There are countless reasons to give back in Northeast Florida, and there are dozens and dozens of non-profit organizations who welcome your support. Here, we present some of the most deserving.
As we have done for years, Jax Mag asked readers for recommendations on a variety of local pet services. And recommend you did. Here are this year's "Best" results.
Let's get up close and personal with the most interesting animals and personalities at the Jacksonville Zoo.
With Mythical Creatures
There's only one place on the planet where one can snorkel, kayak and take a dip with West Indies Manatees, and it's right here in Florida.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
With the forgettable 2023 NFL season over, the Jaguars look to return to playoff form this year.
Publisher’s Note
The announcement seemed to drop out of nowhere. Few, if anyone in Northeast Florida, seemed to be aware that a proposal to develop a portion of Anastasia State Park near St. Augustine was being cobbled together by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The plan proposed the building of a 350-room lodge, four pickleball courts and a disc golf course, all to be situated within the 1,600-acre oceanside park.
The response from much of the public and many local elected officials was immediate and direct. “Hell no!” In a slice of the state where new houses sprout like dollar weed on a backyard lawn, where decadesold potato fields and cow pastures now are planted with fourbedroom homes and grab-and-go sandwich shops, the commercial development of a ribbon of sandy beaches, high dunes and wind-swept maritime forest was a bridge too far. In a matter of hours, social media erupted with voices of shock and outrage and hundreds of hearty souls gathered along Hwy. A1A to show their displeasure.
As the story unfolded it was revealed that the proposal was part of a larger initiative to add recreational amenities including hotels and golf courses to nine Florida State Parks. A concept as involved as this doesn’t spring overnight. Much time, thought and effort surely had to go into the planning, selecting suitable sites for structures and for roads, parking, drainage and additional infrastructure. That the plan was hatched without input from the surrounding communities is odd, to say the least.
Of course, it should be said that Anastasia State Park isn’t virgin wilderness. Overnight camping is allowed, utilizing the park’s nearly 140 sites for RVs and tents. There are permanent bathhouses with showers, washers and dryers. Elevated boardwalks, paved walking and biking paths, picnic tables, grills, a concession store for food and gifts, and a vendor renting bikes, paddleboards and kayaks dot the interior. And the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is situated right next door, so the sounds of music floating over the weather-worn oak trees are common occurrences.
Yet, the desire to preserve Florida’s natural landscape—as much as can be achieved in a state with a population of 22 million—is real and strong for a significant number of residents, particularly among those who frequent our public spaces like Anastasia State Park. I had the opportunity to swim alongside manatees earlier this summer. I’ve seen plenty of manatees in the wild but had never been within arm’s-length of one. Doing so certainly altered my appreciation of the gentle creatures. It would be a tragedy if they no longer swam free in Florida rivers and springs. Doing what we can to save and protect our beloved parks seems to be the natural thing to do. u
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
DIVORCE FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN
Law
The team at Florida Women’s Law Group is committed to ensuring women are informed, prepared, and supported to assert their rights, whether it’s regarding nancial support or timesharing arrangements. Through over 40 years of combined legal experience, we’ve recognized common patterns where women, understandably a ected by fear and uncertainty, may sometimes hesitate to begin the process. Once they do take that rst step, there’s a natural inclination to seek a quick resolution, sometimes overlooking their own well-being in the process. Through a combination of empathetic support and robust legal advocacy, we guide our clients through the divorce and family law process, safeguarding their interests and future. Our commitment extends beyond legal representation, aiming to foster relationships and support women not only in winning their legal battles but also winning at life. Contact us at Florida Women’s Law Group today.
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We took this photo during a family vacation to Hammock Beach on the weekend before school started again. It was early August and the sun was searing hot. Just like a typical summertime near the Florida coast, dark clouds gathered all around at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. It always amazes how one part of the horizon can be bright and sunny and then just down the beach, it’s dark as night. After about 30 minutes, the clouds had blown through and hot sun was back in full strength.
— Photo by James McRae
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Do you have an image of Northeast Florida you’d like to share with our readers? Submit your photo and the story behind it to mail@jacksonvillemag.com for the opportunity to be featured on this page.
SMALL TALK
Newsworthy Nuggets from Across Northeast Florida to Chew on This Month
FOver the first six months of 2024, Transportation Security Administration officers at Florida airports discovered 382 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage, a number lower than the 396 uncovered during the same period the prior year. In Jacksonville, TSA staff discovered 27 firearms among the more than 2,066,000 passengers who boarded flights here. In Florida, one gun is discovered for every 159,318 passengers screened. Firearms can be transported on commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage.
FSpeaking of numbers: As of April 1 of this year, Florida can count 23,002,597 residents, according to estimates released by the state Demographic Estimating Conference. Florida held its spot as the third most populous state in the country, behind only California (39.5 million) and Texas (30.5 million). In addition, the state added more than 350,000 people last
year and has grown by some 375,000 each year this decade. However, expectations are that the state’s population will slowly shrink for the remainder of the 2020s as the number of retiring baby boomers gets smaller.
FFlorida State University is the top-ranked “Best Value” public college in the state, according to the Princeton Review’s 2024 Best Value College list. FSU ranked No. 16 Best Value College nationally among public institutions, up five spots from last year. The Princeton Review surveyed more than 650 colleges and universities for this year’s list. The schools earning a place on the list received the highest return on investment ratings, which are based on the company’s more than 40 data points covering academics, affordability and career preparation.
FVisitors to the Country Bear Jamboree, a Magic Kingdom staple since 1971, may notice several changes to the production since a re-
Who Will Take This Village?
When the World Golf Foundation notified St. Johns County in June of last year that it intended to vacate the World Golf Hall of Fame building and relocate PGA Tour Productions to Ponte Vedra Beach, the announcement left many asking what would come of the sprawling, 36-acre campus that includes a 64,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility, an IMAX movie theater, convention center and hotel, and more than 32,000 square feet of office space. Few were keen on letting it sit fallow in the shadow of I-95. So, the Board of County Commissioners approved a $5.5 million purchase of the property with a hope of finding a new vision for the property, as well as developers willing to take on the reimagining its commercial possibilities. This fall, the County will begin accepting requests for proposals from interested parties. Following feasibility analyses of the submitted proposals, the goal is have at least one development partner signed on by the first quarter of 2025. u
vamp earlier this year. Renamed Country Bear Musical Jamboree, the ensemble of animatronic bears counts one new member. Liver Lips McGrowl, the chubby brown bear with pouty lips, was nixed from the show because some found his moniker offensive, perhaps even a racial slur. Now, he’s Romeo McGrowl. You can pick him out by his purple neck tie. In addition, the show features a new script and music, including songs from Disney films such as Zootopia, Coco, Little Mermaid and Jungle Book
FAnd the answer is, “What is Jeopardy?” The clue was, “it’s the most popular game show in Florida.” A July survey of state-specific Google searches relating to TV game shows found that the trivia game show hosted by Ken Jennings is the most popular in 42 out of 50 states including the Sunshine State. The runner up in Florida? The most popular game show in seven states, Family Feud. Coming in third place was American Ninja Warrior. u
GO GATORS!
Just in time for this year’s Florida/Georgia Game, Crow Canyon Home has introduced a new line of college-branded enamelware tumblers, mugs and plates ($8-$18), ideal for tailgates and backyard barbecues. Worry not, Noles fans. FSU is one of the nine ACC and SEC schools represented.
VETERANS UNITED CRAFT BREWERY IS POURING PINTS AND CANS OF WATCHSTANDER IPA, A HAZY INDIA PALE ALE AT SELECT BARS, RESTAURANTS AND STORES THROUGH MID-SEPTEMBER. THE SPECIAL BREW WAS CRAFTED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE ONGOING CRISIS OF VETERAN SUICIDE. COASTERS AND CANS ARE BRANDED WITH A QR CODE THAT LEADS CONSUMERS TO THE FIRE WATCH’S WEBSITE AND ITS SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES.
During the mid-1960s, Beatlemania was sweeping the nation and, for one night in 1964, it swept into Northeast Florida. The Fab Four played a landmark concert in the Gator Bowl, the first racially integrated such show in the Southeast. To mark the 60th anniversary of the concert, the Beatles tribute band, Liverpool Live, plays September 12 at the Ritz Theatre & Museum. The night also features a discussion about the historic performance, $20-$25.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OLDEST CITY! ON SEPTEMBER 7, ST.
AUGUSTINE CELEBRATES THE 459TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING BACK IN 1565. THAT’S 55 YEARS BEFORE THE PILGRIMS LANDED AT PLYMOUTH ROCK AND 40 BEFORE THE COLONY OF JAMESTOWN WAS ESTABLISHED.
After several years of planning and construction, the JAX Artist Walk and Skate Park has officially opened, following an early morning ribbon cutting ceremony on August 8. The shady public space is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge between Riverside Avenue and Park Street.
Role Model
Congrats to Jax’s own Essence Sugar, 29, who was selected a finalist in a nationwide model casting call for plus-sized clothing brand, Torrid. Essence and nine other finalists were chosen from more than 11,000 applicants. In August, she flew out to Los Angeles for a day of modeling mentorship. If she wins, she’ll receive a cash prize, a year’s wardrobe from Torrid and be featured in 2025 campaign photoshoot for the brand. The winner is announced September 4. Good luck, Essence. u
Mission Possible
Classic resort in the middle of Florida ideal for an autumn break
BY JOHN O'MARA
The mission at many Florida resorts is to be grander, shinier, and more ostentatious than the competing properties. In a state where bigger is often viewed as better, a smaller, out-of-the-way retreat has welcomed guests for more than 100 years. The Mission Resort + Club isn’t particularly small, with 176 guest rooms, suites and villas, but it feels cozy and secluded, a reminder of Florida’s legacy as something of an exotic, unspoiled vacation destination. Wild nightlife and urban flair? Nope, not here, not in the least.
Located in the rolling countryside northwest of the Orlando metropolis and in the tiny town of Howey in the Hills, Mission Resort is home to two highly regarded golf courses (including El Campeon, first designed in 1916), four restaurants and a pair of lounges.
This part of Florida is especially quiet during the heat of summer but the vacation season heats up come fall. The grounds of the resort are immaculately maintained, from the golf course greens to the palms and pines that pepper the property. With arched windows and passageways, red tile roofs, fountains and mature shrubs, the atmosphere evokes an old Spanish mission, a vibe that only adds to its allure. That Old World charm extends into its signature restaurants including La Margarita, a clubby indoor/outdoor space serving house favorites such as lump crab cakes, grilled ribeye steaks, and macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi.
Among the other guest amenities are a game and billiards room with two pool tables and a spa and fitness center located at the golf course clubhouse. A pair of pickleball
courts sit near the parking lot and a lawn volley ball court is waiting just outside the fence surrounding the heated outdoor pool. For a little exercise, renting a bicycle is one way to explore the resort grounds and surrounding neighborhoods. A series of nature trails lace
Continued on page 18
enter to win
Two-night stay at a Tallahassee Hotel
Dinner for two at The Monroe, Tallahassee’s newest dining establishment
Brewery tasting at Proof, sampling seasonal brews
Two tickets to JJ Grey concert October 19 at the Adderley Amphitheatre*
Detailed itinerary for winner including best local coffee spots with seasonal blends, notable biking and hiking trails, outdoor activities and more.
GOING BACK TO TALLY
Tallahassee’s unique charm and style is derived from the undeniably pretty and often unexpected features found in Florida’s Capital. Tallahassee lies in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the U.S. and is home to more than 700 miles of diverse trails—aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee”–with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian and running trails. Whether by land or water, breath-taking landscapes, amazing wildlife and recreational activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, explorers, trailblazers and adventurers of all types. Home to three major colleges and universities, Tallahassee’s vibrant arts, culture and deep-rooted history shine through its murals, museums and performing arts. With its many popular craft breweries and emerging culinary scene, locals and visitors alike are always treated to a taste of Tallahassee.
Win a free trip to Florida’s State Capital, complete with lodgings, delish eats, cold drinks & more!
the golf course and preserved lands. Plus, a nearby marina at Lake Harris offers fishing, powerboat and eco-touring excursions.
Fall and winter are prime seasons for the resort and a calendar of special events and concerts is scheduled through the holidays and into spring. For example, on October 27, the property hosts a Festival of Speed auto gathering showcasing more than 150 exotic sports cars along the fairways of one of the resort’s golf courses. Rooms rates in October start at $219 to $250, depending on the date. However, rates do drop under $200 per night on select days in November and December. u
MONSTER MASH
One of Florida’s newest attractions is downright creepy. And that’s the whole point. Now open, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando debuted its latest haunted house, Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines, headlined by an all-female casts of characters including the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula’s Daughter, She-Wolf of London and the undead, mummified Egyptian princess Anek-Su-Namun. This haunted house joins the nine other themed scare stops such as Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, A Quiet Place: Silence is Survival and Monstruos: The Masters of Latin America. Running nightly through November 3, tickets range from $55 to $370. u
Island Getaway
Disney Cruise Line recently introduced its latest Caribbean destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. Rather than create an entirely new story or theme to the property, Lookout Cay pays respect to its Bahamian surroundings with bright, island-spired colors at its bars and restaurants. Permanent art installations created by Bahamian artists also pepper the landscape, including sculptures, murals and wood carvings. Twice each day, local Junkanooes parade to the island’s Goombay Cultural Center, encouraging guests to join in the celebration. For adults, there is the no-kids-allowed Serenity Bay, featuring private cabanas and its own eatery serving local fare such as lime-marinated grilled snapper and pigeon peas and rice. Three Disney vessels—the Dream, Magic and Fantasy—all make stops at Lookout Cay. u
Roughing It
As summer fades into autumn, this time of year is ideal for a Southern outdoor outing or two. Historic Banning Mills, located near the town of Whitesburg in western Georgia, sits on property laced with miles of hiking trails, suspension bridges and zip lines. In fact, Banning boasts the world’s longest zip line canopy tour and the tallest free-standing rock wall. Lodgings include rustic cabins, cozy rooms in the main lodge and a collection of secluded tree houses (pictured) perched over Snake Creek Gorge. All overnight guest options include an in-room microwave, small refrigerator, coffee maker and breakfast served in the lodge dining room. Plus, the property has its own pool, 18-hole putt-putt course, horseshoes, fishing lake, tennis court and other activities. u
Number$ Game
What’s been selling lately in northeast florida. And for how much.
e According to recent research conducted by a national real estate investor, homeowners in Florida face the country’s highest insurance premiums, paying $3,303 above the national average. In fact, many Sunshine State residents have experienced rate hikes of up to 40 percent in recent years. The study by Fire Cash Buyer compared the difference in insurance cost from the national average of $2,230 per year. Reportedly, the increased rates are due to environmental risk factors in the state, Florida’s coastal location and exposure to tropical storms and flooding. The most expensive county in the state is Monroe, which includes the Florida Keys, with an annual premium of $31,687 for homes without wind mitigation. Nebraska, home to Tornado Alley, ranks second highest with homeowners paying just over $3,000 above the national average. u
Murder for Hire
Beulah’s Beaver Street brothel was the scene of a most scandalous crime
BY TIM GILMORE
Though Eugene Player said, “I met her when she was young and pretty, just a kid working out at the Green Lantern,” The New York Times introduced Beulah Nettles as “a woman of rare and enduring beauty,” who “was still working as a prostitute at the age of 65.”
She’d been slicing a watermelon in the foyer of her Beaver Street boardinghouse on Friday, July 13, 1979, when a single bullet entered her skull from behind. Six days later, police arrested Player, 68 years old, Beulah’s common-law husband. Player said he was upstairs shaving at the time of the shooting. He would soon be suing for her estate.
Beulah had lived frugally and saved as much money as she could since she’d moved to Jacksonville from Folkston, Georgia at age 15 and started her long career in prostitution. Now her estate was valued at more than $650,000, nearly $3 million in today’s currency.
“She did not look 65,” said Player’s attorney, Deitra Micks. “She looked about 40. She was beautiful. She was a high-class prostitute.” Beulah worked out of her boarding house at 21-27 West Beaver Street, next to First
Baptist Church. She let it be known that she lived a clean life, avoiding cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
For various transactions, Beulah Nettles also went by Peggy Brown, Joyce Whaley, Beulah VunCannon, Beulah Parramore, Beulah Strickland and Beulah Player.
By early October, the state attorney’s office had dropped the murder charge against Eugene Player and Player had sued to remove Beulah’s older sister, Aggie Mizell, from representing the estate. Detective Frank Japour threatened to reinstate the murder charge if he could just find a witness, he’d spoken with earlier who’d since gone missing.
Charles Neal had told police he’d heard Player ask a group of neighbors, “Who wants to help me do away with her?” He also claimed to have found a piece of paper in his room with the handwritten message, “I leave everything to my husband Eugene Player.” When Neal resurfaced after the murder charge was dropped, he said he’d left the area after receiving anonymous threats.
Player had purchased a gun from a pawn
shop two days before the shooting and ammunition from another pawn shop. Japour and other officers could find neither the gun nor the bullet, which, Japour said, had gone through Beulah’s head and exited a window.
Japour and Player sat side by side in Judge Marion Gooding’s chambers as he mulled whether Player was really Nettles’s spouse and whether he should be allowed to represent her estate. Player wore an orange and brown polyester shirt and dark glasses. At one point, he said, “I’m beginning to get nervous. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” When the judge admonished him to stay silent, he started pounding an elderly fist into his palm.
Aggie Mizell said she didn’t dispute that Player had lived with her sister for 25 years, but wouldn’t call him a husband. “As far as I can tell, he’s been an eater and a laggard,” she said. The following week, Player asked the court to grant him an allowance while he waited on the settling of Beulah’s estate, saying her couldn’t survive on his $100 monthly Social Security check.
Beulah, or “Peggy Brown,” had “established a
common-law relationship” with an Ivo Parramore, from whom she obtained a legal divorce in 1962 after starting her relationship with Player, and Judge Gooding now ruled that Brown’s marriage to Player, “whether common-law or ceremonial,” was void since it began before she’d divorced her previous common-law husband. Surely jokes about Peggy Brown and her players and paramours echoed in courthouse corridors.
In court, Player swore Peggy/Beulah had not been married when they’d met. He’d met her at the Green Lantern, described as “a North Jacksonville establishment patronized by men looking for prostitutes,” on Edgewood Avenue near Moncrief Road.
It was the end of April, 1981, when a grand jury indicted Eugene Player and Richard Capps, also known as Richard Drzewiecki, in a “murder-for-hire scheme” to take out Jacksonville’s vice queen. Capps/Drzewiecki was also charged with armed robbery, extortion and possession of stolen explosives.
On Thanksgiving Day, 1979, someone had called a Publix grocery on Dunn Avenue on the Northside saying he’d planted a bomb in the store and demanding money. Investigators found C-4 plastic explosives wrapped in duct tape with a timer. They said it was powerful enough to blow up 40 percent of the store. No one showed up when an undercover cop brought the money to the designated address.
When police arrested Capps in Jamestown, New York, for extortion and setting the bomb, Detective Frank Japour recognized the name as that of another boarder of Beulah Nettles. New York authorities said he’d been bragging behind bars about having murdered his Florida landlady. Strangely, a statement from Capps’s girlfriend already in court records claimed Player paid him to kill Nettles.
Both Player, now 71 years old, and Capps, 28, would be tried together for first degree murder on Tuesday, August 25, 1981, the electric chair waiting. Jury selection wrapped up on Monday. The Times-Union reported that Player was visually impaired, partially deaf and suffered from heart problems and brain damage. The next day state’s attorneys dropped all charges.
Cathleen Bryant, Capps’s former girlfriend with whom he’d had two children, was supposed to have arrived in Jacksonville from New York on Monday, but disappeared. Bryant had told police she’d been with Capps when he tossed the murder weapon into the St. Johns River. Without her testimony in court, attorney George Bateh told Circuit Judge Ralph Nimmons, Jr., the State had no case. Bateh asked for a continuance; Nimmons said no.
The site of Beaulah’s boardinghouse is now part of the blocks-long wall of First Baptist Church parking garages. Beaulah’s wealth largely went to lawyers’ fees and back taxes. Eugene Player lived another 12 years, dying in 1993. He and Beulah, the woman he’d paid to have murdered, share a headstone in Evergreen Cemetery u
HEAVEN SCENT
While conducting a recent inventory in the Objects Collection, the archive staff at the Jacksonville History Center came across a unique bottle that has an interesting story to tell. The small, round bottle shaped and colored like an orange with a black top and green leaf is labeled “Made in Florida by Bo-Kay Jacksonville, Fla, Orange Blossom Perfume.” To the dismay of the archive staff, the bottle was empty, the fragrance of what it once contained long gone. However, it did pique an interest in discovering what the Bo-Kay company was and what might have become of it.
The Southland Perfume Company was well known during the early 1900s and a mention in a March 1917 edition of the Florida Metropolis stated that the business had received a large order from an elite New York fragrance dealer. The order was for $150,000 of fragrance products, a figure that comes to between $3 and $4 million today. Bo-Kay operated a manufacturing facility and office space on Forest Street until its end in the 1950s. It’s unclear when the company closed shop, but it was no longer noted in the city directory in 1955. Should anyone come across a full bottle of Orange Blossom Perfume, the History Center staff would love a quick whiff or two. u
Groovy, Baby!
