Little Known History

Fort Matanzas was built in 1742 on the Matanzas River Inlet 14 miles south of the military outpost town known as St. Augustine. It was built to protect the Castillo de San Marcos from enemy attack from the rear out of reach of the Castillo's cannon. The Spanish had first been attacked by Francis Drake's raid in 1586 and England continued to repeatedly harassed the Spanish colony. To prevent the British from controlling the inlet and starving St. Augustine into surrender, carpenters and masons began building Fort Matanzas, with labor supplied by convicts, slaves, and additional troops from Cuba. When Spain transferred ownership of Florida to the United States in 1819, the fort was so badly deteiorated that its soldiers could no longer live inside. Today, Fort Matanzas is a National Monument maintained by the National Park Service. It can be reached via A1A on Anastasia Island and is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; closed on Christmas. There is no admission to the park and visitors may enjoy an eight minute film about the fort and the area's history as well as a ferry ride that carries visitors to the fort, weather permitting.

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Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

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Winter Wonderland

Can you imagine ice skating in St. Augustine or perhaps taking a sleigh ride? Well, you can do both during the month of December when the St. Augustine Ampitheatre turns into Winter Wonderland. This event is truly a fun family time for old and young alike. There is a small fee for skate rental but admission to the ampitheatre is free. Small children will love the elf village, a ride on the train, the bounce house or a visit to Santa. Older children will squeal with delight as they slide down the ice slide or take a turn on the ice rink. If you're just there to watch the seats in the ampitheatre are quite comfortable or you might choose to enjoy some hot chocolate at one of the picnic tables. Reindeer games are always fun and almost every child "wins" a prize. When in St. Augustine during December don't miss this event!

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Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

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Bridge of Lions

Restoration of the Bridge of Lions is scheduled to be completed by early 2010. Prior to the construction of what is known as the Bridge of Lions an old wooden toll bridge served as the only access to Anastasia Island from downtown St. Augustine. The Bridge of Lions, built in 1927, spans Matanzas Bay ( the Intracoastal Waterway) linking the mainland with the island. The bridge is named after the two lions at the West End of the bridge designed by the sculptor Romanelli of Florance, Italy and donated by Dr. Andrew Anderson. Because of its graceful appearance, the bridge has become a well-known local landmark and has earned its listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

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Toys For Tots

Our office, Prudential Network Realty, has been collecting Toys for Tots for the past few weeks. The response from the community has been simply overwhelming. In this time of economic hardship for so many our hearts are truly warmed that many of our local children will find a toy from Santa under their Christmas tree. Our thanks to all who contributed and may each of you have a joyous and healthy holiday season.

Brought to you by:
Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

"Sharing Our Community with Buyers & Sellers...One Snippet at a Time"

December Happenings

Some December Highlights to enjoy in the area are:

• Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

• Festival of the Trees at the St. Johns County Convention Center.

• The 9th annual Surf Illumination at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park.

• Washington Oaks hosting a family friendly holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Garden.

• "It's A Wonderful Life" playing at the Limelight Theatre.

• The St. Augustine Community Choir presenting the Messiah.

• Winter Wonderland opens at the St. Augustine Ampitheatre.

• "The Nutcracker" will be performed in the Flagler College Auditorium.

• The annual Holiday Pops Concert will be performed by the Jacksonville Symphony Orestra.

Brought to you by:
Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

"Sharing Our Community with Buyers & Sellers...One Snippet at a Time"

16th Annual Night of Lights

The 16th annual Night of Lights was celebrated on Saturday November 20th in the cities historic Plaza de la Constitucion. Throngs of people came early to listen to a holiday performance by Showtime USA under the Kings Balcony of Government House at the west end of the Plaza. Prior to the "flipping of the switch" that occurred around 6:30 p.m. the attendees were treated to a performance by the All Star Orchestra performing swing and big band sounds from the Gazebo. At 6:30 p.m. the official Light-Up began when Mayor Boles opened the ceremonies from Government House. First to light up the 10 week long Night of Lights was the traditional Christmas tree in the Plaza followed by many, many tiny white lights illuminating the city from the Bridge of Lions to the Lightner Museum. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy the Night of Lights from now until the end of January and all will continue to look forward to next years ceremony.

Brought to you by:
Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

"Sharing Our Community with Buyers & Sellers...One Snippet at a Time"

Ocean Palms Pier Park Opening

Today was a picture perfect day in St. Augustine and we were lucky enough to attend the opening of the pier park in Ocean Palms on Anastasia Island. Aproximately 1/3 of the 208 homeowners attended this exciting event where snacks, cold drinks and yummy desserts were provided by the social committee. The building of this pier which overlooks the intracoastal has taken many months and much planning. Now that the pier is completed residents can enjoy the canopied areas where they can sit and watch the boats motoring or sailing the intracoastal or perhaps simply enjoy the sunset while they have a glass of wine. The lowered fishing area of the pier which extends outward into the intracoastal waterway will be enjoyed by the residents and in all probability all grandchildren old enough to hold a pole. An abundance of wildlife is generally viewable and the fishing can be exciting as well. Residents of this community which includes both patio homes and single family homes also enjoy a community pool, playground area and are within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean.

8th Annual St. Augustine Car & Truck Show

The eighth annual St. Augustine Cruiser Car and Truck Show was held on November 7th. On display were ancient cars, classic cars, vintage cars, hot rods, replicas and other assorted automobiles. New cars such as the Cobra displayed in the photo were also on display. We saw many cars that had been beautifully restored and reminded us of those care free days when we were in high school and college.

Brought to you by:
Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com

St. Johns County Fair

We had a wonderful time at the St. Johns County Fair with grandson Luke age 4 1/2. He rode every single ride that he was tall enough to ride, ate a corn dog, fished for a prize ( and of course won a small stuffed dog) and then decided to check out the livestock. The goats were a special treat probably because they were just his size. Another highlight was watching the frisbee dog show which consists of all rescue dogs.

Brought to you by:
Team Gledhill, Prudential Network Realty
Buying or Selling Property in St. Johns Co?
Call 904-874-2588 or email info@teamgledhill.com