OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
The board has overcome some pretty big challenges in the past year (now we can all take a deep sigh of relief). Now that we have conquered our HOA software, filed taxes (for the first time), gained compliance with House Bill 720, and priced out all vendors (yes, again), we were FINALLY able to recruit 3 members to our Covenant Violations Hearing Committee (CVHC), and try to take on years of deferred violations in the neighborhood. We’d like to take the opportunity to say a huge “Thank You” to every resident, and the members of our CVHC. Out of 81 homes, 61 homes were sent violation letters – and to date 56 of those violations have been completed. As you walk (or drive) through the neighborhood, we hope you appreciate all of the work that has been done by your fellow neighbors (and is still continuing to be done). We know this is a big change for the community, but so many of you accepted the notices with grace and willingness to roll up your sleeves and get it done. We all benefit when we pull together to complete these necessary maintenance items. Even board members (yes, we got letters too) noted that it is easy to grow “house-blind” to exterior upkeep – even with the best intentions.
You will receive (along with this newsletter) a letter that has been drafted by our attorneys regarding the HOA’s stance on violations. Please note – nothing has changed to our governing documents, this is simply a clarification of expectations for all homeowners, as some seemed to be caught off-guard with our recent round of letters. The HOA is committed to serving the best interests of our collective neighborhood and improving property values.
Thank you for putting your trust in us, and for being a part of our community. Your pride of ownership is showing, and that’s something we can all be proud of. If you see a neighbor improving their property, take a minute to stop and tell them they are doing a great job, and you appreciate their hard work.
COMMUNITY EVENT HIGHLIGHT – LIVE MUSIC, BBQ, AND POTLUCK!
This was a hugely successful event, with approximately 50 in attendance. We want to thank Joel Skaggs for the idea and thank our ever-talented musician (KB Junction Band). Our board members pulled together to make the event fun, and attractive, and Aliex Kofoed rocked the grill and hammered out hotdogs and burgers. Thank you for bringing your sides and desserts – it looked like we had too much food at first, but a huge shout out to our neighbors who helped consume every bite – nothing went to waste! We will adopt this as an annual event going forward, so if you missed out this year, don’t worry, we’ll do it again. We can’t wait to see you there.
BAYMEADOWS GOLF CLUB HISTORY
WHY IS OUR HOA CALLED “LINKSIDE AT BAYMEADOWS” AND EVERY STREET HAS A GOLF THEMED NAME? BECAUSE OUR HOMES USED TO BE SURROUNDED BY A GOLF COURSE!
Brother developers Paul & Jerome Fletcher took notice of Deerwood Country Club and acquired 500 acres a mile away from the future I-95 and Baymeadows Road interchange. Englishman Desmond Muirhead was engaged to design a golf course around a master-planned community with Gene Sarazen “consulting”. The Baymeadows Golf Course opened in May 1968 as a private club where qualifiers for the U.S. Open were held. It was a premiere course in Jacksonville with 750 members to start because there were not enough courses to meet demand. Society began to change: in the 1940s and 1950s, people were excluded because of their heritage or color. Developers began including golf courses and club memberships with their homes. A private Baymeadows club could not survive financially, so it became semi-private and sold more and more condos. Eventually, it lost its appeal and became a tight course with condos and apartments everywhere. The 2000s United States housing bubble caused land values to soar, making the property more valuable as a development than a golf course. In 2005, D.R. Horton bought and closed the golf course with the goal of building 1,400 homes. Due to the scale and potential problems, the Baymeadows Community Council (BCC) was formed to provide a voice to existing residents in surrounding neighborhoods. That project garnered so much opposition it was vetoed. The 2008 financial crisis put the brakes on most development, so the project wasn’t restarted until 2018. More than a dozen years after the original plan was shelved, developers resurrected Baymeadow Park to create an “urban village” by spending $15 million on a mixed-use development of 6-acres that included a hotel with 100-rooms, commercial and retail space totaling 35,000 square feet, approximately 8,000 square feet of office space on the second-floors, 552 townhomes and 147 homes.
