Jacksonville Magazine, January/February 2023

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s not often that an order at Waffle House makes national headlines. But, a few weeks ago, a trip to the lowbrow national diner brand was a bonafide news event, with outlets ranging from ESPN to Newsweek sharing the story of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence dining at a Jax Waffle House. The meal followed the team’s amazing comeback victory over the Los Angeles Chargers earlier that night. Apparently, digging out of a 27 to 0 deficit makes one hungry.

His order? “That night, I got the Texas bacon cheesesteak with hash browns with cheese and a pecan waffle,” Lawrence said in a question-and-answer session with reporters at TIAA Bank Field the day after his meal. He added, “Sometimes I get the All-Star [a Waffle House 1,050-calorie classic of two scrambled eggs with toast, waffle, and choices of grits, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage or ham].”

The lanky 23-year-old quarterback was joined at the Jacksonville Beach establishment by more than a dozen friends including some fellow Jaguars players. Fans cheered as he entered the restaurant

and he was gracious enough to pose for photos with Waffle House staff. Videos of the impromptu dinner party went viral and it wasn’t long before comments were coming in from far and wide. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the opponent who would defeat Lawrence and the Jags in their very next game, knocking them out of the NFL playoffs for the year, appreciated his choice of celebratory locations, calling it a “baller move.”

“A week or two ago, I was saying we’ve got to go to one after the game,” Lawrence said about his choice. ”Last week I told them, ‘once we win on Sunday [against the Chargers] we’re going to Waffle House.’” Reportedly, his wife Marissa called the Waffle House in question, asking if it was possible to reserve some space for their party. “They were like, well, if you give us a heads-up, we can clear people out of one area. We’ve got a spot saved.” And saved it was.

Calling ahead to make a reservation for 20 at Waffle House. Does it get any more Duuuval than that? Nope, it certainly does not. Pass the syrup, please. u

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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JACK SONV ILL E

HISTORY EDITOR Tim Gilmore CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Varnes, Joshua Kirshner, Hannah Lewis, CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jefferson Rall CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carrie McLaren, Fabrizio Gowdy, Jeffrey Spear EDITORIAL INTERNS Delaney Akridge, Samantha Stephenson SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS/INQUIRIES circulation@jacksonvillemag. com. JACKSONVILLE (ISSN 1070-5163), (USPS 749870), Volume 39 Issue 1. Published nine times per year with three supplements annually for $19.90 per year by White Publishing Co., 1650 Margaret St., Suite 302, PMB #379, Jacksonville, FL 32204. All editorial contents ©2023 by White Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Periodical postage paid at Jacksonville, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to JACKSONVILLE, 1650 Margaret St., Suite 302, PMB #379, Jacksonville, FL 32204. PRINTED IN THE USA.

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jax files

I took this photo in late summer while swimming in one of the many lakes near the small town of Hawthorne, east of Palatka and not far from the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic Site at Cross Creek. The water was perfect—calm, cool, crystal clear and ideal for a hot day. The water lily flowers were enormous and it was fascinating watching them slowly close as the sun set over the trees to the west. It was a day you didn’t want to end. — John

O’Mara

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Do you have an image of Northeast Florida you’d like to share with our readers? Submit your photo and the story behind it to mail@jacksonvillemag.com for the opportunity to be featured on this page.

SMALL TALK

Newsworthy Nuggets from Northeast Florida to Chew on This Month

O The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but hectic schedules and highways full of travelers can result in overly aggressive drivers. According to the cheap fuel-finding app GasBuddy, many of those agitated motorists live in Northeast Florida. Its recent study ranking U.S. cities from most to least “scroogie,” placed Jacksonville #2 for having the “Most Aggressive Holiday Drivers,” with Tucson, Arizona garnering the top spot. Rounding out the top five were Nashville, Orlando and Birmingham, Alabama. Y’all don’t come back now, ya’ hear.

O Scroogie drivers aside, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas were pretty good for many Florida businesses. In fact, shoppers were turning out in record numbers from Black Friday through New Year’s Day, says the Florida Retail Federation. Its annual survey found about 60% of shoppers began purchasing gifts in early November. Consumers polled said they planned to buy clothing or accessories (55%), gift cards

(45%), toys (37%) and books or other media (33%). The most popular toys were Barbie for girls, LEGO for boys.

O The First Coast real estate market was already weathering some inclement days as rising interest rates were battering home sales as fall turned to winter. The situation wasn’t helped by hurricanes Ian and Nicole, two storms that dampened many sales contract hopes and helped drive a 24% decrease in closed sales for homes, condos and townhouses in November. According to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, new listings for those properties dropped by approximately the same numbers. In Jax, the November median price of a single-family house was $325,000, a slight decrease from October’s $332,000.

O Low-fare airline Breeze Airways recently made visiting the Big Apple a little less expensive. Service from Jacksonville International Airport to New York’s Westchester

County launched in October, offering nonstop routes for less than $100 each way. “We’re excited to keep growing from Jacksonville and serving Northeast Florida residents with low fares and nonstop flights to popular destinations,” says Breeze president Tom Doxey. The budget airline already provided direct service to Hartford, Las Vegas and New Orleans from Jax.

O The Center for Legislative Accountability recently released analysis that examined all 7,400 state lawmakers from each of the 50 states, counting more than 265,000 individual votes across 3,500 different bills introduced in state legislatures. Among its findings are that the nation’s 3,906 Republican state lawmakers voted conservative 81% of the time. It also ranked the legislatures based on conservative voting of their lawmakers across 186 policy categories. Alabama lawmakers voted with the conservative position at the highest rate (74% of the time); Florida came in at #6 (71%) and Massachusetts ranked 50th (15%).

Wild at Heart

Big changes are coming to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, among them the recently announced VyStar Skyscape, a planned centerpiece of the Zoo’s public entrance. Standing some 50 feet high, Skyscape designs call for an open-air structure covering 25,000 square feet and including space for guest relations, retail and dining, as well as a stage, VIP lounge, meeting rooms and full-service catering kitchen. The new venue is being funded by a $2.25 million gift from VyStar Credit Union and is part of the Zoo’s larger $52 million ReZoovenation campaign—which, at present, has raised 75% of its goal from private sources and matching dollars from the City. Other ReZoovenation plans include a new education campus with expanded lion habitat, a redesigned elephant enclosure, and the introduction of orangutans to the Zoo’s menagerie of some 2,000 animals. u

WALL ABOARD!

Jax needs more public art, so it’s wonderful to see additions to the local mural scene like this one by artist Ramses Allen, adorning the side of the barbershop building in the Shops of Avondale. Keep painting, Ramses. Keep painting.

Remember When

Few Floridians have left a more no table legacy on the state and country than Augusta Savage (1892-1962). The artist, teacher and civil rights activist was reared in Green Cove Springs and last year a long-deserved historical marker was placed near the site of her childhood home on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

TALKING HEADS

A new roster of six local storytellers takes the stage for the next installment of Untold Stories, a quarterly showcase hosted by artistic director Barbara Colaciello and the Florida Theatre, March 30. Doors open for the night’s theme, “Winds of Change,” at 6:30 PM, and the show starts at 7:30 PM.

FIVE THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

Read All Over

Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage: Landmarks for the Future ($65) is something of a bible for local history buffs. The new Bicentennial Edition of the hardback coffee table book by author, historian and knower of most things

Jax, Dr. Wayne Wood, was released in December. A better resource about the founding and growth of the River City does not exist.

Bright Idea

MOCA Jax practically vibrates with color and light this winter as its latest Project Atrium, Milagros: Flutter Zone has been installed in the museum’s central stairway. Created by artists Felici Asteinza and Joey Filastre, the atrium is awash in effervescent patterns and colors, music and sunlight. On display through April 9. u

Picture Pawfect

Marsh

Labrador, 3 years old

This is Marsh. He doesn’t always look so sad. But on this weekend, his owners left town for a wedding in Georgia, leaving Marsh to be watched by one of his Amelia Island neighbors. While he may look innocent and well-behaved, he’s not above having a little naughty fun, such as grabbing pillows off the patio furniture and running around the yard with them in his mouth. We hear Marsh’s parents returned not long after this photo was taken and he’s all smiles again.

Luna

Cavapoo (King Cavalier and Poodle), 1 year old Don’t let her cuteness fool you. Luna is as tough as they come. She underwent (femoral head ostectomy) surgery in August of last year. Still, the little pup barely missed a beat. She might walk with a slight limp after playing exceptionally hard, but that doesn’t slow her down at the dog park. She has a huge personality and loves car rides, particularly when the car passes a drive-thru window. She’s been known to receive a free treat or two, just for being so cute.

WANT TO SEE YOUR BELOVED ANIMAL IN JAX MAG?

Nominations for Picture Pawfect pets can be made via our website, under the heading Reader Polls. Previously featured Picture Pawfect pets may be viewed there, too.

Cooper and Ellie

Mini-Aussie Doodle and Aussie Doodle, 3 years old Cooper’s nickname is, fittingly, “Mini Cooper”—like the car. The two have a very close relationship and where you find one, the other is usually there, too. Both are extremely friendly and enjoy a good snuggle. Among Cooper’s favorite things is riding in dad Tim’s red truck. Ellie loves a good game of fetch with her ball. Cooper, not so much, except for the times he steals Ellie’s ball to get her attention. u

A Walk In The Park

Location: Ravine Gardens State Park

BY FABRIZIO GOWDY

MUST SEE

Ravine Gardens is known as much for its man-made elements as its natural features. The sets of  stone steps and the wooden  suspension bridges spanning the ravine are popular picture spots. Much of the original landscaping, terraces, and waterworks still stand today, as does the  “Court of States,” where bubbling fountains and two rows of stone columns bearing flags of all 50 states lead to a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The park was one of nine in Florida constructed by the Works Progress Administration, the New Deal-era program that put millions of unemployed men to work building new infrastructure.

Swaying suspension bridges, clear and sandy-bottomed creeks, and winding stone steps climbing up and down a steep gorge—these are just some of what visitors encounter in Ravine Gardens State Park (1600 Twigg St.), something of a Northeast Florida geologic anomaly found in Palatka.

WHEN YOU VISIT

V Park amenities include several hiking trails, a short but scenic drive, numerous picnic tables and pavilions, and a small playground. Comfortable closed-toed shoes are a must if you plan on hitting the trails, and water and bug spray are a good idea if you visit during the warmer months. The park is open every day 8 AM to sunset, $5 per vehicle admission fee. Leashed pets are welcome.

V Ravine Gardens has four walking trails ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 miles. The Azalea Trail is the park’s most strenuous, traversing exposed roots, narrow paths, steep elevation changes and stone stairs, but it rewards you with two suspension bridges and unbeatable views of the ravines. The Whitewater Path is an easy hike for all ages and abilities, following the spring-fed Whitewa-

ter Branch Creek 0.7 miles along the bottom of the ravine. Dipping your feet in the cool, clear water is a refreshing all-natural way to beat the heat if you visit during the summer.

V If you have limited mobility or are short on time, you can still view the ravines from the scenic drive encircling the top of the

In Bloom

park. The paved, 1.8-mile loop is open to cyclists and cars and provides access to half a dozen picnic tables and observation points offering vistas of slopes as high as 120 feet and as steep as 45 degrees. As you make your way around the loop, be sure to notice the original roadside brickwork left over from the 1930s.

When the park first opened on July 4th, 1933, visitors were drawn not to its trails but to its five acres of formal gardens. Today, the gardens continue to attract visitors. January to March is azalea season, the park’s peak flowering season, with as much as 60 percent of the bushes blooming simultaneously. u

Florida’s Laziest River

Last winter was a banner season for manatees in the Crystal River region of Florida. According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife aerial survey, the largest number of manatees ever counted had migrated to Citrus County waters between November and the end of March. In fact, more than 1,000 manatees were counted in Kings Bay, a fresh water lagoon that is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by the Crystal River. In addition, the largest number of manatee calves ever observed in the region showed up as well.

Of course, it’s wonderful to see the gentle mammals surviving and thriving in their natural habitats along Florida’s western coast. What’s even more wonderful is that here visitors are able to observe them up close and like nowhere else in the country. Known as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” the Crystal River Preserve and its surrounding springs and creeks, located west of Ocala and north of Tampa, are warm-water magnets for the animals each winter. To assist visitors in observing manatees in the wild, a network of boardwalks stands in place at

Three Sisters Springs and the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding is also permitted throughout Kings Bay and the Homosassa River—all making this manatee-watching central until the milder temperatures of springtime arrive.

Usually beginning in November, hundreds of the slow-swimming mammals leave the nearby Gulf of Mexico for the constant 72-degree spring waters of this region and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the only refuge in the country specifically created to protect critical habitats for manatees. Seven manatee sanctuaries inside the refuge’s boundaries are off-limits to human activity during the winter months. However, other waters are open for close encounters with the animals as they swim, munch eelgrass and laze away their afternoons. While swimming is not allowed in designated animal-safe zones, guided excursions are offered by a variety of tour operators that can get visitors within arm’s length of the gentle aquatic creatures, also known as sea cows.

Keep in mind swimming with the manatees is permitted, touching them is not.

Also, in the region and a site worth visiting is the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a 61-acre property home to pre-Columbian burial mounds, temple mounds and an oyster shell midden. It is believed the site served as a ceremonial center for Native Americans for 1,600 years. The park welcomes anglers, hikers and birders, as well as those interested in historic landmarks.  u

End of an Era

In late January, the iconic Disney theme park ride Splash Mountain was relegated to briar patch of memories. Opened in 1989 and based on the 1946 live-action/animated film Song of the South, the ride fell out of favor because critics claimed it was racially insensitive in its depiction of the American South during reconstruction. So, Br’er Fox, Br’er Bear and the Laughin’ Place are out, but will be replaced by a ride based on 2009’s The Princess and the Frog, another Disney movie, this one featuring a heroine named Tiana from New Orleans. The new ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will star the aspiring Louisiana chef and the jazz-loving alligator Louis and is slated to open in 2024 at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom.

CATCH A WAVE

Speaking of things that splash in Orlando: Pipeline: The Surf Coaster debuts this spring at SeaWorld. Said to be the first of its kind roller coaster, riders stand on oversized “surfboards” as they travel nearly 3,000 feet of track that tops out at 110 feet high and reach speeds approaching 60 miles per hour. The harness securing riders to the coaster provides just enough freedom of movement to replicate the sensation of riding a wave. Righteous!

The Outsider

Not far from the heart of Downtown, an eccentric artist left a lasting mark on the city that greatly under-appreciated him.

BY TIM GILMORE

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost five years since Walter Whetstone died on May 4, 2018, 81 years old. It’s been 10 years since I first wrote about the Whetstonian, which I loved even before I met him. Like thousands of Jacksonvilleans, I’d driven past and wondered about the strange buildings at the corner of Union and Jefferson streets.

In the new bicentennial edition of Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage, Wayne Wood writes, “Writer Tim Gilmore calls Walter Whetstone ‘Jacksonville’s Great Outsider Artist.’” I do indeed.

I’ll always remember the day I first approached him. This gentle old man sat outside in a chair in the blazing heat wearing dress pants, a button-up shirt and tie. I didn’t know exactly how to ask him about the place, but he instantly invited me inside. It was the first time I heard him say, “If Smithson can have the Smithsonian, then Whetstone can have the Whetstonian.” Indeed the Whetstonian’s collections are no less varied than those of that most famous American institution.

I saw bottles and gears and old porcelain masks cemented into the walls. Around a bar inside that dated to its days in a pool hall, I saw old cigarette signs and whiskey jars, every kind of brass musical instrument, paintings of jazz bands and blackface statuettes. Between the original 1920s brick grocery building and a circa-1960s insurance office, I saw old carousel horses, barber poles, offset mirrors, a loquat tree and a tropical pine strung with Christmas lights.

Outside stood large tin plates on poles with quotes from famous architects I couldn’t help but apply to the Whetstonian. From Mies van der Rohe, “The structure is the whole, from top to bottom, to the last detail—with the same ideas.” And from Frank Lloyd Wright, “… every curve and line has to have real meaning; it cannot be arbitrary.”

“Outsider art,” or Art Brut, French for “raw art,” refers to the extraordinary creations of people not trained in the arts, driven by a creative urge as evident as any Picasso or Frida Kahlo ever exhibited. St. EOM’s Pasaquan, outside

Columbus, Georgia, and Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, outside Athens, Georgia are Southern exemplars. So is the Whetstonian. While the place announces itself to passersby, its creator never did. If you were willing to listen, however, you’d be rewarded. “Yes sir,” he’d say, looking around as if to survey the whole of the once-vibrant black neighborhood of LaVilla, “there’s a lot of black history around here. Including me.”

Another day he was wearing a ballcap advertising “Whetstone Chocolates.” He’d visited the factory in St. Augustine and told them, “You’re Whetstone Chocolate, and I’m Chocolate Whetstone.” This was a man who found more freedom abroad in the U.S. Army than he did back home, where he couldn’t sit on a bench in a public park named for a Confederate veteran. I always marveled that Walter, as with so many black men and women of his generation, would be so gracious to this younger white man hungry for stories.

Once when he arrived at a ritzy hotel where he’d be staying to receive an insurance sales

award, a white executive he’d never met demanded Walter take his luggage up to his room for him. He’d assumed Walter worked for the hotel and was there to wait on him. Walter smiled and sent the man’s luggage on. That evening, Walter stood up to accept his award and say a few words and saw the exec seated up close. The man looked up, recognized Walter, couldn’t meet his eye, and looked down for the rest of the night.

When I visited the Whetstonian near the end of 2016, something was different. He hardly said a word. Something was gone from his eyes. He’d suffered two strokes. Now Dot spoke for him. She and Walter had met just down the road at the Jefferson Street Pool in the late 1950s. They’d been married for almost six decades.

The Whetsones never felt much love or support from the City of Jacksonville, which had, after all, demolished nearly 50 square blocks of LaVilla for “urban renewal” in the early

1990s. The block that holds the Whetstonian nearly fell to the same carnage.

Even before Walter died, family members had varied visions of what should happen to this place. Some agreed the Whetstonian should be preserved the way Walter built it, but others thought all Walter’s “junk” should be picked apart and sold. The reality TV show American Pickers featured Walter on an episode. Lots of people told me all about it, but I’ve never been able to watch it. It seemed like watching buzzards pick at the life’s work of a man who could no longer explain or defend it. These days the Whetstonian remains in the family. I visit Dot at the two-story 1914 house in Springfield the Whetstones called home since the 1970s.

“We keep hanging on,” Dot says, with equal parts resignation and resilience. Since Walter’s death, the Whetstonian’s taken so many hits it seems personal. People have stolen artifacts, and building contractors, Dot says,

have “taken me for a ride.” A large pickup truck rammed the building’s Union and Jefferson Street corner and a semi-truck ran into the back side of the complex.

When I say I always hoped the Whetstonian could be preserved the way Walter had assimilated and arranged his decades of accumulations, Dot lights up and says, “I know, I know!”

Though this house in northern Springfield was home, sometimes Walter liked to stay down at the Whetstonian’s upstairs bedrooms. He told me once how he sat on the rooftop at night and listened to his radio and watched the cars go by. In his prime with Gulf Life Insurance, he made the Million Dollar Round Table, an exclusive club of the best salespeople. Now, five years after his death, the Whetstonian still exudes his personality. I can only imagine Walter’s still up there, listening to Otis Redding, looking out over the city, watching over us all. u

Candid Camera

Built to Last

Anotable piece of Jacksonville architecture and a reminder of the city’s auto-making past is likely to be lost to the wrecking ball sometime in early 2023. Despite years of efforts to save the Ford Motor Company assembly building, a sprawling brick structure tucked in the shadow of the Downtown side of the Mathews Bridge, the 1920s-era plant is slated for demolition. In 1926, hundreds of workers assembled Model Ts using Henry Ford’s rigidly planned production line business model. Trains packed with car parts were able to unload at one end of the 160,000 square foot building and finished vehicles rolled out the other. The owners of the ten-acre property had applied for a demolition permit to remove the building, a request that was denied by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. The owners appealed to the City Council, which unanimously overruled the Commission’s recommendation, allowing demolition to take place.

