WaterColor's First Employee is Resident Horticulturist to Oversee Environmental and Horticultural Programs and Practices
Press Release
September 27, 1999
WATERCOLOR, FL -- WaterColor, the new second home resort on the beaches of South Walton County, Fla., today announced
its first staff member. J. Stephen Greer will be WaterColor's resident horticulturist at the community being developed
by Arvida, the community development arm of The St. Joe Company (NYSE:JOE).
Greer will oversee environmental and horticultural programs and practices in WaterColor, a proposed 498-acre community
adjacent to Grayton Beach State Recreation Area. WaterColor's initial phase has been approved for 212 residential
units, 20,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, a beach club, tennis club and boathouse. Under an approved
Preliminary Development Agreement, 102 acres of the 498-acre community are currently being developed. Greer will
shepherd the use and maintenance of native plants throughout WaterColor, as well as implement educational programs
for youths and adults. With offices in the master-planned community, Greer will be a resource for WaterColor as
well as the surrounding community.
"We want WaterColor's residents to truly experience nature, so we'll work to preserve the essence of this
beautiful Southern coastal setting by careful use of native plants. I'll also be presenting plant symposia, youth
programs and festival days," said Greer.
Preserving the natural surroundings is in keeping with Arvida's vision for South Walton County. "We recognize
and value these wonderful natural assets that are part of the landscape of this region of the Gulf Coast,"
said James M. Rester, president of Arvida's West Florida Operations. "Without question, some of the key resources
we must preserve are the natural plant and animal life. It is important unto itself, and because it will enhance
the experience of those who come to WaterColor."
Greer will be on-site in WaterColor throughout construction, and will continue to care for the landscape once homes
are complete. "Not only will he lead our development team in formulating strategies and activities to enhance
the outdoor experience in WaterColor, but he will remain in the community to see the plans through as WaterColor
matures," said Rester.
Greer comes to WaterColor from North Carolina State University in Charlotte, N.C., where he received his degree
in plant sciences with special emphasis in environmental education, native and ornamental plant nutrition and agronomy.
He is known not only for his field expertise, but for print and broadcast outreach programs he created to communicate
the importance of responsible landscape stewardship. The Clemson University graduate credits his grandmother, a
dedicated organic gardener, with inspiring his love of plants and their environment.
Arvida is the community development arm of St. Joe. Arvida is a primary developer of master-planned residential,
resort and business communities nationwide. Since the company was founded more than 40 years ago by Arthur Vining
Davis, it has completed more than 50 planned communities comprising more than 35,000 new homes in Florida, Georgia,
Texas, California and North Carolina. Arvida has also developed approximately 5 million square feet of commercial
and industrial facilities.
The St. Joe Company (NYSE:JOE), a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the Southeast's
largest real estate operating companies. It is engaged in community, commercial, industrial, leisure and resort
development, along with residential and commercial real estate services. St. Joe comprises two real estate development
arms, St. Joe Commercial and Arvida, each with a services component. The company also has significant interests
in timber and transportation. For more information, visit our website at www.watercolorflorida.com.
Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risk and uncertainty, including market
risks, developments risks, competition and other risks detailed in the Company's public filings with the Securities
Exchange Commission including the Company's Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(c) 1999 The St. Joe Company. Arvida Community Sales, Inc., Licensed Real Estate Broker. "WaterColor. A Southern
Coastal Landscape, Florida" is a service mark of the St. Joe Company.
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Contact:
Arvida, A St. Joe Company
Media Contact:
Leslie Snavely, 954/349-8141
or
Visible Ink Public Relations & Marketing
Jennifer Howard, 850/837-4676
or
The St. Joe Company, Jacksonville
Media Contact:
or
Investor Contact:
Steve Swartz, 904/858-5295