Make plans to attend our Superbowl Party the weekend of February 5-7!  On Friday evening, we are going to have a “Souper Potluck” (bring your favorite soup/chili to share).

On Saturday morning join us for a continental breakfast. We will have a live DJ and “Docktail” party in the evening with pizza and wings!  We will also have games including a Superbowl Football Trivia Game for a chance to win prizes.

Sunday we will have a “Super Big Breakfast” and a football appetizer party. Bring your favorite appetizers to share at the game. Afterward, we will be ready to watch the game and cheer on our favorite team!

The cost for the weekend is $200 per boat. This includes 2 tickets for all meals, 3 nights of dockage and entertainment. Any additional guests will be $10 per person/per day.  If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please call us at (904) 387-5538 or email us at office@ortegalanding.com. We hope to see you all there! 

As the New Year and new decade begin, we look to a hopeful and prosperous future. During these financially challenging times we constantly re-evaluate our business and recreational expenses, looking for value. As boaters, we understand that going with less expensive products does not always save us money in the end. Cheap products, services and maintenance will cost us much more down the road including hurricane damage to boats from poorly located and built marinas, broken dock lines, replacement parts, service technicians and fuel.

The value that you can get at The Marina at Ortega Landing is the best on the East Coast. If you think you’ve found a better value, please let me know! We offer construction quality, maintenance, clean bathrooms, neighboring service facilities, slip-side pump out, local retail and restaurants, visiting vendors, a Hurricane Hole and more, all for a great price. Visit our website at www.ortegalanding.com or give us a call at (904) 387-5538 to learn about our Harbormaster Specials!

Sleep better at night knowing your investment is docked at The Marina at Ortega Landing.

Captain Kristopher W. Schmid
Harbormaster, The Marina at Ortega Landing

As Ortega Landing welcomes a new year and a new decade, we have decided to go “green” and will be distributing this newsletter electronically. If you would like to sign up to receive the newsletter by email, please send your name and email address to office@ortegalanding.com. Please write “Newsletter Subscription” in the subject line of your email.

We would also like to welcome Traditions Realty, LLC to the Ortega Landing team. Traditions Realty, LLC along with our real estate sales associate, Rob Vidler, are at your service. Please contact Rob at (904) 982-6602 for a personal tour of the River Homes at Ortega Landing.

To mark this new beginning, Ortega Landing has also launched a new website. This new website design can be found at the same web address you are accustomed to using; www.ortegalanding.com.

Watch the marina portion of our website monthly to keep abreast of our new harbormaster leasing specials. The specials can be found at
www.ortegamarina.com (click on the “lease a slip” menu and then on the “harbormaster specials” submenu).

As always, please call or email for more information at (904) 387-5538 or office@ortegalanding.com.

The Marina at Ortega Landing is offering a Winter Special for new customers. Get a great value when you pre-pay for 5 months and get the 6th month free*! Call (904) 387-5538 for details.

*New customers only.  Restrictions apply.

The Marina at Ortega Landing is offering new military discount rates. Active military personnel receive a 15% discount and retired military personnel receive a 10% discount off of our standard rates*. We are also offering a special low rate for deployed military personnel. Please contact Capt. Kris Schmid, Harbormaster, at (904) 387-5538 for more details.

*Discounts may change without notice. Restrictions apply.

“This is a very beautiful high-end condominium complex and beautiful high service level marina... The pampering started even before we arrived. Rather than the normal procedure of calling a marina several times in order to get them to respond they called me as I was clearing the bridge! ...Like an airplane coming into the terminal, there was a dock hand at each spot directing us into our slips. ...The facility itself is modern, beautiful, and immaculately kept. It boasts clean rest rooms, a free laundry room, free ice and a helpful and a knowledgeable staff. ...A real treat for me is the cable TV hookups, I have not had cable either in my old apartment or Reboot for over a year and a half. There is a modern mall which has a West Marine store and a large variety of other stores a short walk away. All in all, a great place to stop to visit Jacksonville FL and the surrounding area.”

Roger J. Jones
Reboot, 1995 Catalina, www.rebootracing.blogspot.com

Ortega Landing is offering new dock lease rates of $7/ft plus utilities for boats that are for sale and listed with a licensed broker*.

Talk to your broker about keeping your boat at Ortega Landing. With our luxury facility as the backdrop for your yacht, get a quicker sale and higher value for your asset. Ortega Landing offers 24-hour key card security and boats will be docked together with easy access from the parking lot. Call (904) 387-5538 for details.

*Requires signed agreement with licensed broker. Restrictions apply.

The New Year brings new prices to the River Homes at Ortega Landing.

The holiday season is behind us and 2009 is just a memory. Every new year brings new hope and new energy. At Ortega Landing we have new pricing which is sure to attract everyone’s attention. 2010 promises to be a great year at Ortega Landing! The recession is officially over, mortgage rates are historically low and buyers can get a great deal on a first-class River Home and secure state-of-the-art dockage for their boat. 

