Issuu

10.2 1

2026

Two Point Perspective

The Skyway Nine More Reasons

To Celebrate Northeast Florida

Meet Folio’s Person Of The Year Melanie Lawson 1

Letter from our General Manager Every year, we fill these pages with the people, places, ideas and sometimes wonderfully strange things that make Northeast Florida what it is. But for this issue, we wanted you to tell us who deserved the spotlight. So we handed the decision to you. Folio’s Person of the Year wasn’t chosen in a conference room. We didn’t sit around a table and decide whose name belonged on the cover. We asked our readers to nominate the people they believe are making Northeast Florida better, stronger, more interesting and more connected. From those nominations came 10 finalists. Then we opened the voting and handed the final decision right back to you. That transparency matters to us. If we are going to call this Folio’s Person of the Year, the people who read Folio should have a voice in choosing that person. And what a top 10 you gave us: Jasmine Monroe, Mayor Donna Deegan, Jason Peoples, Kamala Williams, Rep. Angie Nixon, Christy Ponder, Liam Coen, Robert Phelan, Melanie Lawson and Monique Madrid. Look at that list for a moment. It includes journalists and public servants, artists and advocates, people working in health care, sports, education and philanthropy. Some work in front of cameras and crowds. Others do much of their work behind the scenes. They don’t all have the same backgrounds, careers, politics or perspectives, and that’s precisely the point. They reflect Northeast Florida. To every one of our finalists: Bravo. There is no small accomplishment in having the people of your community raise their hands and say, “This person matters. Pay attention to what they are doing.” But ultimately, there could only be one Person of the Year. And Folio readers chose Melanie Lawson. For more than two decades, Melanie has been a familiar and trusted presence in Jacksonville journalism, telling the stories of this city and the people who live here. But as we learned more about Melanie, it became clear that what viewers see on television is only part of her story. Her commitment to Northeast Florida extends well beyond the anchor desk, and apparently our readers have been paying attention. Congratulations, Melanie. This recognition came from the community you have spent so many years serving, and I can’t think of a better compliment than that.

Inside this issue, you’ll get to know Melanie a little better, along with the other remarkable people who made this year’s top 10. I hope you’ll read about all of them. A community isn’t shaped by one person, one profession or one point of view. It is shaped by people who show up, care enough to get involved and leave something better than they found it. And that brings me back to you. Keep talking to us. Send us letters. Send us news tips. Send us events. Tell us when something wonderful is happening and when something isn’t right. Tell us about the musician playing to 30 people today who might be playing to 3,000 tomorrow. Tell us about the chef opening a tiny restaurant, the artist hanging a first show, the nonprofit quietly changing lives, the neighborhood institution everyone should know about or the person doing extraordinary work without asking for recognition. If Northeast Florida needs to know about it, we want to know about it. Folio has been telling this community’s stories since 1987, and after nearly four decades, one thing hasn’t changed: Some of the best stories don’t arrive through press conferences or press releases. They come from you. That’s what independent local media is supposed to do: Listen. Ask questions. Pay attention. Celebrate the good. Question the questionable. And give the community a place to see itself — all of itself — reflected back. So congratulations to our top 10. Congratulations to Melanie Lawson, Folio’s 2026 Person of the Year. And thank you to every reader who nominated someone, cast a vote, shared the contest or simply cared enough to participate. You picked the winner. We’ll keep telling the stories.

DEAR

JACKSONVILLE A LOVE LETTER 21 YEARS IN THE MAKING

MELANIE LAWSON'S 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

ONE NIGHT ONLY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 2026 RITZ THEATRE & MUSEUM DOORS 6 PM | SHOW 7 PM

STORYTELLING • MUSIC LAUGHTER • LOCAL TALENT

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Teresa Spencer, General Manager

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2 Folio Weekly

CONTENTS

VOL. 40, ISSUE 20

COLUM N S

FEAT U RE S

7 Horrorscopes

11 The High Cost of Dying

Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Carmen Macri

9 Folio Weed

13 12 Years of Porchfest

Teresa Spencer

Ambar Ramirez

15 Film Reviews Harry Straussman

17 Amendment 3 Elliot Henry

18 Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Ariana Alcantara

20 Meet Folio’s Person Of the Year: Melanie Lawson

26 Nine More Reasons To Celebrate Northeast Florida Folio

29 Murray Hill-O-Ween Returns For A Night Of Halloween Festivities Ariana Alcantara

31 Inside the Thrasher-Horne Center Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

33 Two Point Perspective: The Skyway Elliot Henry & Michael Teal

34 King Of the South: Jaguars Start Off Hot With A 3-1 Record Kaleb Stowell

FOLIO STAFF:

Teresa Spencer

JOHN PHILLIPS President

AARON BERKSHIRE Photographer

TERESA SPENCER General Manager

JEFF CARD Photographer

KERRY SPECKMAN Writer

MICHAEL TEAL Photographer

AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director

ELLIOT HENRY Writer & Designer

CARMEN MACRI Social Media Manager & Lead Writer

KALEB STOWELL Writer

ARIANA ALCANTARA Writer

Cover photo by Carmen Macri3

Subject: MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS is HEARTWARMING AMERICANA OCTOBER 7, 2026 BY CESSY NEWMON

Hi Cessy, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Meet Me in St. Louis at the Alhambra. I really enjoyed reading it. One friendly note: I was glad to see the live orchestra mentioned, and I would have loved to see the band get a bit more. They’re such a key part of the show and make it extra special, especially now that live music in local theater is becoming so sadly rare. In case it’s helpful, here’s the orchestra: • • • • •

Cathy Murphy Giddens, Conductor and music director Stephen Mark Fennell, Piano Ken Calhoun, Guitar/Banjo Dan Rubel, Bass Guitar Tim Pickering, Drums

Thanks again for supporting local theater! It is so greatly appreciated. Warm regards.

4 Folio Weekly

THE

MAIL

BOUQS & BRICKS BOUQUETS

To Project One Health JAX for helping Northeast Florida kids put down the screens and get back outside. The initiative has connected hundreds of young people with thousands of hours of screenfree, nature-based activities while supporting outdoor learning and healthier neighborhood spaces. Fresh air, dirty sneakers and actual face-to-face interaction? We’ll happily send flowers for that. To the Jacksonville Humane Society, following its 28th annual Toast to the Animals, an event benefiting the medical fund that helps provide lifesaving care to sick and injured animals. JHS cared for nearly 11,000 animals last year, giving some of Jacksonville’s most vulnerable four-legged residents a second chance. To the staff, volunteers, donors, fosters and adopters who make that work possible: Consider this bouquet delivered — although we suspect the dogs would prefer treats.