Wedged between Downtown and the Beaches, north of the expressway and Atlantic Boulevard, is one of the city’s original suburban enclaves. Arlington isn’t as old as Springfield or as historically recognized as Avondale, but the slice of Jax is home to a collection of notable private residences, specifically those built in the Mid-Century Modern architectural style. This fall, several of these structures open their doors to visitors for the annual Arlington Mod & More Home Tour & Symposium Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13. Hours are 9 AM to 4 PM. For more information and tickets, visit 904TIX.com u
Store Front
What’s new and noteworthy in local shopping and dining
Now pouring at Jaguars home games this season is 1st & Gold Golden Ale, a limited edition beer crafted by Ancient City Brewing. Brewing in St. Augustine since 2015, the new ale recognizes the Jags 30th season in the NFL with a specially designed 19 oz. can. “To be able to create something that represents the team and the 904 and have it served at EverBank Stadium is pretty cool,” says Ancient City founder Greg Tuttle. “We love the beer, love the can design, and can’t wait to see them in the hands of fans.” Also new to EverBank Stadium this season is Al’s Pizza, who will be serving flatbreads, chicken tenders and beer at an all new concession stand. The team’s first regular season home game kicks off September 15, 1 PM, versus the Cleveland
Browns. Beer, pizza and football… what could be better?
is known for high-quality women’s apparel featuring exclusive brands such as Wilfred, Babaton and Tna. Also newly arrived at the Town Center is a standalone Chanel fragrance and beauty boutique. Squeezed between MAC and Lilly Pulitzer, the store offers a collection of Chanel makeup, skincare, perfume and eyewear.
The average Florida family with school-aged children spent approximately $875 on back-to-school clothing, shoes, classroom supplies and electronics, says the Florida Retail Federation. Among the most popular purchases are electronics, with nearly 70% of shoppers buying a tablet, laptop or other device this year. Clothing of the high-end variety is now available for purchase at Aritzia, one of the newest retail fashion outlets opening at St. Johns Town Center. Founded in Canada in 1984 and now counting more than 115 boutiques across North America, Aritzia
Congrats to Lotus Noodle Bar chef/owner Barry Honan for his recent invitation to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. In late June, Honan and his team from his St. Augustine restaurant served 74 guests at the famed Greenwich Village townhouse. “I’ve always had these goals and dreams for Lotus,” says Honan. “Seeing them come to fruition is incredibly satisfying.” It was a hard blow to take for many when it was announced that the house lights would be turned off for good at Sun-Ray Cinema in Five Points. The
funky film house closed in July but the space will live on. Marathon Live has plans to convert the historic Park Street theater into a live music venue, slated for a grand opening in January 2025. After many months of gathering lists
of ingredients and detailed directions, the Beaches Community Cookbook: A Taste of Home ($30) was released in late August. More than 100 recipes were provided by area residents, as well as classic dishes from gone-but-not-forgotten Beaches dining landmarks like The Homestead and Le Chateau. Copies may be purchased at the Beaches Museum or online at the organization’s website. u
1st & Gold Golden Ale
Al's Pizza
Chef Barry Honan
Gardening: It Does a Body Good
BY MEGAN WINSLOW
No one doubts that fresh vegetables and fruits support a healthy lifestyle.
New research shows that growing them at one’s home is even better because not only is a diet of fruits and veggies beneficial, the act of gardening has its own healthful benefits, particularly for one’s back. According to a recent study conducted by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the UF College of Medicine, therapeutic horticulture may offer noticeable benefits to patients with chronic lower back pain.
The interdisciplinary study encouraged chronic lower back pain sufferers to participate in a one-hour therapeutic horticulture session at the Wilmot Botanical Gardens at UF/IFAS, during which trained therapists helped the participants reach, stretch and bend to gath-
er plant clippings. Researchers noted a pronounced improvement in the participants well-being after the session. Even more, the experience reduced the amount of anxiety that participants felt about movement and exercise as it related to their lower back pain.
“It’s important because gardening is a way to get someone with lower back pain moving and interacting and not isolating themselves for fear of pain, in a safe way,” says Leah Diehl, director of therapeutic horticulture at the botanical gardens and an author of the study. “Also, could prescribed gardening activities be an alternative to needing to take pain medication for some patients? The preliminary study encourages us to explore that possibility.”
The two-part study, published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine,”
consisted of a survey of 170 patients and a pilot experimental group of nine patients. Most of the people surveyed expressed an interest in therapeutic horticulture and believed it could improve their mood and muscle strength, as well as lower their stress levels, increase their movement and enable them to perform self-care activities with less pain.
The results of the study were promising, Diehl says. In the pilot session, 44 percent of patients reported using pain medication to manage their lower back pain, and 66 percent believed that gardening could provide pain relief. Following the horticulture session, many participants experienced improvement in anxiety, spine bending and spine rotation. All participants believed that gardening improved their overall health and spine motion while reducing their lower back pain. u
Lois McNamara might have been born with a green thumb. Maybe two. She has been growing wildflowers for more than two decades, but she still remembers the species that endeared her to the hobby. It was the blue Larkspur. “My daughter brought me the seeds one year and threw them in a flowerbed, and the result was so beautiful that I wanted to do that, too,” she recalls. Now a master gardener volunteer with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension office in Alachua County, McNamara says summer is the ideal time for Sunshine State green thumbs undeterred by heat and rain to collect wildflower seed for showy displays next year. Here, she offers some advice and answers common questions about wildflower propagation in Florida.
Continued on page 28
What wildflower species should seed collectors target during the summer? While many of the wildflower species known for blooming along Florida roadside in the spring have already gone to seed, summer bloomers like cutleaf coneflower, blanket flower and beach sunflower are all still growing and available.
When and how are wildflower seeds typically harvested? You can tell a wildflower is ready for harvesting when the seed head, the top part of the flower that has blossomed, turns brown. You can cut off the head, but often it’s possible to simply pull it off with your hands.
How do you recommend separating the seeds? If you shake the seed head of some wildflowers, the head will fall apart and reveal the seeds. With other wildflowers, you have to really work at the head with your fingers. If somebody’s going to get into seed saving for the long term, it’s worth having some sort of sieve. When I started, I ordered sieves from a mining company, and those fit perfectly along the rim of a five-gallon bucket. You can also use colanders. One of my friends uses a sand-sifting toy for children.
What is the best way to preserve seeds? Before storing seeds, you need to ensure that are dry, so they don’t mold. If you keep them on paper in a house with air conditioning for about a month, that should do it. Afterwards, if you’re going to use them next year, you can store them in a clear glass jar on in envelopes. For long-term storage, dark glass is recommended and preferable to plastic.
When is the best time to plant the seeds collected now? Cutleaf coneflower, blanket flower and beach sunflower are best sown in the fall between late October and mid-December. But optimal planting times depend on the species. In general, wildflower seeds can be sown in North Florida between mid-September and mid-October.
Can you describe the recommended planting method? Work the soil very lightly. You don’t have to have all the vegetation up. If you have Bahia grass in your yard, for example, you can mow it very closely, rake of the vegetation and then scatter the seeds and step on them. The seeds need exposure to the sun, they need good contact with the soil, and they need some water, and hopefully nature provides that. If not, you can provide it once a week. u
Local attorney and avid runner Mike Freed and the legal eagles who make up Jacksonville Area Legal Aid will discard their briefs and objections to participate in the Freed To Run Challenge, a two-day event set for November 23 and 24 and being held to benefit JALA’s Shelter for Elders and legal assistance for indigent seniors. Individual runners, relay teams, walkers and even bikers are invited to participate and raise funds for the organization’s charitable endowment, a program that helps address housing issues such as reverse mortgage foreclosures, door-to-door scams, wrongful evictions ad other shelter-related situations faced by vulnerable seniors. The challenge asks participants to complete half-mile laps around the Duval County Courthouse in periods of either 12 or 24 hours. Other options are to run a 5K or to bike from the St. Johns County Courthouse to her sister Courthouse in Jax. u
Extra Credits
Enrolling in private school is an increasingly competitive experience
BY JOHN O'MARA
It’s a question that perhaps has never been harder to answer. How can I improve my child’s chances of getting into the college or university of their dreams? There’s not one answer, but there are many avenues a student can take to arrive at a hoped-for destination. Of course, lots of hard work and study while in high school certainly are good places to start. Having done that, there are a few other options to consider, such as the International Baccalaureate diploma program, dual enrollment and advanced placement classes.
Each of these academic paths are highly complex and can vary substantially depending on what is offered at a particular school. Some schools may allow qualified students to tap into a host of extra educational opportunities while others, even some highly regarded schools, don’t offer access to any. Knowing which is a good fit for a student requires some extra effort on the part of parents and students.
For example, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is an academic program designed to give students a competitive edge, helping them gain admission to top universities and eventually careers of their choice. Some of the most selective colleges around the world recognize an IB diploma and students are often regarded as some of the highest performers in their areas of study—specifically languages, literature, mathematics, science and the arts.
Some education experts say that among the most important and often overlooked aspect of IB is college persistence. IB can prepare students for a rigorous course of study by teaching critical thinking, time management and independent learning. It also has an emphasis on writing, particularly with the extended essay requirement for diploma candidates. Helping students get into their first-choice college is great but preparing them to be successful within those colleges and programs is an added advantage of the IB program.
In addition, college-bound students have been encouraged for years to begin their path toward higher education via advanced placement and dual enrollment. With dual enrollment, high school students can take college classes while they are still enrolled in high school. They earn college credits, something that could reduce the cost of a college education. Having this kind of coursework can make a student potentially more competitive for college admission, scholarships, as well as help them to understand the rigor that is required at the university level.
Advanced placement gives students the opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while they’re still in high school. So, students can earn college credit and doing so will help them stand out in the admission process. Also, AP courses give students an advantage when applying to college and when they arrive. In a nutshell, it’s a great way for students to arrive at their postsecondary institution with credits already under their belts.
According to the College Board, the advantages of taking AP classes are many, including:
• Having time to move into upper-level courses in a student’s field of interest, pursue a double major or study abroad
Showing a willingness to take the most rigorous courses available
• Helping improves writing skills and sharpen problem-solving techniques
• Receiving recognition from more than 3,600 colleges and universities that annually receive AP exam scores
• Over 90 percent of four-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying exam scores.
The College Board also says that AP students had better four-year graduation rates than those who did not take AP courses. For example, students who take AP English Literature in high school are 62% more likely to graduate from college in four years. Also, the College Board notes 85 percent of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admissions decisions. So, while getting into a good university following high school doesn’t require a student undertake the rigors of enrolling in IB or AP programs and classes, doing so can help one rise above the masses. With college admissions becoming even more competitive, every advantage or distinguishing mark on one’s record has real value. Adding such accomplishments to a well-round application may just be the extra push needed to reach the campus of your dreams. u
GIRL POWER!
Galaxy Fest , a science festival for girls of color in the community, returns for its second year on Saturday, September 7 at James Weldon Johnson Park. The days is filled with opportunities for girls to engage with women STEM professionals, explore interactive exhibits, and participate in hands-on activities—all with the goal of inspiring and empowering youth to pursue their passions and provide role models who work in professions involving science, technology and engineering. “I created The ScieneSis website to try to reverse the gender and race bias I kept experiencing in my own journey as a software engineer and tech account executive,” says event founder Erica Willie. “Girls and women of color are less likely to have role models and mentors, which makes it harder for them to envision themselves in STEM fields.” The event runs from 11 AM to 4 PM and admission is free. . u
Private & Public Schools OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
FOR PARENTS, NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS HAVE NEVER BEEN BETTER. From expanding private school enrollment to new charter and traditional public schools opening, the choices are plentiful. Need more proof? Featured on the following pages are profiles of some of the region’s leading K-12 schools, as well as a handy chart detailing more than a dozen categories for comparison, from sports to test scores. Now, do your homework and find the right fit for your child.
Select Northeast Florida Private & Public Schools
NOTE: School details posted here are subject to change. Parents are encouraged to confirm all information. We attempted to verify the chart by contacting all of the schools listed. Questions we were not able to confirm were left blank. • Updated August 2024
$13,660 - $24,850 FCIS, NAIS October 23 rolling admissions 12:1 Boys: 10; Girls: 11 21 N/A
22:1
Where Innovation Meets Opportunities. THE BOLLES SCHOOL
AT THE BOLLES SCHOOL, STUDENTS RECEIVE MORE THAN A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION – they gain the tools to thrive in a fastpaced, ever-changing world that is increasingly interconnected. In an academic environment that embraces cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods, Bolles students from Pre-K through Grade 12 are encouraged to pursue their passions and develop the skills necessary to lead in the future.
The Bolles School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1933 that is home to more than 1,750 students on four campuses. This school year, the opening of the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation (Sanchez Fender CFI) on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus marks a historic moment for the School. The threestory, 47,000-square-foot building now houses Bolles’ science, math and technology programs, as well as expansive areas for advanced courses in robotics, computer programming, information technology, engineering and design.
“The Sanchez Fender CFI is a remarkable blend of art and engineering, designed to enhance the educational experiences within its walls,” said Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “It fosters collaborative, hands-on learning, encourages academic exploration with inspiring faculty and provides students with opportunities to experiment and gain practical experience – all aimed at helping them reach their highest potential and serve our community and beyond.”
At Bolles, innovation is not just about state-of-the-art facilities; it’s also about fostering a diverse and inclusive community that enriches the learning experience. The School is proud of its globally diverse students who represent 59 different countries and speak 35 languages. Boarding students in the Resident Life Program also hail from 30 countries and 11 states, adding their unique experiences to the day student body’s culturally robust environment.
Academically, Bolles offers courses in five world languages and 30 Advanced Placement courses. Expert faculty members fan the flames of curiosity and guide students of all ages on a journey to explore their interests, discover their passions and reach for their dreams. Bolles also has educational partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Zimmer Biomet, as well as its own Anatomage virtual dissection table.
The School’s comprehensive fine and performing arts program provides courses in drama, dance, visual arts, chorus, music and band. Among middle and upper school students, 70 percent enrolled in fine and performing arts classes this year, while 100 percent of lower school students are involved in art, music and theater instruction.
The School’s athletic successes are known worldwide with 25 sports teams at the middle, JV and varsity levels. Bolles Swimming has been represented at every Olympics since 1972, with a total of 67 Bolles students, former students and Bolles Sharks competing over the years. Bolles’ Olympic history now includes 14 medalists, winning a total of 35 medals including 21 gold.
At Bolles, students experience an All Things Possible approach to learning, which opens their eyes to the limitless opportunities before them. With a foundation in courage, integrity and compassion, students focus on the future and know how to be successful as they progress into college and life.
7400 SAN JOSE BLVD., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030 BOLLES.ORG
Potential EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF JACKSONVILLE
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Portrait of
WITH THREE CAMPUSES LOCATED ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA, only Episcopal School of Jacksonville is able to serve students and families through every phase of their academic journey, from age one through 12th grade. We are a community where students benefit from our rigorous curriculum, vibrant fine arts offerings, outstanding athletic programs, diverse extracurricular programs, small class sizes, and exceptional faculty; the global community benefits from the contributions and leadership of our graduates.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville prepares students for success in college and beyond by delivering a unique balance across Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Spiritual Life, and Fine Arts. An Episcopal graduate lives into his or her potential by becoming a well-rounded individual who seeks understanding, develops a sense of self, lives with honor and purpose, and pursues a life of faith. We invite you to visit one of our three campuses to learn more:
Grades 6-12 on the Munnerlyn Campus, located at 4455 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Phone: (904) 396-5751
Grades Pre-K 3-Grade 5 on the Beaches Campus, located at 1150 N 5th Street, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Phone: (904) 246-2466
Age 1-Grade 5 on the St. Mark’s Campus, located at 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32210. Phone: (904) 388-2632
Boldly Christian, Unquestionably Academic PROVIDENCE SCHOOL
JOINING THE PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY IS MORE THAN SIMPLY ENROLLING IN A SCHOOL. We aim to not only educate but also transform hearts and minds by offering an extraordinary experience. When families choose Providence, they are joining a family that is committed to the School’s Mission: to prepare its students to become boldly Christian and unquestionably academic servant leaders who change the world.
Faith is not separated from learning at Providence, but rather integrated intentionally under the expert guidance of Christian teachers and coaches. This not only helps them flourish in the classroom but outside the classroom walls. Since opening in 1997, Providence has excelled in providing our students with a seamless college-preparatory education, an award-winning fine arts program, and a championship FHSAA athletic program. In high school, we offer a rigorous program with Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and honors programs to prepare students for the next level of academic achievement. Our college counselors work one-on-one with students to help them discover God’s unique plan for their lives, establish good col
lege matches, and potential lifelong careers. In the last 5 years, our graduates have been offered over $55 million in college scholarships and have achieved 100% college acceptance. As a Christ-centered community, our values are reflected by showing His love in action through global missions, community service, spiritual retreats, devotions, prayer, and weekly chapel.
We’d love to show you why Providence is more than just a school, we are a family! To schedule a campus visit go to www.prov.org or call 904-223-5270.
RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL
Riverside’s Mission: Educate the mind, nurture the spirit & foster the development of the whole child.
FOR OVER 75 YEARS, RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL HAS had a passion for foundational childhood education that uniquely lays the building blocks for a lifetime of learning. Riverside’s mission is to educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child. Our educational program reflects this commitment and is designed to build knowledgeable, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who respect the differences of others in preparation for life in a global community.
Riverside provides a child-centered learning environment for PreK 3 through 6th Grade students that is dedicated to imagination and wonder. Our talented faculty shares a challenging academic program, designed to unwrap the joy of learning through discovery and reflection. Our students learn to value and respect the unique qualities inherent within themselves. We invite you to visit our campus and explore your future at Riverside.
Beginning in September, we invite prospective families to join us for events across campus including: Parent Tours, weekly Chapel services, School Plays, Rams on the Rise events, and more. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore how our Rams are collaborating, creating, and leading by visiting our website, rpds.com.
BISHOP KENNY HIGH SCHOOL
Tradition. Excellence. Faith. The Spirit of a Crusader.
“BUT SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Matthew 6:33. For 73 years, Bishop Kenny High School has built a legacy of faith, guiding Crusaders in becoming individuals of conviction and integrity, conducting themselves honorably, with honesty, and a sense of duty toward study and service.
Founded in 1952, our beautiful 55-acre campus is where a strong Catholic tradition and messages rooted in Gospel values inform all aspects of campus life, from academics to athletics. More than 17,000 students, faculty, and alumni make up the BK community. While the campus has continually advanced over the years, the Bishop Kenny experience remains steadfast: excellent academics, a tradition of Christian service opportunities, a thriving athletics and activities program, and a focus on Mass, prayer, and religious education.
The school offers many academic programs, including practical and performing arts, advanced placement courses, and STEM activities. Students can choose from 26 Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and various STEM courses and activities, including robotics, Esports, and NJROTC. Nearly every student on campus participates in at least one of 54 academic, activity, or service clubs. More than half of Crusader students play on freshman, junior varsity, or varsity athletic teams and are committed to being competitive athletes demonstrating leadership and good sportsmanship. Our dedicated faculty and staff guide students to develop the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary for college and future careers. In both students and staff, we cultivate a path to success, a deep faith present in everyday life, and a desire to live for others. Students are encouraged to discern, take risks, fail humbly, persist, and ultimately succeed.
As we also look ambitiously to the future, we challenge our students to grow in their faith, lead in scholarship, and serve others as they shape Bishop Kenny’s legacy of tradition, excellence, and faith. 1055 KINGMAN AVE.,
COLLAGE DAY SCHOOL
Whole child approach to learning
COLLAGE DAY SCHOOL IS AN EDUCATIONALLY DYNAMIC INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL in the Palm Valley area of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Serving students aged 3 months through 5th grade, Collage provides your child a safe and beautiful environment that develops not just their love of learning, but their eagerness to explore and understand the natural world. By combining evidence-based academic programming with a wealth of socioemotional resources, Collage sets the foundation for your child to engage with the world as a wellrounded lifelong learner.
At Collage, our primary objective is to equip your child with the skills and confidence to excel in any classroom they encounter, ensuring they leave our school feeling capable and self-assured. To achieve this, we utilize an educational methodology grounded in standards-based academics, ageappropriate social skill development, and project-based learning opportunities across our entire setting. At Collage, our dedicated staff brings a rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and teaching styles to our school community. What unites them is a shared passion for our holistic approach to education, which nurtures the whole child. We embrace and celebrate diversity, encourage curiosity, and foster creativity from our youngest to our oldest students.
171 CANAL BLVD., PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL 32082 (904) 900-1439
INFO@COLLAGEDAYSCHOOL.ORG COLLAGEDAYSCHOOL.ORG
ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
EXPLORE ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, WHERE STUDENTS FROM AGE 3 THROUGH GRADE 12 GROW INTO LEADERS who seek solutions, accept responsibility, and create collaboration. Unleash your student’s potential in an innovative and supportive environment that is perfectly positioned to prepare your child for college and life.
• Florida School Choice Scholarships Now Accepted!
• St. Johns is perfectly positioned to prepare your child for college and life.
• Just minutes from I-295.
• Call or click today to schedule a personal tour: sjcds.net/visit or (904) 264-9572.
UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN
Preparing students to impact the world.
SINCE 1965, UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HAS CHALLENGED THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS academically while building a strong foundation spiritually. This year, we are excited to reach even more students in a brand new community as we open our new campus- UCS Oceanway!
Whether you’re attending our main campus or our Oceanway Campus, University Christian School is committed to providing an exceptional education, grounded in Biblical Worldview, that sets your child up for success.
Experience the difference that comes with a school that values both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Experience an environment where questions are encouraged, conversation is promoted, and critical thinking is fostered.
Experience Christ-centered education on a campus where patriotism, lifelong community, leadership, and service are at the core of all we do.
Our mission is to prepare each child for a life of purpose, impact, and meaning. We take great pride in our history of building champions for Christ. With dedicated faculty and dynamic opportunities, they will thrive in all areas!
Plan a visit today and see for yourself what sets UC apart from all the rest!
Choice is Yours
Florida has offered private school choice programs for many years, and already has one of the highest shares of K-12 students attending nonpublic school options through school choice programs in the nation. However, in year’s past the various family empowerment vouchers and tax credit scholarships were limited to low- and middle-income families. Also, the programs were reserved for private school tuition assistance. That’s all changing as of 2024. Now, Florida families and students can receive state-fund financial assistance for a roster of expenses including private school tuition (in many cases about $8,000), online learning costs, homeschool curriculum, part-time tutoring services, fees for advanced placement tests and more. Lots more.
