Jacksonville Magazine, July 2023

Photo by Jessie Preza

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

“From stadium discussions starting in 2016 to the formal process launched in July 2020 and now concluding, our objective has always been the same—lock in a promising future for the Jaguars and help our downtown become an economic engine to lift all of Jacksonville, particularly areas that have been underserved. Being able to share the stadium designs with the people of Jacksonville is a significant step forward in that effort.” This statement from Jaguars team owner Shad Khan was released in early June, in conjunction with the NFL franchise’s unveiling of a video and conceptual renderings of what it calls the Stadium of the Future.

And what a stadium concept it is. One thing you can readily say about Khan is that when he dreams, his visions are expansive. Certainly, building a global business empire and personal wealth of more than $12 billion, according to Forbes annual survey of the world’s billionaires, requires one to think big and bold. Khan does that and then some, as evidenced by the proposed new home field for his football team. I should say his American football team, the one that plays next to the St. Johns River in Florida and not the one in London, England, that plays adjacent to the River Thames.

The new stadium will feature roughly the same number of seats as the current facility with a base capacity of 62,000 and expansion capabilities up to nearly 72,000 for the Florida/Georgia Game and even

more for a concert. In addition, plans call for it to be partially covered, a welcome upgrade for anyone who has sat in the north end zone or East Club for an early fall game.

Of course, conceptual plans of this magnitude typically don’t materialize as originally envisioned. Countless decisions are still to be made, not the least of which is how to pay for the project. Checks totaling more than $1 billion are going to be required. Jacksonville’s new mayor and city council will have to come to an agreement with the Jaguars over how expenses and revenues are shared.

“This is also happening at a fantastic time for everyone. Jacksonville is red hot. Just check out all of the recent rankings—best places to live, best housing market, hottest job market, best place to start a business, Jacksonville ranks within the top five of all those lists,” Khan continued in his stadium announcement. “Add the fact the Jaguars are coming off a playoff season, and positioned for even better days ahead, and it all points to better and hopefully our best days just ahead in Jacksonville.”

You don’t become an NFL franchise owner without a good deal of salesman in your bones. Khan has that aplenty, for sure. But his pitch for Jacksonville rings true. This is a marvelous time to dream big, welcome new days and drive forward to see what roads lie ahead. u

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

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jax files

Gators are pretty common sightings in retention ponds and small lakes across Jacksonville. This one is about four feet long and enjoys sunning in the grass along the sides of a small Westside pond. It’s amazing to see a truly wild animal from such a close distance. He hasn’t become a nuisance yet. But he may one of these days.

— Chris Ford

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

SMALL TALK

Newsworthy Nuggets from Northeast Florida to Chew on This Month

O The Florida Forum Speaker Series recently released the lineup for its upcoming three-lecture schedule for this fall and winter. The ball gets rolling with Duke University basketball coaching icon Mike Kryzewski (November 8), and continues with Silicon Valley tech legend Steve Wozniak (January 17), and retired Admiral James Stavridis (February 26). The speaker series is held to raise awareness and funds for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and all three will take place at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

O The electric vehicle market share is growing. However, while more EVs are being sold each year, their use still lags far behind gas-powered cars. In Jax, the average three-year-old EV is driven 7,727 miles per year, according to iSeeCars research. By comparison, gas-powered vehicles are driven nearly 14,000 miles per year, about 40% more than electric cars. The top locally driven EV is the Tesla Model Y, at 10,988 miles annually.

Grand Plans

In June, the Jaguars unveiled the team’s new conceptual design for what it calls the “Stadium of the Future.” Locally, the consensus primarily gathered around two thoughts: “Wow!” and “How are we going to pay for it?” The visually striking arena marks a significant change and upgrade from the current confines of TIAA Bank Field. “We have reached the end of this important and initial phase of this project, the design of the stadium we envision will be the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars and serve our entire community for generations to come,” says team owner Shad Khan. Among the many proposed renovations to the current facility is a park-like space leading up to an elevated concourse that rings the stadium. In addition, there will be dozens of new escalators and elevators, 220 food and beverage sales points and 14 new restrooms. The stadium will be capped by a large canopy said to reduce heat retention and lower temperatures for fans, as well as provide added protection from rain. The city and team must now come an agreement to cover costs and a new lease for the facility. u

O Rain, sleet and snow are no problem. Dogs? Well, that’s another issue. According to the United States Postal Service, more than 5,300 mail carriers were attacked by dogs last year nationwide. California was the worst for dog bites, with 675 incidents. Florida made it into the top ten worst, with 220. The Sunshine State did have the unfortunate distinction of recording the only fatality. USPS employee Pamela Rock, 61, was mauled to death by five dogs in 2022 in Interlachen Lakes Estates.

O Compared to other large metro areas, traffic in Jax isn’t particularly bad. However, it’s not all good either. Recently released data shows people in the River City spend an average of 21 hours stuck in traffic annually, less than half of what Miami residents deal with. Local drivers enjoy the shortest time commuting to work among the top ten Florida cities, an average of 23 minutes for a one-way trip to work. Also, the city has the third high-

est percentage of residents commuting via a motorized vehicle (83%) and the third lowest share of people working from home (16%).

O “After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” said PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement following the early June announcement that the legal hostilities between three professional golf organizations would cease. In a move that shocked the world’s top golfers (and many Ponte Vedra Beach residents and those working at TOUR headquarters), the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and LIV Golf agreed to form a partnership, something previously thought unthinkable by stars such as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, players who reportedly turned down millions from the fledgling LIV Tour. Locally, it means players like 2022 tournament winner Cam Smith can once again participate in THE PLAYERS Championship.

STORM WARNING

FIVE THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

JUST PURR-FECT

For the first time in ten years, the Jax Zoo welcomed a jaguar cub

The little one was born April 7 to parents Babette and Harry. Baby boy Banks (named in a fundraising contest) will make his debut in the Range of the Jaguar exhibit later this summer.

The Big Bang

FORE PLAY

The state’s second Disaster Sales Tax Holiday is August 26-September 8, meaning no tax paid when purchasing disaster preparedness items during that 14-day period. Household items like toilet paper and soap are included this year. Hurricane season runs through November 30. Fingers crossed it’s a mild one. 5

2 3

The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has been welcoming guests since the doors opened in 1928. That same year, golfers were walking the fairways of the Ocean Course, a par-71 layout which has been recently renovated, including updates to the iconic Island Green 9th hole. Beautiful as ever. Fore!

A movie about the building of the first atomic bomb needs a big screen and big sound. In Northeast Florida, nothing comes bigger than the IMAX Theatre at World Golf Village.

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer runs about three hours, with the IMAX film stock measuring 11 miles long, weighing some 600 pounds.

Shore Things

The first oceanside rooftop restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach opened last month. 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop is part of the Sawgrass Marriott resort and offers postcard views from both an indoor dining room and airy outdoor patio. Serving seafood, small bite options and craft cocktails. u

A Walk In The Park

Location: Bayard Conservation Area

BY SAMANTHA STEPHENSON

MUST SEE

An elevated observation platform is a spot most hikers make a point of visiting. It rises about two-stories off the sandy ground, so the view of the surrounding forest is pretty but not overly dramatic. If you have the stamina, continue your hike all the way to Davis Landing and the St. Johns River. It’s a nice spot for a rest, maybe even a picnic, before heading back to the parking lot.

As rustic as public nature parks get, Bayard Conservation Area is a chunk of preserved land off of County Road 16 just south of the Shands Bridge and Green Cove Springs. If it’s amenities you are looking for, this is not your kind of park. That said, the landscape is something of a Northeast Florida time capsule with miles of trails lacing through pine forest home to white-tail deer, bald eagles, wild turkeys and more native wildlife. Oh, and black bears, too.

WHEN YOU VISIT

V Overseen by the St. Johns River Water Management District, the park covers more than 9,700 acres that hug some seven miles of shoreline along the western bank of the St. Johns River. Recreational activities permitted include hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. While Bayard is accessible by water, there are no boat launches. Speaking of water: trails and campsites can be extremely damp and muddy, especially following periods of heavy rains.

V There are two primitive camping sites within a part of the park designated as Area 1. The Hammock campgrounds lies deep inside thick flat-woods, and is closest to the parking area. The Riverside campsite is located overlooking the St. Johns and provides beautiful views of the water and countless cypress trees lining the river’s banks.

V In all, some 15 miles of hiking trails wind through the property. The longest loop is a seven-mile walk to and from the John P. Hall Nature Preserve parking area. Take a photo of the trail map before set-

ting out on your walk. A number of shorter trails connect to one another so be mindful of the colored markers as you proceed deeper into the woods. There are portable bathrooms and a few picnic tables scattered about. But not much else.

V Park management mostly takes a hands-off approach here. As such, it’s not unusual for hikers to accidentally wander off a chosen path. Ticks, mosquitos and other insects will be present so pack plenty of repellent and give yourself a thorough brushing off when exiting. Leashed dogs are welcome. Be sure to check them for ticks, too.

Watch Your Step

The natural areas that comprise St. Johns Water Management District lands were primarily purchased and are managed in such a way to protect the state’s water resources. Flooded or mucky trails are not considered a drainage issue to be rectified. On the contrary, the minimally developed trails and properties are meant to stay as “natural” as possible, which is a reason why they aren’t groomed like state parks. Obstructions like roots, fallen trees, stumps and mud should be expected during hikes. u

Picture Pawfect

PEACHES

Long Hair Tortie, 8 years old

This “floofy” cat loves taking long naps in the sun and hiding in cardboard boxes. Adopted as a senior kitty, it did not take Peaches long to warm up to her new home and adopted parents. When she’s not sleeping, she likes to play with shoelaces and chase the ever-elusive red laser dot. “Peaches is lazy but lovable and I always look forward to seeing her when I come home,” says her owner. “Overall, a very good kitty.”

Maple Bacon On A Biscuit

Her name isn’t the only unusual thing about Maple Bacon. She has anophthalmia, a condition that caused her to be born without eyes. Despite this challenge, she faces the world fearlessly, even helping others by acting as a therapy dog for nursing homes. He mom Riley says, “Watching her navigate the world and face challenges … without fear has always been my favorite thing about her.” Maple was a finalist in Nationwide Insurance’s Wacky Pet Name contest, going up against other Florida pets such as Piggy Smalls and Boolaloobalala.

Symba

Just a Cat, 4 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.

If you plan to hide this crafty guy’s favorite snacks, Blue brand Tastefuls, in the cupboard, be aware that Symba is a pro at opening cabinet doors. Unlike many cats, he enjoys people, but not as much as his favorite squeaky mouse toy. Though generally well behaved, he did get into trouble once for pulling down the living room curtains. Apparently, they were blocking his view. u

the

festivals, charity events, concerts, tournaments and more! If it’s happening on the First Coast, you’ll know about it in time to book that table, hold your seat or get that ticket!

trips, the

Welcome to Rock City

Five years ago, the Hard Rock Daytona Beach debuted, marking the fourth Hard Rock property to open in the state. And while dozens of hotels, motels and all sorts of other lodgings line the Daytona shoreline, this one remains the only AAA Four Diamond oceanside hotel in the city. So, if heading 90 minutes south for a quick weekend getaway or attending a race at Daytona International Speedway, this is the top waterfront option.

