TREASURE HUNT
DAY-TRIPPING TO RENNINGER'S ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA
ISN'T IT ROMANTIC?
LOCAL BARS AND LOUNGES WHERE LOVE IS IN THE AIR
COMPANIES WITH HEART
HONORING LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY plus a few more we love!
2025' s TOP 50 RESTAURANTS
The news hit some pretty hard, straight in the gut, actually. Earlier this year, the Girl Scouts announced that the organization would be discontinuing two cookie flavors. I, like near-countless others, worriedly thought, “please, not Thin Mints. They can’t be saying farewell to Thin Mints?” Fortunately, those round slivers of chocolatey goodness aren’t going anywhere. That makes sense as the cookie is the Scouts’ top-seller and part of approximately $1 billion in revenue the organization generates from sales each year, one box at a time.
While you can still order them this winter, S’mores and Toast-Yay! cookies will be eliminated come 2026. Those two flavors will go the way of the previously discontinued Raspberry Rally. I’ve eaten my fair share of Girl Scout cookies through the years, but have to admit I’ve never ordered a box of Toast-Yay! or S’mores or Raspberry Rally. So, I won’t be sad to see them go. Reportedly, the Scouts review sales figures on a regular basis and, if a cookie doesn’t bring in enough dough when compared to the other flavors, say Samoas or Do-sidos, the decision to cut or cancel production is made.
Such is the nature of the food business. Whether it be cookies, corn chips or craft beer, one has to stay current with consumer appetites or hungry mouths will find satisfaction somewhere else. It’s no different in the restaurant business. Competition for customers is downright cut-throat, especially so in a time of relatively high prices. Restaurateurs and chefs must always keep tabs with what patrons desire, be that upwardly trending foods, new brands of beer or liquor, entertainment options or more contemporary dining spaces.
Arguably the finest in fine dining in Northeast Florida can be found at Salt, the signature and award-winning restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (pictured above). Despite many years earning accolades for its high-quality food and service, the restaurant recently received a fresh makeover. The dining room was redesigned, the lounge expanded, and new private dining spaces were added, as was an outdoor pergola with views of the ocean, something completely new to the beachfront resort.
The renovation is an example that one should never rest on past laurels. Every night is new in the kitchen and dining room of a restaurant. At Salt, diners ordering the tuna tartare with avocado and seaweed emulsion, squid and Iberico ham risotto or Wagyu beef with burnt onion puree and truffle Hollandaise expect the exceptional. That includes their surroundings, and not just what is presented on the plate.
For 41 years, Jacksonville Magazine has appreciated the many exceptional dining choices found across the city and region and considers it part of our mission to share them with readers. That said, let’s dig into this issue, our first of 2025. u
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
The team at Florida Women’s Law Group is committed to ensuring women are informed, prepared, and supported to assert their rights, whether it’s regarding nancial support or timesharing arrangements. Through over 40 years of combined legal experience, we’ve recognized common patterns where women, understandably a ected by fear and uncertainty, may sometimes hesitate to begin the process. Once they do take that rst step, there’s a natural inclination to seek a quick resolution, sometimes overlooking their own well-being in the process. Through a combination of empathetic support and robust legal advocacy, we guide our clients through the divorce and family law process, safeguarding their interests and future. Our commitment extends beyond legal representation, aiming to foster relationships and support women not only in winning their legal battles but also winning at life. Contact us at Florida Women’s Law Group today.
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS Want to see your photo in Jacksonville Magazine? Is it a newsworthy image or a shot that tells an interesting Northeast Florida story? Submit your photo and the story behind it to mail@jacksonvillemag.com for a chance to be featured in print and on our social media. photo by Peggy Campbell-Rush
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Since 2016, 904TIX.com has been the region’s only locally based online ticketing platform specializing in fundraisers, concerts, theater performances and special events of all kinds taking place across Northeast Florida. If you are hosting an event, let Jacksonville Magazine assist you in promotions and ticket sales—all at no cost to the event hosts!
February 23 Florida Chamber Music Project
March 29
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival
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“Returning to Jax from a trip down south, we stopped at a roadside gas station, one of those with signs for Florida oranges, live gators, pecans and fireworks. With our hands full of snacks and drinks, and waiting to check out at the cashier, the family did a little browsing of the gifts for sale. If ever there was an ‘only in Florida’ shopping moment, this was it.”
—Dolly Catlin
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.
In early December, Spotify released its annual overview of what people were listening to via the music streaming service in 2024. Not surprisingly, Taylor Swift ranked number one on the global Spotify Wrapped list for the year. Swifties won the year locally, too, Rounding out the top five musical artists were 2. Drake, 3. Future, 4. Morgan Wallen, and 5. Zach Bryan. The most-listened to song was “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar and the River City’s favorite album of the year, according to Spotify, was The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift. To the other bands and singers, “shake it off.” There’s always next year.
Florida has been named the most dangerous state for golfers, or so says a personal injury law firm based in Las Vegas. H&P Law measured every state based on a range of golf related dangers including the number of lightning strikes per square mile, poor weather conditions, and golf cart fatalities. The South-
east as a whole didn’t score well, according to the survey’s methodology, with seven of the top ten located there. The least dangerous state? Hawaii. Fore! I mean, Aloha!
There are many reasons why Americans decide to relocate to a new home or city. In Jax, the primary motivators are housing-related, according to recent moving data analyzed from 107 U.S. metro areas. The top five factors driving people to move the Northeast Florida were: 1. seeking new or better housing; 2. establishing their own household; 3. cheaper housing; 4. health reasons; and 5. job-related relocations. Jacksonville’s appeal to budget-conscious movers ranks high compared to most other Florida cities.
Tailgating is more than just a pre-game ritual, particularly for college football fans. It’s a time-honored tradition that has become an integral part of the football experience. With
this in mind, a recent survey of popular tailgate party locations measured which universities really score, according online social media mentions. Florida State was the only center of higher learning in the Sunshine State to break the top 15, coming in at number 15. Leading the list were the universities of Alabama, Texas and Louisiana State, numbers 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Speaking of football: Research conducted by sport data experts Lineups examined profiles of more than 2,800 NFL players listed on the ESPN website to find the most common birthplaces for players. Topping the list for cities was Houston, with 37 players hailing from the Texas town. As for states, Florida was head and shoulder pads above the competition. as dozens of NFL players were born in the Sunshine State. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa ranked 2, 3 and 4, in order. Jacksonville had a strong showing with 24 players, earning the number 6 spot. u
“Our goal is to create a national center for excellence and to bring our bright students to this forward-thinking city,” said University of Florida Board of Trustees chair Mori Hosseini upon the December announcement of a creation of a 22-acre graduate campus in Downtown Jax. Located on land near the Prime Osborn Convention Center, the UF campus will include the Florida Semiconductor Institute, a facility for the research and development of semiconductor chips. Graduate programs expected to be offered include concentrations in engineering management, computer science, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. “This campus and the degrees that will be offered are another monumental step towards Jacksonville being a national leader in the industries that will shape our collective futures,” says Mayor Donna Deegan. If all goes according to announced plans, construction will begin in 2025 with the first classes commencing in the fall of the following year. u
The Man is the White Van, a new movie from Jax locals director Warren Skeels and writer Sharon Cobb (pictured), debuted in December. Based on actual events of serial killer Billy Mansfield Jr., look for the period 1970s-era film on streaming services in 2025. @whitevanmovie.
UF and Jaguars running back Fred Taylor , who ranks 17th all-time in NFL history with 11,695 rushing yards, has made the final ballot for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for a second straight year. The selection committee will meet prior to Super Bowl LIX and unveil the Class of 2025 publicly on February 6. We’re pulling for you, Fred.
IN DECEMBER, SAMANTHA VANCE WAS NAMED THE FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JACKSONVILLE SPORTS FOUNDATION, AN ORGANIZATION LAUNCHED IN 2024 WITH THE GOAL OF LURING TOPFLIGHT SPORTS EVENTS TO TOWN.
The Florida Forum lecture series ends its three-talk season with a discussion by Florida journalist and novelist Carl Hiaasen TimesUnion columnist Mark Woods moderates the program, taking place February 12 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board, tickets start at $150.
JAX NATIVE, JU LAW STUDENT AND JAGUARS CHEERLEADER ANJELICA JONES WAS CROWNED MISS JACKSONVILLE IN DECEMBER. SHE’LL VIE FOR THE MISS FLORIDA TITLE IN JUNE. REMARKABLY, HER MOTHER WAS A JAGS CHEERLEADER DURING THE TEAM’S INAUGURAL SEASON IN 1995. DUUUVAL IS PULLING FOR YOU, ANGELICA.
Money can’t buy you class. But it can purchase tickets to see Real Housewives of New York cast member Countess Luann De Lesseps’ “Countess Cabaret,” coming to Jax on March 23 at the Florida Theatre. Tickets start at $50.
Spoken word poet
Ty Scott King earned a GRAMMY nomination for her work on the song “The Rebel’s Right” from Antonio Vergara’s album, The Fury
The blues-poetry fusion garnered a nomination in the Best Contemporary Blues Album Category. The GRAMMY Awards are February 2 in Los Angeles. Good luck, Ty. u
Over the hills we go to Renninger's.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, I know the holidays are over and summer is still months away. I’m talking about the magical weekend that every self-respecting antique, trinket, art, junk, and lover of all thing’s vintage dreams about all year. The Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza, February 14-16, located on US 441 in Mount Dora, Florida is a picker’s dream.
Imagine, rolling hills (yes, I said hills) covered with hundreds of vendors whose amazing merchandise is displayed outside, spread across 117 acres of land like a tapestry of incredibly beautiful things. Vintage vinyl and clothing, quirky collectibles from every age and time, rustic farmhouse décor, midcentury treasures, eclectic art pieces, old books, posters, and magazines, pottery, porcelain, sports and military memorabilia, and chic antique pieces that are begging to find their way home with you.
Renninger’s features anything and everything that you can possibly imagine making it…well an “Extravaganza.” A giant statue of Bigfoot? Yup! A huge collection of stained-glass windows salvaged from tiny hamlets on the English countryside? Sure! A giant Louis Vuitton steamer trunk? Umm… yes, please! You never know what you might find. While you’re there you’ll rub elbows with interior designers, bargain hunters, thrifters, boutique owners, and curious treasure seekers from all around the country.
A day spent in this bustling market should be considered a marathon and not a sprint. You will need all day to take it in and even then, you will most likely not see everything. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, bring a wagon or large bags (Think those huge IKEA blue bags) to carry your buys, and be ready to bargain. Vendors are more
likely to strike a deal late each afternoon, especially on Sunday.
Hungry? Not a problem, there are a variety of tasty food truck options that feature all your festival favorites along with a few hip options. Wood-fired pizza washed down with an ice-cold beer was a perfect choice on our last visit.
Whether you’re looking for a fun outing with the family, a fabulous day trip with friends, or if you’re up for a serious treasure hunt, you will not be disappointed with Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza. I hope to see you there. I’ll be the blonde pulling a wagon filled to the brim with a magnificently amazing haul. u — Maggie
Look for more of Jax Maggie's travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Magazine.
Travelers who want to commune with nature while still enjoying the comforts of an upscale lodge have an unusual new option in Southwest Florida. Located within the 305-acre Koreshan State Park and tucked alongside the Estero River is Timberline Glamping Co.’s pet-friendly campground featuring four safari-style tents complete with beds, linens, air-conditioning, mini refrigerators and other resort-like amenities. Outside under the trees are hammocks, picnic tables, a charcoal grill and fire pit. You bring the marshmallows, Timberline will provide the firewood. And, before you ask, there are bathrooms and showers. Campers can take to the water on kayaks and paddle boards from nearby Estero River Outfitters. Oceanfront Bonita Beach Park and the historic Wonder Gardens are among the Fort Myers area’s natural attractions worth exploring.
“Gentlemen, start your engines!” Those might be the most exciting four words for race car fans. Come February, the fastest vehicles on four wheels gather about two hours south of Jax for Daytona Speedweeks, a series of races capped off by the Daytona 500, set for February 16. The Speedway property is huge and the ticket options are many. From camping spots inside the race oval itself to the mile-long bleachers overlooking the finish line to luxury suites and clubs in a variety of spots around the track, there are multiple places to experience race week. Many of the premium fan options for the 67th annual Great American Race were sold out months in advance but seats are still available, as are some multi-day package deals that provide infield access, admission to pre-race concerts, reserved fan zones and more. So, do you have the need for speed? u
What’s been selling lately in northeast florida. And for how much.
e Agricultural land making way for new home communities is nothing new in the northern and western corners of St. Johns County. That trend rolls on in a big way with the recent announcement of Water Lily, an approximately 1,118-acre master planned community proposed for land along the St. Johns River and State Road 13. Developer Aegis Gibson looks to build some 3,000 homes and 280,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space. In addition, the developer will construct a new regional fire station and an onsite water and wastewater treatment plant that will serve Water Lily, as well as the surrounding area. More than 275 acres of wetlands are promised to be preserved and developers say the project will include new public access points to the St. Johns River. “Our vision is to create a community that harmonizes residential and commercial spaces while protecting the environment and supporting the existing community through essential infrastructure improvements,” says Ashley Allen, director of operations for Aegis Gibson. u
Once destined for obscurity, tiny Oneida Bungalow Court has many tales to share now and into the future
BY TIM GILMORE
If she closes her eyes, Minnie Gaffney McDaniel, 88 years old, can see every inch of her childhood home. She can see the back porch her daddy enclosed and the shelf he’d built for the kids’ toys and books. She proudly kept her report cards there. It broke her heart when the fire destroyed them that late summer day of 1951.
Only McDaniel’s grandmother was in the house. Both her parents worked and her maternal grandmother came over during the day and cooked for the whole family. It was Friday and McDaniel was downtown buying two pairs of shoes for Monday, her first day at Old Stanton High School. She bought a pair of penny loafers and a pair of black-andwhite Oxfords.
Coming home, the bus driver stopped at Forest Street. “He said he couldn’t go any further,” McDaniel remembers. “There’d been a big fire and the fire hoses were all over the road. My pastor was also on the bus, so we started walking together. When I got to where the West Lewisville School was, two teachers had the windows up, and one of them said, ‘Gaffney, Gaffney, your house is on fire!’”
Seven decades later, Spencer Fletcher, a young medically retired Navy pilot, walks between rows of hundred year-old houses. They all face inward, identical wooden framework, eaves to eaves, some with original metal roofs, all with front porches. Fletcher bought Oneida Bungalow Court two years ago. He’s restoring it one house at a time and the tenants still living here remain.
Oneida Bungalow Court marks almost the very center of West Lewisville, an historic Black neighborhood later swallowed by the originally white neighborhood of Mixon Town. Originally it held 29 houses, a service station, a rentable billboard and, while the dirt road between houses was originally pedestrian, a parking lot at what’s now Edison Street.
“We took pride in our homes there on Wade Drive,” says McDaniel, who lived at 463 Wade Drive from 1936 to that apocalyptic Friday in 1951 when her house burnt down. Fortunately, no one died or was hurt and firefighters kept the whole community from going up in flames.
She still has a picture of herself standing on that childhood porch, 1945, a photo of her
paternal grandmother, Abbie Gaffney, seated on that same porch, just a year or two before she died in the house in 1933, and a clipping of the obituary of Aunt Mamie, Annie Mae Bartley Sumpter, of no. 451, who lived here from the 1930s until her death in 1997.
In 1968, the Florida Appraisal Company reported 27 houses still extant, each just under 800 square feet, each renting for $25. With the old filling station bringing in $140 a month, the annual gross rental value came almost to $10,000. Charles Coley says the rent rose to $50 per house when he took the job remodeling them in 1970, “and the price stayed that for a good long while.” Coley was the maintenance man here for more than half a century, from the time he was 18 until he broke his wrist in 2023. He’s 72 years old.
Nobody called it a “bungalow court” back then. “We called it the rock road,” because Wade Drive, through the middle of the court, was never paved and “had them railroad rocks.” Coley remembers the address of each house like it’s a friend’s name. The janitor for West Lewisville Grammar School lived in 467. Miss Netti “She always took that snuff!” who
Willie Browne was a Jacksonville original, a one-of-a-kind character who never traveled further than the Georgia state line. He lived a simple life in a cabin in the woods, a home that never had a phone nor electricity. When he died in his cabin on December 14, 1970, he bequeathed 600 hundred acres of Northeast Florida marsh, forest and bluffs overlooking the St. Johns River to the Nature Conservancy. Though he would never have chosen it, his became a prominent face of conservation across the South, appreciated by environmentalists, hikers, artists and others who enjoy unspoiled wilderness. Half a century later, more people know Browne’s story than ever—and still more will know with the release of author Tim Gilmore’s latest book, The Wilderness and Willie Browne. Gilmore, who when not teaching writing at FSCJ, writing a new book (24 and counting), serves as Jacksonville Magazine’s History department editor. The 281-page paperback ($20) detail’s Browne’s humble existence he carved out of a natural haven that is now part of the Timucuan Preserve, land that remains much the same as he left it five decades ago. u
There are a number of nearly forgotten cemeteries scattered across Northeast Florida. Some have been overtaken by nature and their once landscaped grounds covered with trees and shrubs. Some cemeteries were moved to make way for roads and other infrastructure projects. Then there is the curious case of Thompson Williams, whose lonely gravesite rests next to Emmett Reed Park under a sidewalk in the city’s Durkeeville neighborhood. “This tablet marks the grave of Thompson Williams, A Negro who died on Oct., 28, 1908 from wounds received while endeavoring to protect the honor and life of a white woman,” reads an inscription carved into the marker. The location of the grave sits on land that used to be part of Mount Herman Cemetery, a cemetery for black residents going back to the late 1800s. Reportedly, the land was donated to the city in the 1940s and the bodies and headstones subsequently moved—except for Williams, who rests where originally buried. u
babysat for everybody “Her whole house was full’a babies!”–stayed in 475. From 2005 to 2015, Coley himself lived at 472. He remembers the Gaffney boys, including Reggie, future City Council member, and Don, who’d soon become the first Black quarterback for the University of Florida. Charles Coley says “the rock road” was “full of children back in the day,” that growing up here “were pretty cool. You stayed together, you played together, you went to church together, you got in trouble together.”
The community seemed so full of life. “Crab boils and fish fries now? That went on every day!” He laughs thinking about it. The little concrete block building on the corner of Goodwin and Lewis, he says, “was a juke joint, White’s Confectionery, owned by Ulysses White.” Today, faded letters across the top say “Goodell’s Corner Store” and newer letters on a front door say, “Love Tha’ Neighbor Social Club.”
Spencer Fletcher bought Oneida from Chuck Rogers a year and a half ago. He was the only potential buyer who didn’t plan to demolish the whole place. Rogers died this past summer, 77 years old. You might call Rogers a slumlord, but that would obscure countless kindnesses. “He came over here every day,” Fletcher says. He drove tenants, most of whom didn’t have a car, to the grocery store or to Dollar General. He gave them money when they needed it. “He was very caring,” Spencer says, “and the tenants loved him.”
When Rogers told him he wouldn’t be around much longer, Spencer thought he just meant he was aging, not dying. Rogers had known Oneida all his life. More than half a century earlier, his grandfather paid him to paint the houses and to walk door to door to collect the rent.
The old filling station is now the office for Oasis Paint Company. Spencer Fletcher started Oasis, painting and restoring woodwork in old buildings, just before he retired from the Navy. He plans to install central heat and air in Oneida and he’s replacing pressboard siding added in 1970 with thinner lap siding to match the original aesthetics.
He continues to meet former residents and to collect old photos and oral histories. He sees the court as a living, open-air museum. He still encounters people who think the court should be bulldozed, but says, “To think of how much life happened here, births and deaths, people’s struggles, their worst moments and their best! There’s so little left of the neighborhood around it and these houses hold an enormity of cultural and historic value.” u
The Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa recently welcomed a new retailer to its collection of shopping and dining options. The Bottle Shop set up shop in the oceanfront resort’s retail village between Chico’s and The Queen Bee, offering an upscale selection of craft beer, wine and spirits, daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. Cheers, to that.
In December, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant opened its second Jax location, this one on San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin. The culinary team at the 300-seat eatery is led by Jose Garcia and chef Matt McMillin. The menu mirrors the Town Center Cooper’s Hawk with house favorites soy ginger salmon, gnocchi carbonara and baconwrapped shrimp in tequilalime butter sauce.
Also adding to its locations is Canopy Road Cafe, which opened a third spot on Old St. Augustine Road. Traditional breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, and steak and eggs share menu space with Texas tacos, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches
and hearty omelettes. Breakfast starts early, 6:30 AM seven day a week.
Something new is always popping up in and around St. Johns Town Center. Among the newest is Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar, serving brunch, lunch and dinner. The latest in a string of a dozen locations across the country, Whiskey Cake serves dishes such as friend green tomatoes, crab fritters and wood-grilled salmon and steak frites. For dessert, the house specialty is the whiskey cake—sticky coffee cake with bourbon anglaise, spiced pecans and vanilla whipped cream. As for whiskies… they pour hundreds of brands. Two ounces at a time.
Speaking of new things: Here’s something new in the Oldest City. Señora Xerez, a boutique sherry and cocktail bar, is now serving libations and Spanish tapas inside the Inn on Charlotte. According to proprietor Ericka Patel, the
bar’s focus is sherry wines and vermouths, specialty sangrias, sherry-based cocktails and Spanish wines. “Senora Xerez is a living tribute to an era of resilience and progress in hospitality,” says Patel. “Where women opened spaces for their community to gather, to share in the history, culture and identity of Spanish heritage.” Chef Manuel Garcia’s menu is laden with tapas classics like garlic shrimp, cured meats, openfaced sandwiches and fine cheeses.
The city’s second Strings Sports Brewery debuted late last year on Penman Road in Jax Beach and, judging by the overflowing parking lot, patrons have welcomed it with open arms. The house brews and pub eats are much the same as the original Strings in Springfield. Pulled pork sandwiches and smoked wings share space with country store boiled peanuts and the giant Cinotti’s Bakery pretzel with house-made beer cheese dip. Pint of Bullet Bob hazy IPA, anyone?
One of Ponte Vedra’s dining stalwarts, Aqua Grill , opened
its doors in 1988. The 2024 passing of founder Cary Hart was a blow to the First Coast dining scene. But the good food and fun times continue with April Hart still at the helm, joined by son Ross, who left a career in medical device sales to manage dayto-day operations with sister Erica—all carrying on Cary’s legacy and serving house favorites such as sautéed mussels, ribeye steaks and eggplant parmesan.
Famed cook and tv host Alton Brown returns with his brand of quirky humor and culinary-science antics to
the stage February 14 at the Florida Theatre. The twohour show is a unique blend of stand up comedy, food experimentation, talk show antics, multimedia lecture, and, for the first time, live music. u
We’re not breaking news here to say a healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. Physicians and researchers have been telling us this for years. However, doing so is not as hard as you may think. And the start of the year is the ideal time to consider new habits and changes in one’s lifestyle. Remember, it’s the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Make a few simple steps part of your life for long-term benefits to your health and your heart.
For starters, use up at least as many calories as you take in. It helps to begin by knowing how many calories you should eat and drink to maintain your weight. Nutrition and calorie information on food labels is typically based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet. You may need fewer or more calories depending on several factors including age, gender and level of physical activity.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity (or an equal combination of both) each week. Ideally, your activity should be spread throughout the week. Regular physical activi-
ty can help you maintain your weight, keep off weight that you lose and reach physical and cardiovascular fitness. If it’s hard to schedule regular exercise, look for ways to build short bursts of activity into your daily routine such as parking farther away and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Of course, maintaining your ideal body weight is tough, no matter where you are in your weight loss journey. Extra pounds can mean a higher risk for many serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. If you’re overweight, losing even a few pounds can improve your health, so every step in the right direction counts.
When your weight is in a healthy range, your body more efficiently circulates blood, your fluid levels are more easily managed, and you are less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, gallstones, osteoarthritis, breathing problems and sleep apnea.
