Folio Vol. 39, Issue 14

Ambar

Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

FOLIO STAFF:

JOHN PHILLIPS President

TERESA SPENCER General Manager

KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer

AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director

CARMEN MACRI

Social Media Manager/ Lead Writer

KAILI COCHRAN Writer/Designer

You Think You Know Filipino Food? It’s More Than Just Lumpia Chef JoJo Says So!

McKenna Oakley

Sublime Bassist Eric Wilson: Pure Austere Grandeur

Behind the Jaguars: Jacksonville’s Lesser

Record Store Crawl Joshua Walker

Cut, Silenced and Pushed Out: JU’s New Direction

Za’Nya Davis

Savanna Stillwagner

Under Watch and Under Fire

Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

SAVANNA STILLWANGER

JOSHUA WALKER Multimedia Journalist

MCKENNA OAKLEY

KALEB STOWELL Writer

ZA’NYA DAVIS Writer

BEHIND THE COVER: Stock photo “‘Prostitutes’ Corner’: Investigating Prostitution and Illegal Fish Game at West Side Plaza”

BOUQS & BRICKS BOUQUETS

To Englewood Elementary School Principal Hope Teper for being named Junior Achievement’s 2025 Educator of the Year. Teper’s dedication to empowering young minds goes way beyond the classroom walls. Her leadership, passion, and no-nonsense approach to student success have made a lasting impact in the Jacksonville education community.

To the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville for scoring major recognition — four of its Art in Public Places projects have been named among the top public art installations in Florida. Jacksonville-based projects were spotlighted as exemplary works out of 44 statewide selections — applauded for their creativity, community impact and contributions to evolving trends in public art.

BRICKBATS

To the Big Beautiful Bill that just passed. The kind of legislation with a name so full of fluff, you just know there’s a mess lurking under the glitter. Without knowing exactly which bill you mean (because lawmakers love dressing pigs in pearls), let’s break down the general reasons why something branded as “big” and “beautiful” might actually be... a legislative dumpster fire:

• Filled with hidden agendas that obviously NOBODY READ, not even POTUS we hear. It benefits Republican donors and lobbyists (our nation’s wealthiest) and doesn’t really do a damned thing for average citizens. In fact, it will be stripping some of our most impoverished citizens of healthcare and food assistance.

• Also, if a bill were truly effective, it wouldn’t need branding slicker than a car commercial. Good policy should be clear, effective and transparent — not dressed up like a Vegas showgirl. It creates legal loopholes that will certainly be exploited faster than you can say “shell company in Delaware.”

Don’t believe any of this? Read it for yourself at congress.gov.

Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Aries

H oroscopes

Your social battery has taken quite the beating, Aries, and it’s time to recharge. Being a social butterfly comes with its downside — a full month of rest and relaxation. Retrograde season hits hard with Neptune, Saturn and Chiron all shifting into reverse in Aries (on the 4th, 13th and 30th) and pushing you into deep self-reflection.

Taurus

The cosmos are throwing out a lot of celestial curveballs this month, Taurus, and despite your adaptability, you may find yourself stumbling at some point. When Saturn goes retrograde in Aries on July 12, it’s time to find some steady ground. Pay attention to your daily patterns and boundaries cause come July 18, Mercury goes ret rograde.

Gemini

Uranus is finally making its grand entrance into your sign this month — the first time in 84 years — so expect the unexpect ed. This four-month tour will provide breakthroughs and revelations that you thought impossible. People from your past will try to sneak back into your life, and it is up to you whether you plan on keeping those doors bolted shut or not.

Cancer

Back to the drawing board, Cancer. Sat urn’s retrograde has you rethinking on all of the progress you’ve made thus far. Are all of your eggs in the right basket? When in doubt, make a pros and cons list. Odds are you are exactly on the path you are meant to be on, but a little self-validation never hurt anyone.

Leo Virgo

Eyes on the prize, Libra. With the Sun and lucky Jupiter lighting up your career zone until the 22nd, your goals are gaining serious momentum. This is your moment to level up — don’t let distractions pull you off course. It’s great to support others, but right now, your focus should be on your own wins.

Birthday season is creeping up! While the Sun’s still hanging out in Cancer, take this time to rest, recharge and wrap up anything lingering. Leo season — and your solar return — hits July 22, so get ready to shine. But with Mercury spinning in retrograde (in your sign) from July 18 to mid-August, expect miscommunications and canceled plans. Try to remember, it’s not you, it’s them (or blame it on the backward spinning planet).

Midway through the month, things aren’t looking as bright as they did at the start, Virgo. But don’t blame yourself, the stars give their toughest battles to their strongest soldiers. You’re proactive and have a tendency to overwork yourself when tensions are high. When Mercury goes retrograde in Leo on July 17, the late nights will catch up to you. Be proactive in taking breaks and having afternoon naps when you can find the time.

Libra Scorpio

The world is your oyster, Scorpio, and it is time to finally start booking those traveling plans. You can only push it off for so long. Bite the bullet. Spend the cash. Memories will last a lifetime, and you can’t take money with you to the grave. With the Sun and Jupiter synced up in Cancer until late July, there’s no better time than now.

Sagittarius Capricorn

This transactional period you’re in, Sagittarius, is only the beginning of the journey you are on to becoming the best version of yourself. Saturn goes Retrograde on July 12 and unlike most retrogrades, this one sets you on a course of pure creativity and fulfillment. By the end of the month, you’re own expansion is contagious and inspiring.

It’s time to get personal, Capricorn. With the Sun and Jupiter orbiting in sync for most of July, most — if not all — of your meaningful progress will be made with intimate one-on-one interactions. Recruit powerhouse partners in the boardroom and the bed -

Aquarius

It’s time to go off-grid and break old patterns, Aquarius. The full moon in Capricorn on July 10 asks you to re-establish your own beliefs and goals without the chaos of everyone’s opinion. This time alone isn’t to make you feel isolated but to bring you closer to those around you, showing up in your own confident light. You’ll find that after having some time to think, you’ll come back better than ever.

A jack of all trades is a master of none, Pisces. With Mercury in retrograde in Leo on July 17, your packed schedule reveals a time of chaotic energy. You’ve worn yourself thin, and it’s time to take a step back. This is a good time to remember the importance of protecting your peace and realizing that you can’t be everything for everyone.

Children’s Art Classes

Children’s Art Classes began in 1997, when Barbara Gay, a longtime public school art teacher, turned her garage into a creative art classroom for her two daughters. Nearly 25 years later, that passion project has grown into a nationwide program with more than a dozen locations (and counting). Their unique curriculum covers over 40 areas of art and has inspired thousands of young artists across the country.

Walking into the Jacksonville location, tucked inside Baymeadows Village, feels like stepping straight into your childhood art classroom. The walls are covered in colorful student creations, while shelves stretch floor to ceiling, packed with every art supply imaginable—think blenders for paper casting, Christmas ornaments, clay, oil pastels and everything in between.

We showed up at just the right time: former student turned instructor Ann Lewis was getting her class ready to put the finishing touches on their summer project — a vibrant chameleon painting. While Lewis focused on showing the kids what two colors make another, we took the liberty of strolling through the three main rooms, eyeing the ceramic teapots prepped and ready to be painted, reminiscing on the time when we both were young art students eager to put our skills to the test.

“I started coming when I was about 11, and I just fell in love with it. Miss Stephanie and Miss Barbara were my teachers. I kind of would go back and forth just depending on what day I showed up, but they were so, so sweet and just made me fall in love with art,” Lewis shared. “And I was a kid with no art experience, so I wasn’t even artsy, like, I didn’t think that I would like it that much, and I fell in love with it. I stayed all throughout middle and high school, and I loved it so much that I went on to art school at UNF and then came back. And I’ve been teaching here for almost two years.”

Children’s Art Classes offer everything you can think of. From handbuilding pottery, mosaics, stained glass, sculpture, paper castings to acrylic painting, gouache painting, watercolors, charcoal, ebony pencil and scratch boards.

“We try to do everything so that the kids have an opportunity to try things that they would never get to at home,” Lewis explained. “It gets the kids just trying different things because they’ll fall in love with things that you wouldn’t even imagine.”

Children’s Art Classes operates much like a traditional school, with structured semesters and a clear path for progression. Students as young as 4 (and even some as young as three) start with Tiny Hands (ages 3–5), then move on to Intro to Art (ages 5–6), followed by Art 1 (ages 7–8). From there, students advance to Art 2 (ages 9 and up), where they begin tackling more complex techniques and mediums — college-level work. As they progress through Art 3 and 4, students eventually build their own curriculum and portfolio tailored to their artistic strengths and interests.

Words by Teresa Spencer

FOLIO

BUD WISE: A STRAIN FOR EVERY PAIN

WEED

Forget the old-school image of stoners melting into couches, passing around a mystery joint with names like “Purple Monkey Dishwasher.” Medical marijuana has officially grown up, gotten licensed and found its rightful place in the wellness business next to yoga mats and magnesium gummies. But not all green is created equal. In Florida’s booming MMJ scene, knowing your strains isn’t just cool, it’s crucial.

Here’s your official crash course in Medical Marijuana 101, “Folio”-style.

THE BIG THREE: INDICA, SATIVA & HYBRID

Let’s break it down for the newcomers, the curious, and the canna-curious retirees who just ditched their muscle relaxers for something a little more earth-grown.

INDICA: “IN DA COUCH”

Think of Indica as the weighted blanket of the weed world. Born in colder climates like Afghanistan and Pakistan, this strain grows short and bushy. And that’s exactly how it makes you feel.

Best for: Insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety and stress

When to Use: Nighttime. Maybe after your HOA meeting.

Vibe: Relaxed, heavy, mellow. Perfect for sinking into a documentary about aliens or just sinking into your mattress.

SATIVA: THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Sativa’s the morning coffee of cannabis. Native to warm zones like Mexico and Southeast Asia, it’s tall, lanky, and full of good vibes.

Best for: Depression, ADHD, fatigue and “I have so much laundry but zero motivation.”