In fact, with the passage of HB 1403 earlier this year, members of the military have more access to school choice, even before they have been officially relocated to the state. In addition, one of the biggest ways the bill impacts Florida’s public schools is that it encourages part-time enrollment. Education savings accounts open the door for more homeschool and private school families to participate in public school offerings parttime. Using the program funding, students can join approved classes or services at a nearby public school, whether that’s AP Biology or Spanish.
The fact is school choice programs in Florida have been highly successful in recent years. Last year alone, the state redirected more than $1 billion from public education to private schools for student scholarships. However, that success could prove to be bad news for traditional public schools throughout the Sunshine State as parents look for other state-funded options. Tens of thousands of students have left the traditional public system as school choice programs continue to expand, and some of the state’s biggest cities are experiencing significant enrollment declines.
THE DISCOVERY SCHOOL
Discover the greatness in your child.
FOUNDED IN 1990, THE DISCOVERY SCHOOL IS A DYNAMIC independent school located in Jacksonville Beach serving children ages 18 months through 8th grade. Your child’s educational path starts in an authentic Montessori classroom and advances to a globally recognized program, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme starting at age 3. Its student-centered approach to education reflects the best of educational research, thought leadership, and experience. Our Vision is to cultivate an inclusive and vibrant community that promotes knowledge, creativity, independent thinking, and mutual respect. When we meld imagination with compassion and academic excellence, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.
102 15TH ST. S., JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL 32250 (904) 247-4577
ADMISSIONS@THEDISCOVERYSCHOOL.ORG
THEDISCOVERYSCHOOL.ORG
GREENWOOD SCHOOL
A different way of teaching. A better way of learning.
AT GREENWOOD SCHOOL, WE RECOGNIZE THAT NO TWO STUDENTS ARE THE SAME and neither are their learning needs. Teachers’ use research-based, multi-sensory instructional methods to focus on students’ strengths in and out of the classroom. Across all academic subjects, Greenwood offers interactive and collaborative classroom technology specifically helpful for students’ learning differences. Opportunities for advanced coursework, guidance based Social Emotional Learning courses, and a broad range of extracurricular pursuits are also provided. Greenwood School, founded in 1985, is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and is home to a remarkable natural environment. Thirteen acres of protected wetlands provide an outdoor classroom and laboratory which are also enhanced with a STEAM lab and outdoor garden area which allow us to have a comprehensive and unique Environmental Sciences program. The students take full advantage of the outdoor spaces as they partner with professional environmental and conservation organizations and universities.
JACKSONVILLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
THROUGH INTELLECTUAL EXPLORATION ACROSS OUR 19-ACRE campus in the convenient Southside area of Jacksonville, children in Pre K-3 through 6th grade are engaged in a transformative learning experience at Jacksonville Country Day School. Strengthened by a supportive and nurturing community of educators, peers, and parents, JCDS students are taught how to approach learning with creativity, perseverance, and confidence so that they are prepared for success at the next academic level and beyond. Call or visit JCDS online to schedule a virtual tour and discover all that our school has to offer.
IF IT’S AN EDUCATION, AN INSPIRATION, A PLACE FOR INSIGHT AND GROWTH. When it fuels high achievement, nurtures compassion and teaches the value of both.
IF IT PRIZES CURIOSITY, INSTILLS GENEROSITY AND HIGHLIGHTS ETHICAL LIVING. When it showcases tradition, puts community first and stresses the importance of giving.
IF IT PIONEERS INNOVATION, WELCOMES WARM CELEBRATION AND ALLOWS STUDENTS TO TAKE FLIGHT. When it offers support, builds fast friendships for life and lets every person shine bright.
JACKSONVILLE SCHOOL FOR AUTISM
AT JACKSONVILLE SCHOOL FOR AUTISM (JSA), we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment for students with autism to thrive. Founded in 2005 by a mother inspired by her own son’s diagnosis, JSA is a not-for-profit, private K-12 school that focuses on individualized learning and social development. Our approach includes low teacher-to-student ratios, personalized assessments, and a team committed to fostering academic and social success. JSA began as a collaborative effort among families and professionals who shared a vision for a school that addresses the unique needs of students with autism. Our “Integrative Model” serves a wide range of students, from early learners to young adults, ensuring a smooth transition as they progress. In 2020, JSA relocated to a larger campus, offering enhanced outdoor engagement and vocational programs. Now in our 20th year, JSA continues to grow, as do our services, so we may continue supporting families impacted by autism and preparing students for fulfilling futures.
THE MISSION OF SEACOAST IS TO PROVIDE A STUDENTCENTERED EDUCATION, focusing on the whole child. We want our students to develop a true love for learning by creating a positive learning environment with innovative technology and high-quality education, focused on an arts-integrated, handson curriculum with the overall goal of giving our elementary students a lifetime appreciation of learning and the development of their unique talents and abilities.
Call to schedule a tour to see what makes us a different.
the to-do list
NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURAL AGENDA
Jacksonville Symphony
You only turn 75 once. And, for the Jacksonville Symphony, this is the year. In what promises to be one of its most exciting yet, the orchestra and music director Courtney Lewis have planned a season laced with exceptional performances. The celebrating begins on September 21 with an opening night featuring the Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. Operatic megastars Ailyn Perez and Isabel Leonard join the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, as well as chorale singers from UNF and JU. This one’s black tie optional, befitting a diamond anniversary.
MOVIES
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. Starring Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega and the striped man himself, Michael Keaton. Premiers in theaters September 6.
SPORTS Clay County Cross Country Invitational
Hundreds of high school and middle school runners from
across the state gather for this second annual 5K race through the grounds of Seamark Ranch in Green Cove Springs. On September 7, gates open at 6:30 AM with the gun sounding for the first race at 8 AM.
FESTIVAL
Riding the Rails
The Beaches Museum celebrates all things tracks, engines and box cars during its annual Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day on September 7, 10 AM-2 PM. Attractions will include three operating model train layouts, the Cars Through Decades auto show, a train robbers suspect hunt
and a trackless train rolling through the neighborhood.
MUSIC
1964: When the Beatles Rocked Florida
During the mid-1960s, Beatlemania was sweeping the nation and, for one night in 1964, it swept into Northeast Florida. The Fab Four played a landmark concert in the Gator Bowl, the first racially integrated such show in the Southeast. To mark the 60th anniversary of the concert, the Beatles tribute band, Liverpool Live, plays September 12, 7 PM, at the Ritz Theatre & Museum. The night also features a
discussion about the historic performance, $20-$25.
KIDS
Sesame Street Live
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from the iconic TV series are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! In fact, they are coming to the Florida Theatre on September 13, 6 PM, $31$71. We’re hoping Big Bird comes, too.
FUNDRAISER
Conservation on Draft
Arrive thirsty! Conservation on Draft transforms the Jacksonville Zoo into an evening festival overflowing with craft beer and fine food, as served in support of environmental conservation efforts. The after-hours celebration provides guests the chance to explore the zoo while sampling cold beers, noshing small bites and playing games such as jumbo water pong and inflatable axe throwing September 13, 6:309:30 PM. Ages 21+ only.
FESTIVAL
Florida Fin Fest
Florida Fin Fest is a two-day event at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, September 13 and 14. While at this event, learn about ocean conservation and sustainability, browse vendors and enjoy live performances from musical headliners on the main stage. While the event is free, guests are able to upgrade to a premier VIP experience which includes a shaded lounge, complimentary beverages and food, and pit access for the concerts.
MUSIC
Jacksonville Symphony
Fins up! Parrots + Palms: The Songs of Buffet & Fins celebrates the vibe, the breeze and the legendary songs of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Beach Boys and more. Classic, sun-soaked stories and timeless hits are brought to life by celebrated vocalists and the Symphony. Sing along to “Come Monday,” “Kokomo,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” “Brown-Eyed Girl” and many more September 13 and 14, 7:30 PM, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $50-$108.
COMMUNITY HONORS
Arts Awards 2024
The 47th annual Arts Awards, hosted by the Cultural Council of Jacksonville, is a celebration of innovation, creativity and the bright future of the arts and culture across all sectors. The event is a tribute to the transformative power of the arts impacting the future of our city and fostering community engagement and igniting the creative economy. Honors bestowed September 19 include Art Educator Award, Small Business of the Year and Community Impact Award.
FESTIVAL
Quiltfest Jacksonville
The theme for the 38th annual QuiltfestJax is “Sew Your Heart Out.” Since 1986, local quilters have been showcasing their handmade creations, representing the current trends and the creativity of the makers. A present day quilt show represents an amazing array of techniques and the use of modern fabrics and designs. September 19-21, 9 AM-5 PM, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
COMEDY
Pete Davidson
A cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2014-2022, where his singular Weekend Update features and original music videos garnered millions of views, in 2023 Davidson starred in Peacock’s Bupkis, a semi-autobiographical comedy series he co-created and cowrote. He begins production on season 2 later this year. But before, he comes to Jax for a show September 20, 7 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $50-$80.
MUSIC
Alanis Morissette
Since 1995, Morissette has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musi-
Alanis Morissette
Seen
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund hosted its 29th annual Celebrity Golf Classic the weekend of May 19 at TPC Sawgrass. The event opened with a gala dinner and auction on Sunday night inside the clubhouse, followed by a golf tournament that teed off Monday morning on the famed Players Stadium Course. Troy Aikman, Tony Boselli, LeRoy Butler, and Doug Flutie were among the many football legends who braved the links, as did two-time Super Bowl champ coach Coughlin. The weekend raised more than $800,000, funds that will help provide financial and practical support to families tackling childhood cancer. u
UPCOMING:
Sulzbacher invite patrons to celebrate local lives that have been transformed literally through the organization’s housing, healthcare and mentoring programs. Sulzbacher’s 2024 Transformations gala, featuring first-person stories of Jaxons who endured tough challenges but got back on their feet, is September 26, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Sponsorships start at $1,000.
The 8th annual Cathedral Arts Project Golf Tournament, an event which raises awareness and funds to provide access to arts education and therapeutic programs for children and young adults in Northeast Florida, tees up October 7 at Deerwood Country Club. Sponsorships range from $500 to $7,500.
cians in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive songs and performances have earned vast critical praise and seven Grammy awards. Her 1995 debut, “Jagged Little Pill” was followed by nine more eclectic and acclaimed albums. Morissette plays September 21, 8 PM, Daily’s Place, $119-$234.
MUSIC
Sing Out Loud Festival: Live Wildly Showcase
The Sing Out Loud Festival features several events held throughout September. One of the main events is the Live Wildly Showcase starring Eric Church, Noah Kahan, Ryan Bingham with The Texas Gentlemen, Norah Jones, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ole 60 & other acts September 21 and 22 at Francis Field, downtown St. Augustine, $160-$860. In addition, the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival offers music lovers an intimate look into the creative processes and inspiring stories behind the hits penned by some of the music industry’s leading songwriters, September 27-29, 11 AM-3 PM, at Prohibition Kitchen.
COMEDY
Marlon Wayans
Wayans is commonly recognized for his role as Marcus Copeland’ in the 2004 hit comedy White Chicks, opposite Shawn Wayans, Jamie King, and Terry Crews. He also starred alongside brother Shawn and Regina Hall in the horror comedy spoof films Scary Movie and Scary Movie 2. Listen to his stand-up act September 26, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $40-$125.
MUSIC
Hootie & The Blowfish
Darius Rucker and bandmates roll into Jax as part of the Summer Camp With Trucks Tour, stopping in 43 cities across the U.S. and Canada. This marks the first full tour since 2019 for the band whose chart-topping career has featured more than 25 million albums sold. With special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain September 27, 7 PM, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $46-$176.
MUSIC
Ritz
Voices Reunion Concert
Musical celebration features the return of Ritz Voices alumni (also includes RSVP and Jacksonville Mass Choirs) in a Ritz 25th anniversary party. Alumni, led by Ms. McDuffie and former directors will gather for a concert featuring the ensembles’ favorite spirituals, gospel, inspirational, and R&B classics, from Kirk Franklin to Stevie Won-
Ritz Voices Reunion Concert
der, September 28, 8 PM, Ritz Theatre & Museum, $20-$25.
THEATRE
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
“Thank you for being a friend!” There will never be another Betty White or Rue McClanahan but the characters they helped bring to life in the TV comedy classic are back and live on stage as part of a 60-city tour, stopping October 1-6 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Who would like a slice of cheesecake? Not the kids, as this show is age 18+ only.
MUSIC
Nicki Minaj
Minaj is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, with over 100 million records sold. Billboard ranked her as the top-selling female rapper of the 2010s and one of the greatest rappers of all time. She performs October 4, 9 PM, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $56-$300+
SPORTS Constellation Furyk & Friends
Timuquana Country Club once again hosts the PGA TOUR Champions event, teeing off September 30-October 6. Local TOUR great Jim Furyk will be joined by a bevy of top players such as Davis Love III, John Daly, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els. Round one is set for Friday, October 4. Tickets range from $25 to $295, military and dependents are admitted free. A concert by Brothers Osborne on October
1, 7 PM, at Daily’s Place is held in conjunction with the tourney.
MOVIES
Joker: Folie a Deux
Failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while in Arkham State Hospital. Upon release, the pair embark on a doomed romantic misadventure. Lots of bad things will happen. Starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix. Premiers in theatres October 4.
MUSIC
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Playing October 3, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $50-$100.
THEATRE
The Wedding Singer
The musical stage version of the Adam Sandler movie The Wedding Singer follows a jilted wedding singer and a waitress
who is engaged to a pig of a man as they discover what love and marriage truly should be. Lots of laughs and great 1980s pop tunes. Presented October 3-November 10 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, $45-$84.
THEATRE
Carousel a la Carte
The First Coast Opera celebrates the opening of its 25th season with a pair of dinners and songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical October 4 and 5 at St. Anastasia Catholic’s Celebration Hall in St. Augustine Beach.
MUSIC
Jacksonville Symphony
Calling all Dancing Queens! If you can’t get enough of Cher, Donna Summer and Whitney Houston, then this Jacksonville Symphony show is for you. The orchestra and guest vocalists perform iconic hits such as “I Will Survive,” “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” October 4 and 5, 7:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
FESTIVAL
Brew & Barbecue
Festival goers can expect a convoy of barbecue-themed food trucks, a wide range of ice-cold beers, scores of arts and crafts vendors and live music highlighted by The Souls of Joy and the Parker Urban Band on Saturday, October 5, 5-10 PM, at James Weldon Johnson Park, free admission. Dogs welcome.
FESTIVAL
Beaches Oktoberfest
Said to be Florida’s largest Oktoberfest, this annual
event has two stages of live music featuring bands such as Gym Class Heroes, The Hip Abduction, Ballyhoo and more. In addition to the music, plans call for more than 20 food trucks, a German Bierhalle and traditional Bavarian eats, October 11 and 12 at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Arlington Mod & More Home Tour & Symposium
In its 8th year, Arlington Mod & More showcases some of the city’s most iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture, a minimalistic and functional style that became popular after WWII. Several Arlington-area private homes open their doors October 12 and 13 as part of this fundraising event, also featuring a historical symposium on Saturday, 9 AM. Tour hours are 10 AM-4 PM on Saturday, noon-4 PM on Sunday, $25 in advance at 904TIX.com.
THEATRE
The Rocky Horror Show Live
Once again, Brad and Janet are stuck with a flat tire during a storm. Seeking help and shelter, they find themselves inside the eerie mansion of transvestite Dr. FrankN-Furter. Through elaborate dance and rock songs, the good doctor unveils his latest creation, taking the stage at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre for a limited run October 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31-November 2. Doors open at 11 PM, $42 general admission, $350 for VIP floor tables.
Beaches Oktoberfest
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
FUNDRAISER
Jacksonville Congenital Heart Walk
The Children’s Heart Foundation, a national organization that aims to unite communities, companies and individuals to fund groundbreaking research for congenital heart defects, hosts a family friendly one-mile fundraising walk October 13, 1 PM registration, 2 PM walk, at the Northbank Riverwalk Artist’s Square.
MUSIC
Men at Work
Best known for their hits
“Who Can it Be Now” and “Down Under,” the set list obviously features all the known and even lesser known Men At Work songs, perhaps with a couple of later songs thrown in. See the Aussie group on stage October 16, 8 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $40-$100.
MUSIC
Jacksonville Symphony
Internationally acclaimed violinist Stefan Jackiw takes
FILM
Labyrinth in Concert
Experience Jim Henson’s original masterpiece Labyrinth like never before with “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert!” Watch the full movie, as a live band performs in sync with David Bowie’s original vocals, playing the songs and score composed by Bowie and Trevor Jones October 24, 7:30 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $40-$60.
MUSIC
Jacksonville Symphony
the stage for Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, a pinnacle in the violin repertoire known for its virtuosity and emotional depth. Elgar’s Enigma Variations paints musical character sketches, including the famous “Nimrod,” highlighting a diverse range of moods and orchestral colors, October 18 and 19, 7:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $30-$88
MUSIC
Cameron Carpenter
Cameron Carpenter is the world’s most visible organist, the first ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album. He holds the 2012 Leonard Bernstein Award, and in 2014, launched his International Touring Organ (ITO)- a first-of-its kind digital organ built to his own design. He performs as part of the Beaches Fine Art Series October 20, 4 PM, at St. Johns Cathedral, free.
Tour-de-force pianist Conrad Tao makes his Symphony in 60 Series debut, performing striking selections. Delve into this dynamic program, showcasing Tao’s virtuosity and the Symphony’s mastery. Commencing with a lively cocktail hour in the lobby and engaging introductions by the conductor, this series guarantees thrilling experiences, all within 60 minutes, for newcomers and aficionados alike, October 24, 6:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $32.
FUNDRAISER
Florida Forum
Speaker Series
The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital presents a three-speaker series beginning with former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson on October 29. He is followed by physician and author Deepak Chopra on January 15, 2025, and acclaimed Florida novelist/journalist Carl Hiassen on February 15. All lectures begin at 7 PM inside the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $150-$4,500. u
Labyrinth in Concert
Men at Work
Cameron Carpenter
Charitable
R E G IS TE R
Spotlighting local nonprofit organizations, fundraising events & reasons to give back and get involved
Now in its 22nd year, Jacksonville Magazine’s Charitable Register is a resource for readers looking to support the First Coast’s many nonprofit organizations, give back to the community and otherwise help make the region a better place in which to live. This annual special section is designed to provide details on numerous charities including information about their respective missions and how people can contribute to each—whether that be attending a special fundraising event, making a donation or rolling up their sleeves and pitching in.
The past few years have been especially challenging for many nonprofit organizations, grassroots groups that rely on community involvement and especially fundraising events, scores of which were cancelled for more than a year. But the work continues and these and other local charitable causes need your support perhaps now more than ever.
Editor’s Note: Please check to confirm all information regarding events listed here. Dates are subject to change.
Beaches Dial-a-Ride
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Lori Delgado Anderson, CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 281 19th Ave S., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
PHONE NUMBER: 904.246.1477
WEB ADDRESS: beachescoa.org
MISSION STATEMENT: The Beaches Council on Aging improves the quality of life for senior residents of the Beaches by connecting them to people, services, and places, with care.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Kathryn Wallis, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 1150 5th St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
PHONE NUMBER: 904.270.1771
WEB ADDRESS: beachesfinearts.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To enrich our communities by sharing the transforming power of music and art, free to all.
UPCOMING EVENTS: BFAS presents First Coast Dancing with Stars at WJCT Studios on September 21.
Community “Stars” raise funds and learn dance routines with area professionals to compete for The Mirror Ball Trophy. Funds raised support the free concert and educational outreach programs provided by BFAS to residents and students of North Florida.
MISSION STATEMENT: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sizzlin Soiree, October 3, 6 PM
Beaches Bash, October 28, 6 PM
Beaches Golf Tournament, November 4, 11 AM
2025 Youth of Year Awards Ceremony, January 30, 5 PM
6th Annual McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond Clay Shoot, February 20, 9 AM
Birdies & Bounces to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, April 25, noon
Cathedral Arts Project
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Hyatt, President & CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 207 N. Laura St. #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.281.5599
WEB ADDRESS: capkids.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To empower every child’s creative spirit, elevate arts educators in their field, and advocate for access and equity in arts education.
UPCOMING EVENTS: 8th Annual Golf Tournament, October 7, Deerwood Country Club
Presented by Fickling Construction, the annual CAP Golf Tournament helps raise funds in support of arts education and therapeutic programs for children and young adults in Northeast Florida. Sponsorships are available.
20th Annual Spring for the Arts, April 4, Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
Spring for the Arts is the signature fundraiser for the Cathedral Arts Project. Generating nearly $9 million since its inception, it is the most visible event supporting arts education along the First Coast. Sponsorships are available. Tickets go on sale in early 2025.
Catholic Charities
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Eileen Seuter, Regional Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 6 E. Bay St., Suite 301, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.354.4846
WEBSITE: CCBJax.org
MISSION STATEMENT: Catholic Charities puts faith into action to serve the most vulnerable in our
community, advocating for justice, human dignity and quality of life, while reflecting the compassion of God in Christ.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS: Black & White Soiree, May 31, 2025, Garden Club of Jacksonville
Child Cancer Fund
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Carla Montgomery, Executive Director
MISSION STATEMENT: Founded in 1994, the Child Cancer Fund’s 30 Years of Caring provides Northeast Florida families with practical, financial, educational, emotional and psychosocial support during a difficult childhood cancer diagnosis.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
WOKV Care-a-Thon Presented by Duval Asphalt, August 22-23, Nemours Children's Health
The 104.5 WOKV Care-a-thon celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024. To commemorate, the event is expanding to a two-day radiothon encompassing all the North Florida Cox Media Group stations –eight radio and three television – to bring together more than one million listeners and thousands of additional supporters.
