Folio 2.0: Vol. 34, Iss. 6, October 21, 2020

OCTOBER 21, 2020

i

i

i

i

WASHED UP THE WOMAN WHO WANTS YOUR TRASH. BY ISA BARRIENTOS

16

IT’S HERE, BEACHES! THE BEST OF THE BEACHES WINNERS ARE INSIDE.

24

COULD DUVAL COUNTY SWING FLORIDA? TAKE A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS.

40

JUMBO SHRIMP OWNER KEN BABBY DISCUSSES THE SEASON THAT NEVER WAS. 1

BOO!

VOLUME 34, ISSUE 6

A QUICK NOTE ON HOW TO BEST USE THIS ISSUE To see additional interviews and photos from this issue, you can visit folioweekly.com or scan the QR codes within the print articles. To scan a QR code, open your phone’s camera and center the code in the screen, a link will appear. If your phone does not have this capability, a QR code app can be found in the app store.

BEHIND THE COVER For October, we bucked the usual spooky cover in favor of something even scarier: the harsh realities of climate change, over consumption and American excess. Americans create nearly 267.8 million tons of trash each year, and some of it inevitably ends up on our beaches, here at home.

Amy Wade, the first singular person to grace the cover of Folio 2.0, spends her days cleaning up, and then taking home, your trash. Our over consumption has now consumed her life. As the holidays and new year quickly approach, let’s all do our part to make her life a little easier: Clean

up after yourself.

JOHN ALOSZKA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

INSIDE THE ISSUE 04 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 06 COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 12 THE COVER STORY 20 NEWS + COMMENTARY 28 CULTURE + EVENTS 40 SPORTS 43 THE FOLIO REGULARS

@FOLIOWEEKLY

VOTE E T VO AGE 20 P E G A R E V CTION CO

ELE

3

FROM THE PUBLISHER Vote. Days before publishing the Declaration of Independence to the world, Benjamin Franklin made a slight change. Thomas Jefferson originally wrote, “We hold these truths to be sacred and

undeniable, that all men are created equal…” Franklin preferred a more “analytic truth” of self-evident than Jefferson’s more passionate plea. Of course, not only did “self-evident” include the subjective in the title, but it also put a host of asterisks on who was actually created “equal.”

At first, white men with property were the only Americans routinely permitted to vote. President Andrew Jackson, as a champion of the pioneering white male, helped advance the political rights of those who looked like him, but did not own property. By about 1860, most white men without property were enfranchised.

“Four score and seven years” after America was founded, Abraham Lincoln noted that the nation’s forefathers were dedicated to the “proposition that all men are created equal,” but Americans were warring with each other because one cannot own or enslave an equal. Lincoln urged for a “new birth of freedom.” In 1870, voting restrictions related to “race, color, or previous condition of servitude” were outlawed by Constitutional Amendment, but it would take over another century (and counting) to balance the scales.

As women were left out, Susan B. Anthony waged additional battles to expand the definition of equality, saying “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” On November 5, 1872, Anthony and 14 other women illegally went to their polling place to cast ballots. Election inspectors stood back to let the women vote, figuring their ballots could later be disqualified. She was later arrested at her home and found guilty. The election inspectors who let her vote were also jailed and ultimately pardoned. She wore her arrest as a badge of honor and it helped usher in the 19th

placed on voting rights to this very day. Yet, 50-60% of people who are eligible to vote still don’t cast a ballot.

Folio Weekly is not going to tell you who to vote for. It is going to tell you that this election is one of great historical significance.

We will be judged by our ability to come together, despite disagreement, to end the shouting and bravado and to determine the future of whether we will ever be the United States of America ever again.

Voting is sacred. People have been jailed. Lives have been lost.

“ONE OF THE PENALTIES FOR REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICS IS THAT YOU END UP BEING GOVERNED BY YOUR INFERIORS.” - PLATO

It is an undeniable right, which needs oversight and protection.

We ask you to take a deep breath and vote and start choosing candidates who exhibit the traits we most valued as childrenhonesty, integrity, prudence and compassion. Jefferson, Lincoln, Anthony, King and Lewis were just “one vote,” but understood the

Amendment in 1920. President Trump pardoned her this year on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

A right to vote was not an ability to freely vote. More men and

Your vote is just as important.

women had to lay down their lives. Men like Martin Luther King,

JOHN M. PHILLIPS

Jr., were killed because they dared to speak out and fight. As John

PUBLISHER

Lewis said, “I have said this before, and I will say it again. The vote

JMP@folioweekly.com

is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.”

This story goes on and on, with restrictions, taxes and asterisks 4

importance of their one vote.

THE MAIL:

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE PAST

18 YEARS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!

LOT J ISN’T A PRIORITY Dear Editor:

paid for already.

Giving $300 M to Kahn for

* spend $100 M in dredging

Lot J is OK with me only if we

3-foot additional depth in the

first:

local tributaries of the St. Johns

* pay for Covid tests for

River.

everyone.

* spend $50 M to provide more

* open up libraries till midnight.

and better parking and access

* hire more cops to get Jax up

to the ocean all along Duval

to national average of cops per

coast.

100,000.

* pay off our local share on

* expand $2M in city $ annually

the huge ultra-deep St. Johns

for Zoo.

dredging project.

* make Courthouse and all city

* pay off Lenney’s absurd

buildings ADA-compliant.

penny-wise

* build the pedestrian skyway

bond issue. (He already spent

from downtown library to the

the money but we have not yet

parking garage as per Delaney

paid 2 cents toward retiring the

BJP promise.

debt)

* build $20M in sidewalks we

pound-foolish

2002 - 2020

NOVEMBER 1 - 30 Accepting gently used sweaters, jackets, and blankets.

For more information and local drop-off locations, visit

WJCT.ORG/EVENTS

ANDY JOHNSON

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS: BRICKBAT TO GOV. DESANTIS In the midst of a global pandemic, where over 200,000 Americans have died, Gov. Ron Desantis has chosen to flout public health protocols by attending large rallies maskless, without social distancing. His choice to high five people in the crowd was especially horrific.

BOUQUET TO JESSIE BALL DUPONT CENTER The Jessie Ball Dupont Center has stepped up to host drive through food banks to support community members during COVID-19. The pop up food pantry is made possible by Catholic Charities and Farm Share.

BOUQUET TO CM CARLUCCI There’s been a lot of legislation lately concerning downtown, from LOT J on the Northbank to Mosh and River City Brewing on the Southbank. CM Carlucci has been honest with his opinions, open to suggestions via Twitter, and is co-hosting a public hearing with CM DeFoor - making sure the people have a say in development.

Bemy eigh hbor hbor Neig ay a

RECOGNIZING

D

!

Sponsored by:

LET’S HEAR IT. Why scream into a pillow when you can scream into a Folio? Send us your short opinion letters at mail@folioweekly.com.

5

THE FLORIDA THEATRE SETS THE STAGE TO RETURN

NUMA SAISSELIN, BY ISA BARRIENTOS

COVID-19 HAS RAVAGED THE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, BUT THE JACKSONVILLE ICON IS READY TO GET BACK TO BUSINESS. The Florida Theatre is a Jacksonville staple. Since 1928, the historic venue has ushered countless visitors into the Urban Core to enjoy shows and performances.

COVID-19, of course, made the theater shut down for the foreseeable future back in March. With Florida entering Phase 3 of reopenings, the venue has started booking shows for midDecember at half capacity with social distancing measures in place.

“We’re excited to be coming back into our role in the community, which is to provide a place for entertainment,” said Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin, who has been with the venue since 2012.

The community is thrilled to have live music back, but the shutdown was devastating for the Florida Theatre - with no shows to work, none of the team’s stagehands, bartenders, security or box office workers have seen a paycheck since March. The theatre lost more than 100 performances and $6.5 million in revenue in the past seven months. Annual fundraising events that brought in considerable donations were cancelled. They’ve gone most of this year without 90 percent of their usual income.

Just prior to the announcement of Phase 3, the theater was at a critical point in their bank balance that would have forced them to lay off half of their full-time staff. They had been able to keep their jobs with the help of grants, loans, devoted members and conservative spending.

Fortunately, they’re able to sell tickets again, but they need help bridging the financial gap until December to keep their team employed in order for the shows to go on.

The Florida Theatre’s goal is to receive $100,000 in donations by the end of December through the “Cross the Finish Line” campaign. They’re taking donations through their website and each one will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the theater’s board of directors.

Patrons of the theater can also help by becoming a member, engraving a sidewalk brick, or adopting a brand new chair.

President Saisselin said that the best way to support the theatre is

Southern rock band, 38 Special, will headline the first night back on Dec. 10. Comedian Brian Regan, country star Travis Tritt and Classic Albums Live featuring Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours will also grace the marquee on reopening week.

Providing a safe space for community entertainment is essential to finally flattening the curve. Guests will be asked to wear masks and have their temperatures checked at the door. Seating will be distanced from all sides.

“I’m just excited to be back,” said president Saisselin, “One of my hopes for the end of the pandemic is that it’ll really show us how much live performance and music and arts mean to our lives.”

Tickets are available in sets of two, along with links to donate and become a member, at floridatheatre.com.

ISA BARRIENTOS

to buy a ticket and come to a show.

They’re coming back better than ever, too - making the most of being shut down, the theatre accelerated a 5-year, $10 million renovation project that began just before the pandemic. By the time the theatre fills up (halfway) again, there will be new chairs, more aisle lighting, and double the wheelchair capacity.

6

SCAN FOR EXTRA DIGITAL CONTENT

In Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, the Supreme Court ruled that taxpayers can be forced to fund religious schools in states with private school voucher programs.

“From Democracy to Theocracy: Following the Supreme Court's Yellow Brick Road” The above example is but one of many seeming to indicate the Supreme Court is now designed to promote theocracy over democracy. Is there hope?

