James Celkis, Realtor, exp - NE Florida

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

02/27/2026

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

"Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue of author, orator, abolitionist, and American Statesman Frederick Douglass in St. Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitución as part of the state’s ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. The statue is located near the site where Douglass delivered a speech during his visit to St. Augustine in 1889, permanently linking his legacy to the civic and historical heart of America’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlement."

Douglass visited Florida’s First Coast in 1889 as part of a national tour, drawing massive crowds in Jacksonville before traveling to St. Augustine, where he delivered an address at the Genovar Opera House, once located near today’s Plaza de la Constitución.

The Plaza de la Constitución, in continuous use since the 1500s, sits at the center of St. Augustine’s historic district and is surrounded by iconic landmarks including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Trinity Episcopal Church, the Government House, and Flagler College. The statue’s placement establishes a permanent tribute to Douglass in one of Florida’s most historically significant public spaces."

Source: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-unveils-statue-frederick-douglass-st-augustine

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

02/16/2026

02/13/2026

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

"In honor of our nation's first President and Founding Father, George Washington, the State of Florida will be declaring an official state holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026. State offices will be closed, and Floridians are encouraged to get out and celebrate our state's history and American heritage. All state managed lands will offer free admission for Floridians from February 13-16. First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen—George Washington left an indelible mark on the shape and destiny of our beloved country."

“As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, Florida rejects the concerted efforts to malign our nation’s history, distort the principles of the founding, and demonize our founders,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are planning a series of events, exhibits, and opportunities statewide for Floridians to celebrate the ‘Spirit of ’76.’ Florida is proud to lead with celebrations that promote civic virtue, historical education, and patriotic pride.”

"All admissions fees will be waived for Floridians at all state parks, wildlife management areas, water management lands, and Department of State historic properties during Washington’s Birthday Weekend."

Sources: https://america250fl.com/official-events/
https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-announces-statewide-commemoration-americas-250th-birthday

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

02/06/2026

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

"FLHSMV [Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles] remains committed to ensuring safe roadways for all Floridians and visitors by promoting clear communication, understanding of traffic laws, and responsible driving behavior," the department said in its release."

Source: https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/regional/florida/florida-driver-license-exams-english-only-february-flhsmv/77-ee7773fa-3820-436c-86d7-39b4c6dd1775

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

01/30/2026

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

You read that right, but let's read it again: "St. Johns County recorded zero criminal homicides in 2025."

"St. Johns County, which houses the historic city of St. Augustine and boasts a population of more than 300,000, is the only county among the 100 largest in the US without recording a criminal homicide[.]"

To echo Sheriff Rob Hardwick: “We’re truly blessed."

Sources: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/01/20/st-johns-county-recorded-zero-criminal-homicides-in-2025-what-the-sheriff-says-has-made-the-difference/

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

11/15/2025

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

The only state. The sunshine state, but not the sunshine patriots.

Source: https://x.com/floridianpress/status/1988376848691331201?s=12

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

10/25/2025

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

"That's coming to a ballot near [us] in November of 2026! We need 60% of Florida voters to do it."

Source: www.x.com/rondesantis/status/1981003275777548323?s=46

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

10/03/2025

Welcome to another week of what I call "Florida, man, Friday"!*

In recent days, the Sunshine State has found a way to honor two great Americans, Hulk Hogan and Charlie Kirk, with the Hulk Hogan Trail, and the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway, respectively, and most definitely, respectfully.

Sources: https://floridianpress.com/2025/10/desantis-dedicates-trail-in-honor-of-hulk-hogan/

https://floridianpress.com/2025/10/desantis-praises-lake-county-commission-for-charlie-kirk-memorial-highway/

*"Florida, man, Friday!" is a feature wherein the word "man" is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, "used interjectionally to express intensity of feeling," and yes, a play on the "Florida man" colloquialism, as I share both fun and fundamental facts about living in Florida, with a primary focus on the First Coast in the Northeast part of the Sunshine State.

09/09/2025

🏀 bluechipelite basketball is back!