“Not every old building can be saved, nor should they be,” says Alan Bliss, CEO of the Jacksonville Historical Society. “A city is a place for economic activity, where its people can earn their livings. If the owner’s plan bears fruit, a new enterprise will appear at 1900 Wambolt St., employing skilled, high-wage workers performing ship repairs using 21st century technologies. That use of the property will be faithful to its industrial past. That the Jacksonville Historical Society will celebrate.” u

In the decades following the Civil War, photographer William Henry Jackson played a significant role in shaping public perception of the American landscape. During the 1890s, Jackson was commissioned by Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railroad to produce a series of images to promote St. Augustine as a tourist destination, the site of Flagler’s opulent Ponce de Leon Hotel. Since 1885, Flagler had worked to reshape the historic city as a luxury winter resort to rival such exotic international destinations as Italy and Egypt. Jackson’s photographs present a striking portrait of Gilded Age St. Augustine where leisured men and women play golf on the grounds of the old fort, a wagon stacked high with hotel luggage precariously makes its way along bustling King Street, and Flagler’s magnificent hotels feature prominently. “St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson” is presently on display at The Lightner Museum.  u

Let’s Eat?

Intermittent fasting may help you lose weight but it’s not a diet plan without risks or one that everyone should follow.

“You are what you eat.” Who hasn’t heard that line before, especially when discussing one’s health? Countless studies over many decades have demonstrated that the types of foods people eat affect their overall health—even influencing things such as the risk of getting certain types of cancer and helping prolonging life itself. What’s relatively new in the diet studies arena is a larger understanding that timing plays a part, too. Scientists are just beginning to understand that when you eat may also make a difference.

Going back a century or so, how and when people ate was much different than it is today. Blame technology for that. Refrigeration, rapid transportation, electric lights, smart phones—all have played a part in making food more readily available. The result is a big shift in eating patterns. Today, the average person eats throughout a 14-hour period each day. Researchers now believe that this constant intake of food can lead to health problems for many. Some studies suggest that fasting diets, the purposeful stopping of eating for a determined period of time, may have potential benefits.

Fasting diets mainly focus on the timing of when you eat. In time-restricted feeding, you eat every day but only during a limited number of hours. So, you may only eat between a six- to eight-hour window each day. In alternate-day fasting, you eat every other day and no or few calories on the days in between. Another type of fast restricts calories during the week but not on weekends.

While more research is being done on time-restricted eating, scientists really don’t know much about what happens to a body when a person fasts. Most research has been done in cells and animals in the lab. The work has provided clues as to how periods without food might affect the body. “In mice, we’ve seen that one of the effects of fasting is to kill damaged cells, and then turn on stem cells,” says Dr. Valter Longo, a National Institutes of Health longevity researcher. “Damaged cells can speed up aging and lead to cancer if they’re not destroyed. When stem cells are turned on, new healthy cells can replace the damaged cells.”

Now, studies are starting to look at what hap-

pens in people, too. Some results have found that some types of fasting may have positive effects on aspects of health like blood sugar control, blood pressure and inflammation. Those are indeed healthy positives. For most people, though, the primary reason to try fasting is to lose weight.

“For some people, restricting calories every day may be the best approach. For others, it might be easier not to have to count calories every day and use an intermittent fasting strategy of weight loss,” says nutrition researcher Dr. Vicki Catenacci. “The best diet for any given person is the one that he or she can adhere to.”

Fasting may bring health benefits, but researchers caution that there’s still a lot we don’t know. Actually, for some, fasting may lead to problems. For example, some studies have found that people who regularly fast more than 16 or 18 hours a day have a higher risk of gallstones. Eating for 12 hours and then fasting for 12 hours is likely safe for most, says Dr. Longo. “That pattern of eating is very common among people who have record lifespans. It seems to match both science and tradition.”

Some studies suggest that alternate-day fasting can help with weight loss, generally being as effective as a low-calorie diet. That makes sense for most because reducing the number of calories one eats should help a person lose weight. But are there other health benefits one can attain through intermittent fasting?

To some extent, the simple answer is, yes. However, this is no onesize-fits-all idea. Losing weight and being physically active do help lower the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancer. And, for these diseases, intermittent fasting seems to be about as beneficial as any other type of diet that reduces overall calories. In addition, some research suggests that intermittent fasting may be more beneficial than other diets for reducing inflammation and improving conditions associated with inflammation including Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

That said, before deciding to lock the refrigerator door tomorrow morning, be aware that suddenly changing one’s diet or going without food for a day isn’t an easy transition for most. Intermittent fasting can have unpleasant side effects like fatigue, insomnia, headaches and nausea. Plus, there’s that gnawing feeling of being really hungry. It usually takes about a month for most to adjust to the onand-off diet restrictions of short-term fasting.

So, while intermittent fasting is safe and ultimately healthy for many people, it’s certainly not for everyone. For example, skipping meals may not be the best way to manage weight for women who are breast feeding or are pregnant. Also, those who have kidney stones, diabetes or other medical issues will want to talk with a doctor before starting any kind of fasting plan. u

Life Savers

In 2020, nearly 34,500 people in Florida died from an opioid drug overdose. That number is shockingly high, particularly because lives can be saved through the expanded use of naloxone, a drug that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose. In December, the Florida Department of Health added a higher dose of the drug to its arsenal to help emergency responders deal with the worsening opioid crisis. As fentanyl gets stronger, police, fire and EMA agencies around the country are turning to higher doses of the life-saving drug, naloxone, an opioid antagonist— meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. HEROS (Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support) is a Florida Health program that provides free naloxone to emergency response agencies. Since the inception of the program in 2018, over 455,000 doses have been provided through the HEROS program to emergency response agencies across Florida.

Administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose, naloxone is a temporary treatment and its effects do not last long. Therefore, it is critical to obtain medical intervention as soon as possible after someone receives a dose. The medication can be given by intranasal spray (into the nose), intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin), or intravenous injection. u

Game Changer

Aplayer being injured during a football game is a common occurrence. Pulled muscles, strained ligaments, concussions... those who play the game at its highest level know such injuries, while painful and potentially life-changing, are all part of the game. But for a professional athlete to collapse on the field during a game because his heart stopped beating? Well, that is something almost unheard of. So, when the Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game in January, thousands of fans in attendance and millions more watching on television sat in stunned silence.

The team’s physical training staff and an emergency medical team leaped into action almost immediately after Hamlin, 24, fell motionless onto his back. The medical personnel weren’t there to get him up and ready for the next series of plays. No, they quickly realized his life needed saving. Right there, right now. Minutes of emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocking the heart via an automated external defibrillator (AED) were followed by Hamlin being whisked away to a nearby hospital.

It is believed Hamlin suffered what is called commotio cordis—a million-to-one happening when a person is struck right over the heart at the precise wrong moment during a heartbeat. The sudden trauma pushes the victim into cardiac arrest. It’s a rare thing, for sure. But as freak as the incident was, it did bring worldwide attention to the miracle muscle that is the human heart.

A heart attack (medically known as a myocardial infarction) is a deadly medical emergency where one’s heart muscle begins to die because it isn’t getting enough blow flow. A blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart usually causes this. If a healthcare provider doesn’t

restore blood flow quickly, a heart attack can cause permanent damage and even death. Of course, the most common cause for a heart attack isn’t being tackled during an NFL game. No, that would be heart disease, something that takes the lives of nearly 680,000 people in the U.S. each year, or about 1 in every 5 deaths. Sobering statistics, for sure. However, physicians and researchers aren’t sitting by idle.

“Perhaps the most notable recent medical innovations in heart care have been in the research and clinical trials space,” says Dr. Saumil Oza, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. “For example, we were one of the first sites in the world and the first in Florida to enroll patients in a clinical trial called CHAMPION-AF. It’s examining the effectiveness of the WATCHMAN device as a potential first-line therapy for reducing stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.”

The broad term “heart disease” actually refers to several types of heart conditions, the most common of which in the U.S. is coronary artery disease, which affects the blood flow to the heart. It happens slowly over time when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. The plaque gradually narrows blood flow and, if flow is decreased enough, it can cause a heart attack.

Angina and arrhythmia are two of the other more common types of heart disease. The causes for each depend on the type of disease but the usual suspects are lifestyle, genetics, infections and other diseases. According to the CDC, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half the people in the country (some 47%) have at least one of these three risk factors. Several other medi-

cal conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at higher risk for the disease, including diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use.

“We’re also enrolling patients in a clinical trial for an artificial intelligence-based software that helps treat persistent, drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AFib),” says Dr. Oza. “Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to more serious health issues like heart failure and stroke. Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside was one of the first three hospitals in the U.S. to enroll patients in the trial.

“This year, we will be enrolling patients in various trials using novel artificial intelligence based software that has been developed by several companies to improve the outcomes of patients who have failed previous ablations,” Dr. Oza continues. “In the setting of clinical trials, we will also be using new energy sources that are safer and faster than freezing or burning tissue that will revolutionize the care of our patients with AFib. We will also be enrolling patients in trials that will allow us to use next generation devices from several companies to prevent the occurrence of stroke in patients with AFib.”

Ten days after the country witnessed Hamlin’s collapse on a cold football field in Ohio, news reports splashed the headline that Lisa Marie Presley, 54, the only daughter of Elvis Presley, died after experiencing a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is less common in women than it is men, and it’s relatively rare for women to die from it. Sadly, Presley wasn’t as fortunate as Hamlin. As of publication, it wasn’t clear what caused her cardiac arrest of if she had contributing health conditions that led to her death. Her father, The King, died at age 42 of a heart attack. u

Dr. Saumil Oza

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Creating better study habits requires a plan, some discipline and maybe help from a friend.

BY DELANEY AKRIDGE

It can be extremely frustrating to pour a great deal of time, effort, and energy into studying and not get the desired results. We’ve all been there, right? Whether it be for an algebra quiz, road test to get a driver’s license, applying for a higher degree at a university….  leaving a testing site with an uneasy feeling is never an enjoyable experience. At such times, it’s not unusual to begin to question oneself, asking what are the things I’m doing wrong? Am I not smart enough? How did everyone else do?

If you or your student do have these kinds of questions, rest assured, they are not alone. This is especially true for students trying to adjust to college or a new school setting. Teachers, academic counselors and online education sites can offer a litany of better studying tips and habits to embrace. Most are fairly commonsense ideas. The trick to making them successful is employing them in a consistent manner, and then sticking with it over the course of a year.

For example, have you ever practiced writing the same sentence over and over? Studies

show the typical person remembers 10% of what is heard, 20% of what is read, and 80% of what is seen. Writing notes, facts, math formulas—really anything—by hand is a powerful way to commit that information to memory.

Also, when studying literature or history, use your own words to synthesize ideas and bigger concepts. Draw connections between related points, expand on a concept, or make comparisons between two characters. And, for math and science, practice repeating the same equations until they become second-nature.

Something as simple as a daily planner is one of the most helpful ways to stay intentional with assignments, upcoming exams and study habits. By writing down all of your assignment due dates, for instance, you have created a way of organizing your schedule and maximizing efficiency. Once something is penciled onto your plan, stick to it and review it regularly. “What many students don’t know to do is review the notes they’ve already taken,” says UNF professor of history Caroline

Sistare. “They have to learn to do work that doesn’t have a grade attached to it.”

Of course, doing the “work” includes studying the expected materials—and not just the day before a test. Repeated studies have shown that cramming in hours of material the night before a test is ineffective. An all-night study session may help in refreshing some information that was shared weeks before. However, one’s brain can readily retain only so many facts and figures for a short time before it is dumped into a mental landfill. Rather than trying to learn an entire book or semester in one sitting, try breaking up the material into sections.

The Pomodoro technique, for example, is a highly effective way to manage one’s time and better work without distractions. First, identify the tasks you want to complete and set a timer for 25 minutes. Work with no distractions until the 25 minutes are up and then take a five-minute break. Then work for another 25 minutes and repeat the process three more times before taking a 30-minute break. The technique improves concentration and makes

study time more manageable. Again, the idea is to spread the time and material over more mentally digestible bites.

If one believes time management is not an issue, perhaps the location in which the studying is taking place is due for a change. Oftentimes, problems associated with retention have to do with an improper setting—such as college library full of students socializing rather than reading, a favorite coffee shop that is flush with sensory distractions, or your boyfriend’s house. Switch it up. Someplace quiet is always a good idea.

If you’re more of a homebody, consider studying in a different room. Instead of working at your desk, try the dining room table. A change of scenery can be good for the mind. And if the weather is nice, take your work outdoors. Just 30 minutes of sunshine can improve your mood and reduce stress. Finding a good study partner can provide benefits, too.

As humans, we’re wired for connection. You might have the perfect lo-fi study playlist, but lack the motivation to get started. So, this may be the ideal time to reach out to a classmate for a study session. Together, you can collaborate on notes, share ideas, and perhaps make a new friend in the process. “Finding a study group to go over notes and work on practice problems is what I recommend to my students,” says Dr. Brooke Sanford, a mechanical engineering professor at UNF.

Many schools help facilitate study groups that meet weekly, providing a time to share ideas and explore topics in greater depth. These kinds of groups are typically led by a teacher or a tutor, so participants have the added benefit of learning from someone with more experience.

So, before finding the appropriately quiet location, laying out your books, and setting a timer, take some time to reflect. Are you more productive in the morning, or do you consider yourself more of a night owl? Do you find that you get a lot of work done when you’re alone, or do you need someone to work alongside you? Answering these questions honestly will ultimately set yourself up for more success. After all, no one knows you better than you. u

GIRL POWER

Fighting substance abuse requires patience, strength and, sometimes, very generous gifts.

The Pace Center for Girls was founded in 1985 to provide counseling, case management and life skills development to middle and high schoolers across Northeast Florida. Its mission of assisting the social, emotional and educational needs of girls received a big boost via the recent contribution of a $2 million grant from THE PLAYERS Championship Village. The grant will fund a three-year, community-based pilot program providing girls and their families substance abuse prevention, early intervention, therapy and other support services.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe negative effects on the mental health of girls and young women and brought to light disparities in access to substance abuse prevention and intervention services,” says Mary Marx, Pace Center president and CEO. “Through this pilot, we will be able to expand our services, with a specific focus on substance abuse prevention and intervention.” Pace services such as this are offered free with few barriers to access for those seeking help. u

Stunning Intracoastal Estate

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Numbers Game

What’s been selling lately in northeast florida. And for how much.

e The local residential real estate market has cooled considerably from the blistering sales pace experienced over the last two years. However, expansion is still under way in some parts of Northeast Florida, including Wildlight in Nassau County, a master-planned mixed-use development that recently announced the launch of Hawthorn Park by national builder PulteGroup. The new construction single-family home community will consist of 25 50foot homesites and 49 bungalow-style homes with rear garages. “Hawthorn Park will be a unique addition to the existing Forest Park and Del Webb communities that have been so instrumental in shaping the residential landscape here at Wildlight,” says development vice president Wes Hinton. The neighborhood is the newest addition to Wildlight’s initial phase, consisting of 2,900 acres with a mix of single-family homes, apartments and a shopping town center featuring a Publix. Sales in Hawthorn Park are anticipated to open in mid-2023.  u

Select Northeast Florida Private & Public Schools

NOTE: School details posted here are subject to change. Parents are encouraged to confirm all information. We attempted to verify the chart by contacting all of the schools listed. Questions we were not able to confirm were left blank. • Updated January 2023

THE BOLLES SCHOOL

The Foundation for a Successful Life

BOLLES STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT PURSUING EXCELLENCE through courage, integrity and compassion is not only the School motto but the foundation for a successful life.

These themes help cultivate empathetic students with an All Things Possible approach to life, a passion for service and an awareness of global community.

“We are fortunate as an institution to demonstrate high levels of excellence in all areas of study and student interest—in academics, the arts, athletics and through our many community outreach activities,” said President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “We help students discover their interests and passions and hone them through expert faculty instruction and college-level resources.”

The Bolles School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1933. One of the region’s most diverse institutions of learning, Bolles is home to more than 1,700 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 and postgraduates on four campuses.

The Resident Life program can accommodate more than 90 male and female students from around the globe. This year, boarding students represent 21 countries and 12 states. These students add their unique experiences to the day student body’s culturally robust environment.

Academically, Bolles offers courses in six languages (including Chinese, Japanese and Arabic) and 25 Advanced Placement courses. The School established an academic partnership with Global Online Academy, an online course offering that complements Bolles’ existing curriculum in an international setting. Bolles also has educational partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Zimmer Biomet, as well as its own Anatomage virtual dissection table. Bolles offers a

comprehensive fine and performing arts program with courses in drama, dance, visual arts, chorus, music and band. Among middle and upper school students, 80 percent enrolled in fine and performing arts classes this year, while 100 percent of lower school students are involved in art, music and theater instruction.

A global context is paramount to the Bolles experience. In addition to on-campus activities and language study, Bolles offers exchange programs with schools in England, Spain, Japan, China and France, and academic and service travel opportunities to Italy, Guatemala and the Florida Keys. Though travel to these places has been curtailed during the pandemic, students still have enjoyed cross-cultural exchanges in the classroom via engaging videoconference opportunities during the school year.

The School’s athletic successes are known worldwide with 61 sports teams at the middle, JV and varsity levels. Most students, 90 percent, participate in one or more sports at Bolles. A total of 64 Bolles students, former students and Bolles Sharks have participated in the Olympics over the years, and 14 Olympic athletes from Bolles have won 29 medals. Bolles students play by the School’s athletic motto, “Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”

At Bolles, students experience an All Things Possible approach to education that champions innovation, global awareness and service. With a foundation in courage, integrity and compassion students know how to be successful on the global scene as they progress into college and life. 7400

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE

WITH THREE CAMPUSES LOCATED ACROSS NORTHEAST Florida, only Episcopal School of Jacksonville is able to serve students and families through every phase of their academic journey, from age one through 12th grade. We are a community where students benefit from our rigorous curriculum, vibrant fine arts offerings, outstanding athletic programs, diverse extracurricular programs, small class sizes, and exceptional faculty; the global community benefits from the contributions and leadership of our graduates. Episcopal School of Jacksonville prepares students for success in college and beyond by delivering a unique balance across Four Pillars —Academics, Athletics, Spiritual Life, and Fine Arts. An Episcopal graduate lives into his or her potential by becoming a well-

rounded individual who seeks understanding, develops a sense of self, lives with honor and purpose, and pursues a life of faith. We invite you to visit one of our three campuses to learn more:

Grades 6 - 12 on the Munnerlyn Campus, located at 4455 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Phone: (904) 396-5751

Grades Pre-K 3 - Grade 5 on the Beaches Campus, located at 1150 N 5th Street, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Phone: (904) 246-2466

Age 1 - Grade 5 on the St. Mark’s Campus, located at 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32210. Phone: (904) 388-2632

ESJ.org

PROVIDENCE SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE

Inspiring students to become active, compassionate lifelong learners

SINCE OPENING IN 1997, PROVIDENCE HAS DEVELOPED into one of the premier private Christian schools in Northeast Florida. It is one of a few schools in the area where you can find a seamless Preschool through 12th-grade education that incorporates college-preparatory academics, an award-winning fine arts program, and a championship FHSAA athletic program. Motivated by a challenging academic experience, our program offers college preparatory, Advanced Placement, or honors programs to prepare students for the next level of academic achievement. Our college counselors work one-on-one with students to help them discover God’s unique plan for their lives, establish good college matches, and potential lifelong careers. In the last 5 years, our graduates have been offered over $55 million in college scholarships and have achieved 100% college acceptance.

Providence is a Christ-centered community and we hold a deep commitment to our Christian mission. We are guided by Jesus’ teaching and these values are reflected by showing His love in action through global missions, community service, spiritual retreats, devotions, prayer,and weekly chapel. Providence offers a full range of diverse extra-curricular programs and has one of the strongest athletic programs in North Florida. Students in Fine Arts have the opportunity to explore their God-given talents and have performed nationally at The White House, Biltmore Estate, Disney World, and Carnegie Hall as well as internationally in London and Ireland. We’d love to show you why Providence is more than just a school, we are a family! To learn more, go to www.prov.org or call 904-223-5270 to schedule a campus visit.

BISHOP KENNY HIGH SCHOOL

BISHOP KENNY’S 71ST YEAR OF SERVICE IS WELL UNDERWAY , and our community continues to celebrate what it means to profess the spirit of a Crusader. Crusaders are persons of integrity, capable of making life decisions and positive contributions to their faith, family, and global communities. They are honorable in conduct, honest in word and deed, and dutiful in study and service. Our students and 17,000 Crusader alumni carry this spirit out into the world as dedicated family members, successful professionals, public servants, religious, and clergy. While their stories and accomplishments are vast, their time on our beautiful campus began their life-long journey as a part of the Crusader family.

