Twelve all-stars in the making gear up for a season filled with Gator Bowl adventures as this year’s 2025 Dream Team – from scouting games to meeting players – before stepping into the spotlight at this year’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
The Sanctuary on 8th Street’s summer camp blended enrichment with adventure for more 80 campers this summer, offering everything from field trips to presentations to keep them engaged, curious and entertained during the hot summer days.
If there’s one thing we love about this community, it’s how our readers show up – with heart, humor, and sometimes even a hound.
A big thanks to David Wingard for sending in a great photo of his son Ramsay’s dog, Bear, proudly delivering the newspaper like a true professional (eat your heart out, paperboys of the past!). With Florida’s heat still hanging on, it’s safe to say the Dog Days of Summer are alive and well, but so is our neighborhood spirit.
As we turn the page to September, backpacks are back, calendars are filling up, and the social season is already starting to stir. The holidays are just around the corner, and everything feels a little more connected, a little more energized.
Here’s to a season of reconnecting, relaxing, and enjoying the rhythm of life in our little corner of the world.
From chic to cheeky, we want to see your best “Think Pink” moment this October! Whether you’re channeling full-on runway vibes or just adding a clever pop of color, show us your style and you could win a $150 Taverna Gift Card. Need inspo? Try these on for size:
Monochrome moment: Own the sidewalk in head-to-toe pink. Sip in style: Raise a glass (rosé, pink latte, or mocktail) to awareness.
Street style: Pink sneakers + pink lips = instant statement. Petite in pink: Your pup or kitty in a pink bow? Instant win. Wheel appeal: Add a splash of pink to your bike, scooter, or convertible.
Squad goals: Rally your crew for a coordinated pink-out photo.
Bold, bright, and a little unexpected – that’s what we’re looking for. Now show us how you “Think Pink” Snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it with us. Your photos could be featured in the October issue of Resident News !
residentnewsjax | editor@residentnews.net
You could win a $150 gift card to Taverna just for showing off your pink spirit. Photos must be tagged or submitted by Sept. 20. The winner will be notified by September 23 via e-mail and social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see if you’re our winner!
By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
The City of Jacksonville responded to citizen safety concerns with a project to redesign the intersection of Park Street and Blanding Boulevard at the entrance to the FSCJ Kent Campus.
District 7 City Councilman Jimmy Peluso was able to place the project on the City’s list of priority projects through Resolution 2025-0119-A, which was submitted to the North Florida Transportation Planning Association (TPO). TPO approved the approximately $4 million project at its April meeting.
“I am excited this improvement is moving forward and to see the strong community support as the engineering and design phases commence,” said Peluso.
The significant changes currently included in the project design are removing the slip lane that allows motorists heading northbound on Roosevelt Boulevard to directly merge on to Park Street from the highway, allowing a right turn at the traffic light at the intersection of Park Street and Roosevelt Boulevard and installing a roundabout at the intersection of Park Street and Blanding Boulevard at the Kent Campus entrance.
“The conceptual project is expected to promote traffic calming at the location, increase aesthetics and promote traffic flows through the intersection,” said Hampton Ray, FDOT Community Outreach Manager.
Peluso recognized the efforts of the Fishweir Neighborhood Watch to bring the need for this project to his attention and detail the safety issues that this change could address. The Fishweir Neighborhood Watch hosted FDOT District 2 Urban Planning and Modal Administrator Jim
Knight for a project update at its monthly meeting on Aug. 19.
“That slip lane has caused most of the headache in that area,” said Knight.
He informed meeting attendees that FDOT is aware of the safety issues created by vehicles traveling off a highway with a speed limit of 50 mph and merging into the residential area of Park Street, which has a speed limits of 30 and 25 mph.
“We believe this design addresses that issue. I always thought a roundabout would work well there and when we got the traffic counts, it really confirmed it,” said Knight. “We looked at the traffic signal there and that really works well out into the future, but the roundabout works even better out into the future.”
The current project design was displayed at the meeting, though Knight stated the design process is ongoing.
“We are on about our sixth variation to it,” Knight said. “We are still making adjustments to it.”
The project’s progress benefits from its relatively easy implementation and low cost.
“Those two factors often move a project forward quickly. We also had some misfortune on a project or two where they ran into some issues with right-of-way position that allowed this project to move up,” said Knight.
The elimination of the slip lane from the northbound lane of Roosevelt will also create more road frontage for properties on the lane, which will enable the creation of a sidewalk and increase safety for properties with driveways onto Park Street.
“We’ve worked to make all of those driveways (along
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the slip lane) to where nobody has to back out into traffic on Park Street,” said Knight.
While the project design was well-received at the Fishweir Neighborhood Watch meeting, there were some negative aspects that Knight addressed, including the eventual closure of the intersection for the roundabout construction.
“To install that roundabout, you have to dig up that asphalt out in the middle of the intersection and build a concrete truck apron that is 12 inches thick,” said Knight. “There is no way to do that off-peak, with a lane closed. We have to close it down, completely.”
The current proposal would place the project on the 2026-27 schedule with construction beginning the Monday after the July 4th weekend. The intersection would be closed for two to three weeks, with an estimated completion date before the start of the school year.
FDOT is working on securing right-of-ways for the project and will share information with the public when it becomes available.
“We need some right-of-way from the City and from the college, both have expressed that they are amenable to work with us,” said Knight.
The meeting’s discussion also included some improvements that the attendees would like to see on other roads, including speed humps on Yukon Street to slow traffic along Fishweir Park and a crosswalk at Yukon Street and Valencia Road. Brooks Dame, Peluso’s executive council assistant, said she would investigate those issues.
By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has estimated it will cost $972,000 to install a pedestrian crosswalk with a signalized crossing and a refuge island to improve pedestrian safety on Baymeadows Road at the site of a double pedestrian fatality that occurred in May.