When to Use: Daytime. And definitely not before bed, unless you want to organize your closet at 2 a.m. or lie wide awake trying to count sheep.

Vibe: Uplifting, creative, energetic. Basically, the opposite of your last Zoom meeting.

HYBRID: THE POWER COUPLE

Hybrid strains are the culinary fusion of the weed world: part Indica, part Sativa, and entirely custom. Need to be calm but not comatose? Alert but not anxious? There’s a hybrid for that.

Best For: Chronic pain, mood disorders, and people who hate picking sides. When to Use: Depends on the dominant strain, ask your budtender, not your barista.

Vibe: Balanced. Chill. Think chill productivity. Like painting your living room while vibing to Fleetwood Mac.

CHEMISTRY CLASS (BUT FUN THIS TIME)

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Gets you high. Helps with pain, nausea, and appetite. Can also make you paranoid if you’re not careful. Think of it like tequila, great in the right amount, but don’t go chasing limes.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

No high, all healing. Excellent for inflammation, anxiety, epilepsy, and your Aunt Karen’s overactive Facebook posting.

TERPENES: THE SECRET SAUCE

Terpenes are the essential oils of cannabis, mood-shifting compounds that give each strain its personality (and its smell). There are over 20,000 different terpenes, but these are some of the more popular.

• Myrcene – Couch-lock city, earthy and musky

• Limonene – Citrus buzz, stress buster

• Pinene – Focus and clarity, forest fresh

• Linalool – Lavender vibes, anxiety melter

It’s not just about how high you get; it’s how the experience unfolds.

With medical marijuana fully legal in Florida for qualifying patients, Jacksonville’s dispensary scene is growing faster than your cousin’s “side hustle.” These days you can spot one about every mile or so it seems.

Medical marijuana isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s more like picking out shoes. Some support your arches, some help you run faster, and some just make you feel like a damn rock star. The only way to find the right fit? Trial and error. Talk to your doc. Ask questions. Respect the plant. And if it doesn’t hit right? That’s OK. There’s always another strain around the corner.

So light up (legally), chill out and remember: weed isn’t about zoning out, it’s about tuning in. And in my opinion, one of the earth’s best natural medications.

You Think You Know Filipino Food? It’s More Than Lumpia — Chef JoJo Says So!

When you imagine a fine dining chef with years of experience, you might envision someone with a bit of a chip on their shoulder — and no, not a chocolate chip. It’s likely someone with Gordon Ramsay-style grit who rose to the top of cut-throat kitchens by barking orders and being arrogant. Yet, when “Folio” sat down with local chef JoJo Hernandez, these preconceived notions fled through the door behind us. Inside Abstrakt Filipino Essence, located on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach, we found his restaurant to be a warm, welcoming space. Abstrakt balances casual and cool with its familial atmosphere and menu that celebrates comfort Filipino foods with a twist.

Because much like Chef JoJo himself — whose smile and laughter are infectious — the depth of Filipino cuisine may just surprise you. To learn more about his take on the dishes he holds dear and his inspiring career, “Folio” asked Chef JoJo to share his story.

You were born in the Philippines and came to the U.S. in 1995. What inspired you to make this big move, and what was your immediate experience in a new country like?

When I came here, I really wanted to be a pilot. That was my dream. But then I ended up going to medical school. My parents were in the medical field and my sister was in the medical field. So I was an intern and got a real job in the hospital. They trained me and put me in the ICU, and I really didn’t like it. My old boss from Ponte Vedra where I was a cook got an executive chef job at the Florida Yacht Club, so I went over there to visit and was hired on the spot.

The Florida Yacht Club put me in a three-year course at First Coast Technical College in St. Augustine and paid for my school. I was an apprentice and finished in a year and a half because I got credit for my experience. After that, I wanted to be a sous chef, so I went back to Ponte Vedra. I got hired and stayed there for three years, then I went back to the Florida Yacht Club to be a banquet chef. I met the new executive chef Stephen Bechan, and he promoted me to executive sous chef over all the Florida Yacht Club. I worked with him for almost 15 years.

After that, I started doing a pop-up tent for Abstrakt. I started Downtown. I just wanted to see how the community felt about Filipino food. I did that for almost a year. Chef Stephen let me use the kitchen at the Yacht Club part-time while I gauged the reaction from the community.

Then in 2020, I started the food truck. But, you know, 2020 was the pandemic. But I didn’t get scared. I just wanted to have the food truck and serve the Filipino dishes that I love to eat. I have all this built-up experience, from pasta to sushi to French technique. But at the end of the day, what I love most is my mom’s cooking and my wife’s cooking.

You mentioned dreaming of becoming a pilot and even earning your medical assistant degree. Was there a specific moment that led you to pursue a career as a chef instead?

I change things all the time. When I was at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, around people my age, I realized they were all leaving and I was left there. All going to college or something, so I figured I should go to school. So I did medical school until I realized that cooking was my passion and the medical field was not for me.

I love making art on the plates and writing menus. Getting to combine everything from salt to sweet to citrus. I missed all that in medical school and working in the medical field. So I realized I should be a chef. And I mean, I did end up becoming a pilot because I pilot the food truck!

That’s true! You did make that dream a reality. And you’re also an incredible visual artist when it comes to your plating. Do you see it as a form of personal creative expression?

Yes! I love to use color especially. I always have visions in my head. When I make the menu, I consider how I will plate it, too. People ask how I come up with my plating, and I guess it’s just experience — from work and seeing pictures or reading books from chefs I admire, like Chef Masaharu Morimoto. You eat with your eyes first, so there should be a “wow!” effect.

I completely agree. I definitely eat with my eyes first. Has your cooking style and approach to your restaurant been influenced by your experience in more elevated kitchens?

For me, I like casual and family vibes. I built this kitchen for my grandma — my lola.

In the Filipino community, we always wait at the table to watch our lola or our mom cook. That’s why I built the restaurant like this. Filipino families gather through food, which is why my tables are all broken down and the kitchen is visible. That’s the vibe I want to bring to Jacksonville — that family-oriented Filipino culture. Filipinos like to go out to eat with family, so I set my restaurant up so that if 10 or 20 people come in and want to eat together, we can make it happen!

Congratulations on reaching such an incredible milestone! And I notice that “Filipino Essence” is important to Abstrakt — it’s right in the name and all over the menus. The phrase ‘#morethanlumpia’ stands out on your website, too. How would you define “Filipino Essence” in your own words, and how do you show its versatility in your cooking?

Well it’s part of the reason we call it Abstrakt. We call it Abstrakt because I’m using my 20 years of background and making my food 80/20. It’s 80% home cooking and family recipes, and 20% my twist. I added “Filipino Essence” [to the name] because we make everything from scratch here, from sauces to seasonings to cake. We use all my experience from fine dining to recreate Filipino food. I think of my signature family recipes as a base, but think, “How can I make it a Filipino dish?” and then I add Filipino ingredients to it.

And it’s also for the community, too. How can I make my food part of my culture but also for the community? People really only know us for lumpia. We’re not just lumpia.

You’ve done a wonderful job with this push, especially with co-founding Jax Filipino Chefs. What was it like to start that group, and how has the Jacksonville community responded to your mission?

At first, I didn’t know there were fellow Filipino chefs in Jacksonville. My friend who does photography for us, Agnes Lopez, also founded the group. She photographs a lot of restaurants and kitchens, and she told me she was going to form Jax Filipino Chefs and asked if I would be willing to be part of it.

In 2017, we were introduced to each other, and then we started doing events for charities. And we’re still growing and working on a documentary film called “More Than Lumpia.”

That’s fantastic! We’ll definitely keep an eye out for the film. Are there any other specific goals you have for the future of Filipino cuisine here in Jacksonville?

Sometimes we look at each other like, “Why not our food?” — because there are a lot of, say, Japanese or Thai or Chinese restaurants. So my group of Jax Filipino chefs pushed me to open Abstrakt because I used to hide in the back of the kitchen. I didn’t want to showcase my stuff until I met them, but we formed this goal of introducing our food and making more opportunities to get Filipino food locally.

Well, I for one am really glad you’ve stepped out from behind the kitchen! Since then, how do you feel you’ve distinguished yourself as both a chef and restaurateur?

I’m big on presentation, with “wow!” that follows through when you eat it. That’s my style. I also like to mix up flavors people haven’t had before. It’s why I enjoy making Filipino foods people haven’t had yet.

Many of our ingredients truly come from back home in the Philippines. Like our pickled vegetables — we use sugar cane vinegar from home instead of regular vinegar.

Your culinary creativity really does shine on the plate. Reflecting on your career, what is the biggest personal or professional challenge you’ve faced?

Being here all the time and not being able to spend more time with my kids. But then I always find time with them. I wake up super early to make sure I can drop them off at school to show them “I’m still here.” That’s the hardest part. I’m always thinking of my kids. I’ve thought about giving up the restaurant for them, but then I remember I’m doing this for them.

Abstrakt & Beyond: Filipino Flavor Taking on Jax

Therein lies exactly what makes Abstrakt Filipino Essence so special: the heart behind it. We expected Chef JoJo to vent, understandably, about the many

inevitable business roadblocks. We were wholesomely surprised when he explained that the hardest part was time away from his family. Jacksonville is lucky to have such a heartfelt restaurateur whose mission extends far beyond just his joint. Filipino dining is booming in Jax, and we’re here for it.

Like if you’re in the mood for something a bit more eclectic, try Purple Roots on Southside Boulevard. For a cozy café (a Central Perk rendezvous, anyone?), try Kusina Good Eats on Kernan Boulevard. And if you’re feeling especially brave — or especially tipsy — try Maharlika Karaoke Bar & Grill on Beach Boulevard for some delicious food and “interesting” ’80s rock covers.

And this is just the beginning. There are dozens of hidden Filipino culinary gems in Jax. This summer, discover how the deliciousness and diversity of Filipino cuisine is #morethanlumpia

For more information on Filipino chefs and restaurants in the area, visit JaxFilipinoChefs on Facebook.

Jacksonville's Jazz Radio — cool, classic, timeless. From the legends to today's contemporary greats, we bring you the sound that moves you. We bring the sounds of contemporary jazz right to you.