BRICKBATS

To Keystone Terminal, which is facing a federal lawsuit from St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Public Trust for Conservation over allegations involving coal ash at its Jacksonville facility. The environmental groups allege potentially contaminated material has been improperly stored and that pollutants have been discharged into the St. Johns River and groundwater. According to the lawsuit, the facility has handled more than 2 billion pounds of coal combustion ash since 2022. Keystone should, of course, have its opportunity to answer those allegations in court, but protecting the St. Johns River shouldn’t require environmental watchdogs to repeatedly drag businesses to the courthouse. Jacksonville’s river isn’t an industrial trash can, a convenient drainage ditch or somebody else’s problem. It’s the heart of this city. Anyone doing business along its banks has a responsibility to treat it that way. Until the allegations are resolved, we’re keeping a very big brick handy.

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Horrorscopes By Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Aries

The dual Venus-Mercury retrograde has all your skeletons falling out of the closet, Aries, and your long-forgotten past is creeping back up to the surface. You probably thought you got away with a few things, but this month will have you second-guessing everything. Make sure you cross those t’s and dot your i’s.

Taurus Something is lurking in the shadows, Taurus. Is it Venus (your cosmic ruler) turning retrograde, spooling back through Scorpio and your partnership zone until the 25th? Maybe. And just maybe those spine-tingling sensations are from all the bumps you are hitting in your relationships. But sometimes, all you need are some candles to see which bonds deserve your time and which ones you are doing all the heavy lifting for.

Gemini

Libra

You are finally seeing your true reflection in the mirror … how frightening. The Venus-Mercury double retrograde and Mars-Pluto opposition are ripping those rose-colored lenses right off. Your words hold weight and your actions carry consequences. You’re about to find out exactly what that means.

Scorpio

On Oct. 3, Venus retrogrades into the shadowy depths of Scorpio, quickly followed by Mercury on Oct. 23. While this cosmic chess game is playing out for everyone, you’ll feel like you’re trapped in the haunted house at the center of it all. Expect ghosts from your past relationships to claw their way back to your doorstep, pounding on the wood and demanding to be let back in.

Sagittarius

If your words didn’t carry a heavy weight, people wouldn’t be trying so hard to bury them. Unfortunately, you’re about to learn the exact price of standing your ground. This month’s Mars-Pluto opposition sharpens your resolve to defend what you believe in — creating a pressure cooker of high tensions and the final straw that breaks the camel’s back. If you’re going to speak your mind, don’t hold back. Let them hear every single word.

There’s nothing scarier than FOMO, Sagittarius … except for overbooking and overexerting yourself. With Mars blazing through Leo and your ninth house, your wanderlust and big ideas are burning hot — and spreading you way too thin. Don’t let your ambition turn you into one of those skeletons in your closet.

Cancer

On Oct. 3, Venus retrogrades into your 11th house of community and long-term networks, quickly followed by Mercury on Oct. 23. You’ll feel it where it hurts most: your inner circle and your grand ambitions. Expect old alliances to crawl out of the woodwork, questioning every networking bridge you thought you safely burned. Friendships and collective dreams are turning into a hall of mirrors — and the ghost in the machine is every ambition you compromised to keep the peace.

Have that nagging feeling like you’ve misplaced something this month, Cancer? With Venus retrograde stalling your fifth house of love and creativity, romance might feel like ghost-hunting and your artistic projects are falling flat. Don’t take this as a moment to give up; instead, face these challenges head-on and come out on top on the other side.

Leo It might be time to accept the crown of the villain in someone else’s nightmare, Leo. That doesn’t mean unleashing your impulses to tear everything down, but be warned: there are very few paths forward that won’t leave someone weeping in the shadows. With Mars haunting your sign all month long, a dark hunger pushes you to feed the flames rather than put them out.

Virgo Trapped in a fairy circle, Virgo? Not quite — that’s just Venus retrograde scrambling your communication until the 25th, then haunting your money zone through Nov. 13. Conversations may get stuck on misunderstandings and financial problems might resurface. But fear not, you just have to dig a little deeper into your psyche to figure out what a win looks like for you.

Capricorn

Aquarius You’re expanding your horizons this month, Aquarius. Just watch where they lead — ideally, far away from any basement doors making suspicious sounds after midnight. In all seriousness, as Pluto ends its retrograde in your sign, you’re finally surviving the mental horror movie you’ve been fighting since November 2024. Time to turn the page and enter a new era.

Pisces

Have you ever seen “Scream”, Pisces? Yeah? Don’t answer the phone. It’s your past calling with nothing good. With Venus retrograde shifting from your ninth house and then through your eighth house through Nov. 13, you’ll face make-or-break moments. But energy isn’t destroyed; it’s just waiting to be revived. Use these weeks to find creative solutions.

Folio Weed

Words by Teresa Spencer

Here We Grow Again Florida’s marijuana fight isn’t over. The next round has already begun.

If you thought Florida’s fight over recreational marijuana was finished, somebody apparently forgot to tell Florida. As this issue of Folio hits the streets Oct. 21, medical marijuana remains legal, recreational marijuana does not, and another battle over adult-use cannabis is already taking shape. This time, the target is 2028. Two new proposed constitutional amendments seeking to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older entered Florida’s initiative process at the end of September. One, sponsored by Floridians for Marijuana, was approved for circulation Sept. 30, while another proposal from Let Florida Vote IV entered the state review process. Another adultuse initiative from Smart & Safe Florida also remains listed for the 2028 election cycle. In other words, legalization has once again risen from the ashes, or perhaps from the rolling papers.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS CHANGING, TOO While the recreational debate gets most of the attention, Florida’s medical marijuana industry is changing. In September, the Florida Department of Health issued final approval letters to 22 applicants for Medical Marijuana Treatment Center licenses from an application cycle that began back in 2023. If that sounds like government moving at roughly the speed of a stoned tortoise, welcome to Florida cannabis regulation. More licensed operators could eventually mean greater cultivation and retail capacity and potentially more competition for patients. Florida has also updated rules governing medical-marijuana dosing, supply limits and the process physicians use to request exceptions for qualifying patients.

FLORIDA HAS BEEN HERE BEFORE In November 2024, Amendment 3 asked Florida voters to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. A majority voted yes, but Florida requires at least 60% approval to amend the state Constitution, and the measure fell short. Another attempt aimed at the 2026 ballot also failed to qualify, but legalization supporters clearly aren’t packing up and going home. The newly active 26-01 proposal would allow adults 21 and older to possess, purchase and use marijuana for non-medical purposes under Florida law. It would establish possession limits, prohibit public smoking and vaping, keep impaired driving illegal and restrict marijuana marketing designed to appeal to children. Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers could also participate in the adult-use market. None of this means recreational marijuana is legal today, nor does it guarantee the measure will appear on the 2028 ballot. Supporters still face Florida’s lengthy qualification process and, ultimately, that stubborn 60% threshold.

For Florida’s medical marijuana patients, those changes may ultimately matter more than the political fight. Their concerns are practical: access, cost, availability and whether they can obtain the products and dosages that work for them. Florida is now having two marijuana conversations at once. One concerns the future and whether adults should eventually be able to legally purchase cannabis without becoming medical patients. The other concerns the system already serving Florida’s medical marijuana patients. With new legalization proposals, additional medical licenses and regulatory changes arriving almost simultaneously, Florida’s marijuana debate is far from finished. Recreational cannabis may not be legal here yet, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Florida’s weed fight is growing just fine.

