Historic Life - Vol. 8 | 2022-2023

Some of America’s top doctors are whererightyou need them most.

Some of America’s top doctors are whererightyou need them most.

As the region’s premier academic health center, our UF Health physicians are recognized worldwide for offering outstanding patient care, education and research.

As the region’s premier academic health center, our UF Health physicians are recognized worldwide for offering outstanding patient care, education and research.

With more than 60 primary care and specialty practices in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, it’s easy to find a convenient location for your health care needs.

With more than 60 primary care and specialty practices in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, it’s easy to find a convenient location for your health care needs.

Here for you at UFHealthJax.org

Here for you at UFHealthJax.org

It’s been an incredible year of growth for Northeast Florida, we’re excited to welcome new arrivals to our neighborhoods via this year’s guide, which you now hold in your hands. Historic Life will help you gain insight, get a jumpstart on living in the historic districts of town, while also sharing a bit more about the City of Jacksonville at-large.

We like to refer to Jacksonville as the biggest small town in America. Simply put, you feel welcomed here as you would in any small town, yet the land mass is vast. It takes time to learn to navigate a town considered to be the largest land mass city in the Continental U.S., it may take you a few years to truly know your way around.

What makes it special is its pockets of uniqueness found all the way from the beaches to the historic areas where our newspapers are published and directmailed into homes each month. With each passing issue of Resident Community News, our newspapers enlighten and enliven the community dialogue and have been for over 15 years. We can both say that there has never been a dull moment, print is alive and well.

From our city’s Southern hospitality to its unique pockets of neighborhood clusters, you’ve found the very best of them if you’re enjoying this edition of Historic Life — Community and Newcomers Guide. The local historic districts are a special place, full of great locally owned boutiques, shops and restaurants. Not to mention, businesses that are family-owned and operated, many by the same families for generations. It’s always nice to see a familiar face and count of service with a smile.

We hope you find the welcoming spirit and authenticity from locals to be refreshing as you get acquainted in the historic neighborhoods of San Marco, San Jose and St. Nicholas, and learn more of the same while crossing the mighty St. Johns River to the beautiful neighborhoods of Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and Murray Hill. Welcome

VOLUME 8 | 2022-2023

PUBLISHERS

Pamela Bradford Williams

Seth Williams

ADVERTISING & SALES

Debra McGregor

ART DIRECTOR

Amanda Nelson-Sinagra

DESIGN

Chris Gildersleeve

Tricia Steele

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Dan Harris

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Kerns Garmendia Lindsey Gast Michele Leivas

Karen J. Rieley Mary Wanser

Photos provided courtesy of: Jacksonville Historical Society and San Marco Preservation Society

The Historic Districts of Jacksonville have so much to offer in education, arts, recreation and services of all types that it can be hard to keep track of them all. We tried our best to list everything, but we acknowledge that some organizations and places may have slipped through the cracks. Please forgive us and do let us know what’s missing so we can add them to this annual Community and Newcomers Guide.

COVER ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

This year’s cover is by Lisa Lofton, a 2D artist who enjoys using a variety of mediums but primarily works with acrylic on canvas. Her most recent paintings are influenced by the architecture, people, landscape, and industry of her city and state—Jacksonville, Florida—as depicted here.

Lofton’s bright, illustrative style invites an emotional connection to time and place. She is currently working on a series titled “Vintage Florida” that was inspired by a diner placemat. Lofton has created a variety of commissioned pieces that can be found in private collections locally, nationally, and internationally.

Her titles include President of the Art Center Cooperative, Inc., Vice President of the Jacksonville Artists’ Guild, and Member of the Art League of Jacksonville. She studied architectural design and fine art at the University of Florida.

SETH

NEED-TO-KNOW NUMBERS

POLICE SERVICES

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Headquarters: 501 E Bay St.

Zone 3 Substation: 8875 Liberty Ridge Dr., Ste. 110 (Serving Southside, Mandarin and San Marco) N (904) 630-8100

Zone 4 Substation: 3726 Blanding Blvd. (Serving Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and Westside) N (904) 630-8133

Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 Non-emergencies: (904) 630-0500

CITY SERVICES

w 630city.coj.net N (904) 630-CITY (2489)

UTILITIES

Jacksonville Electric Authority w jea.com N (904) 665-6000 or (800) 683-5542

PHONE, CABLE & INTERNET SERVICE

AT&T: Current customers 800-288-2020; New service 800-861-6075

Comcast Xfinity: Current customers 800-XFINITY(934-6489); New service 800-COMCAST(266-2278)

Dish Network: 877-380-0126 DIRECTV: 877-628-0921

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Jacksonville Public Library (Main Library)

, 303 N. Laura St. N (904) 255-2665

w Jaxpubliclibrary.org

Murray Hill Library , 918 Edgewood Ave. S.

San Marco Library , 1513 Lasalle St.

Willowbranch Library , 2875 Park St.

DRIVER LICENSE & MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE CENTER

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

w For office locations visit flhsmv.gov/offices/duval

w To change your address, renew, or request a duplicate license visit flhsmv.gov N For more information call (850) 617-2000

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Duval County Tax Collector’s Office , 231 E Forsyth St. N (904) 255-5700

w For branch locations visit taxcollector.coj.net w To renew a vehicle or vessel online visit mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov N (904) 630-1916

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

For routes, schedules, fees, special services or other information, visit jtafla.com or call (904) 630-3100. Download the MyJTA or Token Transit mobile apps to your smart device for purchasing single-ride fares, as well as one-day and multi-day bus passes.For information about the St. Johns River Ferry, which runs every half hour between Mayport and Fort George Island, visit ferry.jtafla.com.

PET LICENSES

Pet licenses must be renewed annually, and owners must show written proof of their pet’s current rabies vaccination. The fine for violating the city ordinance is $50.

VOTER REGISTRATION

First-time voters in the state of Florida apply through the Supervisor of Elections Office at 105 E. Monroe St. or any Jacksonville public library. , 105 E Monroe St. w duvalelections.com N (904) 255-8683

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CITY OFFICIALS

CITY COUNCIL

SAN MARCO, SAN JOSE, ST. NICHOLAS

LeAnna Cumber

*NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION IN 2023

LCumber@coj.net N (904) 255-5205

Executive Assistant: Debra Rubin-Pataky

Reginald Gaffney

*NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION IN 2023

RGaffney@coj.net N (904) 255-5207

Executive Assistant: Roshanda Shine

City Hall

District 5 District 3

District 7 District 4

District 14 District 6

RIVERSIDE, AVONDALE, ORTEGA, MURRAY HILL

Randy DeFoor

*NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION IN 2023

RDefoor@coj.net N (904) 255-5214

Executive Assistant: Brooks Dame

, 117 West Duval St., Floor 4 w coj.net

SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

SAN MARCO, SAN JOSE, ST. NICHOLAS

The Honorable Cindy Pearson PearsonC1@duvalschools.org N (904) 390-2239

SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD

The Honorable Darryl Willie WillieD@duvalschools.org N (904) 390-2374

RIVERSIDE, AVONDALE, ORTEGA, MURRAY HILL

The Honorable Charlotte Joyce JoyceC@duvalschools.org N (904) 390-2373

Duval County School Board , 1701 Prudential Dr., 6th Floor, Room 642 w duvalschools.org

Lenia Blades, Executive Director bladesl@duvalschools.org N (904) 390-2426

CITY COUNCIL – REPRESENTATIVES ARE IN AN ELECTION YEAR, REFER TO COJ.NET TO LEARN MORE FOLLOWING MARCH 2023 ELECTIONS.

REASONS TO IT HERE

WELCOME TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS OF JACKSONVILLE

WRITTEN BY MARY WANSER

Welcome to the historic districts of Jacksonville! What an exciting time to get acquainted with the River City, as 2022 marks its bicentennial celebration. Not only that, but it is Zillow’s No. 2 pick for hottest housing market this year and Bankrate’s No. 2 pick of best places to live in the state and No. 10 in the nation.

Called JAX or DUUUUUUVAAALL! by locals, Jacksonville is the seat of Duval County and Florida’s most populous city. But rather than feeling like an impersonal metropolis, the city retains a cozy suburban feel brought by its historic neighborhoods, its beautiful beaches and many areas in between.

No matter which side of the St. Johns you’ve chosen— whether Westside’s Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and Murray Hill or Southside’s San Marco, St. Nicholas, and San Jose—the historic neighborhoods are the gems of Jacksonville. Those who live here, work here, and play here have a long list of reasons why they chose to lay down roots of their own. The following are six in a mix of many.

1. HISTORIC HOMES

Heritage homes are plentiful here. They are valued for their architectural style, unique features, or connections to historical events and people.

One of the area’s oldest homes is a private residence built in 1854 that still stands on Greenridge Road; the pre-Civil War era home of imposing Georgian architecture once served as the main house for the Red Bank plantation and is considered an enduring symbol of the Old South. Marabanong, meaning ‘paradise’ in the Maori Polynesian language, is a Victorian style, Queen Anne design historic mansion on River Point Road built in 1876. Talbot Avenue, in Avondale, has a home that was built there in 1898 for its proximity to rail service.

There are private residences that once housed the most elite of society, like the Jacobethan Revival style home on River Boulevard that was built in 1928 for Leon Cheek, head of the Cheek-Neal Coffee Company, which later became the Maxwell House Coffee Company. Lane-Towers House is a riverfront mansion that was built in the Tudor Revival style as one of the largest homes in Jacksonville in 1928. Its opulence includes 14-foot ceilings, a gold leaf ceiling in the breakfast room, and a secret room behind a particular piece of paneling that can be accessed with a bobby pin. A 1929 residence of more than 9,000 square feet of Mediterranean Revival style architecture had been the home of John H. Swisher and sons, business owners of King Edward cigars, which became the most popular brand in the world.

The historic homes of the area are not all freestanding. The John Gorrie, for example, is a structure of ornate Mediterranean Revival architecture erected in 1923 and named for the physician who invented artificial ice, which he used to cool feverish patients. The building initially served as a junior high school but has since been converted into a multi-residence dwelling, its classrooms renovated as condominiums.

Epping Forest, the 15,000-square-foot riverfront mansion built in 1926 with underground tunnels, was originally the estate of Alfred duPont and Jessie Ball duPont. Nearly six decades later, it turned private yacht club, and it remains so today. Its history includes having been used as a meeting place for the likes of the Vanderbilt and Carnegie families as well as Presidents such as Anwar Sadat and Gerald Ford. Its construction is a stunning mixture of Gothic, Spanish Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.

Additional architectural styles that can be spotted throughout the historic districts of Jacksonville include American Bungalow, Colonial Revival, and Prairie School. Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco designs from the 1920s and 30s can be found too. Left are even a few Sears Catalog houses built from kits, pieces of Americana.

History abounds here. The area is replete with homes and other structures that have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. There are local organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting them amid progress—the Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) and the San Marco Preservation Society (SMPS).

But Jacksonville’s historic districts aren’t exclusively for the well-to-do, and historical should not be mistaken for old fashioned. Mixed among the nostalgic grandeur are apartment and ranch-style rentals, quaint cottages, and all the contemporary amenities one could hope for.

2. URBAN MIX

The historic neighborhoods lend suburbia to Jacksonville without sacrificing the conveniences and urban vibe of a big city. Beside the lush lawns and gorgeous gardens are several sections zoned for mixed land use. Without a particular urban-suburban divide, most areas within the historic districts of Jacksonville are highly walkable. You can live, work, and play while avoiding a long commute. That’s another reason to love it here.

Walkability comes with health benefits. In some areas, the streets are curved and tree-lined, in others, winding with grassy medians. Take advantage of flat terrain amenable to getting in your daily steps.

Residents appreciate the bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly proximity of historic houses, trendy restaurants, and specialty shops. Admire the architectural diversity as apparent in businesses as it is in nearby homes, adding even more character and charm to the historic districts. Prime examples can be seen at the Shoppes of Avondale, Five Points, Edgewood Avenue, San Marco Square, and St. Nicholas Town Center.

The mixed-use development enhances the public good overall and is beneficial for the economy. It appeals to residents and to business owners alike. One reason is for the foot traffic that such an area attracts. The residential-commercial fusion brings vibrancy to businesses in evenings and on weekends when they might otherwise have been closed if situated within a purely commercial district. Residents and visitors gather in the historic neighborhoods seven days per week.

If you’re a foodie, there are dining options galore! Wander from the formal and refined of Blue Fish to the quaint and cozy of Biscottis in a single block. Stroll from one ethnic eatery to the next on the same street, like from Japanese Fuji Sushi to Taverna’s take on authentic Italian ingredients in the San Marco Square. Dine indoor or out. Balance out your tastebuds afterwards with dessert from Dreamette’s walk-up window, the area’s oldest ice cream stand, built in 1948.

If java’s your joy, sip your way through the neighborhoods’ sidewalk cafés and craft coffee bars. There’s another kind of craft brew here too—a booming beer scene. Take a self-guided tour along the Jax Ale Trail of the two dozen craft breweries and ale houses across the city.

If shopping is your bag, the historic districts will seem like heaven. Independent retailers are as popular as our locally owned restaurants. Find one-of-a-kind pieces, no matter what you’re in the market for. Vintage clothing boutiques are a modern trend; try Avenue Antiques or Castaways. Walk from The Looking Glass to Antique Emporium for nostalgic furniture. For home goods, The Spice and Tea Exchange or Wick: A Candle Bar are places to start your exploration of the historic, walkable shopping and dining options in Jacksonville.

MCGIRTS BLVD.

3515 PINE STREET IN AVONDALE

3. AFFORDABILITY

With all that Jacksonville, Florida has to boast about, you might find it surprising to learn of its attractive affordability rankings as compared to other large cities within the nation and within the state.

As measured by the cost-of-living index, Jacksonville is overall 6% less expensive than the national average, says Payscale.com, while life in many other major U.S. cities costs more than the national average. Houwzer. com agrees. That silver lining incorporates at least three categories—housing, utilities, and healthcare.

Even though housing prices are up across the entire state, the Florida Association of Realtors says that Jacksonville’s median house price is more affordable than in several other major Florida cities. Nationwide, per Payscale, Jacksonville’s housing expenses are 13% lower than average and its utility prices 3% lower. Healthcare costs, too, are ranked as more affordable in Jacksonville, albeit slightly. Statistics compiled by iStorage. com indicate that’s the case as compared to the national as well as statewide averages of other major cities.

Moreover, Florida is one of seven states that does not levy any personal income tax. So, a larger percentage of what you earn remains in your pocket. Bankrate.com says that according to 2021 rankings from the American Legislative Exchange Council, four of the top 10 states with the strongest economic outlook do not charge an income tax. Part of that might be because those states attract more workers. Jacksonville’s edge in the job market comes as well from its diversity of business. Some of the key local industries include financial services, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and military/defense contracting.

Jacksonville is a city of opportunity, and many who have chosen the historic districts as home have adopted the motto “JAX—it’s easier here!” The economic strength of the area comes, in part, from entrepreneurial investment, particularly in the retail and restaurant sectors. You needn’t go far to find a unique boutique or a family-owned eatery.

For those on a budget, Jacksonville has several farmers’ markets around town that are overflowing with locally grown goods sold at reduced prices. Jacksonville also has an extensive list of charitable organizations that bless those in need and appeal to those seeking giving opportunities.

All of that’s great news for residents! For visitors, the news is just as favorable. Jacksonville, Florida is one of the 15 Best Budget Travel Vacations by the Beach, according to Tripadvisor. And it’s more than just nearby shore beaches that the historic districts of Jacksonville have in store for you.

4. YEAR-ROUND FUN

Another reason to love it here is that Jacksonville offers a treasure trove of year-round fun. With an average of 221 sunny days per year, outdoor activities are in abundance. The warm waves of the Atlantic shore are within a ½-hour drive of the historic neighborhoods. The St. Johns, Florida’s longest river, is the central feature of Jacksonville. Its lazy northern flow invites bountiful fishing, boating, kayaking, and water bird viewing.

For those preferring activities on dry land, Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the entire nation, more than 80,000 acres worth. Enjoy green spaces for picnicking, trails for biking, and paths for pet walking. Plan to visit over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Popular as well are gardening clubs.

The city hosts more than 20 annual music and food events. One is the huge Jacksonville Jazz Festival that takes place every Memorial Day weekend. Spanning over 15 downtown blocks, the celebration honors all things jazz with free concerts and local food. The Jacksonville Taco and Tequila Festival features Mexican cuisine from local restaurants, tequila stations, craft margaritas, live music, and more—all in Riverside Park. San Marco rolls out a red carpet every year for the Jacksonville Film Festival, paying tribute to independent film makers across a wide variety of genres. Dozens of films are screened over the course of a weekend for an audience of local, national, and international festivalgoers.

Appealing to sports enthusiasts, Jacksonville has several of its own professional teams with local venues. The Jaguars of the NFL have TIAA Bank Field as their home stadium. Calling VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena home are the Icemen, a minor league hockey team affiliated with the New York Rangers; the Sharks, a professional indoor football team; and the Giants, a minor league basketball team. Hodges Stadium on the University of North Florida campus is popular for the Ospreys’ soccer tournaments as well as track and field events. And there is no shortage of golf greens or tennis courts in Jacksonville, as country clubs number by the dozen.

