Beacon Lake Resident Manager Venus Durden and her son are taking part in the senior pen pal initiative with Westminster Woods on Julington Creek

At a time when it may be more important than ever, the community of Beacon Lake is letting senior citizens know that they are not forgotten this holiday season.

Beacon Lake is bringing holiday cheer to residents of Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, a senior community, with its Senior Pen Pal program. The pen pal initiative started as a way for Beacon Lake residents to give back and form new relationships with those living at the Jacksonville retirement community. The program has quickly become an opportunity for everyone interested to engage with local seniors without putting anyone at risk.

“We have all felt isolated at some point during the pandemic, but seniors are especially at risk of feeling alone and a simple card or letter can show them that we are thinking of them,” said Bruce J. Parker, Managing Director for BBX Capital Real Estate, Beacon Lake’s master developer. “With all that’s happened this year, we wanted to find a way to reach out to Westminster Woods seniors and make them feel loved this holiday season.”

The Beacon Lake pen pal program matches individuals with Westminster Woods seniors who might benefit from some extra communication. Upon signing up for the program, participants receive a list of Westminster Woods residents interested in receiving letters. The program also provides suggestions and ideas regarding topics that may be appealing and interesting to seniors. From there, individuals may share their stories and interests with the Westminster Woods seniors.

While the pen pal initiative was started for Beacon Lake residents, the community welcomes everyone who would like to participate to join the program. To sign up to be a senior pen pal, visit the Beacon Lake website.

The pen pal outreach program is one of several ways Beacon Lake residents have dedicated their time and energy to helping their community since the pandemic emerged. They recently committed to supporting health care professionals at local hospitals by printing 3D ear guards to increase their comfort and safety while wearing surgical masks. Beacon Lake believes in the power of community and helping those who need it the most.

Community engagement is one of many reasons homeowners love living at Beacon Lake. A gem amongst the master-planned communities, Beacon Lake provides residents the best of St. Johns County living – small enough to get to know your neighbors, yet large enough to be able to offer the magnificent amenities and lifestyle today’s families desire. The community is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, attracting residents of all ages with homes for every lifestyle.

The heart and pride of the Beacon Lake community is the 8,200-square-foot Lake House Amenity and Fitness Center. Anchored by a 43-acre paddle-friendly lake and nestled within 358 acres of nature preserve, Lake House is situated to maximize half-mile lake views and provides a stunning backdrop for sunrises and sunsets. Luxuriously appointed, yet warm and welcoming, Beacon Lake’s amenity center features today’s most desirable amenities – a junior Olympic swimming pool, fun pool and Splash Park, plus a crew house for kayak rentals and a demonstration kitchen.

Beacon Lake’s state-of-the-art fitness center offers virtual fitness classes, cardio and strength training equipment, free weights, spin bikes and a fitness studio. The community features a lakeside sand beach, pirate-themed playground and sports fields for outdoor activities, as well as miles of multipurpose paths for walking, running or biking. For the four-legged family members, a bark park offers furry residents and their owners a place to exercise, socialize and play. Looking to relax? Beacon Lake’s neighborhoods have pocket parks and stop-a-whiles for enjoying the community’s natural surroundings.

Beacon Lake is within the St. Johns County Public School District and currently zoned for A-rated schools including Ocean Palms Elementary School, Alice B. Landrum Middle School and Allen D. Nease High School for the 2020-2021 school year. The district has announced plans to open a new high school in the 2022-2023 school year. Beacon Lake also offers residents a central location near shopping, dining, employment centers and area beaches. A new Publix is currently under construction along south side of County Road 210, just outside the community.

At Beacon Lake, Dream Finders Homes, Mattamy Homes and Toll Brothers are building coastal-inspired single-family homes featuring welcoming front porches and open floor plans. Dream Finders is also building luxury townhomes at Beacon Lake. Seven beautifully decorated model homes are currently open daily for tours. Homes are priced starting from the mid $200s.

Beacon Lake is located on the south side of CR 210 between U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 95. For more information, visit www.BeaconLake.com.