YOU’RE ALREADY HERE, SO ARE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.

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

10 Folio Weekly

Graphic by Elliot Henry

THE HIGH COST OF DYING

DEATH, MUCH LIKE A NEWLY PAVED LOT IN RIVERSIDE, HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY CORPORATE-SANCTIONED, SANITIZED AND INFLATED BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION. FOR DECADES, THE STANDARD EXIT STRATEGY IN DUVAL COUNTY HAS MEANT HANDING OVER A SMALL FORTUNE TO A GLOSSY FUNERAL PARLOR FOR A HEAVY MAHOGANY BOX, CHEMICAL EMBALMING FLUIDS THAT COULD SURVIVE A NUCLEAR WINTER AND A CONCRETE VAULT DESIGNED TO KEEP NATURE ENTIRELY OUT OF THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS.

BY CARMEN MACRI But a quiet, slightly rebellious counter-movement of death doulas, green burials and conservationists across Northeast Florida is tearing up the script. They are trading corporate funeral monopolies for hand-stitched shrouds, untreated pine boxes and a return to the oldest tradition on earth: letting the dirt take you back. In Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, a traditional funeral service costs anywhere between $8,000 and $11,000 once you factor in all the mandatory add-ons. If you look at the raw, itemized general price lists that funeral homes are legally required to provide, the math reads like an extractive corporate fee schedule. You’ve got a nondeclinable basic services fee starting around $2,500 just to keep the lights on and process paperwork, a casket markup that tacks on another few grand, an $800 charge for toxic chemical embalming, despite it not being federally required by law in most standard circumstances (though heavily pressured by parlors if there’s going to be an open-casket viewing), and a mandatory concrete outer burial container — costing up to $2,000 — not for the body’s protection, but so the ground won’t cave in when heavy lawnmowers drive over the gravesite. What makes the financial trap sting even worse is the massive corporate machine hiding in plain sight behind Jacksonville’s historic funeral names. The biggest player pulling the strings locally is Service Corporation International (SCI), a Houston-based Fortune 500 multinational operating under the brand name Dignity Memorial. Take Hardage-Giddens, one of the most recognizable names in local funeral care, with over a dozen locations and cemeteries across the First Coast. To a grieving family, it looks like a local business, but in reality, it was swallowed up long ago by a remote conglomerate that systematically absorbed neighborhood funeral parlors across Duval County while keeping trusted family names on the marquee to maintain consumer trust. They own the funeral home, the crematory, the cemetery plots and the flower shops, clipping a ticket at every step of the process while corporate training programs teach directors how to gently upsell grieving families into a financial trap.

At its core, a green or natural burial is an act of opting out, a return to how humanity handled the end of a life for thousands of years before the funeral industry turned grief into a high-margin retail market. It is designed to allow the body to decompose naturally and safely, returning its elements directly to the surrounding ecosystem without chemical or structural interference. The mechanics of a green burial are remarkably simple and entirely subversive. You skip the toxic formaldehyde and methanol embalming fluids that can ruin groundwater, relying instead on refrigeration or natural cooling. Instead of a $5,000 polished steel or mahogany box, the body is wrapped in a heavy cotton or linen shroud, a wicker basket or a raw, untreated pine box built by hand in a backyard woodshop without toxic glues or metal nails. And you ditch the mandatory concrete vault that traditional cemeteries require. Without the vault, the body drops directly into the earth, decomposing naturally and feeding the active microbiology of the topsoil. Rather than manicured lawns watered with chemical weedkillers and dotted with granite headstones, true green burials often take place in dedicated conservation cemeteries. Graves are marked subtly via GPS coordinates, native flat stones or by planting a sapling overhead, turning the cemetery into a protected nature preserve where every burial directly funds the conservation of wild acreage. It’s a stark philosophical pivot: Instead of trying to artificially preserve a corpse against nature for eternity, you’re letting the dirt take you back.

Enter the modern death doulas and do-it-yourself advocates who are tearing down that corporate model. Unlike traditional funeral directors whose primary job is to upsell you on a bronze casket, a death doula acts as an advocate, educator and emotional anchor for the family. They provide holistic, emotional, spiritual and practical support every step of the way — before, during and after death. They teach families that they don’t have to panic-dial a corporate mortuary the second a heart stops. In Florida, families have the legal right to slow down, keep a body at home with proper cooling, wash their own dead and host a vigil in their living room instead of a corporate viewing room.

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I Dug Digger, Do You See How That Looks? What good is satire? Holding a funhouse mirror up to society is a time-honored tradition for many artists. But when reality becomes a farce too unbelievable for television, and we’ve seen that no number of pied faces can bring meaningful change, does the whole endeavor of punching up and skewering our screwy world lose its luster? Words by Harry Straussman

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s latest comedy extravaganza, “Digger,” certainly makes the case that lampooning our neo-oligarchy as we hurtle toward a climate catastrophe is akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic in order to see the band’s last show. Comfortably the most divisive film of the year, “Digger” is a satire of satires that revels in the buffoonery of our egocentric overlords while showing that we are the ones left on the hook for their insatiable greed.

Just like the film itself, Cruise takes a big swing that doesn’t always connect cleanly — but when it does, it’s electric. The rest of the ensemble matches his energy, with subtlety never playing a factor in this production. Most memorably, the always formidable John Goodman lives up to the impossible task of playing a satirical president, while Riz Ahmed gives a surprising turn that is a new tempo for the talented actor. “Digger” must be seen to be believed, a bold and uncompromising work that begs to be discussed.

As the film’s marketing was sure to inform, Tom Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, a maverick oil baron with more than just the ear of the president who suddenly learns that his drilling operation in Greenland has caused an explosion and sent an ice shelf the size of Maryland on a collision course with Europe, setting the stage for the largest natural disaster in human history.

When it comes to provoking a reaction, very little has made as much of a wave as Chris Hansen and his vigilantism reality show “To Catch a Predator” did in the mid-2000s. In “Primetime,” director Lance Oppenheim examines the ethical boundaries that the show pushed against and the cultural floodgates that were opened when audiences’ most basic impulses were catered to. The actor of the moment, Robert Pattinson, gives his third of four performances this year in a transformative turn as Hansen that is more than a simple impression — though it is still an impressive example of mimicry. Pattinson plays up the underlying sinisterism of the character and balances it with his unique comedic timing, in yet another performance from the actor that is impossible to turn away from. “Primetime” is an engaging character study that has much to say about our current media climate through the breaking of Pandora’s box that was “To Catch a Predator.”

“Digger” has been sold as Cruise’s long-awaited return to capital-A acting after more than a decade of indulging his thinly veiled desire to transcend doing an insane stunt in the name of cinema. On that front, it delivers in spades. As a screen presence, Cruise is one of the greatest ever to do it; few actors can define movie stardom as he has across the different stages of his career, and with “Digger” he excavates a new mold of performance for himself.

