Dynamic Corporate Solutions, Inc. (DCSI), a business management consulting firm,  will offer the HR Essentials Workshop to help businesses of all sizes determine their Human Resources needs. Attendees leave with a working knowledge of:  FMLA, FCRA, USERRA, IRCA, FLSA, and ADA. The workshop also covers  requirements under these laws and regulations regarding Human Resources for industries and  states.   The FREE HR Essentials Workshop will help firms stay in compliance.

These classes are eligible for both SHRM and HRCI credits for HR Professionals. Certificates of attendance can be provided.

The next free class will be held at the DCSI office at the Watson Realty Building, at 4729 Highway 17 in Fleming Island on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Register online via the events page at the DCSI website or call 904-278-5383 to make a reservation.

Maxine McBride, president, Clockwork Marketing Services, at the Sept. 23 presentation in Fort Lauderdale

Clockwork Marketing Services’ President Maxine McBride recently presented to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in Fort Lauderdale.

In front of FDOT representatives from across Florida, McBride discussed the importance of a communications plan and managing media and community relations. With more than 21 years in business, Clockwork Marketing provides public relations, media relations, crisis communications and strategic planning among other professional services that keep its clients connected and in the forefront.

“I enjoyed getting to know members of the FDOT and providing them insight on the work Clockwork Marketing does day-to-day and the importance of a strong communication plan,” said Maxine McBride. “It was a great experience and I look forward to further opportunities to promote the business of public relations.”

The Palazzo on St. Johns is located at 3958 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville and its Sales Center is open daily.

Located near Jacksonville’s San Jose and Mandarin neighborhoods, The Palazzo on St. Johns is a hidden gem in the heart of all that the area has to offer.

Priced from the low $400,000s, homeowners at The Palazzo enjoy sweeping views of the waterway from their three-or four-bedroom luxury condominium home. Each residence features superb amenities including a private elevator landing, hardwood floors, nine-foot ceilings, gas fireplace, luxury finishes and more, all while being within minutes to fantastic restaurants and shops.

“The location of The Palazzo cannot be beat – only a short drive to Downtown, the Beaches, cultural attractions and top medical facilities, the atmosphere at The Palazzo feels like a remote estate-style property,” said Bugg. “Interest in The Palazzo has been strong, and homeowners are thrilled with its location and excellent amenities.”

Buildings one and two are complete with move-in residences available and selling quickly. Once complete, The Palazzo on St. Johns will be comprised of 72 waterfront residences among four buildings, featuring sweeping views of the waterway and wildlife preserve.

“The Palazzo on St. Johns is truly an exceptional property that we invite interested homebuyers and Realtors to visit,” said Michael Bugg, Principal, The Condo Group. “We are available seven days a week to showcase Palazzo’s complete amenities and stunning water views.”

Each residence features luxury finishes and sweeping waterway and wildlife preserve views

The Palazzo on St. Johns includes exceptional features and amenities, such as an entry gate with controlled community access, private parking garage, outdoor living area and pool cabana with summer kitchen, resort-style swimming pool, an electric vehicle charging station, and state-of-the-art fitness center. Residents also enjoy an exclusive boardwalk with a canoe and kayak launch, marina with boat slips available for convenient access to the St. Johns River, as well as a picnic area along the beautiful waterfront.

The Condo Group, powered by RE/MAX WaterMarke, is managing sales and marketing activities for The Palazzo on St. Johns.

For more information about The Palazzo on St. Johns, visit www.PalazzoOnStJohns.com or call (904) 627-4762. The Palazzo on St. Johns is located at 3958 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, Fla. and its Sales Center is open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

From the Florida Times-Union:

Caring. Efficient. Creative. Tenacious. Financially savvy. Respected.

Since the 1970s, the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital has consistently lived up to those words.

With a tireless sense of compassion for children and a fierce sense of determination to help them, this board of astute and selfless area women has raised more than $26 million (and counting) over the years.

These funds play a critical role in helping Wolfson Children’s Hospital add the latest technology, programs and resources to treat children facing major medical challenges.

What’s even more admirable is that the Women’s Board has done its fine work while also enriching and elevating the quality of life in our community.

