St. Johns Magazine March 2024

contact:

Eric Wolf

eric@stjohnsmag.com

904-567-7401

About Us

St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care aboutfrom hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers and inspire them to enjoy the good life in Northern St. Johns!

All rights reserved

©2012-2024

©St. Johns Magazine LLC.

St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns.

All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions.

Inside the March 2024 issue

In this issue our featured local business, Mad Bacon Golf Carts, takes customer service to new levels. Learn about owners Kristy and Craig Riley’s philosophy of treating customers like valued friends. And, with so many golf cart friendly communities in northern St. Johns, Mad Bacon Golf Carts definitely helps people enjoy life to the fullest.

March is our annual Real Estate issue featuring Reverie at Trailmark, an amazing 55+ community by Dreamfinder.

Want to get your home ready to sell? Our expert partners have knowledge to share, like Ideas for Home Staging ; and How to Create a beautiful Yard.

The issue is filled with amazing local home services companies to help you increase the value of your home with new projects.

My Wandering Fork shares her impressions of the new Vilano Beach restaurant, Pesca , Chef Michael Lugo’s latest endeavor.

Please enjoy the March issue and let our partners know you found them here in St. Johns Magazine, your local resource for people, places and events in northern St. Johns.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Debbie Gaylord Publisher, St. Johns Magazine

My

Reverie

CUSTOMERS LOVE THE RILEYS, A LOCAL FAMILY WHOSE CUSTOMER SERVICE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

NOT YOUR GRANDPA’S GOLF CART

MAD BACON

GOLF CARTS

You have probably seen people in your neighborhood enjoying an open-air ride, zipping down to the grocery store, picking up the kids from school, or going to the pool in their own golf cart. Today’s golf cart was designed for neighborhood use and has a plethora of cool custom features available. To top it off it won’t break the bank. As reviews from happy customers confirm, there is no better place to get yourself a golf cart in St. Johns than at Mad Bacon Golf Carts, the mom-and-pop company started by Kristy and Craig Riley and their family in 2017. But why do people love them so much and what has made their company thrive? Recently Kristy and Craig shared a few more details about Mad Bacon Golf Carts.

Photographs by Ozzy Trevino

SJM: WHAT ARE SOME WAYS PEOPLE ARE USING GOLF CARTS OTHER THAN FOR GOLF?

Kristy & Craig: In recent years, especially in this area with so many designated “golf cart communities”, the possibilities are endless! Golf carts are the preferred way to travel to and from neighborhood pools, allowing people to keep wet, slimy children out of their shiny SUV’s. Avoid the dreaded school car line, saving people valuable time in their day. Instead of lining up 1 hour+ in advance, you can roll out of your driveway 10 minutes before school lets out and hang out with friends while you wait for your kids. At the end of the day, it’s nice to just cruise around the neighborhood, YETI in the cupholder, and just relax. Many families have even discovered they’ve been able to replace one of their cars with a golf cart!

SJM: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COOL FEATURES OF GOLF CARTS MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?

Kristy & Craig: We don’t sell your Grandpa’s golf carts. The carts we sell have features like blinkers, brake lights, backup cameras, coolers built into rear seats, booming sound bars, oh! and they are super fast! Cart envy is real! When we deliver new carts and neighbors realize they can get a new lithium cart with a warranty for just under $10K, they start to think about trading up!

SJM: HOW IS MAD BACON NOT YOUR AVERAGE GOLF CART COMPANY?

Kristy & Craig: Just like our unusual name, we are a bit unusual ourselves (side note, our kids are named Madeline, Baylor, and Connor AKA Mad Bay-Con). We probably got the same start as many other golf cart dealers, which was selling used and custom carts out of our garage. That’s pretty much where the similarities stop. The very consistent feedback we get from customers is that we are not at all pushy and we make the buying process extremely easy. People come to us as customers and leave as friends!

The owners of MadBacon are fantastic! They were super responsive and helpful. The buying process was super easy and they delivered the cart same day. I highly recommend this local business for your carting needs. Best value I found in town with the Royal EV brand. Cheers! -Scott H.

SJM: WHAT IS IT ABOUT MAD BACON THAT SHOUTS HIGH-QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE?