The full Hard Rock experience greets guests when the step into the lobby. Parked near the front window is the bejeweled limousine Madonna road in during the 2001 Grammy Awards. Peppered throughout the hotel are dozens of other pieces of music memorabilia including Elvis Presley’s fringed vest from his 1955 performance at Daytona’s Peabody Auditorium and MC Hammer’s sequined outfit he wore on MTV in 1990. Take some time to wander the property and soak in the other displays of vintage photos, instruments and fashions.

Among the guest amenities are valet parking, a fitness center, spa offering mani/pedi and salon services, and a gift shop stocked with music-inspired clothing and souvenirs.

The elevated pool decked is much expanded since opening day in 2018. And while the beach is fine, one doesn’t need to travel from Jax to Daytona to enjoy the sand. Secure a poolside cabana and hunker down for the day. There’s a hot tub, a splash zone for the kids, food and drink service, plush loungers and maybe even a DJ spinning tunes to keep the atmosphere lively. It’s a nice spot to enjoy a novel or nap on a lazy summer afternoon, though the volume may deter some from drifting off.

Dining is limited to the lobby coffee shop and Sessions, a casual restaurant space that flows inside out to a broad waterfront patio. A table outside is particularly enjoyable in the evening, after the sun has set behind the hotel, shading the patio and pools. The menu is

varied and family-friendly, ranging from Asian barbecue chicken wings and blackened mahi tacos to cabernet-braised short ribs and sesame-glazed salmon. For the kids, order the “I Don’t Know” (hot dog and fries) or the “I Don’t Want That” (linguini and meatballs). The thirdfloor Wave Terrace offers front-row seats to the oceanfront stage, as well as cocktails, casual eats, and plenty of comfy seating.

As one might expect, music is everywhere. It’s in the air, on the walls, pumped into the spa, and even underwater in the pool. The Sound of Your Stay music amenity lets guests use a complimentary turntable and vinyl records to jam out in the room. They’ll even let you play one of the house Fender guitars, if you wish. Also, the hotel hosts an ongoing schedule of live acts playing weekend nights. And this September, the Rock the Beach Tribute Series features five nights of cover bands—including Nirvana and Pearl Jam September 1, Rolling Stones September 8 and The Cars September 22. u

WATER FRONT (AND BACK)

Open for less than three months, the new Pensacola Beach Resort is unusual in that it provides guest access to two separate bodies of water, the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sabine Bay. The 161-room property features an elevated pool deck with tiki bar, an onsite restaurant and a waterside beach bar, The Salty Rose. Windrose, the resort’s signature restaurant serves a mix of hotel classics and coastal-inspired cuisine such as blackened grouper. A private dock on the bay allows for easy access for kayaks and paddle boards, as well as sunset dolphin cruises aboard an open-air powerboat to see one of the largest populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Rooms start around $450 per night. u

Despicable You

Coming later this summer to Universal Orlando Resort is Minion Land , a collection of new attractions, shops and eateries that builds upon the popular Despicable Me characters like Stuart, Kevin and Bob. Villain-Con Minion Blast is a new interactive gaming experience where guest compete against each other. At the Illumination Theater, park-goers can interact with other movie characters like Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes. And don’t leave without a bucket of banana-flavored popcorn from PopA-Nana or popsicles from Freeze Ray Pops. u

Board to Death

An

The State Board of Health Building, where physicians made some of Florida’s most important decisions for decades, looks ill. Perhaps even terminal. Its abandonment seems an apt metaphor. What happened in this building helped Floridians live decades longer, frequently forgetting the names of illnesses that worried their forebears unceasingly. Strangely, being taken for granted is one of the surest markers of success, of progress.

The old building faces inward, its cascade of stairs rising to a portico of fluted columns beneath a square pediment, facing into the compound of newer Department of Health structures that enclose it, its back to Pearl Street.

The success of the Jacksonville Board of Health in the 1888 Yellow Fever epidemic, the last and worst of several to hit the city, led directly to the creation of the Florida State Board of Health the following year. That awful year, more than a third of Duval County residents fled terrified before

BY TIM GILMORE

quarantine came down and armed guards patrolled the perimeter of the city. Nearly ten percent of Jacksonville residents were infected and about just as many of those who got sick died.

When the new centralized building opened in 1912, it housed a veterinary division, operating rooms, lab space, a bacteriologist’s office, administration offices and a public health library. It soon added educational facilities, services for “crippled children,” as well as the State Sanitation Board and offices for mosquito control, tuberculosis control and maternal and child health.

Florida Public Health Officer Wilson Sowder, who led the board from 1946 until its demise in 1969, called the 1931 County Health Unit Law “the most important piece of public health legislation” since the board’s establishment. The law “provided a partnership agreement,” Sowder wrote in 1989, “between the state and the 67 counties, with joint but flexible financing and administrative responsibilities, as well as the provision for the small

counties to join together in the operation of multicounty units.”

Alongside government successes came incredible new medicines and technologies, most notably, starting in 1943, penicillin. What happened in the next few years was staggering. By 1950, rates from syphilis and tuberculosis had dropped significantly. From 1944 to 1948, the infant mortality rate, though still astonishingly high by today’s numbers, dropped from 44.9 to 34.9 per 1,000 live births. A public health campaign against rats and their fleas caused cases of Typhus Fever to drop by twothirds. Because of the board’s water purity and sanitation efforts, deaths from diarrhea and enteritis to drop by almost half. Other deadly illnesses disappeared altogether. The last case of smallpox in Florida occurred in 1946 and the last case of malaria contracted in the state (until 1990, the year after Sowder wrote his recollections) occurred in 1948.

Polio, however, remained a nightmare. If parental worries abated in the winter and spring, the tide of childhood polio cases every summer

historic Jacksonville building slowly decays and withers due to apathy and neglect.

and fall, with no means of prevention and no cure, wrought fresh terror. In response to the 1946 polio outbreak, Georgia and North Carolina invoked a two-week quarantine against all visitors from Florida.

By the 1960s, Floridians for the first time began to live free of the fears of countless illnesses that previous residents could only assume might sicken and kill family members and neighbors each year. When Florida created its Board of Health in 1889, life expectancy was 44 years. By the mid-1960s, American men could expect to live to age 67 and women to age 74. By 1965, no new cases of polio were reported in the state and tuberculosis rates had declined so much the state closed and repurposed several TB hospitals.

Now the Board of Health launched screening and education campaigns against diabetes, including providing insulin to the medically indigent, and against glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness. Other efforts targeted heart disease, rheumatic fever, food poisoning, tooth decay, poor nutrition and, when nearly half the American population smoked, cigarettes. School health programs began testing children for hearing and vision deficiencies. Communi-

cable childhood diseases plummeted. Instances of whooping cough dropped by 90 percent in the 1960s, diphtheria by 80 percent and tetanus by 78 percent.

Then came “Claudius Maximus,” as The Miami Herald called him. Elected with 55 percent of the vote in 1966, Governor Claude Kirk was a culture warrior who referred to himself as “a tree-shakin’ son of a bitch.” Despite the enormous governmental success of public health measures, in 1969, Kirk killed the Board of Health. Matters once considered primarily health issues, such as mental health and pollution, moved to other departments. Narcotics prevention and control left the Board of Health and became criminal matters under the new Bureau of Law Enforcement.

Previously the Board of Health had its own funding, but now received 19 percent of its funding from the state treasury and most of the rest from voluntary, un-mandated local appropriations around the state. Sowder served as director of the Division of Health in the new Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, but as he wrote in 1989, his “attitude toward the downgrading and de-emphasis of public health,” made his 1974 retirement unavoidable.

By 1975, Florida deemed the Division of Health a poor replacement for the Board of Health, abolished it, and created in its stead the Health Program Office. In the following years, Sowder bemoaned HRS’s lack of public education efforts and the ways he felt it ignored such issues as “smoking, drug use and abuse, alcoholism, AIDS, mental disorders, sanitation and mosquito control.”

Graciously, Sowder said, “The 11 governors under whom I served were intelligent and honest men devoted to doing their best.” He wrote, “I am confident that the democratic process by which we govern ourselves will in time produce improvements for all residents of the state. I hope this will be soon.”

In 2002, the State Board of Health Building reopened as a new and short-lived public health museum and today once again stands abandoned. Sowder died in February 2007. He was 96 years old. His obit credited him with “rescuing” the “old State Health Department Building” from demolition. Perhaps it will one day receive recognition for the successes achieved there, progress so enormous as now to be taken entirely for granted. u

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

Living Legends

For ten years, the Beaches Museum has hosted an annual gathering to recognize and honor a select group of people from the community. That tradition continues this year with the 2023 Beaches Legends Gala, taking place September 15 at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. “An annual gala has been a part of our organization since its inception. But this year marks the 10th year of honoring Beaches Legends,“ says event co-chair Leslee Burch. “Honoring these history-makers is right in line with our mission and we are proud of its success.”  The three honorees for 2023 are Clare Berry, Joe Mitrick and George Paugh. Berry is a top area Realtor and longtime volunteer for The Players Championship. Mitrick is a former CEO at Baptist Medical Center Beaches. And Paugh spent years as a coach at Fletcher High School and taught countless kids to swim at the Beaches Aquatic Club. The fundraising evening begins with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a seated dinner and presentation. Tickets start at $175. Details at BeachesMuseum.org u

Jacksonville’s official 200th birthday celebration has come and gone. However, the occasion is sure to ring on well into the future via the newly forged Bicentennial Bell. The 225-lb. bronze bell, cast in Cincinnati, was unveiled in June. Plans call for the bell to be placed in a permanent location once an appropriate site is found and additional funds are raised. For now, it is on display at the Main Library downtown. “Jacksonville is the oldest city in Florida of the modern era, factually predating admission to the Union,” says Aaron Gibson-Evans, the chair of the organization sponsoring the bell’s creation and display. “I think it’s important we set a statewide precedent of tasteful and timeless landmarks for future generations.” Donations are still be accepted to help pay for the bell’s permanent installations. Details can be found online at jaxhistory.org. u

Different Strokes

Learning to Paint Portraits, landscapes and even pets is a growing Hobby and option for social gathering

BY JEFFREY SPEAR

Creativity is defined in many ways. For some, it’s a seed that can be nurtured into its full potential. For others, it’s a process of transformation, turning reality into something extraordinary. No matter which definition you prefer, Jacksonville is home to a surprising number of classes that will help you unlock your mind, open your heart and create exceptional beauty.

When it comes to art forms, there is a wide variety of mediums. Some artists prefer charcoal, conte and pastels while others lean towards ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. In spite of so many options, the most popular tends to be painting. Whether you prefer acrylics, oils or water colors, there are classes that embrace each, all perfectly suited to beginners exploring their creative potential as well as serious artists seeking to broaden their abilities.

Classes held at Jacksonville’s leading art museums—Cummer Museum and MOCA Jax—both located in Jacksonville’s urban core, have programs for all ages. Whether emerging or established, artists of all disciplines and levels of experience have found value from their studio classes.

At the Cummer, there are opportunities throughout the year for artists to be influenced by the museum’s exhibitions and, at the same time, learn new skills, techniques and styles in a studio setting. Similarly, MOCA offers a variety of educational experiences including a monthly series of studio art classes, all led by established professional artists, many having trained and exhibited at the museum.

One of the more engaging studio sessions at MOCA featured Mal Jones, a Jacksonville-

based hip hop/folk artist. Jones thrilled the class with his undeniable talent, introducing them to new perspectives in music and freestyle art forms. For teens interested in a career in art, MOCA’s emerging artist program helps students develop their skills and prepare a portfolio in anticipation of further study in high school and college.

