A River Runs Through It

The history of Northeast Florida has for centuries been shaped by the St. Johns River. The 300-mile-long waterway, which begins in Indian River County on the state's southeast coast and then spills into the Atlantic Ocean at Mayport, has provided sustenance and solace for local residents since the time of the Timucuans.

To be sure, no city in Florida has been more intimately associated with the St. Johns River than Jacksonville. So if you live here—or plan to live here—you ought to know something about this incredible natural wonder, which bisects the city's northern and southern banks.

That's why we're proud to present a special feature in this issue of Jacksonville Homebuyer called "Big River." It's excerpted from a memorable book I'm pleased to recommend to anyone interested in our state's natural history and unique ecology.

River of Lakes: A Journey on the St. Johns River is a breathtaking account of writer/filmmaker Bill Belleville's trip along the river's length. Kirkus, when it reviewed Belleville's book, described it better than I possibly could:

"Belleville reveals the waterway's exotic voluptuousness.in writing that is both silvery and refreshingly unrehearsed.two qualities much in keeping with the milieu. Belleville creates in the reader a protective affection for the St. Johns, all any river can ask of its lover."

I've lived in Jacksonville a long time, but after reading this story, I had a far greater appreciation for this priceless ecological resource, its history and its importance to our region.

I also learned some fascinating factoids, like this one: Black Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns, is the only place in the world where you'll find procambarus pictus, a type of crayfish. Many scientists believe pictus to be the earliest surface-dwelling crayfish to colonize the newly formed Florida peninsula—truly a "living fossil," according to Belleville.

Hey, you never know when the topic of ancient crayfish will come up in conversation. Next time it does, I'll be ready.

Granted, "Big River" isn't the kind of story you'll find in most real estate magazines. But, as you certainly know by now, Jacksonville Homebuyer isn't like most real estate magazines.

Our primary mission, of course, is to help our readers find homes. But more than that, we want to make certain that newcomers—and old-timers, for that matter—understand how special this part of Florida truly is.

It's in that spirit that we invite you to join Belleville on his rambling, eye-opening downriver excursion. I promise you this much: You'll come away from the experience with an entirely new perspective on Northeast Florida.

Also in this issue, we meet Greg Matovina, past president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. We think you'll be inspired by Greg's personal commitment to good works, especially on behalf of programs to benefit women and children.

And, as part of our expanded interior design coverage, we look ahead to the holidays with three beautifully decorated fireplace mantles and a review of what's new in fireplace installations.

We also have our usual comprehensive community directories, public school test scores and much more. Enjoy!