The spirit of a Crusader is faithful. Bishop Kenny’s 55-acre riverfront campus was founded in 1952 on gospel values. While the campus has seen many changes over the years, the BK tradition of Christian service opportunities and the availability of mass, prayer, and religious education remains steadfast. We continue to be proudly anchored in Catholic faith and allow that to inform all aspects of campus life.

The spirit of a Crusader is scholarly. Our academic programs include both practical and performing arts, 24 AP courses, including the AP Capstone

Diploma Program, and various STEM courses and activities that include robotics, Esports, and NJROTC. The more than 120 dedicated faculty and staff members guide our students to hone the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary to meet the demands of college study and ultimately thrive in their chosen careers or vocations. BK students learn how to discern, take risks, fail humbly, persist, and succeed. During their years as Crusaders, they deepen their theological understanding of our faith, are enlisted as environmental stewards, and learn the importance of civil discussion and academic discourse. With 50 different clubs and student organizations to participate in, more than 80% of students at BK are members of one or more organizations and more than 50% of Crusaders compete on one of our 23 athletics teams.

The spirit of a Crusader is family. This year’s students are part of a unique family like so many before them. We celebrate their chapter in our tradition, as we also look ambitiously to the future and challenge ourselves to continue to grow, lead, and serve students and their families in this place that so many have called home.

CHRIST’S CHURCH ACADEMY

LEADERSHIP. SCHOLARSHIP. DISCIPLESHIP. SPORTSMANSHIP.

At Christ’s Church Academy these words are a banner of daily importance as students and staff strive to amplify Christ-honoring choices in their lives. When choosing a private school in Jacksonville, academic and extracurricular offerings are of the utmost importance for scholastic success, but the true value of Christ’s Church Academy is that the school offers all of these programs within a Christian, family-focused atmosphere.

Christ’s Church Academy is a private school in Northeast Florida that offers a preschool through twelfth grade education incorporating a superior academic curriculum, state ranked athletics program, and award-winning fine arts program all within a nurturing Christian environment. Our alumni have gone on to become engineers, nurses, doctors, missionaries, teachers and have pursued a variety of other exciting professions. Students and staff share a common mission, which magni fi es Christ in all that they strive for and seeks to ful fi ll God’s plan for their lives in scholarship and leadership. Selecting Christ’s Church Academy means choosing an atmosphere focused on community service and Christian discipleship. Faculty and staff strive to build foundational mentoring relationships with students through Bible courses, discipleship groups, weekly chapel services, and community service projects. CCA invests in students so that they will strive to invest in the community around them, aspire to succeed in daily life and endeavor for greatness beyond graduation.

• 100% College acceptance rate

• 100% of Upper School students involved in community service

• Christian College Preparatory

• PreK2 - VPK preschool offered in the Christ’s Church Jr Academy

• 26 athletic teams, state and division championship ranked athletes

• 2021 saw nearly a dozen athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level, including two D1 athletes

• Fully accredited: FCIS – Florida Council of Independent Schools, ACSI –Association of Christian Schools International, FKC – Florida Kindergarten Council, SACS – Southern Association of Colleges & Schools

Academic Excellence Leadership

RIVERSIDE Presbyterian Day School

At Riverside Presbyterian Day School, our mission is to “educate the mind, nurture the spirit and foster the development of the whole child.” From the time students enter PreK 3 through their journey to 6th Grade, RPDS focuses on providing a challenging academic program, a foundation for leadership and service, opportunities for students to pursue interests in the arts and athletics, all enveloped in a warm and vibrant community.

Service Athletics

Accepting applications for PreK 3 - 6th Grade

Community Arts

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL

Educate the mind, nurture the spirit & foster the development of the whole child

FOR 74 YEARS, RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL HAS HAD A passion for foundational childhood education that uniquely lays the building blocks for a lifetime of learning. Our mission is to educate the mind, nurture the spirit and foster the development of the whole child. Our educational program reflects this commitment and is designed to build knowledgeable, well-rounded, critical thinking individuals who respect the differences of others in preparation for life in a global community.

We provide a child-centered learning environment for PreK 3 through 6th Grade students that is dedicated to imagination and wonder. Our talented faculty shares a challenging academic program, designed to unwrap the joy of learning through discovery and reflection. Our students learn to value and respect the unique qualities inherent within themselves. We invite you to visit our campus and discover the advantage of a Riverside education.

830 Oak St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 • (904) 353-3459 • RPDS.com

ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

College Prep, Redefined

ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL DEVELOPS STUDENTS WHO SEEK solutions, accept responsibility, and create collaboration. The School boasts a seasoned faculty and challenging curriculum, and Spartan sports have produced multiple state championship teams. Our visual arts program leverages campus studios, kilns, print labs, and more, while students acquire awards and create a competitive portfolio. St. Johns is perfectly positioned to prepare your child for college and life.

St. Johns' students have the advantage of being on the same 26-acre campus from Pre-K 3 through graduation. Faculty and staff build on students' educational growth and emotional well-being by working across divisions during a student's educational career. Capitalizing on small classes, St. Johns provides an application-based teaching method that prepares students for success and provides them with tools to overcome obstacles. Cutting-edge programs, such

as Winterim, Fellowships, and Global Online Academy offer opportunities for students to discover and pursue areas of interest while gaining real-world experience and personalized learning opportunities.

The St. Johns Academy for Grades 4 & 5 is a cutting edge new program designed by education specialists to ease the transition to Middle School and facilitate student success. Visit sjcds.net to learn more!

Call or click today to schedule a personal tour: sjcds.net/discover or (904) 264-9572.

St. Johns Country Day School serves children from age 3 through Grade 12 on 26 beautiful acres, minutes from I-295. Applications now being accepted for the 2023-2024 School year.

FOUNDED IN 1990, THE DISCOVERY SCHOOL IS A DYNAMIC independent school located in Jacksonville Beach serving children ages 18 months through 8th grade. Your child’s educational path starts in an authentic Montessori classroom and advances to a globally recognized program, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme starting at age 3. Its student-centered approach to education reflects the best of educational research, thought leadership, and experience. Our Vision is to cultivate an inclusive and vibrant community that promotes knowledge, creativity, independent thinking, and mutual respect. When we meld imagination with compassion and academic excellence, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.

102 15th St. S., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 • (904) 247-4577

admissions@thediscoveryschool.org • www.thediscoveryschool.org

GREENWOOD SCHOOL

A different way of teaching. A better way of learning.

AT GREENWOOD SCHOOL, WE RECOGNIZE THAT NO TWO STUDENTS are the same and neither are their learning needs. Teachers’ use research-based, multi-sensory instructional methods to focus on students’ strengths in and out of the classroom. Across all academic subjects, Greenwood offers interactive and collaborative classroom technology specifically helpful for students’ learning differences. Opportunities for advanced coursework, guidance based Social Emotional Learning courses, and a broad range of extracurricular pursuits are also provided.

Greenwood school is home to a remarkable natural environment. Thirteen acres of protected wetlands provide an outdoor classroom and laboratory that allow us to have a comprehensive and unique Environmental Sciences program. The students take full advantage of the outdoor spaces as they partner with professional environmental and conservation organizations and universities.

Greenwood School, founded in 1985, is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and has been selected as a NASET school of excellence date from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023.

9920 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

PH (904) 726-5000 • Fax (904) 726-5056 • greenwoodjax.org

JACKSONVILLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Prepared for Success at JCDS

THROUGH INTELLECTUAL EXPLORATION ACROSS OUR 19-ACRE CAMPUS in the convenient Southside area of Jacksonville, children in Pre K-3 through 6th grade are engaged in a transformative learning experience at Jacksonville Country Day School. Strengthened by a supportive and nurturing community of educators, peers, and parents, JCDS students are taught how to approach learning with creativity, perseverance, and confidence so that they are prepared for success at the next academic level and beyond. Call or visit JCDS online to schedule a virtual tour and discover all that our school has to offer.

Pre–K3 through 6th Grade

10063 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 641-6644 • jcds.com

SAN JOSE SCHOOLS

SAN JOSE SCHOOLS INSPIRES SUCCESS THROUGH INNOVATIVE educational models. Our team is committed to providing quality education that empowers students to graduate from secondary school to be career and college ready. It is important to us that young people be in demand by institutions of higher education and by Northeast Florida employers. We have been fortunate enough to expand our organization with campuses in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville, Jacksonville’s Westside (San Jose Cecil), as well as implementing San Jose Cyber Academy, an online pathway to education. Our schools have launched Career Academies which allows students to be college and career ready.

4131 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257

(904) 337-4090 • Sanjoseschools.org

SEACOAST CHARTER ACADEMY

Give Them the Start They Deserve

THE MISSION OF SEACOAST IS TO PROVIDE A STUDENT-CENTERED education, focusing on the whole child. We want our students to develop a true love for learning by creating a positive learning environment with innovative technology and high-quality education, focused on an arts-integrated, hands-on curriculum with the overall goal of giving our elementary students a lifetime appreciation of learning and the development of their unique talents and abilities.

SCA embraces learning as a dynamic experience in which children will explore and learn core subjects of language arts, math, science and social studies through direct experience, using a hands-on, experiential curriculum with an arts-integrated focus as well as the use of integrated technology.

SCA understands all learners have different strengths and weaknesses. With these principles in mind, the SCA curriculum aligned with the Florida Standards, approaches subject matter from multiple perspectives and includes a variety of learning activities so that every student will succeed.

9570 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 562-4780 • seacoastcharteracademy.org

datebook

THE PLAYERS Championship

MARCH 7-12 • TPC Sawgrass

The PLAYERS is back in full swing this spring. Well, sort of. Some players, including last year’s winner Cameron Smith, won’t be participating because of their jump to the rival LIV Tour. Regardless of who shows up to play. Since 1982 the famed TPC Sawgrass has hosted one of the most anticipated PGA TOUR events on its annual schedule and has set the stage for some of golf’s most dramatic finishes. This world-class tournament attracts of thousands of fans each year, but not just for the drives and putts. The week includes a concert, food trucks, craft cocktails and hospitality tents as far as the eye can see, $30-97

Jacksonville Icemen

FEBRUARY 1, 3, 10, 11, 15, 24 & 25

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The River City’s own ECL minor league hockey squad takes to the ice for seven games this month, including frosty battles versus the Atlanta Gladiators, Orlando Solar Bears and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, $19-$75

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

FEBRUARY 3 & 4, 7:30 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Few performers truly earn the title of “legend.” Count Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers among them. Grab your boots and join the hoedown as the orchestra and guest vocalists perform classics from the Queen and King of country, $27-$81

Carrie Underwood

FEBRUARY 6, 7:30 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Carrie Underwood is a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film; and, as a New York Times bestselling-author and successful entrepreneur, she has sold more than 66 million records worldwide, recorded 28 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), $39-$975

Jacksonville RV MegaShow

FEBRUARY 9-12

Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Perhaps there’s no better time than the present to take that cross-country road trip you’ve been dreaming about. Find your ride at the largest multi-dealer RV show in Northeast Florida. With hundreds of

new recreational vehicles of all types, this family-friendly event showcases the latest models of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and tent campers, $10

John Mellencamp

FEBRUARY 11, 8 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

The heartland rocker is hitting the road for his “Strictly a One-Eyed Jack” tour. Mellencamp is known for his simple rhythms and catchy singles including “Jack & Diane” and “Hurts So Good.” A founding member of the non-profit Farm Aid, he has been performing in festivals to benefit farmers in America since 1985, $49-$299

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

FEBRUARY 17 & 18, 7:30 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

One of the greatest fantasies ever told entirely through music, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is a storybook world of vivid colors and heroic characters that tells the story of a savvy woman who foils her wicked husband, $27-$81

Deep Purple

FEBRUARY 19, 7:30 PM

Florida Theater

Selling more than 100 million albums and packing stadiums for concerts, Deep Purple has become a household name for classic rock. Originally formed as a psychedelic and progressive rock band, their shift into heavier metal is reverberated in hits like “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Perfect Strangers.” Joined by The Marshall Tucker Band, $79.50-$149.50

Donna Marathon Weekend

FEBRUARY 3-5 • Jacksonville Beach

The annual weekend devoted to all things running, and staging the only marathon and half marathon in the country dedicated to breast cancer research and care, celebrates its 16th year. Over the course of three days, thousands will take to streets of Jax Beach, beginning with the three-mile Social Shakeout Run on Friday, 8 AM start.

Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.

FEBRUARY 3, 7:30 PM

Florida Theater

One of rock’s most distinctive rhythmic guitarists, Weir found fame as a founding member of the legendary jam band Grateful Dead. Along with his new band the Wolf Bros, Weir is joined by the strings and brass quintet, the Wolfpack, which brings an orchestral element to the groovy tunes that Dead Heads know and love, $59.50

Aretha: The Queen of Soul

FEBRUARY 21, 7 PM

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Charity Lockhart, hailed as one of the finest vocalists in the country (and she’d have to be to have the courage to tackle this show), stars in this homage to Aretha Franklin— named by Rolling Stone magazine as the “#1 greatest singer of all time.” Show features a ten-piece band and three-course meal, $76.

Anila Quayyum Agha

FEBRUARY 24-APRIL 30

Cummer Museum of Art

Pakistani American contemporary artist Anila Quayyum Agha combines her dual experiences both in her native country and as an immigrant in the U.S.  Using embroidery as a drawing medium in the flatworks or via ornately patterned light sculptures, she reveals the multiple layers resulting from the interaction of concept and process and to bridge the gap between modern materials and historical patterns of traditional oppression.

Willie Nelson

FEBRUARY 24 AND 26, 8 PM

St. Augustine Amphitheater

The legendary singer-songwriter behind some of the most iconic country songs is on the road again. Before he earned commercial fame, Nelson was penning hits like “Crazy” for Patsy Cline and “Pretty Paper” for Roy Orbison. A trailblazer, Nelson helped pioneer the subgenre outlaw country which combines Western, honky tonk, and rockabilly. His first show sold out fast, so a second show was added on the 24th, $54-$129

The Beach Boys

FEBRUARY 25, 7:30 PM

St. Augustine Amphitheater

More than sixty years after the release of their first album, the Beach Boys are back with more good vibrations. As one of the most commercially successful bands of all time, The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and popularized surf rock and pop music in America. Led by founding member Mike Love, the band today plays a mix of original songs and classic hits, $44-$114

Journey

FEBRUARY 26, 7:30 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Since the group’s formation in 1973,

Jeff Dunham

FEBRUARY 22, 7 PM • VyStar

Veterans Memorial Arena

You know you’re funny when your act as a comedian includes puppets and ventriloquism. Jeff Dunham is darn funny, as shown by his years of filling arenas for his act. He brings his “Still Not Cancelled” tour, likely accompanied by Walter, Peanut and Jose Jalapeño on a Stick, to town, $48-$278

Journey has earned 19 top 40 singles, as well as 25 gold and platinum albums. Their “GreatestHits” album is certified 15 times-platinum, making Journey one of the few bands to ever have been diamond-certified, and their song “Don’t Stop Believin’” has been streamed over one billion times, $35-$500

Blake Shelton

MARCH 2, 7 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The beloved country artist is going back to the honky tonk with his latest single, “No Body”—a song that became the most added tune at country radio upon release in late 2022. The song is “soaked in ‘90s country vibes,” says Billboard, and its official music video features line-dancing at a country bar, complete with Shelton sporting his signature mullet, $36-$246

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

MARCH 2-5

Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

The fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island are lined with hundreds of gorgeous vehicles during this annual showcase of rolling works of art. The 2023 event honors four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and includes a series of events ranging from auctions of high-dollar collectible cars to cocktail soirees to group road trips—all the time surrounded by prized Porsches, Mercedes, Aston Martins and more.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

MARCH 3, 8 PM

Florida Theater

Back when rock and roll was mostly off-limits to women, Joan Jett was blowing the door to the boys’ club right off its hinges.

Seen

Downtown’s Best

Late last year, the winners of Downtown Vision’s 2022 #DT Jax Award Winners were named and honored at a reception. The annual honors are held to recognize businesses and individuals who work to help create a vibrant Downtown, and do so by supporting economic revitalization efforts, creating jobs and operating popular commercial enterprises. Among the year’s honorees was Dos Gatos, a 13-year-old bar that was named Small Business of the Year. Ruby Beach Brewing was also recognized for opening an event space and bar in a renovated 100-year-old building. And restaurateur/entrepreneur Jason Hunnicut, co-owner of 1904 Music Hall and Ocean Street Tacos, was named “Downtowner of the Year.” Here’s to all the new things coming to the city’s urban core in 2023. u

UPCOMING:

The Florida Theatre Ball: Big Easy Style will feature New Orleans-inspired cuisine, one-of-a-kind auction items, and music by The Big Easy Band on Saturday, May 20, 6 PM, inside the historic concert venue; tickets start at $150.

Two-time Super Bowlwinning coach Tom Coughlin hosts his foundation’s annual celebration of terrific food and wine, the Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala, on March 3, 6:30 PM, at the 841 Prudential Building on the Southbank.

Since forming her band, the Blackhearts in 1979, Jett has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock’ N’ Roll,” and “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” $69.50-$115

Reba McEntire

MARCH 9, 6:30

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Dubbed the “Queen of Country,” multimedia mogul Reba McEntire has built a successful career through music, film, theater, and retail. Reba’s success spans five decades and she’s recorded a number of hits like “Fancy” and “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia.” With an impressive 35 #1 singles to her name, the Oklahoma native is among the most-celebrated country artists in America, $46.75-$271.75

Third Eye Blind

MARCH 16, 8 PM

Florida Theatre

Since 1997, San Francisco’s Third Eye Blind has recorded five best-selling albums and assembled one career retrospective. Led by Stephan Jenkins, the band has earned worldwide success during a tumultuous group of years when the major-label recording industry was finally losing its grip on an enterprise that, for decades, it had dominated with steely efficiency, $45

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

MARCH 17-18, 7:30 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Join Music Director Courtney Lewis and the Symphony for a performance of Anton Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony. Bruckner has been called a musical genius, a composer who keeps listeners tantalized and rewards them with some of the purest and spiritually uplifting music ever produced, $27-$81

Dance Alive National Ballet

MARCH 18, 7:30 PM

Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine

EMMA Concert Association presents Dance Alive performing “Loveland,” a dance program

highlighted by a romantic repertoire inspired by the “Sonnets from the Portuguese” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, $50

Widespread Panic

MARCH 24-26

St. Augustine Amphitheater

Known for never playing the same show twice, fans of Widespread Panic will be treated to three consecutive shows in the Oldest City. Widespread Panic is often praised as one of America’s best live bands and blends Southern rock, jazz, and blues, $57.50-$77.50

The Eagles

MARCH 25, 8 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The Eagles are touring the country and each show features the band’s landmark album “Hotel California” played in its entirety from start to finish, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. After an intermission, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and bandmates return to the stage to perform a set of their greatest hits.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra:

Beethoven’s Fifth

MARCH 31 & APRIL 1, 7:30 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Listen to the Jacksonville Symphony and guest conductor Giordano Bellincampi for three classical masterpieces including the magic of Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and its famous “Wedding March.” In a grand conclusion, Beethoven’s Fifth will steal the audience away with its emotional resonance and power, $27-$81 u

Art in the Park

MARCH 25, NOON-5 PM • James Weldon Johnson Park

During Northeast Florida’s only chalk-drawing competition, artists of all ages have up to six hours to create a work of art in its entirety using their imagination and, of course, chalk. The theme for this year is “Mythical Creatures” and once time is up, a panel of judges will vote for their favorites and award prizes in three categories.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

Northeast Florida’s springtime golfing and socializing tradition swings back into town March 7-12. Before you go, here’s some of what you should know.

Tickets to this year’s PLAYERS Championship went on sale Decem ber 1 of 2022 and many of the premium seats and passes into the high-dollar hospitality suites were snapped up in a matter of days. The PGA TOUR’s flagship event is contested each March at the famed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, one of the most renowned venues in the world, and showcases the strongest field in golf competing for the largest purse on TOUR—this year a whopping $25 million. of which $4.5 million goes to the winner.

While not considered one of golf’s “major” tournaments, THE PLAYERS is one of the game’s most coveted titles, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas all claiming the title. Last year, the 144-player field featured representation from 25 countries, including 48 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking and 123 of the top 125 players from the previous season’s FedExCup Playoffs—the most of any tournament in the FedExCup era. Noticeably absent from this year’s event will be defending champion and Jax Beach resident Cameron Smith. The Aussie native elected to join the fledgling LIV Tour last year, a move that disqualified him (and several other top players) from competing on the PGA TOUR. Among the players who have committed to participating are World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, John Rahm, Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler.