MAJOR EVENTS A TRADITION

Its annual Florida Forum speakers series doesn’t merely serve as a major fundraising vehicle for the nonprofit; it has also allowed tens of thousands of Northeast Floridians to hear from world leaders, distinguished authors, pioneering thinkers, top entertainers, famed athletes and other major figures.

And the Women’s Board yearly Art & Antiques Show, held in December, has become an area fixture of the holiday season — a four-day fundraiser that begins with a gala dinner, continues with striking displays and fascinating speakers and caps off with the traditional, inspiring childrens’ fashion show, featuring Wolfson patients from age 4 to 18.

“Our mission has always been to raise money for (the Children’s Hospital), but it’s also to raise awareness throughout our community about the great things being done there every day,” Women’s Board President Grace Sarber — whose grandmother, Ellen Cavert, founded the nonprofit more than 40 years ago — recently told the Times-Union editorial board.

“Wolfson doesn’t turn any child away, so they look to us as a major donor,” Sarber added. “We can help fund things that they may not be able to (alone).”

MAJOR PROJECTS CONTINUING

And the Women’s Board has been a dynamo in assisting Wolfson’s wide-ranging work to heal and help children.

It is currently raising money to support the construction of a state-of-the-art pediatric surgery center with its funds being devoted not only to building the facility but hiring top surgeons to work in it.

It has worked to increase Wolfson’s supply of innovative neonatal beds.

It has helped boost the hospital’s bone marrow transplant and intensive care units as well as a 16-bed behavioral center that’s provided such much-needed services that it has arguably prevented an area crisis in pediatric mental health care.

A REGIONAL ASSET

It has been the guiding hand in backing Wolfson’s Kids Kare Transport Program, a mobile intensive care unit that travels within a 250-mile radius of Jacksonville to treat critically ill infants and children.

The Women’s Board does all this and more while running a tight organizational ship that emphasizes that a big part of successfully raising funds lies in proving that you’re equally skilled at spending that money in wise fashion.

Sarber noted that the Women’s Board prides itself on being so resourceful that it even auctions off flower displays, table decorations and other mementos from events and adds any funds raised from the sell-offs to its donation kitty for the Children’s Hospital.

“We’re extremely frugal,” Sarber said with a chuckle. “(But) you can’t say or do enough to save the lives of children. And to change their lives for the better.”

And it’s a noble mission that the Women’s Board has taken on with passion — year after year, child after child.

The leadership has been so strong and dynamic that maybe it’s time to call on these women to tackle other civic projects.

The John Gorrie a condominium

Only nine homes remain available for sale at The John Gorrie a condominium. Act quickly to purchase your piece of Jacksonville history and be a part of the proud group who call The John Gorrie home.

As the building’s ornate Mediterranean Revival architecture demonstrates, the former John Gorrie Junior High School was constructed in 1923 and was designed by noted Jacksonville architects Roy A. Benjamin and Mellen C. Greeley. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 before closing in 1997, community advocate Delores Barr Weaver purchased the former school with plans to renovate and restore the historic buildings, transforming them into what is now The John Gorrie a condominium.

The John Gorrie consists of 68 residences with luxurious contemporary amenities including 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, stainless steel GE appliances, CaesarStone countertops and hardwood floors. The John Gorrie offers one- and two-bedroom residences and two-story townhomes priced from the upper-$100,000s. The community’s amenities include private gated parking, a private courtyard, custom fitness center, elevators, a resident reading room and Wi-Fi Internet access.

“Restoring a historic structure in Jacksonville and converting it into The John Gorrie a condominium while keeping significant 1920s characteristics and charm is a project I am exceptionally proud of,” said Weaver. “The community’s response to the renovation has been outstanding and The John Gorrie is a place that all ages appreciate and enjoy.”

The John Gorrie is home to young professionals, retirees and families alike, and to the owners’ delight, pet-friendly. In addition to being Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae (FNMA) approved, making it possible for qualified homebuyers to obtain low down payment and fixed-rate mortgages at competitive rates, owners at The John Gorrie a condominium receive an ad valorem tax abatement toward their homeowner’s tax bill through 2021.