Monday, November 16, 2020 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

(Virtual event via Zoom) For more info visit FCFS.ORG The FCFS Presents Rabbi Merrill Shapiro

Americans United for Separation of Church & State

7

‘ONLY BUILT 4’ THE CRAFT BARTENDING COMMUNITY MOVER & SHAKER OPERATES WITH A “FOR BARTENDERS, BY BARTENDERS” MENTALITY. With two nights worth of tips and not much entrepreneurial

hop group was manifested in their work. Since then, they have

expertise, Nick Hogan and his best friend, Matt Shail, founded

also featured Wu-Tang Clan-inspired cocktails online and have

Jacksonville’s only cocktail pins and apparel store, Mover & Shaker,

manufactured a number of Wu-Tang Clan parody shirts.

in 2017. To set themselves apart from their fellow bartenders, they created a brand that has harnessed attention across the hospitality industry, and most recently, that of Wu-Tang Clan

PHOTO BY NICK HOGAN

rapper, Raekwon.

The idea for Mover & Shaker came after Hogan purchased an apron from Search & Rescue Denim out of Vancouver and wanted to “decorate” it with “flair” (reminiscent of the old TGIF days). However, he soon realized that there weren’t any bartenderdedicated enamel pin companies at the time besides Love & Victory, which was selling an iconic Negroni pin.

“We see the hospitality industry as a fundamental foundation of our society. There were almost 17 million people working in the hospitality industry in the United States in 2019, and those people were looking for an identity to grab on to,” Hogan, a 31-year-old Jacksonville native, said. “There really isn’t a company like us that caters to our demographic.”

Hogan added that, to cater to these employees, Mover & Shaker has taken a “guerilla approach” to infiltrating collaborations, in addition to working with huge brands and maintaining authenticity. In doing so, he has built a team of experienced bartenders, including marketing and events manager Shannon Michelle, who manages one of Jacksonville’s top cocktail bars, Sidecar in San Marco.

“Mover & Shaker is about building community, giving back and caring for what is happening in our industry, and right now our industry needs it,” Hogan said. “Jacksonville and North Florida’s bar scene is relatively small, but it’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Priding themselves on a “for bartenders, by bartenders” mentality, the company now employs everything from skateboarding and underground music and streetwear aesthetic to

8 8

hospitality and more. Stemming the sale of four initial pins, Mover

Adding to this collection, several months ago Mover &

& Shaker has grown to offer over 150 pins, 70-plus shirt SKUs,

Shaker decided to create Wu-Tang Clan strainers for an Instagram

dozens of custom strainers and other bar tools, air fresheners,

giveaway. To the team’s surprise, someone forwarded their post

shower curtains and more.

directly to Raekwon.

One of the original pins the company sold was a Charlie

“I was grocery shopping one day and got this very cryptic

Brown pin, but instead of his shirt having the infamous zig-zag

email from Raekwon’s representative, which I initially thought was

lines, he had the Wu-Tang Clan’s “W” logo on it. This was just

some sort of scam email. But I responded, which set the wheels

one example of how the Mover & Shaker team’s love of the hip-

in motion. I listened to his inaugural album, ‘Only Built 4 Cuban

NICK HOGAN AND SHANNON MICHELLE OF MOVER & SHAKER PHOTO BY JOSE PEREIRO

9

9

“Growing up, my grandmother used to live in Woodbine, Ga. We did a couple of shows in Jacksonville. The love was always out there for us. [The fans] were just into it. I love the football community out there too. It’s definitely a dope town.”

RAEKWON ON JACKSONVILLE

Linx,’ the morning before our phone call just to hype myself up,” Hogan shared. “Once I heard his voice over the phone that first time, it was magical.”

“Somebody from my camp lined me up with their page, and I pretty much fell in love with it then. I never had the opportunity to work with someone so close in the bar industry before, and the collaboration made it dope,” Raekwon said. “One thing people notice about me is that I love quality craftsmanship when it comes to creative things, so when I envision [something] a certain way, it has to look like that.”

Hogan went on to call the collaboration with Raekwon “an absolute dream” and says the rapper has proven that he truly cares about the hospitality industry as well. This has been made increasingly evident through Raekwon’s raps over the years about fine wines and spirits, Hogan says.

“I think that myself and the bartending scene are similar in that we share creativity, being around people and engaging with communities.

Bartenders are the ‘show biz’ to the community when it comes to the drinking world and going out,” Raekwon said. “I wanted to do something for the industry that I thought would be respected because we love the same things.”

Although the Wu-Tang Clan-inspired strainer is Mover & Shaker’s first true collector’s piece, the company hopes the product spurs more collaborations moving forward. The team aspires to continue bridging the gap between music, art and bartending while bringing attention to small business and young local artists. “[When I first met Nick] I told him, ‘Listen so I’ve been checking your page out, it’s dope and I like what you’re about.’ I could tell he was serious about the bar world and that he’s his own businessman,” Raekwon said. “That’s what I love, to see people out there doing what they love to the fullest and making a living out of it.”

In the future, Hogan believes there is a lot of room for future investment and to build on the company’s culture. He also wants to teach consumers and guests about the bartending world and all that Mover & Shaker is doing.

“We plan to stay authentic, keep working on big collaborations and push the envelope for what a small, boutique brand can do,” Hogan said.

LINDSEY NOLEN 10 10

PHOTO BY JOSE PEREIRO

FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE SEASONAL OFFERINGS RUSTIC DINNERS, HEARTY BRUNCHES, AND QUICK LUNCHES MAKE CATULLO’S AND PENMAN DINER BEACH FAVORITES. To give some context, I am a native of Jacksonville, Fla. l currently live in Atlantic Beach and have watched first-hand as the growth of our local dining and culinary scene escalated over the past two decades, from local hot spots sprouting, food trucks and more.

As a local realtor, I love learning and educating myself about all types of places to be a reliable resource for clientele. My biggest passion is food and restaurants. What started out as writing on Yelp and Google, then on social media, has taken on a life of its own. I have contributed enough Google reviews to be in the top 5% of local guides.

Since it’s October, I thought fit to highlight a few places that I (and many in the greater Jax area) love in connection with this time of year: fall. I picked Catullo’s Italian and Penman Diner because they do have a following of their own, but I believe many people may not know and absolutely need to try these places, and most of all support these local businesses that provide great culinary options.

Catullo’s near San Pablo and Atlantic already has a lot of hype (and rightfully so) and is far from cookie cutter, offering amazing

PHOTO BY JOEY GABRIEL

Italian food. With COVID, they opened up their mobile order options which is a great opportunity for those who don’t want to dine out yet, or have been curious to try them. They are typically so busy that they regularly only have dine-in options. Always ask for what the specials are because there is a good chance it is a knock out of the ball-park.

I’ve seen or tried lamb, veal, duck, Portobello mushrooms, truffles and tortelloni. They always improvise a dish that you cannot find

DINE-IN

anywhere else. You never know what the chef will conjure up each

RESERVE YOUR TABLE ON THE RESY APP OR RESY.COM

menu items. This fall look for them to bring back some hearty soups,

PRATIITALIA.COM TOWNHALLJAX.COM

surprises.

f

week, but it’s always worth trying, along with one of their regular and perhaps the pumpkin Ravioli, oxtail, maybe lamb and other Penman Diner, established in July 2019, is still making a name for itself - but it’s a neighorhood hit. The diner has become a go-to

TO-GO f

CONTACT-FREE PICK-UP ONLINE ORDERING

for breakfast, brunch and lunch for the local beach folk craving rustic diner style food and atmosphere. The huge menu includes delicious omelets and eggs benedicts, the “Mediterranean platter” (Turkish inspired) is delicious, and their service is always spot on.

Daily specials often include liver and onions, meatloaf, and

FAMILY-STYLE MEALS

shepherds pie. During Thanksgiving and other holidays they offer

MARKET + PANTRY ITEMS

turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy; October offers cinnamon

(PIMENTO CHEESE! FRESH PASTA!)

COCKTAILS + WINE TO-GO

pancakes (their regular pancakes are already delicious!). Whether you’re a beach resident or in the area, I highly recommend them for local delicious breakfast or lunch.

I find these two places I have recommended to be a great fit for the fall (year round, too) if you want to try something delicious and

CHEF TOM GRAY CONCEPTS

LOCALLY-OWNED. THOUGHTFULLY-SOURCED. SERIOUSLY DELICIOUS.

unique, yet cozy and warm, to feel in season.

JOEY GABRIEL STORIES@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM 11

AMY WADE POSES ON A THRONE MADE OF TRASH. JOHN ALOSZKA

12 12

12

WASHED UP WORDS BY ISA BARRIENTOS

Riding up Amelia Island’s northeastern shore on a

“I try to collect colorful stuff that brings out

bicycle with a basket and a grabber, Amy Wade, 50,

attention,” said Wade, “stuff that will catch people’s eye.”

wakes up at dawn every day in pursuit of the trash and

In years of cleaning up the beach, Wade estimates

treasures that the new tides supply overnight.

that she’s thrown out a dumpster full of trash and brought

“I live in paradise,” she says of Fernandina Beach, a

home about half a dumpster full of junk. She has more

home for which she has great affection, where she acts

than a dozen large containers of shoreline finds in her

locally and thinks globally. “I watch people walk right by

shed - an impressive collection that includes more than

trash. And I don’t go say ‘pick that trash up,’ I’ll just go

600 sunglasses, as well as hundreds of beach toys,

pick it up. And if I don’t have a glove, I’ll pick it up with

lighters and shotgun shells.

my toe and carry it to the trash can like that!”

Wade isn’t your average environmentalist. She was born and raised on the St. Mary’s River in Hilliard, Florida,

The name “Beach Junki” actually predates her habit of collecting beach junk: it stems from her addiction to the beach itself.

as evidenced by her deep southern drawl. Wearing shorts

In 2007, Wade moved into an attic just a block away

and a neon tank top with iron-on letters reading Beach

from Main Beach Fernandina. She wasn’t hooked on the

Junki in all caps, she is warm and unpretentious, bringing

beach right away, though. After living there for a while

humility to the often-arrogant climate of eco-activism.

in a downhearted state, she went to watch the sunrise in

“I’m a country girl that lives at the beach,” Wade told Folio Weekly, “And you can write that one down.”

an attempt to heal her soul.

“And it did, it healed me! I discovered the beauty

Wade has a supernatural talent for finding artifacts

of it and I was like, this is the most peaceful thing in my

and wildlife on the coast. She’s found and successfully

life,” said Wade, “And it just kind of progressed into an

returned two sets of dentures. She’s rescued two

addiction.”

alligators, several sea turtles and around 20 seabirds, and

One of her first finds in this progression was in 2013,

she’s buried just as many. Through her Facebook page,

when she found and rescued a sea turtle during one of

more than a few pairs of sunglasses have been returned

her morning strolls.

to their rightful owners.

