Two Jacksonville Beach hotels are rebranding and upgrading under new ownership, while a homebuyer program helped first-timers secure homes.

Two major hotel redevelopment projects are transforming properties in Jacksonville’s Beaches, with the One Ocean Resort & Spa rebranding as Dune House Hotel & Spa by spring 2026, featuring updated rooms and a coastal aesthetic while staying open. Across the street, the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn and Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach were acquired for nearly $37 million, with plans for a boutique hotel, beach club, spa, and retail spaces under Remington Hospitality management. Both properties remain operational during renovations. Locals express mixed but hopeful views, welcoming upgrades that could improve amenities and parking while preserving the area’s charm. Meanwhile, Kendra Traeye became a first-time homeowner after a three-day NACA event at Edward Waters University, where over 3,000 people attended a mortgage assistance program offering no-down-payment, no-fee loans at 5.25% for 30 years, with approvals completed in a single day.