Firefighter Chris Cavanaugh
20 Years of Service

Chris Cavanaugh’s introduction to firefighting came through mentorship—he once worked with a retired Jacksonville Fire Rescue chief who recognized his potential. Two decades later, Cavanaugh has built a career defined by teamwork and resilience.

“The importance of teamwork, and just how fragile life can be. That’s what this job teaches you,” he reflects. It’s a perspective forged on countless calls where seconds matter and trust in your crew is everything.
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Away from the station, Cavanaugh embraces balance: family time, golf, snowboarding, and fitness. It’s that mix of adrenaline and stillness, teamwork and solitude, that keeps him grounded in a demanding career.


Paramedic Henry Bishop
3.5 Years of Service
Henry Bishop’s path to the firehouse wasn’t direct, but it was inevitable. He once managed tattoo shops at the beach, supervised a natural foods grocery, and even trained as a radiographer at Mayo Clinic. Yet the spark of service began early, when he worked as a lifeguard at 14. The medical side of helping people never left him.

“I realized radiography wasn’t for me. I needed something more hands-on, more alive,” he recalls. Conversations with firefighters at the tattoo shop sealed his decision. Within days, he left Mayo’s program and enrolled in fire school. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Bishop has since earned certifications in paramedicine, HAZMAT, and USAR, but the lessons that resonate most aren’t technical. “This job has taught me how precious life is. Never to take time with loved ones for granted.” Off duty, Bishop finds balance outdoors, fishing, hunting, or hiking, often for hours at a time. “It’s important to have outlets. For me, the outdoors is where I reset.”


Lieutenant  Justin Dailey
11 Years of Service
Justin Dailey never set out to be a firefighter. At 20, he enlisted in the Air Force, unsure of what career path to take. His recruiter made a suggestion that would change everything: firefighting. The moment Dailey stepped into the military fire academy, he knew he had found his calling.

Now more than a decade into his career with St. Johns County Fire Rescue, Dailey has come to see firefighting as both a profession and a philosophy. “Being a firefighter has taught me that obstacles are opportunities,” he says. It’s a lesson that shapes not just his work but the way he approaches life itself.
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When the uniform comes off, Dailey devotes himself to family time and fitness, grounding his life in the same discipline and teamwork that define his career.

Firefighter Samuel Wick
4 Years of Service


Born in England, Samuel Wick grew up watching Fireman Sam, a children’s program about a cheerful firefighter who always saved the day. Years later, that childhood fascination found real-life expression. After a career in underground utility sales, Wick traded tools of business for the tools of rescue.
For Wick, firefighting is not just a job but a vocation, and a family. “It comes with a second family,” he says. “I get to become the real-life Fireman Sam.”

The role has sharpened more than his professional skills. “It’s taught me discipline, integrity, and how to be a better father, husband, son, and friend.” At home, he spends his days off with his wife and three young boys. That time, he says, is every bit as precious as the time spent on shift.


The Heart of Service

Each of these men found their way to the fire service from different roads: a tattoo shop, the military, a sales career, a mentor’s encouragement. But together, their stories reflect the same truth: Firefighting is less about the flames than about the lives protected, the families comforted, and the community strengthened.
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This October, as we reflect on fire prevention and safety, St. Johns County honors not just the work of its firefighters but the humanity that fuels it. Behind every call answered is a life lived with purpose, courage, and an unshakable bond to the place we all call home.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, a reminder that orthodontics is about more than perfecting appearances. “A straight smile is beautiful, of course,” says Dr. Christopher Henry of Henry Advanced Orthodontics, “but it also makes a big difference in overall health. Teeth that fit together the right way are easier to clean, which helps prevent gum disease and cavities. They also function better—making it easier to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. When we talk about creating a healthy smile, we’re really talking about supporting a healthier, happier life.”

That perspective reflects how much the field has evolved. For decades, orthodontics carried the stereotype of being “just for kids.” Today, Dr. Henry sees a different story. “In our office, about 30 to 40 percent of patients are adults, and that number keeps growing,” he explains. Some adults had braces years ago and want to restore their smile after shifting, while others never had the opportunity as children. Now, with discreet treatments like clear aligners, it’s easier than ever for adults to get results without the stigma of “teenage braces.”

Behind every transformation is a careful balance of technology and artistry. Digital tools now allow orthodontists to study each case in extraordinary detail before treatment begins, ensuring tooth movement is both precise and efficient. But for Dr. Henry, science alone isn’t enough. “Every smile is unique—almost like a trademark for that person. Our job is to make sure it looks natural, fits their personality, and gives them the confidence to shine.”