Child Cancer Fund's 30th Anniversary, September 26, 5:30-9:30 PM, Brick and Beam
The 30th Anniversary Celebration brings together families, donors and supporters to help raise funds for these deserving families. The event includes a seated dinner, cocktails and a silent auction. The night’s live entertainment will feature international award-winning magician and mentalist Mike D’Urzo.
2025 Child Cancer Fund Golf Tournament, March 31, Jacksonville Golf and Country Club
Children’s Home Society
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Andry Sweet, President and CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 3027 San Diego Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
PHONE NUMBER: 904.493.7744
WEB ADDRESS: chsfl.org
MISSION STATEMENT: Building bridges to success for children. Our Vision: A world where children realize their full potential.
UPCOMING EVENTS: 40th Annual Caring Chefs, October 13, The Glass Factory
Celebrating its 40th year, Caring Chefs stands as a beloved annual tradition in Jacksonville, uniting the area’s finest chefs, sommeliers, and brewers with guests and volunteers. For over 120 years, CHS has been dedicated to serving children and families, fostering a legacy grounded in providing safety, security, hope, and brighter futures.
Communities In Schools
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Leon Baxton, CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 532 Riverside Ave., Suite 3-OH, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.344.3900
WEB ADDRESS: cisjax.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
35th Anniversary Gala: A Walk in their Shoes, January 31, 6 PM, Deerwood Castle
MISSION STATEMENT: Daniel’s mission is to improve the lives of children and families.
UPCOMING EVENTS: 24th Annual Hank Haynes Golf Classic, April 14, Timuquana Country Club
Deck the Chairs
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Kurtis Loftus, Founder/ Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 3948 3rd St. S., #372, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
PHONE NUMBER: 904.716.3853
WEB ADDRESS: deckthechairs.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote children’s arts and arts education by showcasing creativity and talent through public/private collaboration.
Deck the Chairs (continued...)
UPCOMING EVENTS: Jax Beach Deck The Chairs, November 27- January 1
The DTC Student Decorating Challenge featured 20 diverse school art programs, where students and teachers spent three months creating custom chair displays. Partnering with community arts groups, DTC will host a 2024 holiday stage event with over 60 choral and instrumental groups, featuring 2,000 performers over ten days.
Developmental Learning Center
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Heather Corey, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 4101-1 College St., Jacksonville, FL 32205
PHONE NUMBER: 904.387.0370
WEB ADDRESS: DLCJAX.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide year-round high-quality education, nursing care, and therapies to children of all abilities so that children and families have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: David Clark, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 215 N. Ocean St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.358.3155
WEB ADDRESS: descjax.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ by meeting the needs of people in emergency situations or experiencing poverty.
UPCOMING EVENTS: DESC Defenders: Generations, September 26, WJCT Studios
MISSION STATEMENT: Since 1984, using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to every local child battling a life-threatening medical condition.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
5K Walk Run and Roll, September 21, 8 AM-noon, University of North Florida Amphitheater
This year we are walking, running and rolling back to the ‘80s to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Following the run/walk will be the Dreamfest hosted by Chick-fil-A, which will include games and fun for the whole family.
USFA and Dreams Come True Inaugural Softball Tournament, in honor of Dreamer Brooke Michael, October 5-6, Lake City Southside Sports Complex, Lake City
Dreams Come True Annual Trunk-or-Treat, October 19, 9 AM-Noon, 6805 Southpoint Pkwy.
Annual Trunk-or-Treat for Dream families. Companies and individuals wishing to decorate their vehicles are welcome to join us.
Dreams Come True 40th Anniversary Gala, January 17, 2025, TPC Sawgrass
Dreams Come True 6th Annual Bass Tournament, March 15, 2025, Palatka City Docks
KB Home Dreams Come True Annual Golf Tournament, May 5, 9 AM, San Jose Country Club
Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Liz McCoy, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 214 N. Hogan St., Suite 114 Jacksonville, FL 32202
135 W. Monroe St. Jacksonville FL
PHONE NUMBER: 904.515.5098
WEB ADDRESS: jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To transform James Weldon Park into a modern urban space that engages diverse communities and restores vitality to our city’s public space. This is accomplished this by adding and maintaining landscaping and amenities and providing daily programming. The park ambassadors and security welcome and share information with guests while ensuring that James Weldon Johnson Park is clean and safe.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Viva La Fiesta, October 14, 4-10 PM
Kreepy Tiki’s at ArtWalk, November 1, 5-9 PM
Holiday Tree Lighting, December 6, 5-9 PM
Deck The Chairs Downtown, December 6-January 6
Pop Up in the Park Holiday Market, December 10, noon-4 PM
ArtWalks, January 3, 5- 9 PM and February 7, 5-9 PM, March 6, 5-9 PM
Art in the Park 2025, March 30, 2025
Gabriel House of Care
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Valerie Callahan, Executive Director
MISSION STATEMENT: To promote a community of healing environment by providing affordable, temporary lodging for adult organ transplant and cancer patients as well as their caregivers who come to Jacksonville for medical treatment.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel House Golf Tournament, September 24, The Yards
The Garden Club of Jacksonville
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Denise M. Reagan, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS:
1005 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204
MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote environmental responsibility, civic engagement, and a love of gardening, floral design, and landscape design.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Open House , October 3, 4-7 PM
Mingle with Garden Club members and enjoy the campus while you stroll through our ballroom and courtyard garden. Learn how to become a member and about all of our events to mark on your calendar.
Community Gardens Summit , October 22, 5:30-8:30 PM
Second annual Summit to convene all the community gardens from around Northeast Florida, those planning to create them in the future, and anyone who wants to learn more about community gardens or take part in one. Experts from these organizations will present best practices for organizing, building, maintaining, and sustaining community gardens. We’ll also provide tips for gardening at home, and you can take some seeds from a seed swap to get started.
Jacksonville Fair Horticulture Show , November 7-17, Jacksonville Fairgrounds
The residents of Jacksonville are truly lucky to have a long growing season and relatively mild winters. Take this opportunity to showcase what you have grown this season: anything from scrumptious fruits and vegetables to beautiful hanging baskets or patio plants are welcome. It’s time to show off.
Luminaria Festival, December 8, 4-9 PM
Celebrate Riverside Avondale
Preservation Luminaria Night with a party, and pop-up shop of small vendors at the Garden Club of Jacksonville and luminaria tours by Go Tuk’n. Take in the view of the luminaria from the front lawn of the Garden Club while you listen to holiday music, shop for homegrown plants and handmade items, sip a beverage, nosh on small bites, and play lawn games.
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR: Darren Dailey, President & Artistic Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 62 Main St. N., Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.353.1636
WEB ADDRESS: jaxchildrenschorus.org
MISSION STATEMENT: The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus provides exceptional music education for children of diverse backgrounds creating impactful choral performances.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
22nd Annual Honors Choir Festival, October 26 at 5 PM
Annual festival to honor students across Northeast Florida who have been recognized by their music educators. The singers spend the day rehearsing with nationally recognized clinicians and conductors.
The Cool Side of Yuletide, December 21, 3 PM, Hendricks Avenu Baptist Church
Come out and enjoy various Holiday favorites and sing-alongs performed by the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and Voices of Jacksonville.
Lift Every Voice and Sing Concert, February 22, 2 PM, Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church
An annual celebration of Black History Month and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring all JCC performance choirs with a special guest choir.
30th Anniversary Concert, April 12, 3 PM
Celebrate 30 years of song and cheer with The JCC! This momentous concert will feature John Rutter's “Magnificat” and commemorate The JCC’s 30th anniversary season.
River City Dancing with the Stars, April 26, 6:30 PM, UNF Lazzara Performance Hall
Local celebrities are partnered with professional ballroom instructors to learn to dance and compete to be named River City’s favorite dancer.
MISSION STATEMENT: Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA) is dedicated to helping individuals with autism and their families by tapping into all available resources to provide “outside of the desk” opportunities that harness each student’s unique abilities. With a focus on whole child development and individualized programs, JSA is not just a place for learning, but an environment that nurtures each student to reach their full potential, cultivate meaningful relationships and while transforming their lives.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
15th Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament, October 12
“Flounder Pounder” began in 2010, spearheaded by parents Chip and Teresa Davis. When their son Tyler was diagnosed with autism, they wanted to create an event that gave back to the cause.
4th Annual Autism in Action Clay Shoot, November 14, Jacksonville Clay Target Sports
This event is for shooters of all levels. Event participants may register in teams of 4 or as INDIVIDUALS. The day will begin with registration at noon followed by a safety meeting and the start of the shoot. After the shoot, we will welcome all participants to enjoy a brief awards ceremony and dinner.
20th Anniversary Ante Up for Autism Gala & Golf Classic, May 3 and 5
JSA is excited to celebrate 20 years of embracing the spectrum with a Derby-themed Gala and Golf Classic this May. Stay tuned for more details, but if you're interested in sponsoring or attending either event, please reach out to marketing director, Ashley Kwon, at
Jacksonville Symphony
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Steven B. Libman, President & CEO
MAILING ADDRESS:
300 Water St., Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.354.5479
WEB ADDRESS: jaxsymphony.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To enrich the human spirit through symphonic music.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
75th Anniversary Gala, March 1
Community Side-by-Side, April 9
JSYO Major/Minor, May 7
At the Ballet, May 23
Donor Concert, May 28
The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Colleen Rodriguez, Executive Director
MISSION STATEMENT: Strengthening the entire Northeast Florida Community by providing support services in the Jewish tradition of helping people help themselves.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Annual Spring Fundraiser, April 2025
Kate Amato Foundation
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Lisa Amato, PhD, Founder
MAILING ADDRESS:
135 Professional Dr., Suite 102, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
PHONE NUMBER: 904.629.8300
WEB ADDRESS: kateamatofoundation.org
MISSION STATEMENT: Kate Amato Foundation is dedicated to finding
Kate Amato Foundation
(continued...)
safer, smarter, and more effective treatments for childhood cancer by supporting innovative research to advance the pace of progress and save young lives.
UPCOMING EVENTS: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You can provide direct support to children fighting cancer by donating to Kate’s Kindness Project which delivers care packages to local children at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health.
Kate Kombo Gold and Pickle Ball Tournament, October 11
The simultaneous Golf and Pickleball Tournaments will be held at The Yards in Sawgrass. Pick your favorite sport (golf of pickle), register to play, and join us for a day of fun and fundraising. All levels are welcome and spectator tickets are available.
Kate Kup, April 2025
Our famous Triples Tennis Tournament hosted at The Yards in Sawgrass sells out each year and is a great time for participants and spectators alike.
Kim’s Open Door
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Kim Bogart, Founder and Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 4000 Spring Park Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
PHONE NUMBER: 904.651.2231
WEB ADDRESS: kimsopendoor.com
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a safe place were kids and families experience transformation through education, the arts, nutrition, athletics, and strategic events that build healthy communities.
Lightner Museum
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: David Bagnall, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 75 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
PHONE NUMBER: 904.824.2874
WEB ADDRESS: lightnermuseum.org
MISSION STATEMENT: The Lightner Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of visitors through our extraordinary collection, historic building, and dynamic exhibitions and programs.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Yoga in the Garden, 8:30AM, 3rd Saturday every month Jazz in the Garden, October 3, 6-8 PM
Holiday Market, December 5, 5-8:30 PM
Nights of Lights Jazz in the Garden, December 12, 6-8 PM
Operation New Hope
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Reggie Fullwood, President & CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 1830 N. Main St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
PHONE NUMBER: 904.354.4673
WEB ADDRESS: operationnewhope.org
MISSION STATEMENT: Operation New Hope provides support, life and job skills training for people with a history of involvement with the criminal justice system, and places them in employment that offers a sustainable quality of life. Operation New Hope works to build a stronger community by creating opportunities to realize second chances and reduce recidivism.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS: “The Art of Hope” Exhibit at UNF Lufrano Intercultural Gallery, October 10 – November 8.
Operation New Hope is celebrating our 25th anniversary, and to mark this, we are hosting “The Art of Hope” showcasing the art and writing of people impacted by the criminal justice system to give voice to people who have been excluded by incarceration and challenge our assumptions about the criminal justice system.
Pace Center for Girls
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Chantell Miles, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 2933 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32211
PHONE NUMBER: 904.448.8002
WEB ADDRESS: pacecenter.org
MISSION STATEMENT Pace provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.
UPCOMING EVENTS: 7th Annual Fall into Fashion Show , November 9 at 7 PM, Pace Center for Girls 2025 Believing in Girls Breakfast, March 27, Florida Blue Conference Center
Project Cold Case
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Ryan Backmann, Founder & Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 10 S. Newnan St., Suite #1, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.525.8080
WEB ADDRESS: projectcoldcase.org
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide long-term emotional support to families of cold case victims through support groups, counseling, and case-specific next-step approaches for advancing investigations, all while working to publicize cold cases long out of the public eye and bridging the gap between families, information, and law enforcement.
UPCOMING EVENTS: 9th Annual Year of Hope, September 29, 11 AM - 2 PM, Intuition Ale Works
Our annual Year of Hope event helps us raise money to support families of unsolved homicides while providing an educational opportunity for community supporters. Survivors, supporters, elected officials, and curious citizens are invited to join us as we celebrate accomplishments and announce future goals.
Ritz Chamber Players
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Terrance L. Patterson, Artistic Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 300 W. Water St., Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.472.4270
WEB ADDRESS: ritzchamberplayers.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
At Ritz Chamber Players, we transcend cultural boundaries and amplify the rich mosaic of our society through the universal language of music. Our mission is to showcase diversity by spotlighting the extraordinary artistry of African American musicians past and present. Through our dynamic concert series and impactful outreach initiatives, featuring world renowned musicians, we aim to ignite inspiration, foster engagement, and champion education to the masses. We want to ensure that the transformative power of classical music is accessible to everyone.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Our Heritage, November 23
Remembering Resilience, January 11
Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing: 125th
Anniversary Celebration, February 8
The Ties That Bind, April 26
Juneteenth Celebrate Freedom Concert, June 21
Sulzbacher Center
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Cindy Funkhouser, President & CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 611 E. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.359.0457
WEB ADDRESS: sulzbacherjax.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
To provide our community with affordable access to housing, health
care, and opportunities for economic growth.
Our Vision: A thriving community where everyone has access to housing, healthcare, and hope
UPCOMING EVENTS: 2024 Transformations, September 26, 5:30pm, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Trinity Rescue Mission
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Gary Judd, Executive Director
MAILING ADDRESS: 12125 New Berlin Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32226
PHONE NUMBER: 904.355.1205
WEB ADDRESS: trinityrescue.org
MISSION STATEMENT: Ending the cycle of homelessness for men, women, and especially children across Northeast Florida.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Trinity Rescue Mission is hosting the 13th Annual Out-Shoot Hunger Sporting Clay Shoot! This event is an excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals to get involved and help feed the needy in our community.
The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Kendra McCrary, President
MAILING ADDRESS: 1325 San Marco Blvd., Suite 802, Jacksonville FL 32207
PHONE NUMBER: 904.202.2886
WEB ADDRESS: womensboardwch.com
MISSION STATEMENT: To raise awareness and funds for Wolfson Children's Hospital to ensure the finest available pediatric health care.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Florida Forum Speakers Series: Boris Johnson, October 29; Deepak Chopra, January 15; Carl Hiaasen, February 12 Tickets on sale now.
First Coast Design Show, December 5-8, Prime Osborn Convention Center
Featuring Art and Antique vendors from across the country, nationally recognized interior design lecturers, a black tie gala and a children's fashion show featuring 30 patients of Wolfson Children's Hospital.
United Way Northeast Florida
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Melanie Patz, President and CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 40 E Adams St., Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.390.3200
WEB ADDRESS: unitedwaynefl.org
MISSION STATEMENT: United Way envisions a community of opportunity, where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential.
United Way Northeast Florida (continued...)
We work to solve our community’s toughest challenges by connecting people, resources and ideas.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Cocktails and Conversations, September 5, Jekyll Brewing
Hosted by United Way’s young professionals group, Atlantic Circle, this ultimate event for emerging changemakers connects you to leading philanthropists in Northeast Florida.
Holiday Happy Hour, November. 14
Celebrate the holiday season with United Way! Proceeds from the event will benefit United Way initiatives and programs.
MLK Day of Service, January 2025, Various locations
Celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of giving back to the community through volunteerism. Activities will be available for all ages.
Mrs. Roper Romp, March 2025
Join Women United members, a.k.a. many Mrs. Ropers, as they romp around town to support United Way’s work.
Up Close and Personal, May 15
Don't miss this unforgettable evening with Women United, United Way’s leadership society for women, as we celebrate philanthropy and service in Northeast Florida.
We Can Be Heroes Foundation
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Beth Heath, President
MAILING ADDRESS: 14286-19 Beach Blvd., Suite 120, Jacksonville, FL 32250
PHONE NUMBER: 904.373.8817
WEB ADDRESS: wecanbeheroesfounda tion.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
To inspire the unsung hero in all of us to achieve more.
YMCA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Eric K. Mann, President & CEO
MAILING ADDRESS: 40 East Adams St., Suite 210, Jacksonville, FL 32202
PHONE NUMBER: 904.265.1824
WEB ADDRESS: fcymca.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Clay County YMCA Golf Tournament, September 20, 8 AM, Fleming Island Golf Club
Tee up for a great cause and join us for a day of fun on the beautiful Fleming Island golf course.
YMCA Drivers of Change Golf Invitational, November 4, Timuquana Golf and Country Club
Drivers of Change, our annual signature corporate golf event, creates a brighter future for children and teens at YMCA Tiger Academy and Johnson Family YMCA.
Young Life in Northeast Florida
CHIEF EXECUTIVE: David Bast, Associate Regional Director
Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. u
Wish List
RUNNING
A NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION MEANS ALWAYS HOPING FOR MORE
more volunteers, more contributions, more resources to fulfill the mission about which the group was established. So, as part for this year’s Charitable Register, we asked our participation organizations to share one “wish” they have for the remainder of 2024. Posted here are some of their answers. Perhaps you, your family, or business could help grant a wish this year?
BEACHES DIAL A RIDE
We hope people will attend our Singer Songwriter Showcase on September 5, featuring music by Mike Shackelford and others and emceed by Brian Sexton. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a raffle all to help support our free transportation program for Beaches Homebound Seniors.
Beaches Fine Art Series
We’d like to expand our reach with increased corporate support of our free concert series and award-winning educational programs, both of which do so much for our communities.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Our wish is to have even more support from our wonderful community through longterm relationships with local community partners and businesses in order to serve all the young people in our community who can benefit from our after-school and summer programs. This would ensure all young people have a supportive place to go after-school where they receive a hot meal, homework assistance, quality programs and loving support.
Cathedral Arts Project
This year, the Cathedral Arts Project expands its offerings in arts education to children in the non-traditional learning environments of charter schools, homeschool settings, military families and residential crisis care. Our wish is to continue strengthening existing philanthropic partners and grow new relationships by providing greater volunteer opportunities for our community to engage with CAP.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic Charities Jacksonville always appreciates general donations so we can apply them to the areas of greatest need. However, we could also use a walk-in freezer/refrigerator to enhance our food bank as well as a donated minivan or SUV that would enable us to move more families into housing.
Child Cancer Fund
As a complement to its practical, financial, and educational programs that serve families dealing with childhood cancer, the Child Cancer Fund recently added a $1 million endowment to provide psychosocial services–such as animal-assisted and music therapies—to oncology patients through Nemours Children's Health Jacksonville. Our biggest wish is to meet that goal through donations and community partnerships in our 30th Anniversary Celebration September 26.
CHILDREN’S
HOME SOCIETY
Join us in supporting children in need from “cradle to career” with essentials like diapers, wipes, and hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Together, we're bridging pathways to success for every child.
Communities
In
of Jacksonville
Schools
Communities In Schools of Jacksonville welcomes guest speakers in different career fields or guest readers for our literacy days. Donations of clear back packs and school supplies are helpful year-round.
DANIEL
Daniel’s wish is to continue to find support from companies and individuals that are
interested in helping transform our residential treatment campus on Belfort Road so that we can provide a warm and uplifting environment where our kids can heal and begin building more promising tomorrows.
Deck The Chairs
The Deck The Chairs (DTC) mission to "Promote Children's Arts & Arts Education" expands annually. In 2024, DTC will showcase more than 50 stage programs during the holiday season. It's a major undertaking requiring numerous resources. We are wishful that our fundraising work over the next three months will allow DTC opportunity to purchase a camera and outdoor video monitor to capture the performers on our stage.
DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
For 2024, the Developmental Learning Center wishes for school and office supplies, new infant toys, new playground toys for preschoolers, new infant and preschool books.
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council
DESC’s wish for the coming year is for the end of high inflation, decreased rental costs and greater access to nutritious food for those struggling with limited income. We pray for continued blessings of resources to keep our services fully functioning including funds, canned goods, toiletries, shoes, underwear, reading glasses and more.
DREAMS COME TRUE
Dreams Come True’s vision is to ensure that every local child battling a life-threatening medical condition on the
First Coast is given the gift of a dream and provided extra hope and joy during the moments in between their journey. Entering the holiday season, Dreams Come True is looking for individuals and businesses to help with toy and food donations/drives during the holiday season, which will impact over 300 dream families. Additionally, financial contributions are always appreciated as dreams do not stop.
Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park
JWJ Park will continue to work with the City of Jacksonville on a new design for the park which will represent a contemporary, vibrant, green public space that is the heartbeat of our community where all people gather for fun, education, and relaxation. Look for designs in late 2024 or early 2025. We will continue our wide-ranging collaborations to provide a variety of unique experiences that are essential to a thriving Downtown and creating a sense of civic identity and pride.
