Jacksonville Magazine, June 2023

T P

DOCTORS

200+ FIRST COAST PHYSICIANS NAMED BEST BY THEIR PEERS

PROJECT: COLD CASE

TOO MANY MURDERS GO UNSOLVED

DINE & DASH

TO-GO EATERIES WE LOVE

PRISONERS IN THE SUNSHINE

80 YEARS AGO, THERE WERE NAZIS AMONG US

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

“Love won tonight, and we made history. We have a new day in Jacksonville because people chose unity over division—creating a broad coalition of people across the political spectrum that want a unified city. Together, we will bring change for good to Jacksonville by making good on the decades-long broken promises on infrastructure, building an economy that works for everyone and improving access to healthcare. We will break down the wall between City Hall and bring all the people in to create a city that works for everyone.”

So read the statement from Jacksonville Mayor-elect Donna Deegan released late in the evening of May 16, the night she beat Daniel Davis to become the city’s next chief executive. Her election was an historic occasion, one worthy of contemplation and admiration. Deegan will become the city’s first woman mayor and only the second Democrat in some 30 years. She’s also a political novice, never holding elected office before. She was soundly trounced in a 2020 run for Florida’s 4th Congressional District. While all that is true, she’s certainly not unknown to First Coast residents. She enjoyed a long career as a TV journalist before leaving to establish a nonprofit foundation and annual marathon that’s raised millions for breast cancer research and patient support. No doubt some of the 52 percent of voters who cast

a ballot for her did so because of who she is, what she’s done and not what promises were made during the campaign.

Her opponent was gracious in defeat. “Jacksonville’s best days are ahead. They are. Whatever our mayor wants, I’m going to pledge to help and do whatever she asks,” Davis said after the race was called. Following a campaign that wasn’t always gracious, it’s nice to see both sides put the past where it belongs. However, for Deegan, the real work hasn’t yet begun. Winning the election was akin to the old saying about the dog catching the car he was chasing. Now what are you going to do?

The new Mayor won by approximately 9,000 votes in an election that saw roughly 30 percent voter turnout. Hardly a strong mandate from which to govern. She is charged with working with a Republican-majority City Council and, while the Mayor is considered the chief executive, the power the office holds comes with significant limitations. Also, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters campaigned for her opponent. To tackle the many pressing issues—reducing crime, a new stadium for the Jaguars, rising housing costs—Deegan will need help from all corners, something that’s particularly difficult for a person new to the political arena. Fulfilling her words spoken in May will soon be put to the test. Her four-year term officially begins July 1. u

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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 Marcelo Murillo

With Us

READER POLLS

Each year, Jax Mag hosts a series of readers’ polls, including Best in Jax, Best in Bride, Best in Pets, and Best of Homes, Garden & Real Estate. Go to our website and click on the Reader Polls tab to learn more.

DIGITAL EDITIONS

HOST YOUR EVENT

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 16 & 17 Flipturn, Intuition Ale Works

July 15 The Purple Gala, Queen’s Harbour Yacht & Country Club

NEWSLETTERS

With more than 35,000 subscribers, Jax Mag’s e-newsletters are your links to the latest happenings across the region. Every week our newsletter subscribers are treated to exclusive content focused on local happenings, dining, home decor, and Southeast travel. Best of all, we deliver it straight to your inbox.

jacksonvillemag.com/ newsletters

Reader Services

Advertise

To advertise, visit our website and download a media kit. Or email Jessica Lindsay at jess@jacksonvillemag.com or call (904) 389-3622.

Subscriptions

Your one-year subscription includes eight issues of Jacksonville Magazine

If you have questions about your subscription, call us at (904) 389-3622; write to Jacksonville Magazine, Circulation Dept., 1650 Margaret St., Suite 302, PMB #379, Jacksonville, FL 32204; or reach us via email at mail@jacksonvillemag.com. Our subscribers are valued customers and vital to our success. To provide you with the best personal service, we handle all subscriptions and billing in-house. Please contact us if you experience any difficulties with your subscription, and we will work to resolve them as quickly as possible.

Change of Address

When calling, e-mailing, or mailing your change of address, please provide us with both the old and new address and, if possible, the order number found on the mailing label of your subscription. The post office only forwards publications for 60 days, so please send us your change of address as soon as you know it.

Calendar, Guides & Community Updates

Want something included in our calendar or guides? Please e-mail us at mail@jacksonvillemag.com. Information should be submitted no later than six weeks prior to the magazine cover date. Details may be edited or deleted for space.

Writing Opportunities

We are always willing to consider freelance writers and article suggestions, both for our print publications and our website. Please send queries to Editor, Jacksonville Magazine, 1650 Margaret St., PMB #379, Jacksonville, FL 32204 or by e-mail at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.

Letters

We welcome your letters and comments. Send letters to:

Jacksonville Magazine, 1650 Margaret St., Suite 302, PMB #379, Jacksonville, FL 32204 Or reach us via email at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.

jax files

SMALL TALK

Newsworthy Nuggets from Northeast Florida to Chew on This Month

O In case you missed it, World Naked Gardening Day was May 6. To mark the occasion, online lawn service provider Lawnstarter compiled a list of the best U.S. cities for tending one’s veggies and herbs in the buff. According to its 12-metric methodology—including comparing things like indecent exposure laws and local nudist population, Miami ranked number 1. Atlanta secured the #3 position. Jax finished well back in the naked pack at #96. For some reason, we think your neighbors likely don’t mind our low ranking.

O Northeast Florida local and 17-time PGA TOUR winner Jim Furyk was recently named as captain of the U.S. Team for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be staged at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Quebec, Canada, September 24-29. The honor marks Furyk’s debut as captain of the team; however, he has appeared in seven Presidents Cups dating back to 1998

Fields of Dreams

and holds a 20-10-3 all-time record. Among his TOUR career highlights are winning the 2003 U.S. Open and the FedExCup in 2010.

O We all know Jax has beautiful sunrises and sunsets, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns River, respectively. According to one source, the River City is the third best place to view a sunrise and sunset in the Sunshine State. Measuring individual cities’ levels of light pollution (a.k.a. the Bortle Dark Sky Scale) it was determined that St. Petersburg had the top dawns and dusks. Jacksonville came in a close second, followed by Tampa, Orlando and Miami rounding out the top five.

O Florida is a favored international destination for sport fishing, a $14 billion industry. But there is trouble brewing beneath the surface. A recent study conducted by the Bonefish &

Tarpon Trust and Florida International University found pharmaceutical contaminants in redfish throughout the state’s estuaries. Researchers sampled 133 Florida redfish for 94 commonly supplied pharmaceuticals. On average, 2.1 were detected in each fish and only seven redfish had zero pharmaceuticals present. A leading cause for the contamination is people flushing unused medications down toilets.

O Speaking of the environment: The inaugural Great St. Johns River Cleanup, March 18-April 22, saw more than 1,300 volunteers collect over 29,000 pounds of trash from local waters. The St. Johns River watershed encompasses nearly 9,000 square miles, from Blue Cypress Lake near Vero Beach to the mouth of the river at Mayport. Across 76 sites some 1,450 bags of trash were gathered and properly disposed of— helping clean and beautify our region’s most precious natural resource.

The NFL released its league-wide 2023 season schedule in May and it includes a bevy of marquee matchups for the hometown team. The Jaguars kick off their campaign with an away game versus the Indianapolis Colts on September 10. The following Sunday, the reigning Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs come to town. Rounding out the home schedule are games against the Texans, Colts, 49ers, Bengals, Ravens and Panthers. For the first time in more than a decade, the Jags will play three prime-time games this season, meaning exposure to a national TV audience. In addition, the team travels to London for two games—October 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons and October 8 vs. the Buffalo Bills. Be mindful not to oversleep for these Sunday morning matchups; both have a 9:30 AM start time. u

—

James McRae

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.

I took this photo (at left) while wandering the streets of St. Augustine’s historic district. I shot the photo in mid-January and you can see the evergreen wreath from Christmas was well past its prime. The color of the door, the age on the siding, the old-time light and mailbox—to me, it looks like this photo could have been taken 70 years ago, and not in early 2023.

I SEA YOU

FIVE THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

Buried Treasures

Game Time

There’s no Park Place or Boardwalk but there is the Gator Bowl and Cummer Museum. Jacksonville-Opoly plays much like the classic board game, with the buying of properties and collecting $200 for passing “Go.” We got ours for $20 at Wal-Mart.

Sea turtle nesting season began last month. Northeast Florida is prime nesting territory for several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles. Please remember to never approach a turtle emerging from or returning to the ocean. Nesting sea turtles are vulnerable, timid and easily frightened. Observing them from a distance is fine 5

“WHOOSE” THAT GIRL?

Congrats to Emily Johnson , who was recently named a Hooters Girl of the Year. Much more than a pretty face and a pair of tiny orange shorts, Emily is pursuing a doctoral degree in occupational therapy between shifts serving chicken wings and cold beer. Say, “hi,” next time you visit the San Jose restaurant location.

National Geographic’s immersive video experience Beyond King Tut took more than 3,000 years to make. In Jax, you have about three months to see it, through September 3 at the NoCo Center downtown. Visitors pass through nine multi-sensory galleries and come face-to-face with Tut’s Egyptian burial chamber, float into the underworld, and see the Boy King’s larger than life treasures; reservations required, $25-$75.

number of t-shirts and hoodies featuring Northeast Florida themes ranging from the eponymous “Duuuval” to local beaches, St. Augustine and more. Among our favorites, the ‘Merica’s Mullet design, with its Gard ner Minshew-esque style. Perfect for 4th of July.

A Walk In The Park

Location: Florida’s Cave Country

BY FABRIZIO GOWDY

MUST SEE

Shangri-La Springs is as unusual and unique as its name. Its spring vent sits between a car-sized boulder and a 20-foot vertical limestone bluff, forming a small cove. Small holes and tunnels are present at the base of the rock formation, including one submerged tunnel large enough to comfortably swim through. Lush ferns, aquatic vegetation and impossibly blue water make Shangri-La Springs a postcard-worthy sight.

For safety reasons, most caves in Florida require extensive experience or membership in a spelunking club to access. But three hours west of Jacksonville, the Panhandle’s Jackson County is home to several caves that can be easily and safely accessed by the public.

WHEN YOU VISIT

V Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is the only Florida State Park with air-filled caves open to the public. The park offers 45-minute guided tours of the caverns—you can hike through nine different rooms and see stalactites, stalagmites, and other unusual geological formations. Tours are offered 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for those under 13.

V At the nearby Hinson Conservation Area (one mile south of Marianna on Highway 73), you’ll find the roomy Alamo Cave, located a short walk directly north from the parking loop. With two wide entrances, high ceilings, and plenty of light, this is one cave even your most claustrophobic friend can enjoy.

V Reaching Hinson Conservation Area’s other cave is a bit more difficult, requiring paddling three-quarters of a mile upstream from the park’s kayak launch, bringing you to a cave system known as The Ovens. Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip that you don’t mind getting dirty; sitting just a foot above the west bank of the Chipola River. The Ovens can get quite muddy. Headlamps or flashlights

are also recommended so you can get a better look at the dark passageways that branch out in all directions from the main entrance. Hinson Conservation Area is free to enter and open during daylight hours.

V Feeding into the Chipola River, Merrits Mill Pond contains several caves of the wet variety. When water levels are low, the spring-fed pond is clearest and its partially submerged caves are most exposed. If you bring your own kayak, the best access points

Gopher Gang

are the kayak launch at Jackson Blue Springs (open Labor Day to Memorial Day) and the public boat ramp on Hunter Fish Camp Road. A limited number of canoes and kayaks are available for rent from Cave Adventures at $35 a day. Another option is Get Up and Go Kayaking, an eco-tour group offering clear-bottom kayak tours of Merritt Mill Pond’s springs, including Gator Hole Spring, Shangri-La Springs, and the aptly named Twin Cave Springs. Tours last two hours and cost $65 for adults and $52 for kids.

In March 1937, a storm uprooted a tree at the innocuously named State Park #6, exposing a deep opening in the earth. National Park Services geologist Oliver Chalifoux was called in to investigate, leading to the discovery of a massive underground cave system. Chalifoux crawled through a sinkhole and glimpsed the dazzling rock formations that would soon cause State Park #6 to be renamed Florida Caverns State Park. A small team of Civilian Conservation Corps. workers known as the “Gopher Gang” explored and mapped the caverns, and about 200 CCC men worked to remove several tons of mud, widen passageways, carve steps, and install electrical wiring. Their labor makes your descent into the caverns much less challenging than Oliver Chalifoux’s. u

Picture Pawfect

Max

Parsons Jack Russell Terrier, two years old

“Living with Max is like have a toddler and a teenager all rolled into a fuzzy tornado,” says his owner. “He’s energetic, spirited, willful, goofy, choosy, sweet and kind.” And a really picky eater. So, what’s not to love? He’s also a “super snuggler” and a Jags fan, so it’s easy to overlook some of his other personality traits. He is currently enrolled in agility classes and thoroughly enjoys practicing on his own mini obstacle course in the backyard.

Lyla

Great Dane, two years old

This tall girl loves taking walks and sleeping on the wicker couch on the porch. She was very reserved when adopted, but now bursts with personality. She is from a litter of ten, a few of which she recently visited in DeLeon Springs. Despite her large size, it’s her Chihuahua brother, Pipsqueak, who rules the roost at home. The tiny, onetoothed fella has been known to nip at Lyla’s big feet. Not surprisingly, she doesn’t enjoy that.

Brut

Aussie Doodle, two years old

WANT TO SEE YOUR BELOVED ANIMAL IN JAX MAG?

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

Brut’s black-and-white face is a frequent topic of conversation when he meets new people. He is often compared to Cruella Deville (which has been a Halloween costume), an Oreo and the Phantom of the Opera. His favorite things to eat are his owner’s homemade treats because they are made with love. Oh, and bacon. You may have seen him chasing balls on the beach or during visits to Bearded Pig or Southern Swells. u

Capital Idea

Politics never takes a day off in 2023 America. However, political discourse does take something of a back seat during the summer in Florida’s capital of Tallahassee. The state’s governing bodies meet in session for a short few week in spring, leaving the city open to students, visitors and others less interested in bills and laws. And, if you’ve never been, Democrats and Republicans alike will find plenty of attractions, historic sites and things to do.

A good spot which to call home base during your visit is the downtown area immediately surrounding the intersection of Tennessee and Monroe streets. From here, many of the city’s landmarks are within walking distance. The Florida State Capital, Florida Senate, Museum of Florida History and Donald Tucker Civic Center are clustered together, as is the Historic Capitol Museum, resplendent in its candy-striped awnings and stained-glass dome. The towering Capitol complex, completed in 1977, is open to the public and the view from the 22nd-floor observation deck provides views of the sur-

rounding city and countryside. A few blocks north is the Florida Governor’s Mansion. Tours of the stately house are offered, but only during the state’s regular legislative session in March, April and May.

The millions of red bricks that define the 485-acre Florida State University campus are a few minutes’ ride away. As no stay in Tallahassee is complete without a visit to FSU, the university offers guided walking tours Monday through Fridays, taking visitors and prospective students pass classrooms, residence halls and student dining. A self-guided tour can be downloaded to your phone, too. The “Seminole Experience” tour takes ‘Noles fans through some of the university’s largest sports facilities including Doak Campbell Stadium, Dick Howser Stadium and the Seminole Soccer Complex. Tours ($6-$20) are offered through August 25 and must be booked in advance.

The rolling hills of Tallahassee make this slice of Florida unlike the vast majority of the state. Hikers and off-road bikers love the area for its

700 miles of trails. Kayaking the Wakulla River is popular, too. Exploring of the architectural kind can be had at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Lewis Spring House. Built in 1954, this is the only private residence the acclaimed architect designed in Florida. Its unique design resembles that of a boat. Group tours can be arranged in advance. Speaking of historic structures: Originally a cotton plantation, Goodwood Museum & Gardens is home to 20 buildings dating back to 1835. Today, spread across 20 acres are several cottages, a skating rink, sunken gardens and a greenhouse. The grounds are free to the public, admission to the museum is $6-$12.

There are several well-known brand hotels from which to choose in the downtown Tallahassee area, including the Aloft, The Standard, Hotel Indigo and AC Hotel. Of course, being a Jaxson, you’re going to want to stay in the Hotel Duval, a fixture here since 1951. The Duval has a modern vibe throughout and is capped by the Level 8 Bar on the rooftop. Rooms rates start around $170 per night. u

SOMETHING’S FISHY

Disney recently debuted a live-action remake of the animated classic The Little Mermaid. Hopping onto the under-the-sea adventure theme are a number of Florida sites and resorts. For example, not far from Crystal River is the newly opened Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter, a zoo-like attraction with a collection of exotic creatures ranging from parrots and macaws to peacock mantis shrimp and bamboo sharks. There’s also a touch tank with live rays. The largest exhibit is a 13,000-gallon tank that also serves an underwater theater that’s home to ten species of fish including two nurse sharks and a pair of mermaids who perform three shows daily. Tickets are $15 for kids, $20 for adults, and $45 for groups of three to five. u

Swim Lessons

Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys dives head first “under the sea” by offering guests one-on-one sessions with the property’s very own Koral the Mermaid. “Mermaids in Training” receive lessons from Koral about the basics of living underwater, including a mermaid makeover and learning how to swim with a tail. Then, one can splash around in the Hawks Cay pirate ship pool and swim in a mermaid grotto. Lessons are offered on Fridays throughout the summer for $85 per child or $200 with the purchase of a mermaid fin. The Mermaid Storytime at the pool is free to all resort guests. u

Oceanfront Retreat Built for Entertaining

Uncover the comfort of oceanfront living in Ponte Vedra Beach. This 2-story coastal gem with 100ft of ocean frontage o ers a private elevator for ease in access to each story, large media/game room, living/dining/kitchen/great room and a tri-level deck with summer kitchen, seating around fi replace, sun deck and play fort. There truly is something for everyone. Host unforgettable gatherings for family and friends and make memories for life! Don’t miss this opportunity to make this your own oceanfront retreat or an exceptional investment opportunity with no rental restrictions.

5 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | $3,595,000

DISCOVER CRYSTAL RIVER FL © 2017 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of

Crime Story

Project: Cold Case was created to continue the hunt for killers and to never forget those who were murdered.

BY TIM GILMORE

Between 1965 and 2021, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report data, close to 340,000 homicide and “non-negligent” manslaughter cases went unsolved. Of all 50 states, Florida had the sixth highest number of unsolved cases, nearly 20,000.

Against such numbers, Project: Cold Case, which works for families across the nation, uses the motto: “Because One Unsolved Murder Is Too Many.” Ryan Backmann founded Project: Cold Case in 2015 as an advocacy platform connecting the families of victims of unsolved homicides to law enforcement and the public.

On a Saturday afternoon in October 2009, Cliff Backmann, Ryan’s father, was working alone at J. Turner Butler Boulevard and Interstate-95. Cliff worked a regular Monday-through-Friday construction job, but since his wife Jane had been suffering with terminal cancer, he’d picked up side jobs on weekends for extra money in the

midst of the Great Recession. He was cleaning up, vacuuming drywall dust, when a stranger walked in and put a gun in his side.

The man fired one shot and fled with Cliff’s wallet. He spent his dying breaths trying to describe the stranger who’d just shot him to a 9-1-1 operator. The description is vague. He barely saw him. The call is seven minutes long; six minutes into the call, Cliff stops speaking.

“I didn’t listen to it for the first 10 years. On the 10th anniversary,” Ryan says, “I decided I had to hear it. I was beginning to forget what my dad’s voice sounded like.”

He thought he’d just listen to the first part, where the operator asks, “What’s your emergency?” and then, whatever his dad said, Ryan would stop. But Cliff didn’t sound like himself. He was in shock. Ryan had never heard his father sound this way, so he kept listening, waiting for his father’s voice to sound like his

father’s voice. “And his responsiveness,” Ryan says, “is getting less and less. His last words, his last words are ‘Please help,’ and then he loses consciousness.”

A decade after his father’s death, Ryan heard his father die. Then he heard the emergency rescue team arrive. They transported Cliff to the hospital, where he was declared dead. No witnesses. Cliff had no idea that a decade later, his son would hear his final moments.

Ryan assumed that when murders happened, what happened next was that they got solved. The days went by, then weeks. Weeks, then months. Ryan lost a job, then found himself in an advocacy position for a local group called Compassionate Families.

Then the detective called. Ryan hadn’t heard from him for months. A year-and-a-half had elapsed since the murder. Since the detective wanted to buy Ryan lunch, he’d assumed the

Ryan and Valerie Blackman

Cliff Blackman (top and bottom left)

news would be good. Instead, the detective told him, “I wanted to meet with you today because we’ve suspended your dad’s case.” They’d exhausted all leads.

And before Ryan knew it, the tears were pouring down his face. He’d been trying all this time to prepare himself for the arrest, to face his father’s killer. He realized this moment must happen often, but he’d never imagined it. Murders make the news. It doesn’t make headlines when police stop looking for the murderers.

Though FBI data show violent crime has fallen 49 percent nationally since 1993, Jax has frequently borne the title of “murder capital of Florida.” Even when crime in the U.S. is down, most Americans believe it’s up. It’s a fearful country. Indeed, the U.S. is a far more violent country than other wealthy nations and the South is its most violent region.

To Ryan right after his father’s death though, how could these facts be relevant? The whole city seemed redolent of his father’s murder. That the crime was so random, so impersonal, somehow made it seem more personal.

“But,” he says, “my grandfather went to Arlington Elementary and I went to Arlington Elementary. We have deep roots.” So, he decided he wasn’t “gonna run away.”

The wall of faces that hits you when you visit projectcoldcase.org can be overwhelming and remembering the organization’s cases are such a tiny sliver of the overall number of unsolved homicides is all the more stunning.

Of the five little girls—Jean Schoen, Annette and Mylette Anderson, Virginia Helm and Rebecca Greene— who disappeared from Jacksonville that infamous summer and fall of 1974, each case is still unsolved.

Merideth West and Tracy Dale still want to know who murdered George and Willodean Sharrow in 1976. Tracy is Willodean’s sister. Merideth was “Little Mary,” Winnie’s daughter, who would also have been blown to bits, if she hadn’t been with a babysitter, by that car bomb in their Southside Estates neighborhood that February day. Merideth went to live with Winnie’s and Tracy’s mother; Merideth and Tracy grew up like sisters.