Available on the air at 89.9 HD4 or streaming at jaxmusic.org and the WJCT app.

STATION HIGHLIGHTS

� Iconic jazz legends and today’s contemporary greats, 24/7

� A timeless, curated mix of classic and contemporary jazz

� Streaming live on 89.9 HD4 and online at jaxmusic.org and the WJCT app anytime

BOP CITY with host Daniel Stark Saturdays at 9PM on WJCT 89.9 HD1

Bop City honors the bold spirit and artistic legacy of bebop while paying homage to its rich, Black American roots.

Gaugh exited after one album saying the magic couldn’t be recaptured. Wilson stayed. Three albums and countless tours later, the project is still rolling. In 2024, the full-circle moment hit hard: Jakob Nowell, Bradley’s son, stepped in as the new lead singer.

“Feels right,” Wilson told a crowd at a festival. “Feels like home.”

At 55, Wilson spends more time on his California farm than in the public eye. He rides motorcycles. Tinkers with tractors. Occasionally posts a blurry clip of a jam session. He’s mellow, like his basslines, still coasting on that classic Southern California groove.

He never sought fame. Never gave flashy interviews. Never played the tortured artist. Eric Wilson just played. And kept playing. As a matter of fact, I was fortunate to literally bump into him in the media/artist area at this year’s Rockville Festival in Daytona. I couldn’t help myself, I said “Hey Eric... would you mind”? As I jumped near him for a photo op. He smiled and gladly complied. I felt a little bit like a fan girl, but hey, at age 53, I am still entitled to feel that way even as a journalist, right?

When you hear those bouncing lines in “Santeria” or the deep roll of “Doin’ Time,” that’s Wilson. Still thumping under the weight of a sound that refused to die.

In the story of Sublime, the chaos gets all the headlines. But the bassline, his bassline, is what you’re still humming in the car 30 years later.

Photo by @stvthrasher

Record Store Crawl

I had the opportunity to check out three local record stores around the Jacksonville community: Tiger Records, Yesterday and Today, and Bruiser Records. During my visits, I had the chance to chat with the store owners to see what they have to offer, the importance of supporting local businesses, and what makes purchasing music both special and important. Today, big box retail stores and online stores can deliver music to your doorstep at the comfort of your home (not to mention music platforms, like Apple Music and Spotify). But there’s a special charm that these independent record stores have that online platforms don’t have.

You can purchase records online, and they’ll be just as good as buying them from independent stores. What gives independent shops the upper hand is the immersive experience. You can dig through crates of new and used vinyl, actually play records and speak with a true expert. “It’s a really cool thing to pick a record up, put it on, play it, and go, ‘I love this, I’m taking it home with me,’” said William Brueck, owner of Yesterday and Today Records.

As a seasoned record collector myself, I know purchasing from local record stores is where it’s at since they have so much to offer. The stores are very intertwined with the Jacksonville community and aren’t just a place to go and buy vinyl. They go above and beyond and want to be a place that supports and brings the community together.

Tiger Records, for example, is not only a store that sells music, but they also serve as a platform to help promote local artists and businesses. “We’re always trying to get more local bands to sell their product in here, and we take a very minimal cut from local bands. It’s mostly just to cover our credit card fee, and you can take the rest, like, it’s really about the band and the music, and in that regard it doesn’t really have anything to do with business. I don’t think,” said James Siboni, owner of Tiger Records.

In addition, record stores such as Bruiser Records host special events such as listening parties and live performances in their store for music fans. Bruiser has one special event that’s currently in the works and is one that you won’t want to miss out on. So be sure to visit their Instagram for future updates @bruiserrecordsjax.

Also, check out Tiger Records @tigerrecs and Yesterday and Today Records at jaxrecords.com.

‘Prostitutes’ Corner’:

For years, there were speculations about gambling and prostitution at a Westside shopping plaza on Normandy Boulevard. After some investigative research, we found a very compelling argument that they likely aren’t rumors at all but facts.

by

Photo

Carmen Macri

Where It Began

A source who prefers to stay anonymous gave us information about 5808 Normandy Boulevard, a shopping mall called West Side Plaza where Ollie’s Bargain Outlet sits, as well as a nail salon, restaurant and Planet Fitness.

According to our source, there also used to be an illegal “fish game place” in the shopping center in the early 2000s. “Fish games,” also known as “fish tables,” are arcade games where players can earn money by virtually shooting virtual fish with each fish having a different value.

Although the interview with our source took place this year, it was around 2022 or 2023 when they were told there “used to be” the fish game at the address.

What we found interesting were the numerous busts since then on local news sites, but 5808 Normandy Boulevard was listed in none of them.

In December 2024, 10 establishments involved in illegal gambling were busted in one of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s most well-known stings, Operation Fish & Chips, according to News4Jax. In this sting, the Normandy Boulevard location was not listed.

According to Action News Jax, the operation began in March 2023 and concluded the month of the bust in December 2024.

Other sites like First Coast News reported more than a dozen accused, and illegal “fish tables” were used, where the description of the game matches that of our “fish game” in question.

However, it wasn’t just the fish game that caught our attention.

According to our source, prostitutes roam the area as well, and some even call it “prostitutes’ corner.”

According to the source, someone told them, “‘Just wait ’til like a Friday night…This is the reason why this Ollie’s closes a little bit earlier than other Ollie’s you’ll see.’”

“I did not know this, but all the truckers, because there is a planet fitness there, park their trucks there, and then the ladies of the night come, and so in the corner, they will come and, apparently they don’t change at home. They come to the corner and they form a human wall and they get changed in the corner.

Investigating prostitution and illegal fish games at West Side Plaza

So, they get naked in the corner and get dressed in the corner and then they go out to work,” he added.

We asked if this was still happening.

“It is, yes,” confirmed our source.

We wanted to find out for ourselves.

Our Stake Out

On Friday, June 27, at 11 p.m., Folio did a stake out at West Side Plaza.

As it was a Friday night, there were multiple people outside what seemed to be the C&C Eatery, “Beauty…” and Bodegon Supermarket. While the hours for “Beauty…” are not listed, the C&C Eatery and Bodegon Supermarket both regularly close at 9 p.m., so the cause of the people standing outside is unknown to us.

After seeing no signs of any “ladies of the night” at this address, we wondered where the two men who typically stand outside on the left side of the shopping mall, staring at passersby when walking by in front of their luxury car, were. Usually, they are seen on the left wall, not talking much, with their car parked in front of them. One time, there was even a lady walking to, from or near the car.

Either way, with no prostitutes or pimps at the shopping mall at that moment, we decided to explore other hotspots where these women might be.

A reliable source who also prefers to stay anonymous informed us that Emerson Street and Beach Boulevard are more hotspots for prostitution activity.

So, we followed this source’s advice and drove there.

While driving, we chose to park outside a strip club and watch. At this time, we spoke to a bouncer and asked where they knew some prostitutes might be.

Although the bouncer gave us another location that we eventually found to also have no prostitutes that night, they told us that since the COVID-19 pandemic, they don’t come around that specific strip club anymore. They have primarily moved their businesses online.

Even though we got another source telling us Phillips Highway is another hotspot for these women, we ended our night before checking out Phillips Highway, as we strayed away from our original location on Normandy. Overall, we didn’t see anything other than some rowdy crowds.

Shocking Similarities

We know we didn’t find any proof of the alleged prostitution or fish game on our stake out, despite the bustle at West Side Plaza. So, we decided to take our investigation a step further.

JSO provided us with public records that were, let’s just say, remarkably similar to the rumors we heard from our source.

Semi trucks

From July 28, 2022 to July 10, 2023, at least four reports mentioned semi-trucks being parked at this address. Although the reports mainly concerned disputes between Buckhead Parking Enforcement LLC and semi-truck drivers overparking at this address, we found proof of multiple semis parked “overnight” during the same time our source said these activities were “still happening.”

Prostitutes

From our findings, there were two incidents where an alleged prostitute was present, as well as a formerly charged prostitute.

The first incident on April 8, 2022, regarding an alleged burglary of items in a vehicle, said, “The complainant stated that [Madam X] is a prostitute who had sexual relationships with known acquaintances.” All other information, including the subject’s name, is irrelevant to this article.

The second incident on October 24, 2023 lists a previously convicted person engaged in prostitution activity who was found “sleeping on the ground near C&C Eatery which was closed at the time.”

The suspect had an active violation of probation capias warrant, at the time of this trespass, and was, therefore, taken into custody.

These two incidents, while not proof of prostitution in the area, are, however, very compelling to this article in regards to the rumors of the West Side Plaza.

Fish Game

Of all the reports we gathered, the one you are about to read is the most intriguing to our initial source.

On Dec. 30, 2023, a Jacksonville Sheriff was reported to “5808 Normandy Boulevard (C&C Eatery) in reference to possible gambling.”

The report reads as follows,

“Upon arrival, I made contact with an older white male next to a mop bucket. He then quickly walked away and pointed me to another older white male behind the counter. I explained to the male that I was there due to someone calling about illegal gambling. At first he said ‘no’ and then stated, well we do have 20 tables next door but they are not fishing tables. I asked him if he minded if I took a look next door. He looked at me and then said, ‘let me call Jan.’ A short Asian lady wearing a cheetah print jacket walked toward the restaurant. I asked the male if that was ‘Jan’, he said yes. I then went outside to speak with her. I told her why I was there, she was not happy and then told the male to walk me over.

“I entered the banquet hall and noticed an area that was curtained off in the back corner. He then pulled back the curtain and I saw computers that appeared to have slot games on them.

“The male also told me that there was a business on the corner that had fishing tables inside. I did not see a name for the business just dark tinted windows.”

The officer who took this report declined to interview with Folio about this case but did provide us with what happened after this investigation was transferred to JSO’s Vice Unit.

While JSO could not go into specifics as far as their process on the investigation, JSO wrote in an email to “Folio” that the JSO Vice Unit followed up on the investigation in January of 2024 “and noticed numerous violations which were documented.”

The “owner” of the location was written a Notice to Appear, according to JSO.