GABRIEL HOUSE OF CARE
As we approach the Giving Season, our focus is to always to expand our exposure throughout Northeast Florida, introducing people to Gabriel House of Care and our “Community of Healing” work with organ transplant and
cancer patients and caregivers. These months are full with groups doing dinners here, with our golf tournament, and with the holiday events. It’s a great time of year to be a part of such meaningful work giving to people who have had to leave their homes and support system to come for critical medical care.
Garden Club of Jacksonville
The Garden Club of Jacksonville seeks sponsorships for its fantastic slate of events, including Horticulture Corner, Budding Gardeners, Blooms Galore & More, Flea Market, Designer of Distinction, and more! Our sponsorship packages are designed to align businesses, organizations, and individuals with events that make a difference in people's lives.
JACKSONVILLE CHILDREN’S CHORUS
As we enter our 30th season, the JCC is hoping to spread the joy of choral music and welcome 100 new singers to our choirs. We have programming for children 18 months through 18 years old and wish to introduce as many children as possible to the wonders of music.
Jacksonville School for Autism
Amazon gift cards for school & office supplies.
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY
This year, we are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Jacksonville Symphony. To compliment this milestone season, we unveiled a fresh look inspired by Jacksonville’s ocean sunrises and iconic rivers, highlighting our deep connection to the city we know and love. Our wish this season is to continue enriching our community, while welcoming newcomers to discover all the Symphony has to offer.
Kate Amato Foundation
Our wish for Kate Amato Foundation is to grow and expand our impact for children with cancer. Our hope is to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new relationships with companies and individuals who share our vision of developing safer and more effective treatments for
pediatric cancer. We achieve this by increasing our grant funding year over year to support more research projects, increasing our awareness programs including Kate’s Kindness Project and the KATE KLUB, and establishing full-time operations with office space and staff.
KIM'S OPEN DOOR
Our wish is to connect individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact with the opportunity to sponsor a student for a semester at Kim's Open Door International Academy. Our academy serves students who have resettled from Honduras, Afghanistan, Syria, Burundi, Ukraine, and many other countries. They receive English language instruction, homework assistance, a nourishing meal, and the chance to engage in activities such as soccer or dance.
The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services
Our wish for the coming year is to build strong community partnerships, allowing us to extend our services and reach more children, families and individuals in need. These include: Child Welfare Services, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children through foster care, adoption, and family preservation programs; Holocaust Survivor Services, Delivering specialized care and support for Holocaust survivors, ensuring they live with dignity and comfort. By addressing these critical areas, we not only empower individuals and families but also strengthen the entire Northeast Florida community together.
OPERATION NEW HOPE
As we celebrate 25 years and continue to expand our statewide reentry network, Operation New Hope is on track to serve a record number of clients at our flagship location in Jacksonville. Please join us this fall for The Art of Hope at UNF’s Lufrano Gallery, donate hope this Giving Tuesday, and join us at a Second Chance Showcase to learn more. Interested in volunteering? Join us for Community in the Classroom Mock Interviews or host a Welcome Home Hygiene Kits drive.
PACE Center for Girls
Pace is one of the only multistate gender-responsive, traumainformed, and strength-based models for girls in the country, with a proven evidence base. For 2024, the center wished for new socks and deodorant for the girls it cares for.
PROJECT COLD CASE
For 2024, we hope more people will read and share the stories on our website and social media platforms.
Ritz Chamber Players
We wish to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the Ritz Chamber Players so we may continue to break down cultural barriers and elevate the next generation of diverse musical talent. We hope to forge new partnerships that will allow us to enhance our operational resilience and long-term viability. Securing essential resources enables us to deepen our impact by expanding our community outreach and educational programs. Let's compose a harmonious future where every note resonates with inclusivity and excellence.
SULZBACHER
Amazon Wish List (https://www.amazon.com/hz/ wishlist/ls/RSDRWXUBDQH0)
Trinity Rescue Mission Non-Perishable Items, Meats and Dairy, Breakfast Ingredients, Produce, Cups, Condiments, Food service supply, Clothing, Hygiene Products, Blankets.
UNITED WAY NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Make a gift today at unitedwaynefl.org/give to provide hope and opportunity to those who need it most in Northeast Florida.
The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital
The Women's Board wishes to help the region discover Wolfson Children's Hospital, from the high-quality pediatric programs and services to the incredible caliber of staff and physicians who treat each child. We hope you never need Wolfson Children's but know that it is here taking care of our children.
YOUNG LIFE IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Young Life in Northeast Florida is looking for adult volunteers who desire to walk alongside teenagers and introduce them to Jesus Christ as we expand ministry throughout Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties.
YMCA
Play it Forward! Get every kid in the game and sponsor a child in youth sports today. Your support can make a huge difference in a child's life, providing them with opportunities to stay active, learn teamwork, and build confidence through participation in sports. u
WWe asked. And you answered. In fact, more than 2,000 votes were cast in this year’s Best in Pets Readers Poll—the results of which are posted here. As we have done for several years, Jacksonville Magazine sought recommendations in more than 20 local pet services ranging from doggie day care to pet-friendly restaurants to emergency veterinary care. Not surprisingly, the recommendations came pouring in. Our pets are bonafide members of our families, so it’s only natural that we want what’s best for them. Turns out, what’s “best” for them is detailed right here in this issue.
PET PORTRAITS BY AZ PHOTO JAX | WORDS BY KARA POUND
Layla Labrador Retriever
OUTDOOR PLAY AREA
Bark
Avenue
Ranking at the top of our new category ‘Best Outdoor Play Area in Jacksonville’ is Bark Avenue. This luxury boarding facility on Alta Drive offers overnight stays, doggy daycare, grooming, and an incredible outdoor space for your furry friends to frolic in. Pups can enjoy an expansive turf area that is perfect for games of fetch and tug-of-war. There are also multiple palm-shaded spots for dogs to lounge, as well as a pool for them to show off their doggie paddling skills. And the pool is shaped like a dog bone, of course.
OVERNIGHT BOARDING
Pet Paradise
Boarding your precious pets overnight can be a daunting experience. That’s why we’ve given Pet Paradise the number one spot on our list again this year. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are being so well taken care of. Pet Paradise provides private, climatecontrolled suites with plush beds and bottomless water bowls for your dogs, and cats are given a multi-level suite complete with toys and scratching posts. Not to mention the scheduled play time and cuddle sessions for each of your animals to keep them active and happy.
CARPET CLEANING/ODOR REMOVAL
First Coast Home Pros
Looking for the best solution for those stubborn pet stains and odors in your carpet? First Coast Home Pros takes the cake for the second year in a row. This locally-owned and -operated family business offers highly trained technicians using only the most technologically advanced equipment available to service your carpets. Their steam cleaning method removes more dirt and bacteria from carpeting than other methods, making it ideal for those pesky stains and odors.
DOGGIE DAY CARE
Central Bark
Central Bark wins ‘Best Doggie Day Care in Jacksonville’ yet again! Celebrating 20 years in business, Central Bark’s highly trained team uses science-based, holistic approaches to canine care that provide amazing results. Coined “Enrichment Dog Day Care,” their sessions cater to the physical, mental, and emotional health of
your dog. They offer both small and large play groups, rest and relaxation periods in private spaces for each dog, and even one-on-one enrichment sessions with interactive toys and puzzles. Central Bark follows the highest standards of safety and hygiene with rigid cleaning routines and protocols to make sure your pup has the best experience possible.
PET PHOTOGRAPHY
AZ Photo Jax
Who doesn’t love a selfie session with our furry friends? But sometimes it takes a professional pet photographer to truly capture your pet’s personality. AZ Photo Jax is at the top of our list for the 4th time, as they continue to provide top-tier photos of their four-legged clients. The photographers at AZ Photo Jax focus on keeping the pets calm and making them feel safe during their session, which allows the pets to be their authentic, adorable selves. Book a session at their studio, the home, or even a nearby park or beach for memories that can truly last a lifetime.
EMERGENCY VET SERVICES
First Coast Veterinary Specialists
An after-hours emergency is every pet parent’s worst nightmare, but First Coast Veterinary Specialists have proven their capabilities yet again. This patient-focused practice with state-of-the-art equipment and compassionate experts can help walk you through whatever emergency your pet is facing. They have in-house laboratory testing, radiology, CT, ECG, complete critical care monitoring, and more. Their surgical suite and intensive care unit are top of the line, and their staff is ready and willing to care for your pets as if they were their own.
DOG TRAINING SERVICE K-904
Equipped to offer you incredible dog training services at whatever level you are seeking, K-904 lands at the top of our list this year. Their Positive Reinforcement approach to dog training has been proven to be wildly successful due to the trainers’ diligence and expertise. Choose from different levels of K-904 Camps depending on your pup’s needs, and know that they’re in the most capable, loving hands while they become well-mannered, socialized pets.
PET SHOP
Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus has reached #1 on our list again this year, as they’ve proven to provide a wealth of knowledge, goods, and services for you and your pet. Whether you’re shopping for a fluffy feline friend or your reptilian pal, Pet Supplies Plus offers an impressively wide variety of pet essentials for all kinds of critters. Check out your local Pet Supplies Plus for food, toys, treats, accessories and more. They also offer grooming and pharmaceutical services, making it a true “one stop pet shop.”
FEED STORE
Standard Feed & Seed
Dogs, cats, chickens, horses, rabbits… if it eats, there’s a good chance Standard can help feed it. They’ve been doing just that for more than 70 years, operating out of a Kings Road landmark for nine lives plus a
few more. Don’t believe it? Ask your tortoise, mini pig, fish, deer, cow or guinea pig, they’ll tell you it’s true. Chicken lovers especially know this is a go-to spot for feed, cute chicks and expertise on how to raise and care for healthy birds. Plus, they offer a selection of garden and grass seeds, fertilizer and pest control products, as well as flowering bushes and fruit trees. Standard even makes deliveries. This is what shopping local is all about.
EXOTIC ANIMAL HOSPITAL Forever Vets
Animal Hospital
From lizards to parrots, searching for exotic pet care?
Look no further—Forever Vets Animal Hospital made the top of our list this year. We know that finding qualified care for exotic animals can be difficult due to the nature of these pets’ needs and ailments. Luckily,
Forever Vets has several different locations in the Jacksonville area, each with an experienced team of dedicated doctors and Vet Techs that are eager to help care for your exotic animal.
VETERINARIAN Animal Care of Ponte Vedra
For 20 years, Ponte Vedra’s go-to spot for annual check-ups, diagnostic testing, emergency care and grooming has welcomed dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes. Even the healthiest of pups and kitties need care for life’s unfortunate occurrences, accidents, ear infections, fleas, ticks and other ailments. Plus, the team here is expert at bathing, trimming, styling and pampering pets. They even let people in a hurry drop off their beloved animals, promising to cuddle them until they are ready to be picked up. u
OUTDOOR PLAY
Area Bark Avenue
OVERNIGHT BOARDING Pet Paradise
LUXURY PET SPLURGE
Sawgrass Pet Resort
CARPET CLEANING/ODOR REMOVAL
First Coast Home Pros
DOGGIE DAY CARE Central Bark
PET PHOTOGRAPHY AZ Photo Jax
EMERGENCY VET SERVICES First Coast Veterinary Specialists FEED STORE Standard Feed & Seed DOG TRAINING SERVICE K-904 PET SHOP Pet Supplies Plus VETERINARIAN Animal Care of Ponte Vedra
Boxer
Animal C are of Po Ponte Ve Vedra
Helping Pets, Caring f Family: Welcome to Animal Care of Ponte Vedra
At Animal Care of Ponte Vedra, our motto is simple: “Helping people help their pets.” We understand that pets are cherished members of the family, and we invite you to be part of our extended family. Since 2010, we’ve been dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for your furry companions. As a full-service, one-stop hospital, we handle everything from unexpected emergencies to grooming needs to the latest diagnostic capabilities, ensuring your pets are well taken care of.
MEET OUR EXPERT TEAM:
Dr. John von Kieckebusch: Originally from St. Augustine, Dr. John has been practicing in northeast Florida for over a decade. He specializes in echocardiograms and ultrasonography, having graduated from the prestigious W.A.V.E. Imaging Academy in Texas. Dr. John’s passion for his French Bulldogs, Tater Tot and Chip, inspired him to pursue echocardiography. He’s excited to bring his advanced skills to Animal Care of Ponte Vedra as the Lead Veterinarian, ensuring your pets receive the highest quality care.
Dr. Doug McKee: A Nocatee resident, Dr. Doug comes from a strong background in emergency medicine, having previously owned a veterinary specialty hospital in Orange Park for over
two decades. Introduced to the profession by his veterinarian father, Dr. McKee carries on the family legacy of providing exceptional care to companion animals. His beloved Boston Terrier, Janie, and French Bulldog, Esme are always by his side.
Dr. Cassie Morales: Born and raised in South Florida, Dr. Cassie recently moved to Jacksonville and joined the ACPV team. Dr. Cassie attended Florida Atlantic University and received a Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences. She attended the University of Tennessee for her clinical training and graduated magna cum laude from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024. Dr. Cassie has a passion for rescue animals, her four rescues Velvet, Willie, Oliver and Toby are no exception.
WHY CHOOSE ANIMAL CARE OF PONTE VEDRA:
We take pride in being the area leader in cutting-edge medical services. From the latest ultrasound and echocardiogram equipment to surgical and medical lasers, and advanced dental services, we offer the best solutions for your fur babies’ needs.
Join our family today and let us care for your pets as if they were our own.
DR. DOUG MCKEE | DR. CASSIE MORALES | DR. JOHN VON KIECKEBUSCH
Coffee & Natty
There’s No Place Like Home
Why do so many pets wind up in animal shelters? For a growing number of people and their pets it comes down to housing, specifically not being able to keep the animal because of landlord restrictions or the loss of a home. Jennifer Applebaum, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Heath at the University of Florida, is the lead author of a study that looked into how housing contributes to owners turning their pets over to an animal shelter.
Among the findings unearthed is that large and small dogs (75 and 12 pounds on average, respectively) comprised the highest proportions of housing-related intakes in terms of size and species. “It was previously thought that small dogs were less vulnerable to housing-related restrictions due to common size cut-offs, but this does not appear to be case in this dataset,” Applebaum says.
In addition, pit-bull type dogs accounted for 12% of shelter intakes related to housing restrictions and 27% related to landlord issues. Cats comprised 37% of pets relinquished due to housing. Fortunately, 95% of animals taken to the shelter for this reason left the shelter alive with outcomes including adoption, foster placement and return to their owners.
“Although it’s unclear from the data what percentage of owners would have wanted to keep their pets, research suggests that tenants who have chosen their pet and a place to live face devastating choices and that housing-related relinquishment is one of the most-cited reason for needing to give up a pet,” says Applebaum. “Since we know most pet owners consider their pets as family, this may indicate that more people want to reunite with their pets than were able to in this study.”
As any cat lover knows, winning the affection of a pet feline is especially gratifying. So, it makes sense that cat companions can be found in approximately 44% of pet-owning households in the U.S., based on Census Bureau data. That comes to more than 28 million homes that have at least one cat, a furry friend who enjoys knocking things off shelves at random and bringing their owners “gifts.” If you know, you know.
Of course, there are many factors that can shape the decision to adopt a pet dog or cat, and the cost of animal ownership is a primary one. That’s not surprising as it often means a commitment of more than a decade to care for a beloved pet, over 20 years for some cats. No doubt, a long life span is among the reasons the pet insurance industry has grown in recent years, as such coverage offers a way to mitigate the sting of high veterinarian bills. In fact, the number of insured pets in the country has grown an average of 22% annually since 2020, says a report from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. In the U.S., roughly 21% of insured pets are cats. U.S. News & World Reports recently analyzed a database of registered cats across the country to determine which cities are home to the most pet felines. According to its study, Los Angeles is the most popular city in which to have a cat companion, followed by New York and Chicago. Jacksonville came in at number 25. We imagine Jaxon de Ville would prefer we ranked higher.
Jolene Mix Breed
Cost Of Living
Dogs are America’s favorite pet. However, cats are cheaper to own. One in two households report that they have a dog and they will spend an estimated $1,248 on them in 2024. One in three households report they have a cat and that they will spend approximately $836 on them this year. Like most everything, vet bills are becoming more expensive, rising some 7% from 2023 to 2024. Thankfully, pet owners received some relief from a small drop in prices for pet food and pet supplies and accessories. Last year, he average annual premium for accident and illness pet insurance for a dog was $675 and $383 for a cat, according to a recent report released by financial services provider Lending Tree. The report projects American will spend more than $150 billion on pets in 2024. It’s a big number, for sure, but no doubt it would be dwarfed by the number of funny cat and dog videos watched on tiktok this year.
Mendoza Family
TIME TO PARTY
This annual fundraiser is for the dogs. And the cats, too. The 26th Toast to the Animals, a benefit supporting the Jacksonville Humane Society and its JHS Medical Fund, is set for Friday, October 4 inside the West Club at EverBank Stadium. The evening features small bites and desserts presented by top local restaurants, libations, live and silent auctions and interactive games. Being honored at the event are the Jaguars Foundation and its vice president Peter Racine. General admission tickets are $150 per person. In addition, extra fundraising opportunities are offered during the event including a chance to win a piece of diamond jewelry ($50), the Mutt Putt putting green for prizes ($20) and a secret wine pull ($35). Tickets available online at jax humane.org. u
The Doctor is in
Pet feeling ill? Who ya gonna call?
DUVAL COUNTY
Howard Acree
Cedar Hills Animal Hospital
Ayotunde Akande
Bartram Park Animal Hospital
Rachel Benmoha
First Coast Equine Veterinary Services
Gregory Bennett
San Juan Animal Hospital
Boyairin Michael
Pablo River Veterinary
Daniel Brown
Animal Eye Clinics of North Florida Inc
Jacquelyn Buzzerd
Banfield Pet Hospital
Matthew Chandler
Animal Eye Clinics of North Florida
Heidi Chupp
San Pablo Animal Hospital
Mary Cleary
At Home Mobile Veterinary Clinic
Zuleika Cotto-Carballo
Julington Creek Animal Hospital
David Cromer
Baywood Animal Hospital
Glenn Davis
Hidden Hills Animal Hospital
Christian Erdman
Kings trail Animal Hospital
Justin Fyfe
Kathrine Gillikin
Banfield Pet Hospital
Guy Graden
Axel Gray
Coastal Veterinary Hospital
Linda Greene
Banfield Pet Hospital
Ronald Greshake
Vet-I-Care Animal Hospital
Ross Griffith
Banfield Pet Hospital
Carl Guill
San Juan Animal Hospital
Maria Guzman
Julington Creek Animal Hospital
Susan Hawk Banfield Pet Hospital
Alexa Herppich
Animal Hospital of Oceanway
Kelly Huth
Banfield Pet Hospital
Kandra Jones
Mandarin Veterinary Clinic
George Khalil
Normandy Boulevard Animal Hospital
Jacquelyn Labinsky
Forever Vets Animal Hospital
Andrew Lawless
Beach St. Johns Animal Hospital
Janet Lee
Dames Point Animal Hospital
Michele MacKay Shoreline Veterinary Hospital
Anna Maxwell
Ark Animal Hospital
Eric McCall
San Pablo Animal Hospital
Moody McCall
San Pablo Animal Hospital
Tylor McLendon
Mandarin Equine Veterinary Services
Grant McMillian
San Jose Beaclerc Animal Clinic Inc
James Mosley
Animal Doctors of Northeast Florida dba Mandarin Animal Hospital
Dwight Nash
San Joes- Beaclerc Animal Clinic Inc
Kimberly Niessen UNF Pre- Veterinary Club
Eric Orr
Banfield Pet Hospital
Erin Ouellette
Atlantic Veterinary Hospital
Jennifer Pallozzi
Birch Island Veterinary Center
Sarah Paschall
Animal Hospital at Oakleaf Plantation
Ann Porter A Cat Clinic Inc
Jovanny Quesada Banfield Pet Hospital
Robert Raymond
Sheridan Animal Hospital
Paul Rehme FDOH
Catherine Rogaski
Merrill Animal Clinic
Allison Rogers A Cat Clinic
Martina Sander
Oceanview Veterinary Hospital
Kelli Sanders
Sanders Shepherds Farm & Veterinary Services, LLC
Sarah Skinner
Dr Sarah Skinner Mobile
Only Veterinary
Richard Sutliff
Scott Mill Animal Hospital
Susan Mary Thoma Whitehouse Animal Hospital Inc
Mark Walker
Capital Veterinary
Specialist Jax LLC
Esra Y. Weisheit
Nease Animal Hospital
Alan Weldon
Jacksonville Equine Associates
Glenda Wiechman
Animal Hospital At Oakleaf Plantation
Rebecca Williams
Deerwood Animal Clinic
Rod Winchester
Julington Creek Animal Hospital
Jefferey Woods
Merrill Animal Clinic
Rose Worobec
Banfield Pet Hospital
Patrick Wright
Normandy Boulevard Animal Hospital
Gina Zambrano
Jacksonville Equine Associates
ST JOHNS
Najla Bell-Meyer
MuraBella Animal Hospital
Krista Davis Bartram Trail Veterinary Hospital
Jay Erne
Veterinary Orthopedic and Mobility Center
Constanze Goricki Greenbriar Animal Hospital
Allison Lockwood
Shelton Veterinary Clinic At Elkton
Rebecca Mackenzie
VCA Ponte Vedra Animal Hospital
Kevin Russell Animal Medical Clinic At West Town Place
Jack Schmidt
St. Augustine Animal Clinic
Kathryn Taggart
Antigua Veterinary Practice
John Yselonia
Antigua Veterinary Practice
CLAY COUNTY
Carlos Aragon
BluePearl Pet Hospital
John Canty
Russell Road Animal Clinic
Cristina Catasus Banfield Pet Hospital
Lindsey Diley
Black Creek Veterinary Hospital
Robert Goring Sixth Street Veterinary Hospital
Catherine Harrington
Russell Road Animal Clinic
Jennifer Locke
Southeast Veterinary Oncology and internal Medicine
Jessica McAlpin
Primevet Animal Hospital
Amy McGinness
Black Creek
Veterinary Hospital
Douglass McKee
Cynthia Miller
Sandy Paws Animal Hospital
B. Craig Price
Black Creek
Veterinary Hospital
Wyatt Price
Black Creek
Veterinary Hospital
Julia Runnfeldt
VCA All Animal Hospital of Orange Park
Susan Ryschkewitsch
Clay County Animal Hospital
Caley Sciardi
Black Creek
Veterinary Hospital
Ashley Spencer Black Creek Veterinary Hospital
Angela Spicer Willowdale Veterinary Center
Abigail Walls
Southeast Veterinary Oncology and Internal Medicine
Tamra White Springlake Animal Hospital
NASSAU COUNTY
Jonathan Greenfield
Amy Hall
Animal Clinic of Nassau County
Gloria MacDonald Fernandina Beach Animal Clinic
Sheila Norstrud The Pet Care Center of Nassau
James O’Brien Fernandina Beach Animal Clinic
Jennifer Towles
Amelia Island Animal Resort and Lodge u
The Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) is ranked third in size in veterinary medical associations in the United States, with more than 5,800 veterinarians represented. It is headquartered in Orlando, and has upheld much the same values since its founding in 1928.