Even when it’s raining, there’s lots to do in and around the historic districts. There are multiple cultural venues with theatre options for stage shows and movies. San Marco has two of note: Theatre Jacksonville, one of the oldest continually producing community theatres in the nation, and San Marco Theatre, opened in 1938. There’s Sun-Ray Cinema at 5 Points and, downtown since 1927, the Florida Theatre. If your preference for fun is something more academic, Jacksonville has 21 public library branches throughout Duval County, including several

within the historic districts. There are also neighborhood book clubs to join and writing workshops to attend.

Jacksonville’s art scene is thriving. Vibrantly colored murals, masterpieces from the brushes of local artists, can be found adorning wood fences and concrete building walls throughout the historic districts. Attend the Riverside Arts Market every Saturday morning under the Fuller Warren Bridge where artists and artisans display and sell their original creations. For more formal art appreciation, visit the following top three of many more local museums.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens was ranked by Trips To Discover among the top 12 places to see art in all of Florida and has nearly 5,000 objects in its permanent collection. Jacksonville’s MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville) features changing exhibition galleries along with permanent works and a children’s area. The MOSH (Museum of Science & History) offers daily programs five days per week and is currently running through January 2023 a Bold City Bicentennial special exhibition on the third floor.

In celebration of the city’s 200 years, don’t miss an additional exhibit at City Hall that will run through the last day of December 2022 where you can learn the story of Jacksonville’s formation as a town in 1882, the evolution of the historic neighborhoods, and the growth of the region into what it is today—the largest city by area in the contiguous U.S.

Jacksonville is a city filled with fun. There’s never a dull day around the historic districts unless you want it to be. Interstates 10 and 95 running through Jacksonville make for easy travel to other destinations. But with all that’s here, why would you want to?

5. WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE

To enjoy all that Jacksonville has to offer, it’s imperative to remain in tip-top shape. Maintenance of mind and body and tending to overall wellness is a key attitude of those in the historic districts. No one likes to think of illness and accident, but if the unfortunate should occur, feel secure knowing that, in Jacksonville, you’re in good hands. This is a city of worldclass healthcare for the entire family at all stages of life, from prenatal to hospice. The following list of Jacksonville hospitals and health-related organizations is by no means exhaustive.

Baptist Health is a complete system of centers and services committed to physical, mental, and behavioral health. They underscore social responsibility and focus on preventing illness as much as servicing illness should it occur. MD Anderson is known throughout the area as cancer specialists. There are Wolfson and Nemours that focus on children, with a Ronald McDonald House nearby to accommodate their families. Ascension St. Vincent’s is a trusted provider for primary and specialty care of children, adolescents, and adults. There’s Mayo Clinic, where physicians, researchers, and educators collaborate to offer comprehensive care within a multitude of adult medical and surgical specialties. UF Health is another leader in the education of health professionals while providing quality care to patients. For acute care needs around the clock, there are three distinct locations of HCA Florida Memorial for maternity, cardiology, and orthopedic issues. Naval Hospital Jacksonville serves uniformed service members, military retirees, and their family members. Many turn to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for palliative care and bereavement services.

There are also private medical and surgical practices as well as physician groups. Chiropractic, bariatric, and geriatric services abound. Blood banks and nursing homes in addition to centers for dialysis, imaging, rehabilitation, and mental health have homes here. Dental practices are plentiful and include cosmetics, endodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics. Health and fitness clubs are easy to find. There’s body sculpting and stem cell regenerative therapies available too. Traditional pharmaceuticals and alternative modalities, there’s access to both according to preference.

When it comes to health and wellness needs, Jacksonville has you covered!

6. COMMUNITY BOND

Jacksonville is a people-oriented city, and the historic neighborhoods are evidence of that. Each district expresses its own style and flavor, much like its inhabitants.

This region appeals to a diverse population. Residents consist of a range of ages from infants to those over 100 years old! It’s not unusual here to see recent college graduates return to their childhood neighborhood, often on the same street, to raise their own children in the same vicinity. You’ll meet young families buying starter homes from senior citizens who’ve lived in the same house for 30+ years. Single professionals live alongside these growing families as well as new retirees. They span an economic spectrum, and they come from ethnic backgrounds that cross borders all around the globe, adding to the city a robust cuisine, eclectic culture, and an assortment of languages.

Diversity on all levels is celebrated here. And amid the differences, there’s a sense of community woven in the very fabric of the established, historic districts. The urban mix encourages business and social connections among these diverse groups of people. Neighbors become customers; clients become friends.

That sense of community is another reason to love it here in the historic districts of Jacksonville, not to mention all there is to see and do. With all that’s happening here, it might be hard to keep track. To stay in the know, rely on The Resident Community News Group, a local family-owned publishing company. Their array of print and online publications serves as a conduit to the community.

Don’t miss The Resident Community News, reporting about all the good that’s going on around town. Two editions are distributed monthly, one on each side of the river, keeping the content hyper-local.

In addition to the monthly newspapers, there are two annual magazines to look forward to. Visit Circlescharityregister.com to read Northeast Florida’s premier social datebook and charity register magazine. The slick, glossy annual publication provides insight and acts as a guide to philanthropy in town; it showcases black tie events, charity walks, features stories of triumph as well as giving opportunities that assist the nonprofit sector helping neighbors in need. And, of course, there’s Historic Life, this community and newcomers guide that welcomes new residents and visitors, folks just like you, to the area. Just a few more reasons why those who live here, work here, and play here love it here! HL

Since 1995, the professionals at Miller & Company have provided exceptional service to buyers and sellers throughout our beloved historic neighborhoods. Visit us online and see why we’re the premier independent brokerage in town.

Out of disaster

MANY GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS ROSE

Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods share a common history that begins with the St. Johns River. First attracting Native Americans who established a crossing and a village, the area was originally called “Wacca Pilatka, the place of the cows crossing” at the narrowest point of the river where it makes a broad S-shaped curve.

Next came the French Huguenots, who lost the land to Spanish settlers, then the British, who renamed the settlement Cowford before losing the territory to the Spanish. Once the United States took ownership of Florida, the name finally became Jacksonville in 1822, in honor of Andrew Jackson, who served as Military Governor of Florida for 10 months in 1821.

As the southernmost area in the country at that time, and with limited access to the rest of Florida, Jacksonville was the place for trading and for Northerners to visit for vacations. By the turn of the 20th century, most of Jacksonville’s 28,000 inhabitants lived around the business district on the North bank of the St. John’s River.

Then occurred a defining moment in the city’s history. If you’ve lived in Jacksonville for any length of time, you’ve most likely heard of the Great Fire of 1901. When it occurred on May 3, the conflagration wiped out 2,368 buildings in Downtown Jacksonville and left nearly 10,000 people homeless by destroying the city’s largest residential neighborhood. From the ashes rose the historic neighborhoods that grace both sides of the river.

The 1901 Fire was likely responsible for an immediate real estate boom in the early neighborhoods, such as Riverside, Murray Hill, St. Nicholas and South Jacksonville (later to become San Marco). Within 20 years, the neighborhoods of Avondale, Ortega, including Venetia, and San Jose and Lakewood, were also under development.

Read more fun, yet brief, historical facts and interesting figures from the past that will guide your initial foray into the neighborhoods that we all enjoy in this Bold City.

Welcome to our neighborhood

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood” sang the late Fred Rogers, and when it comes to neighborhoods in Jacksonville’s historic districts, it couldn’t be lovelier. Streets lined with moss-draped live oaks, magnificent magnolia trees, and crape myrtles bursting with color offer a botanical welcome mat to residents old and new. Along those streets you’ll find an eclectic and pleasing mix of architecture, ranging from Southern mansions in the Colonial Revival or Queen Anne styles to the Craftsman bungalow, Tudor, Mediterranean Revival, Mid-century modern and more. Come, take a stroll, and meet your neighbors on the following pages.1

1 Wood, Wayne. Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage: Landmarks for the Future University Press of Florida; Revised edition (December 1, 1989)

CITY GOING UP IN SMOKE

CORNER OF BAY AND MAIN STREETS

BURNING BUILDINGS

BELL TELEPHONE GANG, WHO "FOUGHT THE FLAMES LIKE HEROES"

CHURCH STREET AFTER THE FIRE OF 1901

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY.

Welcome

to Northeast Florida…

“Hardage-Giddens shares its Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Enduring Relationships, and Service Excellence and thanks its many Generations of families served here in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Please allow us the honor of creating a lasting Celebration of Life for many Generations to come.”

Jody Brandenburg, President Matt Tucci, Director of Operations

HARDAGE-GIDDENS OAKLAWN

CHAPEL & CEMETERY

4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171

HARDAGE-GIDDENS

FUNERAL HOME 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-288-0025

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, RIVERSIDE

MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville 904-781-9262

GREENLAWN CEMETERY

4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville 904-396-2522

HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL

FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL PARK 3601 Old Jennings Rd., Middleburg 904-282-9336

HARDAGE-GIDDENS GREENLAWN

FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville 904-396-2522

BEACHES CHAPEL BY HARDAGE-GIDDENS 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach 904-249-2374

HARDAGE-GIDDENS

RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park 904-264-2481

HARDAGE-GIDDENS CHAPEL HILLS

FUNERAL HOME & GARDENS

850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N., Jacksonville 904-641-9755

HARDAGE-GIDDENS

EDGEWOOD CEMETERY 4519 Edgewood Drive, Jacksonville 904-765-2484

“COMING SOON” 1285 St. Johns Parkway

BY LISA LOFTON

ortega

History, architecture and nature blend seamlessly together in the neighborhood of Ortega on a peninsula just a few miles south of downtown Jacksonville. Drive across the Ortega Bridge — the only bridge in Jacksonville that doesn’t span the St. Johns River — and find yourself steeped in a historic community dating back to the 18th century, with buildings, homes and parks that harken back to various periods of Ortega’s past. Indeed in 2004, Old Ortega was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district.

Ortega is a 2,000-acre peninsula, a former plantation. It used to be called Maxton’s Creek Island. In 1770, after Spain surrendered Florida to England, the land was granted to Abraham Jones by King George III. Within ten years, Jones had left. In moved Colonel Daniel McGirtt — a farmer, a British loyalist until he switched sides, a cattleman-turned-bandit. A boulevard in the neighborhood is still named for him, with a slightly different spelling, one -t, McGirt. In 1783, the state was given back to Spain, and in 1792, McGirtt’s land changed hands multiple times into the early 1900s. In 1906, John

N.C. Stockton, head of the Ortega Company, with the help of Henry Klutho, the respected architect, platted the land.

The Ortega Bridge commuters use today is nearly a century old, yet remains a functioning drawbridge with beautiful skyline views. Completed in 1927, the bridge replaced the original 1908 wooden bridge that granted passage to the street car, which connected the inland island to the greater Jacksonville area. Surrounded by water on three sides — Cedar River to the north, St. Johns River to the east and the Ortega River to the west — it is an idyllic spot for people to get their steps in at any pace while enjoying some truly beautiful scenery.

One of Jacksonville’s wealthiest neighborhoods, Ortega also lays claim to several historic homes as well as the Florida Yacht Club. Initially located in Riverside when it opened in 1876, the original Club was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1901 and moved into a Southside location in 1907, before relocating to its Ortega location, where it’s remained since 1928.

ARTWORK

With Jacksonville recently celebrating its bicentennial, it’s also worth noting that several buildings and private residences in Ortega are also nearing their centennial anniversary, boasting a wide array of architectural styles from Tudor Revivals to Mediterranean-style villas. A favorite Ortega urban legend also claims that infamous gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly and his wife rented a home in Ortega in 1933, following the kidnapping, ransoming and release of Texas oil tycoon Charles Urschel.

LOCAL PARKS

C – Community Park

N – Neighborhood Parks

S – Specialty Park

Baker Point Park (N) , 4045 San Juan Ave.

Bettes Park (N) , 3800 Bettes Cr.

Columbus Park (N)

, 2850 Iroquois Ave.

Cortez Park (N) , 4260 Baltic St.

DeSoto Park (N) , 3970 Baltic St.

John Stockton Park (C) , 4827 Carlisle Rd.

Lakeside Park I & II (N) , 4190 Lakeside Dr.

Seminole Park (N) , 4170 McGirts Blvd.

Stinson Park (C) , 4050 San Juan Ave.

Stockton Park (N) , 4021 Ortega Blvd.

Yerkes Park (N) , 3927 McGirts Blvd.

LOCAL SPORTS

Navy Ortega Lakeshore Little League , P.O. Box 7331, Jacksonville FL 32238 w noljax.org

Timuquana Yacht Club River Rats , 4028 Timuquana Rd. N (904) 388-2664 w rcsl.org

Venetia Athletic Club , 4300 Timuquana Rd. N (904) 735-7465 w vacjax.com

SOCIAL CLUBS

The Florida Yacht Club , 5210 Yacht Club Rd. N (904) 387-1653 w thefloridayachtclub.org

Timuquana Country Club , 4028 Timuquana Rd.   N (904) 388-2664 w timuquana.net

Ortega River Club , 4165 Lakeside Dr.  N (904) 389-2284 w ortegariverclub.net

FUN FACTS

The Florida Country Club, established in 1910, was designed by Henry Bacon, who also designed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The club folded during the Great Depression. Bacon was an Ortega resident.

The Ortega River Bridge, which is one of the nation’s oldest functioning drawbridges, was completed in 1927. Gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly and his wife were rumored to be the mysterious couple who abruptly left their rented Grand Avenue home hours before a midnight police raid in 1933, but some locals claim “it ain’t so.”

Established in 1876, the Florida Yacht Club is the fourth oldest surviving yacht club in the United States and has been in Ortega since 1928, after first operating in Downtown Jacksonville until the Great Fire, then moving to Riverside for about 20 years.

The development of Ortega included four circular parks named about Spanish explorers, Columbus Circle Park near Roosevelt Boulevard, Cortez Park near Old Ortega Village, De Soto Circle Park across from the Ortega Elementary School, and Ponce de Leon Park, now called Bettes Park, on the Point.

AN ORTEGA BRIDGE SPAN OPENING TO THE ST. JOHNS RIVER, FROM THE ORTEGA RIVER BASIN.

STOCKTON PARK

avondale

To paint a quick, yet accurate picture of what Avondale is like, it's the kind of place where locals have said, "Avondale....It's like living in a Hallmark movie," when asked by a passerby where they were shopping.

Indeed, the boutiques, galleries and restaurants along St. Johns Avenue in Historic Avondale create that hometown Main Street vibe with a sophistication and charm wholly unique to Avondale. Add in the time-honored community events like “Christmas in Avondale” — a family-friendly event that closes St. Johns Avenue for pedestrians and offers food, drinks

and fun during the holiday season— and “Luminaria” — an annual evening stroll lit by the glow of candles lining the sidewalks — and you have a neighborhood beloved by its community and admired by its visitors.

Avondale is built upon former plantations that existed on granted land with recorded history dating back to 1815. Originally an extension of Riverside — it remains a short drive down Riverside Avenue — Avondale began building its own identity as a district in the early 1920s, divided by Seminole Road, though continued local debate insist the demarcation is King Street or McDuff Avenue.

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

In 1974, RAP (Riverside Avondale Preservation) was founded to protect the communities’ “historic assets” and to preserve “the heart of communities, ensuring vibrant, special places full of character,” of which Avondale is certainly one. For nearly 50 years now, RAP has been an advocate for both the Riverside and Avondale communities to “to ensure that our history, cultural heritage, and economic viability remain intact” and has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation via the Preservation Partners Network to pursue and fulfill that mission.

Like its fellow neighborhoods, Avondale has a wealth of architectural history lining its residential streets. Avondale homes are formal, mainly of Mediterranean Revival, yet the Colonial design influences of New England are also found throughout the neighborhood. There are exceptions: One of note is a riverfront mansion in the Tudor Revival style that stands at 3730 Richmond Street. It was built for Edward Wood Lane, Sr., the founder of Atlantic National Bank. William Towers, a mortgage banker and developer, was the second owner. Hence, the estate is called Lane-Towers House despite subsequent turns of ownership. It is said that behind a particular piece of paneling there is a secret room that can be accessed by use of a bobby pin, and there’s a gold leaf ceiling in the breakfast room. The RAP website shares a list of some of these “architectural gems” with certain structures dating back to the early 1900s.

In 1989, just four years after Riverside, Avondale was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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Jacksonville, FL 32210 Bus: 904-381-1206 cam@camanderson.net

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NIGHTTIME SKYLINE OF DOWNTOWN FROM EDGEWOOD AVENUE AT THE ST. JOHNS RIVER.

The dividing line between Riverside and Avondale is Seminole Road, not King Street as many claim.

Riverside and Avondale have the largest collection of bungalows of any neighborhood in Florida.

LUXURY LINENS & SO MUCH MORE Beautiful bedding not only gives you a better night’s sleep, it ensures a well-rested, more productive you in the morning!

LOCAL PARKS

C – Community Park N – Neighborhood Park S – Specialty Park

Boone Park (S) & Tennis Complex (S) , 3730 Park St.

Boone Park Playground (S) , 3725-3735 St. Johns Ave.

Belvedere Park I & II (N) , Belvedere Ave.

Edgewood Park I & II (N) , 1466 Edgewood Ave. S.

Fishweir Park (C) , 3925 Valencia Rd.

Hollywood Park (N) , Hollywood Ave. near Remington St.

James and Downing Park (N) , 1061 James St.

Lechlade Park (N) , Lechlade Cr.

Native Park I & II (N) , Park St. & Avondale Ave.