STADIUM PASSES

Single-day tickets that provide admission to the tournament grounds are available for both practice rounds and tournament days. Ticket prices posted online usually do not include taxes and fees and, as the TOUR cautions, prices may fluctuate based on market demand.

Tuesday: $30

Wednesday: $30

KIDS TICKETS

Thursday: $85

Friday: $90

Saturday: $90

Sunday: $85

As has been the rule for several years, up to two kids, ages 15 and under, will be admitted free with a ticketed adult all week long. Getting into the course is permitted, however, all kids ages six and older must have a ticket in order to access hospitality venues.

PARKING

Parking access and traffic snarls along A1A are two challenges tournament organizers may never completely overcome. Having the tourney played on what is essentially a sliver of land between the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway presents some location obstacles, to say the least. If you’ve never attended, be aware that a separate parking pass is required each day of championship week, Tuesday through Sunday, and must be purchased online in advance. Tuesday and Wednesday parking will be $15 per day, plus tax and fees; Thursday through Sunday is $40 plus. Parking will not be sold on-site and all parking passes will be digital. Will there be free carpool parking? Nope. The “four or more for free” carpool vouchers are not available in 2023.

MILITARY APPRECIATION

THE PLAYERS' long-standing salute to members of the Armed Forces continues. Complimentary and discounted tickets for active duty, retired, reserve, National Guard members and veterans are available. This year’s Military Appreciation Day is March 7 and plans include a flyover, as well as a ceremony and concert hosted on the 17th hole. Also returning is the Patriots’ Outpost, an open-air hospitality venue located near the tee at No. 16 that is reserved exclusively for the military and offers complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

THE PLAYERS Championship annually puts forth the PGA TOUR’s premier event and provides a wonderful oppor tunity for golf and sports fans to experience Northeast Florida each March,” says tournament executive direc tor Jared Rice. “This community embraces THE PLAYERS with a tremendous amount of pride, which is represented in the incredible hospitality shown to fans who attend from outside of this region.

While some tickets are still available, nearly all of the premium hospitality tents overlooking the 16th, 17th and 18th greens, including The Deck, Dye’s Pavilion, Island Suite, The Players Marquee and the Players Club, were all but sold out by Christmas. As of late January, the Greenside Seats section and the all-new Champions Club had limited ticket availability remaining. New this year, its collection of two-tiered hospitality structures surrounding the 16th and 17th holes, create more than 130,000 square feet of stadium seating and hospitality space. Also expanded for this year is the tournament’s signature PGA TOUR Fan Shop in the Stadium Village, now covering some 36,000 square feet of shirts, sweaters, hats and other PLAYERS-branded merchandise. u

SOMETHING OLD, Something New

Building a home near the ocean in Florida is a dream for many. As dreamy as the prospect can be, it’s an undertaking that comes with an accompanying collection of significant issues to overcome. For starters, there are myriad regulations associated with building along the beach. The weather, salt water and sand must be considered when selecting building materials, as well as exterior and interior finishes. Oh, and the chance of a hurricane making landfall near the home factors into nearly every decision, from the foundation up to the roof.

This particular dream started several years ago for homeowners Connie and Russ Pecoraro, who purchased an old house along a stretch of Atlantic Beach. The couple love the quiet oceanside neighborhood and appreciated many things about the original house that sat adjacent to the dunes and salty waves beyond. However, the existing house wasn’t compatible with contemporary lifestyles nor their family’s needs.

So, architecture, construction and design teams were needed to bring their dream to life, a project that would take some five years to complete. A global pandemic, supply chain shortages, hardly any parking for contractors working at the job site—the homeowners took each delay in stride and kept their eyes on the prize.

According to the interior designer, the homeowners requested that, while the house be elegant, it must also be family-friendly and casual, as well as practical and cleanable when full of teenagers and pets. “The design process started with a long and narrow architectural space and a stunning ocean view, coupled with a passionate wish list from the clients, including elegance, brightness, counter space and ample storage,” recalls Amanda Webster, design principal of Amanda Webster Design. “For Connie and Russ, they love texture and contrast, so they were not looking for gray tones or white on white. They love their starter pieces and they love fun, rich colors and textures along with Mid-century accents. One of the textures that we

The owners of a new Atlantic Beach dwelling wanted a home that fit into the established neighborhood but also matched their family’s modern lifestyle.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE PREZA

all loved is the custom tabby fireplace wall in the living room that we commissioned. This brought the old Southern coastal finish inside. We also chose some great wall coverings that mimic sand and handmade papers and some classic turn-of-the-century Pickwick wall paneling from Fraser Millworks for the powder bath.

“The tabby wall for the fireplace feels coastal and features many beautiful cross-sectioned shells,” Webster continues. “The colors of sand, blues and greens were always loved and are fitting for the setting.”

While the home is new, not everything in it is. The Pecoraros had

some existing family treasures they wanted to keep. “They had some great, well-loved pieces that we began with by measuring and incorporating them into our scheme so that they don’t appear to be second-thought,” says Webster. “The Stickley barstools and breakfast set and a gorgeous secretary were treasures brought in. We love the challenge of planning around clients’ collectibles. This always serves to make each home that we do unique and personalized.”

Some of the large beams in the original beach house were salvaged and used in the new structure. Other items including a few original cottage doors and pecky cypress planks were saved but sold for salvage. “We actually did use some of the old cypress

The custom cabinetry throughout was designed around the client’s lifestyle and love for baking with a designated baking area featuring tall and deep rollouts, lift-up cabinetry, mixer lifts, pegged/divided drawers, bread drawer, knife slots, and more. With a great appreciation for the Wolf SubZero Line of appliances, the kitchen was designed around them.

boards to make bookshelves in the game room,” says Connie. “I also had one made into a bath tray for the master bath tub.”

“Connie and Russ compiled a list of rooms they wanted as well as photographs of some houses and rooms they admired,” says Neptune Beach-based architect James Dupree. “Their examples were traditional in style, somewhat formal in organization, like some of the other houses in the neighborhood, clad with natural cedar shingles trimmed in white, topped with gable roofs and incorporating a few distinctively arched wall openings.”

In addition to photos of spaces and styles they admired, the clients were well-prepared in sharing the rooms their new home needed to possess—five bedrooms, a playroom for the kids, formal dining and living rooms, kitchen with breakfast nook, and a three-car garage. Easy enough for any competent architect, right?

Sure, but Dupree had to place all of that on a 50-foot-wide lot (that’s less the length of two yellow school buses lined up end to end). And the clients didn’t want to miss out on any ocean

views. The fact that the street was more than seven feet below the grade of the existing house was another design and engineering challenge to tackle. Dupree did so by placing the garage a half-level below what would become the primary living area facing the water.

“This set up for a staggered set of floor levels facing west and then east connected by a staircase and an elevator between them,” says the architect. “The entry foyer frames a view of the ocean through the living and dining rooms, in line with the grand staircase that leads to the bedrooms over the garage, up another half-level to the third and primary bedrooms, and one more level to the guest suite.”

The living room and all the bedrooms open out to covered porches, offering both space for outdoor seating and waterside views, all the while protected from the sun during the warmest parts of the day.

The design team and homeowners weren’t above changing

Incorporating the tabby stone fireplace walls and distinctive woodwork and trim, the designer used high contrast by balancing whites with bronzes and many natural textures such as European oak, concrete, marble, shell, wood paneling, textured fabrics, smooth stones, wood, and glass. Modern artwork was very important to the client and careful consideration was used in planning the mixture of styles and mediums.

their minds during construction, adapting the original plan to new opportunities and ideas. For example, the exterior balcony railings began as white painted pickets. This look gave way to a contemporary cable railing system that allowed for better views out to the beach.

The exterior shake in rich brown tones with soft white trim are complemented in the interior with brown Stickley furniture that became the dark shade that a dimensional color scheme was built upon. The exterior shade of white (Benjamin Moore White Dove),

complemented the Anderson window shade of white, as used in the interior extensively for the trim and kitchen cabinetry.

“Interior design elements gradually took on a more transitional to contemporary vibe, even while Amanda was careful to maintain a reference to the more traditional aesthetic we all started with,” says Dupree. “Just as the closed-off children’s playroom grew into a more open teenage game room, the interior finishes and furnishings seemed to grow more at home at the beach, dressing down to fit a more comfortable and easier lifestyle.” Life is a beach, after all. u

The custom cabinetry sported all hardwood interiors, custom door styling, roll-outs with soft-close dovetailed drawers with outlets. The lighting design included natural, LED and incandescent options with dimmers for various lighting levels. The geometric laser-cut porcelain tile flooring provided the client with the dynamic style coupled with the durability that they desired.

Time KEEPERS

BY TIM GILMORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VARNES

Lori Boyer has called this house home for 35 years. She’s mourned a husband and married another here, and raised blended families. Along the way, she’s added about 3,500 square feet to the original 5,500 square foot dwelling. Now she and her husband, retired Circuit Judge Tyrie Boyer, are downsizing, though they’re not going far.

“We used to fill this house up,” Boyer says, “when the kids were growing up, when we threw holiday parties. Now the kids are grown and it’s an awfully big house just for the two of us. It’s time for another family to fill it up again.”

It’s an authoritative house, its red clay roof tiles, long white stucco wings spanning out from the central two stories, looking out behind long white walls along River Road, with a commanding view of the

river. You might assume that of San Marco’s three Swisher mansions, this was the patriarch’s, when in fact, John Swisher built this Mediterranean Revival-style house, at 2234 River Road, for his son Carl and the complementary house next door at 2252 for himself.

When Swisher and Son, which became Swisher International in 1992, moved to Jacksonville in 1924, manufacturing its King Edward cigars, soon to become the most popular cigars in the world, John sought out the site of the grand old Villa Alexandria in the new Mediterranean-style development of San Marco.

John and his brother Harry had inherited the company from their father who’d started it in 1861. John bought Harry out in 1913 and Swisher Brothers became Swisher and Son. Both houses went up in 1929, just after the Florida Land Boom had ended and as the

San Marco’s Carl Swisher House can be yours to inhabit—but its owners say new buyers must understand they are merely caretakers for the next generation that calls it home.

Great Depression began. Swisher chose architects Marsh and Saxelbye, who also built Jacksonville’s grandest Mediterraneanstyle structures, Epping Forest and the San Jose Hotel, now Bolles Hall, in the ’20s. Carl Swisher left this house for the house his father built for himself when the latter died in 1944.

Lori and Ron Nemeyer, a real estate developer from Connecticut, had lived in Avondale and eyed the house for quite some time before Lori decided to commit to it in 1987. Though she wanted to make a house her own, it offered design details that weren’t up for negotiation. She points to the original mosaic tiles facing out from the sinuous front stucco staircase with its original wrought iron banister. “Whoever lives in this house has to appreciate its history,” she says.

The massive exposed beams, large fireplace and arched windows of

the living room make that case. The loggia behind it, however, with its fountain, original coquina floor and arches with iron gates framing the river, was added by the Nemeyers to replace a sun room.

Ron Nemeyer died of leukemia in 1993, leaving Lori to raise her children R.J. and Quinn and run her late husband’s real estate investment and management companies, which owned property from Florida to Massachusetts. In 1997, she married Boyer, judge and son of a judge, who had two daughters. Tyrie thinks of the family room, on the other side of the kitchen, also as the library, with its first editions of Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa and books about African big game hunting. The subject serves fittingly for a transition to the next room.

The game room mirrors the living room on the other side of the foyer, but it’s an addition. Its massive oak beams once served in an historic warehouse, now demolished, on industrial Talleyrand Avenue. With the house for sale, half the purpose of the game room has moved into storage.

It was the room where the family played games and where Tyrie displayed his big game hunting trophies. The pool table remains, but the niches on either side of the fireplace, each painted with rocky landscapes, no longer feature the mountain sheep the Boyers stuffed as trophies. Gone from throughout the house

are the leopard and zebra skins, elephant hides, antelope and warthog heads that until recently proliferated.

In the courtyard that leads to the greenhouse, the bright tiles of the fountain, central blues and surrounding yellows and greens, came from an upstairs bathroom the Boyers dismantled. In the herb garden grows an olive tree, rosemary, sage and thyme. An iron plate above the door of the greenhouse says, “Built by Lord and Burnham Co., Irvington, N.Y.C.” Original mechanical wheels and pulley chains open and close glass roof panels and windows from inside.

Tyrie says that somewhere between Lori’s tenure as City Council president and CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority, she used to grow a glorious rose garden nearby.

If the greenhouse doesn’t sell the Swisher estate to its next buyer, the sight of sunset over the St. Johns, behind the stately old oak and original swimming pool, as seen from the master bedroom might do it. Besides sunsets, Lori has loved “watching the storms come out of the West. You can watch them coming.”

The Boyers will miss the house, but they’re not planning to go far. They own the smaller lot immediately to the north, where they say Villa Alexandria once stood, and where they plan to build a smaller home. All three Swisher houses stand on the former Villa Alexandria estate.

The socialite Martha Mitchell named her 140-acre estate for her husband Alexander in the 1870s. While Alexander Mitchell, a railroad magnate and banker, stayed in Milwaukee, Martha filled the house with European art, hired 50 servants, and had 95 varieties of roses planted. Her garden parties became famous, including an 1876 gathering that brought 500 guests across the river aboard two steamships.

While the house can seem magisterial, and big personalities have called this place home, Lori seems humbled by having had the chance to live and raise a family here. “You’re a period in the history of the house,” she says, “but that’s all you are. It’s your home, but it’s not your house.” u

Green Schemes

It’s no surprise that succulents, including cacti, are increasingly popular. These easy-care houseplants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them perfect for most any home. In fact, all one needs is ample light and benign neglect to raise healthy and beautiful succulents.

To start, you’ll want to use cacti and succulent potting mix. These fastdraining mixes help reduce the risk of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Further reduce this risk by using containers with drainage holes that are only slightly larger than the succulents’ root systems.

Growing an indoor succulent garden is as easy as you think.

Growing them in too large of a container that retains moisture longer can result in root rot, decline, and even the death of your plants.

Water thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry. Some gardeners check the soil moisture at the drain hole to ensure it is dry and the plants need to be watered. Always pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.

Avoid water collecting in the rosette of leaves or the cluster of prickly stems that can lead to crown rot. Use a watering can which has a long narrow spout that allows you to reach under the plants to water just the soil.

Make slight adjustments in your watering regime and growing environment as the seasons change. Adapting to changing conditions will keep your plants healthy and looking their best year-round.

Find a cool, sunny, draft-free location for your cacti and succulents in the fall and winter. Maximize the amount of light the plants receive by moving them to the sunniest, usually south-facing, window in your home. These changes in the growing conditions often encourage a spring display of colorful and unique flowers.

Try growing a succulent centerpiece that can be enjoyed year-round. Display it on the table, and if needed, move it back to its sunny location between dinner parties. Small containers like the heart-shaped concrete tabletop planters allow you to create an attractive dish garden even when space is limited.

Whether you’re a busy, experienced, or new indoor gardener, creating a succulent garden may be just what you need to brighten your home and elevate your mood. u

Precious Palette

Color of the year is Red all over.

What is Viva Magenta?

Well, while it would make for a great name of a performer in a Cuban drag show, it’s actually Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2023. “Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family, as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known,” says Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman. Look for the vibrant shade to start appearing on all sorts of consumer goods, from clothing to home decor. Some furniture makers have already embraced Viva Magenta, including those pictured here, which are all available at Daniel House Club.

Speaking of color:

BlueStar, a manufacturer of high-end professional-grade kitchen appliances for the home, recently unveiled it’s new winter color palette, a collection of earthy shades like silk grey, steel blue and pale brown. “Color is a way to bring in a personal touch and evoke energy into a space,” says BlueStar president Eliza Sheffield. “It’s why we are so passionate about customization. Our team carefully gathers insights into trends and color theories to curate a palette that is meant to inspire your design and be beautiful in your home for years to come.” So, if classic white or stainless steel appliances feel soooo 2022 to you, perhaps it’s time to add a fresh pop of color to the kitchen. u

 Carrington storage bench, pink

 Charisma Channel Tufted Performance Velvet Accent Armchair in maroon

 Heirloom Roses

HISTORY IN LIVING COLOR

Local photographer captures many of the popular sites and attractions in and around St. Augustine, focusing on their architecture, historical significance and the amazing light they reflect.

Sometimes an historic structure is more than just an old building. Depending on things such as its age, reasons for being constructed and noteworthy events that may have occurred in it, a row of shops along a narrow street, a former grand hotel and even a long-closed jail may possess many stories to tell. First Coast photographer Hannah Lewis roams the cobblestone streets and quiet alleyways of the Oldest City in search of these sites and stories. However, more often than not, it’s the colors of the buildings and the magical light that often bathes St. Augustine that really capture her attention.

PHOTOS BY HANNAH LEWIS

One of the most beautiful streets in St. Augustine is actually the oldest street in the nation. The street itself is a work of art, but this is a great location for art lovers to browse the galleries filled with local photography, sculptures, and paintings. You can also find great food and some of the city’s oldest sites and homes on this street, as well.

One of the most-visited spots in St. Augustine is the old jail. Inside guests see weapons that were taken from inmates, the office and living quarters of Sheriff Joe Perry, one of the most feared men around here during his time, and they receive a brief glimpse of the harsh conditions endured by those imprisoned. One of the most interesting facts is that this jail was operating less than a hundred years ago.

Built in 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos, a symbol of great resilience, is one of the most iconic structures in Northeast Florida. How does it still stand today? The Castillo was built with coquina, a type of rock made mostly of shell fragments. The coquina was said to absorb the blow of a cannonball almost like a sponge. You can actually still see where cannonballs hit the walls of the Castillo while walking through the dry moat.

TOP 50

RESTAURANTS

for 2023

Where do you want to eat? It’s an eternal question, one that really isn’t made easier because of technology. Home delivery services, countless recommendations via social media, websites devoted to all things edible—these services and digital tools are wonderful in so many ways. But they also carry with them an even larger universe of options. So, what’s it going to be tacos or smoked brisket, pan-seared scallops or sushi? Soooo many choices to make. Good thing this year’s Top 50 Restaurants feature article is here to help. Bon appetite.