As a result of the Notice to Appear, the “owner” paid the “established fines and removed the gaming equipment from the property.”

According to JSO, the Vice Unit has checked the location since the time of the equipment removal and Notice to Appear to do “spot inspections and no further violations have been noted. The case has been closed at this time.”

Other incidents involving the C&C Eatery that are relevant to this article occurred on March 18, 2023, and Jan. 19, 2024, the same month the JSO Vice Unit took over the investigation previously mentioned.

On March 18, 2023, two officers were dispatched to the eatery regarding an armed assault. When they arrived, the victim said he was inside C&C Eatery for a “private event.” While the private event could have been anything from a birthday party to a work outing, we felt it should be noted.

In Jan. 2024, at 8:46 p.m., a JSO officer was dispatched to the same eatery regarding theft.

While the contents of the report are irrelevant, the most important detail in regard to this article is that a woman called the C&C Eatery the night before “about a game she plays while at the restaurant,” according to the report.

While the game is unknown, it is also worth noting.

Nine reports

With nine reports potentially related to the rumors of prostitution and fish games at West Side Plaza, we are left to speculate on the truth of the prostitution, and the story of the fish games themselves.

While the “owner” of the establishment involved in the vice unit investigation in January 2024 was provided a Notice to Appear regarding “numerous violations” where “gaming equipment” was required to be removed and was, in fact, removed, we find the timeline interesting.

If this location was involved in illegal gambling of any kind, why was 5808 Normandy Boulevard not listed in the Operation Fish & Chips bust that occurred from March 2023 to December 2024 if the bust happened within this timeframe? According to “Operation Fish & Chips- Jacksonville Illegal Gaming Bust” posted on JAXSHERIFF’s official YouTube account on Dec. 18, 2024, the violence and crime rate of the West Side Plaza falls right in line with the patterns of the busts in Operation Fish & Chips.

For instance, these patterns included “attempted robberies” and “shootings,” both examples in the reports we have listed.

Not only does this location have similar patterns to those busts of Operation Fish & Chips, but the “owner” of the establishment in the vice unit investigation was only given a Notice to Appear and ordered to remove the equipment, while those in operation of the illegal gambling in Operation Fish & Chips were all arrested. What’s the difference here?

“Ladies Of The Night,” Where Are You?

The bouncer who told us that nobody has come around since COVID-19 and that they’ve moved online made us realize why we weren’t finding any prostitution activity on our stake out the night of June 27.

So, we looked online to verify this. Sure enough, sex can be bought everywhere. Craigslist, for one, posts people looking to engage in their pleasures.

In fact, a post that was updated as recently as June 30 of this year says, “Flat Chested Woman (Jacksonville) Wanted: WM seeing flat chested (small A cup) woman.”

Another post on June 24 said to “The man loading his wood at Lowes (Pooler) Thank u for the wad and wink. I want to see you again.”

Whatever these two posts mean, there’s no telling, but they definitely raise some eyebrows nonetheless.

Despite the comedy of people posting their potential sexual interests on Craigslist, there are other websites where people actually sell their sexual services.

Skipthegames poorly markets itself as a massage business. For instance, the first post on this website offers services from a “Dr Nancy” in Jacksonville.

Her advertisement says “I’m ready to rub you down I love what I do fellas come see me you’ll love what I do too hello anyone real out and about myself and myself want to see if you can handle big girls text only.”

There is a legal disclaimer at the bottom of the pages of all women listed on the site. The disclaimer reads as follows:

“I am a professional service provider. Any fees or compensation paid to me are for my time and companionship only. Any actions that take place within our contracted timeframe are a matter of mutual choice between consenting adults. Any scenarios, fantasy or otherwise, contained in this post are purely that; they do not constitute any form of contractual obligation. I do not engage in any unlawful acts. I reserve the right not to enter into any arrangement with those whom I reasonably believe to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or for any other reason at my sole discretion.”

This website not only shows women’s nudes, but some posts are descriptive about what these women will do for people who buy their services.

A similar site, bodyrubsmap.com, lists women in Jacksonville offering explicitly sexual services for “payments.”

Other sites like carfun.com, ladys.one, adultsearch.com, and jacksonville.2backpage.com all show nudes and price rates offering female escorts and sexual services — in other words, prostitution.

No, we don’t know if these are sting operations waiting to catch someone trying to purchase these sexual experiences, but we also don’t know if they are real either.

Either way, there is also the question of the new change to House Bill 3 that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from viewing online porn sites. The websites we found and listed in this article offering in-person sexual services paired with explicit and X-rated nudes are in no way following this law.

Escorts, OnlyFans, Porn Subscriptions, Strippers, Casual Hookups Versus Prostitution

The definition of prostitution according to Oxford Languages is “the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment.”

But take out those last two words, “for payment,” and the definition reads: “the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone.”

According to the Pew Research Center, about 51% of people might say that people not in a committed relationship engaging in “casual sex” is “always” or “sometimes acceptable.” About 29% would say “always.” This was five years ago.

Over the last five years, these encounters have become even more socially acceptable.

What happens if you put back those last two words: “for payment?” Now, it’s illegal, and you could go to jail.

What about escorts? These are people being paid to simply keep someone company, often in a romantic relationship-type manner. Legal.

What about OnlyFans? This is a website where sexual nudes and sexual videos of people are bought. Legal.

What about PornHub Premium? This is a subscription to the regular PornHub users where buyers get exclusive sexual content. Legal.

What about strippers? These people perform sexually arousing dances for people as a job. Legal.

What makes prostitution different from these? If a woman or man having casual sex with another individual wanted to start receiving payment for their, let’s say, hobby, what makes this any different than these other services?

Well, according to “Ten Reasons for Not Legalizing Prostitution and a Legal Response to the Demand for Prostitution” by Janice G. Raymond, published in 2003, legalizing prostitution would lead to the following:

It would be a “gift” for pimps and traffickers, as well as promote sex trafficking and increase the sex industry and child prostitution. Legalizing prostitution would also not protect women in the sex industry, promote women’s health or enhance women’s choices. And it would create an even greater demand for prostitution services. Drug use would likely increase too.

Socially, some of these would not matter as much as they did in 2003, such as the sex industry growth. In fact, this has already grown since 2003, when this report was published. However, some, like sex trafficking or child prostitution, would constitute a much more serious issue if prostitution were legalized.

Inclusive of our findings — even with some lack of findings — it is safe to say there is a strong potential that prostitutes still roam the streets in search of business. Whether that be a virtual roam or an in-person roam, they still promote themselves. As far as the potential fish game at the West Side Plaza, the evidence suggests that while it may no longer be operating openly, its existence—at least at one point—is more than just a rumor.

We do know — we won’t be visiting West Side Plaza alone once it gets dark. Just to be safe.

UNDER WATCH and UNDER FIRE

We’re quick to place the blame on the convicted. The ones locked behind bars. But how often do we question the ones holding the keys, the ones running the cell block, as being just as guilty? Since 1989, Florida has recorded 91 exonerations — 30 of them from death row — according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Experts estimate that more than 500 innocent people may still be behind bars across the state.

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri

Jacksonville’s

Clifford Williams and Hubert Nathan Myers

In 1976, 34-year-old Clifford Williams and his 18-year-old nephew, Hubert Nathan Myers, were at a birthday party just a few blocks from the home of Jeanette Williams (no relation to Clifford) and her partner Nina Marshall. While the two men were still at the party, Jeanette and Nina were attacked in their home. Jeanette was shot and killed, and Nina managed to escape and flag down a passing car for help.

From her hospital bed, Nina identified Williams and Myers as the shooters, saying she knew them “socially.” But from the beginning, the case didn’t add up. Investigators questioned how the shooting could have taken place inside the room, as Nina described. Forensic evidence suggested all the bullets came from a single gun, fired from outside through a window, not from two shooters inside the home. Still, despite this conflicting evidence and a rock-solid alibi from every guest at the party who said the men never left, Williams and Myers were arrested and charged.

The first trial ended in a mistrial. At a second trial, prosecutors argued the shooting was tied to a drug debt, despite offering no physical evidence linking Williams or Myers to the crime. The entire case hinged on Nina Marshall’s testimony, in which she claimed the men fired from the foot of her bed. The defense, however, didn’t call a single witness or present any evidence of their own. Instead, they focused solely on challenging Marshall’s credibility — an approach that ultimately failed. Both men were convicted and sentenced to life in prison on death row.

After 42 years, the case was finally reopened. Investigators took a fresh look at the evidence — or more accurately, the lack of it and decided it warranted another trial. According to a report from the State Attorney’s Office, a man who had since died in 1994 had previously confessed to the murder, and Myers passed a polygraph during the review of his innocence.

“The culmination of all the evidence, most of which the jury never heard or saw, leaves no abiding confidence in the convictions or the guilt of the defendants,” the report stated.

The two were exonerated in March 2019.

Wrongful Deaths in Jacksonville Jails

Brenton Butler

Another case that underscores the flaws in our criminal justice system is the wrongful accusation of Brenton Leonard Butler (State of Florida v. Brenton Leonard Butler).

It was the year 2000. Butler, just 15 years old, was on his way to drop off a job application at a Blockbuster video store when he was suddenly arrested by police. Turns out, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just moments earlier, a murder had occurred outside the Ramada Inn on University Boulevard. Two tourists from Georgia were approached outside the motel by a young Black male. One of them, Mary Ann Stephens, was shot in the head in front of her husband. The killer ran off.

Police picked up Butler shortly after and brought him to the victim’s husband, who identified him as the shooter. Butler was then taken in for questioning, where he confessed to the crime — both verbally and in writing—in front of two detectives, one of whom was Michael Glover, son of then-Sheriff Nat Glover.

But the evidence didn’t line up. The gun used in the murder was never found. Butler’s fingerprints weren’t on the victim’s purse. He had no gunpowder residue on his hands, no blood on his clothing. During the November 2000 trial, led by State Attorney Harry Shorstein, Butler testified that his confession was coerced — he said the detectives intimidated and physically beat him during the interrogation. This time, there was proof: Butler’s public defenders, Patrick McGuinness and Ann Finnell, presented photos of bruises on his face. Less than an hour after deliberations began, the jury returned a not guilty verdict. In an unusual move, both Shorstein and Sheriff Glover publicly apologized and reopened the investigation, which led to two new suspects.