LOCAL SPORTS

Jacksonville Fencing Club , 3955 Riverside Ave. N (904) 349-5868 w jaxfencingclub.org

“The Riverside Avondale Historic District is a textbook of Florida’s architecture from the 1890s to the early 1930s. No other neighborhood in the state has such a diverse and extensive collection of architectural styles.” – Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage by Dr. Wayne Wood Your trusted & established Neighborhood Realtor 3579 St. Johns Avenue 904-389-2403 www.bonnenuitavondale.com

riverside

Though originally platted in the 1869, Riverside — like much of Jacksonville — saw tremendous growth following the Great Fire of 1901, which destroyed more than 2,300 buildings and left thousands homeless.

Riverside became home to “The Row:” a row of more than 50 mansion built along Riverside Avenue within the first decade following the fire. A quick search of the Jacksonville Historical Society’s website will pull up a blog post about “Riverside’s Lost ‘Row’,” including photos of what that stretch of Riverside Avenue looked like in those early years of the 20th century.

Today, only two mansions remain from that storied group, one of which has been transformed into the

Riverdale Inn, a bed and breakfast. Down the street from the charming B&B stands the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, a Jacksonville treasure showcasing “the largest collection of fine art in Northeast Florida.” The museum backs up to the St. Johns River, which can be enjoyed from one of the museum’s three breathtaking, riverside gardens — the English Garden, the Italian Garden and the Olmsted Garden. The museum was established in 1958 with an initial collection of 50 pieces collected and bequeathed to the museum, along with her private residence, by philanthropist and art enthusiast Ninah Cummer, for which the museum is named.

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

Riverside is also home to Memorial Park and its iconic World War I memorial sculpture, "Spritualized Life," also known simply as "Life", created by artist Charles Adrian Pillars and unveiled in 1924. The “Life Scrolls,” as they have become known — a collection of parchment scrolls bearing the 1,220 names of Florida Fallen: Floridian soldiers who lost their lives in WWI — were buried in a lead box at the base of the fountain surrounding the sculpture that same year. In 2017, in the wake of Hurricane Irma, the Memorial Park Association disinterred the scrolls and conducted extensive restoration efforts to preserve them. With the help of Dr. R.B. Rosenburg, the names of the Florida Fallen have expanded to more than 1,760.

Riverside is popular today for its diversity in people and places. Residents include senior citizens as well as millennials, single professionals living alongside growing families. A range of architectural styles can be found, too, from Gothic Revival

Riverside’s eclectic mix of old and new is particularly apparent in its southeastern section of 5 Points. Aptly named for five streets that feed into a main intersection, it’s a place of historic feel with bohemian flair where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars, antique shops and vintage clothing stores. Also there is the Sun-Ray Cinema, though renamed over the years, was the first in Florida to show talking pictures.

THE SCULPTURE, LIFE, BY CHARLES ADRIAN PILLARS, STANDS TALL ABOVE RIVERSIDE-BASED MEMORIAL PARK.

LOCAL PARKS

FUN FACTS

The Sun-Ray Cinema, formerly the Five Points Theater, was the first movie theater in Florida equipped to show talking pictures.

Riverside Avenue was once named Commercial Street and was changed in 1893.

Riverside was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 as Jacksonville’s first registered Historic District.

Riverside Avenue has more Prairie School-style buildings than any other street outside of the Midwest.

The names of the two young girls who unveiled the statue in Memorial Park Dec. 25, 1924 were Mary Bernard Burroughs and Mary Danto Bedell.

A BRONZE EAGLE ADORNS MEMORIAL PARK COURTESY OF LOCAL ARTIST, DIANE LAFOND INSETTA.

murray hill

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

Originally platted as a working-class suburb in 1906, Murray Hill has enjoyed a renaissance over the last several years as a thriving urban neighborhood with a vibrant blend of trendy, modern business and historic charm.

Located between Cassat Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, the area was platted as a working-class suburb in 1906, north of Avondale and west of Riverside. By 1916, it had incorporated as a town with its own government leaders; the establishment of the Florida Military Academy in Murray Hill during WWI and the expansion of a trolley line to connect with downtown Jacksonville helped the neighborhood along. Many of the houses built at that time were from kits distributed by Sears, Roebuck and Company. Unfortunately, by 1925, the small rural cattle-roaming town had hit “Murray Bottom,” as it’s called, and was annexed by the City of

Jacksonville, which caused Jacksonville to surpass Tampa as Florida’s largest city. During WWII, Murray Hill experienced residential growth again with the commissioning of Naval Air Station Jacksonville nearby. The 1940s homes of the time were of a variety of architectural styles, from Prairie School to bungalow. Along French Street still stand several houses designed by Jacksonville’s first female architect, Henrietta Dozier.

Today, fans of street art can take a selfguided walking tour of the many murals in Murray Hill using the maps available at visitjacksonville.com. Shoppers can explore the monthly Vagabond Flea Market at 934 Edgewood Avenue, an eclectic market where “collectors of locally handcrafted goods, unique vintage pieces, and designers of many sorts to come together for the ultimate shopping experience.”

GROWING AGAIN, BUT HOLDING ON TO HISTORIC ROOTS | MURRAY HILL

AN ART INSTALLATION WELCOMES VISITOR ALONG EDGEWOOD AVENUE TO MURRAY HILL.

Murray Hill was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Neighborhood of the Year / Great Big Neighborhood by the City of Jacksonville. Also in 2018, the Murray Hill Library was recognized for 50 years of service to the community, including as an election polling site.

The Murray Hill Theatre opened in 1949 and guests paid 50 cents to see “Red River,” starring John Wayne and Montgomery Cliff. It currently serves as a venue for premier faith-based live music performances.

The Dreamette ice cream stand has been in existence since 1948, serving generations of families soft-serve cones, banana splits, sundaes and floats.

BUSINESSES ALONG EDGEWOOD AVENUE OFFER SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND MICROBREWED BEER GALORE.

san marco

Mention ‘San Marco’ to any local and immediately the neighborhood’s iconic bronze lions come to mind. The lions have been sentinels in their fountain at San Marco Square in Balis Park for a quarter century now, initially installed in 1997 following a city-wide contest for a design to replace the former compassthemed fountain on that site. Since then, the lions have witness countless “Story Time[s] in the Square,” hosted by San Marco Bookstore and the San Marco Preservation Society, yearly wine and beer festivals have reinforced the park's ability to play host to friends, families and travelers to the Square.

San Marco Square echoes the style and flair of Piazza di San Marco in Venice, Italy. Marco Preservation Society “works to preserve and renew San Marco as an area of historical and architectural significance for the benefit of local residents and businesses and the education and enjoyment of visitors and the public at large.” San Marco Preservation Hall, is also considered to be one of the society’s major renovation projects. Originally St. Paul’s Episcopal Church built in 1888, the building is now available for rent for private events and has been voted Jacksonville’s “Best Historic Venue” in 2020 - 2022 by Jacksonville Magazine.

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

This general area of land was first populated in the 1700s. Through the following century, it was dominated by plantations owned by Jacksonville families of distinction. After the Civil War ended in 1865, the plantations were split up and sold off, including the Hendricks plantation. A portion of that one was bought and platted by Harrison Reed as South Jacksonville; another portion was retained by family member Elizabeth Hudnall Hendricks and platted in 1882 as Oklahoma, what we know today as San Marco.

While the San Marco community is dedicated to maintaining and preserving its history and unique character, the neighborhood continues to grow and evolve. East San Marco, the long-awaited shopping center featuring a Publix and new shopping and dining options, is nearing completion. The San Marco Preservation Society is also working with an oral historian on the San Marco Oral History Project to record local history in a tradition that the Oral History Association calls “both the oldest type of historical inquiry, predating the written word, and one of the most modern, initiated with tape recorders in the 1940s and now using 21st-century digital technologies.”

The San Marco Theater on San Marco Boulevard was built in 1938 by Roy Benjamin, the same architect who built downtown’s Florida Theatre and was nationally recognized by USA Today as “one of the best ten classic movie theaters in the USA.”

FUN FACTS

The San Marco Preservation Society was formed in 1975 with the goal of protecting and enhancing the San Marco area.

The Classic San Marco Theatre, complete with Art Deco and a vintage neon sign, originally opened in 1938 and was functioning as a single-screen movie house, yet upgraded in 2016 to become a two-screen venue.

Artist Davis Cone included the San Marco Theatre in his book “Popcorn Palaces: The Art Deco Theatre Painting of Davis Cone.” Funds to commission the Lions Fountain in San Marco Square were donated by the families of Ron Nemeyer, James and Benita Boyd, Tine Wayne Davis and Letha Wilton Davis, for whom the fountain was dedicated. The sculpture was designed by Angela Schifanella and Alan Wilson and created by Hugh Nicholson.

The building that houses the Theatre Jacksonville company is called the Little Theatre. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

LOCAL PARKS

C – Community Park N

Park

Alejandro Garces (C)

Camp Tomahawk Park , 8419 San Ardo Rd.

Baker Skinner Park (C) , 7641 Powers Ave.

Crabtree Park (N) , 1704 University Blvd. W.

Goodbys Creek Preserve (S) , 9145 San Jose Blvd.

Nathan Krestul Park (C) , 2001 LaVaca Rd.

San Jose Acre Park (N) , 2965 Caballero Dr.

Verona Park (N) , 2901 San Fernando Rd.

san jose

San Jose was a neighborhood with a vision in the early 1900s. The San Jose Company was established in 1914 with the vision of creating an independent suburban community. Claude Nolan, owner of the Claude Nolan Cadillac, became president of the San Jose Company and firmly believed the automobile would allow suburban communities like what was envisioned for San Jose to flourish outside of the downtown area. Unfortunately, all plans were placed on hold with the onset of World War I.

Fast forward through a Great War and a post-war recession and Charles Strickland is now president of the San Jose Estates Company. San Jose Boulevard was paved and building began, with the plan to create an area be a self-contained suburb with an abundance of public amenities. In 1925, the Spanish-style

San Jose Hotel and the Mediterranean Revival-style San Jose Country Club with an 18-hole golf course for the hotel’s guests were built, the first two huge projects in addition to housing.

Jessie Ball duPont was a hugely influential philanthropist in Northeast Florida in the early 1900s. Even during her early years as an educator in San Diego, California, Jessie dispensed scholarships from her own personal funds for college students and her philanthropy only grew later in life. Today, the former Haydon Burns Library is named the Jessie Ball duPont Center and has transformed into “a private, independent foundation.” The duPont name is famous in Jacksonville, but it was in the neighborhood of San Jose where Alfred and Jessie duPont made their home — and today, their mansion has become the Epping Forrest Yacht and Country Club.

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

Built in 1926, this 58-acre estate hosted giants of industry including Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Goulds. The estate contained underground tunnels and a lion’s head fountain. It’s no wonder that San Jose was viewed at that time as Jacksonville’s most exclusive neighborhood. But then came the Great Depression, followed by WWII.

The 1914 vision for San Jose and the plans set in motion ten years later had faltered. Only a fraction of the homes and amenities had been built. The San Jose Estate Company’s executive offices at San Jose Boulevard and St. Augustine Road, which originally included a casino and gas station on site, eventually became part of San Jose Episcopal Church and Day School. The San Jose Hotel became part of The Bolles School campus that would be called by Architectural Digest nearly a century later the most beautiful private high school in Florida.

True to Jacksonville resilience, San Jose is active and thriving today. The area retains its Spanish influence in many of its stucco and tile homes and in several of its street names, like St. Augustine Road. San Jose Boulevard serves as the neighborhood’s Main Street. Residents appreciate its flat terrain and shade covering amenable to bicycling, walking, and jogging. Nearby, you can find kickboxing and yoga studios.

ORIGINALLY THE SAN JOSE HOTEL, THIS GRAND BUILDING IS HEADQUARTERS FOR THE BOLLES SCHOOL, A PRESTIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOL, WHICH INCLUDES BOARDING STUDENTS, ON THE BANKS OF THE ST. JOHNS RIVER.

THE LAND BOOM THAT WENT BUST | SAN JOSE

An Even Brighter Future

Throughout our 76 years of continuous excellence, we’ve learned many things. Importantly, that by working together with an unwavering commitment to our mission, we’ll ensure an even brighter future for our community’s seniors.

FUN FACTS

The original 18-hole golf course at San Jose Country Club was designed by noted golf course architect Donald Ross in the late 1920s.

After Alfred duPont’s wife, Jessie Ball duPont, died in 1970, her brother sold the Epping Forest property to the CEO of the Charter Company, who lived there until 1984.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, a portion of the Epping Forest estate was changed from residential to commercial in 1984 when the mansion, gardens, boathouse and riverfront property were purchased by the Gate Petroleum Company and converted into a yacht club. The remaining property was developed as a gated community of 90 homes and 80 condominiums.

In 1985 the surviving structures built by San Jose Estates were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the first Thematic Group nomination in the State of Florida.

THE SINGLE REMAINING SAN JOSE GATE TOWER ON SAN JOSE BLVD. NEAR CHRISTOPHER CREEK WAS BUILT IN 1925 AND MARKED THE ENTRANCE TO THE SAN JOSE ESTATES SUBDIVISION.

LOCAL PARKS

C – Community Park

N – Neighborhood Parks

S – Specialty Park

Bee Street Park (N) , 720 South Shores Rd.

Lillian Saunders Center (C) , 2750 Bartley Cr.

Marjenhoff Park (N) , 1955 Southampton Rd.

Palmer Terrace Park (N) , Palmer Terrace

St. Nicholas Playground (N) , 2260 Spring Park Rd.

St. Nicholas Train

Station Park (N) , 2564 Atlantic Blvd.

st. nicholas

St. Nicholas saw its earliest days as Fort San Nicolas, a Spanish fort first constructed in the mid-1700s. An article on the Jacksonville Historical Society’s website explains the fort’s purposes included guarding the Cowford river crossing (savvy Jacksonville historians will recognize that as the area’s name before the name ‘Jacksonville’ was coined in 1822). The fort was abandoned in 1818 and eventually razed. Today, the athletic fields of Bishop Kenny High School stands on the same grounds where the fort once stood.

The St. Nicholas Area Preservation association maintains the Old St. Nicholas Cemetery at Linden and Olive Streets. The first burial there dates back to 1849; the last burial occurred in 2007. Both burials were from the same family.

In 1839, sections that had previously been given to Francis Bagley and Reuben Hogans by Spanish land grants were combined through the marriage of family members and divided into smaller parcels. One of these is what’s known today as the Palmer Terrace neighborhood of St. Nicholas.

Other notable names that have called St. Nicholas home include George Olaf Holmes and his son George Jr., both famous Jacksonville architects; Judge Thomas Olaf Holmes, Justice of the Peace for South Jacksonville for 24 years; and Jean Palmer Holmes, a pilot who was a founder of National Airlines, which later transformed into Pan American Airlines. The Holmes Subdivision is named for this family as is Holmesdale Road.

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

St. Nicholas is home to Midtown Centre, one of the first suburban office parks in the country developed by Ira Koger, pioneer of the nation’s suburban office parks.

In Empire Point, a late Victorian-era Queen Anne mansion named Marabanong (a New Zealand Maori Indian word for “Paradise”) once served as a “health spa” in the early 1900s, and at one point maintained a zoo on the estate. It was accepted to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Around 1900, Florida East Coast Railroad extended a rail line from south Jacksonville to the beach and north to Mayport with five or six small depots, including the one at St. Nicholas. In the1920s, the Florida East Coast Railroad abandoned the line. The county bought the right of way and created Beach Boulevard. In 2005, the city relocated the old St. Nicholas train depot to what is now known as St. Nicholas Train Station Park, located on the south side of Atlantic Boulevard west of the overpass.

LARGE

springfield & downtown

LOCAL PARKS

C – Community Park

N – Neighborhood Parks

S – Specialty Park

Confederate Park (C) , 949 Hubbard St.

Confederate Dog Park (S) , Confederate St.

Henry J. Klutho Park (S) , 204 W. 3rd St.

John N. McPherson Park (N) , 526 W. 8th St.

Julius Guinyard Park (S) , 1359 Jefferson St.

Liberty Park (N) , 1938 Liberty St.

Manson “Bull” Felder Park (N) , 1045 Fuller Ln.

Robert F. Kennedy Park (S) , 1133 Ionia St.

Warren W. Schell Jr. Memorial Park (N) , 510 W. 6th St.

Claiming the title of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhood, Springfield was established in 1869 and lies just north of the downtown area. By 1871, the building of a planned residential community had begun by John H. Norton, head of the Springfield Development Company. In 1879, a horse-drawn streetcar line and brick streets were installed. When displaced citizens of The Great Fire needed a new place to live, many went north to Springfield, and so it became a popular suburb of the city. The residential area was spared from the flames of destruction by Hogan’s Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River, that separates it from the downtown business district. Housing construction in Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Prairie School styles rocketed to a rate of 50 per week.

With an estimated 1,800 historic structures still standing, Springfield itself was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It is also home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, one of 10 museums across the country that rotate exhibits from the world’s largest private collection of manuscripts and historic documents, belonging to David Karpeles. The museum opened in 1992 in the building formerly belonging to the First Church of Christ, Scientists — itself a historic building dating back to 1921.

Today, Springfield has transformed into an up-and-coming neighborhood for artists, entrepreneurs and young families with its renovated mansions and bungalows, microbreweries and

community events that highlight the mix of new and old found in Springfield.