FDOT conducted a crosswalk study following the fatal crash that took the lives of Mitchell Patch and his toddler-aged son, who were crossing Baymeadows Road at Goodby’s Executive Drive. The study recommended a crosswalk at the location.
The study revealed that, for five years between Jan. 1, 2020, and May 25, 2025, the area has experienced a total of 12 crashes. Of those crashes, nine were property damage only, two involved injuries, one was fatal and one was correctable.
FDOT has developed a candidate project for the crosswalk installation. The project will require additional right-of-way due to roadway geometry and safety requirements.
Funding for this recommendation depends on the City of Jacksonville prioritizing the project through the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).
This location is within City Council District 5, represented by Councilman Joe Carlucci, who has pledged to address the safety concerns at this location.
“I am going to remain engaged with FDOT, State Legislators, and the Mayor’s office to make sure the city does everything we can to expedite the process,” said Carlucci. “For now, the main takeaway is that we have taken the first big step in making this area safer for pedestrians. There are more steps to take – but I want to reassure my constituents that these steps will be taken with urgency.”
The estate of philanthropists Helen M. and Edward W. Lane, Jr. has bequeathed 18 works of art to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
A dedicated installation showcasing these works, including 17 paintings and one sculpture by 19th- and 20th-century European and American artists, was launched on Aug. 15 and will run through Jan. 11, 2026, before the pieces are incorporated into existing collection galleries.
“Mom and Dad thoroughly enjoyed acquiring and living with these paintings over many decades,” said their son, Edward. “My sisters, brother, and I are delighted that the art they so loved has found a home at the Cummer Museum.”
Artists featured in this bequest include Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Gustave Caillebotte, Jean Dufy, Frederick Childe Hassam, Robert Henri, Marie Laurencin, Thomas Moran, Grandma Moses, also known as Anna Mary Robertson, Auguste Rodin, and Louis Valtat.
“Helen and Ed have been part of the museum family since our opening in 1961,” said Kimberly S. Noble, interim George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and CEO. “Their longstanding support of the Cummer Museum has been instrumental in making it Jacksonville’s landmark cultural institution, and this extraordinary gift, made possible through their estate planning, will be cherished for generations to come.”
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By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee has finished up its budget hearings to review the $2 billion budget presented by Mayor Donna Deegan for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and City Council President Kevin Carrico is urging citizens to take action in the process.
“It’s time to reach out to your council members. It’s time, as citizens, to activate,” said Carrico at an Aug. 25 press conference. “Over $13 million has been cut from your (property) taxes; that savings is coming back to you.”
The savings equate to about $1 a month back in the pockets of taxpayers.
Following Carrico’s press conference, Deegan said she sees the savings as the City Council responding to political pressure.
“We heard one of the Finance Committee members say that they had put money back into Meals on Wheels because they were getting political pressure to do so,” said Deegan. “Where is the citizen in all of this? If the private sector is not going to step in and solve the problem, it’s government’s job to step in and at least begin to find a solution for that..like feeding seniors.”
year on Sept. 9.
The Finance Committee needed to find savings in the budget to afford the tax reduction.
One of the initial cuts made by the committee was to the Meals on Wheels program that provided meals to homebound seniors. The Senior Services, which Meals on Wheels is covered by, received $6,806,011 in the previous fiscal year. Of that amount, approximately $150,000 was used for the Meals on Wheels program. The funding request has been increased to $8,903,554 for the 2025-26 budget.
The $2,210,000 increase was requested to fund a pilot program to address food insecurity among seniors.
Carrico initially made a motion to triple the City’s annual contribution from $150,000 to $486,000 at the Aug. 14 meeting, but was against the $2.2 million. Senior Services are coordinated under the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, and Director Daryl Joseph explained that the additional funds were needed to address the 3,000 people on the waiting list for the mayor’s food insecurity program.
It’s time to reach out to your council members. It’s time, as citizens, to activate.
– Kevin Carrico City Council President
The tax savings Carrico alluded to were proposed by Finance Committee Chair Raul Arias and Committee Member Ron Salem, who proposed a 1/8 millage decrease in the property tax rate for 2025-26 from Deegan’s proposed budget during the Aug. 7 committee meeting. Council Auditor Kim Taylor instructed the committee that once the millage rate was set, the city council would not be able to increase it later to address budget needs.
The City Council will have a hearing to set the tax rate for the upcoming fiscal
By the Aug. 22 Finance Committee Budget hearing, the Mayor’s Office had met with city council members and agreed to fund the program with $1.7 million. Joseph reported that about 900 people would still be on the waiting list for meals.
The Aug. 22 budget hearing also included the introduction of three controversial amendments introduced by Council Member Rory Diamond. The amendments won’t allow the City to fund Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives or programs funding people living in
the country illegally, while the third amendment bans taxpayer funding for abortion and abortion-related services.
Both Committee Member Ju’Coby Pittman and City Council Member Rahman Johnson voiced their opposition to the amendments.
After the amendments were approved, Carrico asked for clarification on whether the mayor could veto the entire budget and what the ramifications would be. Mary Staffopoulus from the City’s Office of General Counsel informed the committee that the mayor could veto the budget. If there wasn’t a budget in place by the start of the fiscal year, then the previous budget would still be in effect. The City Council would need 10 votes to override the mayor’s veto if that were to happen.
Following the final finance committee meeting on Aug. 22, Deegan issued a statement regarding the amendments.
“These divisive amendments do not belong in a budget bill,” Deegan said.
“I’m extremely disappointed that the majority of this Finance Committee went along with yet another attempt to polarize our community with toxic D.C. culture wars that hurt our city. We have so much momentum right now and I will not let us be distracted.”
Carrico, however, stood by the
amendments, sharing the following remarks at the Aug. 25 press conference on the steps of Jacksonville City Hall, joined by nine other council members.
