Nocatee: Connecting Ponte Vedra & St. Johns County

For more than two decades, Nocatee has been one of the most influential master-planned communities shaping growth in Northeast Florida. Nocatee’s success can be attributed in large part to the shared vision and unwavering commitment to quality between the Davis Family and The PARC Group. From its earliest planning stages, the Nocatee plan was not simply a residential development, but a “complete, sustainable new town” where residents could live, work, shop, and play.

Developed in collaboration with St. Johns County, Duval County, local governments, and community partners, Nocatee serves as a national model for sustainable growth, smart infrastructure, and natural preservation. As the community nears full build-out, its legacy—and future—continues to enrich the region.

Contributions to the Community 

Even before construction began, the Davis Family and The PARC Group shared a vision for responsible development that would strengthen, not strain, the surrounding community. Their approach emphasized long-term investment in schools, roads, parks, and open spaces designed to benefit all of St. Johns County, not just Nocatee residents. 

Over the years, they have made several significant contributions to enhance public infrastructure, education, and recreational opportunities for Ponte Vedra and St. Johns County:

• The Nocatee Preserve, which spans 2,400 acres of prime real estate along four miles of the Intracoastal Waterway, was permanently dedicated to conservation and gifted for public use. The Preserve offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails — including a 4.1-mile mountain biking trail — along with birdwatching and opportunities to experience the area’s diverse natural vegetation.
• Davis Park was donated to St. Johns County, providing a destination for families, sports leagues, and community events that serves both Nocatee residents and the greater Ponte Vedra area. 
• Nocatee Parkway was built to ensure a safe hurricane evacuation route for Ponte Vedra residents.  
• At the request of St. John’s County, land was donated to Crosswater Church to help fund the acquisition cost necessary to facilitate the purchase of the land parcel that is today the home of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and Crosswater Park. Without this land donation, these community facilities would not have been built and enjoyed by Ponte Vedra residents.
• The land for Ponte Vedra High School and four other county schools was donated, helping establish a top-tier educational anchor for the area and ensuring families in Ponte Vedra have access to high-quality public education. 
• To improve safety and traffic flow at a key intersection, the required mitigation for the construction of the traffic circle at Mickler's was provided. These investments helped reduce congestion, improve vehicular safety, and provide smoother access for commuters and residents alike.
   
• The Nocatee Developers secured millions of dollars to fund the improvements needed to widen the Palm Valley Bridge from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and add a dedicated pedestrian/bike path. 
• The land for a new regional park and library was also donated to the county and is scheduled to open in 2027 for the benefit of the county residents.

Economic and Regional Impact 

Nocatee has consistently ranked among the Top 10 Best-Selling Master-Planned Communities in the U.S. and was named the #1 Place to Raise a Family in Florida by Newsweek Magazine. Commercial and retail development in Nocatee has strengthened the county tax base, created hundreds of local jobs, and expanded access to shopping, dining, and professional services for residents of both Nocatee and neighboring Ponte Vedra Beach. Thoughtful planning of roads, utilities, and greenways has allowed growth to occur responsibly while preserving neighborhood character and natural resources.

The Future 

As it reaches completion, The PARC Group continues to prioritize quality over quantity, resulting in fewer homes and less commercial space than originally approved - underscoring the developer’s steadfast commitment to the community’s founding vision.

With 96% of homes sold and fewer than 400 remaining, the community is now in its final stages of development. The Davis Family and The PARC Group remain focused on enhancing the features that have made the community exceptional: new retail, expanded parks, and ongoing partnerships with St. Johns County to grow educational and civic resources. Over the next few years, the community’s original vision will be fully realized — a connected, enduring place that continues to enrich the lives of those who call the First Coast home. 

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