“After that, I though, you know what, this is my

At times the line between trash and treasure is

calling. There’s something trying to get my attention. I

blurred for her, though. Wade holds onto anything she

had a Beach Junki visor on. I had a name, didn’t know

considers unique. When it comes to miscellaneous plastic

what to do with it.”

debris, she tosses clear items like sandwich bags and

This was the point at which she started picking up

water bottles and keeps anything in color - this includes

trash during her visits to the beach. Wade said it all fell

ribbon, glow sticks, chewed-up flip flops, bottlecaps,

together when she realized she wanted to protect the

used floss sticks and cracked lightbulbs.

turtles from all the jusk washing up. She recalls that in

She uses these items to raise awareness of what’s washing up and hopes to work with visual artists to make something of her collection.

her first cleanup, she found a video cassette box, a milk jug and a balloon.

“Once I was out on the beach, that’s how I started

13

YOUR SH!T IS STAYING AROUND:

GLASS BOTTLE 1,000,000 YEARS TO DECOMPOSE

GLAZED POTTERY 1,000,000 YEARS TO DECOMPOSE

PLASTIC TOYS 1,000 YEARS TO DECOMPOSE

MAKEUP COMPACT 50-100 YEARS TO DECOMPOSE

learning there’s a lot of crap out there on that beach.”

Wade knew that she wanted to keep the turtles safe and the

About a year and a half later, Hurricane Irma hit the coast of

shoreline beautiful, but she didn’t have any direction, just a “cute

Florida. It stripped the sand from the coast and the dunes revealing

name.”

lost artifacts that were buried beneath it, and brought debris up

“It was more of a brand at that point. I didn’t have all this trash,” Wade told Folio Weekly, “It was still new and fresh. I didn’t know where I was taking Beach Junki but I knew I wanted to educate people.”

“It wasn’t until 2015 when I thought of joining One Spark.

I thought, I’ve got this idea of a name, maybe I can go with it.”

from the ocean floor. At this point, Wade started to take some of the washed-up items home with her.

“I was amazed at what was washing up,” said Wade. She had found an IV bag from Cuba, hypodermic needles and old pill bottles with tablets still in them.

“I started thinking I can’t put this in the trash, that’s defeating

She joined the crowdfunding event formerly held in Downtown

the whole purpose. I’m finding it, I need to do something

Jacksonville under the Social Good creator category. Although

productive with it. It’s pretty, it’s colorful, it’s toys! I started getting

she didn’t have any formal education or experience, she noticed

containers and storing it.”

through her frequent beach visits that the bulk of the trash that

“Once I started finding all this cool stuf, it was a very bad

was washing up was plastic bottles, balloons and plastic bags.

addiction. Because I’m searching for this stuff now, and I have

Knowing that much, she did internet research and put educational

piles of it at my house, so it is an addiction to see what I can find.

poster boards together about the dangers of BPA in plastic and

What’s the most unique thing I can find that day: an alligator?

alternatives to single-use plastics.

Some dentures? An iPhone?”

“I learned so much doing One Spark. I knew that if I had positive feedback I would continue Beach Junki,” said Wade.

14

Her creator project received 400 votes that year.

Wade starts every day with the sunrise, which she considers her peace and never takes for granted. Along with the new day’s

sun, something different comes up with the tide every day, feeding Wade’s compulsion to search for and acquire the next piece of plastic to remove from the shoreline and add to her

AMY WADE POSES IN A PILE OF BEACH TRASH ISA BARRIENTOS

collection. “[The plastic is] not only polluting the environment and the beach, it’s harming our sea turtles, whales are eating it. If I don’t get it out of the water, it’s gonna be eaten by marine life.”

“I have a mission, I’m dedicated. I wake up every day, I’ve got this energy. I want to put it to good use.”

Recently, Wade applied to make Beach Junki a nonprofit organization. This would allow her to reach more people for organized beach cleanups and receive donations for supplies like grabbers and vests. She was affiliated with the Nassau non profit, Friends of Fort Clinch, where she gained administrative experience.

Wade highlighted the importance of beach education, another component of her growing organization, using balloons as an example. When she first started cleaning up the beach, balloons plagued the shoreline, but through public exposure, people started looking for alternatives to balloon releases to celebrate deceased loved ones.

“People remember family, they want to release a balloon to heaven and I got news for you: those balloons don’t make it to heaven but the sea turtles do, that eat that balloon,” said Wade, “I know if they knew that their specific balloon would cause the death of a creature they wouldn’t release it.”

She shared her journey to applying for nonprofit status with

Folio Weekly: “I care about people, children, wildlife, marine life, animals. I want to protect the things that I love. That’s the point of Beach Junki, I started out with just a cute name, I learned that I need to take this to beach education, now going into a nonprofit is going to be really hard to get going, but I’m not gonna give up. I done came too far.”

Wade’s non profit wish list includes a van to transport volunteers and supplies, a wrap on it to create a focal point and bring attention to the organization, and a Beach Junki shack stocked with merch and gear to serve as a sea turtle and beach education station.

As for her junk, she’s looking to her community to help her make something of it. Wade has bins upon bins of building material and more piling up every day, and is keeping an open mind in regards to what to do with it.

She said, “I’m looking for artists to help me create something special. We could go simple or we could go extravagant. We could go small or we could go big. I’m just looking for artists to help me decide what we can do with what I’ve collected.”

@ISA23B 15

IT’S HERE,

BEACHES. Folio’s Best of the Beaches 2020 is here. Flip through the highlights, and scan the QR code below to visit the full list of winners.

BUSINESS AND RETAIL BEST AUTO BODY SHOP: COASTAL AUTO BEST AUTO DETAILER: BEACHES CAR WAS AND GIFT GALLERY BEST AUTO SERVICE: BAVARIAN RENNSPORT BEST CAR WASH: BEACHES CAR WASH AND GIFT GALLERY BEST TIRE STORE: TIRES PLUS BEST USED CAR DEALERSHIP: AUTOLINE PREOWNED BEST BARBER: BOB’S BARBER SHOP, ATLANTIC BEACH BEST DAY SPA: JESSIE’S SKINCARE STUDIO BEST HAIR SALON: BELLEZZA SALON AND BOUTIQUE BEST HAIR STYLIST: CARMEN RACHEL, TOTAL HAIR BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL: YOUTHFUL MEDICAL SPA PVB BEST LASH EXTENSIONS: LEVEL UP LASHES BEST NAIL SALON: LUXURY NAIL SPA OF PONTE VEDRA BEST TANNING SALON: SOL US TANNING BEST WAXING STUDIO: LASH JAX STUDIO BEST GROCERY: PUBLIX, SEMINOLE SHOPPES BEST PILATES STUDIO: PURRE BARRE, JAX BEACH BEST MASSAGE STUDIO: MASSAGE ENVY, JAX BEACH BEST GYM: XCEL PERFORMANCE INC. BEST 5K: THE DONNA 5K BEST BATHROOM REMODELER: DEAN RUSSELL CUSTOM HOMES BEST TATTOO ARTIST: DAVID WOOD, ACME STUDIO BEST TATTOO STUDIO: SEAS THE DAY TATTOO AND PIERCING BEST FLOORING STORE: BEACHES FLOORING AND DECORATING BEST GARDEN STORE: PROCTOR ACE HARDWARE BEST HEATING AND AIR: DONOVAN HEATING AND AIR BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR: PEGGY CORNELIUS BEST KITCHEN REMOLDER: FISETTE CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING BEST PEST CONTROL: BUG OUT TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL BEST POOL MAINTENANCE: SURFSIDE POOLS BEST ROOFING CONTRACTOR: SHCULTZ ROOFING CO. BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY: BLUWATER APARTMENTS BEST LAW FIRM: PHILLIPS AND HUNT 16

MAMA BLUE COURTESY OF MAMA BLUE

ENTERTAINMENT BEST ACTOR: KRIS STAM BEST ACTRESS: KATIE JOHNSTON BEST ART FESTIVAL: JAX BEACH ART WALK BEST ART GALLERY: GALLERY 725 BEST COVER BAND: FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL, VOX BEST ORGINAL BAND: MELT BEHIND THE WHEEL BEST COMMUNITY THEATRE: PLAYERS BY THE SEA BEST CONCERT VENUE: SEAWALK PAVILION, PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL BEST DANCE SCHOOL: SET STUDIOS BEST USE OF LOCAL MONEY: BEACHES LIBRARY BEST KARAOKE NIGHT: WIPEOUT’S GRILL BEST BEST MUSEUM: BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL: SPRINGING IN THE BLUES FESTIVAL BEST MUSICIAN: TAYLOR ROBERTS BEST NIGHTCLUB: RAGTIME TAVERN, SEAFOOD AND GRILL BEST LOCAL MUSIC SPOT: BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM BEST FEMALE VOCALIST: JOSIE FREIN, MAMA BLUE BEST MALE VOCALIST: LEE HAMBLY, RICHARD DAPPA SMITH BEST VISUAL ARTIST: HOLLY BLANTON BEST PUBLIC ART: UNF SEASIDE SCULPTURE PARK 17

BEST OF JAX IS BACK. Hey, it’s been a while.

When Folio 2.0 started, we knew we wanted to bring Best of Jax back to its roots: ending pay for play, streamlining the categories and making it fun again. That’s why Best of Jax 2020 is going to look a little different. We’ve reduced the categories by half, diversified the categories and included some end of the decade superlatives for flavor. We hope you enjoy this year’s selection and support local!

VOTING STARTS NOVEMBER FIRST. FOLLOW @FOLIOWEEKLY TO STAY IN THE LOOP.

