Born with a rare heart defect, Emmett had his first open-heart surgery at only 2 weeks old. Thanks to the expertise of the cardiovascular team at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, supported by donors like you, Emmett is thriving.
Want to help children thrive? HopeStartsHere.com
Diagnosed with leukemia at age 3, Chase was in the race against cancer for half his life. His childhood cancer team at Wolfson Children’s Hospital was with him every step of the way. Hooray! His chemo treatments have now ended and Chase has won the race. Logan was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was only 7 years old. Now the fourth-grader is working toward playing soccer again, thanks to care from Wolfson Children’s Hospital, ranked as one of America’s best. He’s a champion, and you can be one too.
Want to help? HopeStartsHere.com
Want to join us in our life-saving mission? HopeStartsHere.com
Diagnosed with leukemia at age 3, Chase was in the race against cancer for half his life. His childhood cancer team at Wolfson Children’s Hospital was with him every step of the way. Hooray! His chemo treatments have now ended and Chase has won the race.
Want to join us in our life-saving mission? HopeStartsHere.com
Born six weeks premature, Harbor had a fragile beginning. At 24 hours old, she became critically ill and was rushed to Wolfson Children’s Level IV NICU. Her parents will always be grateful that the highest level of newborn care is right here in Jacksonville.
Want to make a difference? HopeStartsHere.com
Wolfson Children’s Hospital has one vision: HOPE. Hope that every child who comes through our doors leaves with a chance to thrive and flourish. Opening in early 2022, our new Children’s Critical Care Tower — home to higher-capacity, state-of-the-art Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units – will provide hope for our region’s most critically-ill infants and children. Help us make sure that hope will always start here at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Publishers’ Note
Welcome! It is our pleasure to invite you into the pages of our Historic Life Community & Newcomers Guide to Jacksonville’s Historic Districts. You have arrived at a very special place. The homes in these unique communities are defined by their rich architectural diversity and successful historic preservation creating a small-town atmosphere that is attractive to visitors, newcomers, and long-time residents alike. These neighborhoods include picturesque environs – stunning waterways, magnolia and oak-lined streets dripping with Spanish moss, pocket parks and playgrounds, enclaves of small shops and hip restaurants, and most especially much desired greenspace that allows for space to breathe, which is craved by young and old alike. Newcomers to our neighborhoods are warmly welcomed with native Southern hospitality. Although at present social distancing appears to be the norm, at least for a while, no one here is really a stranger. Within the boundaries of the historic districts you will find a diverse mix of single young professionals, stay-at-home moms or dads, couples, families, seniors, and retirees. Front-porch visits and cordial waves of greeting from neighbors and friends remain everyday staples. Exploring these zip codes can be the first step to finding that special place unlike any other – home. It’s no secret that Northeast Florida’s year-round sunny days and moderate temperatures promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The mild climate allows residents to take for granted the type of weather those who live in the rest of the country go on vacation to enjoy. And the mild climate allows for participation in a broad range of land and water sports that can be savored year around. The historic districts offer highly walkable and bikeable
neighborhoods filled with sidewalks, pedestrian paths, foot bridges and, of course, the Riverwalk, which stretches along the North and South banks of the St. Johns River – the perfect place to spot manatees and dolphins. An investment in the historic districts is always a wise decision. Whether you choose to reside in Riverside, Avondale, Ortega or Murray Hill, located on the southwest side of the St. Johns River from downtown, or San Marco, St. Nicholas or San Jose directly across the water to the southeast, we’re sure you will find a comfortable place to call home. Residential sales remain constant and competitive despite the most trying of economic times. Historically, property values have been known to hold steady and often increase, creating a stable real estate micro-market. The purpose of Historic Life is to provide an annual introduction to all that is offered within Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods. Within its pages you will find an overview of the district’s history, architecture, schools, churches, healthcare facilities, parks, wildlife, sports, entertainment, attractions, and more. Neighborhood businesses desire your patronage, and many have served residents for generations. Meanwhile, there are a vast variety of neighborhood eateries that offer both casual and fine dining. Many restaurants within the historic districts are consistently ranked among the best in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. We hope these information-packed pages and our monthly free newspaper, the Resident Community News, which you will find in your mailbox, will help you connect and understand all that this very special area of Jacksonville has to offer. So, we offer a warm welcome to you. We are so glad you are here.
Pamela & Seth Williams
4840 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 515-5959
OfďŹ cial Jeweler of the Jacksonville Jaguars
www.diamondsdirect.com
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5 STAR AWARD WINNING AGENT FOR 12 CONSECUTIVE YEARS 3RD PLACE COMPANY WIDE TOP SALES AGENT 2019 4TH PLACE COMPANY WIDE PRODUCER 2019 2ND PLACE TOP SALES AGENT SAN JOSE OFFICE 2019
“Karen was an absolute joy to work with! She walked me through the buying process and her experience led us to timely and thorough inspections, offering suggestions on creative ways to address issues and being sensitive to the emotional aspect of home-buying. She chased all required information down; even if it wasn’t her job to do so. Karen kept the process light and fun and always brought a level of excitement that genuinely made the process less stressful.” — Samantha Davis
Leanne Hartle I am a multimillion dollar producing Realtor with over 19 years of experience. This knowledge, along with my professionalism, will help you successfully navigate our changing market. I am dedicated to providing service that exceeds your expectations. • • • •
904-742-8557 LeanneHartle@gmail.com LeanneHartle.com
MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER 5 STAR AWARD WINNING AGENT TOP PRODUCER REPEATED PEAK PERFORMER
“We have sought out Leanne Hartle on multiple real estate transactions over the last few years, and she was outstanding! From beginning to end, each experience was filled with such knowledge, patience and kindness. She marketed and portrayed our property being sold so beautifully that we had a bidding war within 24 hours! Leanne truly takes the stress out of buying and selling a property, and we will continue to have her as our Realtor in the future, as well as recommend her expertise to everyone.” — Eric and Rainey Drake
Editor's Note
Having grown up in New England, I was new to Florida when my family first moved to Jacksonville in 1993 and settled in Neptune Beach. There is “no reason to ever cross the ditch,” my next-door neighbor quickly advised me, referring to the intercoastal waterway. And for nearly 20 years, I believed this to be true, rarely venturing west of the bridges that connect Jacksonville's barrier islands with the mainland. However, everything changed for me when I was offered a job as news editor for The Resident Community News in 2015. As I started writing neighborhood stories about the people who live in Jacksonville’s historic communities, I discovered a brand new world and realized the big mistake I’d made by limiting myself to only Jacksonville’s coastal communities for all those years. I soon understood that Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Marco, St. Nicholas, and San Jose each have a personality and history all their own. As separate communities, each is totally unique, and as housing and commercial enclaves each is similar to a small town within a big city. Wandering within the historic neighborhoods that line the St. Johns River invokes a similar feeling to Boston's suburbs where I grew up. In fact, I realized San Marco's Balis Park, surrounded by cute boutiques, hip restaurants, steepled churches, and even a quaint gazebo in its midst, might be the closest I would get in Florida to the traditional New England town square I’d grown up with in Massachusetts. A realtor in Avondale once told me that everyone is looking to live in a “Mayberry,” community, one so friendly that everybody can know your name. In many ways, the historic districts are Jacksonville’s “Mayberry,” minus Andy Taylor, Barney Fife, Goober Pyle, and Aunt Bee. Like the popular television show, it not unusual for residents of the historic communities to be on a first-name basis with shopkeepers, police officers, and firemen, and even their local City Councilwomen or School Board representative.
In the historic districts, neighbors hold block parties like the folks on Melrose Street in Avondale, or monthly pot-luck suppers as they do in Colonial Manor near the Duck Pond. Frequently residents gather to spruce up public spaces such as Willowbranch Park or Boone Park, or to attend special neighborhood events such as Wine Down in the Parks or Holiday Magic in San Marco. With a small pocket park or greenspace on practically every corner, children in these neighborhoods have fresh air and the opportunity to play safely and run free. And it is possible to fish, kayak, or cruise the mighty St. Johns River, walk or bike to neighborhood stores and restaurants, and develop close ties with your neighbors without having to go over and sit in their living rooms. Since the Resident Community News Group came into existence more than a decade ago, we’ve discovered by sharing news and the good works of those who dwell in the historic districts, that our efforts have served to build up the community. Delivered free to homes in the historic areas, our newspaper keeps inhabitants connected through fiercely local news and advertisements that celebrate local businesses. Meanwhile, Historic Life, Community & Newcomers Guide, provides an annual introduction to all that is offered in the historic neighborhoods by allowing visitors, newcomers and even long-time residents the unique opportunity to make further discoveries and better appreciate the place they call home. Although I have not yet moved from my home at the beach, as managing editor for The Resident Community News Group, I often feel like an “honorary” resident of each of the seven historic communities. I appreciate being on a first-name basis with many of the people who live here, and can easily see why they and their families – sometimes over many generations – have chosen this neck of the woods as home base, a place to raise children and enjoy a small-town feel within an urban community. Clearly it is the place to be.
Marcia Hodgson
Sellers need buyers. Buyers need homes. Our job is to make it happen. We pride ourselves on making the home buying and selling process as stress-free as possible. Let us show you what we do differently and some of the programs we offer to make this the easiest real estate transaction of your life. Call, text, email, or DM us today!
(904) 327-5783 | www.cadyjax.com 3568 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
@ C A DY R E A LT Y
10 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Vo l . 6 | 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1
Table of Contents
12.
Public Services
Pamela Bradford Williams pamela@residentnews.net
14.
Day Trip Destinations & Weekend Getaways
Seth Williams seth@residentnews.net
18.
Historic Life Map
PUBLISHERS
Enjoy a fun custom pull out map illustrated by local artist Michael Slayton and sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices that can be torn out and taken with you while exploring the neighborhoods or hung on the wall.
MANAGING EDITOR Marcia Hodgson marcia@residentnews.net
ADVERTISING & SALES
23.
Welcome To The Neighborhood 26. 31. 36. 40.
Debra McGregor debra@residentnews.net
Riverside Avondale Ortega Murray Hill
42. 46. 48. 54.
San Marco St. Nicholas San Jose Downtown & Springfield
ART DIRECTOR Joshua Garrett josh@residentnews.net
56.
The Law Of (Art)traction Art in public spaces creates greater sense of place, community
DESIGNER Chris Gildersleeve
63.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
63. 66. 68. 70.
Kerry Speckman, Julie Garmendia
The Historic Districts of Jacksonville have so much to offer in education, arts, recreation and services of all types that it can be hard to keep track of them all. We tried our best to list everything, but we acknowledge that some organizations and places may have slipped through the cracks. Please forgive us and do let us know what’s missing so we can add them to this annual Community and Newcomers Guide.
(904) 388-8839 Residentnews.net @ResidentNewsJax Historic Life—Community and Newcomers Guide is an annual magazine covering Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Marco, San Jose, St. Nicholas and Springfield. For advertising information please call 904.388.8839. Facts and statements expressed in the editorial content are not necessarily those of The Resident Community News Group. All content is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, copied or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2020-2021.
Schools & Education
76.
General Medical Centers and Emergency Care Cancer Centers Children's Care Quality of Life
Places of Worship 85. 86. 87. 88.
92.
70. Special Needs Schools 72. Private Schools 74. Colleges and Universities
Healthcare 77. 78. 80. 81.
85.
Public Elementary Schools Public Middle Schools Public High Schools Charter Schools
Anglican, Baptist Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran Methodist, Orthodox Presbyterian
89. Other Denominations / Non-Denominational 90. Judaism
Civic Groups 92. Civic Clubs 93. Young Professional Clubs
94.
Things To Do 94. 95. 96. 98. 99.
Entertainment Venues Museums Music, Dance & Theater Groups Other Things To Do Profesional Sports
99. Sports Venues 100. Dog Parks 100. Must-See State Parks & National Monuments
The Coffey Team Historic Home Specialists Janie Coffey’s sixteen plus years being a Florida general contractor and real estate broker offers discerning clients the finest when buying or selling historic homes along the Florida coast. Janie’s family traces their ancestry for fifteen generations of First Coasters, arriving in St. Augustine in 1574 through to the present day. When tradition and premier expertise in historic and luxury homes is important, there is simply no better choice than Compass and The Coffey Team.
The Coffey Team janie.coffey@compass.com 904.525.1008 1710 N. Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206
THE COFFEY TEAM IS A TEAM OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS AFFILIATED WITH COMPASS. COMPASS FLORIDA, LLC D/B/A COMPASS IS A LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER AND ABIDES BY EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LAWS.
12 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Public Services Police Services
Vehicle Registration
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO)
Duval County Tax Collector’s Office 6331 Roosevelt Blvd. STE 10, or 10035 San Jose Blvd. gorenew.com | (904) 630-1916
• Headquarters: 501 E Bay St. • Zone 3 Substation: 7100 Powers Ave. (Serving San Marco, St. Nicholas, San Jose and Lakewood) • Zone 4 Substation: 3726 Blanding Blvd. (Serving Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill and Ortega) • Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 • Non-emergencies: (904) 630-0500
Utilities Jacksonville Electric Authority jea.com | (904) 665-6000 or (800) 683-5542
City Services 630-City (City Services Information) 630city.coj.net | (904) 630-CITY (2489)
Phone, Cable & Internet Service • AT&T: 1-888-757-6500 • Comcast Xfinity: 1-800-934-6489 • Dish Network: 1-888-975-0964 • DIRECTV: 1-800-490-4388
Public Transportation • For schedules, fees, special services or other information, visit jtafla.com or call (904) 630-3100 • Download the NextBus mobile app or visit nextbus.com to find stops and next scheduled departure • For information about the St. Johns River Ferry, which runs every half hour between Mayport and Fort George Island, visit ferry.jtafla.com
Pet Licenses Pet licenses must be renewed annually, and pet owners must show written proof of their pet’s current rabies vaccination. The fine for violating the city ordinance is $50.
Voter Registration First-time voters in the state of Florida apply through the Supervisor of Elections Office at 105 E. Monroe St. or any Jacksonville public library. For more information visit duvalelections.com or call (904) 630-1414.
Public Libraries Jacksonville Public Library (Main Library)
Driver License & Motor Vehicle Service Centers Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles • For office locations visit flhsmv.gov/offices/duval • To change your address, renew, or request a duplicate license visit flhsmv.gov • For more information call (850) 617-2000
, 303 N. Laura St. N (904) 630-2665 w Jaxpubliclibrary.org Murray Hill Library
, 918 Edgewood Ave. S. N (904) 384-2665 San Marco Library
, 1513 Lasalle St. N (904) 858-2907 Willowbranch Library
, 2875 Park St. N (904) 381-8490
City Council District 5
SAN MARCO, SAN JOSE, ST. NICHOLAS
LeAnna Cumber LCumber@coj.net | (904) 255-5205 Executive Assistant: Debra Rubin-Pataky
District 7
SPRINGFIELD
Reginald Gaffney RGaffney@coj.net | (904) 255-5207 Executive Assistant: Joe Zimmerman
District 14
RIVERSIDE, AVONDALE, ORTEGA, MURRAY HILL
Randy DeFoor RDefoor@coj.net (904) 255-5214 Executive Assistant: Brooks Dame
, City Hall
117 West Duval St., Floor 4, Jacksonville, FL 32202 w coj.net
School Board Representatives District 3
SAN MARCO, SAN JOSE, ST. NICHOLAS
Cindy Howell Pearson PearsonC1@duvalschools.org (904) 390-2239
District 4
SPRINGFIELD
Darryl Willie WillieD@duvalschools.org (904) 390-2374
District 6
RIVERSIDE, AVONDALE, ORTEGA, MURRAY HILL
Charlotte Joyce JoyceC@duvalschools.org (904) 390-2373
, Duval County School Board
1701 Prudential Dr., 6th Floor, Room 642, Jacksonville, FL 32207 w duvalschools.org
YOU R LU X U RY L I V I N G E X P E RT
Local Government & City Officials
J U L I O CESARM E N DE Z R E A L T O R
®
& A R C H I T E C T
“My experience in Real Estate & as an Architect is an asset when buying or selling your home.”
w w w. j u l i ocesa r m e n de z . com 9 0 4 . 3 0 4 . 5 4 5 8
H a b l o E s p a ñ o l
© A M E M B E R O F T H E F R A N C H I S E E S Y S T E M O F B H H A F F I L I AT E S , L L C .
14 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
T r y i a p D
Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Destinations FERNANDINA BEACH, AMELIA ISLAND AND AMERICAN BEACH
BIG AND LITTLE TALBOT ISLANDS
{ 1 hour, 15 minutes
{ 40 minutes
»
»
,
I-95 N. to Exit 373 at FL-200/Florida A1A S./The Buccaneer Trail
On Amelia Island at Florida’s northernmost coastal border, Fernandina Beach received its first European visitor in 1562. Fernandina Beach took its name from the Spanish. The island came into British possession in 1763, with the Treaty of Paris; then, 20 years later, the Second Treaty of Paris ceded it back to Spain. The town of Fernandina was plotted in 1811 and named after King Ferdinand VII of Spain. The Victorian courthouse, built in 1891 and located in the heart of town on Centre Street, is the oldest county courthouse in Florida that is still in use.
FORT GEORGE ISLAND
{ 40 minutes
, FL-115 S., FL-133N./Southside Connector and I-295 N. to Exit 41 at Heckscher Dr.
»
A site of human occupation for over 5,000 years, Fort George Island was named for a 1736 fort built to defend the southern flank of Georgia when it was a colony. Today´s visitors come for boating, fishing, off-road bicycling, and hiking. A key attraction is the restored Ribault Club. Once an exclusive resort, it is now a visitor center. Behind the club, small boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched on the tidal waters. History buffs will appreciate the Kingsley Plantation. During Florida’s plantation period (1763-1865), Fort George Island was owned by many planters. The site name comes from one of those owners, Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived there from 1814 to 1837. You can explore the grounds at Kingsley Plantation, which include the slave quarters, barn, waterfront, plantation house, kitchen house and interpretive garden.
, FL-115 S., FL-133N./Southside Connector and I-295 N. to Exit 41 at Heckscher Dr. Big Talbot Island State Park is primarily a natural preserve providing a premier location for nature study, bird-watching, photography, hiking, boating, kayaking and a guided paddle tour. Visit The Bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. Bring a bicycle, inline skates or a stroller and enjoy the 2.9-mile off road paved multi-use Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A. Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife for viewing, including river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds.
KATHRYN ABBEY HANNA PARK
{ 30 minutes
, Travel toward the Beaches and go north on Mayport Rd. to Wonderwood Dr.
»
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park offers some of the most scenic and popular trails in Northeast Florida. It has more than 13 miles of off-road bike trails, four miles of scenic hiking trails, a playground and a zip line. RV, tent and rustic cabin camping are available. Dolphin Plaza is oceanfront and ideal for family reunions, wedding receptions or corporate outings.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 15
JACKSONVILLE BEACHES
{ 30 minutes
, Go east on Atlantic, Beach or J. Turner Butler Blvd.
»
If you have less than a day for an adventure, our very own Jacksonville Beaches are just 30 minutes or less away. Each beach area – Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville – has its own personality and offers lots to do for all ages. • Atlantic Beach has two miles of white sandy beach with 18 ocean beach accesses. In addition to the beach, the city has 65 acres dedicated to parks, including the Dutton Island Preserve on the Intracoastal Waterway. • Neptune Beach has a comfortable, casual and laid-back atmosphere that causes people of all ages to flock here to enjoy the beach. The hardpacked sand is great for cycling and the waves are super for the avid surfer. The inviting, pedestrian friendly area offers many boutiques, fitness centers, restaurants and two oceanfront hotels in close proximity. • Jacksonville Beach offers lots of activities for adults and families. Of course, it has sun, sand, ocean waves for surfing, paddle boardboarding, swimming, diving, boating and fishing. Kids of all ages will love Adventure Landing. History buffs will enjoy Beaches Museum & History Park. Golfers and tennis players will enjoy the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club and Players-By-The-Sea, which has produced outstanding local theatre experiences for more than 50 years.
