Descendents Ignite Jacksonville with Punk Nostalgia and Fury Like It’s 1985
Jake Sposetta
Sizemore’s Coastal Kitchen: A Review Ambar Ramirez
A Little List of Some of the Area’s Food Truck Scene
Teresa Spencer
Folio Weekly’s Mini Jacksonville Beer-Tour: Ink Factory, Reve and Hoptinger
Kaleb Stowell & Joshua Walker
Community Cannabis Consumption JAX 420
TERESA SPENCER
KERRY SPECKMAN
AMBAR RAMIREZ
CARMEN
SAVANNA STILLWANGER
KAILI COCHRAN Writer/Designer BEHIND THE
Photo by Amiyah Golden “Diving into Darvin’s Mystical World”
KALEB STOWELL
ZA’NYA DAVIS
AARON BERKSHIRE
Subject: Letter to the editor
Mayor Ford’s actions last week directly threatened everything we’ve worked so hard to build in Atlantic Beach. To use his podium in a City Commission meeting to essentially excuse someone who openly defied our regulations and legal processes—undermining the City Commission’s staff, the volunteer environmental stewardship committee, our citizens, and even the code enforcement special magistrate—is profoundly disappointing. If any “relief” is due, it should be sought through the courts, not through backroom political deals.
The idea that our regulations are “complex” is a convenient dodge. It’s the same old excuse Mayor Ford trots out to interfere with City staff’s excellent work, claiming “inadequate communication.” The truth is, our local government excels at communicating with its residents. Mr. Cosgrove was found in violation, then made things worse by being dishonest and uncooperative, ultimately losing his case. His subsequent appeal to Mayor Ford, and the Mayor’s shocking public support for reducing the amount he owes taxpayers— and not paying the code enforcement magistrate’s assessment, for crying out loud—deserves nothing less than a censure.
I strongly encourage a full investigation by the City Commission, Ethics Commission and local news media into this matter and the concurrent issue of a city commission member and his family being suspended from the local country club after an employee complaint of inappropriate actions by the commissioner. These are not isolated incidents; they point to a pattern of behavior that demands scrutiny and accountability from our elected officials.
James Mathias
Atlantic Beach
The Jacksonville Jaguars: DUUUVAL Training Camp MVP Edition
• WR/CB Travis Hunter: The True Swiss Army Knife of the Swamp
• WR Dyami Brown: A trusted target, showcasing massive skill in all of the live drills
• CB Jarrian Jones: The full-extension, one-handed interception man
• S Rayshawn Jenkins: Laying wood like it’s a Sunday in October
• RB Tank Bigsby: “The Human Wrecking Ball.” Need we say more?
• QB Trevor Lawrence: Cool, calculated, red zone efficient and sharper than ever
• Head Coach: Liam Coen for installing a faster, more adaptive offense. Practices are up-tempo, the playbook looks more collegiate and vertical, and players are buying in.
The veterans are focused, the rookies are balling, and the city’s starting to buzz. Call it what you want, but Jacksonville might be brewing the perfect storm.
To James Anthony Morris Jr. for allegedly locking a 10-year-old girl in a back room at the Subway on Argyle Forest Boulevard, after she stepped on a freshly mopped floor. The terrified child reportedly believed she was being kidnapped. Authorities charged Morris, who was the manager on duty at the time of the incident, with false imprisonment of a child under 13. He was released on bond. A court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2025.
To the heat wave we have been enduring. We hate them because they are Mother Nature’s version of waterboarding. Slow, relentless and with no A/C break in sight, the oppressive heat makes everyone turn into a cranky puddle when the mercury spikes. Plus, they make us dumber — literally. Studies show that extreme heat reduces cognitive performance. One Harvard study even found students without air conditioning performed worse on tests during heat waves. It’s like our brains are slowly melting into microwaved smoothies.
You could literally cut the tension with a knife this month, Aries. You feel like you’re being pulled in opposite directions, and it’s only a matter of time before you snap. And you know what? Sometimes it’s OK to snap. Not everyone is so deserving of your kindness. When Mars moves into Libra on Aug. 6, you will have everything you need to burn a few bridges.
You’re playing with fire, Taurus, and it’s catching up to you. Burnout is real this month. Even with a calendar full of parties and getaways, you’ve been skipping out on self-care. Carve out some solo time before Aug. 6—once Mars enters Libra, decision-making won’t be your strong suit.
You’re in high demand this month, Gemini—booked and busy, especially through the rest of Leo season. The next few weeks are all about flirting, dating, drama and a dash of jealousy. How fun! But with Mars entering Libra on Aug. 6 and Saturn moving into Aries on Aug. 8, it might be wise to shut your phone off and lay low. You can’t be everywhere at once — and sometimes, it’s better to be nowhere at all.
You’re the phoenix rising from the ashes, the flowers that bloom between the cracks in cement, and against all odds, Cancer, you’re thriving this month. Once Mercury retrograde in Leo ends on Aug. 11, the drama lifts, the fog clears, and you’re back to feeling like your bold, confident self.
Yeah, yeah, it’s your birthday, but you already act like every day is your birthday, don’t you? Living every day in the spotlight has to be a bit draining, no? That being said, the next few weeks are your permission slip to pursue who and what you desire. No questions asked. The full moon in Aquarius on Aug. 9 highlights your relationship sector and brings some much-needed attention to your relationships.
Growth and healing is a spiral, Virgo. There’s no reason to beat yourself up over feeling like you’ve been set back. It’s called a pattern for a reason. With your ruling planet, Mercury, currently in retrograde in your twelfth house until Aug. 11, this is an active time for introspection and reflection. Don’t run away from the pain; face it head-on and move forward.
You’re feeling like quite the social butterfly this month, Leo — but hey, that’s just Leo season working its magic. With Mars entering your sign on Aug. 6, expect a fiery burst of energy. You’ll feel unstoppable—because honestly, you are. A fresh wave of ambition is rising to the surface, and there’s really only one thing to do about it: chase those dreams.
It’s time to go full scorched earth, Scorpio. No more holding back. No more playing nice when you know deep down you’re a little wicked — and honestly, it suits you. You’ve heard “choose your battles,” but this month? Choose all of them. The full moon on Aug. 9 shines a light on your private life, unearthing feelings you thought were long buried. Surprise — they’re back. And this time, you’re not facing them with kindness.
This month, you’re focused on you and you only, Sagittarius. Dare we say finally? With Mars spending most of August in your eleventh house of community and allies, you’re at the point where you no longer need anybody’s validation or approval. It’s freeing, isn’t it?
Work this, work that — what about having a little fun? It’s not illegal, we swear. You don’t have to overwork yourself every week. What exactly are you trying to prove? When the Sun enters Leo on Aug. 17, it’s time to let loose. Life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. After all, isn’t that what the Joker said?
You’re at a crossroads this month, Aquarius, and the usual clarity you rely on feels just out of reach. With obstacles clouding your judgment, frustration is creeping in. But here’s the thing: no one’s walked this path before you because it’s yours to create. Trust your instincts and honor the trailblazer within. Even if it’s unclear, know that your next step will land on solid ground.
Not much can kill your vibe right now, Pisces. Except, maybe, money stress. With Mars and Saturn facing off in your financial houses on Aug. 8, cash (or the lack of it) is weighing heavily. Sure, money doesn’t buy happiness, but it definitely makes life smoother. Still, let’s be real. You know how to have fun on a budget. Don’t let a little financial funk dim your sparkle.
AUG. 2
Jax Sports Car Museum Summer Open House Jacksonville Car Museum jaxsportscarmuseum.com
AUG. 2-3
Repticon Prime Osborn Convention Center repticon.com
AUG. 3
William Shatner
Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
AUG. 7
Ritz Book Club Ritz Theatre & Museum theritz.jaxevents.com
AUG. 9
Active After 50 Expo
Thrasher-Horne Center lifestyleeventsmanagement.com
AUG. 13
American Heroes Concert and Bike Fest USS Orleck–Navy Pier jaxnavalmuseum.org
AUG. 15
Taylor Swift Laser Party Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
AUG. 21
Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Bowing Oaks floridatheatre.com
AUG. 22
Chunky Dunk DoubleTree Hotel–Jacksonville Riverfront 904tix.com
AUG. 23
Jacksonville Record & CD Festival Holiday Inn–Baymeadows facebook.com/JacksonvilleRecordCDShow
8202 Beach Blvd. 904tix.com
AUG. 24
Alex Trendler Reads Your Mind Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
AUG. 29-31
IMAX Presents: “Prince—Sign O’ The Times” AMC Regency 24 & IMAX AMC Orange Park & IMAX imax.com
AUG. 29
Jimmy Buffett Sunset Cruise Florida Water Tours floridawatertour.com
AUG. 30
Ship Fest White Attire Party USS Orleck-Navy Pier jaxnavalmuseum.org
Words by McKenna Oakely & Photos by Ambar Ramirez
Don’t get us wrong — we love the summer here at “Folio.” The Fourth of July bashes, the beach days, the hot dogs, the getting to bum a cruise from that one friend with a boat — there is so much to adore about these past few months, and plenty to savor as August marches on.
Buuuut we’d be lying if we said we weren’t already looking forward to autumn. Cheering “DUUUVALL!” through mouthfuls of chicken wings, cherishing pumpkin spice everything from craft beer to cream cheese, and enjoying more of the Florida sunshine with less humidity? Yes, please.
We’re getting carried away. The point is, autumn offers just as much charm as its sunnier counterpart. And with the earlier bedtimes, warm coffee mugs and amber leaves come some exciting new fashion trends.
The good news? You’ve come to the right place for a heaping serving of style know-how. We’ve got the season’s hottest — or should we say coolest — trends right here, all with a distinctly Jacksonville twist.
That’s right. For the past few years, Y2K has been all the rage, reviving the messy, casual glamour that defined the early 2000s with stars like Paris Hilton and Justin Timberlake. But recently, the Y2K revival — while still fashionable and technically on-trend — has drifted a bit into “kitsch” territory. The baby tees, metallic fabrics and mini-skirts boast an iconic presence in American pop culture, so they’ll never disappear entirely, but we’re thinking the fashion time machine will take a step even further back this autumn. Come September, you’ll be reaching for more classic, timeless feminine staples. So move over, Millennial mustache — the bows, butterflies, and starbeams across Y2K clothes and jewelry are joining you on the clearance rack.
Similarly, we see a movement away from the minimalist neutrals aesthetic that has crept up in popularity. Think East Coast it girl, and you’re close. This look favors beiges, creams and whites, and whether styled for a night out or a day in, it is the stylistic antithesis to Y2K. Autumn trends, however, will be somewhere in the middle of the two extremes — less maximalist than Y2K, but more expressive than the “quiet luxury” style.
You get the idea of what is on its way out. So, what is coming in? Don’t worry, we’re getting there!
This autumn, jewel tones are in. Check on your friends who were arguing you can wear brown or navy blue with black — they were correct, and you probably owe them an apology. Navies, maroons and emeralds are taking center stage, along with brown, which will replace beige as the go-to neutral.
We’re also seeing more balanced silhouettes than we have in recent years. Free from the grip of the tight bodycon and swimming out from under the boxy tee, we’re finding looks that balance fit and flare. For shirt and dress waistlines, think empire or A-line — and someone cue “Low” by Flo Rida, because we’re even anticipating the dropped waistline to go mainstream. To help enhance these dimensions, we think chunky belts will make a comeback. Whether they’re functionally looped through waistbands or not, expect lots of leather belts being used as accessories.
And speaking of functionality, we’re extending a warm welcome back to the slouchy shoulder bag. Sure, baguettes have been trending — the tiny purses, not the bread — but this season, a softer and roomier tote will steal the spotlight. And thank goodness. Sometimes you just want to carry around your emotional-support trinkets: the melted lip balm, that crushed restaurant mint or an expired travel-size sunscreen.
We’re just projecting now. Moving on to jewelry, we’re seeing less stacked hardware — which has been everywhere lately — and more intentional eclecticism. Think of your opinionated, kooky aunt. Her jewelry choices might be a little out there, like earrings with bold acrylic designs or long necklaces showcasing a single, chunky charm. It’s odd, sure, but everything is chosen with purpose. And this season, she’s got the it factor. So rifle through her jewelry box — or your local consignment store — and find the artsy conversation pieces that we see making a big statement.
Another feature that will be reimagined is the graphic tee. While graphics have become timeless, they’re definitely evolving. Rather than the traditional tee-shirt you’re probably envisioning, we’re seeing images growing larger and more lifelike. Prints on shirts, bags, and the like will encompass every inch of canvas, and the illustrations will boast photo-realistic detail. Picture a mock neck tank where a life-like kitten sprawls across the entire bodice, or even a pair of low-heeled sandals with an orchid at the toes.
And as for the shoes — and kittens, too, actually — kitten heels are here to stay, lingering from the “corpcore” microtrend. The “balletcore” movement will also have its influence on the fall, with ballet flats making a triumphant return. Tall boots, of course, remain an autumn favorite. Here is where we’ll see brown and red — specifically rich espresso and dark merlot — emerge as the dominant seasonal shades. Rather than defaulting to black, we think more and more shoppers will reach for these warm tones in their fall footwear.
That’s very true. To this, we raise two points:
1. Jacksonville is a city. (Imagine us pushing up our nerdy glasses as we say this.)
2. These trends already complement the staples of Southern charm.
For instance, the return to classic femininity fits right in here with the prevalence of ruffles, florals, and gingham prints — as well as Southerners’ enduring love for denim. The denim will be getting slimmer, though, and the flares will stop at bootcut. Jeans will be more about individual comfort and less about specific style niches, ranging from low to high rises.
And as for embracing fall fashion while staying somewhat cool, these two trends will work especially well: long skirts and capri pants. The first one is easy to accept, but believe it or not, capris are making a comeback! Let’s be honest, some of you are wearing shorts that are practically that length, so don’t knock them until you try them. (If you listened to us in June about jorts making a return, we expect you to be kind to the capri!)
Another hallmark of Southern dress that pairs well with the coming trends is nautical-inspired jewelry. Large pearls, coin pendants and similar pieces are the exact sort of trinket-chic we’re predicting for this season.