Minutes from Springfield is Jacksonville’s downtown urban core and home to many Jacksonville landmarks, including the North and Southbank riverwalks, Friendship Fountain and the Museum of Science and History. Bookworms will love exploring the shelves of Jacksonville’s Main Public Library on Laura Street, which opened in 2005 and is the pinnacle of a library system that stretches back to the “Jacksonville Library and Literary Association” founded by May Moore and Florence Murphy in 1878 with the mission of creating a public library and free reading rooms for the residents of Jacksonville. For those looking to add to their own private, permanent collection, Chamblin’s Uptown Cafe, an independent new and used bookstore and cafe, is one block over in a renovated building originally constructed in 1904.

Across the street from the Main Public Library sits the James Wheldon Johnson Park — the city’s oldest park dating back to 1857, when it was first established as a city square. Friends of James Wheldon Park is a non-profit organization “dedicated to revitalizing Jacksonville’s oldest public park into a vibrant, modern, accessible space that engages diverse communities, presents high-quality daily programming, a family-friendly environment, and supports community-driven partnerships” and hosts several events in the park throughout the year.

ARTWORK BY LISA LOFTON

Springfield is home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, a 1921 Classical Revival structure, which was originally the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The museum opened in 1992, one of 12 Karpeles museums in the United States. It contains manuscripts and documents from David and Marsha Karpeles’ private collection, as well as art exhibits.

Springfield is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has nearly 1,800 historic structures, primarily homes. Over two-thirds of the residences presently found in Springfield were built before 1921. Most were in the Bungalow, Prairie and transitional Queen Anne/Colonial Revival styles.

Jacksonville’s first zoo, the Florida Zoological Gardens and Exposition, opened in 1893 in Springfield at 1st and Laura streets. It moved to Heckscher Drive in the 1920s.

WATER just add

WRITTEN BY LINDSEY GAST

Jacksonville has had its fair share of identities over the years, each rooted in historical significance for the economic growth in the area. In the late 1700’s, this area was known as Cowford, marked at a narrow spot in the river where early settlers could “ford” their cows across the river. In the early 1900’s, Jacksonville was the original Hollywood — the place for thriving motion-picture industry long before the Hollywood as we know it had even made its first film. But no historical feature has shaped Jacksonville’s identity quite as steadily and foundationally as its beaches and waterways.

Jacksonville has 22 miles of white sand beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, 1,100 miles of ecologically-rich interior shorelines, and is home to 29 miles of the St. Johns River. Affectionately referred to as just “JAX”, this city was literally built along the shores of its waterways. It is a booming seaport; it is an ecological preserve; it is a watersport wonderland. Its prime location to interior and exterior waters has made Jacksonville host to the third- and seventh-largest naval bases in the U.S., NAS Jax and Mayport, respectively. Of recent, it is considered the motherland of the Salt Life movement. And in 2021, boat-and-beach musical icon Jimmy Buffett even picked Jacksonville as the first destination for his signature Margaritaville Beach Hotel. With more shoreline than any other city in the nation, one could argue that Jacksonville is the matriarch of water life as we know it today.

Life’s a Beach

Jacksonville boasts four main beaches: Jacksonville, Neptune, Atlantic and Mayport. As a newcomer to the area, you will likely hear the first three commonly grouped together as “the beaches.” Mayport, Jacksonville’s northern most beach, gets its dual identity from the U.S. Navy air and seaport base located at the junction of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. Aside from soaking up Jacksonville’s 220 days of sunshine each year, these free-access beaches provide an excellent resource for swimming, boogie boarding, body surfing and shell hunting. Not one to sit and sunbathe? Riding beach cruisers on (or to!) the beach is a popular pastime, and especially effective during holidays like 4th of July, when parking is scarcer. Jacksonville Beach also boasts the iconic Jacksonville Beach Pier, which is very popular for the beach morning crowd. It provides a unique way to take in the breathtaking views of our Jacksonville sunrises, and the pier’s shady supports create a haven for good fishing. Many spots have rentals for pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards and more. Camping is allowed at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Huguenot Memorial Park.

Surf’s Up

Surfing is a native sport for locals and tourists alike. Favorite surf spots include Atlantic Beach, which is perfect for beginners. With its wide beaches, there is plenty of room for a large number of surfers, including those with developing skills and those still learning surfing etiquette. Huguenot Park (not to be confused with Huguenot Memorial Park), “The Poles” at Hanna Park, and the aforementioned Jacksonville Beach fishing pier are also surfing hot spots. You can catch several surf camps held on the beaches during the summer months as well.

Put It In Drive

Huguenot Memorial Park is the only drive-on beach in Jacksonville. Huguenot is located just north of Mayport, off Heckscher Drive, but the extra distance and small entrance fee is well offset by the space, convenience and adventure this pristine area offers. Low tides expose long beaches and sandbars full of shell and sand dollar spotting. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended because of the soft sand, but 2-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles can park at the family beach or other parking areas. And trust us, you don’t want to be calling for a tow with rising tides! For other drive-on beaches, you can travel south into St. Johns County to discover St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach and Porpoise Point at Vilano Beach.

Switch it Up

Don’t pigeonhole Jacksonville beaches just yet. Right outside Jacksonville’s core beaches, to the north of the mouth of the St. Johns, are other local favorites like Little Talbot Island and Big Talbot Island, offering a break from the norm. Blackrock Beach, located on Big Talbot Island State Park, looks like it was pulled out of a Hawaiian storybook. But it’s not volcanic rock you’re seeing here. The mounds are actually formed from soil. Their tidepools foster tiny marine animals, which makes for a fun ecological hunt for children. Parking is limited and there is a small entrance fee, so the earlier the better for this adventure. And you’ll need to leave the pup home for this one, as there are no dogs allowed. Boneyard Beach is nearby, and while the swimming isn’t great, it is a popular family photography destination. Huge driftwood oaks scatter the beach like bleached skeletons, a unique contrast to the blue waters of the sound in the background. You can find similar views at Driftwood Beach, on the north end of Jekyll Island.

HOT TIP:

Hot dog! Dogs are only allowed on Jacksonville beaches ‘round-theclock from October 1 - March 31. Between April 1-September 30, you’ll have to leave your pup at home between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. And remember, dogs must be leashed at all times. For a pup-friendly beach year-round, try Mickler’s Landing,

HOT TIP:

Newbies to surfing should avoid heading out ahead of storms. Despite the large number of surfers you might see out in the storm surge, paddling out inexperienced puts you in danger, because of stronger currents, waves and riptides. Avoid surfing in red-flag conditions.

Take Me To The River

The majestic St. Johns River starts 310 miles south of Jacksonville, flowing uniquely northward before spilling its culminating glory out into the Atlantic Ocean at Mayport. The St. Johns lent Jacksonville the nickname “River City” as the community grew up around it. With its brackish — part fresh, part salt — waters, it is home to manatee, dolphin, mullet, flounder, shad, and yes, even sharks. Jacksonville also has more than 40 miles of intercoastal waterways and channels, so life off the beach can still satisfy the watersport enthusiast. There are nearly 30 boat launches, and 27 kayak launches along Jacksonville waterways, providing plenty of public access. Parks along the St. Johns, like Metropolitan, Memorial, Mandarin and Alpine Groves offer even more amenities to get locals out on the water, or keep them entertained while enjoying the lush, sun-soaked views.

As our friend Jimmy Buffet sings in his song Mañana, “Don’t try to describe the ocean if you’ve never seen it.” We couldn’t agree more. So get out there and enjoy the beaches and waterways that have been the bloodlines of this beautiful city of Jacksonville. Whether you live here for a season or a lifetime, there is no better way to honor the history, take in the beauty, and be able to share the experience of our Jacksonville beaches and waterways.

Go to visitjacksonville.com for comprehensive info about all that Jacksonville’s beaches have to offer. For a full list of dock addresses, visit coj.net.

HOT TIP:

You might get lucky enough to see sea turtles along our beaches, usually during their nesting season from early May through late October. We know their cuteness is Instagram-worthy, but keep your distance. Not only do bright lights and humans threaten this endangered species, but it’s illegal to touch them. HL

knowellslockandsafe.com

Boat Ramps

Alimacani, 11080 Heckscher Dr.

Arlington Lions Club Park, 4322 Richard D. Gatlin Rd.

Arlington Road, 5103 Arlington Rd.

Big Talbot Island State Park, 15500 Heckscher Dr. Bert Maxwell, 680 Broward Rd.

Cedar Point Preserve, 9023 Cedar Point Rd.

County Dock, 2403 County Dock Rd.

Curtis Lee Johnson Marina Park, 5434 San Juan Ave. Dinsmore, 11001 New Kings Rd.

Fort George Island (Ribault Club), 11241 Fort George Rd. Fulton Road Landing, 5099 Fulton Rd.

Goodbys/John T. Lowe, 9021 San Jose Blvd.

Half Moon Island Preserve, 17847 Main Street North Harborview, 4100 Harbor View Dr.

Hood Landing, 12804 Hood Landing Rd.

Joe Carlucci, 8414 Heritage River Rd.

Lonnie Wurn, 4131 Ferber Rd.

Mandarin Park, 14780 Mandarin Rd. Mayport (Michael B. Scanlon), 4870 Ocean St. McCue Park and Boat Ramp, 2510 2nd Ave. N New Berlin, 9002 Frederick St.

Oak Harbor, 2428 Seaway St.

Palms Fish Camp, 6359 Heckscher Dr. Pottsburg Creek/Beach Boulevard, 8540 Beach Blvd. Sisters Creek/Jim King Park, 8203 Heckscher Dr. St. Johns Marina, 901 Museum Circle

T.K. Stokes, 2120 Riverview Ave.

Thomas Creek Fish Camp, 17198 Ethel Rd. Wayne B. Stevens, 4555 Ortega Farms Blvd.

Beaches

Jax Proper

Jacksonville Beach

Neptune Beach

Atlantic Beach

Mayport Beach

Hanna Park

North

Huguenot Memorial Park

Blackrock Beach

Boneyard Beach

Kayak Launches

Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park, 8419 San Ardo Rd. Bee Street Park, Bee St. and Utah Ave. Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, 13990 Pumpkin Hill Rd. Blue Cypress Park, 4012 University Blvd. N. Castaway Island Preserve, 2921 San Pablo Rd. S. Charles Reese Memorial Park, 1200 Ken Knight Dr. Chelsea Street, east end of Chelsea St. at McCoy’s Creek Cradle Creek Preserve, South 15th St. & Fairway Lane Dutton Island Preserve, end of Dutton Island Dr. Haulover Creek, 10980 Heckscher Dr. Huguenot Memorial Park, 10980 Heckscher Dr. Kayak Amelia, 13030 Heckscher Dr. Metro Park Marina, 4110 Gator Bowl Dr. Nathan Krestul Park, 2001 LaVaca Rd.

North Shore Park, 7901 Pearl St. Northbank Riverwalk/Gefen Park, end of Forest St. at St. Johns River Palmetto Leaves Regional Park, 13799 Old St. Augustine Rd. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, 13802 Pumpkin Hill Rd. Reddie Point Preserve, 4499 Yachtsman Way Ribault River Preserve, 2617 Ribault Scenic Dr. Ringhaver Park, 5198 118th St. River Oaks Park, 1201 Brookwood Rd. Riverview Park, 9620 E. Water St. Seminole Park, 4170 McGirts Blvd. Southbank Riverwalk, dock behind School Board Bldg. Stinson Park, 4050 San Juan Ave. Tideviews Preserve, 1 Begonia St.

Driftwood Beach

Little Talbot Island

Big Talbot Island

Amelia Island

Fort Clinch State Park (Amelia)

Fernandina Beach (Amelia)

American Beach (Amelia)

South

Ponte Vedra Beach

Mickler’s Landing

North Beach Guana River Preserve

Guana Reserve Middle Beach

Guana Tolomato Matanzes National Esuarine Research Reserve

South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area Vilano Beach

St. Augustine Beach Crescent Beach

AERIAL VIEW OF EPPING FOREST YACHT AND COUNTRY CLUB'S MARINA.

EDUCATION

is the key to success

Jacksonville offers a wide variety of academic choices within its metropolitan area for families interested in giving their children a great education. Whether your child is interested in the arts, science, technology, engineering, math, or medical studies, from preschool to college, you’ll find the perfect fit for your child at public magnet schools, private schools, boarding and faith-based schools.

In Duval County, a dedicated magnet means the entire school has a magnet program. All students must apply to enroll at that school whether or not they live near the school. Some schools contain a magnet program in the curriculum offerings, but it is not the focus of the school. Being enrolled in the school doesn’t mean your child is automatically enrolled in the magnet program; he or she would still have to apply to that magnet program to participate in it.

Duval County also has 32 charter schools serving K-12 grades.

For more information visit: dcps.duvalschools.org/domain/5451

Public Elementary Schools

(GRADES K-5)

For more info visit dcps.duvalschools.org

Schools 99

(29 magnet)

students

Approx.

53,000

DinsmoreM (Enrichment Through Science) , 7126 Civic Club Rd. N (904) 924-3126 w dcps.duvalschools.org/dinsmore

EnglewoodN

, 4359 Spring Park Rd. N (904) 739-5280 w dcps.duvalschools.org/Englewood

FishweirM, N (Visual and Performing Arts) , 3977 Herschel St. N (904) 381-3910 w dcps.duvalschools.org/fishweir

*Exceptions: Venetia - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Early DismissalStudents are dismissed one hour and 45 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time on early dismissal days.

Standard Hours of Operations*: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm M denotes magnet school N denotes neighborhood school

Andrew RobinsonM (STEM)

, 101 W. 12th St. N (904) 630-6550 w dcps.duvalschools.org/are

BayviewN , 3257 Lake Shore Blvd. N (904) 381-3920 w dcps.duvalschools.org/bayview

BrentwoodM (Visual and Performing Arts) , 3750 Springfield Blvd. N (904) 630-6630 w dcps.duvalschools.org/brentwood

Central RiversideM, N (Gifted & Academically Talented) , 2555 Gilmore St. N (904) 381-7495 w dcps.duvalschools.org/centralriverside

Chimney LakesM (International Studies Global Academy) , 9353 Staples Mill Dr. N (904) 573-1100 w dcps.duvalschools.org/cle

Crystal SpringsM (Business and Entrepreneurship) , 1200 Hammond Blvd. N (904) 693-7645 w dcps.duvalschools.org/cse

Hendricks AvenueN

, 3400 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 346-5610 w dcps.duvalschools.org/hendricks

Henry F. KiteM (Global Understanding)

, 9430 Lem Turner Rd. N (904) 924-3031 w dcps.duvalschools.org/henrykite

Holiday HillM (Gifted & Academically Talented/Leadership) , 6900 Altama Rd. N (904) 720-1676 w dcps.duvalschools.org/HolidayHill

J. Allen AxsonM

(Montessori, Dedicated Magnet) , 4763 Sutton Park Ct. N (904) 992-3600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/jaa

Jacksonville BeachM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet) , 315 S. 10th St.

N (904) 247-5942 w dcps.duvalschools.org/jbe

John E. FordM (Montessori/Spanish Montessori, K-8)

, 1137 Cleveland St. N (904) 630-6540 w dcps.duvalschools.org/johneford

John N.C. StocktonM, N (Math, Science, Technology) , 4827 Carlisle Rd. N (904) 381-3955 w dcps.duvalschools.org/stockton

EDUCATION

Lake ForestM (Visual and Performing Arts) , 901 Kennard St. N (904) 924-3024 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lakeforest

Lone StarM (Math, Science, Technology) , 10400 Lone Star Rd. N (904) 565-2711 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lonestar

LorettoM (Technology) , 3900 Loretto Rd. N (904) 260-5800 w dcps.duvalschools.org/loretto

Martin Luther KingM (Visual and Performing Arts) , 8801 Lake Placid Dr. E. N (904) 924-3027 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mlking

MayportM (Coastal Sciences Academy) , 2753 Shangri-La Dr. N (904) 247-5988 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mayport

OrtegaM, N (Museum Studies/Global Academy) , 4010 Baltic St. N (904) 381-7460 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ortega

Pine ForestM (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet) , 3929 Grant Rd. N (904) 346-5600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/pineforest

PinedaleM (STEM) , 4228 Dignan St. N (904) 381-7490 w dcps.duvalschools.org/pinedale

R.V. DanielsM (Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet) , 1951 W. 15th St. N (904) 630-6872 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rvdaniels

Richard Lewis BrownM

(Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet) , 1535 Milnor St. N (904) 630-6570 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rlbrown

Rufus E. PayneM (STEM) , 6725 Hema Rd. N (904) 924-3020 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rpayne

Ruth N. UpsonN , 1090 Dancy St. N (904) 381-7485 w dcps.duvalschools.org/upson

Sallye B. MathisM (STEM) , 3501 Winton Dr.(904) N 924-3086 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sallyebmathis

San JoseM, N (Dual Language, Global Academy) , 5805 St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 739-5260 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sanjose

San MateoM (Accelerated Academy of Learning) , 600 Baisden Rd. N (904) 696-8750 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sanmateo

San PabloM (Science Academy) , 801 N. 18th Ave. N (904) 247-5947 w dcps.duvalschools.org/sanpablo

Spring Park ElementaryM (International Baccalaureate, Global Academy) , 2250 Spring Park Rd. N (904) 346-5640 w dcps.duvalschools.org/springpark

Thomas JeffersonM (Multiple Intelligences, Acceleration) , 8233 Nevada St. N (904) 693-7500 w dcps.duvalschools.org/tjefferson

VenetiaM, N (Medical Arts Science Academy) , 4300 Timuquana Rd. N (904) 381-3990 w dcps.duvalschools.org/venetia

West RiversideM, N (Dual Language, Global Academy) , 2801 Herschel St. N (904) 381-3900 w dcps.duvalschools.org/wres

Public Middle Schools

(GRADES 6-8)

For more info visit dcps.duvalschools.org

Schools 24

(16 magnet)

students

Approx.