Kristy & Craig: One element people love is that we offer mobile service and repair. Other dealers will come pick your cart up and bring it back to their shop and leave you stranded for days (or weeks) on end. We can usually get you scheduled within 24 hours and our mobile mechanic, Joe, will take care of most any repair, right there in your driveway! Also very popular with customers is that we typically can do same day delivery. If you stop in on a Saturday you will be greeted by Matt or Carter who are fan favorites at Mad Bacon!

Great experience from beginning to delivery. Quick response to all questions before arriving in store. They even offered to extend their normal hours to accommodate. Base models equipped very nicely and best price in the area. Friendly family business, no pushy sales. Cart delivered to my house less than an hour after I left the store. They even included very nice reusable insulated cups and shirts for my wife and I. Highly recommend!!! -Kevin B.

SJM: HOW DOES MAD BACON GOLF CARTS MAINTAIN A STRONG COMMUNITY PRESENCE AND SUPPORT NORTHERN ST. JOHNS?

Kristy & Craig: We have done sponsorships for various groups at the two schools our kids attend, Liberty Pines Academy and Beachside High School. You can also frequently find us at many of the local neighborhood vendor fairs. In 2024 we are excited to start doing customer appreciation days!

On a personal level our family is very connected to the community. Our boys play basketball, baseball and football so we are at various fields/gyms most every night of the week hanging out with our neighbors in St. Johns. Our daughter practically lives at Bailey’s gym so that’s where she can typically be found!

SJM: TELL US ABOUT YOUR DOG CRUE’S POLKA DOTS.

Kristy & Craig: Oh gosh, crazy Crue. So for Halloween, we thought it would be fun to dress him up as a...I don’t even know what. Tiger, maybe? I used pet-safe dye to give him some brown spots for his costume. I tried to do the same with Motley but he wasn’t having it so I only got as far as giving him black stripes on his face (we put him in a football jersey so he was a football player). Then when it was getting close to Christmas I added red dye to Crue’s existing spots and now I suppose he’s a Valentine’s pup lol. We will have to get him groomed to get rid of the spots so we’re just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit first!

Key West-born Kristy and transplanted New Yorker Craig love living in northern St. Johns and owning a business in this vibrant community. The family plans to open an additional location in the next twelve to eighteen months to keep more in-stock inventory for customers. Mad Bacon Golf Carts is located just west of I-95 on County Road 210 next to Starbucks.

I live in a golf cart community and I see what other families show up in, and knowing what they paid versus how our carts compare, I just laugh. Do yourself a favor when buying a cart here in Jax. Don’t be like everyone else paying 20k for a 12k cart. Mad Bacon is where it’s at. -Jason R.

From the moment they enter this gated 55+ community, residents are embraced by natural beauty and Lowcountryinspired architecture that delights the senses and cheers the soul. The heart of good times and great friends is The Retreat, an impressive lakeside complex featuring a rustic clubhouse with fireplace, catering kitchen, freeform tropical pool with lap lanes and spa, and six tournamentstyle pickleball courts, along with a fire pit, bocce courts and community trails. The 4,600-square-foot clubhouse is home to event space for celebrations, plus a full calendar of clubs and groups, dances, fitness activities, and more.

In addition to their private amenities, residents of Reverie at TrailMark can also take advantage of a variety of outdoor social and recreational facilities offered in the TrailMark community, including more than 10 miles of trails, and a kayak and canoe launch on navigable Sixmile Creek.

Reverie at TrailMark enjoys an ideal location in St. John’s County. It’s a paradise waiting to be explored – from the Jacksonville Zoo’s award-winning Jaguar exhibit and St. Augustine’s charming Historic District, to championship golf and pristine Atlantic beaches.

The community is convenient to the interstate and international airports, top-rated healthcare facilities and hospitals including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Worldclass centers for arts and culture, shopping, dining, recreation, entertainment, and continuing education abound. A golf mecca, nearby courses include the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame, King & Bear, and TPC Sawgrass, among others.

EXCITING VALUE IN A 55+ PARADISE

UP TO $50,000 IN SAVINGS ON QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES

One of the nation’s fastest-growing homebuilders, Dream Finders Homes is offering an exciting new vision for 55+ living at Reverie at TrailMark in St. Johns County. It’s a community so perfect for today’s active adults that the company is now offering below-market financing and special values on move-in-ready homes so that buyers can start enjoying their dream lifestyle right away.