To get started on a healthier diet path, it’s best to start small. Know where you are today so you know how to get where you want to be. Learn your body mass in -
dex (BMI). Set yourself up for success with short-term goals, such as “I will make lifestyle changes that will help me lose (and keep off) 3% to 5% of my body weight.” Short-term goals can seem more achievable and keep you on track toward your long-term goals.
It’s easy to overeat when you’re served too much food. Smaller portions can help prevent overeating. Learn the difference between a portion and a serving and how to keep portion sizes reasonable. Also, you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods. Learn to make smart food choices and simple substitutions instead. Discover healthy snacks and how fruits, vegetables and whole grains help keep you fuller longer.
Sure, for many, losing weight has never been easier than it is today. There are a number of medications one can take to help shed pounds. However, those pills don’t provide many benefits to your heart, other than the weight lost while taking them. But for truly long-lasting health, the old rules still apply. Eat well, exercise, don’t smoke, don’t consume excess alcohol. So far, there is no pill that can do all that for you. u
A race like the Donna Foundation’s annual marathon is not for the feint of heart. Nor for the out of shape. Truth is, a 26-mile run leaves lots of folks standing around. So, for 2025, the Foundation’s Marathon Weekend debuts a new, easier-on-the-knees run designed for athletes out for a good time and not necessarily a long time. The starter’s gun for Pete’s Bar Donna Crawl, a two-mile sprint (or jog, walk, crawl, whichever suits you best) sounds February 2 at 7:30 AM. The starting line is the Seawalk Pavilion in Jax Beach with the finish line right outside the landmark Neptune Beach watering hole. Those who make it to the finish are invited to partake in post-race festivities including small bites and cold drinks. Fittingly, the race’s official participants’ medal is also a bottle opener. Registration is $50, spots are limited and participants must be age 21 or older. u
“Unfortunately, antisemitism is still prevalent today, and in some areas, even rising,” says Steven Libman, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony. “Through Violins of Hope, we aim to build bridges, fostering connections and empathy through music to stand against intolerance.” On February 15, the Symphony presents “Violins of Hope: Building Bridges Through the Power of Music,” a special concert featuring restored instruments once owned by Holocaust victims and played by Symphony musicians under the direction of Music Director Courtney Lewis. Some 60 instruments will be on display in Jacoby Hall before the concert. In addition, a series of free community educational events February 10-12 at locations including the Jacksonville Public Library and UNF. Details at JaxSymphony.org. u
While you may be among the many thousands who walk around the fairways and greens at TPC Sawgrass each spring, only an in-depth knowledge of the history, customs and top golfers make one a true PLAYERS Championship aficionado. Answer these questions then to see how you measure up, just prior to this year’s tournament, March 11-16.
In 2005, Bob Tway carded the highest score on the Island Green No. 17. What was his score on the par 3?
9
10
11
12
One player recorded 26 birdies during the 1994 tournament. He finished second that year. Who was it?
Fuzzy Zoeller
Jack Nicklaus
Greg Norman
Fred Couples
Ponte Vedra’s own Fred Funk won the 2005 PLAYERS, making him the oldest to earn the title. How old was he?
47 years, 2 months
48 years, 9 months
41 years, 7 months
52 years, 1 month
Speaking of age: the oldest player to ever start the tournament was less than three months shy of his 70th birthday. Who was it?
Tom Watson
Bernhard Langer
Arnold Palmer
Sam Snead
The PGA TOUR was among the last professional leagues to allow fans to bring cell phones to its events, including THE PLAYERS. In March of what year did the TOUR first permit phones at TPC Sawgrass?
2011
2012
2013
2104
Every year since 2014, a favorite local taco joint has been serving food and beverages at Tacos on 12. What’s the name of the restaurant?
Taco Bell
TacoLu
Tacos & Tequilla
Señor Tacos
NBC announcer Gary Koch coined a now-legendary phrase as he tracked a near-impossible putt holed by Tiger Woods during the third round of the 2001 championship. What words did Koch repeat as the ball traversed the 17th green and into the hole?
“Dude, nice shot!”
“That’s greaaat!”
“Better than most...”
“It’s Tiger. What do you expect?”
Legendary golf course designer Pete Dye gives credit not to himself, but someone else, for first envisioning the 17th Hole, par-3 as an island green. Who is it?
Iconic pro golfer Jack Nicklaus
Gilligan’s Island actor Bob Hale (The Skipper)
His wife Alice
His two Irish setters, Bogie and Birdie
During its 50-year history, THE PLAYERS has been played on five different courses, starting at the Atlanta Country Club in 1974. Which of the following golf courses has not hosted the tournament?
Sawgrass Country Club, Ponte Vedra
Inverrary Golf & Country Club, Florida
Colonial Country Club, Texas
Pebble Beach, California
In an average year, some 40,000 rounds of golf will be played on the famed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Approximately how many balls do players hit into the lake surrounding the Island Green?
52,000
74,000
98,000
120,000 u
How does my child’s school measure up to others? It’s a common questions asked by countless parents each year. In Florida, public school grades provide an easily understandable metric to measure the performance of any school ranging from elementary level up through 12th grades.
Just like in their classrooms and report cards, individual schools are graded “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F.” Each school is graded based on the components for which it has sufficient data. For example, schools must test at least 95% of their students to be counted.
In a nutshell, the statewide public school grading system utilizes a formula of annual student success measures including: Achievement; Learning Gains; Graduation; Acceleration Success; and Maintaining a focus on students who need the most support.
Each year, the Florida Department of Education releases its official report detailing school grades across the state. School grades for the 2023-24 year demonstrate that Florida schools continue to show improvement over last year. In 2024, nearly 1,300 schools earned an “A” grade, a 6-percentage point increase over 2023. Additionally, the number of schools earning a “D” or “F” grade decreased, with 81 fewer schools earning a “D” and 17 fewer schools earning an “F.”
Statewide, the numbers break down like this:
• 64% of all schools (2,196 schools) earned an “A” or “B” in 2024 compared to 57% (1,961 schools) in 2023.
• Less than 4% of all schools (113 schools) earned a “D” or “F” in 2024 compared to 6% of schools (211 schools) in 2023.
• 1,761 schools (53%) increased their grade or maintained an “A” in 2024.
Closer to home, Duval County earned an overall district grade of B. To receive that mark, the county counted 42 As (24% of schools), 38 Bs, and 5 C schools. Nineteen schools rated D and one earned an F.
St. Johns County public schools earned an overall grade of A. Thirty-four schools earned an A (81% of school), five were Bs, 2 were Cs and one D. None of its 42 schools rated an F.
In Clay County, the district earned an overall grade of A . That breaks down to 23 As (49% of schools), 16 Bs, and 7 Cs.
With the 2025 school year already under way, new rounds of testing, measurements and comparisons are heading down the education pipeline. Knowing how your neighborhood school measures up is a invaluable resource, one that can have great influence when determining which neighborhood one calls home. u
Coming down from the New Year high can lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness, especially in combination with the stress that many feel at Christmas. In addition, the changing of the cal endar can be a period of un ease and anxiousness. This is why it’s important to make sure you do things you enjoy and have time to yourself, but also spend time with those you hold dear and check on them to see how they’re holding up. As we dive into 2025, here are some tips on how both kids and adults can keep a positive mindset for the start of the year and into spring.
Being with Friends and Family. Spending
Make Time for Your Hobbies. Being busy with work and other life factors can sometimes lead people to neglect their hobbies and things they enjoy. Making sure to prioritize these can alleviate feelings of sadness and relieve stress. It is important to have ways of coping if you feel upset, and hobbies can be a great way to do this.
Listen to Music. Listening to music can relieve tension and bring positive feelings
a favorite podcast, can reduce anxiety and bring joy during busy times.
Take Regular Breaks. No matter whether it’s at work or at home with your friends and family, you need to make sure you take regular breaks to have a drink or a bite to eat. Even sitting in silence or scrolling on your phone for five minutes can give you the time you need to recharge.
vous system, helping you feel better mentally. Furthermore, it can benefit you by improving your fitness and increasing your stamina.
sleep is imperative for your mental health. It can help you feel more positive, improve your relationships with others, and im prove your cognitive function. Sleep can ward off the blues as it helps reg ulate your emotions.
Setting goals can keep you focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Having man ageable targets is important and can decrease anxiety while still helping you get things done.
Pamper Yourself. Make sure to give yourself some downtime. Take a moment or two to let yourself relax; have a long, warm bath and light some candles, put on a face mask and watch your favorite show, or take yourself out shopping or for a coffee. Even small actions, like listening to an episode of
Eat Healthy. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich options like nuts can significantly improve how you feel. That isn’t to say you can’t have a treat every now and then, but healthier choices can give you more energy and provide your body with the sustenance it needs.
Meditate. Practicing mindfulness is crucial for good mental well-being and can reduce anxiety and stress. Whether you do some yoga or download a meditation app, doing just a few minutes every day can help you navigate worries and tough times. u Source: grfy.com
It was announced recently that Sporting Jax, one of the city’s newest professional sports brands, has joined forces with Florida Elite Soccer Academy, one of the nation’s largest youth soccer academies, for a partnership that gets rolling in 2025. Among the goals of the new merger is to combine Florida Elite’s highly regarded kids’ and pre-professional programs with Sporting Jax’s pro-level operations. “We’ve worked closely with Florida Elite since our club’s formation in 2020, and we’re thrilled to combine with Florida’s largest and most successful youth soccer organization,” says Steve Livingstone, president and CEO of Sporting JAX. “We are honored that Florida Elite has chosen to combine with the Sporting JAX Foundation to continue a joint non-profit operation, which will allow us to deliver a seamless transition for athletes from youth programs to professional soccer under the unifying Sporting JAX identity.” Sporting Jax’s women’s USL Super League teams kicks off in August of 2025. u
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FOR PARENTS, NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS HAVE NEVER BEEN BETTER. From expanding private school enrollment to new charter and traditional public schools opening, the choices are plentiful. Need more proof? Featured on the following pages are profiles of some of the region’s leading K-12 schools, as well as a handy chart detailing more than a dozen categories for comparison, from sports to test scores. Now, do your homework and find the right fit for your child.
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 2025
$11,175 - $14,270 NCPSA, SACS, SFCC visit website December 16, 2024 18:1
Boys: 10; Girls: 10 Co-ed: 2 26, AP Captsone Diploma N/A
$11,000 - $14,000 FCC, SACS January 20 apply online 11:1
$13,420 -
Boys: 14; Girls: 14 13 N/A
$8,050 -$20,000 FACCM by appointment rolling admissions varies N/A N/A N/A
Toddler, 6:1 PreK-8, 10:1 Boys: 4; Girls: 4 N/A N/A
$12,100 - $20,500 FCIS, IBO
$10,470 - $24,000 FCIS, COGNIA personal tours January 31, 2025 varies Boys: 5; Girls: 5 N/A N/A
1:6; 12 or less students per class
$20,885 - $22,125
$5,630 - $18,610 FCIS, NAIS visit website January 31, 2025 varies Boys: 3; Girls: 3
VPK 10:1 K-3, 18:1 4-5, 22:1 N/A N/A
$4,550 - $17,980 ACSI, COGNIA by appointment rolling admissions N/A Boys: 13; Girls: 12 24 AP; 9 Dual Enrollment N/A N/A COGNIA
$10,000-$12,400 ASCI January 30, 2025 open enrollment 18:1 Boys:9; Girls: 10 N/A N/A FCIS, SAIS $6,750-$33,750
$13,660 - $24,850 FCIS, NAIS see sjcds.net/visit rolling admissions 12:1 Boys: 10; Girls: 11 21 N/A
“BUT SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” MATTHEW 6:33. For 73 years, Bishop Kenny High School has built a legacy of faith, guiding Crusaders in becoming individuals of conviction and integrity, conducting themselves honorably, with honesty, and a sense of duty toward study and service.
Founded in 1952, our beautiful 55-acre campus is where a strong Catholic tradition and messages rooted in Gospel values inform all aspects of campus life, from academics to athletics. More than 17,000 students, faculty, and alumni make up the BK community. While the campus has continually advanced over the years, the Bishop Kenny experience remains steadfast: excellent academics, a tradition of Christian service opportunities, a thriving athletics and activities program, and a focus on Mass, prayer, and religious education. The school offers many academic programs, including practical and performing arts, advanced placement courses, and STEM activities. Students can choose from 25 Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and various STEM courses and activities, including robotics, Esports, and NJROTC.
Nearly every student on campus participates in at least one of 54 academic, activity, or service clubs. More than half of Crusader
students play on freshman, junior varsity, or varsity athletic teams and are committed to being competitive athletes demonstrating leadership and good sportsmanship.
Our dedicated faculty and staff guide students to develop the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary for college and future careers. In both students and staff, we cultivate a path to success, a deep faith present in everyday life, and a desire to live for others. Students are encouraged to discern, take risks, fail humbly, persist, and ultimately succeed.
As we also look ambitiously to the future, we challenge our students to grow in their faith, lead in scholarship, and serve others as they shape Bishop Kenny’s legacy of tradition, excellence, and faith.
(904) 398-7545 BISHOPKENNY.ORG/ADMISSIONS
AT THE BOLLES SCHOOL, STUDENTS RECEIVE MORE THAN A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION – they gain the tools to thrive in a fastpaced, ever-changing world that is increasingly interconnected. In an academic environment that embraces cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods, Bolles students from Pre-K through Grade 12 are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop the skills necessary to lead in the future.
The Bolles School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1933 that is home to more than 1,765 students on four campuses. This school year, the opening of the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation (Sanchez Fender CFI) on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus marked a historic moment for the School. The threestory, 47,000-square-foot building now houses Bolles’ science, math and technology programs, as well as expansive areas for advanced courses in robotics, computer programming, information technology, engineering and design.
“The Sanchez Fender CFI is a remarkable blend of art and engineering, designed to enhance the educational experiences within its walls,” said Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “It fosters collaborative, hands-on learning, encourages academic exploration with inspiring faculty and provides students with opportunities to experiment and gain practical experience – all aimed at helping them reach their highest potential and serve our community and beyond.”
At Bolles, innovation is not just about state-of-the-art facilities; it’s also about fostering a diverse and inclusive community that enriches the learning experience. The School is proud of its globally diverse students who represent 75 different countries and speak 22 languages. Boarding students in the Resident Life Program also hail from 29 countries and 12 states, adding their unique experiences to the day student body’s culturally robust environment.
Academically, Bolles offers courses in five world languages and 30 Advanced Placement courses. Expert faculty members fan the flames of curiosity and guide students of all ages on a journey to explore their interests, discover their passions and reach for their dreams. Bolles also has educational partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Zimmer Biomet, as well as its own Anatomage virtual dissection table.
The School’s comprehensive fine and performing arts program provides courses in drama, dance, visual arts, chorus, music and band. Among middle and upper school students, 70 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.
The School’s athletic successes are known worldwide with 25 sports teams at the middle, JV and varsity levels. Bolles Swimming has been represented at every Olympics since 1972, with a total of 67 Bolles students, former students and Bolles Sharks competing over the years. Bolles’ Olympic history now includes 15 medalists, winning a total of 36 medals including 21 gold.
At Bolles, students experience an All Things Possible approach to learning, which opens their eyes to the limitless opportunities before them. With a foundation in courage, integrity and compassion, students focus on the future and know how to be successful as they progress into college and life.
7400 SAN JOSE BLVD., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030 BOLLES.ORG
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
SINCE ITS OPENING OVER 28 YEARS AGO, 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. As a Christ-centered community, Providence is deeply committed to its Christian mission, which is demonstrated by showing God’s love to others through service to our local communities and through national and international mission trips.
Motivated by a challenging academic experience, our program offers College Preparatory, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, or Honors programs to prepare students for the next level of academic achievement. Our distinguished faculty and staff model their Christian values inside and outside the classroom. They purposefully create interactive environments that promote student engagement. Our college counselors work one-
on-one with students to help students discover God’s unique plan for their lives, and establish good college matches, and potential lifelong careers. For the last several years, our graduates have received 100% college acceptance and in 5 years, our graduates have been offered over $41 million in college scholarships. 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.
“WE’VE GOT A LOT OF HAPPY PEOPLE HERE” –BISHOP SNYDER
For more than 20 years, Bishop John J. Snyder High School has faithfully served the community in Jacksonville with an unwavering commitment to Catholic Education.
Bishop John J. Snyder High School provides a rigorous, collegepreparatory curriculum within a faith-centered environment. We challenge students through diverse academic offerings at the standard, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) levels, empowering them to reach their full potential. Rooted in Catholic values, our mission is to develop well-rounded individuals who excel academically, lead with integrity, and serve their communities.
NUMBERS TO KNOW:
96% College Placement.
91% Pass Rate on 2024 AP Exams.
18 Average Class Size.
3.6 Million Dollars in Scholarships Awarded to Class of 2024.
70 Class of 2024 College and University Acceptances.
In addition to academia, boasting over 50 district, regional, and state championships, our athletic program prepares athletes for success at the collegiate level by fostering the skills, discipline, and work ethic needed for college athletics. Supported by top-tier facilities and a comprehensive strength and conditioning program, our athletes are trained to compete at the highest levels while embodying faith, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Visit our campus and see why we have produced over 2,000 successful Cardinal Alumni. 5001 SAMARITAN WAY, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32210
(904) 771-1029
BISHOPSNYDER.ORG
COLLAGE DAY SCHOOL IS AN EDUCATIONALLY DYNAMIC INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL in the Palm Valley area of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Serving students aged 3 months through 5th grade, Collage provides your child a safe and beautiful environment that develops not just their love of learning, but their eagerness to explore and understand the natural world. By combining evidence-based academic programming with a wealth of socioemotional resources, Collage sets the foundation for your child to engage with the world as a wellrounded lifelong learner.
At Collage, our primary objective is to equip your child with the skills and confidence to excel in any classroom they encounter, ensuring they leave our school feeling capable and self-assured. To achieve this, we utilize an educational methodology grounded in standards-based academics, ageappropriate social skill development, and project-based learning opportunities across our entire setting. At Collage, our dedicated staff brings a rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and teaching styles to our school community. What unites them is a shared passion for our holistic approach to education, which nurtures the whole child. We embrace and celebrate diversity, encourage curiosity, and foster creativity from our youngest to our oldest students.
171 CANAL BLVD., PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL 32082 (904) 900-1439 INFO@COLLAGEDAYSCHOOL.ORG COLLAGEDAYSCHOOL.ORG
Riverside’s Mission: Educate the mind, nurture the spirit & foster the development of the whole child
FOR OVER 75 YEARS, RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL HAS had a passion for foundational childhood education that uniquely lays the building blocks for a lifetime of learning. Riverside’s 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, critically thinking individuals who respect the differences of others in preparation for life in a global community.
Riverside provides 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 explore your future at Riverside.
Beginning in September, we invite prospective families to join us for events across campus including: Parent Tours, weekly Chapel services, School Plays, Rams on the Rise events, and more. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore how our Rams are collaborating, creating, and leading by visiting our website, rpds.com.
(904) 353-3459 • RPDS.COM
College Prep, Redefined.
EXPLORE ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, WHERE STUDENTS FROM AGE 3 THROUGH GRADE 12 GROW INTO leaders who seek solutions, accept responsibility, and create collaboration. Unleash your child’s potential in an innovative and supportive environment that is perfectly positioned to prepare your child for college and for life.
• Florida Tax Credit Scholarships accepted, regardless of income (average amount: $7,800)
• Just minutes from I-295.
• Bus service available!.
• Call or click today to schedule a personal tour: sjcds.net/visit or (904) 264-9572.
3100 DOCTORS LAKE DRIVE ORANGE PARK, FL 32003 (904) 264-9572 • SJCDS.NET
SINCE 1965, UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HAS CHALLENGED THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS academically while building a strong foundation spiritually. This year, we are excited to reach even more students in a brand new community as we open our new campus- UCS Oceanway!
Whether you’re attending our main campus or our Oceanway Campus, University Christian School is committed to providing an exceptional education, grounded in Biblical Worldview, that sets your child up for success.
Experience the difference that comes with a school that values both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Experience an environment where questions are encouraged, conversation is promoted, and critical thinking is fostered.
Experience Christ-centered education on a campus where patriotism, lifelong community, leadership, and service are at the core of all we do.
Our mission is to prepare each child for a life of purpose, impact, and meaning. We take great pride in our history of building champions for Christ. With dedicated faculty and dynamic opportunities, they will thrive in all areas!
Plan a visit today and see for yourself what sets UC apart from all the rest!
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
5520 UNIVERSITY BLVD. WEST
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32216
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL- OCEANWAY
212 SAGO AVENUE
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32218
WWW.UCSJAX.COM
Discover the greatness in your child.
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 THEDISCOVERYSCHOOL.ORG
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, founded in 1985, is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and is home to a remarkable natural environment. Sixteen acres of outdoor space and trails provide an outdoor classroom and laboratory which are also enhanced with a STEAM lab and outdoor garden area which 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.
9920 REGENCY SQUARE BLVD., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225
PH (904) 726-5000
GREENWOODJAX.ORG
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
AT THE MANDALA SCHOOL, WE NURTURE POTENTIAL AND CELEBRATE EXCEPTIONAL ABILITIES. Through personalized programs, we empower children to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Now enrolling for 2025-2026 school year!
MARTIN J. GOTTLIEB DAY SCHOOL & LAURIE PRESCHOOL SEACOAST CHARTER
IF IT’S AN EDUCATION, AN INSPIRATION, A PLACE FOR INSIGHT AND GROWTH. When it fuels high achievement, nurtures compassion and teaches the value of both.
IF IT PRIZES CURIOSITY, INSTILLS GENEROSITY AND HIGHLIGHTS ETHICAL LIVING. When it showcases tradition, puts community first and stresses the importance of giving.
IF IT PIONEERS INNOVATION, WELCOMES WARM CELEBRATION AND ALLOWS STUDENTS TO TAKE FLIGHT. When it offers support, builds fast friendships for life and lets every person shine bright.
THE MISSION OF SEACOAST IS TO PROVIDE A STUDENTCENTERED 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, handson curriculum with the overall goal of giving our elementary students a lifetime appreciation of learning and the development of their unique talents and abilities.
Call to schedule a tour to see what makes us a different.
Often referred to as professional golf’s “Fifth Major,” The Players is a true Northeast Florida springtime tradition. The annual tourney plays host to more than 140 of the globe’s top golfers who gather at the famed TPC Sawgrass to compete for the coveted title and the $4.5 million first-place purse. Thousands of fans will
line the fairways and mingle within the event’s many hospitality tents. Some will even watch the golf while there. Last year, the world’s top-ranked player, Scottie Scheffler, mastered the Stadium Course, winning with a 72-hole score of 20 under par. He’ll defend his title March 11-16.
MOCA Jacksonville’s Project
Atrium: Rafael Lozano Hemmer
“Spectral Subjects” is an interactive installation designed to transform the museum’s three-story atrium. The piece is a thermal observatory, showing a constantly updating map of the room’s temperature on three colossal wall-projections. Using state-of-the-art Xenics Dione thermographic camera, the project detects heat and cold in the environment including visitor’s body heat and
inanimate objects. On display through June 1, Downtown.
Jacksonville Symphony
Internationally acclaimed guest conductor Michael Stern leads the Symphony through a musical journey spanning diverse cultures for Beethoven & Rachmaninoff, January 31 and February 1, 7:30 PM at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing
Arts. The emotional beauty of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony takes center stage with a spotlight on the beloved Allegretto movement. Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances presents a dynamic fusion of Russian and American influences, $30-$88
Continuing its 13th season, the Jacksonville Dance Theatre presents RENDER, two days of boundary-pushing contemporary modern dance specially commissioned by Ebone Amos, Theresa Jimmerson and James Morrow, each of whom showcases their unique artistic vision to create an immersive and thought-provoking experience, four shows, February 1-2, at the Picinich-Byrd Theatre, $35.