22,000

Standard Hours of Operations*: 9:30 am - 4:15 pm

*Exceptions:

Baldwin (6-12): 7:15 am - 2:00 pm

Darnell-Cookman: 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

Fort Caroline: 8:45 am - 3:30 pm

John E. Ford (K-8): 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Matthew Gilbert: 7:25 am - 2:10pm

James W. Johnson: 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

Kirby-Smith: 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

Julia Landon: 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

LaVilla School of the Arts: 8:25 am - 3:25 pm

Joseph Stillwell: 8:25 am - 3:25 pm

Young Men/Women Leadership Academy: 8:25 am - 3:25 pm

**Early DismissalStudents are dismissed one hour and 45 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time on early dismissal days.

M denotes magnet school N denotes neighborhood school

Alfred I duPont MiddleM, N (International Business/ World Language)

, 2710 duPont Ave. N (904) 739-5200 w dcps.duvalschools.org/dupont

BaldwinM

(Communications, Information Technology, 6-12)

, 291 Mills St. W. N (904) 260-1200 w dcps.duvalschools.org/bmsh

Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical ArtM

(Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet, 6-12) , 1701 N. Davis St. N (904) 630-6805 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ darnellcookman

Fort CarolineM

(Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet) , 3787 University Club Blvd. N (904) 745-4927 w dcps.duvalschools.org/fce

HighlandsM (Aviation/Military Science/Leadership) , 10913 Pine Estates Rd. E. N (904) 696-8771 w dcps.duvalschools.org/hms

James Weldon JohnsonM

(Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet)

, 3276 Norman E. Thagard Blvd N (904) 693-7600

w dcps.duvalschools.org/jwjohnson

Jean RibaultM (Early High School, Acceleration) , 3610 Ribault Scenic Dr. N (904) 924-3062

w dcps.duvalschools.org/rms

John E. FordM (Montessori/ Spanish Montessori, K-8) , 1137 Cleveland St.

N (904) 630-6540

w dcps.duvalschools.org/johneford

Joseph StillwellM (Military Leadership, Dedicated Magnet) , 7840 Burma Rd.

N (904) 693-7523

w dcps.duvalschools.org/stilwell

Julia Landon College Preparatory SchoolM, N (Gifted and Academically Talented/ Leadership, Dedicated Magnet) , 1819 Thacker Ave. N (904) 346-5650

w dcps.duvalschools.org/landon

Lake Shore MiddleN

, 2915 Bayview Rd. N (904) 381-7440

w dcps.duvalschools.org/lakeshore

LaVilla School of the ArtsM (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet)

, 501 Davis St. N. N (904) 633-6069

w dcps.duvalschools.org/lavilla

Matthew GilbertM (Technology) , 1424 Franklin St.

N (904) 630-6700

w dcps.duvalschools.org/ matthewgilbert

MayportM (Coastal Sciences) , 2600 Mayport Rd.

N (904) 247-5977

w dcps.duvalschools.org/mayportmiddle

Springfield MiddleM (STEM, Dedicated Magnet) , 2034 Hubbard St. N (904) 630-6600 w dcps.duvalschools.org/springfield

SouthsideM (International Baccalaureate) , 2948 Knights Ln. E. N (904) 739-5238 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ southside

Young Men’s/Women’s Leadership AcademyM (Dedicated Magnet) , 900 Acorn St. N (904) 630-6900 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ymwla

TRANSFORMING LIVES, ONE ARTIST AT TIME.

For 35 years, the DA Foundation is proud to play a part in the changing face of Jacksonville and beyond through its support of Jacksonville’s public arts high school. DA graduates are making a difference everywhere – opening community theaters, galleries and artsbased organizations and providing leadership in all fields. They are teachers, sharing the depth of arts experience and knowledge to enrich the education of others. But first, they were students.

WHY CHOOSE DOUGLAS ANDERSON?

• Ranked consistently in the top 1% of Best High Schools in the nation by US News & World Report, the College Board, the Washington Post and the US & Florida Departments of Education

• Provides best well-rounded College Preparation

• 96-99% of Graduates accepted into top colleges, conservatories and universities

• Students SAT scores consistently 67+ points above the national average

• Over $21 million in arts and academic college scholarships offered graduates annually

• Named an 11-time National Grammy Winner

• Consistently has National Merit Finalists in the Arts and Academics

For more information about DA and auditions visit DA-arts.org 2445 San Diego Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 Where Arts and Academics Meet Excellence

Public High Schools

(GRADES 9-12)

For more info visit dcps.duvalschools.org

Schools 19

(14 magnet)

students

Approx.

30,000

Standard Hours of Operations*: 7:15 am - 2:00 pm

Exceptions:

Douglas Anderson 8:25 am - 3:25 pm

Darnell-Cookman 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

Paxon SAS 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

Peterson 8:25 am - 3:25 pm

Randolph 8:25 am - 3:25 pm

Ribault 7:25 am - 2:10 pm

Stanton 8:10 am - 2:55 pm

**Early DismissalStudents are dismissed one hour and 45 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time on early dismissal days.

M denotes magnet school N denotes neighborhood school

Andrew JacksonM

(Military Science, Sports Medicine, Cyber Security, Dedicated Magnet) , 3816 Main St. N (904) 630-6950 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ajhs

Asa Philip Randolph Career AcademiesM (Dedicated Magnet) , 1157 Golfair Blvd. N (904) 924-3011 w dcps.duvalschools.org/aprtech

BaldwinM (Communications, Information Technology, 6-12) , 291 Mills St. W.

N (904) 260-1200 w dcps.duvalschools.org/bmsh

Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical ArtsM

(Gifted and Academically Talented, Dedicated Magnet, 6-12) , 1701 N. Davis St. N (904) 630-6805 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ darnellcookman

Douglas Anderson School of the ArtsM, N (Visual and Performing Arts, Dedicated Magnet) , 2445 San Diego Rd. N (904) 346-5620 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ anderson

Edward H. WhiteM (Military Leadership Academy) , 1700 Old Middleburg Rd. N. N (904) 693-7620 w dcps.duvalschools.org/edwhite

Englewood High SchoolN , 4412 Barnes Rd. N (904) 739-5212 w dcps.duvalschools.org/ehs

Frank H. Peterson Academies of TechnologyM (Dedicated Magnet) , 7450 Wilson Blvd. N (904) 573-1150 w dcps.duvalschools.org/fhp

Jean RibaultM (JROTC, Military Leadership) , 3701 Winton Dr. N (904) 924-3092 w dcps.duvalschools.org/rhs

MandarinM (Cambridge Secondary 2/AICE) , 4831 Greenland Rd. N (904) 260-3911 w dcps.duvalschools.org/mhs

Paxon School for Advanced StudiesM (College Preparatory, Dedicated Magnet)

, 3239 Norman Thagard Blvd. N (904) 693-7583 w dcps.duvalschools.org/psas

Riverside HIgh SchoolM, N (Early College/Engineering)

, 1200 S. McDuff Ave. N (904) 381-3930 w dcps.duvalschools.org/lee

Samuel W. Wolfson

High SchoolM, N (International Baccalaureate, Dedicated Magnet) , 7000 Powers Ave. N (904) 739-5265 w dcps.duvalschools.org/wolfson

Stanton College Preparatory SchoolM (College Preparatory, Dedicated Magnet) , 1149 W. 13th St. N (904) 630-6760 w dcps.duvalschools.org/stanton

William M. RainesM (Information Technology; Visual & Performing Arts)

, 3663 Raines Ave. N (904) 924-3049 w dcps.duvalschools.org/wmrh

EDUCATION

Charter Schools

Duval Charter School at Westside (K-8) , 9238 103rd St. N (904) 421-0250 w westsidecharter.org

Florida Cyber Charter Academy (K-12) N 855-748-4737 w flcca.k12.com

Jacksonville Classical Academy (K-6) , 2043 Forest St. N (904) 288-7732 w jaxclassical.org

San Jose Primary School (Pre-K through 5th) , 4072 Sunbeam Rd. N (904) 425-1725 w sanjoseschools.org

Seaside Charter San Jose (K-8) , 8727 San Jose Blvd. N (844) 973-2743 w seasidecharter.org

Waverly Academy Middle School For Girls , 5710 Wesconnett Blvd. N (904) 647-8552 w waverlyacademy.org

Schools for Special Needs

Center Academy Mandarin , 10679 Old St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 448-1956 w centeracademy.com

Clarke School for Hearing and Speech , 9803 Old St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 880-9001 w clarkeschools.org

Crossroads Christian School (K-12) , 2950 Halcyon Ln. , 6429 Atlantic Blvd. , 1542 Kingsley Ave. #136 N (904) 652-1282 w crossroadsschools.com

EDUCATION

DePaul School of NE Florida

, 3044 San Pablo Rd. S. N (904) 223-3391 w depaulschool.com

DLC Nurse & Learn

, 4101 St. N (904) 387-0370 w dlcnl.org

Great Strides Rehabilitation , 12276 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 886-3228 w greatstridesrehab.com

Greenwood School (6-12) , 9920 Regency Square Blvd. N (904) 726-5000 w greenwoodjax.org

Jacksonville School for Autism , 9000 Cypress Green Dr. N (904) 732-4343 w jsakids.org

Little Star Center, Inc. , 8011 Phillips Hwy., Ste.10 N (904) 928-0112 w littlestarjax.com

Mainspring Academy , 6867 Southpoint Dr. N., Ste. 103 N (904) 503-0344 w mainspringacademy.org

Morning Star School , 725 Mickler Rd. N (904) 721-2144 w morningstar-jax.org

North Florida School of Special Education , 223 Mill Creek Rd. N (904) 724-8323 w northfloridaschool.org

Palm Avenue Exceptional Child , 1301 W. Palm Ave. N (904) 693-7516 w dcps.duvalschools.org/palmavenue

The Jericho School , 1351 Sprinkle Dr. N (904) 744-5110 w thejerichoschool.org

Private Schools

Academie De Montessori (PK-5) , 1216 Lasalle St. N (904) 398-3830 w academie-de-montessori.org

Assumption Catholic School (PK-8) , 2431 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 398-1774 w assumptionjax.org

Avondale United Methodist Child’s Day Out (PK) , 1651 Talbot Ave. N (904) 398-4363 w aumcjax.org

Bishop John J. Snyder High School (9-12) , 5001 Samaritan Way N (904) 771-1029 w bishopsnyder.org

Bishop Kenny High School (9-12) , 1055 Kingman Ave. N (904) 398-7545 w bishopkenny.org

Episcopal School of Jacksonville (6-12) , 4455 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-5751 w esj.org

First Coast Academy (9-12) , 2725 College St. N (904) 381-1935 w fcahighschool.org

Jacksonville Country Day School (PK-6) , 10063 Baymeadows Rd. N (904) 641-6644 w jcds.com

Learning Tree Preschool Center , 6140 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 737-8842 w learningtreepreschoolcenter.com

Melrose Avenue Preschool , 4305 Melrose Ave. N (904) 388-0606 w melroseavenuepreschool.com

New Beginnings Christian Academy (K-12) , 7020 Ramona Blvd. N (904) 786-3118 w nbccjax.org

Providence School (PK-12)

, 2701 Hodges Blvd. N (904) 223-5270 w prov.org

Riverside Presbyterian Day School (PK-6)

, 830 Oak St. N (904) 353-5511 w rpds.com

San Jose Academy and Preparatory High School , 4072 Sunbeam Rd. N (904) 425-1725 w sanjoseprep.org

San Jose Catholic Grade School (PK-8) , 3619 Toledo Rd. N (904) 733-2313 w sanjosecatholicschool.com

San Jose Episcopal Day School (PK-6) , 7423 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-0352 w sjeds.org

South Jacksonville Presbyterian Preschool , 2137 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-0567 w sjaxpc.org

Southside United Methodist Church Preschool , 3120 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-2676 w southsidemethodist.org

St. Johns Country Day School (PK-12) , 3100 Doctors Lake Dr. N (904) 264-9572 w sjcds.net

St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School PK-6) , 4114 Oxford Ave. N (904) 388-2632 w stmarksdayschool.org

St. Matthew’s Catholic School (PK-8) , 1773-0010 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 387-4401 w stmatthewscs.com

St. Paul’s Catholic School (PK-8) , 2609 Park St. N (904) 387-2841 w spsjax.org

The Bolles School (Four campuses - PreK-12/Day & Boarding) , 7400 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 256-5030 w bolles.org

The Potter’s House Christian Academy (K-8) , 5732 Normandy Blvd. N (904) 786-0028 w phcalions.org

The Potter’s House Christian Academy (9-12) , 1150 S. Lane Ave. N (904) 695-2837 w phcalions.org

Colleges

Edward Waters College , 1658 Kings Rd. N (904) 470-8000 w ewc.edu

Florida Coastal School of Law , 8787 Baypine Rd. N (904) 680-7700 w fcsl.edu

Florida State College at Jacksonville , 501 W. State St. N (904) 646-2300 w fscj.edu

Jacksonville University , 2800 University Blvd. N. N (800) 225-2027 w ju.edu

Trinity Baptist College , 800 Hammond Blvd. N (904) 596-2451 w tbc.edu

UF Health Science Center (University of Florida School of Medicine) , 653 W. 8th St. N (904) 244-3486 w hscj.ufl.edu

University of North Florida , 1 UNF Dr. N (904) 620-1000 w unf.edu

A

MIGHTY MEDICAL MECCA

WRITTEN BY LINDSEY GAST

Jacksonville has emerged as a preeminent destination for medicine, with one of the largest and most cutting-edge healthcare networks in the nation. Its medical ecosystem encompasses more than 20 high-profile facilities across multiple healthcare systems, with innovative researchers, and a robust biomedical community. The ability to collaborate with local colleges and universities enhances Jacksonville’s reputation for educational pipelines and a skilled, integrated workforce.

Momentum in the medical sector has been steadily growing for the area. Since 2017, the area’s healthcare systems have invested $1.7 billion to increase their physical footprints. Expanded facilities and specialized enhancements have put Jacksonville in the vanguard of medical meccas. Our River City is home to one of only three Mayo Clinics in the nation, one of six MD Anderson Cancer Centers, the UF Proton Therapy Institute, and world-class medical device manufacturing. Driven by translational research, Jacksonville is making meaningful advancements in the biomedical sciences, care transition, virtual care in underserved communities, and the use of artificial intelligence.

POISED FOR SUCCESS

As Florida’s fastest-growing city, Jacksonville has the foundational attributes that make this seven-county region a sought-after location for continued investments in the healthcare sector. The Jacksonville metro had roughly 1.8 million residents in 2021, adding an average of 109 new residents every day, and the healthcare system is expanding to meet the needs of the thriving population. Companies coming to the area enjoy a variety of benefits for them and their employees: no corporate franchise tax, no personal income state tax, and a cost of living that is 5-6% lower than the national average. Regarding medical device manufacturing, there is also no sales and use tax on goods manufactured in Florida for export outside the state.

The human capital element brings an intangible benefit to Jacksonville’s notoriety. Named the #1 city for talent attraction by Emsi just three years ago, Jacksonville boasts over 99,000 skilled workers in the healthcare industry. More than 16% of jobs in the area are focused in that sector, and growth continues to outpace the national average. Local companies also get to tap into the incoming pipeline of workers through curriculum and residency collaborations

with the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

HEALTHCARE BEYOND HOSPITALS

While Jacksonville is known for its strength in clinical trials, translational research and oncology, the medical device manufacturing and health IT sectors have also planted roots in our area’s fertile medical grounds. Innovative companies like McKesson, Zimmer Biomet, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Anjon Medical Technologies and Treace Medical Concepts have a strong presence in the area. Medical device behemoth Metronic has been continually expanding its footprint and acquisitions in Jacksonville; and in recent years, the worldwide KLS Martin Group added a 12,000-square-foot training center to its North American headquarters here. Health IT has also seen an uptick as a result of the expanding healthcare systems. Health IT leaders like Availity and Focura are leveraging Jacksonville’s strong medical community to improve electronic systems for patients and providers.

A VISION FOR INNOVATION

With so many medical advancements coming out of Jacksonville, the area has become an

axis for innovation and transformation. Progress for many of these efforts was unveiled in April 2022 at the JAXUSA Partnership Medical Innovation Summit.

Mayo Clinic is increasing usability of donated organs, while custom-engineering new organs to reduced rejection rates. It is the largest transplant provider in the country, performing more than 8,000 transplants on its Jacksonville campus alone, and drawing people from all 50 states to our area. Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s Lung Institute is narrowing the gap between technology and medicine through the use of robotics in lung cancer screening. Safer than traditional bronchoscopy, with 90% accuracy, its Ion robotic-assisted methods are moving the institute closer toward a revolutionary future of diagnosis, staging and treatment in just one day. Ascension St. Vincent’s cardiac program is the largest open heart surgery program in northeast Florida.

Jacksonville also shows it plays well with others in the medical community, leveraging its robustness for worldwide benefit. Utilizing the power of DNA testing, the Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is part of the largest genomic research project in the world for breast cancer, and is the largest contributor to this study worldwide.