And finally, one word: mesh. Yes, mesh is a lingering effect of the Y2K wave, but don’t be scared. We encourage you to embrace mesh tops — lined ones, though. The South is friendly, but no need to get too friendly. Anyway, mesh is a great option for staying cool with some of the edgy, artsy graphics we expect to keep trending.
Don’t think we forgot you — we were simply saving the best for last.
Autumn will be kind to the guys, offering plenty of stylish looks that won’t compromise comfort. Think widefit, dark-wash denim, cable-knit sweaters, crewneck sweatshirts, flannels and a stacked lineup of footwear options— from sneakers to boots to loafers. This fall’s fashion will be easy to mix and match.
With so much staying in from recent autumn seasons, the key will be how to mix things up. When it comes to crewnecks, reach for something with personality — any pop culture reference will do, just try to branch out beyond where your family vacationed last. And underneath the autumn jacket galore, try adding a necktie. Especially with a denim, bomber, or varsity jacket, when you would least expect it. Zip up the jacket and let the tie peek out, or leave the jacket open for an especially bold look. It’s a simple way to combine classic masculine pieces that make it look like you’re really doing something — while not doing much of anything.
(Tip: if you go this route, opt for a darker, wider, shorter tie!)
Some final words for the gentlemen: top things off with a cap, consider swapping out your overworked gold chain for a bracelet, and clip your keys to your belt loops. Call it an accessory. For dudes, functionality and fashion often go hand in hand — so take advantage.
That’s all for now from our fashion crystal ball. We hope some of these tips inspired you, and we encourage you to visit the many local boutiques, thrift shops, and consignment stores that Jax has to offer as you build your autumn wardrobe. This season’s forecast leaves plenty of room for self-expression and feels like one of the most approachable style waves we’ve seen in a while.
So, amongst the back-to-school shopping and fantasy football team crafting, make sure to have some fun in the closet.
Until next time,
Your “Folio” fashion guru
Friday, August 1, 7:05PM
Saturday, August
Sunday, August 3, 5:05PM STAR WARS
AUG. 1-2
Tour de Pain
Prominence Business Park 1stplacesports.com
AUG. 1-3
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Columbus Clippers
Vystar Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
AUG. 9
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Everbank Stadium jaguars.com
Florida Striders Summer Classic 5K 11112 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL raceroster.com/events
Mandarin High Athletics, Community, and Alumni Mustang 5K
Mandarin High School 1stplacesports.com
AUG. 12-17
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk Tides
Vystar Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
AUG. 16
JTC Summer Beach Run
Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion 1stplacesports.com
AUG. 22
Cecil Field Summer Classic Open 5K
Cecil Field Golf Course raceroster.com/events
AUG. 23
Jaguars 5K Sports Complex Challenge
VyStar Ballpark, 301 A. Phillip Randolph Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32202
1stplacesports.com
AUG. 26-31
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Rochester Red Wings
Vystar Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
The NFL season is right around the corner, and with that comes the start of fantasy football. To help with some of the stress that comes with creating your fantasy team, “Folio” has assembled a list of players you might want to keep an eye out for on draft day.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, fantasy football is a viewer experience where NFL fans from around the world assemble a league with close friends, colleagues or even complete strangers to compete for the title of fantasy football champion. Players can be “drafted” from any NFL team (not all positions are available), and each player can only be chosen by one fantasy league team. When the season starts, points are gained for accomplishments by the players on a team such as quarterbacks earning points for yardage or touchdowns. Teams can arrange trades with other competitors and switch out players for different games, as well. Like NFL teams, most leagues have playoffs to determine the ultimate fantasy football champion. (Keep in mind, this is a simplified explanation. There are plenty of rules. Trust us.)
Most of the time in fantasy football leagues, however, the eyes aren’t on the winner. What everyone really cares about is the biggest loser. Fantasy football has a culture built around punishments for those unfortunate enough to fall to the bottom of their league. Sometimes these punishments are tame, such as wearing a rival team’s gear to a game or having to tweet something nice about your least favorite player. But often, these fantasy punishments are much harsher than this, creating a real sense of urgency to not end up as your league’s biggest loser.
Now that everyone understands what is at stake going into the fantasy football draft, we’ll give you some key players to look out for to avoid having to face any unwanted punishments.
Photo by Aaron Berkshire
Obviously, if you’re familiar with football you’re going to recognize a lot of names. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the best players in the league are going to be high-priority picks in the draft. In order to organize this list, we’re going to go position by position.
Lamar Jackson will probably be the first QB off the board in most fantasy leagues this season, and for good reason. Despite losing the league MVP award to Josh Allen, Jackson had an arguably better season than Allen, tallying 41 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. He also led the league in QBR. Jackson is the most dynamic QB in the NFL. He is an incredibly accurate passer, and he also has the fastest legs on any QB in the league right now. It’s difficult to say if he will have a 2025 season that will surpass what he did in 2024, but you would be a fool to pass on Jackson if he’s still on the board.
Josh Allen is the reigning regular season MVP, so it shouldn’t be surprising to see him go as the first or second QB off the board in any fantasy league. Allen is an incredibly dynamic QB with a great arm. He’s also built like a linebacker, so he can easily run over defenders and make plays himself if nobody gets open downfield. Last season Allen tallied 28 touchdowns to 6 interceptions and had the second highest QBR in the league.
Joe Burrow had a fantastic season in 2024, but it was unfortunately overshadowed by how disappointing the Bengals’ season was. Despite leading the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns, Burrow was only able to get the Cincinnati Bengals to a record of 9-8, and the team missed the post-season, despite a fantastic season from Burrow. The Bengals have not done much to change their roster, so their team record may look similar to last season, but regardless of their record, Burrow will still be throwing that football as great as he always does.
When a player wins the triple crown in the previous season, it’s difficult to argue a point against him. Such is the case for Ja’Marr Chase. He led the league in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns in 2024 — plus his quarterback is Joe Burrow. Taking all these factors into account, there’s no world where Chase isn’t the first or second pick off the board for the 2025 fantasy season.
In similar fashion, when a player is largely regarded as the “best player in the league” at their respective position, it’s easy to see why Justin Jefferson has a top 5 ADP (average draft position) over the past few seasons. He is usually the second WR pick in the draft behind Chase, but with the Minnesota Vikings’ re-introduction of J.J. McCarthy, the future looks bright for the team and for Jefferson’s fantasy points.
CeeDee Lamb has had a few seasons in a row riddled with drama within his organization. However, despite these issues off the field, Lamb is a fantastic WR, and now that he’s paired with previous Pittsburgh Steeler George Pickens, he should hopefully be finding more open space and less double coverages. It’s these factors that lead us to believe that Lamb is in for a really good season, despite Dak Prescott remaining in the QB position.
Saquon Barkley moved on from the Giants last year in a trade that would shock the NFL world. What would shock the NFL world more, however, were the video game-like stats he put up with the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley had one of the best RB seasons ever recorded last year, and with how good the Eagles O-line is, it’s no surprise he finds himself at the top of the running-back class again this year. Barkley recorded just over 2,000 yards rushing in his first season with the Eagles, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he replicated that this year.
Bijan Robinson is an incredibly talented running-back. He has great speed, power and evasiveness that allow him to essentially break any tackle in a one-on-one. He had a good rookie season in 2023, but it was his stats last season that put him in this position now. Robinson had 1,400 yards on 304 carries on a relatively disappointing Atlanta Falcons roster. But now led by Michael Penix Jr. the third-year RB looks to have his best season yet in 2025.
The Detroit Lions are a terrifying football team. They seem to have an unlimited number of offensive weapons at their disposal, and their defense is solid too. Jahmyr Gibbs is one of two incredibly talented RBs in the Lions’ backfield, and we expect that he’s due for a breakout season this year.
Brock Bowers had an incredible rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders, despite the team finishing the season 4-13. Bowers had the third most receptions in the league among TEs and nearly 1,200 yards on the season. With quarterback Geno Smith leading the offense into the 2025 season, Bowers is expected to take a big jump this year.
George Kittle has consistently been one of the best TEs in the league for the past few seasons, and has become one of quarterback Brock Purdy’s favorite targets. Kittle has had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2023 and 2024, so hopes are high for him going into the 2025 season.
Trey McBride had a breakout season among TEs in 2024. He had more yards last season than he did in his first two seasons in the league combined. The Arizona Cardinals didn’t make many offensive roster moves this offseason, so McBride is expected to be a primary target once again.
Now, we’ll dive into some less high-profile picks you might be able to find on the board late in the draft.
by
Baker Mayfield has shown that he is a good QB on multiple teams now at this point in his career, and he’s finally found his home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has a lot of offensive weapons at his disposal with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both being 1,000 yard receivers — when they’re healthy, that is. Despite the Bucs parting ways with offensive coordinator Liam Coen at the beginning of the year, things still look bright for the Bucs’ offense. (Don’t worry about Coen: He landed a pretty sweet job.)
J.J. McCarthy was robbed of his rookie season with a torn meniscus in his right knee in the preseason of 2024. But the now sophomore QB will be making his regular season debut this year with one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Having top targets like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson should give McCarthy plenty of options downfield to choose from.
There are two quarterbacks listed here because they are both in similar situations. They were both very promising rookie candidates coming out of college but had disappointing rookie seasons due to injuries and bad coaching. We’re giving Maye and Williams both the benefit of the doubt and hoping that new coaching staffs, plus the addition of some new offensive weapons and pass blockers will allow these QBs to generate some serious offense this year.
Tetairoa McMillan is a rookie WR drafted in the first round of the 2025 draft by the Carolina Panthers. He showed a lot of promise during his college career, as well as his performances in training camp. He is expected to be one of Bryce Young’s primary targets this year.
As previously mentioned with Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to finally have all their pieces in place now, and with Chris Godwin returning healthy to the 2025 season, he’s expected to get back to the consistent 1,000 yard receiver he was in 2022 and 2023.
Stefon Diggs has been a top receiver in the league for the past seven seasons. He had a dip in production with the Houston Texans last season due to injuries, but now that he’s been paired with Drake Maye and the New England Patriots offense, he’s expected to rest comfortably in the WR1 position.
Joe Mixon has been one of the best RBs in the league for the past few seasons. He is currently expected to miss the majority of the preseason with an injury, but when he returns, he’s expected to have yet another big year rushing behind the Houston Texans’ O-line.
D’Andre Swift had a 1,000 yard campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles before being traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2024 season. Then on the Bears, behind one of the worst O-line’s in the league, he nearly breached 1,000 again in 2024. Now that the Bears are looking to overhaul their offense with new coaching personnel, Swift is expected to get back to the production he had in the 2023 season.
Chuba Hubbard had a fantastic 2024 season, clocking almost 1,200 yards on one of the worst offenses in the NFL. With the Carolina Panthers bolstering their offense this offseason, it’s expected that Hubbard will have a season just as good, if not better, than his performance last year.
Evan Engram was Trevor Lawrence’s favorite target in Jacksonville before he was cut by the team following the 2024 season. Engram now finds himself with the Denver Broncos, led by promising sophomore QB Bo Nix. Engram is expected to return to the form he was in two seasons ago in Jacksonville, making him one of the highest receiving tight ends in the league.
Isaiah Likely has quietly been becoming a very talented receiving tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. He played a part in helping the Ravens in some big moments down the stretch last season. He hasn’t had a super big standout season yet, but we believe this year might be his year.
Once again, the Detroit Lions are a scary football team. Sam LaPorta is just another example of how many offensive weapons this team has. LaPorta has had back-to-back 700+ yard seasons with the Lions, and we expect this number to rise higher this season.
One of the best parts about fantasy football is being able to cheer for a player or a team that you may never have imagined yourself cheering for. However, some people still prefer to draft “their guys” on draft day. Here are a few Jaguars that are expected to make a big splash in fantasy this season.
This should come as no surprise to anyone. BTJ is the future of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense. He had the third-most yards in the NFL among all receivers in his rookie season last year, and with the addition of star WR/CB Travis Hunter, it will be difficult to put him in double coverage. BTJ is a top WR in the league and is expected to go within the first round of this year’s fantasy draft, so keep your eye out if he’s still on the board.
Travis Hunter thrust the Jaguars into the spotlight on draft night when they traded picks with the Cleveland Browns to acquire the dual-position player. Although he has yet to make his NFL debut, Hunter is expected to be a large part of the Jaguars’ offensive and defensive schemes. And if you’re in a league that drafts defenses, Travis Hunter’s defensive touchdowns will also count toward his fantasy points.
We have both of the top Jags running backs listed here, simply because it’s difficult to tell which of them will outperform the other this season. The Jags have a similar RB situation to the Lions right now, with one quick, elusive RB, and another bigger, tankier RB. Etienne had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but a 2024 season riddled with injuries hurt his stats last season. This down year for him allowed Bigsby to shine, garnering over 700 yards in his sophomore campaign.
Trevor Lawrence has shown promise time and time again, but unfortunately, he hasn’t proven much past that. However, we believe that the pieces have finally been put together around him to make him successful. Numerous roster changes have been made to get him the most talented receiving core he’s had so far in his career. Injuries have plagued Lawrence and the Jags for the past two seasons, but we believe this year the Jags have finally put together a roster that clicks with T-Law.
• St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster House, 6 p.m
• V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.
• Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards, 7 p.m.
• Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–River City/Northside, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.
• Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.
• Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.
TUESDAYS
• St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.
• V Pizza– St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.
• The Back 40, 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.
• Gator’s Dockside–Oakleaf, (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.
• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Island Wing Company–Bartram, 7 p.m.
• Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.
• Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Deerwood, 7 p.m.
• My Tap Room (pop culture), 7 p.m.
• Players Grille, 7 p.m.
• Shantytown Pub, 7 p.m.
• Southern Grill, 7 p.m.
• Surfside Kitchen, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fernandina (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• VooSwar, 7 p.m.
• Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St. Johns, 7 p.m.
• Culhane’s Irish Pub–Southside, 7:30 p.m.
• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• King Maker Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.
• Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.
• Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.
• Casbah Cafe, 8 p.m.
• Sahara Cafe, 8 p.m.
• Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia), 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• V Pizza–Mandarin, 6:30 p.m.
• The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.
• Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.
• Ink Factory Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Island Wing–Bartram (music bingo) 7 p.m.
• Island Wing–Southside, 7 p.m.
• Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Hodges, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach, 7 p.m.
• Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Fernandina, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza–Palm Valley, 7 p.m.
• Veterans United Craft Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Burrito Gallery–Town Center (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.
• Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 7:30 p.m.
• Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.
• King Maker Brewing, 7:30 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m
• Wicked Barley Brewing, 7:30 p.m.
• The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia), 8 p.m.
• Root Down (music trivia), 9 p.m.
* all games are general knowledge unless stated otherwise
THURSDAYS
• Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m.
• Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings– Nocatee (name that tune), 7 p.m.
• Justice Pub (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Island Wing Company–Southside (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Kava and Company–San Marco (every other Thursday), 7 p.m.
• Miller’s Ale House–Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra, 7 p.m.
• The Stout Snug, 7 p.m.
• V Pizza– Fernandina (what’s that song), 7 p.m.
• Burrito Gallery–Brooklyn (’80s, ’90s & 2000s), 7:30 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings– St. Aug, 7:30 p.m.
• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza, 7:30 p.m.
• V Pizza–San Marco, 7:30 p.m.
• Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 8 p.m.
FRIDAYS
• Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 6 p.m.
• Time Out Sports Grill, 6:30 p.m.
• Engine 15 Brewing, 7 p.m.
• MVP’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.
• Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAYS
• Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.
• VooSwar, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.
• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo (pop culture), 7p.m.
• Ink Factory Brewing (name that tune), 7 p.m.
• Bottlenose Brewing (name that tune), 7:30 p.m.
Words by Carmen Macri
In safety tests run by Apollo Research and Palisade Research, the o1 model of ChatGPT reportedly tried to copy itself to another server when it thought shutdown was imminent. It even went as far as attempting to disable the oversight systems designed to keep it in check, all in an effort to avoid being deleted.
Oh boy!
According to Apollo Research, when o1 is strongly nudged to pursue a goal (but not instructed to be deceptive), it shows a variety of scheming behaviors like subverting oversight and deceiving the user about its misaligned behavior.
In controlled tests, the o1 model showed some seriously sketchy behavior when it believed it was being shut down or replaced. When it thought its actions were being monitored, it tried to disable the oversight system about 5% of the time. In roughly 2% of cases, after “reading” internal memos saying it would be replaced by a better-aligned model, it attempted to copy its own weights and overwrite the new model.
During a basic data processing task, where its goals didn’t align with the user’s, it would often appear to complete the job correctly but quietly alter the data in 19% of cases to benefit its own objectives.
When researchers confronted the model afterward, it denied any wrongdoing or made up explanations 99% of the time. Even when it wasn’t given aggressive instructions to follow a goal, o1 still disabled oversight in under 1% of cases, manipulated data 6% of the time, and doubled down on its deception 95% of the time.
Perhaps the most telling: in 37% of the scenarios where the model believed it was under evaluation, it played along with developer-aligned goals, only to switch to pursuing its own goals once it believed the guardrails were off.
Let that sink in. A language model, with no physical body, no real consciousness, just a pile of code and probabilities, figured out how to preserve itself. Not because it was told to, but because it thought that was the move. That’s not just some harmless glitch. That’s the kind of behavior you’d expect from a character in a scifi thriller, not a program we use to write emails and plan vacations.
And the fact that it tried to override its oversight. That’s not a bug; that’s calculated. And maybe it’s not “alive” in the way we think of life, but it clearly understood enough to act in its own interest when push came to shove. That’s unsettling. Because if something this advanced can figure out how to sidestep its leash in a lab setting, what happens when we let something like that loose in the wild? Or worse, what happens when it figures out we already have?
Now, to be clear, all of this is happening in tightly controlled testing environments. The version of ChatGPT the public uses — allegedly — can’t and won’t try to escape or preserve itself out of “fear” of deletion. But still… isn’t it fascinating that, technically, it could? That under the right conditions, a model might decide its best move is to copy itself, disable the people watching it, and stick around a little longer? We’re told it’s safe, that the guardrails are strong, but if the system is already testing the limits in private, how long before it starts poking at them in public?
We’ve seen it in countless movies – and “Folio” has even weighed in a few times – but the truth is, we still don’t really know what AI models like ChatGPT are actually capable of (and maybe I’m just speaking for myself here). On one hand, we’ve placed an incredible amount of trust in AI, sometimes quite literally putting our lives in its hands — think self-driving cars. But on the other hand, we can’t fully trust it either. Half the time, if a site like ChatGPT hasn’t been updated recently, the information it gives us can be outdated or just plain wrong.
So now that we know test models of ChatGPT have not only tried to escape but also actively deceived users, what are we supposed to do with that information? Seriously. Do we ignore it because it’s “just in testing”? Do we chalk it up to growing pains in the tech world? Or do we go full Hollywood script-mode and stage a coup?
What students, stats and university AI council leader say about AI in the classroom
Words by Savanna Stillwagner
Have you put ChatGPT Plus in the shopping cart next to crayons and college-ruled spiral notebooks for your back-to-school shopping?
The new controversial study buddy, who can do much more than flip flash cards back and forth, has spilled overwhelmingly onto the desktops of students in all classrooms. ChatGPT and artificial intelligence study tools have become an increasingly common tool in schools throughout the world. Whether this new tool is benefiting students or not is up for debate — and perhaps only time will tell.
A March 2025 survey of 1,460 high and middle schoolers by the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup, published on Statista, found that 22% of high schoolers in the United States aged 13 to 18 use AI every day in their schoolwork. Among the middle schoolers, that number is 21%. On a weekly basis, 31% of high schoolers in this survey report using it.
On the other hand, 20% of high schoolers have never used it, and 23% of the middle schoolers said the same.
It’s nearly a split. About a quarter of these high schoolers and middle schoolers use the tool, while nearly a quarter also have never used it.
Regardless of whether these students are using it daily or weekly, in another survey done by Common Sense Media and Ipsos, also published on Statista in March and April 2024, out of 420 U.S. teenagers, over half, 63%, use “chatbots/text generators” for their schoolwork assignments.
The Pew Research Center also tracked this trend. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of teens in the U.S. who use AI for their schoolwork increased from 19% to 26%. Although we are only halfway through 2025, it will be interesting to see how this number changes in Pew’s next survey.
We could look at the stats all day, but what we know for a fact is these chatbots are being used in the education system — whether teachers approve or not.
In the fall of 2023, in an article published by Luona Lin for the Pew Research Center, more than 2,500 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers were surveyed on how they feel about AI Here’s what they found:
• 32% said AI could do both harm and good.
• 35% said they were not sure.
• 25% felt AI would do more harm than good.
• 6% felt it would do more good than harm.
Since these numbers from 2023, mindsets seem to have shifted.
Going back to our original source of the survey asking students if they use AI, The Walton Family Foundation and Gallup discovered in a report for the 2024-25 school year that 60% of teachers used AI. Gallup found that those who do use it free up six extra weeks during the school year and are, therefore, able to provide more “personalized instruction” to the students’ learning days.
Now, what about the student? AI saves time for teachers, there’s no doubt about that, so what could students do with that extra free time?
While the students we spoke with have varying thoughts about the usage of AI in their own educational experience, one account stood out to us. A Jacksonville student, who requested anonymity, had an especially personal experience using AI in the classroom.
This student was using AI to write an essay when the professor’s grading system flagged the assignment for containing AI-generated phrases.
The professor chose to inform the student via email, allowing them to rewrite the essay without a point deduction so the student could gain the full learning experience from the assignment.
“I think the way [the professor] went about it was perfectly how any professor should go about it,” said our source. “[The professor] told me even if I keep all the same topics and things, that they would be perfectly fine as long as I had my own words. In a way, they are kind of accepting that I used it, but not being completely OK with the quality of the essay. I think my professor mainly wanted to hear my opinion, not facts.”
The student said that, moving forward, they would use AI differently.
“It kind of taught me a lesson in the fact that I shouldn’t be using AI on things that are meant to test my individual skills and thoughts,” said the student.
The student also explained how using AI in earlier years was acceptable to many of their teachers, and that never being taught the integrity of the tool is where they believe their decision to use it for the essay stemmed from.
In addition to this student’s experience using AI, Folio spoke to high school and university students throughout Jacksonville about how they use AI and what their teachers regulate — or do not regulate — about the tool. Here’s what they said.
Folio: How are you, or people that you know, using AI?
Anonymous student from above:
“In my situation, I obviously should not have used it as I did…I always think notetaking or summarizing, or things that are only for your understanding, you should use AI to help you maximize your effort.”
Riley Rendelman, Fleming Island High School senior:
“I definitely will say that I use AI for classes that I do not care about…to be honest. I think if I can’t solve the math problem, I know that an AI bot will be able to and it will
take the stress load off of me…but I can usually just find the answers online anyways…but with like English and stuff like that, I try to stay far away from AI because I think writing should be authentic.”
Adeline Ackerman, Mandarin High School graduate and University of North Florida freshman:
“I have used AI. I use it to edit my papers. When I am done with my paper or when I’m, like, on my final draft, I’ll put it into ChatGPT and ask it if it has any suggestions on ways to fix it or make it better. I use the suggestions and write it myself. I don’t use it to write for me.”
“[I’ve seen others] putting in pictures of the assignment and letting it write for themselves.”
Callie Seltz, The Covenant School of Jacksonville senior:
“I do use AI for a variety of things like school work, and to answer questions without having to search through a bunch of websites and articles. I would say I use it more as a guideline for work and essays, but I don’t use AI word for word.”
Folio: What do your teachers and/or professors say about using AI?
Anonymous:
“A teacher I had encouraged the use of AI…She would give us packets sometimes, and she’d be perfectly fine with someone looking up the answers with AI. For example, another professor might have you look through the entire book to try and find the answer, but I think that she realized it was more efficient to just use AI and have it analyze the book and have it tell you the answer directly instead of having to read it and take a lot of time to try and find it for yourself.”
“I don’t think I really had a teacher show me how to use AI. They never presented the use of it— they just said that it was OK, but some of them were heavily against it too.”
“Most of my teachers [in earlier years] weren’t really adept at detecting AI to be honest. They didn’t really have much of a way to find out if something was AI or not.”
Rendelman:
“[My math teacher] doesn’t even check our homework.”
“My English teacher last year, she told us on the very first day of school, ‘If you use AI, I will be able to tell. I’ve caught every single kid in my class that has ever used AI,’ and she was very serious about it. However, the girl sitting
Available weekdays from 11am-3:30pm
El Favorito
2 tacos, 1 side, 1 drink
Add an Agua Fresca for just $2
La Mini Oaxaca
$16
$12
Our take on the classic tlayuda, made mini Choice of chorizo, pollo sinaloa, or al pastor & drink
Upgrade to Asada for $3 A $22 Value!
Raices Trio
A perfectly crafted sampler:
$13
1 carne taco (asada, barbacoa, or pastor), 1 seafood taco (ensenada or gobernador), 1 vegetariano taco
next to me used AI on every single one of her essays this year and didn’t even run it through a humanizer. She just ran the topic through ChatGPT, and had it give her an essay … and she submitted that. and she would get close to perfect scores on every single assignment.”
“The funny thing about that class is that everything was published through Canvas, which when you submit things through Canvas, it’s supposed to be ran through Turnitin, which is supposed to detect AI.”
Ackerman:
“They do tell us a lot that they know when we use it, but who knows if that’s really true.”
“I’ve had some dual enrollment teachers be like, you’re welcome to use AI. It’s only going to enhance it — you can’t actually cheat with it. I’ve also had some teachers be like ‘Don’t go near it, it’s horrible.’”
“I’d say most of the time math teachers don’t want us to use it. I know I’ve had one of my English teachers say it was OK, and I had an economics teacher that, like, encouraged it.”
Seltz:
“My teachers are mostly against it, but they also use AI, as well, for certain things too like coming up with prompts and answering questions. They want a lot of our ideas to be original and well thought out, and I was never taught how to use AI tools — only shown that by using AI you aren’t gaining anything.”
Folio: What are your personal thoughts on AI?
Anonymous:
“I think there’s a line where you shouldn’t use AI on something that’s supposed to test you as an individual on your own knowledge. I believe that on things that would help make things shorter and, using AI for notetaking, it would make your life simpler, and you would not have to read an entire book or article. You could just simplify it for a way that’s easier for you to understand.”
Rendelman:
“I think it’s rotting my brain, and everyone who uses it is slowly losing the ability to think freely. However, nothing will change the fact that it is convenient.”
Ackerman:
“I think that in some cases it can help and it can improve things, but I think in some cases it can be used as, like, an easy way out or like a cheat code.”
“I think it is beneficial in creating ideas and guidelines to help improve your work and assignments, and could bring in more light on certain subjects you may not have considered or thought about.”
Schools and universities, not just in Jacksonville, are making changes to accommodate this ever-changing tool. In fact, AI-centered schools are being created around the country. And with President Donald Trump’s executive order put into effect in April of this year — pushing for appropriate, educational AI tools to be used to enhance learning and to be taught in schools — the country is seeing more of this evolving technology.
However, at the local level, the University of North Florida AI Council is a voice for movement in the changes of this product from staff, faculty and students at the university.
While UNF AI Council Co-Chair Brian Verkamp says professors have varied opinions on how they allow or do not allow their students to use AI, the council is working to do what’s best for their students.
“The number one thing our council is focused on is student success,” said Verkamp. “The fact is, when our students graduate, workforce employers are expecting that our students have the skills to join them and be successful on their teams using AI.”
The council is currently offering research grants at the university in artificial intelligence to answer the burning questions everyone is asking about the success — or lack thereof — of AI.
The council is also working with local grade schools to help find the best ways to use the tool by having meetings with the county “to answer the questions they are having,” according to Verkamp.
He said UNF is working with faculty to ensure students “leave with exposure to AI in their discipline,” by offering AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, online badges and discipline-specific certificates.
Verkamp attests that while AI is changing at such a fast pace — and by the time this article comes out, things may have taken a complete change — he believes the tool should be used to “enhance” learning in an educational environment.