The hometown hockey squad takes to the ice for several home games this month versus the Orlando Solar Bears, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Savannah Ghost Pirates and the Three Rivers Lions. The pucks drop February 3, 7, 8, 15, and 28, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $25-$80
Hundreds of recreational vehicles, from pop-up campers to luxury motorhomes roll into Northeast Florida for the Jacksonville RV MegaShow February 6-9. More than 60 vendors representing RV suppliers, campgrounds and other businesses will be on site at
the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Doors open at 9 AM daily, tickets are $10 at the door, kids under 12 are free.
Riverdance 30: The New Generation celebrates the show’s incredible 30th year milestone, with a spectacular production which rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new choreography, costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics, and it showcases the new generation of performers, February 6, 7:30 PM, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $51-$82
For more than 55 years, Tower of Power has delivered its mix of funk and soul. Their window-rattling grooves and party spirit have produced signature songs “Your’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to the Nightclub.” Hear them live February 8, 7 PM, at Fort Mose Historic Park, St. Augustine, $70-$120
Sadly, the Jaguars will not be participating in this season’s Super Bowl. Exactly who will be playing we can’t say at this time. But Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show February 9 in New Orleans.
Ted Torres Martin is a multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter and musician who has accomplished extensive touring around the world. In fact, he was named the 2016
“Images Of The King” World Champion. See him revive The King on stage February 12-16 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, $99
Bridget Jones finally has some luck in her life. She has a great job as a screenwriter, her family and a new boyfriend. The fact that he is over 20 years younger than her isn’t the only thing that is causing problems. Starring Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, streaming premiere is February 13 on Peacock.
Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan (isn’t that always the case?), starring Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler and Anthony Mackie, opens February 14.
Whether it’s long days at the beach, Saturday soccer games, exploring state park trails, or catching riverfront sunsets, the car you drive takes you there. The Jacksonville Auto Show celebrates the vehicles that fuel our passions and bring us closer to what we love February 14-16, Prime Osborn Convention Center, $9-$15
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of
all ages for close to 70 years and has been brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse. The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. Presented by FSCJ Artist Series February 18-23, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $22-$98
A contemporary interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of Maria and Tony, two idealistic young people caught between warring street gangs. This incredible dance show includes songs like “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight,” presented February 20-March 30 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, $71-$84
MUSIC
Beaches Fine Arts Series
Grammy Award winner Zuill Baily, cellist, and Jason Vieaux, guitarist, combine musical talents to bring their melodic instruments to Jax on February 21, 7:30 PM, at St. Paul’s-by-the-Sea Epsicopal Church. Vieaux is sought after for his extensive concerto repertoire, and Bailey for his technical wizardry and engaging personality, free
MUSIC
Jacksonville Symphony
Step into the world of soul music royalty with Soul Kings, a salute to artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, The Righteous Brothers and more. The Symphony and star vocalists perform chart-toppers including “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Lean on Me” February 21-22, 7:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $30-$88.
SPORT
PBR: Unleash the Beast
This is your chance to witness world-class athletes going head-to-head with
powerful bucking bulls. And, on night one, Florida’s own Florida Freedom will take on the New York Mavericks in a rivalry game in the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, February 22-23, 7:45 PM, VyStar Veterans Memorial Area, $13-$107
Dancing With the Stars: Live
See the ballroom brought to life in the new production featuring audience favorites from the hit TV show, as well as a few special guest stars. With dazzling routines, sexy costumes and toe-tapping music, the stage show presented by FSCJ Artist Series rumbas into town February 27, 8 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $74-$685
The Kruger Brothers
Having won numerous awards and accolades for the innovative music making, the Kruger Brothers’ artistry blends
bluegrass, folk and classical styles into a soulful concert experience. Presented as part of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival’s 24th season February 28, 7 PM, at Walker’s Landing on Amelia Island, $50
The free music and storytelling event features three stages of live music, a kids zone and other activities such as a recording booth to share your own stories, raffles, food trucks and full day of entertainment February 23 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. In addition, the festival includes a River Expo with environmental exhibits teaching guests of all ages about Florida’s rivers.
Returning for the second year, The Florida Man Games combine food, music and a roster of events and challenges pulled from real news headlines that could have only happened in Florida. For example, there will the “Evading Arrest Obstacle Course” where contestants must chuck an alligator (not a real one) through a mock-up of a drive-thru window, inspired by the true story of when 24-year-old tossed a 3.5-foot gator through the window of a Wendy’s. March 1 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton, $45-$145.
Continued on page 54
More than $320,000 was raised at the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation’s annual Champions For Children Gala, held October 24. Three hundred patrons enjoyed the cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, games, dinner and student testimonials highlighting the life-changing impact of the 28-year-old foundation’s programs to help underprivileged youth. Funds raised will provide academic support, life skills workshops, mentoring, college and career preparation and more. u
The theme of the Diamond Anniversary Symphony Gala is inspired by the “Diamond Medley” from Moulin Rouge—both glamorous and playful, with elements that reflect the magic of Paris’ most famous cabaret. Featuring a cocktail reception and silent auction, dinner and live auction, live music performance and an after-party with dancing March 1, 6 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $750 per person.
The 20th anniversary Spring for the Arts fundraiser is set for April 4 at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club. The signature charity soiree for the Cathedral Arts Project, the event has generated nearly $9 million since inception, and all to support arts education across the First Coast. This year’s Guardians of the Arts Award recipients are Frances and Anthony Jabbour. Tickets start at $250 per person.
The best of the city’s urban core gathered December 10 at The Lark event space for the tenth annual #DTJax Awards. Hosted by Downtown Vision, the honors recognize community leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses who work to create a vibrant Downtown. Among the year’s honorees are individuals Brandy Hicks, John Silveira and Tim Cost. Chamblin’s Uptown bookshop was recognized as the Small Business of the Year and Hardwicks Bar was named Retail Project of the Year. Congrats to all the winners. u
MUSIC
Brett Young
Young is a Grammy-nominated country music artist who has amassed a series of chart-topping singles, including seven number one hits such as “In Case You Didn’t Know,” “Sleep Without Your” and “Like I Loved You.” His blend of traditional country with a modern twist has garnered a dedicated fanbase, some of which will no doubt see his show March 6, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $50-$90
COMEDY
Larry the Cable Guy
Multiplatinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard Award winner and one of the top comedians in the country, Larry the Cable also has his own line of merchandise and continues to tour across the country. Oh, and he’s also the voice of the tow truck Mater in the Cars animated films. See him March 6, 7:30 PM, at the Thrasher-Horne Center, $59-$139
COMEDY
Lewis Black
Two-time Grammy award winning comedian, actor, writer Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. Hear him live as part of the Goodbye Yeller Brick Road tour March 7, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $35-$7
MUSIC
Gladys Knight
The “Empress of Soul” and Grammy winner Gladys Knight returns to perform all her hits, including “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “If I Were Your Woman,” “I Heard It
Through the Grapevine,” and more March 8, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $50-$115
Monster Jam
Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Magalodon and Zombie are some of the car-crushing vehicles that roar into the River City March 8 at EverBank Stadium. The day rumbles to life with a pit party, 2:30-5:30 PM. Monster trucks get rolling at 7 PM, $20-$125
Shane Gillis
His self-funded debut special, Shane Gillis: Live in Austin released in 2021, was a breakthrough success, amassing over 30 million views. In 2023, Shane followed up with the critically acclaimed Netflix special Beautiful Dogs, which made waves by ranking in the Top 10 across five countries. He plays Jax March 8, 8 PM, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $39-$90
FESTIVAL
St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival
Stones will be thrown and cabers will be tossed at this annual celebration of all things tartan, Highlands and green, taking place March 8 and 9 at Francis
Field. The weekend’s musical lineup includes the Dublin City Ramblers, Clover’s Revenge, Mudmen and Screaming Orphans. An opening parade marches through downtown St. Augustine, leading revelers to the festival site on March 8, 10 AM. And, on Friday night, a special Whiskey Tasting pours into the festival’s VIP tent March 7, 6:30 PM, $25-$120
DANCE
Swan Lake Ballet
Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, March 9, 3 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. A full-scale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score and more than 200 custom scenery pieces adding grandeur and beauty, this production promises to be a spectacular visual treat, $19-$92
COMEDY
Howie Mandel
Comedian, actor, television host, producer, podcaster… Howie Mandel carries plenty of titles from his 40 years in show biz. As busy as he is, the Canadian comic still makes time for some 200 stand-up shows each year, one of which is staged March 13, 7:30 PM, at the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park, $29-$69
MUSIC
Diana Ross
Diana Ross, a global icon and Motown legend, performs March 18, 7 PM, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. She rose to stardom in the 1960s as the leader of The Supremes, becoming one of the most successful groups of the era with hits such as “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Can’t Hurry Love.” $50-$180.
MUSIC
Jacksonville Symphony
Acclaimed singer, trumpeter and Principal Pops Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Byron Stripling, with dynamic vocalist Sydney McSweeney take center stage for a tribute to the Great American Songbook. Performing George Gershwin’s and Irving Berlin’s hits like “I Got Rhythm,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “The Man I Love,” March 21-22, 7:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $30-$88
MOVIES
Snow White
A live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves opens March 21. Star Rachel Zegler angered many with personal comments in 2024, but Disney stuck with her and co-stars Gal Gadot and Patrick Page. Music, mines, mirrors and more!
MUSIC
The Irish Tenors
Celebrated for their ability to blend classical and folk influences with vocal harmonies, the Irish Tenors have captivated audiences around the
world. Their repertoire spans a wide range of genres, including Irish folk songs, operatic classics and pop music, all delivered with their signature charm and emotion, which will be on display March 22, 7:30 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $45-70
St. Augustine Race Week
Warm ocean, friendly people and hot competition is the theme of St. Augustine Race Week, eight days of sailboat racing along the city’s bayfront, in the Tolomato River and in the Atlantic Ocean. Big boats and small vessels take to the water while onshore racers and spectators enjoy music, food and beverage vendors and more March 22-29, at the St. Augustine Municipal Arena.
Jacksonville Symphony
With 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards and a Soul Train Award, the multi-platinum sextet Take 6 boasts six virtuosic voices blending in crystal clear harmony across genres. Also acclaimed members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, these six superstars have been praised by legends like Stevie Wonder and the late Ray Charles for their captivating blend of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop. Performing with the Jacksonville Symphony March 29, 7:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $81-$132
Disney On Ice
Step inside the magical adventures of Disney’s Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice! Dazzling ice skating transports you to Arendelle to be a part of Anna’s adventure to find Elsa, whose icy powers unleashed an eternal winter March 28-30, six shows, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $20-$125
Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam
With a career spanning decades and a legacy as one of the founding members of Traffic, Dave Mason’s current concert set list presents fans the opportunity to experience the music that defined an era. Listen for classic cuts like “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “Pearly Queen,” March 31, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $35-$125 u
PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES
In the December edition of Jacksonville Magazine, we took readers on a journey back in time high over the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. This month, we return home for an aerial visit to Fort Caroline National Memorial in Arlington.
During the 16th Century, France was determined to expand its empire while, at the same time, doing what it could to lessen Spain’s foothold in the Americas. Its first attempt to stake a permanent claim in North America was a small settlement near the mouth of the St. Johns River. In 1564, some 200 soldiers and craftsmen, led by Rene de Goulaine de Laudonniere, began building a village and town on the river’s south bank, naming the area La Caroline after King Charles IX.
Almost from the very start the colony was plagued by problems and misguided leadership, notably fruitless searches for gold and silver in the region. In fact, the settlement barely survived the first year due to poor planning, unfamiliarity with the local environment and broken promises made to the native Mocama people. According to historical records, while some efforts were put into turning local grapes into wine, the French spent little time learning to fish the local waters or adapting to regional farming techniques. Lack of food soon became a serious issue.
Because of betrayal within the colony, conflict with native tribes, starvation and disappointment over not finding riches, plans were made to abandon the site and return to France. The remaining colonists were about to leave Florida in August of 1565 when sails were spotted on the horizon. A relief expedition led by Jean Ribault had arrived with desperately needed supplies and 600 soldiers and settlers, including women and children.
Relief was short-lived. On learning of Ribault’s sailing for Florida, Spain’s King Phillip II sent Admiral Pedro Menenedez to eliminate the French interlopers. During a series of skirmishes at La Caroline and at locations south of St. Augustine, most of the French settlers were killed by the Spanish. Hundreds were executed after surrendering. France never again strongly challenged Spanish claims in North America.
The exact location of the original Fort Caroline remains a mystery. Constructed of wood, turf and earth, little physical evidence has survived through the centuries and it is commonly believed the fort’s site is likely somewhere under water in the St. Johns River. French renderings and documents do mention specifics at the fort, such as a guardhouse facing the south wall, a moat dug outside one wall, a large plaza in the center, and a large oven, positioned outside the walls to prevent fires. According to the National Park Service, the replica fort at the National Memorial (pictured) was created based on primary and secondary source material. The archeological search for the original fort continues. u
THE 50 RESTAURANTS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA YOU NEED TO TRY.
It’s a question we hear with some regularity: Where in Jax should we eat now? It’s not possible to offer a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. In fact, it’s getting more difficult all the time as the region’s dining scene grows and becomes more diverse in flavors, locales and food services. So, we keep our ears and eyes open for what’s new, what’s unusual and what people are talking about. For this compilation—and as we do with nearly all of our feature focuses— we limited our culinary exploring to homegrown restaurants and shied away from franchise operations. After all, Jax Mag is local and we’ve been supporting mom-and-pop businesses and restaurants for 40 years.
So, the question we ask now is, who’s hungry?
Jeffrey Spear & Kim Brown contributed to this feature
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
As its name implies, Aqua Grill is an airy, contemporary restaurant offering an eclectic selection of artfully prepared dishes. Guests can enjoy dining indoors, on the outdoor deck that overlooks a small lake, or in the lively, fullservice bar. The menu, including an extensive wine list, has plenty to offer. Starters such as calamari served with pepper aioli ($16) and deviled eggs Seattle style that feature smoked salmon, capers and caviar ($9) are popular. Noteworthy entrees include grouper cioppino ($42), wasabi pea-crusted Hawaiian Ahi tuna ($42), bang bang cod ($34) and Cantonese style whole local snapper ($39).
SAN MARCO
Long-rooted in the Southbank neighborhood just across the St Johns River from downtown, bb’s is favored for its impeccable style, hospitable service, and adventurous menu—all of which make it one of Jax’s most popular dining destinations for some 30 years. With a menu that caters to every culinary preference, the duck wonton Napolean ($17), white truffle pizza ($20), ancho spiced rotisserie turkey sandwich ($18) or pan Asian chop chop salad ($19) may be just what you’re looking for. Along with an exceptionally
well stocked bar, what’s not to like? If you believe that dessert is the best course, you may want to indulge in a slice of cake. Or two.
For more than two decades, Caffe Andiamo has been preparing modern Italian fare based on traditions and recipes that come straight from Salerno. A spacious and comfortable setting, guests have consistently enjoyed Italian hospitality and artfully prepared dishes such as carpaccio di pesci (thinly sliced, cured Ahi tuna and salmon, $15), cannelloni stuffed with spinach, veal, vegetables ($18), sogliola (flounder) puttanesca ($23) and scaloppa di vitello forestiere (veal scaloppine, mixed mushrooms, $26). Along with an assortment of pizzas, pastas, salads, seafoods and meats coupled with a well-stocked bar that maintains a wide selection of beers and wines, the warm, rich and flavorful Italian influence is unmistakable. Mangiare!
A visit to Cowford Chophouse is must-do when Downtown. Operating in a restored Renaissance Revival landmark building in the urban core, this is one of the city’s most stylish and elegant dining destinations. A stone’s throw from the St Johns River, cocktails on the restaurant’s rooftop bar are made complete with views of the water and skyline. The extensive wine list and enticing menu offers everything you’d expect from a top-end steakhouse, starting with oysters, caviar and steak tartare to grilled cuts and chops. In addition, there are plenty of options for those preferring something other than beef.
Located in the heart of the Atlantic Beach and steps to the ocean’s edge, Coop 303 is a great place to dine while soaking in the beach vibe. Relax in their light and airy dining spaces or enjoy the sea breezes from their patio or rooftop garden. Serving modern regional cuisine, the house specialties are not to be missed. Start with a creatively inspired cocktail from their fullservice bar, followed by peaches & cream (a creative interpretation of fried green tomatoes, $12) or lamb lollipops ($17). For entrees, their hot honey glazed salmon ($28), chimichurri shrimp ($27) or steak frites from the grill ($39) are all excellent choices.
As the name implies, the grill and seafood raw bar are the stars of the show here, an establishment named one of Florida’s Top 15 new restaurant by USA Today in 2023. Raw bar highlights include oysters on the half-shell ($18 per halfdozen), Peruvian ceviche ($18) and the Seafood Tower for Two, a literal tower of Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp, oysters, and lobster salad ($94). The dinner menu is equally impressive, laden with Cape Cod diver scallops ($38), braised beef short ribs ($37), and 30-day dryaged New York strip steak ($58). An extensive Sunday brunch menu (crepes, steak and eggs, eggs Benedict, etc.) is an added bonus and something not offered enough in these parts.
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Open for just a few years now, Mesa is the little restaurant that could. The menu is laced with South Indian curries and spices, with a touch of Florida tossed in here and there. For starters, you may start with hummus and naan chips ($12), tamarindginger glazed wings ($16) or the Kerala beef puff stuffed with brisket and a side of cilantro creme fraiche ($18). The mussels curry is swimming in coconut milk and turmeric, served with choice of Basmati rice or masala fries ($33). No liquor is served, but there is wine and beer. A small patio is a bonus dining option when weather allows. A fivecourse tasting menu is offered for those looking for a culinary adventure.
Biscottis is a cherished Avondale dining destination, renown for its great food and neighborhood gathering spot hospitality. Serving lunch and dinner all week, and brunch on weekends, guests can choose from an extensive menu featuring small bites, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches and dinner specials. A few dishes of note are the crab and artichoke fondue ($14), Thai chicken salad ($17), wild mushroom and Spanish chorizo pizza ($15), fried zucchini sandwich ($16.5), grilled beef tenderloin ($42) and four-cheese white lasagna ($22). No meal is complete, however, without something from the dessert case, featuring freshly baked treats (including biscotti, of course) from “B the Bakery.”
For Thai cuisine that’s in a class all its own, pay a visit to Blue Orchid. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed, impressed by stylish artwork, intrigued by fragrant aromas and delighted by this country’s flavorful cuisine. Relying on carefully sourced Thai ingredients, a few specialties worth a taste include their violet-hued flower buds ($19), coconut shell curry ($38), and honey duck ($42). The menu also features plenty of noodles, stir
fries, soups, curries and salads, all beautiful examples of authentic Thai preparation.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Located out of the way in an unremarkable strip mall on Penman Road, first impressions of Dwight’s and its unassuming storefront are contrary to the experience diners have inside. Upon entering, you’ll find comfortable, artfully appointed dining rooms, servers eager to please, an appealing menu described as “continental” and wine list that does not disappoint. Known for exceptional jumbo lump crab cakes ($56), their lamb chops with mint jelly ($56) and sea scallops scampi style ($49) are equally good. If you prefer pasta, try their handmade fettucine carbonara ($26), fettuccini alfredo ($24) or angel hair puttanesca ($26). For dessert, the Banana’s Foster is the perfect finale.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
At this Beaches mainstay, fine dining is both elegant and fun. Named for its location just blocks
from the ocean, the extensive lunch and dinner menus feature seasonally inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy beet & goat cheese salad ($15), bacon gouda steak burger ($16), stuffed fresh figs ($15), burrata & winter truffle ($16), poached pear & blue cheese salad ($16), Cape Cod diver scallops ($35) and an assortment of mesquite grilled steaks. Coupled with an awardwinning wine list and a fullservice bar that stocks a selection of rare whiskeys, cognacs, ports and liqueurs, a visit to Eleven South is an experience worth repeating.
NEPTUNE BEACH
One of the more popular dining destinations at the Beaches, and a favorite among locals, is
Considered among Northeast Florida’s finest dining establishments, chef-owned and operated Matthew’s (named for co-founder Matthew Medure), has been earning raves and awards since the late 1990s. Not one to rest on past laurels, Medure and team strive to stay current while maintaining high standards for its 50-seat main room, chef’s table, lounge and two private dining spaces. Can you imagine Regalis Grandeur caviar ($205), gochujang-marinated steak tartare ($18), escargot in sherry cream emulsion ($17) and beef tenderloin with potato puree, ratatouille and wild mushrooms ($49)? If you can, the picture you drew is Matthew’s. For truly special occasions, one can’t miss with the chef’s six-course tasting.
Mezza Luna Ristorante cont.
Mezza Luna. The menu features Italian classics such as cioppino ($34), fresh pappardelle ($29) and linguine pasta primavera ($23) along with a crowd-pleasing selection of wood-fired pizzas such as basil-arugula pesto ($23) and wild mushroom ($24). Their full-service bar serves favorites including Lemon Drop ($12) and Ancho Mango Refresco ($11) along with choices from a sizable wine list. Guests are welcomed to enjoy their meal from one of three distinctive spaces—the bar and lounge, covered outdoor patio or the slightly formal main dining room.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Nineteen is located inside TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, home of The Players Championship. Serving throughout the day, guests can enjoy themselves in the dining room or take in the fresh air and views of the 18th hole on the verandah. A topshelf wine list, rotating selection of draft beers and seasonal craft cocktails, their menu features American and globally inspired dishes including crispy brussels sprouts ($16), plum braised pork bao buns ($18), lobster tacos ($19), short rib pasta ($32) and 18-oz. bone-in ribeye ($65). For
try their chai creme brulee ($12) or enjoy a finishing moment with a dessert cocktails.
SAN MARCO
Gemma is one of Jacksonville’s newest fine dining destinations. Located in the heart of San Marco, their indoor and rooftop dining spaces embrace clean and modern design, complementing its fresh and
flavorful seafood. The menu embraces both local and global culinary influences, starting with lobster pimento cheese ($16), Cajun roasted gulf oysters ($18) and lobster tempura bao buns ($22) to Scottish salmon ($34), stuffed rainbow trout ($40) and Moroccan chicken ($26). There’s caviar and a raw bar as well, serving daily selections of oysters, house made ceviches, tartares, and poke. Lots of desserts for a sweet finish.
Tucked inside an office tower along busy Riverside Avenue, River & Post features a savory seafoodforward menu, formal dining room and an exceptionally popular rooftop patio with one of the best views in town. Their menu includes delectable appetizers such as local beets and burrata cheese ($14), broiled market oysters and seared Ahi tuna ($18). Entrees from the sea including bouillabaisse ($36), shrimp & grits ($31) and fried seafood plates are equally good. Of course, there are steaks, burgers and chops to round out their offerings. Along with an assortment of inspired craft cocktails, beers and wines, this place is a keeper. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM4 PM.
Josephine is an Italian American, neighborhood-friendly restaurant located in fashionable Avondale. While their menu is Italian inspired, there’s innovation in the kitchen that breaks with tradition, contributing to undeniably memorable dining experiences. Whether it’s expertly prepared cocktails, something from the collection of old and new world wines, or several of the inspired creations from the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. Have the sourdough focaccia ($10). Then enjoy the Calabrian gazpacho ($15), Josephine rigatoni, a house favorite ($27), agnolotti giardino ($28) or the scallops ($40). Make sure to include something from the dessert menu. You’ll be glad you did.
Another top foodie favorite in San Marco Square, Town Hall is a casually contemporary gathering spot for good food, good drink and good company. Its menu, inspired by seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, features a diverse selection of noteworthy dishes. Start with their cured & aged charcuterie board, duck fat cornbread ($11), seared octopus ($16) and Town Hall loaded fries ($13). For the main event, try their housemade pasta & sugo, a longtime favorite ($18), the feta-stuffed cauliflower ($24) or perhaps the seared scallops ($30).