If you haven’t stopped by lately at one of our weekend Open Houses, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Check out our model and get the feel of what you could be enjoying if you owned one of these exquisite condominium homes. Traditions Realty, LLC is proud to be part of the Ortega Landing team. Let us show you how easy it is to live there!

For a personal showing, contact Rob Vidler at (904) 982-6602 or visit our website at www.ortegacondos.com for more information.

Sally Suslak
Broker and Owner of Traditions Realty, LLC

Bring your friends to Ortega Landing! For a limited time only, Ortega Landing is offering a Customer Referral Program.

Refer a new lease customer to the marina and receive a free week of dockage extended to your current licensing agreement. You can earn up to 4 weeks of dockage for yourself per referral. Call (904) 387-5538 for details.

*All marina rules, licensing agreements and restrictions apply. Rates are based on vessel usage and not to be used with other discounts or promotions.

The Ortega Landing is planning a “Fall Ball Rendezvous” October 2-6, 2009. We are going to have a grand time with fun, food & boating for the weekend. Weather you are in the market for a new boat, thinking of listing your boat for sale or just like to be around other boaters, it will be a splendid weekend for all. We will have boat brokers on hand to show off the fabulous boats they have for sale and give demonstration rides on the boats. We are planning a docktail party with live entertainment and food for the weekend. The cost will be $100 per boat for the weekend. Or you can come by car and still enjoy all of the excitement. Then you can head down to the Jaguars game on Sunday, which is only a short cruise from Ortega Landing. If you would like more information or would like to make a reservation please contact our office at 904-387-5538.

At Ortega Landing, you can embrace the boating lifestyle to the fullest. You can have a luxury condominium unit overlooking the marina or a boat slip that boasts a Bellingham concrete dockage system and a state-of-the-art marina clubhouse. Or you can have both. Ortega Landing offers the opportunity to be around boaters with a common interest and passion.

MLG Development focuses on quality in everything we build. We take pride in our projects and it shows.

We pulled out all the stops on the Ortega Landing condominium units. The condominium building is five stories tall enveloped in masonry block exterior walls with stone and stucco exterior finishes. Each condominium is equipped with a 278 square foot balcony providing the beautiful views of The Marina at Ortega Landing and the Ortega River. Each unit (except 101) has a separate entrance with private elevator access and a visitor call system with the ability to view visitors at the front entrance through your own TV. The building also has indoor parking with 14 parking spaces, 14 storage units and ample outdoor visitor parking.

There are four levels of condominiums to fit your lifestyle ranging from 2,551 SF to 2,668 SF. The floor plan has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with upscale finishes such as SS GE Monogram appliances in the kitchen, granite counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, ventilated wood shelving, travertine flooring in foyer, lobby, gallery, kitchen and bathrooms, level 5 finish on all ceilings and walls, Moen bathroom plumbing devices, Kohler fixtures and sinks and king sized GE washer and extra large capacity dryer. Each unit has two high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners with programmable thermostats for greater comfort. Sound mats were installed under all hard floor finishes also.

Stop by or call (904) 387-5538 for a personal tour to see the quality of the condominiums for yourself. Spend the weekend at Ortega Landing relaxing and mingling with boaters who share your passion.

Summer is coming to an end and the snow birds are soon to arrive. In Jacksonville that only means a 10-degree temperature change; in the North, frost could hit by early October. Snowboaters must make a decision; haul out and put a blanket on their entertainment for the next seven months or migrate to Ortega Landing! Ortega Landing’s very own snowboaters, Bruce and Lori Flemming have already pointed their bow south and expect to be back at their home port, Ortega Landing, by November. 

The Marina at Ortega Landing was designed and built for the snowboater; providing safe and secure dockage while the owner is away, a Bellingham concrete dockage system, clubhouse amenities and a great neighborhood to casually tour. Are you tired of frost on your cleats? Then head to Ortega Landing!

Captain Kristopher W. Schmid
Harbormaster, The Marina at Ortega Landing

Dear Kris,
I hope this letter finds you, Amy and the friends at the Marina at Ortega Landing doing well. After leaving Jacksonville on Saturday, May 9, Mark and I arrived back in our “summer” port on Wednesday, May 13. Along the way, we have had great weather for the ocean runs from Jax to Hilton Head, then onto Southport, NC and our final short run outside to Morehead City. That inland run to Norfolk found us running though some ugly weather, but the run up the bay was in beautiful weather and our only mechanical issue occurred on our final day, so we finished the trip using a single engine.

I wanted to thank you for all you did for us during the past year. In spring 2008, when I visited Jacksonville for the first time, I appreciated your willingness to show me the “lay of the land.” Michele was a bit concerned to keep our boat in a place where I had only visited once, but she quickly found herself at home in your marina. During our stay, you or a member of the staff were always there to help us with anything we needed and I truly appreciate you taking care of our baby while we were away.

