Folio Vol. 40, Issue 15

7.31

2026

30 The Lost Art of Physical Media 42 Meet the Art Behind Hotel Palms 50 Sip Happens YOUR GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA 1

2 Folio Weekly

3

Letter From Our

General Manager Keyboard Warriors: Read the Article.

Then Grab Your Pitchfork.

There are three kinds of people on the internet: the people who read the article, the people who skim the headline and the people who read neither but somehow become the world’s leading authority on what we wrote. Guess which group is usually the loudest?

Somewhere along the way, social media convinced everyone they were simultaneously a constitutional scholar, investigative journalist, editor, fact-checker and Pulitzer Prize winner. The only qualifications required? A keyboard, an internet connection and enough confidence to declare an article “garbage” after reading half the headline. Welcome to journalism in 2026.

At “Folio,” criticism comes with the territory. If you’ve spent any time in independent journalism, you develop skin thicker than a rhinoceros. Angry emails, Facebook comments and anonymous insults are simply part of the job. The truth is, we welcome thoughtful criticism.

The First Amendment protects our right to publish and your right to disagree. Healthy debate makes journalism better, and many of our readers have pointed out mistakes, offered valuable perspectives or shared information that improved our reporting.

What doesn’t improve journalism is declaring war in the comments section after reading two paragraphs. Or worse, none at all.

After enough years in this business, we’ve become surprisingly good at predicting the comments before they’re posted. “You never mentioned...” Actually, we did. “This article is completely one-sided.” Interesting, considering we interviewed both sides. “You clearly don’t understand the law.” That’s curious because we interviewed attorneys, reviewed the statutes and read the case law. More often than not, the loudest criticism is aimed at something already explained later in the story.

Journalism isn’t meant to fit inside a headline or a Facebook post.

Context matters. Sources matter. Quotes matter. Facts build on one another. The answer to the question someone is furiously typing is often waiting just a few paragraphs below.

Then there are the personal attacks. Calling reporters idiots or hacks doesn’t strengthen an argument; it simply replaces one. The irony is that many of the people most passionate about defending free speech seem remarkably uncomfortable when journalists exercise theirs. Free speech has never been about protecting only opinions we already agree with.

For the record, we read the comments, most of them anyway. The thoughtful ones, the funny ones, the typo corrections and, yes, the ones insisting we’re “fake news,” “corporate puppets,” “too woke,” “not woke enough,” “left wing,” “right wing” and somehow responsible for this or that, when this or that has NOTHING to do with us other than us reporting on it. Sometimes all before lunch. Frankly, it’s almost impressive.

“Folio” has been telling Northeast Florida’s stories since 1987. We’ve covered corruption, celebrated hometown heroes, reviewed unforgettable concerts, spotlighted local artists, questioned powerful institutions and occasionally published stories that made people uncomfortable. That’s not activism or propaganda. That’s journalism.

Independent journalism has never existed to make everyone happy.

Our responsibility is to ask difficult questions, verify facts, provide context and hold the powerful accountable. If every article pleased every reader, we’d probably be doing something wrong.

So keep the emails coming. Challenge us. Send us additional facts. If we make a mistake, we’ll correct it. If you disagree with our opinions, write your own. That’s exactly what the First Amendment was built for.

Just do us one favor first: read the article. Not just the headline. Not just the first paragraph. Not just a screenshot of a screenshot your cousin shared on social media. Read the whole thing. You might still disagree, and that’s perfectly fine. At least we’ll be debating what was actually written instead of what someone imagined was written.

At “Folio,” we’ll keep reporting, keep asking difficult questions and keep telling Northeast Florida’s stories. We’ll also keep reading the comments. Even the ones insisting we’re simultaneously too liberal, too conservative, too serious, too sarcastic and somehow part of every conspiracy ever invented.

If that’s the price of protecting a free press, we’ll gladly pay it.

We ask only one thing in return. Read first; rage second. And for those who have read this entire article, thanks for being a “Folio” fan. We are ever so grateful for you.

Best,

Teresa Spencer, General Manager 4 Folio Weekly

CONTENTS

VOL. 40, ISSUE 15

COLUM N S 8

FEAT U RE S 10

HOROSCOPES

Why “Grandma Hobbies” Are Having a

37

Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Major Moment

Harry Straussman

Emily Cannon

15

20

FOLIO WEED Teresa Spencer

Jaguars Add Veteran Cornerback to

19

Teresa Spencer

Secondary

SPECIAL EVENTS

22

Pickleball is Still Hot

25

Emily Cannon

SPORTS

28

26

Warcries & Lullabies

TRIVIA, ETC.

Michael Teal

35

30

THEATER & FILM

The Lost Art of Physical Media

Review of “The Odyssey”

40

A City Is Only as Good as Its Curators Ariana Alcantara

42

Meet the Art Behind Hotel Palms Ambar Ramirez

50

Sip Happens Teresa Spencer

58

New Music Releases Ambar Ramirez

Carmen Macri

39 ART

48

COMEDY & MAGIC

62

CONCERTS

69

FOLIO’S EATS

73

FOLIO STAFF:

NIGHTLIFE

JOHN PHILLIPS President

AARON BERKSHIRE Photographer

TERESA SPENCER General Manager

ABIGAIL BODENHAM Writer

KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer

HARRY STRAUSSMAN Writer

AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director

EMILY CANNON Writer

CARMEN MACRI Social Media Manager & Lead Writer

MICHAEL TEAL Photographer & Writer

ARIANA ALCANTARA Writer

Cover photo by Ambar Ramirez 5

Subject: Letter to the Editor DING-DONG! THE MITCH IS DEAD [Sung to the tune of “Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead” by The Munchkins from the all-time classic film - which was the most Marxist movie ever made - The Wizard of Oz, released by those left-wing Hollywood Jews back in 1939.]

Ding-dong! The Mitch is Dead Which old Mitch? The Wicked Mitch!

Ding-dong! The Wicked Mitch is dead Mitch can’t wake up his sleepy head Senator Mitch McConnell is brain dead Wake up, the Wicked Mitch is dead He’s gone where the fascists go Below, below, below Elaine Chao, Mitch’s Chinese spy wife Gave the media A.I. photos As unconvincing proof of life Ding-dong, the merry-oh, sing it high Sing it low, let them know The Wicked Mitch is dead!

Mitch McConnell is most sincerely dead.

THE

Jake Pickering

MAIL

Representative of The Lollipop Guild

J A C K S O N V I L L E

J U M B O

S H R I M P

upcoming promotions VS

TUESDAY, JULY 28 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 2

Friday, July 31, 7:05PM WHO STOLE SCAMPI NIGHT Scampi’s been kidnapped in VyStar ballpark! Come out and watch the videoboard in between the innings to see how this mystery unfolds!

Plus, enjoy Friday Night Lites from gates until 7:30pm, with $2 12oz. Miller Lites, presented by Miller Lite, and Friday Night Fireworks!

Saturday, August 1, 6:35PM BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT Make the thought of going back to school fun with the Jumbo Shrimp! Also, Be one of the first 2000 fans through the Main Gate at the Baptist Health Centerfield Plaza to obtain a Jumbo Shrimp Water Bottle!

Presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Sunday, August 2, 5:05PM MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY Join the Jumbo Shrimp and Boeing for Military Appreciation Night as we are providing free tickets (subject to availability) to all active, retired, veterans and former military members and their dependents. It’s Baptist Health Sunday Family FUNday, so head out to the center field gate where we will host catch on the field until 20 minutes after the gates have opened. Kids can also feel like the pros after each Sunday game by rounding the bases once the field is clear. Plus, face paint, balloon animals & more, presented by Baptist Health.

VS

6 Folio Weekly

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

TICKETS START AT JUST $5

AFFORDABLE. FAMILY. FUN.

BOUQS & BRICKS BOUQUETS

Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies that patrol our coastline every summer. While thousands of residents and visitors flock to the beaches to enjoy the sun, surf and nightlife, officers are working long hours behind the scenes to keep everyone safe. From managing crowded holiday weekends and responding to emergencies to cracking down on impaired driving, reckless behavior and other public safety concerns, their presence helps ensure that the beach remains a place for families, tourists and locals alike to enjoy. Their professionalism, visibility and commitment throughout another busy summer season deserve recognition — and a well-earned Bouquet from “Folio.”

BRICKBATS

Senator Mitch McConnell for allowing silence to speak louder than transparency. When someone occupies one of the highest elected offices in the country, the public deserves more than carefully worded statements released through staff. No one is asking for McConnell’s detailed medical file, but a brief appearance on camera or a straightforward update would go a long way toward restoring confidence.

Instead, the lack of direct communication has created a void that rumors and speculation are more than happy to fill. The longer questions go unanswered, the more people begin comparing the situation to “Weekend at Bernie’s,” a pop culture shorthand for wondering if those behind the scenes are managing the narrative instead of letting the public hear directly from the elected official himself.

Public service comes with public accountability.

Transparency isn’t about satisfying curiosity; it’s about maintaining trust. When leaders choose silence over visibility, they shouldn’t be surprised when skepticism becomes the loudest voice in the room. It is coming off as political shenanigans or perhaps fraud.

YOU’RE ALREADY HERE, SO ARE POTENTIAL

CUSTOMERS.

Email teresa@folioweekly.com or call us at 904-239-5736

7

Aries Lucky, lucky duck! As Venus enters Libra, you will find that your series of unfortunate events is officially over — or at least on pause for the last month of summer. The first week of August has quite the celestial game of chess being played as Mars enters Cancer and a retrograde Juno moves into Capricorn. All of that to say, you’ll work better in a team this month. Try to stray away from any solo projects.

Your Au

Horosc

Taurus The last full moon in Aquarius left you with the tools necessary to grow in your career, Taurus. You’ve been working hard and honorably these past six months, and what you’ve sown is not going unreaped. But don’t wait around for the promotion or the raise or the project you’ve had on the back burner just to magically appear or present itself. Use these next two weeks to market and promote yourself and ask directly for what you want.

Cancer Your magnetism is off the charts this month, Cancer. You might be used to keeping yourself tucked behind the curtain, but the new faces entering your orbit are here to stay. And maybe, just maybe, they’re showing up for a reason. If a genuine connection is starting to take root, this past full moon has all the staying power to back it up.

Leo A new moon solar eclipse lands directly in your sign this month, Leo, so buckle up. It’s highlighting major personal beginnings and honest self-reflection, essentially forcing you to take off those rose-colored lenses and look at the real, unfiltered picture. You can’t be the protagonist in everyone’s story, and sometimes, not even your own.