For those living closer to the beach, the First Coast Cultural Center is another option. Their adult art program includes studio sessions, currently featuring painting workshops with Charlotte Chastain, a local artist recognized for her landscapes, seascapes and botanical studies. For kids, check out their Imagination Vacation weekly art camps as well as Kick StART, an after-school program that introduces students to practicing professional artists and a variety of artistic mediums.

What’s especially nice is that the First Coast Cultural Center caters to a broad audience with varying interests. While most classes are studio based, whether on premise or at specified locations throughout the community, there are a few that break away. Led by master painter Ellen Diamond, recognized for her contemporary impressionistic landscapes, previous classes including Wine & Watercolor and Painting the Landscape of Tuscany, Italy have provided fascinating perspectives.

The pairing of art with food and wine factors into many of the art programs available around town. Just ask Sunni Myers, owner & operator of Gough Create. “We offer a few classes at select tap houses. While our students are happy to imbibe, we also recognize that some of our students can be a bit nervous about creating. Having a drink or two loosens them up and opens them to new experiences. Plus, they take greater pride in what they’ve created.”

For Amy Dix, owner of Create Happy, she has been asked to conduct painting classes at ABBQ in Atlantic Beach. While most of her classes are offered online, she mentions “The barbecue at ABBQ adds an interesting dimension, making the event a lot more

NIGHT WATCH

fun.” She also admits that, with a little drinking, participants are considerably more outgoing. “Every now and then, someone will sing or share other special talents with the group. It’s fun and nobody gets hurt.”

As you can tell, not all art programs are dedicated to emerging or practicing artists. In some cases, painting classes are simply enjoyable reason to get out of the house, socialize with others, try something new, drink a little wine and have some fun. At Painting With a Twist in Fruit Cove, co-owner Libbi Poole says, “Many of our guests can’t even draw a stick figure. With guidance from our exceptionally talented instructors, all well-established local artists, they get great results. It’s not fine art. It’s fun art.”

Without a doubt, Jacksonville supports a wide variety of art and painting classes that cater to beginners as well as seasoned practitioners of all ages. Along with the studios mentioned above, check out Atlantic Beach Arts Market, The Art Garage, The Art League of Jacksonville, and Creative Grain Studio to name a few. If you experience the urge to create, or simply want to try your hand at something new and have a little bit of fun along the way, there are worthwhile options in every corner of the city. u

On a typical day, the Jacksonville Zoo closes the front gates at 5 PM. The day’s guests are asked to leave and the animals have the park mostly to themselves. That’s changed this summer as the Zoo has been hosting IllumiNights Summer Spectacle, an evening experience of lights and sounds. Most animal exhibits remain open until 8 PM, but the fun spills out across the park with laser shows, live music, a scavenger hunt, acrobatic performers, stilt walkers and the animatronic monsters of Dinosauria. The Wildlife Carousel offers unlimited rides for the little ones. Plus, food and drinks are for sale. The gift shop remains open, as well. IllumiNights continues 6-10 PM daily through August 11, rain or shine. Tickets are $24-$29. u

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

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Pooler, GA 31322

WAYCROSS

1507 Alice St

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Home Alone?

“People began to tell me they felt isolated, invisible and insignificant. Even when they could put their finger on the word ‘lonely,’ time and time again, people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, from every corner of the country, would tell me, ‘I have to shoulder all of life’s burdens by myself,’ or ‘if I disappear tomorrow, no one will even notice.’”

These are just some of the words of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, written as part of an open letter he penned earlier this year addressing what he called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” Murthy’s letter accompanied a startling public health advisory and report that

draws upon decades of research from scientific disciplines such as sociology, psychology, neuroscience, political science, economics and others. The report was prepared to call attention to the importance of social connection for individual health as well as community-wide metrics of health and well-being, and conversely the significance consequences when social connection is lacking. The conclusions are sobering. In short, despite living in a world connected through technology and social media, an alarming number of Americans feel more alone than ever.

Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and socie-

tal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day—according to data from the Surgeon General’s office—and even greater than associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in schools, workplaces and civic organizations.

Across many measures, Americans appear to be becoming less socially connected with each passing year. This is not

a new problem—certain declines have been occurring for decades. While precise estimates of the rates of social connection nationally can be challenging because studies vary based on which indicator is measured, when the same measure is used at multiple time points, we can identify trends.

A fraying of the social fabric can also be seen more broadly in society. Trust in each other and major institutions is at near historic lows. Polls conducted in 1972 showed that roughly 45% of Americans felt they could reliably trust other Americans: however, that proportion shrank to roughly 30% in 2016. This corresponds with levels of polarization being at near historic highs.

Knowing that, it’s not surprising that many social networks are getting smaller, and levels of social participation are declining distinct from whether individuals report they are feeling lonely. For example, objective measures of social exposure obtained from 2003 to 2020 find that social isolation, measured by the average time spent alone, has increased to 333 minutes per day, 166 hours per month. This represents an increase of 24 hours per month spent alone. In addition, time spent in-person with friends as dropped sharply over the last two decades. This is especially true of young people ages 15 to 24, where time spent in-person with friends has fallen 70 percent, from roughly 150 minutes per day in 2003 to 40 minutes per day in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these trends.

Also, the number of close friendships has also declined over several decades. Among people not reporting loneliness or social isolation, nearly 90% have three or more confidants. Yet, almost half of Americans (49%) in 2021 reported having three or fewer close friends—only about a quarter (27%) reported the same in 1990.

“Our individual relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight,” says Murthy. “They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives. Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service. Express yourself authentically. The keys to human connection are simple, but extraordinarily powerful.”u

BRICK BY BRICK

Road Trip! Kids and LEGOs go together like LEGOs and bare feet in the bedroom. They always seem to find one another, right? Starting this month and continuing through August 13, the LegoLand Resort is staging its Summer Fun on the Block party, six weeks that’s said to be blocks and blocks of fun. The 150-acre theme park near Orlando is a literal toy box with more than 50 rides, a water park, live shows and attractions inspired by the beloved little colored building bricks. Go Xtreme! is a stunt show featuring athletes doing amazing acrobatics while riding bikes, scooters and pogo sticks. Each night ends with the Touch the Sky fireworks show at 9 PM. Special viewing glasses lets you see exploding 3D bricks above Lake Eloise. No need to drive straight back to Jax after a day at the park. There are two LEGO branded hotels. Florida residents can purchase a two-day pass for $99. u

Quiet Time

The Museum of Science & History prides itself on presenting interesting, if not exciting, exhibitions and shows. Sometimes, these presentations are too exciting for some guests. So, this summer the museum launched a new program it calls MOSHHHH, an initiative that features a sensory-friendly environment with minimized sounds and lighting effects. The idea is a partnership between various organizations including UF Health and its Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and We Rock the Spectrum. “MOSH is a place of fun and learning, but can be overwhelming for guests with different sensory needs,” says Dr. Anthony Mortimer, vice president of education and exhibits. “It’s important that we can educate, engage and welcome visitors in a way that’s suitable for all learners.” The first Sensory Night was held on June 23, 6-8 PM. Geared for ages three and older, they will continue on the third Friday of every month through at least the end of the year. Admission is $5. u

Number$ Game

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

e The popular and busy Beaches Town Center soon will become even more so. Grand Ocean, a three-story mixed-use development, recently broke ground near where Atlantic Boulevard meets the ocean. The 25,000-square-foot building will be home to two levels of office space and a bottom floor offering a mix of high-end retail and dining. As anyone who has driven to this slice of beach knows, parking is a prized commodity here. In addition to on-site street parking, the property will offer full-time valet service for tenants and customers. “We want Grand Ocean to have a certain presence, so we’re considering the right mix of tenants to attract quality customers that reflect the values of this tight-knit community,” says Shahab Derazi, president of J&H Advisors. Construction is expected to take approximately 16 months with opening tentatively planned for late summer or fall of 2024. u

datebook

COMPILED BY JOSHUA SMITH

Jacksonville Jaguars

AUGUST 26, 7 PM | TIAA

Bank Field

Led by veterans Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk and Josh Allen, the 2023 Jags look to continue their winning ways this season. The team’s final preseason exhibition sees them take the field against the Miami Dolphins, a game that won’t affect the standings but may determine who makes the final squad. The team’s first home game of the regular season is a doozy, with the defending Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes coming to town Sunday, September 17. Kickoff is 1 PM. “It was always the Jags” last year. Here’s to that continuing this season.

PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES

She Loves Me

JULY 21-23

Amelia Musical Playhouse

The plot of this musical revolves around two shop employees, who, despite being consistently at odds with each other at work, are unaware that each is the other’s secret pen pal, met through lonely hearts ads. Presented by the Amelia Musical Playhouse, 1955 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, $16-$27, 904TIX.com

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

JULY 25-30

121 Financial Field

The city’s beloved minor league baseball team the Jumbo Shrimp take to the diamond for a six-game home stand versus the Gwinnett Stripers, $13-$37

John Fogerty

JULY 28, 7:30 PM

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Gravelly voiced American singer/songwriter and guitarist and rock icon, Fogerty’s early years in music were as a member of the classic band Creedence Clearwater Revival, hitmakers with songs like “Proud Mary, “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son,” $64-$134

Jackson Browne

JULY 28, 8 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts Browne has written and performed some of

the most literate and moving songs in pop music and helped define a genre of songwriting charged with emotion and personal politics. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, $49-$195

Jacksonville Axemen

JULY 29, 6:30 PM

North Rugby Fields, UNF Campus

The Axemen have been pounding up and down regional rugby fields for years, and the hometown teams runs out the regular season with a final game versus the Tampa Mayhem, $10-$15.

Summer Showcase: Car, Truck and Bike Show

JULY 29-30

Jacksonville Equestrian Center

If it rolls on wheels and is decked out in chrome, leather and horsepower, it’s likely going to be on display for this two-day event showcasing vehicles and owners driving in from across Northeast Florida, $5-$40

Fiddler on the Roof

AUGUST 2-SEPTEMBER 17

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Classic musical captures the essential human longing for love, community, success, freedom, family and meaning. Fiddler features iconic Broadway songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” Plus, the Alhambra provides dinner and drinks, $55-$80

Beyond King Tut

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 3 |

NoCo Center

National Geographic presents an immersive video experience that transports guests to ancient Egypt, examining the life and death of one of history’s most intriguing figures. Tut’s rule as pharaoh and his journey after death are explored through sight and sound and interactive exhibits. Jax is the only Florida city hosting the exhibit, $30-$54

Seen

Let the good times roll!

The good times were certainly rolling at The Florida Theatre Ball: Big Easy Style held May 20 at the theatre. The nearly 100-year-old venue’s signature soirée raised more than $200,000 in support of the arts and culture in Downtown Jax. The party flowed from the theatre’s third-floor lounge all the way to the stage. Guests were treated to delish New Orleans-inspired eats, signature cocktails, casino games, live and silent auctions and live tunes courtesy of The Band Be Easy. “Fundraisers like the Florida Theatre Ball allow us to make the venue the best it can be for the audience and artists it serves, and to keep putting great performances on stage,” says board chair-elect Don Cameron.  u

COMING SOON:

Sulzbacher is set to host the 2023 Transformations celebration, a fundraiser that shines a light on local homelessness, on Thursday, October 19 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The highlights of the annual event are first-person stories from Jaxsons who were able rise out despair and begin their lives anew, something that wouldn’t be possible without community support.

