It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fleming Island, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am really happy with my helper. She always has a smile every day. She”
“I wanted to reach out to thank you for your patience & continued help to”
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“Always Best Care has a n awesome staff that’s caring and knowledgeable. I enjoy working”
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“Marlynn - Thank you so much to you and your team for your responsiveness support!”
“I am a current client of this provider ABC has been providing my father care 6”
“Doreesa is extraordinarily effective & successful in working with my husband. She takes his lead”
“Thank you for your excellent care of Dad during his time of need, and for”
“Always Best Care is caring for a dear elderly friend in Florida, and I live”
“Obviously I can only speak to my experience with this company but they have been”
“Ms. Elaine and the crew at Always Best - Thanks to each of you for”
“I just want to say thanks to all of you at ABC... if I say”
“I am a current client of this provider My wife was in hospital for 12 days,”
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“I am a current client of this provider The care we receive from Always Best Care”
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“I am a current client of this provider Our care was compassionate, and Professional. Every employee”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care Jacksonville has provided in home”
“I am really happy with my helper. She always has a smile every day. She gets right to work wit her first question being about do I need help with my hair washing, then did I take my pills. Then she starts with cleaning. Always smiling.”
“I wanted to reach out to thank you for your patience & continued help to get Mom & Dad comfortable with starting the care process. I know it took longer than expected (and certainly longer than I had hoped), but you all have already made a big impact. In talking with Mom & Dad, they both really like Ja’kayla & it sounds like she is doing a wonderful job. I can hear the relief & realization of what it means in Mom’s voice when I talk to her each week.”
“Always best care is a wonderful place to work!”
“Always best care is more than just an amazing place to receive care from, but an amazing company to be a part of from day one. I’ve felt welcomed, valued and appreciated. I'd truly recommend this place to anyone looking for care for their family members and friends or companions looking to provide care to join the team.”
“Always Best Care has a n awesome staff that’s caring and knowledgeable. I enjoy working with them and their clients. I love helping assist the elderly and their families.”
“Always Best Care is quick to respond & care for families in need. They give personal attention & suggestions for the special needs of each client.”
“Always Best Care is an awesome Agency to work for they are the best . Have been there 7years and counting! What does that say? Answer Amazing..”
“Love the company. As an employee, I can say that the company is adept in good communication and competency. They are also very lenient with scheduling !”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for. I'm able to give compassionate care that my client needs and It makes me feel good when the family feels good and knowing that their loved one has trust in me and feel Comfortable when I'm around. HHA/CNA, If you're looking for a company to work for, choose Always Best Care so you can be apart of the ABC Family.”
“Great company to work for.”
“Marlynn - Thank you so much to you and your team for your responsiveness support!”
“I am a current client of this provider ABC has been providing my father care 6 days a week for the last 3 months and I've been pleased with the close rapport the caregivers have established with Dad. The daily caregiver team has been very reliable and responsive to my requests. The online portal has been so useful in communicating scheduling tasks and other requests, and I always feel I have the ability to easily reach someone at the ABC office who is personally aware of our account. I'm 100% glad we made the switch to ABC from another local agency.”
“Doreesa is extraordinarily effective & successful in working with my husband. She takes his lead and fits the activity to suit "his mood." She's very understanding of his needs and issues. She reacts with a smile and is quite patient.”
“Thank you for your excellent care of Dad during his time of need, and for always being gracious when changes were needed. Thanks also for providing us with a caregiver "Tracy Ann" who really cared.”
“Always Best Care is caring for a dear elderly friend in Florida, and I live in Illinois. The quality of caregivers is amazing, superb. I can TRUST them and Marlynn and her staff to CARE for my dear friend/adopted family. ABC provides a whole range of medical and caregiving services for my friend/adopted family member. The caregivers always arrive on time and are wonderful people in addition to being competent caregivers. Our interactions with the caregivers have been appropriate. They are appropriately respectful of their client and my husband and me. At the same time we have enjoyed fun conversations with them and gotten to know them. Marlynn and her staff are very responsive to our requests. She is also able to explain when our request isn’t good for our friend. We would highly recommend using the people and services of Always Best Care and would be glad to answer questions that might be helpful in making that decision.”
“Obviously I can only speak to my experience with this company but they have been a saving grace for our family. Extremely helpful, efficient. “Our” Amanda, our caregiver for our elderly mother is thoughtful, thorough, encouraging, ever so patient and caring. She’s a gem to us!”
“Ms. Elaine and the crew at Always Best - Thanks to each of you for your kindness”
“I just want to say thanks to all of you at ABC... if I say names I may leave someone out but thanks. As God leaves in my heart you guys have helped me, around physically and mentally. May God just bless you all. Thank you all.”