18

DINING BEST AMERICAN: POE’S TAVERN BEST BUFFET: CASA MARINA BEST BAGELS: BAGELS R US BEST BAKERY: CINOTTI’S BAKERY BEST BBQ: MOJO KITCHEN BEST BARISTA: TRAVIS WAGNER, BOLD BEAN BEST BARTENDER: FLETCHER, ENGINE 15 BEST BEACH BAR: LEMON BAR BEST BREAKFAST: ELLEN’S KITCHEN BEST BREWERY: ENGINE 15 BREWING CO. BEST BRUNCH: JAX BEACH BRUNCH HAUS BEST BURGER: POE’S TAVERN BEST BURRITO: CANTINA LOUIE BEST CATERING: TASTE CATERING ON THE BLVD BEST CHEF: CHAD, OCEAN 60

TRAVIS WAGNER, WINNER OF BEST BARISTA.

BEST WINGS: V PIZZA, JAX BEACH

COURTESY OF TRAVIS WAGNER.

BEST COCKTAIL SELECTION: OCEAN 60 BEST COFFEE HOUSE: BOLD BEAN

BEST MARTINI: OCEAN 60

BEST DESSERTS: WHIT’S FORZEN CUSTARD, AB

BEST MEAL UNDER $10: ANGIE’S SUBS

BEST DINER: BEACH DINER

BEST MEXICAN: EL POTRO

BEST DIVE BAR: PETE’S BAR

BEST NEW BAR: T-DUBS

BEST DOUGNUT SHOP: CINOTTI’S BAKERY

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: CATULLO’S ITALIAN

BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANT: SUGAR CANE

BEST VEGAN FRIENDLY: SOUTHERN ROOTS

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT: THE FISH COMPANY

BEST OYSTERS: THE FISH COMPANY

BEST FINE DINING: MARKER 32

BEST PASTRIES: CINOTTI’S BAKERY

BEST FISH CAMP: SAFE HARBOR

BEST PIZZA: V PIZZA, JAX BEACH

BEST FOOD TRUCK: MR. TACO

BEST PUB: LYNCH’S IRISH PUB

BEST FRENCH FRIES: CRUISER’S GRILL

BEST SERVER: JORGE, EL POTRO

BEST FRIED CHICKEN: PUBLIX

BEST RIBS: MOJO KITCHEN

BEST FROZEN YOGURT: WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD, AB

BEST SHRIMP: SAFE HARBOR

BEST GASTROPUB: HOPTINGER

BEST SMOOTHIE: TROPICAL SMOOTHIE

BEST GLUTEN FREE MENU: SOUTHERN ROOTS

BEST SPORTS BAR: MONKEY’S UNCLE TAVERN

BEST HAPPY HOUR: OCEAN 60

BEST STEAK: RUTH’S CHRIS

BEST HOT DOG: HOT DOG HUT

BEST SUB: ANGIE’S SUBS

BEST ITALIAN: MILANO’S

BEST SUSHI: FANCY SUSHI

BEST JAPANESE: KAMIYA 86

BEST TACOS: TACOLU

BEST LATE NIGHT: HAWKERS

BEST WATERFRONT DINING: SAFE HARBER

BEST LOCALLY OWNED: CULHANE’S IRISH PUB

BEST WINE BAR: ROYAL PALM VILLAGE WINE + TAPAS

BEST MARGARITA: FLYING IGUANA

BEST WINE LIST: ROYAL PALM VILLAGE WINE + TAPAS

19

CALLING THE QUESTION KEY LOCAL CANDIDATES

BEN MARCUS FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 16 Ben Marcus is running to defend home rule, increase transparency in government and invest in our neighborhoods. Marcus believes in reforming public safety and protecting Northeast Florida’s natural beauty. As a nonprofit consultant, Marcus will utilize the power of community collaboration when solving problems.

JASON FISCHER FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 16 Incumbent Representative Jason Fischer is a constitutional conservative, known most for his attempts to replace the current Duval County Public School structure with an elected superintendent and his vows to never “defund the police.” As a businessman, his priorities will be economic recovery after COVID-19.

JOSHUA HICKS FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 11 Joshua Hicks has spent his life’s work in the nonprofit sector, devoting time to advancing the causes he believes in. His platform includes Medicaid expansion, fixing Florida’s unemployment system and universal background checks for weapons. He lives in Jacksonville with his husband, Phillip.

CORD BYRD FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 11 Incumbent Representative Cord Byrd believes that when government gets bigger, your life gets harder. As such, he believes in expanding charter schools and school choice, cutting regulations, and fighting against gun reforms. He is a fifth generation Floridian and lives in Neptune Beach.

TAMMYETTE THOMAS FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 15 Tammyette Thomas is a mother of three and healthcare professional. Her platform includes expanding Medicaid, funding trade and arts programs, and ending qualified immunity for police officers in Florida. She has owned multiple small businesses and wants to prioritize economic growth in the area.

WYMAN DUGGAN FOR STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 15 Incumbent Wyman Duggan describes himself as a common-sense constitutional conservative, focused on cleaning up the environment, funding schools and standing with law enforcement. After a close race last cycle, he looks to once again edge out a win in the purple district he calls home.

20

V O T E EARLY BY MAIL DAY OF NICOLE HAMM FOR CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

SPECIAL ELECTION

Nicole Hamm comes from a financial and nonprofit background, serving as vice president for the Beaches Rotaract and a board member of Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM). In her campaign, she has advocated for transparency, accountability and infrastructure improvements.

KEVIN CARRICO FOR CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

SPECIAL ELECTION

Kevin Carrico argues that his experience as vice president of operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Jacksonville gives him the know-how needed to be on city council, and his platform includes supporting small businesses and reducing crime. He lives on the Southside with his wife and daughter.

Folio Note: Angie Nixon (D) and Tracie Davis (D) do not have contested elections.

21

22

YOU ARE LIVING THROUGH A PANDEMIC, A CONTENTIOUS ELECTION AND A

23

@FOLIOWEEKLY

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND TRY YOUR BEST.

ELECTION AND A RECESSION.

THE COUNTY THAT COULD SWING FLORIDA.

MICHAEL BINDER, COURTESY OF MICHAEL BINDER.

DUVAL DEMOCRATS ARE LOOKING TO REPEAT THE 2018 COUNTY SUCCESS OF MAYOR ANDREW GILLUM.

patterns balance out the influx of snowbirds to the state who tend to be older, white, retirees with a republican bent that turn out to vote in large numbers.

“We’ve had these kind of counteracting forces over time and Duval doesn’t get a ton of snowbird activity and because of that we’re kind of a cleaner test of the state about what it looks like and where it’s going,” Binder said.

But just because there is a burgeoning new populace in the county and the state does not mean that they will automatically show up to vote on election day. That’s where voter registration drives come in, and thanks to the many ways the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted daily life this area is no different.

“Most new voting registration pushes during election years come from volunteers that are out and about,” Binder said. “They’re standing out in front of Publix, they’re going to local events, they’re going to the county fair, and they’re signing people up to register to vote. Well, all of that’s off; none of that’s happening.”

DUVAL BY THE NUMBERS

Twenty-nine electoral votes. That is what Florida offers to presidential candidates. The jackpot of swing states. A deciding factor in most presidential races and the 2020 election seems to be no different; attempts to turn Texas purple notwithstanding.

However, while Florida is distinctively purple in Presidential contests, the state is staunchly red when it comes to the government run out of Tallahassee. That in large part has to do with the identity of the electorate in various parts of the state including Northeast Florida with Duval as its largest county.

The last time a Democratic presidential candidate won Duval County was Jimmy Carter in 1976. Here now in 2020, Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden could be on the cusp of carrying the county.

Dr. Michael Binder, an associate professor of political science at the University of North Florida, says a Biden win in Duval county is telling and comparable to the 2018 gubernatorial race.

“Gillum carried Duval County, and I certainly think it’s possible that Biden can as well,” Binder said.

Though he was quick to mention that even if Biden clenched Duval County, it’s certainly not the end of Republican reign in local government. What he did say is that a potential Biden win in Duval signifies what is happening in the state in terms of population as well as the movement—or lack thereof—to mobilize voters on both the left and the right.

Binder said, “We’re turning a little bit bluer organically.”

This organic growth toward the left is due to both immigration from South and Central America and the migration of young adults from other parts of the country to the state for work. Binder, who heads the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF and is contributing to national polling methodology with the New York Times, said these

Data from the Duval SOE and US Census 24

With voter registration numbers somewhat stagnant Democrats still have a competitive edge. In 2016, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by about three percentage points. In 2020, Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than six percentage points.

“There’s been a big difference as far as increases in Democratic registration relative to Republicans in Duval County.” Binder said.

“This is not the same county that it was in 2016.”

The only question is will those registrants vote. For Binder, the question is specific to one demographic. The so-called “Black vote.”

“There are several precincts that have a decent sized Black population and saw some pretty dramatic declines from 2012 to 2016,” Binder said. “If you look back to 2012, the turnout for both whites and Blacks in Duval County was just over 75 percent. They were nearly identical. In 2016, white turnout was almost 78 percent and Black turnout was barely 71 percent. That’s a significant change.”

Those dramatic declines are double digit drops in voter turnout in the four years between the re-election of President Obama and the election of President Trump. In an effort to re-energized and mobilize all voters, community curator, Shawana Brooks, has called on Jacksonville’s arts community in an effort to get out the vote.

As the founder and CEO of the 6ft Away Gallery, she is managing the gallery’s Color Jax Blue project which is anchored by a large, multi-sided mural at the corner of 18th and Myrtle on the Northside.

Brooks said, “Between the visual artists, we have 10 of those and we wanted equal representation of Black women and men and then the same thing we have 10 amplifiers which are also artists, but they’re artists of different disciplines [who] work together with the visual artists to push out their messaging.”

That messaging is loud and clear: on one side of the mural that proclaims from two stories in the air, ”Black Votes Matter.” It is a purposefully distinct and stark contrast to the Black Lives Matter murals that have been painted on the ground across the country in the aftermath of this latest wave of racial violence.

“We know consistently through the years that people who have been killed, where their lives didn’t matter, was because they were executing their civic duties,” Brooks said. “That’s through our DNA. That trauma is being passed. So I really wanted to not put something like that on the ground. I think something like that needs to be uplifted, needs us to be able to look at it, needs people to be able to see it as a consistent reminder.”

That consistent reminder runs throughout Color Jax Blue’s entire project even down to its name. While on the surface it may seem the project is decidedly left, Brooks says Color Jax Blue is about reclaiming the symbolism of the United States.

