The Team Behind the Magic at Shearwater
November 7th, 2025
Arrive in Shearwater and you’ll instantly notice something feels different here. There’s an energy in the air, a sense of genuine connection that goes well beyond what you’d typically find in a residential neighborhood. That energy comes from real people who are deeply committed to making sure residents can thrive. Meet Joe Gerena, Shearwater’s Lifestyle Director, and his right-hand, Lifestyle Coordinator, Demetric Arnold. Together, they’ve transformed how life unfolds in this naturally connected community.
Lifestyle Director, Joe Gerena
Joe arrived at Shearwater last September with a clear vision, one shaped by years of experience managing lifestyle programs across multiple communities and hundreds of thousands of homes. Rather than impose his own ideas about what residents should want, he did something far more valuable. He listened. He reached out to residents on social media and connected with ambassadors, gaining a real sense of Shearwater’s pulse. What he discovered was a place hungry for more, for events that mattered, for activities that would bring people together across all walks of life and age groups.
“I have an open-door policy,” Joe explains. “This is a resident-run community, so I want people to be able to come in and tell me what interests them, what they’re hearing, what various groups want to put on. Then I’ll do everything in my power to facilitate that and make it happen.”
That philosophy has resulted in active engagement, where something meaningful is always on the horizon, and where residents genuinely look forward to what’s next.
The Right Events at the Right Time
Shortly after his arrival, Joe and Demetric reimagined how Shearwater engages with the members of the community. They replaced lengthy scrolling newsletters with an online magazine experience to showcase events, happenings and resident-owned businesses.
“In the beginning, we threw a bunch of things against the wall to see what stuck,” Joe recalls. “And once we gained a clearer picture of where the community was at, we were able to be more deliberate and focused. The momentum has been building ever since.”
Here’s what makes it all work. Joe and Demetric don’t just put on events and hope people show up. They consider timing. They account for the weather. They think about what days feel right, what times work best for different age groups. They book food trucks strategically. They partner with vendors and community members who care about making things special. And perhaps most importantly, they stay in constant conversation with residents.
A Calendar Full of Possibilities
Find yourself in Shearwater today, and you’ll feel the energy that makes the community so special. There’s always something happening here. This fall, the St. Johns County bookmobile will visit The Outpost at the start of each week. The Kayak Club hosts Monday Night Football watch parties, especially when the Jags are playing, complete with tailgating snacks. There’s a pool deck party with a live DJ, dancing, and food trucks. We also host regular meetings for organizations like macramé classes, line dancing in the Group Fitness Studio, Curiosity U, and a discussion group that explores everything from iconic films to international cultures. The year only gets more exciting with Vendor Villages, Veterans Appreciation Day, and holiday events that lead into Winterfest and the beloved Tree Lighting. From Spring Fling to the 4th of July, every season brings a reason to gather and celebrate.
Your Life at Shearwater Awaits
Shearwater is a destination where someone is always thinking about how to make things better and create more opportunities for interaction.
When you choose to live here, you’re not just getting access to world-class amenities or a home with stunning architecture. You’re joining a neighborhood where people genuinely know who lives next door or down the street, and where you’ll find yourself saying yes far more often than you ever expected.
With quick move-in homes available, you can begin your Shearwater journey today. Explore our gorgeous homes and discover how living here provides a true bridge to community and nature.