To show you how comfortable we were in Jacksonville, about a week ago, as we were heading for the boat in Baltimore, Michele mentioned that she would walk to the grocery store the next morning with me. Only after I looked at her funny did she realize that our boat is not within walking distance anymore... we were in Maryland, not JAX!

We look forward to returning to your facility this fall. Michele has made me promise that I not “give her seat away” for the run south.

Wishing you all the best this summer with the Marina and the building project. See ya in October!

Michael P. Doner
Vice President, Flagger Force

The kids are back in school and the dog days of summer are coming to a close... but Ortega Landing is still heating up with events and news!
 
After a very successful Jacksonville Symphony Guild 2009 Designer Showhouse, MLG Development approached the owner of JD Designs, Inc., Darren Dollard, to design the condominium model. Many of our readers may remember that Darren designed the room at this season’s showhouse dubbed “The Dream Room,” by The Florida Times-Union and Waters Edge Magazine.   

Regardless of his many successful years in the design and decorating industry, Darren remains humble. “I love it, yes. It’s always flattering to be asked to start a project with a ‘clean slate’ in designing any interior space. It means the client trusts me and I treat all of my choices and their requests with a lot of thought and care.”  

When asked how he came up with the new design plan for the first-floor riverfront 2,650 square foot model, Darren says, “I was inspired by the Marina, the whole river view -- the upscale boating life. It’s exciting, with the water, the magnificent boats and yachts and the activities around the clubhouse... the people are fun and interesting to talk to...”  

He continues, “the concept for the space is truly transitional.” It takes a careful eye to make the design appear effortless. The design must blend opposing styles of modern and traditional, but Darren thrives on the challenge.
 
The beautiful three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit is expected to be completed in mid-October 2009. The condominium also features an open floor plan and hardwood floors with incredible views of the Ortega River.    

Join us for a Poolside Pot Luck at The Marina at Ortega Landing on Saturday, August, 22, 2009 at 6 pm.

The pot luck will start at 6 pm with pool games starting at 7 pm. Please bring a dish to pass.

For the weekend of August 22, stay 2 nights for the price of 1 night! That’s right, get two nights of dockage for the price of one. Dockage rates are $1.75/foot.

Please contact Amy Schmid at 904-387-5538 or send an email to info@ortegalanding.com to sign up for dockage or to RSVP for the pot luck. Please include what dish you’d like to bring.

Hope to see you there!

Ortega Landing went to the Dogs at our Boats & Barks Celebration August 8, 2009. Dogs of all shapes and sizes gathered to have a bath, eat treats, pose for portraits and get lots of love, all to benefit The Jacksonville Humane Society. We want to give a big “Thank You” to everyone who made this day a success.  We had La Shane Franklin on hand making our canine friends look fabulous, as promised by the name of her Salon “The Fabulous Fido Salon” in Avondale. She washed the furry friends all day long with a smile on her face. She loves dogs and it shows!    We also had dog treats provided by “All about the Dog” in Avondale. Then Michael J. Portraits set up shop and took the cutest doggie portraits. That is one of their specialties and you can certainly tell by the care and patience they took with each of the dogs. You can find them online at michaeljportait.com. We also had Hungry Howie’s Pizza on hand with delicious pizza. And Debby was on hand selling beautiful jewelry. You can shop her jewelry at: www.mysilpada.com/debby.s and she will make a donation to The Jacksonville Humane Society for every purchase. We also had a raffle that included donated items form KFC and Woody’s BBQ on Roosevelt. The Jacksonville Humane Society thanked us for raising money towards keeping dogs in need, happy & healthy until they find their forever homes. Thank you to everyone for your generosity! 

Don't miss our 4th of July celebration at Ortega Landing!  Live entertainment and food!  Call 904-387-5538 or email: info@ortegalanding.com for more information.

Ortega Landing's very own Harbormaster and Office Manager, Kris and Amy Schmid, were interviewed by the Florida Times Union.

View the article,"Marina at Ortega Landing operators are just a couple of boaters (though 1 does get seasick)," about the husband and wife team at http://jacksonville.com/community/the_sun/2009-05-02/story/marina_at_ortega_landing_operators_are_just_a_couple_of_boaters_t

If you go to MARINAS.com and give Ortega Landing a review, you could win a chance at a trip to the Bahamas!

MARINAS.com is celebrating their new feature "marina reviews." As part of the celebration marinas.com is offering a five night six day vacation for two to Treasure Cay Resort in the Abacos Bahamas.

Here's how to qualify to win:  Just come to MARINAS.com and go to marina locations that you have visited in the past 18 months. Write an honest review of the marina with details like your opinion of the facility, service, personnel, the destination in general ... any first hand impressions that will be valuable to other boaters who might be planning a trip to this facility.