Jacksonville Beach
ST. JOHN’S COUNTY NORTH AND SOUTH BEACHES
, Go south on A1A
w Visit www.sjcfl.us/Beaches/ for current information
»
Access to the beaches and ocean along the 22 miles between Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano is available at 14 walkovers in Ponte Vedra Beach, one walkover at Micklers Landing, four at Guana Tolomato Matanzas national Estuarine Research Reserve Environmental Education Center, one at South Ponte Vedra Park, four at Usina Beach, one at North Beach Park, two at Surfside Park and one each at Vilano Beach and Porpoise Point.
PHOTOS BY (TOP TO BOTTOM): LANCE ASPER, JOSHUA KIRSHNER, JOSH MOORE
• Micklers Landing offers horseback riding, sunbathing, and fishing on its coquina beach. Vehicle and horse trailer parking is available. Horseback riding requires a special permit from Beach Services. Lifeguards are staffed seasonally. • Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve Environmental Education Center and Guana River State Park offer excellent educational opportunities, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Just across A1A from the education center are beautiful coquina beaches where the occasional Right Whale sighting may take place. These beaches are also a popular spot for some quiet time while beachcombing.
Surfing is a popular in the waters near Jacksonville
• South Ponte Vedra Park has covered picnic areas overlooking the beautiful coquina landscape while the beach provides sunbathing, fishing, beach-combing, and many wonders to enjoy. Parking is available as well as restrooms. • Usina Beach offers parking. • North Beach Park has a pedestrian bridge to the beach, picnic pavilion, playground, parking and bathrooms. • Surfside Park is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking and fishing with a gazebo and bathrooms. Driving is allowed for properly permitted 4x4 vehicles only. • Vilano Beach offers sunbathing, beach driving, surfing, fishing and spotting bottlenose dolphins, least tern birds and manatees. Lifeguards are seasonal. • Porpoise Point is a popular beach launch for kayaks and personal watercraft. South Ponte Vedra Beach
16 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Ponce de Leon Hall at Flagler College
ST. AUGUSTINE
{ 45 minutes , Take A1A S. to the Vilano Causeway or US 1 S. or I-95 S. to Exit 318 at FL-16 E.
»
The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as beaches such as St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. St. Augustine has been home to natives and foreigners, colonials and pilgrims, soldiers and prisoners, slaves and free blacks, merchants and industrialists. Through battle, economic progress, and political strife, the coquina foundation of St. Augustine has been left unconquered.
Its many attractions make St. Augustine more than a one-day visit, and its close proximity to Jacksonville makes returning often easy. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, a large Spanish fortress and the oldest military fort in the continental United States at more than 315 years old. Tour the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, now the main building on the Flagler College campus and its sister hotel, The Lightner Museum, across the street. Both were built by American industrialist Henry Flagler in the Gilded Age. Explore
WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME
a spiraling lighthouse, scenic nature trails and tranquil beaches. Hear the sounds of the city, from horse hoofs on cobblestone to the roar of cannon fire. Explore fascinating museums or take a scary ghost tour. Historical reenactments, recreations, artifacts and relics can be found on every corner, bringing to life the timeless stories of other eras. The St. Augustine Aquarium and Snorkel Adventure offers an 80,000-gallon Snorkel Adventure, an interactive Shark & Stingray Cove, Seahorse and Hands-on habitats.
Marineland
{ 45 minutes
, I-95 S. to exit 323 at International Golf Pkwy.
»
The World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, located at World Golf Village, celebrates the game of golf through engaging, interactive storytelling and exhibitions featuring artifacts, works of art, audio, video and photography significant to the history of golf and its members. Originating in Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1974, the Hall of Fame opened in its new location in St. Augustine in 1998, and provides a unique vacation destination with two championship golf courses, high-end accommodations and several other amenities.
WASHINGTON OAKS STATE PARK
{ 1 hour, 10 minutes
, I-95 S. to Exit 305 at FL-206 E. to A1A S. or take A1A S. directly
»
The formal gardens are the centerpiece of the park, with remarkable displays of native and exotic plant species such as azaleas, camellias, and bird of paradise, as well as lots of opportunities for birding. Washington Oaks is also famous for the unique shoreline of coquina rock formations that line its Atlantic beach. Picnic and fish from either the beach or the seawall along the Matanzas River. Hike and bicycle and check out the Visitor Center. Annual events include an Earth Day Celebration, Holiday in the Gardens, saltwater fishing clinics, First Friday garden and history walks and Second Saturday plant Sales.
MARINELAND
{ 1 hour, 10 minutes
, I-95 S. to Exit 305 at FL-206 E. to A1A S. or take A1A S. directly
»
The world’s first oceanarium, Marineland, opened in 1938 as “Marine Studios.” Now a dolphin conservation center, Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers a number of ways to interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, as well as hands-on exhibits and educational programs to inspire and connect guests with marine life.
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(904) 388-5005 Avondale-OrtegaHomes.com 3627 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
San Marco/San Jose (904) 739-0717 SanMarcoHomes.com 1983 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 23
Welcome Neighborhood to the
The secret is out about Jacksonville. Livability.com has placed the city as No. 99 on its 2020 list of the Top 100 best places to live in the United States. According to the website, Jacksonville is hip home to Florida’s youngest population and has lots of amenities such as the largest park system in the country (80,000 acres to explore!), 220 or more days of sunshine, 22 miles of beaches, big city amenities, charming historic neighborhoods, and a vibrant street-art scene. All this is coupled with a cost of living below the national average and a diverse economy. Livability.com’s 2020 rankings were guided by each city’s “Opportunity Score,” which consists of several variables centered around the economy, job opportunities, and growth, including the growth of high-paying jobs and overall wages. More than 1,000 cities with populations between 20,000 and 1,000,000 were ranked on 40 data points measuring economies, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, education, and health care. The eight scores were weighted based on an exclusive survey conducted for Livability.com by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading global market research firm. “The pandemic and ensuing economic turbulence made people rethink their commitment to big, expensive cities, and the rise of remote work provided a unique opportunity to live anywhere,” said Winona Dimeo-Ediger, editor-in-chief of Livability.com. “The dust is still settling, but the chaos of this year made the things that have always mattered – affordability, safety, community, and opportunity – matter even more. The small to mid-sized cities on Livability’s list offer exactly what people are looking for right now.”
24 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Neighborhood Associations Riverside Avondale Preservation Inc. 2623 Herschel St. N (904) 389-2449 m info@riversideavondale.org w riversideavondale.org
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A nonprofit founded in 1974 to enhance and preserve the architecture, history, cultural heritage and economic viability of the historic neighborhoods of Riverside and Avondale.
The duPont mansion at Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club
Murray Hill Preservation Association
w murrayhilljax.com
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Founded in 1932, MHPA is one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating neighborhood associations and is an allvolunteer not-for-profit group of residents and business owners. Ortega Forest Association
w ortegaforest.org
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The neighborhood association was created to improve and maintain the three entrances to the community from Roosevelt Blvd./U.S. 17, and functions as a crime watch group through social media. San Marco Preservation Society
, 1468 Hendricks Ave.
N (904) 396-0081
w smpsjax.com
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Formed in 1975 as a nonprofit, SMPS serves to protect the integrity of the San Marco residential neighborhood and to enhance the revitalization of the business district. St. Nicholas Area Preservation (SNAP)
m snapneighbors@gmail.com
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SNAP was incorporated in 1979 and serves approximately 300 homes from from Mayfair Road to Holmesdale Road, extending from the St. Johns River to Atlantic Blvd.
Main Street Bridge
Harbor Oaks at St. Nicholas Neighborhood Association , 3910 Atlantic Blvd. (Meeting location) N (904) 398-5517 m lynprayjax@aol.com
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Harbor Oaks neighborhood meetings are held at Power of Faith Church, 3910 Atlantic Blvd., on the second Thursday of the month.
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) , 1321 N. Main St. N (904) 353-7727 w sparcouncil.org
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SPAR was established in 1974 to facilitate positive change in the Springfield historic district.
Springfield
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 25
Nightime skyline of Downtown from Edgewood Avenue at the St. Johns River
As the largest metropolitan area in the United States land-wise, the City of Jacksonville covers a lot of ground. Yet when people think of “Jacksonville,� it is the historic districts that lie adjacent to its urban core that most find interesting. Each with its own unique character, the neighborhoods of Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Marco, St. Nicholas, San Jose and Springfield have something for everyone.
Florida Yacht Club in Ortega
San Marco Square Crosswalk over Atlantic Blvd. In St. Nicholas
Edgewood Avenue South in Murray Hill
Yacht Basin, Riverside
26 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
R i vers i d e
Riverside Jacksonville’s most colorful neighborhood Riverside is arguably one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Jacksonville, not only for the variety of shops, restaurants, parks and events but also the diversity of its residents. Living within its boundaries is a diverse racial mix comprised of all ages and backgrounds; from millennials and seniors to families and single young professionals, all walks of life and income levels co-mingle. This diversity is one of Riverside’s most sought-after qualities. In addition, the quaint, historical atmosphere and walkability positions it perfectly to neighboring Brooklyn, where a mixed-use urban community abuts the Downtown core. A destination for architecture buffs, Riverside has one of most eclectic collections of architectural styles in the entire state. Mediterranean Revival is prominent, but other styles include Tudor
Revival, Mission, Art Deco, Queen Anne, Bungalow, and Neo-Classical Revival. Riverside Avenue also has more Prairie Style houses than any other street in the South. At the heart of it all is 5 Points, a largely commercial district centered around the convergence of Park, Margaret, and Lomax streets. The bustling area attracts everyone from businesspeople grabbing coffee and pastries to fashionistas browsing the racks at chic boutiques to tattooed hipsters socializing while enjoying adult beverages. Restaurants run the gamut from Southwestern to pizza to sushi. The 5 Points area is home to several parks, including Memorial Park on the St. Johns River, which was designed by the Olmstead brothers, famous for designing New York’s Central Park. It is a memorial to World War I veterans and includes the famous statue and fountain by Charles Adrian Pillars, titled ‘Life.’ Also unique to 5 Points is the Sun Ray Cinema, a historic and nationally recognized independent movie theater, and Edge City, one of Jacksonville’s oldest and most eclectic clothing boutiques that dates back to 1968.
Local Parks C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Park S – Specialty Park
Cherry Street Park (N) , 1865 Cherry St. John Gorrie Dog Park (S) at Riverside Park (N) , 753 Park St.
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Memorial Park (C) 1620 Riverside Ave.
Riverside Avondale Community Garden (S) , 2840 Park St. Riverside Park (C) , 753 Park St. Willowbranch Park (N) , 2870 Sydney St. Windsor Place Park (N) , Windsor Place and Sydney St. Yacht Basin Park (N) 2941 St. Johns Ave.
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Local Sports Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Swimming Pool , 1100 Stockton St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 N (904) 387-4298 w gsjax.church Riverside Presbyterian Church Basketball League , 849 Park St., Jacksonville, FL 32204 N (904) 382-6639 w rpcbasketball.org Winston Family YMCA , 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 N (904) 265-1775 w firstcoastymca.org
The duck pond at Riverside Park is a prominent feature in the 11.4-acre public recreational area that also includes a playground, basketball court, picnic tables and the John Gorrie Dog Park. Developed in the 1890s, Riverside Park is the second oldest in Jacksonville.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 27
R i vers i d e
At night, Park Street in 5 Points bustles with activity as a major commercial center in Riverside. As the corridor's "Main Street," many eateries, boutiques, and forms of entertainment can be found on Park Street, which extends from Riverside Park to the famous beacon, which anchors Jacksonville’s most famous intersection before connecting with Lomax and Margaret Streets.
It’s been said that there are more than 1,000 different varieties of beer on tap at the bars, restaurants, and gastropubs along this commercial stretch of King Street.
28
R i vers i d e The AIDS Memorial mural on the side of the Park Street bridge over Willowbranch canal commemorates local residents who have died of the dread disease.
A second commercial district in Riverside is located Another huge draw to the neighborhood is the at the confluence of Park and King Streets and includes Riverside Arts Market (RAM). Located on Riverside a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars with one of Avenue under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge the area’s premier medical facilities, Ascension St. and one block from the Cummer, RAM is a weekly Vincent’s Riverside, just blocks away. Riverside’s ability festival market—held every Saturday, rain or shine— to allow residents to patronize the small shops and featuring handmade goods, art, food trucks, local speak with their owners allows for a slower, more produce, live music and street performers. personal way of living life that makes this historic Historically speaking, Riverside is one of the neighborhood such an attractive place to live. city’s oldest neighborhoods dating back to the Adding to Riverside’s colorful “artsy” reputation is early 1800s when Spain granted land to prospeca proliferation of galleries and art spaces including tive settlers following the American Revolution. the CoRK Arts District, Space 42 and the Cummer Philip Dell was one such beneficiary who received Museum of Art and Gardens. With one of the finest an 800-acre tract along the St. Johns River then art collections in the Southeast and a 2.5-acre historic referred to as Dell’s Bluff. The property changed garden situated on the St. Johns river, the Cummer is hands several times before finally being dubbed one of the most visited attractions in the city. “Riverside” in the 1860s.
Following the Great Fire of 1901 in nearby Downtown, city limits were expanded to Riverside prompting an influx of people moving to the area with wealthier residents constructing mansions along Riverside Avenue (known as “The Row”) while those of more modest means built bungalows and other small homes southwest along the streetcar line. Reminders of these days gone by can be found in The Row’s two surviving manses – one now a B&B and the other a doctor’s office – as well as the brick streets on May and Aberdeen. Riverside also has the distinction of being named Jacksonville’s first registered historic district when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 29
Dolphin Spotting
The Hot Dog Lady of Riverside
Augmented Reality Murals
With considerably more public access to the St. Johns River than other riverfront neighborhoods, Riverside is an excellent place to see dolphins—and, if you’re lucky, manatees and otters. Locals say Memorial Park and the Northbank riverwalk behind Riverside Arts Market are prime spots that are easily accessible and don’t require a boat.
Many claim the best hot dogs in the city are available from a portable stand at the corner of Park and King Streets in Riverside. Jennifer Boston has manned the small food cart for the past 20 years during the weekday lunch hour. On weekends she switches her venue to some of the bars on King Street, between Park and College Streets.
Local artist Shaun Thurston painted a mural on the side of MedMen in 5 Points along Lomax Street. A year or so ago, young artists from FIGMENTJax, a nonprofit, went back and applied what was necessary so the mural would jive with the smartphone app Artivive, which augments reality and causes elements within the painting to move through animation and sound when looked at through a cell phone camera. A second mural painted along a 140-foot fence by six artists affiliated with FIGMENTJax also includes AR elements. It is located at the corner of Park Street and Talbot Street in Avondale.
Rock legend birthplace Riverside is known as the “birthplace” of Southern Rock pioneers and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Lynyrd Skynyrd. Founding members Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington attended Robert E. Lee High School in the ‘60s and based the name of their band on gym teacher Leonard Skinner, who often complained about their long hair.
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R i vers i d e
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW
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Upscale living at its finest Due to their history and proximity to each other, the historic neighborhoods of Avondale and Riverside are inextricably linked. In fact, the official dividing line between the two has been debated for decades, and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t King Street or McDuff Avenue but Seminole Road. It is the subtle differences, however, that make each neighborhood unique. Considered to be the more “upscale” of the two neighborhoods, Avondale, in its early years, was largely rural and only 4 -1/2 blocks wide and one mile long. In the 1920s, however, a group of wealthy investors, hoping to
capitalize on the popularity of Riverside, sought to expand the neighborhood and created a marketing plan to tout the expanded community as “The Most Beautiful Residential Development Ever Attempted in Jacksonville.” At the time, the original Avondale was considered Jacksonville’s most exclusive and extravagantly appointed neighborhood. Advertising for the new development referred to it as “Riverside’s Residential Ideal,” where only the “correct” and “well-to-do” would live. The architectural style was predominantly Mediterranean Revival, which served as the perfect complement to the neighborhood’s proliferation of colorful crepe myrtles, majestic oak trees, and blossoming azalea shrubs in pink, white and purple. While not part of the neighborhood’s original footprint, adjacent developments such as Ingleside Heights, Arden, and Windsor Place were encompassed to form what is now referred to as Avondale.
Avondale
Avondale Local Parks C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Park S – Specialty Park
Boone Park (S) & Tennis Complex (S) , 3730 Park St. Boone Park Playground (S) 3725-3735 St. Johns Ave.
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Belvedere Park I & II (N) , Belvedere Ave. Edgewood Park I & II (N) 1466 Edgewood Ave. S.
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Fishweir Park (C) 3925 Valencia Rd.
Hollywood Park (N) , Hollywood Ave. near Remington St. James and Downing Park (N) , 1061 James St. Lechlade Park (N) , Lechlade Cr. Native Park I & II (N) , Park St. & Avondale Ave.
Local Sports
Stretching along the west bank of St. Johns River were the plantation lands of Dell’s Bluff and Magnolia Plantation. Originally granted by Florida’s Spanish government to Philip Dell in 1801, Dell’s 800 acres of land ran from McCoy’s Creek to a point between Barrs Street and King Street. Later purchased by James Winter, the area remained a plantation until purchased in 1868 by Florida Times-Union Editor Edward M. Cheney on behalf of Boston developer John Murray Forbes, who platted the area into what is now Riverside.
Jacksonville Fencing Club , 3955 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205 N (904) 349-5868 w jaxfencingclub.org
The Shoppes of Avondale offer a quaint, walkable shopping and dining experience for both residents of the neighborhood and visitors alike.
32 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Avondale
In keeping with its posh roots, Avondale encompasses some of the grandest—and most expensive—properties in the Urban Core. Specifically, St. Johns Avenue encompasses the essence of the neighborhood with stunning examples of Art Deco, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Jacobethan Revival and Prairie architectural styles. St. Johns Avenue is also home to Historic Avondale, the neighborhood’s only commercial district and one of oldest shopping centers in the city. Quaint, locally owned shops featuring home goods and accessories, jewelry, children’s clothes and toys, and a chocolatier line the pet-friendly and highly walkable street. Watch out for the dog bowls filled with water on the sidewalk! Visitors to the area will also find a variety of restaurants such as upscale seafood, American bistros, and Middle Eastern – complete with hookahs and, on occasion, belly dancers – as well as a live music lounge with attached drive-through liquor store. Suffice it to say, there isn’t a fast-food restaurant in sight. Avondale’s beautiful scenery and quiet surroundings also make it popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists.
Upscale restaurants draw residents and visitors to Historic Avondale.
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34 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Avondale The Boone Park Tennis Complex
Lush green lawns buffer Edgewood Avenue near the river in Avondale
Boone Park is a popular destination for families with its newly renovated playground and a spacious, tree-canopied spot with picnic tables and grills. The Boone Tennis Complex, located on the property, once hosted the city’s major public tennis tournaments and now attracts players of all ages and league teams to its 16 lighted clay and asphalt courts. Protecting Avondale’s history is paramount to residents, as evidenced by the formation of Riverside Avondale Preservation (aka “RAP”), a non-profit organization dedicated to the active preservation of both neighborhoods’ historic assets. The National Register of Historic Places designated the Avondale Historic District to its list of historic places deemed worthy of preservation.
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2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 35
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW
Every great city has a great park. For Jacksonville, that is
Memorial Park Florida’s World War I Memorial
Luminaria Started by a member of Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) years before it was declared a historic district, the annual Luminaria celebration brings neighbors together as they walk along candle-lit sidewalks to socialize with friends. Celebrating its 36th year, it has become one of the premier holiday events in Jacksonville and a legacy for the Riverside Avondale neighborhood. Luminaria kits can be purchased at RAP with a portion of the proceeds donated to provide luminaria kits to the neighborhood's public parks and churches.