EXTRAORDINARY NEW HOME VALUE

Homebuyers can save up to $50,000 on inventory homes at Reverie at TrailMark for a limited time, and all closing costs are paid. Making the great value even better is a low 3.99% rate on 2/1 buydown FHA/VA financing.*

Active adults are invited to tour four decorated model homes at Reverie at TrailMark. Each home is designed to feature natural light and elevate outdoor living with all the comforts of home: open home designs, private owner’s suites and attractive entertaining spaces. Front porches and shaded lanais beckon residents to enjoy an afternoon nap or an evening meal with friends.

Complementing the efficient design of the homes is the convenience of a low-maintenance lifestyle including common-area maintenance and landscaping. Along with the peace of mind provided by the gated entry, this facilitates seasonal occupancy and a carefree, lock-and-leave lifestyle for active adults on the go.

New single-family homes from the $360s are now available. Visit Reverie at TrailMark at 50 Rustic Mill Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092. Call 386.749.3059 or visit ReverieAtTrailMark.com.

PAVING A WAY for Families

Are you at risk?

An appointment at our High Risk Breast Screening and Prevention Clinic can bring you peace of mind if you’re at high risk for breast cancer.

If you’ve ever been told by your doctor that you are high risk for breast cancer, you might benefit from an appointment at the High Risk Breast Screening and Prevention Clinic at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

During your visit, you’ll meet with a breast oncology provider who will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine your true risk and then design a unique imaging or surveillance plan just for you. This could include:

• Mammography

• Breast MRI

• Preventive medication

• Lifestyle modification

• Genetic testing

Frequency of visits will be determined after your initial visit, and your plan will be shared with your primary care doctor to incorporate into your overall health plan.

Appointments are available at both our San Marco and Baptist Medical Center South locations. For more information or to book an appointment, scan the QR code or call 904.202.7300

If you have any of the following, you might be at high risk for breast cancer and should talk to your doctor:

• You or a family member have tested positive for genes that increase breast cancer risk like BRCA1 or BRCA2

• You have strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer

• You have dense breasts

• You have had a benign or precancerous breast biopsy

• You were exposed to radiation therapy between the ages of 10 – 30

BY JAMES MERRIT, OWNER AT LIVE ALOHA LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

SPRING CLEANING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

A local “Greenthumber’s” Tips for creating a beautiful yard

On the heels of a mild winter, and questioning whether we have seen our last frost, (Doubtful). Upon checking the Farmer’s Almanac for our area, it appears we are headed into spring, and like so many of my fellow "greenthumbers” in Northeast Florida, I am ready to tackle my spring cleanup list. There is always the chance of another frost, … However, buds are breaking, and grass is greening and the nip in the air was no match for the powerful urge to get out in the garden. There is much to do, and this is Florida after all... We can handle it!

Yes, it's time for the main event in the gardener's annual rite of spring… "The spring cleanup". Which includes pruning, deadheading, thatching, fertilization, mulching, and finally applying a pre-emergent herbicide on the freshly mulched beds. It is amazing what a small investment and a little bit of elbow grease can do to improve the health and appearance of your lawn and garden OK, here are a few tips to get you started.

PRUNING – COLD DAMAGED PLANTS

Avoid pruning cold-damaged plants in winter. The dead foliage looks bad but will help insulate plants from further injury. In the spring, assess the extent of the damage by scraping the bark with your fingernail. Cold-injured wood will be black or brown under the bark. To be certain where to prune, wait until plants begin to sprout new growth.

Herbaceous plants like impatiens and begonias that are damaged by the cold may collapse. If this happens, it's best to cut them down and remove the plants to prevent fungal or bacterial problems from arising as they decay. Shrubs grown primarily for foliage, (Viburnum, Ligustrum, Holly), should be pruned after their first flush of new green growth has hardened off and turned deep green. Spring and early summer blooming trees and shrubs, (azalea, dogwood, ornamental plum/pear trees), should be pruned and shaped immediately after their bloom time. Next, it's time to clean up the perennials and grasses in the garden. – Cut away the dead leaves and foliage back to where you see green stems, don’t be scared…it may seem like you are cutting down the whole plant, but you’ll be in for a big reward when you see that first flush of new beautiful growth!