Though Butler wasn’t wrongfully convicted, he was wrongfully arrested and wrongfully put on trial. His only “crime” was being a young Black teenager in the vicinity of the murder. The case, later documented in the Oscar-winning film “Murder on a Sunday Morning,” remains a powerful example of racial profiling, flawed policing and the deep cracks in the system.

Since 2010, more than 145 people have died in the Duval County jail. The death rate spiked noticeably after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office privatized jail medical care in 2017. At the time, the facility averaged about four inmate deaths per year. But after contracting with Armor Correctional Health Services in 2018, that average shot up to 13 deaths annually through 2022 — a nearly threefold increase. In 2022 alone, the jail reported 19 in-custody deaths.

That number dipped slightly in 2023, with between 14 and 15 deaths reported, depending on the source. Still, the damage was enough to land the jail on probation with a national accreditation agency, which cited multiple deficiencies in inmate care — including JSO’s failure to properly review inmate deaths. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care eventually lifted the probation in 2024 after JSO added 14 full-time medical staff to the jail.

And yet, here we are again. In 2025, at least one high-profile death has already made headlines: Charles Faggart, who died after a violent incident involving nine correctional officers. It’s a bad look for a jail that’s already under scrutiny — especially with city leaders now floating the idea of spending up to $1 billion to build a brand-new facility.

Demetrius J. Brown

In November 1999, Demetrius J. Brown was being held in isolation at the Duval County jail when an encounter with correctional officers turned deadly. During a confrontation in his cell, officers used a chokehold to subdue him — an already controversial tactic even at the time. Brown lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where he died shortly after.

There was no body cam footage, no major public outcry and no real accountability. The incident was quietly folded into a long list of jail deaths that rarely see the light of day. Official responses were vague. The Sheriff’s Office said force was necessary, but critics questioned the use of a chokehold, especially in a confined cell, against an unarmed inmate.

Brown’s death didn’t lead to charges, reforms, or even much press coverage outside a short blurb in the “Tampa Bay Times.” But it did leave behind the same lingering questions Jacksonville still struggles with today: How much force is too much? Who’s watching the people who are supposed to be watching? And how many deaths inside the jail walls are brushed off as just another day in the system?

This was nearly 25 years ago, but the same patterns — excessive force, silence, and a lack of oversight — still echo through Duval County’s jail system. Brown’s story is one of many that got swept under the rug.

Daniel Linsinbigler

In 2013, 19-year-old Daniel Linsinbigler made a decision that many teens at the time did — he smoked “spice,” a form of synthetic marijuana. What he didn’t realize was that the drug would trigger a severe psychotic episode. Hours later, he was found at the Stay Suites Inn in Orange Park, naked and shouting Bible verses, claiming to be Jesus. He frightened guests by running into two occupied rooms, but he never harmed anyone or himself.

Despite the nonviolent nature of the incident, Linsinbigler was arrested on a misdemeanor charge and booked into the Clay County jail. Ten days later, after another outburst in his cell, he was pepper-sprayed, strapped into a restraint chair, fitted with a spit hood and left there.

He died from asphyxiation shortly after.

What ultimately led Linsinbigler to his death sentence was another harmless outbreak.

The police report mentioned Linsinbigler was repeatedly pounding on his cell door, but the why behind it all was left out. According to Linus Farr, an inmate housed in the cell next to Linsinbigler, the trouble started the night before Linsinbigler died. After more than a week in custody, Linsinbigler asked for a pencil so he could fill out a form to request contact with his attorney. Deputies gave him the form but refused to give him anything to write with.

He was on suicide watch. No pencils allowed.

But it wasn’t just the denial, Farr said — it was the way it was handled. According to him, the guards didn’t just say no. They mocked Linsinbigler, escalating an already fragile mental state. According to Clay County Deputy Rodney Houldson, he “really believed he [Linsinbigler] was going to hurt himself.” So, around 8:30 that morning, officers entered Linsinbigler’s cell. According to multiple accounts, they subdued him with pepper spray before strapping him into a restraint chair. The decision to deploy the spray, officers later said, came directly from Sgt. Robert Heaps.

Strapped tightly into the restraint chair with arms, legs and chest bound, Linsinbigler began to cough up large amounts of saliva and mucus, a common reaction to pepper spray. In response, officers placed a nylon mesh “spit mask” over his head, meant to protect themselves from bodily fluids.

For the first 30 minutes in the restraint chair, Linsinbigler fought to stay alive. He kicked, thrashed and screamed — his body reacting to the pepper spray, the suffocating spit hood and the sheer panic of being trapped. Jail staff later downplayed his cries, telling investigators he was just shouting gibberish or profanities. But four fellow inmates heard something else entirely: a terrified teenager begging for his life. “I can’t breathe,” he shouted over and over. “Take the hood off!” His pleas echoed through the cellblock — and were ignored.

According to investigative records, by 8:45, Linsbigler was no longer vocal. By 8:52, he was no longer thrashing around in his restraint chair. By 9:06, deputies had noticed he was no longer breathing. After failed attempts at resuscitation, Linsinbigler was taken to Orange Park Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:14 a.m.

The cause of death was ruled a homicide, though no one has been disciplined for his death. His family has been left with questions that will forever remain unanswered.

Stephen Nelson, then director of the Fourth Judicial District’s Clay County State Attorney’s Office, wrote in an opinion dated Aug. 23, 2013, “that the death of Daniel Linsinbigler involves no criminal wrongdoing or intent to do bodily harm to him, but is the result of an accidental, unintended death.”

Charles Faggart

The year is 2025, and wrongful deaths are still prevalent across jail systems.

On April 1, a father and well-known local food truck chef, Charles Faggart, was arrested on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief: two misdemeanors. Faggart was then taken to the Duval County jail, where he was placed in a holding cell and awaited trial.

At approximately 7:04 a.m. on April 7, Sgt. W. Cox, Officer E. Kurtovic, Officer J. Vertus and Officer M. Lane escorted inmate Faggart into an isolated cell with the one-piece restraints behind his back. According to JSO’s heavily redacted information form, “Inmate Faggart was displaying aggressive, erratic and disruptive behavior by thrashing his body, clenching his fist and pushing & pulling actions,” while they attempted to escort him into the dorm. Because of this, Sgt. Cox deemed Faggart a threat to himself and others and placed Faggart in a “restraint safety chair.” With the lumbar support removed, Faggart increasingly became aggressive. He kicked his feet and thrashed his body and was unable to be secured.

7:05 a.m.: Due to Faggart’s “aggressive behavior,” Sgt. Cox responded, though his actions are heavily redacted. At this time, Officer Maygoo arrived on the scene to assist.

7:07 a.m.: Officers Kurtovic, Vertus, Maygoo and Pennamon attempted to secure Faggart in the restraint safety chair, but “he continued to thrash his body and kick his legs.” Sgt. Cox’s next actions are redacted. At this time, Faggart then began to calm down while Officer Clifton arrived on the scene with a spit mask and placed it on Faggart’s head. Faggart was now secured to the restraint chair with the one-piece restraints and covered with the mask. Sgt. Cox then notified Lt. Wesley via his radio.

7:12 a.m.: Lt. Wesley arrived on the scene.

7:24 a.m.: Mental Health Director Webb arrived on the scene and began evaluating Faggart. The JSO’s information report states that at this time, Faggart informed Webb that he did fentanyl. Webb deemed it fit that Faggart be placed in self-harm housing and advised Sgt. Cox that she would complete the

7:28 a.m.: LPN Morris arrived on the scene and began medically evaluating Faggart. LNP Morris flushed Faggart’s eyes with saline solution, though the reason for this remains unclear; but we, along with medical professionals, can assume it was due to being pepper-sprayed, and deemed him medically fit to remain in the restraint chair.

71 minutes passed without any documented observation, intervention, or response.

8:39 a.m.: Webb and RN Scott return to the scene and reevaluate Faggart. The acts following this re-evaluation are unclear due to redaction for investigation. And it is unclear why both Webb and a nurse had to return to the scene after deeming him medically fit to remain in the restraint chair 71 minutes earlier.

8:42 a.m.: Sgt. Clarida, Officer Morgan, Officer Collins, Officer Sullivan, Officer Bullard, Officer Kurtovic, Sgt. Cox and Officer Pennamon arrive back on the scene. At this time, the spit mask was removed.

8:43 a.m.: Officer Baldwin, Recruit Prendergast, Officer McKinnis, and Medical Professional Lamier, along with medical staff, arrived on the scene. Three minutes later, Lt. Dickens arrived on the scene.

8:48 a.m.: Medical professional Lamier does something that is again redacted from JSO’s report.

8:50 a.m.: Sergeant Cox deemed Faggart able to be removed from the safety chair. What followed at this time has been redacted.

8:51a.m.: Officers Kurtovic, Bullard, Thomas, Collins, Sullivan, and Pennamon first removed Faggart from the restraint chair. What happened immediately afterward is redacted from the report. Faggart was then escorted to cell #25 by eight officers—Kurtovic, Collins, Maygoo, Thomas, Sullivan, McKinnis and Pennamon — under the supervision of Sgt. Cox. Why such a large team was needed for the escort remains unclear. The details of what happened during the walk to the secondary cell are also heavily redacted. However, whatever occurred was serious enough for Sgt. Cox to order Faggart back into the restraint chair, citing concerns “for the safety of himself, others and property.”

8:55 a.m.: Officer Pennamon attempted to escort Faggart out of the cell. During this time, it seems Officer Pennamon faced some resistance, though

it is unclear what followed due to redaction. Then, Officers Kurtovic, Sullivan, Bullard, Thomas, McKinnis, Collins, Maygoo and Pennamon (yes, eight officers) placed Faggart back in the Restraint Safety Chair under the supervision of Sgt. Cox. Under Cox’s supervision, a spit mask was again placed on Faggart.