MARINAS.com will draw a winner at random each week from all reviews placed that week.  These winners will receive a valuable coupon good for a free high resolution digital image of their choice from the 250,000+ images on MARINAS.com. 

After eight weeks, MARINAS.com will randomly choose a winner from the final eight.

Ortega Landing is gearing up for the Jacksonville Symphony Guild 2009 Designer Showhouse. The condominium construction is nearing the end; we are putting the finishing touches on the interior and focusing our efforts on the landscaping.

We are excited to see the designers’ creations and to open the doors to our new condominiums.

Two Ortega Landing condominium units will become show homes for the event. The Showhouse will run from May 16 through June 7, 2009. Twenty-one of the area’s most respected designers, including design students from the Art Institute of Jacksonville, will provide the finishing touches to the interior spaces of the two show homes, incorporating many environmentally friendly products to coincide with the “Green” theme. In addition to touring show homes, patrons will be able to view, at dockside, several stately custom Huckins Yachts.

During the event, Ortega Landing will be hosting free dockage for patrons visiting the Showhouse for the day. Dockage rates apply for overnight visits. Tickets for the Showhouse can be purchased in advance at Ortega Landing until May 1, 2009 for $15. After May 1, tickets can be purchased at the door for $20. Proceeds from Showhouse ticket sales will benefit the Jacksonville Symphony Guild in its support of the Jacksonville Symphony Association, as well as The Guild’s music education programs. Visit the official Showhouse website at
www.jaxsymphonyshowhouse.com.

Please enjoy this issue of the Ortega Landing newsletter and pay us a visit for the Showhouse or next time you are in Jacksonville. Keep checking www.ortegalanding.com for updates or call us at (904) 387-5538.

Ortega Landing is gearing up for the Jacksonville Symphony Guild 2009 Designer Showhouse. The condominium construction is nearing the end; we are putting the finishing touches on the interior and focusing our efforts on the landscaping.

We are excited to see the designers’ creations and to open the doors to our new condominiums.

Two Ortega Landing condominium units will become show homes for the event. The Showhouse will run from May 16 through June 7, 2009. Twenty-one of the area’s most respected designers, including design students from the Art Institute of Jacksonville, will provide the finishing touches to the interior spaces of the two show homes, incorporating many environmentally friendly products to coincide with the “Green” theme. In addition to touring show homes, patrons will be able to view, at dockside, several stately custom Huckins Yachts.

During the event, Ortega Landing will be hosting free dockage for patrons visiting the Showhouse for the day. Dockage rates apply for overnight visits. Tickets for the Showhouse can be purchased in advance at Ortega Landing until May 1, 2009 for $15. After May 1, tickets can be purchased at the door for $20. Proceeds from Showhouse ticket sales will benefit the Jacksonville Symphony Guild in its support of the Jacksonville Symphony Association, as well as The Guild’s music education programs. Visit the official Showhouse website at
www.jaxsymphonyshowhouse.com.

Please enjoy this issue of the Ortega Landing newsletter and pay us a visit for the Showhouse or next time you are in Jacksonville. Keep checking www.ortegalanding.com for updates or call us at (904) 387-5538.

The Marina at Ortega Landing will be donating complimentary daily dockage from May 16 through June 7 for those Jacksonville Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse patrons that would like to come by boat! We also have special “Symphony Showhouse” rates for those that would like to spend an evening or weekend. For more information or to reserve your slip, please give us a call at (904) 387-5538. Dockage is based on availability.

The Marina at Ortega Landing’s dock attendant, Bruce Fleming and his wife Loretta, were recently featured in The Resident Community News and The Water’s Edge Magazine in Jacksonville. Bruce has become a wonderful asset to The Ortega Landing team. Bruce is always a smiling face on the docks and willing to help in any way possible. We feel very fortunate to have him on board. 

Bruce and Loretta are long-time Jacksonville residents and took up sailing after Bruce’s retirement from the Navy in 1995. They have quite a story to tell from learning to sail, getting their own boat, a 45-foot Hardin Ketch named BuonGiorno, to heading on lengthy cruises every year with multiple port stops. 
 
Bruce and Loretta have been married almost 44 years, have 3 children and just this week added their 10th grandchild to their crew. They also have a fluffy crew member, Magnificat, who sails with them everywhere. We will greatly miss them when they head north for their yearly cruise up the east coast this May. We anticipate their return every year with fantastic stories of their cruising adventures.

Many area and regional boat owners are now calling The Marina at Ortega Landing their home port, through our lease with option to buy program. Since the first of year, we have 18 new boaters docked on C&D docks. Boaters are taking advantage of the best dockage value in the region while enjoying a resort-style facility. About 50% of the boats come from the greater East Coast (many from S. Florida to take advantage of the hurricane protection) and 50% from local marinas. The boater’s say that they are using their boats more, because the site is such a pleasure to visit. 