Nutcracker Display
Hooshang Harvesf, Ph.D.
What has been said to be the most visited holiday window display in Jacksonville is found at Hooshang Oriental Rugs and Gallery in the Shoppes of Avondale during December. Viewing hundreds of unusual and unique nutcrackers from around the world has become a Christmastime tradition for many residents of the historic neighborhoods as well as those from throughout Northeast Florida, who make a point to visit each year.
The Lane-Towers House
VISIT. DONATE. VOLUNTEER.
Located at 3730 Richmond Street, the Lane-Towers House, embodies the style and elegance that is purely Avondale. Also known as the Edward W. Lane residence, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is the epitome of Tudor Revival style. It is currently undergoing a meticulous renovation back to its original 1928 splendor by its current owner. Built at a cost of $130,000 in 1928, the riverfront mansion sits on a 2.5-acre lot and is the largest single-family dwelling in the Riverside-Avondale Historic District. It was also one of the largest homes in Jacksonville when it was built. When it was sold for more than $1 million in 1986, the home represented the first million-dollar sale in Jacksonville.
Lane-Towers residence in the 1930s. Photo courtesy of Wayne Wood
Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers and dedicated on December 25, 1924, Memorial Park is the only park in the state dedicated to all Floridians who lost their lives having served in World War I. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park is also a WWI Centennial Memorial as designated by the United States World War One Centennial Commission. Memorial Park Association (MPA) is a nonprofit organization working since 1986 to enhance, promote and preserve Memorial Park—the premier historic park in Jacksonville and a vibrant destination for the community and visitors alike. Today MPA is implementing a master plan to restore the park to the former grandeur of its original landscape design. In partnership with the City and through private donations, MPA carries out projects and beautification not covered in the City’s budget. Your gifts for current initiatives and for the Memorial Park Association Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida enhance our city and make Memorial Park the park to visit, enjoy and play.
Memorial Park is located at 1620 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 (Between Margaret Street and Memorial Park Drive in Riverside near the 5 Points area of Jacksonville.)
Learn more about Memorial Park and Memorial Park Association by visiting
www.MemParkJax.org
36 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Ortega
Ortega Jacksonville’s best kept secret Of all the historic neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Ortega is perhaps the least known—even to Jacksonville residents. Part of that has to do with its location. Situated south of Avondale on a 4,800-acre peninsula surrounded by the Ortega and St. Johns rivers, the area is only accessible via the Ortega Bridge or Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge. Its insulated position makes it less visible than other neighborhoods, but if you follow the course of the St. Johns river from Riverside, to Avondale, you eventually wind down to Ortega. Ortega is also a largely residential neighborhood with a handful of churches and businesses, as well as a smattering of retail and restaurant offerings centered around Ortega Village on Corinthian Avenue. But those who do make the effort to explore Ortega’s winding roads, lined with majestic oaks draped with Spanish moss—a requisite of any historic neighborhood in the South—may feel like they’re taking a trip back in time. Historically speaking, Ortega, formerly known as Maxton’s Creek
Island, came into being in the 1760s when King George III granted 2,000 acres to Abraham Jones following Spain’s surrender of Florida to England. Jones built a plantation and slave quarters where he and his family lived until his death decades later. Over the next two centuries, the area experienced a colorful history from serving as home base to infamous cattle rustler and highwayman Daniel McGirtt; as well as a shelter for refugees hiding from Union troops during the Civil War; and plantations that harvested timber, sea island cotton and sugar cane. But it wasn’t until the Florida land boom in the early 1900s and the completion of the Ortega Bridge—with trolley service to Downtown—that Ortega became a viable place for families to live. At that time, lots started at just $100 with a 5% discount for cash, no taxes until 1912 and free water. Nearly 600 historic buildings still exist from that period, though, with some of these stately homes – many in the Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival and Tudor Revival styles – now carry price tags in the millions. Other homes maintain their connection to Jacksonville history by being passed down from generation to generation. It should come as no surprise, then, that Ortega is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
Beautiful homes line the streets in Bettes Park in Ortega
Local Parks
Local Sports
C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Parks S – Specialty Park
Navy Ortega Lakeshore Little League , P.O. Box 7331, Jacksonville FL 32238 w noljax.org
Baker Point Park (N) , 4045 San Juan Ave.
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Bettes Park (N) 3800 Bettes Cr.
Cortez Park (N) 4260 Baltic St.
Timuquana Yacht Club River Rats , 4028 Timuquana Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 N (904) 388-2664 w rcsl.org
DeSoto Park (N) 3970 Baltic St.
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Columbus Park (N) 2850 Iroquois Ave.
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John Stockton Park (C) , 4827 Carlisle Rd.
Venetia Athletic Club 4300 Timuquana Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 N (904) 735-7465 w vacjax.com
Lakeside Park I & II (N) , 4190 Lakeside Dr.
Social Clubs
Seminole Park (N) , 4170 McGirts Blvd.
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Stinson Park (C) 4050 San Juan Ave.
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Stockton Park (N) 4021 Ortega Blvd.
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Yerkes Park (N) 3927 McGirts Blvd
A spectacular view of Stinson Park can be seen from the Ortega River Bridge. The park is named for Dr. William M. Stinson, who dedicated the land to Duval County in 1912.
The Florida Yacht Club 5210 Yacht Club Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 N (904) 387-1653 w thefloridayachtclub.org
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Timuquana Country Club , 4028 Timuquana Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 N (904) 388-2664 w timuquana.net Ortega River Club 4165 Lakeside Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32210 N (904) 389-2284 w ortegariverclub.net
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2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 37
Ortega
Some of the grandest homes in Jacksonville can be found on Sadler Point in Ortega.
38 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Ortega Timuquana Country Club in Ortega
The croquet lawn is a popular feature at The Florida Yacht Club in Ortega
Ortega’s street system is a grid pattern with and its members have included PGA professionthemed street names. At one end of the historic als Steve Melnyk and David Duval. In fact, it’s district the streets are characterized by large native where Duval, winner of the British Open and THE American tribes. Another section has the names PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, got his start. The of Ivy League schools and yet a third section are traditional golf course features narrow fairways roads named for the styles of columns such as and small greens and its signature hole being No. Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. 5, a 192-yard par 3 that requires a tee short over Ortega is also home to venerable institutions water to a small green. It has been the host to including the Florida Yacht Club, a members- various prestigious golf tournaments since its only club with two marinas, tennis courts, swim- opening including the 2002 United States Senior ming pool, clubhouse and regulation croquet Men’s Amateur Golf Championship. lawn – How’s that for fancy? – and the Timuquana Directly adjacent to Ortega is Jacksonville’s Country Club, a private golf and country club that “Marina Mile”, which includes a strong of water-craft was founded in 1923. Its golf course was origi- related businesses and encompasses The Marina at nally charted by legendary designer Donald Ross, Ortega Landing, Ortega River Marina, Sadler Point
Marine Center, B&W Marine Construction, Lamb’s Yacht Center, Lakeshore Dry Storage and the legendary Huckins Yacht Corporation, which sold its first custom yacht, “Hull #1” back in 1928. Meanwhile, nearby just outside Ortega’s limits is the largest independent bookstore in Jacksonville, Chamblin Bookmine. Located at 4551 Roosevelt Blvd, Chamblin’s has 23,000 square feet has 3.5 million books in its inventory and is a maze of aisle with floor-to-ceiling shelves featuring new, used, and rare tomes, many by local authors. Old Ortega Historic District, to differentiate between it and the Ortega Forest neighborhood, just west of Roosevelt Boulevard, was named to National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
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Carter’s Pharmacy
Stockton Park
Located in Ortega Village, Carter's Pharmacy at 2923 Corinthian Ave., opened in 1955, and the family owned business retains much of its old-school charm including an old-timey lunch counter. Included among the lunch options are egg and chicken salad sandwiches, BLTs, hot dogs, milkshakes and daily specials.
The riverfront park, located at 4021 Ortega Blvd., is known for fishing (redfish, trout, catfish and mullet, depending on the time of year), picnicking and dog walking. Stockton’s non-motorized boat launch also makes it perfect for kayakers and canoers, while the paved riverwalk and small pavilion encourage leisurely strolls along the river and an occasional wedding.
The “Gangster House”
Ortega River Bridge
There's no hard evidence to prove it, but rumor has it that gangster George "Machine Gun" Kelly and his wife, Kathryn, briefly hid out in this two-story house located at 2815 Grand Ave., in 1933, the same year the pair was arrested by the FBI for the kidnapping of an oil tycoon in Oklahoma. (If you must take a picture, do so from the street. Please don’t bother the residents.)
The Ortega River Bridge, also known as the Old Ortega Bridge or the Grand Avenue Bridge, is a local historical landmark and one of the busiest drawbridges in Florida. The small bascule span that leads to the village of Old Ortega has been functional since the 1920s and has little elevation making it necessary to be raised for both small craft and large. The four bridge tender houses are two more than would generally be needed to operate a drawbridge in the 1920s, and today, only one house needs to be staffed. At the mouth of the Ortega River, where it flows into the St. Johns River, the bridge provides spectacular views of the Jacksonville skyline.
Ortega
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW
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Mu rray H i ll
Murray Hill A small town in the big city Folks who live in Murray Hill call it a “small town in a big city.” Given the neighborhood’s history, it’s a pretty apt description. Platted in 1906 just north of Avondale and west of Riverside, the Murray Hill neighborhood was incorporated as a town in 1916 with its own mayor, town clerk and councilmen. But by 1925, the town of Murray Hill was deeply in debt, prompting locals to refer to it as “Murray Bottom,” and its leaders requested to have it be annexed by the city of Jacksonville. At the time of the transition, Murray Hill was still very rural. Case in point: local ordinances were enacted to fine cattle owners whose cattle were found roaming the neighborhood’s streets. It wasn’t until 1940 with the official
The colorful, floral mural on the side of Tradewinds Pub at the corner of Post Street and Edgewood Avenue South is one of several murals decorating the walls of the commercial district in Murray Hill.
commissioning of Naval Air Station Jacksonville – “NAS Jax,” as it’s known around town – just seven miles south that the neighborhood truly began to flourish. Compared to nearby Riverside and Avondale situated across Roosevelt Boulevard, homes in Murray Hill were – and still are – fairly modest with architecture including English Tudor cottages, bungalows and Craftsmen style. The original commercial corridor along Edgewood Avenue South was similarly understated with simple, one- and two-story block buildings. Eight decades later, Murray Hill’s architectural landscape remains largely the same, save a handful of buildings taller than two stories, as does its smalltown, family-oriented atmosphere. Residents frequently gather for movie nights, ice cream socials, sporting events and annual fixtures like Murray Hill-O-Ween. Murray Hill also maintains its nostalgic feel as home to barber shops, a coin-and-watch repair store, neighborhood library and a soft-serve
ice cream stand serving the neighborhood since the 1940s. The main drag, Edgewood Avenue, is home to an eclectic array of retail stores, featuring a gourmet cheese shop, women’s boutique and Asian grocery store, and dining options ranging from Tex-Mex and pizza to vegan and tapas. The neighborhood continues to grow as a nightlife hub which includes a local brewery and taproom, pool hall, cigar lounge, “secret” beer hall, wine bar and some of the “best” dive bars in the area. Granted, parking along Edgewood can be challenging at times, but the area is highly walkable once the car is parked. As residents and business owners continue to regentrify the area, Murray Hill is garnering attention as a destination neighborhood for visitors to the city and Jacksonville locals alike. One of driving forces behind this new interest in the area has been the Murray Hill Mural Project, a grass roots undertaking with large-scale murals and mosaics adorning the walls of businesses along Edgewood Avenue.
Local Parks C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Parks S – Specialty Park
Murray Hill Arts Center at Herbert Bayer Park (S) , 4327 Kerle St. Driveway on Hamilton St.
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Murray Hill Four Corners Park (N) 4602 Lawnview St.
Murray Hill Playground and Baseball Fields (N) , 4208 Kingsbury St.
Local Sports Murray Hill Athletic Association , 4208 Kingsbury St. N (904) 654-5395 w murrayhillathletics.org
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WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW
@thestoutsnug
Dreamette A visit to Murray Hill is not complete without sampling one of Dreamette’s signature dipped cones, shakes, sundaes or banana splits. Established in 1948, the beloved walk-up ice cream stand located at 3646 Post St., maintains its vintage vibe with handwritten signs and a cash-only policy. Expect a line especially in the warmer months.
Murray Hill Art Center Local artists and teachers share their expertise with aspiring artists of all ages and levels in classes including drawing, ceramics, painting, sculpture and cartooning. Operated by the Art League of Jacksonville, the Center, located at 4327 Kerle St., also hosts exhibitions featuring the work of students and instructors.
Murray Hill Theatre Housed in a former 1940s-era movie playhouse, the Murray Hill Theatre, located at 932 Edgewood Ave., is a live music venue focusing on faith-based acts of all genres. Shows are alcohol-free, drug-free and smoke-free with a message of “hope and redemption.” Local bands are featured alongside national acts such as Switchfoot and Jars of Clay.
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Murray Hill-O-Ween Started in 2017 to create a familyfriendly space for Jacksonville residents and visitors to celebrate the season, Murray Hill-O-Ween has since turned into what may be the biggest Halloween party in the city. Sponsored by the Murray Hill Preservation Association, Hill-O-Ween features costumes, candy, floats, music, prizes, a large block party on Edgewood Avenue, and Jacksonville’s only Halloween parade at dusk. Unfortunately, the 2020 party has been canceled due to COVID, but a neighborhood-wide house decorating contest has been planned instead.
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Local Parks
San M Arco
C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Parks S – Specialty Park
Alexandria Oaks Park (N) Also known as FEC Park , 1620 Marco Place Angelina Danese Park (N) 3310 St. Augustine Rd.
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Balis Park (N) 1999 San Marco Blvd.
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Belmonte Park (N) 1440 Belmonte Ave.
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Brown L. Whatley Memorial Park (N) , Alexandria Place S. Colonial Manor Park (N) (Known as the Duck Pond) , 3625 San Jose Blvd. Fletcher Park (S) 1652 Atlantic Blvd.
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Friendship Fountain Park (S) , 1015 Museum Cr.
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Granada Park (N) 3960 Alcazar Ave.
Greenscape Celebration Park (N) , 801 LaSalle St. Historic Kings Road Park (N) , 1972 Kings Ave. Jessie Ball duPont Park (N) (Known as Treaty Oak Park) , 1207 Prudential Dr. Jim Rink Park (N) , 801 Cedar St. Joe Davis Memorial Park (N) , 2545 Larsen Rd.
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Landon Park (N) 1800 San Marco Blvd. Largo Well Park (N) , 1964 Largo Rd.
Lillian S. Davin Park (N) , 2311 River Rd.
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River Oaks Park (C) 1000 River Oaks Rd. Riverfront Park (N) , 1800 River Rd.
Southbank Riverwalk (S) , 1001 Museum Cr.
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Southside Park & Tennis Complex (C) 1539-1541 Hendricks Ave.
Local Sports Hendricks Avenue Baseball League , 4001 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207 N (904) 728-3123 w hendricksbaseball.org Southside Tennis Complex , 1539 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207 N (904) 399-1761
Colorful umbrellas and fanciful artwork by local artists make the area near San Marco Train Station and Union Hall a "colorful living room." The area near AshCo headquarters on Hendricks Avenue provides a mix of nearby restaurants and is a fun place to hang out, have ice cream and enjoy the occasional outdoor concert.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 43
Retail, dining and a touch of Venetian atmosphere During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln asked a newspaper publisher from Milwaukee to come to Florida to serve as the state’s tax commissioner. By 1868 Harrison Reed was elected governor of Florida, but five years later (following two near impeachments), he returned to his home on the south bank of the St. Johns River in the town of “South Jacksonville.” Mitchell’s sister, Martha Reed Mitchell, and her multimillionaire, railroad tycoon husband made a nearby tract of land their winter home and called it Villa Alexandria. Dubbed “the show place of the environs of Jacksonville,” the palatial estate was known for its elaborate gardens with 95 varieties of roses, in addition to a polo field, tennis courts and a boathouse. Mitchell, who became a prominent figure in Jacksonville society, set the tone for the stylish new neighborhood of San Marco that would spring forth there in the 1920s following the opening of the Jacksonville-St. Johns River Bridge, the first automobile bridge over the St. Johns River. Real estate developer Telfair Stockton, who established the highly desirable neighborhood of Avondale just across the river, purchased land adjacent to Villa Alexandria with lots selling out before streets had even been paved. Architectural styles included Tudor, Georgian, Colonial and Mediterranean Revival. Construction began on San Marco’s main commercial district—San Marco Square—in the mid-1920s. Situated at the corner of San Marco and Atlantic Boulevards, the area was modeled after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, complete with a multi-level fountain and wrought-iron sculptures. The fountain remains the focal point of the square, though today, three large lion statues, added in 1997, stand guard in the middle of the park joining a number of other sculptures. Other historical monuments nearby include San Marco Preservation Hall, which was built in 1888 as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The small church edifice was moved
The Lions statute is a familiar landmark in the center of San Marco Square. to Fletcher Park on Atlantic Boulevard and renovated in 1994 by the San Marco Preservation Society. With a interior fashioned in dark pine-beaded board and pine flooring, the building is warm and intimate and provides the perfect venue for public meetings and weddings. Fletcher Park is also home to Stockton Cottage, a small adjacent structure that was built around 1915 as a sales office for Telfair Stockton & Co., and later used as a public library. Because of its close proximity to Preservation Hall, the cottage is often used as a dressing room for brides or for overflow during other events. Both buildings are maintained and operated by the San Marco Preservation Society. The picturesque neighborhood is a perfect spot to indulge in retail therapy with locally owned businesses including a bookstore, women’s boutiques, art gallery, antique shop, running store, upscale consignment shop, chocolatier, jewelry stores and stationer among others. Some of the area’s most popular restaurants and watering holes are also in San Marco. Other area attractions include San Marco Theatre, a two-screen independent movie theater; Theatre Jacksonville, the oldest continuously-operating community theatre in the country and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places; and the award-winning Aardwolf Brewing Company.
Riverfront Park, known affectionately by locals as "San Marco Beach," is a favorite place to view fireworks and sunsets.
San M Arco
San Marco
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San M Arco The historic San Marco Theatre is considered to be among the 10 best classic movie theaters in America.
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Some of the city’s most picturesque parks can be found in San Marco including Landon Park, a popular playground just a block from the St. Johns River; Jessie Ball duPont Park, home to the spectacular Treaty Oak, believed to be approximately 200 years old; and Riverfront Park – aka “San Marco Beach” – a 15-foot-wide, riverfront strip considered one of the best public spots in the area for fishing, catching a glimpse of dolphins and manatees, and viewing stunning sunsets and Fourth of July fireworks. And then there’s the Southbank. Depending on whom you ask, the riverfront area on the south bank of the St. Johns River is considered an extension of San Marco, while technically, the city considers it part of Downtown. With the motto, “from Bank to Bank,” one local non-profit neighborhood group—the Downtown Dwellers— seeks to unite residents in the high-rise condos and apartment buildings on both sides of the river by supporting endeavors that promote the urban core and protect the river. That said, the Southbank encompasses MOSH (Museum of Science and History) and its Bryan-Gooding Planetarium; St. Johns River Park referred to by locals as Friendship Park that houses Friendship Fountain, once considered one of the largest and tallest fountains in the world; and the Southbank Riverwalk, more than a mile of concrete boardwalk on the river that is popular with joggers, walkers, and sightseers. The Hospital District, which straddles the Southbank and North San Marco, includes Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, ranked one of the best hospitals in the country according to U.S. News & World Report, as well as the renowned Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the only pediatric hospital in Northeast Florida and South Georgia, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, and Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 45
Christmas Tree Lighting in Balis Park
JTA Skyway: San Marco, Riverplace & Kings Ave. stations
One of San Marco’s signature events, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Balis Park generates a small-town feel to the bustle of life in the big city. The event, which kicks off the holiday season, allows friends and neighbors to enjoy seasonal entertainment provided by local school children as the lights of the community Christmas tree under the gazebo are switched on with much fanfare. Decorating the tree each year are ladies from the San Marco Garden Circle. Held in early December, the Christmas Tree Lighting is usually followed a few days later by the neighborhood’s annual Holiday Magic celebration in San Marco Square, which includes the Festival of Lights 5K Road Race and mile walk, carriage rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, arts and crafts vendors, and an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Both events are free.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority allows folks to “fly above the traffic” on its 2.5 mile fully-automated, elevated monorail system. The Skyway is convenient for getting in and out of Downtown and especially popular with football fans heading to the stadium. And the view heading across the Acosta Bridge is one of the best in Jacksonville. Plus, you can’t beat the price. (It’s free.)