Aqua Grill

Aqua Grill

Ponte Vedra has grown up around this longstanding dining and drinking establishment. And Aqua Grill’s clubby interior and covered porch dining continues to lure crowds of locals and guests staying at nearby resort hotels. A table overlooking the lake is always nice and the long, copper-topped bar has been known to sit a Jags fan or two. The menu covers lots of ground, ranging from sauteed Prince Edward Island mussels to pork osso bucco to fried Mayport shrimp. The spirits and wine lists are equally interesting and vast. Ponte Vedra Beach, 285-3017

$$ Vidalia-crusted snapper with roasted sweet corn and Maine lobster risotto, South Carolina peach chutney, and crispy leeks, $44

$ Chicken piccata with mushrooms, shallots, red peppers, lemon-caper butter, and angel hair pasta, $22

 Aqua Grill oysters Rockefeller, creamy spinach, applewood smoked bacon, Parmesan cheese, $16

Azurea

The signature restaurant of the casually chic hotel One Ocean, Azurea offers fine dining with Atlantic Ocean views, something of a rarity in Northeast Florida. The interior is smart and dressed in vibrant blues and soft grays. The circular booths on the back walls offer comfort and scenery. Diners enter through a tunnel that almost feels underwater—a fitting way to start an evening with char-grilled octopus or seared diver scallops. Save room for creme brulee. Atlantic Beach, 249-7402

$$ Bronzed Pacific seabass with lobster, mango and piquillo pepper gastrique, Yukon gold mousseline, coriander emulsion, $52

$ Steakhouse burger on a brioche bun with smoked cheddar, whole grain beer mustard, and thin-cut fries, $22

 Cast iron-smoked gruyere lobster orecchiette in Bechamel, and poached lobster and buttered gratin, $20

Coop 303

No visit to Jacksonville is complete without a visit to the beach and the many pleasures this seaside destination has to offer. Located just steps away from the sand, Coop 303 offers creative cocktails, a full menu and warm hospitality to visitors, vacationers, and locals alike. Starting with two well-stocked bars that serve an appealing selection of signature cocktails, draft and bottled beers and wines, followed by an extensive menu that showcases regional Floridian cuisines, land and sea specialties, as well as distinctive vegetarian and vegan dishes, there is something for everyone. With multiple levels of dining space that includes relaxing outdoor patios, Coop 303 is the perfect place to meet with friends, family and colleagues for lunch, dinner, brunch, or happy hour. 303 Atlantic Blvd., 372-4507

$$ Beef short-rib with potato cake, roasted baby carrots, and bourbon bordelaise, $34

$ Marinated, grilled portobello, crispy cauliflower, roasted potatoes, and red beet bordelaise, $20

 Peaches and Cream appetizer with fried green tomatoes, burrata cheese, peach jam, and mustard balsamic reduction, $14

bb’s restaurant + bar

As one of Jacksonville's much loved and highly acclaimed eateries, bb's offers an exceptional menu, well-stocked bar, and noteworthy selection of wines. Presented in a warm and comfortable setting, the restaurant is conveniently located adjacent to the city's downtown and San Marco neighborhoods. Always innovating, diners are consistently delighted by their American and ethnically inspired cuisine. While their appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, signature pizzas, and inspired entrees are all highly enjoyable, dessert is the main event. Renown for its impressive selection of cakes and other alluring confections, saving room for something sweet is always a good idea. San Marco, 306-0100

$$ Beef tenderloin Oscar with lump crab, Hollandaise sauce asparagus, and Lyonnaise potatoes, $42

$ Roasted chicken breast in Dijon mustard glaze, herbed mashed potatoes, bacon braised red cabbage, $28

 Shrimp toast appetizer with crustacean cream, chili oil, blistered shishito peppers, $13

Biscottis

The red brick walls and paintings by local artists are Avondale classics, as are the restaurants Thai chicken salad, Cowford burger, braised short ribs and the Ortega pizza, a simply delicious combo on fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic, tomatoes, basil and olive oil. The black board specials are always in season. The roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a must-have side. Serving Sunday brunch, too. Avondale, 387-2060

$$ Braised short rib with potato gnocchi, sauteed brussels and kale, and roasted chestnuts, $38

$ Braised pork shoulder over pappardelle pasta with roasted tomato, borsin and arugula, $22

 Cheese and charcuterie plate with peach ginger jam, Florida raisins, Carolina spiced nuts, bread and butter cauliflower and toasted bread, $14

Blue Bamboo

Canton Bistro

Having grown up in his family's restaurant, Chef Dennis Chan brings a lifetime of experience preparing authentic Cantonese dishes to his own highly popular restaurant. Thrilling patrons

Eleven South

Located in South Jacksonville Beach just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, Eleven South marries the casual style of coastal living with the elegance of fine dining. Whether you prefer delectable seafoods, steaks cooked to perfection, or other such culinary delights, you will find that fine dining, while rewarding for its style and finesse, can also be relaxing, comfortable and even fun. Make sure you take time to peruse the restaurant’s extensive wine list, assortment of craft cocktails and selection of draft and bottled beers. Whether you visit for lunch, dinner, or cocktails at the end of a long and busy day, this trip to the beach will be wholly enjoyable, long remembered and worth repeating. Jacksonville Beach, 241-1112

$$ Mesquite-grilled New Zealand rack of lamb, parmesan gnocchi, baby spinach, roasted tomatoes, and red wine reduction, $42

$ Maple brown sugar roasted Faroe Island salmon and butternut squash, sauteed green kale, mushrooms, pomegranate seeds, and charred orange beurre blanc, $29

 Ahi tuna and avocado tartare, mango salsa, ponzu marinade, ginger aioli, and crispy wontons, $15

with both traditional and modern interpretations of Cantonese comfort food, the menu includes many of the dishes you'd expect along with a few deliciously prepared surprises that should not be missed. Serving lunch, dinner, and cocktails six days a week, be sure to ask about their special Dim Sum Sundays as well as Chef Chan's national prize-winning Sunshine State Mandarin Orange Cake. Mandarin, 646-1478

$$ Crispy-fried shrimp with steamed rice, broccoli, tossed in a sweet honey garlic soy sauce, $39

$ Grilled basil-miso glazed salmon with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables, topped with fragrant basil, $18

 Mandarin Orange Cake. Chef Chan’s acclaimed layered orange sponge cake with pineapple cream cheese frosting, $10

Blue Orchid Thai Cuisine

Blue Orchid is one of Jacksonville's premier Thai restaurants. Operated by Chief Executive Jeff Schofield and Executive Chef Montakran "Bam," this husband-and-wife team delights their patrons with authentic flavors and warm hospitality. Every dish, from alluring starters, flavor forward curries, traditional favorites, and innovative house specials, paired with their selection of Thai-style cocktails, are prepared in a manner that follows generations of Thai culinary traditions with a contemporary twist. The restaurants are artfully designed, displaying a variety of colors, patterns and artworks that allow you to become immersed in the experience. Atlantic Beach, 723-1300, and Riverside, 619-7349

$$ Half-honey Duck served on a bed of vegetables and

a house-made honey sauce, over jasmine rice. $38 $ Black pepper steak with garlic, onion, Thai bell peppers and scallions, jasmine rice, $18

 Spring roll appetizer of glass noodles, Asian mushroom, carrot, celery, onion and cabbage wrapped in spring roll and fried, served with housemade sweet and sour sauce, $18

Caffe Andiamo

One would have to travel to Salerno to find a more authentic Italian menu than the one presented at this Sawgrass Village fine dining staple. Start with the “fruitt de mare,” a medley of shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams and mussels in a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. The pasta choices are numerous ranging from classic fettucini Alfredo to tortellini rosatella, veal and beef-filled tortellini with fresh tomato cream sauce. As it has been since day one more than a decade ago, the wood-fired pizza oven is a star attraction, releasing char-crusted goodness topped with pepperoni, artichokes, caramelized onion and mushroom daily. Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-2299

$$ “Dentice Caruso,” Sauteed snapper filet with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a light tomato sauce, $27

$ “Pollo alla griglia,” Grilled chicken breast with mixed greens and diced tomato vinaigrette, $18

 “Calamari fritti e zucchini,” Deep-fried calamari and zucchini with ginger soy dressing or marinara, $14

Chophouse Thirteen

All the beef served at this classic steakhouse is certified Black Angus. The old Oak Bar opens at 4 PM sharp, men are expected to dress appropriately “smart casual” for the setting, sides are a la carte—the potatoes au gratin and lobster mac and cheese being among the house favorites. Formerly the Tree Steakhouse, the restaurant has been around since 1969, an eon in Jacksonville dining years. The interior is refined but not fancy, not unlike the plating of entrees. After all, when you’re serving a 22 oz. bone-in ribeye, for example, there’s no need to do anything other than cook it perfectly. Mandarin, 262-0006

$$ 18 oz. Heritage Black Angus, 32-day dry-aged USDA Prime New York strip, $86

$ Jumbo shrimp, prepared choice of fried, mesquite grilled, broiled, or blackened, $32

 Beer-glazed, thick-cut pork belly with whole grain mustard and onion jam, $15

Cowford Chophouse

She sits in a grand, three-story building near the base of the Main Street Bridge, a massive renovation project that took years to complete. Cowford Chophouse offers three distinct settings, with the lively and spacious first floor bar/lounge topped by a second-level providing more refined seating, all capped by the third-floor rooftop bar. It is elegant from top to bottom. Roasted bone marrow, duck fat cornbread, tuna tartare are among the appetizer offerings that set the stage for what’s to come. And that could be a Snake River Farms Wagyu filet or double-cut lamb chops or a stuffed whole Maine lobster. If ordering beef, ask to sample the house-made sauces. Downtown, 862-6464

$$ 8 oz. American Wagyu filet, $95

$ Wood-fired salmon, $30

 Roasted seafood tower of oysters, shrimp, king crab, lobster tails with drawn butter, lemon and cocktail sauce, $110

Ember & Iron

Ember & Iron is spacious, inviting, warm and comfortable. With the imposing, oak-burning grill that dominates the kitchen, most of the dishes served, described as rustic American fare, are cooked over an open flame. While the menu acknowledges the Southern heritage of Chef Michael Cooney, there are plenty of seasonal and globally inspired dishes that are equally appealing. Considering that some of their desserts are baked over open flame as well, you might want to leave room for dessert. Lastly, it is practically impossible to miss the impressive wall of spirits that dominates the wall running the full length of the bar. Along with the beers, wines, and craft cocktails that you might expect, you may wish to indulge in their sizeable collection of top-shelf and hard to find whiskeys. St Johns, 531-5185

$$ Ember-grilled, 16-oz. ribeye and beef-fat frites, ember-roasted house vegetables, and demiglace, $55

$ Grilled shrimp and Logan Turnpike mill grits, charred okra, smoked chorizo, blistered tomatoes, $24

Seasonal fruit cobbler with brown sugar oat streusel, and vanilla ice cream, $8

Marker 32

Marker 32 is one of Jacksonville's most enduring and highly rated culinary destinations. Founded by Chef Ben Groshell in 1992, diners continue to flock to this celebrated eatery, considered a staple of

JJ’s Bistro

There are two JJ’s in town, both slightly different in appearance but equally appealing in experience. Both epitomize the true “bistro” vibe with casual decor and familiar faces in the kitchens and serving dishes of jambon and fromage on baguette, smoked salmon salad, and steak frites au poivre for lunch. Dinner service is a touch more upscale with French classics peppering the menu, including rainbow trout a la menuiere, duck leg confit with white bean cassoulet and mussels frites swimming in creamy white wine and garlic. Gate Parkway, 996-7557; Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-7980

$$ 8 oz. beef tenderloin filet with sauce Bordelaise, $34

$ Chicken leg quarters braised in red wine with bacon lardons, pearl onions and mushrooms, $24  Pan-seared scallops appetizer with fennel, tomato concase, and anise cream sauce, $16

fine dining, to enjoy cuisine described as both Southern as well as coastal American fare. The emphasis on quality and variety is unmistakable. Coupled with a well stocked bar, impressive wine list, innovative specialty cocktails and a selection of local beers, all the elements needed for an enjoyable meal are in place. To top it off, its location alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, especially at sunset, gives this place the charm and appeal that keeps people coming back for more, year after year. Intracoastal West, 223-1534

$$ New Zealand lamb chops with saffron risotto, balsamic melted potatoes, grilled asparagus, $46

$ Pan-roasted chicken with mushroom pan jus, crushed new potatoes, sauteed spinach, $23

 Midnight velvet mousse cake with raspberry coulis, crème anglaise, $10

Matthew’s

The San Marco dining landmark has been an AAA Four-Diamond award winner since 1999 and a Wine Spectator honoree for two decades. Noteworthy and deserved accolades, indeed. The menu features Continental accents but with an American spirit that shines through in dishes such as lacquered duck breast with miso truffle sweet potato and escargot with prosciutto and spinach. The interior was updated a few years ago but remains classically elegant. The small bar and a private dining room are equally inviting. San Marco, 396-9922

$$ Beef tenderloin and pomme fondant, heirloom carrot, buttered leek bordelaise, $46

$ Pasta radiatori of Wagyu beef bolognese, shaved parmesan and truffle oil, $36

 Banana sorbet dessert with candied pecans, dulce de leche foam $14

Mezza Luna Ristorante

Located in the vibrant commercial district known as the Beaches Town Center, Mezza is a hot spot for locals, beachgoers and visitors. With several decades of operation, patrons appreciate this deep-rooted Italian restaurant for its remarkable food, especially its wood-fired pizzas, and exceptional bar service, all cheerfully provided by its long-serving, well-informed and undeniably hospitable staff. There are three distinctly different dining areas to choose from—the bar and lounge, the covered patio for al fresco dining, and the main dining room for a more formal experience. Whichever you select, Mezza Luna continues to serve outstanding Italian cuisine in a warm and friendly manner. Neptune Beach, 249-5573

$$ Grilled filet mignon with asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, bordelaise sauce, $38

$ Fresh-made fettuccine with spinach roasted pepper alfredo, $20  Truffle fries side dish dusted with fresh herbs, parmesan, smoked tomato aioli, $8

Nineteen

It’s tucked behind the gates of Sawgrass and inside the grand TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, but just let the guard know where you’re going for a meal. He’ll let you in, we promise. The club has a members-only dining room but everyone is welcome in the pub-style restaurant and out on the patio overlooking the famed golf course. The pork belly bao buns with Peruvian barbecue sauce are menu favorites, as are the pan-roasted grouper and black garlic bucatini pasta. Serving breakfast and Sunday brunch, too. Ponte Vedra Beach, 273-3238

$$ Pan-seared grouper with tomato fennel sauce, olives, capers and purple rice fennel salad, $39

$ Crispy fried tofu katsu with coconut curry and tamarind glaze, radish, cilantro and carrot slaw, $28

 Mussels and bacon appetizer with roasted red peppers, white wine, and cilantro potato bread, $19

O-KU

O-KU, offering innovative interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine, is one of the newest additions to the culinary scene in Jacksonville Beach. Located directly across the street from the Jax Beach Fishing Pier, patrons can enjoy an impressive selection of Asian influenced dishes including sashimi, specialty rolls and other innovative Asian influenced dishes along with a sizable number of sakes, beers, wines, and signature cocktails. In addition to their full-service ground level dining room, guests can enjoy drinks and al fresco dining

on the restaurant's rooftop deck, providing welcome access to fresh seaside breezes and panoramic views of this bustling beachfront community. Jacksonville Beach, 694-2770

$$ House-made teriyaki chicken donburi, seasonal vegetables, $20

$ Tempura cauliflower, firecracker sauce, crispy onion, scallion, and sesame seeds, $14

 Poke tostadas with avocado, sweet sesame soy, cilantro aioli, $16

Orsay

Orsay, a French bistro with obvious influences from the American South, is one of Jacksonville's premier restaurants and a favorite among locals. Renown for its warm and unpretentious service, the menu, exquisitely prepared by Chef Jonathan Insetta, features freshly shucked oysters, house-made charcuterie and pâté and mealtime favorites including cassoulet, beef stroganoff and lobster pot pie. With a truly impressive wine list and bar menu, this is dining at its finest. While these accolades should be sufficient, their desserts are to-die-for and not to be missed.

Avondale, 381-0909

$$ Whole butter poached Maine lobster pot pie, topped with a house-made pink peppercorn biscuit with English peas, carrots, fennel, radish, and asparagus in a roasted lobster reduction sauce, $50

$ Shepherd’s pie of fresh seasonal vegetables with a truffled mashed potato crust topped with truffle oil, $26  Lobster Mac N Cheese of cavatappi pasta served with fresh lobster meat, lobster reduction, mornay, garlic cream, gruyere, and parmigiano, $24

River & Post

River & Post, named for its location on the corner of Post Street and a half block from the St. Johns River, sits near 5 Points, considered one of Jacksonville's more colorful and entertaining neighborhoods. Well known for its rooftop bar, patrons come to enjoy both cocktails and dinner along with some of the best views of the city. They also come to relax and enjoy artfully prepared meals in the restaurant's beautifully designed dining room. With an extensive, seafood-forward menu along with steaks, burgers, salads, and plenty of choices to satisfy everyone's culinary preferences, Riverside, 575-2366

$$ Seared filet mignon with grilled asparagus, confit potatoes, bordelaise sauce, $41

$ Fried chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, braised collard greens, sage country gravy, $27

 Lioni burrata plate with chilled creamy con panna, tomato salad, basil, mint, balsamic grilled baguette, $16

Rue Saint Marc

Rue Saint Marc, influenced by the style of classic French bistros, offers a globally inspired range of culinary experiences. Under the culinary guidance of Chef Scott Alters and bar manager Gabrielle Saul, their offerings are as impressive as the menu is varied. For dinner, the menu features creatively inspired dishes, both familiar and exotic. Between its artfully created menus, welcoming hospitality and comfortable setting, Rue Saint Marc brings a delicious perspective to Jacksonville's fine dining scene. San Marco, 619-0861

$$ Maine scallops with edamame-miso purée, tempura broccoli, shiso, and charred scallion vinaigrette, $22

$ Coriander-crusted Atlantic swordfish with braised red cabbage, fingerling potato, red wine-beet reduction, $36

 Frozen orange "creamsicle” of vanilla crémeux, cara cara curd, candied kumquats, satsuma sherbet, $14

Taverna San Marco

Located in the heart of San Marco, Taverna is one of Jacksonville's most respected dining destinations. Under the guidance of Executive Chef and proprietor Sam Effron (and wife Kiley), this warm, friendly, and inviting restaurant offers both indoor and patio dining. Specializing in handcrafted rustic Italian fare with noteworthy influences from both local and international cuisines, the menu features a tantalizing selection of cheese and charcuterie, deliciously inspired pizzas and pastas and entrees that appeal to every culinary preference. San Marco, 398-3005

$$ Sicilian seafood stew of shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, crab, tomato-fennel broth, garlic bread, $37

$ Seared salmon quinoa, kale, dried cranberries, marcona almonds, Vidalia onion soubise, $32

 Blood orange panna cotta with mango coulis, white chocolate pistachio florentines; may be prepared gluten-free upon request, $12

Vernon’s

There are a handful of options for food and drink inside the sprawling Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Vernon’s is the vacation retreat’s top spot, an upscale but not stuffy restaurant that focuses on seasonal dining and creativity—even in its list of signature cocktails, many crafted using things like honey and flowers found on the property. You can’t go wrong with the charcuterie plate with the chef’s selection of cheeses, nuts, olives and jams. In addition to regular daily service, Vernon’s hosts a series of special evening such as a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $95. Breakfast classics include eggs benedict and smoked salmon on a bagel. Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-3405

$$ Prime filet of beef, salt and pepper mashed potatoes, garlic mushroom ragout, $42

$ Seared grouper with eggplant agrodolce, risotto, lemon butter, $30  St. Johns Cauliflower with Datil hot honey, $11

Town Hall

Jacksonville is home to a select few restaurants that are considered this city's finest culinary destinations. Town Hall is the local favorite, renown for its West Coast aesthetic and culinary influences, taking flavorful advantage of as many locally sourced seasonal, organic, and natural ingredients as possible. Under the direction of James Beard-nominated owner and Executive Chef Tom Gray, diners are invited to enjoy a menu that features noteworthy starters, shareables, mains and desserts along

with an alluring selection of locally brewed and craft distilled beverages. No matter the occasion, Town Hall is the place for good food and drink in comfortable surroundings. San Marco, 398-0726

$$ Seared scallops with green beans, celeriac purée, lemon, capers, shallots, crispy leeks, $38

$ Housemade Mafaldine pasta with cauliflower purée and florets, roasted almond salsa, Calabrian chili crunch, Parmesan, basil, $24

 Town Hall “Loaded Fries” with truffle-balsamic, Manchego, cured egg yolk, black garlic aioli, $13

CORINNA HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Dining in “fine” style isn’t reserved just to restaurants dressed in white linens, china and crystal. Some of the city’s more casual establishments earn high praise for their cuisine, service and atmosphere. Here are 25 of our favorites.

1928 Cuban Bistro

A true “Familia” enterprise, 1928 Cuban Bistro is the little eatery that could. From a single location serving coffees, sandwiches, salads and rice plates, 1928 has expanded to new shops across Northeast Florida. As the name says, the flavors of Cuban shine through in dishes such as ham and cheese tostada, open-faced fried egg sandwiches and desserts including flan, churros and tres leches. Four locations, including Baymeadows, 683-8104, with a fifth planned for Amelia Island.