“Those amendments were put in by Council Member Diamond. I support those amendments as a conservative. I don’t want to see our taxpayer dollar used on any items that the amendments cover. If the Mayor wants to veto that, that is up to her.”
$4,300,000
4
By Michele Leivas
Legislation to establish the Five Points Business Improvement District has begun working its way through committee at the Jacksonville City Council.
Legislation for the BID was introduced in July.
According to the Center for Innovative Financial Support at the USDOT Federal Highway Administration, BIDs are “privately directed and publicly sanctioned organizations that supplement public services within geographically defined boundaries by generating multiyear revenue through a compulsory assessment on local property owners and/or businesses.”
If established, the Five Points BID would be funded through an annual special assessment on the property tax bill for commercial property owners within the BID boundaries. According to Phillip Peterson of the Council Auditor’s Office, there are approximately 80 to 100 businesses in the Five Points area.
Five Points area merchants and community stakeholders spoke at the Aug. 18 Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting, a ll in support of the proposed BID, highlighting the positive impact they believe the district would have on the community and underscoring the need for it.
Natalie Worth is the manager for Five Points Dental on Margaret Street. She spoke before the committee, detailing some of her firsthand experiences.
“In the past 10 years, we have had a group of individuals who hang out in Five Points that do not respect our businesses, employees, or patrons,” Worth told the committee. “My staff and I have been stalked and harassed by individuals when we’ve asked them not to camp out and panhandle in front of our business.”
Worth said establishing the BID would play a pivotal role in improving the Five Points area for merchants and residents alike.
“This BID would enable Five Points to fund and manage critical services to improve safety, cleanliness and landscaping,” Worth said. “Without this BID, I predict we will continue to lose small businesses, and eventually Jacksonville will lose historic Five Points.”
Following extensive committee discussion, during which NCSPHS Committee Member
Ron Salem expressed hesitation to support the legislation just yet, inquiring whether District 7 City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso had obtained documents from the Five Points merchants expressing support for the BID.
“We are voting to tax people,” Salem said. “I want to personally be very careful that there is widespread, virtually close to 100% support before I support it.
Ultimately, Peluso agreed to defer the bill.
Following the meeting, Peluso said he wasn’t concerned about the discussion or the deferment.
“By no means was I hearing anything that made me feel like this effort is in jeopardy,” Peluso said. “I think people understand – especially with some of the business leaders who showed up – they understand the need for this Business Improvement District.”
Discussions surrounding the BID have been ongoing for some time. An exhibit included with the proposed legislation lists 14 different presentations Peluso held with Five Points property owners, merchants or other community stakeholders dating back to August 2024, underscoring the fact that the community has been involved and informed throughout this process.
Five Points Association President Dori Thomsen said she viewed the deferment as a good thing.
“It means they’re willing to hear us and see this through with us,” Thomsen said. “I thought that was a big positive, I thought it was insightful.”
Peluso said he anticipates revisiting the BID legislation with the committees following the September meeting for the Five Points Association, where he hopes to collect signed documents from area merchants in support of the bill.
“I’m just trying to show I’m here with a good faith effort to win over their support, and I think that that will do it,” Peluso said.
The next Five Points Association meeting will be held at Riverside Presbyterian Church’s Bittinger Hall on Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m.
By Michele Leivas
Five Points Association is launching a funky new community event that echoes the community’s eclectic vibe for merchants, residents and visitors to enjoy.
The inaugural Funky Friday is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, kicking off a ninemonth season for this free, family-friendly event within the Five Points community. The program is presented by RadiFi Credit Union, which has its main branch on Park Street.
Funky Friday will be held on the first Friday of every month, beginning this month and running through May 2026. It will be held throughout the Five Points neighborhood from 4 to 8 p.m. It is a sidewalk festival featuring live music, street performers, games, food, drinks, and more.
Five Points Association describes Funky Fridays as “a community-driven revitalization initiative designed to increase foot traffic, support local merchants, and re-energize public life in Five Points through monthly themed events featuring live music, games, and merchant activations.”
It is reminiscent of the First Fridays, said Five Points Merchants Association Events Committee Chair Carissa Marques, a monthly event that fell to the wayside several years ago.
“People in the community voiced that they wanted some more programming for afternoon, early evening happenings instead of just late night,” Marques said. “Because, you know, Five Points I feel is known for its nightlife.”
Funky Fridays will fill that need, providing entertainment options for those who would like to experience the neighborhood on a Friday evening without staying out late into the night. Marques said she anticipates the program evolving as it goes, with more merchants getting involved once they know what to expect.
For this inaugural event, Soluna Yoga and Spa will be partnering with Five Points newcomer and concert venue, Five, for a yoga experience. While other merchants, including Waffle Cone, HolySmoke BBQ and Five Points Liquor Lounge, will be participating in Funky Fridays as well with other entertainment, from DJs to sidewalk karaoke to stilt walkers and more.
Through this placemaking and community programming effort, Funky Fridays creates an opportunity for a greater connection between merchants and their community, Marques explained. Early discussions at previous Five Points Association meetings reflected a desire to create inclusive and accessible events for everyone. Funky Fridays fills that need.
“It will be so much fun and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it evolves throughout the year,” Marques said.
Residents can turn to the Five Points Association’s social media for more updates as the first Funky Friday approaches.
orlando valle v. proficient auto transport, Inc., et al
$14.5 MILLION
(verdict, 5/4/2022)
Personal Injury: Trucking Crash
kathleen thomas* V. geico insurance company
$14.4 MILLION
(verdict, 8/5/2022)
Personal Injury: car accident
*Names changed to protect client privacy
john and debra Smith* v local glass company, Out-of-state glass company*
$4.5 MILLION
(set tlement, 8/17/2021)
Personal Injury: Workplace Negligence
*Names changed to protect client privacy
By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
The Park and King merchant corridor in Riverside will soon be getting additional support from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
According to JSO Lieutenant Torri Robinson, JSO District 5 – which stretches from Riverside to Baldwin – will be receiving 14 new deputies who have recently graduated from the police academy. The new deputies are filling open positions in the district.