THOSE VALUES ARE:
• To promote good fellowship in the profession of veterinary medicine
• To promote and protect the profession of veterinary medicine
• To procure the enactment of laws regulating the practice of veterinary medicine, and the control of the diseases of animals
• To direct public opinion regarding problems concerning the health of animals and sanitary practices of controlling diseases
• To evaluate the standards of veterinary education
• To further the education of its members
• To further the humane treatment of animals by members and by the general public
The group believes any vet who adheres to these values sits head and tails above the rest. Following is a list of members of the FVMA who practice in Jacksonville and its surrounding counties.
Approximately 150 FVMA MEMBER VETS are located in the Jacksonville area. The names of many are posted at left.
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BIRTHDAY PAWTIES THEMED DAYCARE EVENTS
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
EXOTIC ANIMALS WELCOME
WALK ON THE Wild Side
Up close and personal with the most interesting animals and personalities at the Jacksonville Zoo
BY JEFFREY SPEAR | PHOTOS BY ANDREW VARNES
Kumbuka
Betsy
CJ
If you’ve ever enjoyed the company of animals—whether dogs, cats, horses or other such charming creatures—you learn very quickly that they have unique personalities and respond to us in ways that can only be recognized through frequent contact.
The same thing can be said of the more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals residing at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. While talking with Curtis Dvorak, the Zoo’s Wildlife Wanderer, he reminds us that, ”Not every animal is outgoing, personable, gregarious, playful or demonstrably loving. Some are shy, retiring and tend to seek out quiet spaces, while others are large, powerful and potentially dangerous—not the sort that welcome cuddles. Plus, it’s important to remember that, no matter how approachable, adorable or cute, these animals are not pets.”
It’s fair to say the individual personalities of these animals may not be top of mind as you explore the Zoo’s nearly 115 acres. Of course, there’s an attentive team of more than 90, including 61 Animal Care Specialists, that is exceptionally fond of their charges, all ensuring their animals are well looked after. They’re also a rich source of information and interesting stories.
There’s no denying that Magellanic Penguins, native to the Sub-Antarctic regions of coastal Chile and Argentina, are adorable. While not to be confused with household pets, they enjoy chasing soap bubbles, running after a laser pointer and have “the zoomies” from time to time. While they’ve all been named, and the keepers can distinguish each one, “CJ” is the one that’s captured everyone’s heart. As the first hatchling at the zoo, he attracted lots of attention as a youngster, spending considerable time with the keepers who raised him. Curiously, he seems to believe he’s one of the humans and likes to tag along whenever possible.
If you’re in search of a new security system for your home, you might want to see if “Hansel” is available for the job. He’s a Crested Screamer, a South American bird named for its loud, shrieking and undeniably intimidating bellow. However, Hansel is a bit of a curmudgeon, not always interested in engaging with either the keepers or visitors and will tend to his own business. He’s also somewhat larger than most winged creatures, rarely bothering to make a nest as you might expect. With large powerful feet, it’s easier to simply flatten out a bush and make himself at home.
Another surprisingly vocal group of animals are the Giant Otters. Native to the Orinoco,
Hansel
Buddy & Sarave
Nasura
Amazon, and La Plata River systems of north-central South America, they sound something like a cross between a crying baby and screeching cat. Found orphaned in Guyana, “Buddy” was brought to Jacksonville and has thrived ever since. Buddy shares his time with Sarave, an adult female and the three daughters they’ve produced. According to zoo staff, he’s a really good dad. He’s also blind. Every now and then, he’ll bump into something but, for the most part, he navigates quite well and gets along with everyone.
If you’d like to see a truly impressive bird, you’ll want to meet “Brisby,” the Zoo’s only Southern Cassowary. His natural homeland is the dense jungles, low swamplands and rainforests throughout Australia, New Guinea and adjacent islands. While not quite as large as an ostrich, he displays dazzling blue, white and red colors along his neck, and has a prominent horn-like casque on top of his head. Steer clear of his feet and claws. He produces a deep guttural growl when provoked, more than enough warning if you’re getting too close to the six-foot bird. Although all Cassowaries are flightless, Brisby is quite the athlete; frequently running laps with an ability to reach up to 22 miles per hour.
Due in part to the remarkable similarities they have with humans, the African primates attract lots of attention. This is especially apparent with the Bonobos, native to the lowland rainforests and swamps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Considered the closest living relative to humans, their DNA is 98.7% the same as ours. While each individual is intriguing, and to some degree it’s like looking in a mirror, “Zeke” is the one that likes to interact the most, often provoking visitors with playful gestures, jumping around, bobbing his head and waiting for onlookers to follow suit.
The Western Lowland Gorilla hails from dense forests in central Africa along the western side of the continent. They are a bit larger and more powerful than the Bonobos, with males weighing upwards of 500 pounds and standing more than five feet tall. While the youngsters are active and playful, the adults tend to be somewhat lower key. One of the more interesting gorillas at the Zoo is “Kumbuka.” Born deaf, she does not hear the natural barking or howling that her group uses for communication. Instead, everyone, including the keepers, has learned to be patient, relying on large, demonstrative gestures that Kumbuka can easily see and more immediately understand.
Another of the Zoo’s more imposing individuals is “Ali,” an 11,800-pound African Elephant. While his kind are usually found in savanna grasslands and forests south of the Sahara, Ali has an unusual heritage. Having enjoyed life in Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, it became clear that adequate care could no longer be provided. As such, he was relocated to the Jacksonville Zoo in February 1997 where a good life could be assured and breeding opportunities pursued. Unlike his previous owner, Ali doesn’t care much for the limelight, finding greater enjoyment going for a swim, especially when it’s raining.
While gorillas and elephants are among the most popular African species, the Warthog is not as well known. Except for Pumbaa of Lion King fame. A fierce looking pig with large, protruding tusks and a distinctive ridge of hair running along its back, warthogs are typically found in the savannas and steppe regions in sub-Saharan Africa. When “Nasura” was arrived from Zoo Miami last year, it was apparent that she loved attention and quickly became everyone’s sweetheart. The current plan is to introduce her to “Mateo,” a boar that was born and
Embroidery Workshops:
raised at the zoo, as soon as construction of their new exhibit space is completed, expected sometime near the end of the year. It is expected that, once the couple is joined, it will be a match made in swine heaven.
As you can see, most of the Zoo’s animals are from distant lands. That being said, the North American Black Bear has a range that’s a bit closer to home, extending from Canada, into much of the United States (including Florida, primarily Big Cypress Swamp, Ocala National Forest and Everglades) and a portion of northern Mexico. “Betsy,” the Zoo’s only North American Black Bear, was relocated here from Virginia, gets along famously with her keepers and enjoys splashing about in her pool. Although she may look cute and cuddly, when she gets excited, she’ll huff and puff, letting you know exactly how she feels. Plus, she’s a big girl and not someone you’d want to cross. As a solitary animal, she’s perfectly happy being left to her own devices.
There’s plenty more that can be revealed about all the animals at the Zoo. “On your next visit, just ask any of the animal care specialists. They’re like proud parents, never tiring from their animals and more than happy to share stories,” says Dvorak. He also mentions some of the special programs at the zoo “If you like close encounters, ask the keepers about some of the special programs that allow you to get up close and personal.” u
SWIMMING WITH MYTHICAL CREATURES
There’s one place on the entire planet where one can snorkel, kayak and take a dip with West Indies Manatees, and it’s right here in Florida.
BY WALLACE WHITE
there is a line in Kenny Chesney’s classic tune “Summertime” that perfectly sums up what every true Floridian is looking for this time of year, and it’s not a backyard pool. No, instead it’s a “swimmin’ hole that’s nice and cold.” If you are among the adventure-seeking few who yearn for a unique “Old Florida” escape, then pack a bag and make the trip to Citrus County.
This beautiful part of the state is tucked away on a stretch of Florida’s West Coast and is home to crystal clear springs, manatees, and endless ways to enjoy crisp, clean, and delightfully cold water. Crystal River, also known as the manatee Mecca of the world, is a safe haven for hundreds of the gentle giants. While “sea cow” high season runs from November through March, many can still be found in this beautiful body of water year-round.
Booking a manatee meet-and-greet is a must. Waterfront Adventures: Swimming With the Manatess offers a variety of packages that include passage on a pontoon boat, wet suits and personal guides to help you navigate the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. The guides, part crocodile hunters, part manatee whisperers, part river keepers, navigate the labyrinth of channels with ease and treat the river and its inhabitants with due reverence and respect. Go early in the morning to take advantage of the quiet waters and be sure to visit Three Sis-
ters Springs, a trio of blissful blue holes accessible to “swim in” from the river. With the expertise of your guide, you might even come face to face with a mama manatee and her baby.
For a bit of kitsch, walk around downtown Crystal River to shop and eat. You won’t be able to miss the iconic water tower. Walk a little closer and you’ll find a super-cute splash pad at its base where little ones can play and cool off.
The town of Homosassa is just a hop, skip, and a jump away, but is not to be missed. Walk underwater in Nature’s Giant Fishbowl at Ellie Schiller State Park, then head a few miles up the road to see a tiny island where three swinging monkeys have lived in luxury since the 1960s. While you’re there, enjoy a scoop of ice cream from a vintage airstream, or enjoy a cold one at The Florida Cracker Monkey Bar. To round out your Orange County experience visit the lovely town of Inverness.
Filled with beautiful outside spaces and a downtown that’s right out of Stars Hollow. Catch a play or movie at the Valerie, a beautifully restored theatre, and don’t miss the courthouse where the King himself (Elvis, not Charles) filmed Follow that Dream in the summer of 1961. Wrap up, with all the Old Florida feels, by taking an airboat ride at Wild Bill’s Airboat Adventures! Come on, you know you’ve seen the signs on I-75 and have wondered. Ask for Danger Dave and hang on to your hat.
Many parts of Citrus County are reminders of a Florida only found in vintage postcards, and this brings us back to that Kenny Chesney song—the more things change the more they stay the same. And that is the heart of this heavenly piece of our state. The natural beauty, the little town charm, yet it’s so much more than that. It’s a beautiful marriage of the old and new, and a unique blend of wildlife, adventure, and timeless fun in the sun.
WHERE TO STAY:
Paddle Tail Lodge is just steps away from the Crystal River and ground zero for all the water activities you can imagine including paddle boarding, kayaking, manatee treks, sunset cruises, and fishing excursions. The Lodge has comfortable rooms and is walking distance to the waterfront and several dining options
The Cove Resort and Pub is located on the banks of a seemingly prehistoric waterfront in the backwaters of Tsala Apopka Lake. The property is amazing—rustic but in a pleasing way. Choose from four fun and beautifully decorated Airbnb cabins. With names like Love Shack and Tin Roof Rusted, you’re sure to have a blast. RV sites are also available.
WHERE TO EAT:
Bayside Craft Kitchen is an upscale eatery that offers to-die-for entrées and inspired cocktails. Start things off their signature libation, The Bayside Breeze, and then dive into the shrimp and grits (pimento cheese gives it a perfect spicy kick), cold water oysters on the half shell, or the Florida fried grouper. You won’t be disappointed.
Kane’s Cattle Company is classic steak house with a fresh attitude and menu. Surf & Turf, hand cut steaks, delicious burgers, amazing sandwiches and mashed potatoes that will bring tears of joy to your eyes. Near the door, look for the marker on the wall showing how high flood waters were following Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The Cove Resort and Pub is known mostly to locals, and a few visitors in the know. This one-time fish camp offers all of the pub fare you would expect but delivered in fresh and delicious ways. Expect wraps, salads, burgers, and chicken wings. Order anything that comes slathered with the Debbie Sauce. It’s delish.
SWIMMING HOLES:
Three Sisters Springs is just what it sounds like—a trio of fresh water springs spilling out from the Florida aquifer that flow into the Crystal River. On foot, one can reach it by a boardwalk located at 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail. Kayakers, paddleboarders and swimmers can enter at the point where it meets the river. Direct access to Crystal River can be found at Kings Bay Park or Hunter Springs Park. At Kings Bay, pack a picnic, bring a good old-fashioned inner tube and jump in. Get there early. Parking is limited.
As water temperatures drop in the Gulf of Mexico, hundreds of West Indian Manatees will make their way to the warmer waters around Crystal River, particularly from the middle of November till the end of March. The annual influx of the beloved marine mammal makes the spring-fed waters here a terrific place to learn about these curious creatures—once believed to be mermaides—in their natural habitat.
The fascination with mermaids is centuries old, fueled in part by stories that sailors mistook manatees for the legendary creatures. In Crystal River, the “Manatee Capital of the World.” it is only fitting to celebrate the mythical mermaid. One attraction unique to the region is Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter, where guests can interact with a variety of sea creatures in touch tanks and catch a daily mermaid show staged in a 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Also, visitors can take a mono fin swim lesson from Crystal River Watersports, where aspiring divers can learn how live and move like a mermaid.
During manatee season, seven manatee sanctuaries within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are off limits to human activity, giving
the animals protected safe zones. Refuge managers have the authority to expand sanctuary areas when manatee activity is high due to cold waters in the Gulf, which can ebb and flow daily. Swimmers and paddlers are not permitted to cross into these protected areas but can still observe from a distance or from above via boardwalks.
With tens of thousands of acres of protected state parks, forests and wildlife refuges, visitors can explore miles of bicycling, walking, birding and hiking trails to experience this wild slice of Florida. The central Gulf Coast is overflowing with swimmable springs and a network of rivers, lakes, marshlands and mangroves, making the region ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, fishing, tubing, scalloping and snorkeling. Must be why the manatees love it so much. u
Are You Ready for Some Football?
With the forgettable 2023 NFL season long over, the Jaguars look to return to the playoffs.
“Me personally, I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed. I’m mad, I’m angry. My heart hurts, obviously for the players and coaches involved. They’ve worked their tails off. I know we’re a good football team. I see it during the week in how the guys prepare. I have to look at why it doesn’t show up on game day and those are all the things I’ll take a look at in the coming weeks.”
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson wasn’t at a loss for words following the team’s collapse last season. No, he had much to say. But they certainly weren’t words he would have expected or ever wanted to utter. “You feel like now this season’s sort of wasted,” Pederson continued. “You had a great opportunity to win the division and we didn’t. We have to live with that. We have to own it. We have to learn from it.”
Last year, the Jaguars stormed across the first three months of the schedule with a record of eight wins and three losses. The team was leading the AFC South division by two games. Both the defense and offense were clicking, making plays and pushing around opponents including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints. Surely, a trip back to the playoffs and perhaps a second-straight appearance in the AFC Divisional round was in order.
Then, for a bevy reasons, the wheels fell off and the Jags lost five of the last six games. Of those games, the only one the team won saw starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence watching injured from the sidelines. To add insult to injury, the season finale had them losing 28 to 20 to bitter rivals Tennessee Titans, a team they beat a few weeks prior by 20 points. The January 7 loss in Nashville ended any playoff dreams.
“Today’s game was sort of our season in a nutshell really,” said Pederson following the loss. “The mistakes, the penalties, the turnovers, the missed tackles… those were all the things that hurt us down the stretch.”
That was then, this is now. The new NFL season is underway and the wounds endured during 2023 will have healed. For Pederson and his staff, including many new faces fol-
lowing sweeping coaching changes, last season is ancient history. A quarterback in the NFL for 13 seasons, he has won Super Bowl rings as both a player and coach. As much as anyone, Pederson knows the league is a rollercoaster ride each season. “It’s year-by-year. It’s game-by-game. This is a week-to-week business,” he says. “It’s how well can you perform for three hours on a Sunday afternoon that you put that one behind you and you go on to the next one.”
Ask any football coach what he most needs to win games and most will have the same one-word answer. Players. All the work done on the practice field and the hours of study in the film room won’t amount to much if the guys suiting up each week don’t have the ability to compete and even dominate the opposing squad. This off-season, the Jags took steps to improve and solidify the roster, both through the draft and signing free agent veterans players. Team owner Shad Khan opened his checkbook and wrote checks with lots of zeros.
The biggest investment went to quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is entering his fourth season with the team, being selected the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL
Draft. Last year, he completed 370 passes for 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns. Multiple news reports placed the value of Lawrence’s five-year contract extension at $275 million, a deal that will keep him in Jax through 2030.
“I am beyond grateful to be able to continue my career in Jacksonville,” Lawrence said following the announcement of the new contract. “My family and I love this city. It has become home to us and this solidifies that even more. We can’t thank Mr. Khan, and everyone involved enough for their belief in me. I know that the best is yet to come and this is only the beginning.”
Selected in the same draft was Lawrence’s Clemson teammate, running back Travis Etienne. He received a new four-year deal said to be worth approximately $13 million. Both players are entering their prime and will be keys to any success enjoyed by the team on the field.
Playing at the top of his game last season
was Josh Hines-Allen. And he was rewarded for it. The edge-rushing specialist has notched 45 sacks in 74 games over five years with the Jags, including 17-and-a-half in 2023. Hines-Allen, considered among the very best players on the team and a leader on defense, agreed to a five-year, $141 million deal, including $88 million in guaranteed money.
“Josh is a true pro who has developed into one of the top producing defensive players at his position in the NFL and a cornerstone of our defense,” says fourth-year general manager Trent Balke. “He is a leader on and off the field, and we are excited for Josh and his family, as well as our fanbase.”
A handful of free agent veterans were signed to the team this off-season, as well, including wide receivers Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay, safety Darnell Savage, and cornerback Ronald Darby. Perhaps most notable, defensive tackle Arik Armstead inked a reported three-year, $51 million contract. A First Coast
local, quarterback Mac Jones, returned home via a trade with the New England Patriots. And a pair of rookies will be asked to make significant contributions, too. First round draft pick wide receiver Brian Thomas and second round selection defensive tackle Maason Smith, teammates at LSU, will see ample time on the field.
“We have a really good culture right now,” says Balke, the man who is tasked with assembling the squad each season. “These guys want to be here. They want to be involved. They’ve bought in and they’re working tremendously hard both on the field and in the classroom.”
“It’s disappointing the way we finished our season,” Pederson recalls. “Obviously, it’s definitely not good enough. Things start with me, and I have to make sure that I’m holding myself accountable and doing all I can to help our football team win, on and off the field.”
Expecting wins and holding the entire franchise accountable is owner Khan. “It’s time for us to win now,” he said during a half-time interview during the team’s first pre-season game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. “Whatever we need to win, we have here. We have a great head coach. We have a great quarterback. We have great talent all around and a great facility. All the ingredients that go in to winning are here.”
So then, are you ready for some football? u
2024 Regular Season Schedule
1. SEPTEMBER 8, 1 PM at Miami Dolphins
2. SEPTEMBER 15, 1 PM Cleveland Browns
3. SEPTEMBER 23, 7:30 PM at Buffalo Bills
4. SEPTEMBER 29, 1 PM at Houston Texans
5. OCTOBER 6, 1 PM Indianapolis Colts
6. OCTOBER 13, 9:30 AM Chicago Bears (London)
7. OCTOBER 20, 9:30 AM New England Patriots (London)
8. OCTOBER 27, 1 PM Green Bay Packers
9. NOVEMBER 3, 8:20 PM at Philadelphia Eagles
10. NOVEMBER 10, 1 PM Minnesota Vikings
11. NOVEMBER 17, 1 PM at Detroit Lions
12. NOVEMBER 24 (no game)
13. DECEMBER 1, 1 PM Houston Texans
14. DECEMBER 8, 1 PM at Tennessee Titans
15. DECEMBER 15, 1 PM New York Jets
16. DECEMBER 22, 4:25 PM at Las Vegas Raiders
17. DECEMBER 29, 1 PM Tennessee Titans
18. JANUARY 5, TBD at Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl February 9, 2025 New Orleans
Game On!
PHOTOS BY JOSHUA KIRSHNER
The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off the 2024 season with a September 8 away game versus the Miami Dolphins. The team’s first game in Jax is set for September 15 against the Cleveland Browns. While these two Sunday afternoon contests are the first to count toward the Jag’s win/loss record for the year, it took more than a month to get all the players (a maximum of 90 at one time) and coaches up to speed with the new NFL season. Training camps for all 32 teams across the league opened in late July. For the Jags, rookies reported on the 19th, veterans on the 23rd. Weeks of drills, conditioning and studying the playbooks were followed by three preseason scrimmages against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons. Prior to 4 PM (New York time) on August 27, NFL teams were required to reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players.
Jax-based photographer Joshua Kirschner is a regular at Jags games and practices. Here’s some of what he saw during two days of practice in early August.
Routinely one of the earliest arrivals on the practice fields is tight end Evan Engram. The 29-year-old was first signed by the Jags as a free agent in March 2022. Engram’s 114 receptions last season were two shy of wide receiver Jimmy Smith’s 116 in 1999. Among the drills he works on after warming up is a series of quick reflex catching exercises using a tennis ball instead of a football.