Landon Park & Butterfly Garden Recently refurbished with Kompan playground equipment, Landon Park is a favorite place for children to play. Also included on the park grounds is the Landon Park Butterfly Garden, a gift to the community from the San Marco Garden Circle. Monarch butterflies and other flying creatures can be seen frolicking amidst the flowering plants. The butterfly garden is a recent addition to the park, having replaced the garden circle’s famous rose garden, which was destroyed due to salt-water intrusion during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
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San M Arco
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW
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S t. Ni ch olas
St. Nicholas Harking back to a simpler time Originally under Spanish control, San Nicolas, now known as St. Nicholas, was taken over by the British in 1763. Twenty years later, the Spanish regained the territory and constructed Fort San Nicolas to control the river crossing, while serving as a stronghold to protect St. Augustine. The fortress was strengthened in 1794 and expanded in 1802 to safeguard against invaders ranging from French Republicans to good ol’ Florida rebels. Abandoned July 4, 1817, the area where the fort stood eventually was turned into farmland for corn, oranges and sweet potatoes, as well as cattle and horses. A century later, a ship-building facility was built on the site to construct warships during World War I. When on drives down Atlantic Boulevard near the site of the fort today, it’s difficult to imagine such a tumultuous, sometimes-violent period. Today, uniformed students of Assumption Catholic School and Bishop Kenny High School, dressed in plaid, pleated skirts or white button-down shirts and neckties, walk on these former battlegrounds and war-time shipyards. A
granite, historical marker placed in the median of Atlantic Boulevard across the street from the playing fields near Assumption School indicates the former location of Fort San Nicolas. It is nearly impossible to see from a speeding car, but to view it on foot creates a jarring juxtaposition. The St. Nicholas Town Center at the convergence of Beach and Atlantic Boulevards also creates an interesting contrast within the neighborhood. With its Art Deco architectural details, large black clock on the west facade and brick-paved sidewalks, the St. Nicholas neighborhood’s main hub of activity harks back to a simpler time—a time when people still read the daily newspaper, dressed up to go shopping and engaged in polite, public discourse over cocktails. Word has it Jacksonville City Council members and Mayor’s Office staff used to gather with local reporters at the St. Nicholas Lounge, aka St. Nick’s, after council meetings to discuss the issues of the day— decades before the Sunshine Law existed, of course. Today, the split at Mudville Grille in St. Nicholas isn’t about politics, it’s where Atlantic and Beach Boulevards diverge, ushering drivers and pedestrians to the further reaches of Jacksonville. Both roadways (State Road 10 and US 90 respectively) will
eventually take you to the waves, sun, and sand at our beautiful beaches. Homes in the area, however, are largely bungalow style and concrete masonry structures with nearly 100 homes used as war housing for construction workers still in existence, concentrated on Dewey Place, Landon Avenue and Perry Place, next door in nearby San Marco on the other side of the Route 95 overpass. Queen Anne, Colonial Revival Tudor Revival style homes are intermingled, throughout. Also, the final Prairiestyle building designed by renowned architect Henry Klutho now serves as the Assumption School, though, many of his signature details have been removed or covered over. One thing that remains constant in St. Nicholas is the sense of community. Many native residents of St. Nicholas who had moved away after college often find themselves returning to the neighborhood to raise their children. Another case in point: Palmer Terrace, which now serves as a public park and favorite meeting place for residents on the St. Johns River, was reallocated from the City of Jacksonville’s Streets and Drainage Division in 2007 at the request of St. Nicholas residents. St. Nicholas Area Preservation (SNAP) continues to preserve the integrity of the neighborhood while encouraging social interaction between neighbors.
Local Parks C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Parks S – Specialty Park
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Bee Street Park (N) 720 South Shores Rd.
Lillian Saunders Center (C) , 2750 Bartley Cr.
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Marjenhoff Park (N) 1955 Southampton Rd.
Palmer Terrace Park (N) , Palmer Terrace St. Nicholas Playground (N) , 2260 Spring Park Rd. St. Nicholas Train Station Park (N) , 2564 Atlantic Blvd.
Large boats and covered docks line the mouth of Millers Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River, which is home to assorted wildlife and the occasional manatee. An active waterfront and the neighborhood's proximity to downtown are attractive to St. Nicholas residents, who enjoy the St. Johns River that is only steps from their front doors.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 47
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW Curry-Thomas Hardware Opened in 1946, this St. Nicholas landmark is known for its decor, including more than 50 taxidermied hunting trophies such as cape buffalo, lion, impala and caribou heads, and its knowledgable employees, some of whom have worked at the shop for decades. In addition to hardware, the throw-back store located at 3135 Beach Blvd., also sells firearms and has a gunsmith on site.
Historic St. Nicholas Cemetery Located on the corner of Olive and Linden Streets in St. Nicholas, this small cemetery is one of the oldest in Jacksonville and originally served as a pioneer-family burial ground. Just under an acre, the land was originally part of the Francis Bagley Spanish Land Grant and was owned by the Holmes Family, which donated it to the non-denominational Union Church that was located nearby. After the church burned, it was not rebuilt, but longtime friends, in-laws, and neighbors of the originators have been laid to rest in it over the years. Ironically, William Darius Ferris was the first person interred in 1849 with his great grandson and namesake, William Darius Ferris, as the last one to be buried here in 2007.
Palmer Terrace The name of both a small city park and residential street in St. Nicholas, the park is a quaint, riverfront outpost that is perfect for fishing, picnicking, listening to music from Daily's Place across the river, and watching the sunset. The street is known for the Palmer Terrace "mansions," most notably the old McIver residence, located at 1108 Palmer Terrace, an imposing Tudor-Revival style manse with a three-story tower on the St. Johns River. The large white riverfront mansion east of the McIver residence at 1117 Palmer Terrace was built in the 1886 and is one of Jacksonville's most elaborate homes remaining from the last century.
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St. Nicholas Train Station In 1899, the Florida East Coast Railway built a small train depot on Linden Avenue in St. Nicholas, which operated until 1932. It was restored in 2004 and relocated to 2564 Atlantic Blvd. The park brings St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) to the train station each year for a special neighborhood gathering, the Jolly Christmas at St. Nick's.
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San jos e
San Jose Nature’s bounty footsteps from Downtown In an advertisement in 1925, land developers “congratulated” homeowners for building in San Jose, even referring to the new community as “the greatest investment—certainly in Florida—probably in America—possibly the world.” At the time, the 1,000 acre tract, located fewer than five miles south of Downtown, was lauded for its proximity to the city’s center, but its real draw was its natural setting— thickly wooded lots with access to creeks and inlets, as well as sweeping views of the St Johns River. It offered a quiet haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, not to mention, the opportunity to live in a highfalutin community known ’round the world. Visitors to San Jose Estates, as it was once known, were greeted at the north and south entrances by four impressive, ornamental gate towers, constructed of stucco masonry with red tile roofs and attached loggias mimicking the Mediterranean Revival style prevalent in the neighborhood. Street names such as San Pedro, Madrid, Toledo, Coronado and Via de La Reina added to the decidedly Spanish feel. The completion of the opulent, 125-room San Jose Hotel, which is now The Bolles School, and stately San Jose Country Club with its championship course designed by Donald Ross in the mid-1920s seemed to further cement San Jose as the most exclusive neighborhood in Jacksonville.
One of the original 31 homes built in the San Jose Estates subdivision. But it was the palatial home built by industrialist and philanthropist Alfred I. duPont and wife Jessie Ball that truly epitomized the grandeur of San Jose. At the center of the 58-acre, riverfront estate was the couple’s 15,000-squarefoot, 25-room mansion which combined Baroque, Gothic and Spanish Renaissance architectural styles. Located on Christopher Point, the property was previously been intended by the developers of San Jose Estates as the location for Vanderbilt Hotel. Everything changed, however, with the Florida land boom bust in late 1926. By 1928, residential construction had all but ceased with many homes left unfinished and abandoned.
Originally the San Jose Hotel, this grand building is headquarters for The Bolles School, a prestigious private school, which includes boarding students, on the banks of the St. Johns River.
Local Parks
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Alejandro Garces (C) Camp Tomahawk Park , 8419 San Ardo Rd. Baker Skinner Park (C) , 7641 Powers Ave. Crabtree Park (N) 1704 University Blvd. W.
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Goodbys Creek Preserve (S) , 9145 San Jose Blvd. Nathan Krestul Park (C) , 2001 LaVaca Rd. San Jose Acre Park (N) 2965 Caballero Dr.
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Verona Park (N) 2901 San Fernando Rd.
Local Sports Epping Forest Lion Fish 1830 Epping Forest Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 739-7200 w rcsl.org
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Jewish Community Alliance , 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 730-2100 w jcajax.org Jewish Community Alliance Mako Sharks , 8505 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 730-2100 w rcsl.org San Jose Athletic Association , 7641 Powers Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 737-1177 w sanjosejaxbaseball.com San Jose Country Club Pool Cats , 7529 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 733-2020 w sjccpoolcats.org
Country Clubs ,
Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club 1830 Epping Forest Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 739-7200 w efyc.com San Jose Country Club , 7529 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 N (904) 733-2020 w sjccjax.com
The single remaining San Jose Gate Tower on San Jose Boulevard near Christopher Creek was built in 1925 and marked the entrance to the San Jose Estates subdivision. Originally four towers were built by the San Jose Estates Company, but this is the only one that remains and preservation efforts have been made to save this last gate tower.
San Jos e
C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Parks S – Specialty Park
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San jos e
This wasn’t the first time San Jose fizzled as Jacksonville’s next big thing, however. In 1914, businessman Claude Nolan founded the San Jose Company with the purpose of developing the land. That same year, World War I began, and Nolan’s plans were put on hold indefinitely. It took until the end of World War II—and the vigorous economy that followed—for San Jose became a viable opportunity for land developers again. Twenty of the original San Jose Estates, which still stand today, are listed as a thematic group on the National Register of Historic Places. The San Jose of today still resembles its past with many homes flourished with red tile roofs, only they are now interspersed with more modern dwellings. San Jose Boulevard, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, is particularly popular with walkers, runners and bicyclists, who often take advantage of its flat terrain and shady, tree canopy. With Christopher Creek to the north and Goodbys Creek to the south, the greater San Jose area offers a slew of waterfront properties leading to the St. Johns River. The John T. Lowe Boat Ramp at Goodbys Lake allows the public access to the St. Johns tributary, as well.
The San Jose Estates Country Club is the only remaining commercial building from the San Jose Estate's development that retains its original function.
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San jos e Christopher Creek is adjacent to Nathan Krestul Park
A serene pond greets visitors near the parking lot of San Jose Country Club.
Also, of note is San Jose’s diversity. Nearly 20% of its residents were born in another country. Its neighborhood schools, San Jose Elementary and Albert I. duPont Middle School, provide instruction in both Spanish and English, and at duPont nearly 20% of the students have “limited English proficiency.” Believe it or not, the neighborhood has more residents from Cuban and Brazilian ancestry than nearly any other neighborhood
in the United States. Linguistically, the majority of San Jose residents speak English, however, more than 10% speak Spanish and a significant number its residents speak primarily Portuguese in the home. Lakewood, an adjacent neighborhood area stretching between Miramar and San Jose along San Jose Boulevard, came into being in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a popular residential
enclave where returning World War II servicemen chose to raise their families. It is home to several churches, two major grocery stores within two large shopping centers and streets named after well-known colleges such as Clemson, Cornell, Fordham and Emory. Most residents consider the northern boundary of Lakewood to be Oaklawn Cemetery, and its southern boundary to be Christopher Creek.
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2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 53
Epping Forest
Crabtree Park
Built in 1926, Epping Forest was originally an estate built by Albert I. duPont and his wife, Jessie Ball. It was named for an ancient forest in West Essex, England, and the Virginia home of George Washington's mother, Mary Ball, a relative of Mrs. duPont. Here the duPonts entertained rich and famous guests including U.S. presidents and royalty. Added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the property is now home to Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club, one of the city’s most exclusive country clubs with a private yacht basin and racquet club.
Located in the Lakewood area, three blocks east of the intersection of San Jose Boulevard and University Boulevard West, lies Crabtree Park, which offers a playground and is a place where organized youth baseball/softball games and pickup basketball games are offered. Walter Crabtree, a real estate developer, originated the entire Lakewood area between 1946 and 1961, some of it around picturesque New Ross Creek that meanders through the northwest section. He conveyed the land for the park to Duval County in several deeds between 1957 and 1963.
Jewish Community Alliance The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), located at 8505 San Jose Blvd., is a non-profit community center affiliated with the Jacksonville Jewish Federation, the United Way of Northeast Florida, and the Jewish Community Centers of North America. Although the majority of its members are Jewish, the JCA welcomes all people from different walks of life into its membership. It offers a full gym, pool, fitness center, and an accredited preschool.
Nathan Krestul Park Located at 2001 La Vaca Road, Nathan Krestul Park is adjacent to Christopher Creek at the entrance of the San Jose Forest subdivision. Originally named La Vaca Park, which means "the cow" in Spanish, the park was renamed Nathan Krestul Park in 2007. Although residents of San Jose Forest are the principal users of the park, in 2000, Mary Wheatley, a neighboring resident, created a lovely butterfly garden on the grounds. Her garden was later chosen by the statewide Florida Native Plant Society as tops in the wildflower and butterfly categories. Picnic tables are also available.
San Jos e
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW
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Downtown & S pringfield
Downtown
Juxtapostion of old and new
& Springfield
Downtown and Springfield is a juxtaDowntown features night clubs, position of old and new. popular art and natural history museDowntown includes Fortune 500 ums, and several professional sports and other companies in towering teams – Jaguars football, Jumbo Shrimp skyscrapers, high-rise apartments and minor league baseball, Giants basketcondominiums with luminescent river ball, Sharks arena football or Iceman views, an NFL team, and an elevated hockey, which are headquartered at train and many new developments. TIAA Bank Field, 121 Financial Ballpark And all this is adjacent to Springfield, – known as the Baseball Grounds – and the city’s oldest historic neighborhood. the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. As Duval County’s leadership Adjacent to these sports venues is ardently seeks to revitalize Downtown’s Daily’s Place, a 5,500-seat, covered urban core, Springfield residents amphitheater, which allows visitors demonstrate the same kind of passion to enjoy concerts by big-name artists. in preserving the Victorian homes that Downtown Jacksonville has expereside on their tree-lined streets and rienced multiple improvements to their neighborhood’s own unique many historic buildings in recent years, culture. Nowhere is the contrast including the successful rehabilitation between the big city and a historic of the 18-story National Barnett Bank neighborhood so complimentary as the building, which now hosts residences juxtaposition between Downtown and as well as businesses. Developers are the Springfield neighborhood, which also working to salvage the Laura are located only a few minutes away Street Trio – the Florida National Bank from each other. Building, the Bisbee Building and the Surrounded by the St. Johns River Florida Life Building – three historic to its south and east, Downtown is buildings that were built at different connected by several bridges that times in the city’s history. All three gird the silvery waterway with light are emblematic of Jacksonville’s reviat night against a backdrop of tower- talization after the Great Fire of 1901, ing glass and steel skyscrapers. which devastated the city.
North Laura Street
Representing many of the city’s urban residents are the Downtown Dwellers, a neighborhood group that has emerged as an advocate for those who live within the city limits. These urbanites work diligently to protect the river, foster an active lifestyle, and create a safe, inviting, culturally rich environment on both the Northbank and Southbank of the river. Just north of Downtown, visitors to Springfield are welcomed by a colorful mural, denoting Jacksonville’s oldest historic neighborhood. Artist Grant Thornton painted the sunny and distinctive streetscape depicting the neighborhood’s landmarks on a Main Street building that is almost as old as the neighborhood itself. Springfield is fiercely loved by people who live there. The neighborhood celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019, and its nearly 6,000 residents take pride in restoring homes from several periods in the neighborhood’s past. Many historic mansions, bungalows and single- family homes have been renovated and are occupied by a diverse group of neighbors who continually work to improve the area by bringing a sense of identity through local events, bike-ability and small neighborhood businesses. Preservation groups, such as Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) proudly point to the area’s walkability to many new businesses that have opened in the last few years, and the commercial area of Main Street includes coffee shops, art galleries, a hyper-local skateboarding shop, an herbalist, restaurants and a handful of clothing boutiques. Because of its close proximity to TIAA Bank Field and other city sports venues, Springfield residents enjoy the prospect of leaving their cars at home when they attend sporting events. Many residents say they fell in love with Springfield after attending its annual signature event, PorchFest, which has drawn as many as 10,000 visitors to the neighborhood. A free event where dozens of bands perform on porches throughout the neighborhood, Porchfest culminates with an evening concert in Klutho Park.
Local Parks C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Parks S – Specialty Park
Confederate Park (C) , 949 Hubbard St. Confederate Dog Park (S) , Confederate St. Henry J. Klutho Park (S) , 204 W. 3rd St. John N. McPherson Park (N) , 526 W. 8th St. Julius Guinyard Park (S) , 1359 Jefferson St.
,
Liberty Park (N) 1938 Liberty St.
Manson “Bull” Felder Park (N) , 1045 Fuller Ln. Robert F. Kennedy Park (S) , 1133 Ionia St. Warren W. Schell Jr. Memorial Park (N) , 510 W. 6th St.
Springfield residents also love the neighborhood’s easy access to the Emerald Trail, a pedestrian and bicycle trail at the former railroad S-line, which will eventually connect to a 30-mile network of walking and biking trails. While the neighborhood celebrated its official 150th anniversary last year, its origins go further back. Thanks to the Land Act of 1820, Springfield’s beginnings occurred the same year John R. Hogans received title to 640 acres north of his namesake creek. After the land was conveyed six times, the bulk of it was sold to the Springfield Company in 1882 and platted into lots. In 1869, the area was named Springfield thanks to a spring of good water located in a field where West Fourth Street now runs. “No other suburban addition to the city is so centrally located or so contiguous to the business portion of the city,” noted John Norton, a Springfield developer in an 1871 real estate guide. Incorporated into Jacksonville in 1887, for a while the area served as a popular winter destination and even held the Subtropical Exposition (1888-1891). Springfield was also a center for military action during the SpanishAmerican War. Between 1907 and 1914, Springfield resident Henry John Klutho, a noted architect, drew plans for his own home and for the Klutho Apartments in the historic district. Springfield Park, created in 1899, was renamed Klutho Park in honor of his design for the Hogans Creek Improvement Project in 1929.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 55
WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW PorchFest Held in historic Springfield, this free afternoon event gives residents and visitors the opportunity to hear dozens of bands perform music on porches throughout the neighborhood. Food trucks are plentiful, and a variety of craft beer and wine is available for purchase. Proceeds from PorchFest support arts-related activities in Jacksonville’s urban core. The event is pedestrian, bicycle, and kid friendly. Dogs on leashes are more than welcome.