INTRACOASTAL WEST
This chef-owned establishment has been a staple of Jacksonville’s dining scene for more than 20 years. Standing alongside an active marina, guests can enjoy relaxed dining in a waterfront setting that’s perfect for sunsets and boat watching. The menu features impeccably prepared dishes that are both coastal and regionally inspired. Their M32 broiled oysters are a longstanding favorite, as is the local catch hoppin’ john ($29) and blue crab cakes ($26). Along with a selection of beers and wines, there are creations from the bar, including the Hot MaMa ($12),
Bees Knees ($12) and Texas Mule ($12) that infuse a little fun and excitement into every meal.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Located just a short walk to the sands of Jacksonville Beach, Oaxaca is the place to discover regionally distinct flavors of Mexico amidst the action as people come and go to the beach. The menu takes flavorful advantage of Oaxacan cuisine, especially spicy moles. Served in a spacious dining room that extends out to a streetside patio, be sure to try their ceviche mixto ($14), barbacoa enmoladas (beef barbacoa enchiladas, $22) or
marisco en coco (shrimp and soft-shell crab, $29). Lots of small plates, salads and, of course, margaritas, cocktails and flights of mescal and tequila from an agave-centric bar.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
If you’re in the mood for upscale Japanese cuisine, O-ku fits the bill. Serving traditional and contemporary dishes in a sleek and stylish setting, everything is creatively conceived and well presented. A few items of note include Black Magic, a small plate featuring squid ink rice, lobster, spicy aioli ($24), Blazing Saddles, a hand roll with angus beef, tempura shrimp, avocado, cilantro aioli, eel sauce ($19) and Gangnam Style, a signature nigiri with bincho maguro, cilantro, shallots, kimchee puree ($9). Cocktails are equally inventive, available in the main dining room as well as rooftop patio that offers a view towards the beach and Jacksonville Beach Pier.
SAN MARCO
Rue Saint Marc evokes the warmth and comfort of a classic French bistro. With its menu offering a selection of artfully crafted hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, mains and desserts, the one-room eatery has become one of Jacksonville’s most acclaimed restaurants. A good
Orsay is a perennial favorite for fine dining in Jacksonville. Picture a stylish yet unpretentious French bistro serving a mix of traditional Parisian classics alongside regional southern specialties. Guests are greeted by friendly and well-informed servers, can enjoy selections from a well-stocked bar and extensive wine list along with a menu that is consistently appealing. Starting with freshly shucked oysters, followed by house made charcuterie, curated cheeses, assorted appetizers including lobster mac n cheese ($18) and entrees of note such as cassoulet ($38), lobster pot pie ($50) and pan roasted duck breast ($44), everything is prepared to the highest standards and continues to impress.
Rue Saint Marc cont.
start is a classic cocktail, or one of their artfully prepared appetizers, followed by a selection from their sizeable wine list to accompany your meal. With dishes such as foie gras mousse tartines with huckleberry jelly ($8), garganelli pasta with braised rabbit ($19) and halibut almondine ($41), you’ll understand why Rue has become a much-loved dining destination.
ATLANTIC BEACH
Salumeria is a trattoria-style restaurant serving traditional Italian classics and chef-inspired specials. Its friendly and attentive service, coupled with consistently impressive cuisine, makes this beachside establishment a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its selection of salumi, impressive charcuterie boards and broad selection of Italian favorites including ravioli del salumiere ($24), chitarra cacio e pepe ($28), pork milanese ($32) and truffle scallops ($42), the small eatery exudes old world charm infused with a casual beachfront vibe.
SAN MARCO
Taverna, an ever-popular dining destination in the center of The Square, serves a mix of Mediterranean and Italian-inspired fare with a focus on culinary craftsmanship, fresh seasonal produce and exceptional meats sourced from local purveyors. The menu offers Italian specialties including cheese & salumi, pizzas, pastas and a spectrum of main dishes including Sicilian seafood stew ($37), smoked short rib ($36) and sauteed mussels and clams ($32). While their desserts are noteworthy, the tiramisu cheesecake ($15) and
creme brulee ($12) may be the finishing touch you’re craving. Their award-winning wine list, selection of regional craft beers and assortment of handcrafted cocktails come together to complete the Taverna experience.
SAN MARCO
If the name sounds familiar, Oceana rests immediately next door to its sister restaurant Taverna. Like its neighbor, it’s stylishly and modern, with seafoodforward concept featuring a raw bar and contemporary takes on classic favorites. While New England clam chowder ($12), peel & eat shrimp ($18) and mussels & clams ($20) are coastal traditions,
Vietnamese seafood stew ($36), miso glazed Chilean sea bass ($45) and cioppino ($45) are inspired by culinary ideas from around the world. Of course, a meal of this caliber would not be complete without house cocktails, awardwinning wines, an extensive selection of sparkling wines and sake, all under one roof.
With five locations peppered across Jax and the Beaches, one is never too far from an Al’s and its lengthy menu of family friendly Italian fare. Mozzarella cheese sticks with marinara dipping sauce ($12), spicy Caribbean chicken flatbread ($14) painted with creamy pepper sauce and melted mozzarella, and veggie calzones the size of a catcher’s mitt and stuffed with green peppers, onions, Roma tomatoes, mushroom and black olives ($16)—what’s not to love? Of couse, the handtossed pizzas are the signature here, baked and topped with everything from pineapple and jalapeño peppers to feta cheese and vegan sausage. Yes, please!
Jacksonville has a sizable and deeply rooted Filipino community. Being a Navy town has its perks, with one of them being a wonderful collection of shops and restaurants specializing in Filipino eats. Among the best is Abstrakt, a brick-and-mortar eatery/food truck combo that packs tremendous flavors into traditional favorites such as chicken pancit, ground pork and beef lumpia and crispy pork belly “sandwits.” Winter is the ideal season for the shrimp sinigang ramen, a piping bowl of garlic shrimp in tamarind broth with vegetables and a soft egg. The one-room spot is far from fancy, but no one cares when the food is this good.
St. Johns Town Center
In a slice of town overflowing with franchise dining operations, Midtown Table stands above with a combination of wonderful Italian-inspire food and pleasing atmosphere. Town Center as a whole doesn’t have much of a “neighborhood” vibe, but Midtown does with a lively dining room and covered patio seating. The lunch menu showcases its creativity side with dishes such as sweet Calabrian shrimp ($16), prime rib French dip sandwich ($17) and the “Paradiso” with pistachio pesto, burrata, mortadella, prosciutto, arugula and honey. The pizza coming out of the flaming red pizza oven are favorites, especially the classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, pecorino, fresh mozzarella and basil ($14). Housemade fettuccini, roasted chicken with baby carrots and potato puree, and eight-layer lasagna are among the standout dinner entrees. Love the outdoor seating and fire pits.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH
Don’t let Argyle’s location behind the gates of Sawgrass dissuade you from venturing out for a bite for lunch, dinner or brunch. The restaurant embraces its country club setting with a casual and playful courtside setting (pickleball, anyone?), while also presenting refined dishes, wine and cocktails. From jerk chicken wings ($15) and soba noodle salads ($11) to corned beef reuben sandwiches ($18) and burgers topped with blue cheese ($18), the daytime fare offers something for most every appetite. Dinner is a bit more refined with chorizo and octopus skewers with shishito peppers and saffron aioli
spicy shrimp Fra Diavolo in pink vodka sauce ($26) and 16-oz. ribeye steaks ($59).
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
The Refinery is located practically at the water’s edge. Offering elegant dining and ocean views on the second floor, this beachfront destination specializes in Euro-American cuisine. Dishes of note include ginger cashew crusted salmon ($35), apple bourbon pork chop ($39) and short rib ($37). Tempting desserts, including key lime layer cake ($12) and peach melba brown butter cake ($13), are not to be missed. On the ground floor, guests can grab a bite at the more casual Ocean Bar, enjoy music and special events in the Lounge, or gather with friends for a snack, some drinks and watch the game in the First Street Pub.
ATLANTIC BEACH & SOUTHSIDE
Great Irish pubs all have a few things in common, namely a welcoming atmosphere, music, amiable staff, stiff drinks, draught beers and hearty fare, dishes that are stick-to-the-ribs satisfying. At Culhanes, one can put a check
next to all of these. For starters, try a few menu staples like the Scotch egg and sausage lightly fried and set atop potatoes and gravy ($11) and “Mary’s” baked cauliflower tossed in spicy Buffalo sauce ($10). Get both and share. Of course, there is bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Guiness beef stew—all perfect for a cold winter’s night. The beer-battered fish and chips with steak fries and house coleslaw ($21) always satisfies. Another pint of Smithwick’s while we’re here? Serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday and latenight bar bites till 1 AM.
NOCATEE & ST. AUGUSTINE
Some restaurant menus are a treat to read. Count Treylor Park,
a Southern string of eateries that spouted in Savannah and grew to include two locations in Northeast Florida. Grilled apple pie sandwich with chicken ($16), a double wide foot-long hotdog ($16) and shrimp and grits tacos lets diners know this isn’t your average diner. Need more proof? How about the poke pizza with marinated Ahi tuna, soy ginger sauce, sliced avocados, and mozzarella topped with pickled vegetables, mango and sesame seeds ($16). Save room for the fried Oreos. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner.
NEPTUNE BEACH & AVONDALE
We’ve said it many times before, but all visits to Flying Iguana must start with an order of guacamole and chips. Prepared fresh right at your table, the mix of mashed avocado, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, tomato and lime is perfection on a crispy corn chip. More than a standard taco spot, Flying Iguana’s menu flies into more unusual and tasty territory with Peruvian chicken soup ($11), chargrilled Mexican street
corn on the cob ($6) and red pepper chimichurri ribeye with crispy herb and garlic potato wedges ($43). They’ve got tacos, too. Slow-roasted pulled pork, blackened shrimp, crispy pork belly, beerbattered cod and more, all less than $7 apiece.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Nearly 30 years churning out juicy burgers, handmade milkshakes, and crispy fries is Cruisers. And its many loyal diners are glad they are. The menu is classic Americana with a fun twist tossed in here and again. There’s the cheesy bacon burger ($18) and a patty melt smothered in cheese and grilled onions on rye ($17). Many regulars swim toward house favorites such as the “Royale Wit Cheese,” a half-pound of burger with
For 30 years those in need of baked brie, French onion soup, salad nicoise, quiche or steak frites could always turn to Hwy. A1A mainstay J.J.’s. The petite menu is grand in flavors and features French standards such as mussels simmered in a garlic, tomato and rosemary cream sauce with crisp fries ($27) and bouillabaise ($29), a traditional seafood stew awash in shrimp, mussels, fish and potatoes in saffron tomato broth. Magnifique! The retail wines, dessert case and outdoor seating are nice extras.
Cruiser’s Grill cont.
provel cheese, candied bacon, pickles and the house secret sauce on a brioche bun ($18), or marinated deep-fried chicken chunks with a side of ranch ($14). Don’t forget a side of fries. Make it a large order.
The owners and staff and Coastal don’t just sell wine, they live it— from hosting exclusive tastings to finding customers bottles that are, quite simply, hard to find, to pairing the impressive inventory of red, whites, sparkling and more with small bites that cause guests to linger—some find it hard to just pick a bottle and return home. And with custom charcuterie boards, Ahi tuna tartare, housemade hummus, Angus sliders, spinach and artichoke dip, and chocolate lava cake, why would you want to? Look for a new location coming later this year.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
It’s hard to picture Jax Beach without RP’s and it’s menu staples,
Billy’s crab and spinach dip, crab mushroom soup, conch fritters with lime mustard sauce and the famous house burger. Lunch and dinner menus are basically the same and feature a mix of seafood classics, salads, sandwiches and appetizers such as pimento cheese with hot pepper jelly, toasted pecans and Ritz Crackers ($10). The “Fry-Up Basket” with choice of chicken, clams, shrimp, French fries, hush puppies and slaw ($12$19) is a top seller, as are the crab cakes ($23), and the Shrimp 308, a plate of sautéed locally caught shrimp drenched in spicy Cajun butter over rice ($19). Check out the blackboard for daily drink and food specials. Open everyday but Monday, including 10 AM for Sunday brunch.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH,
AMELIA ISLAND, ST. AUGUSTINE
We love the contemporary surfer style of all three First Coast Salt Life locations. Though, if asked, we’d probably admit the Amelia Island restaurant is our favorite. Or maybe St. Augustine. The rooftop bars and dining tables are tops. The menu is appropriately salty with a variety of fruits of the sea—Bahamian conch chowder, tuna tostada, fried calamari, crab-baked oysters, sushi and more. The “Beach Boil” ($30) is a steaming and hearty melange of snow crab legs, shrimp, sausage, corn, onions and potatoes, all spiced with a little extra kick. There’s also wood-grilled mahi ($25), almond-crusted grouper with lobster ($30) and pan-seared chicken with lemon-caper butter served over fettuccine ($20).
A seat at the patio bar is highly prized real estate at the Beaches dining landmark. Sliders is uber casual and welcoming, a perfect fit for its beachy locale. So, it’s not surprising that the oyster bar portion of the menu receives a lot of attention, and for good reason. Peel-and-eat Mayport shrimp ($14 and $22), steamed clams ($9 and $18) and baked oysters Rockefeller stuffed with spinach, shallots, provolone, parmesan and topped with panko—we’ll take one of each. The shrimp
This slice of Clay County has literally grown up around Whitey’s, a waterside landmark for 60 years. Come by boat or car for baskets of fried shrimp, catfish, gator tail, clam strips, mahi and more, all with sides of slaw, chips and hushpuppies for $16 or less. The menu is enormous and ranges from crab legs and fried pickles to shrimp scampi and 14-oz. Angus ribeye steaks. Among the favorite house specialties are Fish Camp Boil ($25), a sizable serving of steamed shrimp, corn, mushrooms, Creole sausage, and the flounder filet stuffed with crab meat and bathed in white wine cream sauce ($24). The people-watching on the waterside deck and at the tiki bar is legendary.
The old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” fits Peony quite nicely. Located in an Old St. Augustine Road strip mall, it’s not much to look at from the outside. But step inside for house favorites like roast duck, crabmeat Rangoon, and steamed pork dumplings. The interior decor is serviceable, if not a bit uninspired. Not to worry, the food more than makes up for the lack of visual pizzazz. The house specialty here has to be the Peking duck ($34), a whole marinated bird, roasted to a crispy golden brown and served with pillow-soft Bao buns.
There are now eight variations on the Mojo theme peppered across the state. Each is different in some ways but the core of the menu remains the same across the chain. Chicken wings, St. Louisstyle spareribs, pulled pork, Texas hot links, turkey breast, beef brisket—if you can smoke it to deliciousness, they likely serve it here. The smoked chicken nachos appetizer ($14) is plenty big enough for a meal. Barbecue pulled pork, chopped brisket, and smoked turkey sandwiches ($15) come on toasted buns with a side (collards, mac and cheese, hand-cut fries, blackeyed peas, among others).
Banana pudding for dessert, if you have room to indulge. The Avondale location is favored for its selection of whiskeys. If you get a chance, visit the Mojo Federal in Lakeland. It’s housed in a restored historic building in the heart of the old downtown.
Sliders Oyster Bar cont.
scampi is pan-seared and tossed in garlic and white wine butter sauce atop fettuccini ($18). Order a bucket of Corona and you may never want to leave. Brunch starts at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Newcomers might not know that the spacious, rambling eatery that is TacoLu today got its start some 15 years ago in a tiny spot a couple miles down the road on Beach Boulevard. The little idea has grown into a true First Coast favorite, much loved for its hospitable staff, funky artwork, large backyard deck and tasty tacos and tequila. For starters, we love the queso fundido with chihuahua cheese, roasted garlic and sautéed mushrooms ($11) and Mexican street corn slathered in cotija cheese and chipotle crema ($9). As for the tacos… almost too many from which to choose. Blackened scallops, seared tuna, grilled filet
mignon, marinated skirt steak, carne asada, roasted chicken and on it goes. Most are $5 each.
Both of the homegrown Local eateries are super stylish without being stuffy. The interior decor is a little more quirky at the Miramar location, but each shines in its own way. Love the bar and patio at the beach. Same for the cozy loft-like vibe in town. The menus vary slightly at each but diners can expect many of the same bold flavors and creativity. How about a Fruity Pebble waffle ($10) with whipped cream for breakfast? Yep, they’ve got that. A short rib patty melt with pepper jack cheese on toasted sourdough for lunch? Sure, no problem. You wouldn’t have ginger and wasabi-crusted salmon ($29) over quinoa fried rice? You betcha. You may need a cocktail or two to go with that order. They can do that, too. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner.
SAN MARCO & JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Chances are you will pick up the scent of the wood-fire pit long before entering either of the two Jax Bearded Pigs. And that’s a very good thing because diners know favorites like the dry-rubbed brisket, beef ribs,
If you can, try securing a table on the backyard patio, an eclectic garden space that features an assortment of mis-matched tables and chairs and tents and covered patio seating. Oh, and a Mongolian yurt. The interior is just as fun and funky. The menu is packed with surprises like maple bacon deviled eggs, Kung Pao Brussels sprouts ($12), wasabi cream-stuffed chicken, French onion pasta, vegan sausage étouffée, beef Wellington ($30) and braised short ribs. For brunch, you can’t beat the bread pudding French toast or the chicken and biscuits with sausage gravy ($16). Dinner service starts at 3 PM, weekend brunch opens on Friday at 11 AM.
It wasn’t that long ago that Bayard was considered far removed from Jax proper. That’s no longer the case and among the best spots to grab a bite here is Lemongrass, a contemporary Asian eatery that serves spicy classics like pad Thai ($21) and drunken noodles ($22). The interior is bright and airy, perfect for creatively presented plates of grilled chicken satay, shrimp pot stickers, and panko-crusted grouper. We recommend starting with the crispy blue crab Rangoons with sweet and sour dipping sauce ($12).
pork spare ribs and chicken are being kissed with smokey goodness. The Frito Pie ($12) is a house specialty, with brisket and beans served over a bag of Fritos and topped with cheese sauce. Yum!. The “King’s Sandwich” ($15) is a hearty portion of pulled pork, sausage, brisket, cheese sauce, slaw and two jalapeño poppers. Yum again! The covered patios are enjoyable even in the heat of summer.
FOUR LOCATIONS
Neptune Beach, Palm Valley, Julington Creek and St.
ATLANTIC BEACH
Augustine—all are lucky enough to be home to one of the much-loved Fish Camp eateries. North Beach is the original and the new additions follow the uber successful model it established, including simple decor and lively dining rooms. The menu is laden with seafood dishes such as blue crab cakes with caper dill aioli ($24), grilled salmon with horseradish hollandaise ($28), and spicy linguini dripping with sea scallops, shrimp, calamari and clams in white wine, garlic and tomatoes. St. Augustine and Palm Valley have outdoor seating.
Saturday & 10am-2pmSunday
If only we all were fortunate enough to have a neighborhood gathering spot like The Fish Co. close to home. It’s not fancy—just fun, lively and ideal for a watching a game on the TVs, hanging with friends at the raw bar or enjoying a bowl of Mayport shrimp and cheese grits bobbing with mushrooms and Andouille sausage ($23), or the loaded potato wedges drenched in white cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions
The Fish Company cont. and sour cream ($10). For our money, you can’t beat the seafood combo platter with fried oysters, shrimp, fish, a crab cake, fries, coleslaw and hush puppies ($42). Plenty big enough for two, if you wish to share. Oysters Rockefeller, poached mussels, smoked fish dip, snow crab legs, fried chicken, Key lime meringue pie… the deliciousness is near-endless.
We remain eternally hopeful that one day Downtown Jax will be awash is great locally owned dining spots. Until then, we’re happy we can savor establishments such as Indochine, a true Adams Street pioneer of outstanding dining in the city’s center. For more than a decade, the kitchen has been producing memorable steamed dumplings, Vietnamese pho, fried rice and a variety of curries. Two duck specialties are standouts— duck breast curry ($22) in sweet red curry with snow peas, tomatos, peppers, onions and basil, and the basil duck served in a semisweet basil sauce with seasonal vegetables. Diners can choose
their spice level, from mild to “Thai Hot.” And hot it is. Serving lunch and dinner.
MANDARIN
This ten-year-old family-operated dining spot is a casual carnivore’s dream come true. There are a number of South American franchise steakhouses around town but we prefer the smaller joints, those with individual personality. Salento has lots of that, from its casual decor and comfy bench seats to a menu flush with plantains, corn cakes, grilled beef, beans and rice. The Hawaiian arepas ($7) with ham, pineapple and cheese is an unusual and tasty treat, as are the fried green
plantains with guacamole. The grill is the star of the kitchen and it’s from here that salmon, pork chops, ribeyes, burgers and more come. Be adventurous when ordering here. It’s worth it.
Arguably the city’s finest Asian eatery, Norikase is a true feast for the senses. It’s visually gorgeous, dressed in bold greens and black, all enhanced by the subdued lighting. Plate presentations are works art. As are the cocktails. Sushi rolls and sashimi selections are numerous including mackerel, sea urchin, king salmon, bluefin tuna, salmon roe and Alaskan king crab. The list of entrees is highlighted by Yuzo diver scallops ($30), pan-seared duck breast ($38) and tempura octopus with rosemary taco, lotus root and pickled cucumber aioli ($22). For the truly adventurous, reserve a seat at an Omakase experience, a 17-course chef tasting menu ($175).
San Marco
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It’s a little hidden out of the way on Kings Avenue, but 1937 is worth finding. The main dining room and bar is a wide-open space with high ceilings, high-top tables and lots of elbow room. There’s even more outside in the shaded backyard. Bar eats like pretzel bites and chicken wings ($14) share space with more refined plates of blackened salmon ($19) and tuna poke. The house burger ($17) is huge, a literal mouthful, as is the “Hot Mess” burger. Tacos, chili, fried gator tail, fish and chips round out a menu that covers much ground. Also, they take cocktails seriously here. Try the “In A Pickle,” made with gin or vodka and pickle juice. It’s good, really. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. u
LET’S HEAD SOUTH FOR A FEW QUICK BITES AT OUR FAVORITE OLDEST CITY EATERIES.
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Vilano Beach, Cap’s may well be one of the prettiest places to dine and watch the sunset in North Florida. It has an expansive patio with ancient live oaks and an unimpeded view of classic Florida wetlands. Keeping with the coastal theme, the menu pairs seafood with Southern and Mediterranean flavors. The locally loved Crab Cake Dinner comes in at just under $35. Try the Southern fried pork buns that marry bao buns with local pork and house-pickled veg ($15).
With ‘Tequila Bar’ in the name, it’s no surprise Casa Reina has an extensive cocktail menu featuring an impressive selection of tequila, mezcal and craft drinks. Inspired by Mexican, Latin American and Florida Coastal cuisine, the waterfront dining room and open-air rooftop patios are bright and airy, with dark wood beams, rich azure
tiles and simple, clean lines. Go classic with house-braised tacos, or take it up a notch with the decadent short rib chile relleno, sure to be a new favorite.
This romantic date spot has been featured on numerous ‘Best Of’ lists. It has the low-lit atmosphere of a neighborhood bistro but with a sophisticated twist. Its global menu focuses on scratch-made dishes featuring local seafood, steaks, lamb, and veal prepared with international flavor profiles. Start with velvety beer tenderloin tartare ($20), continue to plump homemade lobster ravioli ($54) and finish with Collage’s signature dessert, Bougainvillea ($12), named after the flowering shrubs thriving just outside the front door.
This fine dining establishment is located inside the luxurious Casa Monica Resort & Spa in the downtown Historic District.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with a decadent weekend brunch, Cordova embraces the flavors of Old World Spain and Morocco. The décor echoes the inspiration with rich jewel tones, custom metalwork and a bespoke private dining room. The menu is bold and flavorful, with dishes such as foraged mushrooms, 16-oz. Allen Brothers prime ribeye, and a Moroccan-spiced grilled branzino.