In 1995, Michelle Tyler-Hart said she was taking a ride home with another dancer from a strip bar called Orange Park Gentleman’s Club. A 13-year-old boy, walking his dogs, found her body in the woods

near Borden Cemetery in an old rural pocket of Jacksonville’s Westside. Someone had beaten and strangled her to death. Michelle’s mother Charley says they rarely talked, “but just because she was a delinquent child doesn’t mean she deserved to be killed.”

Just before midnight on September 5, 2013, Taurus Dawson walked to his car in the 400 block of Leland Street, not far from his Fitzger-

ald Street home, when someone shot him in the head. The shell casings found nearby came from a different shooting.

Now Project: Cold Case works with families across the United States. Not only does it spotlight cases on its website, in social media, and with various media outlets, but it conducts support sessions, connects families to mental health counseling, provides statistics, and ad-

BUILT TO LAST

“Historic places lend authenticity to their surroundings, making us all more invested as citizens,” says Jacksonville Historical Society chief executive Alan Bliss. “In addition, data proves that historic preservation adds value by strengthening economic development. Recognizing this, the Society advocates for preservation through its annual Endangered Historic Properties list.” Included on the list of more than 50 structures are commercial buildings, schools, churches and private homes. Among them is Mount Olive A.M.E. Church (above), built using plans drawn by Richard Brown, the city’s first black architect, and the Fleming Bowden Residence, an historic home sitting on Loretto Road property that is slated to become a new subdivision. Several of the threatened buildings are in and around Downtown, including the Dr. Horace Drew Mansion (top), an eclectically designed house in Springfield that was built before 1910. Restoration efforts were started but little work has been done for several years. u

vocates connections between families, law enforcement and prosecutors. Ryan even speaks to Criminal Justice students at the University of North Florida, telling them victim advocacy is now a career path.

PROJECT: Cold Case couldn’t do the work it does without the help of the community. If you’d like to contribute, to donate, or to volunteer, visit www.projectcoldcase.org. u

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

A lengthy roster of events is scheduled for St. Augustine’s historic Lincolnville neighborhood and other local venues to commemorate the anniversary of Juneteenth, an annual observance recalling the emancipation of slaves in America. Lincolnville was established after the Emancipation by freedmen and it served as a hub of activity and protest during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. This month’s celebrations, June 15-19, include a series of concerts, a lecture and a heritage brunch. Among the activities are a concert by jazz saxophonist Marcus Click (June 15, 7 PM) at the Lincolnville Museum and a performance of the Ritz Chamber Players (June 19, 7:30 PM) at the Cathedral Basilica. “St. Augustine’s history of emancipation spans from its founding during the Spanish colonial era as the first free Black community to the Civil War era, and when the Lincolnville neighborhood was founded,” says Christina Parrish Stone, executive director of the St. Johns Cultural Council. “As America’s oldest city, this is an ideal place to celebrate the holiday.” u

Dom Flemons

Read All Over

There’s more to books than just printed words on pages

BY JEFFREY SPEAR

There’s nothing like diving headlong into a good book. Whether you prefer reading in bed, a big overstuffed chair, a hammock in the back yard or under an umbrella at the beach, finding new ideas and adventures on the pages of a book, wherever you choose, is a highly enjoyable, entertaining and relaxing activity.

To put things in perspective, there are more than four million new titles published annually, with 500,000 to one million of these released by traditional publishers alone. It’s not surprising that, for many readers, their biggest question is “Which book should I read?”

In Jacksonville, there are several locally owned bookstores that welcome these

sorts of inquiries. Of note are The Bookmark in Neptune Beach, San Marco Books and More in San Marco and Chamblin Bookmine with two locations, the original on Roosevelt Boulevard and one Downtown. Rona Brinlee, owner of The Bookmark, is highly regarded for her love of hardbacks and paperbacks. She introduces exciting new releases on First Coast Living television and helps her customers find the right book every day of the week. “I get a lot of people asking what book they should read next,” she says. “Recommending a book to fit a person is fun. It’s exciting knowing someone will enjoy the book we’ve helped them select.”

For many readers, joining a book club is the answer. As a big fan of book clubs, Brinlee says, “There’s magic in book clubs. Every-

body gets something different from the experience. No two readers will embrace a book or remember its details in exactly the same way.” Book clubs are also democratic, allowing members to vote and decide which books they’ll read. This sparks lively conversation and occasionally compels people to read titles that fall outside of their comfort zone.

Some book clubs are started by friends who simply want a reason to get together and have a glass of wine. Just ask Rosalind Hoffman, one of the founding members of the Magnolia Street Book Club in Atlantic Beach. “Our group was an excuse for neighbors to get together, have a drink and read a book. While our group has grown over time to include folks from outside the

PHOTO BY JOSHUA SMITH

neighborhood, we’re still doing the same thing... reading and having a good time.” This is abundantly true during the holidays. For Thanksgiving, this enterprising group meets for “Bagels and Bloodys,” then heads down to Pete’s in Neptune Beach for the bar’s annual holiday celebrations. A few weeks later, they gather to celebrate Christmas, sharing good food and exchanging gifts.

On the other side of town, the Murray Hill Book Club meets regularly at Fishweir Brewing Company on Edgewood Avenue. When Ashley Wysotski first moved into the neighborhood, the group provided a way for her to meet new people and get more involved in the community. Today, she’s the group’s moderator, overseeing meetings of 25 to 40 enthusiastic readers. She confesses, “I had no idea our group would get this big. Apparently, we’ve become quite popular.”

When you consider that their “clubhouse” is a brewery, it’s no surprise that their meetings are lively affairs. During holidays throughout the year, the group will select books that are thematically linked (i.e., scary for Halloween, romantic for Valentine’s Day). For one of their meetings, they managed to get Carl Hiaasen to video chat with them and discuss the group’s reading of his book, Hoot

Of course, some bookstores organize their own clubs. In San Marco, Stacy Goldring facilitates Chapter Endnotes, a book club open to the public that meets at San Marco Books and More. She also leads, along with Melissa Ross, the First Coast Connect Book Club on WJCT (89.9 FM). According to Goldring, “We’ll read just about anything.” Explaining why her book club is a politics-free zone, she says, “Today, we’re all so entangled in social media mishigas and divisiveness. However, during our discussions, our time is sacred, dedicated to literature, listening and learning from one another.”

In the wake of the pandemic, Chamblin Bookmine has not yet revived their book club but continues to support others. According to Abby Bell, Manager at the Ortega area location, “It’s pretty cool to create engagement in the community. We’re always happy to recommend books and have them on hand whenever book clubs have a specific need.”

In Green Cove, Spring Park Coffee hosts the SPC Book Club while Femme Fire Books in Five Points is the meeting place for the FFB Book Club. You might also want to inquire at the Jacksonville Public Library. Ultimately, there are lots of great books, great people, great clubs and great adventures waiting for you all over town. All you need to do is show up. And read. u

Kings of the Jungle

Long before anyone had heard of the Tiger King, there was Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary on the city’s Northside. More than 20 years ago, Catty Shack founder and executive director Curt LoGiudice established a facility and nonprofit organization to provide a safe forever home for endangered big cats (think lions and tigers, oh my), and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and captivity. Today, his menagerie includes more than 15 tigers, as well as several lions, leopards, bobcats, foxes, servals and more. The sanctuary, located a few miles north of the Jax Zoo, is open for tours and nighttime feedings on a regular basis. This Father’s Day, it’s hosting King of the Jungle Day, an afternoon devoted to dads of all stripes on Sunday, June 18, 1-3 PM. Dad gets in free with the purchase of another ticket. Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for kids. Why not make it a “purr-fectly” happy Father’s Day this year? u

PLAY IT AGAIN

The 1960s are known for many things. The Vietnam War. Civil Rights movement. The popularization of color television. Through all of these events and technological achievements, there was a soundtrack. And, regardless of the genre, there was usually a guitar blazing through the song. Countless teens picked up the strings themselves and began to form bands in garages around the world, including right here in the River City. In his latest 160-page paperback, musician and former university instructor Michael Ray FitzGerald details how acclaimed guitarists such as Dickey Betts, Dave Hlubek, Duane Allman, Jeff Carlisi, Mike Campbell, and Derek Trucks emerged from Jacksonville, a city detached from the standard music hubs like Nashville and New York. In Guitar Greats of Jacksonville (The History Press, $24), FitzGerald tracks the origins of some of the River City’s most famous musicians and poses the question, why did so many talented players grow up here? u

Show Me the Money

So, You got into a great college. How are you going to pay for it?

BY JOSHUA SMITH

Much noise has been made regarding the American college experience. Admissions have been plagued with scandals. And among the numerous YouTube videos of teens celebrating their acceptance letters, there are anxious students wondering if they’re good enough. Majors are ranked and scrutinized according to their profitability and necessity. Yet, for most, there is one most significant aspect to the college experience—paying for it.

According to U.S. News, the average price for in-state tuition for the 2022-2023 academic school year is $10,423, roughly a third of the average American’s yearly income. However, college is an important part of cultivating one’s intellect into a particular understanding of a field of study, and it can lead to a more expansive employment opportunity. Because of this, parents across the country feel the need to sacrifice and bear the burden of college expenses. But exactly how do they go about doing so?

Most high school students are familiar with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. For example, University of North Florida (UNF) student Elizabeth Wildes,

says that it “is a great resource to help students pay for schooling.” Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial assistance for college expenses in the U.S. Furthermore, those five letters serve as a gateway to three primary ways to pay for school—the Pell Grant, unsubsidized loans, and subsidized loans.

As its name suggests, the Pell Grant is, in fact, a grant, which means that it does not have to be paid back. According to the Department of Education, individual Pell grants for the 20232024 academic year will be $7,395, approximately 70% of the average cost of annual tuition. However, the financial qualifications for the grant cause many students to not qualify because their parents are above the financial threshold. In other words, they make too much money.

Federal loans are simpler and divided into two categories—subsidized and unsubsidized. According to the U.S. Department of Education, subsidized loans are based on financial need, and the maximum amount given is determined by your school. Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need.

There are two significant differences between

the two loan programs, which are interest and the level of education. The Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is in school, but does not pay it for unsubsidized loans. Furthermore, both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized loans, unlike subsidized loans.

Despite the availability of loans and grants, as well as various scholarships, many students still need more to cover the multiple expenses of life. Because of this, students may opt for another form of financial aid known as the work-study. The Department of Education defines work studies as “parttime jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.” These jobs are often on-campus and can be a good source of income for students trying to make money while working on their schooling.

For many, working through school may be a desirable option but not necessarily a feasible one. Wildes, who deals with a nerve pain condition she’s had since she was 12, was not able to work and go to school at the same time because of physical limitations. However, she says that she felt pressure from society to

work. Wildes noted how heavy the workload can be for a college student. “I cannot imagine what it is like for someone who is in school while also having a job,” she says. “While I understand not everyone has the ability to just be a student, I wish more students can just be students.”

By enrolling in the Florida Prepaid service, parents and students may have more freedom to focus on school rather than work and tuition. Florida Prepaid allows parents to pay a lump sum or make monthly payments towards their child’s tuition years in advance. However, it doesn’t pay for out-of-state for colleges, a restriction that can be problematic given how difficult admission into state public schools such as the University of Florida (30.1% acceptance rate) and Florida State University (37.1% acceptance rate) can be. Low acceptance rates into the state’s public colleges and universities, as well as the desire to pursue studies in other states or private institutions means Florida Prepaid isn’t without significant limitations. Wildes, a film major, says that UNF did not have her major at the time of her enrollment and that she would have possibly considered a film school in New York or California. Yet, in that scenario, the Florida Prepaid program would be ineffective because of its limitations that the money must go to a Florida public institution to get the full value of the contributions already made. Private colleges such as Jacksonville University and Flagler College can accept Florida Prepaid funds, but for only a tiny fraction of the value if they were public schools.

So, it’s clear that there’s no one size fits all for affording a higher education. What works for some students may not work for others. I worked throughout college, while also receiving grants and scholarships, and all of the different forms of financial aid were helpful in my college experience. It is important to not get overwhelmed by the various avenues available to pay for school. Each one serves a different purpose and can surely be beneficial in helping a student pay to further their education. u

Extra Credits

The new school year will begin before you know it. So, it’s nearly time to once again stock up on pencils, three-ring binders and graph paper. And thanks to legislation passed earlier this year, all Florida students in grades K-12 can access school scholarship funds, regardless of household income. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options give families a choice of financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees or help with transportation costs for students to attend a public school different than the one to which they are assigned. The scholarships for the upcoming year are worth approximately $7,700 per student and the transportation assistance comes to about $750. The online application window opened in May and can be found at StepUpForStudents.org u

Number$ Game

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

e The First Coast real estate market has cooled quite a bit over the past several months. Yet, compared to other parts of the country, buyers are still turning out in strong numbers and new home construction continues. PulteGroup, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, recently unveiled plans for its newest area community, Wells Landing. Designed to serve first-time homebuyers, the development will be comprised of 218 one- and two-story single-family homes on 50-foot homesites. A total of six home designs will be offered and construction of two models began in the spring, with an expected completion date of late summer. The community will be located on the city’s Westside, close to NAS Jacksonville. u

datebook

COMPILED BY JOSHUA SMITH

Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks and the 4th is a pair that never goes out of fashion. After the sun sets, the City of Jacksonville lights up the skies over Downtown and the St. Johns River with a fireworks display that can be viewed from both sides of the river, as well as aboard a boat. Out at Jax Beach, fireworks are launched from the Fishing Pier, meaning the show can be enjoyed for miles up and down the shore. In St. Augustine, Fourth of July festivities include a big band and swing music concert in the Plaza de la Constitution, followed by some 5,000 shells being launched high above the Matanzas River. Happy Birthday, America!

Jacksonville Symphony: Conrad Tao Plays Prokofiev

JUNE 9 & 10, 7:30 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

By popular demand, Conrad Tao returns to bring his virtuosity to the explosive joy of Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. Paired with Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, relish in the final classical performance as it bursts into a musical celebration, $27-$81.

Dierks Bentley

JUNE 13, 7 PM

Daily’s Place

The country hitmaker plays songs from his new album Gravel and Gold during this new nationwide tour, including stops in the U.S. and Canada, $34-$650.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

JUNE 13-18, 28-30

121 Financial Ballpark

The Jumbo Shrimp AAA baseball team takes on the Memphis Redbirds and the Durham Bulls in two series of June games. This home-stand series includes several special game promotions including discounted ticket prices, fireworks and family days, $10-$53.

The Music of Led Zeppelin

JUNE 15, 8 PM

Florida Theatre

The Jacksonville Rock Symphony Orches -

tra takes the lead for a concert of Led Zeppelin classics. Many of the legendary band’s best-known works, such as “Kashmir,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “All of My Love,” and “Whole Lotta Love,” will be performed by a live band, singers and orchestra, $40-$70.

2023 Arts Awards

JUNE 15, 5:30 PM

Riverplace Tower

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Arts Awards, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville cordially invites the community to a joyous celebration, honoring the remarkable individuals and organizations enriching Northeast Florida’s cultural landscape. Patrons will be treated to a delightful assortment of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Express your vibrant personality and unique style with fun and funky attire, $125. 904TIX.com

R&B Music Experience 2023

JUNE 17, 7 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

Hosting several critically acclaimed and beloved R&B groups and solo artists, the R&B Music Experience aims to put on a show highlighting old-school jams, $75-$307.

Dayna Stephens

JUNE 18, 5 PM | James Weldon Johnson Park, Downtown

As part of the James Weldon Johnson Park’s Jazz Discovery Series, renowned saxophonist and composer Dayna Stephens performs in concert with jazz students from the Jacksonville Arts and Music School and the John Lumpkin Institute. The concert celebrates James Weldon Johnson’s birthday, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day—all of which occur the same weekend. “Jazz gets its roots from the Ragtime styles that James and his brother John were creating during their time in New York City, just after “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was first performed here in Jacksonville,” says Lumpkin.

Seen

Color me impressed

Catholic Charities hosted the annual Black & White Soirée in March inside the East Club at TIAA Bank Field. Nearly 250 patrons enjoyed a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an evening of dancing to the live tunes of the Bay Kings Band. More than $127,000 was raised to support the organization’s Feed A Family Campaign, which provides hunger relief to local families when they need it most. u

UPCOMING:

Junior Achievement of Northeast Florida hosts Day of the Girl on Friday, June 30, 9 AM-3 PM, at the Schultz Center. Young women in grades 3-8 are invited to celebrate, empower and inspire one another to dream big and reach their full potential.

The black-tie optional Purple Gala benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association is set for Saturday, July 15, 6 PM, at Queen’s Harbour Yacht & Country Club. The fundraiser will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, unlimited libations and dancing to the band Split Tone.

Expedition: Dinosaur, Rise of the Mammals

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10 | Museum of Science & History

Turn back the clock some 66 million years to a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. A new traveling exhibition at MOSH details how mammals evolved to become the planet’s dominant species and includes fossils as old as 300 million years, life-sizes animatronic dinos, and other hands-on activities. Don’t leave without taking a photo with your head in the jaws of a T-Rex. Not a real one, of course.

Tedeschi Trucks Band

JUNE 22, 7:30 PM

Daily’s Place

Led by the husband-and-wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, the Jacksonville-based rock/blues band has embarked on another tour and has made sure to play their beloved hometown. Expect guitar virtuosity and several songs from their Grammywinning catalog, $30-$140.

Magaret Cho: Live and LIVID!

JUNE 25, 7:30 PM

Florida Theatre

As a comedian, actor, musician, advocate, entrepreneur, and five-time Grammy and Emmy nominee, the multi-hyphenate has attained much success as an entertainer over the last few decades, $20-$60.

Dave Koz and Friends

Summer Horns Live

JUNE 30, 8 PM

Florida Theatre

The highly acclaimed saxophonist is joined by friends and fellow musicians Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius. The show features music from both of Koz’s previous chart-topping albums, as well as music from Dulfer and Darius’s catalogs, $45-$79.

UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Topuria

JUNE 24, NOON

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The Sacramento-based Josh Emmett (18-3) will look to get his 19th win against the undefeated Ilia Topuria, hailing from Alicante, Spain. Topuria’s use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will clash against Emmett’s style on their paths to victory, $77.

Red Corvette, A Prince Tribute Band

JULY 1, 8 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

One of the newest Prince tribute acts on the scene, its members have over a decade of experience performing the rock legend’s music. The band plays all hit songs and lead singer, Donny, delivers all the classic Prince moves, $29-$69.

Riley Green

JULY 6, 6:30 PM

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Influenced by music genres such as country, bluegrass and Southern gospel, the Jacksonville, Alabama native learned the art of songwriting from his grandfather who ran the Golden Saw Music Hall. Green’s music is known for its “honest presentation and trueto-life lyrics,” $40-$80.

John Manzari: The First Set

JULY 13, 7 PM

First Baptist Church, Amelia Island

A dancer as melodic as he is rhythmic, Manzari delights audiences with his creativity and craft. His show—featuring selections from traditional and modern masters—spotlights enduring connections between past and present. The First Set features the Luther S. Allison quartet with band leader Luther on piano, James Zito on guitar, Stanley Ruvinov on bass, and Zach Adleman on drums, $30-$50. 904TIX.com

Space Oddity

JULY 14, 8 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Space Oddity is a live, theatrically staged spectacle that transports audiences through the career of David Bowie, notable for his constant reinvention and visuals in both his music and onstage, presented by FSCJ Artist Series.

10 Walls:

Playdate at the Playground

JULY 16, 2 PM

Ritz Theatre & Museum

“The Playground” is a community day, held every third Sunday of the month, that encompasses various workshops, panel discussions, poetry sessions, live paintings, free entry into the museum, and more including Expressions with Henny Stewart, Art of Spoken Word, and Trap Fitness, free.

Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel

JULY 16, 7 PM

Intuition Ale Works

Duane Betts’ debut solo album, Wild & Precious Life, brings a fresh perspective to Southern rock with sharply crafted songs and exquisite guitar work that capture the emotional release of overcoming struggle, appreciating the fleeting nature of life and the joys of being present. Recorded at Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks’ Swamp Raga Studio, the album features guests including Trucks, Marcus King, and Nicki Bluhm, $23. 904TIX.com

Darius Rucker

JULY 20, 8 PM

Daily’s Place

The multi-award-winning country singer takes his music on the road as he embarks on his Starting Fires Tour. The South Carolina native will be joined by special guests Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, $20-$90.

Jacksonville Sharks

JULY 22, 7 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The championship-winning arena football team battles the Odessa, Texas-based West Texas Warbirds in the last home game of the season. The game also takes place on Military Appreciation Night, $12-$175.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

JUNE 23, 8 PM | Florida Theatre

Last year marked the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s 30th anniversary, a band that broke through the musical clutter with music in the 1996 film comedy Swingers. Known for high-octane performances and swing hits like “Go Daddy-O” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit,” the seven-man act has played everywhere from Dancing With the Stars to the Super Bowl.

Bo Bartlett: Earthly Matters

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10

MOCA Jacksonville

Earthly Matters is a collection of acclaimed artist Bo Bartlett’s recent works that explore human impact on and interaction with the natural world. His large-scale American Realist paintings follow the traditions of Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper. His subjects often find themselves in precarious environmental situations, either from their own doing or by forces beyond their control. The exhibition remains on display through the summer, including extended hours 5-9 PM on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

HIGH TECH LOW IMPACT

UP TO 40 PERCENT OF MEN IN THEIR 50s suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a nonmalignant growth of the prostate gland and yet many let the condition go untreated. “Guys don’t like to talk about their diseases, particularly if they fear treatment could impact sexual function or come with horrible side effects” says Dr. Ali Kasraeian, whose 15-year-career in urology included a Paris fellowship focused on minimallyinvasive technologies. “Taking care of a problem like an enlarged prostate—before it becomes a bigger deal—is so important.”

For decades, treatment meant undergoing an invasive surgery—one often accompanied by bleeding, a lengthy hospital stay, and weeks spent in recovery. New technologies have altered the prostate treatment landscape completely. New, minimally-invasive procedures offer equivalent results without the downtime or side effects of their more invasive counterparts.

As the prostate enlarges with age, it squeezes the urethra that passes through it, which often leads to a disruption in normal urinary function. For some, that might mean a weak flow of urine, while others might experience a frequent need to urinate or an urgency that can cause incontinence. A new crop of technologicallyadvanced procedures work to alleviate the symptoms of BPH, without many of the side effects that have persisted in surgeries of the past.

