TJ Jenkins

As summer approaches, it's a time of endings and new beginnings, with school years coming to a close, graduations, summer vacations, and summer jobs. A community dedicated to hospitality, this is a time locals gear up for the ensuing busy season. On May 20th, a tragic accident took the lives of two young student-athletes, TJ Jenkins (18) & Andrew Sheppard (16), and completely stopped us in our tracks.

These young boys were both multi-sport athletes with bright futures ahead. TJ comes from a long line of generational Tiger Sharks with two younger brothers left to carry on that Jenkins spirit. As a young boy playing little league baseball, TJ was a ball player Justin Gerlach, our Pristine Properties owner/manager, enjoyed coaching for several years. Justin and Alyson’s oldest daughter, Zoe, the only girl in the league of boys baseball, started as his teammate and grew into lifelong friends with their youngest daughter RJ carrying on the tradition of playing in the same league with his younger brother and Justin continuing as their coach.

Many of you are drawn to our area because of the small-town feel and sense of community not found anymore in many places across the country. As displayed repeatedly with one hardship after another, Port St. Joe rallies around one another in support, lifting each other until we get to the other side.

Close to many on our Pristine Properties staff, the Jenkins family could use our help which I know is also true for the Sheppard family. A bank account has been opened for each boy at our local Capital City branch. If you feel inclined, please join us in helping to support TJ’s family. Any donations will go directly to help pay for arrangements and to help each family during this unforeseen and challenging time.

TJ Jenkins - Account # 10001223337

Andrew Sheppard - Account # 10001223246

Out of Town Deposits, please address to:

Capital City Bank - Attn: Kirsti Dorman, 150 Avenue A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456

please reference the account number above