We love the garden patio at Harry’s in the Oldest City. When the weather is just right and live music is playing, a nicer spot for a drink and bite to eat is hard to find. In fact, as it’s just a steps from the Bridge of Lions, the two-story restaurant is easy to find, mostly because there is usually a line of people out front waiting for table. The
menu is a lengthy homage to New Orleans and the Creole and Cajun fare that came out of the Louisiana bayous. You’ll never go wrong with an order of blackened redfish with collards and rice ($25), French-baked scallops capped with parmesan ($28), or the Andouille-crusted grouper ($29). Of course, the house jambalaya with shrimp, chicken and sausage ($22) is a Harry’s classic. Bayou bloody Mary or a Bourbon Peach Smash cocktail, anyone?
Llama Restaurant is a rich cultural experience, taking Peruvian home- and street-cooking and elevating them into a refined dining experience. Llama’s dining room features the colors and textures of Peru, with living moss artwork and bright, colorful textiles. Meals are created for the palate but plated for the eye. The Anticuchos are served under
a glass cloche filled with woody smoke, evoking the dishes’ street cart roots. The Ceviche Clasico is pure art, exploding with fresh colors and flavors.
Here, the focus is on Argentineinspired, live-fire grilling, making the preparation a performance. It has a bright and airy inside dining room, but the true star is the large, covered patio (there’s even a boat dock for water arrivals). Asado Life just rolled out a new à la carte menu, or diners can enjoy pre-ordered entrees prepared over live fire and ready to eat when you arrive. The 40-oz. tomahawk is a meat-eater’s favorite ($149). Vegetarians can enjoy a smoky, rich ember-roasted spaghetti squash with chimichurri ($35).
Ramen has come out of the dorm room and into a worldclass eatery. Lotus is a culinary exploration of traditional Japanese flavors that is complemented by classical French training. Chef Barry Honan’s menu changes seasonally, with dishes reflecting the available ingredients, but noodles are always at the forefront. Each dish features scratch-prepared components and custom-imported delicacies. The dining room and deck are minimalist and elegant. You can’t miss with the bacon and egg ramen or vegan miso kinoko, both at $26.
Whimsically inventive and utterly original, Odd Birds feels like a stunning tropical apiary, with leafy plants, bold tile and bright red umbrellas dangling from the ceiling. Its food offerings embraces distinctly Latin flavors with a global twist, like cheesy elote gnocchi or the gyro quesadilla. Drinks are served with a flourish at the central bar. Real birds know that behind the restaurant’s central bookcase lies the Charlotte 33 Speakeasy, a nod to the restaurant’s original popup location. Here, bartenders create innovative cocktails using hard-to-find spirits.
Take a step back in the early 20th Century at this restaurant, bar and visitor attraction. Housed in a former ice plant built in 1927, the restaurant embraces the art deco design aesthetic, from the décor to the staff’s outfits. The food and drink program is deeply committed to the farm-to-table ethos, using grass-fed proteins, local seafood and house-pressed juices. The house-made pimento cheese with guava-datil jelly ($14) is a wonderful way to start, but leave room for the skillet fried chicken and hoecakes ($29), a true Southern staple, served with sawmill gravy.
Situated just steps from the front gate of the Castillo de San Marcos, River & Fort is a large, multi-level space that offers several different dining and drinking experiences in one location. The second and third floors have rooftop lounges with cocktails and a limited menu of flatbreads and pizza. The indoor dining room and bar features banks of windows and a shiplap ceiling. Out back, diners can retreat to a covered patio. The menu is packed with Southern continental favorites.
The Fruits de Mar Grand Platter ($85) is a seafood celebration and the rustic chicken thighs and dumplings ($29) are better than Grandma’s. She’d agree with that. u
Fine dining in Northeast Florida attains its pinnacle inside the posh oceanfront resort. Salt, the Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant, only recently reopened following a monthslong reimagining project.
Executive Chef Okan Kizilbayir aims to keep his establishment’s AAA Five Diamond rating, so patrons can expect the same extraordinary cuisine, albeit in a shiny new setting, one dressed in warm woods and bronze metals. Also, Salt has introduced al fresco dining for the first time with the addition of a coastal pergola, the Seaview Terrace, a private space with seating for up to 20. While the menu changes with the seasons, diners should expect dishes such as lightly baked scallops, confit duck, grilled Dover sole ($89), and seared lamb loin with mint jus ($70). For a truly special evening, the Chef’s Tasting Menu—yellowfin tartare, lobster with emulsion of bisque, halibut baked in butter, Wagyu beef, and champagne-poached pear for dessert—may be in order ($195).
David’s, an Amelia Island fine dining institution, is an upscale, contemporary eatery in the historic district of downtown Fernandina Beach. The ambiance is sleek, uncluttered and approachable, letting the food and plates shine. The restaurant is much-loved for its private dining and is focused on quality ingredients and creating a memorable experience. Many dishes have a distinct Southern flair fused with global influences, such as grilled octopus ($25)
dressed with plantain and passion fruit, and the filet lobster Oscar mignon ($69) with Béarnaise sauce.
Walking up to Burlingame feels akin to arriving at a close friend’s home for dinner. The gabled roof and crisp landscaping are the first impressions of a dining gem offering a twist on American classics. The seafood gumbo ($44) is packed with local shrimp, diver scallops and blue lump crab meat. For a fun riff on a classic morning treat, the coffee & donuts ($14) dessert pairs housemade pastry with rich coffee ice cream. The cocktails are delicious and creative, such as the “Young Americans” with vodka, Aperol, St. Elder liqueur, lime and rosemary.
This charming eatery aims to be a haven where patrons can unwind and replenish with a good meal and even better company. There is a warm,
comfortable dining room and a bright, breezy patio, perfect for connecting modern Italian dishes with vegetarian options that go beyond the ordinary, including the rich mushroom stroganoff. Its small plate menu offers a taste of everything, with calamari, she crab soup and a bread board, designed to be shared with someone special.
Lagniappe (lan-yap) is a Louisiana French Creole word meaning “a little something extra.” That ethos runs throughout this establishment. Inside the brick-accented façade is a modern and lush interior, with dark ceilings and intimate lighting, while the patio offers outdoor seating accented by a firepit and a stately live oak tree. Inspired by the culture and flavors of New Orleans, Charleston and Savannah, the menu presents French Creole with unique twists, such the po boy on Leidenheimer’s French Quarter pistolet ($18), and the Country Captain salmon ($32).
Located inside the gates of the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, Bob’s has all the qualities of a classic steakhouse. The menu features prime-cut steaks, chops and seafood. The clubby space features private dining rooms, comfy banquette booths, a large patio surrounded by ancient maritime hammocks and a relaxed lounge complete with a fire pit. The Prime “Côte De Boeuf” Bone-In ribeye ($90) is served with the restaurant’s “famous” glazed carrot and a choice of potatoes. Browse the sommelier-curated wine list for the perfect accompaniment.
With ample natural light and soft wood beams, the Verandah exudes a refined coastal vibe. Enjoy housemade pasta and local seafood prepared with a nod to the Mediterranean. Preparations are simple, allowing the fresh and seasonal ingredients to shine. Start with the tenyear sourdough with butternut squash and sage ($15) and leave room for the tagliatelle stuffed with cold water lobster, local mushrooms and an herb ricotta ($42). The house hazelnut tiramisu features coffee roasted right on Amelia Island.
Rustic wood tables and earth tones immediately announce that Cucina South is going to offer some delicious home-style Italian enhanced with regional Mediterranean accents. The chef’s house-prepared marinara sauce is perfectly paired with the calamari fritte and shines in the marinara pasta. Classic pasta preparations such as carbonara and parmigiana are elevated with impossibly fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation. Sit in one of the two main dining rooms, relax over a drink at the bar or, if the weather permists, enjoy the firepit on the patio. u
For 2025, we decided to include a variety of new voices for this year’s top restaurants feature story. Specifically, we were interested in the opinions of local social media influencers who cover the First Coast foodie scene. So, we asked five Jax social media standouts to share their thoughts on good food and the restaurants they love.
@Snaxsonville 44,000 followers HANNAH & EVAN WERTHMAN
For us, taste and value are the primary drivers for restaurants we like. We’ve found that it’s not always the most expensive or fanciest dish that brings the most joy. Jacksonville has so many chefs and restauranteurs who have honed their craft with flawless execution and boundless creativity, and that’s what makes our food scene special. Ultimately, we’re just a couple of people who love a good meal. We don’t need complexity or luxury. We need a place to take our toddler for a treat, a great meal after a hard day, or a place where we can go on a date and enjoy each other’s company.
@Snaxsonville’s Top 10:
@904Dates 10,600 followers TATTY T
Gator’s Ice Cream. This husband and wife team are so sweet. You can tell she loves making ice cream. They have over 100 flavors made from scratch. They also have sugarfree and dairy-free options. My current favorite flavor is Ube Rocky Road.
2,000
TRATTORIA DI BERNARDONE:
I love this restaurant. Everything is made from scratch and their wine comes from small vineyards in Italy. The owners invested in such a large and extravagant space, but not enough people know about it.
SAYSO SWEETS:
Their brunch is amazing and the owner is the absolute sweetest. I love their Ube chicken and waffles.
Koushinryou. Love the beautiful wooden booths that they had Japanese exchange students paint. I order the Japanese katsu curry and sometimes a sando made with their fluffy milk bread.
Baker’s Son. If it’s your first time, I suggest going to baked goods displays at the front and asking for a few suggestions. I recommend the Dubai chocolate croissant, Carioca, which is chewy coconut balls with a sweet glaze.
Sichuan Kitchen. If you love Chinese food and want to explore more of that cuisine, you must visit. I took my exchange student from Guangzhou here and told her to order for the table. We had
BARLEY AND PIE:
This brewery opened last year and specializes in sourdough pizzas. The pizzas are so good and it’s a great place to hang out for an afternoon or watch sports.
THE BOATHOUSE:
Everything is incredibly fresh and the interior is beautiful. The service is always top-tier every time I have visited.
ARGYLE:
I celebrated my anniversary here with my husband and will never forget the wonderful food and service. This is a great restaurant for special occasions.
FLO’S PREMIUM ICE CREAM:
The owner is very sweet and constantly tries to come up with unique ideas and flavors. They did an ice cream advent calendar this year and I loved it.
DON EDUARDO:
A beautiful restaurant and perfect for a girls’
the best eggplant dish I’ve ever tasted.
Inoodle. The Tonkotsu ramen is a must, if I’m not feeling well. This broth takes 36 hours to make, and they make their noodles from scratch. I feel so much better after this meal.
Blue San Marco. The fried green tomato burrata is wonderful. If you have an event Downtown, I recommend coming here afterwards for their late-night happy hour at the bar, 9 PM to close weekdays.
Bartaco. This new restaurant is gorgeous. I love the braised duck taco and pork belly taco. Afterwards, you can walk through Memorial Park in Riverside
night. The food and drinks are also very good. I have had great experiences since they changed management, but I think too many people previously had a negative experience. Don’t let that dissuade you.
PIE95:
I love the Bianca pizza here. The owner always makes sure everyone enjoys the experience.
SANDBAR JAX BEACH: This is inside the new Marriott and a hidden gem. It is more of an upscale beach bar with really good food. They have floor-toceiling windows, so you have the best view of the beach.
THE DISTRICT:
I love this unique restaurant. They have yurts outside diners can reserve, if you are looking to do something fun with friends. They serve really good brunch and happy hour specials, too.
Vagabond Korean
Steakhouse. Let the staff know it’s your first time at this do-it-yourself barbecue spot. Try all the dipping sauces and wraps and keep an eye on your meat so you don’t over-cook.
The French Pantry. You’ll be too full to eat dessert, but buy some for later. The wedding cake has fresh strawberries between each vanilla layer, cream cheese icing, and shaved white chocolate. You must try the bruschetta.
Eleon Pizza & Pastry. The dessert case is stunning. The blueberry tart is a favorite. I need to try the brunch with croissant sandwiches and bring lots of friends to tackle one of the monster shakes.
@sociall.feeds 80,800 followers ASHLEY
On a daily basis, I look for food that tastes fresh and made with love. Presentation is nice, but as long as the food is good, the other characteristics don’t matter much to me. I’m the kind of person who will drive through a main road and read all the restaurant signs and when one stands out to me, I’ll stop by to learn more about it or, if it’s a food truck, I take a picture of it to follow it on instagram.
Some days might be a girls’ night, a birthday, or a big celebration. For those, I look at not only great food, but also the ambiance. Do they accommodate large parties? Is the restaurant nice for pictures? Is it more of a bar/lounge vibe or dinner?
1. Le Petit Paris Cafe. Le Petit is my all time favorite cafe in Jacksonville. It feels like a little escape to Paris and has a great balance of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and bakery options. I love how it can be a great spot to
10,100 followers
KATRICE SHORTER
NORIKASE. A beautiful restaurant with a chill vibe, and the best Omakase in town. The Brown Butter Shima Aji is a delectable starter, buttery and delicious. The Surf and Turf Roll made with Japanese a5 Wagyu beef is not to be missed. I get it every single time I visit. Lastly, their cocktails are delicious and refreshing.
ORSAY. They serve beautiful French food, so it’s no wonder they’re a local favorite. You
meet up for lunch with a friend, or you can have a solo work day with a great ambiance. Favorites: Blueberry merlot iced tea, Lobster Bisque, Berry Tart
2. Sr. Ceviche. Best Peruvian restaurant in Jacksonville, hands down. From taste to presentation, they check all the boxes. They are known for their ceviche, which is probably the best ceviche I’ve had. It’s great for date night, and they also have great lunch specials. Favorites: Ceviche de Rocoto, Lomo Saltado, Arroz de Mariscos
3. Gyro 365. This family owned Mediterranean spot is a hidden gem located in Mandarin that I visit weekly. The food always tastes very fresh, and is all made from scratch. Also, the owners are very sweet. Favorites: Chicken gyro rice plate with hummus, baklava, stuffed grape leaves
4. Spice Grill. The menu offers a combination of North and South Indian cuisines, as well as a few innovative dishes like wraps that are great. Everything tastes fresh, especially their gobi Manchurian and paneer tikka bites. Plus, they have a homemade ginger soda that’s a perfect summer drink. Favorites: Gobi Manchurian, Paneer Tikka Bites, Ginger Lime Soda
5. Mama’s Pizza. Although this is my family’s restaurant, I included it in my Top 10 because I am proud and love the food we serve. Our restaurant has taught me to love pizza and wings, which were typically not my first choices of food before. Favorites: Honey
must try the Beef Wellington, as well as the Bouillabaisse. Both are divine. Their desserts are amazing, too.
OCEANA. If you tell me you want oysters, it’s Oceana. Immediately! For me it was love at first bite. The kimchi mignonette is so good you can drink it by the boat load. Love the aesthetics, as well. All around good vibes at Oceana.
SAFE HARBOR SEAFOOD. Some of the best seafood in town. Doesn’t matter if you want it steamed, fried, or blackened, it’s coming out delicious. I love that you can also shop for freshly caught seafood to take home, as well. A local gem.
CAROLINA JAX BURGERS. Hands down, some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. They’re big, juicy, and delicious—like a burger is supposed to be.
CHEF LOVE SOL CUISINE
FOOD TRUCK. The oxtail breakfast bowls is a star. The
garlic & Cajun ranch wings, Penne Alla Vodka Pasta, Philly Cheese Steak Sub
6. Nudo Vietnamese Cuisine. As a lover of Vietnamese food, Nudo covers all the options— whether your in the mood for pho or a banh mi sandwich. The menu is so fresh and flavorful and always hits the spot. Favorites: Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Shaken Beef, Beef Pho
7. Food 4 Da Soul. Another hidden gem, located in “Outeast” Jax. Chef Tramaine is not only the sweetest, but also makes the best soul food with Caribbean infusions. Favorites: Rasta pasta with shrimp and salmon, candied yams, oxtail fries, mac and cheese
8. Easy Açaí. I enjoy Brazilian-owned Açaí spots because the açaí is often more concentrated and the base is not mixed with other fruits. Easy Açaí serves highly concentrated açaí and toppings like condensed milk, milk powder, and paçoca, that are used in Brazil. Favorites: Açaí cup with condensed milk, milk powder, and strawberries, pão de queijo
9. Balkan Cafe. As the name says, this cafe serves Balkan sandwiches, salads, coffee, and homemade cakes. They’re known for their Cevapi and Pljeskavica, which are packed with meat and made fresh daily. Favorites: Cevapi, Pljeskavica, Balkan salad, cake of the day
10. Bella Vista. This Italian-American restaurant has all the Italian favorites such as Cacio e Pepe, made in a Cheese wheel that is to die for. From the food to the hospitable service, Bella Vista checks every box. Favorites: Cacio e Pepe, Short rib mushroom ravioli, chicken parmesan
portion is generous and the oxtails are so tender and flavorful. I’ve never had them with grits and eggs but it works so beautifully. Delish!
KAIROS. The restaurant has a large variety of options from which to choose. And coming from someone who has tried just about everything, I can say it’s all delicious. From freshpressed juices and smoothies to build your own protein bowls, you can’t go wrong at Kairos.
CATULLO’S ITALIAN. Anytime someone asks me for a recommendation for a good Italian restaurant, Catullo’s always comes to mind. An absolute must-have from the menu is the Pear Fiocchi. It is so delectable and, if you add seared scallops for a little razzle-dazzle, you’ll be happy you did.
MARIANAS GRINDS. If you’re craving Polynesian food, go to Marianas. And when you go, get the Chamorro Fiesta Plate with Island
style short ribs, fried chicken, Chamorro rice, kimchi and pancit. You will savor this ultra-flavorful meal.
TAQUERIA CINCO. Any day that ends in “y” is a good day for tacos and Taqueria Cinco is my go-to. Some of my favorites include the Chicken Tinga tacos and Birria taquitos, but my absolute fave is the Ribeye Cecina taco.
I love dining experiences that allow me to engage multiple senses. I appreciate aesthetics, the visual appeal, and sense of atmosphere in a restaurant, as well as the quality and creativity of the cuisine. However, I have to say the most important aspect of choosing a restaurant—besides the food and aesthetics—is quality customer service and how guests are made to feel while dining. Additionally, I enjoy exploring new flavors and dining concepts, and curated dining experiences that blend culture and culinary excellence. u
FEBRUARY 27, 6:30-9:30PM
EverBank Stadium
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Gala is returning to the field at EverBank Stadium on Thursday, February 27. Guests will enjoy delicious wines and cuisine from a unique and unforgettable perspective—the field itself. While strolling around the gridiron, they will have the chance to mingle with high-profile community members, wine enthusiasts, gourmets, Jacksonville sports elites and other Jay Fund supporters. All proceeds from the evening support area families who have a child with cancer.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will provide hundreds of fine and artisanal wines to excite wine enthusiasts and novices alike. The event features dishes from over 30 of Northeast Florida’s top restaurants, with a blend of classic southern comfort foods, flavors of the coast and a dash of international flair.
The Jay Fund is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that provides financial, emotional and practical support to help 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 passed away in 1992 after being diagnosed with leukemia. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, the Jay Fund is part of the team, allowing parents and caregivers to focus 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 so they can focus on caring for their sick child,” says Keli Coughlin, CEO of the Jay Fund. “By wrapping our arms around the entire family with financial and emotional help, we hope to show them they are not alone.”
To date, the Jay Fund has provided $28 million in assistance to over 5,800 families facing pediatric cancer. Prepare to swirl, sniff, and savor your way through an evening filled with exquisite wines, gourmet pairings, and unforgettable moments—all in support of a great cause. BE THERE to raise a glass at this one-of-a-kind venue as we walk alongside these families and support them throughout every step of their cancer journeys.
To purchase tickets, please visit tcjayfund.org/wine.
Take a glimpse at the individual tastes and preferences of Coach Coughlin and some of our featured chefs who will be serving delicious bites at the annual Wine Tasting Gala.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille: Blackened redfish topped with crab meat served with corn maque choux, smashed potatoes and finished with Louisiana beurre blanc, paired with Banshee Pinot Noir
Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequilla: Pan-seared grouper with tequila lime cream sauce, pico, cilantro and fresh guacamole. Served with black beans and white rice, paired with Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay
River & Post: 14 oz. grilled Cheshire pork chop with hoppin’ John topped with a bacon jam. It is fabulously paired with Antinori Peppoli Chianti.
Zuppa di Pesce Italian seafood stew with clams, mussels, shrimp and cod, simmered in a tomato, white wine and fennel broth paired with Justin Cabernet Sauvignon.
As we prepare for the Wine Tasting Gala, I extend heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and attended this event in the past. Your presence amplifies our collective strength and reaffirms the power of teamwork to achieve a common goal. With deepest appreciation, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bold Events and the entire community who rallies behind our cause.
Together, we can and will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families tackling childhood cancer.
With gratitude, THANK YOU!
The Wine Tasting Gala is more than just a celebration where guests can sample fine wines and delicious food—it is an opportunity to come together and make a meaningful impact in the lives of local families struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables while getting through their most difficult days as they care for a child with cancer.
One such family, the Andersons, had their world turned upside down when their youngest son, Griffin, was diagnosed with cancer at just two years old. Griffin’s complex treatment schedule required his mother, Catherine, to step away from her job, significantly reducing their family’s income. Juggling medical bills and travel expenses to and from treatment centers, along with caring for three other children, created an immense financial burden for the Anderson family. With the high cost of food, providing everyday essentials has become increasingly difficult.
Griffin’s family isn’t alone. Over the past year the Jay Fund has seen a substantial increase in requests for food assistance—a whopping 52% uptick in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to 2023.
To address this urgent need for food support, the Jay Fund partnered with THE PLAYERS Championship, Winn-Dixie and the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation for a shopping spree for eleven Jacksonville-area families who have a child with cancer. These families filled their carts with much needed groceries, pantry staples and household essentials without having to worry about the cost.
“The grocery shopping spree was an unexpected blessing,” Catherine says. “It allowed us to stock up on meat and fresh fruit and vegetables, school snacks for the kids, a few household necessities and some of our kiddo’s favorite treats (that we often have to say no to) and provided a muchneeded financial relief. Overall, it was a great distraction from the regular challenges of Griffin’s cancer treatments!”
The Wine Tasting Gala is just one way the Jay Fund raises funds to provide vital assistance to families like Griffin’s. With support from our generous sponsors, donors and guests, the Jay Fund can continue to help ease the burdens on these families, allowing them to focus on what matters most—caring for their sick child.
We look forward to seeing you at the Wine Tasting Gala! u
Reading through the dozens of nomination submissions we receive from First Coast businesses hoping to be named as one of the year’s Companies With Heart honorees is always a challenging yet enjoyable task. Challenging because some of the submissions are pages long, filled with examples of contributions to nonprofit organizations, volunteer hours served, fundraisers hosted or attended and results achieved because of the charitable efforts of company staff. Those same things make reviewing the nominations enjoyable, as well, because they paint a picture of the sizable steps so many local businesses—both big and small—take each year to contribute to our community. And contribute they do.
A good measuring stick with which one can put the Northeast Florida region’s charitable side into perspective is the Community Foundation. Since 1964, this grassroots group has operated as a charitable distribution center of sorts. Individuals, businesses and others give monetary donations to the Community Foundation which, in turn, are doled out to
worthy causes of all kinds. Since inception, it has received more than $1 billion in gifts and made more than $750 million in grants. In 2023 alone, the organization was gifted $88 million and sent out over $75 million. Three-quarters of the money went to local nonprofits, while 12 percent went to points elsewhere in Florida and the remainder was given to causes across the nation.
All of that from one organization based in Jacksonville. Multiply those efforts again and again, year after year. That should give you good idea of the amount of giving done here and across Northeast Florida.
Featured here are this year’s 20 Companies With Heart honorees, highlighting some of the notable partnerships and actions they undertook in the last year. We applaud their past efforts in the areas of philanthropy, volunteerism, environmental stewardship and overall spirit of giving back. We’re blessed that they are part of the city and regions. Congratulations to all of the honorees. Keep up the good work.