Virgo

Gemini Prepare for your professional life to blow up, Gemini.

With Mars hanging out in your sign, you’ll be booked, busy and highly competitive — finally feeling motivated to take on bigger and better projects. The financial clarity you’ve been seeking is right around the bend.

8 Folio 8 Folio Weekly Weekly

A shift in the Lunar Nodes doesn’t happen every day. At the end of July, your karmic South Node bids farewell to Virgo and enters Leo, taking up residence in your introspective twelfth house right as Leo season kicks off. If you’ve been joking about paying off your karma, consider this your fresh start: over the next 20 months, you’ll finally have the space to simplify the areas of your life that got way too complicated.

ugust

Capricorn

copes

By Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Normally, you’ve never found yourself torn between work and play, but unfortunately, August will have everything muddied.

Making tough decisions seems to be getting tougher, and finding the perfect work-life balance is feeling impossible. The new moon solar eclipse will bring this all to a head, so at least you’re prepared for that… now.

Libra Not everything is about you, Libra, and it’s about time you figured that out — as jarring as it is to realize you are not the Sun. With Saturn and Neptune in your opposite sign highlighting your close bonds, you will find yourself struggling to decipher what is real or what is simply an illusion in your personal relationships. Good luck and godspeed.

Aquarius As Leo season takes over, you’re entering a chapter dedicated to showing up for the people closest to you. While it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of your own world, the key right now is reciprocity. The people you love need you present — and honestly, you could use their support just as much. You’re also coming into more alignment with yourself and practicing what you preach.

Scorpio You’re getting messy this month, Scorpio. As a dog returns to its throw-up, you return to past lovers. You need to remind yourself that doors have been closed for a reason, especially the ones under a heavy lock and key. Professionally, though, things are looking up. With the Sun moving through Leo, your attention shifts back to your career (where it belongs), and recognition is coming your way.

Sagittarius

The way you communicate is evolving, Sagittarius, and the people tuning in are changing right along with you. Your expressive Third House is glowing, stirring up way more to share than you thought you had in you. You could find a brand-new outlet — maybe this is your sign to start that podcast or pick up a new journal. Just make sure you get it out into the world. Keeping all those ideas to yourself would be a crime!

Pisces

The month of August starts with a clean slate for you, Pisces. As the sun moves through Leo, it’s important to remember all you’ve learned these past couple of months and actually put it to use. This is the season of investment; even small habits or changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your goals and dreams.

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Why ‘Grandma Hobbies’ Are Having a Major Moment Words by Emily Cannon

10 Folio Weekly

For years, hobbies like crochet, mahjong, knitting, quilting and embroidery were often associated with older generations. They were activities passed down through families, enjoyed during retirement or viewed as old-fashioned pastimes. Today, however, those same hobbies are experiencing an unexpected revival, with Gen Z and millennials embracing what social media has affectionately dubbed

Beyond their growing popularity, these hobbies offer significant mental health benefits.

Crocheting and other fiber arts require repetitive hand movements that many experts compare to meditation. The rhythmic process can help reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging mindfulness and allowing the brain to focus on one task at a time. Many people describe entering a calming “flow state,” where worries fade into the background while they work on a project.

Crafting also provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. In a world where so much work happens digitally, completing a scarf, blanket or stuffed animal offers visible proof of progress. Every finished project represents hours of patience, creativity and dedication, providing a confidence boost that can be difficult to find in everyday life.

“grandma hobbies.”

From crochet clubs popping up on college campuses to packed mahjong nights at local coffee shops and community centers, these traditional hobbies have become some of the fastest-growing leisure activities among younger generations. The resurgence isn’t simply about nostalgia; it’s about slowing down, finding community and stepping away from the constant demands of a digital world.

One of the biggest drivers behind the trend is social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest have introduced younger audiences to hobbies they may never have considered. Videos of creators crocheting sweaters, making blankets, decorating embroidery hoops or hosting colorful mahjong nights regularly attract millions of views. Instead of being viewed as outdated, these hobbies are now presented as aesthetic, creative and surprisingly trendy.

Crochet, in particular, has exploded in popularity. Young creators are designing everything from handbags and swimsuits to bucket hats and stuffed animals. Handmade clothing has become a way for people to express individuality while moving away from fast fashion.

Rather than buying mass-produced items, many enjoy the satisfaction of creating something unique.

Mahjong has also seen a resurgence, although in a different way. The centuries-old tile game has become a social event, especially among women looking for alternatives to traditional nights out.

Many groups host weekly mahjong gatherings complete with themed snacks, colorful tile sets and beginner-friendly lessons. The game encourages conversation, strategy and friendly competition, making it an ideal way to spend an evening without staring at a phone screen.

Mahjong exercises the brain in different ways. Players must recognize patterns, remember discarded tiles, anticipate opponents’ strategies and make quick decisions throughout the game. These mental challenges help strengthen memory, concentration and critical thinking while providing an enjoyable form of entertainment.

Perhaps the greatest benefit shared by all of these hobbies is their ability to bring people together.

Despite growing digital connectivity, many younger adults report feeling increasingly isolated. Traditional hobbies naturally create opportunities for face-to-face interaction. Local yarn shops frequently host crochet circles, libraries organize knitting groups and restaurants offer mahjong nights for beginners and experienced players alike.

Unlike many social gatherings centered around drinking or nightlife, these activities encourage meaningful conversation while participants work together or play games. New friendships often develop naturally because everyone shares a common interest, making these hobbies especially welcoming for people looking to expand their social circles.

Many participants also appreciate the opportunity to disconnect from technology. Between work, school and social media, most people spend hours each day looking at screens. Grandma hobbies encourage intentional breaks from notifications, emails and endless scrolling. Even setting aside an hour to crochet or play mahjong can create a healthier balance between digital life and personal well-being.

11

There is also a sustainability factor contributing to the trend. Crochet and knitting promote repairing or creating clothing rather than constantly purchasing new items.

Handmade gifts are often treasured more than store-bought alternatives because they represent time, effort and thoughtfulness. As more consumers become conscious of environmental issues, hobbies centered around making and mending fit naturally into slower, more sustainable lifestyles.

For many people, these hobbies also create meaningful connections between generations. Grandparents teach grandchildren how to crochet, quilt or play mahjong, passing down traditions that might otherwise be lost. In return, younger generations introduce fresh ideas, modern designs and online communities that help these crafts continue evolving.

What was once dismissed as old-fashioned has become refreshingly modern. As life becomes increasingly fast-paced and technology dominates everyday routines, many people are searching for activities that offer creativity, mindfulness and genuine human connection.

Whether it’s finishing a crochet project after weeks of work, learning a new mahjong strategy or simply spending an evening laughing with friends around a table, grandma hobbies provide something many people have been missing: a chance to slow down, create something meaningful and enjoy the simple pleasure of being fully present.

After Hours Hours After at at

Celebrate in in the the heart heart of of the the city! city!

full bar | food trucks | Mr. al Pete friday sept. 4, 2026 6pm to 9pm

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135 W Monroe St Jacksonville, FL 32202 | www.jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org

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Folio Weed

The Weed

Words by Teresa Spencer

Chemistry Cabinet Behind every perfectly frosted bud is a surprisingly strict rulebook for Florida cannabis growers Walk into any Florida medical marijuana dispensary, and you’ll find rows of sparkling flower, terpene-rich live resin, vape carts, gummies and concentrates that look like they came straight from a chemistry lab. In a way, they did.

The result is an industry that’s part agriculture, part pharmaceutical manufacturing and part chemistry experiment — only with inspectors looking over everyone’s shoulder.

Growing Weed Isn’t Like Growing Tomatoes

But despite what critics and conspiracy theorists love to suggest, Florida’s cannabis industry isn’t a free-for-all where growers spray whatever they want, and processors cook up concentrates with mystery chemicals. Quite the opposite.

From the moment a seedling goes into the ground until a finished product lands behind the dispensary counter, nearly every chemical that touches that plant is regulated by the state. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), working under Florida Statute 381.986 and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64-4, dictates what growers can spray, what processors can extract with and what laboratories must test before a single gram reaches a patient.

Cannabis is a diva. It attracts insects, molds, fungi, powdery mildew and just about every problem Mother Nature can throw at it. A commercial grower who loses control of pests can lose millions of dollars in a single harvest. But that doesn’t mean Florida growers can grab whatever pesticide happens to be sitting on the shelf at the local farm supply store.

Under Rule 64-4.013, every pesticide used on medical marijuana must first be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. After that, it generally has to qualify through one of two pathways.

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Done correctly, it produces some of the most sought-after concentrates on dispensary shelves. Done incorrectly? Those products never make it to patients. Before anything reaches a dispensary shelf, it has to survive what amounts to a scientific interrogation. Every production batch is sent to an OMMU-certified laboratory where technicians look for problems most consumers will never see.

Among the required tests are: • Residual solvents to verify that extraction chemicals like butane, propane and ethanol have been removed to acceptable levels.

• Pesticide residues, with laboratories now screening for 96 different compounds under updated 2026 standards.

• Heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, using significantly stricter action limits than previous regulations.

• Microbial contamination and mycotoxins, including mold, E. coli, Salmonella and aflatoxins that could pose serious health risks.

The first consists of minimum-risk pesticides, which are products exempt from federal registration because both their active and inert ingredients are considered exceptionally low risk. Think plant oils, soaps, naturally occurring biological controls and other products designed to control pests without leaving behind significant chemical residues.

Many laboratories are also expected to maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, the international benchmark for testing laboratory competence. In other words, every jar of flower has a report card before it earns a spot on the shelf.

Medical Marijuana Isn’t the Wild West

The second category includes products registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Even then, they aren’t automatically approved. Their labels must indicate they’re suitable for organic production, cannot prohibit indoor use and must include directions for use on unspecified crops intended for human consumption. Florida regulators have largely nudged the industry toward biologically based pest management instead of relying on many of the harsher synthetic chemicals commonly associated with conventional agriculture.

The Real Magic Happens After Harvest Dry flower may get most of the attention, but much of Florida’s cannabis crop never stays flower for long. Instead, it’s transformed into concentrates: live resin, badder, sugar, shatter, vape oil and other products prized for their potency and terpene profiles. That transformation depends on extraction chemistry.

For years, Florida processors relied primarily on two methods: supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and ethanol. Carbon dioxide uses pressure and temperature to separate cannabinoids without leaving behind solvent residue. Ethanol, classified as a Class 3 solvent because of its relatively low toxicity when properly removed, became the industry’s workhorse thanks to its efficiency and long-established pharmaceutical use.