​That philosophy extends to the practice itself, where the team plays a central role. “This is never a one-person job,” Dr. Henry emphasizes. “It takes our whole team—each with their own role—to create a smooth, positive experience for patients from start to finish.” Patients often describe the office as a place where skill and technology meet warmth and encouragement, making the journey feel personal rather than clinical.

Families in St. Johns, especially during the back-to-school season, are often concerned about timing. Dr. Henry recommends scheduling a child’s first orthodontic checkup around age seven. At that stage, orthodontists can monitor how teeth and jaws are developing and intervene early if needed, often preventing more complex treatment later. “The start of the school year is actually a great time to schedule an evaluation,” he notes, since children are already adapting to new routines. His office also works to accommodate busy schedules, offering flexible appointment times and quick visits to minimize disruption.

And while October may be Orthodontic Health Month, it’s also Halloween season—a tricky time for kids with braces. Dr. Henry and his team prepare families with guidance and alternatives so children can still enjoy the holiday without risking broken brackets. “Halloween can be tricky when you have braces, but it doesn’t mean kids can’t enjoy it,” he says.

Still, for Dr. Henry, the heart of orthodontics is transformation. “This is the best part of what we do,” he reflects. “For some patients, the change is gradual and they don’t realize just how much they’ve grown until the braces come off. The look on their face when they see their new smile—it’s priceless. Others celebrate every little step along the way. No matter how it happens, watching someone’s confidence grow as their smile transforms never gets old. It’s why we love what we do.”
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In a community like St. Johns, where families juggle busy lives, orthodontics is less about vanity and more about investing in long-term health and confidence. At Henry Advanced Orthodontics, it’s a process of precision, care, and artistry—building not just straighter smiles, but brighter lives.

When you think “custom closet,” you might imagine beautiful shelves, sleek drawers, and clever storage solutions. But at Closet Factory Jacksonville, what you’re really getting is a carefully choreographed process—part design artistry, part precision craftsmanship—that transforms your ideas into a space you’ll love for years.


The Collaborative Design Journey


From the moment you book a consultation, you’re stepping into a collaborative journey. The process begins with an in-home or virtual meeting with one of Closet Factory Jacksonville’s experienced designers, which includes owners Jill and Sierra Flores. Their first job isn’t to sell—it’s to listen. They want to understand how you live, what frustrates you about your current space, and what dream features would make your life easier. Whether it’s a walk-in closet fit for a fashion lover, a perfectly organized pantry, or a functional home office, the design starts with your needs, style, and routines.


Armed with your vision, the designer begins crafting a personalized plan. Using both creativity and technical expertise, they balance style with practicality—maximizing every inch of space while incorporating thoughtful details that make daily life smoother. The options are nearly endless: from timeless wood finishes to sleek modern designs, hidden compartments, jewelry drawers, wine racks, or built-in lighting that gives everything a polished glow.

From Blueprint to Reality: A Local Craft


Once you approve the design, the baton passes to the local in-house manufacturing team—an often unseen but vital part of the Closet Factory experience. This is where “custom” truly means custom. Every project is built one at a time, cut to precise measurements for your home. Skilled craftsmen work with state-of-the-art machinery to bring your design to life, using locally sourced materials whenever possible. Each component is measured, cut, and assembled with care, then inspected multiple times before leaving the factory.


The installers—Closet Factory’s final link in the chain—are just as committed to quality as the designers and builders. They arrive ready to work efficiently, treating your home with respect and ensuring every shelf, hinge, and handle is perfectly placed. By the time they leave, your space isn’t just organized—it’s transformed.

Tune in for Closets & Cocktails, where dynamic mother-daughter duo Jill and Sierra Flores mix equal parts fun, style, and smart organizing tips.


From closet makeovers to clever storage hacks—and maybe a little morning mimosa talk—Jill and Sierra share their passion for beautiful, functional spaces. As the powerhouse team behind Closet Factory Jacksonville, Jill (the local franchise owner) and Sierra (senior designer extraordinaire) bring years of expertise and plenty of personality to every broadcast.


So grab your coffee—or your cocktail—and join the party! Laugh, learn, and get inspired to make your home as fabulous as you are! Learn more at ClosetFactoryJacksonville.com.


Closets and Cocktails is available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or with this link www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closets-cocktails/id1826454264

In July, I had the pleasure of attending one of the most vibrant women’s gatherings in town — the St. Johns BFF Luncheon (with a Luau theme!) held at St. Johns Golf and Country Club. From the moment I walked in, I felt the warmth and energy of the community Jess and Jac have so thoughtfully built. Their welcoming spirit is contagious, and the event was not only full of heartfelt connection, but also pure fun — complete with a performance by local Hawaiian dancers that brought the room to life. It was an uplifting experience, and I left feeling grateful to be part of something so joyful and empowering.