♥ Philanthropy at CTI involves the donation of time and talent to various organizations within the communities where we live. We believe we have an obligation to leave a legacy, a positive impres sion of what people will know and perceive of us as an organiza tion and individually as CTI employees. Our philosphy statement is: “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.” This means encouraging, empowering and recognizing our employees when they make a diffference by exhibiting our CTI Life Applications. They are:
1. Patient. I have self-control in difficult situations.
2. Kind. I show encouragement, enthusiasm, and make someone’s day better.
3. Trusting. I place confidence in those around me.
4 Unselfish. I think of myself less.
5. Truthful. I define reality corporately and individually.
6. Forgiving. I release the grip of the grudge.
7. Dedicated. I stick to our values in all circumstances.
Organizations our employees have volunteered for include Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida. Our employees volunteered hours for reading tutoring for Adult Literacy. Care4Communities is a ministry in Honduras that our employees volunteer for annually. This year they continued the build for schoolrooms for Honduran children. In addi tion, we have volunteers that teach English as a second language to the children when they go on the mission trips here.
♥ At JWB Real Estate Companies, we measure our success in com munity involvement by the positive impact we create in the lives of others and the growth we see in our community. Our efforts align with the four focus areas for the Companies With Heart award, and we’re proud to share how we make a difference. For example, At JWB, we prioritize using efficient appliances and recycling, making thoughtful choices to benefit both our residents and the community. Philanthropy is at the heart of what we do. Since 2017, our charitable foundation, JWB Cares, has worked tirelessly to give back to Jacksonville. We’re proud of the financial support we provide to local initiatives, knowing it has a meaningful impact. Arts and culture are vital to a thriving community, and we’re excited to support events such as Jacksonville PorchFest and SPAR’s initiatives in Springfield.
The Southeast’s premier general contractor specializing in multifamily construction. Since 1998, LandSouth Construction has built over 30,000 units. www.landsouth.com
Volunteering is a cornerstone of our culture at JWB. Our team regularly rolls up their sleeves to support community events, from serving meals to participating in beautification projects. Our leaders set the tone, actively participating in initiatives that inspire others to get involved. We believe that hands-on action is one of the most powerful ways to give back.
♥ In 2024, we had the opportunity to give back in ways that reflect how much we care about our community and its growth. We participated in Dreams Come True Walk, supporting children with life-threatening illnesses, and took part in STEAM Goes Red with the American Heart Association, helping young women in health and science. Through The Twelve Days of Giving, we offered elements of warmth for those in need in the cold months. Each of these efforts felt like a small way to show love for the community we are proud to be a part of and to contribute to its continued growth and well-being. In addition, employees volunteered to do yard work and wash cars for the veterans at K9s for Warriors.
♥ By fostering environmental stewardship, giving back through philanthropy, celebrating arts and culture, and engaging in volunteerism, River City Science Academy aims to instill a sense of purpose and community in our students while making a meaningful impact in Northeast Florida. Our environmental stewardship metrics of success are student participation in environmental education and activities across a variety of projects promoting sustainability and conservation, a positive impact on our local ecosystem, and the awareness of the issues our future generations will face with the empowerment and tools to make change. Some projects from the last year include: student-led recycling programs including collecting and properly disposing of paper, plastics, and electronics, inclusion in our schools-wide green initiative of providing tumblers to staff and students to cut down on plastic and paper use, STEM challenges such as building renewable energy models, participating in beach and community cleanup efforts, and collaborations with organizations such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, and St. Johns Riverkeeper who offer our community workshops and hands-on activities on conservation.
Our school’s culture of character is anchored in what we do to give back. Every month of the school year is dedicated to giving. In August, our students donated hundreds of school supplies to South American young people in a community developing a formal school system. In September, in partnership with Goodwill, students brought their donations to their school’s drop off line to help those in need. For October philanthropy, In partnership with Pink Ribbon Jax, students dress down fundraising directly benefitted underserved women in need of detection services for breast cancer and to raise awareness.
inclusion and health and wellness. We examine metrics such as the number of community members reached, employee volunteer hours, corporate donations and company-matched employee donations. Crowley demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through initiatives like supporting environmental education programs and promoting habitat restoration projects in the communities we serve. For example, we actively sponsor and participate in coastal clean-ups and other events to protect marine ecosystems, reflecting our dedication to preserving the planet for future generations. This year, Crowley contributed over $1 million in charitable donations, funding scholarships, workforce development programs and community organizations aligned with our pillars such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, Rethreaded and Wreaths Across America.
Crowley supports arts and culture initiatives that celebrate diversity and bring communities together. This includes sponsoring cultural heritage events such as the Jax Melanin Markets that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the communities where we operate. Through partnerships with local organizations, we foster creative opportunities and cultural education for underserved populations.
♥ LandSouth has an Owning Our Footprint Initiative that involves community involvement and giving back. For example, we have donated unused lumber and building supplies to Habitat ReStores in a variety of locations. We sponsor a multitude of non-profit organizations including Hunger Fight, Kids in Need Foundation, Once Upon A Room Halloween event, Beaches Habitat for Humanity, Beaches Boys & Girls Club, and many more. WIth our emphasis in children and education, we have donated paper, art and offices supplies, and event decorations to area schools in need. And LandSouth volunteers at a variety of events throughout the year: Seamark Mud Run, Hunger Fight, Kids in Need Backpacking event, Beaches Habitat for Humanity builds, and many more.
One employee, Bob McDonald has been instrumental in participating in multiple builds and has also brought on young women’s high schools teams to volunteer for service hours, and also learn about the construction field. He has worked with Bartram Trail High School’s Girls Softball Team, and most recently with Dana Webb, our VP of Finance, who hosted the Ponte Vedra High School JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball teams at a build for a deserving veteran.
♥ Our company has been committed to assisting Dreams Come True since 2013, and has found multiple ways to support the organization’s mission of using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to local children and their families facing life threatening Illnesses. In 2024 alone, the company donated more than $50,000 to Dreams Come True. These activities have included raising more than $258,000 though fundraising events and corporate donations to sponsor the dreams of 44 children in Northeast Florida. The company’s Realtors and employees have participated in dream parties hosted for each of their sponsored dreams. And last year, the company hosted and sponsored its third annual Dreams Come True Charity Golf Tournament to raise funds for the organization.
♥ At Crowley, we measure the success of our community involvement by assessing the tangible impact of our efforts across our four key areas of focus—education, environmental sustainability, diversity, equity and
The company’s Realtors and employees provide volunteer support to more than 50 local charitable organizations. The initiatives include sponsorships, donations, board service and volunteerism. The beneficiaries include BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry), Blessings in a Backpack,
the Donna Foundation, Family Support Services, Feeding Northeast Florida and other area food banks, Matanzas Riverkeeper, Pink Up the Pace, Pace Center for Girls, RAP (Riverside Avondale Preservation), Toys for Tots, neighborhood schools, churches and first responders, and others.
We plan to continue our partnership with Dreams Come True in 2025. For the other organizations that we are able to work with in 2025, we hope to make a difference through monetary donations and volunteering.
♥ Our company contributes to many different organizations throughout the year. In 2024, we participated in several fundraisers, including our United Way snacks box benefitting United Way of Northeast Florida. We provide the ability for employees to select a charitable organization they are passionate about and donate to the organization through payroll deduction. Additionally, we contributed to World Central Kitchen in support of hurricane relief efforts with donations raised from an office bake-off.
Notable employee involvement include Austin Wynn, a partner with Ennis Pullum, who is the Treasurer for The Florida Theatre. Jeremy Hall, a tax manager, is the Treasurer for North Florida Archers. The firm participated in many volunteer opportunities over the past year, such as cleaning and painting apartments for the Children’s Home Society. The apartments provide safe, stable housing for young adults ages 18 to 23 who have exited foster care without families and for teen moms exiting the Teen Parent Program. In addition, every year, we adopt four families to provide Thanksgiving baskets through United Way and Duval County Full-Service Schools, who we also partner with each year for Stuff the Bus.
♥ At Coastal Wealth, philanthropy is integral to our values. We actively support local charitable and civic organizations, contributing to causes that enhance our community’s well-being. Our team’s dedication to making a difference is evident through donations and support for community-driven causes. Volunteering is a cornerstone of our community engagement. Our team members actively participate in various initiatives, dedicating time and resources to support essential causes.
In 2024 at Coastal Wealth, we believe that contributing to our communities is more than a responsibility; it’s an honor. One of the causes closest to our hearts is the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimers. This event, held in Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, brings people together to raise awareness and essential funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. In addition, each year, Coastal Wealth team members volunteer their time with Feeding America, distributing meals to families in need and assisting in food bank initiatives. These volunteer days in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are a powerful way for our team to connect with and support those facing food insecurity. The holiday season is a reminder of the importance of compassion and support. Through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, we help spread holiday joy by adopting “Angels”— local children in need—and fulfilling their holiday wish lists.
♥ Locally, Haskell team members from across the company participate in activities incorporating sustainability and environmental awareness in the community. One example of this is our partnership with Green Apple Day of Service, which gives parents, teachers, and students the opportunity to partner with local companies and organizations to transform neighborhood schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments. Our employees and leadership are passionate about assisting for the greater good and conducting our operations to be a responsi-
ble corporate citizen in every location. This approach has been a part of the Haskell tradition since 1965 and is embedded in our values and corporate philosophy. Corporate giving is focused on education, arts and culture and the relief of human suffering but extends to other areas, including serving those who serve others.
This past year, Haskell supported more than 400 philanthropic partners, and its team members are extremely active in worthy causes. We are the largest benefactor and supplier of work hours to HabiJax, and this year’s United Way drive set a company record again. We also made large, directed commitments to the Together Strong Community Fund, which uses education and conversation to combat bias.
Volunteerism or Service is a part of the corporate philosophy of giving back. Haskell pays four hours per month for volunteer time during regular work hours. Haskell believes it is important to recognize the thoughtful ways our team members share their talent, time, and treasure for the greater good of society. As a company, we challenge our team members to “Live the Values” and be champions for causes. Inspiring others to participate and rally together builds friendships, pride, and stronger teams—and ties directly to our values.
♥ Our credit union has a simple purpose, which is to Do Good. This philosophy traces back to our founding in 1952 and guides every decision we make today. Those decisions include donating millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year, and to our employees, completing thousands of hours of volunteerism to improve the world around us.
Last year, VyStar donated more than $7 million to over 400 nonprofit organizations, and VyStar employees personally volunteered over 33,000 hours. Our employees actively serve on 158 nonprofit boards, leveraging their skills and expertise to further support and strengthen our community. We provide employees with paid time off to support the community by volunteering for a charity of their choice. Full-time employees can utilize up to 8 hours annually, while part-time employees can use up to 6 hours annually to volunteer at a charity. Additionally, through our Pay It Forward Donation Program, the company donates up to $100 to the charity of their choice once they meet their volunteer hour threshold. Last year, we contributed over $89,500 through this program.
♥ Since 2019, Baptist Health has donated a portion of the food from our 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.
More than 800 original works of art by local and national artists are on display within Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, demonstrating the transcendent power art can have in the healing process. The wide-ranging art collection includes five major commissioned works that reflect the outpatient cancer center’s exceptional level of care and enhance the patient experience for families and visitors. “The Circle,” a red granite sculpture located in the cancer center’s first-floor atrium, recently garnered its donors “The Art of Giving” award from the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Also, Baptist Health sponsors or supports a variety of cultural events in the Jacksonville area, including the Wolfson Children’s Challenge, the Florida Forum Speakers Series, the River City Pride Festival, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Art with a Heart in Healthcare, and the annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament.
♥ The use of sustainable materials and products is prioritized at Stellar job sites whenever possible and actively pursue recycling initiatives during demolition and renovation projects. The commitment extends to constructing eco-friendly buildings, with many of them achieving LEED certification. These buildings are designed to minimize their carbon footprints and incorporate advanced technologies that save energy and water. Notably, our Commercial Division headquarters has earned the prestigious LEED Silver Certification. This facility features innovations such as energy-efficient windows, touchless faucets, automatic flush valves, waterless urinals, a reflective roof, and other state-of-the-art elements, making it one of the first LEED-certified structures in Jacksonville.
The company’s philanthropic efforts are a key part of its mission to foster community involvement and improvement. By supporting important organizations like the Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH), and the YMCA, Stellar aims to enhance the local quality of life. Our contributions to the construction of MOSH Genesis and our ongoing donations demonstrate our commitment to revitalizing downtown Jacksonville, promoting educational advancement in Duval County, and preserving local heritage. In our outreach initiatives, we collaborate with organizations such as Food Brings Hope, UF Health, Dreams Come True, and Community Hospice to address social challenges and support vulnerable populations. Our efforts, including coordinating Thanksgiving baskets and upcoming Christmas partnerships, showcase our proactive approach to making a significant impact, particularly during the holiday season.
♥ Community involvement is deeply ingrained in Root Realty’s company values. We strive to make a positive impact by aligning our efforts with initiatives that benefit Jacksonville and beyond. Philanthropy is at the core of what we do. In 2024, The Run Home 5K raised nearly $30,000 to support Sulzbacher Village, which provides housing and services for homeless women and families, and Rethreaded, an organization empowering survivors of human trafficking. This annual event allows us to foster meaningful change and demonstrate our commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of our community.
In addition, we focus on showcasing and supporting local businesses as sponsors to bring the community together. During The Run Home 5K, we partner with a variety of Jacksonville-based businesses, from coffee shops to food trucks, creating a strong sense of local pride. These partnerships not only enhance the event experience but also highlight the vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit of our city. By connecting neighbors with the incredible businesses in their backyard, we foster a deeper appreciation for the unique culture that makes Jacksonville special.
♥ In 2024, THE PLAYERS diverted 51.7 tons of waste from landfills, recycled 77,532 pounds of materials, donated 9,469 pounds of food to local organizations, and composted 15,180 pounds of food waste. The tournament and organization has given back over $110 million to Northeast Florida since our inception, supporting more than 300 local nonprofits. THE PLAYERS celebrates our region’s culture by featuring local restaurants, artists, and brands in the fan shop. We also fund and donate to programs that support the arts here in Northeast Florida.
For 2024, we would like to recognize the 2,000 volunteers at THE PLAYERS Championship who dedicated over 66,981 service hours throughout the event. Their tireless efforts, from supporting various community initiatives to ensuring the smooth operation of the tournament, play a crucial role in the event’s success. These volunteers embody the spirit of giving back and make a lasting impact on both the tournament and Northeast Florida.
In 2025, THE PLAYERS Championship will continue to support the community through a variety of initiatives. This includes offering $50,000 grants as part of an updated PLAYERS Grants program, celebrating our 50th anniversary and benefiting local organizations. Additionally, we will support the community through our fundraising programs, volunteer efforts, event sponsorships, and other charitable activities.
♥ Wingard’s vision statement of “Realized Potential: For our Client Partners, our Community, and our People” is exemplified in the company’s focus on philanthropy and volunteering. In total, the company provided more than $260,000 in discounted, in-kind, donations, and sponsorship support to area nonprofits in the past twelve months. Inkind and discounted services included creative, public relations, website design and development, social media management, and marketing strategy. Examples of these principles in action include: Dedicating a portion of 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; Downtown Vision, a nonprofit dedicated to improving life and business in the center of the city; and Feeding Northeast Florida, the region’s largest food bank and hunger relief network.
This past year, company employees participated in two group volunteer outings, one with the Hubbard House throwing a birthday party for their shelter residence, and another with Feeding Northeast Florida sorting food. Many team members spent time volunteering at races the DONNA Foundation hosted, and the office hosted a couple of field trips for City Year Jacksonville Student Success Coaches to learn more about what a career in communications can look like.
♥ The philosophy of “Building with Heart” lies at the very core of Riverside Homes. Through philanthropy, volunteer work, and environmental initiatives, the Riverside Homes team exemplifies their commitment to giving back and safeguarding the community where they live, work, and play. As a team and as individuals, the company donates generously both monetarily and with volunteer hours to a wide variety of causes, including: Builders Care, The Healing Hearts Project, Hunger Fight, Best Buddies, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, and The Will King Foundation.
The company is deeply honored to have built this year’s ‘Home from the Heart,’ an extraordinary project dedicated to raising vital funds for Builders Care, the charitable arm of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA). Builders Care focuses on delivering cost-effective construction solutions for the elderly, disabled, and other nonprofits throughout the First Coast. The sale of this special home generated a direct donation to Builders Care, significantly bolstering their mission and annual budget. In June 2024, Riverside Homes’ owners, Chris Wood and Matt Roberts, presented a groundbreaking donation of $214,000 to Builders Care—a contribution that not only set a new record for the ‘Home from the Heart’ initiative but also marked the largest single donation ever received by the organization.
♥ Our tagline, “We Bring the Bank to You,” applies equally to our business model and our community involvement philosophy. In 2024, we continued to find creative ways to engage our team in service initiatives. We found success in this goal by deepening our engagement with Operation New Hope, Rethreaded, Beaches Go Green, and the Raines High School JROTC program. Whether helping a family achieve the dream of homeownership, funding a loan that will allow a small business to grow, coming together to create a brighter holiday season for foster children, or participating in virtual awareness and fundraising walks, we aim to put passion behind what we do and improve our community in the process.
Florida Capital Bank’s employee-led corporate social responsibility program focuses primarily on organizations, groups, and events that improve lives in Northeast Florida. From buying holiday gifts for children in the foster care system, to raising funds and awareness through walks with the Operation New Hope and the Baldwin Corporate Run, American Lung Association and American Heart Association, individual members of Florida Capital Bank’s team made a difference for neighbors who will never know their names. In total, the bank made direct donations totaling more than $100,000 to organizations across its service areas to including Five Star Veteran Fishing Tournament, Operation New Hope Charity Run, Down Syndrome Charity Golf Tournament, Angelwood Annual Gala, City Rescue, Armed Forces Veterans, We Care Inc., Nemours Fund Foundation, Dress for Success, and Family Support Services’ Be An Angel Program.
♥ Ascension St. Vincent’s commitment to the community reflects its mission to serve all people, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Caring for the community involves not only providing medical treatment, but also engaging with and supporting the community to address their unique needs, improving overall health. The Mobile Health Outreach Ministry provided nearly 10,300 adult and pediatric care visits, over $2.7 million in medical care value. Also, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided $582,040 in support to 2,447 patients, assisting with transportation, infusions, medical equipment, respite care, and dialysis support.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside partners with local schools to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. Last year, it launched a program in partnership with Duval County Public Schools that allows students at Westside High School to work alongside associates inside the hospital and achieve their Certified Nursing Assistant licensce (CNA.) It also works with St. Paul’s School to create Operation H.E.R.O. (Health Education, Resources, and Opportunities), a program that merges STEM, emphasizing medicine and science, through monthly experiences led by Ascension physicians. In its 31st year, volunteers and associates from Ascension St. Vincent’s will prepare approximately 1,100 warm Thanksgiving meals for local seniors in need, providing many the only warm meal they will receive that day.
♥ Vested Metals held its second annual charity golf tournament in 2024, raising and giving away over $71,000 to local non-profit organizations—bringing our two year total to over $131,000 as we march towards our goal of raising and giving more than $1,000,000 in a decade. Vested also sponsors various events in the community throughout the year supporting organizations such as Adaptive Superstars, Speakeasy for a Cause supporting the American Cancer Society, Flagler College Athletics, local little league and youth sports teams and others.
The Vested Metals team spends time volunteering throughout the year, including building ramps for homeowners in need with the St. Johns Housing Partnership, sponsoring and hosting a Boys and Girls Club annual Christmas party, taking part in the Seamark Ranch Mud Run fundraiser, raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as other individual serving, mentoring, and giving opportunities on community boards and organizations. We plan to continue our volunteering work with The Boys and Girls Club, Seamark Ranch, St. Johns Housing Partnership, and to hold our third annual charity golf tournament in the spring of 2025, in hopes of raising as much as $100,000 at the event. u
BY LAUREN WEEDON HOPKINS | PHOTOS BY JESSIE PREZA
How does an interior designer choose to decorate her own home? “I am used to making many decisions every day and quickly for my clients,” says Coleen Norris, founder of Nesting Place Interiors. But when it came to creating her own space, it was not as straightforward. “As a designer, I see and feel and experience so many ideas,” she says.
Coleen and her husband of 34 years, John, have been blessed to build several homes over the years, and it had always been a dream to live right on the ocean. They found an untouched lot in Ponte Vedra Beach in 2020 and enlisted architect Michael Stauffer to create their sanctuary.
Coleen prefers to work from the outside first, then to the inside. Her vision for the home’s exterior was inspired by her travels abroad as well as nearby Alys Beach, Florida,
”Watching the sunrise is one of my favorite things about living on the beach.”
with its European coastal architecture and pristine white sand. “I knew I wanted the exterior design to have a Dutch Colonial feel,” she says. The finished look was a unique concept for her neighborhood, including parapets and gambrel roofs with curved eaves.
It took nearly three years for the home build. Unfortunately, the construction start was delayed due to the need to relocate the gopher tortoises’ habitat on the undeveloped lot. Once the protected animals were moved to safety, builder Heritage Homes Jax began their work. The 4,800 square home was completed in the fall of 2023.
Coleen describes the home’s interior as “very relaxed, with a French flair” as well as functional to accommodate sandy feet and playful puppy, Banks. The rough-sawn, whitewashed distressed beams, sourced from barns in nearby Callahan, and multiple reclaimed French doors from an antique dealer in Alabama, are standout interior features for Coleen. “I love their old-world charm,” she says.
Coleen’s passion for creating beauty began at a young age. From her childhood in Alexandria, Virginia, she was always immersed in designing and crafting, driven by a boundless enthusiasm for making things. She nurtured her creativity further while studying at Flagler College
in St. Augustine. After graduating, Coleen pursued careers in design and hospitality in the Washington, DC area. Following her time with Scalamandre at the DC Design Center, she was inspired to launch her own independent interior design firm in 2010.
Today, as the founder of Nesting Place Interiors, Coleen channels her passion into designing beautiful, functional spaces for her clients. By blending style and practicality, she creates environments that capture the essence of each client. Her designs are a balance of sophistication, simplicity, and elegance.
Since the Norrises love to entertain, their home’s outdoor spaces are a focal point. “We love to have Low Country boils under the pergola and play bocce ball with friends on the weekend,” she says. They also have
“My husband has recently gotten into bourbons, so I thought it would be fun to have a section of our wine room dedicated to his bourbon collection.”
a putting green and a golf simulator, which are favorites of John’s.
To capitalize on its beachfront location, the architect designed a sunrise balcony on the backside and a sunset balcony facing west on the frontside. Coleen added outdoor swings to both for easy spots to enjoy the expansive views of the Atlantic Coast.
Another favorite spot is the sizable wine room, which showcases a collection of vintage wines as well as a section of bourbons, framed by reclaimed eyebrow arched doors from France. “I found the doors first, and built the room around them,” says Coleen.
Her business is known for designing custom-made bunk beds for bedrooms and the Norris home is no exception. “We have two grown
“I love working with different textures when I am designing a space.”
sons and when they were in college, they would bring friends home and comfortably stay in the bunk room in our previous house,” she says. “Now when I have friends come visit, it’s a fun way to accommodate even more people.” This room also interestingly has wallpaper on the ceiling.
Overnight visitors may also opt for the guest suite, featuring a custom rope bed that appears to be hanging. “It’s a relaxed, chill space where you can let your hair down,” says Coleen. The room has a natural, beachy vibe, thanks to the unique bed at its center.
Another highlight which demonstrates Coleen’s love of texture is the chandelier made with coco shell slivers in the dining room. A mixture of wicker and linen cotton chairs add to the room’s distinctive feel. In the kitchen, Coleen tried something she had never included in a home design before—a single marble slab cut out as a backsplash. The result? This new idea brings the whole room together.