Ortega Landing has become the boat clubs’ preferred site for rendezvous; the Queens Harbour Yacht Club had a wonderful time here Valentine’s Day weekend. The Epping Forest powerboat club will be returning for the fifth time in March for a full weekend of boating fun. Both clubs are scheduling visits including a weekend in May to attend our Jacksonville Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse, May 16 through June 7. 

Captain Kristopher W. Schmid
Harbormaster, The Marina at Ortega Landing

The Dow Jones Industrial Average recently dropped to 6,594.44, it’s lowest level since April 1997. That means that someone who purchased stocks ten years ago, arguably has had a $0 return. Other investments aren’t doing much better. Ten-year Treasury Bills were recently paying as little as 2% and gold closed recently at $941.80 after hitting a high of $1,028.98 in February.

Many experts believe real estate in Florida has hit the bottom. All over the State, investors and second home purchasers are purchasing real estate at a frantic pace as the safest place for their money.

With pre-construction prices available and an outstanding selection of both condominiums and dock space, there may never be a better time to buy your “little slice of paradise.” For a peek at what very well may be your dream vacation or perfect retirement home, call us at (904) 387-5538
and protect your money at the same time!

Atkinson Realty Group, Inc.
An Affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates

The Ortega Landing Marina is inviting all Jacksonville Boaters to stop by our clubhouse for a BBQ after the Blessing of the Fleet on April 5th 2009.  Enjoy the pool and grab some food!  We will be monitoring channel 16 for anyone who would like help with docking.  We will have complimentary docking for the BBQ on our D Dock.  For more information on the BBQ call 904-387-5538.  For more information on The Blessing of the Fleet please go to www.makeascenedowntown.com

The Queen's Harbour Yacht Club held a Valentine's weekend cruise to Ortega Landing.  They had a Commodore's cocktail party on Friday night and all walked to Pastiche Restaurant for a wonderful Valentine's dinner.  The Ortega Landing crew had a "Love Boat" Cruise planned, however the weather didn't cooperate.  We unfortunately had to drive the short distance to downtown.  We all had a lovely dinner at Morton's Steakhouse.

The Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Association announced that Ortega Landing will be the site of their 2009 Showhouse at a press conference.  The show will be held from May 16 to June 7, 2009.  The Showhouse will feature designs from over 20 designers from Jacksonville.  Come by and take a tour soon.

As I sit on the deck of the Ortega Landing clubhouse I can see the progress on the condominium construction. Right now the building is covered in scaffolding as the stucco exterior is being applied. By the time this newsletter goes to print the stucco should be completed and additional interior work and landscaping will continue.

Right now drywall is being hung on the first, second and third levels and the individual rooms are starting to take shape. As always the views from the master bedroom and living areas are amazing.

All of the construction work will culminate with the Jacksonville Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse event which begins on May 16 and runs through June 8, 2009. The chosen team of designers stops by almost weekly to formulate their plans for two of the condo units and the foyer. We are looking forward to the outcome.

Recently, MLG wrote a letter to the editor of the Resident Community News to support their “Spend Locally” campaign. MLG Development has injected more than five million dollars into the local economy through its marina and condominium construction projects. We are proud of the local artisans and service providers that are part of the Ortega Landing team and we look forward to celebrating with them when our final condominium building is completed.

Please enjoy this issue of the Ortega Landing newsletter and pay us a visit next time you are in Jacksonville. Keep checking www.ortegalanding.com for updates or call us at (904) 387-5538.

It’s true. At Ortega Landing, all that separates your new home from your boat is a dock. Our waterfront condominiums overlook the St. Johns River and the Marina at Ortega Landing, offering a rare opportunity to indulge in your dreams. This is the ultimate luxury living experience in a tranquil waterfront location, where coming home gives you the “weekend away” feeling every day of the year. It’s boating at your doorstep!

Your new lifestyle awaits as the first condominium building approaches completion, which is scheduled for April 2009. Color selections will
begin soon. Call us this week for your private appointment which includes a hard hat tour.

Atkinson Realty Group, Inc.
An Affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates

MLG Development is pleased to offer a 0% interest for five years financing option for those interested in a marina membership at the beautiful Marina at Ortega Landing. This offer is good on all boat slips on all docks.

Until March 1, 2009, MLG is offering the following special financing package:
 
    •    0% interest for five years*
    •    20% down
    •    Must close by March 1, 2009
(Minimum $500 monthly payments applicable to purchase price. Balance due on fifth anniversary).

Contact Kris Schmid, Harbormaster, at (904) 387-5538 or kschmid@ortegalanding.com to discuss the details. This is a limited time offer so act soon to take advantage of it.