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November 13 7:30PM | WJCT Soundstage For information, tickets, & more visit

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16 Folio Weekly

“Fact or fiction? Florida’s political attack ads are everywhere. We checked the claims.”

Amendment 3

mendment 3 will be on the ballot next month following a special session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis in the spring. The amendment seeks to increase the exemption on homesteaded properties to $150,000 and creates a pathway for the complete elimination of nonschool property taxes for homesteads. Within one year, the exemption will also increase to $250,000. The session, from which this amendment originates, lasted only two days as the Legislature quickly moved the resolution through. With this final resolution, there is no plan for the state to assist counties that may be fiscally constrained as their property values already teeter toward the $150,000 to $250,000 range. The amendment sounds great on paper: Homesteaded Floridians will see a significant decrease in their property taxes, which will aid in our current unaffordability crisis. However, our cities and counties will suffer. Either services, such as fire and police, will be cut, or taxes and fees will appear in new ways. The most likely outcome is that this will simply result in a tax shift, rather than a tax cut. Cities and counties will find new ways to apply fees to make up for the loss in revenue. Additionally, there is another option where the Legislature applies a statewide sales tax, which will disproportionately impact lower-income and working-class families. Property prices will only increase, making homeownership more difficult, while renters and small businesses will suffer from higher rents as cities search to tax commercial properties higher in order to make up for the loss of revenue. The truth is, we do not know exactly what is in store as counties and cities become desperate to make up for the loss of funding — which is a clear problem for such a historic and wide-sweeping amendment.

Words by Elliot Henry

There is no plan. There is no plan currently to make up for the loss of revenue. It is unfortunate that we can only truly speculate on what may come for the average Floridian, but the likely outcome won’t be any good. The amendment is disguised as a Trojan horse, seeking to relieve Floridians of the ever-increasing cost of living, while in actuality, it will only make things harder for everyone involved. Even for homeowners, you may be relieved to see that lower tax bills come in April, but your city will likely levy additional fees, a rising sales tax may be looming and businesses will pass down their increasing costs to you, the consumer. Florida even has its own commission, the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which will be convening next year to review the overall tax systems of Florida. We should leave it to the professionals to provide well-documented and reviewed suggestions for how we could reduce property taxes without rushing ourselves into the deepest end of the pool, unsure if we know how to swim. Adjusting our tax policies, especially as it regards property taxes, is completely warranted; however, changes must be made in moderation, with regard to our cities and counties. DeSantis is treating this as if it is the state versus the cities — and if that is the case, so much for small governments exercising their power. If that is the view through which we should contextualize this amendment, it’s worrisome that the state may be using this as a first step to take more control away from counties and cities and redirect that to the state — consolidating control. The people want ways to reduce their spending. This measure is disguised to address this, while its true consequences will be incredibly adverse. 17

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Words by Ariana Alcantara

Being a child is a strange experience. Time moves slowly and adults talk fast, little makes sense and play is paramount. Autumn is marked by the smell of leaves on a rainy day rather than a quarterly work calendar. When mornings at the bus stop are dark and the wind tickles your nose, it means that Halloween is near. This is the time when hands are too small to hold the pumpkin carving knife, but just small enough to pull out the seeds. This is the moment when colors are more vibrant and nothing is more important than friendship. It is also the time when a contract is enacted: In exchange for love and protection, one must respect their parents and follow their beliefs. What happens, though when, because of this contract, one’s only two values, family and friends, are conflicted? When friends are partaking in a holiday but the prescribed religion of your family says you must abstain, a contradiction appears. Since both upholding beliefs and social exploration are fundamental parts of being human, this issue is immense. As a Christian, Halloween can be a polarizing holiday. But should a holiday be defined by its history or by what it means to people today? Although it feels like Halloween is an established staple of American culture, many people reject it for their beliefs.

18 Folio Weekly

Halloween has a layered history. Before Christianity, Halloween was associated with Samhain, an ancient Celtic seasonal festival that celebrated the transition to winter. Some believed that during this time was a supernaturally charged night in which the veil to the “other side” was thinned. In order to stop their new converts from celebrating non-Christian festivals, Pope Gregory III deemed Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, to be preceded by “All Hallows’ Eve,” which eventually developed into the word “Halloween.” All Saints’ Day was meant to honor all saints who attained heaven. Then, on Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day, Christians honored all of the dead. From these practices, the modern Halloween eventually developed when 19th-century immigrants from Ireland and Scotland helped bring their traditions to North America. By the late 1800s, there began a shift from a focus on Halloween being a period of blurred lines between the living and the dead to a community-focused one. The real transition from being a religious day began in the mid-20th century. Corporations and Hollywood developed the holiday to focus on candy and costumes in order to sell, you guessed it, candy and costumes. From here, the modern community-oriented holiday was born.

Over the past century, the night of Oct. 31 became an excuse to gather and dress up. Initially, dressing up was a way to hide from the spirits, but like the rest of the holiday, it evolved into dressing up to become anything one aspired to. People could emulate their favorite characters and passions, playing pretend with their entire community. The tradition ingrained itself into the childhood experience; it was a night to be anything in the world. This introduction of candy and dressing up for the sake of fun made the holiday something children looked forward to every year. With its roots in the supernatural and dark, occultish themes, many Christians feel that they should abstain from the holiday in order to follow their faith. Many cite Ephesians 5:11, which instructs believers to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.” Others see the symbols, specifically witches, and the Celtic festival roots as going against the warning against witchcraft or sorcery in the Bible. With these perspectives on the holiday, it is understandable that parents might want to draw these spiritual lines for their children if the holiday were modernly rooted in spirituality. But the modern celebration does not follow the initial meaning. As for the themes of darkness, these symbols were developed by Hollywood to sell horror genre films. While some indulge in the darker imagery, many are just dressing as animals and superheroes. While some Christians do not celebrate the holiday, others see it as a modern, community-centered event. They see the day as a method of spreading joy by handing out candy and allowing children to dress up. Some see these acts as community building and hospitality rather than indulging in any sort of “darkness.” Many churches also partake in the holiday by hosting trick-or-treat events. The choice boils down to interpretation. Can a holiday change meaning? As the sun sets on Oct. 31 and the streets fill with the sounds of laughter and tiny feet hitting the pavement running from house to house, it feels like the meaning has, indeed, changed. Children just know that at the end of the night they get to dump their candy bags on their living room floor and trade their Twix for their cousin’s Twizzlers. Parents are thinking of how their child’s Spider-Man costume won’t fit them next year because they are growing so fast. And as the night grows darker, all that remains is a memory of the year the family dressed like the characters from “Despicable Me” and the kids painted themselves yellow, or the next year when they wanted to invite friends to the neighborhood with the full-sized candy. As it is now, Halloween means meeting your neighbors, watching the family you created have a better childhood than you did, or an excuse to throw a party that gets all of your friends together. Christians can have different interpretations and, rightfully so, distinguish their own beliefs. But seeing a holiday as it is now, instead of what it was once associated with, grants perspective on how these moments make those early, confusing years more colorful, more full of friends, more alive.