This information was shared at the Aug. 4 meeting of the Park and King Area Merchants Association at Cool Moose Café.
JSO has also created a task force to patrol the Five Points area in Riverside.
“It [the task force] will be utilized in the Five Points area to respond to and combat some of the complaints that have been received by businesses and patrons in the area,” said Deputy Christian Hancock, senior media relations manager with the Sheriff’s Office.
The task force may also have to respond to the recent development of “Takeover”
It [the task force] will be utilized in the Five Points area to respond to and combat some of the complaints that have been received by businesses and patrons in the area.
– Deputy Christian Hancock, Senior Media Relations Manager, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
events that include large groups of teenagers occupying an area, like the recent event at Friendship Fountain on the Southbank.
Robinson reported that the Sheriff’s Office had learned that an event called “Fightfest” was planned for Friendship Fountain on Aug. 2, with a backup location in the Five Points area. JSO responded to the areas, but there were few issues, Robinson said.
“We have received complaints of events such as this, and we will continue to monitor for inappropriate or illegal behaviors during them,” said Hancock.
Take a Piece, Leave a Piece: Riverside’s Little Local Box Debuts
Riverside Avondale Preservation has launched its own twist on the Little Free Library movement with its “Little Local Box.” Launched on July 30, the art-centric box can be spotted outside of RAP headquarters at the Buckland House (2623 Herschel Street). Instead of books, the box contains small works of art by local artists, as well as art supplies.
The Little Local Box asks patrons to leave a piece of art if they take one.
A new hotel could be coming to the Five Points community.
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning application was filed at the end of July for a mixed-use project at 1000 Riverside Avenue.
The proposed plan encompasses approximately 1.9 acres across three parcels bordered by Riverside Avenue, Post Street and May Street. The mixed-use project proposes a mixed-use retail and hotel building, according to the PUD written description filed along with the rezoning application, “to meet the growing tourism and commercial needs of the Riverside and Brooklyn neighborhoods.”
The PUD description details a maximum of 125 hotel rooms with an additional 50,000 square feet of non-hotel space, plus a minimum of 271 parking spaces. The proposal also includes a ground-floor restaurant, a detached parking structure and an outdoor hardscape plaza for public use.
The project has already generated some buzz from residents, who were invited to an Aug. 28 public meeting, hosted by District 7 City Councilman Jimmy Peluso and Riverside Avondale Preservation at Riverside Presbyterian Church. Residents had already taken to social media to share their thoughts on the proposed project with mixed reviews.
“I can’t see how this would be anything but good for that area,” commented Ryan Johnson.
Daniel Silva echoed those sentiments: “Great idea. 5 [sic] Points is struggling right now through a transition of recently closed businesses I will miss, but this would be a welcome addition.”
Others had concerns about how this development could impact the surrounding area.
“That is right next to Riverside Presbyterian Day School,” commented Carolyn McGovern. “How is that area going to support the school traffic and the traffic from the hotel? Seems like this hotel should be on the downtown side of 95 to be congruent with the surrounding properties.”
The design team includes Envision Design + Engineering, Kasper Architects + Associates. The developer is Corner Lot Development Group.
The Land, Use and Zoning Committee will have a public hearing for the project at its Sept. 3 meeting.
Resident News will provide more details on the public meeting and the PUD rezoning application as they become available.
By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
The next generation of civic leaders will once again have a front row seat to local government with the renewal of the Jacksonville City Council Page Program.
The program was renewed at the Aug. 12 city council meeting.
Leona Shaffer, a student at Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, and Leyli Amoli, a Duval County home school student, were the first members of the rejuvenated program.
“Bringing back the page program reflects our commitment to cultivating the next generation of civic leaders. By adding an online application, we’re making it easier than ever for students and families to get involved,” said Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico.
The program is designed to engage local students in city government and inspire civic involvement at a young age. After a temporary pause, the program returns with a fresh, modernized update with a new online application process aimed at increasing application accessibility and streamlining participation.
The program offers middle and high school students the unique opportunity to serve as legislative pages during regularly scheduled city council meetings. Students, ages 11 to 18, will observe government in action, assist with official duties and gain firsthand experience of the legislative process at the local level.
The online application, available at the City of Jacksonville website replaces the former paper-based forms and allows for quicker, more convenient registration. Students can submit required information electronically and receive confirmation and scheduling details via email.
The program is open to students enrolled in school in Duval County. Participants must have permission from and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming council meeting cycle.
For more information, please visit www.jacksonville.gov/city-council/city-councilpage-application-request-form or contact Yvonne P. Mitchell, chief of administrative services, at ymitch@coj.net or (904) 255-5171.
Despite the summertime heat, the Northeast Florida housing market continued cooling in July with a more deliberate sales pace and slower buyer activity.
While sellers maintained more balanced expectations as they entered the market, buyers enjoyed more choice and more negotiating power as active inventory rose steadily, and properties remained on the market longer than they did earlier this year – indications of a shift toward a calmer, more balanced environment across much of the region.
“Buyers who were unsuccessful in buying a home during the strong seller’s market of the COVID years have been begging for a market shift towards these exact conditions,” said NEFAR President Mario Gonzalez.
Nearly 2,000 single-family homes closed in July, dropping 9.4% from June. Pending sales (1,292) and new listings (2,613) also fell in July by 28.9% and 4.3%, respectively. Alternatively, compared to the same time last year, July’s active inventory of 8,882 properties increased by 10.7%, marking a positive change for buyers.
