JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 25, 2023 | JAXDAILYRECORD.COM
BUSINESS & LEGAL NEWS IN BAKER, CLAY, DUVAL, NASSAU AND ST. JOHNS COUNTIES
JACOBS JEWELERS: END OF A LANDMARK
INSIDE
OBITUARIES
Beaver Street Fisheries chairman Frisch dies PAGE 3
THE MATHIS REPORT
The Publixanchored East San Marco is fully leased PAGE 4 GOVERNMENT
The field is set in race for mayor Photo by Max Marbut
Delorise and Roy Thomas are retiring and closing Jacobs Jewelers on Jan. 31. Established in Jacksonville soon after the Civil War ended, it is the oldest jewelry store in Florida.
REAL ESTATE
Roy and Delorise Thomas bought Florida’s oldest jewelry store in 1986. Now it is closing forever. BY MAX MARBUT ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A
business that began in Jacksonville soon after the Civil War is closing its doors at 204 N. Laura St. on Jan. 31 because Roy and Delorise Thomas, owners of Jacobs Jewelers, are retiring. “The Thomases have done a great service to Downtown. Their store is a destination,” said
Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision Inc. Roy Thomas, 83, was an insurance salesman when he decided to go into business for himself and leased a small space in the May-Cohens department store Downtown in 1960 to sell jewelry. The couple met through mutual friends in 1959, married the following year and have worked together for more than six decades. SEE JACOBS, PAGE 6
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Seven candidates qualify for 2023 Jacksonville mayoral ballot. PAGE 11
Sinking home affordability Home affordability in Northeast Florida tumbles amid rising prices and interest rates. PAGE 12 THE BASCH REPORT
Warehouse is closing down File photo
Jacobs Jewelers, established in 1867, moved into the Greenleaf & Crosby Building at 204 N. Laura St. in 1927.
Facility now owned by American Eagle will shut down in Northwest Jacksonville, eliminating 74 jobs. PAGE 14
GOVERNMENT
New Four Seasons incentives package is approved by city The Jacksonville City Council approved a redrafted $129.75 million incentives deal with Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s development company for its plans to build a Four Seasons hotel and office building. PAGE 8 VOLUME 110, NO. 10 | TWO SECTIONS | PUBLISHED SINCE 1912