The Florida Theater The Florida Theatre at 128 E. Forsyth Street is an iconic throwback to the early 20th century, when movie palaces were a popular form of escape and movies were silent. The seven-story wooden theatre opened its doors in 1927, the same year Laurel and Hardy got their first official film credits and the first talkie, “The Jazz Singer” featuring Al Jolson, was introduced to global audiences. The theater still hosts a vast variety of live performances coupled with movie festivals, stand-up comedy, and quirky local bands. The theater holds 1,900 seats. To occupy one of them for an upcoming event, visit floridatheatre.com/events.
Art Walk On the first Wednesday of each month – rain or shine – from the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Jacksonville comes alive with art, music and more. Galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants, bars, and businesses stretching over 15 blocks take part in Art Walk, which is sponsored by Downtown Vision, Inc. The event is centered in James Weldon Johnson Park (formerly Hemming Park) near City Hall, where artists, street performers and musicians show off their best work.
Henry J. Klutho Park A park that was once home to the city’s first zoo now forms a natural backdrop to events and concerts. Klutho Park runs diagonally along Hogans Creek, from its northwestern border at North Jefferson Street and West Sixth Street to its southeastern corner at West First Street and Boulevard Street, across from the Karpeles Manuscript Library. City staff in 1984 renamed a portion of Springfield Park to honor Klutho, who lived in the neighborhood and was extremely influential in Jacksonville architecture after the city rebuilt itself following the devastating Great Fire of 1901. Besides being the venue for the final concert for each year’s PorchFest, the park also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
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THE LAW OF (ART)TRACTION BY MARCIA HODGSON
Art in public spaces creates greater sense of place, community It’s not necessary to visit a museum to view world-class artwork in Jacksonville. Many residents may not be aware, but the River City has an international reputation for its collection of “streetscape” art and sculpture, which adorn city streets in Downtown’s urban core. Most of the city’s murals by big-name street artists have come by
way of ArtRepublic, a nonprofit run by President/Curator Jessica Santiago and Creative Director George Georgallis. Since 2016, ArtRepublic has used money from private donors to allow artists from all over the globe to create colorful canvases out of the city’s formerly drab and dingy exterior walls. “We bring in muralists from all over the world, and time and time
ArtRepublic
again they say they have never seen anything like it because we have quality art Downtown and it’s walkable Since 2016, Art Republic has curated to view it,” Santiago said. “It’s unique. 52 murals by world-renowned Whenever we look at a city that we artists from 22 countries, making it consider great, it’s always because nearly impossible to turn any corner of its art. With Instagram and other Downtown without seeing one of its social media, having art has become colorful streetscapes. the expectation because everyone has One of ArtRepublic’s most recent already seen this in other cities. This endeavors was the painting of the art provides a sense of pride through- VyStar tower and 12 walls of VyStar’s out the community.” parking garage downtown in November Although there are neighboring 2019. The outside tower and one enclaves of art throughout the city, wall were painted by Remi Rough, an ArtRepublic focuses on positioning its internationally known muralist from artists mainly in the Downtown core, London, who also was commissioned Santiago said. “We started ArtRepublic by ArtRepublic that same week to to make Jacksonville into an arts desti- paint the wall of the Grape and Grain nation. We wanted to help create a real Exchange in San Marco Square. Also economic impact to help build up the included in the VyStar project were community and to really help with the artists Ryan Coleman, Jason Woodside branding and identity of the city. As of New York, Golden 305 of New the city starts to grow and new devel- York and Miami, and Ruben Gerardo opments come in, it will have a differ- Ubiera Gonzalez of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Mark “CENT” ent and more progressive aesthetic so Ferreira, of Jacksonville. that people who are moving here will feel it is a little more reminiscent of “Most of the muralists in Downtown the cultural capitals that they may be are really big-name international coming from,” she said. “We’ve had artists,” said Tetlak, a muralist from this push to grow Downtown for all Murray Hill. “I don’t know if the people these years, and public art is a major, of Jacksonville realize it, but those are major piece of that. It’s very unusual some very impressive murals.” that we would be able to do this much The first mural ArtRepublic commisprivately without public support, but sioned in Jacksonville in 2016 was “The it does speak to our community and Function of Education,” by German how much people really do care and painter Case Maclaim, a large piece see the value of it.” painted on the Forsyth Parking Garage Santiago and her nonprofit are not at 25 W. Forsyth St. facing Laura Street. the only ones who have had a hand in In fact several of ArtRepublic’s finest decorating Jacksonville’s Downtown in murals can be seen during a walk down a positive way. The Cultural Council Forsyth Street including: “The Dance of Greater Jacksonville, as well as of the Seven Sins Muses” by Okuda San famed local muralists Nicole “Nico” Miguel of Spain at 927 W. Forsyth St.; Holderbaum, and Jason Tetlak of Puerto Rican artist Bik Ismo’s work, Murray Hill, have also made major “Untitled,” a silver figure doing a swan contributions to Jacksonville’s beau- dive on the wall at 115 N. Davis St.; tification efforts. Cubic Ring by Astro, a street artist from
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France, at 745 W. Forsyth St.; “Danger of Extinction” by Waone Interesni Kazki, a muralist from Kyiv, Ukraine, at 315 W. Forsyth St.; Detroit Moves by Kenor of Barcelona, Spain, at 325 E. Forsyth St., and “The Gift,” a large portrait, by Moroccan-born Mohamed L’Ghacham of Barcelona, Spain at 112 E. Forsyth St. Another incredible work curated by the nonprofit is “Unity,” by Guido Van Helten of Australia. It is located near TIAA Bank Field stadium on two industrial silos located at 2014 E. Adams St. Some other large wall paintings commissioned by ArtRepublic are: “Flora + Fauna” by James Reka at 245 Water St.; “Pigeon Feathers” by Belgian painter Adele Renault, 100 E. Adams St.; “Untitled” by British street artist Phlegm at 140 W. Monroe St. “Untitled” by David Petroni of Argentina and “La Verdad No Tiene Forma” by Fabio Lopez, a Spanish artist who goes by the name of Dourone, share space on the building and parking garage at 123 N. Julia St. Also, a must-see is “Triad” by French street artist Mantra on the side of the Volunteers in Medicine building at 41 E. Duval St. “The three butterflies, which are indigenous to Northeast Florida, are so symbolic of the transformation that Jacksonville is going through,” said Santiago. “We bring in the most renowned names in the international artwork scene, but we also do work with a lot of local artists, too, and a lot of times
we will pair them with an international artist so the international artist can teach them new skills and help them grow their techniques as well,” Santiago continued. “Public art like these mural projects is pretty much at every major metropolitan city around the world. This has been a global movement, so we absolutely had to have a piece like this so that we could grow Jacksonville into the kind of community we really want to be,” she said, referring to Mantra’s butterflies.
Cultural Council Jacksonville’s interest in bringing more public art to its urban core began nearly 30 years earlier when, in 1997, the city increased its investment in the arts by allotting a percent-for-art tax ordinance on eligible city construction projects. The ordinance designated that an Art in Public Places Program (APP) would be administered through the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville on the city’s behalf. Since its inception, APP has acquired more than 115 public artworks and memorials throughout Duval County, and most recently refinished the fountain in front of the Yates Building with a glistening tiled mosaic by Carlos Alves and his wife, J.C. Carroll. A block away from the fountain is the recent installation of “Jaxoscope,” a new unique sculpture by Shasti O’Leary Soudent of Buffalo, New York, paid for with funds from the
Downtown Investment Authority. The sculpture, which was part of an effort to revitalize Jessie B. Smith Memorial park, is made of textured stainless steel and comprises eight hollow prisms through which may be viewed kaleidoscope images of Downtown architecture and the Florida Theatre’s neon marquee, which is directly across the street. More than 10,000 buttons affixed to the sculpture light up at night, said Glenn Weiss director of Public Art for the Cultural Council. The Cultural Council has also coordinated the painting of the skyway stanchions on Hogan and W. Bay Streets, which were done by Andrew Reid aka SHEd of Miami and Cecilia Lueza of South Florida. The painted pillars were part of Phase 1 of APP’s revitalization initiative, which included more than 32 functional and aesthetic works of art that adorn the area around Hogan, Monroe, Duval, Adams, Bay, and Forsyth Streets. One Cultural Council project that is in the works that may be completed by the end of 2020 is a $335,000 mural by Tom Drugan and Laura Haddad of Seattle on Water Street near the Acosta Bridge that will include a giant illuminated flower sculpture atop its building that will change color at night, Weiss said. “The sculpture will be on the roof and the painting will come down and spread out 200 feet on each side. It will have elaborate LED technology so that it will change color,” he explained.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 59
Murray Hill When one thinks of Murray Hill, one can’t help but identify the community with the 15 or more murals that adorn many of its businesses along Edgewood Avenue. Street art came to Murray Hill in 2016, when Jason Tetlak convinced the Murray Hill Preservation Society that the 100-year-old hamlet might be revitalized if street artists painted the blank walls within its the commercial area. “The reasoning behind it was to attract people to the area and invigorate the community,” he said, adding that his inspiration came from Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, a former warehouse and manufacturing area that is now is home to one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world. “There are definitely a lot of new things happening in our neighborhood since we started
the mural project. I like to think it’s had an impact.” MHPA spearheaded the idea, agreeing to fund several murals along with matching funding from business owners and other donations along the way. “As it started to catch on, I noticed murals were going up that we weren’t even a part of,” Tetlak said. “The point was to do something big and bold that people would recognize and identify with us.” “Between our Halloween event [Murray Hill-O-Ween] and the murals, we’ve made a name for ourselves as a more-fun neighborhood,” he said. In contrast to the murals Downtown, Murray Hill’s streetscapes have been done mainly by local artists, many of which are first-time muralists, although the artist Jerkface, from New York, is one out-of-towner with an international reputation within its ranks. His masterpiece was inspired by the old Calvin and Hobbes comic strip and
sprawled across the side of the Bank of America building at Edgewood Avenue South until the bank was demolished in September 2020 to make way for a housing development. Jerkface’s mural was the fifth to be painted in Murray Hill. The first mural commissioned by MHPA was designed by New York artist Jon Burgerman and painted by Robert E. Lee High School art teacher Anne Jacques and her former art students on the side of the Murray Hill Theatre. Other MHPA murals include one by Britt Spencer on the side of the Grater Goods Cheese and Charcuterie store at 1080 Edgewood Avenue and the iconic work GROW on the side of Tradewinds bar, at the corner of Edgewood Avenue and Post Street. Designed by Riverside artists Kate Willink and Brenna Martin, it uses eight distinct colors outlining an abstract of native Florida foliage
with the word “GROW” in large, uppercase letters. Holderbaum was also commissioned by MHPA to do a large floral mural on the northwest face of a building on the Florida Christian Apartments campus. Tetlak also painted several murals scattered throughout the community himself including the large Murray Hill masterpiece facing Roosevelt Boulevard at the corner of Edgewood Avenue and Plymouth Street. It features the face of comedian Bill Murray, which welcomes drivers and pedestrians to the community as they head northbound from Avondale. Tetlak’s work also extends beyond Murray Hill’s borders. His handpainted “Brooklyn,” a mural at 250 Park Street on the back wall of PRC Digital Media in Brooklyn, received the Guinness World Record for being the largest 3D painting in the world covering a massive 1,900 square feet.
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Nico
Southbank Riverwalk Jacksonville’s Southbank may not have as many murals as Murray Hill, but there are three that are quite spectacular. Shaun Thurston’s work at the entrance of the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) with its floating astronaut and undersea-scape perfectly illustrates what the museum is all about, while David Nackashi’s jungle-scape has transformed the formerly blasé exterior of the only public restroom on the Southbank Riverwalk. Nackashi’s work was commissioned by the Downtown Dwellers, a group of residents who reside in high-rises on both sides of the river, and the group is currently raising money so it can
soon fund another art project along the Northbank Riverwalk, Weiss said. But perhaps the most unusual mural in the city is the one that resides under the Main Street Bridge along the Southbank Riverwalk. Commissioned by the Cultural Council, “Mirrored River: Where Do You See Yourself,” was created by local artists Kenny and Kate Rouh of RouxArt and covers a 60-foot wall along the riverwalk in chunks of mirror, ceramic tile, glass tile and pebbles. Helping to install the Rouhs’ glittering showpiece were locals, one-time visitors to Jacksonville, and even the homeless. “Mirror River is definitely one of the best pieces in Jacksonville if not in the entire state,” Weiss said. “It’s a rare and beautiful piece. If you walk next to it, it just shimmers like the river. It takes a horrible nasty space and turns it into a beautiful experience.”
One of Jacksonville’s most prolific muralists, Holderbaum is responsible for streetscapes in Downtown, San Marco, Murray Hill, Arlington, the Beaches and at many public schools throughout Duval County. She is the founder and director of the Kids Mural Project and has been painting murals all over Jacksonville since she received funding in 2015 during the One Spark crowdfunding competition. The money enabled her to paint more than 30 murals at Title 1 public schools throughout Duval County, engaging more than 3,000 students in the process. In addition, to her floral design on Florida Christian Apartment Building, Holderbaum’s work can be seen on the LDI Reproprinting Center building in Brooklyn as well as on a fence within the St. Paul’s Catholic School playground. Other Nico murals reside at Central Riverside Elementary, Ruth N. Upson Elementary, Venetia Elementary and West Riverside Elementary among others. Downtown, Holderbaum spearheaded several artists to paint the “Ax Handle Saturday” mural, which wraps around two walls of the historic Eastside Brotherhood Club building. On the building is a depiction of a Jacksonville sit-in in August 1960 that turned bloody when white people brandished ax handles and baseball bats as they chased down young black demonstrators. On the front of the same building is a portrait of Rutledge Pearson, who served as president of the city’s NAACP branch. Most recently Holderbaum gathered with several other muralists to paint a
mural at the Town and Country Mall that spells out “ARLINGTON.” Located on the side of the Legacy Ministries Worship Center at 825 University Blvd. N., the mural contains nine separate murals done by different local artists, which is visible to thousands of drivers heading on and off the Mathews Bridge. The purpose of the artwork is to help revitalize the area, Weiss said. Holderbaum also was hired by a group of San Marco residents in 2016 to paint a mural on the St. Johns River bulkhead at Inwood Terrace to spiff up their neighborhood and combat graffiti. But perhaps her most interesting project was in 5 Points when she was asked to spruce up Riverside Park by painting a colorful abstract camellia mural on the basketball court. “The evolution of the [Kids Mural] project was to include basketball courts within communities in need, to engage the community,” she told The Resident in 2019. “I’ve never painted a court before, so I was grateful for the opportunity to do this. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done, and the City gave me a decent amount of creative freedom with the design.” The art of Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods “dramatically enhances the character of the place and the experience of being in Jacksonville,” said Weiss. “It creates a kind of gallery to wander through. It’s an experience you can bring to both yourself and to your family. Each of these murals takes an overlooked, underutilized place and turns it into something special,” he continued. “Unfortunately, some of them are hidden gems that only a few people know about.”
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Private, public, charter, or faith-based
Jacksonville offers an excellent choice in schools Parents have a wide selection of academic alternatives in Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods, and the choices are excellent. Whether students are interested in the arts, science, technology, engineering, math or medical studies, there is an academic program to meet their needs. Several prestigious private high schools with rolling riverfront campuses and national reputations fall within the perimeters of Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods and their adjacent communities.
And feeding into those schools is a wide selection of superb private and religious schools accommodating grades PK through 8th grade. Thirty-two charter schools in Duval County serve grades K-12, and there are an extensive variety of magnet programs within its public schools. Dedicated magnets indicate the entire school’s curriculum consists of a magnet program, and all students must apply to enroll regardless of whether they live nearby. Meanwhile, other neighborhood
Public Elementary Schools (Grades K-5) M denotes magnet school | N denotes neighborhood school
p Schools
99
(29 magnet)
g Students
53,000
~
For more info visit dcps.duvalschools.org Standard Hours of Operations*: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm *
Exceptions: Venetia - 9:00am - 3:30pm
Early Dismissal - Students are dismissed one hour and 45 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time on early dismissal days.
**
schools offer focused magnet programs within their curriculum offerings, but not all students may be participating in the magnet’s course work. Unless a school is a dedicated magnet, being enrolled does not mean a student is automatically involved in the magnet program. Students need to apply to magnet programs at neighborhood schools to be included.
For more information visit: dcps.duvalschools.org
Chimney LakesM (International Studies Global Academy)
, 9353 Staples Mill Dr. N (904) 573-1100 w dcps.duvalschools.org/cle Crystal SpringsM (Business and Entrepreneurship)
, 1200 Hammond Blvd. N (904) 693-7645 w dcps.duvalschools.org/cse DinsmoreM (Enrichment Through Science)
, 7126 Civic Club Rd. N (904) 924-3126 w dcps.duvalschools.org/dinsmore EnglewoodN
, 4359 Spring Park Rd. N (904) 739-5280 w dcps.duvalschools.org/Englewood FishweirM, N(Visual and Performing Arts)
, 3977 Herschel St. N (904) 381-3910 w dcps.duvalschools.org/fishweir Hendricks AvenueN
, 3400 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 346-5610 w dcps.duvalschools.org/hendricks Henry F. KiteM (Global Understanding)
, 9430 Lem Turner Rd. N (904) 924-3031 w dcps.duvalschools.org/henrykite Andrew RobinsonM (STEM)
Holiday HillM (Gifted & Academically Talented/Leadership)
, 101 W. 12th St. N (904) 630-6550 w dcps.duvalschools.org/are
, 6900 Altama Rd. N (904) 720-1676 w dcps.duvalschools.org/HolidayHill
Bayview
J. Allen AxsonM (Montessori, Dedicated Magnet)
N
, 3257 Lake Shore Blvd. N (904) 381-3920 w dcps.duvalschools.org/bayview
, 4763 Sutton Park Ct. N (904) 992-3600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/jaa
BrentwoodM (Visual and Performing Arts)
Jacksonville BeachM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet)
, 3750 Springfield Blvd. N (904) 630-6630 w dcps.duvalschools.org/brentwood
, 315 S. 10th St. N (904) 247-5942 w dcps.duvalschools.org/jbe
Central Riverside
John E. FordM (Montessori/Spanish Montessori, K-8)
M, N
(Gifted and Academically Talented)
, 2555 Gilmore St. N (904) 381-7495 w dcps.duvalschools.org/centralriverside
, 1137 Cleveland St. N (904) 630-6540 w dcps.duvalschools.org/johneford
64 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Public Elementary Schools [cont.] M denotes magnet school | N denotes neighborhood school
John N.C. StocktonM, N (Math, Science, Technology)
, 4827 Carlisle Rd. N (904) 381-3955 w dcps.duvalschools.org/stockton Lake ForestM (Visual and Performing Arts)
, 901 Kennard St. N (904) 924-3024 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lakeforest Lone StarM (Math, Science, Technology)
, 10400 Lone Star Rd. N (904) 565-2711 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lonestar LorettoM (Technology)
, 3900 Loretto Rd. N (904) 260-5800 w dcps.duvalschools.org/loretto Martin Luther KingM (Visual and Performing Arts)
, 8801 Lake Placid Dr. E. N (904) 924-3027 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mlking MayportM (Coastal Sciences Academy)
R.V. DanielsM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet)
, 2753 Shangri-La Dr. N (904) 247-5988 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mayport
, 1951 W. 15th St. N (904) 630-6872 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rvdaniels
OrtegaM, N (Museum Studies/Global Academy)
Richard Lewis BrownM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet)
, 4010 Baltic St. N (904) 381-7460 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ortega
, 1535 Milnor St. N (904) 630-6570 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rlbrown
Pine Forest (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet)
Rufus E. PayneM (STEM)
, 3929 Grant Rd. N (904) 346-5600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/pineforest
, 6725 Hema Rd. N (904) 924-3020 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rpayne
PinedaleM (STEM)
Ruth N. UpsonN
, 4228 Dignan St. N (904) 381-7490 w dcps.duvalschools.org/pinedale
, 1090 Dancy St. N (904) 381-7485 w dcps.duvalschools.org/upson
M
Serving PreK through grade 8 students and families in the Avondale, Lakeshore, NAS, and Riverside areas for over 70 years!