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In 2023, Jess Swearingen and Jac Kalaher gathered with a handful of women at a local restaurant in St. Johns. Their vision was simple: create a space where women could connect through business, faith, and friendship. They called it BFF. What happened next surprised even them.


“By the second luncheon, we had doubled in size,” Jac recalls. “The need for genuine connection was bigger than we imagined.”


Today, BFF St. Johns hosts vibrant monthly luncheons at St. Johns Golf and Country Club, where more than 80-100 women gather not just to network—but to celebrate each other. Each event is themed (think Stars and Stripes, complete with red, white, and blue outfits), and built around intention, encouragement, and impact. What sets BFF apart is that it isn’t just about swapping business cards—it’s about building community, having fun and giving back.


The two met when Jac and her husband were coaching Jess’s son in Tball six years ago—and their shared passion for people grew into a deep friendship and powerful partnership. As Jess said, “We realized we both had very similar goals in life.” 


Jess, a longtime Realtor and wellness coach, and Jac, a speaker and business strategist with a background in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, complement each other perfectly. They share a common goal to uplift women through business, faith, and friendship.


Now, with more than 8,200 followers across social media and a reach of 65,000+ women in the Jacksonville area, BFF continues to grow. They added group workouts, pizza parties, volunteer events, and even a quarterly Mix & Mingle where men are invited to join.

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Whether it’s a luncheon, a volunteer event, or a mission trip, you can feel the balance of purpose and connection in everything they do. Business is nurtured through genuine referrals and partnerships, faith is honored in the uplifting spirit that runs through each gathering, and friendship is the golden thread that ties it all together. Jess and Jac have created a space where women don’t just network — they grow, give back, and support one another through every season of life and business.


They’ve created a thriving Preferred Vendor program with over 100 vetted local businesses. A portion of every partnership—10%—is donated to nonprofits like Isaiah 117 House, Present Moms, and Cup of Love Ministries. Last year alone, BFF gave over $10,000 to support local causes. This year they plan to double this amount and add more charities including Make a Wish, Blessings in a Backpack and more.


And they don’t stop at donations. Each month, members volunteer together at “Serving Saturdays” with Cup of Love Ministries, offering warm meals, kind words, and a listening ear to those in need. “Giving back is who we are,” Jess says. “It’s how we bring our faith to life.”


Their mission is expanding even further. This summer, BFF led a team on a mission trip to Honduras, bringing supplies, support, and hope through humanitarian and faith-based outreach. “This is just the beginning,” Jac says. “Eventually, we want sister cities—St. Johns and beyond—connected by this spirit of generosity and faith.”


Looking ahead, they dream of taking BFF global. But for now, their hearts remain firmly planted in St. Johns, where they continue to inspire, uplift, and empower women to grow their businesses—and their lives—with faith and friendship at the center. As Jac puts it, “We’re building more than a network. We’re building a legacy.”
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If you live in St. Johns County and have any interest in dance, have we got some amazing news for you…The nation’s premier dance school, Dance Theatre, will be opening it’s fourth Florida location right here THIS FALL!! Located in The Shoppes at Tocoi Creek (near the corner of Pacetti Rd. & State Rd. 16), the state-of-the-art facility will soon be complete and is poised to become an integral part of our community, one fabulous dancer at a time.


This Fall, St. Johns will welcome the next chapter of a remarkable 33-year legacy in dance education. Founded in 1993 by Michelle Gerlick, Dance Theatre has grown from a single studio in Davie, Florida, to multiple locations across the Southeast—including Parkland, Coral Springs, and Atlanta—and now opens its doors in St. Johns.


Inspired by a passion for movement and a mission to build not only strong dancers but strong individuals, Gerlick has created more than a studio—she's created a home. Dance Theatre offers a unique blend of artistic excellence, community connection, and personal growth. With a diverse curriculum, seasoned faculty, and opportunities for performance at both local and national levels, this isn’t just a place to learn pirouettes—it’s a place where young dancers find their confidence, their creativity, and their lifelong friendships.
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What is it that makes this place so special? “My answer is always the same,” says owner and Director Michelle Gerlick, “We build beautiful, safe, clean facilities, hire the best teachers in the business, and treat each child that walks through our doors as if they were our very own.”