“I am a current client of this provider My wife was in hospital for 12 days, and was released on a Sunday. The caregiver from Always Best Care arrived at our home as soon as we were there. She immediately made sure that we had everything my wife needed to be safe. She was extremely kind and was every time she was with us. The caregiver was always on time and responsive to all my wife's needs. I will recommend this agency to anyone that needs their service”
“I am a current client of this provider I have been a client of Always Best Care since 2020 and have had the most fabulous caregivers since I started some of who have become good friends. They help me with driving me to my hair appointments, showering and looking my best. Aretta, Sandra, and Rose come weekly and help me get ready for bed and dressed in the morning. They help keep me company since my husband passed away a few years ago. They are always on time and stay extra if I need it. If I need anything the agency responds immediately even if I call at night. I would highly recommend Always Best Care of Jacksonville to everyone.”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you Always Best Care for sending quality caregivers for my husband. All caregivers have been good and some outstanding. I appreciate the fairness you exhibit in always making certain the caregiver and the care receiver are pleased and compatible. For the past 8 months Ola has been with us full time. She is the BEST and works well with me and my husband who is not always in a great mood because of Alzheimer's and memory loss. Ola is kind, patient, and now part of our family. I thank you and God for putting us together.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care we receive from Always Best Care is always compassionate, and Professional. Tracy Ann our Care Giver is so very dependable. She puts a lot of love and care in everything she does for my father. And he's very comfortable with her and that makes our life so much better. She's become a very important part of our life and we appreciate her so much. We are thankful and blessed to have her. I highly recommend Always Best Care. All calls are answered promptly and with care. Thanks for the service you provide”
“I am a current client of this provider I am delighted to share my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional care that my mother has received from the dedicated team at Always Best Care. Since they began caring for my mother, we have witnessed compassion, professionalism, timeliness, and unwavering support. The caregivers at Always Best Care have shown genuine warmth and empathy towards my mother, and their commitment to her well-being is evident in every interaction. They take their role in providing care very seriously and with the utmost respect. They engage in meaningful conversations and provide companionship that provides a comfort to being so far away. This has also significantly impacted my mother's quality of life. Always Best Care's professionalism and communication have been exceptional. They inform us about my mother's health and any developments, allowing us to make informed decisions. The caregivers at Always Best Care have been a blessing and their dedication to providing top-notch care and compassion is exactly what my mom needs. I'm incredibly grateful!”
“I am a current client of this provider Our care was compassionate, and Professional. Every employee we worked with was very caring and understanding. They listened to our needs and we’re very patient with all of our questions. Thank you for making a true difference in my aunts quality of life.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care Jacksonville has provided in home care for my mother for the last 3 years who has late stage Alzheimer's. They have done a wonderful job providing the same caregivers, with a few exceptions, for this journey which makes it so much easier for us. We live out of town, but we know the ladies who are coming and have been coming consistently the last 3 years. They are always on time and know her better than she knows herself. This is especially helpful since she has no short term memory left. The office has always responded immediately if we have any additional needs and makes us feel like family. They have a family portal for us to log on to see what's going on with mom daily. We look forward to the photos the caregivers post there of what she's doing that day so we feel like we are there as well. They truly live up to their name of Always Best Care!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fleming Island, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fleming Island, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fleming Island, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office said the remains were identified as those of Nicholas Lamont Anderson. They were found May 7.FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — Human remains discovered on private property along the St. Johns River in Fleming Island in May have been identified as those of a 24-year-old Atlanta man, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said Friday.24-year-old Nicholas Lamont Anderson was identified and his family informed, CCSO said in a statement.Anderson was from Atlanta, the sheriff's office said, and they're lo...
The Clay County Sheriff's Office said the remains were identified as those of Nicholas Lamont Anderson. They were found May 7.
FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — Human remains discovered on private property along the St. Johns River in Fleming Island in May have been identified as those of a 24-year-old Atlanta man, the Clay County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
24-year-old Nicholas Lamont Anderson was identified and his family informed, CCSO said in a statement.
Anderson was from Atlanta, the sheriff's office said, and they're looking into circumstances surrounding his death and the discovery of his body.
Investigators said they're specifically looking into his activities, encounters and places he visited from April 1 to April 7, 2025.
The Sheriff's Office is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or significant advances in the investigation surrounding his death.
A homeowner discovered human remains on their property along the St. Johns River in Fleming Island on May 7, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
The homeowner called 911 around 5:07 p.m. to report remains found in the river near the 3200 block of U.S. 17, close to the Doctors Lake bridge. CCSO dispatched patrol units, detectives and a dive team to the scene.
Deputies remained on site throughout the night and returned May 8 to continue the investigation. They spent hours searching the property Thursday and some investigators brought K9s.
Angelina Grant lives a few houses down from where the remains were found. She has lived in her home for more than a decade and has never experienced anything like this.
"It’s a calm little island we have here, Fleming Island," Grant said.
Grant did not know about the discovery until a friend texted her to make sure she was ok. She does not know the people who own the home where the remains were found, but she hopes investigators get answers.