Ornamental Grasses should be cut back to at least a third of their size removing all of last year’s growth and blooms. Continue "deadheading" (cutting the spent flowers from your perennials) throughout the growing season to prolong blooms or encourage re-blooms. In the case of spring bulbs, (Amaryllis, Agapanthus, and Lilies) - once the plant has flowered, I suggest trimming only the yellow or brown plant material, rather than cutting the plant off at the base. This may require several visits with the pruners, but by doing this it will allow the transfer of vital nutrients to return to the bulb.

DIVIDE & TRANSPLANT

This is also a great time of year to clean, divide, and transplant Liriope, Iris, and other clumping plants that can get a little tired looking over the years. Dividing is simple, just dig up the entire plant and use a garden knife to divide the plantings, then give them a good brush with your garden gloves to remove the old spent foliage and you are ready to plant in a new location of the garden.

FERTILIZE

Next, you are ready to fertilize your plants with a low-salt organic fertilizer. Espoma Organic fertilizers are a fantastic way to feed your plantings in an “Earth-friendly” way. If you happen to live near a watershed, you will want to check the phosphorous content as well.

DRESS THE PLANTING BEDS

Finally, it is time to top dress the planting beds with double-shredded hardwood mulch and apply a granular pre-emergent herbicide. This will give your garden a rich, neat appearance, encourage healthy soil, and help retain valuable moisture while preventing the spread and germination of weeds. Take caution to avoid piling the mulch up against the stem of the plant. I suggest an inch-and-a-half clearance for shrubs and perennials. One note on pesticides… "If hiring out this service, it is important to use licensed applicators". According to Lawn and Garden News…The definition of a pesticide is "a substance or mixture of substances used to destroy or control any undesirable form of animal or plant life… The pest can be mice, flies, bacteria or even weeds. "A licensed applicator will ensure that safe practices are being followed. Check with your landscape professional.

IRRIGATION

One last thought… Make sure that you check your irrigation controller, adjust the time and check your programming to ensure that you have the correct number of run-days. This is also a good time to clean your spray nozzles and check your spray patterns for proper coverage. If this is a bit daunting, feel free to give us a call, we are more than happy to assist.

So, relax, roll up your sleeves and embrace this wonderful blessing called spring. With a little effort now, you will enjoy a beautiful outdoor environment all season long.

LANDSCAPE DESIG N

2D & 3D DESIG N

PLANTING/ SOFTSCAPE S

OUTDOOR LIVIN G

HARDSCAPE S

HARDSCAPE S

OUTDOOR LIVIN G

PLANTING/ SOFTSCAPE S

PERGOLA S

PERGOLA S

FIRE FEATURE S

FIRE FEATURE S

LIGHTIN G

WATER FEATURE S

LIGHTIN G

IRRIGATIO N

IRRIGATIO N

WATER FEATURE S

STAGEOLOGY:

REVOLUTIONIZING ST. JOHNS COUNTY REAL ESTATE WITH AESTHETIC PRECISION

In the picturesque locales of St. John’s County, where the real estate market is as vibrant as it is stunning landscapes, a new venture has emerged, set to redefine the way properties are presented and sold. Stageology, a pioneering staging company, is the brainchild of two dynamic professionals, Samara Porter, an accomplished interior designer, and Nikki-Lyn Holm, a seasoned realtor and owner of a highly successful local real estate team. Their collaboration is a force to be reckoned with. Design mastery and real estate achievements, aimed at elevating property sales, to sell faster than the average days on market.

Samara Porter, with her extensive background in interior design, brings an artistic vision and meticulous attention to detail to Stageology. Her expertise in transforming spaces into visually compelling environments is unmatched. NikkiLyn Holm, on the other hand, contributes her deep understanding of the real estate market and the nuances of buyer preferences in North Florida. Together, they form a power team with a unique blend of skills perfectly suited to the staging domain.

Why Staging is a Game-Changer in Real Estate

The inception of Stageology comes at a time when the importance of staging in real estate is becoming increasingly recognized. Staging a property goes beyond mere decoration; it’s about strategically presenting a home in a way that highlights its best features, maximizes space, and creates an inviting atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers. In the competitive North Florida real estate market, where first impressions can make or break a sale, staging has emerged as a critical element in the sales process.