PEDIATRIC PROMISES

Jacksonville isn’t just on the cutting edge of medicine for adults. 2022 ushered in the opening of the new Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, a seven-story, $224 million building dedicated to children’s intensive care. The Neonatal Intensive Care Units were the first to open in February of this year, with a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit to follow. It, too, further blended technology and medicine by using artificial intelligence to help predict trends that would indicate an adverse event before it happens, allowing for earlier interventions.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital, along with the pediatric cancer specialists at Nemours Children’s Health, are also excited about the addition of a new metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy room for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. This specialized treatment room is the only one of its kind in the state of Florida, and one of just a handful nationwide. With concrete-reinforced and lead-lined protective walls, this specialized room is critical as patients emit radiation for 4-7 days after treatment.

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE

Despite all the progress and advancements that have brought Jacksonville to the top of the medical mountain, the city has its sights set on moving the bar even higher yet. This year, Johnson & Johnson, which has been in Jacksonville since 1981, announced a $200 million investment into the expansion of its existing facility, adding 100 new jobs to the workforce. It is the third expansion in

the last eight years. Baptist Health also has expansion plans in place for a new 14,400-square-foot Heart Rhythm Center at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, which is slated to be completed in early 2023.

Beyond hospital and clinic walls, Jacksonville medical leaders are prioritizing initiatives that reach into the community to provide more comfortable care, and help the underserved populations. Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is launching a mobile mammography unit, called the Buddy Bus, to improve access to services. Mayo Clinic Florida recently piloted a virtual hospital program that leverages Bluetooth technologies to allow advanced medical care and monitoring at home, while passing the benefits along to consumers. Results have shown a reduction in cost and length of hospital stays, and patients healing at home tend to yield better outcomes. The program also shows positives for

the facilities, potentially easing capacity issues, integrating software technologies, and reserving the $2.5 million per hospital bed for more critical or acute patients.

The future of Jacksonville’s medical workforce is being safeguarded as well. University of North Florida obtained $6 million in state funding for their MedNexus program, which is positioned to better prepare high-quality health care professionals in northeast Florida. With health care jobs expected to account for a large share of the state’s growth, the program preemptively answers the area’s pipeline demands for the regional talent pool.

BLOOMING IN BLUE

Perhaps one of the most all-encompassing initiatives for public health in Jacksonville is the launch of the Blue Zones Project, which was

NICU ROOM

Despite all the progress and advancements that have brought Jacksonville to the top of the medical mountain, the city has its sights set on moving the bar even higher yet.

announced in June 2022. The Blue Zones Project is designed to help residents live better, longer lives through transformation of the environments where they live, work, and play to improve community well-being, resilience and economic vitality. The City of Jacksonville is joined by a powerful coalition of public and private organizations, all working to turn northeast Florida into a blue zone area. Identified by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner, blue zones are areas with the healthiest, longest-living populations. Baptist Health funded the initial Blue Zones Activate assessment.

Understanding that where people live has a bigger influence on their health than their genetics, the Blue Zones Project will optimize public policies, social connections and physical locations to help make healthy choices easy and accessible to everyone. Over the next six years, local leadership and the Blue Zones team will launch and implement policy work and school initiatives across all of Duval County. The Westside, Northside and East Jax neighborhoods will further undergo focused transformation of the Blue Zones

Life Radius, or the area where people do 90% of their living.

The Blue Zones Project initiative is promising for the future of Jacksonville residents, as participating communities have historically seen double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco rates, increased economic investment in downtown corridors, grant funding to support programs for health equity, and measurable savings in healthcare costs. In the pilot city, Blue Zone initiatives raised life expectancy by 3 years.

Healthcare costs dropped 40% for workers, while employers still saved $7.5 million.

The city’s pride in its healthcare system is apparent, and the excellence it provides is a boon for all its residents. It is astounding to see the advancements that Jacksonville medicine has made in its 200-year history, yet the impact our area will have on the future of medicine is incalculable. But there is one thing new residents to Jacksonville can be sure of – their health is one of the city’s top priorities.

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GENERAL MEDICAL CENTERS & EMERGENCY CARE

Ascension St. Vincent’s

» Serving Jacksonville and surrounding communities since 1873, St. Vincent’s HealthCare is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system with three medical centers. The Riverside location also includes a Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the St. Vincent’s Lung Institute.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside , 1 Shircliff Way N (904) 308-7300 w jaxhealth.com

St. Vincents Medical Center Clay County , 1670 St. Vincent’s Way, Middleburg N (904) 602-1000 w jaxhealth.com

St. Vincents Medical Center Southside , 14201 Belfort Rd. N (904) 296-3700 w jaxhealth.com

Mayo Clinic, Florida , 4500 San Pablo Rd. S. N (904) 953-2000 w mayoclinic.org/patientvisitor-guide/florida

» Serving Northeast Florida since 1986, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville includes a 304-bed hospital, 22 operating rooms and offers care in more than 35 adult medical and surgical specialties. The hospital includes a full-service emergency department, open to everyone.

Baptist Health

» Founded in 1955, Baptist Health is a locally-owned and governed health care provider with five nationally accredited hospitals, three emergency centers and the Neurological Institute and Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center on its Jacksonville campus.

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville , 800 Prudential Dr. N (904) 202-2000 w baptistjax.com

Baptist Medical Center Beaches , 1350 13th Ave. South, Jacksonville Beach N (904) 627-2900 w baptistjax.com

Baptist Medical Center Nassau , 1250 South 18th St., Fernandina Beach N (904) 321-3500 w baptistjax.com

Baptist Medical Center South , 14550 Old St. Augustine Rd. N (904) 271-6000 w baptistjax.com

Baptist Emergency at Clay County , 1771 Baptist Clay Dr., Fleming Island N (904) 516-1000 w baptistjax.com

Baptist Emergency at North , 11250 Baptist Health Dr. N (904) 202-6905 w baptistjax.com

Baptist Emergency at Town Center , 4085 Town Center Pkwy. N (904) 202-6800 w baptistjax.com

UF Health

» University of Florida Health is a private, not-for-profit hospital affiliated with the University of Florida Health Science Center campuses in Jacksonville and Gainesville, offering residents in Northeast Florida and Southeast George all the benefits of an academic health center. It also has the only adult and pediatric Level 1 trauma program in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

UF Health Jacksonville , 655 W. 8th St. N (904) 244-0411 w ufhealthjax.org

UF Health North , 15255 Max Leggett Pkwy. N (904) 383-1000 w ufhealthjax.org

UF Health Southside (Emerson Medical Plaza) , 4555 Emerson St. N (904) 383-1000 w ufhealthjax.org

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville

» Memorial Hospital has been serving Jacksonville and the greater Northeast Florida community for over 45 years from its centralized location on University Blvd. The hospital is a 454-bed acute care hospital offering a full line of services, including 24-hour emergency care at three different locations. Featuring an accredited Chest Pain Center, certified Stroke Center, dedicated Heart Center, Bone and Joint Center and a maternity center. Perhaps this needs its own header after we wrap up hospitals….as Memorial is the final one, outside of the listed ones we have.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville , 3625 University Blvd. S, 32216 N (904)-702-6111 w memorialhospitaljax.com

REHABILITATION HOSPITALS

Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

» Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital is a 160-bed hospital that specializes in intensive therapy and is CARF-accredited in stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, pain, pediatric and general medical rehabilitation. Brooks as a health system has been a leader in rehabilitation services as clinicians, alongside physicians, help members of the community heal and has done so for over 50 years. From its hospital to its 65-plus outpatient locations throughout Northeast Florida, it offers a list of services that serve a broad spectrum of patients across the entire rehabilitation landscape.

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville , 3599 University Blvd. S, 32216 N (904)-345-7600 w brooksrehab.org

CANCER CENTERS

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center , 1301 Palm Ave. N (844) 632-2278 w baptistmdanderson.com

» Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is a regional destination for outpatient cancer care, which is clinically integrated with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the internationally renowned cancer treatment and research institution in Houston. Designed to serve as a single destination for cancer patients and their families, Baptist MD Anderson brings together multiple disciplines under one roof, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, infusion and other support clinical services. Natural light, soothing colors and artwork also ensure comfort by merging the “high-tech” world of medicine with the “high-touch” needs of cancer patients.

Ackerman Cancer Center , 10881 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 880-5522 w ackermancancercenter.com

» Since 1997, Ackerman Cancer Center has offered comprehensive radiation oncology services and is the world’s first private, physician-owned practice to offer proton beam therapy. Onsite imaging and diagnostic services are provided to ensure all patients receive seamless care and same-day results. The patient-centric approach at Ackerman Cancer Center ensures each patient plays an important role in the development and management of their cancer treatment plan, working with a team of skilled professionals including oncology-certified nurses, oncology social workers, dietitians, and financial resource coordinators.

University

of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute

, 2015 N. Jefferson St. N (904) 588-1800 w floridaproton.org

» The University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute offers Jacksonville residents access to the most advanced, non-invasive cancer treatment available. The Institute, which opened in 2006, uses proton radiation to offer cancer patients an innovative, targeted treatment for bone, brain, breast, eye, head and neck, prostate, lung, pancreatic, pediatric and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It is the first treatment center in the southeastern U.S. to offer proton therapy.

We offer a team approach to financial planning and portfolio management, offering you a broader scope of expertise than you will likely find in any one person. Our clients are our main priority, which is why we work to understand your unique circumstances and ultimately create a distinctive plan that provides a roadmap for your financial journey. As an experienced group of professionals with complementary strengths our philosophy celebrates collaboration. We bring our clients an insightful perspective, personalized attention, and boutique-like services.

CHILDREN’S CARE

Wolfson Children’s Hospital

, 800 Prudential Dr. N (904) 202-8000 w wolfsonchildrens.com

» Nationally recognized for its quality pediatric care, Wolfson Children’s Hospital is the region’s only children’s hospital. The facility offers skilled pediatric specialists, advanced technology and evidencebased practices help children overcome illnesses like serious heart conditions, brain disorders, behavioral health issues, gastrointestinal conditions and diabetes.

Hope Haven Clinic

, 4600 Beach Blvd. N (904) 346-5100 w hope-haven.org

» Hope Haven provides families with special needs children with educational and therapeutic services to assist the children in realizing their full potential. Services at the facility include evaluations for autism, ADHD, ADD, gifted, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health therapy, psychological therapy, educational therapy, speech-language therapy and Down syndrome as well as individualized tutoring, after-school programs, summer camps, and job placement services for young adults with special needs.

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care

, 807 Children’s Way N (904) 697-3600 w nemours.org

» Nemours Children’s Specialty Care offers the highest level of care for pediatric specialties ranging from allergy and immunology to more complicated conditions such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. Specially trained pediatric care teams diagnose and treat common to rare and complex conditions. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping kids grow up healthy through life-changing medical care and research while training tomorrow’s pediatric experts.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Community Hospice & Palliative Care

, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. N (904) 268-5200 w communityhospice.com

» Community Hospice & Palliative Care offers specialized care that provides support to you and your loved ones during the final phase of a terminal illness. Focusing on comfort and quality of life, rather than the cure, hospice care enables you to have an alert, pain-free life and to live each day as fully as possible. There are seven locations offering a variety of services, including caregiver support, veterans’ services, advance care planning and more.

Gabriel House of Care , 4599 Worrall Way N (904) 821-8995 w gabrielhouseofcare.org

» Since 2010, Gabriel House of Care has striven to provide affordable, temporary lodging for cancer and organ transplant patients and their caregivers who come to Jacksonville for medical treatment. Gabriel House offers 29 bedrooms on a smoke-free campus, with amenities such as fitness and laundry rooms, kitchen and dining room, library, and game rooms.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville , 824 Children’s Way N (904) 807-4663 w rmhcjacksonville.org

» Since 1988, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville has been the “home” to over 40,000 families whose children are seeking medical treatment at one of Jacksonville’s premier pediatric healthcare facilities. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville mission supports the health and well-being of children by providing lodging, meals, transportation and a community of care to critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment.

JAX FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

Pies,

catering… we do it all. Just ask and we can make whatever you’re craving. We are happy to take special orders! Call us to order ahead. We are open TuesdaySaturday. 10am until the goods are gone (usually around 3-4). Our treats change daily. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook — @TheBakeryJax — for pies, cakes, and cookies of the day! (904) 379-5920 | www.thebakeryjax.com

SOUTHERN COAST SEAFOOD

LOCALLY OWNED IN JACKSONVILLE!

Southern Coast Seafood specializes in locally caught FRESH seafood and offers a full bar.

The Joseph Family is in the greater Arlington area with plans to expand soon!

HOURS

Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday: Closed

(904) 328-6290 | www.southerncoastseafood.com 1301-1 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

THE MOSSFIRE GRILL

REAL. GOOD. EVERYDAY.

In Historic 5 Points. Spicy, Fresh, Fun — and then there’s the food. Mossfire Grill is not your typical restaurant and it’s not your typical bar. Relax and indulge in Southwestern cuisine with a sophisticated, eclectic flair. Everything is made from scratch with a blend of New American and Southwestern traditions.

(904) 355-4434 | www.mossfire.com 1537 Margaret St, Jacksonville, FL 32204

POKE BURRI-JAX

Poke Burri-Jax is locally owned by Andrew Clarke, This unique gem opened in January of 2021 in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville. Featuring unique takes on Sushi Burritos, Poke Bowls and Ramen. Stop by and try our standard menu or grab a Sushi Pizza or a Korean Corndog!!!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK!

(904) 374-1618 | www.pokeburri.com 2545 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204

HOURS Mon-Sat 11-9 pm Sun 12-7 pm

FRED COTTEN’S LANDMARK BBQ

BBQ, TAKE OUT, CATERING, RIBS, BURGERS, WINGS, AND SEAFOOD!

Family-owned BBQ restaurant where the only thing sweeter than the BBQ meats is the friendly staff going above and beyond to ensure every customer receives prompt service and a delicious meal. Enjoy tender & flavorful chicken wings with classic sides like baked beans and mac & cheese. With our wide variety of menu items, we’re sure to have something the whole family will love! Striving to always provide quality service & food at an affordable price. The success of our restaurant is due to the dedication we provide to our customers. Stop by for a delicious meal with us today!

(904) 634-7571 | Find us on Facebook 1417 N Main St., Jacksonville, FL 32206

Fred Cotten’s Landmark BBQ

Sandollar

Originally built in 1954 by a gentleman who lived in Fort George Island back when Heckscher drive had wooden bridges that moved with the tide. This small but capable restaurant was able to capitalize on the booming American shrimp market from Mayport across the river. The business thrived and created the tradition of serving fresh and local seafood at low costs. The current building was constructed in 1988 and has been providing great seafood, live entertainment and waterfront views ever since.

Today, Sandollar holds the largest waterfront deck on the St.Johns River, has live entertainment almost year round and has won numerous awards like the “JaxBest” Best Mayport Shrimp award. We’re proud to have been serving the local community for so many years. Local is definitely in our blood. We look forward to serving you and your family for many more decades to come.

CULTURE

ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

Daily’s Place

, 1 Daily’s Place N (904) 633-2000 w dailysplace.com

» Opened in 2017, the city’s second largest concert venue features a 5,500-seat amphitheater, which has welcomed artists as diverse as Lumineers, Diana Ross, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban and Wiz Khalifa. The complex also includes a 96,000-squarefoot covered flex field, primarily used by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and serves as home of AEW professional wrestling.

Florida Theatre

, 128 E. Forsyth St. N (904) 355-5661 w floridatheatre.com

» Dubbed the “palace of dreams” by a local reporter upon its opening in 1927, the former movie theater still dazzles visitors with its grand Mediterranean Revival architecture and opulent decor. The 1,900-seat theater—now on the National Register of Historic Places—entertains tens of thousands every years with live music and stand-up comedy from national acts, touring theatrical presentations and special events like the Community Nutcracker.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts , 300 Water St. N (904) 633-6110 w jacksonvillecenterfortheperformingarts.com

» The venue formerly known as the Times-Union Center encompasses three theaters: the 2,900-seat Moran Theater welcoming Broadway touring shows, renowned musicians and A-list comedians; the 1,800-seat Jacoby Symphony Hall, a world-class facility designed specifically for orchestral performances and home to the Jacksonville Symphony; and the 600-seat Terry Theater used for smaller special events and community productions.

JU Phillips Fine Arts Building

, 2800 University Blvd. N. N (904) 256-7345 w ju.edu/cfa

» Jacksonville University’s College of Fine Arts showcases the talents of students, faculty and special guest performers on stage at the Terry Concert Hall, a 400-seat space with state-of-the-art acoustics for recitals, concerts and other musicspecific events; and the Swisher Theater, a 400-seat space for musicals, operas and other theatrical productions, dance performances and film screenings.

Murray Hill Theatre , 932 Edgewood Ave. S. N (904) 388-3179 w murrayhilltheatre.com

» Since 1995, this faith-based live music venue in Murray Hill presents local and national bands, including Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, P.O.D. and Stryper, in addition to staging theatrical plays, comedy shows and dance nights. The 598-person capacity theater and all events are alcohol-free, smoke-free and drug-free and are focused on faith and positivity with a message of hope and redemption.

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall , 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach N (904) 209-0367 w pvconcerthall.com

» A live music venue located in the historic neighborhood of Riverside.

San Marco Theatre , 1996 San Marco Blvd. N (904) 396-4845 w sanmarcotheatre.com

» Located south of Jacksonville Beach and less than a mile from the ocean, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosts a diverse array of music with Los Lobos, Iron and Wine, The Civil Wars, Psychedelic Furs, City and Colour, Nitty Gritty Dirty Band and Night Ranger having taken the stage, as well as comedians including Gary Gulman, Kathleen Madigan, Whitney Cummings and Bob Saget.