“Imagine an orange,” explains Dr. Kasraeian. “There’s an outer rind (where prostate cancer tends to grow) and the middle fruit portion which, if it grows, affects urination. For years, the gold standard of managing that has beenTURP,

a procedure I’d liken to a spoon that carves out the inner fruit. It’s successful at removing the problem, but it causes bleeding, discomfort, and can affect the ability to have an external ejaculation.”

Dr. Kasraeian remains one of the most experienced and high volume Aquablation surgeons in the nation. “Approximately 50 percent of our Aquablation patients were catheter-dependent because of their enlarged prostate and all of them have resumed their life without having to have a catheter replaced since surgery.”

Another high-tech—and even more minimallyinvasive—procedure offering positive outcomes with minimal side effects is UroLift.“Rather than cutting or using Aquablation, the surgeon places a suture and pushes the lobes out of the way, almost like opening a curtain on a stage.”

Aquablation Therapy also targets an enlarged prostate,but it does so with a precise,2.4-centimeter stream of water that removes prostatic tissue, without the risk of thermal injury. “It’s an incredibly elegant technique,” notes Dr. Kasraeian. “This surgeon-directed, robotic-controlled procedure allows for the use of an ultrasound, to demarcate the affected area. With the press of a pedal, a water jet can then precisely target the problem, without affecting the arteries. The vast majority of patients go home the next day.” Outcomes for the procedure are very similar to TURP, with patients seeing better side effect profiles and significant improvements in quality of life.

UroLift is geared toward men with mild or moderate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or those with severe symptoms looking for a very minimally invasive procedure (such as those who are at-risk for a more serious surgery). This outpatient procedure comes with minimal side effects, and requires either no catheter or a very short catheterization period. “There’s no hospital stay and it’s very welltolerated. In fact, we are very proud to offer Urolift as an office based procedure to men who are candidates for this very minimally invasive (non-resective) BPH therapy.”

“The great thing about these procedures is that we can offer men with BPH options that are not only very minimally invasive, but precise, accurate and, most importantly, effective. Particularly with UroLift, we are able to address BPH earlier and intervene when prostates are smaller. We’re using it as a way to identify the precise moment we can intervene and preserve bladder function.”

Dr. Ali Kasraeian & Kasraeian Urology were named a Urolift Center of Excellence in 2020.

Step 1

The UroLift® Delivery Device is placed through the obstructed urethra to access the enlarged prostate.

Step 2

Small UroLift® implants are permanently placed to lift & hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way and increase the opening of the urethra. The permanent implants are delivered through a small needle that comes out of the UroLift® Delivery Device and into the prostate.

Step 3

The UroLift® Delivery Device is removed, leaving an open urethra designed to provide symptom relief.

For more information on the UroLift® system, visit UroLift.com

For more information on Aquablation therapy, visit Aquablation.com

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE’S

T P DOCTORS

A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THE REGION’S LEADING PHYSICIANS, BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS, STANDOUT COSMETIC DENTISTS AND OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO BIND OUR WOUNDS, HEAL OUR HEARTS AND GIVE US CARE.

Jacksonville boasts a historically significant medical community, a group of professionals that today follows in the footsteps of some true pioneers. In fact, the Duval County Medical Society (DCMS) was founded 170 years ago, more than 20 years before there was a Florida Medical Association—which also was established here in 1874. On May 25, 1853, a group of less than ten local doctors got together to create an organization dedicated to caring for the community as a whole, and not just individual patients. These noble physicians were frontline veterans of Northeast Florida medicine, enduring waves of smallpox, dengue fever, malaria and other diseases that had taken a toll on the region. Weary of the situation, they understood change was sorely needed.

Charter member Dr. H.D. Holland became the city’s first physician mayor in 1852. Another founding member, Dr. Abel Baldwin, would become the first president of the Florida Medical Association. As forward-thinking and dedicated as those early members of the Society were, it’s doubtful any of them could have imagined how large and innovative Jacksonville’s medical community would become. Could they have ever envisioned the sheer scope of the Baptist Medical Center campus on the Southbank? What would they think

of helicopter air ambulances racing through the sky? How would they marvel at an MRI machine or proton radiation therapy or ceramic joint replacement components? Likely, it would be beyond science fiction to them.

Today, the DCMS counts more than 1,900 physicians as members. Northeast Florida benefits from their expertise, education and compassion in countless ways. However, having such a large medical community can bring degrees of confusion among patients. After all, when there are so many choices, making a decision can be a challenge.

In an effort to help alleviate some of the angst experienced by Northeast Floridians seeking medical assistance, Jacksonville Magazine has partnered with national survey firm Top Doctors to compile a list of area physicians rated best by their peers. While the following pages are in no way a complete accounting of all the exemplary doctors practicing in our region, the list may be considered a good starting point, a handy reference for you to begin your next search for a medical professional in whom you would trust your friends, family and loved ones.

TOP DOCTORS

LISTED BY AREA OF SPECIALTY

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Patrick J. DeMarco

Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Steve M. Dorman Jr

Family Allergy & Asthma Consultants

Sunil N. Joshi

Family Allergy & Asthma Consultants

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Hary T. Katz

Family Allergy & Asthma Consultants

Thomas A. Lupoli

Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Sanjay Swami

First Coast Allergy & Asthma

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Raquel S. Watkins

Watkins Allergy & Asthma Clinic

Baptist Medical Center South, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Ryan M. Chadha Mayo Clinic

Neil G. Feinglass Mayo Clinic

Klaus D. Torp Mayo Clinic

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Fred M. Kusumoto Mayo Clinic

Robert A. Luke

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Anthony R. Magnano

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Matthew S. McKillop

Baptist Heart Specialists

Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Jay Patterson

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Theodore A. Bass

UF Health Cardiovascular Center UF Health Jacksonville

Marcus J. Cox

Baptist Heart Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Beaches Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Omar F. Dajani

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County

Thomas R. Flipse Mayo Clinic

Ruple Galani

Baptist Heart Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Samer M. Garas

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Ferris E. George Jr. St. Augustine Cardiology Associates Flagler Hospital

David R. Grech

First Coast Heart & Vascular Center

Baptist Medical Center South Flagler Hospital

Gary E. Lane Mayo Clinic

Keith R. Oken Mayo Clinic

Amy W. Pollak Mayo Clinic

Pamela Rama

Baptist Heart Specialists   Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Russell B. Stapleton III

Baptist Heart Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Gladys P. Velarde

UF Health Cardiovascular Center

UF Health Jacksonville

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY

Michael J. De La Hunt

Baptist Behavioral Health

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Barbara L. Gracious HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

CHILD NEUROLOGY

Harry S. Abram Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY

Ron G. Landmann

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center South

DERMATOLOGY

Robert G. Brown

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Scott W. Fosko

UF Health Dermatology

UF Health Jacksonville UF Health Shands Hospital

Josep Genebriera

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

John P. Kartsonis

Dermatology Specialists of North Florida

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center South

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Russell D. Metz

Beaches Dermatology

George J. Schmieder

Park Avenue Dermatology

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Gaelyn E. Scuderi

Ackerman Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Nassau

Richard D. White

Mayo Clinic

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM

Joe M. Chehade

UF Health Endocrinology

UF Health Jacksonville

Wasim E. Deeb

First Choice Endocrinology

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Arpeta Gupta

Millennium Physician Group

J. Sample Magee NE FL Endocrine & Diabetes Associates

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

FAMILY MEDICINE

Charmaine Aguirre

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Dana Barnes

CAN Community Health

Patricia Calhoun

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Perry Carlos Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Boyd Evans, Jr.

Millennium Physician Group

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Brian H. Grimard

Mayo Clinic

Charles Haddad

Millennium Physician Group

UF Health Jacksonville

Judella E. Haddad-Lacle

Millennium Physician Group

UF Health Jacksonville

Christopher Scuderi

Millennium Physician Group

Monees Syed

Village Medical at Walgreens

105 Julington Plaza Dr, Suite A, Jacksonville 32259

Michael B. Till

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Payvand Tiurchy

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Baptist Medical Center South

Floyd B. Willis

Mayo Clinic

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Timothy J. Cavacini

Borland Groover

Flagler Hospital

Kenneth DeVault Mayo Clinic

Linda A. Di Teodoro

Borland Groover

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Francis A. Farraye

Mayo Clinic

Daniel J. Gassert

Borland Groover

Flagler Hospital

Vikram D. Gopal

Borland Groover

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center South

Michael E. Herman

Borland Groover

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Ali M. Lankarani

Borland Groover

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Dinesh Madhok

Borland Groover

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital,

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Michael F. Picco

Mayo Clinic

James S. Scolapio

UF Health Gastroenterology

UF Health Jacksonville

Stuart A. Soroka

Borland Groover

Flagler Hospital St.

Mark E. Stark

Mayo Clinic

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Timothy A. Woodward

Mayo Clinic

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Martin A. Martino

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County

HAND SURGERY

Peter M. Murray

Mayo Clinic

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Louis Akra

Akra Professional Services

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Gerald Burford

Millennium Physician Group

Graciela Diez-Hoeck

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Linda R. Edwards

UF Health General Medicine  UF Health Jacksonville

Rajesh Gopal

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center South

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Catherine C. Madaffari  Mayo Clinic

Joseph M. Millan

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Joseph R. Pattison

Millennium Physician Group

Barbara I. Rappaport

8833 Perimeter Park Blvd., #203, Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Elias Saikali

Millennium Physician Group

Alejandro I. Traveria

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

John-Paul Pham

Pham Cardiovascular Center

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Baptist Medical Center Southside

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Ruby Satpathy

Baptist Heart Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Bernardo M. Utset

Baptist Heart Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

COSMETIC DENTISTS

Thirty-five years ago, 60 dentists assembled in Las Vegas to create an organization devoted to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. From this gathering of individual practitioners, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has matured into the world’s largest organization for cosmetic dental professionals. The AACD now includes more than 6,000 practitioners, educators, researchers and laboratory technicians from 70 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.

Approximately 30 AACD members practice in the Northeast Florida area, including:

Rami Al Saidi, DDS

John Bibbs, DDA

Joshua Bietenholz, DMD

James Bolton, DDS

Eric Burgess, DMD

Broc Flores, DMD

Kendall Frazier, DDS

Steven Garrett, DMD

Suvana Hashim, DDS

Jose Martinez, DMD

Blanca Martinez-Hoppe, DMD

James McCall, DDS

Michael McClure, DMD

Jilian Medure, DMD

Jennifer Mokris, DMD

Megan Moshea, DDS

Nomi Mujahid, DMD

Kevin Neal, DDS

Jason Olitsky, DMD, AAACD

Mohamed Osman, BDS

Richard Perallon, DMD

Charles Poblenz, DMD

Susan Prater-Kudlats, DMD

Harris Rittenberg, DMD

Angela Sayoc, DMD

Cynthia Skigen, DMD

Julio Sixto, DMD

James Trantham, DMD

Michael Vanover, DDS

Jacqueline West, DMD

Michael Winter, DDS

To learn more about the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit aacd.com.

TICKING TIME BOMB

“Apatient recently contacted me to share her experience with an infectious disease specialist at one of the local big-name hospital systems in Jacksonville,” says Kerry Clark, professor of Epidemiology & Environmental Health at the University of North Florida. “He told her with absolute confidence that, ‘there is no Lyme disease in Florida.’ Clearly, there is still a tremendous need to educate our medical, public health and lay communities about the realities of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in Florida, and other Southern states.”

Lyme disease is caused by a spiral bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) and is transmitted by ticks that can be as small as a poppy seed. The CDC estimates that there are 476,000 new cases each year. However, less than half of individuals with Lyme recall either a tick bite or rash. In April, the Florida Lyme Disease Association (FLDA) and Project Lyme hosted a screening of The Quiet Epidemic, a documentary about Chronic Lyme and tick-borne diseases at UNF with hopes for helping awaken the public to the growing threat.

“Lyme symptoms can look virtually identical to Long Haul Covid with symptoms that cause pain, cognitive dysfunction, neuropsychiatric conditions, neurological disorders and fatigue. As such individuals with a cluster of these symptoms should be tested and evaluated for Lyme by a knowledgeable health care provider,” says Jacksonville physician Shirley Hartman, MD.

Lyme disease was first discovered in 1975, yet there has been little progress for patients. Meanwhile, ticks are spreading life-threatening diseases around the world. Some people are left without a cure, and many without a diagnosis at all. In fact, the risk of contracting the disease and other tick-borne infections in Florida is rapidly growing. A Quest laboratories study revealed the increase in Lyme is increasing dramatically in the Sunshine State, with a 77% increase between 2015 and 2017.

“Florida residents do not know to take measures to prevent tick bites and oftentimes doctors do not recognize the symptoms,” says Melissa Bell, FLDA president. “Even when patients do test positive, they are often told it must be a false positive because there is supposedly no Lyme in Florida. This type of circular reasoning leads to mounting cases and significant delays in diagnosis and treatment.” ✚

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Isaac Delke

UF Health Women’s Specialists

UF Health Jacksonville

Francisco Gaudier

Regional Obstetric Consultants

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Jill Mauldin

Regional Obstetric Consultants

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Jeffrey A. Bubis

Florida Cancer Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Saranya Chumsri Mayo Clinic

Gerardo Colon-Otero Mayo Clinic

Roxana S. Dronca Mayo Clinic

James M. Foran Mayo Clinic

Leann Fox

Cancer Specialists of North Florida

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Troy Guthrie Jr.

GenesisCare

UF Health Shands

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Dat C. Pham

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center South

Walter Quan Jr.

UF Health Hematology & Oncology

UF Health Jacksonville

Ilicia Shugarman

Cancer Specialists of North Florida Baptist Medical Center Beaches

NEPHROLOGY

Ira Harmon

AccuCare of North Florida

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

Ronald L. Mars

UF Health Nephrology

UF Health Shands

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Hugh G. Deen Jr. Mayo Clinic

Michael B. Horowitz

HCA Florida First Coast

Neurosurgery

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Eric Nottmeier Mayo Clinic

NEUROLOGY

David Capobianco

Mayo Clinic

Robert Cavaliere

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center South

David R. Chabolla

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

William P. Cheshire Jr. Mayo Clinic

Gregory S. Day Mayo Clinic

Dennis D. Dewey

Baptist Neurology Group

Baptist Medical Center Clay, Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Elliot L. Dimberg

Mayo Clinic

Michael Gebel

Baptist Neurology Group Baptist Medical Center Nassau

Daniel B. Groblewski

Neurology Specialists of Jacksonville

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Kathleen Kennelly Mayo Clinic

Bryan Riggeal

Baptist Neurology Group

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

Devon I. Rubin

Mayo Clinic

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Scott Silliman

UF Health Neurology

UF Health Jacksonville, Flagler Hospital

Joseph L. Sirven

Mayo Clinic

William O. Tatum

Mayo Clinic

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Akash Sharma

Mayo Clinic

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Tim Baird

Women’s Physicians of Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

Anita H. Chen

Mayo Clinic

C. Cameron Greene

Women’s Care Florida

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Kay Holmes

Flanders & Holmes

Andrew M. Kaunitz

UF Health Women’s Specialists

UF Health Jacksonville

Michelle A. Mclanahan

Ascension Medical Group

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Rebekah Richmond

Beaches OBGYN

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Sayra C. Sievert

Women’s Care Florida

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Mary E. Wechter

North Florida Gynecology Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

D. Scott Wells

Women’s Care Florida

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Tracy Wells

Women’s Care Florida

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Shawn Agee

Southeastern Retina Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Charles V. Duss

Atlantic Eye Institute

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Dawn N. Duss

Pediatric Eye Consultants of N. Florida

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Kathryn B. Freidl

Florida Eye Specialists

Abdallah M. Jeroudi

Florida Retina Institute

William J. Knauer III

Levenson Eye Associates

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Tomas A. Moreno

Florida Retina Institute

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

William J. Oktavec

St. Augustine Eye Foundation Flagler Hospital

Ravi R. Patel Florida Eye Specialists

Megan N. Scott Carlton

Palm Valley Eye Care & Surgeons

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County

Jonathan A. Staman Florida Retina Institute

John P. Sullivan

Southeastern Retina Specialists

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Benjamin J. Thomas Florida Retina Institute

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Sushma K. Vance

Atlantic Eye Institute

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

With over 30 years’ experience researching, reviewing, and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible healthcare research and information company. Our mission is to help people find the best healthcare by connecting patients with best-in-class healthcare providers.

Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Its online nomination process is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physician(s) is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Then, Castle Connolly’s research team thoroughly vets each physician’s professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history and if available, outcomes data. Additionally, a physician’s interpersonal skills such as listening and communicating effectively, demonstrating empathy, and instilling trust and confidence, are also considered in the review process. The Castle Connolly Doctor Directory is the

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Kevin M. Kaplan

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Eric A. Loveless

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

David M. Mandel

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Kevin M. Neal

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Cedric J. Ortiguera

Mayo Clinic

Albert G. Volk

Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine Flagler Hospital

Edward Young

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Steven M. Andreoli

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Justin R. Moy

Baptist ENT Specialists

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Robert Sprecher

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

largest network of peer-nominated physicians in the nation.

In addition to Top Doctors, Castle Connolly’s research team also identifies Rising Stars, early career doctors who are emerging leaders in the medical community.

Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine’s “Top Doctors” and “Rising Stars” feature may also appear online at www.castleconnolly.com, or in in conjunction with other Castle Connolly Top Doctors databases online and/or in print.

Castle Connolly is part of Everyday Health Group, a recognized leader in patient and provider education, attracting an engaged audience of over 74 million health consumers and over 890,000 U.S. practicing physicians and clinicians to its premier health and wellness digital properties. Our mission is to drive better clinical and health outcomes through decision-making informed by highly relevant information, data, and analytics. We empower healthcare providers and consumers with trusted content and services delivered through Everyday Health Group’s world-class brands.

For more information, please visit Castle Connolly or Everyday Health Group.

Arthur C. Taliaferro

North Florida Center for Otolaryngology

Flagler Hospital

OTOLARYNGOLOGY/ FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

Roberto E. Garcia

Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Scott Trimas

Beaches Facial Plastic & Nasal Surgery Center

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Baptist Medical Center Nassau

PAIN MEDICINE

Veronica Antoine

Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists

Michael C. Hanes

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

Flagler Hospital, UF Health Leesburg

Parveen Khanna

Pain Medicine Physicians of Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

PATHOLOGY

Colby A. Cantu

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

Shahla Masood

UF Health Pathology UF Health Jacksonville

Jalidsa Pellicier

Southeastern Pathology Associates

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

PATHOLOGY CONT.

Thuy Penedo

Southeastern Pathology Associates

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Ejaz Yousef

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Jennifer N. Fisher

UF Health Jacksonville

Pediatric Endocrinology

Larry A. Fox

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Nelly Mauras

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Monica M. Mortensen

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Thanh M. Nguyen

Sunshine Medical Specialists

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Salik Taufiq

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY

Manisha M. Bansal

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Scott M. Bradfield

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Michael J. Joyce

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Eric Sandler

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Samir Midani

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY

James B. Chafin

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

SWOOP, THERE IT IS

“Children who are critically ill frequently need scans of their brain performed without delay,” says pediatric neurosurgeon Philipp Aldana, MD, co-medical director of the Stys Neuroscience Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “Currently, these scans are done in large MRI scanners in the radiology department that require the patient to be transported out of the ICU to the scanner. This transport can take time and put patients at risk.”

That risk was greatly reduced at Wolfson with the arrival of a Swoop Portable MRI Imaging System in May. The new technology can be taken directly to a patient’s room in Wolfson’s intensive care units, plugged into a standard electrical wall outlet and controlled us ing a wireless tablet. The point-of-care technology allows MRIs to be done while the patient remains in their room and bed. This is especially important for critically ill patients who are too unstable to be moved to an MRI or are connected to lifesaving equipment that is incompatible with a traditional MRI’s magnetic field. The unit takes only minutes to set up and its open design and reduced noise help ease anxiety for patients and parents.

“Most other hospitals don’t have this option,” says pediatric neurologist Chetan Shah, MD. “This is a real breakthrough. In cases where it isn’t safe to transport critically ill children from the ICU for an MRI, this technology allows us to do the MRI by their bedside and get essential information about brain structures that helps us take care of these little ones better.” ✚

Gary D. Josephson

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

Saswata Roy

ENT Specialists of North Florida

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Daniel L. Wohl

Pediatric Otolaryngology Associates

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY

Tina M. Catanzaro

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

David Schaeffer

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Robert W. Letton, Jr.

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

Michael J. Erhard

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando

PEDIATRICS

James W. Cheek

Carithers Pediatric Group

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

David O. Childers, Jr.

UF Health Developmental Pediatrics

UF Health Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Kenneth Cohen

Jacksonville Pediatric Associates

Baptist Medical Center South

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Thomas M. Hardin

Family Medical Centers

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Alexandra M. Kostur

Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Prasanthi Reddy

Rainbow Pediatric Center

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Hilleary C. Rockwell III

2360 Park Street, Jacksonville

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Wendy Sapolsky

Carithers Pediatric Group

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Dan R. Spearman

Orange Park Pediatrics

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Randolph Thornton

Jacksonville Pediatrics

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

James Waler

Baptist Primary Care

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Thomas D. Rizzo Jr.

Mayo Clinic

PLASTIC SURGERY

Patrick L. Basile

3316 3rd Street S., # 104, Jacksonville Beach

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Amy H. Brewster

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Robert W. Burk III

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery  Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Ankit R. Desai

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

John D. Murray

UF Health Surgery

UF Health Jacksonville

James Waldorf Mayo Clinic

William A. Wallace, Jr. Fleming Island Plastic Surgery

PSYCHIATRY

William M. Hunt III 3190 Post Street, Jacksonville

PULMONARY DISEASE

Stephen Bagnoli Bagnoli & Salah Partnership HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Charles D. Burger Mayo Clinic

James D. Cury UF Health Pulmonology UF Health Jacksonville

Jennifer C. Fulton

Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

Margaret Johnson Mayo Clinic

Daniel Wyzan

Ascension Medical Group Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Cynthia S. Anderson

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

Jamie A. Cesaretti

Terk Oncology

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the Society represents 92% of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S., making ASPS a global institution and leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. The organization is a strong advocate for patient safety and requires its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing. A search of the ASPS database reveals some 30 member surgeons practicing in the Jacksonville area. Their names follow:

Patrick Basile, MD

Amy Brewster, MD

Robert Burk, MD

Danile Calloway, MD

Mark Clayman, MD

David Csikai, MD

Ankit Desai, MD, FACS

Vaishali B. Doolabh. MD

Michael Duffy, MD

Michael Fallucco, MD, FACS

Timothy Fee, MD, FACS

Antonio Forte, MD, PhD

Jay Granzow, MD

John Harris, MD

Hollie Hickman, DO

Sofia Kirk, MD

David Mobley, MD

John Murray, MD

John Obi, MD

Lewis Obi, MD

Joseph Parks, MD, FACS

Claude Rumsey, MD

Erez G. Sternberg, MD

Sarvam TerKonda, MD

James Waldorf, MD

William Wallace, MD, FACS

Eric Weiss, MD

TAKE A SHOT?