“Awards are nice, and our trophies are beautiful,” Michelle continues, “but that’s not what we strive for. We shoulder an enormous responsibility with our promise to educate. It’s incumbent upon us to do it responsibly. We train exceptional dancers, yes, but we also help to raise exceptional young women (and a few men). Our staff is teeming with strong, positive role models that are so important to our students as they mature. We work hard, we have passion, and we care deeply about the impact we have on their lives. When a parent tells me their child has flourished since enrolling, I melt. When past graduates return to say we helped them find success in life, as with dance, nothing can compare. That’s why we do this.”


If you’re still not convinced that Dance Theatre is THE place to train...consider this...they offer a truly comprehensive program where dancers age 3 & up, beginner through advanced, can take classes in every basic discipline including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics, and pointe, as well as specialty classes like aerial silks! Dancers who excel and aspire to become dance professionals can also join either DTC, Dance Theatre’s performance team, which specializes in providing entertainment at amazing venues like NFL, NBA, and MLB games, or their elite competitive group, DTX, where they can travel to local, regional and national conventions and hone their skills against the best from other schools. 


For those interested in joining the Dance Theatre family, you can call the studio at 904-544-5678 and speak to resident Director Sabrina Clark today!  You can also register for Fall classes any time by visiting the Dance Theatre web-site www.dancetheatre.net, viewing the Fall Schedule, and filling out the simple registration form. Better hurry though, classes will fill quickly. Finally, as soon as construction is complete, everyone is invited to visit the studio, check it out, and try any class completely free!
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As public beaches along Florida’s First Coast become increasingly crowded, the South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility. Tucked between private homes and the Guana Tolomato Preserve on South Ponte Vedra Boulevard, this hidden gem trades traffic noise for the soothing rhythm of crashing waves, fostering a barefoot, laid-back vibe. Since its grand opening in February 2025, the Ocean Club has become more than a retreat for its growing membership - it’s a way of life.


“Our mission is to ensure members leave feeling utterly relaxed and carefree,” says Kelly Kosmin, a member of the club’s advisory board. The Ocean Club delivers with ample beachfront parking, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, distinct adults-only and family pools, and Lynda’s at the Ocean Club, a premier oceanfront restaurant serving chef-crafted coastal cuisine.

Kelly advises that Ocean Club membership is available at a remarkably reasonable price point, reportedly less than half the cost of other beach clubs in St. Johns County. This makes the dream of a luxury beach club accessible to families. And should your life plans change, membership to the Ocean Club is transferable, offering peace of mind if you sell your home in the future or as part of your estate planning.


Your Family, Your Coastal Haven
Picture the perfect beach day at the South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club, where every moment feels effortless and unforgettable. Park just steps from the club’s entrance and let the day unfold. The kids might race to the family pool for a splash, while you unwind nearby with a cool drink. Or perhaps you’ve reserved your beach chairs and umbrella, so you head straight to the shore, settling in with the rhythmic waves as your soundtrack. When hunger strikes, savor a chef-prepared lunch poolside. After catching up with friends, refresh in the locker rooms and toast the day with a cocktail at the oceanfront bar. Plan for beach yoga at sunrise or a workout in the club’s gym tomorrow. If cooking feels like too much, stay for a relaxed dinner under the stars.


This isn’t just a beach club - it’s a vibrant community where lifelong memories are made. Kids forge new friendships, adults connect over shared moments, and families celebrate milestones together. Moms can enjoy a quick coffee with friends, while members unwind in the hot tub, the ocean’s melody washing away the day’s stress. It’s a safe, welcoming sanctuary for all ages.


Exclusive Comfort, Family-Focused Ease
Designed with families in mind, the South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club blends luxury with simplicity. Kids can dive into supervised fun at the Kids’ Cove or play freely, while parents relax knowing full amenities - like locker rooms and showers - make cleanup a breeze.


Privacy sets this club apart. No crowded hotels or transient vacationers, just members and their guests. This exclusivity ensures easy beachfront parking and a serene atmosphere. Attentive service brings chef-crafted meals, snacks, and drinks from Lynda’s straight to your poolside lounge or beach chair. Lynda’s offers members weekend poolside and beachside service, with public dining available by reservation.


Located at 3175 South Ponte Vedra Boulevard, the South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club is a timeless retreat for young families and those who cherish the classic Florida beach club tradition. Here, every visit feels like coming home.

My father’s father was a very interesting man: a man of principle, a man of purpose, a man focused on his family and his success in his career. A methodical thinker, he was not impulsive and was sensitive to the needs of those around him—family, employees, his community, and his country.