8:57 a.m.: As Faggart was being secured into the restraint chair, Officer Sullivan did something that is again, heavily redacted.

9:00 a.m.: Lt. Wesley arrived on the scene along with medical staff. What happened during the visit has been redacted.

9:02 a.m.: Chief Restivo arrived on the scene

9:05 a.m.: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department arrived on the scene.

9:10 a.m.: JFRD placed Faggart on a stretcher and attached the LUCAS Compression Device to continue chest compressions. It’s presumed that during the five minutes prior (after arriving on scene) JFRD had been performing manual compressions. Once stabilized for transport, Faggart was taken by JFRD to UF Health Shands.

It’s worth noting that although Officer Pennamon is listed as the reporting officer, Sgt. Cox completed the report review. Pennamon also injured his right ankle during the incident, prompting Sgt. Cox to handle all related Injury-on-Duty documentation.

There is no body-worn camera footage from the incident. However, the JSO incident report does flag a suspected medical emergency — a witnessed seizure.

Medical records obtained by “The Tributary” paint a starkly different picture of what unfolded during the two hours Faggart was restrained by JSO officers. The official account is riddled with redactionsv—vbut many believe the truth behind what left Faggart broken, bruised and brain dead is hidden within those blacked-out lines.

Hundreds of pages of doctors’ notes help piece together the story behind a death that’s sparked protests and outrage from Faggart’s family. While JSO continued to downplay it as just an “incident” in its jail.

When Faggart arrived at UF Health, doctors immediately noted severe bruising, facial and rib fractures and internal damage to his kidney and liver. He was badly — fatally — injured.

During neurological tests that same day, Faggart was completely unresponsive. Doctors even removed a stun gun barb from his back, though the incident report made no mention of a stun gun being used. Medical records also showed there was no fentanyl in his system, and no signs of a seizure, despite what JSO’s heavily redacted report claimed. Faggart remained handcuffed to the hospital bed until the next day, with no explanation in the records as to why. Even though he was unresponsive, doctors had to ask JSO to adjust the cuffs because they were causing pressure injuries. By April 8, doctors were already discussing that Faggart was likely brain-dead.

That same day at 6 p.m., Sheriff T.K. Waters called for an evening press conference to deliver the news of the “incident” and that he had suspended the nine officers involved, though he left out the why. During this press conference, Faggart’s family had no idea that Faggart was brain-dead and dying in a local hospital. In fact, Faggart’s family was not informed of the true extent of this “incident” for more than 36 hours. They only got a call from a detective who informed the family to watch the news. But even then, the press conference did not name the injured inmate, nor did he reveal the names of the suspended officers and sergeant. At 7:40 pm, Sheriff Waters requested that Faggart’s bonds be released so his family could visit him.

On April 10, Faggart was officially declared dead.

A week later, Sheriff T.K. Waters released the names of the officers and sergeant involved in the incident, along with the heavily redacted report. According to the family’s attorney, Belkis Plata, the report was released to the public without any prior notice to Faggart’s family.

They found out what happened to their son with the rest of us.

As of July 7, the internal investigation into the nine officers has been completed and forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office. Now, it’s a waiting game to see whether accountability will follow.

It’s worth noting that Florida does not have a version of House Bill 843 — the Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act. This federal legislation would require law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and mandate video cameras in patrol vehicles. Its purpose is to promote transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the public, especially in cases like this.

Nine Lives,

None Left MISSING

A disturbing trend has emerged in Jacksonville: cats are disapearing and being injured or killed for sport.

Words & Design by Kaili Cochran

During the first week of June, animal rights group PETA released a video titled “Cats Don’t Go Missing By Themselves!” It raises concerns about an ongoing trend of cats disappearing and turning up injured or never being seen again. For over a decade, residents throughout Jacksonville have reported incidents of cats being shot or abused. Some made headlines; most remain unsolved.

Since 2011, at least eight separate incidents of cat shootings and killings have been reported throughout Northeast Florida. While each case varies in detail, an underlying pattern includes the use of pellet guns, attacks occurring in or near apartment complexes and missing cats reappearing with new injuries.

The earliest documented case dates back to 2011.

Two teenagers were charged with animal cruelty after police recovered a video from one of their cell phones showing them shooting stray cats and encouraging each other with phrases like “shoot him in the face” and “All right, let me do one.”

In the years that followed, the violence didn’t stop.

From 2016 to 2021, the incidents continued. There were multiple unsolved pellet gun shootings, mostly in apartment complexes and neighborhoods. These attacks left no trace of who was responsible.

Then, in 2022, a disturbing case was finally caught on camera.

A neighborhood resident’s security camera captured a man luring a cat toward him and then putting all his weight on the animal. He then placed the cat in a tarp and walked away.

Weeks later, 35-year-old Blake Miles was identified and charged with animal cruelty. It remains unknown if Miles was responsible for other cat injuries in the area.

Even after that arrest, similar cases kept happening.

In 2024, a local woman had yet another of her cats shot with a pellet gun, the third one within two years. Her cats had been shot while roaming in her front yard, and in one case, shot off the roof of her home. Two of the three cats had to be put down due to their injuries.

This year brought another case.

In April, a teenager caring for stray cats at an apartment complex noticed the neighborhood cat population dropping significantly. She told Action News Jax that the cats would come back with pel let wounds on their ears, heads and backs. She attempted to file a report with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, but due to a lack of evidence, the JSO told her there wasn’t anything they could do.

Under Florida law, intentional cruelty to animals is a felony offense. But in many of these cases, enforcement is nearly impossible. The weapons used (often pellet guns) are hard to trace and injuries to stray or feral cats can go unnoticed or unreported for days.

A missing cat might be dismissed as a coincidence. An injury could be just bad luck. But how many disappearances have to follow the same path before coincidence becomes a pattern?

In response to the more recent incidents, PETA’s video urges pet owners to take precautions. Senior Vice President Daphne Nachminovitch and the group recommend keeping pet cats indoors and offer suggestions for providing a good quality of life for them.

SAY CHEESE … AND DUCK.

A former Mayo Clinic doctor has found himself on the hot seat after allegedly pulling a gun on a group of teenagers in a fit of what the deputies are calling a road rage incident… sparked over a slice of cheese. Yes, you heard that right. Cheese.

Dr. Bruce Mitchell, a Sawgrass resi dent with a black Range Rover and a short fuse, was arrested on May 17 af ter allegedly tailing five teenagers and firing two shots into the air.

Words by Carmen Macri

According to the St. Johns Sheriff’s Office, the dairy-fueled drama kicked off near Sawgrass Drive East and Ponte Vedra Boulevard. The teens said they were stuck in traffic when one of them decided to lob a slice of cheese out the window — apparently clowning around. The dairy missile cleared Mitchell’s car, but the doc didn’t find it funny… clearly. And is now facing felony charges. You know what they say, no need to cry over spilled milk, or in this case, thrown cheese.

FROM STOCKING SHELVES TO SAVING LIVES

Not all heroes wear capes sometimes; they wear a Publix uniform and act on instinct at just the right moment.

On a Thursday afternoon, Ryan Lauber was taking his break outside the Publix on Dunn Avenue when he thought he heard someone calling for help near the pond behind the loading dock. Trusting his gut, Lauber went to investigate. What he found was a pickup truck sinking into the water.

Whether it was quick thinking or a natural instinct shaped by having family in law enforcement, Lauber didn’t hesitate. He scaled a six-foot chain-link fence and dove in. Inside the sinking truck was his 19-year-old coworker, who had just gotten off his shift and was taking the back exit when he lost control of the vehicle.

Trapped for nearly 10 minutes, the young man had swallowed water while trying to escape and was drifting, exhausted, near the submerged truck. Lauber reached him in time, pulled him to safety, and helped him back to shore. An off-duty JSO officer arrived shortly after and called Fire and Rescue, who transported the young man to the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.

In recognition of his bravery, Lauber was presented with a District 6 challenge coin as a token of appreciation for his heroic actions.

Words by Ambar Ramirez

ESCAPE ROOM ON WHEELS

We know what you’re thinking … an escape room on wheels? You mean a kidnapping? No. It’s none of that. It’s actually the future of escape rooms.

Escape Me Mobile took your run-of-the-mill escape room, the anxiety-inducing timer, the confusing puzzles, the hidden keys, the helpful clues, the secret riddles and the main goal (perhaps finding the elixir for a mad scientist that drank a potion gone wrong?) and put it in a 30-foot RV. As Jamie Smith put it, it’s like a food truck except they are serving entertainment.

The Smith family fell in love with escape rooms 20-something years ago after wandering into their first one in Tennessee. From the moment the 30-minute timer began counting down, they were hooked. They even had their twoyear-old son right by their side.

The original vision was a little different. The Smiths had their sights set on a brick-and-mortar escape room — and that’s still the endgame — but they quickly found the Jacksonville market wasn’t quite as welcoming as they’d hoped. About a year ago, while scoping out the local scene, they stumbled across something unexpected: a mobile escape room. The previous owner was looking to sell — just didn’t have the time to keep it running — when Nunzio caught wind of it. Figuring it was a long shot, he floated the idea to his wife, half-expecting her to shut it down on the spot. A mobile escape room? Kinda out there. But to his surprise, Jamie was all in.

“So we went to Escape Me in Orange Park, and we walked in and we asked the employee there, ‘Hey, are you the owner?’ He said, ‘No, I work here. But why do you want to know?’ I said, ‘Well, we’re interested in opening an escape room. We kind of would like to talk to your owner about what it takes and how to do it,” Nunzio shared.

It was there at Orange Park’s Escape Me that the worker informed Nunzio that the owner actually built a mobile escape room and was selling it.

“We went. We saw it. We fell in love with it. We said, this is what we want to do for a couple reasons,” Nunzio explained. “One, because the overhead is way cheaper than doing a brick-and-mortar. And two, we’re mobile. We can go anywhere.”

And go anywhere, they did.