The John Gorrie is located across the street from Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, Tres Leches eatery, a bicycle shop, and is within walking distance to Fresh Market, boutiques and beautiful parks, allowing residents the opportunity to enjoy the immediate neighborhood without getting into a car. Residents are also in close proximity to the St. Johns River and with
I-10 and I-95 being easily accessible, the Beaches are just 30 minutes away.

For more information about how you can secure your piece of history and be part of The John Gorrie community, call (904) 383-3688 or visit www.TheJohnGorrie.com.

elacora in Madeira at St. Augustine recently welcomed homeowners and guests to a neighborhood party at the community’s Residents Club. Madeira is an exceptional master-planned community offering innovative homes, resort-style amenities and one of the most sought-after addresses in St. Johns County.

“The gathering was a tremendous success and we are especially proud of the positive response we received from our Madeira residents, who came out in numbers to enjoy the festivities,” said Victoria Robbins, exclusive agent for elacora Northeast Florida. “Interest in elacora at Madeira has been building for more than a year, and it is extremely gratifying to see our community coming to life.”

Madeira residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle that includes a selection of innovative new homes by elacora, a desirable location, naturally beautiful setting and numerous amenities. Residents have the opportunity to savor life at home, relaxing with family and friends in the lifestyle that is Madeira.

With the look of a luxurious resort, Madeira’s private Residents Club is the community’s social hub. The thriving amenity center includes a pool with lap lanes, clubhouse, fitness center and expansive outdoor gathering areas. Membership to the Residents Club is included with the purchase of a home at Madeira.

Located off of U.S. 1, the Madeira community is surrounded by nature and extends along the Intracoastal Waterway. The lush natural setting provides the perfect backdrop for elacora’s homes. Homesites at Madeira back up to conservation areas with spectacular water or nature preserve views. Construction of several homes is underway as evidenced by the Mediterranean-themed streetscape taking shape within Madeira.

Homes by elacora are expertly crafted and designed with the Florida homebuyer in mind. The company offers two different home collections at Madeira, ranging in size from 1,797 square feet to more than 3,300 square feet and are priced starting from the mid-$200,000s.

All of elacora’s homes at Madeira include advanced energy-efficient standards, such as solar panels on concrete tile roofs and tankless gas hot water heaters. The company’s innovative designs offer unique customizable options – including additional bedrooms, sunrooms, game rooms and Florida basement storage solutions – so that buyers can select a floor plan designed to best suit their lifestyle.

Visitors to Madeira are invited to see elacora’s award-winning model homes furnished and decorated by Barbara Ondo Design Group. The Villena model from elacora’s Serena Collection recently received silver award honors in the St. Johns County Parade of Homes. The Capri model from elacora’s Portada Collection showcases an open, spacious plan for living and entertaining. The exquisite models are impeccably decorated in soothing water and earth hues and open daily.

Additionally, Madeira has several move-in ready homes from both home collections available for prospective buyers to tour and purchase. Home buyers are invited to take advantage of elacora’s limited-time special offer: $5,000 toward closing costs or CDD fees and $2,000 in-home upgrade on quick move-in homes.

Madeira is located in the city of St. Augustine, which is known for its beautiful beaches, world-renowned golf courses, historical attractions, arts and culture, parks and recreational areas, fabulous dining and entertainment, and top-rated St. Johns County schools.

The Madeira Sales Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (904) 484-9024 or visit www.elacora.com.

The Egret II model at ICI Homes’ Amelia National Golf & Country Club

Paradise is closer than you think at Amelia National Golf & Country Club in Fernandina Beach, which is located just 10 minutes from its historic downtown.

An ICI Homes community, Amelia National Golf & Country Club is perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and resort-style living with easy access to the surrounding area. Only 10 minutes to Northeast Florida’s beautiful beaches, 20 minutes to Jacksonville International Airport, 30 minutes to Downtown Jacksonville, and within a 40 minute drive to high-end shopping at the St. Johns Town Center.

“Amelia National Golf & Country Club is closer than many think to popular places throughout Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach,” said ICI Homes Chief Operating Officer Tom McCall. “It truly offers something for all ages to enjoy without leaving the community.”