Then came 2021. An emergency rule expanded the state’s toolbox by allowing hydrocarbon extraction using n-butane, isobutane, propane, pentane and heptane under tightly controlled manufacturing standards. If you’ve ever wondered why today’s live resin smells almost identical to fresh cannabis flower, hydrocarbons are a big reason.

The process preserves delicate terpenes that give cannabis its aroma, flavor and much of its character.

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Cannabis still carries decades of cultural baggage. Some people picture massive grow houses soaked in pesticides. Others imagine extraction labs filled with dangerous homemade chemistry experiments.

Florida’s regulatory system paints a far different picture. Every pesticide, every extraction solvent and every production batch operates inside one of the country’s most detailed medical cannabis compliance programs. Products are cultivated, extracted, tested and tracked long before patients ever see them.

Is the system perfect? Of course not. Regulators continue updating testing standards, expanding pesticide screening panels and tightening laboratory requirements as the science evolves. But one thing is clear: producing legal medical marijuana in Florida involves far more paperwork, chemistry and oversight than most people realize. The next time someone dismisses cannabis as “just a plant,” remember this: By the time that flower reaches a dispensary shelf, it has already passed through one of the most heavily scrutinized agricultural production systems in the state.

g n i n e p p a h All things

in Ja ck so nv ill e

Click here for our events calendar

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“When Bulls Fly” Photo submitted to the eye by Jeff Card Photography

THROUGH AUGUST 2 Dinosauria Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens jacksonvillezoo.org

AUGUST 13 The Wiggles: Tree of Wisdom Spectacular!

Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Jurassic Quest Prime Osborn Convention Center jurassicquest.com

AUGUST 15-16 7th Annual BeeFare Duval Hall duvalhall.com

AUGUST 1 Ship Fest White Attire Party USS Orleck 904tix.com AUGUST 1-2 Repticon Duval Hall duvalhall.com AUGUST 7-8 The Mocky Horror Show Friday Musicale feverup.com

AUGUST 21-23 Jacksonville Tattoo Convention World Golf Village Renaissance St Augustine Resort setattoo.com AUGUST 27 Speaker Series: Jacksonville’s Civil Rights Trail Jacksonville History Center jaxhistory.org

Special Events AUGUST 7-9 Jax Beach Summer Fest 2026 Seawalk Pavilion eventbrite.com

AUGUST 28-29 Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter 2 Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenterorg

AUGUST 8 Dungeons and Dragons Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens jacksonvillezoo.org

AUGUST 29 Candlelight: Tribute to Adele Main Library feverup.com

JAMJAX Jamaica Independence Gala The Salem Centre eventbrite.com

The Dinner Detective True Crime Mystery Dinner Show Marriott Jacksonville Downtown Hotel thedinnerdetective.com

AUGUST 8-9 Spirit Fest Duval Hall duvalhall.com

AUGUST 29-30 River City Card Show Duval Hall duvalhall.com

AUGUST 8-OCTOBER 17 The Jury Experience: The Deadly Boat Ride Main Library feverup.com 19

JAGUARS ADD VETERAN CORNERBACK COREY BALLENTINE TO SECONDARY

Words by Teresa Spencer

Photos by Aaron Berkshire

The Jacksonville Jaguars have added another experienced defensive back to their roster, signing veteran cornerback Corey Ballentine as the team continues to shape its secondary ahead of the regular season.

Ballentine arrives with seven seasons of NFL experience after spending time with the New York Giants, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys. During his professional career, he has appeared in 75 games, making 11 starts while contributing as both a defensive back and a special teams player.

Known for his versatility, Ballentine has compiled 77 career tackles, nine pass breakups, an interception, two forced fumbles and a quarterback hit. He has also been a reliable kickoff returner, averaging nearly 24 yards per return across 37 career kick returns.

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Before reaching the NFL, Ballentine starred at Washburn University in Kansas, where he developed a reputation as one of the school’s most dynamic defensive players.

Over four collegiate seasons, he totaled 186 tackles, recorded five interceptions, forced four fumbles and blocked four kicks. His athletic ability also extended beyond football, as he competed in track and field during his time at Washburn.

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Ballentine later moved to Kansas, where he continued developing into the athlete who would eventually earn a spot in the NFL.

In a corresponding roster move, the Jaguars placed veteran cornerback Dane Jackson on the reserve/retired list.

With preseason roster competition nearing its conclusion, the Jaguars continue to add experienced depth at key positions as the club prepares for the 2026 season. Ballentine’s experience on defense and special teams could make him a valuable option as the Jaguars finalize their 53-man active roster.

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PICKLEBALL

IS STILL

HOT Words by Emily Cannon

Graphics by Vanessa Nicolle

22 Folio Weekly

WHY PICKLEBALL

CONTINUES

DOMINATE AMERICA’s FASTEST

TO

Growing SPORT

Not long ago, pickleball was considered a niche pastime played primarily in retirement communities. Today, it has become one of the country’s biggest recreational crazes, attracting everyone from elementary school students to professional athletes and celebrities.

Courts are popping up in neighborhoods across the nation, leagues are filling up faster than ever and local parks are struggling to keep up with demand.

The sport’s explosive growth has transformed pickleball from a little-known activity into a cultural phenomenon, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

One of the biggest reasons for pickleball’s success is its accessibility.

Unlike many sports that require years of training or expensive equipment, pickleball is easy for beginners to learn. Players only need a paddle, a lightweight plastic ball and access to a court. Most people can understand the basic rules within a single game, making it an inviting option for people who may feel intimidated by sports like tennis or golf.

The game itself combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, creating a fast-paced but manageable experience.

The smaller court means less running than tennis, while the slower-moving ball allows players of varying skill levels to compete together. Families often find themselves playing with grandparents, parents and children all on the same court, making it one of the few sports that truly appeals to multiple generations.

Another major factor fueling pickleball’s rise is its social atmosphere.

Unlike some competitive sports that emphasize individual performance, pickleball naturally encourages conversation and camaraderie. Doubles matches are the most common format, giving players plenty of opportunities to laugh, cheer each other on and meet new people. Many recreational leagues welcome beginners, creating an environment where competition is balanced with community.

Across the country, local parks, recreation departments and sports clubs have expanded their pickleball offerings. Many communities now host beginner clinics, round robin tournaments and open play sessions where anyone can join a game.

These events have become popular gathering places for people looking to stay active while building friendships.

Social media has also played a significant role in pickleball’s popularity. Videos of exciting rallies, trick shots and tournament highlights regularly go viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Influencers share beginner tips, equipment recommendations and humorous moments from the court, helping introduce millions of viewers to the sport.

Celebrities have added even more momentum. Professional athletes from football, basketball and tennis have invested in professional pickleball teams, while actors and musicians have publicly embraced the game. Their involvement has helped shift pickleball’s image from a retirement hobby to a mainstream sport enjoyed by people of all ages.

Beyond the fun, pickleball offers numerous physical and mental health benefits.

The sport provides an excellent cardiovascular workout without placing excessive strain on the joints. Because the court is smaller than a tennis court, players can improve endurance, coordination and balance while reducing the risk of overexertion. This makes pickleball an appealing option for older adults, individuals recovering from injuries and those simply looking for a lower-impact way to stay active.

Quick exchanges at the net also improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Players must anticipate their opponents’ shots, communicate with partners and make split-second decisions throughout each rally. These skills challenge both the body and the mind, keeping games engaging regardless of experience level.

Mental health benefits are another reason many players return to the court week after week. Physical activity has long been linked to reduced stress and improved mood, but pickleball adds another important element: social connection. Spending time with teammates and opponents helps reduce feelings of isolation while creating a sense of belonging within the community.

For many people, weekly pickleball matches become more than just exercise; they become part of their routine and social life. It’s common for players to grab coffee after games, organize weekend tournaments or introduce friends to the sport, creating lasting relationships through shared competition.

Communities have also embraced pickleball as a way to make better use of public spaces. Existing tennis courts are often converted into multiple pickleball courts, allowing more people to play at the same time. New indoor facilities are opening across the country, providing year-round opportunities regardless of the weather.

As participation continues to grow, so does the sport’s economic impact. Sporting goods stores have expanded their selection of paddles, shoes and accessories, while travel tournaments and local competitions bring visitors to cities around the country. Professional leagues, sponsorships and televised events have also introduced a new audience to competitive pickleball.

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What began as a backyard game has evolved into one of the defining recreational trends of the decade. Its combination of accessibility, affordability and community has made it appealing to players from every generation.

Whether someone is looking for a fun way to exercise, meet new friends or simply try something different, pickleball offers an experience that is easy to start but difficult to leave behind. As courts continue to fill and new players pick up paddles every day, it’s clear that America’s pickleball craze is far more than a passing trend; it has become a lasting part of the country’s recreational culture.

24 Folio Weekly

AUGUST 1 Jacksonville Sharks vs. Tulsa OIlers VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxsharks.com

AUGUST 7-8 Jacksonville Waves vs. Greensboro Groove VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena wavesupshot.com

AUGUST 21 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers EverBank Stadium jaguars.com

Florida Striders Summer Classic 5K 11112 San Jose Blvd.

AUGUST 9 Jacksonville Jaguars Open Practice Miller Electric Center jaguars.com

AUGUST 22 Jaguars Prowl 5K and Mile Riverfront Plaza 1stplacesports.com

AUGUST 11-16 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Syracuse Mets VyStar Ballpark mlb.com/milb/jacksonville

Ocean Marathon Swim Jacksonville Beach Life Guard Station 1stplacesports.com

1stplacesports.com BHI 2nd Annual 5K & Fun Run Black Hammock Island Community Center 1stplacesports.com AUGUST 1-2 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Memphis Red Birds VyStar Ballpark mlb.com/milb/jacksonville AUGUST 2 The Dude Perfect: Squad Games Tour VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com AUGUST 2-3 Jacksonville Jaguars Open Practice Miller Electric Center jaguars.com AUGUST 7 Jacksonville Jaguars Open Practice Miller Electric Center jaguars.com Tour de Pain Prominence Business Park 1stplacesports.com

AUGUST 15 Sporting JAX vs. Indy Eleven Hodges Stadium at University of North Florida sportingjax.com Tijuana Flats Summer Beach Run Seawalk Pavilion 1stplacesports.com Mandarin High Mustang 5K Mandarin High School 1stplacesports.com AUGUST 19 Jacksonville Jaguars Open Practice Miller Electric Center jaguars.com Jacksonville Waves vs. Savannah Steel VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena wavesupshot.com

AUGUST 23 Jacksonville Jaguars Open Practice Miller Electric Center jaguars.com AUGUST 25 Jacksonville Jaguars Open Practice Miller Electric Center jaguars.com AUGUST 25-30 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Nashville Sounds VyStar Ballpark mlb.com/milb/jacksonville AUGUST 28 Jacksonville Jaguars vs.Tampa Bay Buccaneers EverBank Stadium jaguars.com AUGUST 29 Isaiah Strong 5K Oakleaf High School, Orange Park 1stplacesports.com

25

•

•

St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster

•

Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.