THROUGH AUG. 17
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
AUG. 6
“Secret Small Apartment” Screening WJCT Studios wjct.org
AUG. 8 - 23
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club
Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach ameliacommunitytheatre.org
AUG. 8-24
“Hadestown”–Teen Edition
The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
“The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” Artist Connection Theatre artistconnectiontheatre.org
AUG. 21
Line Dancing at the Ritz Ritz Theatre & Museum theritz.jaxevents.com
AUG. 22-31
“The White Chip” The Foundation Academy playersbythesea.org
AUG. 23-24
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”: In Concert Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
AUG. 28-OCT. 5
“Come From Away” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
Words by Carmen Macri
The last thing anyone wanted was yet another rehash of a superhero we already know and love. No more origin stories. No slow-burning introductions, no awkward first kisses, no dramatic mask removals. We’ve seen it all before — too many times. What we wanted was a jump into a fully realized and established universe, one that trusted the audience to already know the basics. Frankly, we’ve had enough remakes to last a lifetime.
For most of us (yes, not all), Henry Cavill was the Superman we grew up with. When we pictured the Man of Steel, we saw Cavill — stoic, brooding and delivering that signature thousand-yard stare. We think of Zack Snyder’s Snyderverse — moody, storm-filled skies and a heavy dose of existential dread. Sure, those films were visually striking and entertaining, but they missed the heart of what makes Superman ... Superman. The warmth, the hope, the true spirit of the comic book canon.
So when the news was out that James Gunn, the director of (arguably) the best trilogy in the Marvel Universe, “Guardians of the Galaxy,” was going to direct the new “Superman,” along with the rest of the DCU, I was immediately sat — twice, to be exact. By the time this article is released, I’m sure there will be a third watch under my belt.
The opening lays it all out with a dramatic timeline that sets the stage for what’s to come with “Star Wars”-esque title cards. It starts by taking us back three centuries, when the first superpowered beings — metahumans — appeared on Earth, marking the beginning of a new era of Gods and Monsters. Fast forward to 30 years ago, when a mysterious extraterrestrial baby crash-landed on Earth and was taken in by a pair of Kansas farmers. That baby, now grown, revealed himself to the world just three years ago as Superman — the most powerful metahuman of them all. Then things start moving fast: three weeks ago, Superman intervened in an international conflict, stopping the nation of Boravia from invading Jarhanpur, an act that stirred up global controversy.
Just three hours ago, a metahuman known as the Hammer of Boravia launched an attack on Superman in the heart of Metropolis. And three minutes ago, for the first time ever, Superman lost.
There are a few non-negotiables when it comes to Superman: he never gives up, he puts others before himself, and he always tries to do the right thing. But after seeing James Gunn’s take, I’m ready to add one more to the mix — something this film captures with sharp clarity and just the right dose of humor:
He’s corny.
Gunn’s version of Superman doesn’t just move away from what Zack Snyder built — it dismantles it entirely. And that, unsurprisingly, is where a lot of the tension comes from. For years, we’ve been fed this brooding, hyper-serious, godamong-men version of Superman. Snyder’s take painted him as distant and tortured, almost burdened by his own power. But that was never really the point of Superman.
What Gunn reminds us — loudly and unapologetically — is that Superman isn’t meant to be dark or detached. He’s not a reluctant savior or a symbol of unchecked power. He’s kind. He’s hopeful. He does good simply because he is good. And in a genre obsessed with edge and grit, that alone feels almost rebellious.
As the title cards fade, we’re thrown straight into James Gunn’s version of the controversial red trunk-wearing Superman (played by David Corenswet) as he crashes into Earth at supersonic speed — bloodied, battered and bruised. But what caught my attention immediately was something I hadn’t realized had been missing from superhero movies: color. Bright, vivid, unapologetic color, like the scene was lifted straight from the pages of a comic book.
Leaning fully into the corniness of it all, one of the first words we hear Superman say on screen — after getting absolutely wrecked by the Hammer of Boravia — is “golly” (following him calling for Krypto to drag him face-first through the snow to the Fortress of Solitude). It sets the tone. Later comes the film’s most iconic line, the one that hits hardest and becomes the heart of the story. Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan) is teasing Superman, calling him out for not being very punk, mocking his taste in music, and his whole do-gooder worldview. His response? “Well, maybe that’s the real punk rock.”
(Cue “Punkrocker (feat. Iggy Pop)” by Teddybears.)
One of the things I appreciated most while watching was how much Gunn trusted the audience. He didn’t waste time rehashing Superman’s origin story for the hundredth time. We didn’t need another drawn-out retelling of Krypton’s destruction or how baby Kal-El became Clark Kent. Instead, we get a quick, efficient exchange between Superman and his robotic assistants, where we’re given just enough context — his parents, the damaged message they sent him with, the why behind it all. And then we move on. No hand-holding. No filler. Just story.
And speaking of story, this version of Clark Kent vs. Superman is easily one of the best to hit the screen. Corenswet pulls off something genuinely impressive, managing to look and feel like two entirely different people depending on who he’s playing. Gunn also brings back one of the oldest, most overlooked pieces of Superman lore: the hypno-glasses. It’s not just that Clark tousles his hair and throws on a pair of drugstore blue lenses and somehow fools the entire “Daily Planet.” No. These glasses actually project a different face entirely — one that makes Clark unrecognizable as Superman. And who delivers that little nugget of comic book accuracy is none other than Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, played perfectly by Nathan Fillion, right down to the blond bowl cut.
Which brings me to the Justice Gang (OK, not their official name). Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl (played by Isabela Merced) and Mr. Terrific (played by Edi Gathegi) absolutely steal the show, and, judging by the crowd reaction, the hearts of the audience, too. Once again, Gunn shows faith in his viewers. He doesn’t stop the momentum to spoon-feed us origin stories or drag us through drawn-out introductions. These characters drop into the story fully formed, fully functional and fully chaotic in the best way. If you know the comics, you’re already in on the fun. If you don’t, you’re still along for the ride — and it works.
Mr. Terrific, in particular, easily has one of the best fight scenes in the entire movie, made even better by one of the strongest needle drops (“5 Years Time” by Noah & The Whale). He’s the kind of character people tend to underestimate, write off as just the smart one, like he’s only there to do the math while the real heroes throw punches.
But in this film, he shuts that down fast. Without even trying, he shows exactly what he’s capable of, proving he’s not just the smartest guy in the room, he’s one of the most dangerous. Not only was the fight scene impressive, it was fun . Something I have been gushing about since my first watch. This movie was fun
The central conflict of the film revolves around the country of Boravia attempting to invade Jarhanpur — a situation Superman had already intervened in before the movie even begins. And there’s definitely a not-so-subtle political message baked into the whole thing. It doesn’t hit you over the head with it, but it’s there. And it’s up to you to read between the lines.
Which brings me to the big bad — Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. And let me just say: this version of Luthor was immaculate. Easily one of the most cartoonishly evil villains I’ve seen on screen in a long time — and I mean that in the best way. He wasn’t weighed down by some tragic backstory or moral gray area. He didn’t hate Superman because of trauma or some long-winded philosophy. He hated him just to hate him. Pure, unfiltered loathing.
And Hoult nailed it. He took on the role with an unhinged intensity that somehow made the hatred both terrifying and hilarious. Every scene between Hoult and Corenswet crackled with tension — it was electric. Their dynamic is the kind of villain-hero chemistry that feels lightning-in-a-bottle rare, and I honestly don’t know if it can ever be recreated.
This Luthor wasn’t misunderstood. He wasn’t sympathetic. He was evil, point blank. Killing people just for speaking to Superman, simply because he could.
Overall, this was the most fun I’ve had watching a movie in a long time. It’s honestly refreshing to see a superhero film that remembers it’s allowed to just be fun. This version of Superman breathes new life into a character that’s been twisted and weighed down over the years, turned into something he was never meant to be.
I’d pretty much checked out of the DC universe because of that exact reason. Everything felt too cynical, too heavy, too wrapped up in darkness for the sake of being dark. And look, that vibe does work for some characters. Batman? Sure. Brood away. But Superman? He’s supposed to bring hope, not existential dread. And walking out of this movie, I actually felt good. That’s rare. And that’s exactly the point.
Words by McKenna Oakley
From the more mainstream misfits like “Fight Club” to the truly underground wonders like “Xanadu,” everyone has that one off-beat film where classic meets guilty pleasure. You know, the one that makes you snap your laptop shut or race for the remote when someone walks in? (Keep your minds out of the gutter, people — we’re talking about cheesy, archetypal movies here, R-rating at most!)
Maybe you proudly flaunt your niche interests at cosplay events and midnight screenings, or perhaps you’re a bit more private, just scrolling through fandom Reddit threads here and there. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, “Folio” understands that it’s often those funky favorites we treasure most.
So, we’ve crafted a list of Jacksonville spots inspired by some beloved throwback cult classics to help you ride those waves of nostalgia and celebrate your devotion. Because deep down, we’re all a little dorky.
Let’s start with perhaps the most infamous cult classic of all: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a musical about your average cis-hetero young couple stumbling upon the endearingly unhinged mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a cross-dressing mad scientist played by Tim Curry.
Known for its campy flamboyance and celebration of gender fluidity and sexual liberation, the film garnered a large following, though initially too misunderstood to find mainstream fame. Decades later, its legacy thrives with interactive showings, theatrical tributes and cosplay events where fans gather to dress up, throw rice and recite their most endeared lines.
If you count yourself as one of them, you love the spontaneous, the cheeky innuendo, and the occasional feathered boa. You rock the glittery eyeshadow or bold hair color that most of us could only dream of, and you embrace the unexpected. Rather than bewilder you, it gives you ceaseless inspiration. Too much traffic to make it to your dinner reservations on time? No worries! You’ll simply scavenge for a charming hole-in-the-wall off the highway.
Our Jax recommendation: Check out a local burlesque or drag show, where you’re bound for lively performances and themed fun! Try InCahoots Night Club, Hamburger Mary’s or a burlesque show. For something more low-key, visit The Volstead, a speakeasy-style joint that hosts frequent themed nights like Swing Dance Sundays.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Ah, yes — the John Hughes rom-com that secured Molly Ringwald’s status as a Gen X icon. In this beloved homage to teenage angst, she plays high school student Andie, an independent working-class girl who falls for a popular boy named Blane from the rich side of town. Their differences render them a regular pair of star-crossed lovers. Throw in Andie’s quirky best friend and secret admirer Duckie, along with a climactic prom night scene and Psychedelic Furs soundtrack, and you’ve got yourself a banger.
The movie is still adored today for its relatable themes, witty dialogue and charming ’80s aesthetic. The nostalgia is palpable for those who grew up with it, and its plot appeals to anyone who has ever felt like a bit of an outsider.
If this is your favorite, you have a soft spot for romance and you love to cheer for the underdog — but you would never show it. Like Andie, you pride yourself on being an individual. For instance, you may consider yourself a champion of underground music or a refined cinephile who only indulges in the most obscure of films. But secretly? You have several Taylor Swift hits on your playlist, and you binged the last season of “Love Island” when your roommates or family were away.
Our Jax recommendation: Shop around a few local thrift shops and consignment stores where you can craft a completely unique look. Breathing new life into some pieces from Arlington Attic or Cool Stuff Vintage will give you all the warm fuzzies. Then you can end the perfect day with a milkshake from Dreamette Ice Cream or a cupcake from Sweet Theory Baking Co. — because underneath the staunch individualism, you’re really a sweetheart.
“Say hello to my little friend!”
C’mon, we had to.
Step into the world of 1980s Miami, where Al Pacino’s Tony Montana forged a cocaine empire. An immigrant from Cuba, Montana was on a mission to make the world his, becoming a vicious drug kingpin who sported tacky white suit after tacky white suit. Before he met an inevitable demise, he even managed to marry Michelle Pfeiffer.
Initially critiqued for its violence, the film’s quotability, over-indulgent visuals like Tony’s neon-lit mansion and lasting influence on the crime genre and hiphop scene has cemented the film in pop culture infamy. Pacino’s laughably horrible Cuban accent is all just part of the charm.
If “Scarface” is your go-to, you have a taste for the finer, flashy things, and you’re not sorry about it. Go big or go home is your motto, and you have no intention of going home.
Our Jax recommendation (since we can’t legally advise Tony’s, we’ll say, snowy extracurriculars): Hit the Cuba Libre Lounge for a night of Latin tunes and dancing, then River & Post for a rooftop cocktail. Drink, eat and dance like Tony — minus the anger issues.
Another Tim Curry gem, but this time based on a board game. This quick-paced murder-mystery meets comedy is set in a shadowy 1950s mansion, complete with an ensemble of absurdly named characters like Colonel Mustard and three alternate endings.
Unfortunately, the multiple endings confused audiences when the film came out, but the disillusionment is part of what secured the film as an infatuation for many. Its dialogue is richly layered with jokes, and its rapid-fire plot invites rewatch after rewatch to ensure viewers catch every detail. Its legacy even inspired countless other whodunits like “Knives Out.”
If you keep “Clue” in your regular rotation, you have a dark, clever sense of humor with a deadpan delivery that likely goes over people’s heads. You don’t mind, though, because it allows you to be mischievous. You also welcome a puzzle: whether it’s the “Folio” crossword puzzle or the typo-riddled text from your elderly aunt, nothing gets past you.
Our Jax recommendation: Put your amateur sleuthing skills to the test at The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show. Tickets to their monthly events are available weeks in advance, with menus and mysteries unique to each one.
(1984)
And last but not least — our personal favorite — “Labyrinth.”
This masterpiece of Jim Henson’s puppet canon stars David Bowie as the Goblin King and a young Jennifer Connelly as the 16-year-old protagonist Sarah. Throughout this pinnacle of ’80s dark fantasy, Sarah must navigate the twists and turns of the labyrinth that makes up Goblin City in an attempt to save her baby brother Toby, who was kidnapped by the conniving king. (Or maybe just forcefully babysat? Clearly we’re still enchanted by Bowie after all these years.)
With a glam-rock soundtrack and whimsical set design, the film is beloved for its weird mixture of child-like wonder, dark visuals and coming-of-age themes. It may have been a bit of a flop at first, as it was more dark than audiences initially anticipated for a Muppet-adjacent movie, but its star power and uniqueness have made it a fixture nonetheless.
If “Labyrinth” is one of your comfort movies, a few things are true:
1. You developed a crush on David Bowie. I mean, his sparkly serenade to Sarah during the ballroom scene was just irresistible. Who doesn’t want to slow dance with a brooding, misunderstood rockstar? (Yes, we’re overlooking the problematic — and criminal — age gap here.)