In early May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, in older adults. In clinical trials, the vaccine Arexvy was 83% effective at preventing lower respiratory tract diseases in older adults and 94% effective at preventing severe disease. The drug’s maker GlaxoSmithKline expects to have the vaccine available before the 2023-24 virus season. Infectious disease epidemiologist Cindy Prins, Ph.D., a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida College of Public Health, recently answered a series of questions regarding the new vaccine. Before you decide to receive a dose, consider the following:

What is RSV and how can it affect older adults?

RSV is a respiratory virus that may cause cold-like symptoms in healthy adults and older children. But in infants, very young children and older adults, it can sometimes cause more serious disease leading to pneumonia and other infections, hospitalizations and even death.

What is the significance of the FDA’s decision?

RSV represents a significant burden of diseases among older adults. Annually, there are an estimated 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations of older adults with RSV and 10,000 deaths. To finally have a vaccine is going to be lifesaving for a lot of people.

What are the vaccine’s side effects?

The side effects of the vaccine in the study population mostly were typical and expected. Some participants reported pain, redness and swelling at the infection site. Temporary fatigue, muscle aches and headaches were also reported by people who got the vaccine. For most people, the side effects did not prevent their normal everyday activities.

What about RSV in young children?

Between 60,000 and 80,000 kids younger than five years old are hospitalized every year due to RSV. Now, we don’t have an RSV vaccine approved for children yet, but the vaccine being available for adults may help prevent young children, too. Think about grandparents interacting with their grandchildren, especially with newborns.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

Anyone 75 and older with any kind of lung disease, heart disease or other underlying conditions that may cause them to have problems when they get an infection should consider getting the RSV vaccine. These are the same folks who are considered at high risk if they contract the flu or Covid. ✚

RADIATION ONCOLOGY CONT.

Roi Dagan

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

UF Health Jacksonville

Randal H. Henderson

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

UF Health Jacksonville

Bradford S. Hoppe Mayo Clinic

Daniel J. Indelicato

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

UF Health Jacksonville

Nancy P. Mendenhall

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

UF Health Jacksonville

William M. Mendenhall

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

UF Health Jacksonville

Romaine C. Nichols, Jr.

UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

UF Health Jacksonville

Mitchell D. Terk

Terk Oncology

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Laura A. Vallow Mayo Clinic

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY/INFERTILITY

Christopher W. Lipari

Jacksonville Center for Reproductive Medicine

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Kevin L. Winslow

FL Institute for Reproductive Medicine

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

RHEUMATOLOGY

Meera R. Oza

Arthritis & Osteoporosis Treatment Center

HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

SPORTS MEDICINE

Michael Yorio

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

SURGERY

Thomas R. Austgen North Florida Surgeons

Baptist Medical Center Beaches

Ziad T. Awad

UF Health Surgery

UF Health Jacksonville

John D. Brinkman

North Florida Surgeons

Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Niraj J. Gusani

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center South

Christopher M. Pezzi

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

THORACIC & CARDIAC SURGERY

Joe B. Putnam Jr.

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Baptist Medical Center South

UROGYNECOLOGY/ FEMALE PELVIC MEDICINE & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Jason R. Thompson

Florida Urogynecology

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside

UROLOGY

K.C. Balaji

UF Health Urology

UF Health Jacksonville

Gregory A. Broderick

Mayo Clinic

Julio C. Gundian, Jr. Mayo Clinic

Todd C. Igel

Mayo Clinic

Ali Kasraeian

Kasraeian Urology

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

David D. Thiel

Mayo Clinic

Paul R. Young

Mayo Clinic

& INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

VASCULAR

J. Mark Mckinney

Mayo Clinic

VASCULAR SURGERY

James W. Dennis

UF Health Vascular Surgery

UF Health Jacksonville

POWER COUPLE

Operation Smile has been providing free cleft palate and cleft lip repair surgery for more than 40 years and with over 6,000 medical volunteers, the organization is among the world’s largest volunteer-based non-profits. Last month, Operation Smile recognized two local nurses who embody selflessness and generosity inherent to those who volunteer with the group. Maryjose “MJ” and Rodney Kapunan are married registered nurses who have been a part of more than 25 overseas surgical missions combined.

MJ works full time in the Adult Cardiovascular Operating Room at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. She recently returned from her 14th surgical program with Operation Smile to Abu Dhabi. “My inspiration comes from the clinical instructors I had back in nursing college,” she says. “They were so smart, like walking medical text book smart. I said to myself I will strive to be like them someday.”

Rodney works for HCA Florida Atlantic emergency, a full-service emergency room. In the eight years he has been volunteering with Operation Smile, he has been a part of 24 international surgical programs, including a recent trip to the Dominican Republic. Through his volunteer work, Rodney is constantly reminded of why he chose nursing as a profession. “I am a naturally caring person and I have always desired to help people and make a difference in their lives,” he says.

Menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances and joint aches damage the quality of life for millions of women. They also can adversely affect women in the workplace. A recently published Mayo Clinic study puts numbers on that cost in the U.S.—an estimated $1.8 billion in lost work time and $28 billion when medical expenses are added. “The takeaway for employers is that there is a critical need to address this issue for women in the workplace,” says the study’s lead author Stephanie Faubion, MD, director of Mayo Clinic Women’s Health.

Menopause occurs at a mean age of about 52 years, and given that midlife women make up a sizable proportion of the global workforce, the impact of menopause symptoms on worker absenteeism, productivity, increased direct and indirect medical costs, and lost opportunities for career advancement are significant. To evaluate the impact of menopause symptoms in the workplace, Mayo Clinic researchers enlisted more than 4,000 women who were currently working to participate in the study.

“Add to the complexity of women’s experience of menopause is that the topic has been taboo, particularly in the workplace, which potentially adds to the physiological burden of symptoms,” says Ekta Kapoor, MBBS, a senior author of the study and assistant director of Mayo Clinic Women’s Health. “Women often fear bias, discrimination and stigmatization, and therefore may be reluctant to disclose their menopause symptoms to their workplace managers and others.”

“A full 13% of the women we surveyed experienced an adverse work outcome related to menopause symptoms, and about 11% were missing days of work because of these symptoms,” says Dr. Faubion. “Our research suggests a critical need to address this issue for women in the workplace. Clinicians need to ask women about menopause symptoms and offer guidance and treatment, and employers need to create and implement workplace strategies and policies to help women navigate this universal life transition.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

✚ HCA Florida Memorial Hospital recently named Reed Hammond at its next Chief Executive Officer. Hammond comes to Jacksonville from HCA Healthcare’s Frankfort Regional Medical Center in Kentucky, where he served as CEO for nearly five years. Before Kentucky, Reed served as a COO at several hospitals in Texas and Tennessee. His first day at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville is June 1.

✚ In May, The Players Championship Village announced a $3 million gift toward a new impatient behavioral health unit at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Expected to open in

spring 2024, the 20-bed Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit will be on the third floor of Wolfson in space previously occupied by the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, which relocated to a new critical care facility in 2022.

✚ Patrick Green, MBA, has been named chief executive officer of UF Health Jacksonville, and will join the organization on July 10. Before coming to Jax, Green served as executive vice president of Yale New Haven Health, and president and CEO of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, Connecticut, since 2017. Yale New Haven Health is the

largest health system in the state of Connecticut, comprising 30,000 employees and 8,200 medical staff and generating some $6 billion in net revenue.

✚ Forbes Magazine recently named Baptist Health of Northeast Florida one of America’s top employers for diversity. In the publication’s “America’s Best Employers for Diversity” list for 2023, Baptist Health was the highest-ranked health care system in Florida for the second consecutive year and ranked number 14 among the 50 rated hospitals and health care systems in the country. ✚

Bowden Eye & Associates

CATARACTS

When it comes to eye care, Bowden Eye & Associates has been the trusted source for the protection and preservation of the treasured gift of sight on the First Coast. You’ll realize the difference the minute you contact our office. Our friendly staff, the focus we put on patient care, and our commitment to the latest, state of the art technology has made Bowden Eye a top choice on the First Coast for over 30 years.

Frank W. Bowden, III, M.D., FACS founded Bowden Eye after serving as a battalion surgeon in the US Naval Service at the Naval Station, Jacksonville. Dr. Bowden was the first African American to complete formal ophthalmic training in the US Navy. Founded nearly 30 years ago, Bowden Eye has 3 locations to serve our community from the Northside, Southside and now the St. Johns area.

Sarah Darbandi, M.D., joined Bowden Eye in 2012. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Darbandi attended Medical School at West Virginia University, and then went on to a residency in Ophthalmology at the West Virginia University Eye Institute. With her interest in corneal transplantation and refractive surgery, she then completed a fellowship in Albany, New York, in Cornea and Refractive Surgery. She provides general ophthalmic care, as well as custom cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, and refractive surgery. Dr. Darbandi also provides aesthetic care including Botox, fillers, brow lifts, upper and lower lid blepharoplasties. As we continue our growth to serve our community, we are pleased to announce the addition of an Ophthalmologist with a specialty in glaucoma so we can serve more patients in our community. He will be joining us in July 2023.

We offer Primary and Specialty Care for Ophthalmology patients of all ages and severity levels. We pride ourselves on providing custom consultations with full scope evaluations to educate our patients on the full status of their eye health and what relevant options are available to provide proactive and or preventative care.

Our highly educated and trained Optometrists take pride in their patient care from their yearly eye exams, to diagnosis and management of chronic ocular diseases to infections, trauma and post-surgical care. Our Optometrists also treat children who carry the genetics or risk factors to develop myopia (nearsightedness). With the myopia control approach, we can stop or slow the child’s prescription from getting worse. Our patients love the care and availability that our Physicians provide at each of our locations which we hold with distinct honor.

“Eye care is so much more than just yearly visits and checking for glasses. The world we live in, with constant use of smart phones and computers, air conditioning and fans, and so many other individual qualities adds stress to the health of our eyes.” says Dr. Jerry Robben. From general ophthalmic care, as well as custom cataract surgery, corneal transplants, dry eyes, glaucoma, LASIK and aesthetic treatments, we truly serve the patient’s needs. Many of our Physicians are recognized as industry experts and advise and educate other Physicians across the nation. Our Administrator, Patti Barkey, COE, was recently inaugurated as the President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA). We are honored to serve the First Coast Community that we call home!

7205 Bentley Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32256 (with Surgery Center)

12341 Yellow Bluff Rd., #4 Jacksonville, FL 32223

Thara Abu-Mallouh, OD

Jerry Robben, OD

Mike Tawfik, MD

Sarah Darbandi, MD

Natasha Krzyanowski, OD

Frank W. Bowden, III, MD, FACS

Philip Griffith, OD

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

Florida Plastic Surgery Group (FPSG) celebrates 15 years in Northeast Florida with a clear mission: We are committed to excellence in patient care. We pride ourselves in treating each patient as family with the goal to improve patient’s quality of life. We provide the highest level of up-todate, safe, and ethical care in the field of plastic surgery, both cosmetic and reconstructive. For our breast reconstructive patients, we aim to provide hope and closure during a difficult time in their life. For our cosmetic patients, we aim to improve confidence while delivering a natural rejuvenated appearance.

Drs Ankit Desai, Michael Fallucco, Joseph Parks, Michael DeFazio are board-certified plastics surgeons dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care, always remembering that a patient’s needs come first. Dr. Jacob “Jake” Rinkinen joins the team after completing a microsurgery fellowship at Harvard Medical School/Plastic surgery program and extensive rhinoplasty training.

FPSG’s physicians have performed thousands of cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tucks, body contouring after massive weight loss, fat transfer and facial rejuvenation. We are proud to provide the latest techniques in facial aesthetics such as the “Deep Plane Face and Neck lift” to turn back the clock in a lasting way. We are leaders in breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis: having performed over 2000 DIEP flaps with advanced microsurgical techniques to use unwanted belly fat to reconstruct a breast in a “tummy tuck-like” restorative procedure, and thousands of breast implant reconstructions. FPSG is proud to have led the way in establishing the only center of excellence for the surgical treatment of lymphedema in the state

of Florida, as well as a policy outlining coverage guidelines of such procedures. Whether it’s trying to look your best or fix a complex reconstructive problem, the doctors at FPSG will partner with you to develop an individualized surgical plan to meet your needs based on our diverse skills.

Our staff also includes six physician assistants (Pa’s) specially trained in injectables such as Botox, fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, Sculptra, in office laser treatments with HALO and BBL, microneedling, and personalized skin care regimens specific to your complexion concerns. Our PA’s also assist our surgeons in the operating room daily, and see anatomy in detail. They apply this in-depth understanding while performing the mentioned non-surgical procedures, allowing them to provide our patients with consistent, quality and safe results. In addition to our non-surgical portfolio of services, we offer Emsculpt-Neo to strengthen muscle and reduce fat in the belly, butt, arms and thighs in a series of simple 30-minute sessions. We understand Jacksonville’s spread-out geography and therefore we provide multiple convenient locations across the area. Our reach extends beyond Northeast Florida and we have processes in place for out-of-town patients seeking our expertise.

We are honored at FPSG to help patients in their journey, both cosmetic and reconstructive and understand that surgery is only a small part of the process. We encourage patients to sit down and discuss options with our team, as well as to do their due diligence in researching practices through patient experiences such as Google Reviews. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice family.

Michael Fallucco, MD, FACS

Joseph Parks, MD, FACS

Michael DeFazio, MD

Jacob Rinkinen, MD

Ankit R. Desai, MD, FACS

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

YOUR PATH TO PAIN RELIEF STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION

As the leading provider of interventional pain management since 1999, Jax Spine and Pain Centers have expanded to include Centurion Spine and Pain Centers with 14 locations in Florida and Georgia. In 2022 a 54,000 square foot, state of the art, free-standing surgery center on the corner of JTB and Kernan in Jacksonville was completed. This was specially designed for interventional spine procedures and pain management needs. Jax Spine and Pain Centers are committed to putting patient care first.

Our physician owned practice includes 18 physicians and many more highly trained medical staff, who use the most cutting-edge treatments

and have the highest standards for patient care. Whether pain is caused by degenerative disc disease, arthritis, sciatica, overuse, or an injury, the experts at Jax Spine and Pain can help. Our physicians and staff use a wide variety of interventional pain treatments to reduce pain and improve the quality of life. We are a center of excellence for both kyphoplasty and neurostimulation.

Your path to pain relief starts with a conversation. We are honored to help area residents get back to living and loving life! Please call (904)223-3321 or go online to www.JaxSpine.com to make a new patient appointment.

CURRENT PHYSICIANS: Christopher Roberts, MD; Claudio Vincenty, MD; John Carey, MD; Michael Hanes, MD; Emmanuel Gage, MD; Justin Alfonso, MD; Nicholas Bremer, MD; Monica Carion–Jones, MD; John Cefalu, MD; Kevin Coyle, MB,BCh,BAO, LRCPSI; Stephen Fierro, DC; Maggie Garcia, MD; Justin Mann, MD; Andrew Pandya, MD; Ricardo Ramos, MD; Aravind Reddy, MD; David Salek, M; Kassia Silva, MD

FLEMING ISLAND

2349 Village Square Pkwy, Suite 107 Fleming Island, FL 32003

FERNANDINA BEACH

1699 South 14th St, Suite 16

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

JACKSONVILLE BEACH

1351 13th Ave S, Suite 120

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

JTB/ KERNAN

5191 First Coast Tech Parkway, 3rd floor

Jacksonville, FL 32224

NORTH CAMPUS

15255 Max Leggett Pkwy, Suite 5500 Jacksonville, FL 32218

PALATKA

6100 St. Johns Ave, Suite 4 Palatka, FL 32177

RIVERSIDE

2550 Park St, Suite B Jacksonville, FL 32204

ST. AUGUSTINE

1100 Plantation Island Dr S, Suite 210 &220 St. Augustine, FL 32080

JaxSpine.com • (904) 223-3321

BAXLEY

195 East Tollison St, Building C Baxley, GA 31513

BRUNSWICK 3408 Trout St Brunswick, GA 31520

ORLANDO 659 Douglas St

Altamonte Springs, FL 32174

ORMOND BEACH

400 Clyde Morris Rd, Unit B Ormond Beach, FL 32174

POOLER

200 Blue Moon Xing, Suite 203 Pooler, GA 31322

WAYCROSS 1507 Alice St

Waycross, GA 31501

CenturionSpine.com

Kasraeian Urology

GENERAL, DIAGNOSTIC & TREATMENT SERVICES

As a patient confronting the possibility of surgeryyou want to make sure that you are in the hands of a doctor whom you can trust and who can offer the crucial combination of experience, compassion and advanced technology. Patients receive that level of care at Kasraeian Urology, a practice comprised of a father-and-son team that treats patients like family. Dr. Ali Kasraeian, named among “America’s Top Surgeons” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, completed his fellowship in advanced laparoscopic, robotic and minimally invasive urological surgery at the world renowned Montsouris Institute in Paris, France. Together with his father, Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian, named among America’s top 7 percent of physicians, and honored as one of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Doctors,” they provide comprehensive urological care specializing in minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Ali Kasraeian is trained in open, laparoscopic, robotic and minimally invasive prostate, bladder, and kidney surgery. In addition, he is one of a few surgeons in the region experienced as a HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) surgeon, another minimally invasive therapy for localized prostate cancer. Kasraeian Urology was the first practice in Northeast Florida /Southeast Georgia to offer multi-parametric MRI/US Fusion Targeted Prostate Biopsy. This advanced diagnostic technique allows for more precise (and accurate) diagnosis of lesions within the prostate that may be missed with standard biopsy techniques. Furthermore, Dr. Kasraeian uses multiparametric MRI/US Fusion Targeted Prostate Biopsy in consideration of focal therapy options, such as Focal HIFU, where only the area within the prostate afflicted with cancer is treated leaving the normal tissue unaffected.

In 2018, Dr. Ali Kasraeian was proud to have been a part of the first U.S. cases (outside of clinical trials) using the Procept AQUABEAM Aquablation system to treat men with urinary symptoms related to an enlarged, obstructing prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The Procept AQUABEAM Aquablation system is the world’s first commercially available, minimally invasive surgical robot providing autonomous tissue removal to safely and effectively treat BPH. The treatment is an innovative combination of robotics, multi-dimensional real-time imaging, and a heat-free waterjet to precisely and accurately remove obstructive prostate tissue in men with BPH seeking therapy. Aquablation offers men with BPH predictable and reproducible outcomes independent of prostate anatomy or prostate size. Dr. Kasraeian is proud to have been one of the first urologists in the U.S. to introduce this innovative technology to men in our community.

Kasraeian Urology was also honored as a Urolift Center of Excellence in 2020. Urolift is a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative for the management of BPH. We are proud to offer this non-resective technique as an office based procedure.

Combined with Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian’s years of experience internationally, including more than 30 years serving the Jacksonville community, this father-and-son team work together to make sure that their patients are treated as they would want someone in their own family treated—with care, dignity, attention and respect. Both Drs. Ahmad Kasraeian and Ali Kasraeian, Castle Connolly Top Doctors, offer this depth of understanding in the personalized care of difficult urological conditions such as kidney, bladder and prostate cancer. They aim to provide their patients with the most advanced surgical technology operated with the highest level of expertise. People looking for a doctor whom they can trust to treat their urological problems with the highest level of knowledge, cutting-edge surgical technology and compassion need look no further than Kasraeian Urology right here in Jacksonville.

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

CAYCE RUMSEY III, MD • ROBERT BURK, MD • EREZ STERNBERG, MD

HOLLIE HICKMAN, DO • CHRISTOPHER BATES, MD • ELLEN HANCOCK, MD

At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, we strive for excellence in the care that we provide and in the results that we achieve. Our primary mission is to empower our patients on their journey to becoming their most confident self. Offering numerous cosmetic surgeries, along with non-surgical procedures, our talented surgeons and team are able to provide patients with superior results.

Established in 1993, Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery has been providing our community with life-changing aesthetic procedures for nearly three decades. In that time, we have grown, progressed, and evolved into five locations, six Plastic Surgeons, eight Advanced Aesthetic Practitioners in addition to seven Skin Health Specialists. This presence enables us to provide optimal patient care while crafting the most beautiful “you”.

We are a leading provider for surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Northeast Florida. Offering a state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot, multiple operating room, Ambulatory Surgical Center with Anesthesiologists and Registered Nurses on staff to allow our surgeons the ability to provide patients with first-class care in a safe environment.

If you are new to the idea of cosmetic surgery then you may be more comfortable with our non-surgical abilities. From Botox, Fillers, Skincare and Laser Resurfacing treatments to Hair Restoration and Feminine Tightening. Convenient and able to achieve remarkable results, our non-surgical procedures at PVPS can be truly transformative and life-changing, without the extensive nature of a surgery.

Not all plastic surgeons are created equal, you want to be sure you are selecting the best surgeon for you and your personal needs. Our ultimate goal at PVPS is to provide Northeast Florida with first-class surgery in a safe and welcoming environment while enhancing your natural beauty. We invite you to learn more about us, visit our website: www.pvps.com.

GATE PARKWAY

11512 Lake Mead Ave., #513, Jacksonville, FL 32256

PONTE VEDRA

209 Ponte Vedra Park Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

ST. JOHNS 304 Ashourian Ave., #107, St. Augustine, FL 32092

NOCATEE 480 Town Plaza Ave., #150, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081

AMELIA ISLAND

5472 1st Coast Hwy., #3, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

(904) 664-1552 • www.PVPS.com

Patrick L. Basile, M.D. Plastic Surgery & Wellness

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY & WELLNESS

Dr. Patrick Basile, founder of Patrick L. Basile, M.D. Plastic Surgery & Wellness, is a board-certified plastic surgeon trained in plastic & reconstructive surgery. He offers the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available today coupled with personalized patient-centered care to provide natural, beautiful results. The practice also offers CoolSculpting Elite, Botox, Dermal Fillers, miraDry, Sciton Skin Tightening & Laser Treatments, such as HALO, MOXI & BBL HERO, Feminine Rejuvenation, IV Wellness Therapy, Skincare Treatments & Products, and more!