“Our flag, all of those colors have a symbol, have contextual meanings behind them. The blue stands for justice.”

With that symbolism guiding their work, Brooks says, Color Jax Blue is not backing any one candidate, idea or platform. She just wants people to go vote, especially in the Black community.

“Jacksonville has always been the hell mouth when it comes to the electoral college and really knowing that the fight and the turning point has to come from Duval County.”

Binder said that potential turning point will come down to people making sure that they not only vote, but vote the right way, considering this year will be an election with an increased number

SHAWANA BROOKS JOHN ALOSZKA

of mail-in ballots.

“No matter how voters vote, whether it’s by mail, or early, in person, or if it’s on election day, make sure that if you’re doing it by mail that you sign your name, you fill the ballot out correctly, and return it ahead of time. You can’t just mail this thing off on election day, it won’t get there. You’ve got to mail this thing at least a week before the election so that the mail has time process and the supervisor can receive it by election day, otherwise your vote won’t count if it shows up on the supervisor’s doorstep on the fourth.”

And while there are concerns of voter suppression through the mail-in ballot system in other states, Dr. Binder, says Florida’s mail-in voters are traditionally heavily Republican, which is why the state’s process has not come under as much partisan scrutiny. However, that does not mean that there isn’t a potential divide as some minority and Democratic leaning voters may prepare to vote by mail for the first time.

“The people that are more inclined to have their mail ballots thrown out because they didn’t come in time, or they botched the signature and didn’t get it fixed, are first-time mail voters and younger people and people of color,” Binder said.

The election is happening now with mail-in ballots being sent out and returned across the state and the two week early voting period underway. With the increase in registrations and the extension of 25

the registration period due to a computer system overload it is clear there is high interest in the election that will lead to high expectations for the results come election night. Though Binder said anticipations should be tempered.

“I’m not convinced that they’re going to call the races, but I think we’ll have a pretty good idea,” he said.

Locally, key races to be on the lookout for include Congressional District 4 between former TV anchor, three-time breast cancer survivor and local philanthropist Donna Deegan and former Sheriff John Rutherford. Other races include the clerk of cours, and issues such as allowing the city council to appoint and potentially remove members of the JEA board and the half-penny sales tax for Duval County school improvements.

This general election then is as much about the future of the country as it is about the future of the county from school improvement to allowing all couples—same sex couples included—to hold their nuptials at the county courthouse.

Brooks says the future of the county and the country is another reason why the Color Jax Blue mural exists, to honor people— especially Black women—who’ve been doing the work to mobilize their communities on the issues from gun violence to voting.

“Black women have always been at the forefronts of leading their families to the polls,” Brooks said. “Getting you out to go, talking to you, being involved, thinking about the reasons why you need to vote, and encouraging their men and their family to go out there and do it.”

26

She believes that this November the onus will be on Black women again to save the nation. Binder’s own concern about which way “the Black vote” will swing the county and the country also comes down to Black men and youth.

“Are they going to show up for Biden and Kamala Harris?” Binder asked rhetorically. “You know UNF’s precinct, which is 1105, we had almost a six percentage point decrease in Black votes, in the rate of the Black vote in 2012 and 2016.”

This concern does not include the potential votes of former felons who were allowed to register upon completing the conditions of their release, fines—that they may or may not know about— included.

Dr. Binder said, “If you just look at socio-demographically, the folks that are more inclined to register, more inclined to vote and turn out, tend to be older, tend to be more invested in their communities, tend to have more money, and to have more education. All of those types of things. And if you look at the felon population, they tend to be younger, they tend to be disproportionately male, and they tend to fit a lot of categories which are a little bit lower on the likelihood to turn out and vote.”

All these caveats considered, Binder believes Florida’s presidential race will come down to one or two points.

“So, literally every vote counts, and it’s important for your readers to see that, ‘Yeah their vote matters,’ and it matters a great deal in a state like Florida which is so pivotal for the election.”

NIKESHA ELISE WILLIAMS

ASTROLOGICAL E L E C T I O N B R E A KD O W N

ISA BARRIENTOS

We all want a President that’s sexy and senile. Thankfully, this is America, and you can have it all. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s birth chart exudes the raw sexuality of the uncle that hugs you just a little too vigorously (because he’s a Scorpio) and won’t shut up about what a gorgeous young lady you’ve become (that’s his Taurus moon.)

Haters and supporters alike cite a vague sense of distrust for Biden, as Scorpios are notoriously shady. His Sun sign suggests great passion and dedication, though, and heavy willpower and follow-through.

Mercury, Venus, and Mars are also in Scorpio, creating a sense of inner harmony. Scorpios are deeply emotional and empathetic, as the former VP is known to be. All of these planets, except for Mars, fall in the twelfth house, which points to great sorrow on his karmic path and an affinity for spirituality.

The Biden campaign spent $10,000 on ice cream during the first half of its presidential campaign this year, according to Federal Election Commission data. His fondness for the edible and/or inanimate is a result of his Moon in Taurus, a grounded placement

that lives and feels through the senses. Biden’s relaxed disposition comes from his Taurus Moon. This placement may also be the reason for his nickname, “Sleepy Joe,” as the Taurus bull is known to be slow-moving. It being in the fifth house suggests generosity and a fondness for children.

A Sagittarius ascendent brings considerable balance to Biden’s chart. While Taurus and Scorpio are serious and reticent signs, the archer is blunt and extravagant. This placement lends Biden a sense of humor in the face of his sad twelfth house situation, and in opposing the most absurd political figure imaginable his feed’s got some of the best Trump roasts. Sagittarius on the ascendent creates an optimistic, big-picture, worldview. In terms of appearance, former Vice president Biden can thank this placement for his long hairy limbs and shining smile - Sagittarius risings are said to resemble a centaur.

Leos should vote for Biden for the sex appeal. Virgos should because it’s the practical option. Scorpios, because no other candidate could ever relate to your profundity, and Aquarius because you can’t cancel him under a two-party system when

He’s not a liar, he’s just a Gemini. We love Geminis for the way that the more serious something is, the more lightly they take it. His Sagittarius moon is why he’s so rude, but it lends him high spirits and an excellent sense of humor, especially as it is paired with hilarious Gemini.

Trump’s Sun in Gemini represents his will and purpose. Those born under this sign are true individuals and independent thinkers.

It’s the sign of communication, thus POTUS couldn’t stop talking or tweeting, even if he wanted to. Geminis are known to be mischievous, deceptive and contradictory as they don’t hold value in fixed objective truths as much as whatever is running through their minds in the moment. They’re also really entertaining - for better or for worse, the state of the union is never boring with a Gemini in office. This twin placement is in the tenth house, ruling public life and reputation, which is why he feels the need to broadcast his every word. It gives him the desire to be some type of father or emperor figure, too.

On the opposite end of the natal chart is a full moon in Sagittarius. This position makes him remarkably moody, and the placement itself is the reason for his boundless optimism and characteristic tactlessness. Since the moon is in charge of instinct

and feeling, and Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign, he might tend toward emotional impulsivity.

Trump has three Cancer placements in his chart: Saturn, speaking to limitations, Venus, his feminine side, and Mercury, in charge of communication. Cancer is a sweet sign but a VenusSaturn conjunction in the eleventh house points to challenges the President’s capacity for compassion. These placements explain his hypersensitivity to criticism: a Cancer Mercury is sensitive, thinking and reacting from pure emotion. Keep this in mind with the next hate-tweet you send him, you’re hurting his feelings.

The ascendant in Leo gives Mr. President a big ego. It’s the reason he loves his rallies, because they’re all about him. It’s why he loves to end each of them with a YMCA dance, because Leo placements love to dance. The ascendant sign dictates a person’s appearance… Trump’s warm glow and golden toupee fall nothing short of lionesque. His tiny paws do need to catch up though. Mars is also in Leo in his chart - the planet represents one’s energy and drive, and Trump is driven by significance, energized by amounting to something in the eyes of the world. It’s in the twelfth house of fantasy and sorrow which explains the delusions of grandeur.

Vote for him if you’re a Gemini because you get each other, A Libra because you love the drama, admit it, a Capricorn for the corporate tax cuts, or a Pisces because his vibes aren’t as off as the other guy’s.

Donald Trump is right there.

27

NEW MUSIC RADAR

SELECTIONS BY JOHN ALOSZKA @JOHNALOSKZA

HOWDY

COWBOY DREAM

One of today’s favorite trends is retooling the best sonics of country music, and here Howdy does it with aplomb. Over a foundation of harmonizing slide guitars, he juxtaposes his dreams with the harsh realities of 2020. In the end, dreams can last another year.

For fans of Kacey Musgraves, Faye Webster and Glen Campbell.

FIRST CASE SCENARIO COYBOI

HOLD ON ME

YOUR KNEES

The theme of being on ones’ knees isn’t new, but where First Case Scenario shines on

Pop music is often cast as unintelligent and uninspired,

this track is in its jazz-punk-garage blended

but when the saxophone kicks in on Hold On Me, the

production, capped off by sharp guitar playing

song transforms from a smart dance track into something

that ebbs and flows with the song’s emotive—

more than the sum of its parts. With superb vocals and a

and at times wonderfully strange vocals.

slick production, this song proves pop music is a genre deserving of your consideration.

For fans of PJ Harvey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt.

For fans of the Cranberries, the XX, Wet and Lorde.

LANNDS

NINETY FOUR

LANNDS is here to be seen and heard, and they’re (rightfully) loud about it. On Ninety

Four, the psych/pop production switches up so much that you feel as if you’re propelling toward something—and it’s onward and up from here.

For fans of Banks, Mount Kimbie, Kimbra and WILLOW.

BIG BEST FRIEND

PHANTOM SONG

Not since first hearing Fionna Apple’s Fetch the Bolt

Cutters has an artist’s off-kilter choices pleasantly surprised me. With a deep, gravelly voice and production to match,

Phantom Song sounds as ghostly as its title. Even more refreshing are the strong lyrics and one liners.

For fans of Neutral Milk Hotel, Angel Olsen and Leonard Cohen.

28

JOHN SHANNON

MAZA DOHTA

Maza Dohta refers to 1Q84 and the relationship between body and mind. Fittingly, Shannon uses this opportunity to create a contemplative set of songs that allows the listener to step back and recognize their reaction. How are you breathing during Kerle St? For fans of Mort Garson, TomppaBeats and eevee.