House, 6 p.m

•

Monkey’s Uncle Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.

•

Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.

•

Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.

•

Tepeyolot Cerveceria, 7:30 p.m.

•

9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards,

•

Casbah Cafe, 8 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

Sahara Cafe, 8 p.m.

•

Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.

•

Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia),

•

Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA

MONDAYS

•

•

Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park,

7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–River City/Northside,

7:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS •

Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.

•

V Pizza–Mandarin, 6:30 p.m.

•

Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.

•

The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.

•

Bold City Brewery, 7 p.m.

•

Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.

TUESDAYS

•

Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

•

Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.

•

St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.

•

Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.

•

Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (mu-

•

Ink Factory Brewing, 7 p.m.

sic bingo), 6:30 p.m.

•

Island Wing–Bartram (music bingo) 7 p.m.

Dick’s Wings–St. Augustine,

•

Island Wing–Southside, 7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

•

Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint,

•

• •

V Pizza– St. Augustine, 6:30 p.m.

•

The Back 40, 7 p.m.

•

Bottlenose Brewing, 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, Miller’s Ale House–Hodges, 7 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach,

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.

7 p.m.

•

Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

•

Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.

•

Shaughnessy’s Sports Grill, St. Augustine,

•

Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boule-

7 p.m.

vard, 7 p.m.

•

V Pizza–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

Island Wing Company–Bartram,

•

V Pizza–Fernandina, 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

V Pizza–Palm Valley, 7 p.m.

•

Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.

•

Veterans United Craft Brewery,

•

Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

•

Miller’s Ale House–Deerwood,

•

7 p.m.

•

Burrito Gallery–Town Center (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

My Tap Room (pop culture), 7 p.m.

•

Players Grille, 7 p.m.

•

Shantytown Pub, 7 p.m.

•

Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

•

Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

•

Southern Grill, 7 p.m.

•

Surfside Kitchen, St. Augustine,

•

Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

•

Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 7:30 p.m.

V Pizza–Fernandina (music bingo), 7 p.m.

•

Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

•

VooSwar, 7 p.m.

•

King Maker Brewing, 7:30 p.m.

•

Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St.

•

Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m

Johns, 7 p.m.

•

Wicked Barley Brewing, 7:30 p.m.

•

Culhane’s Irish Pub–Southside, 7:30 p.m.

•

The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia),

•

Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture),

•

7:30 p.m.

26 Folio Weekly

King Maker Brewing (name that tune),

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.

•

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.

•

V Pizza– Fernandina (what’s that song), 7 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.

Annabella suffered a meniscus tear but thanks to Injury Care Centers & our Biotarget Therapy she was back on the field in only 3 weeks.

SATURDAYS •

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),

TARGETED TREATMENTS RAPID RECOVERY

7:30 p.m.

ETC.

904-549-5647 gobiotarget.com 27

WARC As the “plip” from the dripping of water falling from the spiny ceiling bounces between the cold, wet walls of the dimly lit cavern, four protagonists cautiously trespass into the beast’s lair. One silent step at a time, they round the corner, revealing the monstrous skull of The Giant King, who only a century before had been slain by the ruthless, reptilian ravager now residing in the remains of the once beloved ruler. The sliver of silver light seeping in through the cracks in the ceiling cloaks the shiny, crimson scales, confirming the draconic identity of Hrothgar. As the four fan out, finding cover behind jagged stone surfaces, knocking arrows and reciting spells, a short, stocky, ginger hill-dwarf steps forward into the light to face the dragon. The courageous munchkin grabs his disproportionate warhammer from his back, anticipating the battle to come. As the hammer is heaved over his back, however, it falls from his grip due to the curse of slipping cast on the dwarf by the pesky bog witch for stealing her ostrich eyes last episode. The hammer then flies through the air, landing with a “thunk” on the snoozing head of Hrothgar: still resting on the jaws of the once great king. Its eyes flash open, stabbing deep into the dwarf’s soul. With smoke now hazing from its nostrils, the creature rises from the mandible and catapults the upper skull into the darkness, followed by the echo of broken bone bits. Now towering above the dwarf, the beast takes one deep inhale before expelling a skull-shaking scream.

I would now like everyone to please roll initiative.

28 Folio Weekly

Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game many may know by name or from popular media such as “Stranger Things.” D&D consists of friends coming together, going on an adventure, slaying powerful monsters and saving the world, all by simply rolling dice. I had the opportunity to speak with the vibrant team behind the Warcries and Lullabies podcast (Fred, Justin, Annie, Kelly and Jeff). Because I’m running my own game, I wanted to ask them questions about D&D and their podcast and provide info for anyone who has never played but is curious and itching for an adventure. So grab some dice, pull up a chair and let’s get rolling.

I was excited to pick the brains behind the operation. First, I wanted a scope of experience this lively bunch had on D&D so I could relay them to people who hadn’t played before. Of the five members, three of them introduced themselves as players since childhood; the other two described watching over their husbands’ shoulders for years but are now hopping in to play themselves. This is a great spread of experience. On the podcast, the veterans run the game and show what the imagination can manifest, while the less experienced ask questions about the game and find new ways to have fun. Just from listening to the first episode, I learned new rules about flying characters that will be in the back of my mind during my games.

Next, I asked them to describe their characters. In D&D, each player creates a character to their heart’s content.

There are so many choices, and it can be daunting, which my players experienced, as well. Characters can punch stuff, crush stuff, stab stuff, cast spells, sing songs, heal the team, transform into an earthworm in the palace garden to eavesdrop on the king’s retainers to steal the gate key. There are endless possibilities to create whoever you want to become and how you want to fight.

The more you put into and become the character, the more fun you’ll have. Guaranteed!

I asked what D&D meant to them, especially the experienced players. They explained how D&D had become something important for their families. With everything in the world now clawing at our attention for every spare millisecond, D&D has given them and their families a place to escape our world and explore somewhere a little more colorful. Even with children, jobs, bills and everything else fighting over those milliseconds, they still carve out time to come together to play, laugh and have fun. They even detailed bringing their kids into games outside the podcast to play with them as a family.

It’s clear that family is very important to this group, especially as we dive deeper into their story.

The players illustrated a background for Warcries and Lullabies. They knew from the start that they wanted family to be a centerpiece of the story. Being that the players consisted of two couples and an old man, Fred, the Dungeon Master, narrator and creator of the story, was tasked with designing a narrative that fit the family theme.

CRIES & LULLABIES From his cauldron of creativity sprang forth a story about three orphans on a journey with their “cantankerous caretaker” to find their four lost siblings. With the information they have uncovered so far, Jeff explained, there was a great catastrophe that befell the orphanage, dispersing the children only Jeff knows where, and it is up to the remaining children and “cantankerous caretaker,” to solve the mystery and save their family. Along the way, they encounter dangerous enemies, head-scratching puzzles and fun for the whole family.

want might be the key to those shackles. So if you’re itching to break those chains, why not at least swing by Warcries and Lullabies? They might just take you on an adventure you didn’t even know was out there.

Words by Michael Teal

If you’re looking for a new adventure, sick and tired of doing nothing on a Tuesday night, always wanting to play but never getting around to it or are even slightly intrigued by D&D, check out Warcries and Lullabies. D&D has long been a game for nerds. This should be a compliment instead of an insult. Doing something fun, detaching from your phone, playing with friends, exploring your creativity and diving into the unknown should never be looked down upon. With the world around us making us feel shackled by responsibility, a place to let go, have fun and do and be whatever you 29

THE

LO ST ART

OF

PHYSICAL

MEDIA

Words by Carmen Macri

30 Folio Weekly

It all started with Netflix.

Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, movie night was a high-commitment, highly intentional operation. It required actual effort: getting in the car, driving to Blockbuster and hunting through the towering aisles like a scavenger searching for the precise film to satisfy a very specific mood. It meant a mandatory pitstop at the corner store to load up on sweet and salty essentials. Movie night meant having a strategy and executing it.

Then Netflix arrived and rendered all that effort delightfully obsolete — first by mailing DVDs directly to your doorstep, and then by launching digital streaming (and handing the movie theater industry a very long, very painful notice).

Then, in 2001, Apple introduced the iPod, casually cramming 1,000 songs into your pocket and rendering cassettes, CDs and painstakingly personally mixtapes relics of the past. Automobile manufacturers quietly phased out CD players, handing the keys over to aux cords and Bluetooth.

And then, in 2004, Facebook was launched, and life as we knew it officially went extinct. Photo albums were no longer found proudly on coffee tables or hidden in bedroom closets, but instead on social profiles. The human instinct to preserve memories became solely reliant on high-speed internet and wi-fi.

And this shift reaches far beyond our personal habits. Corporate culture fully surrendered to the digital age, shrinking itself down to fit neatly inside a screen. Magazines that were once cultural powerhouses have largely fizzled out — victims of shifting relevance and dying print demand. Today, most publications exist strictly as pixels on a screen. (Not “Folio,” though.)

For those of us caught right at the cusp of the analog-to-digital shift, nostalgia carries a specific weight. We miss the deliberate intent of the past: handwritten notes instead of quick texts, tangible Blu-ray shelves instead of decision-fatigue on Netflix and printed photos you can pass around a table rather than buried in an Instagram “photo dump.”

What’s fascinating, though, is that this isn’t just a quarter-life retreat down memory lane. Digital natives — who were handed smartphones in the cradle — are suddenly seeking out a phantom past. They’re discovering that when everything is weightless, instantaneous and rented from the cloud, nothing feels like it’s truly yours.

Thus, the resurgence of physical media. It isn’t just another retro trend prepared to fade back into the void; it’s a quiet rebellion against the intangible. It’s not the older generation holding onto the past, but rather young adults who grew up without it fighting for its revival.

31

Physical media matters, now more than ever, and here’s why.

For the second time in just three years, Sony has announced its plans to remove more than 550 movies from customers’ accounts in Europe, proving time and time again that nothing digital is truly ever ours.

