Welcome to my Northeast Florida real estate blog — your local hub for everything St. Augustine and Jacksonville. I’m Neal Brown, a REALTOR®, Veteran, and Investor with iHeart Realty.
Here, I share neighborhood news, buyer and seller tips, market updates, and community stories that help you make smarter real estate decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating, you’ll find hyper-local insights to guide your next move.
🎨 Discover the Murals of Downtown Palatka, Florida
Downtown Palatka hides one of Northeast Florida’s most colorful surprises. Scattered across historic streets and side alleys, local murals quietly tell stories of river life, railroad roots, and the people who shaped this small Florida town. A slow walk is all it takes to see Palatka a little differently.
🎾 St. Johns County Expands Public Pickleball Courts — Here’s Why It Matters
Pickleball is booming, and St. Johns County is expanding public courts to keep up with demand. This investment supports community connection, outdoor recreation, and the everyday lifestyle upgrades that make Northeast Florida a great place to live.
A Major New Restaurant Concept Is Coming to St. Augustine (Trout Creek)
A new restaurant concept is coming to St. Augustine from the culinary team behind Valley Smoke and Marker 32. Planned near SR-13 with indoor and outdoor dining, this project highlights continued growth in Northeast Florida’s food scene.
🔥 A New Farm-to-Fire Restaurant Is Opening in Julington Creek
A new restaurant is coming to Julington Creek. Pecan Craft Kitchen opens December 20 with a farm-to-fire concept, pecan-fired cooking, local ingredients, and a unique self-serve tap experience.
Smoking & Vaping Banned in St. Johns County Parks & Beaches
St. Johns County has banned smoking and vaping at all county-owned parks, playgrounds, and beaches to help keep our outdoor spaces cleaner and more enjoyable. Here’s a friendly rundown of what’s changing and why it matters for our community.
St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights: A Floating Holiday Tradition on the Matanzas River
St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights brings our famous Nights of Lights out onto the Matanzas River with a festive boat parade on December 13, 2025. Enjoy the show from the seawall, local restaurants, or even the top of the Castillo during their Holiday Open House.