Last fall we were pleased to offer you limited seasonal slip rentals for the 2008-2009 winter season. This time around, we are happy to offer absentee owners even better rates. This is a great opportunity for those of you that are on the docks for 10 days or less per month. Lease rates are now starting at $9.00 per foot (plus taxes and fees) with a further discount for long-term prepayment.

This program will allow you to stay on your boat on the weekend for a reduced lease rate. For 2009, we will continue our monthly docktail parties for our club members, cruise clubs and lease customers. Call now for Superbowl weekend package reservations.

If you are interested in leasing a slip on C & D docks on this program, please contact us at (904) 387-5538 or email info@ortegalanding.com
to discuss slip availability and additional amenities and features.

Captain Kristopher W. Schmid
Harbormaster, The Marina at Ortega Landing

Jacksonville is counting down to the 2009 New Year’s Eve Celebration. We look forward every year to a spectacular fireworks display over the St. Johns River that lights up the night sky and rings in the New Year. 

Fireworks will be shot from one barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing and another barge in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Get there early by boat or land to get the best spot. The fireworks can be viewed from the Northbank and Southbank. Or you can stay at Ortega Landing and view the fireworks without ever leaving the dock.

Thousands visited Jacksonville, FL this year on November 1, 2008 for the annual football match-up of Georgia vs. Florida. A great time was had by Bulldogs, Gators and everyone else as the celebration attracted more than 100,000 fans.  The final score was Florida 49 and Georgia 10.  Make plans for a visit to Jacksonville next year to see one of the top ten rivalries in college football!

The Jacksonville Light Parade on Thanksgiving weekend always delights visitors.   Boats of every shape and size are imaginatively adorned with lights and decorations.   Boaters and landlubbers of all ages are amazed every year by the area's largest lighted boat parade.

Care-Free Living

Ortega Landing’s condominium lifestyle frees residents from the daily or weekly maintenance chores that a single-family home requires. Instead of mowing your lawn or trimming the hedges, owners can spend the time enjoying the waterfront, swimming in the pool or relaxing in the hot tub. Traveling out of town for business or pleasure is no longer fraught with worry about getting the mail or having the yard maintained. Just lock the door and go. The staff will take care of your mail and packages and keep an eye on your boat.

Ortega Landing is conveniently located in the heart of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Its proximity to shopping, great schools, restaurants and easy access to major thoroughfares make it an ideal location for everyone. You can enjoy the peace and serenity of riverfront living and be just a stone’s throw away from the necessities and niceties of life. Take a five-minute stroll to more than six restaurants at Roosevelt Square – or stop in for a cup of your favorite latte at Starbucks before grocery shopping at a “full size” Publix complete with a pharmacy. A few steps away is a CVS Pharmacy with a non-emergency walk-in medical clinic on site, several clothing stores and services including nail and hair salons. Busy people will find this very convenient but boating enthusiasts will jump for joy to be able to have all their personal and boating needs taken care of within walking distance of their vessel. What more can you ask for?

The Blue Angels’ debut was in Jacksonville, FL on June 15, 1946.  This is why Jacksonville is included every year on the Blue Angels tour. They rotate each year between the Jacksonville naval Air Station and Jacksonville Beach.

This year, the show is scheduled for October 25-26 at the naval Air Station. The air strip is a short cruise from The Marina at Ortega Landing. Anchor your boat off the base and get ready to be blown away by the Boeing F/A-18 Hornets. Or you can stay on the Ortega Landing docks and take in the action and feel the roar of the jets over the marina. 

If you have not visited Ortega Landing in the past, this is a great reason to come stay with us. We are offering great transient rates and will have fun activities planned for the weekend. You can be one of the 50,000 people that experience the Blue Angels air shows every year. It is a memory you won’t soon forget.  If you can’t make it for the Blue Angels, come the following weekend for the Florida/Georgia football game. If you don’t go to the game, you can watch it at Ortega Landing on our two big screen TVs. Or you can take a short cruise to The Jacksonville Landing for excitement. Call (904) 387-5538 to reserve your slip rental for the weekend.

Tropical storm Fay’s recent visit to Jacksonville put our dock system to the test and we passed with flying colors. Marina members were also put to the test, and the seasoned boaters were well prepared while the new mates learned to give Mother nature her due respect. Fay was predicted to be a mild tropical storm but provided 65 mph sustained winds (just shy of a category 1 hurricane at 74 mph). She was reluctant to leave Jacksonville once she arrived, pouring 12 inches of rain in some areas.

Vast amounts of water dumped on the St. Johns River and the water shed raised the river to 100-year flood levels. It was the highest water level in the Jacksonville area in decades. Unlike many other marinas, we had 10 feet left on our concrete pilings while other marinas had vessels break free from moorings and sink. Some marinas lost docks and others were within 12 inches of having their docks float off the structural piling.

