A few factors make it a great time to “buy up.” First, if you’re one of the lucky Northeast Florida residents who have equity in your present home, that’s an advantage. Most likely the market has affected prices of the bigger homes you’re interested in. That’s definitely true if you’re looking to stay in the north St. Johns County area. So it’s safe to assume that if your present home has gone down in price/appraisal, so has the home that you’re interested in purchasing. Better pricing combined with low interest rates means strong purchasing power for qualified buyers. Additionally, with drops in pricing comes lower taxes.

Current conditions won’t last so homebuyers who have outgrown their current homes or want to take advantage of great pricing to acquire their dream home, should be looking now. We currently have two stunning custom homes in the area that are priced at least 30% lower than they would have been just three years ago – one at $849,000 in the King & Bear, and an estate on more than 19 acres priced at $1,395,000. Give one of our Jacksonville Realtors a call at 904-940-5000 or come by Davidson Realty to learn more.

Over the last couple of months we’ve taken you on insiders tours of River Oaks Plantation in Julington Creek Plantation in Mandarin to show you the stunning homes available and the top notch amenities that make this neighborhood so special. River Oaks Plantation is just one of 45 neighborhoods that comprise Julington Creek Plantation and this month we are giving you a behind-the-scenes tour of Julington Creek Plantation Club and its huge variety of amenities which are available to all Julington Creek residents. 

It’s easy to see why Julington Creek Plantation is so popular with families.  Julington Creek Plantation Club has amenities and activities for everyone.  From the fitness floor to the aquatics, Julington Creek Plantation Club is really in a class all its own! The fitness floor is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and offers group fitness classes, personal training, free weights, teen conditioning and more. The club is home to four pools and a uber-fun Splash Park with water slide. Swimming lessons, aqua fitness classes, scuba lessons, lifeguard certification courses, and a year-round swim team are available.

If tennis is your sport, you’re in luck! The club has eight lighted clay tennis courts.  Private lessons, camps, clinics, and ball machine are available.

Julington Creek Plantation’s skate park is a standout feature. It’s a great safe place for tweens and teens to hang-out and perfect their ollies.  You can even rent the skate park out for your kid’s next birthday party!

The Club offers an assortment of classes. Busy parents need not worry…they offer a child watch service so Moms can get their fitness on, Dads can catch up on some emails using the free wi-fi in the Cyber Café, or just kick back and enjoy a little r&r in the pool!

With Summer on the way, now’s the time to check out all the Summer Camps that are offered at the Club to keep the kids busy, including Summer Youth Tennis Camp, Basketball Camp, Babysitting Training, Summer Skateboard Camp, Camp Adventure 2012 and many more!

For more information on Julington Creek Plantation or any of its amenities please give one of our Davidson agents a call at (904) 940-5000.

The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented.  Join us for the Davidson Speaker Series on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 pm when Dr. Robert Brown of North Florida Dermatology Associates presents a free seminar on Skin Care and Skin Cancer Prevention.  Dr. Brown will discuss the importance of vigilant sun protection, regular skin checks and how to navigate the sea of SPF ratings.  Dr. Brown will also discuss skin protection for children.  He cautioned that “rates of skin cancer in children, teens and young adults are growing at an alarming rate.” In addition, Dr. Brown will answer questions and provide insights and advice for minimizing skin aging and maximizing skin health.

Dr. Brown received his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center, after completing his undergraduate degree at Duke University. He completed a three year residency in dermatology at the Medical College of Virginia, and is Board Certified in dermatology.  He has published a number of dermatologic journal articles and completed a variety of dermatologic research projects. In addition to general dermatology, Dr. Brown specializes in dermatologic surgery, sclerotherapy for spider veins, chemical peels, laser surgery, tattoo removals, and tumescent liposculpture.  He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Board Certified in Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, Duval County Medical Society, Clay County Medical Society, and the Jacksonville Dermatology Society.

North Florida Dermatology Associates is a leading dermatologic practice serving Jacksonville and the area since 1983.  More information about the practice is available at www.nfderm.com.

A licensed agent, Shelby brings five years of experience as a property manager and Realtor to her new position.  She has completed coursework at the Property Management Academy and she belongs to the National Association of Residential Property Managers. Says Davidson Property Management President Sherry Davidson, “Shelby has a fantastic track record in property management, and we are pleased to have such a strong and dynamic addition to our growing team.”

Shelby moved to World Golf Village in 2004 from Wisconsin, where she was born and raised.  She also lived in Maryland for two years, where she met her husband Jeff.  In addition to being a mother of three, Shelby is active in the St. Johns County School District and serves as co-chair of the Student Advisory Council at Wards Creek Elementary School.

1 Stick butter
3 Tablespoons white wine
½  Cup chopped parsley (fresh)
1 ½  Cups chopped scallions (1/2 bottoms, ½ tops)
1 Cup sliced Greek olives
2 Dashes Tabasco
2 Dashes Worcestershire
1 Teaspoon chopped garlic (from the jar, already chopped)
¾  Large fresh lemon squeezed (or 1 medium)
1 ½  Pounds peeled, deveined fresh shrimp. (26-30 count, headless)
1 ½ Pounds sea scallops (washed, drained and halved)
2      Lobster tails, cut into bite size pieces
1 8 oz. package vermicelli
2 8 oz. packs Feta cheese in water (whole, crumble for serving)
½ Teaspoon black pepper
½ Teaspoon red pepper
1 Teaspoon salt
2 Teaspoons oregano
1 Teaspoon thyme
½  Teaspoon basil

In a large black skillet melt butter.  Add shrimp, scallops and lobster.  Sauté until almost cooked.  Remove seafood from skillet and put in a covered container.  Add wine, parsley, scallions, Tabasco, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon and all other spices, heat to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add greek olives and continue to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.  Stir in shrimp, scallops and lobster, mix well and simmer for approx. 1 ½ -3 minutes. 

Place cooked vermicelli or linguini on a large platter, spread evenly.  Put a light layer of the Feta cheese, then spoon seafood mixture on top of pasta.  Coat top of mixture heavily with Feta cheese.  Sauce in pan can be used on individual servings as desired, but is not recommended since it breaks down the Feta cheese.

This recipe will serve approximately 6 people. Serve with a nice Sauvignon Blanc.