It’s not uncommon to see wide receivers’ coach Chad Hall participate in the same warm up exercises and drills he asks his players to do each day. He is entering his second season as the wide receivers coach for the Jaguars and his sixth season as a coach in the NFL. During his playing days, Hall was a receiver for three teams— Philadelphia, San Francisco and Kansas City—from 2010 to 2013. Hall and defensive backs coach Kris Richards actually wear cleats so they can better run on the field.
One criticism leveled against quarterback Trevor Lawrence is that he fumbles the ball far too often for an elite-level player. This morning during a series of pocket footwork drills, head coach Doug Pederson snuck up behind Lawrence and tried to knock the ball out of his hands. Lawrence held onto the ball and completed the intended pass. Both laughed at the coach’s attempt to rattle his QB, but no doubt the message of “hold onto the ball” was relayed.
Following a disappointing end to last season, an overhaul of the coaching staff was undertaken, with particular attention paid to the defensive team. If this year’s defense isn’t better than last year’s unit, it isn’t because the coaches weren’t vocal about what they expected. Throughout the practice, coaches constantly shouted instructions. New Defensive Coordinator Ryan Neilson isn’t shy about voicing his displeasure or encouragement when needed.
Fans were randomly selected and notified via a team app as to who can ask for player autographs at the end of practice. Each day a different group of position players were made available for autographs. For example, one day was defensive backs and next could be offensive linemen.
During practice on August 2, there was a long pause and silence on the field after rookie tight end Patrick Murtaugh went down with an injury. During a live goal-line drill, the young player sustained a horrible injury to his ankle. He was carted off the field and underwent surgery on his right ankle the next day. A native of Australia, Murtaugh originally signed with Jacksonville via the NFL’s International Pathway Program in April of this year. u
Earlier this summer, the City of Jacksonville and Jaguars reached an agreement on building what both are calling the Stadium of the Future. When finished, the approximately $1.4 billion facility, the most expensive civic structure ever built in Jax, will have a seating capacity for Jags games of between 67,000 and 62,000, with the ability to expand to more than 71,000 for other events such as the Florida/Georgia Game. Construction is slated to begin following the 2025 season. For 2026, the team will play in town but with a reduced capacity of about 43,000 due to closure of the upper decks. The Jags won’t play any games here in 2027, relocating to London and perhaps Orlando or Gainesville. If all goes as planned, the stadium will be ready for the first game of the 2028 season. u
Puppy Love
It seems only fitting that a team with a cat logo would have the Four-Legged Fan Club, the Jags’ official fan club for pets. There are two ways to join—one for free, the other with a $45 fee. The paid “premium” membership includes a kit for dogs or cats with Jags swag, invitations to Fan Club member-only events, entry into a contest to win gear signed by players and a pet jersey. Both levels feature admission into the “Pet of the Game” sweepstakes and the chance to win a pair of game tickets and sideline passes to watch warmups before a home game. Your beloved pooch or kitty may even make an appearance on the stadium video boards as the “Pet of the Game.” u
As part of the celebrations surrounding the Jags’ 30th anniversary season, the team introduced a collection of throwback jerseys. Prowler Throwbacks get their name from the running jaguar embroidered on the sleeves of the jerseys which also feature a vintage three-color number. The pants are highlighted by a teal stripe with gold and black piping running the length of the legs. The helmets have the original Jaguars logo (actually, the second logo) on the side used by the team in the inaugural 1995 season and through 2013. Throwback merchandise went on sale in mid-July at the team’s gift shop at the Miller Electric Center and hundreds lined up to among the first to get their hands on the jerseys and other team-branded items. u
The team’s first head coach Tom Coughlin (1995-2002) will be inducted into the Pride of Jaguars during an on-field halftime ceremony at the October 6 game against the Colts. During his time on the sidelines, the Jags had four winning seasons, made four playoff appearances, won two division titles and played in two AFC Championship games. After his tenure with the Jags, Coughlin coached the New York Giants from 2004 to 2015, winning two Super Bowls—Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, both against the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. u
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Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process.
Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.
The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public, i.e., lawyers in private practice and Legal Aid attorneys.
The Super Lawyers selection process involves the steps outlined in the graphic below.
Anderson, Jr., Geddes D.
Ansbacher, Barry
Bachara, Jr., Henry G. (Chip)
Barbour, Jeptha F.
Busey, Stephen D.
Camerlengo, Jr., Joseph V.
Cobb, Christopher M.
Coker, Howard C.
Costantino, R. Scott
Coxe, III, Henry M.
Creed, Rebecca Bowen
Delegal, III, T.A. (Tad)
TOP 25 JACKSONVILLE
Edwards, Jr., Thomas S.
Gillam, IV, W. Braxton
Gowdy, Bryan
Harrell, Jessie L.
Hazelip, Christopher C.
Holshouser, Eric J.
Kitchen, F. Damon
McCarthy, III, Edward
Miller, Robert N.
Murphy, Niels P.
Posgay, Matthew N.
Wells, David M.
Worman, Cheryl L.
Banking
BY PRIMARY AREA OF PRACTICE RED
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
SUPER LAWYERS
APPELLATE
SUPER LAWYERS
Gowdy, Bryan
Ross, Meredith
Sichta, Rick
RISING STARS
BANKING
RISING STARS
Brown, Zach
BANKRUPTCY: BUSINESS
SUPER LAWYERS
Pollan, Adina
RISING STARS
Nozzolillo, Armando
BANKRUPTCY: CONSUMER
SUPER LAWYERS
BUSINESS LITIGATION
SUPER LAWYERS
GREGORY A. ANDERSON ANDERSONGLENN LLP
www.asglaw.com
Bajalia, Mark
Farnell, II, R.H.
George, Christian
Gonzalez, James
Russell, Lanny Rust, Adrian
RISING STARS
Blodgett, Kevin
Cocciolo, Rachel
Goller, Matthew
Graves, Lawton
We’re proud of our Super Lawyers honorees. We’re thankful for our super clients.
HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
SUPER LAWYERS HONOREES 2024:
Howard C. Coker, Fraz Ahmed, Chelsea R. Harris, Joel Harris, Corinne C. Hodak, Daniel A. Iracki, Dana Jacobs, Rufus Pennington, *Stefano Portigliatti, Matthew N. Posgay, John J. Schickel, Charles A. Sorenson, Stephen Watrel, and *Michael J. Humphries.
*Rising Stars Honoree
FLORIDA
JACKSONVILLE 2024
BUSINESS LITIGATION RISING STARS
CONT’D FROM PAGE S-4
Harrington, Jay
RISING STARS
CIVIL LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF
RISING STARS
Mountford, Derek
Pappas Hudson, Nikki
BUSINESS/CORPORATE
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Dunn Waters, Kelly
Weisman, Lauren
CIVIL LITIGATION: DEFENSE
SUPER LAWYERS
McCarthy, III, Edward
CIVIL RIGHTS
RISING STARS
Azor, Naphtalie
CLASS ACTION/MASS TORTS
SUPER LAWYERS
CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Reed, Summer
CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS
SUPER LAWYERS
Paysinger, Kevin
RISING STARS
Neilson, Robert
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
SUPER LAWYERS
Barksdale, David
JANET JOHNSON SELECTED TO 2024 SUPER LAWYERS
Janet Johnson has received the top rating of AV Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell®.
Janet is a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, member of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys® and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, and among the 10 Best for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys™.
Dreicer, Jesse Galnor, Darcy
Sieron, Mark
RISING STARS
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Mydock, Travis
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE COLLAR
SUPER LAWYERS
EMINENT DOMAIN
SUPER LAWYERS
Humphrey, Bruce
Settembrini, Jr., Joel
RISING STARS
Hutson, Trevor
Tensfeldt, Brett
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
SUPER LAWYERS
SUPER LAWYERS
Gerlach, Gregg
RISING STARS
Dobry, Todd
Mackey, Joseph
Vickers, Ross
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: DEFENSE
SUPER LAWYERS
EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: PLAINTIFF
SUPER LAWYERS
As a Jacksonville native, Robert Kirilloff is familiar with Duval, its surrounding counties, and most importantly, its residents. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Legal Studies, Robert decided to return to his hometown to attend Florida Coastal School of Law, where he embraced the law and its nuances. While working in the Jacksonville legal community, he discovered an alarming shortage of client involvement in their cases. Robert notes that the attorney/ client relationship is noticeably lacking in today’s legal profession. His legal experience, when combined with a focus on developing a working relationship with his clients, creates an environment that leads to success. Robert accomplishes this by encouraging regular facetime with each of his clients, maintaining an open line of communication, and staying in touch with them following the conclusion of their cases. This allows the client to really know and understand the issues that affect their case and creates a more knowledgeable clientele, which will assist them with any future legal issues.
2024
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Kolyesnik, Lyudmyla
Marcos Smith, Sabrina
SUPER LAWYERS
Moss, Mark
Stanfill, Kathryn
FAMILY LAW
SUPER LAWYERS
Duncan, Michael
Hunt, Matthew
Morgan, Andrew
RISING STARS
Graham, Autumn
Guerrero, Christie
Tuggle, Maggie
GENERAL LITIGATION
SUPER LAWYERS HEALTH CARE
SUPER LAWYERS
Watrel, Stephen
RISING STARS
Prokop, Samantha
IMMIGRATION
SUPER LAWYERS
Carson, Giselle
INSURANCE COVERAGE
SUPER LAWYERS
Demers, Kristin
RISING STARS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Ghaneie, Mitchell
LEGAL AID/PRO BONO
SUPER LAWYERS
Drysdale, Lynn
MEDIA AND ADVERTISING
SUPER LAWYERS
SUPER LAWYERS
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
SUPER LAWYERS
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: DEFENSE
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Busse, Nicholas
PERSONAL INJURY GENERAL: PLAINTIFF
SUPER LAWYERS
Ahmed, Fraz
Butler, Howard
Harrell, Holt
Harris, Joel
Jacobs, Dana
Kulik, Bob
Mira, Janeen
Thompson, David Von Roenn, Zachary
Wolf, David RISING STARS
Engle, Tracy Ford, Brittany
Foster, Sarah
Grossman, Matthew
Luciano, Antonio Nobregas, Alexander
Tom Edwards
FLORIDA TOP 100
JACKSONVILLE TOP 25
Eric Ragatz
Tom Edwards
PERSONAL INJURY RISING STARS
CONT’D FROM PAGE S-9
Portigliatti, Stefano
Studer, Seth
PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: DEFENSE
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
PERSONAL INJURY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PLAINTIFF
SUPER LAWYERS
Baggett, Amanda
PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: DEFENSE
SUPER LAWYERS
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
SUPER LAWYERS
PERSONAL INJURY PRODUCTS: PLAINTIFF
SUPER LAWYERS
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: PLAINTIFF
SUPER LAWYERS
Davey, Brian
Pennington, Rufus
SUPER LAWYERS
RISING STARS
Manini, Kendall TAX
SUPER LAWYERS
TRANSPORTATION/MARITIME
SUPER LAWYERS
REAL ESTATE
SUPER LAWYERS
Ansbacher, Barry
Tromberg, Fred
RISING STARS
Travieso, Robert
RISING STARS
Marshall, Jordan
Roth, Zachary
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
SUPER LAWYERS
NEIL L. HENRICHSEN
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 a top seller. Flan, churros and tres leches for dessert. 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows (683-8104); 160 Shops Blvd., St. Johns (209-5162); 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega 1928bistro.com. B ,L, $$.
Alhambra Theatre & Dining
Alhambra serves up dinner and a show inside its performance hall. Formerly a buffet service, the Alhambra is becoming known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its Broadway-caliber productions. The nation’s oldest continuously operating dinner theater showcases famous plays such as Gypsy, August
GUIDE to the GUIDE:
B–Breakfast; L–Lunch; D–Dinner; SB–Sunday Brunch
$–$10 or less; $$–$11 to $20; $$$–$21 to $30; $$$$–$31 or above
These $ categories are based on the average cost of a dinner entrée excluding drinks, desserts and/or gratuities.
NOTE: Some restaurant entrée prices do not include à la carte sides or salad. All phone numbers are in the (904) area code. Cafeterias, fast food joints and primarily take-out restaurants are not eligible for inclusion.
Eleven South
22-September 29 and ABBAFAB , September 19-22, and The Wedding Singer , October 3-November 10. 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (6411212; alhambrajax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.
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 (2853017; aquagrill.net). L, D, $$$.
Argyle
Located inside TPC Sawgrass and adjacent to The Yards pickleball and golf club, the menu features jumbo scallops, 14oz. ribeye and PEI mussels. 254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach (395-3114; argylepub. com). L, D, SB
bb’s Restaurant & Bar
Bb’s specializes in New American fare and treats, giving comfort food an upscale presentation. Menu items include yellowfin tuna tartare and ancho-spiced rotisserie turkey. They also boast an international cheese selection and top-notch desserts. 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (3060100; bbsrestaurant.com). L, D, SB, $$.
The Bearded Pig
A pair of casual barbecue spots (complete with an oversized chalkboard wall for kids and plenty of TVs) serves turkey, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and the like, counter-style. Owners Chad Munsey and Michael Schmidt both have fine dining backgrounds, so even the standard fare is a bit more grown up than what you might expect at a “Q” joint. And though it’s a meat-fest, there’s truly something for everyone: all of the sides (slaw, collards, mac-n-cheese) are vegetarian. 1224 Kings Ave., San Marco (619-2247); 1700 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach (518-3915) thebeardedpigbbq.com. L, D $$.
Biscottis
This neighborhood landmark for more than two decades specializes in innovative updates on old favorites, like meatloaf served with apricot marinara sauce and duck confit pizza (dinner specials change daily). The dessert case is legendary. Casual. 3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (3872060; biscottis.net). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Blue Bamboo
This restaurant serves hip, Asian cuisine with a wine lounge and patio dining. Menu items include miso-marinated salmon, Cantonese orange duck, Ahi tuna salad and Mandarin orange cake. 10110 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (646-1478; bluebamboojacksonville.com). L, D, $$.
Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid Thai serves authentic Asian fare made with traditional ingredients like Thai basil, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Their pad Thai and dynamite chicken are house favorites. 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (723-1300; blueorchid.menu). L, D, $$.
Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q
Meat is the draw at Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, which has been pit-smoking everything from turkey to pork since 1949. Try the Slawpy Pig, a heaping pile of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and served with sides such as fried corn on the cob, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. Multiple locations (880-8310; bonosbarbq.com). L, D, $.
Caffé Andiamo
A copper pizza oven highlights this stylish eatery specializing in frutti di mare, pollo paisano, vongole Positano, and homemade Italian sausage. Caffe Andiamo complements their Italian fare with a vast wine selection and exudes a modern and relaxing vibe. 225 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2299; caffeandiamo-pvb.com). L, D, $$.
Continued on page 120
Have Sum
Bite-Sized dumplings and other delish treats await at top Asian Eateries.
BY JEFFREY SPEAR
Whether you’ve discovered the marvels of dim sum or are about to experience them for the very first time, there’s a growing number of Asian restaurants around town offering these delectable treats. Dim sum, also known as yum cha, is a traditional Chinese meal believed to have originated in tearooms in the port city of Guangzhou (Canton) in the latter-half of the 19th century. Consisting of bite sized dumplings and other small dishes, typically served with tea, there are countless varieties using a wide range of ingredients, cooking styles, flavors and textures. While no single restaurant serves them all, a good dim sum menu will have more than enough to keep you enthralled.
Some of the most ubiquitous and highly popular offerings are Shu Mai, steamed dump-
lings filled with pork, shrimp or both; Har Gow, steamed shrimp dumplings; Char Siu Bao, a steamed, fluffy white bun stuffed with sweet, barbecued pork; and Xiao Long Bao, steamed soup dumplings. Depending on the restaurant, you’ll find these and many other varieties on the menu.
Hong Kong Bistro serves dim sum throughout the week, along with a full selection of Hong Kong-style dishes. Should you visit on Sunday mornings, you can select whatever dim sum you’d like from a parade of push carts wheeled from table to table. While there is no cart service on weekdays, you can still order dim sum from the menu.
YH Dim Sum has similar offerings, although you must order completely from their menu. While everything is cooked fresh to order,
their Black Truffle Shrimp Dumplings, Seafood Abalone Siu Mai and Hong Kong Sticky Rice are highly recommended. Saving the best for last, their Charcoal & Egg Yolk Buns and Purple Red Bean Buns are a good way to finish a meal. Along with their extensive selection of dim sum, there’s a full Cantonese menu featuring all the dishes you’d expect from a Chinese eatery
At Lucky Cat , a somewhat smaller destination specializing in dim sum, c hef and owner Guorong Fan offers lots of classics along with some of his own creations that capture the spirit of Chinese American cuisine. As such, you might want to try the Everything Bun—a riff on the Everything Bagel and a nod to the chef’s upbringing in Brooklyn. For those looking for something with an innovative twist, there’s Kimchi Shrimp
Lucky Cat
Har Gow
Dim Sum
Dumplings, OG Chili Oil Pork Wontons and, for dessert, Chocolate Panda Buns.
Three other noteworthy restaurants serving dim sum throughout the week are Timwah, S&R Dim Sum and Silver Star. While Timwah’s menu focuses entirely on dim sum classics, arguably some of the best in town, it also serves a few noodle and rice dishes. Both S&R and Silver Star offer an ample selection of dim sum along with a broader menu featuring a wide array of Chinese foods.
If you’re organized and can plan ahead, Blue Bamboo offers dim sum once a month on Dim Sum Sundays (check with the restaurant for dates) Along with undeniably authentic offerings, guests are encouraged to try the Black Bean Spare Riblets, Medusa Shrimp Balls and Curry Beef Buns. For guests experiencing dim sum for the first time, chef and owner Dennis Chan recommends, “Start with what appeals to you first, but pace yourself.” Knowing there’s always more, he continues, “Just when you’re about to give up, order a noodle or rice dish to make sure you’re full.”
No matter which of these places you visit, and whether you order from a menu or experience the table-side service that push carts provide, sharing the remarkable variety of dim sum with family and friends is a wonderful experience. Plus, with so many worthwhile dumplings, small plates and restaurants to choose from, you can take your time and try them all. u
Coastal Cuisine
“There has never been a better time to discover the island’s highly regarded and surprisingly innovative dining scene,” says Gil Langley, president of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Plus, there’s the added benefit of supporting a worthwhile charity.” The occasion to which Langley refers is the inaugural Amelia Island Dining Month. During all of September, 24 of the island’s favorite eateries are offering prix fixe dinners for either $35 or $55. To make the deal especially sweet, all of the participating restaurants are pledging to donate $1 from every meal to the Barnabas Center, which provides help and hope to Nassau County residents in need. Among the two-dozen restaurants taking part are Cafe Caribou, Cucina South, Lagniappe and Salt Life Food Shack (pictured). To make reservations and preview the menus, visit AmeliaIsland.com/dining. u
SAVOR
Support local conservation efforts with this aptly named Florida favorite! You’ll savor top spirits and cuisine while enjoying up-close encounters with
SMALL BITES
Jax Beach-based Bluebird Hardwater, the country’s first-ever canned, non-carbonated alcoholic water, recently introduced four new flavor options such as vodka water with lime and tequila water with pineapple. "We're incredibly excited to introduce this new future of Bluebird," says Will Blum, CEO and co-founder. "This launch is a result of listening to our community and understanding their preferences through extensive research.” Available in packs of 8 ($20) and $5 per can at area bars and restaurants, Bluebird now distributes to four states including Florida, New York, Tennessee and California. There is corn just about everywhere you look. But this maize is not for eating. Instead, the Sykes Family Farms annual Crop Maze is for exploring and welcomes guests to the nine-acre field October 5-17. Tickets are $17-$19 and admission includes access to the playground, hay ride, cow milking station, duck races, animal petting area and the cow train. The maze is arranged in four phases and should take about an hour to navigate them all. Though, it may take longer depending on how “cornfused” you get and how many times one gets lost. Congrats to Sherene Phillips, owner of Honie Bees Boutique and Treats, who recently won a Comcast RISE grant featuring $5,000 in cash and marketing and technology resources from the company. Honie Bees specializes in custom cakes for parties and special events and sells its own line of “Cake in a Can” at local stores. Also, Honie Bees hosts cake-bak-
Extra Helpings
ing classes and cake parties—an interactive afternoon of baking, laughing and even prizes. They provide all the decorating tools, molds, stencils, piping bags and guidance. The customer gets to take home the day’s creation. The St. Augustine Greek Festival has been an Oldest City tradition for a quarter-century. This year’s event, set for October 11 and 12, is being presented with a new format. Meals will be served in three seatings—one on Friday, 6-9 PM, and two on Saturday, 11 AM and 6 PM. Guests will enjoy an authentic multi-course meal paired with Greek wine. Plus, there will be traditional music and folk dancing, all on the grounds of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Also, expect a vendor market and take-home pastries and a bar serving libations. Ouzo lemonade, anyone? San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine welcomed a new restaurant to its rooftop overlooking the city skyline and the aptly named San Sebastian River. La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs serves a menu of upscale eats such as shrimp and salmon ceviche, escargot in mushroom cream sauce and Spanish octopus glazed with honey miso. The bar menu is equally tasty, featuring baked brie and apricots ($14), shrimp and pork belly po-boy sandwich ($17) and a layered fried green tomato Napoleon ($14). Live entertainment is presented 1-4 PM, Thursday through Sunday. Listen out for musicians such as Vinny Jacobs (September 15, 22 and 29) and Tony Scozzaro (September 19, 26 and 27). u
According to Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), the 12-county region served by the organization is home to some 272,000 food-insecure individuals, including nearly 90,000 children. To help alleviate this crisis and bring relief to those in need, the group recently unveiled its new campus on Kings Road. The $23 million, 111,000-square-foot warehouse more than doubles FNEFL’s previous capacity and greatly improves the ability to store and distribute food. In addition, the new facility features more refrigeration and freezer capacity and space for future expansion of cooking and nutrition classes in a kitchen center. “Big, complicated problems like food insecurity require big solutions, and this facility is our boldest step yet,” says Susan King, president and CEO. “It enables us to better serve our neighbors in need, but we can’t do it alone. We urge our community to join us in this fight against food insecurity. Together, we can make a profound difference.” In fact, for every $1 donated, FNEFL can provide six meals to those in need. u
Hot Cakes Party
(Sherene Phillips in Black)
La Cocina's blackened Argentian red shrimp
Cocktail Corner
Disney Springs is a must-visit Orlando dining destination. The rambling marketplace features dozens of upscale shops and places to eat. And, unlike most Disney properties, you don’t need to pay a dime to enter. Not even for parking. On your next visit and in need of a cool libation, travel back to the prohibition-era 1920s with the “Samantha Sterling” from The Edison. Reminiscent of a time when craft cocktails truly became an art, this refreshing cocktail pairs vodka, Lillet Rosé and the fruity flavors of watermelon and lime with cinnamon for a bit of spice to create a fresh fruit-forward cocktail topped with mint to bring it all together. Here’s how to make one at home.