In a recent memo to PlayStation Store users who bought StudioCanal movies like “Terminator 2” or “Total Recall,” Sony essentially said: “Thanks for your money, but due to licensing agreements, your purchased films are being deleted from your library. Have a nice day.” No refunds. No credits. No compromises. Just a blunt reminder that in the digital era, “buying” a movie is really just paying top dollar to rent it until a lawyer says otherwise.

Throw in the never-ending streaming wars where Netflix, Hulu, Max and Prime take collective joy in quietly deleting cult-classic shows and movies every month, only for them to resurface behind yet another $20 paywall, and it’s no wonder Gen Z is ditching the cloud.

Exhausted by disappearing content, young buyers are spearheading a massive revival in physical media, driving a major spike in sales this year alone.

In the U.S., consumers spent $870 million on physical discs (DVD, Bluray and 4K HD), spending $185 million in just the first quarter.

According to Luminate’s 2026 Midyear Report, U.S. CD sales jumped

32 Folio Weekly

16% (reaching 16.3 million units) in the first half of 2026 alone, outstripping vinyl’s rate of growth. Total physical music sales (vinyl, CD, cassettes) grew nearly 8% year-over-year.

Per the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), annual vinyl revenue in the U.S. surpassed $1.4 billion, marking nearly two decades of continuous growth. Vinyl now accounts for more than 70% of all physical music revenue.

For lack of a better word, Gen Z’s obsession with physical media can boil down to one thing: the joy of ownership — intention with the art they love and a trophy shelf of self.

And this goes far beyond music and movies. Look at the sudden resurgence of vintage film cameras and MiniDV camcorders. Nobody is buying early-2000s tech to chase pixel perfection; they’re chasing a feeling that a modern iPhone simply can’t process.

That slightly grainy, beautifully imperfect footage carries a warmth that sterile, hyper-polished 4K video completely lacks. It’s a deliberate rejection of modern tech’s flawless, glossy output in favor of something with actual soul. In short: it feels like an authentic memory rather than just another data file.

‘The Americana Revolution’

ROOTS RADIO HAS LANDED ON THE SONIC PLANET

Listen at www.thesonicplanet.com

STEPHEN WILSON JR. GARY THE TORCH TOUR WITH

THE LONE BELLOW

AU GUST 7

THE FRAY

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL & COLONY HOUSE

JAMES TAYLOR

AND HIS ALL-STAR BAND

SEPTEMBER 22 & 23

FLIPTURN

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

WINYAH

SEPTEMBER 25

AU GUST 8

RISE AGAINST

JORDAN DAVIS

ALKALINE TRIO & TEEN MORTGAGE

AU GUST 16

SQUEEZE

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

ADAM ANT & HAIRCUT 100 AU GUST 1 8

BUDDY GUY 90

WITH

THE AVETT BROTHERS

THE SECRET SISTERS

OCTO BE R 11

ALABAMA

OCTO BE R 17 AN EVENING WITH

CAKE

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

OCTO BE R 21

SEPTEMBER 26

TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS

OF MONSTERS AND MEN

THE MOUSE PARADE TOUR

S E P TEMBE R 29

WITH S PEC IAL GU ESTS

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE & DRAYTON FARLEY OCTO BE R 24

O.A.R.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

WHISKEY MYERS

THREE DECADES TOUR

AU GUST 22

THE RANSOM BROTHERS

GAVIN DEGRAW & KT TUNSTALL

TAJ FARRANT

SLIGHTLY STOOPID ROAD TRIPPIN SUMMER TOUR 2026 WITH S PEC IAL GU ESTS

THE ELOVATERS & DENM AU GUST 23

BLUES TRAVELER & GIN BLOSSOMS WITH

SPIN DOCTORS

S E P TEMBE R 4

MODEST MOUSE

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

OCTOBER 2

GOV'T MULE & ZIGGY MARLEY DREAMING THE SAME DREAM TOUR W I T H D J S E T BY

YOLA

OCTO BE R 3

BOZ SCAGGS

THE RHYTHM REVIEW 2026

OCTO BE R 7

TY MYERS

WITH S PEC IAL GU EST

THE LEGAL TOUR

S E P TEMBE R 17

LANIE GARDNER & BENNY G

ROBBER ROBBER

JOHN FOGERTY & STEVE WINWOOD THE LEGACY TOUR

S E P TEMBE R 1 8

BRAD PAISLEY LIVE S E P TEMBE R 19

WITH S PEC IAL GU ESTS

OCTO BE R 8

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

N OVEMBE R 14

THE REVIVALISTS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

OLIVER HAZARD & HUNTER METTS N OVEMBE R 21

BEARTOOTH

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

DON BROCO, MAGNOLIA PARK & WINDWAKER D EC EMBE R 4

MAMA'S BROKE

LIVE AT THE WATERWORKS

D EC EMBE R 4

DAVID NAIL & WILL HOGE

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

LIVE AT THE WATERWORKS

OCTO BE R 9 & 1 0

MARC H 13

FUTURE SOUL TOUR 2026

D EC EMBE R 7

JOE BONAMASSA

THROUGH AUGUST 2 “The SpongeBob Musical” Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts fscjartistseries.org ShepardFest The Waterworks, St. Augustine shepardfest.org THROUGH AUG. 8 “American Son” The 5 & Dime the5anddime.org THROUGH AUGUST 9 “Shrek the Musical” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com “The Play That Goes Wrong” Players by the Sea playersbythesea.org “The Sound of Music” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org

AUGUST 7-16 “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com AUGUST 7-23 “Arsenic and Old Lace” Artist Connection Theatre artistconnectiontheatre.org AUGUST 8 “A Celebration of Dance” Story & Song Art Gallery, Fernandina Beach ameliaislanddancefestival.org AUGUST 9 The JAX Film Salon: “Normal” BABS’ LAB barbaracolaciello.com CatVideoFest WJCT Studios wjct.org

AUGUST 16 “Stories on Stage: Far From Home” Theatre Jacksonville theatrejax.com AUGUST 19 IndieJAX: An Independent Filmmaker Screening Series MOCA Jacksonville eventbrite.com MOCA Movie Night: “The Wrecking Crew” WJCT Studios wjct.org AUGUST 20-SEPTEMBER 27 “Saturday Night Fever” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com AUGUST 21 Stage to Screen Film Series: “Shine a Light” Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Theater & Film

THROUGH AUGUST 16 “Annie” Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

AUGUST 12 RAWTalks by Robert Arleigh White BABS’ LAB barbaracolaciello.com

AUGUST 21-30 “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” The Waterworks, St. Augustine catalysttheatre.com

AUGUST 1 “Aladdin Jr.” Greenlight Theatre Company greenlighttheatreco.com

AUGUST 12-16 “Songs of Patsy Cline” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com

“Anything Goes” The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com

AUGUST 1-2 LOL JAX Film Festival WJCT Studios loljax.com

AUGUST 13-30 “Next To Normal” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine limelight-theatre.org

AUGUST 5 MOCA Movie Night: “Köln 75” WJCT Studios wjct.org AUGUST 7 Stage to Screen Film Series: “Stop Making Sense” Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

AUGUST 14 Stage to Screen Film Series: “The Last Waltz” Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com AUGUST 14-23 “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” Greenlight Theatre Company greenlighttheatreco.com

AUGUST 21-SEPTEMBER 13 “Dear Evan Hansen” Orange Park Community Theatre opct.info AUGUST 28 Film Screening: “Michael” Ritz Theatre and Museum theritz.jaxevents.com Stage to Screen Film Series: Diamond in the Desert Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

35

36 Folio Weekly

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pic/Melinda Sue Gordon © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Review of ‘The Odyssey’ Words by Harry Straussman

The oldest tale ever told gets brought to life by modern cinema’s signature filmmaker. “The Odyssey” is an epic by every metric and is the definitive work from an artist at the top of his craft.

In a somewhat shocking piece of trivia, director Christopher Nolan’s take on “The Odyssey” represents the first time that Homer’s poem has been told by Hollywood — in its traditional form, at least.

The bones of Odysseus’ journey have been repurposed for many films, such as “The Warriors,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou” and “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.” So it is fitting that its grand cinematic retelling is helmed by a director who can handle the largest of canvases.

As the story goes, following their victory in the Trojan War (with a little help from a wooden horse) the king of Ithaca, Odysseus (Matt Damon), and his men embark on their voyage home, only to fall afoul of the gods and be led astray on their journey, encountering a man-eating cyclops and a witch with transformative powers, even venturing to Hades itself. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, after many years away, Odysseus’ wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) is courted by a gallery of suitors seeking to seize the throne, and with the clock ticking, their grown son Telemachus (Tom Holland) seeks the fate of his father as he considers mounting a challenge for the kingdom himself. It is a true high-fantasy, swords-and-sandals epic brought to life in a way only movie magic could accomplish.

As can be expected from Nolan’s other work, the craftsmanship in “The Odyssey” is second to none. Several sequences in the film will go down as contenders for scene of the year, each varied and unique. The set pieces are as thrilling as anything else recently put on screens, and the film often veers into pure horror, suggesting that Nolan would do very well were he to fully dive into the genre in the future.

The ensemble cast lives up to the moment with Damon giving a masterclass in anchoring a film of this scale with what may be the most complete performance of his illustrious, yet somewhat underrated career. Hathaway projects regality in another high point for her resume, while Holland shows he’s maturing as an actor, even if he is given something of a disservice, being asked to perform in his very … theatrical American accent.

Other performances worth highlighting include Samantha Morton’s turn as Circe, which is almost certain to be an awards player come the end of the year, as well as Jon Bernthal’s agro take on Menelaus, while Elliot Page gives their greatest performance in any gender as the tragic Sinon, and John Leguizamo reaches for his Shakespeare in the Park roots as the surprise of the film. But without a doubt, the performance that everyone will be talking about on their way out of the theater is Robert Pattinson’s delightfully loathsome performance as Antinous, the primary suitor vying for Penelope. Pattinson has reached a rarified status as an actor where every film he stars in is worth checking out just to see what he is going to do on screen. He is truly one of the great actors working today, who also seemingly has impeccable taste in deciding which projects to work on.

Few filmmakers have ever been able to command the world’s attention at the level Nolan does right now, as inarguably the definitive filmmaker of his generation. With “The Odyssey,” Nolan is operating at the top of his game, as all his usual interests and flourishes are on display and more finely tuned than ever before. Nolan’s penchant for braiding timelines is at its most effective here, as the narratives following Odysseus’ doomed journey, Telemachus’ search for answers about his father and the fall of Troy unfold through the characters’ memories and, in Homeric fashion, stories told to each other. There is an air of “Citizen Kane” as we see the tales of Odysseus from the various perspectives of those telling them, culminating in an emotional crescendo in the third act as the disparate threads come together in thrilling style.