Dr. Patrick L. Basile was born in Bogotá, Colombia and raised on Long Island in New York. He attended Boston College obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Psychobiology and then completed a postbaccalaureate program at the University of Pennsylvania. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy after being accepted into the Health Profession Scholarship Program offered by the Department of Defense. Dr. Basile completed medical school at the SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. He has extensive training from the University of Rochester where he completed his General Surgery Residency, Research Fellowship and Plastic Surgery Residency. Then he served on active duty in the U.S. Navy and was the Assistant Chief of Plastic Surgery & Director of Microsurgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, the largest military medical facility in the world, which cares for the majority of combat wounded from the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts. During his time in the Navy, Dr. Basile was also given the opportunity to serve those with no access to hospitals in Latin America as the Commanding Officer for the Department of Defense’s yearly humanitarian cleft lip and palate mission where they have helped thousands of patients over the last 10 years.

Dr. Basile’s accomplishments on both the national and international level led to faculty appointments at both The Johns Hopkins University and University of Pittsburgh. He had the privilege of being a part of the first bilateral arm transplant at Johns Hopkins and continues his collaboration with these institutions. Dr. Basile has been invited to lecture around the world on topics including non-invasive procedures, cosmetic surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques. He is an accomplished author whose work has been acknowledged in numerous magazines, newspapers, television pieces and books, most recently in Oliver North’s book “American Heroes: On the Homefront.” Dr. Basile has also been nominated twice for Best Case/Best Save of the Year by the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.

His personalized patient-centered approach starts with a thorough discussion of the patients’ goals and expectations, treatment options and outcomes. Dr. Basile believes that being a physician is a privilege—a profession that requires honesty, integrity and the highest of ethical standards. He is regarded by his peers as an innovator and leader in the field of plastic surgery and currently serves as the president of the Greater Jacksonville Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Basile is passionate about providing his patients with the highest level of care in a welcoming boutique setting. He and his staff look forward to having the opportunity to take care of you!

BOARD

Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa

PLASTIC

It’s easy to see why Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa has been voted one of Jacksonville’s Best for more than 20 years. With Dr. Mark Clayman at the helm, patients in need of cosmetic, reconstructive or non-surgical procedures to rejuvenate or enhance their faces and bodies receive extraordinary results from the award-winning medical team with more than 50 combined years of surgical experience.

Mark earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, completed his surgical and plastic surgery training at the University of Florida, and enhanced his training working with world-renowned experts throughout the U.S. and Brazil.

Among those renowned experts is Mark’s late father, Dr. Loren Clayman. Highly regarded for his skill and expertise for over 30 years in all aspects of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Mark had the privilege of working side-by-side for many years before his unfortunate passing in 2021.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Mark has received numerous awards, including the Patient-Satisfaction Award; Top 40-under-40 from the Jacksonville Business Journal for numerous accomplishments; Top10 Doctor in Northeast Florida; Compassionate Doctor Award; and The Patient’s Choice 5th-Anniversary Award (given only to 1% of all doctors nationwide). He also twice received the Outstanding Research Award by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Like his father, Mark is a devoted supporter of numerous community outreach efforts, including The National Blood Clot Alliance, various breast and cancer nonprofits, Boys & Girls Club, and Her Song. They developed their interest from Loren’s father, who devoted his life to treating underserved communities. Mark says his favorite part of the practice and being a doctor is the unique personal approach and planning that goes into ensuring each patient has the best care possible, caring for them like family.

Voted “Best in Jax,” “#1 in the 904,” and “Bold City Best” awards as Top Plastic Surgeons in Northeast Florida and recipient of “Companies with Heart,” the award-winning team at Clayman Plastic Surgery provides experienced, quality surgical expertise to patients.

endodontics | dental

DR. DANIELLA PEINADO, DDS

DR. DANIELLA PEINADO HAS PRACTICED DENTISTRY FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS AND SPECIALIZES IN ROOT CANAL TREATMENT, ALSO KNOWN AS ENDODONTICS. A native of Brazil, she graduated from the University of Cidade de São Paulo with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She completed a fellowship at the University of Florida College of Dentistry Department of Endodontics and an Endodontics Residency at the Albert Einstein Medical Center IB Bender Division of Endodontics in Philadelphia, PA - one of the most prestigious endodontic programs in the United States. Being a hospital-based program Dr. Peinado routinely saw trauma cases (children and adults) coming from the ER. As a result, traumatic injuries of teeth are one of her passions.

Dr. Peinado designed endodontics | dental to reflect her commitment to outstanding patient care and to make patients feel welcome and at ease. The clinical areas include the latest advances in technology including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), digital x-rays and microscopes to help develop individual treatment plans. endodontics | dental won the Dental Office Design Competition category “Outstanding Specialty Practice” in 2017. An award given by American Dental Association recognizing dental facilities that most effectively express the practice philosophy of its practitioner and demonstrate a thoughtful assembly of design characteristics associated with an up-to-date dental office.

Dr. Peinado is passionate about the advancement of Endodontics. Her enthusiasm translates to the education of her patients with a thorough explanation of the process of root canal therapy.

In June 2022, Dr Peinado opened her second location in Ponte Vedra/ Nocatee area and now she is excited that Dr Jenna Hart has joined her practices to maintain availability and continue providing excellent care to their patients.

Dr. Peinado has partnered with most dental insurances and her friendly staff will ensure you receive the maximum benefits available to you. Complete transparency is guaranteed from start to finish as Dr. Peinado and her staff guide you through your treatment.

Dr. Peinado holds a position as a Clinical Professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry Department of Endodontics.

Dr. Peinado is an active member of the American Association of Endodontics (AAE), a past Trustee of the AAE Foundation Board of Trustees and Chair of the AAE Foundation’s Outreach Program that provides Endodontic care to under-served communities. She also currently serves as a Board Member for the Florida Dental Association Foundation. Dr. Peinado looks forward to having the opportunity to take care of you!

Come and visit Dr Peinado’s state-of-the-art new location in Ponte Vedra/ Nocatee!

Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine (FIRM)

The Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine (FIRM) was founded in 1991 and has contributed to the birth of over 17,000 babies in the past 33 years. FIRM is one of the highest-rated infertility practices in the country, having been listed as one of America’s Best Fertility Clinics 2023 by Newsweek, and scoring 9.1 out of 10 by FertilityIQ.com, one of the most respected, nonbiased rating systems of infertility practices.

FIRM’s emphasis on patient care has resulted in some of the highest pregnancy rates in the country. Open seven days a week, its nursing and embryology staff provides year-round IVF care. Doctors Winslow, Erb, Gentry and Sundaram all hold dual board-certifications in both obstetrics and gynecology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI).

Dr. Kevin Winslow is the founder and medical director of FIRM. His infertility fellowship was at the world-renowned Jones Institute in Norfolk, Virginia, which produced the first IVF baby in the United States.

Dr. Teresa Erb completed her REI fellowship at Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC, during which she performed research in human embryonic stem cell development to trophectoderm (early placenta,) for which she holds two patents.

Dr. Adrienne Gentry has been in practice since 2018, having served as

an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine after completing her fellowship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Dr. Viji Sundaram will soon be joining the FIRM. She completed her fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, and trained in elective robotic surgery at St. Francis Hospital, San Francisco.

The FIRM has staff members fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and French. It has multiple office locations: Baptist downtown, Baptist South, Tallahassee and Daytona. For scheduling, please contact via phone at (904) 399-5620, or web at firmjax.com.

BAPTIST DOWNTOWN: 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 902, Jacksonville, FL 32207

BAPTIST SOUTH: 14540 Old St. Augustine Rd, Suite 2503, Jacksonville, FL 32258

(904) 399-5620 • FIRMjax.com • facebook.com/firmjax

KEVIN L. WINSLOW, MD, PA | TERESA M. ERB, MD | ADRIENNE L. GENTRY, DO | VIJI SUNDARAM, MD

Florida Retina Institute

VITREORETINAL MEDICINE

One of the most experienced, world-renowned Team of Doctors, dedicated to providing comprehensive patient care in vitreous retinal diseases and surgery. Florida Retina Institute has 19 locations throughout Florida and Georgia. For over 40 years it has been our privilege and pleasure to provide compassionate care for many generations. Florida Retina Institute’s 13 ophthalmologists are board certified medical doctors, fellowship trained vitreoretinal surgeons. Dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. Our retina specialists are consistently recognized and have gained a national reputation by leading ophthalmology and medical societies. They have annually been selected by their peers as Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors, consistently ranking best in the U.S. Florida Retina Institute’s physicians completed their training at some of the most prestigious, top-rated hospitals and medical universities in the U.S.: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miami, University of Florida, Cole Eye Institute, Wills Eye Hospital, University of Iowa, Emory University, Baylor College of Medicine, Duke University, The University of Texas, and Cleveland Clinic.

Your vision is precious. Your vision is priceless. We thank you for your Trust and Confidence in us.

SOUTHSIDE: 8786 Perimeter Park Blvd. (904) 997-9202

RIVERSIDE: 2639 Oak St. (904) 387-5600

FLEMING ISLAND: 4607 US Hwy. 17., Ste. 1 (904) 579-2800

ST. AUGUSTINE: 1100 Plantation Dr., Ste. 130 (904) 826-0663

PALATKA: 800 Zeagler Dr., Ste. 310 (386) 325-2411

FERNANDINA BEACH: 6 South 14th St. (904) 387-5600

WAYCROSS, GA: 304 Riverside Dr. (912) 283-1400

BRUNSWICK, GA: 3120 Glynn Ave. (912) 262-9092

SPECIALIZING IN:

Retinal Detachment | Diabetic Retinopathy | Macular Degeneration | Vitreous and Macular Surgery

Retinal Vein Occlusion | Complex Retinal Conditions | Pediatric Retina

For more information, please visit us online at FloridaRetinaInstitute.com

LAKE CITY: 265 SW Malone St., Ste. 109 (386) 487-0090

PALM COAST: 50 Leanni Way, Ste. 5E (386) 447-1847

Health Pointe

Jacksonville Acupuncture + Wellness Clinic

HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH, INFERTILITY AND CHRONIC PAIN CONDITIONS

Health Pointe Jacksonville Acupuncture + Wellness Clinic is Jacksonville’s premier clinic for whole-health integrative medicine, providing cuttingedge, innovative medical solutions to treat women’s health, infertility, chronic pain and chronic illness. Our mission is to transform lives for good through positive change.

Dr. Julee Miller, AP, DOM, FABORM, is the founder and owner of Health Pointe Jacksonville. As one of only two Fellows of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine in Jacksonville, Dr. Miller is a top holistic fertility expert, using the best practices in the field to help her patients heal, conceive more quickly and improve overall live birth rates. She specializes in treating women’s health and infertility, hormone imbalances, and all stages of pregnancy and post-partum care. She has helped thousands of women in their journey to have a baby, including complex cases involving endometriosis and PCOS.

Dr. Miller is also revered as an authority in difficult-to-treat, chronic health issues like neurological disorders, peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, and complex chronic pain conditions. Her expertise in pain management even garnered her an esteemed position on the 2004 Olympic Sports Rehabilitation Team. She brings optimal recovery, health and wellness benefits to the Jacksonville community through nearly three decades of experience and more than 250,000 patient treatments.

Health Pointe Jacksonville is a world-class healing environment for all ages, including pediatrics. Our goal is to find the root cause(s) of why a child is struggling. For autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, anxiety and other neurological disorders, we look deep into the function of the autonomic nervous system in a way unlike any other profession.

Health Pointe Jacksonville’s neuro-focused office is dedicated to helping people of all abilities thrive by giving the body the tools to stimulate its natural ability to heal and connect. Our patients go from hopeless to healthy in a matter of time with consistent care.

DR. JULEE MILLER, AP, DOM, FABORM

3840 Belfort Rd., Ste. 305, Jacksonville, FL 32216 (904) 448-0046 • HPJax.com

The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

As a Prosthodontist, Dr. Rodriguez is uniquely qualified to provide highly skilled, customized, and expert dental restoration services for any complex dental condition. He has a careful understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth.

WHAT IS A PROSTHODONTIST?

Prosthodontists are dental specialists who focus on the restoration and replacement of teeth, helping their patients to obtain optimum appearance and function into their smiles. They are extensively trained in state-ofthe-art techniques related to dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures (complete or partial), veneers, cosmetic dentistry and more. After dental school they receive three years of additional specialized training, to focus in major dental problems.

With over 30 years of experience in the Prosthodontics Science, The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry continues to be the number one option for prosthetic and implant restorations. Dr. Rodriguez and his experienced staff are highly respected members of the dental community. This is why dentists refer their most challenging cases to them. To do this, they also have a reputation for assembling and managing the finest teams of dental specialists in the region.

Being one of the first Prosthodontists in the nation to be trained to use Advanced Dental Imaging Technology at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Rodriguez knows how important it is

to have the best equipment and technology in his practices. This is why Dr. Rodriguez prepared the Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry with the best technology to provide advanced services to our patients. This is why the technology at the Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry is the leading edge in surgical implant placement planning and restorative treatment.

The Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry offers you a spectrum of services, support and exceptional care. No matter how complex your case, our highly experienced team of experts will deliver a dental solution that is precise! We are the architects of beautifully designed smiles and artfully planned dentistry.

Smile Enhancement • Dental Implant Restorations

Total Dental Reconstructions • Custom Complete Dentures

Martinez Dental Solutions

GENERAL, COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

Dr. Jose M. Martinez has been practicing the art of dentistry for 27 years. Growing up, his family was very close. So, after graduating from Southern Illinois University, he decided to return to Miami, where he practiced for almost 13 years. Along the way he married his beautiful wife Sandra and, 24 years later, his family has grown to include a son and a daughter. In 2005 they moved to Jacksonville where, with much hard work, in 2006 he proudly opened Southpoint Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, followed by Signature Smiles in 2009. In 2016, he changed the names of both practices to Martinez Dental Solutions, to better represent the scope of dentistry they provide.

Dentistry, as many professions, has changed profoundly, not only as it relates to the materials used, but in the way it is delivered to patients. Improving patient care and the satisfaction of all involved is Dr. Martinez’s primary focus. He is known for an innovative commitment to the discovery and transfer of dental knowledge, superior skills and the highest degree of patient care and service. New and proven technologies give him additional choices in how to provide excellent patient care with the best materials around.

“At Martinez Dental Solutions, we believe that the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile are immeasurable. Our goal is to help our patients reach and maintain maximum oral health by providing the highest dental care available.”

AFFILIATIONS

American Academy of Implant Dentistry

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

American Dental Association

Florida Dental Association

North East District Dental Association

Hispanic Dental Association

SOUTHSIDE: 6817 Southpoint Pkwy., Suite 302, Jacksonville, FL 32216 (904) 296-6820

ST. JOHNS: 3546 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Unit 114, Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 996-8162

MartinezDentalSolutions.com

JOSE M. MARTINEZ, DMD, PA

The Original Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville

HEALING THE NATION ONE FAMILY AT A TIME

Known best as "Dr. O," Dr. Aylin Ozdemir, MD, FAAP, ABIHM, is a globally recognized integrative medicine specialist who has been at the forefront of her field for the past two decades.

Since 2001, she is the owner of Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville, a practice that has been serving the community since 1932. Guided by her vision, Dr. O's team of skilled pediatricians and nurse practitioners including Ashwini Achar, MD, FAAP, Brooke Holway, APRN, Kelley Meadows, APRN, and Holly Savino, APRN, have been instrumental in providing exceptional care to families of the Jacksonville area.

Dr. O is also the founding physician behind ObtainHealth and Integrative Medical Groups, where she continues to shape the future of healthcare. With three decades of cutting-edge research, focused training, and collaborative practice, she has developed a highly individualized whole systems approach to care that combines the best of conventional medicine with integrative and functional medicine practices. Her deep understanding of various paradigms, such as the role of environment, genes, and nutrition, allows her to offer advanced tests and treatments that address the root causes of health issues.

In her practice, Dr. O employs a comprehensive and effective style of treatment, drawing from multiple integrative medicine disciplines. By customizing personalized care plans, she ensures that each patient receives the highest quality therapies to support their well-being. This includes offering in-office IV nutritional support and her carefully curated vitamin supplement line through ObtainHealthShop.com

Dr. O's commitment to providing integrative care extends beyond the boundaries of her local community. Through her ObtainHealth state-of-the-art app, she accepts patients from around the world, offering comprehensive consultations via telemedicine. For those seeking in-person integrative care, appointments can be made by calling the office or sending a Klara message through DrOCare.com

Dr. O's extensive educational background has played a crucial role in shaping her expertise. She completed the University of Arizona Integrative Medicine Fellowship program under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Weil. Additionally, she holds certifications from the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Istanbul and completed her internship at the Queen Mary's Hospital for Children in the United Kingdom. Dr. O further honed her skills through residency training at the State University of New York's Long Island College Hospital, and at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. She expanded her academic learning in Southern California, attending the Advanced Integrative Family Medicine training at Scripps Hospital of Personalized Medicine and Nutrigenomics at Bastyr University. This year, she has completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training.

Dr. O's exceptional contributions and dedication to her patients have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. The National Consumer Advisory Board has recognized her multiple times as one of America's Best Doctors, while Patients' Choice has honored her as one of America's Most Compassionate Doctors—an honor bestowed on only the top 5 percent of physicians in the nation. Most recently, she was selected to represent the state for the Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction 2023 Honors, further cementing her status as a leading figure in healthcare.

Together with her compassionate team, Dr. O remains steadfast in her vision of "Healing the Nation One Family at a Time." For your family healthcare needs, please visit PedJax.com for ages 0-25, ObtainHealth.com for integrative telemedicine, and DrOCare.com for in-office integrative care.

John-Paul Pham, MD, FACC, FSCAI

INTERVENTIONAL

Dr. John-Paul Pham is a board-certified Interventional Cardiologist whom specializes in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Pham received his medical degree from Marshall University followed by a residency in internal medicine at the University of Florida. He then completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Wisconsin followed by a subspecialty fellowship in interventional cardiology/peripheral vascular disease at the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Pham is trained and certified in a variety of interventional and invasive cardiovascular procedures including cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention/stenting (PCI), valvuloplasty, mitral valve regurgitation intervention (MitraClip), patent foramen ovale (PFO)/atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, left atrial appendage occlusion (Watchman/ Amulet), invasive heart failure monitor (CardioMEMS), peripheral vascular intervention, temporary ventricular assist device (Impella), implantable loop recorder (LINQ), vena cava filter, pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) thrombectomy, deep vein intervention, and vein ablation and vein closure (Venaseal).

Dr. Pham is also proficient in cardiac catheterization via radial artery (wrist) access, decreasing the risk of complications as well as improving patient comfort and facilitating earlier recovery.

Dr. Pham is an active member of several professional societies and organizations including the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. He has made TV and radio appearances on WJXT and WOKV and gives talks regularly around the community and statewide.

Dr. Pham is well-published in peer-reviewed journals and remains engaged in cutting edge cardiovascular research with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and the East Coast Institute for Research. He is currently involved in many ongoing clinical trials and is part of the cardiovascular team in the RELIEVE-HF trial for advanced heart failure which implanted the first V-Wave interatrial shunt device in Jacksonville. It gives him great satisfaction of knowing that he is helping patients at the personal level while still exploring the cause and treatment of disease and advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine.

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

Interventional Cardiology | Cardiovascular Medicine

Echocardiography | Nuclear Cardiology | Internal Medicine

Jackson C. Tan, MD, PhD, PT

Dr. Tan is board certified by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As Occupational and Rehabilitation Center (ORC) enters its 37th year of caring for patients on Florida’s First Coast, they are pleased to announce the opening of their new Orange Park location, a free-standing medical building in the Park Professionals complex, which will serve as the new location for Clay County and Westside. In addition, due to patient demand, all three ORC clinic locations now have a Wellness and Prevention Division, offering care for patients who want to continue their healing and wellness journeys with medical massage and other nonsurgical rehabilitation modalities.

Dr. Tan shares Northeast Florida's Leading Physicians distinction with his “Top Doc Team.” As the Medical Director of ORC, he leads an interdisciplinary team of licensed health care professionals who work together to develop a comprehensive non-invasive rehabilitation program, customized for every individual, to bring the patient to their optimum function. ORC offers a healing environment where patients benefit from an unparalleled level of experience, expertise, and continuity of care from Dr. Tan and his staff.

ORC takes pride in the fact that staff members are long-time Jacksonvillearea residents dedicated to serving our local community. The ORC registered trademark is an upward spiral, symbolizing ORC’s mission and commitment to every patient’s positive progress and journey to health and wellness.

Dr. Tan completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency at New York University (NYU) Medical Center as Chief Resident. He was recognized with an “Outstanding Contribution Award” at the United Nations after the publication of his medical textbook, Practical Manual of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Basic Problems, of which a copy is kept as part of the collection in the Library of Congress. Both the first and second editions of Dr. Tan’s textbook have been used at medical schools, PM&R and other residency programs, and by allied health practitioners in the United States and abroad. The third edition of his textbook, to be published by Elsevier, now titled Tan’s Practical Manual of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, is scheduled to come out in 2024. Dr. Tan has lectured in the United States and internationally on various PM&R and physical therapy topics and his publications have been cited numerous times by other academics and research scientists. Prior to his residency training, Dr. Tan earned a PhD in physical therapy from NYU and was a practicing physical therapist at the Hospital for Joint Diseases–Orthopedic Institute, at the Occupational and Industrial Orthopedic Center, and with a pain management specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. As a PM&R doctor (also called Physiatrist), Dr. Tan focuses on treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders (for example, patients with neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, etc.) resulting from injury or disease.

PHOTO CREDIT: PAMELA WALLIS

Michael J. Duffy, MD

COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Under the leadership of Dr. Michael J. Duffy, the Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Center has grown into one of the leading aesthetic surgery practices in Jacksonville, as well as the surrounding areas of Ponte Vedra, Northeast Florida and South Georgia. Since 1993, Dr. Duffy has been practicing the art of plastic surgery with the highest quality care in a friendly, private, boutique-style setting. Teamed with highly-trained personnel and state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Duffy is the top choice in Jacksonville when it comes to cosmetic surgery. He and his dedicated team make every effort to explain all aspects of your treatment choices and strive to make your entire experience pleasant and comforting. In addition to making clients happy, patient safety is our most important goal. Our patients say, ‘How young and fabulous you look’ is Dr. Duffy’s business, and striving to achieve perfection is Dr. Duffy’s specialty.