904.387.4401 | StMatthewsCS.com | stmatthewsoffice@comcast.net
Sallye B. MathisM (STEM)
Spring Park ElementaryM (International Baccalaureate, Global Academy)
, 3501 Winton Dr.(904) N 924-3086 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sallyebmathis
, 2250 Spring Park Rd. N (904) 346-5640 w dcps.duvalschools.org/springpark
San JoseM, N (Dual Language, Global Academy)
Thomas JeffersonM (Multiple Intelligences, Acceleration)
, 5805 St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 739-5260 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sanjose
, 8233 Nevada St. N (904) 693-7500 w dcps.duvalschools.org/tjefferson
San Mateo (Accelerated Academy of Learning)
VenetiaM, N (Medical Arts Science Academy)
, 600 Baisden Rd. N (904) 696-8750 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sanmateo
, 4300 Timuquana Rd. N (904) 381-3990 w dcps.duvalschools.org/venetia
San PabloM (Science Academy)
West RiversideM, N (Dual Language, Global Academy)
, 801 N. 18th Ave. N (904) 247-5947 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sanpablo
, 2801 Herschel St. N (904) 381-3900 w dcps.duvalschools.org/wres
M
66
Public Middle Schools (Grades 6-8) M denotes magnet school | N denotes neighborhood school
p Schools
24
(16 Magnet )
g Students
22,000
~
For more info visit dcps.duvalschools.org Standard Hours of Operations*: 9:30 am - 4:15 pm *
Exceptions:
Baldwin (6-12): 7:15am - 2:00pm Darnell-Cookman: 8:10am - 2:55pm Fort Caroline: 8:45am - 3:30pm John E. Ford (K-8): 8:30am - 3:00pm Matthew Gilbert: 7:25am – 2:10pm James W. Johnson: 8:10am - 2:55pm
Kirby-Smith: 8:10am - 2:55pm Julia Landon: 8:10am - 2:55pm LaVilla School of the Arts: 8:25am - 3:25pm Joseph Stillwell: 8:25am - 3:25pm Young Men/Women Leadership Academy: 8:25am - 3:25pm
Early Dismissal - Students are dismissed one hour and 45 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time on early dismissal days.
**
HighlandsM (Aviation/Military Science/Leadership)
, 10913 Pine Estates Rd. E. N (904) 696-8771 w dcps.duvalschools.org/hms James Weldon JohnsonM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet)
, 3276 Norman E. Thagard Blvd. N (904) 693-7600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/jwjohnson Jean RibaultM (Early High School, Acceleration)
, 3610 Ribault Scenic Dr. N (904) 924-3062 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rms John E. FordM (Montessori/Spanish Montessori, K-8)
, 1137 Cleveland St. N (904) 630-6540 w dcps.duvalschools.org/johneford Joseph StillwellM (Military Leadership, Dedicated Magnet)
, 7840 Burma Rd. N (904) 693-7523 w dcps.duvalschools.org/stilwell Julia Landon College Preparatory SchoolM, N (Gifted and Academically Talented/Leadership, Dedicated Magnet)
, 1819 Thacker Ave. N (904) 346-5650 w dcps.duvalschools.org/landon Kirby-SmithM (STEM, Dedicated Magnet)
, 2034 Hubbard St. N (904) 630-6600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/kirbysmith Lake Shore MiddleN
, 2915 Bayview Rd. N (904) 381-7440 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lakeshore LaVilla School of the ArtsM (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet)
Alfred I duPont MiddleM, N (International Business/World Language)
, 2710 duPont Ave. N (904) 739-5200 w dcps.duvalschools.org/dupont BaldwinM (Communications, Information Technology, 6-12)
, 291 Mills St. W. N (904) 260-1200 w dcps.duvalschools.org/bmsh Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical ArtM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet, 6-12)
, 501 Davis St. N. N (904) 633-6069 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lavilla Matthew GilbertM (Technology)
, 1424 Franklin St. N (904) 630-6700 w dcps.duvalschools.org/matthewgilbert MayportM (Coastal Sciences)
, 2600 Mayport Rd. N (904) 247-5977 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mayportmiddle SouthsideM (International Baccalaureate)
, 1701 N. Davis St. N (904) 630-6805 w dcps.duvalschools.org/darnellcookman
, 2948 Knights Ln. E. N (904) 739-5238 w dcps.duvalschools.org/southside
Fort CarolineM (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet)
Young Men’s/Women’s Leadership AcademyM (Dedicated Magnet)
, 3787 University Club Blvd. N (904) 745-4927 w dcps.duvalschools.org/fce
, 900 Acorn St. N (904) 630-6900 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ymwla
Confident, Curious and Compassionate #TheSanJoseWay Our teachers know their students, celebrate their individuality and intentionally plan ways to elevate the student experience. Think Tank, an SJEDS signature enrichment program, offers a challenging approach to learning and a way to develop the strengths and talents of ALL students. With a balanced approach that is nurturing yet differentiated, each child can confidently reach their fullest potential.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @SanJoseEpiscopalDaySchool
Come see for yourself why an education at San Jose Episcopal Day School is an investment in a brighter future. Pre -K 3 through 6th grade • 7423 San Jose Blvd. • 904-733-0352 • www.sjeds.org SJEDS welcomes qualified applicants in grades Pre-K3 through 6 without regard to race, sex, creed, religion or national origin. Accredited by FCIS, FKC, SACS and the Episcopal Diocese of Florida.
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts: Transforming Lives, One Artist at Time
“Being able to attend DA was extremely important to my development as a musician and person. That place changed my life. It wasn’t just high-level instruction from world class teachers. It was the the environment filled with extremely bright and talented students. That energy was conta-gious and motivating. Thank you DA. Now, I’m a successful artist, creating moments through music with a range of creatives around the world.” — GRAMMY award-winning Jazz artist and DA Alumni, Jamison Ross
Ranked in the top 1% of best high schools in the nation Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (DA) provides intensive and advanced placement studies in the arts and academics.
Why Choose Douglas Anderson? •
92% - 97% of graduates are accepted into colleges, conservatories, and universities
•
Students SAT scores consistently 67+ points above the national average
•
Winner of 11 National GRAMMY Awards for music programs
•
Best High School Jazz Program in the Nation by GRAMMY Foundation and Downbeat Magazine
•
Over $21 Million in college scholarships annually offered to graduates
To learn more about the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Duval County Schools’ public arts high school, and it’s application and audition process go to DA-arts.org. 2445 San Diego Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 346-5620
68 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Public High Schools (Grades 9-12) M denotes magnet school | N denotes neighborhood school
p Schools
19
( 14 Magnet )
g Students
30,000
~
For more info visit dcps.duvalschools.org Standard Hours of Operations*: 7:15 am - 2:00 pm Exceptions:
*
Douglas Anderson 8:25am - 3:25pm Darnell-Cookman 8:10am - 2:55pm Paxon SAS 8:10am - 2:55pm Peterson 8:25am - 3:25pm
Randolph 8:25am - 3:25pm Ribault 7:25am - 2:10pm Stanton 8:10am - 2:55pm
Early Dismissal - Students are dismissed one hour and 45 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time on early dismissal days.
**
Andrew JacksonM (Military Science, Sports Medicine, Cyber Security, Dedicated Magnet)
, 3816 Main St. N (904) 630-6950 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ajhs
BaldwinM(Communications, Information Technology, 6-12)
, 291 Mills St. W. N (904) 260-1200 w dcps.duvalschools.org/bmsh
Asa Philip Randolph Career AcademiesM (Dedicated Magnet)
Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical ArtsM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet, 6-12)
, 1157 Golfair Blvd. N (904) 924-3011 w dcps.duvalschools.org/aprtech
, 1701 N. Davis St. N (904) 630-6805 w dcps.duvalschools.org/darnellcookman
At Kids First Dentistry, we care for your child’s smile
Dr.Jila J. Mahajan Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
904-423-1377 | kids1dentistry.com | 4495 Roosevelt Blvd. Suite 111 (Conveniently Located in the Roosevelt Square Shopping Center) Most insurances and care credit accepted
Be your best self at Bishop John J. Snyder High School
Douglas Anderson School of the ArtsM, N (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet)
, 2445 San Diego Rd. N (904) 346-5620 w dcps.duvalschools.org/anderson Edward H. WhiteM (Military Leadership Academy)
, 1700 Old Middleburg Rd. N. N (904) 693-7620 w dcps.duvalschools.org/edwhite Englewood High SchoolN
, 4412 Barnes Rd. N (904) 739-5212 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ehs Frank H. Peterson Academies of TechnologyM (Dedicated Magnet)
, 7450 Wilson Blvd. N (904) 573-1150 w dcps.duvalschools.org/fhp Jean RibaultM (JROTC, Military Leadership)
, 3701 Winton Dr. N (904) 924-3092 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rhs
Students at Snyder have the opportunity to explore who they are and to learn how to succeed in college and in life. The rigor of our college-preparatory academics prepares students for college success. Athletics, clubs, and Campus Ministry events make high school fun and memorable. We welcome students of all faiths to join our student body and benefit from all that we offer. Come see how your son or daughter can be their best self.
MandarinM (Cambridge Secondary 2/AICE)
, 4831 Greenland Rd. N (904) 260-3911 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mhs Paxon School for Advanced StudiesM (College Preparatory, Dedicated Magnet)
, 3239 Norman Thagard Blvd. N (904) 693-7583 w dcps.duvalschools.org/psas Robert E. Lee High SchoolM, N (Early College/Engineering)
, 1200 S. McDuff Ave. N (904) 381-3930 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lee
The value of a Catholic education goes far beyond high school. Visit our website to learn more about Snyder.
Samuel W. Wolfson High SchoolM, N (International Baccalaureate, Dedicated Magnet)
, 7000 Powers Ave. N (904) 739-5265 w dcps.duvalschools.org/wolfson Stanton College Preparatory SchoolM (College Preparatory, Dedicated Magnet)
, 1149 W. 13th St. N (904) 630-6760 w dcps.duvalschools.org/stanton William M. RainesM (Information Technology; Visual & Performing Arts)
, 3663 Raines Ave. N (904) 924-3049 w dcps.duvalschools.org/wmrh Established 2002
(904) 771-1029 | www.bishopsnyder.org 5001 Samaritan Way Jacksonville, Florida 32210 @BishopSnyderHS
70 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Charter Schools Duval Charter School at Westside (K-8)
, 9238 103rd St. N (904) 421-0250 w westsidecharter.org Florida Cyber Charter Academy (K-12)
N 855-748-4737 w flcca.k12.com Jacksonville Classical Academy (K-6)
, 2043 Forest St. N (904) 288-7732 w jaxclassical.org San Jose Primary School (Pre-K through 5th)
, 4072 Sunbeam Rd. N (904) 425-1725 w sanjoseschools.org Seaside Charter San Jose (K-8)
, 8727 San Jose Blvd. N (844) 973-2743 w seasidecharter.org Waverly Academy Middle School For Girls
, 5710 Wesconnett Blvd. N (904) 647-8552 w waverlyacademy.org
Schools for Special Needs Center Academy Mandarin
, 10679 Old St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 448-1956 w centeracademy.com Clarke School for Hearing and Speech
, 9803 Old St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 880-9001 w clarkeschools.org Crossroads Christian School (K-12)
, 2950 Halcyon Ln. , 6429 Atlantic Blvd. , 1542 Kingsley Ave. #136
N (904) 652-1282 w crossroadsschools.com DePaul School of NE Florida
, 3044 San Pablo Rd. S. N (904) 223-3391 w depaulschool.com DLC Nurse & Learn
, 4101 St. N (904) 387-0370 w dlcnl.org Great Strides Rehabilitation
, 12276 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 886-3228 w greatstridesrehab.com Greenwood School (6-12)
, 9920 Regency Square Blvd. N (904) 726-5000 w greenwoodjax.org Jacksonville School for Autism
, 9000 Cypress Green Dr. N (904) 732-4343 w jsakids.org Little Star Center, Inc.
, 8011 Phillips Hwy., Ste.10 N (904) 928-0112 w littlestarjax.com Mainspring Academy
, 6867 Southpoint Dr. N., Ste. 103 N (904) 503-0344 w mainspringacademy.org Morning Star School
, 725 Mickler Rd. N (904) 721-2144 w morningstar-jax.org North Florida School of Special Education
, 223 Mill Creek Rd. N (904) 724-8323 w northfloridaschool.org Palm Avenue Exceptional Child
, 1301 W. Palm Ave. N (904) 693-7516 w dcps.duvalschools.org/palmavenue The Jericho School
, 1351 Sprinkle Dr. N (904) 744-5110 w thejerichoschool.org
TRADITION. EXCELLENCE. FAITH. Founded in 1952, Bishop Kenny is a Catholic college preparatory high school located on the south bank of the St. John’s River. The beautiful 55-acre campus is a place where messages rooted in the Gospel and a strong Catholic tradition inform all aspects of campus life from academics to athletics. Through Christian service opportunities, the availability of daily mass, prayer and religious education, students and staff live their faith in everyday life as they seek Integritas Sapientia (“integrity of wisdom”) and a desire to live life for others, while pursuing success in academics, athletics, and student life. Bishop Kenny’s excellent academic program offers challenging courses at the college preparatory, honors, or Advanced Placement level to prepare all types of learners for the demands of competitive colleges. Students study both practical and performing arts and can choose from 24 Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and a variety of STEM courses and activities that include Robotics Team, Esports, Science Club, NJROTC Cyber Patriot, and the NJROTC UAS Drone Team. Nearly every student on campus participates in at least one of the 40 academic or service clubs. Crusader athletes are committed to being competitive athletes that demonstrate leadership and good sportsmanship. More than half of BK students play on freshman, junior varsity, or varsity athletic teams with opportunities ranging from the state championship girls’ soccer team to sailing or beach volleyball on the new riverfront courts. Each August, when Kingman Avenue begins to fill once again with the familiar sight of Oxford shirts, ties, and maroon plaid skirts, more than 1,200 students answer the call to strive for integrity of wisdom in all that they do. They find the 68-year tradition of excellence remains, yet an ever-changing array of student needs and interests will continue to shape the services Bishop Kenny offers new generations of students. Four years at Bishop Kenny are the entry point into a lifetime of being a part of the Crusader family.
WE ARE BISHOP KENNY. www.bishopkenny.org • (904)398-7545
Private Schools
Bishop John J. Snyder High School (9-12)
, 5001 Samaritan Way N (904) 771-1029 w bishopsnyder.org
Academie De Montessori (PK-5)
Bishop Kenny High School (9-12)
, 1216 Lasalle St. N (904) 398-3830 w academie-de-montessori.org
, 1055 Kingman Ave. N (904) 398-7545 w bishopkenny.org
Assumption Catholic School (PK-8)
First Coast Academy (9-12)
, 2431 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 398-1774 w assumptionjax.org
, 2725 College St. N (904) 381-1935 w fcahighschool.org
Avondale United Methodist Child’s Day Out (PK)
Jacksonville Country Day School (PK-6)
, 1651 Talbot Ave. N (904) 398-4363 w aumcjax.org
, 10063 Baymeadows Rd.(N 904) 641-6644 w jcds.com
ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Find out how St. Johns can be the difference in your child’s education!
CALL OR CLICK TODAY!
904.264.9573 | SJCDS.NET
College Prep, Redefined.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 73
Learning Tree Preschool Center
Riverside Presbyterian Day School (PK-6)
, 6140 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 737-8842 w learningtreepreschoolcenter.com
, 830 Oak St. N (904) 353-5511 w rpds.com
Melrose Avenue Preschool
San Jose Academy and Preparatory High School
, 4305 Melrose Ave. N (904) 388-0606 w melroseavenuepreschool.com
, 4072 Sunbeam Rd. N (904) 425-1725 w sanjoseprep.org
New Beginnings Christian Academy (K-12)
San Jose Catholic Grade School (PK-8)
, 7020 Ramona Blvd. N (904) 786-3118 w nbccjax.org
, 3619 Toledo Rd. N (904) 733-2313 w sanjosecatholicschool.com
Providence School (PK-12)
San Jose Episcopal Day School (PK-6)
, 2701 Hodges Blvd. N (904) 223-5270 w prov.org
, 7423 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-0352 w sjeds.org
A Portrait of
Potential
Now Enrolling Students From Age One Through Grade 12 Episcopal’s Portrait of a Graduate is an individual who seeks understanding, develops a sense of self, lives with honor and purpose, and pursues a life of faith. Episcopal prepares students for success in college and beyond through opportunities across our Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Spiritual Life, and Fine Arts — allowing each
Learn About Our Campuses, Curriculum & More at ESJ.org.
student to live into his or her unique potential.
MUNNERLYN
ST. MARK’S
BEACHES
GRADES 6 – 12
AGE 1 – GRADE 6
PRE-K 3 – GRADE 6
4455 ATLANTIC BLVD.
4114 OXFORD AVE.
450 11th AVENUE NORTH
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32210
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL 32250
904.396.7104
904.388.2632
904.246.2466
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL of JACKSONVILLE
74 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Private Schools [cont.] South Jacksonville Presbyterian Preschool
, 2137 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-0567 w sjaxpc.org Southside United Methodist Church Preschool
, 3120 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-2676 w southsidemethodist.org St. Johns Country Day School (PK-12)
, 3100 Doctors Lake Dr. N (904) 264-9572 w sjcds.net St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School PK-6)
, 4114 Oxford Ave. N (904) 388-2632 w stmarksdayschool.org St. Matthew’s Catholic School (PK-8)
, 1773-0010 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 387-4401 w stmatthewscs.com St. Paul’s Catholic School (PK-8)
, 2609 Park St. N (904) 387-2841 w spsjax.org The Bolles School (Four campuses - PreK-12/Day & Boarding)
, 7400 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 256-5030 w bolles.org The Episcopal School of Jacksonville (6-12)
, 4455 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-5751 w esj.org The Potter’s House Christian Academy (K-8)
, 5732 Normandy Blvd. N (904) 786-0028 w phcalions.org The Potter’s House Christian Academy (9-12)
, 1150 S. Lane Ave. N (904) 695-2837 w phcalions.org
Colleges and Universities Edward Waters College
, 1658 Kings Rd. N (904) 470-8000 w ewc.edu Florida Coastal School of Law
, 8787 Baypine Rd. N (904) 680-7700 w fcsl.edu Florida State College at Jacksonville
, 501 W. State St. N (904) 646-2300 w fscj.edu Jacksonville University
, 2800 University Blvd. N. N (800) 225-2027 w ju.edu Trinity Baptist College
, 800 Hammond Blvd. N (904) 596-2451 w tbc.edu UF Health Science Center (University of Florida School of Medicine)
, 653 W. 8th St. N (904) 244-3486 w hscj.ufl.edu University of North Florida
, 1 UNF Dr. N (904) 620-1000 w unf.edu
WE PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE AND LIFE
LIKE NO OTHER SCHOOL. Getting into a great college starts with exceptional college preparation. Bolles.org
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE Pre-K through Grade 12, Day & Boarding School
76 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Jacksonville: A medical destination Jacksonville residents enjoy a wide selection of healthcare choices when it comes to meeting their medical needs and many of those facilities are just a stone’s throw away from one another. Nationally and internationally renowned healthcare options include Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Baptist Health, the Mayo Clinic, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care and UF Health Jacksonville (University of Florida). These institutions not only serve the needs of locals, but patients throughout the United States and abroad visit our city for world-class medical care every day. In Jacksonville, the hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities, compassionate and well-trained staff and, in the case of a few, top clinical research programs. Among Jacksonville’s medical facilities is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S., the region’s top-rated pediatric hospital, and the area’s only Level 1 trauma unit.