“These conditions are much more representative of a balanced market and experienced realtors can help buyers and sellers navigate much more successfully than trying to go it alone in these waters,” Gonzalez added.
In July, Duval County homes spent an average of 38 days on the market with a median price of $329,000.
New listings dropped by 9.7% to 1,300, with a four-and-a-half-month active inventory supply of 4,243 homes in the county. Countywide, there were 659 pending sales and 947 closed sales. The Home Affordability Index saw a slight bump, increasing to 79, making it the third most affordable county in the region, behind Putnam and Baker counties, with Housing Affordability Indices of 101 and 83, respectively. With an index rating of 44, St. Johns County remains the region’s most expensive county.
The countdown is on for the 2025 Constellation Furyk and Friends presented by Circle K, and fans can expect a week-long line-up of fan experiences, a stacked list of competitors and programming with lasting impact on the greater Jacksonville community.
Scheduled for Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 at Timuquana Country Club, the tournament will bring back Tailgate Village, where guests can grab a drink, get some food and watch some sports. The tournament is putting a twist on its music component this year with the Community Concert Series, which will take place on the 17th hole right after play. Country performers LOCASH and Love and Theft are slated to perform Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, respectively.
Player commitments include Rocco Mediate, returning as defending champion, twotime champion and two-time NCAA Division II All-American and 1997 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year Felipe Aguilar and winner of the ‘91 PGA Championship and the ‘95 Open Championship John Daly.
Last year, the Constellation Furyk and Friends tournament raised more than $1.7 million for Jacksonville charities, bringing the tournament’s four-year impact to more than $4.7 million.
Jfor a century. Become a part of the celebration as we design a toast to the past and present in spectacular Florida fashion.
By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
Shortly after the launch of a website meant to “take the politics out of arguments” in addressing the city’s strengths and deficiencies, the City Council’s Finance Committee voted to cut funding for the State of Jax initiative from the city’s next budget.
Mayor Donna Deegan announced the State of Jax initiative at an Aug. 5 press conference.
“This is about sharpening our tools for change,” said Deegan. “Just as a builder needs a blueprint, a city needs good data to build a future that works for everyone. The State of Jax gives us a clear, transparent view of where we’re doing well – and where we can do better.
This is what separates the good cities from the world-class ones.”
The site utilizes MySidewalk software to gather hyperlocal data from numerous independent sources to identify strengths and opportunities across the entire city. It offers information on economics, education, health, and social issues, and reports include topics on life expectancy, labor force participation rates, and poverty rates among college-educated and noncollege-educated residents. The site plans to offer annual competitiveness reports later this year, which will benchmark Jacksonville’s performance in key areas against peer cities, regional norms and long-term goals.
Finance Committee Pushback
One of the finance committee’s recurring themes during the latest round of budget hearings is to eliminate redundant spending. District 13 City Councilman Rory Diamond made the motion to remove the initiative’s $237,300 funding request from the budget because the Nonprofit Center for Northeast Florida had already created a website with similar information.
“Not only is this bad policy, and something that the people of Jacksonville have said they don’t want, it’s redundant,” said Diamond. “The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida has a ‘MySidewalk’ dashboard that is already built with 400 nonprofits contributing.”
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida launched its Catalyst Northeast Florida dashboard last October. It combines the data collected from 400 nonprofit, public and government leaders with the software platform MySidewalk to define the strengths and weaknesses of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Topics include youth and education, health and wellness, prosperity and opportunity, housing and neighborhoods, older adults and people with disabilities and community and civic vibrancy. This information can then be compared on local, state and national levels. Information is also collected from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Florida Department of Education.
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida plans to relaunch the Catalyst dashboard at its 2025 Nonprofit Works Conference (Charting the Course: Bold Leadership for a New Era) at the Florida Blue Conference Center on Oct. 16.
United Way of Northeast Florida is the fiscal agent for the MySidewalk contract that the website uses and Melanie Patz, United Way president and CEO and a State of Jax advisory committee member, explained that the contract that the State of Jax had with the software company allowed them a deeper level of access to the data the company offered.
“This contract allows analysis and disaggregation in a way that the Catalyst contract does not,” said Patz.
Deegan’s Chief of Analytics, Dr. Parvez Ahmed, said the administration was aware of this difference because Nonprofit Center for Northeast Florida CEO Dawn Lockhart is also on the data advisory committee for the State of Jax.
“We were aware of Catalyst and held several meetings with Dawn Lockhart before conceiving of the State of Jax,” said Parvez Ahmed, Chief of Analytics for the Office of the Mayor, in a statement. “We have had a longstanding partnership with the Nonprofit Center, and these programs are complementary to each other.”
Committee Chair Raul Arias addressed
another issue with the State of Jax budget request.
“You’re asking for $200,000 for the licensing fee and $37,300 for the website design when everything is already built. You got ahead of the curve without knowing if we would approve it or not and, at this point, you guys are out of luck,” said Arias. “It’s about the process. You have to respect the process. I’m the finance chair and I had my first meeting on this a week and a half ago.”
Finance Committee Vice Chair Nick Howland and members Joe Carlucci, Will Lahnen and Ron Salem agreed with Arias and Diamond and voted for the motion. Committee Member Ju’Coby Pittman voted against the motion.
Mayor Deegan looked at this setback as the beginning of negotiations with the City Council.
“The cuts being made are simply recommendations of the Finance Committee to the full City Council. We are in the first inning of the game,” said Mayor Donna Deegan in a statement. “We look forward to discussing these adjustments to a welldeveloped, balanced budget with all 19 council members.”
After receiving the proposed budget from the mayor in July, the City Council’s seven-member finance committee can amend it during its budget hearing process. Following these hearings, the amended budget is presented to the full, 19-member city council, which will hold at least two public hearings to collect resident feedback. The council must approve the final budget before Oct. 1, which marks the start of the new fiscal year. The final vote typically occurs in the council’s last September meeting.
