Florida.

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Do you want to know more about our luxurious CDD Communities in the greater Jacksonville area? Contact us or call 904-673-2308.

If you are moving into any of the communities in Clay County who have reclaimed water for their irrigation systems, you must have a cross connection inspection before the water will be turned on in your name. Brad from Clay Utility will come out, by appointment on Wednesdays, and check to be sure your pipes are connected correctly. He hooks up a gauge to the hose bib, then runs the irrigation system. If any water comes out of the hose bib on any of the irrigation zones, the water is 'cross connected' and reclaimed water is flowing through potable water pipes.

Why is this necessary? Especially if I am moving into a home that was previously occupied by another owner/renter?

The reason is simple: In rare instances, new construction or existing homes will have the plumbing connected improperly and reclaimed water will be running through the potable water pipes into the home. This has happened three times in the eight years Brad has been doing the inspections for Clay Utility.

The inspection takes 15-20 minutes and he's on his way. The DEP has mandated that the County do these inspections. Even if they didn't, every homeowner or renter should want this performed.

Reclaimed water is fine for irrigating lawns, but it is not purified for drinking. Children and animals should not run through sprinkler systems or try to drink from them. Hose bibs have potable (drinking) water running through them.

Reclaimed water is less expensive for irrigation and utilizes water that could be dumped back into the St. Johns River. It's a win-win for homeowners and the environment.

Which communities have reclaimed water? Ask Customer Service at the Utility Company when you call for service. Information about water service is available at the Clay Utility website.

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If you are considering a move to Clay County, please contact us or call 904-673-2308.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Your Cross Connection Inspection for Reclaimed Water in Clay County *

The Waterfront Park at Eagle Harbor is located on Doctor's Lake at the end of Eagle Harbor Parkway.

The park features an Adults Only (in summer months) Heated Pool with swimming lap lanes and a spa-like area where you can sip your favorite beverage and visit with friends. Rafts are allowed - what better way to get a tan? Early morning swim is available many months of the year.

There is a Beach Entry Pool which joins a Sprayground.

The Kiddie Pool with a Frog Waterslide is fenced and separate from the other Pools.

There is also a sand Volleyball Court beyond the pools.

The Waterfront Park Cabana has a Party/Meeting Room, a full Kitchen and two large Covered Porch areas that may be reserved for parties. A ping pong table provides fun when you're tired of swimming and the sun.

Residents and guests can enjoy the sun on the lounge chairs or lounge under one of the cabanas.

The only food sold at the Waterfront Park is in vending machines, so feel free to bring your beverages and snacks. On Holidays, grills are provided so you can cook your meal while enjoying the pool.

The Waterfront Park is a favorite for parents with small chiildren and over 18 Adults who want a quiet pool experience. It's also favored by those who prefer to bring their own food and beverage rather than purchase food at the grill at the Swim Park.

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Want to know more about Eagle Harbor on Fleming Island in Orange Park FL? Call 904-673-2308 or email us.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Eagle Harbor Waterfront Park*

Green Cove Springs hosted a Memorial Day Festival today in Spring Park. The activities took place behind City Hall in the riverfront Park. Green Cove Springs was founded in the 1800s as a popular tourist destination. When the railroad extended to Miami, the town lost its tourist base, but the sleepy town is poised for growth when the real estate market turns.

The Parade of Flags was a sober reminder of the sacrifice of the brave men and women we remember today who gave their all in defense of freedom.

The Festival had over 30 booths with crafts, information, and wonderful food. Our friends George, Karen and children came with Karen's outstanding Jambalaya and Red Beans and Rice. Plus, the best brownies on the planet!

There was live entertainment by groups and individuals of all ages.

Civil War reanactors brought their tents, costumes and cannon. The cannon was fired a couple of times while we were there.

The Coast Guard helicopter took off from near the city pier around 2 pm, and it was fun to watch. It's always a thrill to see a helicopter take off.

'Benjamin Franklin' appeared at 3pm and gave a very interesting narrative about the founding of our country.

If you want to bring Ben to your event, here is how you can get in touch with him.