Dr. Duffy trained in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He is a member of many national surgical societies and is the recipient of the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Clinic Award, as well as having been voted one of Jacksonville's Top Docs. Dr. Duffy has made presentations at international and national symposiums on cosmetic plastic surgery and authored many articles on plastic surgery. He specializes in all aspects of plastic surgery for the face, breast and body.

Dr. Duffy’s premier center for plastic surgery also offers a top-of-the-line med spa where our aestheticians are ready to cater to your needs. We offer customized facials and peels, microneedling, HydraFacial® MD, lash and brow services, and several medical-grade skincare lines—ZO SkinHealth, SkinMedica and Alastin, as well as Latisse and Nu-Cil. Dr. Duffy also offers BOTOX,® Dysport,® and a wide variety of dermal fillers, which he injects himself.

COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY CENTER

6867 Belfort Oaks Pl., Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 296-2008 • JacksonvillePlasticSurgeryByDuffy.com

Florida Facelift and Skin Cancer Center

SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR FACELIFT SURGERY AND SKIN CANCER CARE

Plastic surgeon John B. Harris, MD, MBA, leads the team at Florida Facelift & Skin Cancer Center’s Ponte Vedra Beach office. Dr. Harris trained in general surgery and plastic surgery at The Mayo Clinic, followed with fellowships in cosmetic surgery in Miami and microsurgery in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Harris has more than 35 years of experience having performed thousands of facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

Dr. Harris specializes in facial rejuvenation surgeries: facelifts, brow lifts, eyelid surgery – all under local anesthesia. By eliminating the need for general anesthesia, Dr. Harris’s methods help patients accomplish results more quickly, with less discomfort, decreased risks, and faster recovery. Dr. Harris delivers what many believe is the best natural rejuvenation available.

Dr. Harris is also a leading expert in early skin cancer detection, diagnosis, and surgical reconstruction. FFSCC offers same-day skin cancer surgery service with analysis from board-certified pathologists and boardcertified plastic surgeon Dr. Harris.

DR. JOHN B. HARRIS, MD, MBA, PLASTIC SURGEON 151 Sawgrass Corners Dr., Ste. 102, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists

Dr. Ferdinand Formoso founded Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists with a specific vision in mind. That vision was to create an interventional physiatry and pain medicine practice to provide personalized patient care in a cost effective manner. Our number one goal continues to be providing superior care by producing exemplary patient outcomes.

Formoso Spine & Joint Specialists recently celebrated their one year anniversary. Our ongoing commitment to our patients has resulted in the addition of a third location in the Westside of Jacksonville and the addition of two clinicians.

Dr. Formoso, Dr. Irwin and Dr. Antoine are all dual board-certified physicians with over 50 years of combined experience. Our physicians, along with Ashley Schivelbein APRN, Alex Pujol PA and Dan Wilson PA, and our compassionate staff all work together to help patients avoid more invasive surgeries and get back to living life to their fullest potential.

At FYZICAL® Jacksonville East, we provide excellent rehabilitation programs in an encouraging and supportive environment. FYZICAL® is a patient centered full-service facility with private treatment rooms and one-on-one care from a specialist. We schedule our patients quickly and can evaluate without a physician referral.

Dr. Joanna Frantz started the practice in 2008 and continues to work with the USA Equestrian Team and its developing athletes. Dr. Kaushal Patel has a passion for working with athletes, especially golfers. His vestibular rehabilitation training diagnoses and treats patients with dizziness symptoms. Dr. Derek Mixon uses root-cause diagnosis and his training and certifications in ASTM, SFMA, and Dry Needling to address each patient’s unique symptoms. We all use our skills of manual therapy, corrective exercises, and functional training to keep our patients enjoying their sports, activities, and the Florida lifestyle.

Patients at FYZICAL® use the patented Safety Overhead Support (SOS)™ systems to expedite healing and make falls a thing of the past. They get treatments like the pros, reduce pain quickly with Dry Needling and Class IV Lightforce Therapy Laser. For foot pain, we have the Footmaxx dynamic system for creating custom orthotics.

Our goal is for you to Love Your Life™ as soon as possible!

Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy/Certified Hand Therapy

Vestibular Rehabilitation • Massage Therapy

• Class IV Lightforce Laser

Dry Needling • Footmaxx Custom Orthotics

Running Performance Program • Sports Rehabilitation

EASTPARK

BEACHES

WESTSIDE

904-201-3111

• www.FormosoPain.com

C.J. Henley, DMD

COSMETIC • FAMILY • DENTISTRY

At C.J. Henley, DMD it is our goal to form life-long relationships with our patients, providing them with the best in cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and oral medicine.

Dr. Henley and his staff pride themselves on being a patient focused practice and strive to spend as much time as needed with each and every patient.

Dr. Henley believes that the integration of technology in dentistry is important to excellent clinical outcomes, however that is no substitute for diagnostic expertise and clinical mastery. The focus should not be on how quickly the work is completed, but how long the work lasts. Excellent dentistry should stand the test of time.

Dr. Henley earned his Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida. During his time at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Henley received awards for ethics and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Henley is dedicated to legislation that helps preserve the highest clinical standards in dentistry. He has served as the President of the Northeast District Dental Association and as Delegate to the Florida Dental Association.

While in private practice Dr. Henley has continued his educational commitment and served as faculty in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

Dr. Henley serves as a member of the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson. The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in both dentistry and medicine to ensure that cancer patients have the best possible outcomes.

AFFILIATIONS:

Northeast District Dental Association (Past President)

Florida Dental Association (Delegate)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida College of Dentistry (Faculty)

Head and Neck Tumor Board, Baptist MD Anderson

Dr. Blanca Martinez-Hoppe is a family and cosmetic dentist who provides exceptional care for patients of all ages. After graduating dental school with honors in 1997, she went on to complete a general practice residency program at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach.

Dr. Hoppe then relocated to Tampa, where she joined a group practice and lived there for nine years until she decided to open Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and moved to Jacksonville to be closer to her family. At Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Martinez-Hoppe and her team of friendly professionals provide state-of-the-art services in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. She believes in conservative cosmetic treatments for the restoration of a beautiful and long-lasting smile. You can expect compassionate and professional service. She believes in preventive care and maintenance for the overall health of the individual. When you visit with Dr. Martinez-Hoppe, you feel right at home. She always addresses your main concerns and listens attentively to your requests. Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile.

3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Office: 904.398.1549 · HenleyandKelly.com

C.J. HENLEY, DMD

CHOOSING A DOCTOR: QUESTIONS TO ASK

When looking for a physician for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to choose someone you can trust. Following are questions to which one should seek answers:

• Is the doctor taking new patients?

• Is the doctor part of a group practice? If so, who are the other doctors that might help care for me?

• Who will see me if my doctor isn’t available?

• Which hospital does the doctor use?

• Does the doctor have experience treating my medical conditions?

• Does the doctor have special training or certifications?

Questions about the office:

• Are evening or weekend appointments available? What about virtual appointments over the phone or on a computer (telemedicine)?

• What is the cancellation policy?

• How long will it take to get an appointment?

• How long do appointments usually last?

• Can I get lab work and x-rays done in the office?

• Is there a doctor or nurse who speaks my preferred language?

After your initial visit, did the doctor and staff:

• Explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

• Listen carefully to me?

• Show respect for what I had to say?

• Know important information about my medical history?

• Spend enough time with me?

• Give me a chance to ask questions?

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, you may want to keep looking. ✚

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Kendall Adkisson, MD Florence O’Connell, MD DERMATOLOGY

At Intracoastal Dermatology, our mission is to create a friendly and comfort-able atmosphere for both children and adults while providing quality dermatological care. Dr. Kendall Adkisson and Dr. Florence O’Connell advo-cate a patient-centered approach, spending time with patients and striving to meet their individual needs. Patients age two years and up are welcome at Intracoastal Dermatology where we take pride in taking care of the entire family.

Dr. Adkisson, a board-certified dermatologist, was born and raised in Texas. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University. Dr. Adkisson received her medical training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas, where she was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Following an internship at Methodist Hospital in Houston, she completed her dermatology training at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas. She is a fellow of the American Board of Dermatology.

Dr. O’Connell is a board-certified dermatologist who was raised in Jackson-ville. She attended Jacksonville University where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her medical degree from University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida, where she also went on to complete her internship in internal medicine as well as her residency in dermatology. Dr. O’Connell is a fellow of the American Board of Dermatology.

Intracoastal Dermatology has two convenient locations and offers a wide variety of dermatological and cosmetic services, including skin cancer screenings, treatment of a variety of skin conditions, Botox,® chemical peels, filler, radio frequency microneedling, and more.

L.A. Quinn, M.D.

ANTI-AGING • AESTHETICS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Dr. Quinn is a mother, healer, teacher, woman advocate, and unbound believer in the mind-body power to accomplish whatever your heart desires.

A single mother of four daughters living beautiful lives on their own terms, Dr. Quinn’s mission and commitment is to be a catalyst to empower her patients to do the same. That means welcoming the choice to put selfcare at the top of their priority lists, perhaps for the first time in their lives. Patients value the results they receive, and most importantly, they treasure the way Dr. Quinn makes them feel by how she treats them. Perceptive, compassionate, and intuitive, Dr. Quinn sees the real you even if you can’t.

Dr. Quinn has been in love with all things beautiful, colorful, and aligned for a lifetime, and she believes there is much more to embrace to create a vibrant, healthy, and beautiful life from the inside out. When she is not practicing medicine, she is practicing and teaching yoga and meditation. She is the walking-talking poster child for what it is to be a woman in mid-life or better who is loving the impact she makes for clients, one transformational treatment at a time.

Dr. Quinn specializes in functional medicine and bio-identical hormone replacement. Aesthetic services include laser therapies, micro-needling, fillers, PRF Treatments, PDO threads, and hair rejuvenation, weight loss, health coaching, hyperbaric chamber. Learn more at www.laquinnmd. com. Follow along on social media @laquinnmd

Lazzara Orthodontics

EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS, EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES

Drs. John Lazzara and Amy Poblenz are steadfast that “care” will always be the cornerstone of their practice philosophy. Even while a mastery over the physics and biology of building great smiles is imperative, the doctors are just as devoted to the psychology of delivering great patient experiences. At its core, Lazzara Orthodontics aspires to be known for its hospitality and culture as much as for the unrivaled quality of treatment they provide.

Lazzara Orthodontics, the top Clarity Aligner Provider in the Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Nocatee communities, recognizes that patient experience is just as important as achieving the spectacular outcomes for which it’s known. And that’s not just “lip service” (bad dental pun). The cutting-edge technology that they’ve added in the past year alone not only cuts down treatment time, but it does so with more comfort and fewer office visits.

While it’s the desire for a great smile that starts patients on their treatment journey, it’s not “braces” or “Invisalign®” that can, alone, accomplish their goals. Rather, it’s the team, doctors, and treatment plan which form the “culture of care and charisma” that leads patients to choose Lazzara Orthodontics.

Being named “Bold City’s Best Orthodontist” reflects Lazzara Orthodontics’ sincere desire that patients succeed at happiness. Simply doing a good job is not enough. Drs. Lazzara, Poblenz, and the team endeavor to make every patient a raving fan by delivering extraordinary experiences while they engineer exceptional smiles. Smiles that last a lifetime.

Neurology Clinic of Jacksonville

RAJUL PARIKH, MD • JESSICA HAMMETT, APRN TIKILIA SCOTT, APRN

The Neurology Clinic of Jacksonville provides advanced diagnostic testing for neurological conditions, including nerve conduction studies, electroencephalography (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). The clinic is affiliated with multiple hospital systems in the area, and provides a foundation of personalized attention to the specific needs of each patient.

Dr. Rajul Parikh is board-certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After training at Gujarat University in India and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York, Dr. Parikh completed his residency and clinical neurophysiology fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Jessica Hammett, APRN, was born and raised in Jacksonville. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Central Florida, and her master’s degree from Chamberlain University. She spent 15 years as a neuro/trauma nurse before becoming an APRN.

Tikilia Scott, APRN, spent ten years as a registered nurse with HCA Florida Memorial Hospital before joining NCJ as a nurse practitioner in 2018. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Community College and her master’s degree from South University.

Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida

PEDIATRIC EYE CARE

Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida provides comprehensive pediatric eye-care and adult strabismus services to patients in the heart of Riverside. Dr. Duss and Dr. Armanious are dedicated, experienced providers, committed to exceptional care and personal attention.

Our doctors have a genuine passion for the patients they treat. They are extraordinarily meticulous in preparation, examination and evaluation, ensuring the optimal outcome for each and every person under their care.

Our staff prides itself in accessibility and responsiveness, with unparalleled customer service and commitment. We are comfortable with children of all ages and specialize in care for those with developmental delays or special needs. The office facility rises to match the exceptional level of care delivered in it. Located along the banks of the St. Johns, offering patients and families a bright, welcoming space to feel at home. Stateof-the-art technology and techniques allow for the highest level of care and comfort.

PEDIATRIC EYE CARE:

Failed Vision Screenings/Routine Eye Exams • Contact Lenses

Amblyopia • Strabismus • Myopia Progression • Genetic Syndromes

Ptosis • Learning Disabilities & Ocular Associations • Accommodative/ Convergence Dysfunction • Retinopathy of Prematurity Screenings

ADULT SERVICES:

Strabismus • Diplopia • Cranial Nerve Palsies • Traumatic Brain Injury/ Stroke • Demyelinating/Neuromuscular Junction Disease • Thyroid Eye Disease

JACKSONVILLE (MAIN)

5251 Emerson St., Jacksonville, FL 32207

JACKSONVILLE BEACH 905 Beach Blvd., Ste. B, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 ORANGE PARK 2100 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073

Ph: (904) 570-4444 • F: (904)570-4445 NeuroClinicJax.com

SERVICE

Caven :Dental Group

ADVANCED. THOUGHTFUL. TRUSTED.

Dr. Caven’s family has provided trusted dental care for over 160 years. And today, we at Caven Dental Group believe that life is nicer with a healthy, beautiful smile.

We are committed to providing a caring and thoughtful patient experience that helps you achieve your goals. You will never be judged in our office, no matter how long you have been away from the dental office. And with our advanced digital capabilities of modern dentistry, your path to an amazing smile is more incredible than ever!

I have never had such a thorough dental evaluation as a new patient. They spent time with me providing education and answering my questions. I never felt like I was being rushed. Everyone was so incredibly nice and helpful. — Andree M. 5/2023

I'm extremely please with the results and the amazing transformation of my smile. — Cristina R. 5/2023

RICHARD CAVEN, DMD • SHELBY DENHAM, DMD 8930 RG Skinner Pkwy., Jacksonville, FL 32256

(904) 645-3366 • CavenDental.com

Rick K. Harrison, DMD, PA

JAX BEACH COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

After receiving a Bachelor Degree in Science from Jacksonville University, Dr. Rick Harrison graduated from Louisville School of Dentistry with his Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree. He is Invisalign certified and attends continuing education classes in all phases of dentistry to stay up-to-date on current trends. In addition to providing routine dental care, Dr. Harrison provides several cosmetic options—from porcelain crowns to Invisalign orthodontics— and a number of whitening services. Dr. Harrison is committed to earning the trust of his patients and he strives for continuous improvement at all levels. His aim is to exceed your expectations.

JAX BEACH COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

227 11th Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

(904) 241-4237 • JaxBeachDentist.com

Katie Falwell, PhD, BCBA-D PSYCHOLOGY

Dr. Katie Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D, has redefined what it means to educate the next generation. As a licensed psychologist and education entrepreneur, she uses cognitive, systems and solutionfocused therapies to improve and strengthen the lives of families. Using the natural world as a foundation, she established a curriculum that encourages children to observe and embark in a new direction that teaches self-confidence and selfdirection. Dr. Falwell has her own practice and is the CEO and founder of Mandala Family Wellness, Collage Day School, and Palm Valley Child Development Center, which provide complementary services to families seeking holistic, developmentally appropriate services.

COLLAGE DAY SCHOOL, MANDALA FAMILY WELLNESS & PALM VALLEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

171 Canal Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL CollageDaySchool.org | MandalaFamilyWellness.com

PalmValleyChild.org | (904) 373-0082

ABOVE BOARD

The American Board of Medical Specialties is a not-for-profit organization that represents 24 medical specialty boards that establish and maintain high standards for doctor certification and the delivery of safe, quality medical care by certified doctor specialists. Board certification means the physician graduated from a recognized medical school as either an MD or DO, completed several years of training in an accredited residency program, and passed an extensive written exam given by the board. In other words, when you choose a doctor who is board certified, you can be confident he or she meets nationally recognized standards for education, knowledge, experience and skills to provide high quality care in a specific medical specialty. The following list is comprised of the Jacksonville Magazine clients who are board-certified physicians practicing in Northeast Florida. In addition to their names and practices, we also have included their board certifications and specialties.

THRA ABU-MALLOUH, OD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Optometry

JORGE ACEVEDO, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

ASHWINI ACHAR, MD

Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville

• Pediatrics

KENDALL ADKISSON, MD

Intracoastal Dermatology

• Dermatology

WASSIA KHAJA AHMED, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology

JUSTIN ALFONSO, MD

Jax Spine and Pain Center

• Anesthesiology

VERONICA ANTOINE, MD

Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

MARY ARMANIOUS, OD

Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida

• Ophthalmology

• Pediatric Ophthalmology

STEPHEN ARNDT, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

PAVEL BALDUYEU, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Pain Management

THOMAS BARNARD, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

ALEXANDER BARNES, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

CHRISTOPHER BARRON, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Cornea Surgery

PATRICK L. BASILE, MD

Patrick L. Basile, M.D.

Plastic Surgery & Wellness

• Plastic Surgery

AARON BATES, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

CHRISTOPHER BATES, MD

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

FRANK W BOWDEN III, MD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Ophthalmologist

NICOLAS BREMER, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

ALEX BROWN

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Sports Medicine, Internal Medical

LEANNE BROWNING, MD

Women’s Care

• Gynecology

JOHN BULLOCK, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Oculoplastic Surgery

ROBERT BURK, MD

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

JEFFREY BURNETTE, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

JOHN CAREY, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

STEPHEN CARPENTER, DDS

Caven Dental Group

• Dentistry

RICHARD CAVEN, DMD

Caven Dental Group

• Dentistry

MARK CLAYMAN, MD

Dr. Clayman’s Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa

• Plastic Surgery

FRANK COLLIER, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

ASHLEY COWART, OD, FAAO

Florida Eye Specialists

• Optometry

KEVIN COYLE, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

MATTHEW CUNNINGHAM, MD, FASRS

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

SARAH DARBANDI, MD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Corneal Specialist/Surgeon

MICHAEL DeFAZIO, MD, FACS

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

• Plastic Surgery

SHELBY DENHAM, DMD

Caven Dental Group

• Dentistry

ANKIT DESAI, MD, FACS

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

• Plastic Surgery

RAHUL DESHMUKH, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

JOHN P. DONOVAN, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Cornea Surgery

DONALD M. DOWNER, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Cornea Surgery

GAVAN DUFFY, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

MICHAEL J. DUFFY, MD

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Center

• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

J. PARKER DuPREE, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Retina, Surgical Retina

DAWN DUSS, MD

Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida

• Ophthalmology

• Pediatric Ophthalmology

• Pediatric Optometry

TERESA M ERB MD

Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine

• OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility

MICHAEL FALLUCCO, MD, FACS

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

• Plastic Surgery

STEPHEN FIERRO, DC

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

FERDINAND FORMOSO, DO

Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists

• Pain Management

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

LATEYA FOXX, MD

Neurology Clinic of Jacksonville

• Psychiatry and Neurology

JOANNA FRANTZ, PT, MSPT, DPT

FYZICAL® Jacksonville East

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

KATHRYN B. FREIDL, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Glaucoma & Cataract Specialist

SUSAN FRICK, OD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Optometry

EMMANUEL GAGE, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

MAGGIE GARCIA, MD

Jax Spine and Pain Center

• Anesthesiology

OMAR GAYASADDIN, DO

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Glaucoma & Cataract Specialist

ADRIENNE L GENTRY, DO

Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine

• OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility

GUILHERME GIUSTI, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

CHRIS GOLL

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

ISAAC GOODING, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Pain Management

DAVID GREEN, OD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Optometry

PHILIP GRIFFITH, OD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Optometry

CHRISTIAN GUIER, OD, FAAO Florida Eye Specialists

• Optometry

FARID HAKIM, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

MICHAEL HANES, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

C.M. HARRIS, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

JOHN B HARRIS, MD

John B Harris

• Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

RICK K. HARRISON, DMD, PA

Jax Beach Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

• Dentistry

S. AKBAR HASAN, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Cornea, LASIK, & Cataract Specialist

DAVID HAYES, DO

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Glaucoma Surgery

HOLLIE HICKMAN, DO

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

KURTIS HORT, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

STEVEN HOUSTON, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

ROBERT HURFORD, MD, PH.D

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

LEE IRWIN, MD

Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists

• Pain Management

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

YASMIN ISLAM, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Glaucoma Surgery

MELANIE JAVIER, OD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Optometry

ABDALLAH JEROUDI, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

MONICA CARRION JONES, MD

Jax Spine and Pain Center

• Electrodiagnostic Medicine

• Physical Medicine

P. VERNON JONES, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

PATRICK JONES

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

LEAH KAMMERDIENER, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Glaucoma & Cataract Specialist

AHMAD KASRAEIAN, MD, FACS

Kasraeian Urology

• Urology

ALI KASRAEIAN, MD, FACS

Kasraeian Urology

• Urology

SINA KASRAEIAN, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

KENZO J. KOIKE, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist

DAVID A. KOSTICK, MD, FACS

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Oculoplastic, Orbital and Lacrimal Specialist

NATASHA KRZYANOWSKI OD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Optometry

JAYA KUMAR, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

ALEXANDER LAMPLEY, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery, Sport Medicine, Hand Surgery

JOHN LAZZARA, DDS, MS, MBA

Lazzara Orthodontics

• Orthodontics

LAWRENCE M. LEVINE, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Pediatric OphthalmologyEye Muscle Surgery

MAXIMILLIAN LINCOLN, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

McGREGOR N. LOTT, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Medical Retina & Cataract Specialist

JERRY MAIDA, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Laser Refractive Surgery

STEVEN R. MAIER, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in LASIK & Cataract Specialist

JUSTIN MANN, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

BLANCA MARTINEZ-HOPPE, DMD, AACD

Hodges Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

• General Dentistry

JOSE MARTINEZ, DMD, PA

Martinez Dental Solutions

• Cosmetic Family Dentistry

ELIAS MAVROFRIDES, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

CASEY M. McCLONE, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

JASON F. MILES, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Cornea, LASIK, & Cataract Specialist

ULISES P. MILITANO, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

JULEE MILLER, AP, DOM, NMT

Health Pointe Jacksonville Acupuncture + Wellness Clinic

• Acupuncture

THOMAS MOREN, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

RAUL MORENO, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

ALEXIS T. MUGNO, DPM

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Podiatry

KEVIN P. MURPHY, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

• Medical Examiners

ERNST NICOLITZ, MD, FACS

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Oculoplastic, Orbital, Lacrimal Surgery & Cataract Specialist

FLORENCE O’CONNELL, MD

Intracoastal Dermatology

• Dermatology

AYLIN OZDEMIR, MD, FAAP, ABIHM

Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville

• Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

• Integrative Medicine

ANDREW PANDYA, MD

Jax Spine and Pain Center

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

RAJUL PARIKH, MD

Neurology Clinic of Jacksonville

• Psychiatry and Neurology

• Clinical Neurophysiology

• Internal Medicine

JOSEPH PARKS, MD, FACS

Florida Plastic Surgery Group

• Plastic Surgery

KAUSHAL PATEL, PT, DPT

FYZICAL® Jacksonville East

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

RACHANA PATEL, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Cornea & Cataract Specialist

RAVI PATEL, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Cornea, LASIK, & Cataract Specialist

RON A. PATEL, DO

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Anesthesiology, Pain Management

RUSSELL PECORARO, MD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Retina

DANIELLA S. PEINADO, DDS

Endodontics | Dental

• Endodontics

JOHN-PAUL PHAM, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Pham Cardiovascular Center

• Cardiovascular Medicine

• Interventional Cardiology

AMY POBLENZ, DMD, MS

Lazzara Orthodontics

• Orthodontics

BRANDON POWELL, OD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Optometry

BRETT C. PUCKETT, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

LINDA QUINN, MD, FAARM, ABAARM

L.A. Quinn, M.D.