State of Jax History
Deegan first discussed the idea behind the State of Jax initiative at the beginning of the year, when she pledged to those in attendance at the Jan. 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast to “make change for good.”
“From the day it was established, my administration has been fully engaged with the Jacksonville Transformation Coalition – a coalition of the willing that is working across Jacksonville’s public, private, and philanthropic sectors to create a city that is not only a destination for businesses and families, but also equitable and inclusive across our many neighborhoods,” Deegan said at the breakfast.
The Jacksonville Transformation Coalition was created in response to the August 2023 shootings at a Jacksonville Dollar General store. Its efforts are intended to create a safer, healthier and more equitable Jacksonville for all residents. The State of Jax is a coalition initiative, and its goal is to provide data to identify, measure and report Jacksonville’s progress toward shared economic, educational, health and cultural goals.
By Michele Leivas
Duval County Public Schools Board Member Cindy Pearson’s message about driver and pedestrian safety is clear as she urges, “Do better, Duval!”
Pearson is referring to the three pedestrian/vehicle accidents involving DCPS students that occurred within the first 10 days of the new school year. Tragically, one of the accidents resulted in the death of a young teenager.
This fatality, according to JSO, marked the 100th traffic fatality – and the 19th involving a pedestrian – in Jacksonville this year. Shortly after, JSO announced it is expanding its Traffic Enforcement Unit, increasing the number of traffic officers from 34 to 50 and its motor officers from 17 to 30.
DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier released a statement on Friday, Aug. 15, regarding the two accidents – before the third one occurred – urging driver vigilance as students bike, walk, or bus to school.
“We have been reminding families through our ‘Be Safe. Be Seen’ campaign that safety starts with awareness and shared responsibility,” Bernier said. “The safety of our students – whether they are walking to school, riding a bike, getting on the bus, or being picked up at dismissal – is everyone’s responsibility.”
Pearson took to social media to share some of the issues regarding pedestrian safety and detailed the steps she has taken to help address them.
Pearson said safety concerns persist in the San Marco area, particularly along the Atlantic Boulevard corridor between Hendricks and Minerva avenues, with drivers often ignoring the flashing lights indicating a pedestrian is about to enter the crosswalk at Mango Place and Atlantic Boulevard – something she said she has witnessed firsthand –and pedestrians crossing where they shouldn’t.
“Parents continue to drop off students at Publix, on Atlantic, in parking lots, at the corner of Landon and Thacker, at the library,” she said. “This creates unsafe pedestrian crossing situations and disrupts the car line flow, [and] students and adults continue to cross Atlantic at Thacker. That is not a crosswalk. It’s not safe. The crosswalks are at Hendricks and Mango…”
The safety of our students – whether walking,
biking, bussing, or riding home – is everyone’s responsibility. – Dr. Christopher Bernier, DCPS Superintendent
Additionally, Pearson noted that while the Atlantic Boulevard carline runs smoothly, it can easily be disrupted by someone parking in the parallel parking spots along the road.
To that end, Pearson has taken immediate steps to help address and improve pedestrian safety, including coordinating with District 5 City Councilman Joe Carlucci about installing “no parking” signs for peak drop off/pick up hours (7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.) for those parallel parking spots on Atlantic between Thacker and Minerva avenues and scheduling a [DCPS] District 3 Safety Town Hall with Carlucci and the PTSA presidents for Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies and Julia Landon College Preparatory Middle School. Pearson’s additional requests include creating a “Be Safe. Be Seen.” pledge program for families and students and requesting Bernier look into expanding JSO’s school crossing guard program, which currently only encompasses elementary schools.
DCPS launched the “Be Safe. Be Seen.” campaign this past January, noting at the time that at least 13 students had been hit by vehicles since August 2024, with three of those accidents resulting in fatalities. The pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative involved a series of PSA videos and practical guidance for students to walk and bike safely to their destination.
Resident News will provide updates via its social media platforms regarding the date and time of the Safety Town Hall meeting and will continue coverage as details emerge.
The application period is now open for Florida Blue Foundation’s second round of funding for maternal health grants. Nonprofits focusing on improving maternal health outcomes in Florida are invited to apply.
Approximately $3 million has been earmarked for this round of grant funding, which will be distributed in three- and four-year grants. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6. Organizations that serve people in rural counties or under-resourced communities, or that are using innovative AI-powered solutions will receive special consideration.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that every mother and baby in Florida receives quality care throughout each stage of pregnancy and beyond,” said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation. “By supporting nonprofits that share this commitment, we aim to amplify their impact and help them reach more families in need, ultimately creating a healthier future for all Floridians.”
This follows the $3.1 million in grant dollars awarded earlier this year to eight nonprofits (AdventHealth Foundation – Ocala; Broward Healthy Start Coalition, Inc.; Central Florida Health Care Inc.; Commonsense Childbirth Inc.; Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition; Okeechobee County Family Health – Healthy Start Coalition Inc.; Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc.; and The Centre for Women, Inc.).
This second round of grant recipients will be announced early next year. More information can be found at www.floridabluefoundation.com
Effective Oct. 1, Brian D. Pieninck will step into his new role as president and CEO of GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation.
Pieninck currently serves as president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and board chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors.
“Brian is a seasoned, visionary healthcare leader with strong insurance operations and technology experience who shares GuideWell’s values and commitment to helping people and communities achieve better health,” said GuideWell and Florida Blue Boards Chair Thomas G. Kuntz. “He is well-equipped to lead GuideWell through the next phase of its evolution, and to navigate the challenges of the current environment with a focus on our mission and our members. We are delighted to have him join our talented team.”
Pieninck will succeed Pat Geraghty, who announced his retirement this past March after 14 years. Under Geraghty’s leadership, the enterprise grew from an $8 billion insurance company to a $32 billion Fortune 500 health solutions company.