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Meet Folio’s

Person Words by Teresa Spencer

of the

year

Some people become part of a city’s story simply by living there. Others help tell that story, shape it and, somewhere along the way, become an important chapter themselves. For more than two decades, Melanie Lawson has done all three. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARMEN MACRI

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“This city has a way of grabbing you and holding onto you and not letting you go.”

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o thousands of Northeast Floridians, she is the familiar face greeting them each morning on WJXT’s News4JAX. She is the journalist who has covered heartbreaking tragedies, celebrated remarkable triumphs and helped Jacksonville residents make sense of the world around them. Beyond the cameras, Lawson is a devoted wife, mother, mentor, philanthropist and passionate advocate for the community she calls home. Now, she is adding another title: FOLIO’s 2026 Person of the Year. For our inaugural Person of the Year contest, FOLIO invited the community to nominate and vote for individuals making an extraordinary difference across Northeast Florida. Among an impressive field of community leaders, public servants and influential voices, Lawson emerged as the winner. This recognition was not an editorial selection made behind closed doors. It was the community’s choice. When I sat down with Lawson at WJXT to discuss her career, her commitment to Jacksonville and the life she has built here, one thing became clear: Her greatest accomplishment may not be what she has achieved in front of a camera, but what she has done with the opportunity that camera has given her.

The city that was supposed to be temporary

Twenty-one years ago, Jacksonville was not necessarily part of Lawson’s long-term plan. Raised in the Orlando area and educated in Virginia, she arrived in Northeast Florida expecting to complete a television contract and move on. “I was thinking it was going to be one contract, so I’m thinking three years, and that’s it,” she recalled. But Jacksonville had other ideas. “This city has a way of grabbing you and holding onto you and not letting you go.” She arrived at 29, without a husband or children. Here, she purchased her first condominium, met her husband, married in Orange Park and began raising a family. What was supposed to be a temporary career stop became the place where she would build her life. “I feel like I grew up here,” she said. Over the years, Jacksonville has given Lawson far more than a home. It has provided friendships, opportunities and experiences that continue to shape how she approaches journalism and the people whose stories she tells.

compassion and respect, but also the ability to balance empathy with professionalism. “I can’t be so emotional that I can’t be professional. I can’t be so emotional that I can’t be effective.” Those lessons remain central to her work today. Lawson believes local journalists carry a special responsibility because they live alongside the people whose stories they tell. They shop in the same stores, raise families in the same neighborhoods and experience many of the same challenges. “It’s our responsibility to tell the stories of the community that we love and that we live in,” she explained. For Lawson, trust is earned through honesty, accountability and a willingness to listen, even when people disagree.

A platform with a purpose

If Lawson’s career has given her a recognizable face, her community service has given that recognition a greater purpose. Over the years, she has lent her time and voice to numerous charitable organizations, fundraising events and community initiatives. One of her earliest experiences involved the American Heart Association and health screenings promoted through her television station. She remembers people arriving for screenings only to discover dangerously elevated blood pressure or other health concerns requiring immediate attention. “We were using our platform to actually save lives,” she recalled. That realization changed how she viewed her responsibilities. A familiar face on television could encourage someone to seek medical care, donate to a nonprofit, volunteer or support a cause they might otherwise never encounter. “If I’m gonna be given the platform, if I’m gonna be given the opportunity, if I’m gonna be given the people who trust me, then I owe them at least that,” she said. Balancing community service with a demanding career and family life is not always easy. She credits her husband and children with supporting her commitments, even when they mean another evening away from home. Yet she believes giving back has enriched her own life just as much as those she has helped. “Everything that I’ve poured into others, they’ve done the same for me.”

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The stories that stay with you

Jacksonville needs to listen

When asked which issue facing Northeast Florida deserves more attention, Lawson did not point to a particular political debate. Instead, she identified something she believes affects nearly every challenge confronting the community: our willingness to listen to one another.

Thanks, Jax.

Christopher Barrios Jr., a young Georgia boy whose disappearance and murder devastated his family and community, became much more than another assignment. Lawson covered the search, the heartbreaking discovery and ultimately the funeral. She remembers looking at the little boy’s face and seeing a resemblance to her nephew. “I remember his little face and thinking, he looked just like my nephew.”

Whether discussing racism, poverty, affordable housing or cultural differences, Lawson believes people often become so focused on defending their positions that they stop considering someone else’s experiences. “We’re so busy finding things that reinforce our beliefs and the things that we think are important,” she explained.

as voted by readers

Journalism is not always glamorous. Sometimes it means standing alongside grieving families or asking difficult questions when people are experiencing the worst moments of their lives. One story from Lawson’s early reporting years has never left her.

At the funeral, her emotions overwhelmed her. She cried alongside the family, who embraced her. “They hugged me tight like I was family, and in that moment I really felt like I was because I had walked that journey with them.” The experience helped define the journalist she wanted to become. Lawson learned that reporting demands

She believes greater kindness, openness and a genuine willingness to understand different perspectives could help bridge many of the divisions affecting society. It is a philosophy shaped by years of interviewing people from every corner of Northeast Florida and witnessing both their struggles and triumphs.

*runner-up

Love, laughter and a little tap dancing

Despite her public profile, Lawson’s personal life includes the same balancing act familiar to working parents everywhere. Her husband, fellow WJXT journalist Tarik Minor, shares both her profession and an understanding of its unusual demands. Their love story began, appropriately enough, while covering a murder trial. Lawson needed footage she had missed, and Minor, then working at a sister station in Orlando, agreed to help. There was just one catch: He insisted she buy him lunch. She was not particularly impressed. For a couple of weeks, she remembered him primarily as the man who made her pay for his meal. Eventually, however, he won her heart. They married in 2009 and have spent the years since navigating demanding schedules, raising their children and protecting their time together. Interestingly, two journalists sharing a household do not necessarily spend their evenings discussing the news. Often, they prefer to leave work at work.

“Thank you for loving me, for embracing me, for tolerating me, for encouraging me, for pushing me, for critiquing me.”

Outside the newsroom, Lawson enjoys family, humor and life’s simpler pleasures. She also tap dances, returning to the activity of her youth as her daughter became a competitive tap dancer. She practices meditation, values gratitude and makes a conscious effort to appreciate the little things. “I really work hard to just find joy, whatever that looks like in the moment,” she explained.

