In Loving Memory
Thomas (Tommy) Andre Lee – 2008
A friend to many, stranger to none.
Tommy was known for his infectious energy, generous spirit, and ability to make everyone feel like a lifelong friend. A true entrepreneur, he brought new life to properties across St. Augustine — including the Sea Breeze Motel on Anastasia Island and the Casa De Vilano Motel, a 16-room portion of the original 39-room Haley’s Court, which he purchased in 1999.
He poured heart into everything he touched, always going above and beyond — much like the way he lived: fully, joyfully, and with intention. Whether he was chasing the perfect wave or sharing a moment with a neighbor, Tommy treated every day as a gift and everyone he met with genuine care.
Though he passed in 2008, his spirit remains at the heart of everything we do. In 2023, his children (Damon and Stephanie), sister (Valerie), and niece (Shelby) came together to lovingly restore the property he once called Casa De Vilano. After a year and a half of renovations, we officially reopened as Haley’s Court in November 2024 — infused with new life yet grounded in the same values Tommy lived by: authenticity, connection, quality, and care.
We created this with him in mind. Below, meet the family carrying his legacy forward.
Co-Owner, Haley’s Court & STA Realty
Damon Lee
After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Operations Management, Damon returned home to St. Augustine to pursue a career in real estate and entrepreneurship — a path deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. He began by buying and selling foreclosures, eventually earning his real estate license, and flipping more than 30 properties across the area.
Today, Damon is the co-owner of both Haley’s Court and STA Realty, a local real estate agency he runs with business partner Bobby Appleby. STA Realty is built on a passion for both people and property, with a mission to make buying or selling a home a smooth and rewarding experience.
Damon’s most meaningful project to date has been the full renovation of Haley’s Court — the 16-room motel originally purchased by his father, Tommy Lee. Alongside his sister and aunt, Damon helped lead the motel’s transformation from start to finish. With his tool belt never far from reach — and a spirit much like Tommy’s — he played a hands-on role in every phase of the project.
He’s always had a passion for real estate and finds fulfillment in helping others — whether it’s guiding clients, lending a hand with friends’ remodels, or welcoming guests to a space full of heart. To Damon, Haley’s Court is more than a business; it’s a tribute to his father’s legacy and a way to give back to the Vilano Beach community he loves.
When he’s not on the property or helping clients find their next home, you’ll find Damon on the golf course, surfing on Vilano, or fishing — and always keeping a close eye on Gator sports and cheering (or commiserating) with fellow Jags fans.
Co-Owner & Events Coordinator, Haley’s Court
Stephanie Lee Ayres
A St. Augustine local with a deep love for family, design, and hospitality, Stephanie brings heart and intention to everything she does. With a passion for motherhood, home cooking, new home construction, interior design, and travel, she has a natural gift for creating beautiful, welcoming spaces — both at home and at Haley’s Court.
Stephanie played a key role in reimagining Haley’s Court alongside her brother Damon and aunt Valerie. Throughout the renovation, she worked closely with her husband, Jay — a true jack-of-all-trades whose craftsmanship and problem-solving skills were instrumental in bringing the property back to life. Owner of Ayres Custom Homes, Jay continues to support ongoing projects at the motel while balancing his one-of-a-kind custom builds around St. Augustine.
At Haley’s Court, Stephanie leads our on-site event coordination and is the go-to for gatherings, celebrations, and special stays. She also works closely with Shelby on daily operations and guest services, helping ensure every visitor feels the care, charm, and intention behind our family-run property.
When she’s not on site, you’ll find Stephanie assisting Jay with his construction projects, spending time with their two sons, Owen and Tommy, practicing yoga, or cooking up home-cooked meals for family and friends. She has a true knack for hosting and loves nothing more than bringing people together in meaningful ways.
Co-Owner & Lead Designer, Haley’s Court
Valerie Lee
A graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Interior Design, Valerie has been a licensed interior designer since 1997. That same year, she founded her firm, Anastasia Design Group, and has spent over 25 years creating thoughtful, functional, and elevated spaces for both residential and commercial clients across the country.
Valerie’s passion for interior design and love of renovation run deep — especially when it comes to transforming spaces others might overlook. Like many in our family, she sees potential where others see “can’t-be-saved,” and has built a career out of bringing those forgotten spaces back to life.
In addition to her design work, Valerie manages a thriving vacation rental business with 15 listings throughout St. Augustine. She blends her love of restoration and hospitality with deep construction knowledge and a designer’s eye — creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal and welcoming.
At Haley’s Court, Valerie was a powerhouse behind the scenes. She led the complete interior design of the property alongside her daughter, Shelby — selecting everything from paint colors and tile to the artwork and outdoor furniture. Everything you love about the look and feel of Haley’s Court is thanks to her vision, taste, and leadership. It was a true family effort, with Valerie guiding every design detail.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her traveling the world, pulling weeds, giving life-changing advice, or gathering the family for every birthday, holiday, and celebration. She’s a true host — in every sense of the word.
Director of Operations, Haley’s Court
Shelby Yocius
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Shelby wears many hats at Haley’s Court — from managing day-to-day operations to curating design details, overseeing social media, and ensuring every guest experience feels seamless and special. As the niece of Tommy Lee and daughter of Valerie, she’s been deeply involved in the revival of Haley’s Court from the very beginning, helping transform a cherished family property into a boutique motel with soul.
After earning her degree in Entrepreneurship from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2023, Shelby joined Anastasia Design Group as both an interior design assistant and vacation rental manager for Valerie’s portfolio of properties. That dual role gave her a strong foundation in both aesthetics and operations — a combination that proved invaluable during the full renovation of Haley’s Court. She believes in creating experiences (and spaces) that are authentic, intentional, and worth it. While the rest of the family focuses on their other endeavors, it was only natural that Shelby would step in to lead daily operations at Haley’s Court.
Working alongside Valerie on everything from furniture selection to room styling, Shelby helped bring the motel’s retro-modern identity to life. She also led the creative direction and guest experience strategy — ensuring Haley’s Court not only looks great but operates with care and intention. Every thoughtful detail — from the fluffy towels and sustainable toiletries to the retro appliances, signage, messaging, guest guidebook, and social media — reflects her eye for design, love of research, and a little bit of harmless perfectionism.
Officially, Shelby is our Director of Operations — unofficially, she’s our Chief Everything Officer. From guest relations to graphic design, social media to stain removal, there’s not much she doesn’t do at Haley’s Court. We tried fitting titles like Head of Guest Happiness, Keeper of Aesthetic Standards, In-House IT Support, Part-Time Laundress, and Resident Problem Solver on her business card… but it wouldn’t fit.
With a passion for hospitality, design, branding, and entrepreneurship, Shelby is proud to carry forward the next generation of her family’s legacy. And as always — she’s dreaming up what’s next for Haley’s Court. Whether she’s welcoming guests, creating content, or solving problems before anyone else even knows they exist, Shelby runs the show with warmth, hustle, and a suspiciously calm demeanor.