Escape Me Mobile has rolled from St. Augustine all the way to Georgia, bringing the chaos with two themed games: the OG Monstorium Madness and the newer addition, Meltdown. Each game runs on a 20-minute timer, and so far,

Words & photos by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri

almost everyone’s made it out — all but one group, to be exact — giving them a 99% escape rate. Monstorium Madness drops players into the lab of a mad scientist who’s accidentally taken the wrong potion and now has to track down the antidote, which, of course, is locked up tight. Without spoiling too much, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Meltdown ups the ante with a nuclear reactor on the verge of going kaboom. Your job? Stop the meltdown before, well, the world ends. No pressure! We should also mention that each game can change difficulty depending on your IQ level (or if you have any youngsters who get confused easily).

And that’s not all Escape Me Mobile has up its sleeve. In addition to their 20-minute escape rooms (which can fit up to eight players), they’ve also got something they call escape cases. These portable adventures can be set up just about anywhere, a room, a tent, a table, your office, you name it. One is called Artifact, where a mysterious object has been discovered on Mars and the camp surrounding it has been completely abandoned. Your job? Figure out what happened to the crew and what exactly that artifact is. The other case is Overload, where players race against time to stop an artificial intelligence from taking over the world.

Still not enough for you? Really? Well, lucky you — there’s more. Enter The Jungle Escape, a wild-card experience that’s kinda like Jumanji… but legally, definitely not like Jumanji (wink wink). This one’s set is inside a giant cube outfitted with a full-on jungle setup — tent included — because like it or not, you’re in the jungle now. Oh, and there’s a smaller cube inside that’s home to the spirit of a monkey you need to free before the portal closes forever. But again, totally not Jumanji as emphasized by the Smiths.

No matter which game you’re playing, the Smith family is right there on the sidelines, decked out in lab coats for Monstorium Madness and The Meltdown, or rocking full-on safari gear for not Jumanji. They’re cheering you on, tossing out unlimited clues and fully leaning into the fun for this all started with their own passion for the thrill of escape games.

“I like watching people actually do the game and then that moment they discover the clue and they get it! Then when they come out and everybody’s happy, that’s what I enjoy most,” Nunzio expressed.

Right now, Escape Me Mobile is hitting up everything from birthday parties and fairs to corporate events and work functions — basically anywhere that could use a little team-building (and a lot of fun). Honestly, name the event, and they’ll roll up ready to lock you in … and hopefully let you back out.

Eventually, the Smiths would like to open up a brick-and-mortar, but until that opportunity presents itself, they have their sights set on starting up another mobile escape room. While escape rooms are still fairly new in the entertainment scene, with over 200 brick-and-mortars in the U.S., mobile escape rooms are even newer with only about 20 to 30 in the country. And Escape Me Mobile is Jacksonville’s only mobile (air-conditioned) escape room.

“We want to be the premier mobile escape room in Northeast Florida … all of Florida, actually,” Nunzio voiced.

For more information on Escape Me Mobile, including booking, head over to their website escapememobile.com or check them out on Instagram and Facebook at @escapememobile.

Behind the Jaguars: Jacksonville’s Lesser Known Sports Organizations

When you think of sports in Jacksonville, there’s probably only one team that comes to mind: the Jacksonville Jaguars. But hidden behind the Jaguars are a number of sports organizations who are just as dedicated to the city of Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are an arena football team. The game follows the same rules as regular football for the most part, with a few key differences, such as the number of players on the field and the length of the field itself.

We spoke with Nick Furris, a partial owner of the Jacksonville Sharks, about the organization’s history in Jacksonville. Furris joined the Sharks in 2019, nearly a decade after the team’s inaugural season.

While both play football, Furris explained how the Sharks experience is different from that of an NFL experience, he said, “The answer is obvious, the Sharks are not an NFL team with the dollars and the branding and the NFL shield that the Jaguars have… but with that said, we are a professional sports organization with athletes, many of which have NFL experience, and the Sharks… still impact the community through the Jacksonville Sharks Foundation.” The Jacksonville Sharks Foundation seeks to support young students in the Greater Jacksonville area by sponsoring schools and charitable programs committed to helping Jacksonville’s youth. Furris continued to say, “Looking at it this way, the organizations (The Sharks and the Jaguars) are very much alike, but the scales are very different.”

Furris also discussed the differences between the games themselves, saying, “The obvious change is, the Indoor Football League, the IFL, is still expanding with teams across the country. One is outdoor and one is indoor; the field outdoors is 100 yards, and indoors it’s only 50. It’s 11 on 11 outdoors, it’s 8 on 8 indoors. But the game is very similar, so if you love the outdoor game, you’re gonna love the indoor game. Plus, you never have to worry about the weather.”

“Jacksonville loves sports. It’s really that simple. The NFL awarded a franchise here for a reason… So yes, Jacksonville is a great sports market… you have football, you have baseball, you have hockey, you have basketball. We’re very happy to be in Jacksonville and we plan to be for many many years.”

The Sharks have taken to an advertising strategy very commonly observed among smaller sports markets: lowering the cost of tickets and concessions in an attempt to make going to a game affordable for everyone. “I think our demographic is anyone who loves having a good time. It’s really that simple,” Furris said. “The tickets are so affordable, it’s great for a family night out, a date night… The football on the field is exciting, and the entertainment we offer throughout the entire game is very interactive.” It’s this strategy that keeps people coming back time and time again. Attending an NFL game can get a bit pricey, but the Sharks are here to offer an arguably equally entertaining experience for a fraction of the cost.

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Jacksonville has always been a hot spot for the sport of baseball. In 1888 Jacksonville hosted the first ever Major League Spring Training, and in 1904 the Jacksonville Jays were founded, the city’s first Minor League Baseball team. Over the years the Minor League Baseball scene in Jacksonville changed, they moved leagues; players, staff, and front office members came and went, until 1962 when the Jacksonville Suns officially came onto the scene. The Jacksonville Suns would go on to rebrand to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in 2016.

Noel Blaha, vice president of marketing and media at the Jumbo Shrimp recalled, “When I was doing my research on whether or not I wanted to come to work for the baseball team here in Jacksonville, I was really excited for the opportunity, I think Jacksonville is a tremendous market… It’s a growing market.” This is a shared opinion among many of the sports organizations in Jacksonville.

When asked about their primary demographic, Blaha said, “We target our marketing towards families and moms, and we see that reflected in the people that attend the games. There’s a high percentage of females and families that attend our games. Any given day of the week will see a different crowd, though, your ‘Thirsty Thursday’ crowd might be different from your ‘Family Fireworks’ crowd. Each night and each different promotion has a different crowd we’re trying to reach.” The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp do their best to offer a variety of specials depending on the day of the week the game occurs on, such as the aforementioned “Thirsty Thursday” and “Family Fireworks.”

Photo by Sam Kaplan

Much like the Sharks, the Jumbo Shrimp also pride themselves on being an affordable and fun place to go for the family. With inexpensive ticket and concession prices, the Jumbo Shrimp seek to offer a fun place for family and friends to go to take a break from their lives without breaking the bank.

We asked Blaha about the Jumbo Shrimp’s partnerships in Jacksonville and how the team gives back to the community, he said, “We’re very active. Our community relations department does a great job of keeping us active in the community… We have a long standing relationship with Duval county public schools, we work with them on a variety of different programs in the school system. We also work with Wolfson Children’s Hospital quite a bit… trying to stay active with our hospital visits with our players and mascots…throughout the year our staff will go on ‘staff service days’ and work with Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations.”

Blaha said that the Jumbo Shrimp’s metric of success for the organization is increasing attendance year after year, as well as growing their non-baseball fans. To strengthen this idea, Blaha revealed that the Jumbo Shrimp just finished an over $30 million renovation to the Vystar Ballpark, which he said primarily focused on expanding their special events spaces, hopefully creating more opportunities to attract non-baseball fans to Jumbo Shrimp games.

Sporting JAX

Sporting JAX is the newest addition to the Jacksonville sports market. Sporting JAX is a soccer club, with a Division 1 women’s team, and a Division 2 men’s team. Sporting JAX was founded in 2020, but has only just recently gained the staff and players they needed to begin their inaugural season.

CEO/President of Sporting JAX Steve Livingstone said the organization isn’t just new — it’s historic. “This is our first ever season, and it’s a really important one because it’s the first time that a women’s professional soccer sports team has ever represented Jacksonville, so it’s kinda historic.”

Livingstone said that the reason they selected Jacksonville as the location for the new club was due to the largely untapped soccer market that exists in the River City. He said, “I think we’ve seen a huge increase in the last 10 years… What we did with the Armada 10 years ago was awesome, and really kinda showed what the potential could be. The population has grown, with a lot of people moving into Jacksonville from soccer areas like the Northeast and California. We’ve seen an increase in our Hispanic/Latino population from 8% to 13%. With the World Cup being hosted here in the U.S. next year, there’s really never been a better time to relaunch what we’re doing in Jacksonville.”

We also inquired about key differences between Sporting JAX and the Jacksonville Armada, the city’s other soccer club, Livingstone said. “The Armada are currently an amateur team playing in the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League) as they have been for the last eight years. We are bringing high-level professional soccer. We’re professional, they’re amateur,” he explained. There’s really been no professional team [soccer] in Jacksonville essentially since the NESL folded back in 2018, so it’s time that we have pro soccer.”

When asked about the mark of a good season for the new club, Livingstone said, “I think for us, on the field, it’s really to be competitive and put a good product on the field. We spent a lot of time and effort bringing the right people to help us do that. On the field we wanna be competitive, we wanna play some exciting soccer and we wanna win games.”

Livingstone also discussed what off the field success would look like for the team, saying, “We’d like to sell out some games, if possible, especially our first few games… So far the ticket sales are going extremely well. We’re on track to hopefully sell out some of those games and really bring new success for women’s professional soccer here in Jacksonville.”

Sporting JAX is currently looking to play their inaugural season at the Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida. Livingstone said that Sporting JAX has plans to make some renovations to the stadium, such as adding new seating, creating spaces for live performances and other activities and other quality of life changes to make the stadium more accommodating.