Tides and Tails is the Jacksonville Humane Society’s benefit held to celebrate the lifesaving mission for pets in need, with proceeds going toward the organization’s Pet Help Center. The two-hour “yappy hour” mixer is October 26, 4:306:30 PM, at One Ocean Resort in Atlantic Beach. Pets are welcome, especially those in costume.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

AUGUST 8-13, AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 3

121 Financial Field

The Northfolk Tides have been a powerhouse in the AAA International League for some time. The Shrimp, the top minor league affiliate of the Florida Marlins, look to change that with a multi-game series at home. Then, later in the month, the Charlotte Knights come to town for a summer showdown, $13-$37

Snoop Dogg

AUGUST 10, 7 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

“Celebrating 30 years of doggystyle,” rapper, cultural icon and personal friend of Martha Stewart, Snoop Dogg rolls into town with special guests Nelly, Ying Yang Twins and others, $65-$199

Trash Panda & Hotel Fiction

AUGUST 11, 7 PM

Intuition Ale Works

Pulling from influences as wide as neo-psychedelia, soul, indie rock and pop music, the band considers themselves somewhat post-genre. Darlings of the indie scene, Trash Panda tapped into both the perils of modern dating and the existential questions of dark nights of the soul. With special guest Hotel Fiction, an Athens, Georgia-based band comprised of Jade Long and Jessica Thompson, $18, 904TIX.com

Jason Mraz

AUGUST 13, 7 PM

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Mraz brings his Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride Tour to the First Coast, a celebration of the release of his eighth studio album, a collection of pop tracks with themes reflecting on his own midlife and what comes next, $30-$100

Thrive! 2023

AUGUST 22, 8 AM

Florida Blue Conference Center

Trauma affects all individuals, no matter their age, race, gender or sexuality, and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional and physical well-being. Thrive! 2023 Picking Up the Pieces, hosted by the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, is an event designed to share the tools needed to pick up the pieces and move forward in the aftermath of trauma.

Jason Aldean

AUGUST 25, 7:30 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum entertainer released his 10th career studio album, Macon, Georgia, featuring 20 new songs and an additional 10 live tracks last year, earning praise from Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Entertainment Tonight, E! News and more. Here songs from it live as part of Aldean’s Highway Desperado tour, $46-$176

American Made THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24 | Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection features 100 artworks showcasing American creativity spanning two centuries, including masterpieces by artists from the Colonial-era such as Sarah Miriam Peale and Benjamin West to the 20th and 21st centuries by masters Elizabeth Catlett and John Marin.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

AUGUST 27, 7 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

FSCJ Artist Series presents an all-new nationally traveling tour showcasing the Academy Award-winning animated movie accompanied by a live orchestra, band and turntables with a scratch DJ playing music from the soundtrack, $39-$92

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks

SEPTEMBER 2, 12:30 PM & 7:30 PM, & SEPTEMBER 3, 2:30 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

For the first time ever, the spectacle that is the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party rolls into Jax, an evening packed with roaring and glowing and larger-than-life vehicles including Tiger Shark, Bigfoot and Boneshaker. Plus, there’s an appearance by the car-eating, fire-breathing robot Megasaurus, $12-$60

International Dance Festival

SEPTEMBER 8-10

Lewis Auditorium, Flagler College

The Saint Augustine Ballet and Conservatory presents its sixth annual dance extravaganza for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 8 and older who are interested in taking classes in different dance styles by teachers from different countries. The closing gala takes place September 10, 2 PM, $10-$20.

Founders Day

SEPTEMBER 9, 10 AM-3 PM

Mission Nombre de Dios

Each year, St. Augustine celebrates the original 1565 landing by Spanish explorers with an annual Founders Day commemoration. The 458th celebration includes a reenactment of the landing of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his crew, a mass at the Rustic Alter, and a grand procession.

Clay County Cross Country Invitational

SEPTEMBER 9, 8 AM

Clay County Fairgrounds

High School 9:12 partners with the Jacksonville Athletic Club to stage the inaugural Cross Country Invitational, a trio of 1K, 3K and 5K races for junior high and high school runners. Gates open at 6:30 AM with the first race starting at 8 AM.

Simply The Best

SEPTEMBER 9, 8 PM

Ritz Theatre

Jacksonville’s historic Ritz Theatre pays tribute to Tina Turner with a concert filled with hit songs by the Queen of Rock performed by top local singers, $25

Music & Art by the Sea

SEPTEMBER 13, 7-9 PM

St. Johns County Pier Park

Rob Peck & Friends perform as part of an ongoing series of free concerts on the beach every Wednesday evening through September. With a new performer each week, guests can enjoy a variety of genres including jazz, blues, classic rock and pop. Food trucks on site to serve eats and drinks, free.

Thomas Rhett

SEPTEMBER 15, 7:30 PM

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The award-winning country singer has made a career as a chart-topping musician and songwriter. In fact, his six albums have produced 21 singles on the Billboard Hot Country and Country Airplay charts, with 17 reaching the No. 1 position on the latter. Also featuring Cole Swindell and special guest Nate Smith, $26-$817

Florida Fin Fest

SEPTEMBER 15 & 16

Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach

More than just a music festival, Fin Fest is a celebration of the oceans including ac-

Sing Out Loud Festival

SEPTEMBER 8-OCTOBER 1 | St. Augustine

This year’s Sing Out Loud Festival, an annual celebration of all things musical, is shaping up to be the biggest yet. The Local Artist Showcase features more than 100 performers ranging in genre from indie rock to bluegrass, hip hop to country. Venues are scattered across the Oldest City, from Francis Field to Lincolnville to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Headliners at the two-day main event, September 22 and 23, include The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers and Keller & the Keels. Tickets range from free admission to $200+

claimed speakers, an interactive educational village, vendors, food and drinks, as well as a two-day schedule of bands headlined by Tank & the Bangas, Cimafunk, Shwayze and Honey Hounds, free-$250

Paint Your Pet

SEPTEMBER 18, 6:30 PM

Spruce

Come and learn to create a painting of your furry friends in a workshop hosted by Gogh Create. With a customizable approach, participants will be provided with the instruction and resources to make a painting of their pets. Participants are encouraged to bring pictures that would assist with the process. Tickets include all the supplies and one beverage, $35, 904TIX.com

Gospel SuperFest

SEPTEMBER 23, 7 PM

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Some of the biggest names in inspirational music are scheduled to appear in the one-of-a-kind show including Donnie McClurkin, John P. Key, Shirley Murdock and Crystal Aiken. Fans can expect a night of soulful music, comedy and a Broadway show-style approach to gospel music during a show being recorded live for BET, $47-$97

Brew & BBQ

SEPTEMBER 30, 4-10 PM

James Weldon Johnson Park

Festival goers will enjoy a convoy of barbecue-themed food trucks, kegs of cold beer, arts and crafts vendors and music throughout the day, all presented in the heart of Downtown Jax, free admission.

Toad the Wet Sprocket

OCTOBER 5, 7:30 PM

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Playing songs filled with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies that have resonated with fans since the 1990s, founding members Glen, Todd and Dean play a set full of their classic hits as well as deep cuts favorites from the band’s catalog. With special guest The Verve Pipe, $59-$89. u

Colony House

SEPTEMBER 20, 7 PM

Intuition Ale Works

The music of Colony House—an indie rock band made up of brothers Will and Caleb Chapman, as well as Scott Mills and Parke Cottrell—is playfully self-described as “landlocked surf rock.” Their personal genre designation is as much inspired by their hometown of Franklin, Tennessee, 904TIX.com

A New Day Dawns

“My great, great grandfather Jacob Hazouri brought our clan to Jacksonville from Lebanon just after the great fire and became the first in a long line of small business owners in our family,” are among the opening lines at the inaugural speech from Jacksonville’s new mayor.

Mayor Donna Deegan, the first woman to be elected to the office in Jacksonville’s 220-year history, was officially sworn in on the morning of Saturday, July 1. The swearing-in ceremony was open to the public and held inside Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony was but one of a series of special events to mark the historic occasion.

Deegan, 62, is only the second Democrat to be elected mayor of Florida’s biggest city in the past three decades, winning the mayor’s race in May. The long celebratory weekend kicked off with a Friday morning prayer breakfast at the Garden Club of Jacksonville. That night, the Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration was held inside a ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront hotel. And, following the Saturday morning swearing-in, the Mayor’s Inaugural Ball, capped the festivities high above Downtown inside the River Club.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in Brooklyn, Brentwood, in Baldwin or the beaches. Whether you are in San Jose, Springfield, or San Marco, Arlington or Avondale, Durkeeville or Deerwood, Downtown or New Town, Ortega or Oceanway, Lavilla or Lakeshore,” the new mayor said. “It doesn’t matter if you grew up on Myrtle Avenue or went to grade school in Mandarin. Played on the docks at Mayport, on the basketball courts of Murray Hill, or rode on the horse farms of Marietta. It doesn’t matter if you are new to town or have been in Jacksonville all your life.

“I believe in you. I believe in us. If we work together, lift as we climb, choose love over fear, and see each other’s humanity, I’m optimistic our beautiful mosaic called Jacksonville will become the masterpiece we all desire.

“Our new day has arrived and as Bono says, ‘It’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it get away.” Thank you!” u

Former local news anchor, breast cancer survivor & cure advocate becomes Jacksonville’s 45th mayor.

LET’S GET REAL

Taking the big picture view of the country’s residential real estate market, home shoppers have received some good news in recent months. Nationwide, the median existing-home sales price declined more than 3% to $396,100 in May compared to a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. This was the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year national home price declines following a string of 131 months of increases. So, that’s the good news for prospective buyers. Well, kind of. If you zoom in on Northeast Florida, prices remain high as the region and the entire state lure scores of new arrivals every day in search of places to live.

Since the early days of the pandemic, Florida and many other Southeast cities were magnets for businesses and families looking for a new place to call home. For example, global business data firm Dun & Bradstreet relocated its headquarters from New Jersey to Jax two years ago. That trend has continued into 2023. At a time when many regional markets are experiencing significant population loss and equally worrisome drops in home prices (-11% in Austin, -8.7% in Las Vegas, -8.4% in Detroit, according to Redfin), the same can’t be said of Northeast Florida. Sure, the white hot market of 2020 has cooled, but sellers are still selling,

buyers are still buying. Bucking the national mood—as in fears of ongoing inflation, bank sector upheaval, upticks in mortgage rates, worries of an impending recession—home prices here have held steady.

However, that’s not to say there aren’t clouds on the horizon. Mortgage rates and the overall housing market continue to experience their highs and lows. Rates remain stuck between 6% and 7%, with the 30-year fixed mortgage reaching 6.79% on June 1—the highest it’s been since November 2022—before dipping down slightly as the month ended. “If current economic conditions persist, with elevated mortgage rates and home prices amid scarce inventory, the market is likely in for a long, slow climb and a few bumps along the way,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com

According to industry statistics, approximately 97% of borrowers have mortgage rates below 6%. With currents offered rates well over that figure, mortgage application activity remains low across much of the country. And a significant uptick in applications is not likely to materialize anytime soon. “Dampened affordability remains an issue for interested homebuyers and homeowners seem unwilling to lose their low rate and put their home on the market,” says Sam

Home prices remain stubbornly elevated, resulting in affordability challenges for many homebuyers, especially those hoping to make their first purchase.

Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac. “If this predicament continues to limit supply, it could bring up an opportunity for builders to help address the country’s housing shortage.”

The average rate on a 30-year home loan is still more than double what it was two years ago, when historic-low rates spurred a wave of home sales and refinancing. The median monthly payment listed on applications for home purchase loans in May rose to $2,165, up 14% from a year ago and a 2.5% increase from April, the Mortgage Bankers Association says.

Affordability may be dampened but it’s not raining just yet. “Mortgage rates have hovered in the six to seven percent range for over six months and, despite affordability headwinds, homebuyers have adjusted and driven new home sales to its highest level in more than a year,’ says Khater. “New home sales have rebounded more robustly than the resale market due to a marginally greater supply of new construction.”

The flood of transplants to six states in the South—Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas—has resulted in a seismic shift in economic power, a measurable drift away from the

Northeast, in particular. According to a recent Bloomberg article, the Southeast accounted for more than two-thirds of all job growth across the U.S. since early 2020. Corporations are packing up and flocking south, Census Bureau data show. Despite lacking glamour and celebrity attention, Jacksonville and the region have ways to attract big employers and employees.

“What Jacksonville does have is a powerful lure for companies and people looking to work for them. In Dun & Bradstreet’s case, that included a $100 million package of cash and tax incentives,” writes Bloomberg. “Chief financial officer Bryan Hipsher said the firm would’ve gladly stayed in the New York area. But the offer was too good to refuse. ‘You feel very wanted, right?’ Hispsher said in an interview from the new palm-fringed headquarters, minutes from the beach. ‘You feel very welcomed, clearly.’”

The welcome mat is certainly out in Northeast Florida. How many people can we absorb and where will they live remain tricky questions with few clear answers. Supply and demand drives prices in a free country and, so far in 2023, demand is keeping home prices high—which is good or bad, depending on which side of the transaction you stand. u

WHAT DOES YOUR MONEY BUY?

The short answer is not as much as it used to. In early July, Jax Mag sought out single-family homes currently listed for sale, priced in the $350,000 range and located within a few miles of Downtown. Here’s some of what we found. As with all real estate, location is a significant determiner in the asking price.

MARKET WATCH |

Higher mortgage rates impact the summer selling season

“Just like the seasons the market has changed,” says Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) president Diana Galavis. “Fluctuating interest rates have put some buyers and sellers on pause, however, there are still buyers who are choosing homeownership. This is reflected in a low month’s supply of inventory, which has contributed to moving the median sales price up.”

Rising interest rates are a top concern for most home buyers and sellers in 2023. And while the residential real estate market on the First Coast is more robust than in other parts of the country, there’s little doubt that mortgage increases are having a big impact as the region’s housing market rolls through the typically busy summer selling season.

According to springtime statistics gathered by NEFAR, closed sales, pending sales and new listings dropped in April, an indication that many homeowners who hold mortgages with low interest rates have decided to stay put, wait, and see what the future holds. At the same time, many buyers are dismayed to discover that, although they may have a better selection of single-family homes available to purchase, prices haven’t retreated. In fact, in many parts of the First Coast, they continue to inch up.

For Northeast Florida’s six counties, the median price of single-family residences inched up nearly 3% to $370,000 with the price per square foot rising by $4 to $202 from March to April. Meanwhile, closed sales plummeted more than 19% to 1,757. In addition, pending sales fell 3.6% to 2,097 and new listing decreased 1% to 2,950. Despite the fact that active inventory rose some during the spring, First Coast single-family homes were slightly less affordable, as measured by the Home Affordability Index. “Factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, and the cost of goods and services play a role in home affordability,” says Galavis.

Posted here is a four-county update of area home sales through early spring, using statistics compiled by NEFAR.

Duval County: The median price of a single-family home was $325,000, up 3% from March. The median days of the market was 32. From March to April, closed sales fell some 22% to 890, pending sales fell 7.3% and new listings decreased to 1,432. Overall, the number of homes for sale rose to 2,087 homes, nearly double the number from the year before.

St. Johns County: Median single-family home prices remained fairly stable this spring, at $555,000 in April. The median days on the market were 38, a 5.6 increase from the month before. Monthto-month, closed sales fell nearly 9% to 426 and pending sales dropped slightly to 520. Active inventory rose to 1,346 homes, an increase of 8.5% from March. The Affordability Index remained the same at 49 (a value of 100 means the average family has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage), meaning that St. Johns County continues to

be the most expensive area in Northeast Florida.

Clay County: Active inventory for the county was 707 homes, rising 8.6% from March. The median price of a singlefamily home decreased slightly to $336,743 with a median days on the market of 48. Closed sales fell more than 18% to 276 and pending sales dropped slightly to 314. The affordability index registered at 80.5, a small increase from the previous month.

Nassau County: The April median home price of a single-family home was $408,000, a 2.4% increase from March. There was a 28% decrease in the median days on the market to 34. Monthto-month, closed sales slid downward more than 28% to 103, pending sales jumped upwards 23.2% to 154, and new listings climbed slightly to 199. Active inventory increased a bit to 315 homes, a 3.1 months supply. u

MOVING ON UP |

With home ownership out of reach because of rising housing prices and higher mortgage rates, renting remains the best option for many. Fortunately, Jacksonville is among the best metro areas for renters. National apartment search website RentCafe compiled research ranking the top 50 cities for renters based on factors such as apartment size and time spent commuting. The River City ranked 17th out of 50. RentCafe’s study found the cost of living here is 6% lower than the national average and the average apartment size is 970 square feet. More than half of new apartments are considered high-end, offering residents desired amenities such as pools, lounges, and fitness centers. In addition, the local economy scores well for job opportunities and new business openings. Other Florida cities ranking in the

Is ownership best for you right now? Maybe. But maybe not.

top 20 are Sarasota (11), Fort Lauderdale (14) and Orlando (16).

From multifamily construction to commercial property and single-family homes, Jacksonville real estate development eclipsed most of the country and the rest of Florida’s well-known cities over the past decade. In fact, according to recently released analysis, Jax ranked 7th for activity across all real estate sectors. For example, the city registered 37,000 building permits for single family homes over the past decade, the fourth highest among the 100 largest urban markets. Also, some 28,000 multifamily units were added to the Jax skyline over the same period. All these new people apparently are bringing lots of stuff with them, too. Over the past decade, more than 2.5 million square feet of self-storage space was constructed. u

COMING ATTRACTION

New, upscale apartment complexes are popping up across Jax like dollar weed following a rain shower. Among the latest is Jack on Beach, a 295-unit complex of three 4-story apartment buildings and a 2-story carriage house building. In addition to living space, the developers also have plans for more than 13,000 square feet of office and amenities. Residents will have access to co-working spaces, game room and lounge, fitness and yoga center. Outdoors, there will be a pool, two kitchen areas with gas grills and fire pit, bike pavilion and dog park. “The Jack is near not only Baptist Medical Center and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, but also major employers in financial services, biomedical, manufacturing and the military,” says Jeff Rosen, principal with project developer Chance Partners. Construction is slated to be complete in 2024. u

THE BEACHDay

at

After years living in town, one Jacksonville family made the move to the beach to open a new chapter in Northeast Florida.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE PREZA

a

The Smith family of Ponte Vedra Beach—that’s what we’ll call them for this story, anyway—is typical in many ways. Both parents work—one in healthcare, the other for a faith-based ministry. Their teenage daughter recently graduated from high school and will be heading off to college in the fall. Two small dogs complete the home life picture. However, as conventional as all that is, the family’s new home near the beach is anything but ordinary.

Like nearly everyone in the process of building a new home, the family had a check list of items that they wished to have in the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom dwelling. Strong curb appeal was desired, as was a pantry with a custom-built arched door near the kitchen. Special attention was paid to many of the ceiling details, namely the use of reclaimed tongueand-groove beams, textured and coffered ceilings, and scissor trusses in the second-floor bonus room. Being only steps from the ocean, the family knew the outdoor entertainment and lounging spaces were going to be in frequent use. So, they needed to be inviting and easy to maintain. More unusual items were requested, as well. For example, the cute doggie door tucked under the staircase.

“I wanted a home that was timeless, inviting, laid back with a resort feel,” says Mrs. Smith. “When guests and family walk through the front door, they are immediately greeted with an open floor plan with lots of natural light. Their eyes are immediately drawn to the views of the three waterfall planters with florals and four Medijool palm trees that surround the dark-bottom pool. They also see the spa, which has clear acrylic glass in the front.”

There’s also a fire pit, outdoor kitchen and plenty of room for dining and relaxing. It’s a true oasis. If the feeling of a resort was desired, check that box in the affirmative.

“In our last home, we also had a dark-bottom pool which had a waterfall flowing from rocks and stones. It was surrounded by lush greens from the golf course. I knew I couldn’t have an ordinary pool and backyard after that,” Mrs. Smith says.

“ I wanted a home that was timeless, inviting, laid back with a resort feel. ”

“The homeowners wanted a backyard oasis and I really feel like we nailed it,” says Coleen Norris, interior designer and owner of Nesting Place Interiors.. “Four incredible, large palm trees ground the four corners of the pool and make quite a statement. The black-bottom pool looks sultry and sleek. We lined the back of the property line with sea grape bushes to give the ambiance of a resort and provide privacy from the road behind.”

Their new home at the beach would be dramatically different than their house in town. “We really wanted to highlight the coastal lifestyle with as much openness and natural light we could create versus a more traditional home on a golf course—which we loved, but wanted a change,” says Mrs. Smith. “The furniture in our previous home was dark and heavy with lots of traditional style. Furniture in our new home is light, airy with clean lines and non-fussy. It was recommended by our designer to begin fresh because the artwork and furnishings were too fussy, dark and heavy for a coastal home.”

The couple met on a blind date in Jacksonville more than 20 years ago. They’ve lived in Jax since 1999, spending much of that time in the Julington Creek area. When the opportunity to move closer to beach opened, to begin a new chapter in their lives, they leaped at the chance. Starting construction in 2020 wasn’t without its challenges. But the assembled team kept their eyes on the goal and the home was finished in early 2022.

The primary suite is highlighted by hand-hewn reclaimed beams on the vaulted ceiling. In the bath, the floor receives an extra touch of elegance with marble inlay. The use of salvaged materials continues in the home office, where reclaimed French doors and floating artwork provide some privacy while also allowing light to bathe the space.

“We knew we all wanted to take advantage of the vaulted ceiling in the primary

“ We really wanted to highlight the coastal lifestyle, with as much openness and natural light we could create... ”

A palette of blue and grey was used throughout the downstairs.

bedroom, and boy did we!” says Norris. “We ended up creating a stunning showstopper ceiling in the space. We used old, hand-hewn barn beams to create a ridge and rake beams to for incredible drama. We filled in between with painted tongue-and-groove to soften the vibe. The results are amazing.”

Originally from the Northeast, the Smith’s moved into the Ponte Vedra residence in the spring of 2022. Heritage Homes would take the lead in the building process and Nesting Place Interiors was brought in very early during the planning stages. “Coleen was a true lifesaver,” says Mrs. Smith. “With her guidance and expertise, we were able to make selections quickly. We were beyond blessed with minimal inconveniences as a result of the pandemic.

“The stair railing design is unique to the house,” says Norris. “We took it a step further when we had a mini-gate made with the same design and incorporated a doggie door and space under the stairs. It is truly ‘a-door-able!’”