A love letter to Jacksonville

This October, Lawson will celebrate her approaching 50th birthday with a special event at Jacksonville’s Ritz Theatre titled “Dear Jacksonville: A Love Letter, 21 Years in the Making.” The event explores her relationship with the city and the people who helped shape her journey. She remembers arriving in Jacksonville and noticing the distinctive smell of the paper mills. Today, her memories are filled with the warmth of a community that embraced her, from strangers offering enthusiastic hugs to people telling her they are praying for her. Her relationship with Jacksonville has not been perfect, but she believes the city’s encouragement, criticism, opportunities and kindness have all contributed to the woman she has become. “Thank you for loving me, for embracing me, for tolerating me, for encouraging me, for pushing me, for critiquing me,” she said. Her love letter is not simply about nostalgia. It is about gratitude for the people and experiences that transformed a temporary assignment into a lifelong connection.

When Jacksonville turned the spotlight around

Perhaps the most touching moment of our conversation came when I asked Lawson about learning she had won FOLIO’s Person of the Year. Her reaction was immediate. “I screamed. I screamed so many times.” 24 Folio Weekly

She admitted she had not expected to win, particularly among such an accomplished group of nominees. The recognition arrived at a meaningful moment as she prepares to turn 50 and reflect on more than two decades in Jacksonville. “What a gift to me, and what a gift to others who are watching, to know that ... you’re still relevant, you’re still beautiful, you’re still vibrant,” she said. Being celebrated feels different for someone accustomed to highlighting others. Lawson admitted that having the spotlight turned toward her has been “a little uncomfortable.” Yet perhaps that humility is part of what makes this honor so fitting.

“There’s this power in ... giving and being able to say, ‘I can give something to someone else,’” she explained. For someone who has already devoted so much of her life to serving Northeast Florida, it seems a natural next chapter.

The best may be yet to come

Congratulations, Melanie Lawson, FOLIO’s 2026 Person of the Year. From all of us at FOLIO, thank you for reminding Northeast Florida that the most powerful stories are not always the ones we report. Sometimes, they are the ones we create through the lives we touch.

Looking ahead, Lawson hopes to establish a nonprofit organization that helps everyday people experience the joy of giving. Her vision includes providing small grants to individuals or groups who want to make a difference but lack the financial resources. Perhaps it is a youth sports team needing uniforms or a community member with an idea to help someone else. The goal is not simply to fund projects but to empower others to become philanthropists themselves, creating a ripple effect of generosity throughout Northeast Florida.

FOLIO’s Person of the Year recognition is not simply about fame or professional success. It is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Melanie Lawson has spent more than two decades doing exactly that, one story, one conversation, one charitable event and one human connection at a time. Jacksonville may have captured her heart 21 years ago, but somewhere along the way, she captured ours.

Scan the QR code to watch the full interview with Melanie Lawson.

Nine More Reasons to Celebrate Northeast Florida

There can only be one Folio Person of the Year, but making the top 10 is an honor all its own. These nine finalists represent the leadership, creativity, compassion and commitment that continue to make Northeast Florida a better and more interesting place to call home. 26 Folio Weekly

Jasmine Monroe

Jason Peoples

A familiar and trusted face in Jacksonville journalism, Monroe has dedicated her work to telling the stories of our community and shining a light on the people, neighborhoods and organizations making a difference across the First Coast.

As executive director of the Jacksonville Arts & Music School, Peoples has helped young people discover their voices through music, art, mentorship and creative development. His commitment to Jacksonville’s next generation continues to make a lasting impact.

Mayor Donna Deegan From decades spent telling Jacksonville’s stories to becoming the city’s first female mayor, Deegan has made public service a defining part of her life. Her leadership and commitment to Jacksonville have made her an influential voice in the city she has long called home.

Christy Ponder

As executive director and artist-in-residence at Art with a Heart in Healthcare, Ponder helps bring creativity, comfort and human connection to patients and families during some of life’s hardest moments. Her work is a beautiful reminder that art can do much more than decorate a room — it can help people heal.

Kamala Williams Through The Lotus Flower Project and Kamala’s Kloset, Williams has dedicated herself to helping people who too often find themselves without enough support. Her work is rooted in compassion, empowerment and making sure people in our community know they matter.

Rep. Angie Nixon A Jacksonville native, community organizer, small-business owner and public servant, Nixon has made community engagement a central part of her work. Beyond the State House, she has created a gathering place for ideas, conversation and connection through her Jacksonville bookstore, Cafe Resistance Books, bringing together her love of books, community and civic involvement.

Liam Coen It is hard to separate Jacksonville from the Jaguars, and Coen has given this football town plenty to believe in. His leadership has brought renewed energy, excitement and Duval pride to a community that proudly wears its teal.

Monique Madrid Madrid has spent years proving that Jacksonville talent deserves a spotlight. Through the LOL JAX Film Festival and her support of filmmakers, comedians, artists and emerging creatives, she has helped create opportunities for local voices to be seen, heard and celebrated.

Robert Phelan

Through his leadership with Cancer Specialists of North Florida and support of efforts assisting patients and families, Phelan represents the quieter kind of community leadership that can make an enormous difference during some of life’s most difficult moments.

To all nine finalists, congratulations and thank you. Being named among Folio’s top 10 is recognition of the mark each of you is leaving on Northeast Florida. Your contributions may be very different, but together they demonstrate just how many remarkable people are working every day to make this corner of Florida something special. From all of us at Folio, congratulations on an honor well deserved.

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MURRAY HILL-O-WEEN

RETURNS FOR A NIGHT OF

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES

Words by Ariana Alcantara Every October, all over Jacksonville, neighborhoods are battling for the top spot of Halloween festivities. Riverside may have met its match as another hotspot for the alternative youth and the city’s eccentrics rejoins the running. Just past Avondale, nearing Ortega, Murray Hill, with its historic buildings and mural-lined alleys, lends itself as the perfect autumnal event destination. This year, they are taking the crown again as the Murray Hill-O-Ween event returns Oct. 24, bringing an evening on par with a night in Halloweentown to the city. The festivities are presented by the Murray Hill Preservation Association in partnership with Community First Credit Union, scheduled for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m with all ages welcome. Imagine a block party with Spider-Man, Nikki from Obsession, K-pop Demon Hunters and Ghostface, all cruising down the long strip of Edgewood Avenue. Whether that sounds like a good time or a depraved nightmare, it can be found in Murray Hill for the event. The evening lands just days before the holiday and gives kids (and adults) a chance to try out their best costume before the big candy night with the Halloween parade. The parade contains floats spooky enough to scare Jack Skellington and costumes creative enough to inspire Tim Burton. The Junco Lanterns will be performing a not-to-miss set between Steele Hair Gallery and Vintage Exchange during the event, creating a full atmosphere of Halloween. Exciting as it is, the evening is about more than the parade. For hours before and after the parade, a block party will overtake the neighborhood, bringing entertainment for all ages. In true autumn fashion, there will be a pumpkin patch to explore, along with vendors, food trucks and a beer truck for the adults. The little ones can also burn off energy from all the candy they’re sure to consume in the bounce houses, games and other activities. The evening is about more than fun games and haunting parades. The event brings together local vendors and businesses, giving community members a chance to support their friends and neighbors. The neighborhood houses so many local staples like Community Loaves and Moon River Pizza, so people from the outer boroughs of Jacksonville will have an excuse to come out and try the food that everyone raves about. Attendance to Murray Hill-O-Ween is free, and those who wish to walk in the parade or enter a float just have to register. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m along Edgewood Avenue. For more information, vendor inquiries or to register for the parade, visit murrayhilljax.com/hilloween/.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBAR RAMIREZ