Shannon Carper
NAI Hallmark has tapped Shannon Carper as its new vice president of property management.
Carper first joined the commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm in 2022. In this new role, with more than a decade of commercial real estate experience behind her, Carper will lead a team of property managers and assistant property managers and work to implement new growth initiatives and develop strategic vendor relationships.
“Shannon’s leadership style embodies our relationship-driven approach by listening to client needs, solving challenges with insight and delivering results for our clients,” said NAI Hallmark Co-CEO Keith Goldfaden. “Her promotion reflects the trust she has earned across our organization and with our partners as we continue to elevate our property management services.”
NAI Hallmark is the largest locally-owned commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm in Jacksonville.
North Florida Land Trust has ranked in the top 10 in the Best Small Companies category on Florida Trend magazine’s annual list of “Florida’s Best Companies to Work For.” NFLT ranked ninth out of 36 businesses, surpassing the required 80% employee response rate with full staff participation. NFLT additionally underwent an evaluation of its philosophy, practices, workplace policies, systems, and demographics, and its leadership completed an in-depth questionnaire regarding its programs, practices, policies, employee benefits and population statistics.
“We all work hard here, together in what we call a posse, with passion and dedication,” said NFLT President and CEO Allison DeFoor. “It is an honor that the workplace we have created together is recognized by Florida’s #1 business journal. We are humbled as we return to our work.” NFLT is comprised of 18 employees and two consultants.
The Ortega River has a new waterfront spot for guests to stop by and grab a drink with friends, family, or neighbors.
The Captain Jax Dockhouse is located at the Lakeshore Dry Storage Marina, offering a variety of beer and wine along with snacks.
The Surface Family of Ortega has owned the marina and its dockhouse for many years. Once the family moved Lakeshore’s main office into the building, the dockhouse stood empty for several years, Heather Surface explained.
“My husband’s father, Papa, as he was affectionately called, always wanted to do something creative with the dockhouse, but we could never find the time,” Surface said.
Following his graduation from Sewanee a couple of years ago, Surface’s youngest son, Peyton, decided to bring his grandfather’s dream to life by playing a key role in the dockhouse renovations and remains involved in the Dockhouse today. What began as a project for Lakeshore customers has transformed into a gathering spot and watering hole where neighbors can connect.
Papa passed away several years ago, Surface said, adding, “How he would love to see the place today.”
Hours at the Dockhouse are currently limited, though Surface expects that to change.
The Captain Jax Dockhouse has already featured local food trucks and live music for patrons to enjoy, with plans in the works to use it as an event space as well.
It is located at 3326 Lake Shore Boulevard.
The American Heart Association has selected HCA Florida Memorial Hospital CEO Reed Hammond to join its 2025-26 Southeast Board of Directors.
In this new capacity, Hammond will assist with new American Heart Association’s initiatives aimed at fighting heart disease and stroke.
“We have been so fortunate to work closely with Reed and to witness his passion and dedication for the American Heart Association’s work here on the First Coast,” said American Heart Association, First Coast Executive Director Caitlin Brunell. “Now, we’re excited to see the meaningful impact he’ll make at a regional level.”
Locally, Hammond also serves as the 2025 First Coast Heart Challenge Chairperson.
“The American Heart Association is a force in championing equitable health and the impact cardiovascular disease and stroke have on our families, friends, colleagues and country,” Hammond said. “I align deeply with the Association’s work, and I am honored to serve as a member of the Southeast Region’s Board of Directors.”
The American Heart Association Southeast region services eight states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee – as well as Puerto Rico.
Musician Sophia Jean has been named Second Flute/Piccolo for Jacksonville Symphony’s 2025-26 season.
Jean is a flutist who recently graduated from the Yale School of Music. During her time there, she studied with Tara Helen O’Connor, and she has performed with the Virginia Symphony, Albany Symphony, New World Symphony, West Point Band and the New York Philharmonic.
Among her many accolades, Jean took first place in the 2024 NFA Young Artist Competition and earned the Paul Taub Award for best performance of the commissioned work. She received an honorable mention in the 2024 Sphinx SOPA Competition and earned top prizes from the Chicago Flute Club. Additionally, she was the recipient of Yale’s Daniel Nyfeneger Prize for excellence in woodwind.
The Bolles School as its new strength and conditioning coach.
Scott joins the school from the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as director of strength and conditioning and led performance program development and training operations. Before his time with the Jaguars, Scott also coached at the University of North Carolina and the University of Southern Mississippi.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cedric to Bolles,” said Bolles Athletic Director Rock Pillsbury. “His extensive background in professional and collegiate athletics will strengthen our training
program and support the continued development of our studentathletes.”
Scott played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Edmonton Eskimos. He earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s in sports management from Southern Miss. During his time there, he was also named a two-time All-American and Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Bolles Chief Advancement Officer Carol Nimitz, Bolles alumnus Matt Byrd’s “transformational gift” made this new position possible.
Tad Delegal
Jacksonville lawyer Tad Delegal has been elected as a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.
Established in 1995, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers is a professional association recognizing exceptional performance, dedication and integrity in the advancement of labor and employment.
A founding partner of Delegal, Poindexter and Underkofler, P.A., Delegal is one of three fellows from Jacksonville and is the College’s only fellow in Jacksonville who primarily represents individuals and employees in labor or employment matters.
“Tad’s election to the College is a testament to his integrity, skill, and unwavering commitment to fairness in the workplace,” said James Poindexter, partner at Delegal, Poindexter & Underkofler. “We are honored to practice alongside someone who has had such a lasting impact on labor and employment law in Florida.”
Delegal has more than 30 years of experience practicing labor and employment law. He is a past president of the Jacksonville Bar Association and previously served as chair for The Florida Bar‘s Labor and Employment Lawyers Certification Committee and the State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice Certification Committee.