HORRORSCOPES

YOUR WORST FEARS ARE ON FULL DISPLAY.

SCORPIO

PISCES

Everything you’re grasping onto for a sense of meaning wants nothing to do with you. You’re boundless in the sense that you need to learn boundaries. A pink drink will shrink you and you’ll blow away with the wind. No one will think about you.

You feel the agonizing pain that the world is in and it shows. This karmic absorption is not a virtue; you’ll end up alone and exhausted.

Everyone needs your help, and no one offers anything in return.

Check for warts and rashes on your feet.

SAGITTARIUS

ARIES

Sometime around the full moon you will find yourself trapped in a box or a commitment uncomfortable and uninspired. Inside you’ll be desperately bored, immobile and exposed to your every overcompensated insecurity. You will never ride your bicycle again.

The fire on your torch-head was extinguished, and you are alone in the dark. You’ll hear laughter from the hallway and no one will come to check up on you, you can’t scream or cry but you will try.

The silence is healing but you might starve to death.

CAPRICORN

TAURUS

You will experience chronic embarrassment at work and in groups of four or more. Much of it will stem from being wrong and what you haven’t gotten done. When you turn the water on, you’ll feel little fish at your feet feeding on your flesh. Don’t cast them off: They’re here to help.

Comfort exists only where you are warm and still. It’s getting cold, and you can’t stop moving. You’ll be forced to face the truth that no one loves you for who you are, only what you can do for them. They haven’t taken off their mask since you’ve known them, have they?

AQUARIUS Go to bed content with all you’ve succeeded in and wake up in cold sweats to spiders emerging from your ankles and making their way up into your facial orifices. If you can’t stop virtue signaling, you must prepare for public humiliation.

F O L I O

MUSIC

LISTEN LOCALLY ON THE FOLIO LOCAL PLAYLIST.

GEMINI You listen intently to everything that doesn’t matter and somehow miss everything that does. Your distraction will become discomfort which will turn to agony. Be careful around deep water.

When it swallows you, it will take everything you think you know.

CANCER All these years as a student of love only to find that everything’s empty, and you hate your reflection. You’re focused on the feeling, but you’ll find that the reality is a cold, dark void too. Someone will serve you a well-earned scolding. Expect toothaches and check for cavities.

LEO There was once a love that was true, it will never come back in that form or any other. You will build a wall of taffy and tenacity and end up unacknowledged by the one you built it for and everyone else. You’ve never felt invisible but the heartache might take you there.

VIRGO The state of the world is increasingly chaotic. You are helpless to this level of disorder inside and outside of yourself. You will find fear in bright open areas. Children playing, people laughing, excruciating horror and emptiness blasting out of your core. Remember your hand sanitizer.

LIBRA You will be in the shower singing “WAP” or “La Vie en Rose” when the water darkens and takes the form of Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and Abominations of the Earth.

Whatever happens is what you deserve, and it’s not looking good.

SCAN TO LISTEN

Wasn’t this fun? Jokes are fun! Normal horoscopes will resume in the next issue. Happy Halloween! - Isa Barrientos 29

I

I

FOR THE LOVE OF BLACK CATS.

I

Let’s start with a story. It was a full moon, and a black cat suddenly appeared literally out of nowhere. Creepy or cool?

My neighbor witnessed this and sigh, with angst and fear and she suggested that I was going to have bad luck now - many would.

I laughed, I don’t believe in superstitions.

But of course, if a black cat crosses your path, it’s bad luck.

I had recalled hearing that a black cat is a good omen and actually brings you good fortune.

Rather than debate with her on this, I

decided to whip up google and investigate. After all, it was now apparent that black cats could use a good spin doctor, they were

I

clearly getting a bad rap.

The Animal Foundation states that, going all the way back to 300BC, black cats were held in the highest esteem and to harm one was considered a capital crime. Examples of vintage postcards from the early 1900’s make it apparent that black cats were well-loved and considered good luck in America. Several sources indicate that sailors throughout history believed by having a black cat on board

FOLIO CAT: SHADOW ALOSZKA

I

Shadow enjoys being the best boy in the world, watching TV, and sneaking some licks of wine while I’m not looking. He lives by the motto “it’s mine until you say it’s not.” He is fluent in three languages.

their vessel they would have good luck in their journeys on the high seas. And some fisherman’s wives would keep back cats at home to influence the safe return of their husbands as well. Japanese culture also sees a black cat as a good omen.

During the dark ages, Western European cultures believed that creatures appearing as black cats were actually shape shifting witches themselves, supernatural entities whom assisted with the practice of magic.

In the early dynastic period of Ancient Egypt 2800 BC, black cats were considered divine creatures once held the name of Bastet and were even worshiped by the Egyptians. Some may recall this esteem reflected in the culture, even with statues and paintings of the popular Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, whose reign showcased her and her sacred black cats in many historical depictions.

by others. Two is better than one.

Let’s celebrate these furry, friendly feline friend’s every day of the year.

Now enjoy the black cats Folio readers submitted for Halloween, feeling lucky yet?

FOLIO STAFF 30

I

appreciation day is August 17th according to some and October 27th

I

breeds that feature solid black coat colors. National Black Cat

I

According to the Cat Fanciers Association, there are 22 feline

I

FOLIO CAT: GOMEZ REYES-BARRIENTOS Gomez has a higher IQ than his owners, he’s an apiring lawyer. He loves to sit on the couch and watch birds go by. Don’t ask him how he feels, he’s an Aquarius.

II I

I

SALEM T. ROBERTS

I

Salem enjoys observing people and sitting like a human. You scare him.

OSWALD REID

DODGER ROBERTS

Oswald’s ready for Halloween, and we’re living for the glamour.

12/10 costume rating.

Dodger’s seen a lot during his 9 lives, but he still loves gazing out the car window.

I

I

I I PIZZA LUEDKE

Puck’s favorite hobby is knocking things over. Deep down he just needs validation.

Pizza enjoys sitting and staring deep into your soul. If you’re a good person you’ll be fine.

I

ORION ROBERTS Orion is following CDC guidelines by staying in the sink for at least 20 seconds after using the box.

I

I

PUCK O. ROBERTS

I

Pigpin enjoys messing with the dog and chasing pests outside.

He loves you.

When Rocky’s not modeling, he’s gazing out the window or chasing his favorite red laser.

I

ROCKY HARDY

I

PIGPIN IRVINE

Want to meet cute single cats in your area? Scan the code above to watch our video with the Jacksonville Humane Society.

I

I

I

I

I

31

DARBY CARVER, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY JOHN ALOSZKA, IN RIVERSIDE.

PROUD (BUT NOT SO OUT) DURING COVID STAYING CONNECTED DURING A SOCIALLY DISTANCED PRIDE MONTH For Duval’s LGBT community, October offers a month to support and celebrate identity. The festivities include the annual block party in Five Points and the iconic Pride Parade, which has rolled through revelry and fought for progress for over 40 years. However, since Florida remains a hotspot for COVID-19, Jacksonville has cancelled these traditional Pride events indefinitely for the health and safety of everyone. As a result, there has been mixed morale.

“I have not been to a pride parade,” said Darby Carver, a Riverside resident who identifies as genderqueer and pansexual, “This would have been the first year I felt comfortable enough to go out and actually had the time to go. But Pride was scheduled so early during our knowledge of COVID, I’m glad it was cancelled so people could stay in and be safe.”

Varying levels of spirits have been affected by the pandemic especially for those involved in live performances and the arts. But many carry optimism in their pocket; for a vibrant, creative, and talented community, improvisation during troubled times is always welcome. From drive-in drag shows in Montreal to virtual raves in the queer-ran “Club Quarantine,” Jacksonville is also paving the way for safe, inclusive and socially distant fun.

Geexella, renowned local DJ and activist who goes by they/ them pronouns, has continued to play shows on platforms such as Twitch. “I have been doing so many of them!” they said, “It’s actually been kind of cool to connect with community literally all over the world.” They were ecstatic about how broadly and effectively they could remain connected while remaining diverse and maintain close ties. “I was able to do my first BIPOC line up…I also have been able to connect more with youth via my Girls Rock camp family.”

Carver has also been a spectator of some of these pandemic -friendly events. “While the community has had a strong presence on social media before the pandemic, I feel like they’ve really been hard at work offering space parties and workshops over Zoom.”

Additionally, the arts continue to thrive for LGBTQ artists with online events and works that are distanced. “6 Feet Away gallery, ran by Shawana Brooks, is a great example of uplifting voices in a safe manner,” they recommend.

Some of these workshops are being offered this month by Duval gay-youth organization JASMYN (Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network). “We are a youth center and program, so we find ways to continue to help the youth,” says JASMYN CEO Cindy Watson.

“We use virtual platforms to connect such as Discord and Zoom where we host events.” Some of these initiatives include Q-Chat, an online chat and support network hosted by facilitators for LGBTQ

32

CINDY WATSON, COURTESY OF JASMYN.

WE’RE BACK JAX!

DEC 10 8 PM

DEC 11 8 PM

teens. JASMYN also recently held its annual Coming Out Day Breakfast on the 11th virtually, and showcased Jericho Brown, a gay Black writer who recently won the coveted Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Despite being virtual, almost 500 people attended this year’s breakfast. “We had a great deal of comradery and support there.

DEC 12 8 PM

This year, we had 30 local companies sponsor us. We have to look at how we get people together in ways that are safe, engaging, and fun,” Watson said. To honor pride through October, JASMYN also plans to continue to host more virtual events and chats, including Jericho Brown’s visit available to view with free registration through October 28.

Geexella isn’t letting the pandemic stop their career or activism. “Pride not happening didn’t really affect my hustle or grind. LGBTQI+ folx are imaginative and resilient.” The community is doing its best to remain cautious and considerate, aware and intersectional as not only COVID keeps Floridians on their toes, but the election as well. “There’s a lot going on with current politics regarding the rights of queer people, so it’s still important to speak up and spread information,” encouraged Carver.