 The Cuban sandwich of roasted pork, ham, swiss, pickles, mustard on Cuban bread, $13

 The “904” sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, turkey, swiss and mayo on Cuban bread, $10

 Housemade flan for dessert, $6

Catullo’s Italian

What started out as an exceptionally popular food truck operated by brothers Carl and Dave Catullo just a few short years ago has been transformed into one of Jacksonville’s most highly acclaimed Italian restaurants. Catullo’s is celebrated for its innovative approach to Italian cuisine. Based on authentic family recipes, the restaurant offers a range of made-from-scratch pasta dishes and other Italian classics that are undeniably familiar and absolutely delicious. San Pablo, 240-1252

 Sauteed Mayport shrimp, cooked in rosato sauce, then tossed with fresh egg pappardelle pasta, $26

 Gnocchi Catullo, fluffy potato pasta pillows cooked in sage and Calabrian chili alfredo sauce, $18

 Pistachio ricotta cake, $12

Al’s Pizza

Enduring popularity that spans 35 years and supports five locations around town, and a steadfast commitment to quality, Al’s Pizza has enjoyed noteworthy success. Of course, preparing their classic New York style pizzas with dough made fresh daily, whole milk mozzarella and nothing but fresh toppings, contributes significantly to this achievement. Along with their traditional and gourmet hand-tossed pizzas, patrons can enjoy a wide range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, entrees, and desserts, all prepared with the same attention to detail that goes into their pizzas. All of Al’s Pizza locations offer a modest selection of beer and wine and are open for both lunch and dinner. Five area locations, alspizza.com

 Crisp chicken breast parmigiana with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella with spaghetti, $18

 Fresh spinach, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese filled pasta shells, baked and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, $17

 Lightly fried zeppolis tossed in powdered sugar served with raspberry sauce, $10

Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room

If the TV classic Cheers took place in a Northeast Florida wine shop instead of a Boston Pub, its set might look something like Coastal Wine Market. Still relatively new, like all things in Nocatee, the eatery/shop epitomizes cozy and warm with rich wood floors, comfy seating areas, unusual craft beers on tap and a thoroughly interesting wine list. Check out the blackboard for the lastest offerings. European and Californian cheeses are top sellers, as are the aged meats and small bites including roasted Brussels sprouts. Nocatee, 395-3520

 Baked brie topped with seasonal jam, local honey and sweet potato chips, $14

 Grilled cheese and prosciutto pannini, $14

 Smoky and spicy market board with gouda and pepperoni, $16

Cruisers Grill

Cruisers has been a longstanding favorite for beachgoers, visitors, and families alike for more than 20 years. Whether it’s their menu featuring hot-off-the-grill burgers, aged cheddar fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, rich and creamy shakes and other casual classics, a family friendly atmosphere that welcomes kids of all ages, reasonable prices or the attentive service that’s delivered by well-

seasoned staff, there’s an unmistakable synergy between the way the restaurant is operated and the laid-back lifestyle that prevails throughout Jacksonville’s beach communities. It has been said that Cruisers is cool, classic, and craveable. Whatever the reason, its success and longevity is undeniable. Jacksonville Beach, 270-0356

 The Royale “Wit Cheeze”—A pair of 1/4-lb. burgers with Provel cheese, house candied bacon, pickle, and house sauce on a brioche bun, $13

 Cruiser burger with blue cheese, $12

 Large side order of Cruiser’s fries, $7

Culhane’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Culhane’s Irish Pub is more than just a modern sports bar. Owned by five Irish sisters with a heritage that dates back to Limerick, Ireland, patrons flock to Culhane’s for the food as much as they do for its well stocked bar. With an obvious focus on both authentic Irish dishes as well as familiar comfort foods, Culhane’s serves specialties including Scotch eggs, bangers & mash, and shepherd’s pie along with more familiar wings, fish & chips, and burgers. A welcoming place for locals and visitors alike, this lively gathering space is perfect for the big game or simply to catch up over drinks, good food and good times. Atlantic Beach,

Mojo BBQ

When it comes to an authentic barbeque experience, Mojo No. 4 in Avondale has you covered. All of its meats are smoked in-house, prepared in a manner that aligns with well-known regional styles, and served in a casual and laid-back manner. When it comes to beverages, there are plenty of beers, wines, and cocktails to go around. For the connoisseurs, their whiskey collection will knock your socks off. The wall above the bar is literally overflowing with selections. With hundreds of varieties from distilleries all over the world, it’s a good idea to come hungry, very thirsty and plan to stick around for a while. Mojo No. 4 is family friendly, offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and open for both lunch and dinner seven days a week. Multiple Locations, mojobbq.com

 The Whole Hawg with pork, beef, turkey, chicken, ribs, sausage with four sides, $46

 Pulled pork shoulder with Mojo Original sauce, $15

 Double-breaded onion rings served with buttermilk ranch, $11

249-9595, and Southside, 619-3177

 Thumann’s corned beef, garlic champ potatoes, sautéed cabbage, bacon, caramelized onions, au jus, $20

 Certified Angus Guinness beef stew with savory demi Guinness gravy, barley, mushrooms, carrots, onions, potatoes, $15

 Baked Cinotti’s pub pretzel with beer cheese, $7

Empanada Factory

The city’s expanding international palette can be seen in the popularity of casual and successful joints like Empanada Factory. If it tastes good stuffed in dough and baked or fried, chances are you’ll find it here—including recipes direct from Colombia and Argentina. The menu also expands to feature Latin favorites like Peruvian style whitefish ceviche, grilled churrasco skirt steak and hilachas, Guatemalan-style shredded beef in a tomato and tomatillo sauce, served with rice, beans and tostones. Baymeadows, 374-8939

 The Picada—Columbian chorizo, papa criolla, yuca, fries, tostones, chicken and beef, $22

 Lechón Asado—Cuban roast pork in a sour orange and garlic mojo marinade, with rice and two sides, $16

 Empanadas Colombianas—five mini-fried beef and potato empanadas, with hot sauce, $9

Estrella Cocina

High atop a Downtown office tower sits this unusual eatery serving what it calls “eclectic Mexican cuisine” in a casual rooftop bar setting. The view is terrific, as are the cocktail offerings. Casual handhelds are top sellers, such as guacamole and chips, fried chicken wings and queso fundido. As of presstime, the restaurant was

temporarily closed with a scheduled reopening date of February 8. Downtown, 862-6994

 Grilled ancho rubbed Angus sirloin topped with sauteed Florida shrimp in garlic, lime, olive oil sauce, squash, corn and poblano sauté, $33;

 Slow-cooked baby back ribs, traditional carnitas, orange-piloncillo-arbol glaze, frijoles charros with chorizo and queso fresco, $24

 House-made chips with caramelized onionpoblano queso, guacamole, and choice of house salsa, $12

Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar

As its name implies, Flying Iguana serves up an impressive selection of tacos and tequilas. With a bar that boasts over 100 varieties of tequila, plenty of cool and refreshing craft beers, and a menu that sports an eclectic selection of tacos and other intriguing dishes with a Latin American pedigree, patrons have been flocking to this casually entertaining destination since its doors first opened. With the beach just a block away, Flying Iguana (as well as it’s sister restaurant Iguana on Park) has become a favorite destination for sunbathers to cool off with house-made margaritas. Of course, sitting down to a relaxing lunch or dinner, including guacamole that’s freshly made table-side, could not be more enjoyable. Neptune Beach & Avondale, flyingiguana.com

 Arroz chaufa de mariscos—seafood Peruvian fried rice, seared scallops, local shrimp, ají amarillo, ají verde, ginger purple cabbage, red radish, $30

 Slow roasted half-chicken (one breast, one leg), served with two sides and aji sauces, $22

 Esquites—Char-grilled Mexican street corn served on the cob, with chipotle aioli, chives, cotija cheese, $6

Kazu Japanese Restaurant

Kazu is among the River City’s Japanese classics, a maker of top-drawer sushi and sashimi. The eatery is nothing fancy and regulars like it that way. Pan-seared dumplings, spicy tuna poppers, cheese wontons, steamed edamame, rock shrimp tempura—little has changed on the menu in years. And that’s a very good thing. Mandarin, 683-9903

 Grilled New York strip steak with seasonal vegetables with teriyaki sauce, $17

 Panko-crusted chicken katsu with sliced cucumber and tonkatsu sauce, $13

 Crispy soft shell crab and asparagus tempura, ponzu sauce, $9

Midtown Table

Midtown Table is a casual Italian-inspired restaurant operated by chef siblings Matthew and David Medure, a culinary dynamic duo that continues to make meaningful impressions on Jacksonville’s culinary scene. In this regard, patrons come for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch to enjoy house-made pastas, both Neapolitan and Sicilian style pizzas accompanied by a broad selection of Italian-inspired soups, salads, and entrees. As you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber, the bar offers lots of traditional and frozen craft cocktails along with an ample selection of wines, beers, and ciders. With both contemporary-styled indoor and outdoor dining options, Midtown Table consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience. Gate Parkway, 503-4122

 Hanger steak in balsamic marinade, potato puree, baby carrots, frisse, and pickled shallots, $32

 Chicken Francaise with roasted peppers, potatoes, spinach, and lemon cream sauce, $23

 Beef carpaccio appetizer with fried artichokes, capers, mustard aioli and arugula, $15

Noura Cafe

Middle Eastern cuisine is a term that covers lots of territory. From Lebanon to the far corners of the Mediterranean, Noura Cafe, open for about a dozen years, touches on many of the traditional favorites like tabbouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, oven pies and more. It’s specialty breakfast sandwiches are signature dishes (egg, cheese and meat in a pita) and the spinach pie with onion, tomato and herbs is always a treat. Southside, 739-0033

 Lamb kabob platter, $19

 Chicken gyro, $13

 Baba ganoush appetizer with grilled eggplant, mashed with tahini and fresh lemon juice, $7.

Peony Asian Bistro

If you’re a fan of authentic Cantonese cooking, a visit to Peony Asian Bistro, located south of the city in Mandarin, will be a rewarding experience. With an extensive menu featuring a wide range of appetizers, soups, noodle and rice dishes, hot pots, traditional specialties and other Asianinspired favorites, there’s a lot to choose from. Along with a selection of teas, wines, sakes and both Chinese and Japanese beers, Peony caters to diners seeking exciting new culinary adventures as well as those in search of their favorite Asian comfort foods. Assuming you don’t

fill up on savory dishes, make sure to ask about their dessert specials. Mandarin, 268-3888

 Sushi and sashimi combo, $27

 Pork lo mein, $12

 Scallion pancake appetizer, $6

Salt Life Food Shack

As the name implies, Salt Life enjoys tremendous appeal with surfers, fishermen and beachgoers. It’s also a community driven restaurant that welcomes families and visitors looking for enjoyable coastal cuisine. The Jax Beach eatery is a casual destination where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy cocktails, lunch or dinner in the dining room, open-air patio or at the bar—same goes for the Amelia and St. Augustine Salt Lifes. Considering its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, there are lots of enjoyable seafood options to choose from including oysters, poke bowls, sushi, and fish baskets. Multiple Locations, saltlifefoodshack.com

 Beach Boil of shrimp, snow crab legs, sausage, corn, onions and potatoes, $27

 Marinated wood-grilled salmon finished with maple-soy glaze and tropical fried rice, $21

 Grilled shrimp and chorizo nachos topped with corn, black beans, jack and cheddar cheese, pico and cilantro lime cream drizzle, $15

TacoLu

It’s been said that TacoLu has been all about fish tacos, tequila, and mescal, ever since it opened in 2008. While their menu includes all these things, there’s lots more to choose from. In terms of tacos, you’ll find lots of variations using fish, beef, pork, and veggies. Going even further, the menu includes a long list of Mexican-inspired foods including guacamole (of course), street corn, nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas and more. When it comes to tequila and mezcal, their menu lists hundreds of both. There’s a long list of delicious reasons that has made TacoLu a popular destination in Jacksonville Beach for lunch, dinner, and drinks for so many years. Jacksonville Beach, 249-8226

 Corn tortillas suizas layered with roasted chicken, topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce, cilantro, and melted jack cheese, $12

 Cheeseburger nacho covered with queso, seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and house special sauce, $13

 Henry’s queso with roasted corn, black beans and jalapeno, $9.

Taqueria Cinco

When it comes to Jacksonville’s Mexican restaurants, none are as authentic, or as original, as Taqueria Cinco. Located in the city’s Five Points neighborhood, everything on the menu is based on the foods you’d find on the streets of Mexico City. Whether its tacos filled with nopales (grilled cactus), cochinita pibil (Yucatan style pork roasted in banana leaves), or repollitos (Oaxacan mole negro glazed brussels), their crispy tortillas are stuffed with all manner of street-inspired ingredients. Along with exotic cocktails, an esoteric selection of beers and wines, and traditional, non-alcoholic drinks including horchata and Mexican coke, the authenticity of this place makes for an exhilarating dining experience. Riverside, 312-9113

RP’s Fine Food & Spirits

A neighborhood eatery if there ever was one, RP’s takes its food service seriously (hence the “fine” in its name) but management makes sure the fun continues with weekly specials such as Tiny Beer Tuesdays and live music acts. The baked salmon shines in a brown sugar and mustard glaze, the peel and eat shrimp are best dipped in the housemade cocktail sauce and crabcakes are can’t-miss good. Pull up a stool at a high-top near the bar, and you may never want to leave. At least not until the last of the beach dip and conch fritters have been consumed. Jacksonville Beach, 853-5094

 RP’s grilled chicken breast, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, cheddar-jack cheese, $16

 Sauteed Shrimp 308 drenched in spicy cajun butter over rice, $17

 Billy’s beach dip appetizer with crab, spinach, artichoke hearts, and tortilla chips, $12

 Griddled corn tortilla quesadillas, quesillo cheese, salsa quemada, escabeche, $11

 Homemade blue corn huaraches, refried black beans, choice of meat or veggies, salsa quesmada, queso Oaxaca and fresco, cream, avo mousse, $12

 Slow-cooked chicken tinga appetizer with ranchera sauce, pickled onions, avo mousse, $5

The Bearded Pig

The Bearded Pig takes pride in their Southern traditions, making some of the best BBQ in town. With two locations, one on the Southbank of the St. Johns River and the other just off the water’s edge in Jacksonville Beach, locals and visitors alike can enjoy traditional barbeque favorites including smoked sausage, brisket, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and ribs, all smoked using locally grown oak in the restaurant’s own pits. With ever popular sides including housemade baked beans, collard greens and macn-cheese, a full compliment of cocktails and assorted cold beverages, and plenty of seating both indoors and out on the patio, this is the perfect gathering place for friends and families (and dogs as well). San Marco, 619-2247, and Jacksonville Beach, 518-3915

 The Whole South Bank—Half-rack ribs, half chicken, half pound each of two meats and four sides, $59

 The San Marco—quarter-rack ribs, quarterchicken, and quarter-pound each of two meats and two sides, $32

 Bearded poutine appetizer of fries, brisket, pork, curds, pimento cheese, $9

The District

Expansion plans caused this Springfield favorite to close its popular garden seating area late last year. The good news is that it’s back up and running like before, with outside seating under the twinkling lights each evening. The setting inside and out is decidedly casual, yet the menu is downright highbrow—shrimp and squid ink pasta, beef Wellington, blackened salmon, and slow-roasted pork with apple whiskey glaze. Oh, and creme brulee and white chocolate bread pudding. Sunday brunch features bottomless mimosas. Springfield, 955-1861

 Caprese board with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basic and balsamic reduction, $12

 Shepherd’s pie with cheddar drop biscuits, $17

 Spinach and artichoke dip, $10

The Fish Camps

If you’re looking for fresh, coastal cuisine that includes locally sourced seafood, oysters on the half shell, Southern specialties including fried green tomatoes, gator tail and shrimp and grits, and a fully stocked bar, an extensive wine list and plenty of cold beer, the Fish Camps are for you. Whether you choose to dine in Ponte Vedra, Neptune Beach, Julington Creek, or St. Augustine, each location offers a lively and relaxing atmosphere coupled with warm and friendly service. Four locations, thefishcamps.com

 Low Country boil for two with shrimp, clams, Andouille, corn, mushroom and onion, $42

 Fried fish sandwich with tartar sauce, French fries and cole slaw, $15

 White chocolate bread pudding, $9

The Fish Company

The Fish Company is a first-class seafood restaurant with a casual beach attitude. This is one of the most popular spots in Atlantic Beach, attracting seafood lovers and serious oyster aficionados since 2006. Whether you prefer seafood as an appetizer, in a sandwich, tossed into salads or as the featured item in the center of the plate, Fish Company offers it all. For oyster lovers, nothing beats one of the coveted seats at the bar, providing a front row view of oysters being artfully shucked and served. Along with their well-stocked bar, extensive wine list and assorted beers on tap and in bottles, an enjoyable seafood experience awaits. Atlantic Beach, 246-0123

 Seafood combo platter of fish, shrimp, crab cake, and fried oysters, with coleslaw, hushpuppies and baked potato, $40

 Two Baja shrimp tacos with coleslaw, queso cheese, Mexican chili aioli, red beans and rice, $13

 Key lime meringue pie, $7

Sliders Oyster Bar

Sliders has been a favorite gathering spot and an important part of the Beaches community for more than 30 years. Offering cold beers, freshly shucked oysters and a variety of seafood dishes made with fresh catch delivered daily from nearby Mayport, visitors are treated to Floridian-style cuisine served in a casual coastal manner. From seasonal seafood ceviche and bacon-wrapped scallops to specialty oyster dishes and incredibly satisfying seafood platters, all accompanied by your choice of beach appropriate beverages from an extensive bar menu, this is the place to kick back and enjoy the company of friends and family after a long day at work or on the sand. Neptune Beach, 246-0881

 Oysters casino baked with bacon, three cheeses and scallions, market price

 Shrimp and grits plate with chorizo, tomato and green onion in Creole butter wine sauce, $18

 Poke cocktail of tuna and salmon, sticky rice with spinach, seaweed salad, avocado, cucumber and sesame seeds, $20

St. Augustine Top 10

Originally opened in 1980 as a neighborhood fish camp, Cap's on the Water (4325 Myrtle St., 824-8794) has changed hands several times and been transformed into the busiest restaurant in St Johns County. Serving coastal cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce—coupled with Cap's famous waterfront deck, covered pavilion, indoor dining room, traditional tiki bar and Sunset Oyster Bar—guests go out of their way to enjoy the remarkable views, seafood, and a wine list that boasts more than 400 selections.

It’s hands-down one of the most visually enticing restaurants in the Oldest City. And Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequilla (1 Anderson Cir., 295-3847) offers great views from its patio and rooftop deck. The Mexican-inspired menu is classic but with upscale flair, as seen in dishes such as the grilled ribeye with caramelized peppers, chimichurri and truffled hot sauce, and the braised short rib chile relleno smothered in ranchera sauce, crema and cotija cheese. The tequila menu is truly top-shelf.

Consistently rated as one of the city’s best, Collage (60 Hypolita St., 829-0055) has been welcoming diners and earning praise for years. Open for dinner only, the cozy confines of the dining room showcase a seasonal menu featuring entrees including pan-seared flounder with jasmine rice and citrus tomato sauce, scaloppini of veal tenderloin with double-cream mashed potatoes, and beef tenderloin au poivre.

Tucked inside the luxurious Casa Monica Resort in Spa in the heart of the historic district, Coasta Brava (810-6810) adds a touch of elegance to the local dining scene. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, the restaurant provides Mediterranean flair with tapas choices such as marinated Spanish olives, Minorcan bisque and the house specialty, paella—an ample melange of calamari, scallops, fish, shrimp, red pepper, peas and lemon. Order for two and share. It’s worth it.

The garden courtyard at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (46 Avenida Menendez, 824-7765) is among the most pleasant places one can enjoy a meal in Northeast Florida. Just steps from the Bridge of Lions, it’s not uncommon to see a line forming out front of the local dining landmark. The menu is laden with Big Easy favorites with top sellers being the restaurant’s signature jambalaya, blackened redfish covered with crab meat, and Andouille-crusted grouper. Save room for the Oreo beignets.

A visit to Llama (415 Anastasia Blvd., 819-1760) is an altogether unique and memorable fine dining experience that introduces guests to the rich culture, ingredients, and tastes of Peru. Spending time at Llama is also somewhat

Whitey’s Fish Camp

Long before their were Jaguars prowling TIAA Bank Field, there was Whitey’s, hugging the same spot along the creek today as it was some 50 years ago. Live music still plays on the deck on weekends, boats still tie up for eats and cold drinks, and regulars still flock over for the famous “all you can eat” specials like pollack and popcorn shrimp. The seafood-laden menu is huge, ranging from fried calamari and buffalo shrimp to seared sesame tuna and oysters on the half-shell. Don’t forget the fried pickles and gator tail. Fleming Island, 269-4198

 Grilled salmon topped with a fresh lemon butter and dill caper sauce, $24

 Blackened Mahimahi tacos with mango salsa and lime-cilantro aioli, $13

 Housemade potato chips piled with bacon, cheese, green onions and sour cream, $14 u

theatrical. There is something beautiful and mysterious about the way dishes are presented tableside, many revealed with an unexpected flourish. Preserved Restaurant (102 Bridge St., 679-4940) has helped make St. Augustine’s old Lincolnville neighborhood a bonafide dining destination. The kitchen in the renovated 1800s house is overseen by James Beardnominated chef Brian Whittington. The seasonally inspired menu is prone to change, but expect items such as shrimp and grits, seared duck breast and roasted oysters. Ask for a seat on the porch.

