SOCIAL Magazines Acquires Palencia Press Newspaper

After more than two decades of publishing community news and neighborhood updates, the Palencia Press founders have officially passed the torch to Social Magazines, the locally owned publisher of St. Augustine SOCIAL and River & Coast SOCIAL. 

For the past 21 years, the Palencia Press has been dedicated to providing the community “news for and about residents of the Palencia community” and its original publishers have chosen to entrust their paper to a team that shares their same heart for community and commitment to business.

Under the new ownership, readers and advertisers can expect the same hometown coverage and friendly service they’ve always known. The only changes will be behind the scenes: starting with the next issue, ad materials, story submissions, and payments will be coordinated through Social Magazines’ St. Augustine office.

“Our goal is simple — to continue the legacy the original owners built,” says Heather Vreeland, Publisher of SOCIAL Magazines. “We’re not changing what people love about Palencia Press. We’re here to support it, strengthen it, and make sure it thrives for years to come.”

For SOCIAL Magazines, the acquisition is about strengthening real, human connection. “We believe in the power of print,” Vreeland said. “People crave the tangible — something that doesn’t require a password or an algorithm to be connected to their community. When you hold a magazine or newspaper in your hands, it slows you down. It creates space to think, reflect, and truly see your neighbors again.”

Already known for its citywide publications mailed directly to homes across St. Johns County, SOCIAL Magazines sees Palencia Press as a natural extension of its mission to “make a more connected community.” By adding this neighborhood paper to its family of publications, the company ensures that tangible connection will continue to thrive in the Palencia Neighborhood, and they can grow their product offerings to businesses who already trust them to provide trustworthy local advertising.

In addition, SOCIAL Magazines brings a level of structure, organization, and operational support that is often difficult for smaller, independently run publications to maintain. Over the past decade, the company has built strong internal systems for production, communication, deadlines, billing, and advertiser support — processes that keep their citywide magazines running smoothly month after month. Bringing Palencia Press under that same umbrella ensures greater stability for readers and advertisers alike. It allows the paper to benefit from proven workflows and a dedicated team, while still preserving the personality and neighborhood charm that the original owners have cultivated for 21 years. In short, it strengthens the business side so the storytelling can continue to shine.

The original Publishers will continue to be part of the transition in the coming months to ensure a smooth handover for all advertisers, readers, and contributors.

For questions, story submissions, or advertising inquiries, residents and businesses are invited to email info@palenciapress.com or call (904) 692-7511 to submit story ideas and content to the beloved neighborhood newspaper.