Heather Burkett-Ocasio spent the first four decades of her life in the same South Florida home, never imagining she’d leave. But after losing both of her parents within a few years of each other, her family encouraged her to make a change — and Jacksonville, where she had some relatives, was the first place she and her husband considered. They’ve never looked back.
“Everything” is her answer when asked what she loves best about the First Coast — the moss-covered trees, the blue waterways, and the people. Coming from the faster pace of South Florida, she noticed something different here: a community that lingers, connects, and genuinely shows up for one another.
Storytelling has been part of Heather’s life since before she could write, from an original song her mom helped her put to paper at age three, to an invitation to the Young Authors Conference at eleven. Her path to becoming a full-time author wasn’t a straight line, though. She’s worn plenty of hats over the years — retail, admin work, event planning — before health issues led her to close her own event-planning business in 2025. Facing another reinvention, she poured herself into writing, publishing seven stories in just seven months under the name H.R. Burkett: contemporary romance full of humor and heart.
These days, writing takes up most of her time, though she’s also organizing The Fall Author Boutique, a free event bringing together seven local indie authors and small businesses at The Shanty & Co in St. Augustine.
For Heather, the First Coast has become more than a new address. “For most of my life, South Florida was ‘home’ because it was where I was born and raised,” she says. “But Jacksonville is home because it’s where I found my community.”
How long have you lived here? I moved to Jacksonville after losing both of my parents, and my husband and I have never looked back.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast? Everything — the moss-covered trees, the blue waterways, and the kind, compassionate people I’ve met here. The pace is less frantic, and people take time to really connect.
What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your writing journey? Five friends secretly had my very first novel turned into a hardbound book and gave it to me as a gift. Holding it, seeing my name on the cover, I just sobbed.
What does being part of the First Coast community mean to you? We were starting over in so many ways when we moved here, and the community welcomed us in.
Where and how can folks learn more? Visit authorhrburkett.com, or join her at The Fall Author Boutique, a free literary pop-up event this September at The Shanty & Co in St. Augustine.
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Dinah contributes stories and personal experiences while managing First Coast events and visits across Florida’s west coast. She oversees account onboarding and content development, bringing her passion for community engagement to every project. When she’s not working, you’ll find Dinah at the beach or spending time with dogs.