After the runaway critical and financial success of “Oppenheimer,” a period-piece biopic about a scientist, Nolan earned the blankest of checks to be written in recent memory, and it is clear that no expense was spared with “The Odyssey.” From its globetrotting on-location shoot and flawless practical effects to it being the first feature film shot entirely in IMAX, not to mention its star-studded ensemble cast, “The Odyssey” is a majestic epic in the vein of David Lean but is unmistakably the work of Nolan, who is firmly at the peak of his powers and delivering on the biggest stage.

37

38 Folio Weekly

The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonville.org

Jacksonville Main Library jaxpublicllibfary.org Jacksonville University ju.edu/cfa

Beaches Museum beachesmuseum.org

The Lightner Museum lightnermuseum.org

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery butterfieldgarage.com

MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens cummermuseum.org

PAStA Fine Art Gallery pastagalleryart.com

FemArt Gallery femartgallery.org

Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com

First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org

Southlight Gallery southlightgallery.com

Flagler College–Crisp Ellert Museum flagler.edu

St. Augustine Art Association staaa.org

Art Florida Community College at Jacksonville fscj.edu

Stellers Gallery stellersgallery.com

Florida Mining Gallery floridamininggallery.com

Thrasher-Horne Center Gallery thcenter.org

Gallery 725 gallery725.com

Touché Gallery touchegallery.com

Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine staugustine.ufl.edu

The Vault at 1930 thevaultat1930.com

Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com

The best.

14 times.

Museum d Place to Get Marrie isitors Take V o t e c Pla Gift Shop amp

Summer C

City View Venue Outdoor Venue Sunset Venue*

Local Influencer (Wade Lee)

Museum Art Gallery rk Venue

Garden & Pa

Museum Restaurant Attraction

Thanks, Jax.

Yellow House yellowhouseart.org as voted by readers *runner-up

Hillary Whitaker Gallery ​​h whitakergallery.com

39

40 Folio Weekly

Words by Ariana Alcantara

There are many indicators that Jacksonville is changing. Whether it be the trees replaced by shopping plazas or the worsening morning traffic, every corner of the city expands by the day. Another, quieter reflection of this change is the increasing influence of curation. A term usually attributed to vintage resellers and art dealers, “curation” means going through a process of selecting things before presenting them. In the sense of culture, curation has more to do with individuals’ self-expression through their interests. Specifically, it means getting specific, paring down from the mass consumption and finding a space for the self. In Jacksonville, curation is found more and more, giving a glimpse into a cultural identity that was previously underdeveloped.

When people think of places like New York City, they picture a mecca for culture, but how does a city cultivate culture? The answer is in how it creates the space for individual expression rather than corporate uniformity. There, you can walk into a bookstore and feel like every single book was picked specifically for you. You can see a bizarre art film in a small theater that would never be shown at an AMC movie theater. The difference there is the palpable influence of the people who reside in the city. The evidence that someone took the time and chose each book on the shelf or deliberated on which film to screen infuses the experience with intentionality.

In a curated space, an inherently capitalistic action like spending money on a book removes the guilt of putting one’s hard-earned cash in the palm of some faceless billionaire. The guilt is replaced with connection in knowing that others are also interested in the innerworking’s of David Lynch’s mind enough to buy his memoir or are hungry for a perspective outside of themselves in the form of a rarely translated novel.

This local store chooses what products are on the shelves based on what they deem of interest for their customers, thus creating a branch of community. Similarly, Cafe Resistance Bookstore & Coffee Shop shelves banned books, a prime example that curation has the potential to be polarizing, especially in Florida. Doing so creates emotion and conversation and invites those who care about the state of the First Amendment to find one another.

For as long as I can remember, the only place to watch a film in a group setting was the AMC movie theater, and books in Jacksonville were either from Barnes & Noble or the library. Curation invites alienation, like a music store that screams, “This is NOT for everyone, but for those of you interested, come indulge.” Those outside of that specific audience are welcome to explore this new world.

And thus, a person is changed, introduced to a new community, advancing the culture.

Intentionality is the path to finding the self. Finding the self is the path to finding like-minded people. In the modern age, when oversaturation seeps its way through the cracks of the internet and the waking world, being intentional about what one ingests is paramount. In other words, “What do I like without being told?” As people are paralyzed by options in art, music, books, films and every pillar of humanity, the need for more of those who know what they like multiplies.

Jacksonville has come a long way in a decade with curators carving their place into the map of the city.

A city is only as good as its culture. As the population grows, so should the substance. Jacksonville’s growth with events, restaurants, shops and community groups, as well as the hard work of the people who love this city, grants a glimpse into our potential. No interest is too niche because chances are, if one person is interested, then others will be too.

One example is Video Ghosts Cinema Club, where the people choosing the film screenings do so through a lens of taste and style rather than what will sell out the box office and drive concession sales. Though the curated space does not have to be an artistic exchange. In fact, I would argue that Native Sun Natural Foods Market is a curated space for those interested in health and wellness.

Curated spaces feel more intimate than the corporate-produced alternative. A well-curated place will leave you wondering, “Did the store owner pick this just for me? Are they rifling through my search history? I think we could be best friends.” Here lies the need for such spaces. All great cities have diversity: diversity in ethnicities, ideas and interests. When consumers have a specific interest in a book genre or a music scene, they are rarely alone, and when these people have a place to gather, interact or just feel seen, community grows.

41

Meet the Art Behind Hotel Palms Words & photos by Ambar Ramirez

42 Folio Weekly

43

I could bore you with facts about how Hotel Palms began as a mid-century motor court called The Palms Retro or how its restoration pays homage to the golden age of American roadside motels. But those details, while rich, are easy enough to look up.

What I’m here to introduce is the artistic pulse of Hotel Palms — the creators, the canvases and the annual residency traditions that keep the space evolving. But to tell this story, we have to start at the beginning.

Born and raised in Neptune Beach, Greg Schwartzenberger bought the property in 2015 with his wife Julie and sister Stevan Brown. Inspired by a bungalow-style boutique hotel in Austin, Greg saw potential in a quiet motel at 28 Sherry Drive in Atlantic Beach that he’d passed by for years. Together, they transformed it into a regional icon, blending Greg’s deep connection to the art scene with Julie’s instinct for warm, cohesive interior design.

On a humid Friday afternoon in mid-July, I arrived at the property. The Florida air was heavy, but the scene felt instantly inviting: a sweeping, sky-blue mural facing the lot, mirroring the soft clouds overhead and serving as the hotel’s bold first impression. Standing right beneath it was Greg.

we first opened in 2016, I knew right away I was like, we got to get [artist] Jason [Woodside] to come in town and do a wall. So he came, and that was the beginning of having street art on our exterior walls.

That’s evolved over time. It went from kind of meeting new people, friends of friends, to maybe they come in, and we do like a T-shirt and a hat with them. And then, do they want to make canvases while they’re here? And OK, now let’s showcase their work to the community at the end of the week. So that’s kind of how that evolved.”

“Make yourself at home,” he said with a smile.

“It was very important to keep the feel of what was here. We are both fans and celebrants of history, whether that’s like in the context of architecture and design. So even though this building and the one next door is simple architecturally, it’s still a great example of motor courts that were built in that era. So in terms of the design and not compromising what was here, she [Julie] was very conscientious with that.

We wanted to preserve the architecture, [and] we wanted to enhance it,” Greg shared.

We walked over to the poolside, the newly integrated wing, where Atlanta-based artist Ash Hayner (aka Wolfdog) was hard at work. Having only started the day before, Hayner was already nearly finished with a sweeping, spray-painted abstract brick mural.

While I chatted with Hayner about his creative process, Schwartzenberger excused himself to pick up fresh paint supplies for Woodside, who was also returning to work on a new piece for the hotel.

I’d be lying if I said this was my first visit to Hotel Palms. In truth, I’d been here twice before: once for a quick coffee at Ace Outpost, and another time to report on the former Salt Air Motel — the adjacent property the boutique hotel group acquired in 2025.

“Then there was a moment after we had done a bit of art. And social media. Is this a great way to make new connections? And I grew up before it, but I definitely understand how awesome it is. And [artist] Lucas Beaufort reached out to me, and we connected somehow, like on direct message,” Greg said.

But sitting in the courtyard of Hotel Palms that afternoon, I had the unique opportunity to look closer at walls I’d somehow missed before.

I found hand-painted cacti, a chimney transformed into abstract art and a light fixture whimsically painted to look like a friendly orange monster. Looking around, art was everywhere, woven into the architecture in every style and color imaginable.

The idea for Art Camp, Greg explained, grew organically out of that Instagram direct message. Beaufort was traveling across the U.S. when he stumbled upon Hotel Palms online and reached out to visit.

What started as a simple week-long stay quickly turned into a genuine friendship, with Beaufort immersing himself in the local community and spending time with Greg’s family.

“So when we first got this place, my wife was more on the design.

I’m more on the art side and operations as well. I’ve always been a fan of art. I have no formal education in it, but I just know what I like.

And then I had some friends from previous side businesses in the art world, and I’ve always been a fan of art that scales in size, like street art, especially patterns, colors, things like that,” Greg said. “So when

“You get the feel around here. We’re a very family-oriented place,” Greg added.

That initial connection sparked the launch of Art Camp in 2022.

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46 Folio Weekly

The Atlanta-based artist Hayner was here for that first Art Camp, a week– long residency for 10 artists from all over the country, who collaborate on a new mural, create individual pieces and spend time in Atlantic Beach becoming a part of the local community through the art they leave behind.

Another artist was there at that first Art Camp, one much younger, who goes by the name Captain Townes. Townes was just 11 years old when he caught wind that Hayner was going to be just one hour away at Hotel Palms for Art Camp and convinced his family to make the drive to meet the artist he admired. Now 16 and helping Hayner with a piece of the mural, Townes explained that he and his family come to visit often. Hotel Palms has become their third space, and a space where a young kid’s dream of being an artist became an achievable reality.

“Art Camp was the biggest art activation we’ve ever had here. We had an artist in every room for a week. They made a canvas. They painted a little square in every bathroom. There’s all sorts of stuff going on. And then from that moment, the artist residency program started to grow,” Greg said. “It got better. How can we highlight individual artists? How can we tell their story? How can we integrate them into the community? How can we tie them into feeling at home here but also creating at the same time?”