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ oz Grey Goose Vodka
½ oz Lillet Rosé
1 oz cold-pressed watermelon juice
1 oz lime juice
¾ oz cinnamon syrup
Mint sprig and cinnamon dusting for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine in a shaker liquid ingredients. Shake well and pour into Collins glass over ice. Top with a light dusting of cinnamon and garnish with mint. u
Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila
Located just steps from the historic Bridge of Lions in the heart of Downtown St. Augustine, the new upscale Mexican/Florida Coastal eaterie speciallizes in street tacos and enchiladas, as well as short rib, chiles rellenos and tequila lime grouper. Nearly 100 tequilas on offer. 1 Anderson Cir., St. Augustine (2953847; casareinastaug.com). L, D, $$.
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, $$$.
City Grille & Raw Bar
New arrival to the San Marco area dining scene features an upscale setting and a menu laden with seafood, steak and seasonal specialties, as well as an extensive wine list with labels from around the globe. 1314 Prudential Dr., Southbank (398-8989, citygrillerawbar.com). L, D, $$
Coastal Wine & Tapas
A standout in Nocatee’s growing collection of dining spots and shops, the interior is dressed in warm woods, hightop tables, the most breathtaking chandelier you've ever seen, and more bottles of reds, whites and sparkling wines than one could count. New menu additions include Marcona Almond Crusted Goat Cheese & Fig Spread, Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce, and Signature Coastal Angus Beef Sliders. Wines sold by the glass, bottle and three-tasting flights. 641 Crosswater Pkwy., Suite B, Nocatee Town Center (395-3520, coastalwinemarket.com). D, $$.
Coop 303
Coop 303 is known for its regional cuisine featuring hot honey-glazed salmon, chicken and waffles and pulled pork sliders. But the Beaches Town Center restaurant also features local seafood dishes, and is home to the
eight-piece fried chicken basket. Coop also has plenty of spots to hang out and sip their signature cocktails: community tables; alcove booths; a front porch; a rooftop garden; and an upstairs parlor. 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (372-4507; coop303.com). L, D, SB, $$.
Cordova, A Coastal Chophouse & Bar
Situated in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Cordova is the signature restaurant of the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. An extensive menu covers much culinary territory, with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients. Dinner starters include items such as Florida little neck clams and Georgia peach salad. Entrées are highlighted by crab-crusted red snapper, grilled beef tenderloin, and peppercorn-crusted short ribs. Save room for the spiced chocolate cake. Be sure to enjoy cocktails in the Cobalt Lounge. Private dining room available. 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine (819-6018, KesslerCollection.com/costabrava-restaurant). B, L, D, $$.
Cowford Chophouse
Spread over three levels in a restored building near the foot of the Main Street Bridge, Cowford is an upscale restaurant/rooftop bar combo that specializes in hand-cut steaks and seafood. The menu is flush with items such as tuna tartare, roasted bone marrow and foie gras. A raw bar serves oysters, shrimp cocktail and caviar. For the main course, diners choose between dishes such as bone-in ribeyes and Maine lobster. 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464). D, $$$$.
Cruisers Grill
For more than 20 years, beachgoers have looked to Cruisers Grill for their signature burger and cheese fries served with ranch dressing. Grilled chicken, country fried steak, turkey and melted Swiss—the sandwich lineup is tops. They offer all the classics, plus newer options like a housemade fried bologna sandwich. 319 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (270-0356). L, D, $.
Culhane’s Irish Pubs & Restaurants
Straight from Limerick, Ireland, the four sisters
who operate the city’s two Culhane’s pubs draw legions of regulars with classics such as Scotch Eggs and Guinness Beef Stew. Bangers N’ Mash, Corned Beef N’ Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Cheese-Crusted Cod—the flavors of the Emerald Isle live here. Full bar. 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-9595); 9720 Deer Lake Ct., Southside (619-3177), culhanesirishpub.com. L, D, SB, $$
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. $$$.
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar
As a tequila bar and grill located in Neptune Beach (and now in Avondale), the Flying Iguana represents one of the liveliest dining options in Duval. Specializing in Latin-American cuisine and expansive cocktail possibilities, the restaurant also hosts live music and has only one rule: Good Vibes Only. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (853-5680, flyingiguana.com); Iguana on Park, 3638 Park St., Avondale (8348383, iguanaonpark.com). L, D, SB, $$
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 such as French-baked scallops, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée. 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). L, D, $$.
JJ’s Liberty Bistro
Open since 1994, JJ’s Liberty Bistro is a family-run establishment offering one of the largest selections of wine in Jacksonville. The restaurant hosts frequent wine dinners featuring some of the largest wine producers around the world, including Chateau L’Angelus, Veuve Clicquot, and Plumpjack. You’ll find hundreds of different bottles in the retail store, as well as the finest cheeses, caviars, and homemade desserts. Stop by the ice cream and chocolate/macaron shop located just next door. 330 A1A N., Suite 209, Ponte Vedra (273-7980; jjbistro.com/ponte-vedra). L, D, $$$.
Continued on page 126
JJ's Liberty Bistro
Now You're Cooking!
“The origins of Amelia Island cuisine go back centuries,” says Okan Kizilbayir, Chef de Cuisine at the AAA Five Diamond award-winning Salt, the signature restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. “The wealth of local ingredients, fresh seafood and culinary talent make this island special.” Those ingredients and talents will be on full display at the second annual Amelia Island Cookout, a four-day culinary island adventure taking place October 17-20. Celebrating the relaxed elegance of Amelia, the Cookout is actually an island-wide moving feast of exclusive dinners, tastings, wine pairings and a few delicious surprises.
The weekend gets rolling with a pair of wine dinners hosted by two of Amelia’s beloved fine dining establishments, Burlingame and David’s. The next night, Vin Fraiche Wine Group founder Michael Kennedy hosts an oceanfront reception at Coquina at the Ritz-Carlton. Come Saturday, patrons are treated to the scents and flavors of grilled seafood and slow-roasted meats at another oceanside soirée, one swimming with fine wines, craft beer and artisan cocktails and live music. But wait, there’s more—specifically two exclusive Sunday happenings. A mystery luxury lunch opens the day, followed by the weekend’s highlight, the Master Chef Dinner featuring Top Chef alum Jennifer Carroll, Wine Spectator award-winner chef Jerrod Zifchak and other culinary wizards. u
Better With Age
In late July, St. Augustine Distillery released its latest spirit, a premium rum that was aged several years before being offered for purchase in the distillery’s gift shop. The limited-edition rum is a blend of four-year-old rum, three-year-old “Queen’s Share” rum and an additional rum that’s been aged for over a year in a Spanish orange wine cask. The fragrant blend is further aged for an additional year in a cask that previously contained cognac for ten years. “Our Reserve Rum is the culmination of years of dedication, experimentation, and passion,” says Richard deMontmollin, vice president of production at the distillery. “This release is a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries of rum making and delivering a truly unique and exceptional spirit.” According to the distiller, the Reserve Rum ($150 per bottle) possesses hints of ripe banana, Madagascar vanilla, sweet orange and licorice. Excuse me, bartender? u
“We want to make sure we celebrate the rich history and delicious food. So, we created the Mayport Shrimp Trail to make it easy to find this signature dish at local restaurants.” In a shrimp shell (pun intended), the Mayport Shrimp Trail invites seafood lovers on a self-guided trip to more than 15 area restaurants, including Singleton’s Seafood Shack, The Local and Southern Coast Seafood. By checking in at each location visited, trail participants are eligible for a free shellfish-themed t-shirt from Visit Jacksonville and two tickets to a Jumbo Shrimp baseball game. Those who complete five stops are eligible to win a vacation package including an overnight hotel stay and ten baseball game tickets. For more info, download the Visit Jax app and select the Mayport Shrimp Trail icon. Pass the cocktail sauce, please. u
“Mayport shrimp is a Jacksonville staple,” says Katie Mitura, chief marketing officer at Visit Jacksonville.
Will Travel for Food
The producers of the annual Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife in Vilano Beach have hit the road heading west on I-10 to the bayous to host the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, debuting September 19-22. The multi-day event includes a variety of wine dinners, master classes and a grand tasting. Highlights include the master class, “Perfect Wine & Oyster Pairings” with Jackson Family Wines and the “Oyster Daddy,” a.k.a. Ryan Anderson, on Friday. Later that night is Fire on the Lake, a live-fire cooking celebration of smoked meats, grilled seafood and more on the shores of Lake Charles. The festival’s main event is Saturday, 4-7 PM, also at Bord du Lac Park on Lake Charles. The Grand Tasting is an all-inclusive afternoon of food and beverage tasting that includes a cooking demonstration stage and the Taste of Louisiana Alley with samples from many of the region’s best chefs and restaurants. Tickets range from $79 to $225. u
Don’t blink or drive too fast because you just might miss it as you whiz along State Road 48 in Lake County. Resting between the Central Florida towns of Okahumpka and Howey-in-the-Hills is the Yalaha Bakery, a 30-year-old family run operation that serves an impressive menu of organic breads, pastries and German classics. A true country road gem, the pastry case is one to linger over and explore. Chocolate eclairs, peach streusel, cream horns, tiramisu… on it goes. Then, there’s the fresh-baked loaves, including German rye, cinnamon raisin and sun-dried tomato ($8) and pretzel rolls. Oh, did we mention the whole apple pies ($46).
Traditional German fare highlights the sit-down deli menu, featuring Leberkaesse ($8), a homestyle meatloaf with sunny side up eggs and rye bread, and wiernerschnitzel ($13), breaded and fried pork schnitzel with potato salad and sauerkraut, as well as a number of sandwiches. On weekends, the patio Biergarten stages live music, noon to 3 PM. Breakfast opens at 8 AM and lunch is served till 7 PM daily. u
Even if the food wasn’t the best, the view and setting make this a stop worth making. Fortunately, the food complements the oceanside outpost that is Ragga Surf Cafe, located just yards south of Marineland on Hwy. A1A South. Open for about three years now, the Ragga food truck is parked tight along a stretch of rocky beach, a dozen umbrella-shaded picnic tables waiting for guests. The menu is brief but overflowing with flavors like egg and cheese breakfast croissant sandwiches, spicy grilled cheeses topped with bacon, avocado toast and crispy tofu veggie tacos. The homemade pop tarts topped with vanilla icing are must-have delish. Coffee lovers are treated to house specialties such as the “la mocha loca” and sea salt caramel lattes. Don’t get back on A1A without a bite or two at Peace & Cream, a 1977 Airstream serving acai bowls, fruit smoothies and creamy soft serve ice cream. Ragga is open Wednesday-Sunday, 7 AM to 3
Le Petit Paris Café
A little slice of France in the River City, the chef-owned establishment specializes in toasted croissants, quiches and baguette sandwiches. Le Parisien is a classic French hand-held with ham, Swiss and salted butter. The Le Flore salad is a must-try with smoked salmon, tzatiziki cream, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, dill and mixed greens. Sweets include fresh pastries, macarons and pound cakes. Don’t overlook the espresso or cappuccino. Market offers imported foods, condiments and beverages. Pet-friendly patio. 9965 San Jose Blvd., Suite 46, San Jose (512-7777, lepetitparisjax.com). B, L, $.
Matthew’s Restaurant
A fine-dining experience in historic San Marco. The menu is comprised of French and Mediterranean dishes crafted by Chef Alex Yim and also possesses a vast wine selection. Menu items include venison carpaccio, Maine diver scallops, and Osetra caviar. 2107 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (396-9922; matthewsrestaurant.com). D, $$$$.
Restaurant Medure
This restaurant features high-end favorites like escargot and caviar, while also making room for classics like meatloaf. Their menu features global cuisine with a local influence, ranging from handcrafted pasta to duck leg confit poutine. 818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797; restaurantmedure.com). D, $$$.
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. 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, $$.
Mezza Luna Ristorante
Located in the heart of the Beaches Town Center, this long-time neighborhood favorite offers seating on their covered patio, formal dining room, and lounge that often hosts live music. The lengthy dinner menu includes Mediterranean favorites like linguine and clams, pan-seared bronzino and wood-fired pizzas. 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573; mezzalunajax.com). D, $$$.
Midtown Table
A culinary concept from the Medure Brothers, this Gate Parkway eatery specializes in all-things Italian. That means appetizers run the gamut from seasonal burrata to meatballs with house-made bread. Entrées include fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizza, and heartier fare (like pork marsala and salt-baked zucchini). 5016 Gate Pkwy., Jacksonville (503.4122; midtowntable.medurebrothers.com). L, D, $$.
Mojo Bar-B-Que
This regional chain showcases Southern barbecue styles like Texas and North Carolina, including everything from burnt ends to pulled pork. Their restaurants celebrate blues, with their Avondale location boasting one of the city’s most expansive whiskey selections and their Jacksonville Beach location featuring live music. 1607 University Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-
7200, mojobbq.com); 1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-6636); 1810 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island (264-0636); 3572 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (381-6670); 5 Cordova St., St. Augustine (342-5264). L, D, $$.
Mossfire Grill
A fixture near 5 Points for two decades, Mossfire serves Southwestern cuisine with a sophisticated flair. Menu classics include the chicken empanadas, ancho honey glazed salmon, and crab cakes topped with chipotle lime mayo. Try the gouda cheese quesadilla and the Mexican street corn. 1537 Margaret St., Riverside (3554434; mossfire.com). L, D, $$.
Nineteen
Located inside the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, this fine-dining restaurant matches the high quality you would expect for a place that hosts The Players Championship. The menu is dominated by seafood and local fare, like lime pepper-crusted tuna and ribeye steak. The broad back patio overlooks the golf course. Sawgrass Clubhouse, Ponte Vedra Beach (2733238; tpcsawgrass.com). B, L, D, $$.
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, $$.
Poe’s Tavern
Located at the end of Atlantic Blvd. in the heart of the Beaches lies a gourmet burger joint where you can experience an ample beer selection and the cool breeze of the ocean from their outside seating area. Each menu item is named after one of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous stories, including the Tell-Tale Heart, a half-pound bacon and cheddar burger topped off with a fried egg. 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7637; poestavern.com). L,D, $.
Ragtime Tavern
Open for more than 30 years, Ragtime is Northeast Florida’s oldest microbrewery. The menu is loaded with items like shrimp bruschetta, Louisiana crawfish and sautéed mussels. Try the bistro filet and crab-stuffed shrimp, Cajun fettuccine or the sesame tuna. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7877; ragtimetavern.com). L, D, SB, $$.
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Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q
Macarons • Lavazza Coffee Fine Chocolates • Gelato
Jacksonville The Avenues Mall
The Shoppes of Avondale
Ponte Vedra Beach The Shoppes at Ponte Vedra
Savannah Broughton Street Collection
Brunswick Stew from MOJO BBQ
There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding Brunswick Stew. Both Brunswick County, Virginia and Brunswick, Georgia claim to be the authentic birthplace of the hearty dish. However, its true origins are lost to time and hungry appetites. There are many variations on the dish, typically using vegetables and game meat found in abundance in a particular part of the country. At MOJO, a home-grown string of eight barbecue restaurants peppered around the state from Jax to Lakeland to Gainesville, the recipe is infused with house specialties, pulled pork
and smoked chicken. A dash of house BBQ sauce adds some extra bite. When eating in the restaurants, adding a side of cornbread is a must. Many on the MOJO team enjoy eating the stew poured over a dish of mac and cheese, something they’ll do for guests, too. To make it at home, follow the simple directions posted here.
INGREDIENTS
4 cups potatoes, large dice 1 cup onions, medium dice, 2 cups lima beans 2
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, $$$.
RP’s Fine Food & Drink
RP’s serves local fish and fresh produce inside a casual beach setting. The menu features items such as conch fritters, a crab cake BLT, and Shrimp 308—sautéed local shrimp doused in spicy Cajun butter over rice with hushpuppies. 1183 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach (8535094; rpsjaxbeach.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.
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, $$.
Safe Harbor Seafood
Fresh, locally caught seafood is the calling card for Safe Harbor. That’s not surprising, as customers can practically see the shrimp boats of Mayport from the restaurant’s front door. It’s easy to see why hungry diners have been drifting here for years. Sure, the menu is laden with clams, oysters, crab cakes and other seafood standards, but sometimes a basket of fried shrimp, slaw, fries and hush puppies is a little
3 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce
1 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. black pepper
½ lb chopped pulled pork
¾ lb pulled BBQ chicken
METHOD
1. Boil potatoes and Lima beans in water until they begin to soften
2. Add corn and onions and cook until tender
3. Drain water and then add the broth and remaining ingredients
“Salt Life” is a ubiquitous phrase in Northeast Florida, and for many represents a lifestyle of relaxing fun and, above all, love for our adjacent ocean. This restaurant channels that vibe in a dining experience and a seafood-heavy menu designed to appeal to all locals and beach-lovers who enter, ranging from tuna poke bowls to Boca-style grouper. 1018 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-4456; saltlifefoodshack.com); 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. L, D, $$.
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, $$.
Surfwiches
Open since 2013, the Jax Beach sandwich shop specializes in hoagies, burgers, hot dogs and grilled cheeses. Top sellers include ribeye cheesesteaks, roast beef, the classic reuben and the "outrageous" BLT. 1537 Penman Rd., Jacksonville Beach (241-6996; surfwiches.com). L, D, $$.
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 topnotch 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, $$.
Taverna
Taverna offers authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Its focused menu brings out the best in Mediterranean flavors, producing dishes like antipasto and orecchiette. All of their pasta and mozzarella are house-made, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood oven at the back of the dining room. 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; taverna. restaurant). L, D, SB, $$.
Taverna Oceana
The recently opened next door neighbor to sister eatery Taverna, Sam and Kiley Efron’s latest specializes in fruits of the sea. The raw bar serves classics like oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail and caviar. Dinner features lobster thermador, hot-smoked salmon and pasta primavera. 1988 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; oceana.restaurant). L, D, $$
Town Hall
Sourcing produce from local farms, Town Hall brings American fare with a West Coast influence to Florida. They encourage a sense of community in their dining experience, emphasized by comfy couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches such as outlets in the bar area. 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax.com). D, SB, $$$.
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
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Only in Florida: Crime Edition
Strange But True Stories from Across the Sunshine State
Felled trees, downed power lines, flooded roads…. these are common occurrences following a tropical storm. This being Florida, there’s usually more that washes ashore. Hurricane Debby hit the state’s Big Bend region on August 5 and among the detritus that surfaced were 25 tightly wrapped packages of cocaine that floated onto a beach in the Florida Keys. According to US Border Patrol agent Samuel Briggs, the load of drugs was discovered by a passerby who alerted authorities. The illegal narcotics have an estimated value of more than $1 million.
An argument during Sunday night dinner turned physical when Anthony Fiacco, 41, threw a plate of spaghetti at his 61-year-old mother in August. “The spaghetti made contact with the victim who had sauce in her hair,” read the police report. Upon the arrival of St. Petersburg officers, Fiacco fled the scene, deciding to hide behind a bush in the back yard. Quickly apprehended by authorities, the son was charged with domestic battery and resisting arrest.
Early this summer, a Central Florida man was arrested for shooting down a Walmart delivery drone that was flying over his home. According to police, 72-year-old Dennis Winn admitted to firing his pistol at the drone, which he believed was watching him. Police body camera video captured Winn admitting that he tried to “shoo” the drone away from his Clermont home and, when it didn’t leave, he shot at it. “They say I hit it so I must be a good shot,” Winn said. “I’m going to have to
find a real good defense lawyer.” In fact, a bullet hole was found in the unnamed payload the drone was carrying. Winn was taken into custody under several charges including firing at an aircraft.
In June, a 22-year-old employee of a Lakeland McDonald’s was arrested after she fired a gun at customers during a fight at the restaurant’s drive-thru. Cassidy Gardner was involved in a late-night altercation with the customers, who complained that their order was served incorrectly. After arguing at the window, the customers proceeded to drive away, but not before Gardner threw a drink at them, according to the police report. Next, two of the occupants of the car exited the vehicle, returned the drive-thru window and threw drinks at Gardner. Now armed with a handgun, Gardner walked outside to continue the discussion and fire her weapon, which hit the vehicle at least once. She was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Thirty-five-year-old Kayleen Tresedder of Gulfport was arrested in July for domestic battery on her boyfriend. Her weapon of choice? An Apple Watch, which she threw at the victim, hitting him in the ear and causing “a small cut which bled,” according to the police report. Court records say that a late-night argument turned violent, after which Tresedder, a mother of three, was arrested on a misdemeanor count and booked into the county jail. The Apple Watch was not confiscated by police.u