DEC 13 7:30 PM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Watson shared a similar sentiment, “I think the LGBTQ community has fought hard in Jacksonville. They felt discouraged when HRO was struck-down in May, but Jacksonville City Council brought it back with corrections to ordinance in June. It had a higher pass-rate than 2012. That’s progress.”

50% Capacity Events with Safety Protocols in Place Get your tickets now before it’s too late!

904-355-ARTS (2787) | floridatheatre.com Florida Theatre Ticket Office

355.ARTS (2787) | floridatheatre.com 128 EastorForsyth Street, Downtown Jacksonville 128 Forsyth Street | Downtown Jacksonville

CASEY CRAIG

Follow us for the latest event news

33

FOLIO EVENT PICKS Folio Picks are curated by Kerry Speckman of the Specktator.com

CosConJax Maskuerade Halloween Arts Market, Five Points Chapel Grab your light saber, your pixie ears and/or your magic wand and celebrate Halloween with folks who don’t need a holiday as an excuse to dress up. Hosted by Hall of Heroes, the day’s activities include meet and greets with Bastille

10.31

the Butler and cosplayers Miss Kourmori, Countess Alyx and Fireteam Titan; prestidigitation by Mike the Magic Man; and an outdoor courtyard full of artists and other vendors. $5 admission. hallofheroesjax.com

Halloween at the Drive-In, Tailgaters Parking Lot (225 Talleyrand Ave.) Sun-Ray Cinema wraps up its month of holiday-themed, drive-in movies with screenings of Halloween (the original 1978 version), Little Shop of Horrors, Mars Attacks and Monster Squad over Halloween weekend. For treats, movieSTARTS

10.30

goers can choose from several food trucks on site (and yes, you can get popcorn—made with Sun-Ray’s special salt blend, no less!). The only trick is making sure to get tickets before they sell out. $24 per vehicle, per film; $34 per car

for double features. sunraycinema.com

Fair Food Fest, Jacksonville Fairgrounds There won’t be a ferris wheel, midway games or racing pigs at the Fairgrounds this November. But this brand-new STARTS

11.14

event, courtesy of Covid-19, has all your favorite fair foods. We’re talking funnel cakes, cotton candy, elephant ears, fried Oreos and giant turkey legs that would make King Henry VIII drool. Visitors can also check out live music from local favorites like Mama Blue, Spade McQuade, and Kim Reteguiz and the Black Cat Bones, and tour the barns with daily 4-H exhibits. Masks required. $10 admission (includes parking but not food). jacksonvillefair.com

St. Johns Riverkeeper Oyster Roast, Jacksonville Fairgrounds Drastic times call for creative measures, and the St. Johns Riverkeeper has a shucking brilliant solution for hosting its signature event in the midst of a pandemic: a drive-in! Guests will enjoy a prepared meal from Biscottis, beer, wine

11.20

and, of course, oysters, as well as live music from Firewater Tent Revival, a virtual silent auction and raffle—all from the comfort of their vehicles! (Sitting and standing outside vehicles is permitted, but social distancing and mask-wearing protocols will be followed.) $150 per car (includes two people), $75 per additional guest. stjohnsriverkeeper.org

Live Virtual Museum Tours, MOCA Jacksonville Itching to visit an art museum but don’t feel like having to put on pants? You’re in luck. MOCA offers live virtual tours that can be enjoyed from anywhere (assuming you have an Internet connection and a computer/smart phone). MOCA

ONGOING 3434

docents lead the 90-minute tours of the museum’s permanent collection and featured exhibitions Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Pre-registration is required. $5 (free for MOCA members). mocajacksonville.unf.edu

IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Help us pick Jacksonville’s next up and coming band.

You can vote one time per day. Click here to cast your vote before November 13, 2020 at midnight.

The winner will be announced in the November Issue! Click this ad to learn more.

35

An artist rendering of “Emeregence,” located at the intersection of Bay St. and Water St. in Dowtown Jacksonville.

A CROWN FOR WATER STREET TWO ARTISTS INSPIRED BY THE ST. JOHNS RIVER PUT THEIR MARK ON THE JACKSONVILLE SKYLINE. A new mural has recently “emerged” in Downtown Jacksonville, and it’s helping bridge the gap between nature and culture. Located

information we developed a proposal concept.”

on top of a seven-level garage at the intersection of Bay Street and

According to Drugan, the artwork became a fusion of place and

Water Street, the new artwork will help conceptually reconnect the

culture-specific inspirations with the goal of unifying the diversity,

city to the St. Johns River — its early lifeblood, the artists say.

heritage and natural environment of Jacksonville. Truly setting this

Named “Emergence,” the mural is set against a dark gray

piece apart from other public works of art, at night the artwork

background and consists of complex linework in metal and paint

will transform into a theatrical display of color, light and effects,

spanning the upper floors of the garage. A central sculpture,

connected with the many entertainment venues of the area’s past,

designed to represent a “figment of Florida’s botanical wonders,”

present and future. (“Emergence” will change color from sunset to

will crown the garage’s southwest corner.

midnight and from 5 a.m. to sunrise). Overall, the artwork has many

The creative masterminds behind this piece, artists Thomas M. Drugan and Laura Haddad, have worked together out of their

36

drawings of the garage, etc. From that and additional research and

elements designed to work together compositionally, including the sculpture which serves as a crescendo to the overall piece.

studio in Seattle, Washington since 2001. They were selected for

“By creating a complex artwork that merges iconography,

this project grant as part of the City of Jacksonville’s Art in Public

graphic composition, environmental response and theatrical light-

Places program and through the Downtown Investment Authority.

changing effects, we hope to achieve a dynamic artwork that is

“[The contracted artwork] was a public art selection process,

unique to and about Jacksonville and this community,” Drugan said.

and we sent in a letter of interest and images of past work, and

Drugan further explained that “Emergence” was also inspired

then they shortlisted three artist/artist teams to do a proposal,”

by understanding the St. Johns River as the generative force of the

Drugan recalled. “We visited Jacksonville and got an overview

city and as the crossroads of Florida, linking the state’s interior to the

of the project, site visit, technical information, surveys of users,

ocean and the world. Combining curvilinear water lines with musical

lyrics significant to Jacksonville (loose interpretations of James Weldon

“Thankfully, Hilda Ettedgui, our public art project manager, and

Johnson’s “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and Courtney Bryan’s “Bridges”

Glenn Weiss, the public art program director from the Cultural Council

punctuate the mural) and organic sculptural forms, he shared that

of Greater Jacksonville, did a great job of being our eyes on the

the artwork is meant to serve as a welcoming icon for the City of

progress of the mural painting and water line installation,” Drugan

Jacksonville — and to Florida’s land of abundant flora and fauna.

said.

Atomic Fabrications, a metal fabricator from Seattle with whom the

“We believe that with the 37 murals by ArtRepublic Downtown,

artists often work, built the piece based on the artists’ design drawings.

the six sculptures by the Downtown Sculpture Initiative, and our

Various other parts and pieces came from specialty suppliers, such as

projects on [the] Riverwalk and Water Street Garage - sculptures,

the clear acrylic rods, colored polycarbonate petals and internal LEDs.

fountains, murals and wrap - that downtown has the artwork to be

These were mostly assembled at the fabrication shop. General Sign, a

marketed as the primary public art downtown north of Miami in the

Jacksonville sign shop, installed the metal portions of the water lines

Southeast,” Weiss said. “Once ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing’ Park, the

and will soon erect the sculpture on top of the garage and install the

Courthouse Plaza and the former Landing site are transformed into

lighting system. Bill Savarese, a mural painter from Pompano Beach,

destinations, then Jacksonville’s arts reputation will be national.”

Helping to form this reputation, Drugan concluded that he

spent three weeks in July painting the facade.

While the project is now nearing completion, it was delayed for a

believes discovering Jacksonville and its unique community was a

few months due to COVID-19. The pandemic impacted the public art

great experience, especially having the ability to translate inspiration

installation with supply chain disruptions and limited fabrication shop

into a conceptual artist vision. Although the project has involved a

hours, Drugan noted. He added that he and Haddad were not able to

lot of hard work through design development and fabrication, the

physically travel to Jacksonville for the mural installation, due to travel

artists hope their work is inspiring and uplifting to the Jacksonville

restrictions caused by the coronavirus. On the bright side, Landstar

community.

has offered to transport the sculpture from Seattle to Jacksonville at no cost as soon as it is ready for shipping.

LINDSEY NOLEN STORIES@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

COOKINg CLASS Intrinsic Fruit & Candy Confections Workshop Learn the basics of making candied fruit, drying and seasoning fruits, and creating chocolate confections in this workshop class. $60 Visit publix.com/jacksonville to sign up or to view additional classes such as Thanksgiving Encore or Gingerbread Houses.

Seasoned Dried Fruits; Nougat; Chocolate & Dried Fruit Truffles

Publix at San Jose Boulevard 10500 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 | (904) 262-4187

37

FOLIO CROSSWORD 6

7

8

15

31

49

S T G A T I

A J A R

L A M E

M Y S T

SOLUTIONS

T R U T H

55.

56.

58.

60.

61.

63.

64.

65.

66.

R U E

34.

37.

40.

41.

44.

46.

48.

50.

52.

54.

In a strange way Sharpshooters’ aids Substitutes’ places Regret Cookie containers ___ Speedwagon Dove call “Gomer Pyle” star Frightens Least feral JU midterms, e.g.

Org whose members have no pet peeves?

Waikiki locale Heroin, to a narc Sicilian volcano Fury Big ATM maker Full collection FPL unit Pay-you-later abbr.

Sen. Gibson, e.g.

L O O K I N

30.

32.

33.

A C T I V E

27.

28.

JSO rank Mai ___ cocktail Blunder Undoing Part of FDOT Hi-___ monitor Honesty Landscaper’s chore Pam Tillis’ dad Busy insect Half-cracked Kind of duck?

Classic computer game Hurricane’s wake Financial promise Not idle Take a peek Have in mind Jumbo Shrimp power hitters Golf props Camera type, in brief Phillips & Hunt org.

71

A O R E T G

46.

47.

49.

51.

53.

54.

DOWN

64

G R T A E O

45.

63

57. Old Mac platform 58. Yellowcard genre 59. “The Irishman” actor 62. Space rock 67. Nasty ransomware 68. Wingtip, e.g.

69. Hole-making tools 70. UF Gators fig.

71. Tight-lipped

15.