Enhancing Perceived Value and Emotional Connection

Stageology’s approach to staging is not just about making a home look aesthetically pleasing; it's about enhancing the perceived value of the property. By carefully selecting furniture, colors, and decor that complement the space, Stageology aims to create an environment where potential buyers can envision themselves living. This emotional connection is crucial, as it can significantly impact a buyer's decision-making process.

Speeding Up the Sales Process

Statistics have consistently shown that staged homes tend to sell faster than non-staged ones. In the bustling market of North Florida, where buyers have numerous options, a well-staged home can stand out and capture the interest of potential buyers more quickly. Stageology’s expertise ensures that properties are presented in the best light possible, reducing the time they spend on the market.

Maximizing Return on Investment

Investing in staging with Stageology is not an expense; it’s an investment that can yield substantial returns. Homes that are staged before hitting the market often sell for a higher price, as the appeal and competitiveness they gain through professional staging can lead to higher offers. Samara and Nikki's combined expertise ensures that each staging project is meticulously planned and executed, maximizing the property's appeal to a broad audience.

Tailored Strategies for North Florida

Understanding the specific tastes and trends of the North Florida real estate market is where Stageology excels. Samara and Nikki’s deep roots in the community and their understanding of local buyer demographics allow them to tailor their staging strategies to what works best in the area. Whether it’s a beachfront condo or a suburban family home, Stageology brings a targeted approach to staging, ensuring that each property resonates with potential buyers.

As Stageology makes its mark in St. John’s County, Samara and Nikki stand at the forefront of a transformative approach to real estate. Their vision for Stageology is not just to stage homes, but to create immersive experiences that captivate and inspire potential buyers. In a market as dynamic and competitive as North East Florida's, their partnership is a beacon of innovation, setting new standards for how properties are presented and sold. With Stageology, the future of real estate staging looks brighter than ever.

STAGING TIPS

one two three four five six seven

DECLUTTER DEPERSONALIZE IMPROVE CURB APPEAL STYLE THE DINING TABLE STAGE THE OUTDOOR AREA CATER TO THE SEASON

FIRST COAST YMCA

By Autumn Franks, Flagler Health Village Day Camp Counselor

CAMPING Connections

How YMCA Summer Day Camp Impacts Kids and Counselors Alike

I probably should’ve known I was destined to be a camp counselor – I was always the “mom” of the group and would routinely organize my Barbies in a classroom setting. But I never could’ve imagined how my life would’ve changed when, ten years ago, the church I was attending was designated as a site of a First Coast YMCA summer Day Camp.

Nearly every year for the past decade, I’ve been blessed to be a part of summer day camp in St. Johns County. It’s lifechanging to see the transition for kids who, after ten weeks, come out of their shell and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. I can remember one boy recently who was in the foster care system. He arrived at camp angry at the world and clearly “over it.” After working with him and eventually putting him in a “leadership” position with other kids, he became like a mini counselor by the end of the summer and was leading campers through our exercises.

It's also incredible to see these kids get away from screen time and any pressures they may be feeling in their family environment. Kids have to grow up so quickly in today’s world, especially with the increased adoption of technology, and to reintroduce them to genuine recreational time and important subjects like art and literacy is a joy to watch.

Sometimes we have to remind them, “Hey, there’s grass out there. And dirt. And it won’t hurt you.” Ultimately, they need to know they have a safe space to be a kid and that counselors have their back and are here for them.

As much as we see the kids grow, camp has an even greater impact on us as counselors. Campers help us remember the joys of being a kid and how important it is to be carefree, if only for a short time every day. Without fail, one of my fellow counselors will come up to me at the end of the summer saying, “I don’t want it to end.” A male counselor told me last year, “I had the chance of working elsewhere, but I’m so glad I chose this.” I firmly believe these kids have changed my life more than I’ve changed theirs.

If you’re still not convinced YMCA summer day camp is worth it, whether for your child or as an impactful career opportunity, consider another testimonial, this one about two sisters who came to camp last summer. On the first day, they made it clear they were skeptical, remarking, “Our mom said if we don’t like it, we can go home.”