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center , 1000 Water St. N (904) 630-4000 w sunraycinema.com

» A railroad station turned first-class convention center, the 78,000-square-foot Prime Osborn hosts consumer shows, like the Home and Patio Show, International Auto Show and Christmas Made in the South; special events including the Art & Antiques Show and Celebrity Chefs Tasting Luncheon; and competitions from cheer and dance to MMA.

The Ritz Theatre and Museum , 829 N. Davis St. N (904) 807-2013 w ritzjacksonville.com

» Decades ago, LaVilla was a Black entertainment district, dubbed “Harlem of the South,” with nightclubs and movie houses like the Ritz built in 1929. Fully renovated in 1999, the venue connects visitors to the past, present and future of African-American arts and culture in Jacksonville with movies, concerts, dance and theatrical performances in its 246-seat theater, including Puttin’ on the Ritz, a live talent competition series. The adjoining museum features historical artifacts and original artwork.

St. Augustine Amphitheatre , 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine N (904) 209-0367 w theamp.com

» Even at 4,100-seats, the outdoor venue on Anastasia Island still feels intimate. Shows run the gamut—jam bands, country superstars, indie pop idols and straight-up legends (think Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Robert Plant and Aretha Franklin)—with an occasional comedy show or theatrical event. The Amp, as it’s known, also hosts a farmers market every Saturday morning.

TIAA Bank Stadium , 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr. N (904) 633-6100 w tiaabankfield.com

» With nearly 68,000 seats, “The Bank” is best known as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ lair and host of the Gator Bowl and FloridaGeorgia Game (aka The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party), Its size also makes it the only local venue that can accommodate epic shows like the Rolling Stones, Def Leppard and Motley Crue, and the Florida Country Superfest. The crown jewel of the city’s Sports Complex also hosts special events ranging from black tie galas to Monster Jam.

Thrasher-Horne Center , 283 College Dr., Orange Park N (904) 276-6815 w thcenter.org

» National touring musicians and comedians like Clint Black, Boyz II Men, Jay Leno and Tracy Morgan have performed at the St. Johns River State College venue. The 1,728-seat theater also presents Broadway shows (Mamma Mia! and Avenue Q, to name a few) and other special events. An art gallery with works from prominent local artists is also on the premises.

UNF Fine Arts Center , 1 UNF Dr. N (904) 620-1895 w unf.edu/fineartscenter

» Situated on the campus of the University of North Florida, this multipurpose facility is built around the 1,300seat Lazzara Performance Hall, a state-ofthe-art proscenium stage used for theater productions, concerts, film screenings and other special events. The adjacent Robinson Theater is a 700-seat venue primarily used for visiting guest speakers and workshops.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena , 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. N (904) 630-3900 w vystarveteransarena.com

» As the city’s largest concert venue, the 15,000-seat arena attracts the biggest names in music and comedy (Luke Bryan, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Jo Koy and Kevin Hart for starters), as well as international theatrical productions like Cirque du Soleil and Disney on Ice. It also hosts a variety of sporting events from UFC and professional bull riding and has welcomed the NCAA Men’s Regional Basketball Championships and USA Curling Championship. The arena serves as home to the semi-pro teams the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL), Jacksonville Sharks (NAL) and Jacksonville Giants (ABA).

MISC. VENUES

And for music fans seeking a more intimate experience, Jacksonville offers plenty of smaller venues, ranging from 75-300 capacity, that showcase original music by local and touring musicians.

Blue Jay Listening Room

, 2457 Third St. S., Jacksonville Beach N (904) 318-3020 w bluejayjax.com

1904 Music Hall , 9 Ocean St. N (904) 434-3475 w 1904musichall.com

Friday Musicale , 645 Oak St. N (904) 355-7584 w fridaymusicale.com

Intuition Bierhall , 929 E. Bay St. N (904) 683-7720 w intuitionaleworks.com/live-music

Jack Rabbits

, 1528 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 398-7496 w jaxlive.com

Mudville Music Room , 3105 Beach Blvd. N (904) 398-4326 w themudvillegrill.com

Underbelly , 113 E. Bay St. N (904) 699-8186 w underbellyjax.com

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATER

The 5 & Dime Theatre Company , 112 E. Adams St. N (904) 881-7503 w the5anddime.org

» The 5 & Dime is a nonprofit consisting of an all-volunteer cast and staff.

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining , 12000 Beach Blvd. N (904) 641-1212 w alhambrajax.com

» Built in 1967, the Alhambra Theatre and Dining is one of the few remaining dinner theaters in America, and includes the Library Lounge, the perfect place to unwind with a drink before or after a show.

All Beaches Experimental Theatre , 544 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 249-7177 w abettheatre.com

» The nonprofit emphasizes new and original plays and neglected classics, while developing new talent.

FSCJ Artist Series N (904) 442-2929 w artistseriesjax.org

» The FSCJ Artist Series invites visitors to experience national and international Broadway and cultural performing arts programs in Jacksonville. Operated by the Florida State College Foundation, Inc., the program includes scene study, music, movement, dance, makeup and more.

The Florida Ballet , 300 E. State St. #E N (904 353-7518 w floridaballet.org

» Founded in 1978, the Florida Ballet is a facility with three large sprungfloor studios, dressing rooms, and a professional sound system, where dancers can study amateur through professional dancing with correct technical training and guidance toward a proper work ethic.

Jacksonville Symphony , 300 Water St. N (904) 354-5547 w jaxsymphony.org

» The Jacksonville Symphony, currently led by Music Director Courtney Lewis, has hosted such greats as Isaac Stern, Luciano Pavarotti and Itzhak Perlman, to name just a few. The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra serves over 270 school-age musicians from elementary through early college in six ensemble levels.

Mad Cowford Improv , Northstar Substation 119 E. Bay St. N (904) 233-2359 w madcowford.com

» Improve your improv with Mad Cowford’s 8-week workshops for all levels of performer from beginning to advanced.

Players by the Sea , 106 6th St. N. N (904) 249-0289 w playersbythesea.org

» Local playwrights, solo performance artists and groups of young actors bring personal projects which provide excitement and enrichment in addition to the balance of traditional and contemporary works offered in the Main stage and Studio Seasons.

Ritz Chamber Music Society , 300 Water St., Ste. 200 N (904) 472-4270 w ritzchamberplayers.org

» The Ritz Chamber Music Society and Ritz Chamber Players endeavor to foster the appreciation of chamber music through performances and educational outreach featuring preeminent African-American musicians and composers.

San Marco Chamber Music Society , 3976 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 731-1310 w sanmarcochambermusic.org

» The San Marco Chamber Music Society offers free concerts, many of which are fundraisers to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

MUSEUMS

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens , 829 Riverside Ave. N (904) 356-6857 w cummermuseum.org

» The gardens feature brick paths and landscaping that show off a collection of fine Italian marble garden ornaments, while inside the museum is a permanent collection, which spans time from 2100 B.C. through the 21st Century.

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville , 333 N. Laura St. N (904) 366-6911 w mocajacksonville.org

» Visitors are greeted by an Art Deco façade and, once inside, are treated to over 1,000 works of photography, sculpture, painting, and more, all created from 1960 through the present.

Museum of Science and History , 1025 Museum Cr. N (904) 396-6674 w themosh.org

» The Museum of Science and History offers the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, the largest digital single-lens planetarium in the U.S.

Museum of Southern History , 4304 Herschel St. N (904) 388-3574 w museumsouthernhistory.com

» Dedicated to the lifestyles, culture, and history of the Antebellum South, the museum’s exhibits include “Stonewall” Jackson’s original shoulder epaulettes and one of three flags that draped Abraham Lincoln’s casket during the Lincoln burial-train tour.

SPACE 42 , 2670 Phyllis St. m Info@spacefortytwo.com w spacefortytwo.com

» Explore the convergence of art, technology and creative entrepreneurs inside a 22,000 square-foot in Jacksonville’s Arts District. Founded in 2017, the contemporary art gallery’s goal is to represent new and emerging artists in the new contemporary art movement.

tag! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine , 76 Dockside Dr., St. Augustine N (904) 647-1757 w tagmuseum.org

» One of the country’s emerging children’s museums, tag! offers workshops and camps to paint, sculpt, design puppets, program robots, create costumes, weave and discover the fun of science explorations.

CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS

Memorial Park

Florida’s World War I Memorial

MISC.

Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

, 1445 Millcoe Rd. N (904) 318-4342 w jacksonvillearboretum.org

» The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 120-acre property with seven trails, benches, board walks, and picnic tables in the Arboretum, all built by volunteers from the community.

Jax Ale Trail , 208 N. Laura St. N (904) 798-9111 w jaxaletrail.com

» Not only does Jacksonville have one of only five Budweiser Breweries in the country that’s opened for tours, we also have a thriving craft brewery scene. There are 22 local craft breweries on the Jax Ale Trail. Jax Beer Week is celebrated each fall.

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

, 370 Zoo Pkwy. N (904) 757-4463 w jacksonvillezoo.org

» More than one million visitors visit this 117-acre zoo and gardens each year, marveling at over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection.

VISIT. DONATE. VOLUNTEER.

Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers and dedicated on December 25, 1924, Memorial Park is the only park in the state dedicated to all Floridians who lost their lives having served in World War I. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park is also a WWI Centennial Memorial as designated by the United States World War One Centennial Commission.

Memorial Park Association (MPA) is a nonprofit organization working since 1986 to enhance, promote and preserve Memorial Park—the premier historic park in Jacksonville and a vibrant destination for the community and visitors alike.

Today MPA is implementing a master plan to restore the park to the former grandeur of its original landscape design. In partnership with the City and through private donations, MPA carries out projects and beautification not covered in the City’s budget. Your gifts for current initiatives and for the Memorial Park Association Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida enhance our city and make Memorial Park the park to visit, enjoy and play.

Memorial Park is located at 1620 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204

(Between Margaret Street and Memorial Park Drive in Riverside near the 5 Points area of Jacksonville.)

Learn more about Memorial Park and Memorial Park Association by visiting www.MemParkJax.org

EXTERIOR RENDERING OF THE NEW MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY CREATED BY DLR GROUP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KASPER ARCHITECTS+ ASSOCIATES AND SCAPE

BENGAL TIGERS REIGN SUPREME AT THE JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS

MOCA’S - PROJECT ATRIUM: MAUD COTTER WAS FEATURED AT THE MUSEUM BACK IN 2022.

© Maud Cotter, what was never ours to keep, 2022.

MOCA Jacksonville, Project Atrium installation view, July 9 – November 20, 2022. Photo by Doug Eng.

Every great city has a great park. For Jacksonville, that is

CHRISTIANITY

ANGLICAN

Holy Trinity Anglican Church , 3889 Eloise St. N (904) 701-4825 w htaj.org

Resurrection Anglican Church  , 4617 San Juan Ave. N (904) 553-0017 w resurrectionjax.com

BAPTIST

Aspire Church , 1435 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-6633 w aspirejax.org

First Baptist Church of Jacksonville , 119 W. Beaver St. N (904) 312-0969 w fbcjax.com

First Baptist Church of Oakland , 1025 Jessie St. N (904) 354-5295 w theoak.org

First Baptist Church of Jacksonville - Ortega , 4865 Roosevelt Blvd. N (904) 356-6077 w fbcjax.com

Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church , 4001 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-7745 w habchurch.com

Korean First Baptist Church , 3202 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-6411

Lake Shore Baptist Church , 2363 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 388-6578 w lsbcjax.org

Melchizedek Baptist Church of the Deaf , 1824 Dean Rd. N (904) 725-8797

Murray Hill Baptist Church , 4300 Post St. N (904) 388-8531 w murrayhill.church

Park Lane Baptist Church , 1480 Lakeshore Blvd. N (904) 387-5331 w parklanebaptistchurch.com

Riverside Baptist Church , 2650 Park St.(904) N 388-7692 w rbcjax.com

Riverside Primitive Baptist , 702 Dellwood Ave. N (904) 355-5320

San Jose Baptist Church , 6140 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 737-2141 w sanjosebaptist.com

Second Missionary Baptist Church , 954 Kings Rd. N (904) 354-8268 w 2ndmissionarybaptchurch.com

Southside Karen Baptist Church , 115 Arlington Rd. N. N (904) 674-7309

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church , 1612 Tracy Rd. N (904) 351-6707 w sgbcjax.org

CATHOLIC

Assumption Catholic Church , 2403 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 398-1963 w assumptioncatholicchurch.org

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception , 121 E. Duval St. N (904) 359-0331 w icjax.org

San Jose Catholic Church , 3619 Toledo Rd. N (904) 733-1630 w sjcatholic.org

St. Matthew’s Catholic Church , 1773 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 388-8698 w stmatthewsjax.com

St. Paul’s Catholic Church , 2609 Park St. N (904) 387-2554 w stpauls-jax.org spsjax.org

EPISCOPALIAN

All Saints Episcopal Church , 4171 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 737-8488 w allsaintsjax.org

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd , 1100 Stockton St. N (904) 387-5691 w gsjax.church

The Church of the Messiah (CEC) , 3754 University Club Blvd. N (904) 721-4199 w mycomjax.com

San Jose Episcopal Church , 7423 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-1811 w sanjoseepiscopal.com

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church , 7801 Lone Star Rd. N (904) 725-6566 w standrewsjax.com

St. John’s Cathedral , 256 E. Church St. N (904) 356-5507 w jaxcathedral.org

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church , 4129 Oxford Ave. N (904) 388-2681 w stmarksjacksonville.org

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church , 5616 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 725-1150

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church , 5042 Timuquana Rd. N (904) 778-1434 w stpetersjax.org

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church , 321 W. Union St. N (904) 354-1053 w stphilipsjax.org

LUTHERAN

Mandarin Lutheran Church , 11900 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 268-4591 w mandarinlutheran.org

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church , 3976 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-9608 w stmarksjax.org

Trinity Lutheran Church , 1415 McDuff Ave. S. N (904) 389-5341 w trinity4jax.org

METHODIST

Avondale United Methodist Church , 1651 Talbot Ave. N (904) 389-1175 w aumcjax.org

Faith United Methodist Church , 4000 Spring Park Rd. N (904) 737-3555 w faithumcjax.com

First United Methodist Church , 225 E. Duval St. N (904) 356-5618 w fumc-jax.org

Historic Mt. Zion AME , Church 201 E. Beaver St. N (904) 355-9475 w hmzjax.org

Lake Shore United Methodist Church , 2246 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 388-1780 w lsumcjax.org

Lakewood United Methodist Church , 6133 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-8477 w lakewoodumc.com

Murray Hill United Methodist Church , 4101 College St. N (904) 387-4406 w murrayhillumc.org

Ortega United Methodist Church , 4807 Roosevelt Blvd. N (904) 389-5556 w ortegaumc.org

Riverside Park United Methodist Church , 819 Park St. N (904) 355-5491 w riversideparkumc.com

San Marco United Methodist Church , 1620 Naldo Ave. N (904) 398-3204 w sanmarcochurchjax.com

Southside United Methodist Church , 3120 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-2676 w sumcjax.org

ORTHODOX

Armenian Church , 3850 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 399-2944 w armenianchurchjacksonville.com (Services held at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church)

St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church , 3850 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-5383 w stjohnthedivinejax.org

PRESBYTERIAN

First Presbyterian Church , 118 E. Monroe St. N (904) 354-8439 w fpcjax.org

Lake Shore Presbyterian Church , 2270 Blanding Blvd. N (904) 389-2341

Lakewood Presbyterian Church , 2001 University Blvd. W. N (904) 733-8055 w lpcjax.org

Murray Hill Presbyterian Church , 940 Talbot Ave. N (904) 389-2939 w mhpcjax.com

Ortega Presbyterian Church , 4406 Longfellow St. N (904) 389-4043 w ortegapres.com

Riverside Presbyterian Church , 849 Park St. N (904) 355-4585 w rpcjax.org

South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church , 2137 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 396-0567 w sjaxpc.org

St. John’s Presbyterian Church , 4275 Herschel St. N (904) 384-4501 w sjpcjax.org

OTHER DENOMINATIONS / NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Cherry Street Church of Christ , 1140 McDuff Ave. S. N (904) 389-8200 w cherrystchurch.org

Christ Church of Peace , 1240 McDuff Ave. S. N (904) 387-2020 w christchurchofpeace.org

Christ the Messiah Church , 7576 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-3644 w christthemessiahchurch.com

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints , 4087 Hendricks Ave. N (904) 642-2020 w lds.org

Edgewood Avenue Christian Church , 1041 Edgewood Ave. S. N (904) 389-4876 w edgewoodavenuecc.org

Ephphatha Deaf Assembly of God , 2516 LaMee Ave. N (904) 858-9946 (fax or videophone)

Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist , 8327 Beach Blvd. N (904) 724-4076 w csjax.com

Grace Church of Avondale , 3519 Herschel St. N (904) 387-0418 w gcajax.com

Jacksonville First Seventh-day Adventist Church , 7951 Lenox Ave. N (904) 781-8550 w jacksonvillefirstfl.adventistchurch.org

Jehovah’s Witnesses , 5135 College St. N (904) 781-0233

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses , 7040 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-9618 w jw.org

King of Kings Church , 3949 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 396-3949 w kingofkingschurch.us

Mars Hill Church , 4300 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 374-5730 w marshilljax.com

Morning Glory Christian Fellowship , 3405 Atlantic Blvd. N (904) 887-2929 w morningglorycf.com

