Ed Smith is relatively new to World Golf Village, but he's mastered the peaceful, community-centered lifestyle many residents cherish.

For sixteen years, Ed was a full-time contractor. During COVID, he noticed that the industry around him was changing, and his heart was no longer in it. His only reason for staying in business was that it felt comfortable.

At this time, he had a farm up north where he had three beehives at his home. He told himself that if he could make a living by keeping bees, he would take the risk and quit his contracting job and turn his hobby into a career. At first, this thought was a playful idea. Although the proposition was wonderful, it wasn't feasible at the time. 

Unable to relinquish his dream, Ed took time away from construction to work at three separate apiaries across the country over a three-month span. He volunteered his labor in exchange for knowledge. He combined what he had learned from each operation to find an operating procedure that worked for him, combining honey production with pollination services and cloning queen honeybees for reproduction.

"In beekeeping, everyone works together." Ed says, "If you have an issue, call another beekeeper. Camaraderie is everything in this community." And that was a huge incentive for his career change.

Upon returning home, he purchased 100 hives from small beekeeping businesses. This step was the beginning of his new journey. Since then, his number of hives has multiplied to over 1400 at peak season. His success allowed him to move to St. Augustine and pursue the life he's always wanted—one where he chooses his own schedule and leads a stress-free life. 

If you'd like to purchase honey from Ed, check him out on Facebook or give him a phone call.

Phone: 904-522-3225

Facebook SCAN HERE