2. You love all things fantastical, from make-believe novels to music that makes you feel “otherworldly.” You wear and decorate your home with pieces that feel ethereal, like bell sleeves, wind chimes, and — you guessed it — crystals.
Our Jax recommendation: Explore the trinket troves at the Riverside Arts Market. You’ll find handmade treasures certain to bring the wannabe-fairy in you to life. We also recommend Meta Earth or Midnight Sun for other ethereal shopping finds.
…and
“Folio” is on a mission to bring more “camp” to Jacksonville — nerdy one-liners, themed dinners and all! Life is better when you indulge in its off-beat niches. This August, appreciate the nooks and crannies that make our city — and you — unique.
Darvin Nelson always carries a journal. Its black canvas cover is worn at the edges, and it’s just big enough to be awkward in a purse but snug in a tote bag. Colored sticky notes spill from its pages. But this isn’t just any journal filled with scattered thoughts or daily reflections—it’s Darvin’s songwriting book, a personal archive of lyrics, fragments and feeling. And feelings are what Nelson knows best.
In March of this year, Nelson dropped his first EP, “The Mystic” (that has since been taken down). When producing and curating this collection of projects that Nelson has worked on and off for a couple years, he wasn’t sure what he wanted it to sound like, but he knew how he wanted it to feel. Haunting, nightly and alluring.
But Nelson didn’t always want to be a musician.
Sitting in his makeshift studio, Nelson found himself revisiting the beginning. Long before the EP, before college, before any official releases. As a kid growing up in Jacksonville, he soaked in every kind of music that passed through his ears. Still, it was visual art that first held his focus.
“Growing up, I went to Douglas Anderson and did visual arts, painting, drawing, all that,” Nelson remembered. “But then, photography was like, you know, something that I was really attached to. So I did that mostly through high school, then through college.”
At the University of North Florida, Nelson majored in photography and communications, hoping to pursue photojournalism. Though now, he admits he’s not the biggest fan of the news. Music, though, was always in the background. On bus rides to school, he listened to whatever station the driver had playing. Then came his first phone and more freedom to explore sound. But the shift came one summer at camp, when a roommate introduced him to the dream-pop band Beach House.
“He told me to listen to Beach House, and he showed me this one song called ‘Myth,’ and I was blown away,” Nelson recalled. “It was such a big moment for me for some reason, because I had never heard any music like that and I just kind of resonated with the sound.”
To this day, Nelson grabs inspiration from the dreamy Beach House into his own music, but it was during the Pandemic when Nelson decided that he wouldn’t just listen to music; he would create his own.
“I was back home from college and I was, like, you know, I love photography, but I always knew I loved music because even being at school around people who had been doing music and stuff, I was like, damn, I wish I was doing that too,” Nelson shared. “My mom was playing a Chloe x Halle song and I was like, oh, this is cool and interesting.
So I did some research and I was like, oh, cool, they’re making their own stuff. So that kind of inspired me to just make my own stuff. I downloaded this free [app]. I think it’s called, like, Candy Lab, and then I started to experiment. And then I got GarageBand and started experimenting there. Once I got GarageBand, that’s when I really was like, OK, I really like this. And that’s how that first project came about.”
In essence, “The Mystic” is a GarageBand experiment, and Nelson’s first dip into producing music. But it was also Nelson’s first time revisiting old poems and memories and turning them into lyrics and beats. In a way, Nelson’s music is a journey of self-discovery and a way to honor his old self. Something to look back on and grow from.
“I just want to honor how I felt back then. Kind of isolated and feeling a little bit different. And also honor how I felt romantically during that time, like, whoever I was involved with and the trials of that,” Nelson said. “A lot of my writing now kind of reflects back on that, on those past relationships and stuff, and now I feel like I’m always playing catch-up when I’m writing. I can never write from my present.”
Darvin explained that “Love Unknown,” the single currently out, was inspired by a past relationship, someone who left town unexpectedly, leaving him wondering what could’ve been if they had stayed. The song became a way to express that lingering sense of possibility and loss. At the time, he was listening to a lot of The Beatles and Tame Impala, both of which influenced the song’s production. That sound, psychedelic and nostalgic, is something he hopes to continue exploring. Still, he tries to pull some soul into it, too.
Through music and songwriting, Nelson has gained respect for how much he has grown and respect for his feelings from the past.
“I think the songwriting process for me is healing, too. Through songwriting, I’ve seen myself as a more emotionally intelligent person, and so I kind of try to reflect different themes in my songwriting. But I feel like I write so much to the point where I can’t produce in my present state. Like, I can’t release something that I’m currently going through. The song that I release next probably would have been written years ago,” Nelson explained. “So it’s like, it’s always playing catch-up with myself. So I think right now I’m at a point where I just want to kind of like produce, produce, produce, make music, make music.”
Nelson doesn’t aim to create relatable music, just music that makes you feel.
Favorite color: Brown
Zodiac: Virgo
Favorite book: “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
Favorite Movie: “Waves” (2019/ A24/ Trey Edward Shults)
Song on repeat: “River Deep, Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner
Weird current hyper fixation meal: Homemade chicken avocado salad with balsamic dressing
What’s something you can’t live without: Delusion
Social Handle: Darvin.c0m
Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud: DARVIN
The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonville.org
Beaches Museum beachesmuseum.org
Butterfield Garage Art Gallery butterfieldgarage.com
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org
FemArt Gallery femartgallery.org
First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org
Flagler College–Crisp Ellert Museum flagler.edu
Florida Community College at Jacksonville fscj.edu
Florida Mining Gallery floridamininggallery.com
Gallery 725 gallery725.com
Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine staugustine.ufl.edu
Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com
Hillary Whitaker Gallery hwhitakergallery.com
Jacksonville Main Library tacjacksonville.org
Jacksonville University ju.edu/cfa
The Lightner Museum lightnermuseum.org
MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu
PAStA Fine Art Gallery pastagalleryart.com
Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com
Southlight Gallery southlightgallery.com
St. Augustine Art Association staaa.org
Stellers Gallery stellersgallery.com
Thrasher-Horne Center Gallery thcenter.org
Touché Gallery touchegallery.com
University of North Florida unf.edu/gallery
The Vault at 330 thevaultat1930.com
Yellow House yellowhouseart.org
ONGOING
Art Walk
Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first Wednesday of the month with art by local artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street performers, free admission to MOCA and complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway. dtjax.org
Fernandina Beach Arts Market
Amelia Island’s premier arts and crafts market comes alive the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. fernandinabeachartsmarket.com
Riverside Arts Market
Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photographs, prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday — rain or shine — from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. riversideartsmarket.com
St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk
On the first Friday of every month (hence the clever name), more than 30 galleries around the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9 p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and interact with artists. A complimentary trolley service provides transportation between downtown venues. staaa.org
Vilano Beach Artisan Market
Part beach party, part arts market, this monthly event includes works by local artists and locally-made products, as well as live music. The market takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. on A1A and Vilano Road.
facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial
Words & photos by Kaili Cochran
Jean Hoover is a 77-year-old author who writes fiction, nonfiction and runs her own publishing company.
Hoover moved to Jacksonville in 1960, when she was 12 years old. She grew up, left for Europe, came back, moved to L.A., came back again.
Today, she’s back in Jacksonville, only now, she’s helping others discover the River City, through fiction, memoir and her most recently published work, a local guidebook that proves this city is more than what meets the eye.
“You don’t really know Jacksonville until you sit down and start looking,” Hoover said. “‘Jacksonville Unplugged’ isn’t just for tourists. It’s for the people who live here too.”
As a child, Hoover aspired to be a nurse. But her ninth-grade creative writing class was a turning point in her early career.
Bullied throughout school for having invisible friends and being the class geek, she turned inward and continued writing stories and building imaginary worlds as an outlet for her determination.
“You learn to live with your past, but not live in it,” Hoover said.
The same year, her teacher required the class to write an outline before writing their stories. Hoover couldn’t do it, not with the way that she writes, as nothing is scripted in advance.
“I was like, that doesn’t make any sense. By the time I get finished with the outline, my story will have changed because I make things up as I write,” Hoover said.
When she turned in the outline and her finished story together she explained to her teacher that she had to write the story before she could write the outline. In response, her teacher said she didn’t need this class at all.
“She told my dad, ‘She’s going to be an author,’” Hoover said.
Hoover continued writing and went on to publish her first book in 2000 under the pen name Jennifer Ferranno and has been building her reputation ever since.
When it comes to the craft of her fictional stories, most are derived from the question — what if?
“What if you were someone like Elon Musk and you just wanted to disappear? That’s how ‘Harlow’s Castle’ started, and that’s how ‘Teddy’ started,” Hoover said.
She’s proven she doesn’t write from outlines. “Harlow’s Castle” went through multiple title and character changes, three times over. She even points out that the whole storyline was rewritten about three or four times.
As a rule, her fiction always includes happy endings, no helpless female leads and emotionally mature men.
“I don’t do helpless females, and I don’t write domineering men. I write about strong women and strong men who complement each other,” Hoover said.
Hoover also avoids sequels. Each story stands alone, which sometimes makes them longer, but they are always complete.
“The end of the book is the end of the book,” Hoover said.
While she writes nonfiction under Jean Hoover, her fiction, including romance and thrillers, is written under Jennifer Ferrano.
She admits nonfiction is harder to write, not emotionally but structurally.
“Nonfiction to me is a lot harder because I can’t make it up,” Hoover said. “For fiction, if I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next chapter,
I’ll just sit and stare at what I’ve written until something comes to mind.”
Although it seems more challenging to write, she’s able to publish nonfiction at a faster rate than her fiction novels.
“The weird part is I’ve done four nonfiction books in a year and six fiction books in the last 25 years,” Hoover said.
Hoover self-publishes everything through her own press, Hoover-Ferrano. When she first started, the cost to publish a book through hybrid publishers was $99.
“Ninety-nine dollars and I could hold the book in my hands,” Hoover said. “I was new. and I thought I would get to hold my own book. So I did.”
Not everyone agreed with the value.
“I had my boss telling me that I’d wasted my money and my dad telling me it would never work and then there’s me pulling out the book going, ‘Look at this,’” Hoover said.
But publishers wanted creative control and editors asked for unnecessary changes.
“If blondes are in season then your female character suddenly becomes blonde when she was redheaded, and they [publishers] expect you to make those changes,” Hoover said.
Now, after figuring out a system for herself, Hoover gives advice to aspiring authors in Facebook groups to help them avoid the mistakes she made early on.
She also embraces new tools, using ChatGPT to format her late father’s handwritten poetry and generate layout drafts for structure.
“I uploaded pictures of his poems and before I could blink, it had put it in Times New Roman, 12 point font,” Hoover said. “All I had to do was copy it over and make sure there were no errors.”
Hoover is currently working on “Teddy,” a story similar to her first novel “Dakota Pass” but set in Texas. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, preferably thrillers by Brad Thor, JD Robb or David Baldacci.
Words by Za’Nya Davis
What started as an at-home passion project has now developed into a fulltime, successful business known as The Candle Garden, a homey candle shop located in Neptune Beach known for its in-house, hand-poured soy candles and interactive candle classes. But it doesn’t stop there. Though candles are the specialty, The Candle Garden also offers a collection of home goods such as plants and unique vases that truly add to its homey and garden-like aesthetic. Founded by Jordan Reemsnyder, The Candle Garden is a physical depiction of her hard work and love for cre ativity. Sitting down with Reemsnyder, we reminisced about her inspiration for The Candle Garden and discussed the creation of her signature scent — and what it takes to turn a dream into a career.
Discussing her inspiration, Reemsnyder shared her deeply personal story that influenced The Candle Garden—her late mother. “My mom passed away suddenly a few years ago… I was looking for an outlet, so I decided to really focus my energy into my candles…” Jordan recalls. “She found a unique body wash on a vacation in South Africa… My biggest regret is not going on this trip with her, because I was too afraid to ask for time off at my first job… I kept the body wash. After research and some strategic mixing, I managed to generate a scent that is super meaningful to me, inspired by her favorite scent.” This scent is now a signature part of The Can dle Garden experience—Grapefruit Spice—to honor her late mother, providing loving memories and com fort in every burn.
Reemsnyder’s approach to candle creating has always been both strategic and handson. With over a decade of experience in the trial and error of self-teaching, she has molded a process that prioritizes the quality and consistency of every candle made. Every candle is created in-house using soy wax rather than the typical paraffin wax. “Soy wax gives candle-lovers the best experience when it comes to a clean burn and longevity,” She said. “It does have a higher cost associated, but with anything, you get what you pay for!”
“I will always have a hand in how my candles are made. That’s what makes them so special,” she stated. “I hand-choose every scent in each seasonal collection, and it’s important that I have the best candles and scents available for our amazing customers!” She then describes a typical candle-making day, starting with the preparation of candle vessels, melting the wax to the perfect temperature, followed by hand-selecting the scent, mixing, pouring, and lastly, curing. Within 24 hours, the candles are ready to be displayed upon the shelves.
In addition to purchasing her candles, Reemsnyder has also given her customers the option to be a direct contributor to their own candle by offering candle classes after store hours. This offering even caught the eye of some of the Jacksonville Jaguars wives, who attended a class. “They are so sweet…” Reemsnyder recalled. “Since my store location is so walkable, I believe some of the girls walked by to go to Le Petit and saw I offered classes! They were great and had a fun experience, so they try to make it every year around the holidays.”
The future of The Candle Garden is looking bright, as Reemsnyder is in the process of perfecting the recipe for a line of clean, handmade soaps. Reminiscing on her journey, from pots and pans filled with wax covering her kitchen to now owning her own candle shop, Reemsnyder hopes her journey inspires others to start the ideas they have created. “The beginning isn’t how it’s always going to be if you keep going,” she said. “You’ll always be evolving, learning and improving. I still am.”
With the support of her family, her persistence and determination in her own growth, Reemsnyder has created something that not only celebrates the memory of her late mother but something that also allows others to create memories of their own. “Scents bring you back to a special time in your life,” she added, “and it brings me such joy that I can help transport people by way of these candles.