Murray Hill Christ Community Church , 3548 Gilmore St. N (904) 389-0631 w representchrist.org

Murray Hill Christ Community Church , 4865 Roosevelt Ave. N (912)536-6304 w refugejaxchurch.com

Riverside Avenue Christian Church , 2841 Riverside Ave. N (904) 389-1751 w jaxdisciples.com

Riverside United Church of Christ , 2858 Post St. N (904) 710-4994 w riverside-ucc.org

San Jose Church of Christ , 6233 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 737-2333 w sjcc.us

Second Church of Christ, Scientist , 3255 Riverside Ave. N (904) 388-1969 w christianscience.com

Southside Assembly of God , 2118 Kings Ave. N (904) 396-1663 w ssagjax.org

Southside Church of God in Christ , 2179 Emerson St. N (904) 398-1625 w southsidecogic.com

St. Luke’s Community Church , 4168 Herschel St. N (904) 723-1195 w stlukesjacksonville.com

St. Nicholas Park Christian Church , 3226 Beach Blvd. N (904) 398-1501

The Point , 4300 St. Johns Ave. N (904) 388-7601 w thepointjax.com

The City.Church , 1819 Thacker Ave. (meeting site only) w thecity.church

The City.Church, Riverside , 4274 Herschel St. w thecity.church/riverside

The City.Church, San Marco , 3139 Philips Highway, Suite 100 w thecity.church/sanmarco

The District Church , 4045 Post St. N (904) 866-7888 w thedistrictchurch.com

Unity Church of Jacksonville , 634 Lomax St. N (904) 355-5100 w unityjax.com

JUDAISM

Congregation Ahavath Chesed – The Temple , 8727 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 733-7078 w thetemplejacksonville.org

Etz Chaim Synagogue , 10167 San Jose Blvd. N (904) 262-3565 w etzchaim.org

Jacksonville Jewish Center , 3662 Crown Point Rd. N (904) 292-1000 w jjcjax.org

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

N (904) 721-1155 w elks.org

Exchange Club of Jacksonville , (904) 657-1597 w jaxexchangeclub.com

Fraternal Order of Eagles N (904) 413-7542 w foe.com

Fraternal Order of Police N (904) 398-7010 w fop530.com

Garden Club of Jacksonville N (904) 355-4224 w gardenclubofjacksonville.org

Gator Club of Jacksonville N (904) 387-6808 w jacksonvillegatorclub.com

Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons N 1-800-375-2339 w grandlodgefl.com

Jacksonville Civic Council N (904) 391-4911 w jaxciviccouncil.com

Jacksonville Urban League N (904) 723-4007 w ul-jacksonville.iamempowered.com

Junior League of Jacksonville , 2165 Park St. N (904) 387-9927 w jljacksonville.org

Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville N (904) 398-5566 w kiwanisjax.org

Knights of Columbus N (904) 723-3810 w kofc.org

Lake Shore Woman’s Club N (904) 388-7921

Leadership Jacksonville, Inc. N (904) 396-6263 w leadershipjax.org

Lions Club International w lionsclubs.org

Memorial Park Association m info@memparkjax.org w memparkjax.org

Meninak Club of Jacksonville N (904) 745-3393 w meninak.org

Men’s Garden Club of Jacksonville N (904) 635-7318 w mgcjax.org

Moose International w mooseintl.org

Optimist International w optimist.org

Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, Inc. N (904) 854-6555 w jaxpal.com

Riverside Rotary Club of Jacksonville w jaxriversiderotary.org

Rotary Club of Jacksonville N (904) 353-6789 w jaxrotary.org

Rotary Club of San Jose w portal.clubrunner.ca/2155/

Rotary Club of San Marco N (904) 387-4057 w sanmarcorotary.com

Rotary Club of South Jacksonville N (904) 994-7355 w southjaxrotary.org

Rotary Club of West Jacksonville N (904) 994-7355 w westjaxrotary.org

Southside Businessmen’s Club N (904) 419-3205 w southsidebusinessmensclub.com

Southside Woman’s Club N (904) 396-0459 w southsidewomansclub.net

Woman’s Club of Jacksonville N (904) 355-6202

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL CLUBS

CAPtivators (Supports the Cathedral Arts Project) N (904) 281-5599, Ext. 15 w facebook.com/JaxCAPtivators

First A.C.T. (Supports the Florida Theatre) N (904) 355-5661, ext. 247 w floridatheatre.com/florida-theatre-first-a-c-t

ImpactJAX (Supports JAX Chamber) N (904) 273-5366 w facebook.com/IMPACTjax

Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section N (904) 399-4486 w Jaxbar.org/page/YLSSection

Jacksonville Young Voters Coalition N (904) 322-9233 w facebook.com/jaxyoungvoterscoalition

Jacksonville Jaycees (Supports community projects) w jaxjaycees.org

Pioneers (Supports American Cancer Society) N (904) 391-3607 w cowfordball.org

Red Shoe Crew (Supports Ronald McDonald House) N (904) 807-4669 w rmhcjacksonville.org/how-you-can-help/red-shoe-crew

Rising Tides (Supports the St. Johns Riverkeeper) N (904) 256-7613 w facebook.com/SJRK.Rising.Tides

Rotaract Clubs (Supports Rotary Clubs ) w Downtown: downtownrotaractjax.org w First Coast: firstcoastrotaract.com w Beaches: beachesrotaract.org w UNF: unf.edu/groups/rotaract/

Shircliff Society (Supports St. Vincent’s Health Care) N (904) 308-7306 w facebook.com/TheShircliffSociety

The Contemporaries (Supports the Museum of Contemporary Art) N (904) 620-4207 w facebook.com/MOCAJaxContemporaries

The Elements of MOSH (Supports the Museum of Science & History) N (904) 396-6674 w facebook.com/MOSHElements

Urban League Young Professionals (Supports the Urban League) N (904) 359-0929 w facebook.com/jaxurbanleague

Jacksonville pets seek compassionate, understanding and loving companions

BY JULIE KERNS GARMENDIA

WRITTEN

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO INTERACT, ASSIST AND REHABILITATE ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE

Pet parents or those considering adding a cat, dog, or another animal to the family, will be glad to know that Jacksonville is pet-friendly, with everything pets and owners need.

Check off the essentials: excellent veterinarians, after-hours emergency clinics and specialists, expert trainers, groomers, kennels, and doggy daycares. Then comes the fun: pet yoga, dog parks, pet bakeries, pet-friendly cafes, ice cream or coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.

Jacksonville’s Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS), Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS), and other rescue nonprofits offer monthly activities on-site and community-wide. They tirelessly promote adoption, fostering, spaying, neutering, and animal welfare education. Organizations host Mutt Marches, parades, costume, and photo contests: fun family events held throughout Northeast Florida to raise awareness.

Families or individuals can practice yoga with dogs, cats, kittens (JHS Meowmaste!), bunnies, pigs, and goats at parks, farms, animal rescue shelters, or the beaches. The annual Blessing of the Animals October celebration is a favorite event held at churches and community locations, attracting every type of pet.

There are unlimited opportunities to adopt a new best friend in Jacksonville. Both ACPS and JHS have adoptable pets shown on their websites. They offer daily adoption center hours staffed to assist visitors in finding the perfect companion. Their frequent special activities and low-cost or free adoption events are publicized on Facebook.

ACPS offers a two-week trial adoption for anyone who wants to see how an animal might

fit into their family. JHS prospective adopters can schedule a sleepover to take a shelter pet home for a forty-eight-hour stay while considering adoption.

If pet ownership isn’t possible, there are other ways to enjoy animal interaction. Adults and youth (16+) can foster, check out a shelter pet for a day or weekend visit, or volunteer for a local, nonprofit domestic animal welfare or licensed wildlife rescue organization.

All nonprofit animal welfare organizations need volunteers to foster, care for, nurture, play, groom, walk, transport and help promote animals awaiting adoption. Fostering a pet is a flexible, short-term commitment, with all veterinarian care provided free to the foster.

Fostering enriches the animal’s life and alleviates shelter stress that can trigger negative behavior, diminishing that animal’s chance for adoption. Fostering helps overcrowded shelters and may prevent euthanasia. ACPS and JHS have foster groups that specialize in saving the annual avalanche of orphaned kittens of all ages: join the Kitten Army!

The larger animal shelters have freestanding facilities. Private nonprofit animal welfare organizations usually work with all-volunteer, foster networks and have no physical location. Most have a website or Facebook page to promote their adoptable animals, activities, and ways to donate or volunteer. Every rescue provides free training, some supplies, and support. All offer an exhaustive list of possible volunteer opportunities to match every age, interest, and ability. To view a list of nonprofit local animal rescue groups, visit jaxanimals. com/animal rescue.

ACPS & JHS offer programs that allow the joy of pet interaction without a permanent ownership commitment. Legitimate rescues accept an adopted animal back if the placement does not work out for any reason. ACPS has the Dogs Around Duval Program for those unable to adopt or foster. Anyone (16+) can visit ACPS during adoption hours to discuss with staff activities they plan for a day away with a shelter dog. The staff helps choose the perfect canine companion for those activities.

JHS offers its Dog Day Out program that pairs visitors (18 +) with adoptable dogs for a mini-getaway. Arrive during adoption hours, and choose a dog from those with “Dog Day Out” kennel tags or from the front desk list of eligible dogs.

The new best friends can spend an entire day at the beach, explore a park, take a long walk, or chill and relax at home. Dogs must return to JHS one hour before closing. Neither shelter permits adoptable cats to leave for visits because it is more stressful than beneficial for felines.

Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) Coj.net/pets Facebook.com/jaxanimalcare 2020 Forest Street, 32204 (904) 630-2489

Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) jaxhumane.org Facebook.com/jaxhumane 8464 Beach Blvd., 32216 (904) 725-8766

Monday-Friday: 12:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Newcomers who want to help save native wildlife from the devastating impact of rampant development and habitat loss can contact Northeast Florida’s licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations. There are too few serving multiple counties. These groups depend on volunteers, fosters (free training provided), donors, and donated supplies to continue saving orphaned, injured, ill, and displaced wildlife. As nonprofits, they rely on donations and receive no government funding. Visit their websites to see wildlife information, resources, and ways to donate, foster, volunteer, or for wildlife emergencies:

Northeast Florida Wildlife Coalition (904) 779-5569 wildlifecoalition.com Facebook.com/wildliferescuenefl

The Ark Wildlife Care & Sanctuary (904) 424-6543 thearkwildlifecareandsanctuary.com Facebook.com/arkwildlifecareandrehab

PET SAFETY DURING & AFTER A MOVE

Make pet safety a priority during any move and settling into a new home. Pets new to the house, yard, and neighborhood will be disoriented and can quickly become lost or hide out of fear or anxiety from all the changes. It is far too easy for pets to slip out a door or an open gate during the relocation. The first days and weeks in a new home and yard are also high-risk for a pet to disappear through that hidden hole in the fence. Walk the fence-line and check for escape spots that need repair.

Update collar and microchip contact information with the new address to ensure safe return if the family pet is accidentally lost. It is safest to fit pets with a visible collar and identification

tag. The collar and tag instantly signal to a potential rescuer that this is a lost pet: not a stray or feral animal. Cats should always wear collars labeled “breakaway” or “quick-release. ”These cat-safe collars pop open if caught on something: preventing tragic, accidental strangulation.

Microchips provide additional insurance so that a lost pet can safely return home. Best of all, microchips are permanent, require no batteries or power, and cannot be lost, broken, or removed like collars.

A microchip — the size of a rice grain — is implanted by a veterinarian between the loose flaps of skin between the pet’s shoulder blades. Insertion takes a second, is inexpensive, and feels like a vaccination to the pet.

Microchips are not GPS tracking devices; they are tiny transponders with unique identification numbers. When a lost pet is scanned for a microchip free of charge by veterinarians or shelters, it provides the pet owner’s contact information.

However, identification tags and microchips can only bring lost pets home if the owner’s contact information is accurate. After insertion of a microchip, the pet’s owner must complete registration either with the veterinarian who did the insertion or directly with the microchip company. After any change in address or telephone number, owners must update their contact information with the microchip company.

Sadly, when many lost, microchipped pets are scanned, their chip is unregistered, or the contact information is outdated: owners cannot be found. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that microchipped pets with accurate owner contact information are twenty times more likely to be safely returned to owners.

IF A PET IS LOST

According to the ACPS, one in three pets will be lost. Most pets found wearing a visible, up-to-date identification tag or that are microchipped will be safely returned to owners. Most lost pets without identification will not make it home. If a pet is lost, there are immediate steps to take after posting readable flyers throughout the area with the pet’s photo, description, and contact information. Notify neighbors and nearby veterinarian offices about the missing pet and ask them to post the flyer in reception areas:

• Inform the microchip company that the pet is lost and update contact information.

• Visit Jacksonville’s Animal Care & Protective Services, 2020 Forest Street, 32204, Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m., or weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. to search for the lost pet. Closed Mondays. Visit their website, www.coj.net/pets, to view Stray/Found Pets.

• Email Jaxpets@coj.net with a photo and complete information about the lost pet to alert Animal Code Enforcement Officers & Shelter Intake Staff.

• Visit the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., 32216, to search for your pet. JHS is open daily: 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. or weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit their website to view Lost and Found Animals. Complete a Lost/Found pet report at jaxhumane.org

• Post your lost pet online at, Lost Pets of Jacksonville, Fl: www.facebook.com/ groups/542623022426890.

• Also, post your lost pet online at, Lost and Found Pets of Northeast Florida: www.facebook. com/groups/LostandFoundPetsNEFlorida

Jacksonville requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to have an annual rabies vaccination and city license tag registered for a $20 fee. Registration is free for up to three pets for owners aged sixty-two or older or anyone who is 100% disabled.

At the time of vaccination, pet owners may purchase the required City of Jacksonville Rabies Tag from the veterinarian. Or, they may complete paperwork to buy the tag from any Duval County Tax Collector’s Office. Owners must be able to show proof of their pet’s current rabies vaccination status. To license a pet online, go to: licensepet. com/coj.

Choosing a veterinarian is a crucial decision aided by asking for references from new neighbors, friends, and co-workers with the same type of pets. Consider a veterinarian close enough for convenience, with hours and services that meet the family’s needs. On-site boarding can mean life or death if a pet suffers a medical emergency during the family vacation.

Pets will enjoy a more relaxed stay if boarded with their veterinarian and staff in a location they know. If a medical emergency occurs, the family veterinarian, already familiar with the pet and armed with all necessary medical records, will be able to ensure the best possible outcome.

Florida veterinarians highlight the necessity of year-round, monthly flea, tick, heartworm,

and parasite prevention for dogs and outdoor cats. Because of Jacksonville’s mild winters with brief or no freeze temperatures, these pests that cause or carry diseases and illnesses thrive. They can bite, infest or infect pets year-round.

Likewise, mosquitoes carry a parasitic worm that attacks a dog’s heart causing deadly heartworm disease. Cats have some natural protection against heartworms but can also contract the disease.

Several preventive medications combine protection from heartworms and parasites in one tablet. These combination medications are only available from veterinarians or online with a prescription. They require proof of a negative heartworm test before pets can begin monthly treatment. It is advisable to discuss options with a veterinarian.

PET EMERGENCY KIT

In preparation for any emergency, it is vital to plan to have a Pet Emergency Kit on hand with a recommended minimum three-day supply of needed items for each pet. The city of Jacksonville offers advice on emergency planning by calling 630-CITY (2489). If it is necessary to find a hotel that accepts pets, go to petswelcome. com.

Fit each pet with a secure collar or harness & leash, including up-to-date identification, city license & rabies tag.

Microchip and register each pet’s microchip with the owner’s contact information for additional security. Keep the microchip company information and Pet ID registration number with that pet’s veterinarian records.

• Current laminated (waterproof) photo of the pet.

• Laminated veterinary medical & vaccination records for each pet.

• Bowls plus food & water for three days. Waterproof food container.

• Waterproof pet carrier with bedding.

• Plastic bags for pet droppings or waste disposal.

• Supply of veterinary medications in waterproof container.

• Toys/comfort blanket.

• Manual can opener for canned food.

• First aid kit.

• Grooming supplies.

• Paper towels/wet wipes.

• Flashlight & spare batteries.

• Cat litter, litter box. HL

DOG PARKS

Confederate Playground Dog Park

, 949 Hubbard St.

John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park , 753 Park St.

Paws Dog Park

, 210 Davis Park Rd., Ponte Vedra

Paws Dog Park at Treaty Park , 1595 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine

Paws Park at Veterans Park , 1332 Veterans Pkwy, St. Johns County

Paws Dog Park at Wingate Park , 468 Penman Rd S, Jacksonville Beach

Tails for Trails

, Inside Nocatee Community Park

Leashed

Atlantic Beach

Dogs allowed year-round, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Huguenot Memorial Park

Dogs are allowed in the campsite area only and must not be left unattended at any time.

Dogs are not allowed on the beaches at any time.

Jacksonville Beach

Dogs allowed year-round, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

There is a two-dog limit. The park is open from dusk till dawn, year-round.

Neptune Beach

Dogs are allowed year-round, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

dogs are permitted on the following beaches in Duval County:

But if you’re hurt through someone else’s negligence, and have questions, Coker Law is here for you. We’ve been here for more than 46 years, and we’ll make sure you don’t have to fight alone.

Here for Jacksonville residents since 1976.

At Coker Law, we hope your new move is safe and enjoyable.