If we haven’t met yet, I’m Joe - your Lifestyle Director. I officially joined the Shearwater community in August of 2024, relocating here specifically for this role from Chicago. I’ve lived in more than eight states across the U.S., but this one felt like the right fit the moment I arrived.

My background is a little bit hospitality, a little bit logistics, a little bit sales, a little bit customer service - and a whole lot of figuring out how to turn great ideas into events people actually want to show up for. In short: I help make the fun happen.

While I may be the one writing this, nothing we do happens solo. The Trout Creek CDD management team is stacked with talent:

Our incredible support teams include:

We’re a diverse group with very different strengths - and that’s what makes it work. I personally hate decorating (truly), but Demetric, Ja’Nadya, and Belynda more than make up for that. Jessica and I pride ourselves on being very budget-conscious. Sophia, Alex, and Shannon are absolute grinders who get things done fast and efficiently. The creative ideas come from all over the team, and I focus on fine-tuning and implementing them so we can actually pull off the kind of in-depth lifestyle programming Shearwater deserves.

It’s collaborative, it’s organized chaos, and it works.

When I’m not planning events, I’m usually watching sports, trying new restaurants, playing trivia, or hanging out with friends. I’d love to get back into coaching baseball at some point—it’s something I really miss.

Food-wise, you’ll catch me at places like 1928 Cuban Café, Derita’s Italian Deli, or Al Dente’s. I also love shouting out our resident-owned businesses - because Shearwater is full of incredible entrepreneurs. Bakery Cartel, Filo’s Fresh, Goon Squad, Sunset Slush, Frankie’s Franks, Peacock Fitness… these aren’t just business partners, they’re friends. Inside the community, one of my favorite ways to unwind is a simple walk on the trails or around Falls Park. Shearwater really is somewhere special.

My job is to build community - so I try to reach as broad an audience as possible while still creating meaningful, memorable experiences. That mindset doesn’t turn off after work hours either. I try to put good out into the world whenever I can, whether that’s cooking for the homeless, paying for someone’s meal, or taking a moment to offer encouragement or insight to kids.

Professionally, we’ve partnered with organizations like Port in the Storm in St. Augustine, supported resident-led initiatives like SuperHeroes for Mason, and worked alongside local Girl Scout troops. We’ve also launched the Business Blend with Stroll Shearwater and The Current Collective to help bring resident-owned businesses together. Community doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built intentionally.

Hands down, my favorite event has been our most recent Boo Bash. The turnout was incredible, things ran smoothly, and seeing so many smiling faces made every ounce of stress and effort worth it. Those moments are exactly why I love what I do.

When it comes to travel, most of my trips revolve around family milestones—but my favorite trip will always be the next one. I’m planning a solo trip out of the country to explore this gift we call Earth, and I can’t wait.

Until then, I’ll be right here - working with our team, partnering with residents, and doing my best to make Shearwater feel like home for everyone.

If you see me around, say hello.
And if you’ve got an idea? Trust me - I want to hear it!

 

- Joe