21.

23.

24.

25.

26.

O

53

T E G O A R

70

42.

43.

E

T

50

R G A T O E

69

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

O A

42

O T E R G A

62 68

Sault ___ Marie Grass roots stuff Prepare for burial Horticulturist Record spinner Leci’s Italian Restaurant dessert Sparkles IM Pei’s alma mater ___ Friday’s No longer working (Abbr.)

Rap sheet name Turns aside Solidify Eternally young Big bag “Hamilton” role Upright Well-liked prez Local team... with players’ names at 14-/68-Across and 16-/67-Across, phonetically (sorta) Fish eggs Common ground cover T-U columnist Frenette Palm variety Sign on the back Added up UNF athlete Deep chasm Help-wanted letters?

66

R

58

67

ACROSS

65

G A

G

E A O G R T

61

34

Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters O-R-T-E-G-A (for the trendy Jacksonville neighborhood).

T

46

57 60

33

38

52

56

A

S T E A D S

51

59

32

45 48

55

28

41

44

47

38

27

40

39 43

22

37

FOLIO-KU

S C O P E S

36

O

E E R I L Y

35

23.

26.

29.

31.

35.

36.

38.

39.

40.

13

HERES THE DEAL:

21

26

25 30

18.

19.

20.

22.

12

O I D H O E M U M

24

20

29

1.

4.

8.

14.

16.

17.

11

18 19

54

10

16

17

23

9

E M B D E E G L E G I U N T S A G E L R E R A R S N E N T O T A Y A B E M O S T E R E N S S T A T

5

E X A M S

14

4

E D I R R D E N E R A M I S M I T S I A S N G E A L B U T E J A G E G N C A D O R S E O S P R O S S C I N O A R C K G E R S

3

O A H U

2

S P C A

1

KIDS PAGE (ALSO FOR TIRED ADULTS)

39

MAJOR ISSUES IN MINOR LEAGUE

KEN BABBY, COURTESY OF THE JUMBO SHRIMP.

COVID-19 HAS SHAKEN THE LEAGUE, BUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP ARE STAYING STRONG. 2020 has been a strange and difficult year for many people, and many businesses have suffered due to the conditions of Covid-19.

One such business is the Jumbo Shrimp, the beloved minor league baseball team that calls Jacksonville home. For years, the people of Jacksonville have enjoyed Jumbo Shrimp (or previously the Suns) games, but due to the shutdown of many social activities, the minor league baseball season has been cancelled. That includes the Jumbo Shrimp.

However, Jumbo Shrimp owner Ken Babby is determined to not let the team’s fans down. “We have worked really hard to plan events at the ballpark,” he said, “and a whole variety of different activities from movie nights to days for people to come down and take batting practice, and even a few fireworks nights in between.”

The team is doing what they can to keep fans engaged and to provide entertainment in an otherwise relatively boring time.

Even with the additional events, it’s clear that Babby misses the excitement of live sports. “I miss being with our fans. One of the best parts of our jobs is opening those gates and being out in front of the fans and enjoying the smells and sights and sounds of the ballpark.”

Without games in the season, the team isn’t able to do what they love most, which is entertaining fans and making sure that they have a good time at the games.

To compound the issues Minor League Baseball is facing in 2020, the landscape of the League is changing, and up to 42 teams could lose their affiliations with their Major League teams. Babby denied that the Jumbo Shrimp would be in danger of disaffiliating, “[the team’s] future in Jacksonville is incredibly strong. We’re committed to the city, committed to the ballpark, and we’re incredibly excited to be back on the field in 2021.”

The special events and activities that the Jumbo Shrimp have been doing this year have been popular, keeping fans engaged during an isolating time. When asked if they would continue these

ITTED “WE’RE COMM TO THE CITY, O THE COMMITTED T D BALLPARK, AN DIBLY WE’RE INCRE E BACK EXCITED TO B IN ON THE FIELD 2021.”

40 40

events next season, in which baseball may possibly return, Babby replied, “We will try to continue doing as many things as we can in 2021 to stay engaged.” In the meantime, fans can enjoy the events that they know are going to occur, and going to a movie night is a great way to have fun with the family and to support our local team!

If you missed out on the summer of family-friendly activities with the Jumbo Shrimp, you still have one last chance to take the kids out to the old ball park: Put on your costume and head to the Fall Festival on October 31. Festival-goers can enjoy costume contests, pumpkin mini golf, and of course, trick-or-treating.

QUINN GRAY STORIES@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

COURTESY OF THE PGA TOUR

PGA TOUR CADDIE PAUL TESORI AND THE TESORI FAMILY FOUNDATION PROVIDE HOPE AND HEALING PGA TOUR caddie and St. Augustine native Paul Tesori

a clinic to our hometown in Ponte Vedra Beach, in partnership with

always knew he wanted to give back to his community. In 2009,

THE PLAYERS and the PGA TOUR, and Webb’s home [Paul currently

Tesori and his then fiancé (now wife) Michelle founded The Tesori

caddies for TOUR pro Webb Simpson] in Charlotte, in partnership

Family Foundation as a formal way to support those in need in

with the Wells Fargo Championship. By 2018, Sanderson Farms had

Northeast Florida. Five years later, their son Isaiah was born with

fallen in love with the idea. That prompted us to look at the clinic

“his extra special chromosome,” and as Tesori put it, “the foundation

with a new lens and created partnerships with PGA TOUR cities all

just exploded!” The foundation expanded to provide specific

over the country.

programming for children with special needs in cities all across the U.S. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, so Folio 2.0 sat

Q: How does your foundation celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness

down with Tesori to learn more about the foundation.

Month?

Q: What are The Tesori Family Foundation’s priorities and key initiatives?

Tesori: Our family is so blessed that we get to celebrate Isaiah every single day. We use the month of October as a foundation to highlight other individuals with Down syndrome and share the joy

Tesori: The Foundation’s mission is to achieve great things

and gift these kids and adults are to our community.

through God by lending a helping hand, providing hope and healing hearts for children. A couple of our local programs include Buddy

Q: In 2018, you and Webb Simpson won your hometown event – THE

Baskets, which gives a gift basket to families who have a child born or

PLAYERS Championship. How special was that?

adopted with Down Syndrome in Northeast Florida, Isaiah’s Smiles, and Hope for the Holidays. Nationally, our signature program is the

Tesori: It was my greatest accomplishment in the sport. I’ve been

All-Star Kids Clinic, a golf clinic for children with special needs, and

fortunate to win the US Open and the TOUR Championship, but

we are on track to be in more than 20 PGA TOUR cities in 2021.

nothing compared to winning THE PLAYERS. This is home and has always been. To win the way we did, wire to wire, against the best

Q: Tell us about the All-Star Kids Clinic and how it has grown over

field in golf is a memory I will never forget! To have my wife, my

the years.

children and my siblings all there to celebrate during the awards ceremony still gives me goosebumps!

Tesori: The clinic began in 2014, the fall after Isaiah was born, in partnership with the Wyndham Championship. Then, we added

FOLIO STAFF STORIES@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM 41

42

LISTEN ON APPLE MUSIC

DEAR DUMBS IS A REGULAR SEGMENT ON THE POPULAR PODCAST GANG OF TWO - “A HILARIOUS LOOK AT COUPLEDOM FROM A COUPLE OF DUMBS.”

DEAR DUMBS,

I love your Gang of Two podcast and I would be honored

The following day I had a friend come over to my house to

if you would select my email submission as I really need some

do my hair and we got into a conversation about my new interest.

guidance.

Then she dropped a bombshell on me. She knows the man and

I’m a widow. My husband passed many years ago and I’ve had a couple of relationships since then. I find that the older I

his family well and told me that he’s a known user of crack. In fact, he was just recently released from jail for his use.

get, the pickings get smaller. I have done the online dating, but

I’m livid at my friend for setting me up with her brother. She

I usually like being set up by friends as I feel they have my best

obviously knew all about this and I’m feeling used. What do I say

interest in mind. Plus I don’t need a man. I’m not wealthy, but

to her? I’m not going to see the man again and I feel gross for

I’m set.

sleeping with him. Should I say something to my neighbor or let

Recently my neighbor told me that I should meet her brother.

this go?

I took the offer and have gone out with him a few times. He’s funny and courteous and seems like a pretty happy man. I found

Becky

myself thinking about him, so I decided to take the relationship

Atlantic Beach, FL

to the physical level. I don’t want to go into all the details, but it was nice, tender and overall, a very good evening.

REPLY: TERRY: I’m so sorry Becky. I really feel for you. I honestly do. I’ll

TERRY: Now that we’ve settled that, my suggestion would be

pass this over to Shari. She knows something about sleeping with

to stay away from the guy and especially your crappy neighbor.

gross men.

I agree with Shari in that people can change. He was nice and respectful towards you and I like hearing that. However I still think

SHARI: I wish we had more information, Becky. Overall, I try to give the person the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he has been

you were being used. See, I’m still pissed.

rehabilitated? If he’s been in jail for a while, I would think this is

SHARI: Chalk this one up to a great one-night stand, Becky.

at least possible since getting crack in jail is more difficult, I hope.

Even if he is rehabilitated, he’s still got that addiction in his back pocket. And you shouldn’t feel gross. You said yourself it was an

TERRY: This is going to take me a minute to digest. First off, I’m pissed at your neighbor. To me it appears that she just wanted

enjoyable time, so allow yourself that, at least.

to unload her loser brother on somebody who has a stable life.

TERRY: I know we look a little cold here. However, we’re not

That’s the first part of the scenario here. I need to calm down for

getting any younger. We don’t recover from bad decisions like

a second.

we used to. I agree with Shari, so what if you banged him? No big deal and no reason to feel dirty about that at all. You got this

SHARI: Terry’s right, Becky. Your neighbor is a jerk. She knew her

Becky. Move on with your head held high. Did I mention I hate

brother had ISSUES and yet she was more than willing to pass

your neighbor?

him on to you. I’m guessing she was looking for someone just like you - stable, non-addict -to take over for her, someone that would keep him off the streets (and out of HER house).

If you or a loved one are suffering from substance abuse, help is available. Call the SAMHSA hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

43 43

44