IT’S FALL YA’LL
With warm ocean water, comfortable air temperatures, abundant sunshine, and fewer crowds than summer, October offers the city’s most balanced and enjoyable weather of the year. It’s a month where beach days, hiking, festivals, and city exploration all align perfectly—provided travelers keep an eye on the late‑season tropical outlook.
Jacksonville’s Atlantic beaches remain inviting in October. Water temperatures typically hover around 73–75°F, warm enough for swimming, surfing, and long beach days without the intense summer heat. The sea breeze continues to moderate temperatures along the coast, often making beach afternoons feel cooler than inland neighborhoods.
Although October weather is generally excellent, it remains part of the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs June 1 through November 30, Jacksonville historically faces lower direct‑landfall risk than South Florida, but tropical systems can still influence local conditions.
Fall’s mild temperatures and reduced humidity make it ideal for exploring Jacksonville’s natural and cultural attractions. The Timucuan Preserve reaches peak beauty with clear skies and golden fall light. Riverside and San Marco neighborhoods come alive with outdoor dining, markets, and festivals. The month often features major events such as the Riverside Arts Market’s fall peak and, depending on scheduling, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO? WE GOT YOU!
- Spooktacular at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens — Oct 22–31, 2026 | ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo (weekends Thanksgiving–Feb)
- VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA — Oct–Dec 2026
- Jacksonville Pumpkin Festival — Oct 23–31, 2026
- Fall Festival at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- Wicked Barley Brewing Company — a Baymeadows venue hosting live music and local events (pet friendly outdoor area and covered tents, also has a dock and river access!
- Culhane’s Irish Pub (Southside) — nearby and frequently used for local gatherings (pet friendly patio)
- St Augustine – Nights of Lights Festival — Runs nightly Nov 21, 2026–Jan 18, 2027 with millions of lights illuminating the historic district.
- St Augustine – Holiday Regatta of Lights — A free illuminated boat parade on the bayfront, Dec 12, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m., with decorated boats competing for themed awards
- Palm Valley Boat Parade (Ponte Vedra Beach) — A long-running illuminated boat parade at 6 S Roscoe Blvd, with daily open hours listed for the venue
- Moonlight Movies at Seawalk Pavilion, which is a recurring family event sponsored by Deck the Chairs
- Deck the Chairs — Nov 25, 2026–Jan 1, 2027 – Jacksonville Beach’s signature holiday event at Seawalk Pavilion, featuring decorated lifeguard chairs, lights, and performances
- Blackhawk Bluff Christmas Lights Display — Starting Nov 27 – A drive-through neighborhood light display, Sun–Thu 6–10 pm, Fri–Sat 6–11 pm
- Riverside Avondale Luminaria — Dec 20, 2026 – A beloved candle-lit neighborhood walk with decorated sidewalks
ANIMAL WATCHING THIS QUARTER
Be sure to find us on FACEBOOK, our group name is “Linkside at Baymeadows.” If you see any of these animals, snap a picture and post it to the group. We will award a $25 gift certificate to whomever spots the most – BUT – they must be photos taken this quarter, no cheating! Can you spot them all? Extra point if spotted it in our HOA!
- October:
- Migrating warblers, swallows, ospreys, and hawks.
- Dolphins active along the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway
- November:
- Arrival of wintering waterfowl (ducks, coots, grebes).
- Increased manatee presence as waters cool and they move toward warm springs
- December:
- Peak season for shorebirds (sandpipers, plovers) and wading birds (egrets, herons).
- Right whales occasionally spotted offshore (rare but possible).
- Dolphins remain active year-round
PAY HOA REMINDER
If you haven’t logged in yet, please be sure to get acquainted with our HOA Management software. This software does everything. It can issue and track violation letters, violation fines, invoices, accounting, budgets, and resident payments online. If you’re a new resident, or haven’t logged in yet, take a moment to claim your property in the software. Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss out on anything!
If you have an outstanding violation, fines have now been applied in the PAY HOA software, and will continue to accrue until you email linksideatbaymeadows@gmail.com to confirm completion.
LINK: https://app.payhoa.com/sign-up/41460-linkside-at-baymeadows-hoa
