Call Us: 904-261-9129 |
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Call Us: 904-261-9129 |
Jay and Shirin Kanji started Impact Holdings in 1980 with the purchase of a 34-room motel in Gainesville, FL. Since then, the family-run hospitality business has grown into a diversified portfolio with locations across the southeast. With vast experience spanning hotel, retail, and home services, their roots remain roughly grounded in hospitality. This includes hotel management for several prestigious brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.
For Jay and Shirin, entering the vacation rental industry felt like the natural next step. Their profound expertise has provided deep appreciation for serving guests with care, consistency, and excellence.
Impact Holdings joined Casago because of its strong values, proven systems, and national reputation for excellence in property management. This ensures performance at scale without losing the local, family-owned touch.
As longtime Florida residents, Jay and Shirin are deeply invested in their community, providing leadership for local business organizations and mentoring youth. In addition, they are active in charitable partnerships throughout Northeast Florida.
Being part of the fabric of northeast Florida is more than a privilege for Jay and Shirin, it is the foundation of their work.
With 42 miles of beach stretching along the Atlantic shore just beyond the city’s architecturally preserved center, St. Augustine is a treasured historic destination on Florida’s northeast coast. Combining authentic old-world charm with amazing beaches, enthralling events, and family-friendly entertainment, St. Augustine’s allure stretches well beyond its brick-lined streets and Spanish colonial architecture.
The Timucua inhabited this region of what is now St. Augustine for 500 years before the arrival of Spanish settlers. On Sepember 8, 1565, Spanish admiral Don Pedro Menendez and a group of 600 settlers founded the area, giving it its present name. Don Pedro chose the name St. Augustine in honor of the saint whose feast day fell on the day he first sighted land.
Today, St. Augustine welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, with many coming from the southeast, including Jacksonville, Atlanta, Savannah, Charlotte, and Birmingham. As the “Nation’s Oldest City”, St. Augustine is a must-stop getaway on Florida’s Historic Coast. The area draws a wide mix of travelers, from couples (largest segment), to families, and multi-generational groups.
Located just an hour south of Jacksonville, and minutes from the beaches of Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine provides travelers of all ages the chance to explore remarkable Spanish forts and castles while enjoying plenty of sunshine fun. Speaking of age, be sure to visit Ponce de León’s Fountain of Youth Archaeology Park to add your name to the guest registry dating back to 1868.
Being in St. Augustine feels like stepping into a living postcard. The cobblestone streets, 450+ years of history, and vibrant arts scene create an atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else in Florida. You can catch live music under the stars, grab oysters on the water, and walk to a centuries-old fort—all in the same afternoon.
With year-round events ranging from film festivals to seafood fests, and from St. Augustine’s renowned Nights of Lights to skimboarding championships and historic reenactments, the “Nation’s Oldest City¨ sustains its energy and enchantment. Plan your beach vacation getaway to St. Augustine for oceanfront views, historic landmarks, and local charm. Start exploring now!
St. Augustine is located minutes off of I-95 between Jacksonville Beaches and Palm Coast. If flying, the closest airport to St. Augustine is Jacksonville (JAX) about 30 minutes away.
The best times to visit are March–May and September–November. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and access to the area’s top events, including Sing Out Loud Festival and Founder’s Day. Spring is ideal for beach lovers and garden tours, while fall is perfect for history buffs, culinary travelers, and ghost tour enthusiasts.
The Old Town Trolley Tours are a favorite for first-time visitors, offering hop-on/hop-off convenience and guided narration through the city’s landmarks.
Try local favorites like Aunt Kate’s, Cap’s on the Water, or Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for fresh coastal fare with a St. Augustine twist.
St. Augustine, Florida is known as the nation’s oldest capital and oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. It was founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez and Spanish settlers 50 years after Ponce de León claimed Florida for the Spanish crown. The majestic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., remains a central attraction for visitors to St. Augustine.
St. Augustine provides a rich calendar of events at any time of the year, some of the most popular include:
Any trip to St. Augustine should undoubtedly include a visit to the monumental Castillo de San Marcos on the western shore of Matanzas Bay. The national monument, built by the Spanish over 300 years ago, remains a steadfast reminder of the area’s colonial past.
In addition, one of the best ways to catch all the must-sees in St. Augustine in just one day is to hop on the Old Town Trolley. This will take you to iconic spots including the Old City Gates, the famed Fountain of Youth, and across the Bridge of Lions.
Closer to the coast, step into the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum where you can climb up into the historic 165-foot-tall lighthouse for a view of the area. Stop over for lunch at Salt Life Food Shack near St. Augustine beach for the laid-back vibe and eclectic seafood dishes.
Be sure to take time during the day to explore the shops, boutiques, and cafés along St. George Street in the historic center. This pedestrian-only street was historically the heart of the city and continues to be a thriving hub of activity lined with restaurants, shops, and history galore.
Wind down the evening by treating yourself to dinner at Columbia in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district. Named as one of Florida’s top restaurants since 1967, the Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and family-owned and operated since 1905.
Downtown has metered street parking, garages, and park-and-ride options. During peak times (especially Nights of Lights), it’s best to arrive early or use public shuttles.