With a little more surge some marinas would have been destroyed or their docks would have completely floated away.As a result of our storm-resistant construction, we now have new lease customers that realize how valuable it is to have their boat in the safest harbor in Jacksonville, The Marina at Ortega Landing. Captain Kristopher W. Schmid, Harbormaster.

Ortega Landing is pleased to announce that we have been named the 2009 Jacksonville Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse!

This is a prestigious honor and we look forward to working with the Guild on their largest annual fundraiser. The dollars are used to support the Jacksonville Symphony as well as its community projects.The 2009 Showhouse at Ortega Landing is scheduled for May 16 to June 8, 2009. Local designers submit design proposals and are chosen by a committee. Once chosen, each designer plans and then implements their design. While each designer expresses their own creativity, they work together to maintain a cohesive flow throughout the project.Ortega Landing is including two condominium units as part of the Designer Showhouse.

We are looking to have a luxury yacht decorated for display and docked in front of the condo building so that visitors can fully experience our boating community.Many special events are associated with the Showhouse including the preview luncheon, hosted by Sterlings Restaurant on May 14, 2009 and the “Harbor Lights” gala party on May 15, 2009 at Ortega Landing. Other events include Thirsty Thursdays, an Art and History Walk, guest speakers and a few surprises yet to be planned.

During the 2008 Symphony Showhouse there were nearly 15,000 visitors and we are hoping to surpass that number to benefit the Guild.Make plans now to join us during the 2009 Symphony Showhouse from May 16 to June 8, 2009. Visit www.ortegalanding.com or read our quarterly newsletter for additional information on events leading up to and during the Showhouse and stay tuned for ticket purchase locations. As always if you would like to schedule a showing, please contact Mary Alice or Rob of Atkinson Realty Group at (904) 387-5538.

Ortega Landing is pleased to offer limited, seasonal slip rentals for the 2008-2009 winter season.The rates are based on both the slip length and the duration of the lease. The available slips are on the C&D docks. Slip rentals start at $475/month including taxes and fees for a 35’ boat. We also offer a pre-paid discount for 6-month and annual leases. Contact Kris Schmid, harbormaster, at (904) 387-5538 to discuss slip availability, rental rates and additional amenities and features.

We have added a new tool to www.ortegalanding.com which allows our web site visitors to chat with us live. We can answer many of your questions through our chat tool. Our website offers a great deal of information, photos and interactive tools but sometimes you might have a question that we don't address on our web site now you can simply type your question into the chat tool and get an answer quickly.

Let's say you want to know what size boat the marina slips at Ortega Landing can handle. Simply type your question in the chat box and we'll be in touch right away. If you see that we are away from the chat you can always leave a message for us with your e-mail address and we can answer your question when we get done watching the beautiful sunset over Jacksonville or after we get out of the marina pool or whirlpool.

You can also use the chat tool to just say hi or ask us how the weather is. As always we encourage you to visit our condos and marina slips in Jacksonville. Once you stop by to see how easy it is to access your boat and you bask in the warmth of the Florida sun, you'll want to make a marina slips the home for your boat as you watch over it from one of our beautiful condo units.

To: "Schmid, Amy" <aschmid@ortegalanding.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 7:43:37 AM
Subject: Labor Day Weekend

Amy,

We had a great weekend at Ortega Landing and would like to thank you, Kris, & Morgan for your hospitality.  We look forward to seeing you again.

Dave Rothfuss-MOLLYGIRL

Yes,  that's a ditto from Hokie Bird ... Ken and Walli Hinson

thank you

Besides a few rain showers, a good time was had by all at Ortega Landing on Labor Day Weekend.  We had some wonderful Bar-B-Que provided by Love Christmas, one of the Marina Members.  She sure knows how to grill!  Several boat clubs stopped by for a visit and enjoyed the refreshing pool and merriment at The Ortega Landing in Jackonville, FL

Tropical Storm Fay has been tough on Florida and Jacksonville. Much damage has occurred through Duval County due to the large amounts of rain and the high winds.

This is the first major storm that the Marina at Ortega Landing has experienced and we are pleased to report that the Marina and the yachts harbored here were unscathed. The Bellingham concrete floating dock system performed admirably as the waters of the Ortega River rose past flood levels. The solid construction and tall pilings ensured that our docks would not float away – as a matter of fact our pilings had 10 additional feet of height throughout the entire storm.

Ortega Landing is very fortunate to be in the safest area for storm protection and to have the best built marina in Jacksonville.

Ortega Landing has recently added Google Maps to our web site to make it easiers for visitors to find us. We are still on the deep curve of Lakeside and Herschel but now visitors from out of town can get detailed directions to Ortega Landing.

Find us in Google Maps

The Summer 2008 Ortega Landing newsletter is now available online. The summer issue of our quarterly newsletter includes the latest information on the condominium development in Jacksonville, photos of the condo construction progress, information from Atkinson Realty Group on the current real estate market in Jacksonville as well as neighborhood features and events and the latest photos.