Overall, Coleen and John Norris’ oceanfront home unites a relaxed and peaceful coastal vibe with European accents, due to its predominately white décor and furnishings. It’s the perfect showcase for the designer’s passion for creating beautiful spaces. u
CREDITS:
Interior Designer: Coleen Norris, Nesting Place Interiors
Architect: Michael Stauffer
Builder: Heritage Homes Jax
Photography: Jessie Preza
Stylist: Leah Kennelly
This oceanfront estate epitomizes the effortless blend of elegant luxury and relaxed coastal living that defines Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. More than just a transaction, it captures the enduring appeal of this sought-after Northeast Florida location. This $13,000,000 sale elevates the ultra-luxury market in the Jacksonville Metro area. Mandy Morrow, Broker Associate with Compass in Ponte Vedra Beach, represented the buyer.
Herschel Shepard’s “Cube House” is ideal for those who want to live a life outside the box.
BY TIM GILMORE | PHOTOS BY ANDY VARNES
The Cube rises on a square helix. It’s four stories tall, but it makes more sense to say nine levels. Each level takes its turn from the staircase that rises toward a skylight through the center of the house like a backbone. Sometimes you come off the stairs, head into a bedroom or an office, then step back down a level to a bathroom. In one office, you climb a corner spiral staircase to a loft with a raised bed in a recessed window.
“It was an experimental design that I had a lot of fun with,” says architect Herschel Shepard, “kind of like creating a piece of sculpture that you could crawl around in.” Astonishingly, he designed the house in a hurry, in late 1972, between more pressing projects, and wishes he’d been able “to take it further.”
The partnership Fisher, Broward, Shepard and Koons—affectionately called FuBSuC—formed in 1969 in response to market forces that made going into individual practice prohibitive for young architects.
Shepard calls them, “a wild group of guys.” Herb Coons left first, then Robert Broward seven or eight years later. Herschel Shepard and George Fisher worked together until ’78. Broward was Shepard’s best friend until his death in 2015.
All his life, Ben O’Connell has known this house. As a child growing up on nearby River Bluff Road, he’d walk by the house with his brother and two sisters and parents. “It was always part of the family walk,” he says. “It was mysterious and somewhat dilapidated. I always wondered what it looked like inside.” Now he’s the third physician to have called it home.
Ben and Francisco O’Connell were flipping the house next door when the Cube came on the market. They’ve been here six years. While the house is open and playful, it’s also demanding. Moving around in it keeps you fit. The only way to avoid the steel stairs would be to ride in the dumbwaiter, which only some of the kids who lived here in the ’90s have done.
“It’s a young person’s house,” says Herschel Shepard, now 93 years old. “And probably not a family house. It takes the right kind of people. They have to be aware of the intention. It’s not all about comfort. It’s an adventure really.”
Shepard would become known as one of the foremost historic preservation architects in Florida, but his ideas for new design are as creative and versatile as other Jax-based architects, like Broward and Ted Pappas. Shepard, whose papers, from 1961 to 2009, are housed at the University of Florida libraries, led historic work on the Avero House and Minorcan Chapel in St. Augustine, the Mayport Lighthouse, the slave cabins at Kingsley Plantation, the Richard Holden House and the Florida State Capitol.
Discussing the Cube, Shepard says there were so many ideas in the air when he designed it that he doesn’t know just how this design germinated. “I don’t remember the specific inspiration,” he says, noting that other contemporary architecture, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1959 Guggenheim Museum in New York, sometimes described as an “up-
side-down wedding cake,” played with “ideas of going up in a circle and working your way through it.”
Photos from early 1973 show the frame of the house rising, workers scrambling over naked steel girders, longhaired and shirtless and thin, focused only on their balance, the beams beneath their feet, the job at hand. Behind them arcs the Mathews Bridge, just 20 years old then.
As I walk through the house now, Thunder the labradoodle keeps making cameo appearances. He’s afraid of the cat, Lolita. In another room, another cameo, this one a medallion at the top center of a grand and eccentric antique mirror, peers out a southern window. Ben bought the ceiling-high mirror from the owners of the bar in Five Points called Birdies.
If the Cube still feels new, built into it is an illusion of timelessness. “I wanted to make a multi-level house,” Shepard says, “with multiple views outside, in such a way that walking through it, you experience
these views in time.” This “historic” house is as present as the trees and the waters it brings inward. And that was part of the truth-telling, the transparency, of the architecture of the time. “The house wouldn’t just be the traditional way of repeating forms derived from earlier cultures,” the so-called “Mediterranean” or “Tudor Revival” or “Queen Anne” houses found in older neighborhoods.
That honest transparency included “letting materials read as parts of a structure in their own right. If a piece of concrete is holding up a house, why not expose it, instead of dressing it up as if it were something from the past?”
Originally, the house “floated.” Open space on ground-floor corners held a statue garden and koi pond. When the O’Connells bought the house, floorboards and decking had rotten. Most rooms had a ceiling fan and single light bulb. French doors dominated by big blank walls stood where Ben and Fran re-opened space with windows. They re-
moved old carpet, including from the stairs, and replaced bulky balustrades with steel cables. At the bottom of the stairs, a coffee table made of lacquered driftwood stares up to the stars through the skylight at night.
The central two stories of the house open on an atrium. A bar overlooks the river. A glass room off Ben’s office cantilevers out over seating areas. An 800-pound glass-top table centers a sitting room amidst Asian art, African masks and Art Deco objets. The movement in the portrait of a dancer painted by Ben’s sister, Florence O’Connell, pushes off that of the stairs spiraling up the corner of Fran’s office to the loft that works as a playhouse for Ben’s nieces and nephews.
The O’Connells love this house, but admit it’s probably not their “forever home.” The house asks a lot. It is, however, an architectural masterpiece, and the O’Connells feel honored to curate it while they’re young and can give the house what it needs.. u
Sounds like a delicious new dessert at Biscottis. Actually, it’s the name of the Pantone Color Institute’s Color of the Year for 2025. Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230) is a warming, rich brown described as “nurturing us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.” The soft earthy shade brings a sophisticated, earthy elegance that works beautifully on its own or as a versatile base. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist vibes or love designs with rich detail, the hue is ready to enhance palettes across every color-focused industry, from fashions to home interiors. Here are
One of Covet House’s classic design pieces, the Hudson chair never disappoints with its typical mid-century design and strong lines. The body structure is produced in solid wood with metal shoes on its legs.
Designed in a warm shade of brown and off-white, this cushion cover showcases the Scottish Highland Cow ($50) on both sides. Woven with 100% lambswool and featuring a zip closing, this J.J. Textile cushion is worth cosying up against.
This round gathered lampshade in nut brown wicker by Fermoie ($160) is 100% linen and hand-made in England, using fabrics printed in house
Vegetable gardening in Florida is a year-round and possibly delicious hobby.
Creating an edible landscape doesn’t have to be expensive or hard, but it does take some planning and thought, especially if you hope to do so inexpensively. While much of the country is shivering in January and February, this is a good time for growing in Northeast Florida. In the Sunshine State, one can plant vegetables throughout most or all of the year. Though one needs to become familiar with which crops do well at certain times of the year. For example, in Northeast Florida winter is a good time for vegetables such as carrots, onions, radishes, lettuce, turnips, collards and more. So, before you start digging and watering, ask a few questions about what you’d really like to see in your garden and then draw your plan out on paper.
First, ask yourself what do you like eating? You’re not likely to take care of, or eat, things you don’t like. So don’t waste your time or money planting them in the garden. Also, what fruits and vegetables are the most expensive to buy? To help save money, grow more expensive items, such as tomatoes and melons, or large quantities of vegetables that you purchase regularly. Consider vegetables like beans, beets, onions, spinach, broccoli, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, peas, and Swiss chard. These vegetables provide the biggest returns on your investment of space and time in the garden.
Also, it’s best to understand which vegetables can be easily stored or preserved. Selecting vegetables that have a long storage life or that can easily be canned or frozen is a great way to stretch a dollar. Potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, and winter squash can be stored for several months when kept at the appropriate temperature. Other veg-
etables, like beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, and sweet corn can be preserved by canning or freezing. Preserving vegetables is a great way to enjoy the extra produce later in the year.
Finally, how much time are you willing to spend digging in the dirt and caring for your plants? Vegetable gardening takes a commitment of time and energy. Daily and weekly maintenance tasks will be required to get the return on your dollar investment. A smaller garden will require less maintenance, as will certain plants.
If new to gardening, consider starting small. Like many things, gardening takes practice, practice, practice. Plants require regular watering, maintenance, and harvesting. Growing many different vegetables in a large garden can be overwhelming for novices and can ultimately lead to failure. Limit yourself to just a few types of vegetables the first year. Then when you become more confident in your abilities and resources, you can increase the size of your vegetable garden and grow a wider variety of crops.
You also don’t want to plant everything at once. During your initial planting, set aside some space and seed for later plantings. If you stagger your plantings every ten or fourteen days, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the season, instead of being overwhelmed with a lot of the same vegetable at once.
Growing from seed is the most cost-effective way to start your veg-
etable garden. Most seeds are available to buy from local garden centers. While it may take longer and require advance planning, starting the majority of your plants from seed can be a big savings, especially if you’re using recycled containers. For example, one packet of tomato seed is about equivalent to the price of one tomato seedling, yet you get the potential of at least 30 to 40 plants in each packet. And to get your seeds going, there’s no need for expensive heat mats—the top of the VCR or water heater is ideal. Fluorescent tubes make a suitable substitute for expensive grow lights and can be rigged up under a table or on a shelf in the garage.
Remember, gardening doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Enlist family and friends to begin growing this season. If you know gardeners locally who are growing their own fruits or vegetables, it’s sometimes worthwhile asking about their crops. Lots of experienced gardeners love to help beginners onto the “growing your own” wagon and will sometimes offer some seeds for free.
Don’t forget to save your own seed. You may want to try growing fruits and vegetables from seeds obtained from your own plants. This small up-front investment may mean you never have to buy that plant again once you have your own crop. Not only will you save on the seed purchase the following year, but you’ll also be able to select seed from plants that you know did well in your climate. Many communities and neighborhoods arrange for seed swaps in the early spring where you can trade your excess seed for new varieties. Just make sure that you save seed from non-hybrid plants, because hybrids are often sterile.
Lastly, if you can, purchase seed in bulk. Many seed catalogs sell seed packets in different sizes. The bigger the packet you buy, the more you can potentially save. Get together with a group of friends to order your favorite seeds together and you can save even more. And you get to eat the profits. u
A rare opportunity to own waterfront views of the Amelia River has come open. The Landings on Amelia River, the first new construction condos along the marsh side of the island in 15 years, features six residences priced between $3.2 million and $3.4 million. Set on 16 acres, the units are highlighted by Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, custom cabinetry, wood floors, quartz countertops and double-island kitchens. Residents also enjoy underground parking, a waterfront pool, summer kitchen, community dock and a one-year membership to the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The nightly sunsets over the marsh and river are a nice bonus, too. u
Jacksonville Magazine offers a select list of area restaurants as a service to its readers. The directory does not include every restaurant in town. It does, however, feature many of the magazine’s Top 50 choices of must-try eateries, as well as a sampling of other notable Northeast Florida dining establishments. Suggestions are welcome. Please contact us at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.
Alhambra serves up dinner and a show inside its performance hall. Formerly a buffet service, the Alhambra is becoming known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its Broadway-caliber productions. The nation’s oldest continuously operating dinner theater
showcases famous plays such as West Side Story, February 20-March 30, and Beautiful, the Carol King Musical, April 3-May 11. 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-1212; alhambrajax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.
This home-grown string of pizza joints offers a wide selection of appetizers and New York-style pizza, alongside traditional Italian dishes, Al’s menu includes unexpected items like mussels in wine and garlic butter sauce to satisfy the adventurous foodies out there. They also offer delivery for those in the area of their restaurants. Four locations including 8060 Philips Hwy., Southside (731-4300; alspizza. com), L, D, $.
B–Breakfast; L–Lunch; D–Dinner; SB–Sunday Brunch
$–$10 or less; $$–$11 to $20; $$$–$21 to $30; $$$$–$31 or above
These $ categories are based on the average cost of a dinner entrée excluding drinks, desserts and/or gratuities.
NOTE: Some restaurant entrée prices do not include à la carte sides or salad. All phone numbers are in the (904) area code. Cafeterias, fast food joints and primarily take-out restaurants are not eligible for inclusion.
Aqua Grill
Aqua Grill has a contemporary, eclectic menu with a coastal flair made from local ingredients. The Ponte Vedra eatery is known for its top-ofthe line service and has been featured on both Jax Mag’s Top 50 Restaurants and Best in Jax lists for many years. 395 Front St., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3017; aquagrill.net). L, D, $$$.
Located inside TPC Sawgrass and adjacent to The Yards pickleball and golf club, the menu features jumbo scallops, 14oz. ribeye and PEI mussels. 254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach (395-3114; argylepub.com). L, D, SB
bb’s Restaurant & Bar
Bb’s specializes in New American fare and treats, giving comfort food an upscale presentation. Menu items include yellowfin tuna tartare and ancho-spiced rotisserie turkey. They also boast an international cheese selection and top-notch desserts. 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (3060100; bbsrestaurant.com). L, D, SB, $$.
The Bearded Pig
A pair of casual barbecue spots (complete with an oversized chalkboard wall for kids and plenty of TVs) serves turkey, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and the like, counter-style. Owners Chad Munsey and Michael Schmidt both have fine dining backgrounds, so even the standard fare is a bit more grown up than what you might expect at a “Q” joint. And though it’s a meat-fest, there’s truly something for everyone: all of the sides (slaw, collards, mac-n-cheese) are vegetarian. 1224 Kings Ave., San Marco (619-2247); 1700 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach (518-3915) thebeardedpigbbq.com. L, D $$.
Biscottis
This neighborhood landmark for more than two decades specializes in innovative updates on old favorites, like meatloaf served with apricot marinara sauce and duck confit pizza (dinner specials change daily). The dessert case is legendary. Casual. 3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (387-2060; biscottis.net). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Blue Bamboo
This restaurant serves hip, Asian cuisine with a wine lounge and patio dining. Menu items include miso-marinated salmon, Cantonese orange duck, Ahi tuna salad and Mandarin orange cake. 10110 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (646-1478; bluebamboojacksonville.com). L, D, $$.
Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid Thai serves authentic Asian fare made with traditional ingredients like Thai basil, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Their pad Thai and dynamite chicken are house favorites. 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (723-1300; blueorchid. menu). L, D, $$.
Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q
Meat is the draw at Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, which has been pit-smoking everything from turkey to pork since 1949. Try the Slawpy Pig, a heaping pile of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and served with sides such as fried corn on the cob, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. Multiple locations (880-8310; bonosbarbq.com). L, D, $.
Caffé Andiamo
A copper pizza oven highlights this stylish eatery specializing in frutti di mare, pollo paisano, vongole Positano, and homemade Italian sausage. Caffe Andiamo complements
their Italian fare with a vast wine selection and exudes a modern and relaxing vibe. 225 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2299; caffeandiamo-pvb.com). L, D, $$.
Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila
Located just steps from the historic Bridge of Lions in the heart of Downtown St. Augustine, the new upscale Mexican/Florida Coastal eaterie speciallizes in street tacos and enchiladas, as well as short rib, chiles rellenos and tequila lime grouper. Nearly 100 tequilas on offer. 1 Anderson Cir., St. Augustine (2953847; casareinastaug.com). L, D, $$.
Formerly The Tree Steakhouse, this restaurant offers a sleek, chic dining room. Along with their grilled steaks of 100% Angus beef, they also serve seafood and feature a conditioned wine room with ample variety. 11362 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (262-0006; chophouse13.com). L,D, $$$.
Welcome arrival to the San Marco area dining scene featuring an upscale setting and a menu laden with seafood, steak and seasonal specialties, as well as an extensive wine list with labels from around the globe. 1314 Prudential Dr., Southbank (398-8989, citygrillerawbar.com). L, D, $$
A standout in Nocatee’s growing collection of dining spots and shops, the interior is dressed in warm woods, hightop tables, the most breathtaking chandelier you've ever seen, and more bottles of reds, whites and sparkling wines than one could count. New menu additions include Marcona Almond Crusted Goat Cheese & Fig Spread, Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce, and Signature Coastal Angus Beef Sliders. Wines sold by the glass, bottle and three-tasting flights. 641 Crosswater Pkwy., Suite B, Nocatee Town Center (395-3520, coastalwinemarket.com). D, $$.
Coop 303 is known for its regional cuisine featuring hot honey-glazed salmon, chicken and waffles and pulled pork sliders. But the Beaches Town Center restaurant also features local seafood dishes, and is home to the eight-piece fried chicken basket. Coop also has plenty of spots to hang out and sip their signature cocktails: community tables; alcove booths; a front porch;
a rooftop garden; and an upstairs parlor. 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (372-4507; coop303. com). L, D, SB, $$.
Situated in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Cordova is the signature restaurant of the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. An extensive menu covers much culinary territory, with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients. Dinner starters include items such as Florida little neck clams and Georgia peach salad. Entrées are highlighted by crab-crusted red snapper, grilled beef tenderloin, and peppercorn-crusted short ribs. Save room for the spiced chocolate cake. Be sure to enjoy cocktails in the Cobalt Lounge. Private dining room available. 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine (819-6018, KesslerCollection.com/costabrava-restaurant). B, L, D, $$.
Spread over three levels in a restored building near the foot of the Main Street Bridge, Cowford is an upscale restaurant/rooftop bar combo that specializes in hand-cut steaks and seafood. The menu is flush with items such as tuna tartare, roasted bone marrow and foie gras. A raw bar serves oysters, shrimp cocktail and caviar. For the main course, diners choose between dishes such as bone-in ribeyes and Maine lobster. 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464). D, $$$$.
For more than 20 years, beachgoers have looked to Cruisers Grill for their signature burger and cheese fries served with ranch dressing. Grilled chicken, country fried steak, turkey and melted Swiss—the sandwich lineup is tops. They offer all the classics, plus newer options like a house-made fried bologna sandwich. 319 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (270-0356). L, D, $.
Straight from Limerick, Ireland, the four sisters who operate the city’s two Culhane’s pubs draw legions of regulars with classics such as Scotch Eggs and Guinness Beef Stew. Bangers N’ Mash, Corned Beef N’ Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Cheese-Crusted Cod—the flavors of the Emerald Isle live here. Full bar. 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-9595); 9720 Deer Lake Ct., Southside (619-3177), culhanesirishpub.com. L, D, SB, $$
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BY KIM BROWN
If you’re looking for a romantic night out with delicious drinks, we’ve got you covered. Here, round up a selection of bars, restaurants and hotspots across Northeast Florida designed to set the mood. From stylish and sexy to casual and flirty, there’s a place to fit your vibe. So, “Do you come here often?”
For classic cocktails with a dark, lush twist, hit up The Parlour in San Marco. This speakeasy is secreted away behind The Grape & Grain Exchange and is one of Jacksonville’s literal hidden gems. With a laid-back, chill vibe, the atmosphere and décor will transport you to the Prohibition era, making drinks taste a little more forbidden. The drink menu is perfectly curated with wines, cold draft brews and a selection of classic cocktails, accented by a delicious bar menu and live music.
Bar Molino offers a classical Spanish experience with a leisurely approach to gastronomical pleasure right in Jacksonville. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the menu, which marries an impressive beverage program with perfectly paired, authentic
Spanish tapas. Don’t miss the impossibly crispy Patatas Bravas and succulent Gambas al Ajillo! Bar Molino balances its five-star food and drinks with a refreshingly calming atmosphere designed to make you inch your chair just a little bit closer and linger just a little bit longer.
Does your perfect date night include intimate conversations in a cozy atmosphere? Look no further than The Posting House in San Marco Square. This modern English-inspired neighborhood wine bar is a friendly and inviting space named after places where travelers could “post up” their horses and share drinks and a meal. Guests can enjoy vintages from a thoughtfully composed wine list, local craft beers and imported European ales. The Posting House also offers light bites and charcuterie boards featuring locally sourced meats and cheeses.
If you like craft cocktails, Julep Palm Valley is your place. Their credentials are right on the wall—literally. A custom floor-to-ceiling library holds over 1,200 different bottles of whiskey. Julep’s mixologists know much more than
whiskey, creating delicious classics and updated favorites. The whorled wood walls, soft lighting and comfy booths provide a homey intimacy. Hunger is not an issue, as Julep Palm Valley is attached to V Pizza, serving up authentic Italian pizza, to-die-for wings and enormous meatballs
When you and your partner want to go out go out, there’s the Living Room Lounge, located on the upper floor of Atlantic Beach’s popular Coop 303. Don’t let the name fool you – Living Room Lounge aims to offer an elevated and stylish bar experience. The bar’s luxe and sexy vibe is inspired by the owners’ travels to Miami, LA and Europe. Beverages are an art form at the Living Room Lounge, meant to be savored and discussed. A menu of small bites and live music rounds out the experience.
Jacksonville Beach’s Blue Jay Listening Room sets itself apart from other bars by creating an immersive musical experience. Performers are plucked from dark bar corners and put center stage, where patrons can truly enjoy a wide array of styles and genres. This is not
your typical raucous concert experience. The seating is casual and intimate, with comfortable couches and cozy bar tables. It’s perfect for holding hands, relaxing and thoughtfully listening. The bar serves wine and beer cocktails, wine, craft and bottle brews, and non-alcoholic beers and beverages.
Forgotten Tonic is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Historic Downtown St. Augustine on a magical, brick-paved lane. As its name suggests, Forgotten Tonic’s mixologists excel at resurrecting standard cocktails, elevating and refining them with unique ingredients into new classics with quirky and inventive names. Mocktails receive equal creative attention, while a full menu features freshly prepared comfort food. Ample outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the sights of the towns, while indoors is warm and inviting, with muted lighting and sparkling twinkle lights.
Fun, casual dates have a new home in St. Augustine. Stroll through the backstreets of downtown and make your way to Barley Republic Public House. Located in a renovated home, it immediately feels inviting. Touch knees at the bar over a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, or enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the patio over a specialty craft cocktail. Be sure to come hungry and with a sharing spirit because this gastropub’s menu is like a warm hug—the Tenders and the Lamb Burger are not to be missed
The Drunken Horse in St. Augustine is a French bistro and wine bar made for intimate gatherings. Its wine list is thoughtfully constructed, with a selection of global vintages designed to showcase the finest producers. The Drunken Horse’s wine program anchors a menu featuring charcuterie boards, flatbreads perfect for sharing and classic French haute cuisine. The indoor dining area is luxurious in its simplicity, perfect for a date. Or choose a table in the private garden for a lush experience that begs for a cozy tête-à-tête. u
A new lounge and concert venue debuted early this year. Decca Live moves into the 1904 brick building at 323 E. Bay Street, part of a string of bars and nightlife options settling into Downtown. The multi-level event space is spread over two floors, capped by a rooftop bar with a separate entrance. The main stage will be located on the first floor. The second floor opens to the main level in a mezzanine style, allowing patrons to see shows from above. Plans call for an audience capacity of approximately 1,000.