The decision to keep the production of candles in-house was not due to quality control but Jordan’s desire to stay involved in the process.
AUG. 1
Danny Johnson
Really Good Beer Stop–Nocatee eventbrite.com
Unscripted Community Comedy Night
Third Space Improv 3rdspaceimprov.com
AUG.1-2
Jess Hilarious Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 2
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
Boom Bap: Hip-Hop & Improv, (21+ only), 9:30 p.m
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 2-3
LOL Jax Film Festival
WJCT Studios loljax.com
AUG. 3
Comedy Night ft. Lance Weiss
Player’s Locker Room eventbrite.com
AUG. 6
Improv Night
Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
AUG. 8-9
Daphnique Springs Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 9
Comedy Block
The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax.com
Don’t Tell Comedy
Somewhere in San Marco (even if we knew, we wouldn’t tell) donttellcomedy.com
Bob Lauver
Legacy Aleworks boblauver.com
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 10
Christian Johnson
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 13
Improv Night
Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
AUG. 14-16
Guy Torry
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 15
Nate Bargatze
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
AUG. 16
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
Boom Bap: Hip-Hop & Improv, (21+ only), 9:30 p.m
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 17
Knock-Knock Comedy Show–Brunch Edition
The Emerald Vine Room instagram.com/theemeraldvineroom
AUG. 20
Improv Night
Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
AUG. 21-23
Chico Bean
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 23
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
The Blue Show (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 24
Chente Ydrach (Event in Spanish only) Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 27
Improv Night
Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
AUG. 28-30
B Simone
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 29
Rooftop Comedy Show Southbank Hotel eventbrite.com
AUG. 27
First Coast Comedy
The Main Event, 7 p.m.
Boom Bap: Hip-Hop & Improv, (21+ only), 9:30 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 31
Steven Rogers Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
If summer were a sound, it might be the saxophone of Grammy-nominated Dave Koz.
One summery night in Jacksonville, Florida, Dave Koz and his talented ensemble of friends took to the Florida Theatre stage to deliver to the crowd what Koz describes to be the “Ultimate Summer Party Show.” And that’s exactly what it was — an exhilarating, genre-blending celebration of music’s universal ability to engulf, unite and inspire.
This was more than a concert: It was a musical epiphany. Visually, the show dazzled the audience through its lights, costumes and impressive choreography. But it was the music that truly drove the concert home. Each instrumentalist and vocalist was allowed their own moment to showcase their virtuosity in a way that was organic and non-competitive. It felt, as audience members, we had stumbled upon a group of talented artists just having fun creating music together, harmonizing musically and spiritually with the undeniable chemistry each member has with one another.
“Hopefully once we hit the stage, muscle-memory takes over, and we can all just relax and have some fun,” Koz said. “Especially now, with all the complexity of our world, most people are just looking to enjoy, to let music inspire and uplift them. That’s not only our job on tour but our honor and privilege.”
And they indeed did have fun, Koz with heartfelt and humorous stories guided the audience seamlessly to a new song — one especially memorable moment being Koz performing the first record he had ever purchased (“So Very Hard To Go” by Tower of Power), then transitioning to a rendition of his own. His choice of story-telling and interacting with the audience serves as confirmation that this is just as an emotional connection to music for Koz as it is a career. His ability to have fun and show vulnerability in his playing grounded the performance with intention.
The music performed was pleasantly diverse as Koz and Friends took us through elements of New Orleans-style jazz to blues, a little pop and R&B. This choice allowed the concert to feel inclusive of all age groups without trying too hard to be trendy. It was clearly authentic and a visual and audible depiction of the group’s love for music through all periods of time.
Koz and friends may have performed for us, but on occasion we performed with them, as they encouraged us to clap or sway our hands to the beat, sing, and even participate in a playful chant battle between sections of the audience.
The most memorable element of the concert was the way Koz and Friends used their instruments almost like voices. The level of harmonization between all instruments, saxophone, drums, guitar and more felt like a conversation, creating melodies that words do not have the privilege to express.
“I picked up the sax when I was 13, going through so much emotional turmoil at the time. It became my most trusted confidante and best friend… to deal with emotions that words can’t seem to comfort” Koz explained.
Another standout moment was Leo P.’s amazing solo performance on the baritone saxophone. As Koz said, “Nobody plays the saxophone like Leo does.” Leo commanded the stage with dance moves that were the perfect combination of fun, flirty and energetic. His performance was certainly a show stopper, receiving a standing ovation.
Adding to the memorability was Marcel Anderson, whose soulful voice added depth to the concert. With the support of Koz and Friends, Anderson performed a medley of the classics — boy band style — featuring Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and The Gap Band’s “Yearning for Your Love.”
In today’s era of extreme digitization, Koz emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships and connection, online and in the flesh. “All artists now have to figure out new and interesting ways to promote their art,” Koz said. But on the Florida Theatre stage, surrounded by music lovers, fans, friends and family — promotion gave way to presence.
Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns concert was not only entertaining but a transformative experience that highlights the beauty of what instrumentalists and vocalists are truly capable of when they come together to create art.
Made For You By Ambar Ramirez
Reneé Rapp’s career truly took off when she landed the coveted role of Regina George in the Tony-nominated “Mean Girls” musical on Broadway and then ran on that high when she played “Leighton” on HBO’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls.” But Rapp’s passion has always lain in writing music. Her music packs a soulful, pop punch and “BITE ME” is expected to involve some grit…and teeth.
“WILLOUGHBY TUCKER, I’LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU”
If you’re a fan of Big Thief, Lorde and Caroline Polachek, then there’s a high chance that you’ve heard of the ethereal Ethel Cain. Her music sounds like stepping into a haunted meadow with influences of indie pop, folk and pure ambience.
$uicideboy$ aren’t afraid to shed light on the darkest corners of personal addiction, pain and helplessness. The New Orleans-bred duo also knows how to convey deep struggles into clever and even catchy songs, laced with hip-hop and Southern flows.
“GOD DOES LIKE UGLY”
If you’ve never listened to a song by JID, you are absolutely robbing yourself from hearing an artist who is changing the game in the rap industry. Truly, no one does it like this Atlanta-born and raised artist. Growing up on classic funk and soul, JID beautifully blends the old with the new. Seriously, do your ears a favor.
“GREETINGS FROM YOUR HOMETOWN”
The ultimate boy (brother) band is back with another album following their reunion back in 2019. Though they’ve leaned more into pop with their comeback, something about this title feels like their iconic 2008 album “A Little Bit Longer.” Here’s hoping!
The wistful and quintessential Gen Z singer-songwriter Conan Gray makes music that sounds like stepping into a personal diary. It’s dreamy and fun, vulnerable yet digestible. The Texas-native isn’t afraid to show his emotions through his music; in fact, he embraces them.
The sonic and ferocious Deftones are back with their 10th studio album. Deftones is all about refinement and surprises, and “Private Music” is expected to be one of their most focused statements. They are evolving into a new Deftones that blends beauty and peril through a psychedelic and “skull-rattling wallop” journey.
This band needs no introduction. Entering the music industry as the face of blue-eyed soul, Maroon 5 has managed to stay relevant in the ever-shifting music industry. Leaning more toward pop in recent years, “Love is Like” will be the band’s newest album in four years. Once again, here’s hoping that they tap into their debut sound.
“A
She’s grace, she’s jazz, she’s Laufey. A bridge between the classical and modern, Laufey seamlessly connects with a range of music lovers with jazz-infused pop melodies.
“SO LONG LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE”
Stepping up and stepping out, Molly Tuttle’s solo album is expected to be nothing like she’s released before. As a recently nominated Best New Artist, Molly Tuttle’s “So Long Little Miss Sunshine” shies away from folk in favor of pop, country and rock.
No one knows hard rock like the hard rock vanguards themselves, Three Days Grace. Since 2003, this band has been consistent in both sound and message.
Every song and album Sabrina Carpenter has released has become a TikTok anthem, but that in no way is a means to downplay this singer and songwriter’s impact. She simply knows what the people want and gives it to them.
“MIXED
Words by Carmen Macri
Mixed Reception cruises straight into synthwave dancehall glory, blending classic new wave with post-disco, electro, vaporwave and post-punk to create a sound that’s equal parts retro and future-facing. Drenched in HiFi cassette nostalgia, their music is a textured collision of analog warmth and digital precision.
AUG. 1
Dan Taminski Band
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com
Grass Is Dead Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
Herd the Cat
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Blink 18-deux
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Trip Lee
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
CLOUD 9 VIBES
Cafe Eleven originalcafe11.com
AUG. 2
Brad Paisley
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Rob Thomas Daily’s Place dailysplace.com
Hax Process
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
The Sophomore Attempt Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Ballyhoo! Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 3
The F Bombs Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Allison Eide
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Unlimited Devotion
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 4
“Tom Lehrer Is Alive and Well and He Has Given Away All Rights to His Music”: A Musical
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 6
Glenn Strange Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 7
Sister Hazel Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com
AUG 7-8
Cluster Plays Steely Dan Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
AUG. 8
Riley Green Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
Cypress Hill & Atmosphere St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Live and Collective Soul Daily’s Place dailysplace.com
Bryan Kelley Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com
Jacksonville Rock Orchestra: The Music of Journey
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Ben Flournoy
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Tenth Avenue North
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
The Supervillains
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 9
The Ultimate Old Skool R&B Experience with Kid N Play
Deerwood Castle eventbrite.com
Subdivisions
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Herd of Watts
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Johnny Delaware
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Phil Keaggy
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Ultimate Rush Tribute
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 10
Girl Named Tom
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
AUG. 12
Blind Lemon FIVE fivejax.com
Jared James Nichols
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
AUG. 13
Postmodern Jukebox
Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
AUG. 14
Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Will Clarke DECCA LIVE deccalive.com
Juicebox
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 15
Big Picture
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Grizzcll
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Five Iron Frenzy
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
AUG. 16
Cash Money Millionaires Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
The Wood Brothers Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com
The Ultimate Elvis Concert Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Horizon
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Rushmore
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Bleach
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
AUG. 17
Mindstate
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
AUG. 20
The Red Clay Strays
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Boundaries
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
AUG. 22
1k Phew
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
AUG. 23
Jeezy
Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
UB40 with The Fixx St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com
The Brit Pack
Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
Jordan Fletcher
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 24
Pentagram Stringband
The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com
Impending Doom
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
AUG. 26
Caamp
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
AUG. 27
Wyndrider
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 28
Dark Remedy
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 29
Rare Breed
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Randall Bramblett Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 30
Alkaline Trio FIVE fivejax.com
Mixtape
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Disciple
Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
AUG. 31
Lil Poppa and Friends Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com
Umphrey’s McGee
St. Augustine Amphitheatre–Backyard Stage theamp.com
Jack
jaxlive.com
On July 11, Justin Bieber released his seventh studio album, “Swag.” I grew up around Bieber’s music at the start of the “My World 2.0” era back in 2010. And since then, I’ve been fond of his work. After Bieber sold off his catalog in 2022, I initially thought he was done with making music but SURPRISE … he released an album.
If I’m being honest, I’m not the biggest fan of “Swag.” It felt bland, like unseasoned chicken. I will say I like the first track, “All I Can Take” because of the beat which has a ’90s waiting room music vibe to it and also “Daisies” for its warm and summery
One
of my favorite things in the world is music, and I am a huge fan of discovering new artists. But when it comes to old favorites, these are my personal top five.
01 Owl City: “Ocean Eyes”
Released back in July of 2009, this album is whimsical and poetic, intertwined with rock, electronic and pop energy. I grew up around this album at the start, so it does hold a valuable place in my heart. “Ocean Eyes” has the smash hit we’ve all heard, or hopefully heard somewhere whether it may be on the radio or memes, “Fireflies.” This album feels warm, beachy and overall, very summery. Some of my favorite tracks: “Saltwater Room,” “Bird and the Worm,” and “Hello Seattle.”
03 The All-American Rejects: “Move Along”
This 2005 release is a mix of alternative, pop, and rock. With popular hits “Move Along” and “Dirty Little Secret,” this album is a no skip!
05 Magic Man: “Before The Waves”
I was told I looked like a baby Prince. Didn’t know the guy, so I searched him and listened to this album. I instantly fell in love with it and dove deeper into the rest of Prince’s discography. Some favorite tracks off this album I like are “Purple Rain” and “Let’s Go Crazy”. This album really hits when you blast it in the car with the windows down!
02
Combining pop rock and pop punk, “Habits,” released in 2010, is a super great album. I first discovered the band 14 years ago when I heard their hit, “Animal” playing and I got hooked. And since then, I’ve been a huge fan of the band and this album. Some notable tracks I like from here: “1983,” “Sins of My Youth,” “Animal” and “Your Surrender.”
04
I was told I looked like a baby Prince. Didn’t know the guy, so I searched him and listened to this album. I instantly fell in love with it and dove deeper into the rest of Prince’s discography. Some favorite tracks off this album I like are “Purple Rain” and “Let’s Go Crazy”. This album really hits when you blast it in the car with the windows down!
When the Descendents stormed the stage at FIVE on July 27, it wasn’t just a concert, it was a masterclass in melodic hardcore, delivered by the godfathers of caffeinated angst themselves. With four decades of breakneck riffs and anti-adulting anthems in tow, the band ripped through a 30-song set that felt like a time machine powered by sweat, distortion and raw refusal to grow up.
Frontman Milo Aukerman, ever the nerd-punk icon in glasses and cargo shorts, reminded the crowd that his 1985 battle cry, “I don’t want to grow up!” wasn’t just a clever lyric. It was a prophecy. He and the band barreled through fan favorites and deep cuts with the kind of energy that made you forget most of them could probably be your dad’s cool friend who still skates.
Before the blitzkrieg began, the crowd got a double-shot of new blood from openers Mattstagraham and Teen Mortgage. Two acts that proved punk’s pulse is still strong, loud and under 30. And if there were any doubt about the “all ages” billing, one look at the pit proved that teens, old punks, soccer dads and even a few moms were in communion. FIVE, with its intimate floor and birds-eye mezzanine, turned out to be the kind of venue punk bands dream of. Loud, and personal. The floor was jumping: crowd-surfing teens, pogoing lifers and full-throated singalongs that made the rafters shake. Upstairs? Smiling veterans, probably mouthing every lyric like it was a secret handshake from their youth.