"We have four kids, they’ve all grown up here the last 12 years and I’ve never been concerned with them going out onto the sidewalk or walking around or anything, and all the neighbors are very nice, so it’s concerning," Grant explained.
The remains are being sent to the medical examiner’s office to help determine the person’s identity and cause of death.
Anyone with information is asked to call 904-264-6512 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.
Maybe if Mikayla Shavers hadn't made a bad landing as a seventh-grader, she might not own a state championship medal today."They put me in hurdles, and I broke my elbow," she said. "So I didn't want to do it anymore."Once she recovered, she needed a new event. She discovered the horizontal jumps, and the rest is history.Now a Florida High School Athletic Association champion in the triple jump, the Fleming Island junior is the Times-Union's All-First Coast athlete of the year in high school girls trac...
Maybe if Mikayla Shavers hadn't made a bad landing as a seventh-grader, she might not own a state championship medal today.
"They put me in hurdles, and I broke my elbow," she said. "So I didn't want to do it anymore."
Once she recovered, she needed a new event. She discovered the horizontal jumps, and the rest is history.
Now a Florida High School Athletic Association champion in the triple jump, the Fleming Island junior is the Times-Union's All-First Coast athlete of the year in high school girls track and field for 2025.
Shavers overcame a one-day lightning delay with a 39-foot, 1/2-inch triple jump to win the Class 3A state championship at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium, and also placed fourth in the long jump.
Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.She's now the first Golden Eagles athlete in girls track to win the athlete of the year award, and the second Fleming Island jumper to win an individual state championship in as many years after Gabrielle Flores in the high jump in 2024.
"She's very motivated, very driven as far as her success, and she has a great foundation around her," Fleming Island track coach Chris Otero said.
Unlike athletes who have spent their lives in the sport, Shavers has only triple-jumped for around four years, and her potential in the sport keeps on growing.
"There's still small things that I need to fix, like reaching into the pit and driving my knee in the second phase," she said. "But it's all starting to come together, and the technique part of the triple jump is probably the hardest."
After her hurdles mishap, Shavers decided that she wanted to remain in track and field, a sport that's been in her family for generations. That led her to the triple jump.
"I didn't care what anybody said, they were not going to put me in hurdles again," she said. "So they found me another event and I started long jump, and then they made me train with the triple jumpers."
A former gymnast who used to train for hours each week before heading to the track, she found that her previous sport made it easier to learn the nuances of the triple jump.
It didn't take long. By her eighth-grade year, she already had first-place finishes in events including the Amateur Athletic Union Club Championship near Orlando.
"I feel like gymnastics translates to jumping the most," she said. "A lot of the jumpers that I know, they all did cheer or gymnastics before track, so jumping really came natural to me."
After that initial success, her next step has been building her speed and strength to complete the next steps in her conversion from gymnastics to the jumping pit. She's finished in the top three of every triple jump event that she entered in the FHSAA season.
"She spent more time in the weight room trying to get stronger," Otero said. "That's what we really tried to focus on during the off-season. She was tiny."
For Shavers, close-but-not-quite finishes had become too familiar. She placed second in the FHSAA triple jump in both 2023 and 2024, and finished fourth in the long jump earlier in the same day before her triple jump triumph.
It didn't feel like a winner when she began to take flight on her first attempt in the Class 3A triple jump final.
"Honestly, I felt a little off on it, coming out of my second phase going into the pit," Shavers said. "I didn't know that was going to be the winning mark."
As it turned out, her first jump flew 39 feet, 1/2 inch for an early first place, and even though three more rounds of jumping remained, that was all she needed to claim Fleming Island's second all-time individual girls track championship after Gabrielle Flores in the high jump in 2024.
That came only about a month after Shavers achieved the best leap of her career at the Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville, a mark of 40 feet, 1 1/4 inches. The elusive 40-foot barrier had tumbled.
"I can't even explain that moment," she said. "I was so happy, because that goal of 40 feet, I've had it since coming into high school and I finally got it there."
Shavers said she's receiving recruiting interest from various colleges, both inside and outside Florida. And the competition might need to watch out. During the next year, she said, she's planning to add the 100-meter dash to her repertoire.
The last time she added a new event, things turned out pretty well.
"College coaches want to see a little more of what I can do outside of just jumping, because the point system in college is what they care most about," she said. "If you can score points in these two events, they want to see if you can score in these [sprint] events as well. Getting faster in the track, getting stronger, it'll help benefit me everywhere."
Mikayla Shavers
Junior, Fleming Island
Age: 16
Resume: Won the FHSAA Class 3A triple jump championship with a mark of 39 feet, 1/2 inch. ... Also placed fourth in long jump (17 feet, 8 3/4 inches). ... Set new personal mark of 40 feet, 1 1/4 inches at the Pepsi Florida Relays. ... Still evaluating college options.
904-650-3617