Think Southern fare but with contemporary twists when dining at The Floridian (72 Spanish St., 829-0655). Vegetarians and meat-lovers will find plenty to enjoy, ranging from the citrus beet salad to a mouthwatering meatloaf sandwich. The menu is refined but approachable with beef brisket tacos in pepper jack stuffed tortillas and datil pepper-dusted tuna over coconut rice.

The Ice Plant (110 Riberia St. 829-6553), located amidst centuries of history in St. Augustine, has a story all its own. The original building, dating back to 1927, once providing an essential service to the shrimping community, is now a popular farm to table restaurant and bar. While the feeling of the old factory has been retained, the main attractions are the grass-fed beef and burgers, local seafood, vegetarian dishes, and daily specials.

Open since 1981, the Raintree Restaurant (102 San Marco Ave., 8247211) is one of the city’s oldest fine dining establishments. The Victorian house in which it resides is a fitting setting for a menu flush with classic flavors—lobster and sweet pepper bisque, steamed mussels in white wine butter sauce, eggplant parmigiana topped with four cheeses, and bleu cheese-crusted filet of beef. u

Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila

3928 BAYMEADOWS RD. JACKSONVILLE, FL 32217

COMPANIES with Heart

Annual Recognition of First Coast Businesses That Strive for Bottom Line Success

While Also Embracing the Spirit of Giving Back

Did you know that a combination of student volunteers from UNF and staff at Baptist Health work together to package and deliver meals to more than 250 local seniors in need every week? How about that the team at Pine Castle, an area center that offers employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, created more than 2,000 luminaria kits this past Christmas, a fundraiser that is spearheaded by a First Coast real estate agency? Or were aware of the efforts of two individuals at the construction firm Haskell who guided an annual United Way campaign that garnered more than $300,000 in contributions?

If you’re not familiar with these acts, that’s okay. You’re not alone. These charitable efforts, and countless more just like them, tend to fly under the radar because they don’t make for overly alluring social media posts. They are, instead, simple acts of kindness and giving. Fortunately, most who participate in such efforts don’t do it for the recognition.

Instead, most do it because it’s the right thing to do—and this includes many of Northeast Florida’s leading businesses.

Fifteen local businesses are featured here, honorees as this year’s Companies With Heart . These commercial enterprises are in business to make money. Don’t think they are not. However, these firms also understand the need to contribute to the greater good, whether that be through monetary donations, programs designed to protect natural resources, or allowing employees the opportunity to volunteer for causes close to their hearts. Featured here is just some of what these Companies With Heart have been up to during the last year.

Auld & White Constructors

# OF EMPLOYEES: 145

a To Auld & White Constructors, success means contributing to the community in which it works. The company is proud to support over 30 locally focused nonprofit groups with financial contributions and volunteer time throughout the year. Team AWC can be found volunteering for Habijax, American Heart Association, Holiday Gift Giving program, and many other organizations each year. Auld & White is proud of all their volunteers who take an active role in the betterment of Northeast Florida.

Among the many local non-profits the company plans to contribute in 2023 are Baptist Health Foundation, Bishop Kenny High School, Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, Jacksonville Humane Society, North Florida School of Special Education, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Baptist Health

# OF EMPLOYEES: 14,000

a Since 2019, Baptist Health has donated a portion of the food from its hospital cafeterias to the University of North Florida’s Meals on Wings initiative. Three days a week, student volunteers from UNF’s Nutrition and

Dietetics program pick up unserved food prepared in Baptist kitchens and repackage it for delivery to more than 250 seniors. The food recovery program has allowed Baptist to extend its mission of caring by repurposing excess food. According to UNF, nearly 1,000 seniors in Duval County are on a waiting list to receive home delivered meals.

COMPANY STANDOUTS: Baptist wishes to highlight the efforts of employees

Last year alone Baptist Health measured its impact by the more than $19.5 million community benefit projects that were engaged, the $53 million provided in charity care and the $154.3 million incurred through unreimbursed Medicare and Medicaid costs. In addition, the healthcare provider measures the number of visits to the Wolfson Children’s School-Based Health Center and improvement in health indicators such as blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, and glucose in Y Healthy Living Center coaching participants. For the fifth year in a row, Baptist Health had the most registered participants (1,052) in the annual First Coast Heart Walk, with 110 Baptist Health teams taking part in the 2022 event, raising more than $54,000 and placing fifth overall out of 82 companies.

Dawn Smith and James Clandaniel. As National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville volunteers, Dawn and Jim serve as family support group facilitators and were instrumental in expanding the NAMI family program to the Baptist Jacksonville campus, holding twice-monthly meetings in the Children’s Behavioral Health Center lobby. Jim has been involved with NAMI Jacksonville since 2015, shortly after a loved one presented with serious mental health issues. Dawn, who became a trained NAMI Family Support Group facilitator in 2020, leads an hour-and-a-half support group twice a month and provides information and resources to help families navigate through crisis and daily life.

Berkshire HomeServicesHathawayFlorida

Network Realty # OF EMPLOYEES: 51 a Berkshire has been involved with Dreams Come True of Jacksonville since 2014, donating a total of $411,915 towards making dreams come true for local children facing life threatening Illnesses. In 2022, the company donated $69,055. In addition, several of its agents and employees participated in the 2022 Dreams Come

True 5K in Downtown, as well as a televised phone bank to help raise funds. The company also has two employees who serve on the nonprofit’s Horizon Board.

Over the past several years, Berkshire has partnered with Pine Castle, a leader in serving adults with intellectual and developmental differences which provides support to their families across Northeast Florida. More than 300 participants take part in Pine Castle’s programs daily, learning valuable work and life skills. Through purchasing and reselling Christmas luminary kits made by Pine Castle, the company has helped to provide jobs and a paycheck to Pine Castle participants. Over 50 people at Pine Castle worked on the luminaria kits this past Christmas and, in 2022, Berkshire sold approximately 2,000 kits at its branch offices and organized luminaria events in neighborhoods throughout Northeast Florida.

In addition to continuing to support Dreams Come True and Pine Castle, in 2023 Berkshire plans to contribute to Hunger Fight, Lone Warrior Foundation, Operation New Hope and the Women’s Center of Jacksonville.

BKS Partners

# OF EMPLOYEES: 437

a At BKS Partners, success is measured by the commitments of the organization’s colleagues and its philanthropic values to take care of the communities in which it works and lives. The company honors this commitment by providing 24 paid volunteer hours for each colleague to provide their time and talents to a cause they are most passionate about.

Coastal Wealth

# OF EMPLOYEES: 400

a Coastal Wealth understands the importance of giving back and has a longterm approach to its community’s needs, helping them become a better places. Coastal Wealth regularly comes together to reinforce this support while utilizing its giving-back programs and dedicates time to community service. Through the commitment of company talent, passion, time and dollars, employees continuously roll up their sleeves and participate in advocacy, volunteering and activities that give back to local communities.

The firm knows the importance of its members giving back to Northeast Florida and it encourages each of its members to be committed and compassionate in what they do as a team and individually. Coastal Wealth has partnered with multiple locations of Feeding America to provide meals to people facing hunger. In September, Hunger Action Month, Coastal Wealth volunteered in fullforce packaging meals to be distributed—and donated $90,000 to the cause.

COMPANY STANDOUT: Grace Staten is the heart and soul of Coastal Wealth’s community service efforts. Giving back is a way of paying it forward and she not only talks the talk but walks the walk. What began as a one-time initiative for the firm, volunteerism, fundraising and donations now reside as all-firm events with the varying nonprofits each quarter. Grace has immersed herself in her dedication to better the world. She volunteers and donates to several organizations including Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.

Crowley # OF EMPLOYEES: 7,000

a Crowley is on a mission to become the most sustainable and innovative maritime logistics company in the Americas. Crowley has committed to net-zero greenhouse emissions across all scopes by 2050. To reach this target, Crowley estimates that it will reduce overall emissions by 4.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases per year, or the equivalent of removing more than 90,000 cars from the road every year. The company formed a New Energy division that will provide offshore wind services in the U.S. and is developing a program that will allow customers to select more sustainable fuels. Their use of biofuels throughout their fleet is another way Crowley is lowering carbon emissions and raising industry standards.

The company’s charitable giving program, Crowley Cares, enable employees to make a difference. Eligible employees can have their donations matched at 50% and also have 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer during business hours. Through Crowley Cares, the company empowers its team members to take positive actions that improves the lives of people where Crowley serves. The initiative has supported and enhanced communities through employee-driven efforts in the U.S., Central America and the

BKS Partners will continue to show support for The Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida, as well as Seamark Ranch and the Monique Burr Foundation. In fact, local BKS colleagues hold leadership or board positions on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. Through their affiliations, the company plans to continue its volunteer efforts at the Club’s after-school programs.

COMPANY STANDOUT:

Trevor Harkness served as Chairman of the Alzheimer’s Walk in 2022, raising over $350,000. Personally, Trevor made monetary contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association and Monique Burr Foundation.

Caribbean, including supporting groups such as Red Cross, Chemo Noir and American Heart Association.

CTI Resource Management Services

# OF EMPLOYEES: 115

a CTI promotes volunteerism through a policy that pays employees for their time for volunteering with their favorite charitable organization. The company measures the success of this program by how many employees take advantage of this opportunity. Last year, they saw a 50% increase in the utilization of the program. CTI believes it has has an an obligation to leave a legacy in its communities—a positive impression of what people will know and perceive of the business as an organization and individually as CTI employees.

The CTI philosophy statement reads: “We see a company that is committed to making a difference in the lives of our employees and our customers so that they can make a difference at work, at home, in their communities and the world.” Organizations its employees have volunteered for include Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida, where team members volunteered hours for reading tutoring for adult literacy. Care4Communities

is a ministry in Honduras that CTI employees volunteer for annually. Last year, they continued the building for school rooms for Honduran children. In addition, staff volunteered to teach English as a second language to the children when they go on the mission trips.

In an effort to support local arts organizations, CTI employees served as ushers and volunteers at a number of performances at the Players by the Sea Theatre. The company also has a robust, award-winning Wellness Program that includes nutritional information, physical/ exercise challenges, financial education and mental wellbeing support. And the company has monthly celebrations for birthdays and a well-stocked kitchen for employees to enjoy.

Florida Capital Bank

# OF EMPLOYEES: 140

a At Florida Capital Bank, the goal is to provide the best-in-class service its customers and communities deserve—not just through its products, services, and technology, but also through its volunteer programs, donations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company tagline, “We Bring the Bank to You,” applies equally to its business model and

community involvement philosophy. In 2022, the company continued to find creative ways to engage its team in service initiatives, even as it continued to work in a hybrid virtual environment. Florida Capital found success in this goal by deepening its engagement with Operation New Hope and the Raines High School JROTC program.

Small actions, done with joy and compassion, can lead to lasting impacts. This idea has led Florida Capital Bank to contribute to causes that improve lives at the individual level. From buying holiday gifts for children in the foster care system, to raising funds and awareness through walks with Operation New Hope, individual members of Florida Capital Bank’s team made a difference for neighbors who will never know their names.

COMPANY STANDOUT: Beth Touchton does more than help people buy houses; she helps make Northeast Florida a better place to call home. As the Vice President and Director of Mortgage Credit and Operations, she provides behind-the-scenes leadership to make sure the mortgage lending division runs smoothly. However, her two other positions at the bank truly light up her smile:

Community Reinvestment ActOfficer/Program Manager, and Volunteer Program Manager. Beth engages her coworkers—from the highest executives to the newest entry-level employees—to become advocates, Santa’s elves and more. Because of Beth’s efforts, the JROTC students from William H. Raines High School had a nourishing meal to enjoy after marching in the MLK Day Parade. Because of her passion, foster care children served by Family Support Services of North Florida woke up on Christmas morning to find gifts that were selected just for them.

Haskell Company

# OF EMPLOYEES: 1,600+

a The Haskell Company is a pioneer in sustainable design and building practices. It was one of the original U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) members, joining the organization in 2001. In fact, the value of Haskell’s Green Building portfolio exceeds $1.1 billion. As an integrated design-build firm, the company has designed and built 100+ LEED® certified projects. Haskell has its own internal Sustainability Council with the objective to engage, educate and evolve its sustainable business practices.

cleaning out garden beds, replanting annual plants, pruning native plant hedges and mending sustainable weed barriers with used cardboard boxes, the team also installed sunshades and umbrellas to increase the enjoyment of the outdoor spaces.

STANDOUT EMPLOYEES:

The year’s United Way co-chairs, Kristilee Adler and Molly Keifer , provided the leadership and drive and tireless hours to ensure an informative and impactful campaign that exceeded the goal of $300,000.00 in donations. The company’s non-profit contributions will continue in 2023 through support of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Baptist Health Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and University of Florida School of Architecture-JaxLab

Landsouth Construction

# OF EMPLOYEES: 105

projects including multiple Packing Events throughout the year. Helping children is a focus of LandSouth and Hunger Fight is a wonderful partner.

THE PLAYERS Championship

# OF EMPLOYEES: 1,204

a In addition to being springtime’s must attend event in Northeast Florida, THE PLAYERS is one of the largest charitable partners in the region with over $100 million donated to local causes since the tournament started in 1974. Since inception, THE PLAYERS has supported nonprofit organizations in the five-county area who provide services covering the following pillars: youth services, education, character development, health, wellness and sports, and military support.

Since 2013, Haskell has teamed up with local schools to help them realize many sustainability projects. In 2022, it again partnered with Kernan Trail Elementary School. This was a wonderful and collaborative opportunity to work alongside faculty, students and parents who tended to the raised gardens and landscapes installed previous years. In addition to

a At the LandSouth Construction annual meeting, the company asked Hunger Fight to come in and set up a Packing Event where the company could participate together in a team exercise to help those in need. In 45 minutes, 105 LandSouth employees worked together quickly and efficiently to pack 22,344 meals so children will not go hungry. It was a record-making event and, not surprisingly, Hunger Fight was extremely appreciative. And the LandSouth employees who participate were thrilled to be a part of an event where they could work together to help others.

For 2023, LandSouth plans to contribute to many local non-profits, with Hunger Fight being a focus. The company will make a monetary donation, and continue to work with Hunger Fight on a variety of

Philanthropy is at the heart of everything they do at THE PLAYERS. Much more than a golf tournament, the organization was founded to be a public trust, and its mission is to improve lives in Northeast Florida through year-round charitable engagement efforts. Its goal is to listen to the needs of this community so that it can direct its investments and community outreach efforts to the causes and initiatives that need help the most.

HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS MISSION IN ACTION:

In conversations with Nemours leadership, THE PLAYERS learned about the rising numbers of pediatric oncology patients in Northeast Florida. They informed the company that in the past ten years, the number of pediatric cancer patients they treat has doubled, and they approached THE PLAYERS to see if there was anything it could do to help. In October, the largest donation in the history of THE PLAYERS Championship was announced, a pledge to match dollar for dollar, up to $2 million to Nemours

Children’s Health Jacksonville to fund the complete redesign and expansion of the children’s cancer and blood disorder center.

While every volunteer at THE PLAYERS deserves recognition, the volunteer leadership committee, composed of the Red and Blue Coats, are such an integral part of the philanthropic efforts and deserve extra acknowledgement for their efforts. The Red and Blue Coats oversee all volunteer committees and work yearround with the tournament team to ensure success. And they do all of this in addition to their day jobs, family duties and other community endeavors.

Riverside Homes

# OF EMPLOYEES: 55

a “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Those words from Mother Theresa are put into practice by Riverside Homes, While celebrating its ten-year milestone anniversary this year, the locally owned homebuilder upheld and strengthened its strong tradition and passion for serving others on the First Coast. The philosophy of “Building with Heart” is the foundation on which the homebuilder was established. In addition to striving to provide exceptional customer service and high-quality home designs, Riverside Homes

measures its success based on the positive impacts its corporate social responsibility efforts make on those in need.

Through philanthropy, volunteering, and environmental efforts, the company’s team is able to demonstrate its commitment to giving back. As a team and as individuals, the company donates generously both monetarily and with volunteer hours to a wide variety of causes, including The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Healing Hearts Project, Best Buddies, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, and Early Learning Coalition of North Florida. Since 2019, Riverside Homes has supported Rethreaded by donating $30,000 annually as a matching gift for their birthday fundraising celebration. In addition, Riverside Homes has sponsored the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville’s Buddy Walk each year. With two employees having children with down syndrome, the company understands the importance of advocating for its work family by championing organizations that are near and dear to its team members’ hearts.

STANDOUT EMPLOYEE:

Soon after deciding to work with Cindy Blanton on her dream

family home, client Cindy A. was faced with one of the darkest moments of her life. Her beloved husband of 25 years, Joe, passed away from pancreatic cancer. Through these incredibly difficult times, Cindy Blanton was more than just an agent. Whether it was working closely to make any necessary accommodations or simply texting her thoughts and prayers, she was there for their family. It was this relationship and consideration that led Cindy A. to nominate Blanton as a candidate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Woman of the Year. Cindy’s determination led her to be awarded the 2022 Citizenship Award for Community Involvement, as well as personally raise $57,000 for LLS.

Root Realty

# OF EMPLOYEES: 17

a This year, Root Realty able to bring back The Run Home 5K after a two-year break due to the pandemic. The event drew over 250 runners, 20 sponsors, and raised more $13,000 for two non profits that are so meaningful to the community—Rethreaded and Sulzbacher Village. The amount Root Realty was able to donate to these two incredible organizations was a measure of success to the company.

STANDOUT EMPLOYEE: Subaru of Jax wishes to recognize sales team member John Pitts, the first to volunteer when the opportunity arises with Beaches Habitat for Humanity. If the dealership is helping build a home for many weeks, he uses his day off, Wednesday, to build each week. He is the first to say, “How can I help?”

The company plans to continue its support for these two local organizations in 2023. Root Realty’s fourth Run Home 5K is scheduled for April 22 and the beneficiaries will be Rethreaded and Sulzbacher Village. In addition, the company has plans for a Galentine’s event in February, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Rethreaded.

STANDOUT EMPLOYEES:

The company as a whole works to host events such as its fundraising 5K race. However, a special thanks is deserved for MaryAnne Rodriguez, Emily Hall, Jacki Arcdenoux, and Alaina Burt for making last year’s event such a success.

Subaru of Jacksonville

# OF EMPLOYEES: 78

a Subaru of Jacksonville believes it is the “Dealership with a Purpose,” and that purpose is much greater than selling vehicles. It means giving back and supporting Jacksonville charities and their missions. The company supports many charities, but Wolfson Children’s Hospital, BASCA, Child Cancer Fund, Beaches Habitat for Humanity, and St. Michael’s Soldiers received the most financial support in 2022. The Subaru of Jacksonville team also held two volunteer days with team members. These outings included spending the morning building a house with Beaches Habitat for Humanity and a day at the Jacksonville Humane Society replacing and beautifying their landscaping.

Wingard

# OF EMPLOYEES: 20

a Wingard’s vision is “Realized Potential”–for client partners, the community, and its people. That vision manifests itself in the service-oriented culture created within Jacksonville’s marketing and advertising industry. The company’s culture prioritizes genuine collaboration with causes that help the community realize its full potential, and creates opportunities for every member of the team to support exemplary organizations throughout the year.

Wingard dedicates a portion of its ongoing services as in-kind donations to organizations that provide health and social impact services to the community, including Ability Housing, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing; LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, the nonprofit blood bank that serves several

regional hospitals (including Wolfson Children’s Hospital); the DONNA Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients and contributes funds to breast cancer research. In total, Wingard donated more than $80,000 in creative, public relations, website design and development, and marketing strategy services to area nonprofits in 2022.

STANDOUT EMPLOYEE:

Ashley Williams, public relations and communications manager, took Wingard’s community involvement efforts to heart—quite literally—in 2022. When company CEO Russell Baker signed on to join the AHA’s Executives With Heart Challenge, he offered to engage our broader team in their mission and Ashley raised her hand to help spearhead those efforts. She led a successful pro-bono PR effort to announce the Executives With Heart program and its mission to raise $500,000 to purchase infant CPR kits for local hospitals. u

COMPANIES with Heart

LUNCHEON 2023

OUR TOP 15 WINNERS:

Auld & White Constructors

Baptist Health

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Florida Network Realty

BKS Partners

Coastal Wealth

Crowley

CTI Resource Management Services

Florida Capital Bank

Haskell Company

Landsouth Construction

THE PLAYERS Championship

Riverside Homes

Root Realty

Subaru of Jacksonville

Wingard

TOM COUGHLIN JAY FUND WINE TASTING GALA

MARCH 2, 6:30-9:30PM

Join Coach Tom Coughlin for world-class wines and exquisite cuisine at the annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Wine Tasting Gala. This signature event, which raises funds for families who have a child with cancer, features hundreds of wines, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorites while finding new varietals to taste. Guests can pair their pour with outstanding fare from some of Northeast Florida’s top restaurants, which will each be showcasing a signature dish.