• Obstetrics & Gynecology –Functional Regenerative Medicine

RICARDO RAMOS, MD

Jax Spine and Pain Center

• Pathology

ARAVIND REDDY, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

JOHN M. REDMOND, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

DAVID B. REMIAS, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Sports Medicine

KIMBERLY RIORDAN, OD, FAAO

Florida Eye Specialists

• Optometry, Dry Eye Specialist, Sports Vision Training

JERRY ROBBEN, OD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Optometry

CHRISTOPHER ROBERTS, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

MICHAEL A. ROBINSON, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

NOEL RODRIGUEZ, DMD, MS

Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry

• Prosthodontics

PAUL S. ROETTGES, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery

CLAUDE RUMSEY, MD

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

CHRISTEN RUSSELL, OD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Optometry

DAVID SALEK, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

JERICHO SAYOC, OD

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons

• Optometry

ASHLEY SCHIVELBEIN, APRN, FNP-BC

Formoso Spine & Joint Pain Specialists

• Family Nursing

RAJESH K. SHETTY, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Fellowship-Trained in Glaucoma & Cataract Specialist

KASSIA SILVA, MD

Jax Spine

• Anesthesiology

• Interventional Pain Medicine

JAMES STAMAN, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

JONATHAN STAMAN, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

EREZ G. STERNBERG, MD

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

CHRISTOPHER E. SWANSON, MD

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

• Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

JACKSON C. TAN, MD, PhD, PT, CIME

Occupational & Rehabilitation Center

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

MIKE TAWFIK, MD

Bowden Eye & Associates

• Ophthalmologist

BENJAMIN THOMAS, MD

Florida Retina Institute

• Ophthalmology

• Medical Examiners

JOHN VASSALLO, MD

Florida Eye Specialists

• Ophthalmology, Trained in Cornea & Cataract Surgery

CLAUDIO VINCENTY, MD

Jax Spine & Pain Centers

• Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine

KEVIN L WINSLOW, MD

Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine

• OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility ✚

INTHE PRISONERSSUNSHINE

there’s not much remaining today. A few crumbling foundations peek out from beneath pine trees, scrub bushes and saw palmettos. One would have great diffi culty locating them in the dense under brush, if you didn’t know exactly where to look. Even harder to find are the rambling rows of glass soda bottles that were buried, upside down in the earth, so that only the round, flat butts poke out from the sandy soil. These bottles were placed here intentionally 80 years ago.

This isn’t a patch of Northeast Florida woods one is going to randomly stumble upon during a camping trip or deer hunt. No, this is tucked deep inside the boundaries of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, a 73,000-acre military installation located in Clay County 40 miles southwest of Jacksonville. This particular site on the base is surrounded by a high chainlink fence topped with rows of barbed wire. Ironically, the rows of wire tilt outward with the intention of keeping people from climb-

From latrine looking down toward swamp - ball field behind hut on the left

ing in. In the 1940s, the fences here were erected for the opposite purpose—to keep prisoners of war locked tight inside.

That there were prisoners of war housed in camps in Northeast Florida was not unusual. Hundreds of similar camps were established in 46 states, with Florida seeing some 4,000 prisoners interred here at war’s end. Blanding held a mix of troops—including enlisted Army personnel and Navy officers, some of whom were sympathetic to the Nazi cause and others who were not. The truly hardline Nazis captured in battle were placed in a specially designated outpost in Arizona. Other captured German and Italian military considered of particular high value were sent to a facility in Maryland.

At the start of World War II, the American military had little experience in housing foreign enemy prisoners. The United States hadn’t taken large numbers of foreign troops to hold on its soil since the War of 1812. That changed in the summer of 1942 when 50,000 prisoners of war (POWs) were set to be transferred from Britain to the U.S. England simply didn’t have the resources or space to house them any longer. The first of the POWs arrived on American shores in early 1943. Eventually, nearly a half-million German and Italian POWs would come to the U.S. during the war.

For them, the battlefields of Europe and North Africa were literally a world away. And although their freedom was temporarily on hold, for many being captured meant their lots in life were greatly improved. “Life was pretty good, all things considered. When you come from a war zone, the situation at Camp Blanding was not bad at all,” says George Cressman, senior historian at the Camp Blanding Museum. “No one was shooting at you. There was a warm bed, food. The war was over for them and most understood that.

“New prisoners were generally accepted by those already in the PW compound. Because the prisoners were pre-screened and sent to camps where their Nazi-leanings were consistent with the current prisoners, it was rare after 1943 to have political conflicts among the PW population.

“Essentially, most were used as labor,” Cressman continues. “You had a lot of able-bodied men needing something to do.” Working on the base and out in the Florida countryside offered plenty of things to do. At Blanding, many of the prisoners worked in warehouses related to supply distribution and the cold storage of perishables. All enlisted men were required to work, something that was in accordance with Geneva Convention standards. Officers did not have to work. One’s labor earned 80¢ per day. The money was not paid in cash but would be credited to an account at the prison canteen. Here, a prisoner could purchase simple luxuries such as shaving supplies, cigarettes, food and drinks, including one low-alcohol beer per day.

In addition to working on the base, prisoners could be “hired” out to work in private industry. In Florida, for example, many labored picking oranges and other fruits and vegetables. While technically the Geneva

Picking Citrus

ILouis Hyden leaving for dutyChaplain Moeller sign on hut is a joke

PWs Pouring Concrete at Camp Blanding

Convention doesn’t permit that prisoners be made to work in jobs that would benefit the war effort, during a world war essentially every orange picked, loaf of bread baked or crate moved was beneficial to the larger goal of bringing hostilities to an end.

“The Army was very rigorous in following the Geneva Conventions on Land Warfare and the treatment of PWs,” says Cressman. “There was also the belief that mis-treatment of PWs would be publicized and reach the Axis nations—perhaps impacting how U.S. PWs were treated in Axis PW compounds.”

While there were a few escape attempts, they were few and far between. Few prisoners had delusions of breaking free and returning home. After all, where would one go? Crossing the Atlantic to Europe or heading to South America were fanciful dreams, at best. Just getting off the grounds of Camp Blanding would be a monumental achievement. The prisoner compound was surrounded by what was essentially one of the largest cities in Florida, one bristling with thousands of soldiers spread across more than 170,000 acres. At its peak, there were more than 10,000 buildings at Blanding including 24 chapels, two bowling alleys, eight movie theaters, 37 post exchange stores and a 2,800-bed hospital. At any one time there could be up to 65,000 soldiers in training and an additional 7,000 civilians living on the base.

If one did manage to get clear of Blanding’s perimeter fences, a healthy-looking young man walking along the streets of Jacksonville or another Florida city would stand out. Such men were gone, off to war or training in uniform somewhere. Also, most German prisoners didn’t speak English. The longest period an escapee from Blanding eluded the pursuing military police was five days.

A total of seven German prisoners died while in captivity at Blanding and the other Florida sub-camps during the war. Franz Klose died at Blanding on October 20, 1945. He was 17. The other prisoners who passed away in Florida ranged

in age from 16 to 18. According to Army records, across the country approximately 70 POW deaths were ruled suicides and 42 were murdered by fellow prisoners. A few POWS were shot and killed while trying to escape and at least nine were shot by guards that suffered “mental disorders.”

the first stops in America for every POW coming from Europe were ports either in New York or New Jersey. From here, all were transported by train to camps scattered across the country. Military police would escort them for the duration of their journeys. Every prisoner sent to Florida would be processed through Blanding, where a railroad station was situated inside the base. From here, they might be moved along to the state’s other Base Camp—Gordon Johnston in the Panhandle, near the town of Carrabelle—or to one of the smaller sub-camps peppered across the state.

The prisoner compound at Blanding covered a land area of about four city blocks. It was surrounded by two sets of eight-foot fences in between which guards and dogs would patrol. A collection of watch towers with flood lights stood at every corner and along the perimeter. Inside, the prisoners were billeted in four companies, each with its own set of 16-by-16-foot barracks buildings, toilets and showers. There was also a barber shop, chapel, mess hall, supply buildings, and a recreation room. A similar compound was established just across the road to house the camp’s guards.

Two companies of U.S. Army soldiers (approximately 100120 men led by a Captain per company) were tasked with keeping order in the camp. The typical guard was older than the average G.I., maybe in his 30s or 40s. Many had a disability of some kind, an injury or other physical limitation that kept them from serving overseas. Blanding would be their post for the duration of the war. Most camps maintained a ratio of 10 to 15 prisoners per guard.

Daily life was one of strict routine. Revelry was at 6 AM sharp. Some time was allowed for straightening up the

Inside Hutment

Jury Rigged Porch

Jeep in motor pool headed toward the latrine in the GI quartersRW Stark driver, Louis Hyden

Tower #5 looking toward main Camp road behind tower #4

Back of Officers quarters and latrinePW compound in background

barracks, roll call and for eating breakfast. Next, it was off to work, Monday through Saturday. Lunch, the big meal of the day, was at noon and the workday would end at 3 PM. Then it was back to the sleeping quarters followed by dinner at 5 PM. Lights out was 9 PM.

Leisure time was whole-heartedly taken advantage of. There was a soccer field inside the barbed wire and games between teams arranged by unit were common. There was also a volleyball court, library, woodworking shop and classes offered in math, American history and English. The food served in the

mess hall was comparable to that provided to a regular G.I. In some cases, the food was likely better than that eaten by many civilians who had to endure shortages and rationing in support of the war effort. In addition, prisoners were allowed to plant gardens, and were given seeds and tools for tending them. Many prisoners actually gained weight while at Blanding.

ICressman recalls one story he heard about prisoner ingenuity and eating well. Inside the camp, there was a small isolation stockade used to hold prisoners who were caught violating rules, causing problems or otherwise being disobedient. Every time a prisoner was placed here, he would receive a physical exam, including recording his weight. For reasons the guards could never quite understand, the prisoners always ended their time in stockade confinement weighing more than when they went in. Of course, they were fed while locked inside but not so much that they should add extra pounds.

It wasn’t until years later that an ex-prisoner spilled the beans and revealed the cause of the mystery. The stockade hut was elevated above the ground. The prisoners had pried free a few of the floorboards, allowing them to crawl out from underneath. Once out, they simply sneaked unseen into the main part of the camp to get additional food from the mess hall, before sneaking back into the stockade.

Guards suspected this might be happening, so they encircled the hut in a small beach of bright white sand, regularly raked smooth. Should a prisoner step across the sand, his footprints would be left behind. It was a simple but solid solution. It was until, that is, the prisoners got hold of a rake of their own,

which would be hidden inside the hut. The rake meant they could cover their own tracks as needed.

IGermany accepted terms of unconditional surrender to America and its allies in May of 1945, marking the official end of World War II in Europe. However, for the German and Italian prisoners held on U.S. soil, the trip home would be delayed for some time. The guards and fences at Blanding would continue to stand for nearly two more years. The last prisoner was escorted out of the camp in 1947 and, not long after, the War Department made the decision to return Camp Blanding to the state of Florida. “Where they [the prisoners] went depended on which nation had captured them: PWs captured by Britain were returned to Britain; those captured by the U.S., were returned to Germany,” says Cressman. The dismantling of the compound at Blanding began soon after the last prisoner left. In less than a year, all the buildings were completely torn down or moved for use elsewhere.

I“If I had a magic wand, the compound and the administrative area would be completely cleared and there would be replicas of a hutment (the PWs’ quarters) and a wash room,” says Cressman. “And, if I had a second magic wand, there would be a replica of the PW disciplinary stockade and their PX. Also, the soccer field would be cleared and marked, if all my wishes came true.”

IToday, the old camp looks like a typical swath of hot Northeast Florida forest. Were the fence not there and a dusty road not ringing its perimeter, it’s likely the whole site would completely return to nature in short order. For historians like Cressman, the camp is something that shouldn’t be lost or forgotten. Florida played an enormous role in determining the outcome of World War II. That thousands of foreign soldiers and sailors were kept here is part of the story.

That story lives on in physical remnants such as those rows of buried glass soda bottles. The bottles were placed in the ground by some clever German prisoners. They noticed that one particular type of bottle contained tiny amounts of a phosphorus compound that glowed in the moonlight. So, at night, the paths between the barracks buildings and the bathroom facilities were nicely outlined in soft reflecting lights. For these prisoners, the war was over. Might as well make the best of it. u

Hobby Workshop Building Boat Models

Taken in front of Dayroom and PX - Standing, right: George Glasser, cook; kneeling, center: Conrad Laggan, cook; rest unknown - 25 Feb 1945

English Language Class

DREAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE PREZA

Opposite page: The Family Room’s focal point is a customplastered fireplace with two arched niches flanking each side.

At right: Working with a color palette of blues, rust and accents of black, the Family Room is designed to give everyone a comfortable seat, while also providing a feeling one is sitting in a cool boutique hotel, says the designer.

Below: The large scale of the Foyer was asking to be more than just a place to enter the home. With the addition of oversized, curved sofas and sheer drapes to stop the western sun in the afternoons, it was transformed into another gathering space to read or visit with friends.

As k a room full of interior designers what their idea of dream project is and the answers likely will be a variation on the same theme, namely a home that is wide open to possibilities. Lisa Gielincki, owner of Lisa Gielincki Interior Design, had the privilege and pleasure of working on one such project, a recently finished spec home purchased by a homeowner who enlisted her to create something completely new from floor to ceiling.

“This home started out as a spec house for the builder, which is a designer’s dream come true because we can pick all the finishes that we love and be free with our creativity,” says Gielincki. “We love making our clients’ homes express their personal style, so we were thrilled when the home sold in the drywall phase. We were able to work with the new buyers and incorporate their personality.”

The home is located in the secluded enclave of Pablo Creek Reserve. It was designed to have a NeoClassical feel with classic details presented in modern fashion. The approximately 5,300-square-feet of air-conditioned space encompasses four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, as well as a theater room and craft/laundry space. Among its many interior highlights are wood paneling in the dining room, porcelain tile countertops in the kitchen, and wood wainscoting in the grand foyer and stairs.

While the house is new, the homeowners were eager to include many family treasures passed down through the years. For example, the kitchen table is from one of the clients’ mothers and was handmade with a top crafted from an old door. In the dining room, special care was taken to highlight an antique China cabinet that used to be in the Column Bar & Hotel on St. Charles Street in New Orleans. The piece belonged to a great grandmother and has been passed through multiple homes and generations.

“It was too short for the space, so we had a custom base made to elevate it,” recalls the designer. “The base is its own separate piece, so we didn’t have to hurt the antique’s value for future generations.”

New pieces of art were incorporated into the interior design, most notably some from local photographer Jessie Preza. However, most of the artwork and

Using a mix of warm white oak wood, cream base cabinets and shiny accents of mirror and glossy countertops, the Kitchen is as glamorous as it is functional. “Mixing materials in a kitchen can add so much warmth,” says Gielincki. “We selected matte and shiny surfaces to give the space added interest, while also remaining durable.”

Mixing materials in a kitchen can add so much warmth.

“ ”

Opposite page: The

Craft Room add interest and a sense of playfulness to the space. “Our goals were to make the Laundry Room as beautiful as it is efficient,” says the designer.

accessories were from the homeowners’ personal collection. One mother was an accomplished artist in her own right and the family still enjoys collecting new pieces.

As for interior wall colors, the designer has something of a less-is-more way of thinking. “Our philosophy is to keep the fixed items in a home mostly neutral and add colors in paint and fabrics,” says Gielincki. “This gives the home the ability to evolve and change over the years, without being locked into one color scheme. A neutral palette can be interesting with different wood tones and textures. Also, adding iron and ceiling details provide extra layers to a home.”

Since the home was practically complete when purchased, some of the interior decisions had already been made. The rooms were laid out and the drywall hung. But it was a blank canvas of sorts, with plenty of design opportunities in every room, hallway and closet. Among the clients’ top priorities was to incorporate their many beloved antiques and pieces of art.

Above: The addition of modern chairs and a display cabinet gives the clients’ antique breakfast table a great partner in the balance of old and new.

selection of a patterned floor and painted cabinets in the Laundry and

Our goals were to make the Laundry Room as beautiful as it is efficient.

“ ”

A neutral palette can be interesting with different wood tones and textures.

“ ”

“The clients wanted to make the family area comfortable yet stylish for everyday living. Our inspiration was a boutique hotel with lots of sitting areas. The spacious foyer was a great opportunity to give the homeowners another sitting area where they could relax and read and enjoy the wonderful light in the space,” says Gielincki.

In all, the project took about a year-anda-half from start to completion. Gielincki and her team were able to get involved early enough to put their personal stamp on the work, something all designers greatly appreciate. “We were able to have a say on many items—from ceiling details to door swings. From the initial design, we were able to form a clear vision for the home and move quickly to interior selections. Luckily, we were also able to fully furnish the house and bring the project to completion with one, cohesive vision. Basically, it was the dream way to do a project.” A dream in which the clients get to inhabit every day. u

BUILDER: Architectural Classics

ARCHITECT: Kevin Gray

DESIGNER: Lisa Gielincki Interior Design

CABINETS: River City Custom Cabinetry

COUNTERTOPS: Design Works

TILE: Traditions in Tile

LIGHTING: Stewart Lighting

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessie Preza

A beautiful blue color in the Dining Room highlights the custom wall moldings and the clients’ thirdgeneration family antique China cabinet. The room is perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.

Cooking with Fire

Key features that will help elevate your barbecue game

There’s never a better time than the present to up your grilling game—and your grilling game starts with the barbecue you are using. Whether you are buying your first backyard grill or looking to replace or upgrade your current model, there are a few key elements and features you should be looking for when making your decision.

Here are five items you should take into consideration when you are searching online or walking down the barbecue aisle, courtesy of Napoleon:

FUEL  — The first question to ask is what kind of barbecue you want. A classic charcoal grill? Or will you use propane? If your home is equipped with a natural gas connection outside, a natural gas grill is easy and convenient, and you never have to worry about the tank running out while you are in the middle of cooking.

HEAT — The whole point of a barbecue is to cook. The hotter the barbecue gets, the better. This is typically measured in BTUs (the short form of British Thermal Unit, the amount of heat required to warm one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit) and the higher the number the better. But there are other factors that can influence how hot your barbecue will get. Air flow has a significant influence on heat; proper ventilation means an even, consistent cooking tem-

perature. Too much and the heat isn’t retained. Not enough and your food may burn.

SIZE — Know the space where you are going to put the grill, and how many people you are typically going to be cooking for. If you are single, a couple without kids or empty nesters, there may not be a need to buy a massive six-burner grill with a two-head cooking system. But if you have a big family and/or you entertain with a big backyard, you want to find a grill with sufficient cooking space.

MATERIALS — The type of metal used in the barbecue, and its quality, will not only determine the durability of the grill, but will also determine its performance. A cast aluminum firebox will heat quickly and help retain heat. Heavy gauge stainless steel is ideal for burners that will last, and a stainless-steel hood will help retain heat.

FEATURES — Today’s barbecues are more than a grill over flame. Infrared side burners bring a new dimension to searing meat and locking in flavors. Back rotisserie burners bathe your food in even heat as it rotates on the spit. Smoker tubes give you the flexibility to add new flavors to your dishes. Lighting makes grilling after dark an easier task. Charcoal trays make your gas grill truly versatile, giving you the option to cook over charcoal, and all the flavors that come with that. Now start cooking. u

Dress to Impress

Selling Sunset is one of Netflix’s most talked-about shows. In it, pricey Los Angeles homes are featured, showcasing their glamorous interiors flush with panoramic doors, bespoke home libraries and bars, and dreamy walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms. It’s not surprising that some of these upscale interior touches are hot trends spreading across the country. According to data collected by furniture designer and maker Neville Johnson, searches for “dressing room islands” have increased tremendously in the past year, with homeowners seeing the opulent storage solution as a must-have for 2023. Think of them as kitchen islands for the bedroom and, instead of storing plates and silverware, the cabinet space is devoted to clothing and accessories. As such, the furniture brand has launched a new bedroom collection which exudes style and sophistication, as well as captures the hot interior trend of the bedroom island.

Small Wonders

They say good things come in small packages. It’s a good bet those who plan to attend the upcoming Great American Tiny House Show will agree with that. The Tiny House Show, a two-day exposition that helps small home lovers connect with their tribe, discover, learn, and shape the growing alternative living movement, is set for June 17, 9 AM-6 PM, and June 18, 10 AM-5 PM, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. In addition to model homes on display, there will be discussions and information covering tiny house builds and design, other alternative housing options such off-grid solar setups, as well as vendors showcasing sustainable and environmentally friendly products. Tickets are $12, kids 13 and under are free.