“We want to bring some world-class entertainment to downtown Jax,” says co-owner Evan Rajita. “Whether that’s rock, electronic, country, big-name, homegrown, or local bands, we’ve got space for it all.” A grand opening show featuring DJ and EDM artist Kaskade is set for January 31. u
The restaurateurs who brought the upscale Asian eatery O-Ku to the Beaches a few years ago have turned their attention to Downtown. Originally launched in Charleston, South Carolina, it was recently revealed that the Southeast’s eighth Oak Steakhouse will begin grilling and searing Angus beef in the 100-year-old Greenleaf & Crosby Building (pictured) at the corner of Laura and Adams streets. The restaurant group is known for signature steaks such as Japanese A5 Wagyu ($35 per oz. in Charlotte) and the sizable 48 oz. prime tomahawk ($210 with two sides in Nashville). “We are grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received with O-Ku in Jacksonville Beach, and we’re excited to deepen our roots in the area with Oak Steakhouse and be a part of this downtown revitalization,” says Steve Palmer, founder of Indigo Road Hospitality Group. “I’m especially inspired by the design of this location and history of the space that Oak will call home.” Don’t make reservations just yet. Opening date is slated for late 2025. u
Florida-grown oranges are plentiful from October through June, although the largest quantities are available from December through May. So, winter is the ideal season to experiment with Sunshine State citrus in your home cooking. For example, here is a recipe for Kansas City-style barbecue sauce with an added Florida orange juice kick. It pairs will with chicken, pork, and even beef.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups orange juice
1 tsp. orange zest
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
⅔ cup cider vinegar
½ cup yellow mustard
⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup steak sauce
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup molasses
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. liquid smoke
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
PREPARATION
It’s Jacksonville brewery has been a cornerstone of Anheuser-Busch’s domestic beer-making operations since 1969. A leading U.S. brewer of brands including Budweiser, Busch Light and Michelob Ultra, the firm announced a $10 million investment in its Jax plant, one of more than 120 facilities it operates across the county. Four in Florida employ nearly 1,000. Among the local upgrades highlighted are improvements to the plant’s infrastructure, updates to manufacturing equipment and facility improvement to better maximize efficiency. “We have been proud to brew in Jacksonville for the last 55 years, and this new $10 million investment will not only improve our local facility here but also make a positive economic impact in Duval County,” says plant senior general manager Craig Tomeo. “Anheuser-Busch’s investments in its facilities, including our brewery here, ensures that we are able to continue showing up locally as an employer and community partner while brewing at the highest quality and efficiency standards.” u
Pour orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat until reduced to one-third of original volume.
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
Remove from heat and cool.
Baste meat with barbecue sauce during last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking and serve additional sauce on the side. u
This upscale eatery features an extensive wine list, mesquite wood grill and outdoor patio. Seafood martini, lobster mac and cheese, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and mesquite-grilled certified Angus beef tenderloin highlight the menu. 216 11th Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (241-1112;elevensouth.com). L, D, $$$$.
An 8-foot oak-burning grill is the heart of the kitchen, searing and smoking house specialties such as lemon and herb roasted fish, ribeyes and seared salmon. Brunch favorites include buttermilk chicken, cast iron French toast and steak and eggs Benedict. 60 Shops Blvd., #80., St. Johns (531-5185; emberandiron.com). D, SB, $$$.
With a crowded raw bar and a wide variety of locally caught seafood, The Fish Co. offers a little something for everyone. Chef Bill Pinner’s menu combines signature items like fried Mayport shrimp with favorite small plate dishes, changing weekly. The restaurant offers several specials throughout the week. 725-12 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (246-0123; thefishcojax.com). L, D. $$$.
As a tequila bar and grill located in Neptune Beach (and now in Avondale), the Flying Iguana represents one of the liveliest dining options in Duval. Specializing in Latin-American cuisine and expansive cocktail possibilities, the restaurant also hosts live music and has only one rule: Good Vibes Only. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (853-5680, flyingiguana.com); Iguana on Park, 3638 Park St., Avondale (8348383, iguanaonpark.com). L, D, SB, $$
There are a handful of Harry’s peppered around Florida, including a waterfront location in St. Augustine across from the Bridge of Lions. The
eatery brings Louisiana flavor to the regional seafood scene, serving up Cajun and Creole dishes such as French-baked scallops, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée. 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). L, D, $$.
Open since 1994, JJ’s Liberty Bistro is a family-run establishment offering one of the largest selections of wine in Jacksonville. The restaurant hosts frequent wine dinners featuring some of the largest wine producers around the world, including Chateau L’Angelus, Veuve Clicquot, and Plumpjack. You’ll find hundreds of different bottles in the retail store, as well as the finest cheeses, caviars, and homemade desserts. Stop by the ice cream and chocolate/ macaron shop located just next door. 330 A1A N., Suite 209, Ponte Vedra (273-7980; jjbistro. com/ponte-vedra). L, D, $$$.
A little slice of France in the River City, the chef-owned establishment specializes in toasted croissants, quiches and baguette sandwiches. Le Parisien is a classic French hand-held with ham, Swiss and salted butter. The Le Flore salad is a must-try with smoked salmon, tzatiziki cream, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, dill and mixed greens. Sweets include fresh pastries, macarons and pound cakes. Don’t overlook the espresso or cappuccino. Market offers imported foods, condiments and beverages. Pet-friendly patio. 9965 San Jose Blvd., Suite 46, San Jose (512-7777, lepetitparisjax.com). B, L, $.
Matthew’s
A fine-dining experience in historic San Marco. The menu is comprised of French and Mediterranean dishes crafted by Chef Alex Yim and also possesses a vast wine selection. Menu items include venison carpaccio, Maine diver scallops, and Osetra caviar. 2107 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (396-9922; matthewsrestaurant.com). D, $$$$.
This restaurant features high-end favorites like escargot and caviar, while also making room for classics like meatloaf. Their menu features global cuisine with a local influence, ranging from handcrafted pasta to duck leg confit poutine. 818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797; restaurantmedure.com). D, $$$.
With more than 200 locations around the country, Mellow Mushroom has garnered a loyal following for its stone-baked pizza flavor combinations and for offering up craft beer, premium imports and local favorites. Menu features baked chicken wings, spinach artichoke dip and a dozen house speciality pizzas. Multiple area locations: Avondale, Fleming Island, Southside, River City, Jacksonville Beach (mellowmushroom.com). L, D, $$.
Located in the heart of the Beaches Town Center, this long-time neighborhood favorite offers seating on their covered patio, formal dining room, and lounge that often hosts live music. The lengthy dinner menu includes Mediterranean favorites like linguine and clams, pan-seared bronzino and wood-fired pizzas. 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573; mezza lunajax.com). D, $$$.
A culinary concept from the Medure Brothers, this Gate Parkway eatery specializes in all-things Italian. That means appetizers run the gamut from seasonal burrata to meatballs with house-made bread. Entrées include fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizza, and heartier fare (like pork marsala and salt-baked zucchini). 5016 Gate Pkwy., Jacksonville (503.4122; midtowntable.medurebrothers.com). L, D, $$.
This regional chain showcases Southern barbecue styles like Texas and North Carolina, including everything from burnt ends to pulled pork. Their restaurants celebrate blues, with their Avondale location boasting one of the city’s most expansive whiskey selections and their Jacksonville Beach location featuring live music. 1607 University Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-7200, mojobbq.com); 1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-6636); 1810 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island (264-0636); 3572 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (381-6670); 5 Cordova St., St. Augustine (342-5264). L, D, $$.
A fixture near 5 Points for two decades, Mossfire serves Southwestern cuisine with a sophisticated flair. Menu classics include the chicken empanadas, ancho honey glazed salmon, and crab cakes topped with chipotle lime mayo. Try the gouda cheese quesadilla and the Mexican street corn. 1537 Margaret St., Riverside (355-4434; mossfire.com). L, D, $$.
Located inside the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, this fine-dining restaurant matches the high quality you would expect for a place that hosts The Players Championship. The menu is dominated by seafood and local fare, like lime pepper-crusted tuna and ribeye steak. The broad back patio overlooks the golf course. Sawgrass Clubhouse, Ponte Vedra Beach (2733238; tpcsawgrass.com). B, L, D, $$.
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Late last year, the Beaches Museum hosted its 44th annual Beaches Legends gala at the glamorous TPC Sawgrass clubhouse. This year’s Legends—local residents who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the history of Jacksonville’s beach communities—include the Adeeb family, Mitch Kaufmann and Lori Moffett. The fun began at 6:30 PM with cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner, during which the 2024 honorees were recognized and a live auction conducted. The annual dinner is the Beaches Museum’s largest fundraising event. u
On November 25, nearly 100 volunteers including Feeding Northeast Florida staff, members of The Roar, Jaxson de Ville, Pro Football hall of famer Tony Boselli, and current Jaguars players participated in Turkey Time with the Jaguars, a pre-Thanksgiving morning celebration in Lot J at EverBank Stadium. Some 600 families received free turkeys, fresh produce and other seasonal essentials that allowed them to better enjoy the Holidays. u
Smoked meats and quality whiskey make for a delicious combination. The two come together in a big way and for a great cause at the fifth annual Bourbon & Brisket , a fundraiser for Feeding Northeast Florida taking place February 1 at Strings Brewery in Jax Beach. Among the participants are local favorites Bono’s Bar-B-Que, Manifest Distillery, St. Augustine Distillery, Strings and Foley Family Wine & Spirits. Patrons will enjoy food tastings, bourbon samples, live music and a silent auction. The annual event raises awareness about food insecurity and financial support for Feeding Northeast Florida’s mission to provide healthy eats and resources to more than 272,000 people experiencing hardship in the 12 counties the organization services. General admission tickets are $150 per person—a sum that provides 750 meals for those in need. u
The trend of an alcohol-free January is seasonal must-do for a growing number of people, especially among those who may have overindulged during the holidays. This year, perhaps continue to the “dry” season into February, and do so while embracing regional flavors and the nutritional benefits that come with fresh citrus juices like grapefruits, strawberries, limes and lemons. These Florida fruits are loaded with immunity-boosting Vitamin C, antioxidants that fight off free radical and have anti-cancer properties.
Roselle, also called Florida cranberry, can be used to make a tea that is lovely in mocktails, and it comes jam-packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and Vitamin C. These nutrients are helpful for nervous system function, blood pressure regulation and bone formation, says Lori Johnson, a UF/IFAS Extension Lake County agent. Butterfly pea is also a Florida-grown favorite. When the beautiful flower is brewed as a tea, it dyes the drink a deep blue.
Choosing mocktails over cocktails means
you’re avoiding all the negative health effects of alcohol, like liver damage and excess calories that prevent the burning of fat, but it is also a boost to one’s gut health, too, since alcohol can disrupt the healthy flora in the stomach. With that in mind, posted here some mocktail ideas to help you kick of 2025 with a Florida-focused spin.
INGREDIENTS: Fresh orange juice, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey or agave, sparkling water.
M AKE IT: Mix equal parts orange and grapefruit juice, add a splash of lime juice, and sweeten with honey or agave. Top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice.
I NGREDIENTS: Fresh strawberries, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, simple syrup, s till water.
M AKE IT: Muddle strawberries and basil in
a glass, add lemon juice and simple syrup, then fill with still water. Stir and garnish with a basil sprig and a strawberry slice.
INGREDIENTS: Fresh cucumber slices, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, mint leaves and sparkling water.
MAKE IT: Muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in a glass, add lime and orange juice, then top with sparkling water. Stir and garnish with a cucumber slice and a mint sprig.
INGREDIENTS: Butterfly pea flower tea (chilled), lemon juice, honey or agave, sparking water, lemon slices and mint leaves.
MAKE IT: Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers in a cup of hot water for about five minutes. Let chill. Combine fresh lemon juice and honey or agave. Add the tea to the sweetened lemon juice. Top with sparking water and garnish with lemon and mint. u
It’s not easy being a lighthouse on St. George Island, a sliver of sand eight miles offshore of Apalachicola along the Florida Panhandle. The first lighthouse on the island was erected in 1833. Hurricanes and shifting sands wreaked havoc on a succession of navigation beacons built here, but the light still shines at the island’s third tower, a 77-foot pillar of concrete completed in 1852. To celebrate the island and it’s signature lighthouse, the St. George Island ShrimpFest returns for its fourth year on February 8. Local chefs and restaurateurs prepare a crustaceous feast for the senses. Local beer, wine, live music and crafts vendors add to the celebration. The festival runs 11 AM-4 PM. Tickets are only $5. While there, don’t forget to climb the tower to soak in the views of the Gulf. u
Few foods are as universally desired and savored as chocolate. Made from the seeds of cacao trees, chocolate in its various forms has been prized in the Americas since well before the first European explorers sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. The first appearance of it on the First Coast dates back some 350 years. In fact, it was in 1641 when the Spanish ship the Nuestra Señora del Rosario y el Carmen sailed into St. Augustine harbor laden with crates of cacao, a stop only made because the vessel was severely damaged during a hurricane. On display through March 31 at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum is “Sweet Beginnings: Unwrapping St. Augustine’s Chocolate Legacy,” a special exhibition that details the pivotal role the Oldest City played in introducing chocolate to North America. Among the artifacts that are part of the exhibit are a “chocolatera” and “molinillo” to warm and froth drinking chocolate, and a chocolate acorn mold, which was used to create molded chocolate once it evolved into an edible format. The museum is located in the heart of the historic district, at the intersection of King and St. George streets. Admission is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. u
O-Ku offers upscale Japanese cuisine, a rooftop bar and patio and seafood from fish markets in Tokyo, Hawaii and here locally. Check out the chef specialties and small plates like tuna crudo, Agedashi tofu and O-Ku rock shrimp or just go straight for the rolls including Neptune’s Beard (shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy aioli, sweet soy, chive) and the Firecracker (crispy panko fried roll with spicy salmon, avocado, cucumber, goat cheese mousse, sweet soy). 502 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (694-2770, o-kusushi. com). D, $$$.
An upscale French bistro with local, Southern flavor, meals at Restaurant Orsay are the epitome of a high-end dining experience. The chef-owned restaurant offers an extensive drink selection and some of the best oysters in the city, having won Best in Jax multiple times. 3630 Park St., Avondale (381-0909; restaurantorsay.com). D, SB, $$$$.
Known for their modern interpretations of classic Chinese dishes, their strip mall location belies the quality of their Cantonese-style plates and inviting atmosphere. Peony offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery. A must order is the peking duck. 10586 Old St. Augustine Rd., Mandarin (2683889). L, D, $$.
When you call yourself Philly’s Finest, you better bring the Cheesesteak magic. For the love of Pat’s and Geno’s, they’ve been doing just that for two decades at the Jax Beach sandwich institution. American, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses, sautéed onions, mushrooms, pickles, sweet peppers, black olives, Cheese Whiz—each order can be customized to one’s liking for about $15. Order a side of the Old Bay fries, too. 1527 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (241-7188, phillys-finest.com). L, D, $$.
Located at the end of Atlantic Blvd. in the heart of the Beaches lies a gourmet burger joint where you can experience an ample beer selection and the cool breeze of the ocean from their outside seating area. Each menu item is named after one of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous stories, including the Tell-Tale Heart, a half-pound bacon and cheddar burger topped off with a fried egg. 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7637; poestavern.com). L,D, $.
Open for more than 30 years, Ragtime is Northeast Florida’s oldest microbrewery. The menu is loaded with items like shrimp bruschetta, Louisiana crawfish and sautéed mussels. Try the bistro filet and crab-stuffed shrimp, Cajun fettuccine or the sesame tuna. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (2417877; ragtimetavern.com). L, D, SB, $$.
Rooftop bars are popping up all over Northeast Florida. Arguably one of the best can be enjoyed at River & Post. The restaurant specializes in upscale American fare—seared hanger steak, shrimp and grits, grilled salmon almondine. Small plates, charcuterie, sushi rolls and flatbreads are available on the rooftop. 1000 Riverside Ave., Riverside (575-2366; riverandpostjax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.
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BY CHEF JEFF JOHNSON, 3JS CATERING | PHOTOS BY ANDY VARNES
From romantic meals for two to feeding hundreds of hungry soldiers, there are plenty of stories Jacksonville chef Jeff Johnson care recall from his culinary career. And share he does in Seasonal Roots: Fresh Favorites for Every Season, a tasty read that presents home cooks a collection of approachable, flavorful recipes inspired by Chef Johnson’s experiences preparing family meals to feeding military personnel deployed overseas.
“Seasonal Roots is more than a cookbook,” says Jeff. “It’s an invitation to connect—with yourself, your loved ones, and the seasons. These recipes celebrate the simple magic of gathering around the table and creating lasting memories.”
Here, the new author and founder of 3Js Catering shares a recipe for grilled chicken wings, an ideal dish for making memories at this year’s Super Bowl parties. For starters, you’ll need 10 pounds of whole chicken wings. This is for a party, after all.
FOR THE MARINADE
2 cup dark ale beer (stout or porter)
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
1 tsp. fresh thyme
3 cloves garlic
2 Tbls. salt-free Cajun seasoning, finely ground
1 tsp. smoked paprika
SEASONING BLEND
2 Tbls. herbes de Provence
2 Tbls. poultry seasoning
2 Tbls. cajun seasoning
2 Tbls. complete seasoning
1 Tbls. sea salt
1/2 cup garlic herb butter, softened (for under the skin)
1. Brine the Wings: Prepare your brine mixture and submerge the chicken wings. If necessary, use a weight (like a plate) to keep them submerged. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for optimal flavor.
2. Make the Injection Marinade: In a high-powered blender, combine dark ale beer, melted butter, salt-free Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth. Add additional beer as needed to achieve a consistency suitable for injection.
3. Remove Wings from Brine: After brining, take the wings out and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels.
4. Inject the Wings: Using a meat injector, inject the beer butter mixture into thicker part of drum and middle of flat parts of each wing. Don’t over-inject.
5. Season the Wings: In a small bowl, mix together herbes de Provence, poultry seasoning, melted butter, and sea salt. Carefully loosen the skin on the wings and spread softened butter evenly underneath. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the wings, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Grill the Wings: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the wings on the grill grates and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy, about 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Baste: If desired, baste the wings with any leftover marinade or pan juices during grilling.
8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides. Enjoy. u
RP’s serves local fish and fresh produce inside a casual beach setting. The menu features items such as conch fritters, a crab cake BLT, and Shrimp 308—sautéed local shrimp doused in spicy Cajun butter over rice with hushpuppies. 1183 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach (853-5094; rpsjaxbeach.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Led by executive chef Scott Alters, Rue SaintMarc strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort by serving decadent menu items like halibut meunière while maintaining exceptional service and a quaint atmosphere, all just steps from the heart of San Marco Square. 2103 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (619-0861; ruesaintmarc.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Fresh, locally caught seafood is the calling card for Safe Harbor. That’s not surprising, as customers can practically see the shrimp boats of Mayport from the restaurant’s front door. It’s easy to see why hungry diners have been drifting here for years. Sure, the menu is laden with clams, oysters, crab cakes and other seafood standards, but sometimes a basket of fried shrimp, slaw, fries and hush puppies is a little slice of heaven. 4378 Ocean St., Mayport (246 4911, safeharbor-seafood.com). L, D, $$.
Salt Life
“Salt Life” is a ubiquitous phrase in Northeast Florida, and for many represents a lifestyle of relaxing fun and, above all, love for our adjacent ocean. This restaurant channels that vibe in a dining experience and a seafood-heavy menu designed to appeal to all locals and beach-lovers who enter, ranging from tuna poke bowls to Boca-style grouper. 1018 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-4456; saltlifefoodshack.com); 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. L, D, $$.
With its open-air bar and broad covered patio, Sliders oozes beaches vibes and charm. A sister restaurant of Safe Harbor Seafood,
diners rest assured the fish, shrimp, and shellfish are going to be the freshest around. The raw bar serves all the seafood staples like steamed clams, peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters on the half-shell. The oysters Rockefeller is baked with spinach, parmesan, provolone and breadcrumbs. The oysters “Godzilla” are served raw with seaweed salad, cucumber wasabi and the house “pirate” sauce. 218 1st St., Neptune Beach (246-0881, slidersoysterbar. com). L, D, $$.
Open since 2013, the Jax Beach sandwich shop specializes in hoagies, burgers, hot dogs and grilled cheeses. Top sellers include ribeye cheesesteaks, roast beef, the classic reuben and the "outrageous" BLT. 1537 Penman Rd., Jacksonville Beach (241-6996; surfwiches.com). L, D, $$.
In a style described as Baja Mexicana, this "uber" popular restaurant serves nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and about any kind of taco you desire, with fish tacos being their specialty. TacoLu fulfills their niche well, and it’s what earned them the designation of “Best Tacos” in the city in our Best In Jax reader’s poll. Oh, and they have over 100 types of tequila and mezcal. 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (249-TACO; tacolu.com). L, D, SB, $.
Located in funky Five Points, this restaurant focuses on providing top-notch hospitality while serving authentic Mexican eats. If you come on a Friday or Saturday, be sure to try their Al Pastor. Happy hour food and drink specials available Mon.-Fri. from 3-6:30. Closed Sundays. 809 Lomax St., Riverside (312-9113; taqueria5points.com). L, D, $$.
Taverna offers authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Its focused menu brings out the best in Mediterranean flavors, producing dishes like antipasto and orecchiette. All of their pasta and mozzarella are house-made, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood oven at the back of the
dining room. 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; taverna.restaurant). L, D, SB, $$.
The recently opened next door neighbor to sister eatery Taverna, Sam and Kiley Efron’s latest specializes in fruits of the sea. The raw bar serves classics like oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail and caviar. Dinner features lobster thermador, hot-smoked salmon and pasta primavera. 1988 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; oceana.restaurant). L, D, $$
Sourcing produce from local farms, Town Hall brings American fare with a West Coast influence to Florida. They encourage a sense of community in their dining experience, emphasized by comfy couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches such as outlets in the bar area. 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax.com). D, SB, $$$.
Located at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, this restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and seafood, and provides an exceptional wine list. Sunday brunch features farm-to-table classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits with gravy. 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-7777). B, D, $$$.
Not many restaurants double as an RV park. That hospitality, combined with homespun ultra casual décor produces a Southern atmosphere at Whitey’s Fish Camp that is, above all, authentic. The seafood is fresh and specialities include beer-battered fried grouper, North-of-the-border steamed snow crab legs, a shrimp boil, and allyou-can-eat catfish. Check out the deck, tiki bar and dock, where you can even arrive by boat. 2032 C.R. 220, Orange Park (269-4198; whiteysfish-camp.com). L, D, $$. u
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AFlorida mother, Melissa Valbrun, 32, accidentally shot her daughter after allegedly threatening a group outside a Miami-area McDonald’s. According to police reports, in late November Valbrun went to her car in the fast food eatery’s parking lot to retrieve a handgun because she thought someone inside the McDonald’s was pointing at her. She wasn’t. Instead, the woman was simply signaling to two cousins that their Lyft car had arrived. Valbrun threatened to “shoot and kill” them, so says an affidavit. And, as the Lyft and its passengers drove away, Valbrun claims her gun accidentally fell from her waistband and discharged, with the bullet striking her 15-year-old daughter in the shoulder. She was arrested and charged with aggravated-assault with a deadly weapon, battery and culpable negligence inflicting personal injury.
An installation called The Great Elephant Migration drew thousands of onlookers to South Beach when it was on display as part of last year’s Art Basel. A traveling installation of 100 life-size Indian elephant sculptures made from lantana weed, the pachyderms could be purchased for approximately $28,000 apiece. Apparently, in November one couple was so taken by the beauty of the display that the pair decided to have sex atop one of the larger sculptures. Alerted by their amorous outbursts, a security guard patrolling the site surprised the
couple and asked that they consider canoodling somewhere else. They did. Police were not called nor were charges filed.
Florida woman Chelsea White, 35, was arrested late last year for an incident involving a sex toy. According to police, an altercation between White and her boyfriend occurred after the boyfriend discovered his glass sex toy in Chelsea’s backpack at their Fort Pierce home. Reportedly, the boyfriend accused her of trying to steal the object and a late-night scuffle broke out, one in which White threw the toy at her accuser. White was arrested later that night. The boyfriend told police the two have been together for more than ten years. The incident was the second time in two years White has been charged with assaulting someone with a sex toy.
And still more unusual sexual behavior in the Sunshine State. On Thanksgiving Day last year, Fort St. Lucie Police Department officers were called to Windmill Point Elementary School on a possible burglary. When they arrived, officers discovered Joe Urias, 34, naked in one of the classrooms. In addition, they found a stash of clothing, sex toys, women’s underwear and marijuana. Urias, who was formerly employed as a teacher at another area school, was booked on numerous charges including lewd and lascivious behavior, burglary, possession of marijuana and battery of a law enforcement officer..u