Life Flight, Baptist Medical Center’s air ambulance, celebrated 40 years of continuous service on Aug. 3, 2020
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 77
General Medical Centers and Emergency Care
Ascension St. Vincent’s
Baptist Health
»
»
Serving Jacksonville and surrounding communities since 1873, St. Vincent’s HealthCare is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system with three medical centers. The Riverside location also includes a Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the St. Vincent’s Lung Institute.
Founded in 1955, Baptist Health is a locally-owned and governed health care provider with five nationally accredited hospitals, three emergency centers and the Neurological Institute and Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center on its Jacksonville campus.
St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside
Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville
, 1 Shircliff Way N (904) 308-7300 w jaxhealth.com
, 800 Prudential Dr. N (904) 202-2000 w baptistjax.com
St. Vincents Medical Center Clay County
Baptist Medical Center Beaches
, 1670 St. Vincent’s Way, Middleburg N (904) 602-1000 w jaxhealth.com
, 1350 13th Ave. South, Jacksonville Beach N (904) 627-2900 w baptistjax.com
St. Vincents Medical Center Southside
Baptist Medical Center Nassau
, 14201 Belfort Rd. N (904) 296-3700 w jaxhealth.com
, 1250 South 18th St.; Fernandina Beach N (904) 321-3500 w baptistjax.com Baptist Medical Center South
Mayo Clinic, Florida
, 4500 San Pablo Rd. S.
N (904) 953-2000
w mayoclinic.org/patientvisitor-guide/florida
»
Serving Northeast Florida since 1986, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville includes a 304-bed hospital, 22 operating rooms and offers care in more than 35 adult medical and surgical specialties. The hospital includes a full-service emergency department, open to everyone.
, 14550 Old St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 271-6000 w baptistjax.com Baptist Emergency at Clay County
, 1771 Baptist Clay Dr., Fleming Island N (904) 516-1000 w baptistjax.com Baptist Emergency at North
, 11250 Baptist Health Dr. N
(904) 202-6905 w baptistjax.com
Baptist Emergency at Town Center
, 4085 Town Center Pkwy. N
(904) 202-6800 w baptistjax.com
UF Health »
University of Florida Health is a private, not-for-profit hospital affiliated with the University of Florida Health Science Center campuses in Jacksonville and Gainesville, offering residents in Northeast Florida and Southeast George all the benefits of an academic health center. It also has the only adult and pediatric Level 1 trauma program in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
UF Health Jacksonville
, 655 W. 8th St. N (904) 244-0411 w ufhealthjax.org UF Health North
, 15255 Max Leggett Pkwy. N (904) 383-1000 w ufhealthjax.org UF Health Southside (Emerson Medical Plaza)
, 4555 Emerson St. N (904) 383-1000 w ufhealthjax.org
78 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Cancer Centers Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center
, 1301 Palm Ave.
N (844) 632-2278
w BaptistMDAnderson.com
»
Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is a regional destination for outpatient cancer care, which is clinically integrated with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the internationally renowned cancer treatment and research institution in Houston. Designed to serve as a single destination for cancer patients and their families, Baptist MD Anderson brings together multiple disciplines under one roof, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, infusion and other support clinical services. Natural light, soothing colors and artwork also ensure comfort by merging the “high-tech” world of medicine with the “high-touch” needs of cancer patients.
Ackerman Cancer Center
, 10881 San Jose Blvd N (904) 880-5522 w ackermancancercenter.com
»
Since 1997, Ackerman Cancer Center has offered comprehensive radiation oncology services and is the world’s first private, physician-owned practice to offer proton beam therapy. Onsite imaging and diagnostic services are provided to ensure all patients receive seamless care and same-day results. The patient-centric approach at Ackerman Cancer Center ensures each patient plays an important role in the development and management of their cancer treatment plan, working with a team of skilled professionals including oncology-certified nurses, oncology social workers, dieticians, and financial resource coordinators.
University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute
,
»
2015 N. Jefferson St. N (904) 588-1800 w floridaproton.org
The University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute offers Jacksonville residents access to the most advanced, non-invasive cancer treatment available. The Institute, which opened in 2006, uses proton radiation to offer cancer patients an innovative, targeted treatment for bone, brain, breast, eye, head and neck, prostate, lung, pancreatic, pediatric and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It is the first treatment center in the southeastern U.S. to offer proton therapy.
PROUDLY SERVING THE NORTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY
FOR OVER
YEARS
We offer everything from routine eye exams to surgical services. RIVERSIDE 2 Shircliff Way, Suite 120, Jacksonville, FL 32204
ORANGE PARK 2023 Professional Center Dr., Orange Park, FL 32073
MANDARIN 11790 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223
FLEMING ISLAND 1615 County Rd. 220, Suite 140, Fleming Island, FL 32003
MIDDLEBURG 1658 St. Vincent’s Way, Suite 250, Middleburg, FL 32068
904.272.2020 | clayeye.com
80 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Children’s Care
Wolfson Children’s Hospital
, 800 Prudential Dr.
N (904) 202-8000
w wolfsonchildrens.com
»
Nationally recognized for its quality pediatric care, Wolfson Children’s Hospital is the region’s only children’s hospital. The facility offers skilled pediatric specialists, advanced technology and evidence-based practices help children overcome illnesses like serious heart conditions, brain disorders, behavioral health issues, gastrointestinal conditions and diabetes.
Hope Haven Clinic
Nemours Children’s Specialty Care
, 4600 Beach Blvd. N (904) 346-5100 w hope-haven.org
,
»
»
Hope Haven provides families with special needs children with educational and therapeutic services to assist the children in realizing their full potential. Services at the facility include evaluations for autism, ADHD, ADD, gifted, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health therapy, psychological therapy, educational therapy, speech-language therapy and Down syndrome as well as individualized tutoring, after-school programs, summer camps, and job placement services for young adults with special needs.
807 Children’s Way N (904) 697-3600 w nemours.org
Nemours Children’s Specialty Care offers the highest level of care for pediatric specialties ranging from allergy and immunology to more complicated conditions such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. Specially trained pediatric care teams diagnose and treat common to rare and complex conditions. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping kids grow up healthy through life-changing medical care and research while training tomorrow’s pediatric experts.
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 81
Quality of Life
Community Hospice & Palliative Care
Gabriel House of Care
, 4599 Worrall Way
, 4266 Sunbeam Rd.
N (904) 821-8995
w gabrielhouseofcare.org
N (904) 268-5200
w communityhospice.com
»
Since 2010, Gabriel House of Care has striven to provide affordable, temporary lodging for cancer and organ transplant patients and their caregivers who come to Jacksonville for medical treatment. Gabriel House offers 29 bedrooms on a smoke-free campus, with amenities such as fitness and laundry rooms, kitchen and dining room, library, and game rooms.
»
Community Hospice & Palliative Care offers specialized care that provides support to you and your loved ones during the final phase of a terminal illness. Focusing on comfort and quality of life, rather than the cure, hospice care enables you to have an alert, pain-free life and to live each day as fully as possible. There are seven locations offering a variety of services, including caregiver support, veterans’ services, advance care planning and more.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville
, 824 Children’s Way N (904) 807-4663 w rmhcjacksonville.org
»
Ronald McDonald House provides access to healthcare to a vulnerable population by providing lodging so families can be close to a hospital. The social impact Ronald McDonald House enables a family to afford to stay close together as they seek the best healthcare for their child’s diagnosis. Ronald McDonald House impacts more than 1,200 families a year, alleviating the tremendous financial burden for more than 5,000 guests that include parents, grandparents, patients and siblings.
JAMES L. SCHUMACHER, D.M.D. F A M I L Y
&
C O S M E T I C
D E N T I S T R Y
Welcoming New Patients! • General Dentistry • Dental Implants • Veneers • One Visit CEREC Crowns • Teeth Whitening • Invisalign James Schumacher, DMD
We assist our patients with most major insurance plans
Selected as one of Northeast Florida’s Top Dentists @SchumacherDentalCenter
Your Neighborhood Dentist Since 1995 4201 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32210 • (904) 388-3559 • www.firstcoastsmiles.com
Health care expertise your family needs. We have just what you need. With 24/7 emergency care for adults and children, private hospital rooms, inviting labor and delivery suites and more than 30 specialties on one campus, we’re North Jacksonville’s top choice for health care. Visit North.UFHealthJax.org to learn more about our services or to make an appointment.
Departments and Services
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Audiology and Hearing Aids Breast Health Cardiac Catheterization Cardiology Dermatology Emergency Room Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Family Medicine Gastroenterology Infusion Services Internal Medicine Interventional Radiology
NORTH
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Labor and Delivery Laboratory Draw Station Medical Oncology Nephrology Neurology Neurosurgery Obstetrics and Gynecology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Orthopaedic Surgery Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) Pain Management Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
• Pediatrics • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Podiatry • Pulmonology • Radiology • Rehabilitation • Rheumatology • Sleep Medicine • Spine Center • Sports Medicine • Surgery • Urology • Vascular Surgery
15255 Max Leggett Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32218 North.UFHealthJax.org
UF Health accepts most major commercial insurance plans, including TRICARE.
150 Years of Caring for Our Community 1870 – 2020 From our humble beginning as Duval Hospital and Asylum to making history with new health care breakthroughs as UF Health Jacksonville, our unrelenting goal to provide high-quality patient care has not changed. As a vital part of the community for 150 years, we have met our patients’ needs with groundbreaking medical innovation, research, education, new technologies and more. Some of our greatest achievements and medical advancements include the city’s first open heart surgery, radiation oncology program, hemodialysis unit, pediatric cardiology and neonatology programs. We also changed the standard for emergency medicine in Florida when we opened the state’s first trauma center. One of the most significant events in our history was the establishment of the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, positioning us as the region’s premier academic health center. We attract world-renowned physicians and scientists who teach, practice and research at an institution with nationally recognized residency and fellowship programs. Today, we are a thriving hub for health care. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to our mission to heal, to comfort, to educate and to discover. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to deliver a level of care not found anywhere else. We look forward to continuing to make history for the next 150 years.
YEARS
Unconditionally
Welcome!
Some churches say that everybody’s welcome… But they really mean everybody who’s like them. At Avondale United Methodist Church,
All means All.
We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, LGBT or just not sure, filthy rich, dirt poor, no habla Ingles. And a special welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds. We don’t care if you’re more churchy than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Joey’s Baptism. We welcome you if you Open are on wheels these days, or if you are just starting to toddle. We welcome Page 84 soccer moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems, or you’re down in the dumps or if you don’t like “organized religion,” because we’ve been there too. We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We welcome those who could use a prayer right now, were sick of mandatory church as a kid or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We simply love the way God loves us through Jesus and want to share that love with you.
We welcome you because if you’re good enough for God, (and you are!) then you are good enough for us! Sunday Worship:
8:45 a.m. Contemporary 11 a.m. Traditional
1651 Talbot Ave. (Corner of Herschel & Talbot) | www.aumcjax.org
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 85
Places of Worship More than half of Jacksonville’s population considers itself to be religious, and the city’s historic neighborhoods offer a variety of places to worship where it is possible to reconnect, renew, or revive spiritual life through a particular faith or denomination. While there are many avenues to finding the perfect church family, many religious institutions in the city’s historic neighborhoods offer the added bonus of being able to pay homage in an edifice renowned for its beautiful and time-honored architecture, as some sanctuaries date back to the 1800s.
CHRISTIANITY Anglican Holy Trinity Anglican Church
, 3889 Eloise St. N (904) 701-4825 w htaj.org Resurrection Anglican Church
, 4406 Longfellow St. N (904) 553-0017 w resurrectionjax.com
Baptist First Baptist Church of Jacksonville
Park Lane Baptist Church
, 119 W. Beaver St. N (904) 312-0969 w fbcjax.com
, 1480 Lakeshore Blvd. N (904) 387-5331 w parklanebaptistchurch.com
First Baptist Church of Oakland
Riverside Baptist Church
, 1025 Jessie St. N (904) 354-5295 w theoak.org
, 2650 Park St.(904) N 388-7692 w rbcjax.com
First Baptist Church of Jacksonville - Ortega
Riverside Primitive Baptist
, 4865 Roosevelt Blvd. N (904) 356-6077 w fbcjax.com
, 702 Dellwood Ave. N (904) 355-5320
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church
San Jose Baptist Church
, 4001 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-7745 w habchurch.com
, 6140 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 737-2141 w sanjosebaptist.com
Korean First Baptist Church
Second Missionary Baptist Church
, 3202 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-6411
, 954 Kings Rd. N (904) 354-8268 w 2ndmissionarybaptchurch.com
Lake Shore Baptist Church
Southside Baptist Church
, 2363 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 388-6578 w lsbcjax.org
, 1435 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-6633 w ssbc.church
Melchizedek Baptist Church of the Deaf
Southside Karen Baptist Church
, 1824 Dean Rd. N (904) 725-8797
, 115 Arlington Rd. N. N (904) 674-7309
Murray Hill Baptist Church
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
, 4300 Post St. N (904) 388-8531 w murrayhill.church
, 1612 Tracy Rd. N (904) 351-6707 w sgbcjax.org
86 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Catholic Assumption Catholic Church
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
, 2403 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 398-1963 w assumptioncatholicchurch.org
, 7801 Lone Star Rd. N (904) 725-6566 w standrewsjax.com
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
St. John’s Cathedral
, 121 E. Duval St. N (904) 359-0331 w icjax.org
, 256 E. Church St. N (904) 356-5507 w jaxcathedral.org
San Jose Catholic Church
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
, 3619 Toledo Rd. N (904) 733-1630 w sjcatholic.org
, 4129 Oxford Ave. N (904) 388-2681 w stmarksjacksonville.org
St. Matthew’s Catholic Church
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
, 1773 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 388-8698 w stmatthewsjax.com
, 5616 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 725-1150
St. Paul’s Catholic Church
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
, 2609 Park St. N (904) 387-2554 w stpauls-jax.org spsjax.org
, 5042 Timuquana Rd. N (904) 778-1434 w stpetersjax.org
Episcopalian
, 321 W. Union St. N (904) 354-1053 w stphilipsjax.org
All Saints Episcopal Church
Lutheran
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
, 4171 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 737-8488 w allsaintsjax.org Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
Mandarin Lutheran Church
, 1100 Stockton St. N (904) 387-5691 w gsjax.church
, 11900 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 268-4591 w mandarinlutheran.org
The Church of the Messiah (CEC)
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
, 3754 University Club Blvd. N (904) 721-4199 w mycomjax.com
, 3976 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-9608 w stmarksjax.org
San Jose Episcopal Church
Trinity Lutheran Church
, 7423 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-1811 w sanjoseepiscopal.com
, 1415 McDuff Ave. S. N (904) 389-5341 w trinity4jax.org
Professionalism Integrity Experience
Jon Singleton REALTOR
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(904) 226-3480 | Jon@JonSingleton.com
Certified Luxury Expert
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 87
Lake Shore United Methodist Church
, 2246 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 388-1780 w lsumcjax.org Lakewood United Methodist Church
, 6133 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-8477 w lakewoodumc.com Murray Hill United Methodist Church The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead, dean of St. John's Cathedral, poses in the sanctuary where photos of church members are taped to the pews to support the clergy during online services offered during the Coronavirus pandemic.
, 4101 College St. N (904) 387-4406 w murrayhillumc.org Ortega United Methodist Church
, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd. N (904) 389-5556 w ortegaumc.org Riverside Park United Methodist Church
, 819 Park St. N (904) 355-5491 w riversideparkumc.com San Marco United Methodist Church
, 1620 Naldo Ave. N (904) 398-3204 w sanmarcochurchjax.com
Methodist
Southside United Methodist Church
, 3120 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-2676 w sumcjax.org
Avondale United Methodist Church
, 1651 Talbot Ave. N (904) 389-1175 w aumcjax.org
Orthodox
Faith United Methodist Church
, 4000 Spring Park Rd. N (904) 737-3555 w faithumcjax.com First United Methodist Church
Armenian Church
, 3850 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 399-2944 w armenianchurchjacksonville.com
, 225 E. Duval St. N (904) 356-5618 w fumc-jax.org
(Services held at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church)
Historic Mt. Zion AME
St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church
, Church 201 E. Beaver St. N (904) 355-9475 w hmzjax.org
, 3850 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-5383 w stjohnthedivinejax.org
Museum Tours
Annual Jacksonville 5K Great Fire Run
Jax Historical Society Gingerbread Page 87 Extravaganza
Old St. Andrew’s Church Event Venue
Music History Museum
Historians and More! Oral History Videos Speakers Series Program Endangered Buildings List Research Library and Bookstore Gingerbread Extravaganza Special Event Venue Become a member and help support the renovation of our century-old Casket Factory, the expanded home for our Jacksonville history collection and new Jacksonville music history museum!
304 Palmetto Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 665-0064 jaxhistory.org
88 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church
Ortega Presbyterian Church
, 118 E. Monroe St. N (904) 354-8439 w fpcjax.org
, 4406 Longfellow St. N (904) 389-4043 w ortegapres.com
Lake Shore Presbyterian Church
Riverside Presbyterian Church
, 2270 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 389-2341
, 849 Park St. N (904) 355-4585 w rpcjax.org
Lakewood Presbyterian Church
South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church
, 2001 University Blvd. W. N (904) 733-8055 w lpcjax.org
, 2137 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-0567 w sjaxpc.org
Murray Hill Presbyterian Church
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
, 940 Talbot Ave. N (904) 389-2939 w mhpcjax.com
, 4275 Herschel St. N (904) 384-4501 w sjpcjax.org
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2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 89
Other Denominations / Non-Denominational Cherry Street Church of Christ
, 1140 McDuff Ave. S. N (904) 389-8200 w cherrystchurch.org Christ Church of Peace
, 1240 McDuff Ave. S. N (904) 387-2020 w christchurchofpeace.org Christ the Messiah Church
, 7576 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-3644 w christthemessiahchurch.com Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints
, 4087 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 642-2020 w lds.org Edgewood Avenue Christian Church
, 1041 Edgewood Ave. S. N (904) 389-4876 w edgewoodavenuecc.org Ephphatha Deaf Assembly of God
, 2516 LaMee Ave. N (904) 858-9946 (fax or videophone) Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist
, 8327 Beach Blvd. N (904) 724-4076 w csjax.com Grace Church of Avondale
, 3519 Herschel St. N (904) 387-0418 w gcajax.com Jacksonville First Seventh-day Adventist Church
POSITIVELY
Yours
Tucked away on 40 acres in Mandarin is a
, 7951 Lenox Ave. N (904) 781-8550 w jacksonvillefirstfl.adventistchurch.org
special place that many people call home,
Jehovah’s Witnesses
even if most of them have never lived there.
, 5135 College St. N (904) 781-0233 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
, 7040 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-9618 w jw.org King of Kings Church
, 3949 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-3949 w kingofkingschurch.us
Built for the community, by the community, River Garden has honored generations with its highly rated services for 75 years.