The younger sister began to come around, but the older one remained anti-social. Still, the girls kept returning to camp and, like the boy I mentioned

earlier, gradually took on opportunities for responsibility. I pulled the older sister aside one day and told her, “These younger kids, they watch you.” Something switched when I told her that. It wasn’t all at once but little by little, she became more involved. On the second to last day of camp, she came up to me crying because she didn’t want camp to end. She added something that will stay with me for the rest of my life when she said, “I didn’t want to be here, but you still wanted me here.”

We’re changing lives every summer at camp. If you or someone you know loves working with kids here in St. Johns County, reach out to us at fcymca.org or visit any of our St. Johns County branches and ask about open camp positions.

My Wandering Fork

Pesca at Vilano

Has this weather been something or what? One day it's freezing, the next it's so hot it makes you want to head to the beach.! I guess that's why I love it here so much. I get just enough of the cold for my northern roots then back to the warmth and sunshine that I crave. So with Spring break and Summer heat just around the corner I found the perfect place to hang out and enjoy the views, the ocean and some really good eats.

Vilano beach is the new "hot" spot with its revitalized area that gives off that cool Miami beach vibe, pastel colors and all. Here you will find Pesca by Michael's (Pesca Vilano) located in the new Hyatt Hotel. The owner and creator is one of our very own, Chef Michael Lugo ( From Michael's Tasting room) and if you know his food you know what an amazing and inventive chef hes is and once again he doesn't disappoint! His new adventure inspired him to go back to his native roots, Puerto Rico and bring to us some Caribbean flavors with a latino flare.

While the main dining room offers a really exquisite dining experience (lobster paella or caviar anyone?) It's the rooftop restaurant/bar that had my attention. I'm not one to miss a good viewing rooftop bar and tapas and this one is awesome. The view is spectacular, on one side you can see our historic beloved St. Augustine downtown and on the other side you can smell the salt of the ocean and hear and see the waves crashing in. There is no way to go wrong up here! So let's get to the point as to why My Wandering Fork is checking this place out...It's the food and hand crafted cocktails don't you know it!

rooftop bar with views of the sea

Pastry Chef Rebecca Reid & Chef Michael Lugo

THE ART OF CULINARY FUSION:

Oysters, two different kinds, one roasted and the other raw served with a passion fruit mignonette that is so light and tangy that it compliments the natural saltiness of the oyster. You will want to slurp down as many as possible of these!

Next fresh Poke tuna tacos. Tossed in furikake that has a savory umami flavor served in a crispy wonton taco topped off with a touch of wasabi. The crunch mixed in with light fresh tuna is heaven in a bite.

Octopus you say? No Not Calamari but real marinated octopus, the kind the Caribbean is famous for. Pesca's named their dish Salpicon de Pulpo which basically means finely minced together garlic,onion,pepper and a squeeze of lime. This style of cooking brings out the juiciness of the octopus while maintaining its freshness. I love that they serve it in a homemade plantain cup topped off with a cool creamy avocado crema. If you are even a little bit adventurous this one's for you!

So they have these Yuca Croquettes, think mozzy sticks elevated! Yuca is a starchy vegetable root much like a potato commonly used throughout the Caribbean and other countries. The yuca is boiled, seasoned and formed into a ball, then

stuffed with ooey gooey cheese, rolled in panko and deep fried. A pure mouth bomb of goodness.

Anyone love bao buns ? Those super soft, almost sweet like buns originating from China are usually filled with all kinds of goodies. At Pesca's they make theirs stuffed with tamarind short rib that is the tenderest, pickled veg, cilantro, and a little fresh Jalapeno to add just the right amount of heat. Warm buns, marinated meat and a little heat. Sounds like a winner to me!

I could go on and on with all that Tapas that Pesca's has to offer, from fresh seafood to burgers and chicken, lumpia, churros, homemade desserts and more! All served so uniquely with that caribbean latin flair. But you must not forget to try a uniquely handcrafted cocktail (or two). Their lavender mojito is soothing and minty all in one! I was lucky enough to try their famous Pesca Punch's made with Lugo’s Pitorro Rum(Puerto Rico born owner) , guava, pineapple, lemon, bitters all served in this fantastic fish mug! So refreshing and light a perfect cocktail for a sunset and warm ocean breezes....Simply enjoy! Well My Wandering fork is off to find another adventure...see you all soon!

