An Anniversary Honor

This issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer marks our first anniversary, and we've got plenty of reasons to celebrate. Chief among them is an award we just received from industry experts recognizing this magazine as "Best Real Estate Publication for Consumers."

The Laurel Awards, presented by the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, recognize outstanding achievement in all areas of real estate marketing. In the competitive publications category, Jacksonville Homebuyer took top honors because its content and design truly make it an "indispensable resource."

The Laurel Award was a great way to celebrate our first year, or to kick off our second year. I'm not sure which is technically correct, but since most of us wax nostalgic when milestones are reached, I wanted to reflect briefly on some meaningful moments.

This past year, we were thrilled to be able to profile NEFBA executive director Arnold Tritt on his 30th anniversary with the association. And we were honored to publish the official magazine for the association's 60th birthday.

We were inspired by such industry icons as Ken Kuester, Fred King, Rita Williams and Ed Burr, all of whom are walking advertisements for "doing well by doing good."

We were awestruck by the size and scope of amenity-rich new developments, heartened by downtown's residential renaissance and grateful for the TLC being bestowed on our unique historic neighborhoods.

But most of all, we were grateful for the opportunity to help people like you find your dreams. We wanted every issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer to reflect our region in all its aspects, telling you what you need to know while giving you an insider's feel for what makes Northeast Florida so special.

Now, on our first anniversary, we're pleased to announce the addition of an editor whose name many local residents may know. It's Belinda Hulin, an award-winning writer who for the past five years has been feature editor of The Florida Times-Union.

In this issue-the first with Belinda's name on the masthead-we look at the ever-intensifying condominium craze. We also visit red-hot Nassau County and examine the welcome trend toward homey comfort in interior design.

You'll also find the usual neighborhood profiles and local histories, a guide to public and private schools, insider tips, fun facts and directories galore, including the most comprehensive community directory ever compiled for the region.

Everything in Jacksonville Homebuyer is specifically written for people who are moving to Northeast Florida from out of the area-and for people who already live in Jacksonville but are moving elsewhere in the region.

Welcome, Belinda. And welcome to Jacksonville!