“The curb appeal on our abode is unique and special. The goal was to capture instant character,” she continues. “We were able to accomplish this by bringing in lots of texture and mixing the old with the new. The salt finish driveway with turf Xs combined with reclaimed brick from Charleston, for example.” The result is a kind of modern farmhouse with special touches such as a cedar roof and copper gas lanterns. The herringbone patterns in the bricks on the porch with matching swings complete the desired visual appeal.

The porch is favored family gathering space. While Mrs. Smith says she loves every inch of the new home, spending evenings on the porch can’t be topped. “My husband and I relax on the swings while listening to the ocean, enjoying the flickering lights of the gas lanterns. When hosting guests, we enjoy the flow of the main living area with an open floor plan that leads to an extended outdoor living space.”

For the Smith’s, life truly is a beach. u

“ My husband and I relax on the swings while listening to the ocean, enjoying the flickering lights of the gas lanterns. ”

The Great Outdoors

BY NORA PRESTON

The typical indoor pet isn’t accustomed to the outdoor life, but they still enjoy staring out the window, maybe even darting through an open door, eager to explore. That’s only natural behavior on their part. Of course, without the proper precautions it can be dangerous to take an indoor pet outside. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can give your pet a taste of the outdoors without the potential risks. Remember to consult your vet before changing up anything in your pet’s diet or routine.

Window Seats and Catios

Allow your pet to go in and out as they please in a closed off environment to eliminate the risk of losing them. A new trend—the “Catio”—is a spin on the patio. It is a method of building a door in the window of a deck or outdoor space with an attached caged-in area. Some build catwalks around their decks, while others choose to keep it simple with a caged-in perch off the window.

Grasses

A big draw of the outside world for indoor animals is grass and plants. They love the feeling and smells of different grasses and flowers. Research which plants are safe to have around your animal. Many pet supply stores sell specific cat grasses, bunny clovers, and others specific to your animal.

Strollers, Leashes and Backpacks

Who says you can’t leash train an animal other than a dog? See if your

pet is willing to wear a harness and leash so you can take them on a walk, or simply just let them sit on the porch. Another interesting method aside from walking your pet on a leash is to purchase an animal stroller. Animal strollers are like regular strollers, except they have a zippered net overtop so the pet can’t jump out. These are relatively new and might encourage some stares but are an effective method for taking them out safely. Also, backpacks are not just for school anymore. With a clear center window and ventilation, you can take your pet wherever you go. These are popular for hikers who like to take along their beloved sidekicks.

Sounds of Nature

Another attractive quality of the outdoors for indoor pets are the voices and sounds of nature. Bird songs and the rustling of gentle breezes are calming to animals just as they are to us. Consider finding a nature sounds video on an app and playing it on a speaker for both you and your pet to relax.

Climbing Posts

The outside world has lots of space for climbing and playing, so bring that aspect into your home with climbing posts and playgrounds. You can make your own out of household materials, but there is also a multitude of options and sizes available for purchase. This is a way to keep your pet’s need for play and exploration satisfied. Letting your indoor pet have a taste of the outdoors is easy and can benefit both you and your animal.  u

Heavy Metal

Don’t underestimate the visual impact of a carefully chosen finish. Something as small as a draw pull or bath fixture can complete a design and bring together the overall look of a room. Selecting the right decorative accents can have a direct impact on achieving a certain aesthetic. With an abundance of options available, homeowners and designers alike are tasked with choosing the perfect fixture and metal to bring a vision to life. For example, incorporating nickel finishes throughout a space or home adds a sleek and contemporary feel. Often used to enhance a color scheme, nickel fixtures complement a variety of architectural styles and elevate the overall look of interior spaces ranging from kitchens and baths. Copper finishes offer a warm alternative to more traditional hues. This elegant and softer option complements various color palettes, especially those featuring neutral and earthy tones. Copper blends well with design styles that range from rustic and traditional to modern and eclectic.

KEEP YOUR COOL

A small, under-counter cooler for wine, beer and other beverages is a fairly common kitchen appliance these days. A fresh idea originally developed for maritime use is now finding its way into home kitchens, bars and pantries. The ULine In Counter Cooling Cylinder is a marine-grade product that surrounds one’s favorite beverage in a jacket of cold air without the need for ice or refrigeration. Add this cylinder to a countertop or side table for easy access. Because yacht galleys are exposed to marine conditions, such as humidity and saltwater, which can impact materials over time, the Cooling Cylinder has been designed with marine-grade materials that are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.

Room Service

If you have a large family or a busy household, having a space near the most-used exterior door dedicated to shoes, jackets, umbrellas, and other incidental items is essential to keeping a home neat and tidy. A “boot room” is one idea to maintain a functional and stylish space for welcoming all those who enter. “Introducing a family boot room into your property will easily tackle one of the most difficult areas to keep clear, especially if you have a busy home,” says furniture designer Cari Bateman. “The hallway is an easy space to clutter as it’s one of the busiest areas of the home. Having a dedicated storage area will help keep it looking organized.” For example, closed cabinetry allows larger items such as coats to be stored away and concealed, paired with open shelving for easy access to shoes. Integrated seating can provide an aesthetic area to rest legs. Decorative hooks and additional shelving can be added to offer more options for storage and for decorative interior touches like plants, photos and treasured collections.

YARD WORK

Summer in Northeast Florida means warm days, afternoon thunderstorms and the risk of a hurricane making landfall in our region. We all live with that knowledge and most of us prepare for that unwelcome occurrence to some extent, whether it be something as simple as buying extra bottled water and toilet paper when a “cone of concern” makes an appearance on local TV news. So, in addition to stocking up on home essentials and disaster preparedness gear this summer, take some time to survey your yard, specifically the trees that surround your home. University of Florida researchers recently undertook a study of the tree damage in the Naples area following Hurricane Irma. They found that most of the city’s urban forest survived the Category 1 storm with minimal to no damage. Trees like live oaks, mahogany, Ficus and Cuban laurels had the highest rate of survivability. Others such as orchid trees and verawood didn’t fair as well. While researchers say no tree is 100-percent wind resistant, they recommend protecting them—and by doing so, your home too—by keeping them properly maintained. And don’t wait for the storm to develop before assessing your landscape and trees. Being proactive might cost a little more at the front end but it could save more should a storm hit.

HISTORIC HAUNT

They say every room in historic home likely has a story to tell. This is especially true of the Ximenez-Fatio House, one St. Augustine’s oldest dwellings still standing. Construction of it began in 1798 and, during the ensuing 220 years, the structure would take many forms and perform many functions—home, grocery store, boarding house and more. The three-story coquina dwelling was built by Don Andres Ximenez for his bride Juana. Today, it operates as a historical museum showcasing daily life going back to early Colonial Spanish Florida. Guided and self-guided tours are offered Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. The ghostly side of the property can be experienced during one of the museum’s regularly scheduled paranormal investigations, hosted by A Night Among Ghosts. The next investigation nights are August 26 and September 23.

ALL LOCKED UP

One of the best things about living in Northeast Florida is the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Sure, the heat of summertime can push us inside during the heat of the day. But for most of the year, our temperate climate is suitable if not ideal for lounging on a patio or by the pool. For many homeowners, creating that perfect outdoor patio space can feel like a daunting task. In some cases, it may involve a professional landscape company or contractor and take hours of planning. For those do-it-yourselfers, Aspire Pavers has introduced a new interlocking paving system, a patented paver and grid system that makes installation relatively quick and simple. With an installation that can be described as “Legos for Adults,” the interlocking pavers (priced around $26 for a 16-by-16-inch grid) are made from a sustainable, synthetic material that is crack-resistant and offered in a selection of colors to customize a backyard oasis. It’s suitable for rooftop patios, balconies, pool areas, walkways and even driveways. They can be used for new in-ground applications as well as resurfacing old concrete patios and wood decks.

Mark Your Calendars!

The 6th annual Beaches Tour of Homes is set for Saturday, November 4. Approximately ten beautiful private residences open their doors to visitors for the day, allowing patrons to experience life a stone’s throw from the sand and surf. Tickets are $30 for general admission. A select number of VIP passes are available, as well. VIP admission includes a golf cart-guided tour and an event after-party with food and drinks. Bike tours and shuttles are offered, too. The event doubles as a fundraiser for the Beaches Town Center Agency, which is a nonprofit organization that works for the improvement of the Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach Central Business District. From holiday decorations, landscaping projects, public art displays, bike racks, benches, and other beautification projects, the volunteer board works with the cities of Atlantic and Neptune Beach on an ongoing basis to continue to improve the area. Tour hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. To purchase tickets, visit 904TIX.com. u

Builder showcase Real Estate &

2023 has been a year of transition in the First Coast real estate market. Properties are still selling and new homes are still being built, particularly when compared to other parts of the country. But the red-hot market of a couple years ago has cooled, a trend fueled by rising mortgage rates and home prices. There are good deals still to be had. The trick is knowing where to look.

JACKSONVILLE MAGAZINE'S

Vicar's Landing at Oak Bridge

For over three decades, Vicar’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach has been the gold standard for retirement living in Florida. Our original campus redefined retirement. Combining elegant residences, exceedingly attentive and friendly service, and lifestyle opportunities no one could match, Vicar’s Landing was an immediate success. We’ve never rested on our laurels though. We’re even more proud that, after all these years, Vicar’s Landing continues to be the region’s most vibrant, fulfilling, and rewarding retirement community.

With Vicar’s Landing At Oak Bridge, we’re launching an exciting, prestigious community truly worthy of the Vicar’s Landing name. The residential options are sophisticated and distinguished, yet warm and inviting. The individuals joining us at this community embrace the philosophy of enjoying all life has to offer. The amenities and services we’re providing are designed to dazzle. Our distinguished gated community, also located in desirable Ponte Vedra Beach, is unsurpassed. Plus, we’ll be there for many years ahead to serve you as your needs might change.

Bridge smart decision-making with quick decision-making. Prepare to be wowed. With Vicar’s Landing At Oak Bridge, you get it all. There’s the Ponte Vedra Beach location, fabulous homes, endless amenities, a feeling of safety and security, and Vicar’s Landing’s unparalleled service. We are anticipating our remaining homes to be sold out soon, so learn more. We’re ready to bridge you with happily ever after. Visit VicarsLanding.com or call 904.285.6000.

Health, Safety And Security

• Gated community with security staff

• Lifetime health care for every phase of aging

• On-campus wellness clinic for checkups and more

• Close to world-renowned Mayo Clinic

Fun, Fun, Fun

• Planned off-campus activities (concerts, performing arts, and sporting events)

• Gorgeous all-new clubhouse with gym, activities, library, auditorium, and chapel

• Swimming pool heated year-round

• A shell’s throw from charming Ponte Vedra Beach

• Tennis, golf, shopping, and fabulous dining nearby

Lifestyle

• Waterfront gourmet dining, casual café, and pub on campus

• Private party rooms

• Weekly housekeeping and 24/7 maintenance services

• Breathtaking surroundings

• Scheduled transportation to doctors, worship, and shopping

• On-campus hair salon for women and men

CSS Fireplaces & Outdoor Living

Imagine sitting out by your pool on a cool summer night, being warmed by the heat of your outdoor fireplace. You can smell the aroma of seasoned steak and veggies sizzling on the grill in your outdoor kitchen. It’s a dream outdoor oasis.