Known for its ability to completely customize a floor plan to uniquely suit the homeowner while delivering the highest quality craftsmanship, personal service and value, ICI Homes has built thousands of single-family homes. Due to market demand, five move-in ready homes are currently under construction at Amelia National. The homes range in size from 2,624 square feet to 3,191 square feet and will be complete in December 2015. Additionally, 60 scenic new home sites are available for purchase on the community’s golf course, or lake and conservation areas. Homeowners can choose from 13 floorplans that range in size from 2,440 square feet to 4,001 square feet beginning in the high $300,000s.

“For new construction, you will not find a better price per square foot value in any golf and tennis community in all of north Florida,” said Don Wilford, ICI Homes North Florida Division President. “Amelia National offers resort-style living, an outstanding value and is closer than you think to all the great things Jacksonville area has to offer.”

Amelia National Golf & Country Club embodies country club living at its best. Set among a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf course, the community’s amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service restaurant, a resort-style swimming pool and a champion-quality tennis facility.

The recently-completed $1 million state-of-the-art Amelia National Tennis Club boasts eight clay championship-quality Har-Tru courts where athletes of all abilities can enjoy the facilities during the day or play under court lights in the evening. Each tennis court features PlaySight technology, an after-action review system that provides real-time and review with complete debriefing solutions, auto stats, bio-mechanical analysis and 3D tactical game management. While athletes are at play, their activity and motions are recorded and analyzed, providing ultramodern individualized coaching. The facility hosts tennis tournaments, leagues and its tennis professionals are available for lessons.

“The amenities and quality of homes available at Amelia National Golf & Country Club are truly world class. We invite interested homebuyers to visit the community and see all that Amelia National has to offer,” said McCall.

Interested homebuyers can visit the sales center at Amelia National Golf & Country Club from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday to tour ICI Homes’ award-winning model home daily and on-site amenities.

For more information or to schedule a discovery tour or private appointment, call (844) 886-4579, or visit www.ICIHomes.com or www.AmeliaNationalGolf.com. For more information regarding the Amelia National Tennis Club, visit www.AmeliaNationalTennis.com.

Jacksonville’s Financial News & Daily Record reported in September that container cargo through JaxPort could triple by 2035 and nearly 14,000 new jobs could be created, providing a possible regional economic impact of more than $850 million per year if $684.2 million is spent to deepen JaxPort’s shipping channel.

To view the article by reporter Carole Hawkins in its entirety, click here.

A smaller home can cut your costs and your cares, according to Money.com article, “How Downsizing Can Save Your Retirement.”

To read the article and to learn the benefits of downsizing, click here.

HabiJax and NEFBA will partner to build the above Wiley model for its 24-Hour House

Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc. (HabiJax) and the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) are partnering for the HabiJax – NEFBA 24-Hour House build, in which the two organizations will work together to build a home for a Jacksonville family over the course of two 12-hour days. The HabiJax – NEFBA 24 Hour House will be built Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Thursday, Oct. 15 during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1439 Windle Street in New Town.

“Building a quality home for a deserving Jacksonville family with NEFBA in 24 hours versus nine to 12 weeks is an exciting undertaking that our teams look forward to accomplishing,” said Mary Kay O’Rourke, HabiJax’s CEO and President. “HabiJax is grateful for all of the resources that NEFBA has provided to make this build possible and for choosing HabiJax for its annual President’s Project.”

An annual project tasked to the president of NEFBA, the goal of its President’s Project is to positively impact the community. This is the third consecutive year a NEFBA president has selected HabiJax as its organization of choice.

HabiJax has provided housing services to more than 2,000 families in Jacksonville since 1988 and is the largest affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in the United States. Due to its commitment to making a greater impact in Jacksonville neighborhoods and revitalizing the historic New Town neighborhood, HabiJax has built more than 250 homes there to date.

“NEFBA is proud to continue to partner with an organization like HabiJax that changes our community for the better,” said NEFBA President Rick Morales. “We anticipate a great 24-Hour House build and are eager for the challenge of completing the home on such a fast-paced schedule.”

The City of Jacksonville recently declared Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2015, HabiJax & Habitat for Humanity ReStore Appreciation Week for the work the organization does throughout the Jacksonville community.