To read more of Lori Allen’s Foodie Reviews visit stjohnsmag.com or follow her on instagram

ST.

PETS R FAMILY

FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY CARE, BOARDING, & GROOMING

HOSPITAL SERVICES

WE’RE YOUR OTHER FAMILY DOCTOR!

Pets R Family is a full-service 11,000 square foot Veterinary Hospital nestled in a private and serene wildlife preserve. Family-owned and operated right here in St. John’s, we are NOT a corporate veterinary facility — no pre-designed packages or sales tactics here!

We believe in treating all pets with love, care, and compassion. Our large team of doctors, technicians, and customer service members are at your service to provide you with the very best care and experience.

• State-of-the-art medical facility

• Experienced team of compassionate doctors and veterinary technicians

• Same-day sick appointments available

• Home visits available by appointment

• Full pharmacy

• Teeth cleanings and dentistry

• Specialty care including ultrasounds, thermal imaging, and K-Laser treatments

• NEW! CT Scanner and fluoroscopy

Through March, we are offering:

$50 OFF your pet’s dental cleaning + FREE Dental Sealant ($50 value)

— OR —

$75 OFF your pet’s dental cleaning

Call (904) 452-7387 to book your appointment today!

*Dental exam and written estimate required for booking*

VETS N TRAINING

Does your child love animals?

Our Vets N Training program gives kids from kindergarten to fifth grade the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work at a veterinary hospital and to learn all about the veterinary industry. Space is limited, so scan the QR code to sign up today!

www.petsrfamilyvet.com

A Message From The Vet

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

New Advances in Diabetes Management in Pets

Diabetes Mellitus is a common condition diagnosed in dogs and cats. Most of these animals have insulin dependent diabetes. Diabetes management has classically involved insulin injections given by pet owners and monitoring with testing blood sugar with a glucometer that requires getting a blood sample for each individual reading. This is typically done with a glucose curve in which the pet’s blood sugar is monitored every 1-2 hours in the veterinary hospital or rarely at home with readings obtained over 10-12 hours.

New advancements in monitoring in people with diabetes have been recently utilized in dogs and cats with good success. Continuous glucose monitors such as the Freestyle Libre are monitors that are easy to apply and give readings by scanning the monitor with a personal cell phone. The monitor is not labeled for use in pets and does not tend to last the full 2 weeks that they are able to accomplish in humans. In one study, as many as 10% to 25% of sensors failed even when placed in the best location by veterinary professionals. Patient or sensor movement, limited subcutaneous space (body condition), adhesive failure, bleeding, and other factors

may all affect sensor performance. The average time for sensor operation in a dog or cat is 5-10 days. Although the time is shorter than expected and they can fail unexpectedly, these continuous glucose readings are invaluable. Classically, we are interpreting the data for a 10–12-hour period with readings obtained in the hospital during normal hours of operation. These continuous readings allow us to know what is happening 24 hours a day. Patient stress is also a factor when trying to interpret blood samples obtained in the hospital vs. the home setting, which can falsely elevated blood glucoses. The monitor being worn at home allows for real readings on an everyday basis to give us the most accurate representation of what’s truly happening.

The monitor is placed on the pet by the veterinarian to ensure proper placement. The pet owner downloads the app and connects to the veterinarian via an invitation. The veterinarian is then able to connect via the app to all the glucose readings collected by the pet owner online. This can allow for the ability to make dose changes (as recommended by your veterinarian) during the monitoring as well as capture any dangerous readings that are taken

during the monitoring that the pet owner can see.

In addition to this new monitoring system, in cats there have been some breakthroughs in the treatment of diabetes. These new products can help manage elevated blood sugar levels in cats with diabetes without the use of injections. These products are labeled for treatment of stable newly diagnosed cats only and are given once a day by mouth in either a tablet (Bexacat) or a liquid (Senvelgo) form.

These products work to help the body expel the glucose from the blood into the urine, which lowers blood sugar and does not involve insulin at all. This allows treatment of the diabetes and minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia as opposed to insulin treatment. It’s also more convenient for many pet owners due to the ease of administration.

Advances in veterinary medicine are occurring rapidly. It is amazing to see how things have changed over the last decade or two. It is important to meet with your veterinarian regularly to have your pet evaluated and find out if there are changes that should be made to your pet’s care.