Donwload the newsletter here.

Ortega Landing Marina is gearing up for a great Labor Day!  If you haven't had the chance to experience Jacksonville's finest marina, Labor Day is the perfect opportunity.  With the refreshing pool and easy accesibility to fine restaurants and shopping, you may never want to leave.  That won't be a problem, because we have great lease rates available, as well as slips for sale.  We have great Labor Day weekend transient rates for any boat that hasn't had a chance to come visit us in the past.  Please call for details at 904-387-5538.   

The condominium construction at Ortega Landing in Jacksonville, Florida reached a major milestone this week as the roof trusses were added to the top of the first 8-unit condominium building. The next steps in the construction process will be installing windows, continuing the interior framing, and preparing the building exterior for the application of the exterior finish.

The first 8-unit condominium building located on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, Florida features incredible views of the Ortega and St. Johns Rivers. Being so close to the Marina at Ortega Landing is a major benefit for owners who love boats and the boating lifestyle. Condominium units are approximately 2800 SF and are a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom configuration. The large windows and open spaces make them perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing. Condominium units start at $1.1 million. Contact Mary Alice or Rob Vidler of Atkinson Realty Group to schedule a visit to Ortega Landing. Rob and Mary Alice can be reached at 904-387-5538.

Ortega Landing is proud to announce that we have been named the Jacksonville Symphony Guild Designer Showhouse 2009.

MLG Development is pleased to present you with the eighth issue of theOrtega Landing newsletter. We hope that your summer is providing you with opportunities to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. Hopefully you have been out on your boat and enjoyed some downtime.

On that same note, the boating community at Ortega Landing is about relaxing andappreciating the finer things in life. You can enjoy the picturesque views of the Ortega River without leaving the dock or have drinks by the pool or in the clubhouse with other Ortega Landing members while your boat is protected in Ortega Landing’s safe harbor.

Ortega Landing’s location in the historic neighborhood of Ortega allows you to take a stroll or bike ride through the surrounding area and look at the beautiful homes or do some shopping. Ortega Landing is more than just a marina, it is a boating lifestyle. It is an opportunity to be around boaters with a common interest and passion.

At Ortega Landing you can embrace the boating lifestyle fully. The newest addition to Ortega Landing is the first 8-unit condominium building. Condominium construction continues and the roof has been placed on the building and the walls are being added. If construction continues ahead of schedule as it is now, the first condo building should be totally enclosed by the publication of the Fall 2008 newsletter. Look inside this newsletter for additional construction photos.

Give us a call or drop us an e-mail and we will welcome you to Ortega Landing for a weekend of relaxation.

RelocateAmerica™ named Jacksonville as one of the top 100 places to live. RelocateAmerica is an online resource that offers consumers a directory of more than 6,000 national community profiles to view when researching local housing markets. Jacksonville was chosen because it is a great place to live, work and play. It boasts sandy beaches, beautiful weather and distinctive communities from turn-of-the century Victorian to Spanish charm.
Jacksonville also boasts outdoor entertainment opportunities. Sports fans will feel at home here. Jacksonville is home to the NFL Jaguars, the TPC golf tournament, the 15k River Run and annual Mug Race sailing regatta. With such expansive waters bordering it’s shores, Jacksonville is a great place for watersports or just lounging on the beach. Who wouldn’t want to make Jacksonville their home?

The Marina at Ortega Landing in Jacksonville, Florida is now offering a limited number of slips for lease for a minimum term of 6 months. For additional information on leasing or buying boat slips at Ortega Landing call 904-387-5538 or e-mail Kris Schmid at kschmid@ortegalanding.com

As we all know the cost of boating has gone up along with everything else. As boaters, we must analyze our cost versus return during these economic times. The Marina at Ortega Landing offers the highest value regarding the quality of marina dockage facilities, marina amenities and recreational opportunities. Many members have found that they stay on their boat 30%-40% more now that Ortega Landing is their home port. We have seen more local transients coming for the weekend to enjoy all the marina has to offer. The resort style marina surroundings and its beautiful location provides a relaxing and social setting to enjoy without leaving the dock.

The choice to make Ortega Landing your home port offers other cost savings as well. Members have found that insurance carriers grant a reduced premium because of the site’s natural hurricane protection, the fact that we are located 25 miles inland south of the Main Street Bridge and because of our location on the inland waters (be sure to check with your insurance representative). The proximity to shops, restaurants and the beautiful communities of Ortega and Avondale allow members to walk or bike to get their shopping done; we also transport our members to and from the airport so there is no need for a rental car! Come spend a weekend with us; caution you may fall in love!

Boat Safely,
Kris Schmid, Harbormaster, Marina at Ortega Landing
904-387-5538