Since 2007, CSS has been helping Jacksonville families build memories by offering custom outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, pergolas, grills, and many other products. They carry top brands including Alfresco grills, FireMagic grills, Blaze outdoor grills, The Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Heat-n-Glo fireplaces, Napoleon fireplaces, and Heatilator fireplaces. From builders to homeowners and contractors, CSS Fireplaces & Outdoor Living ensures each project is completed with quality service and standards. So call CSS today and get ready to create your own dream outdoor oasis!

northeast florida real estate

JUST SOLD JUST REDUCED

Sawmill lakes

376 S Mill View Way, PV Beach

I listed this beautiful pool home, closed OVER asking price, AND negotiated a lease back agreement. Interested in buying OR selling in Ponte Vedra Beach? Call me!

4 BD, 3.5 BA, 3570 SF, POOL/SPA sold $1,090,000

Mandy Morrow • (904) 229-7825

MandyMorrowGroup.com

mandy.morrow@compass.com

Oceanfront home

2347 Seminole Reach Ct, Atlantic Beach

Stunning views, private beach walkover, large 3-story family home in an enclave of only 5 houses. Lowest priced oceanfront single family home in the area. Don't miss out!

5 BD, 3.5 BA, 3112 SF, 2 CAR GARAGE $3,099,999

Mandy Morrow • (904) 229-7825

MandyMorrowGroup.com mandy.morrow@compass.com

JUST LISTED

CROSSWATER AT NOCATEE

97 Shadow Ridge Trail, Ponte Vedra

Serene views of lake & preserve. Ideal location offering ultimate privacy in this upgraded home. Primary Suite on ground level, 3 guest rooms & loft on 2nd floor. Covered lanai, open patio.

4 BD, 2.5 BA, 2288 SF, 2 CAR GARAGE $824,500

Mandy Morrow • (904) 229-7825

MandyMorrowGroup.com mandy.morrow@compass.com

Sawgrass Condo

Ponte Vedra Beach

You won't want to leave this peaceful view from your 3/3 condo, but with fine restaurants and TPC Sawgrass and The Yards around the corner, you will! A perfect spot. $735,000

Clare Berry • (904) 382-5875

clareberryrealestate.com

clare@clareberry.realtor

Neptune Beach Oceanfront

Neptune Beach

You'll love the ocean views from this 1927 gem on an amazing lot tucked away in Neptune Beach. 10 blocks to Town Center. Cozy heartwarming charm!

$3,350,000

Clare Berry • (904) 382-5875

clareberryrealestate.com clare@clareberry.realtor

Sawgrass Island

Ponte Vedra Beach

Rarely-available in this exclusive enclave of Sawgrass TPC, this one-story estate home offers an acre-plus site, a comfortable plan with high ceilings, oversized rooms and a fantastic pool area backing up to beautiful TPC Dye's Valley course.

$2,495,000

Clare Berry • (904) 382-5875

clareberryrealestate.com clare@clareberry.realtor

ReadY

Wear to

INTERIOR DESIGN, ART & FASHION COLLIDE AT RECENT JAX FUNDRAISER

RS&H CREW Drapery material

RS&H CREW Splatter paint

RS&H CREW Hula hoop

earlier this spring, a group of the First Coast’s most creative artists and interior design firms teamed up to channel their expertise to produce one-of-a-kind wearable works of art made from interior design materials.

Cocktail Couture, a fundraiser hosted by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) North Florida Chapter, featured a fashion show that showcased innovative ensembles crafted from flooring samples, fabric swatches, light fixtures and other things typically used to create beautiful interior spaces. On the night of May 19, however, the challenge was to make something that could be worn by a model.

Each look was inspired by a specific piece of art from the team’s partner artist collection. “This year’s event celebrated the intersection of art and design, and we couldn’t wait to see how the design teams interpreted their garment inspired by the local artists’ work,” said Penny Heritage, vice president of events for IIDA North Florida Chapter. “Our nine teams worked hard to blow audiences and judges away with their original garments. We’re so grateful they lent their talents to our cause.”

“This is our 14th Cocktail Couture and the first time we have partnered our teams with artists as our inspiration,” says Meghan Shriver, events director for the North Florida chapter of IIDA. “The results of the collaboration between the teams, their sponsors/materials and their randomly paired artist were nothing short of transformational. One of our goals at IIDA is to showcase commercial interior design profession specifically, but also to be inclusive of all areas of design and celebrate creativity.”

The local design firms included Design Cooperative, Hoeffer Welker, Hota Design Studio, Micamy Design Studio, Perdue Office Interiors, PQH Group, Rebecca Davisson Interior Design (RDID), and Reynolds Smith and Hill (RS&H). The nine local artists who partnered with the interior firm teams were Mark Creegan,

MICAMY DESIGN STUDIO

Layered skirt made from carpet backing accented with gold and metallic paint

MICAMY DESIGN STUDIO

The moss on the bodice and corset is carpet yarn melted with a heat gun

MICAMY DESIGN STUDIO

Painted metallic butterflies made of carpet catalog pages and spray-painted gold, silver and bronze

PERDUE

PERDUE PUNKATURE Carpet yarn tassels

PERDUE PUNKATURE

Striped pattern was made using carpet yarn glued to carpet backing material

PUNKATURE Crocheted carpet yarn trim. Also, on the necklace.

According to Shriver, the teams began working together in February, when they were randomly matched with their artist and sponsor. Manufacturers of interior design products—flooring, countertops, textiles/wall coverings and furnishings—supply the team with samples of their materials, which must comprise 80% of the garment. “The design teams were invited to visit the artists at their studios and discuss their creative process and inspirations. Then, their first deadline is a sketch of the garment along with a statement of design and a rough list of materials being used. Once those are turned in, the energy is directed at gathering all the supplies needed and beginning the process of trial and error in constructing the garments. They have approximately two months to complete their garment and have it ready to walk the runway. A lot of late nights and pizza are involved.”

Featured here are some of the ensembles created and worn at this year’s Cocktail Couture— including details about the upcycled materials used to design them. Don’t expect any of the locally crafted fashions to show up on boutique clothing racks and shelves any time soon. Though, you may see some of the materials in a beautiful home or office. Maybe even yours. u

A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN Blue LED strip lighting is inspired by the Main Street Bridge

A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN Palette of black, white and gray lamp shade samples, held together with cord rings

A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN Black electrical cord, in a crisscross pattern, represents the structural wiring of the Main Street Bridge

Crystal Floyd, Dustin Harewood, Jennifer Lail, Hiromi Moneyhun, Madeleine Peck-Wagner, Tony Rodrigues, Toni Smallagic and Shaun Thurston.

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

RP’s Fine Food & Drink

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, $$.

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, von-

gole 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-bravarestaurant). B, L, D, $$.

Cowford Chophouse

Spread over three-levels in a restored building near the foot of the Main Street Bridge, Cowford is an upscale restaurant/rooftop bar combo that specializes is hand-cut steaks and seafood. The menu is flush with items such as tuna tartare, roasted bone marrow and foie gras. A raw bar serves oysters, shrimp cocktail and caviar. For the main course, diners choose between dishes such as bone-in ribeyes and Maine lobster. 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464). D, $$$$.

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, $$.

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 (9967557; jjbistro.com/gateparkway). L, D, $$$.

Show Me The Mayo!

It’s easy to argue that the sandwich is the perfect food item. The countless combinations of breads, meats, sauces, veggies and spices are timelessly delicious. From the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato to a zesty banh mi stuffed with roasted pork, pickled daikon and cilantro, the variations on this culinary tune are endless, and more unique flavor combinations are created every day. Jacksonville Magazine recently embarked on a little tour of the local sandwich scene. Here’s some of what we found and ate.

Gili’s Kitchen, Catering and Bakery

126 W. Adams St. | PASTRAMI SANDWICH

There are a handful of kosher delis peppered around Jacksonville, but none of them stack up to Gili’s Kitchen. In 2017, Chef Gili and his wife Ricki emigrated from Israel and opened the downtown establishment. Their food has been compared to authentic delis most often found in New York or West Palm Beach. The menu consists of traditional dishes found in most Jewish delis. However, it is the pastrami sandwich that really sticks out as special. With the first bite, one immediately recognizes the quality of the locally sourced meat. The pastrami is generously stuffed between two slices of rye, slathered with mustard, with sauerkraut on the side. If you’re feeling especially hungry, try the New York-style variant of the

dish which comes piled with twice the meat. Additional sandwich options include the grandiose falafel in a pita (served with Israeli salad, sauerkraut, red and white cabbage, hummus, and Tahini), the lamb burger, and bbq pulled beef. Diners can sit at one of the wooden fourtops inside the tiny Adams Street spot, or at one of the outside tables.

the sourdough or honey wheat bread. The rest of the menu is filled with breakfast eats such as the DT Jax Sandwich (one egg, two slices of bacon, a sausage patty, and choice of cheese on a toasted English muffin), a variety of quiches, and a vegan grilled cheese. Order the BLT. You’ll thank us later.

European Street Cafe

Three Jax Locations | THE PRINCESS ANNA

Mag’s Cafe

231 N. Laura St. | B LT SANDWICH

Mag’s is a quirky breakfast and lunch spot on the corner of Laura Street downtown. Upon walking in, diners are greeted with cheery and bright walls, a bustling atmosphere, and checkerboard floors. Their BLT is scrumptious, and the bacon is the star. Well-seasoned, large, crisp and crunchy—how bacon should be. The sandwich comes with a hefty portion of pork that spills out from between

For some 40 years, European Street has been known for its many sandwiches. There are dozens from which to choose, but the Princess Anna may be the most underrated gem. It consists of a seasoned chicken breast under crispy strips of bacon, tightly packed between two halves of a flaky croissant, with a side of creamy honey mustard. The sandwich is paired with ruffled potato chips and a spear pickle. The interior of the San Marco location is filled with four-seat tables topped with maps of Europe. The display case up front showcases a variety of cookies and desserts. An enormous selection of international beers covers the floor-to-ceiling shelves on the back wall. For those looking for a temperate offering, the Boylan root beer is a most delicious option. The restaurant’s lengthy sandwich menu covers lots of ground, from the roast beef with boursin garlic and herb spread to the

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JOSHUA SMITH AND CARON STREIBICH

Gili's Kitchen's Pastrami Sandwich

Mag's Cafe's BLT Sandwich

raspberry almond chicken salad. There’s also chicken enchilada soup, brie and beef sliders, and the monster German wiener.

Lone Wolf Sandwich Co.

1500 Beach Blvd. | BLITZKRIEG BOP

From queso and pasta salad (yes, pasta salad) to curly fries and crumbled flamin’ hot lime Doritos, nothing is off limits in terms of sandwich fillings at this new intracoastal sandwich shop. We cannot quit the Blitzkrieg Bop. Served on a toasted, local French Pantry roll, the star of the show here is a breaded chicken cutlet paired with salty pepperoni, everything-seasoned bacon, curly fries, gooey queso, Wolf sauce, shredded lettuce, and the unsung hero: hot peppers. It’s equal parts savory, cheesy, salty, and spicy. Commit to making a mess: the Blitzkrieg Bop is undoubtedly a 10-plusnapkin sandwich.

1748 Bakehouse

1748 N. Main St. | PIMENTO CHEESE BLT

Why settle for a BLT when you can have a PBLT? This is a taste of the South in your mouth. It starts with homemade sourdough bread that’s buttered and toasted before becoming a canvas for a healthy slathering of house-made pimento cheese, thick slices of bacon, juicy tomato, and tender butter lettuce. The textures and flavors pair harmoniously, giving the everyday BLT a stellar upgrade with the addition of pimento cheese. 1748 Bakehouse sources its ingredients locally and regionally, whenever possible, so the tomatoes will never be bland or mealy and the bacon is some of the best.