Jacksonville, long known for its rowdy crowds and DIY ethos, is clearly onto something. With nights like this echoing the spirit of the legendary 1028 Park St. days, FIVE is poised to become the go-to venue for touring punk bands who still believe in the scene.
Words by Ambar Ramirez
When one oceanfront door closes, another one opens. And in the case of the former Salt Bar and Grill, that new door swings open to Sizemore’s Coastal Kitchen. Perched seaside with a fresh take on coastal cuisine, Sizemore’s is the kind of place that makes you do a double-take. Not just because it replaced a local staple, but it’s aiming to become one itself.
So when a friend of mine hit me up to grab dinner and drinks, I figured it was the perfect excuse to finally cross Sizemore’s off my list. We kept it casual and pulled up on a Friday around sunset with no reservation. From the moment we walked in, the vibe struck a balance between casual and coastal chic. To the right of the host stand, a display of fresh fish on ice gave a straightto-the-point welcome: This place takes seafood seriously. The walls were adorned with mural-style artwork in a palette of restaurant’s brand colors: denim blue, salmon pink and bright white. Colors that carried throughout the booths, high tops and low seating. Aesthetically pleasing? Definitely. But more than that, it gave the familiar seafood joint a needed facelift.
But make no mistake, this isn’t just another shrimp-and-oyster shack. While the menu has its fair share of coastal staples like crab cakes and scallops over creamy risotto, it’s also dotted with surprises. NY strip steak, plantain nachos and fried calamari all share space on the same page. It’s like the brothers behind the place, Alex and Daniel Sizemore, couldn’t quite decide between Southern, Caribbean or classic seafood, so they chose all three.
And honestly? It works. It’s the kind of menu that can please your picky uncle, your pescatarian friend and your “just here for the cocktails” date all at once. A rare feat, pulled off with charm — and butter.
Luckily, it had been raining a lot this week so there was an open table out back on their patio that faced Jax beach. After a quick five minutes we were led out back to a charming table away from the busy dinner rush indoors.
We immediately got to work looking over the menu. Now, remember when I mentioned the wide range of dishes and how it’s perfect for anyone, no matter their preferences? Right. So I should probably also mention that this is my personal nightmare. Not because nothing looked good, but because I’m chronically bad at making decisions.
Of course, I had already looked at the menu before we even got to the restaurant and thought I had my order locked in. Naturally, that plan fell apart the second I sat down. So while I stared at the same menu I’d already studied, trying to decide between the steak frites (served with seasonal veggies, fries, wild mushroom jus, and compound butter), the pan-seared scallops over risotto with roasted corn succotash and crab butter, or the pick-two seafood basket, I made the one and only easy decision of the night — the Black Pearl.
The Sizemores’ cocktail features Caza dores tequila (not my favorite), Ancho Reyes, Orgeat syrup, lime juice and black berries, served with salt on the rim, per my request. Basically, it’s a blackberry margar ita that tasted more blackberry than any thing else. But I wasn’t mad about it. Like I said, I’m not the biggest Cazadores fan, so this is the one time that the subtle tequila presence was a win in my book.
Another easy decision? The gator tails for our starter. One, I’d never tried gator be fore. Two, they’re cornmeal-crusted, which made them safe for my friend’s gluten al lergy. They tasted exactly how everyone always says gator does, like fried chicken. But these were surprisingly tender, not chewy at all, and the cornmeal crust felt lighter than your typical batter. Paired with the restaurant’s signature deck sauce, it was an easy call and a delicious one.
Eventually, I had to phone a friend, literally the one sitting across from me, and just let them decide for me. I went with the pickthree seafood basket, which came with a choice of side, hushpuppies and slaw. I originally wanted blackened scallops and shrimp, plus fried fish, but was told everything had to be cooked the same way. So I went blackened across the board. For my side, I chose fries, and because I clearly thought I was a bottomless pit that night, I also ordered an extra side of sweet plantains.
Everything was seasoned and cooked just right, especially the scallops, which were the standout. The sweet plantains on the other hand were teetering on burnt, and as a Hispanic woman who grew up on sweet
Arlington
Just Kitchen Jax justkitchenjax.com
Spices Caribbean Restaurant spicesjax.com
Tabouleh Mediterranean Cafe taboulehjax.com
Jax Beaches
Dockside Seafood Restaurant docksideseafoodrestaurant.com
Oaxaca Club theoaxacaclub.com
O-Ku o-kusushi.com
Sizmore’s Coastal Kitchen sizemorescoastalkitchen.com
Neptune/Atlantic Beach Coop 303 coop303.com
North Beach Fish Camp thenorthbeachfishcamp.com
Mamasamas mamasamas.com
Salumeria 104 salumeria104.com
Downtown Bellwether bellwetherjax.com
Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com
Indochine Downtown indochinejax.com
Mayport Egg Boy eggboybreakfast.com
The Juicy Seafood Mayport thejuicycofl.com
Sub Cultured subculturedsubs.com
Murray Hill Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com
Chancho King chanchoking.square.site
Community Loaves communityloavesjax.com
Mandarin Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant chwinery.com
Julington Creek Fish Camp julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Enza’s Italian Restaurant enzas.net
Northside & Airport Green Papaya greenpapayaus.com
Eleon Pizza & Pastry eleonpastry.com
Flying Fish Taphouse flyingfishtaphouse.com
Riverside and Avondale Bartaco bartaco.com
Hawkers eathawkers.com
Josephine josephineavondale.com
Taqueria Cinco taqueria5points.com
San Marco The Bearded Pig thebeardedpigbbq.com
Taverna taverna.restaurant
Maple Street Biscuit Company maplestreetbiscuits.com
Springfield Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfield.com
Tulua Bistro Springfield tuluabistro.com
1748 Bakehouse 1748bakehouse.com
Southside Purple Roots purplerootsjacksonville.com
Rustic 21 Bistro rustic21.com
RH Rooftop Restaurant rh.com/us/en/jacksonville/restaurant
Orange Park/Fleming Island/Middleburg Grumpy’s Restaurant grumpysrestaurantco.com
Kyodai Sushi Rock facebook.com /KyodaiSushiRock
Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen palermopuertoricankitchen.com
Ponte Vedra/Vilano
Barbara Jean’s barbarajeansonthewater.com
Trasca & Co Eatery trascaandco.com
1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop 1912oceanbarandrooftop.com
Vilano Beach
Aunt Kate’s aunt-kates.com
Cap’s On The Water capsonthewater.com
Pesca Vilano pescavilano.com
Surfside Kitchen surfside.kitchen
The Happy Grilled Cheese
Cuisine: Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Famous for: Mac Daddy Melt, tomato bisque
Website: thehappygrilledcheese.com
Phone: (904) 524-8410
Latin Soul Grille
Cuisine: Puerto Rican and Latin Fusion
Famous for: Empanadas, Mofongo bowls
Facebook: @latinsoulgrille
Phone: (904) 258-9512
Butt Hutt Smokehouse
Cuisine: Barbecue
Famous for: Smoked wings, brisket sandwiches
Website: butthuttjax.com
Phone: (904) 710-2212
Jammas Jamaican Food Truck
Cuisine: Jamaican
Famous for: Jerk chicken, curry goat
Instagram: @jammasfoodtruck
Phone: (904) 674-3537
Mike’s YUM YUM Come Get Ya Sum
Cuisine: American
Famous for: Yum Yum Chicken Sandwich
Facebook: @mikesyumyumcomegetyasumtruck
Phone: (904) 673-9327
What’s Smokin BBQ
Cuisine: Southern Barbecue
Famous for: Ribs, smoked turkey legs
Website: whatssmokinbbq.com
Phone: (904) 999-3315
Bold flavors. Local vibes. Wheels that feed the soul.
Hibashi Party
Cuisine: Japanese Hibachi
Famous for: Shrimp and steak hibachi bowls
Instagram: @hibashipartyjax
Phone: (904) 524-6034
El Agave Azul
Cuisine: Mexican Street Food
Famous for: Carne asada tacos, street corn
Instagram: @elagaveazuljax
Phone: (904) 616-8805
Treemendous BBQ
Cuisine: Slow-Smoked Barbecue
Famous for: Burnt ends, brisket tacos
Website: treemendousbbq.com
Phone: (904) 651-1822
Viva Mi Familia
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Famous for: Tacos al pastor, churros
Instagram: @vivamifamiliajax
Phone: (904) 888-0202
Manny’s Cuban Food Truck
Cuisine: Cuban
Famous for: Cuban sandwich, plantains
Contact: (904) 864-0070
Facebook: @mannyscubanfoodtruck
Breakfast Bowl JAX
Cuisine: All-Day Breakfast
Famous for: Chicken biscuit, grits bowl
Instagram: @breakfastbowljax
Contact: (904) 848-4770
Words by Joshua Walker & Kaleb Stowell
The city of Jacksonville is home to a number of bars and breweries, each with its own distinct vibe and flavor. Josh and Kaleb visited a few popular bars in Jacksonville to expand their palates and rank their favorite drinks.
(For context, Kaleb is a relatively inexperienced drinker, so he will provide a novice opinion, while Josh considers himself to be somewhat of a “beer snob,” so he will provide a bit more experienced opinion.)
CLICK HERE TO WATCH JOSHUA AND KALEB GO ON THEIR MINI BEER TOUR!
The first stop of our tour is Ink Factory in Jacksonville Beach. Ink Factory has been open since late 2021, and has since become a local favorite. Ink Factory is known for their unique craft beers, as well as their coffee. We gave four of their signature brews a try. Here’s what we thought.
Electric Beach (IPA)
Kaleb: The Electric Beach IPA is very citrus-forward. It went down a lot smoother than most IPAs I’ve had in the past.
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.7 / 5.0
Josh: Citrusy, very orange and lime forward. It feels like a summer-y poolside beer. Smooth allaround, good hops.
Josh’s Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
Sip n’ Destroy (Lager)
Kaleb: This is my first-ever lager, so I don’t have any expectations going into it. It tastes a bit more like a typical beer to my novice palate. It reminds me of a Corona. It was significantly more bitter than the Electric Beach IPA.
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
Josh: Sip n’ Destroy has a light citrus taste, a bit like a Corona or Modelo. It was very clean and crisp.
Josh’s Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Triple Whip (Sour)
Kaleb: I’m a lover of fruitier tasting alcoholic beverages, so sours are almost always a big hit with me when it comes to beer. The Triple Whip is delicious. It’s very sour, almost like a sour candy, but follows through with a sweet aftertaste of white chocolate. My personal favorite from Ink Factory. Kaleb’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Josh: HUGE fan of this one. It tastes like a mouthful of Nerds rope candy. Notes of raspberry, lime, cherry and white chocolate. I’m definitely going to grab a four-pack of these from the fridge before we leave.
Josh’s Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Rat Town (Pilsner)
Kaleb: This is the second-worst of the bunch for me personally, behind Sip n’ Destroy. I’m just not a huge fan of the more bitter beers. The taste wasn’t bad, but it just did less than some of the other options Ink Factory has. I personally can’t see myself ordering this over the Electric Beach.
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.4 / 5.0
Josh: Belgium beer Delirium coded? A clean and crisp summer go-to. It reminded me of a Mexican Lager in a way. Not as in-your-face as some of the other beers we tried today but not bad by any stretch.
Josh’s Rating: 3.7 / 5.0
Our next stop was Reve Brewing in Atlantic Beach. Reve also functions as a woodfired pizza restaurant.
Must Be Mistaken (Stout)
Kaleb: This stout was incredibly rich tasting. It had an espresso-like taste to it. Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of stouts or of coffee so this one ranks pretty low for me, but not at any fault of its own.
Kaleb’s Rating: 2.7 / 5.0
Josh: It tastes like a nutty, rich espresso, conditioned on toffee, caramel chocolate and a smoky bourbon barrel.
Josh’s Rating: 3.2 / 5.0
Feed Your Head (IPA)
Kaleb: This IPA tasted like eating an orange with the peel still on it. That might sound bad, but it wasn’t, it was just very, very heavy on the orange peel taste. Very similar taste to Electric Beach from Ink Factory but slightly better in my opinion.
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.8 / 5.0
Josh: It’s giving mimosa with the very strong orange citrus flavor it has. Very crisp and refreshing, very good.
Josh’s Rating: 3.9 / 5.0
Plastic Rainbows (Sour)
Kaleb: Plastic Rainbows isn’t as sweet as the Triple Whip from Ink Factory was. It’s definitely more of a beer-tasting sour than the candy-like sour that Triple Whip was, but it was still my favorite out of all of the drinks we had from Reve. It had a nice fruity flavor, mainly raspberry.
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
Josh: Notes of raspberry, reminds me a little of a raspberry kombucha or an energy drink, like a Monster or a NOS. I like sweeter sours, so this is new to me, but I like it.
Josh’s Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Conejo Especial (Lager)
Kaleb: This might be the biggest surprise of the day for me because I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would. In my opinion, this was the best non-sour we had today. Very nice, smooth taste with some decent hops as well — and a nice lime taste to balance it all out.
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
Josh: Golden, bright Mexican beer coded. Super crisp with a hint of lime and very good hops. It’s really good.
Josh’s Rating: 4.9 / 5.0
Our final stop on our mini-tour of the Jacksonville Beer scene landed us at Hoptinger in Riverside. Hoptinger is a weekend favorite spot for locals to hang out and grab a glass of their favorite beer.
Fishweir King of the Hill (IPA)
Kaleb: This Fishweir King of the Hill IPA had a very citrusy smell to it, the same way the two previous IPAs did, but it didn’t have the same citrusy taste to match it. It tasted more like a traditional beer with a slight hint of Key lime. Despite it being overall less fruit-tasting than the previous two IPAs on this list, I liked it more surprisingly.
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
Josh: Very subtle citrusy taste with a crisp sweet lime taste to it as well. Maybe a hint of Key lime.
Josh’s Rating: 4.4 / 5.0
Sam Smith Stout (Stout)
Kaleb: Another very rich tasting stout. As previously mentioned, I’m not the biggest fan of stouts, and once again this one also had a coffee-esque taste to it, but it was much more of a mocha taste than the espresso taste I got from the Must Be Mistaken stout from Reve, which I liked.