INSIDE THE THRASHER-HORNE CENTER

MANY OF US DRIVE PAST WITHOUT A SECOND GLANCE, BUT TUCKED AWAY BEHIND THE ORANGE PARK CAMPUS OF ST. JOHNS RIVER STATE COLLEGE SITS ONE OF JACKSONVILLE’S MANY PRIZED POSSESSIONS — THE THRASHER-HORNE CENTER. BY AMBAR RAMIREZ & CARMEN MACRI

It started with a vision from College President Robert L. McLendon Jr.: to put Clay County on the entertainment map.

and high-energy percussion bands under one roof, Thrasher-Horne Center has carved out a uniquely versatile niche.

“McLendon really felt like the college could offer more and Clay County could have more. So they went to the Legislature and pushed to receive some funding to do a small community theater here. Randomly, it exploded,” Araina Eber, director of artistic and guest services, explained. “The original goal was a single-floor theater where they could bring in some local talent and some terrific small touring shows. And with Thrasher and Horne getting involved, they were able to expand it to a second-floor theater as well and really pushed to get the tourism aspect involved. And because of the tourism, they were able to get additional funding to then push for more tourism in Clay County.”

And Thrasher-Horne set the tone early on when they had Tony Walsh, whom Eber described as a visionary, as executive director.

But a grand stage alone doesn’t guarantee a marquee lineup. For the Thrasher-Horne Center, the secret to landing national sensations and gaining statewide attention lies in its refusal to be pigeonholed. By blending comedy headliners, touring dance troupes

“The official opening was in 2004, and that was the whole season that Tony had put on. And it did do exactly what they wanted,” Eber shared. “It brought awareness to Clay County, awareness to Orange Park, and ever since then, that’s been the goal.” Since those early days, the Thrasher-Horne Center has quietly evolved into an anchor for the local arts and community scene. When the curtains aren’t going up on a touring indie band, a side-splitting comedy tour or a soaring symphony performance, the halls are buzzing with a totally different kind of energy. You’ve got the local dance academies showcasing months of hard work, monumental high school graduations and high-stakes regional dance competitions filling every single seat. 31

“We want to make sure that we always have something that our community is benef iting from. And when we are presenting a show, we are looking at how our community will benef it from it. That’s how we make sure that we’re always staying on par with what drives us, and we’re always sticking to what they want. We’re here to serve them.” What really sets Thrasher-Horne apart from other spots in the area, though, is its versatility. Beyond the main auditorium, they’ve carved out dedicated conference and meeting spaces that effortlessly handle everything from corporate workshops to community gatherings. “One of our main drives is to make sure we’re providing a service for our community. So throughout the entire year, when we’re not presenting shows, we are also doing all of these other things that are just as important,” Eber shared. “We want to make sure that we always have something that our community is benefiting from. And when we are presenting a show, we are looking at how our community will benefit from it. That’s how we make sure that we’re always staying on par with what drives us, and we’re always sticking to what they want. We’re here to serve them.” After the interview, we got lucky enough to head backstage for the grand tour. Every single dressing room felt like it had its own little slice of history, complete with a quick story behind it. From wandering through the stage design workshop and checking out the black box theater to peeking into the dance studio, we saw it all — and along the way, we naturally got to talking about how they actually curate and choose their talent.

32 Folio Weekly

They take pride in booking rising acts right before they outgrow a mid-sized room. Fittingly, Eber shared a time they tried to book a certain rising artist who got away before hitting global fame: Billie Eilish. But in the same breath, Thrasher-Horne has hosted some great acts like R5 (now known as The Driver Era), William Shatner, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Foxworthy, “Dancing with the Stars” and many more. “But what we want to do is make sure that what they’re picking is something that the community wants and something that we can provide. So we are always asking the people around, ‘What do you want to see?’” Eber expressed. “And we just ask that if there’s anything that no venue around here is doing, please let us know, because then we’ll reach out and we’ll try to get that group.” Through every tour stop, conference and local recital, community remains Thrasher-Horne’s true north. Rather than boasting about its expansive dressing rooms, unique set-design workshop or its versatile black box theater, the center prefers to work quietly. It chooses humility over hype, stepping back so that the community, the artists and Clay County can take center stage.

Two Point Perspective How We Moving?

Scan the QR code to read the full story

Words by Michael Teal Now … my actual opinion, coming from me, Michael Teal, Jax’s biggest NAVI hater and Skyway believer. Also, I take full responsibility for my opinions, as this is a country that believes in free speech and I’m exercising mine, so please don’t castrate my soul put to paper. Most of this section is butchered for page space, so please check out the entire article; it’s all I ask. With all that’s moving through our city, the most important component has been left by the wayside: You. “We the People” generously share our infrastructure with millions of vehicles every day. Some are ours; others are outsiders who clog our roads, ruining our mornings, evenings, and basically everything in between. In recent news, JTA is in shambles. The previous CEO Nat Ford, just left and departed for Dallas, leaving behind a pissed populace, a traffic nightmare and a $39 million debt. On top of that, the $60 million autonomous solution, NAVI, is a slap across the face of the public, disguised as a leap into the future. This catastrophe has forced JTA to announce the impending layoffs awarded to 194 of the surviving compatriots. Lastly: the Skyway. As of now, the Skyway has been shut down, probably for good, and it’s not our choice what happens to it, no matter what they tell us. Our opinion is probably worth about 5%, which is absolutely despicable from JTA. It isn’t my intention to completely torch JTA. Their investigation will begin soon, and every media outlet in Jax will be covering it — flaming JTA for the charges of the investigation, the COJ for giving them the money and, of course Nat Ford for his choices — but they have truly stabbed themselves in the side with this one, and me: straight through the heart. So, let us begin. Over the last few weeks, JTA has hosted several community feedback meetings to staticize what we think should be done with the dilapidated infrastructure. I wanted to go to all of them; missed a few, sorry. They were overall quite underwhelming. They presented seven options with upfront and future costs. I rounded to the nearest million.