Fast Eddy’s Quick Mideast

10915 Baymeadows Rd. | BIG BEEF EDDY

It’s filed under ‘hearty sandwiches’ on the menu because it’s guaranteed that you will not leave hungry upon consuming the big beef Eddy. Think shawarma with a twist. Grilled strips of seasoned steak meet their match with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion in a pita wrap. And take it up a notch and

commit to sandwich greatness by going ‘full Greek freak.’ This step adds four of Fast Eddy’s different sauces—tzatziki, garlic, tahini and amba (a pickled mango sauce that adds an indescribable but magical layer of tangy, salty depth to this sandwich).

The Sheik Sandwiches and Subs

Three Jax Locations | CAMEL RIDER

The Camel Rider is said to be a Jax creation. It’s a simple sandwich—thinly sliced deli ham, salami, and bologna, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and, in the case of The Sheik, a drizzle of vinegar, all stuffed in a pita. There are several variations to the dish including the “burger in a pita” and “steak in a sack.” Here, the fries are crisp, golden and complemented by house seasoning sprinkled on top. Serving traditional fountain drinks, the cherry limeade brings balance to the zest of the sandwich’s dressing.

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

Russ Doe’s Sandwich Shop

1745

E. Church St. | CLUB SANDWICH

A club sandwich from this family-run, cash-only, blue-collar institution near the Mathews Bridge is a must. The experience is part of the sandwich. For $7.44, a traditional club sandwich can (soon) be yours! The toasted sandwich bread is a double decker piled high with deli meat, pickles, bacon, cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and mayo. They’ll add yellow mustard, if desired. Find a spot in the shade on a picnic table outside to devour your club. It’s not fancy, but it’s a classic.

Le Petit Paris

9965

San Jose Blvd. | LE MONTMARTRE

This Parisian-style cafe offers locals a taste of the Left Bank. The restaurant is petite, as the name implies. What the cafe lacks in space it makes up for in classic decor. Marble-top tables are peppered throughout and the establishment serves beaucoup traditional French fare. For our Euros, the Montmartre is a standout—kind of like the cathedral and hill for which it is named. The sandwich, referred to as “the chicken-bacon one” by one of the American cashiers, comes with the aforementioned ingredients as well as zucchini, red pepper, and Provence mayonnaise, all carefully packed inside a toasted baguette. Save room for a macaron for dessert. Maybe a chocolate croissant, too. Bon appetit. u

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, $$$.

The Sheik's Camel Rider

Foodie Fete

St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival

The St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival was named “one of Florida’s Top 10 Food & Wine Festivals” by USA Today. No doubt, many of the more than 4,000 people who turned out for the 2023 edition would agree with that assessment. For nearly a week, May 3-7, the Oldest City was transformed into a gourmand’s dream with wine tastings, celebrity chef appearances, a taco and tequila feast, cooking demonstrations, and a barbecue extravaganza. The main attraction was Saturday’s grand tasting at the World Golf Hall of Fame’s Walk of Champions. For three hours, guests wandered the path around Kelly Lake, sampling delicious bites from dozens of area restaurants and food trucks. The dates for next year have already been set and tickets go on sale in November. Stocking stuffer idea, anyone? u

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 housemade 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, $.

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, safeharborseafood.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, $$.

RIVERSIDE RENEWAL

Since 1998, the Mossfire Grill has been a staple of the Riverside dining scene. The two-story eatery located steps from the busy 5 Points intersection is loved for its Tex Mex-inspired menu laced with house specialties like spinach and chicken quesadillas and ancho honey-glazed salmon. Late last year, restaurant founders Drew and Scooter Cavins sold Mossfire to first-time restauranteur Ben Franco. The new owner says some changes will be introduced, but nothing that takes away from why the restaurant has lured hungry diners for 24 years. Here, Mossfire chef Tomme Gunn shares his recipe for Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa.

TACO FILLING:

1/2-pound fresh shrimp, peeled & deveined

3 tbsp jerk seasoning

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp salt

1 cup shredded lettuce

In a bowl, toss together the shrimp, jerk seasoning, vegetable oil and salt. Set aside to marinate. Pre-heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Place shrimp on grill or in pan for about 2 minutes on each side, until pink and firm. Set aside on a plate.

PINEAPPLE SALSA:

⅓ cup finely diced pineapple

2 tbsp pineapple juice

Juice from 1 large lime

1 green onion, chopped

2 tbsp finely diced red onion

1 tbsp finely diced green jalapeño

½ cup small diced red pepper

¼ cup chopped cilantro

¼ tsp grated ginger

¼ tsp garlic powder

Salt to taste

In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Place in a refrigerator for 15 minutes or so before serving.

TACO ASSEMBLY:

Warm tortillas and top them with shredded lettuce, jerk shrimp, and pineapple salsa.

Garnish with cilantro and lime. u

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-of-the-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

PHOTO BY ANDREW VARNES

BEE THERE, OR BEE SQUARE

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of bees in creating the things we love to eat. Don’t take our word for it. See for yourself at the Bee Friends Farm Honey Bee Festival, taking place August 19, 10 AM-4 PM, at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. In addition to educational displays, event planners say there will be a Bee a Kid Zone, guest speakers, a marketplace with more than 60 vendors and food trucks. Lots and lots of honey, we imagine, too. “Our goal is to create an immersive and educational experience that celebrates bees and their vital role in our ecosystem,” says Bee Friends Farm founder Michael Leach. “We invite everyone to join us, bring their families and neighbors for a day filled with fun and community connection.” u

The Spice is Right

Jacksonville-based nonprofit organization ReThreaded sells a variety of food items on its website, including gourmet coffee, candy and spices. Among its tastiest products are Sunrise Cowgirl’s Coffee Rub ($6 for a 1.5 oz. bottle), a five-pepper blend that combines roasted Nicaraguan coffee with Himalayan pink salt, chili flakes, garlic, onion, coriander, cayenne, espresso, cinnamon, paprika and chipotle. Small on flavor it is not. And it’s made by another local biz, FreshJax. Like all products sold on the site, proceeds benefit Rethreaded’s mission of helping survivors of human trafficking. Tastes good and for a great cause. u

Jacksonville recently welcomed a new entry into the very competitive pizza business. Pizza Cat, a franchise operation founded in Toledo, Ohio, opened its first Florida shop in Jacksonville Beach (1706 3rd St.) in June. The carry-out menu features chicken wings, bagel sandwiches and reportedly some two million possible combinations for pizza toppings. Standard toppings like pepperoni, onion, green peppers and black olives are offered, as are the more unusual such as Flamin Hot Cheetos, corned beef and crust made from hemp. The local outlet is operated by Colonel “Pete” Adams. According to Adams, plans are for up to six more Pizza Cat restaurants in the Jax area.  u

Fork on the Road

BY JOHN O'MARA

Acurious thing happens to Hwy. A1A about three miles south of the Flagler Beach Pier. The road jogs slightly to the right, leaving the ramshackle High Tides at Snack Jack on a beachside island of sorts. Heading south, countless homes, small motels and condo buildings line the west side of the narrow, two-lane stretch of A1A. But High Tides hugs the east side, all alone. The beachy food and beer joint has been here since 1947. She’s taken a beating through the years from storms, nor’easters and bikers heading to Daytona, but like an old salt of the sea, she endures.

It’s definitely a “no shoes, no problem” kind of place. Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffet, Skipper and Gilligan would all feel right at home. A small, somewhat shaded deck leads into the bar and main dining room. A wall of windows provides postcard views of the sand and surf just beyond. In fact, a set of wooden stairs out back leads straight down to the beach and more than few diners choose to exit this way following a meal. Ask for a table against the windows, if available.

Seafood flavors the menu from top to bottom. Smoked fish dip, conch fritters, clam chowder, coconut fried shrimp highlight the list of starters. A crab cake sandwich, fried flounder Reuben and Ahi tuna club showcase a kitchen that can prepare more than just a fried shrimp and scallop platter—which they can, if you order one. The menu dives even deeper with Alaskan snow crab legs, spicy steamed shrimp, blackened redfish, jerk tuna and fried clam strips. Hush puppies included. Staying on dry land, one can order a mix of sandwiches, burgers and wraps.

Valet parking is required because the parking lot is tiny. Opens at 11 AM Friday-Tuesday. Dinner closes early at just 8 PM. u

A Jax Beach Icon for 20+ Years

proud to be Jacksonville Beach’s hometown choice for casual classics. Guests love our laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and of course, our tasty menu!

Pablo

Pablo

proud to be Jacksonville Beach’s hometown choice for casual classics. Guests love our laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and of course, our tasty menu!

Only in Florida

Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State

“Ifelt like Batman,” said licensed alligator trapper Mike Dragich following his capture and removal of a ten-foot gator that was roaming the parking lot and campus of Northwestern Legends Elementary School in June. Perhaps the ultimate Florida Man story, Dragich, who in addition to being a gator trapper is also an MMA fighter, was called to the Moncrief area school on a Sunday night. So, with members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and Sheriff’s departments looking on, the aggressive reptile was caught, bound and hauled away in a truck. “These people were scared to death of this alligator,” Dragich observed. The gator was harvested for its meat, which the trapper said he planned to share with people in the neighborhood.

“It must have been an un-bear-ably hot day in Florida,” declared the headline in the New York Post. Beachgoers in Destin were more than a little surprised to see a black bear cub swimming and splashing around in the surf on a mid-June Sunday afternoon. “A bear just swam from way out in the ocean to shore. Insane,” tweeted eyewitness Chris Barron, who also shared a video of the animal emerging from the water before scampering across the beach. Charter boat captain Chris Kirby was quoted in news reports that the incident isn’t as unusual as it may seem. According to Kirby, Eglin Air Force Base, which is east of Pensacola and near Destin, is home to a healthy population of black bears. Sometimes they swim across the bay, often just for fun.

Speaking of animals on Panhandle Beaches: A group of about a half-dozen young men were recently caught on video pulling ashore a

six-foot shark at a Panama City beach. Shortly after hauling the thrashing fish ashore, one of the men sat on its back, riding it like a cowboy might ride a bucking bronco. It is not known if the shark was caught while fishing. But eventually the fish was released back into the Gulf, where at last sighting it was seen swimming into deeper waters.

But wait, there’s more… Last month, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that a large swath of Broward County would be placed under quarantine as officials devised a plan to eradicate an invasive species. The animal? Giant African snails, slow-moving and slimy invertebrates that can grow as large as your hand. Under the quarantine, it is illegal for residents to move any snails—as well as plants, soil, compost and yard waste in or out of the designated area. In addition to plants, the snails can eat stucco, plastic and even street signs. Their rockhard calcium shells have been known to puncture car tires, if run over.

“Can you f#@%&+*! believe what just happened to us?” said Escambia County Deputy William Hollingsworth after being sucked into a storm drain, swept under a four-lane highway and washed out the other side during a heavy rainstorm in June. Hollingsworth had stopped to help a motorist stranded due to rising flood waters. He and the unknown man were soon caught in the rushing water and were swept more than 100 feet under Highway 98. Fortunately, both were able to regain their footing and, holding onto each other, cross back over the highway. “Me and you man, that’s an experience for life and I appreciate you,” the motorist told Hollingsworth as he shook his hand in thanks. u