A DOG’S LIFE

Time was when you had a pet in the home, all that was needed were a few essentials—a bed, bowls for food and water, a few squeaky toys and some time for a warm snuggle or two. Times have changed. The pandemic brought about a huge uptick in the number of household pets and with those increasing numbers came the desire for more pet-friendly accommodations in the home. The term “barkitecture” has blossomed into a thriving interior design niche with homeowners requesting things such as dedicated food storage and watering stations, grooming rooms with pet bathing fixtures, and more. The old idea of a mud room has been modernized with additions like a dog washing station including handheld shower heads (pictured) and tiled areas with drains to make it easy to clean muddy paws. Also, because so many people are feeding their pets fresh foods that require refrigeration, under-counter refrigerators can be installed exclusively for Fido’s culinary preferences. So, who’s a good boy, now?

ROAD TRIPPIN’

The estate known as Pebble Hill Plantation dates back to the early 1800s. Thomas Jefferson Johnson bought the land outside of Thomasville, Georgia, and on it would be grown crops of cotton, corn, sugar cane and tobacco. Like most plantations in the region at the time, Pebble Hill was worked by slave labor. Today, some 3,000 acres peppered with giant magnolias and long leaf pines are open for public tours, as are its various buildings including a dog hospital, log cabin school, stable complex and a grand main residence. The three-story Main House that stands today isn’t the original home, but was built after a fire in 1934. The stately whitewashed brick home features 16 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms and 24 fireplaces. The property, located about 30 minutes north of Tallahassee, is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. Be sure to check days and hours before visiting, as the Main House isn’t open every day. Admission is $8-$20.

Hot Topics

While often perceived as the quintessential American cuisine, Southern food is actually derived from a complex blend of European, Native American, and African origins that found realization in the hands of enslaved people. And some of the most celebrated sub-genres of Southern cuisine—Cajun and Creole from Louisiana, Low Country cooking from the South Carolina and Georgia coasts—came to be via groups of immigrants from Europe, Asia and Latin America. In his first cookbook, Southern Cooking, Global Flavors (Rizzoli International Publications), Jax chef Kenny Gilbert explores the flavors he has come to love from his travels and experiences cooking around the world—including multiple appearances on Food Network and personal-chefing for Oprah Winfrey. Each of the ten chapters (Ribs & Slaw, Fried Chicken & Biscuits, and Fish & Grits) offers one iconic Southern dish, followed by a handful of international variations on it. Among its more than 100 recipes are Gilbert’s bacon-wrapped meatloaf with sour cream mashed potatoes and turkey meatloaf with Moroccan spices and cashew-cauliflower mash. When not cooking for Oprah or competing on Beat Bobby Flay, Gilbert can be found in the kitchen of his Springfield restaurant Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar. Local photographer Kristen Penoyer and writer Nan Kavanaugh contributed to the 290-page cookbook. u

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION

Area interior designers create runway worthy fashions in annual fundraiser

Recently, a group of Northeast Florida’s most renowned artists and interior designers collaborated to create oneof-a-kind wearable garments made from interior design materials. Cocktail Couture, which took place May 19 at the Glass Factory, was a fundraiser featuring a runway show which saw models sporting beautiful and innovative ensembles crafted from flooring materials, lighting elements, furniture material samples and other things not usually associated with high fashion. But the finished designs were not only beautiful, but truly pushed creativity and style boundaries.

Hosted by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) North Florida Chapter, each of the nine competing design teams—made up of one local artist paired with an area design firm—was challenge to create a finished outfit that was inspired by a specific piece of art. Among the artists who took part were Shaun Thurston, Toni Smallagic, Dustin Harewood and Tony Rodriguez. Some of the design firms participating were Hoeffer Welker, Hota Design Studio and PQH Group.

“This year’s event celebrated the intersection of art and design,” says Penny Heritage, vice president of events for IIDA North Florida. “Our nine teams worked hard to blow the audience and judges away with their original garments. We’re so grateful that they lent their talents to our cause.”

A gallery of the finished designs from Cocktail Couture is posted at our website, JacksonvilleMag.com. u

hot seats

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.

1928 Cuban Bistro

Family-run establishment specializes in authentic Cuban cuisine, baked goods and cafe con leche. House specialties include guava and cheese pastries, chicken, beef and ham and cheese empanadas, and congri bowls made with white rice and black beans topped with choice of braised chicken or roasted pork. Of

course, the Cuban sandwich (roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on warm bread) is top seller. Flan, churros and tres leches for dessert. 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows (683-8104); 160 Shops Blvd., St. Johns (2095162); 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega 1928bistro.com. B ,L, $$.

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

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 Beauty and the Beast (June 8-July 23). 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-1212; alhambrajax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.

GUIDE to the GUIDE:

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.

PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES

Mojo Bar-B-Que

Al’s Pizza

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, $.

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 of the 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, $$$.

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, $$.

Black Sheep Restaurant

Situated in Five Points, Black Sheep’s menu ranges from delicate dishes like smoked trout rillettes to staples of the American South like their gluten-free wild Georgia shrimp & grits. Black Sheep boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city, making sipping a cocktail at sunset a must. 1534 Oak St., Five Points, Riverside (380-3091, blacksheep5points.com). L, D, SB, $$.

Blue Bamboo

This restaurant (relocated from the Southside) 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 compliments 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 (295-3847; casareinastaug.com). L, D, $$.

ChopHouse Thirteen

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, $$$.

Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room

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. Happy Hour is all night on Tuesday, and Wednesday thru Saturday 4pm-6pm, featuring $3 off wine pours and $2 off craft beer. Taste new menu additions, including Marcona Almond Crusted Goat Cheese & Fig Spread, Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce, and Angus Beef Sliders with Firecracker Sauce. 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

Coop 303 is known for its regional cuisine featuring smoked heritage pork belly, beef short ribs and grilled pork chop. But the Beaches Town Center restaurant also features local seafood dishes and is home to the Impossible Burger. 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, $$.

Costa Brava

Situated in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Costa Brava 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/costa-brava-restaurant). B, L, D, $$.

Cruisers Grill

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, $.

Culhane’s Irish Pubs & Restaurants

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, $$

Eleven South Bistro

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, $$$$.

Ember & Iron

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, $$$.

The Fish Company

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. $$$.

Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar

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 (834-8383, iguanaonpark.com). L, D, SB, $$

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

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. 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). L, D, $$.

Abra Cadabra!

The Magic Hideaway is an intimate, 22-person show staged in the Cobalt Lounge at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine every Friday and Saturday. The two-hour show is the brainchild of magician Bill Abbott, whose been performing this particular act for just over a year. Each performance includes lite bites and cocktails. A sweet and sour sipper, “Smoke & Mirrors” is an original creation by the food and beverage team at the Casa Monica and is included on the special Magic Hideaway cocktail menu. No slight of hand needed to make one. Just follow the directions.

0.75 oz Milagro Reposado

0.5 oz Aperol

0.5 oz Strega Liqueur

0.5 oz Cointreau

0.75 oz Lime Juice

2 spritzes of Mezcal

Add all ingredients to a shaking tin full of ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a coup glass and garnish with edible glitter and a lemon peel. Enjoy.

COOKIE MASTERS

“Our father spent 32 years serving the community as a local firefighter and earned a nickname as, “The Cookie Man,” recalls Monica Anderson. “When you saw him, you knew cookies were close by.” In fact, baking was a lifelong passion for husband-andwife Veronica and Willis Anderson, Monica’s parents. What started as an after-work hobby turned into way for them to help support their four kids through college. That love of all thing's cookies, cupcakes and pies eventually led to the recent opening of Arble Baking Company’s new shop on Dunn Avenue. The bakery is run by four Anderson siblings—Lamar, Alonzo, Whitney and Monica. Though the shop offers and assortment of desserts, the bakery is perhaps best known for its oatmeal nut and classic chocolate chip cookies.

SHELL OF AN IDEA

Distillery 98 is a craft spirits maker based out of a micro distillery and tasting room in the Florida Panhandle. And while craft distilleries have popped up across Florida like dollar weed in St. Augustine grass, this one stands apart with the recent introduction of some innovative packaging, namely a recyclable paperboard bottle for its signature Half Shell Vodka. “When we discovered the ‘Frugal’ bottle in the U.K., we immediately realized that this packaging represents the future of our industry,” says Distillery 98 co-owner Harrison Holditch. “We hope that our commitment to Half Shell’s transformative bottle persuades more companies to embrace environmentally friendly packaging.” If not recycled, a typical glass bottle needs about 4,000 years to decompose. Half Shell bottles all but disappear in a few months. The distillery also prides itself on its use of corn grown on Panhandle farms and its unusual process of spirits filtration through Gulf Coast oyster shells and coconut carbon. u

JJ’s Bistro de Paris

With delicious French food, a handpainted French mural, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower, customers feel as if they are relaxing at a bistro in Paris. With a separate, yet just as talented pastry chef, you will find yourself indulging in the finest French desserts and pastries such as eclairs and fruit tarts. This one-of-a-kind restaurant offers the best of France in food, wine, and desserts. 7643 Gate Pkwy., Jacksonville (996-7557; jjbistro.com/ gateparkway). L, D, $$$.

JJ’s Liberty Bistro

Open since 1994, JJ’s Liberty Bistro is a familyrun 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, $$$.

Le

Petit Paris Café

A little slice of France in the River City, the chefowned 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, macaron 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, $.

M Shack

Specializing in burgers made from hormone-free, freshly ground beef, M Shack has been voted best “Gourmet Burger” in our Best In Jax issue. Their menu also includes burger joint favorites such as all-beef hot dogs, fries, sweet potato tots, and handspun shakes. St. Johns Town Center (642-5000; mshackburgers.com); Nocatee (395-3575). L, D, $.

Matthew’s Restaurant

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, $$$$.

Restaurant Medure

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 (5433797; restaurantmedure.com). D, $$$.

Mellow Mushroom

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. Whether you’re looking for a local brew like the Aardwolf Nonchalant or the Ancient City Augustine’s Orange Amber Ale or prefer to branch out to other areas of the good ol’ USA, this pizza palace has a beer to fit everyone’s taste. 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, $$.

Mezza Luna Ristorante

Mezza Luna’s menu focuses on seafood and Italian dishes. 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. 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573; mezzalunajax.com). D, $$$.

Midtown Table

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, $$.

Mojo Bar-B-Que

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, $$.

Nineteen

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 (273-3238; tpcsawgrass.com). B, L, D, $$.

O-Ku Sushi

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, $$$.

Restaurant Orsay

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, $$$$.

Peony Asian Bistro

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 (268-3889). L, D, $$.

Philly’s Finest

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, $$.

Poe’s Tavern

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, $.

PHOTO BY CORINNA HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY Blue Orchid

Foodie Fete

Rosé soirée

The weather did not go quietly into the night the evening of April 27. Jacksonville Magazine’s inaugural Rosé Soirée had already been rescheduled from an earlier date, so postponing the party for another time was not an option. So, as storm clouds gathered outside, a collection of the city’s top food and drink vendors gathered inside the cozy confines of the 5 Points Chapel in Riverside. Originally planned for the chapel’s enclosed garden and patio space, the wind and rain forced those in attendance to retreat indoors. But the wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of guests or vendors. Among the delicious eats and libations enjoyed were gourmet charcuterie, spirit-infused cupcakes, barrel-aged coffee and more. Thanks to all our hearty vendors and patrons who braved the weather and took part in the fun. We hope to see you again next year. u

Ragtime Tavern

Open for more than 20 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, $$.

The Raintree

Located in historic St. Augustine inside a Victorian house, complete with a fireplace and koi pond, The Raintree offers upscale dining with an eclectic menu comprising American, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes. Don’t miss the decadent dessert bar with made-to-order crepes, adult ice cream cocktails, cookies and cake. 102 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine (824-7211; raintreerestaurant.com).

D, SB, $$$.

River & Post

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, $$$.

RP’s Fine Food & Drink

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, $$.

Rue Saint-Marc

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, $$.

Safe Harbor Seafood

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 Food Shack

“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 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, $$.

Sliders Oyster Bar

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, $$.

TacoLu

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, $.

Taqueria Cinco

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

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, $$.

Town Hall

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, $$$.

Vernon’s First Coast Kitchen & Bar

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, $$$.

Whitey’s Fish Camp

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-ofthe-border steamed snow crab legs, a shrimp boil, and all-you-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

Dine and Dash

BY JEFFREY SPEAR

There are times when you want a good meal but don't have the time or patience for restaurants. Or you can't be bothered to cook. You may simply want to get home, get undressed and hunker down on the couch. With so many worthwhile restaurants scattered all over town, most offering take-out, we thought you'd appreciate a few tasty suggestions.

Carolina Jax, Five Points

Considered by many to offer the best burgers in Northeast Florida, check out their signature "Riverside" or "Blue Devil" along with an order of loaded "Mountain Fries" paired with a rich and creamy shake (the adventurous may enjoy the Datil Duuuval). With aromas filling your car, you'll be ready to dig in well before you get home.

The Bearded Pig, San Marco, Jax Beach

There's nothing like the perfectly grilled Q from this local favorite. Have them pack up a platter loaded with brisket, ribs and chicken, a little pulled pork and a sausage or two along with some baked beans, mac-n-cheese, potato salad and slaw. If they're available, be sure to include an order of burnt ends.

The Local, Miramar, Neptune Beach

T here's more than enough on their menu to

put together an enjoyable take-home meal. Try the Chicken Quinoa Bowl, Arugula Fig Prosciutto Salad, Green Goddess Hummus, French Georgian Short Ribs, Lemon Caper Chicken or Churrasco Salmon. The best part is that everything packs up nicely and travels well.

5th Element, Baymeadows

This is one of the best destinations for Indian food in the city. With a menu that features both South Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, it's hard to choose. Try their Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoor specialties, Biryani, Chili Prawns and Szechuan Fried Rice. Everything boxes up nicely, allowing you to enjoy an exotic southeast Asian feast at home.

European Street Cafe, Riverside, San Marco, Jax Beach

Known for their German and European influenced dishes, there's more than enough on the menu to create an exceptional takeout meal. While their selection of starters, sandwiches, wraps and salads is impressive, it's their German sausage plates featuring bratwurst, kielbasa and knockwurst and an impressive selection of beers that keep us coming back for more.

Crispy's, Springfield

Locals rave about their pizzas. If you like 'em simple, you'll like the Main Street (mozzarella, red sauce, basil) or the Pearl (pepperoni, mozzarella, red sauce). For something a bit more fancy, try the Liberty (roasted chicken, spinach, feta, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, roasted garlic white sauce). On the weekend, order up their brunch specials and stay in bed.

Poppy's Italiano, Ponte Vedra, St Augustine

One of the most durable take-out foods is pasta. And there's no better place to get freshly prepared pasta and Italian specialties than here. Whether you prefer fettuccini, spaghetti, linguine, you can create your own dinner. Plus, chicken or veal can be prepared parmigiano, picata, francesce and several other styles. These are just the tip of the menu iceberg.

Hong Kong Bistro, Jacksonville

It could be said that Chinese is the original restaurant take-out. You won't go wrong with some traditional Chinese dumplings like Shu Mai and Har Gow, a little Hot & Sour Soup, generous servings of Beef Chow Fun, Ma Po Tofu or Garlic Soft Shell Crab and a little Shrimp Fried Rice and a side of Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce. So, where's that phone? u

The Bearded Pig Barbeque Assortment

Poppy’s Italiano Shrimp Scampi

European Street Sausage Sampler

BIRD'S THE WORD

Jekyll Brewing, a craft brewery, distillery, winery and restaurant, opened its doors in May at the Jacksonville Beach Town Center. The opening marks the fourth Jekyll Brewing location and the first to be planted outside of Georgia. Among the eatery’s most popular menu items is the Fried Chic’n Sammi, a tasty combination of sourdough bread, spiced pimento cheese, coleslaw, and a pickled chicken breast. To learn how to make one at home, follow executive chef Jeff Hungerford’s recipe below:

PICKLED CHICKEN BREAST:

6 oz chicken breast

1 tbsp pickle juice

½ cup buttermilk

SEASONED FLOUR:

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¾ tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp cayenne pepper

¼ tbsp black pepper

¼ tbsp granulated garlic

PIMENTO CHEESE:

3 tbsp gouda cheese, shredded

2 tsp roasted red pepper

1 slice of jalapeno pepper, fried

1 tbsp cream cheese

3 tsp mayonnaise

4 tsp hot sauce

¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ tbsp white cheddar, shredded

COLESLAW:

3 tsp mayonnaise

¼ tbsp onion, minced

¼ tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp sugar

Dash of kosher salt

Dash of black pepper

½ tsp granulated garlic

½ tsp celery seed

½ cup cabbage mix with carrots

Begin by marinating the chicken breast in pickle juice and buttermilk for thirty minutes. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the pimento cheese by frying jalapeno on a pan. Next, combine all the ingredients until it yields a smooth and consistent texture. Then, blend the ingredients for the seasoned flour mixture, and in a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the coleslaw.

Take the marinated chicken breast and dip it into buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour mix. Fry the chicken until it is crispy golden brown (165 degrees internally). Lightly butter and toast the sourdough bread. Spread the pimento cheese on one side of the bread. Add the fried chicken breast and coleslaw. Slice in half and serve with your choice of sides. u

Front Burner

News and Notes from the First Coast Dining Scene

Another new arrival to the Oldest City is the region’s second Treylor Park restaurant, a string of five eateries peppered across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia offering funky takes on classic Southern fare—PB&J chicken wings, cheesesteak egg rolls, and fried chicken apple pie sandwiches, for example. The new Treylor Park, located on Spanish Street, features an interior designed to create an atmosphere like the inside of an upscale Airstream trailer, including a curved metal ceiling and chandeliers over the bar. There’s also a large patio with a pergola out back and a self-serve kiosk for grab-and-go customers. “We’re constantly refining the way we present our food, our menus, the interior. We’re always working on it,” says co-owner Trey Wilder. “Approachable comfort is something we strive for. With so many people from different walks of life and areas of the country coming in, we love when they have that comfort here.”

A second Cousteau’s Waffle & Milkshake Bar recently opened along Hwy. A1A S. in St. Augustine Beach. The original shop in the Oldest City’s historic district is still operating, with the new beach location being the latest addition to First Coast food entrepreneur Stephen DiMare’s growing roster of specialty food stops. In addition to the two Cousteau’s shops, DiMare also owns the locally born Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops and Mayday Ice Cream. Cousteau’s offers both sweet and savory waffles, highlighted by unusual combos such as prosciutto, fig preserves and brie. There’s also a s’mores-themed waffle made with marshmallow fluff and others topped with blueberry compote or toasted coconut. “Our focus has always been providing fun and unique flavors that are anchored by quality, homemade ingredients,” says DiMare. “We love showcasing the local bounty and the culinary skill of our staff.”

Coming soon to the San Marco/Southbank area is City Grille and Raw, a new restaurant concept from veteran local restaurateurs John Nagy and his wife Karen Belloit Thomas, owners of Jacksonville Beach favorite Eleven South. City Grille will occupy the space that for decades housed the Wine Cellar. Drawing inspiration from restaurants in Chicago, New York and their travels abroad, the menu will offer steaks, seafood and seasonal specialties. The raw bar will feature fresh oysters from the East and West coasts, as well as selection of ceviche, tartar and crude. “We are really excited about this opening,” says John. “There have been some delays, which come with a restaurant buildout and remodel that has not been renovated in 40 years. Overall, we are happy to maintain the original footprint but bring a completely new dining experience to San Marco.” u

Only in Florida

Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State

Earlier this spring, Hope Carrasquilla unceremoniously stepped down as principal of Tallahassee Classical school. Apparently, at least one parent complained to the school that it had shown the children pornographic material. The material in question was a photo of Michelangelo’s iconic statue of a nude David—arguably one of the most famous statues carved during the Renaissance. Seeing the kerfuffle in news reports, the city of Florence, Italy invited Hope and her family to visit and see Michelangelo’s handiwork in person, which she did in May. Accademia Gallery art director Cecilie Holberg welcomed the former Florida educator, adding that the statue’s nudity “is a clear expression of the Renaissance, which puts man at the center of attention.”

Hillsborough County deputy Daniel “Red” Jones is part cop, part OBGYN. In May, Jones helped a pregnant woman deliver a baby on the shoulder of Hwy. 60. According the Sheriff’s Office, it was mere minutes after arriving on the scene that the deputy assisted the delivery of a baby girl in the front seat of her mother’s car. Soon after, county Fire and Rescue arrived and transported the newborn and mother to a hospital for evaluation. The little girl was the mother’s sixth child. She is also the third baby Jones has helped deliver in an emergency situation since December 2021.

“The Chicken McNuggets inside of that Happy Meal were unreasonably and dangerously hot,” says a lawsuit filed by a Florida family against fast-food giant McDonald's. According to the suit, a four-yearold was disfigured when she was burnt by a McNugget (purchased in

2019 in Tamarac) that had slipped below a seatbelt and against her thigh. “The Chicken McNuggets are not defective, they are not unreasonably dangerous, they are not dangerously hot, and there is no negligence,” an attorney representing McDonald’s stated. In May, a jury found the franchise holder and McDonald’s liable on two counts in a split decision, dismissing claims that the McNuggets were defective.

A rainstorm is not usually a cause for alarm or for news stories in Florida. However, when a storm dumps more than 25 inches of water in one place in less than 24 hours, plenty take notice. In April, such a storm settled over parts of Fort. Lauderdale, flooding large swaths of the coastal city and surrounding area. A similar storm in April of 1979 poured 16 inches of rain onto Fort Lauderdale. According to meteorologists, normally “super cells” like this last 20 or 30 minutes before moving on or snuffing itself out. Not this one. It stayed in the same place for about eight hours.

During a high school baseball game in April in Kissimmee, 41-year-old Jorge Ignacio Aponte-Gonzalez reportedly took issue with how the umpire was communicating with his player son. So, as any parent with anger issues might do, Jorge walked up behind the umpire, a 63-year-old disabled military veteran, and sucker-punched him, knocking him unconscious. According to news reports, the boy’s father told police he hit the umpire because he was “defending his kid.” The incident was captured on video and Jorge, who left the scene, was later arrested and charged with battery on a sport’s official and disruption of a school function. He was booked into the Osceola County jail pending a $1,500 bond. u