Jacksonville Icemen

The Jacksonville Icemen are a semi-professional hockey team that plays in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League). The team has been in Jacksonville since 2017 when Ron Geary, the owner of the Icemen at the time, moved the team to Jacksonville from Eastville, Indiana.

The Jacksonville Icemen play at the Vystar Veterans’ Memorial Arena. Last season, the Icemen went 42-30 and clinched a spot to play in the Kelly Cup playoffs, where they would ultimately lose in the first round to the Florida Everblades.

The Icemen have a number of local partnerships, such as Ascension St. Vincent’s, Florida Blue and Community First.

Jacksonville Axemen

The Jacksonville Axemen are a Rugby League team that currently play in the USARL (United States of America Rugby League). The team was founded in 2006 by head coach Daryl Howland and general manager Drew Slover. The Axemen won the 2010 AMNRL (American National Rugby League) Championship, following which they left the AMNRL with seven other teams to form the USARL in 2011.

The Axemen have an average regular season attendance of about 2,500 fans per game. Much like some of the other organizations on this list, the Axemen pride themselves on cheap concessions and an entertaining experience on the field, advertising $1 beer and team merchandise. The Axemen also offer a complimentary program to help newcomers understand the rules of Rugby.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

TUESDAY, JULY 29 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Friday, August 1, 7:05PM ONE HIT WONDER NIGHT!

Join us at VyStar Ballpark as we play one-hit-wonders all night! I can guarantee you either forgot this song existed or you can’t name the artist! Be sure to stick around after the game for Friday Night Fireworks, presented By Union Home Mortgage. Additionally, enjoy Friday Night Lites with $2 12oz. Miller Lites, presented by Miller Lite.

Saturday, August 2, 6:35PM BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Make the thought of going back to school fun with the Jumbo Shrimp! Be one of the first 2,000 fans to enter the Main Gate at the Baptist Health Centerfield Plaza and receive a Giveaways only available when entering at the Main Gate on Georgia St. Presented By Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Sunday, August 3, 5:05PM STAR WARS DAY

The Jumbo Shrimp along with costuming clubs and The 501st Legion Squad7 are proud to present Come join us at the ballpark and meet your favorite Star Wars characters! It’s Baptist Health Sunday Family FUNday, so head out to the center field gate where we will host catch on the field until 20 minutes after the gates have opened. Kids can also feel like the pros after each Sunday game by running the bases once the field is clear. Plus, face paint, balloon animals & more, presented by Baptist Health.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Photo provided by Sporting jax

AMBAR: We’ve done a deep dive on what your favorite sex position says about you, what your childhood snack says about your emotional damage, and it would be an absolute crime if we didn’t talk about what your go-to cafe beverage (Carmen insisted we say “cafe beverage” and not “coffee order”) says about you with a fun spin: your cafe beverage order as a dramatic main character trope. Mainly because we like to have fun in Combined Minds and partly due to the fact that we are running out of things to talk about.

CARMEN: Yes, because chai tea and matcha are not coffee. So if we say “coffee order,” it wouldn’t be very accurate now, would it? This is a science, Ambar.

Your Go-To Cafe Beverage as a dramatic main character trope.

AMBAR: Well, many would beg to differ, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, let’s dive right in with Carmen’s go-to cafe beverage order, a vanilla sweet cream cold brew. If this is your go-to cafe beverage, you’re the it-girl with a secret soft side. You come off polished and put together, you have the type of Instagram that feels natural and curated at the same time. But the truth is you cry during Pixar movies, have an irrational fear of dinosaurs and send voice notes to your friends at 2 am.

CARMEN: We’re spending too much time together, clearly. So, let’s psychoanalyze Ambars’ go-to drink order: a dirty chai (hot or iced, depending on the weather and her ever-changing mood). If a dirty chai is your order, give or take a shot or two, you are as artistic as it comes, the cool art school dropout who always has plans. You find yourself drawn to many hobbies, but none ever stick. You never chase a party because the party usually comes to you. You claim to love the taste of coffee but always drown it out with creamer and 10 different syrups.

AMBAR: That last part was a personal attack and also a lie.

CARMEN: Roll the tapes.

CARMEN: If you love a matcha latte, how does it feel to be better than everyone else? You sure as hell act that way. You are the soft-spoken overachiever who is secretly (not so secretly) competitive. You are fine throwing away $10 on a drink that tastes like grass and aren’t afraid to post it on your Instagram story. Every. Single. Morning. You act like your life is so put together, maybe because you have a Pilates class at 8, spin at 10, run club at 2, followed by happy hour with the girls at 5. When do you actually work? In between your five Matchas a day? You say “no worries” but secretly hold grudges like a Scorpio… Believe me, I would know.

If your go-to order is an iced latte with oatmilk, you’re the whimsical trendsetter protagonist in an indie film. You had a phase where you were trying different orders and landed on a matcha latte for a while, but after a midlife crisis and a newfound lactose intolerance, you found bliss and your third eye with an iced oatmilk latte. By day, you collect crystals and read classic literature in the park; by night, you scroll on witchtok.

: If your go-to order is decaf anything, you are the former villain who now just wishes to live a quiet life in the countryside. You have had your time in the spotlight — reveled in it, really — and are now ready to throw in the towel to tend to the farm. You are the fun retired relative during holidays who sits idly by while the youngsters pretend they aren’t sneaking booze into the punch because you’ve been there a time or two before.

AMBAR: Moving on (side eye). If your go-to cafe beverage order is just straight black coffee, you’re the brooding anti-hero. In other words, every fantasy reader’s dream. You come off as intense and mysterious and either have a tragic backstory or just hate small talk. Truthfully? You’ve lied to yourself so much that you like black coffee that you started to believe it. People either fear you or fear you. I know I fear you.

AMBAR: Last but certainly not least, if you’re slinging back straight up espresso shots left and right, you’re the unhinged detective on your third case this week. Sleep is optional, and you don’t even know what the REM cycle is. Chaos is your middle name, and you thrive on procrastination. A deadline truly hates to see you coming — and so does a barista.

CARMEN: Again, we aren’t doctors, never claimed to be. Take this with a grain of salt. We are two very opinionated people. But if you drink matcha lattes, seriously, stop lying to yourself.

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri

Words by Za’Nya Davis

CUT, SILENCED AND PUSHED OUT: JU’S “NEW DIRECTION”

Students at Jacksonville University were blind-sided with the announcement of several academic programs being removed from the college, including music and theatre. The announcement was made late spring of 2025 with no prior warning to students or professors. For some students, this meant their majors no longer existed at JU. For some professors, their jobs were taken from them overnight. Many students made attempts to process the sudden loss of their majors and many without guidance or clarity from the administration. Some students decided to peacefully protest, hoping to be seen and heard. Instead, they were met with intimidation and fear of academic retaliation. A school that once encouraged creative expression has now made students feel their silence during the controversy.

Two students impacted by the academic cuts have agreed to share their experiences anonymously. They not only show the personal effects of JU’s decision but open the door for a larger conversation about transparency and the right to speak out regarding these issues.

One of the impacted students, a music major just starting out, when the news spread. “I was really shocked by their decision,” they said. “The program had been around since the 1930s and was the foundation of the school.” Like many others, this student was not privy to the school’s decision any time prior to the announcement being made. There were no warning emails or letters mailed. Instead, they learned of the programs ending through word of mouth before being asked to attend a last-minute meeting with other music and art majors by the university president. “It all felt very ominous,” the student recalled.

During this meeting, students were informed the university was “moving in a different direction.” The student recalls feeling like dead weight. “It was pretty clear they got rid of us because the school was in a lot of debt,” they said. JU did not have the best conflict resolution plan, as they suggested to many students within the arts program that they would have to pick a different major. “JU told me I would have to switch my major,” they explained. “But that wasn’t why I came here.” Students were left scrambling, for many, switching majors was not an easy fix. It meant starting from scratch or even changing universities. “I was pretty nervous about being able to find a school to go to,” they said. “But schools like UNF and University of West Florida were eager to help us out with additional audition days and scholarship money.” Ultimately, JU’s decision did result in this student transferring to another university. “The whole reason I was going to college was to get a music education degree, and if I had to stay at a school that barely has a program now, I’d feel like I was wasting my time,” the student said.

A second student who minored in music explained how this announcement created confusion then transformed into fear, especially among those who attempted to use their talents to express their distress. “It all started as a jam session between the cafe and the Chick-Fil-A,” the student said. “The people that started the jam sesh just wanted to play music because as musicians that’s what we do best and that’s how we express ourselves. Then it turned into a protest, and we moved right in front of the Howard Building where President [Tim] Cost’s office was. We wanted him to see the real amount of students affected. That was the first protest.” The protest was spur of the moment, but it was musical and peaceful. But the university’s administration did not care to be under the heat of their students.

“At the first protest, we had someone come down to us and shout in the musicians’ faces (the ones who were playing), ‘Stop this racket you are disrupting Presidents Cost’s lunch. If you don’t pack it up and go home we will call the police.’”

The protestors packed their things and moved on for the rest of the day, but apparently the administration hadn’t. “The deans came out and talked to us about protesting, and they offered us their contact information so that we could organize another protest,” they said. “The next day, I was crossing in front of the Howard Building when the same man from the protest the day before came up to me and said, ‘Hey, I saw that you were at the protest yesterday, and I saw you helping the musicians and whispering in their ear, so I’m sure you’re part of whatever that was yesterday. If you decide to go spread misinformation to the press, you will be in jeopardy of your future here at JU. So, I hope you are graduating or transferring.”” The student recalls feeling intimidated, in shock and ultimately concerned for their academic future at JU.

The stories of both students demonstrate only some of the emotional turmoil Jacksonville University created. This has raised concerns over how universities communicate, the value of certain majors and whether student voices matter when it comes to the molding of their own future. During a process where students should be encouraged and supported through the abrupt decision, the message from Jacksonville University was clear that silence is the best answer. As Jacksonville University continues to “move in a different direction” the impact of this decision will forever resonate with those the university has now left behind.

COLOR BY NUMBERS

BLUE

— NAVY BLUE

Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters

(for the downtown bar Hardwicks) to fill each row, column and box.