Midwest-based artist Terry Urban remembered a time when everyone told him that there was no money in art, no future.

“All those people were dead wrong,” Urban shared.

Urban considers himself a late bloomer in the art world. For years, the cynicism got to him; he took a standard 9-to-5 job before pivoting to DJing. But at 37, realizing neither the desk job nor the late-night club sets brought him joy, he found himself in New York, putting everything he had into the one path everyone warned him against.

“As soon as I started painting, it kind of opened my eyes to life again,” Urban expressed. “I always compare it to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ where Dorothy goes from black and white to color. So that’s kind of like the vibe that it gave me, and I was like blown away by it. And then I was like, OK, I need to do this. And that was the turning point for me.”

Urban landed at Hotel Palms for that first Art Camp in 2022, forming lasting friendships and finding a creative haven he returns to as often as he can.

“It was kind of like this art sanctuary, you know, we all had like this little retreat. And we all got to hang out and talk about being an artist and the trials and tribulations of being an artist, you know? And it was great,” Urban said. “And it changed my life, actually, and it changed a lot of other artists that were there.”

When I asked Greg why he brings in artists from across the country and from around the world to transform the hotel’s walls, his answer was simple. Hotel Palms is built to make guests feel like locals, immersed in the community. Why shouldn’t the art on the walls reflect that same welcome?

“That’s always been one of the main reasons I love hotels. I’ve loved them since I was a kid, because they’re random and you’re anonymous, and there’s all these random moments and this ability to talk to people you might not meet again,” Greg said.

47

COMEDY & MAGIC

AUGUST 1 Francisco Ramos, Kel Pérez and Hombre Promedio Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine cafe11.com First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com Beach, Please!

Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com 48 Folio Weekly

AUGUST 1-2 Tony Rock comedyzone.com AUGUST 7 Dan Venti Refinery eventbrite.com River City Comedy Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com Clean Comedy Night Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com

AUGUST 7-8 Michael Blackson Comedy Zone comedyzone.com First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com AUGUST 8 Don’t Tell Comedy Somewhere in San Marco (even if we knew we wouldn’t tell) donttellcomedy.com River City Comedy Buchner’s Bierhalle rivercitycomedy.com

Magic Hideaway with Bill Abbott Casa Marina Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

River City Comedy Ink Factory Brewing rivercitycomedy.com

AUGUST 9 Tee Sanders Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

AUGUST 16 A-Train Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

AUGUST 11 Aaron Westberry Ink Factory Brewing rivercitycomedy.com

AUGUST 20 Dale Elliott Jr. Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

AUGUST 13 Updating Comedy Zone comedyzone.com Mickey Bell Fruit Cove Baptist Church, St. Johns fruitcove.com Next Stop Comedy Oasis Restaurant, St. Augustine eventbrite.com AUGUST 14 River City Comedy Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com Classic Comedy Night Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com AUGUST 14-15 Tacarra Williams Comedy Zone comedyzone.com First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com AUGUST 15 KevOnStage: Grief Sucks Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com Don’t Tell Comedy Somewhere in San Marco (even if we knew we wouldn’t tell) donttellcomedy.com

AUGUST 21 River City Comedy Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com Kurt Metzger Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine cafe11.com AUGUST 21-22 Carlos Mencia Comedy Zone comedyzone.com First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com AUGUST 22 Zach Rushing FIVE fivejax.com River City Comedy Ink Factory Brewing rivercitycomedy.com AUGUST 23 Christian Johnson Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

AUGUST 28 Matt Fernandez Beiruit Restaurant & Spirits eventbrite.com River City Comedy Burlock and Barrel rivercitycomedy.com Smart Women in Comedy Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com AUGUST 28-29 Guy Torry Comedy Zone comedyzone.com First Coast Comedy First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com AUGUST 29 River City Comedy Ink Factory Brewing rivercitycomedy.com Chris Kattan Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine cafe11.com Laughing Lace Comedy & Burlesque Showcase Third Space Improv, St. Augustine 3rdspaceimprov.com AUGUST 30 René Vaca FIVE fivejax.com Laughs on Wheels Ponce De Le Rollin’, St. Augustine poncedelerollin.com

Pole & Punchlines Kickers Country Bar eventbrite.com AUGUST 27 Ron Taylor Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

49

p Si a H 50 Folio Weekly

s n a p pe The ‘Folio’ Guide to Northeast Florida’s Best Cocktails

Words by Teresa Spencer Every region has a drink it likes to brag about. South Florida leans on the mojito. Key West has spent decades convincing visitors that the rum runner is practically a birthright. But Northeast Florida has never been interested in hanging its reputation on a single cocktail. That’s too easy.

What we do instead is tell our story one bar at a time. This is a place where a century-old saloon sits a few miles from a rooftop tequila bar. Where bartenders smoke bourbon over cherry wood, squeeze citrus grown a few counties away and treat ice like an ingredient instead of an afterthought. You can spend the afternoon sipping something refined beneath antique tin ceilings and finish the evening barefoot with a frozen drink overlooking the Atlantic.

The best cocktails aren’t just about what’s in the glass. They’re about the people making them, the history wrapped around the bar and the conversations that happen between strangers after the second round. So grab a designated driver, an adventurous palate and a little curiosity. Northeast Florida is one of the South’s best-kept drinking secrets.

51

Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach

Fernandina Beach has always understood that a great bar should have stories long before it has cocktails.

Tucked inside the historic Amelia Schoolhouse Inn, The Principal’s Office Bar proves that being sent to the principal’s office has never been more rewarding. Leather chairs, warm wood and an easy elegance make it feel more like an old library than a hotel lounge. Their signature Principal’s Old Fashioned is crafted with Four Roses bourbon, bitters, simple syrup and available smoked or traditional. It’s the kind of drink that reminds you why classics became classics in the first place.

Just a short stroll away sits The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar. Since 1903, the polished mahogany bar has welcomed everyone from shrimpers and sailors to tourists chasing a little old Florida nostalgia. Order the legendary Pirate Punch, a closely guarded blend of rums, liqueurs and tropical juices that dates back to the 1950s. The exact formula remains a mystery, which somehow makes it taste even better.

For whiskey lovers, The Decantery offers one of the area’s finest collections in an intimate downtown setting. The Smoked Old Fashioned is rich, balanced and theatrical without becoming gimmicky.

Need a sunset? Salty Pelican Bar & Grill pairs sweeping waterfront views with its namesake margarita, while Sliders Seaside Grill serves a Frozen Painkiller that tastes exactly like vacation should.

52 Folio Weekly

Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s cocktail scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in the Southeast. The city’s bartenders don’t simply follow recipes: They build experiences.

Walk into The Volstead, give your bartender a spirit you enjoy and then get out of the way. The Baked Apple Sazerac is exceptional, but the real fun comes from trusting the people behind the bar. They know what they’re doing. That same confidence fuels Sidecar, where the Dealer’s Choice isn’t just a menu item, it’s an invitation to discover something you didn’t know you liked. You simply tell the bartender your favorite liquor, flavor profile (sweet, sour, bitter or spicy) or mood, and they will freestyle a drink on the spot. Few places showcase bartending as both hospitality and craftsmanship quite like this.

No conversation about Jacksonville cocktails is complete without Dos Gatos, one of the pioneers that helped put the city’s craft cocktail movement on the map. Favorites like the Stolen Fish made with vodka, a splash of grapefruit juice and a bit of muddled fresh basil, topped with a twist of lemon continues to earn them loyal patrons year after year.

Over at Grape & Grain Exchange, the menu is constantly evolving while maintaining an impressive commitment to quality. Whiskey enthusiasts often speak about the place with something close to religious devotion.

But our favorite is a seasonal special called the Agua Picante. It’s tequila with carbonated water and lime. Oh, so good.

53

Jacksonville

LIVE WJCT

AT THE Presented by

PUBLIC MEDIA

And let’s not forget San Marco, where bb’s restaurant and bar quietly reminds everyone that execution matters more than trends. Their espresso martini is elegant, balanced and proof that classics don’t need reinvention at all, just a little respect.

Electric Dough Pizza Co. has several specialty drinks to pick from, which makes it hard to pick only one. The Electric Sunset made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, citrus basil and sparkling wine is, as they put it, refreshing, herbaceous and made for sunny afternoons.

PAULA POUNDSTONE November 13, 2026 | 7:30PM

BENISE!

September 25, 2026 | 7PM

For information, tickets, & more visit

WJCT.ORG/EVENTS

This is a partnership of Florida Theatre on the Road and WJCT Public Media.

54 Folio Weekly

PAVLO

February 5, 2027 | 7PM

SCAN HERE

Jacksonville’s list would not be complete without mentioning Manifest Distilling. The all-organic distillery serves a wide variety of spirits that are absolutely delicious. We like the Florida Citrus Vodka served straight up with a gentleman’s cube of ice and lemon wedge. Their cocktail room offers many delightful treats, and their bartenders are second to none.

PAM TILLIS

September 3, 2026 | 7:30PM

The Beaches

Beach bars aren’t supposed to feel complicated.

They’re supposed to remind you why you came to the coast in the first place.

Few places capture that feeling better than Lemon Bar, where the rum runner has become as much a part of the Beaches as sunsets and sea oats. It’s difficult to imagine a better place to end a long day.

Atlantic Beach’s The Grande brings a more modern energy with the Espresso Martini Flight that’s equal parts playful and sophisticated. They really do it right when you want something craft-forward. If you have trouble deciding, ask for a recommendation; they never let you down.

If agave spirits are your passion, Oaxaca Club deserves a reservation. Their Oaxaca Old Fashioned celebrates tequila and mezcal with the respect they deserve, while Refinery delivers a beautifully balanced Smoked Manhattan along with oceanfront views in Jacksonville Beach.

And then there’s Flying Iguana, where the Jalapeño Margarita continues to earn a reputation as one of the region’s signature cocktails. It’s bright, fresh, just spicy enough and perfectly suited for Florida’s endless summer.

55

St. Augustine

America’s oldest city has become one of Florida’s most inventive cocktail destinations.

The Ice Plant has earned national attention for good reason. Every detail matters here … from the crystal-clear ice to the precision behind every pour. Even something as seemingly simple as a gin and tonic becomes an education in balance and technique. We love the La Reina Del Pacifico made with tequila, mint, basil, arugula, snap peas, wasabi, lemon and black pepper.