The City pool is filled with water from the Springs. To celebrate the holiday, entrance to the pool was free. Festivities ran from 10am to 10pm this evening. Fireworks started around 9pm. If you're looking for a low key Festival with great food and fun entertainment, check it out.

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Want to know more about Green Cove Springs Real Estate? Call 904-673-2308 or email us.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Green Cove Springs Memorial Day Festival*

Eagle Landing is another fabulous East West Partners development, located in the Oakleaf Plantation area of Orange Park FL. Eagle Landing began developing during the boom years of 2004-2006, so no expense was spared for the amenities. Just look at the photos of the Clubhouse, the Athletic Center, and the Village Green.

We love East West Partners. They excel at developing communities and Eagle Landing is no exception.

The golf course community features a well-appointed two-story Clubhouse overlooking the 18-hole Clyde Johnston-designed golf course. The water park features a water-slide and  Cabana Bar. The Athletic Club is equipped with 8 Har-Tru tennis courts, a fitness center and full size-gymnasium with indoor track. Special features that children will especially enjoy are the garden golf, kid’s club, tree house, and amphitheater with movie screen. The Village Green also includes the Lake House with canoes and kayaks, a General Store and Ice Cream Parlor. There are also biking and hiking trails throughout the neighborhoods.

What separates Eagle Landing (and other East-West communities) from other CDD communities besides the outstanding amenities, is the full-time recreational staff. The four-color monthly magazine outlines the many activities and events planned for people of every age and lifestyle. Camps and Social Events dot the calendar of Eagle Landing. Eagle Landing’s web site and intranet keep residents up to date on community happenings – they may also opt in for email updates.

14 neighborhoods are planned in the 1400-acre community with homes ranging from the $200s to over $1 million. Lots are available on the golf course, on ponds, on conservation. Builders who have built homes in Eagle Landing include Cornerstone Homes, J. A. Long, Providence Homes, Rosewood Homes, Sid Higginbotham, Barry Poimbeouf, Standard Pacific Homes and Stylecraft Homes.

Below are a sample of existing homes:

Oakleaf High School opens Fall 2009. Plantation Oaks Elementary is near the entrance of Eagle Landing. A Regional Shopping Center is just up the road at the intersection of Argyle Blvd. near Brananfield-Chaffee Road. The 23,000 acre Jennings State Forest and Cecil Field Equestrian Center are nearby attractions.

If you love living life to the fullest, then be sure to take a look at this award-winning community. New and resale homes are available. If you would like any information, please call us at 904-673-2308 or email us.

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Original Photography and All Rights Reserved. *Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation in Orange Park FL*

The Clay County School Board has responded to parents' and teachers' comments on "What can be done about the way students dress?"

The 2009-2010 Dress Code requires pants to be at the waist, shorts and skirts no shorter than 3" above the knee, and shoulders covered - no spaghetti straps or even three-finger straps.

According to Ben Wortham, Superintendent, area stores have been notified of the new dress code and asked to stock their clothes accordingly.

This is bound to be controversial among students but even our 19-year old daughter commented that there were some girls whose shorts were really not suitable for school. If a teenager admits it, you can believe it.

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is being held this weekend, May 21-24. This FREE event offers some renowned artists. This evening's entertainers include the Stanley Clarke Trio, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Dr. John, B. B. King's Blues Club All Stars, and the Jacksonville Jazz All Stars.

Due to the weather, Friday's performances were moved indoors to the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts at the corner of 100 W. Water St.. "Swingin' Stage" is moved to the Moran Theater (3,000 people) and "Groovin' Stage" is moved to the Terry Theater (600 people).

Saturday's performances include - a tribute to Lionel Hampton's 100th birthday, Roberta Flack, Miles Davis' tribute, Aaron Parks, and the Latin Jazz All Stars.

Sunday stars include Bill Frisell, hailed as the Thelonius Monk of guitar, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Unfortunately, cameras aren't allowed, so whatever photos I get will be from my iPhone.

If you want more detailed information, check out the Jazz Festival information on the entertainment section of Jacksonville.com/entertainment