He was called to serve in World War I in France and was wounded twice in the arm, receiving the Purple Heart for his heroism and wounds. Grandpa Burton fought in the final and most decisive offensive of the First World War, the Battle of the Argonne Forest. The campaign was waged from September 26th to November 11, 1918, resulting in an armistice with the Germans.


World War 1; The Great War
Notable figures of this offensive, both famous and infamous, included General Pershing, Eddie Rickenbacker, Alvin York, Colonel George S. Patton, Hermann Göring, and the Richthofen Flying Circus, although their leader, the Red Baron, had been killed in battle when his plane was shot down and crashed in April of the same year.


Researching a lengthy account of the various battles of the campaign, which involved 600,000 Americans, 40,000 tons of supplies, and 4,000 pieces of artillery, one cannot truly imagine the chaos, logistics, weather conditions, strategy, fear, heroism, and the enormous loss of life and severe casualties that the troops endured to ensure Germany did not take over the world and impose its doctrine and racial and ethnic prejudices. Unfortunately, the armistice did not force the Germans to stop producing war materials, and with the rise of Hitler and his Nazi Party, we were again at war with Germany in the 1940s as World War II was fought to protect America and recapture Europe from Hitler.


The casualties of World War I, which was fought utilizing trench warfare, were enormous. The total military and civilian deaths were 20 million, and 21 million were wounded. Further evidence of the deaths from this war is presented at the cemetery at Romagne, the largest American cemetery in Europe.

Called To Serve
Howard G. Burton, of the 77th New York Regiment, was shot in the right chest. However, his metal glasses case slowed the bullet and saved his life. He was later felled by shrapnel from an exploding shell, which penetrated his leg and hip. These injuries heavily impacted his health until his passing in the 1950s. He spent months recuperating in a military hospital in New York.


I have his Purple Heart and his glasses case that bears the bullet hole. I also have a book presented to my Grandfather, written by "Buck Private" McCollum, which details the lost battalion of the American forces fighting in France at the end of the war. This book is titled The History and Rhymes of the Lost Battalion. It was presented to Grandpa Burton in Canastota on September 15th, 1932, and personally signed by the author.


My Grandfather never spoke of the war and never complained about his limitations. He was kind but firm and would appear quiet and sullen at times. He became a civic-minded small-town entrepreneur who owned a coal business in Canastota that morphed into a fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene, lumber, and hardware business. when my father, Frederic C. Burton, returned from the Gold Coast in Africa to Canastota to partner with his father in Burton Fuel and Supply. Prior to the war, Grandpa was a postal clerk and newspaper journalist. I have an article he wrote for the newspaper. He loved his White Owl cigars, the aroma of which permeated the home on High Street in Canastota.


I am proud to be named after my Grandfather and to be familiar with his sacrifices that helped preserve our freedoms. He endured incredible wartime conditions in his efforts to ensure our family's and others' a better life, free of tyranny.


Let us not forget those veterans of all wars, who deserve our support, thanks, and remembrance for all that they’ve done for America.

Behind the stylish storefronts of Bartram Walk in Julington Creek, an unexpected but heartwarming story unfolds each day—one of compassion, community, and the 28 stray cats who call this little corner of St. Johns County home. At the center of it all is Julie Widener, co-owner of The Pink Nickel boutique and a devoted caregiver to the cats many shoppers may never even know are there.


Julie’s day starts long before her boutique opens—at 5 a.m., to be exact. She arrives quietly with fresh food, medicine, and warm words for the feline residents who now depend on her care. She returns again in the afternoon for their second feeding. These cats, who live behind the Bartram Walk plaza, are not wild or feral, Julie explains. "They’re strays—friendly, abandoned, and often dumped by people who couldn’t keep them."

Then there’s Sassy, a 21-year-old Siamese and one of the colony’s originals. When Julie noticed her eye was damaged, she carefully trapped her and brought her to the vet, saving her life by removing the eye before it ruptured. Another cat, Peaches, who now has three legs, once gnawed her own limb after getting caught in a fence. It was Sassy who ran to find help—Barbara, a previous caregiver—who returned with a crowbar and freed her.


“These cats love life,” Julie says. “They’re survivors. Resilient. People think euthanizing them is the solution—but that would be such a shame.”


Now, Julie is looking for a few dedicated cat lovers to help her continue this mission. “I can’t do it alone forever. I’d love to find a team of volunteers who care as much as I do.”


For Julie Widener, caring for the stray cats of Bartram Walk isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a calling. And thanks to her, these resilient creatures are not just surviving—they’re thriving.