Your taste buds will thank you by asking for just one more. Nearby, Forgotten Tonic manages to be creative without becoming pretentious, a surprisingly difficult line to walk in the cocktail world. Try their signature Forgotten Tonic Iconic Cocktail. It is alluring and herbal thanks to navy strength gin and alpine liqueur mixed with génépy, lime zest and quinine.

For those who enjoy equal parts people-watching and martinis, Tini Martini Bar remains a St. Augustine institution.

The Cucumber Cooler made with Hendrick’s gin and Crop Cucumber vodka, lemonade, club soda and muddled cucumber is ever so yummy.

Boat Drinks embraces beach town simplicity with frozen cocktails made for warm afternoons. They offer a large variety of special rums and tequilas to pick from. We love the Barbados Down Island Rum. Splash some of that into your frozen drink for a sweet yet savory flavor. Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen has developed a loyal following among serious cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate bartenders willing to push creative boundaries.

56 Folio Weekly

Green Cove Springs

Some of the best drinking towns aren’t the loudest.

Historic Green Cove Springs delivers charm in abundance, beginning with Red’s Wine Bar, where the house sangria has become something of a local tradition. The freshly chopped fruit tops it off, and we think maybe they have a secret ingredient like brandy or cognac tucked inside. What we do know is that they have some of the best sangria we have ever had. It’s the kind of place where conversations linger longer than expected.

Nearby, The Pub at Magnolia Point serves the beautifully crafted Magnolia Old Fashioned. It’s made with sugar, bitters, water, bourbon and a nice garnish and served in an atmosphere that’s welcoming rather than exclusive.

Just across the way in Fleming Island, Corks & Barrels has become known for exceptional bourbon selections and smoked whiskey flights, while Saloon 17 keeps things comfortably casual with margaritas and Sunday Funday featuring loaded bloody marys and mimosas made with fresh orange juice.

57

So to wrap things up (aka the last call) … the best cocktail isn’t always the most complicated one. Sometimes it’s the drink handed to you by a bartender who’s been perfecting it for 20 years. Sometimes it’s enjoyed while watching shrimp boats drift into Fernandina Harbor or listening to live music spill onto a Jacksonville sidewalk. Sometimes it’s simply shared with good friends after a long week.

That’s what Northeast Florida does remarkably well. This region doesn’t chase trends. It builds places people want to come back to. Whether you’re exploring Fernandina’s historic saloons, discovering Jacksonville’s award-worthy mixologists, catching the sunset at the Beaches, wandering St. Augustine’s cocktail laboratories or finding hidden gems in Green Cove Springs, remember this: The best drink on the menu is usually the one served with a story. Talk to the bartender. Order something you’ve never tried.

Stay a little longer than you planned.

Those are usually the nights you’ll remember.

58 Folio Weekly

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“Chuck Timely & the Hourglass” While everyone is focused on his new relationship with the Dakota Johnson (...yeah, let that sink in), he is, in true Hollywood fashion, busy in the studio. Will this be the most heartbreaking album or the most getting over a heartbreak album? I’ll bet on the latter.

AUG. 14

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ROLE MODEL

PHOEBE BRIDGERS “Lost Weekend” Do I listen to Phoebe Bridgers? No, not really. But if someone were to ask me to describe Phoebe Bridgers’ music, or at least the vibe it gives off, I would say it’s tailored to those who just can’t seem to let go of their baby blanket. It oozes nostalgia and crying on a cold bathroom tiled floor when all you want is to be warm and comforted. But, of course, I don’t listen to Phoebe Bridgers.

60 Folio Weekly

AUG. 14

AUG. 28

THE SCRIPT

ALABAMA SHAKES

“The User’s Guide to Being Human”

“I Must Be Dreaming”

Hello?? The Script? I’m still alive, but I’m barely breathing?? I never thought I would see the day that The Script released a new album… So I just checked Spotify, and they did release an album in 2024 and in 2019. But for the sake of this blurb, let’s pretend that this is nuts, and we are all excited!

I really must be dreaming if Alabama Shakes is dropping a new album. The rock powerhouse remains raw and honest in both sound and lyricism.

Do yourself a favor and stream “Hold On” — it tells you everything you need to know about this Grammy Award–winning band.

AUG. 21

SAM SMITH “Hazel Eyes” I’m just gonna go ahead and say it. Sam Smith is the gay version of Adele. And I mean that in the most admiring way. Do with that information what you will.

BILLY STRINGS “So Much for Goodbyes” Carmen (shout-out to Carmen!) and I were invited to a Billy Strings concert about a year ago. We didn’t go. Not because we didn’t like Billy Strings — he has the name for a reason — we just weren’t cultured at the time.

61

CONCERTS

62 Folio Weekly

“Halo Ritual at The Walrus o Photo submitted to th

S

opening for postdrome” he eye by Barrett Toole

AUGUST 1 Southpaw The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT SINCE 1927

904 Vocalist Night ft. Cluster and Gilmore Quandary Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com The Briefs Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com River City Music Fest The Circuit Arcade eventbrite.com

8 13

AUGUST

16

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

JACKSONVILLE ROCK ORCHESTRA: THE MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE

17

THE VAMPIRE CIRCUS

18

TITO NIEVES

THE WIGGLES

20 GARRISON KEILLOR & ERICA RHODES

21 BAD CO. LEGACY 22 MOONLIGHT PRINCESSES A K-POP EXPERIENCE

23 STARSHIP

AUGUST 2 Patrick Hagerman Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com The Renaissance Room FIVE fivejax.com AUGUST 4 76th Street Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com AUGUST 5 Shreddie King & Stone Jack Ballers Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com Loosely Speaking Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com The Band Solstice Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com AUGUST 6 The Blue Jay Roundaz Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com AUGUST 7 Stephen Wilson Jr. St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com Trhä The Albatross thealbatrossjax.com

FEATURING MICKEY THOMAS WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST JOHN CAFFERTY AND THE BEAVER BROWN BAND

SEPTEMBER

21 GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LAUGHS CONTINUE 22 THE BILLY JOEL LEGACY A TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

23 PETE THE CAT FOR SCHOOLS

24 THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

PAM TILLIS

28 GHOSTBUSTERS IN CONCERT

6

JUANES

10

BLUES, BREWS, BOURBON, AND BBQ

30 THE ILLHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

3

WJCT SOUNDSTAGE

A BENEFIT FOR THE NONPROFIT FLORIDA THEATRE AT BOWING OAKS

29 SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT

NOVEMBER

1

HAIRBALL

ANDREW DICE CLAY WITH BILLY GARDELL

4

DANIEL IN THE LIONS’ DEN

12

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS

5

18

JOSH TURNER

DOKTOR KABOOM! LOOK OUT! SCIENCE IS COMING!

11

24 W.A.S.P.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST KK’S PRIEST

25 BENISE

WJCT SOUNDSTAGE

FOR SCHOOLS

6

MARCUS MILLER

8

BRIAN KILMEADE

10

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

11

JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH IN CONCERT

25 DL HUGHLEY AND DON LEMON

OCTOBER 1

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET & GIRL NAMED TOM

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CORALINE IN CONCERT

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THE FLORIDA BALLET “DRACULA”

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ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION & FIREFALL

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BEHIND THE SCREAM

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AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE STUDIO COMPANY

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BETHEL MUSIC

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

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68 Folio Weekly

Folio Eats

Words by Teresa Spencer

Dockside

Seafood

Where the Fish Pick You The best seafood restaurants don’t need gimmicks. They don’t need towering seafood platters with sparklers shooting out of them or menus that read like a chemistry textbook. They simply need one thing: Fish that was swimming not all that long ago. That’s Dockside.

Tucked beside the Jacksonville Beach boat ramp, where pelicans patrol the docks like unpaid security guards and fishing boats drift in with the day’s catch, Dockside Seafood feels authentic because it is.

This isn’t manufactured Old Florida. It’s the real thing. The soundtrack is gulls overhead, boat motors humming in the distance and locals swapping fishing stories over cold drinks.

One of my favorite parts of eating here is choosing my fish. There’s something deeply satisfying about pointing to today’s fresh catch inside the seafood case, sitting on ice, looking so tasty, instead of reading a laminated description of fish written months ago. It’s a reminder that seafood should still have a connection to the water.

On this visit, that connection came in the form of a beautifully blackened red snapper. This wasn’t a piece of fish buried beneath enough seasoning to numb your taste buds. The blackening spices gave it a smoky kick while letting the snapper’s naturally sweet, flaky meat shine through. Every bite tasted like the Atlantic with just enough Cajun attitude to remind you you’re still in Florida.

Before the main course, we dug into Dockside’s chilled smoked fish dip, and honestly, I could have made a meal out of it. Creamy without being heavy, smoky without overpowering the fish and whipped into a silky texture that spreads effortlessly across crackers, it’s the kind of appetizer that quietly disappears while everyone at the table insists they only had “one bite.”

Then there are the hush puppies. Too many restaurants toss them onto the plate as edible packing peanuts. Dockside actually respects the humble hush puppy. Golden brown, perfectly seasoned, crisp on the outside and light inside.

Feeling adventurous? We were so that meant ordering the fried alligator tail. Forget every joke you’ve ever heard about chicken. A properly prepared gator has its own personality, and Dockside nails it. Tender pieces wrapped in a light, crispy coating deliver just enough crunch before giving way to juicy, flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce.

The sea scallops deserve a standing ovation all by themselves. They arrived exactly the way fresh scallops should. Large, plump, sweet, and cooked with enough restraint that they practically melted with every bite. It’s surprisingly easy to overcook scallops. Dockside clearly understands that great seafood doesn’t need to be wrestled into submission.

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Even the coleslaw earns its spot on the plate. Cool, crisp and bright with just enough sweetness, it cuts through the richness of the fried dishes and complements the grilled seafood without trying to become the star.

But here’s the thing about Dockside: The food is only half the story. Watch the boats pull in. Listen to conversations about the one that got away.

Feel the breeze rolling off the Intracoastal. It’s a place where locals bring visiting friends because they know one good meal can explain Northeast Florida better than an afternoon of sightseeing ever could.

Dockside stays comfortably in its own lane. Fresh seafood. Honest cooking.

Waterfront views. No unnecessary fuss. Sometimes that’s exactly what a great meal should be.

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Photo by Frankie Cordoba on Unsplash

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The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com Serenity Restaurant & Hookah Lounge serenityjaxbeach.com Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com 74 Folio Weekly

Pour Taproom jaxpourtaproom.com Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com SIP Cocktail bar sipontheroof.com Spliff’s Gastropub spliffsgastropub.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

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