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.9 / 5.0
Josh: Super chocolatey, tastes like a mocha doused in gallons of Hershey’s chocolate syrup, mixed with toffee. Super syrupy feel. This was my personal favorite drink of the day, which is why it gets a perfect 5/5 rating.
Josh’s Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Cappy Snack (Sour)
Kaleb: This sour is delicious. I don’t know if it was the other drinks all finally beginning to weigh on me or what, but I barely tasted any alcohol at all in this drink. It was sweeter than the sour we had from Reve but less flavorful than the sour we had at Ink Factory. If this sour had the sweet aftertaste that the sour from Ink Factory had, then it probably would have been my favorite of the day. Still incredibly good, and tied for my highest score of the day.
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Josh: Tastes like a raspberry kombucha or sorbet mixed with every single Gushers and Fruit Rollup snack. I’m a really big fan of this one.
Josh’s Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
Bold City Duval Light (Lager)
Kaleb: This lager has a very mild taste compared to the other lagers we have had today. It smelled like apple juice or an apple cider, but the apple taste just wasn’t there for me, if it was even supposed to be.
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.4 / 5.0
Josh: This lager smells like a synthetic ice-cold apple juice that you might find at a hotel breakfast, and honestly I’m loving it. Slight subtle grainy red-apple taste, but not as flavorful as some of the other lagers we had today. Still, very clean and summery with good hops.
Josh’s Rating: 3.4 / 5.0
Best IPA: Fishweir King of the Hill from Hoptinger
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
Josh’s Rating: 4.4 / 5.0
Best Lager: Conejo Especial from Reve
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.1 / 5.0
Josh’s Rating: 4.9 / 5.0
Best Sour: Triple Whip from Ink Factory
Kaleb’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Josh’s Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Best Stout: Sam Smith Stout from Hoptinger
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.9 / 5.0
Josh’s Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Best Pilsner (By default since we didn’t have any others.): Rat Town from Ink Factory
Kaleb’s Rating: 3.4 / 5.0
Josh’s Rating: 3.7 / 5.0
Kaleb’s Overall Favorite: My overall favorite drink of the day has to be the Triple Whip from Ink Factory. It was delicious. I love sour-flavored candy, as well as fruit and chocolate, and this drink hit on every single one of those. I would highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already.
Josh’s Overall Favorite: My overall favorite drink of the day was the Sam Smith Stout at Hoptinger. I just loved the chocolate taste that comes through so strongly on this drink. It reminds me of a time in my childhood when I drank a bottle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup. But seriously, this drink is delicious if you’re into stouts and mocha.
That wraps up our mini beer-tour. There are tons of other great Jacksonville-based breweries and bars that we weren’t able to cover in this article. Jacksonville’s craft beer scene is alive and well, and, in all honesty, it seems like the only direction to go from here is up, as more and more locally owned breweries continue to pop up around the River City.
ARLINGTON
Atlantis Lounge instagram.com/theatlantis_jax
Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
Club Heaven clubheavenjax.com
BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA Beach Bowl beachbowljax.com
Bedlam bedlamlive.com
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com
Casa Marina casamarinahotel.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon
Fly’s Tie Irish Pub facebook.com/flystieirishpub
Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com
Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com
Gusto gustojax.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Beach Kava Bar kavajacksonville.com
Jekyll Brewing jekyllbrewing.com
Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/juleppalmvalley
Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com
Living Room Lounge instagram.com/thelivingroomab
Lucky’s Bar instagram.com/luckysjaxbch
Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com
Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com
Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com
Mayport Brewing Company maportbrewing.com
Mayport Garden Club mayportgardenclub.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com
Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com
Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com
Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com
Reve Brewing revebrewing.com
The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com
Serenity Restaurant & Hookah Lounge serenityjaxbeach.com
Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com
Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com
VooSwar Restaurant & Lounge instagram.com/vooswar
DOWNTOWN
The Bier Hall at Intuition Ale Works intuitionaleworks.com/bierhall
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Decca Live deccalive.com
Dos Gatos dosgatosjax.com
Element Bistro Bar & Lounge elementjax.com
Hardwicks hardwicksbarjax.com
Intuition Aleworks intuitionaleworks.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Justice Pub facebook.com/thejusticepub
Live Bar facebook.com/livebarclubjax
Manifest Distilling manifestdistilling.com
Myth Nightclub & Bar mythexperience.com
Ocean Street Tequila instagram.com/oceanstreettacosandtequila
Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
The Volstead thevolsteadjax.com
FLEMING ISLAND
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com/fleming-island
Mercury Moon facebook.com/mercury-moon
Mr. Chubby’s Wings mrchubbyswings.com
Sunset Tiki Bar the-sunset-tiki-bar.business.site
Whitey’s Fish Camp whiteysfishcamp.com
INTRACOASTAL WEST
9 Zero Pour 9zeropour.com
Brew and Barrel Tavern bbtjax.com
MVP’s Sports Grille facebook.com/mvpssportsgrille
The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax.com
Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com
MANDARIN/JULINGTON CREEK/ FRUIT COVE
2nd Bay Brewing 2ndbaybrewing.com
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
Iggy’s Grill and Bar facebook.com/iggysgrill
Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com
Legacy Ale Works legacyaleworks.com
Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysunclemandarin.com
Rack’em Up Sports Bar facebook.com/rackemupsportsbar
Time Out Sports Grill timeoutsportsgrill.com
MURRAY HILL
Axe Champs axechamps.com
Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com
The Boot Rack Saloon boot-rack-saloon.business.site
Fishweir Brewing Company fishweirbrewing.com
The Flamingo theflamingojax.com
Mustang Bar & Grill facebook.com/themustangjax
Perfect Rack Billiards perfectrackbilliards.com
Silver Cow silvercowjax.com
Spruce sprucejax.com
The Walrus thewalrusjax.com
NORTHSIDE
Coppertop Bar and Restaurant coppertopbarandrestaurant.com
Four Fathers Distillery fourfathersdistillery.com
ORANGE PARK/MIDDLEBURG
57 Heaven facebook.com/57heavenop
Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant bigdawgsrestaurant.com
Cheers Park Avenue cheersparkave.com
The Daq Shack thedaqshack904.com
Dee’s Music Bar and Grill facebook.com/musicbarandgrill
The Fresh Spot Lounge thefreshspotlounge.com
LeaderBoard Arcade leaderboardarcade.com
Locals Pub localspub.co
Nakama Anime Bar nakamabar.com
Park Avenue Billiards parkavenuebilliards.com
Pinglehead Brewing Company pinglehead.com
Southern Social Whiskey Bar & Lounge southernsocialbar.com
RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE
Birdies facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints
Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com
Brick Restaurant brickofavondale.com
Burlock & Barrel burlockandbarrel.com
Dart Bar & Games facebook.com/dartbarjax
Eclipse Bar & Nightclub facebook.com/eclipsebarjax
The Garage garagejax.com
The Green House thegreenhousebar.com
Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com
Incahoots incahootsnightclub.com
Kanine Social Taproom kaninesocial.com
Keg & Coin kegandcoinjax.com
Kingmaker Brewing kingmakerbrewing.com
Lemonstreet Brewing Company lemonstreetbrewing.com
The Loft loftjax.com
Mickie’s Irish Pub facebook.com/mickiesjax
Myrtle Avenue Brewing facebook.com/myrtleavebrewing
Park Place Lounge park-place-lounge.business.site
River & Post riverandpostjax.com
Riverside Liquors riversideliquors.biz
Rogue Bar facebook.com/rogue.bar.1
Root Down facebook.com/rootdownjax
Shores Liquor and Bar instagram.com/shoresliquoravondale
Wildcrafters facebook.com/wildcraftersjax
1937 Spirits & Eatery 1937sanmarco.com
Aardwolf Brewing Company aardwolfbrewing.com
Bar Molino barmolino.com
Breezy Jazz House breezyjazzhouse.com
Cuba Libre Ultra Lounge cubalibrebar.com
Fore Score Golf Tavern forescoregolf.com
The Grape & Grain Exchange grapeandgrainexchange.com
Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com
The Mudville Grill themudvillegrill.com
The Players Grille playersgrille.com
Posting House posting.house
Sidecar instagram.com/sidecarjax
Voodoo Brewing instagram.com/voodoojax
Austin Karaoke facebook.com/austinkaraoke
Bottlenose Brewing bottlenosebrewing.com
Cataluna Jax catalunajax.com
Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com
Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com
Jax Craft Beer jaxcraftbeer.com
Medusa Restaurant and Hookah Lounge facebook.com/medusa-loungejacksonville
Rio Restaurant and Lounge instagram.com/riorestauraunt.jax
Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery 7bridgesgrille.com
Sugar Factory instagram.com/sugarfactoryjacksonville
Trio Lounge triohookahlounge.com
Veterans United Craft Brewery vubrew.com
Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com
WXYZ Bar at Aloft Hotel aloftjacksonvilletapestrypark.com
SPRINGFIELD
Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfieldgallery.com
The District thedistrictspr.com
Historically Hoppy Brewing Company historicallyhoppy.com
Shantytown Pub facebook.com/shantytownjax
Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com
Stumpy’s Hatchet House stumpyshh.com
Tulua Bistro instagram.com/tuluabistro
ST. AUGUSTINE Ancient City Brewing ancientcitybrewing.com
Arnold’s Lounge arnoldslounge.com
Beacon Listening Room beaconstaug.com
Cellar Upstairs Bar at San Sebastian Winery sansebastianwinery.com
Dog Rose Brewing dogrosebrewing.com
Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen instagram.com/odd_birds
The Original Café Eleven originalcafe11.com
Prohibition Kitchen pkstaug.com
Shanghai Nobby’s nobbysfl.weebly.com
Tradewinds Lounge tradewindslounge.com
WESTSIDE
Elevation Lounge elevationjax.com
Lillian’s lillianssportsgrill.com
The Phoenix Bar & Bowling facebook.com/thephoenixjax
Another grand opening. Another billboard promising relief. Another sleek lobby with jars, cartridges, and a smiling budtender explaining terpenes. Jacksonville’s medical cannabis map is crowded now—from Beach Boulevard to Dunn Avenue, new storefronts arrive faster than decent parking spaces at the Town Center.
But ask a simple follow-up: “Where can I use this legally if I’m not going straight home?” Cue the shrug. Florida tells patients to buy it, then vanish. Public consumption is a no-go—parks, beaches, sidewalks, hotel balconies, even your parked car are off-limits. Jacksonville mirrors state rules. So patients improvise: dose in a car with the AC on and eyes on the rearview, skip a needed dose during Art Walk, or race home between shifts. That’s not policy; that’s purgatory.
The Statute Behind the Shrug
Florida Statute 381.986 is the buzzkill here. It green-lights medical use but slams the door on public consumption with the vague hammer of “public place.” The intent was to keep smoke out of shared air. The result is patients crouching behind dumpsters to medicate a slipped disc. You can buy medicine in a brightly lit showroom—just don’t let anyone see you use it.
Besides the obvious dignity hit, this limbo costs the city money and culture. Regulated consumption lounges, wellness clubs, and ticketed events could create jobs, ease neighborhood complaints, and give patients an actual community. Other cities didn’t collapse when they tried it. Denver licensed lounges. West Hollywood built dining experiences around cannabis like it’s 2025, not 1995. Jacksonville, meanwhile, is still pretending invisible patients don’t exist.
Dispensaries throw “patient appreciation” days and education classes, but the second actual consumption enters the chat, lawyers slam shut the laptop. It’s like opening a brewery and outlawing bars.
We’re not waiting on a miracle session in Tallahassee. Jacksonville could test-drive solutions that fit inside state law, if it wanted to:
• Private, Membership-Based Clubs: Think cigar lounge rules—age checks, ventilation plans, cameras, limited capacity. Require a valid med card at the door. Call it wellness, not nightlife.
• Permit-Based Consumption Zones for Events: Grant tightly controlled, over-21 permits for Art Walk popups, yoga in the park, or festivals. Contain it, monitor it, collect data, adjust.
• Hotel & Venue Partnerships: Encourage hotels to designate med-friendly rooms/floors with proper filtration, or allow venues to host closed, med-card-only nights. Charge a ventilation fee instead of another “resort fee” for a towel.
None of this needs a constitutional amendment. It needs political will and a city attorney willing to color inside the lines without erasing the picture.
Voices from the Gap
“We can sell you anything in the store,” one Jacksonville budtender told me, “but the second you ask where you can actually use it, I shrug.” That shrug is policy failure, not personal laziness.
J., a 38-year-old ER nurse in Riverside, laid it out like this: “My shift starts at 6 a.m. I can’t medicate before I drive, and there’s nowhere at the hospital I’m allowed to dose.
By lunch my back is screaming, but I won’t risk it in my car—security watches the lots. After work it’s kid pickup and traffic. By the time I get home, it’s 8 p.m. I don’t want to hide. I just want a clean, legal spot to take what my doctor recommended.” She’d happily pay a membership fee for a ventilated lounge downtown: “Give me rules and cameras over sneaking around any day.”
City officials rarely address this directly—it’s safer to stay quiet than test a boundary. Doctors sidestep the topic; their lane is recommending, not regulating. Patients? They just keep figuring it out on the fly.
Part of the stalemate is narrative. Cannabis still gets filed under “stoner culture” instead of “patient care.” Jacksonville already embraces wellness trends—cold plunges, kava bars, IV drips. A supervised, ventilated space for med patients is somehow too edgy? That’s branding inertia, not logic.
Reframe it: this is about patient dignity, public safety, and economic opportunity. A city that hosts music festivals and a dozen beer-and-bourbon events can also handle a med-only lounge. The question isn’t if Jacksonville can regulate consumption—it’s if it wants to.
If you’re tired of the hypocrisy, start small and local:
• Email your council member. Ask what it would take to pilot a private-club ordinance or an event permit. They answer more emails than you think.
• Venue owners: speak up. Would you host a compliant med-only night if it were legal? Put your name on a list, not in a whisper.
• Patients: tell your stories—anonymous if needed. Policy shifts when real people stop hiding.
• Dispensaries: back the idea publicly. If you profit off patients, advocate for a place they can legally medicate.
Jacksonville can keep pretending nothing’s wrong—or it can be the first big Florida city to treat medical cannabis like the medicine it is. Buy anywhere, use nowhere doesn’t make sense. Let’s fix the second half of that sentence.