Morning Glory Christian Fellowship
, 3405 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 887-2929 w morningglorycf.com Murray Hill Christ Community Church
, 3548 Gilmore St. N (904) 389-0631 w representchrist.org Riverside Avenue Christian Church
, 2841 Riverside Ave. N (904) 389-1751 w jaxdisciples.com Riverside United Church of Christ
, 2858 Post St. N (904) 710-4994 w riverside-ucc.org San Jose Church of Christ
, 6233 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 737-2333 w sjcc.us Second Church of Christ, Scientist
, 3255 Riverside Ave. N (904) 388-1969 w christianscience.com Southside Assembly of God
, 2118 Kings Ave. N (904) 396-1663 w ssagjax.org
River Garden.org | (904 ) 260 .1818
Southside Church of God in Christ
, 2179 Emerson St. N (904) 398-1625 w southsidecogic.com St. Luke’s Community Church
, 4168 Herschel St. N (904) 723-1195 w stlukesjacksonville.com St. Nicholas Park Christian Church
, 3226 Beach Blvd. N (904) 398-1501
Shor t-Stay Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Long-Ter m Nursing & Memor y Care Adult Day Program | Outpatient Therapy Home Health Care | Independent Living
90 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Other Denominations / Non-Denominational [CONT.] The Point
, 4300 St. Johns Ave. N (904) 388-7601 w thepointjax.com The City.Church
, 1819 Thacker Ave. (meeting site only) w thecity.church The District Church
, 25 N. Market St. (office) , 1200 McDuff Ave. S. (Sunday gatherings)
N (904) 351-8036 w thedistrictchurch.com Unity Church of Jacksonville
, 634 Lomax St. N (904) 355-5100 w unityjax.com
JUDAISM Congregation Ahavath Chesed – The Temple
, 8727 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-7078 w thetemplejacksonville.org Etz Chaim Synagogue View inside The Temple, a reformed synagogue in San Jose, which is home to the Congregation Ahavath Chesed
, 10167 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 262-3565 w etzchaim.org Jacksonville Jewish Center
, 3662 Crown Point Rd. N (904) 292-1000 w jjcjax.org
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92 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Providing ways to serve our community Civic and community organizations play a major role in the fabric of our neighborhoods. The unpaid hours donated by residents working with civic, community and professional organizations provide the kind of service our city relies on. The following are some of the organizations that support and perform essential services to our communities.
Civic Clubs Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
N (904) 721-1155 w elks.org
Exchange Club of Jacksonville
,
(904) 657-1597 w jaxexchangeclub.com
Fraternal Order of Eagles
N (904) 413-7542 w foe.com Fraternal Order of Police
N (904) 398-7010 w fop530.com Garden Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 355-4224 w gardenclubofjacksonville.org Gator Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 387-6808 w jacksonvillegatorclub.com Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
N 1-800-375-2339 w grandlodgefl.com Jacksonville Civic Council
N (904) 391-4911 w jaxciviccouncil.com
Jacksonville Urban League
N (904) 723-4007 w ul-jacksonville.iamempowered.com
Junior League of Jacksonville
,
2165 Park St. N (904) 387-9927 w jljacksonville.org
Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 398-5566 w kiwanisjax.org Knights of Columbus
N (904) 723-3810 w kofc.org Lake Shore Woman’s Club
N (904) 388-7921
Leadership Jacksonville, Inc.
N (904) 396-6263 w leadershipjax.org Lions Club International
w lionsclubs.org
Memorial Park Association
m info@memparkjax.org w memparkjax.org Meninak Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 745-3393 w meninak.org Men’s Garden Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 635-7318 w mgcjax.org Moose International
w mooseintl.org Optimist International
w optimist.org Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, Inc.
N (904) 854-6555 w jaxpal.com
Riverside Rotary Club of Jacksonville
w jaxriversiderotary.org Rotary Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 353-6789 w jaxrotary.org Rotary Club of San Jose
w portal.clubrunner.ca/2155/ Rotary Club of San Marco
N (904) 387-4057 w sanmarcorotary.com Rotary Club of South Jacksonville
N (904) 994-7355 w southjaxrotary.org Rotary Club of West Jacksonville
N (904) 994-7355 w westjaxrotary.org Southside Businessmen’s Club
N (904) 419-3205 w southsidebusinessmensclub.com Southside Woman’s Club
N (904) 396-0459 w southsidewomansclub.net Woman’s Club of Jacksonville
N (904) 355-6202
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 93
Young Professionals Clubs CAPtivators (Supports the Cathedral Arts Project)
N (904) 281-5599, Ext. 15 w facebook.com/ JaxCAPtivators
First A.C.T. (Supports the Florida Theatre)
N (904) 355-5661, ext. 247 w floridatheatre.com/ florida-theatre-first-a-c-t
ImpactJAX (Supports JAX Chamber)
N (904) 273-5366 w facebook.com/IMPACTjax Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section
N (904) 399-4486 w Jaxbar.org/page/YLSSection
Jacksonville Young Voters Coalition
N (904) 322-9233 w facebook.com/ jaxyoungvoterscoalition
Jacksonville Jaycees (Supports community projects)
w jaxjaycees.org Pioneers (Supports American Cancer Society)
N (904) 391-3607 w cowfordball.org
Red Shoe Crew (Supports Ronald McDonald House)
N (904) 807-4669 w rmhcjacksonville.org/ how-you-can-help/red-shoe-crew
Rising Tides (Supports the St. Johns Riverkeeper)
N (904) 256-7613 w facebook.com/SJRK.Rising.Tides Rotaract Clubs (Supports Rotary Clubs )
The Contemporaries (Supports the Museum of Contemporary Art)
N (904) 620-4207 w facebook.com/ MOCAJaxContemporaries
w Downtown: downtownrotaractjax.org w First Coast: firstcoastrotaract.com w Beaches: beachesrotaract.org w UNF: unf.edu/groups/rotaract/
N (904) 396-6674 w facebook.com/MOSHElements
Shircliff Society (Supports St. Vincent’s Health Care)
Urban League Young Professionals (Supports the Urban League)
The Elements of MOSH (Supports the Museum of Science & History)
N (904) 308-7306 w facebook.com/TheShircliffSociety
N (904) 359-0929 w facebook.com/jaxurbanleague
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94 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Not sure what to do? There’s always something to see and do in Jax "Jax! It's Easier Here," or so says the city's official travel website, but you don’t have to be a visitor to appreciate the motto. Enjoying Jacksonville is easy – that is, if you love a place with warm and inviting historical neighborhoods, plus a vibrant downtown, rich with art, culture and entertainment for a wide variety of interests.
Entertainment Venues 1904 Music Hall
Friday Musicale
, 19 N. Ocean St. N (904) 434-3475 w 1904musichall.com
, 645 Oak St. N (904) 355-7584 w fridaymusicale.com
» Built in 1904 with 17-foot ceilings, brick walls, rustic wooden columns, the 1904 Music Hall lends itself to performances, parties and other events.
»
The Friday Musicale offers legendary performances and provides programs by and for children.
Florida Theatre
Jack Rabbits
, 128 E. Forsyth St. N (904) 355-5661 w floridatheatre.com
, 1528 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 398-7496 w jaxlive.com
»
»
First opened in 1927, the almost-2,000 seat theatre provides not just great entertainment all year long, but also a full bar along with sodas, water, and light snacks.
An intimate live music venue founded in 1999, Jack Rabbits is a hidden gem in the historic neighborhood of San Marco. The small nightclub showcases all genres of music by original artists.
Murray Hill Theatre
, 932 Edgewood Ave. S. N (904) 388-3179 w murrayhilltheatre.com
»
Ministry and music in an alcohol-, drug- and smoke-free venue, the Christian Rock nightclub provides a positive place with a wholesome atmosphere for everyone.
Nighthawks
, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. N (904) 619-9978 w nighthawksjax.com
»
A live music venue located in the historic neighborhood of Riverside.
San Marco Theatre
, 1996 San Marco Blvd. N (904) 396-4845 w sanmarcotheatre.com
»
The 1938 Art Deco classic, single-screen cinema offers tempting snacks, including freshly made pizzas, sandwiches, nachos, quesadillas, great beer and wine, along with tables between the seats for food and drinks.
95
Entertainment Venues [cont.] Sun-Ray Cinema
, 1028 Park St. (5 Points) N (904) 359-0049 w sunraycinema.com
»
A local theater showing independent and major release movies, while serving delicious sandwiches, locally-made candy, beer – including local brews, wine and pizza.
Theatre Jacksonville
, 2032 San Marco Blvd. N (904) 396-4425 w theatrejax.com
»
Since 1919, Theatre Jacksonville has been “the little theatre with the big voice.” An annual theatre camp engages children in four weeks of professionally-led classes in acting, musical theatre, dance, and improvisation, culminating in a show by the campers.
Theatreworks
, 630 May St. N (904) 353-3500 w theatreworksjax.com
»
For over 35 years, the nonprofit Theatreworks, Inc. has provided the best national and international touring theatre available to school-age children in a seven-county area. All shows include curriculum-oriented study guides and are meant to inspire and educate.
, 1025 Museum Cr. N (904) 396-6674 w themosh.org
The Ritz Theatre and Museum
»
, 829 N. Davis St. N (904) 807-2013 w ritzjacksonville.com
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The Ritz Theatre and Museum is located in the LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville, and is considered "the mecca for African American culture and heritage" in Florida. The Art Deco style theater, which seats 426, is used for music, dance and theatrical productions, as well as movies and lectures.
Museum of Science and History
The Museum of Science and History offers the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, the largest digital single-lens planetarium in the U.S.
Museum of Southern History
, 4304 Herschel St. N (904) 388-3574 w museumsouthernhistory.com
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Museums
Dedicated to the lifestyles, culture, and history of the Antebellum South, the museum’s exhibits include “Stonewall” Jackson’s original shoulder epaulettes and one of three flags that draped Abraham Lincoln’s casket during the Lincoln burial-train tour.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
, 2670 Phyllis St. m Info@spacefortytwo.com w spacefortytwo.com
SPACE 42
, 829 Riverside Ave. N (904) 356-6857 w cummermuseum.org
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The gardens feature brick paths and landscaping that show off a collection of fine Italian marble garden ornaments, while inside the museum is a permanent collection, which spans time from 2100 B.C. through the 21st Century.
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Explore the convergence of art, technology and creative entrepreneurs inside a 22,000 square-foot in Jacksonville’s Arts District. Founded in 2017, the contemporary art gallery’s goal is to represent new and emerging artists in the new contemporary art movement.
Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
tag! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine
, 333 N. Laura St. N (904) 366-6911 w mocajacksonville.org
, 76 Dockside Dr., St. Augustine N (904) 647-1757 w tagmuseum.org
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Visitors are greeted by an Art Deco façade and, once inside, are treated to over 1,000 works of photography, sculpture, painting, and more, all created from 1960 through the present.
One of the country’s emerging children’s museums, tag! offers workshops and camps to paint, sculpt, design puppets, program robots, create costumes, weave and discover the fun of science explorations.
AGING TRUE Community Senior Services In-Home Services Mental Wellness Caregiver Support Meals on Wheels Respite and Relief Residences Aging True Home Health* Online: AgingTrue.org
Main Office: (904) 807-1203
Clay County: (904) 284-3134
* ACHC C Acc Accredited and Medicare Certified fied H Home Health Agency AHCA License icen #29999139
Large Selection, Finest Quality Professional cleaning and repair services available Hooshang Oriental Rug Gallery has provided sales and services for over 43 years. Please come see why we are sought after locally and globally.
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96 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Music, Dance & Theater Groups The 5 & Dime Theatre Company
The Florida Ballet
, 112 E. Adams St. N (904) 881-7503 w the5anddime.org
, 300 E. State St. #E N (904 353-7518 w floridaballet.org
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The 5 & Dime is a nonprofit consisting of an all-volunteer cast and staff.
The Alhambra Theatre and Dining
, 12000 Beach Blvd. N (904) 641-1212 w alhambrajax.com
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Built in 1967, the Alhambra Theatre and Dining is one of the few remaining dinner theaters in America, and includes the Library Lounge, the perfect place to unwind with a drink before or after a show.
Founded in 1978, the Florida Ballet is a facility with three large sprung-floor studios, dressing rooms, and a professional sound system, where dancers can study amateur through professional dancing with correct technical training and guidance toward a proper work ethic.
Jacksonville Symphony
, 300 Water St. N (904) 354-5547 w jaxsymphony.org
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The Jacksonville Symphony, currently led by Music Director Courtney Lewis, has hosted such greats as Isaac Stern, Luciano Pavarotti and Itzhak Perlman, to name just a few. The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra serves over 270 school-age musicians from elementary through early college in six ensemble levels.
FSCJ Artist Series
, Northstar Substation 119 E. Bay St. N (904) 233-2359 w madcowford.com
All Beaches Experimental Theatre
, 544 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 249-7177 w abettheatre.com The nonprofit emphasizes new and original plays and neglected classics, while developing new talent.
N (904) 442-2929 w artistseriesjax.org »
The FSCJ Artist Series invites visitors to experience national and international Broadway and cultural performing arts programs in Jacksonville. Operated by the Florida State College Foundation, Inc., the program includes scene study, music, movement, dance, makeup and more.
Mad Cowford Improv
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Improve your improv with Mad Cowford’s 8-week workshops for all levels of performer from beginning to advanced.
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | www.ForeverVets.com Riverside
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Tinseltown
Murabella Parkway
Race Track Road
(904) 619-9733 4372 Southside Blvd #308, Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 679-3432 74 Capulet Dr Suite 204, St. Augustine, FL 32092
(904) 287-5625 2758 Race Track Rd #409, St Johns, FL 32259
580 College Street, Jacksonville
(904) 733-5100 Jacksonville Beach
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Baymeadows 8505 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville Nocatee
Bartram Market
(904) 367-2787 (904) 686-2779 (904) 490-8228 14185 Beach Blvd #8, 80 Pine Lake Dr Suite A, 205 Bartram Market Dr. #150 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081 St. Johns, Florida 32259
98 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Music, Dance & Theater Groups [cont.] Players by the Sea
, 106 6th St. N. N (904) 249-0289 w playersbythesea.org
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Local playwrights, solo performance artists and groups of young actors bring personal projects which provide excitement and enrichment in addition to the balance of traditional and contemporary works offered in the Main stage and Studio Seasons.
Ritz Chamber Music Society
, 300 Water St., Ste. 200 N (904) 472-4270 w ritzchamberplayers.org
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The Ritz Chamber Music Society and Ritz Chamber Players endeavor to foster the appreciation of chamber music through performances and educational outreach featuring preeminent African-American musicians and composers.
San Marco Chamber Music Society
, 3976 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 731-1310 w sanmarcochambermusic.org
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The San Marco Chamber Music Society offers free concerts, many of which are fundraisers to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Other Things To Do Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
, 1445 Millcoe Rd. m info@jacksonvillearboretum.org w jacksonvillearboretum.org
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The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 120-acre property with seven trails, benches, board walks, and picnic tables in the Arboretum, all built by volunteers from the community.
Jax Ale Trail
, 208 N. Laura St. N (904) 798-9111 w jaxaletrail.com
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Not only does Jacksonville have one of only five Budweiser Breweries in the country that’s opened for tours, we also have a thriving craft brewery scene. There are 22 local craft breweries on the Jax Ale Trail. Jax Beer Week is celebrated each fall.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
, 370 Zoo Pkwy. N (904) 757-4463 w jacksonvillezoo.org
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More than one million visitors visit this 117-acre zoo and gardens each year, marveling at over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection.
Jim Love, Agent, CPCU (904)384-5000 | www.JimLoveAgency.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Florida Insurance Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL
A159027
2020-2021 | HISTORIC LIFE | 99
Professional Sports
JAXSPORTS Council
Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour
, 201 ATP Tour Blvd. N
(904) 285-8000
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JAXSPORTS is a membership-based organization that was established to showcase Northeast Florida as a sports destination for professional, amateur and youth sports. JAXSPORTS is a member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and the Florida Sports Foundation. For up-to-date information on and access to local sporting events, the public is encouraged to become a member of JAXSPORTS. More information is available at jacksonvillesportscouncil.com.
atpworldtour.com
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With its U.S. headquarters here in Northeast Florida, ATP is the governing body of men’s professional tennis circuits: the ATP World Tour, the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP Champions Tour, with 62 tournaments in 31 countries.
Jacksonville Armada Football Club
, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. N (844) 227-6232 w jacksonvillearmada.com
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Sports Venues
Jacksonville Axemen
, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. N (904) 630-3900 w baseballgroundsjax.com
Jacksonville’s professional soccer team plays in the North American Soccer League, Division II in the American soccer pyramid, which it joined for the 2015 season.
N (904) 514-8503 w
jaxaxe.com
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Founded in 2006, Jacksonville’s semi-professional rugby league team plays in the USA Rugby League. Home games are played at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida.
Jacksonville Giants
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Jacksonville’s professional minor league basketball team, which started as an expansion team for the 2010–2011 season, is the 2012 and 2013 National Champions of the American Basketball Association.
Jacksonville IceMen (904) 602-7825
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The Jacksonville IceMen play at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The IceMen are members of the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League), a mid-level professional ice hockey league with 27 teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars (904) 633-2000
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Sitting on more than nine acres, the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville includes a 112,000-square-foot field and an 18,400-square-foot sky box.
Hodges Stadium
, N. Entrance Rd. N
Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex
, 3605 Philips Hwy. N
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jaxiceandsportsplex.com
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. N
(904) 630-3900
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jaxarena.com
Built in 2003, this 15,000-seat arena is used for a multitude of sporting and entertainment events.
Jacksonville Sharks
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(904) 399-3223
Equipped with an NHL-sized ice rink, the Sportsplex offers adult and youth hockey leagues in addition to figure skating lessons through the First Coast Skating Academy.
, 1 UNF Dr. N
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unfospreys.com
A multi-purpose, 12,000-seat stadium at the University of North Florida, Hodges Stadium is the home field for North Florida Ospreys soccer, track and field, and cross country, as well as the Jacksonville Armada FC.
This National Football League team is a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division and has called Jacksonville home since 1995. Home games are played at TIAA Bank Field. (904) 621-0700
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jaguars.com
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, 1000 W. Bay St. N
(904) 620-2559
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jacksonvilleicemen.com
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, 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr. N
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, 1010 E. Adams St., Ste. 112 N (904) 355-6531 w jacksonvillegiants.com
, 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd. N
Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville
University of North Florida Arena (904) 620-4769
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unf.edu/recwell/
The 5,800-seat arena serves as site for basketball and volleyball games in addition to other campus events.
jaxsharks.com
As three-time league champions in the National Arena League, Jacksonville’s arena football team plays home games at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, also known as Sea Best Field.
TIAA Bank Field
, 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr. N
(904) 633-6100
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tiaabankfield.com
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Home to the Jaguars, this stadium seats 76,000 and is located in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the St. Johns River.
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100 | HISTORIC LIFE | 2020-2021
Dog Parks Confederate Playground Dog Park
Paws Park at Veterans Park
,
, 1332 Veterans Pkwy, St. Johns County
949 Hubbard St.
John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park
Paws Dog Park at Wingate Park
, 753 Park St.
, 468 Penman Rd S, Jacksonville Beach
Leashed dogs are permitted on the following beaches in Duval County Atlantic Beach
Jacksonville Beach
Dogs allowed year-round, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Dogs allowed year-round, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Paws Dog Park
Tails for Trails
Huguenot Memorial Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
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Dogs are allowed in the campsite area only and must not be left unattended at any time. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches at any time.
There is a two-dog limit. The park is open from dusk till dawn, year-round.
210 Davis Park Rd., Ponte Vedra
Inside Nocatee Community Park
Paws Dog Park at Treaty Park
, 1595 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine
Neptune Beach Dogs are allowed year-round, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Must-See State Parks & National Monuments Amelia Island State Park
, State Rd. A1A N. Anastasia State Park
, 300 Anastasia Park Rd. St. Augustine
Big Talbot Island State Park State Rd. A1A N.
Blue Spring State Park
, 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
, 1 South Castillo Dr. St. Augustine
Fort Clinch State Park
, 2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
, State Rd. A1A N.
Huguenot Memorial State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park
, 10980 Heckscher Dr.
, 12157 Heckscher Dr.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
, 12087 SW U.S. Hwy. 27
, 5815 Battlefield Trail Rd.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
The Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort White
, 7000 Roosevelt Blvd.
near Jacksonville NAS
Fort Mantanzas National Monument
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
, 8635 A1A S.
, 500 Wonderwood Dr.
St. Augustine
Atlantic Beach
Olustee
, 12713 Fort Caroline Rd.
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