The Jay Fund is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit foundation that provides financial, emotional, and practical support to families tackling childhood cancer. Founded by two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Tom Coughlin, the Jay Fund was established in 1996 in the memory and spirit of the late Boston College football player, Jay McGillis, who lost his battle with leukemia. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, the Jay Fund is part of the team, allowing parents and caregivers to focus solely on their child’s well-being.

“Our goal is to keep families in their homes, put food on their tables and keep the lights on when they are facing the unthinkable,” says Keli Coughlin, CEO of the Jay Fund.

The public is invited to join local celebrities, wine enthusiasts, gourmets, and other Jay Fund supporters for this unparalleled evening to raise essential funds for families who have a child with cancer. The event, voted Jacksonville Magazine ’s best charity gala, takes place downtown along the scenic St. Johns River and includes an opportunity to bid on exclusive silent auction items including sports memorabilia, patient artwork and luxury travel.

To date, the Jay Fund has provided over $17 million in financial assistance and helped more than 5,000 families facing pediatric cancer. The Wine Tasting Gala provides an opportunity for you to join the Jay Fund and BE THERE for these families throughout every step of their cancer journeys.

Downtown Jacksonville Riverfront

THANK YOU!

FAMILY IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO AT THE TOM COUGHLIN JAY FUND FOUNDATION. It’s the nucleus around which everything else in life radiates. When a patient is diagnosed with pediatric cancer, that definition of family is expanded to include doctors, nurses, social workers, and hospital staff, as well as organizations like the Jay Fund. No one fights cancer alone. It takes a team, and we feel privileged to share in the journey of so many families here on the First Coast who are facing the unthinkable.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Approximately 30 area restaurants and caterers are expected to participate in this year’s Wine Gala, including the 25 below to date:

ABBQ

ANTHONY'S CATERING

BB’S RESTAURANT & BAR

BONO'S AND PASTICHE

THE BREAD & BOARD

CASA REINA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA

CITY GRILLE & RAW BAR

COFFEE PERKS

COOP 303

ELEVEN SOUTH

ESTRELLA COCINA

FOR GOODNESS CAKE

HARRY'S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE

HAVANA JAX & CUBA LIBRE BAR

MOJO NO.4

PRATI ITALIA

PUBLIX FULL SERVICE CATERING

RIVER & POST

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAKHOUSEDOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE

SALT LIFE SEAFOOD SHACK

SEASONS 52

SMALLCAKES CUPCAKERY & CREAMERY

TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA

TOWN HALL

3 PALMS GRILLE

The financial impact of pediatric cancer can be overwhelming. Parents wonder if they will be able to put food on the table or if they will have enough funds in the bank to cover the mortgage or rent. They worry about getting their child to treatment. Tack on the astronomical cost of groceries with continued inflation, and the financial assistance you help us provide to families is not only critical but also lifesaving.

Thank you for showing up year after year to support the Wine Tasting Gala, and the Jay Fund. We are grateful to have you as part of our team and our family.

FAMILY TIES

The initial signs that something might be wrong with Tiffany and Gregory’s youngest daughter, Liliana, were subtle. Lethargy, paleness and a frequent desire to be held by her father seemed like a natural reaction to Gregory’s return home after a long deployment with the Navy. But when swelling in Liliana’s abdomen appeared and bath water running over her legs elicited cries of pain, they knew it might be something more.

They went from the pediatrician straight to the emergency room at Wolfson Children's Hospital. More tests confirmed that the toddler had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Tiffany, a former nurse who left her job during her high-risk pregnancy with Liliana, knew the road ahead with a severely ill child was going to be tough. Debilitating chemotherapy, surgeries and painful procedures awaited three-year-old Liliana.

It has been more than two years since that dreadful day, and Tiffany has chronicled Liliana’s story on a Facebook page. It is important to Tiffany for people to understand the “real” face of pediatric cancer.

“It isn’t pretty and it isn’t comfortable to look at it,” says Tiffany. “But it is honest and my goal is to educate other families on what it is really like to have a child with cancer.”

Throughout the past two years, Liliana’s treatment schedule has been brutal on the entire family. Liliana has experienced a multitude of complications, including toxicity from the chemotherapy that has caused permanent damage to her pancreas and adrenal glands. Her compromised immune system has left her struggling through bouts of COVID, RSV, pneumonia, and the flu. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays have been spent inside the walls of the hospital and without the comfort of her four siblings.

Gregory, a Senior Chief and electrician in the Navy, has spent more than half of the past two years on deployment and away from his family. While Tiffany cares for the daily needs of Liliana, she also juggles the schedules of her four other children:

Ryanne, 13; Brody, 11; Noah, 10; and Enzo, 4. The worry and stress on this family is simply incomprehensible.

“Liliana’s cancer has taken an enormous emotional toll on every member of the family,” says Tiffany. “My other children are deeply worried about their sister, and it causes all of us great anxiety.”

The older children have attended Jay Fund programming for siblings and Tiffany reports that those outings are the only time her children feel understood. “The bonds my children have developed with other kids who have a sibling with cancer will never be broken.”

What many people don’t fully appreciate are the hidden costs of having a child with cancer. Tiffany spends countless hours driving back and forth to the hospital. The cost of gasoline and wear and tear on the car are a significant financial burden. “At one point both of our cars were broken down. The Jay Fund stepped in and replaced four tires on one car and the brakes on our other car,” she says. “Their auto maintenance program has really helped us with gas cards and making sure we have safe and reliable transportation to the hospital.”

Liliana received her last round of chemotherapy in January, but Tiffany knows her daughter’s cancer will impact the family far beyond the end of treatment. Gregory is leaving on a two-anda-half-year deployment to Japan and Tiffany will once again be managing the busy schedules of five children, while working to restore her daughter’s health and spirit.

The Jay Fund will continue to BE THERE for this family and others throughout the community, providing financial and emotional support to help them navigate the road ahead. Through meal deliveries, financial assistance with household bills and social support programs for parents, siblings and patients, the Jay Fund shows families tackling pediatric cancer that it will be there for them at all stages of treatment. Many thanks go out to the Jacksonville community. Through events like the Wine Tasting Gala and generous gifts, the Jay Fund can continue to help families through every stage of their childhood cancer journey.

Cancer can strike anyone at any time, even the smallest among us. One local family knows this and is fighting through the pain and hardship like champs.

SPONSORS

GRAND CRU:

PREMIERE:

Stonie Glenn and Christine Durham Family | Jordan & Shirley Ansbacher Family Foundation

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PRESENTING: MEDIA PARTNER: PARTNERS FOR PATIENTS:

“It wasALWAYS “It was

an off-the-cuff remark uttered by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard following the team’s 36 to 22 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 14 quickly became a rallying call, a subtle boast that the Jags were destined to make it to the playoffs this year. It was a bold statement considering the team’s play up to that point on the NFL calendar and its recent penchant for losing seasons. But despite being kicked to the sidelines by most sports media prognosticators, the team turned it around and started to win. And it kept on winning.

It was a perfect January night for football. The weather in Northeast Florida was clear and a cool 59 degrees for the 8:15 PM kickoff. The game was rescheduled for Saturday night and TV networks ESPN and ABC had flown in their A-Team of Troy Aikman and Joe Buck to call the game for a national audience. The primetime clash came with a simple understanding—win and advance to the playoffs; lose and the season’s over.

The parking lots immediately surrounding TIAA Bank Field opened four hours prior to kickoff. Tailgaters’ vehicles were lined up along Gator Bowl Boulevard, ready to

roll in and unpack their chairs, grills, tents, coolers and TVs. Charcoal smoke drifted from Duval Street over Lot J and out across the St. Johns River, where a small armada was disembarking fans who had arrived by pleasure craft.

The gates to the stadium opened a few minutes before 6 PM and fans, thousands wearing Trevor Lawrence jerseys, teal sweatshirts and countless Jaguars logos, began filtering through the beer and hot dog vendors to find their seats. It was standing room only inside the Bud Zone, as it was one level above in the section devoted

the JAGS.”

to standing-room-only ticket holders. The first 60,000 of the more than 70,000 fans in attendance received a teal-colored rally towel, on which was screen-printed IT WAS ALWAYS THE JAGS.

At 8:01 PM, all eyes turned to one of the stadium’s light towers. Standing there, more than 200 feet above the crowd, was the team’s costumed mascot Jaxson De Ville. The furry feline jumped from the tower, suspended by a few thin wires that, after an initial death-defying dive, gently lowered him onto the field. Few fans remained seated at this time and they all remained standing as

the Star Spangled Banner was performed by electric guitarist Paul Wayne, leader of the local band Duval County Line. Fireworks lit up the sky as Wayne and his mullet rocked the anthem to a close. This was “Duuuval!” on display for the whole country to see. The atmosphere was electric. The few and vastly outnumbered Titans fans in attendance must have felt hopeless. There was no chance the Jaguars could lose this game. They almost did.

“I swear, when we came into the halftime, we knew we were going to win,” said Jags linebacker Josh Allen. “We talked about

how we were going to win. We were down, but we weren’t out of the fight. We’ve been in that situation before. We knew what we had to do to win this game. Stop the run, pressure the quarterback, create takeaways. We ended up doing that.”

Jaguars’ wide receiver Christian Kirk was among those who heaped praise on Allen and his defensive teammates, crediting them with the victory. “They won the game tonight,” Kirk said in the locker room following the win. “They’ve been incredible these past couple of weeks. Tonight, offensively we had our struggles.

PHOTOS BY JOSH KIRSHNER

Didn’t put our best foot forward, but the defense just kept chugging away. They put us in a position and kept us in the game the whole entire time.”

For head coach Doug Pederson, the emotions endured during January 5 game were indicative of the entire 2022 season campaign. “It’s like I told the guys a second ago, that this game tonight kind of symbolizes our season,” he said. “There we some struggles. There were some highs, some lows, but in the end, we had the victory. I’m so proud of the guys for the way they have just—all season long—just hung together

and, you know, through the face of adversity at times, we stayed the same. Just stayed the same. We kept trusting each other, kept building on what we do.”

The team’s outward display of confidence wasn’t shared by many fans as the season rolled through October. Five straight losses—to the Eagles, Texans, Colts, Giants and Broncos—all but sunk hopes for the playoffs. The loss to the lowly Broncos in London was a tough pill to swallow. A 40-14 trouncing by the Lions in Detroit on December 4 was a punch to the gut for fans. Yet, perhaps somewhere on the flight

back from England, the team changed somehow. Losing would no longer be accepted, and the Jags strung together four consecutive victories against the Titans, Cowboys, Jets and Texans. The playoffs were back in play. A win over the Titans at season’s end would seal the deal.

“You know, we had to win a ton of games down the stretch. We were able to do it. We never lost faith or belief in ourselves,” said quarterback Trevor Lawrence. “Really how we got here was just taking one week at a time, and that’s the message especially this week. You only get one week at a time.

I swear, when we came into the halftime, we knew we were going to win...

“ ”

I think that’s exciting for this group because we’ve been so good at that the last two months of just—one week at a time, just keeping one foot in front of the other, keep stacking great days. We gave ourselves a shot, and we went and took it tonight, so it feels really good.”

“We knew that five game stretch that we had, we had to find a way to win,” Allen said. “I think we weren’t finding those ways to win in that moment. When we were put back in that situation again, we capitalized.”

Winning the finale meant that the Jags

are only the second team in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting the season with 3 wins and 7 losses in the first ten games. “Nobody ever lost faith,” Lawrence said. “Everybody believed in one another. We never started pointing the finger. We lost five straight, and we just got tighter. After the bye week, we started correcting some things and started rolling. It’s cool to see a team come together like we have, and we’re just excited to get another opportunity next week.”

It was an unlikely dream, for sure. But this dream came true. A 20 to 16 win over the

Titans, a hated AFC rival, capped a long and improbable season. The 2021 Jaguars were a mess, a laughing stock franchise reduced to competitive ashes following the tenure of head coach Urban Meyer. Meyer was unceremoniously fired during the season and Jaguars owner Shad Khan was tasked yet again with hiring a new head coach. He selected Doug Pederson, a coach with a Super Bowl victory on his resume, to steer the ship back on course. It was a good choice.

“One of the things I’m always going to do is shoot straight and be honest with them. The

transparency is key. The communication is key. I think we just built over time that trust factor, and it began to show throughout the course of the year,” said Pederson. “I think that’s why we hung together, in the middle part of our year, that month of October. You have five straight losses. It could go sideways in a hurry, and it didn’t.”

The 2022 Jags finished the regular season with a 9-8 record, marking its first winning campaign in five years. The team also earned its second AFC South division title since Khan purchased the franchise following the 2011 season. When asked how

he felt after the game, Khan was understandably thrilled. “Obviously, it’s a feeling hard to describe. I’m speechless But Doug [Pederson]. Trent [Baalke], their staff, obviously the players, you know, what a difference they’ve made,” he said, smiling and heaping more praise on the coach. “He understands how important it is to the city and everything else, what we’ve done. It’s wonderful to see what’s happening.”

“Just think about back in April and May when we first got together, you’re trying to teach a winning culture. You’re trying to flip the script, so to speak. You just are not sure

until you start playing games just how it’s going to look,” Pederson said during the post-game press conference. “We’ve talked about playing meaningful games in the month of December and January, so here we are. The more success you have, the fans will show up, and they did that. So, I’m very proud of our fans. It was a great atmosphere. Just electric and loud.”

The final game followed a playbook the Jaguars had used for much of the season. Fall behind early and then come back late to win. In fact, the Jags trailed the Titans for all but the last three minutes

of the game. On this night the offense was anemic, sputtering to one touchdown and two field goals while trailing deep into the fourth quarter, a 15-minute period that saw the team gain zero yards on nine plays. The defense, it seemed, would be needed to save the day. Save it did, all thanks to a play that will go down in Jaguars history.

With two minutes and 50 seconds remaining, Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins rushed in on a blitz and sacked Titans quarterback Josh Dobbs, knocking the ball from his hand in the process.

Linebacker Josh Allen, in a fortuitous example of being in the right place at the right time, scooped up the bouncing ball and sprinted untouched into the end zone for a touchdown.

The stadium literally shook as some 70,000 fans exploded in disbelief. In a night packed with raucous emotion, the loudest cheering came as Allen crossed the white line for the score. “To see the stadium packed tonight was awesome,” said Lawrence. “One of the best game environments I’ve been in, honestly. It was special. They were loud all game. It was really, really cool.”

“You could just see all the joy, and that type of energy comes from all the hard work, dedication and sacrifice by each and every person in this building to get to this point,” Kirk remarked following the game. “For it to pay off, it’s an incredible feeling. To be able to share that moment, everybody in this building that’s a part of this deserves to feel that.”

Perhaps it was the man who caused the game-winning touchdown who best summed up the evening. “It was always the Jags,” Jenkins said. “It’s always us, man.” u

You could just see all the joy, and that type of energy comes from all the hard work, dedication and sacrifice...

“ ”

Splash Splish

BY CARRIE McLAREN

Let the mermaid celebrations begin as Weeki Wachee Springs State Park marks its 75th anniversary in 2023. Located about an hour north of Tampa, in Spring Hill, the park and true natural wonder is known to be one of the deepest, naturally formed underwater caverns in the United States. With a name derived from the Seminole dialect meaning ‘little spring’ or ‘winding river,” the waters pouring from deep under Florida’s surface stays a constant 74 degrees year-round with an unceasing current flowing at five miles per hour.

An iconic and kitschy Sunshine State tourist attraction marks a significant anniversary this year and continues to draw crowds with an “only in Florida” brand of entertainment.

Miami Dolphins Football Game

The springs have been a part of the Florida landscape for eons. The park and its world-famous mermaid show sprung to life some seven decades ago, the vision of a US Navy veteran who had an idea for a truly unique tourist attraction.

With experience training Navy Frogmen to swim underwater during World War II, Newton Perry scouted the area for his new business venture and began experimenting with underwater breathing hoses—as opposed to having an air tank strapped to

Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford 1961

one’s back. Eventually creating a method of breathing below the surface using oxygen supplied from air compressors, Perry began teaching local girls how to use the underwater air hoses for performing acrobatic, synchronized ballet routines. Shortly thereafter, Perry’s “mermaids” dove into their first show on October 13, 1947.

When the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) bought the springs and attraction in 1959, the current theater was built to accommodate an audience of up to 400 guests per show, making it one of the county’s most popular tourist stops. During much of the 1960s, more than 500,000 visitors each year came to see the mermaids—a commercial enterprise that grew to eight shows per day with 35 mermaids rotating performances. Celebrities who came to enjoy the show included Elvis Presley, Don Knotts, Pete Rose and others.

Today, in addition to the mermaid shows, the park is home to the Wilderness River Cruise and Buccaneer Bay park, featuring a lazy river, water slides and a sandy beach. To honor the 75th anniversary of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, more than two dozen pieces of public art, known as the Mermaid Tale Trail featuring 27 mermaid statues, have been placed throughout Hernando County.

Each replica statue is painted by a local artist, creating a oneof-a-kind work. The original statue was hand-sculpted and the face cast from an actual Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The sculptures are positioned into the Adagio pose, a signature mermaid move co-created by 92-year-old Dianne Wyatt McDonald, one of the first mermaids to perform on opening day in 1947.

The Mermaid Tale Trail was created in conjunction with the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, Brooksville Main Street, Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau and artists from the

Mary Darlington

Newt and Anne Blythe

area. Plans are that the statues will remain permanently on display with more added to the trail each year.

While the mermaid shows take place throughout the year, Buccaneer Bay opens on March 11 for weekends only. At the end of May, the water park opens seven days a week welcoming guests to its water slides, kiddie pool area and the springs itself. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available. To explore the wilder parts of the park, guided river boat tours along the Weeki Wachee River are offered. Park rangers also offer a Ranger Experience numerous times a day sharing detailed history of the property, wildlife and surrounding areas.

The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Shows are subject to cancellation based on cold temperatures and inclement weather. Tickets are $13 for adults; $8 for ages 6 to 12; and free for ages 5 and younger. u

Peter Rose and Mermaids

Dottie

Newton Perry

Susan Backlinie

Only in Florida

Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State

An unidentified individual went on an evening shopping spree at a Burlington store in Hialeah on November 25 of last year. The man, clearly pictured on store security cameras, casually walked out with more than $5,000 in purses and handbags, items which he neglected to pay for. He was carrying so many bags, he literally had to chain them together and slowly drag his substantial haul out the front door of the store. Police in Hialeah, about 10 miles outside Miami, were in the process of identifying the man—whose face, tattooed arms and vehicle were recorded by security cameras. As he dragged his stolen property from the Burlington outlet, he passed a sign that read, “See you soon on your next treasure hunt.”

Speaking of crime: Henry Capouch, 30, was arrested in early December for urinating into an ice machine at a St. Petersburg bar. Capouch, a five-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was seen by an employee of Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, part of the Beachcomber resort, relieving himself around 12:30 AM. Police were notified and Capouch and his girlfriend were apprehended on the beach nearby, where the Windy City cop was arrested for battery and disorderly conduct, after resisting arrest. According to the police report, Capouch displayed an “indication of alcohol influ-

ence.” He posted a $650 bond and was released the following day.

Approximately 10,000 people turned out for the annual Redneck Mud Park Trucks Gone Wild Fall Classics held in late November at the Redneck Mud Park in Punta Gorda. Dozens of trucks and all-terrain vehicles competed in a variety of “mudding” competitions including side-by-side sprints and barrel racing. The event’s date had to be pushed back till later in the year because of Hurricane Nicole. Event organizers proudly claim it was “the biggest mud party that the South has ever seen,” adding that, “As always, we are committed to providing [you] with the absolute best mud experience possible." For those unable to attend, mark the calendar for the Trucks Gone Wild Spring Break in March.

A 53-year-old driver was killed in November after driving his SUV into a Phantom Fireworks store in West Melbourne. The crash, which followed a rear-end collision with another vehicle, sparked an explosive fire, killing the driver and completely destroying the store. “It was wild,” a bystander said in news reports. “I could not believe how close people were to it as the fireworks were still blowing up. So, you’ve got these mortars and all sorts of different types of fireworks that are shooting all over.” Only in Florida, right? u