The Skyway

Scan the QR code to read the full story

Fix JTA First Words by Elliot Henry

In the midst of a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study for the Skyway, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has announced a $39 million budget deficit. Problems have compounded as JTA is now under investigation by the state attorney general, along with a City Council probe. A total of 194 jobs have been cut, and the Skyway will pause operations Nov. 2, with the Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) — an autonomous vehicle system — following suit Jan. 1. The PD&E study has reignited the conversation about the Skyway’s future. JTA has continued to push NAVI forward. The program has become a prized possession for JTA as the “first permanent autonomous public transportation service.” But it also, in part, led to JTA’s deficit. Critics have labeled it a boondoggle, and they aren’t wrong. NAVI cost $20 million more than was initially projected, has a low carrying capacity, follows fixed paths and, despite being autonomous, includes an attendant. “It is effectively rideshare, but more limited,” said Ennis Davis, urban planner and co-founder of The Jaxson. The PD&E study of the Skyway is deeply tied to NAVI, as four of the seven options presented by JTA include NAVI in their solution. The options range dramatically, from doing nothing to operating a streetcar. Davis stated it is not an apples-to-apples comparison and considers the study not to be objective. “You are taking apples and oranges and trying to compare them in a way that makes these other [options] look super expensive to leave [NAVI] as the one standing.” Thirty percent of the study’s evaluation will come down to price. By including eye-catching and pricey alternatives, such as a pedestrian path or streetcar, JTA is seemingly skewing results for NAVI instead of examining realistic ways to maintain or upgrade the Skyway. Before we can discuss the Skyway’s future, we must right the ship. We must reckon with the institutional commitment JTA has for NAVI and get back to basics. JTA must realistically examine the transit needs of downtown instead of treating it as a testing ground for NAVI.

Graphic & design by Elliot Henry

KING OF THE SOUTH: JAGUARS START OFF HOT WITH A 3-1 RECORD

Words by Kaleb Stowell Photos by Aaron Berkshire

: s n w o r B d n la e v le C . s v Jacksonville Jaguars k n a B e th t a n o ti a in m o D

e day hdowns on th c u to r u fo d und yards an okie sixth-ro ro rew for 245 th to e y c a n d re e w r th a L ke Bortles fo uchdown of la to all day long. B d g d n in e o ti c m e e m s h u h is . On h the day, e were placed Lawnd effectively d the offens y the end of u n o B a . ls ro s a e a n c ll e w n a o m b re a d e w g h c a th is ading sing tou Trevor L nell. Th ceivers, spre by Mark Bru 0 career pas re ly 10 t n n d o e re d h e e c iff a d d e re r c to fou list, pre Lawrence g touchdown h Cameron, in s eek. s o s J a k p ic e p im ft dra for the first w ’ all-t L rs F a u N g e a J th e in th e on by QBR second plac quarterback d te ra ts e h hig rence as the 34 Folio Weekly

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos: Tough Loss at Altitude The Jaguars looked to be in control in the first half, going into the locker room at halftime with a 10-3 lead. Unfortunately, after their first drive of the second half ended in a field goal, they allowed 17 unanswered points and ultimately gave the Broncos a win.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots: A Return to Form

After handling business against the Patriots at home, the Jags continue to bolster the best home scoring differential in the NFL with a staggering +141 in the past six games played in EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars have only lost one regular-season game at home since Liam Coen was given the head coaching job (Week 6 against the Seahawks in 2025).

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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Spots beat Stripes Week 4 of the 2026 season marked a historic date in the NFL. It was the first time in NFL history that all of the “Big Cat” teams played each other in a single week (Jaguars vs. Bengals, Panthers vs. Lions). The Jaguars have been on the losing end of the big cat fight recently against the Bengals, as the two have matched up four times since Trevor Lawrence was drafted in 2021. In that time, the Bengals had a 3-0 record against the Jaguars until this most recent matchup, when the Jaguars finally prevailed over the Bengals.

Ultimately, in this catfight, the team with sharper claws and fangs was the Jaguars. It also marked the first time in his career that Trevor Lawrence had beaten Joe Burrow, as the first time the two faced each other was in the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020, when the Joe Burrow-led LSU Tigers beat the Trevor Lawrence-led Clemson Tigers (another battle of cats).

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

TARGETED TREATMENTS RAPID RECOVERY

904-549-5647 gobiotarget.com

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OCTOBER $100 SPECIAL 3

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Across 1 UNF Coggin College advanced degs. 5 Unhappy 8 Nebraska city 13 First Coast Opera highlight 14 Had mussels at Grouper Shack 15 Himalayan nation 16 Fling 17 ___ Kippur 18 Wear down 19 Former federal prosecutor in Jax 22 “Spaceballs” joke: “___ gone to plaid!” 23 Bisects 27 ___ culpa 28 Off course 31 Jax winter hrs. 32 Extra 34 Armed conflict 35 Cheer for the Gators 36 Seat that 19- and 55-Across are running for 39 Cascade 42 Pekoe, e.g. 43 Jags’ backup quarterback 47 Duval County Court order 48 Hand covering 50 Edge 51 Coverlet 53 Detect 55 Owner of Cafe Resistance in Jax

58 Showy jewelry 61 Suffix with Sky at News4JAX 62 Tiny amounts 63 “Bolero” composer 64 Old-fashioned cooler? 65 Art Deco artist 66 Like 33 percent of adults in Duval County, unfortunately 67 Salon stuff 68 Old Russian ruler Down 1 Indian sage 2 Touched in passing 3 Fool 4 NASA’s Ride 5 Give the green light 6 Molecule part 7 Showroom sample, for short 8 Time frame for a dreamer 9 Actress Streep 10 GI’s mail drop 11 Possessed 12 Strings Sports Brewery brew 20 Country singer Sara 21 Tara family name 24 Victory sign 25 Subj. for US newcomers 26 Letters on a Cardinals cap 29 Canary call 30 Charged 33 Pythagoras: “Make friends of ___ enemies” 35 Bow-making material 37 JSO undercover operation

The Shoppes of Ponte Vedra (904) 280-1202 Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. (904) 388-5406 San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. (904) 398-9741 Jacksonville, Florida 32207 www.underwoodjewelers.com

38 Mortise mate 39 Tour org. with headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach 40 Lummox 41 Sheepskin boot brand 44 Cure-alls 45 Italian cheese 46 Robert B. Parker’s mononymous private eye 48 Botch badly 49 Tooth surface 52 Jockey alternative 54 Neighbor of 15-Across 56 All Day Vape buy 57 Frilly needlework 58 Frat dude 59 Part of some JU courses 60 “___ Got a Secret”

M B A S S A D O M A H A A T E N E P A L A R I A Y O M E R O D E H U R L A S H L E Y M O O D Y T H E Y V E H A L V E S A S T R A Y E S T M E A W A R Y E L L A D D O N U S S E N A T E P O U R T E A E W E R S M I T T E N L I P G A G N O T I C E A F G H A N A N G E L A N I X O N C A M B I T S B L I N G I C E E R T E R A V E L G E L T S A R O B E S E

N E A E I M Z M A Z I Z M T Z N N A T M R N A N I E R Solve this puzzle like a regular sudoku, but instead of using numbers, use the letters M-A-R-T-I-N-E-Z (for Carmen Martinez of the Duval County Election Advisory Panel) to fill each row, column and box.

Z M T N I R E A R A E I M Z N T T R N M A I Z E A E I Z R T M N I T R E Z N A M M N Z A T E I R E Z M R N A T I N I A T E M R Z

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