WEST DENTISTRY
2301 Park Street
Jacksonville
HOURS:
Monday | Tuesday | Thursday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday | Saturday | Sunday Closed
www.westdentistry.com
During a time when the landscape of healthcare and dentistry may be changing, it’s business as usual at West Dentistry.
What does that mean? For the patients of West Dentistry, owned by Dr. Jacqueline West, it means they can continue to expect the same level of care, focus, and attention they’ve come to expect from the Riverside practice.
It is a point of pride for West that her dental practice has remained “a true private practice,” something she believes is becoming less and less common in the field of dentistry.
“We’re not going to do telehealth –you know, all these things that are just taking the entire care aspect out of dentistry,” West said. “So I’m glad that we have not sold. We’re not stock-owned, we are not hedge fund-owned, it’s just me.”
West Dentistry is comprised of a small, dedicated team of dental professionals, as devoted to their practice as they are to their patients. In fact, Lisa, West Dentistry’s office manager, celebrated her 19th anniversary this year. Likewise, West herself makes sure her patients have access to emergency dental care outside of business hours by ensuring they have her direct cell phone number.
The impact of that immediate, direct connection to a dentist is evident in a story she recounted
of a child who needed two teeth reimplanted following a Friday evening playground accident that dislodged them. West and her office manager marshaled their resources after receiving a frantic phone call from the child’s mother searching for the two missing teeth in the grass. West was able to implant and splint the two teeth.
“That’s a true dental emergency,” West said. “You only have two hours to do that, and to this day, those two teeth are in…If that had happened and that child was not a patient here, they would have ended up at the emergency room, and those two teeth would not have gone in his mouth.”
In addition to offering general dental care, West Dentistry provides cosmetic dentistry, including what she calls “smile makeovers,” which can have transformational impacts on people’s lives.
“[Smiles] impact people’s personalities, their ability to be hired, how they feel dating, in a marriage,” West said. “It’s a pretty intense thing.”
Prospective patients considering a smile makeover first meet with West for a consult appointment during which West gathers information about their end goal. Her 20-plus years of experience transforming smiles allows West, in many cases, to provide before-and-after photos of similar
cases to give that patient an idea of what the process and result could look like for them.
“Then it’s relatable [for the patient]: ‘I’m coming here for this one thing and she’s done this on five people, 10, 15 people,’” West said.
Patients are not required to retain West Dentistry as their general dental practice to receive cosmetic dental care, West added.
“A lot of times, because they have a good experience and they love our office, some of them will switch,” West said. “…and some patients end up going back to their general dentist, which is great. If you love them and you love where you’re going and you like your hygienist, stay there.”
West Dentistry is located in a converted, historic Riverside duplex, and West has maintained the homey feel for her patients, which can help reduce anxieties some may feel. West also takes great pains to alleviate other anxieties for her patients, from providing noisecancelling headphones to installing massagers on all the dental chairs to using strong topical anesthesia so patients don’t feel injections.
“With anxieties, it’s a question I have with every new patient,” West said.
The times may be changing, but at West Dentistry, the patient has and will always be the top priority.
Following Col. Francis L. “Len” Loving’s, USMC (Ret.) retirement as CEO for 5 Star Veterans Center, a new commander has assumed the nonprofit’s mantle of leadership.
Commander John Bear, USN (Ret.), has served his country since he was 18 years old and is pleased to continue serving in this new capacity, now working with veterans struggling to navigate complex issues as they adjust to life after the military.
“I’m hugely honored to be able to take over this organization, and I’m enjoying every day that I’ve been in here, just trying to see what we can do to help make this business grow and achieve even higher potential than what it is now,” Bear said.
Bear stepped into this new role in June and is approaching this first year with the organization with three top priorities: The first priority is ensuring all necessary policies are in place to allow programs to run smoothly and his team to work down the same path. His second and third priorities will set the stage for the future of 5 Star, both in terms of spreading the word about the organization and exploring possible expansion.
“We have a three-and-a-half-acre lot and I have a 20,000-square-foot building that has 40 rooms, but I have a lot of open space, a lot of unused space on this land that I could possibly use to build some sort of transitional housing…”
Bear added that while he is the face of the business, his staff – several of them veterans themselves –are just as crucial to its success.
“The folks that are actually behind the curtains here are the true miracle workers,” he said.
Coldwell Banker Vanguard has added a new agent to its ranks.
Carl Ramsubhag joined the Coldwell Banker Vanguard team last month. Coldwell Banker Vanguard’s Pam Owen stated, “I think he’s going to be a good asset to the company and to our office.”
Coldwell Banker Vanguard is located at 3610 St. Johns Avenue.
MatrixCare has awarded Community Hospice and Palliative Care its Hospice Honors Elite distinction, a prestigious award that secures it a spot among the top two percent of hospice providers nationwide.
The Hospice Honors Elite recognition is an annual award bestowed upon agencies for consistently performing above the national average in categories measured for patient and caregiver experience, reflecting clinical excellence and a team that excels in compassion, professionalism and commitment.
Community Hospice and Palliative Care is the only provider in Florida to receive the Elite distinction.
“This recognition affirms what we already know to be true: the care we provide is among the very best in the nation,” said Community Hospice and Palliative Care CEO Phillip Ward. “It’s a testament to the dedication of every team member, from bedside to back office, who ensures that patients and families feel supported, respected, and comforted throughout their hospice journey.”
Competitive runners Bernie Powers, Nancy Field and Augie Leone continue to inspire with their dedication to and love of their sport.
Leone is a standout not just because, at 95 years old, he is the oldest runner in Jacksonville, but also because he has competed in nearly 500 races, including 48 marathons, averaging three races per year. He has completed the Gate River Run every year but one since 2001. He commented on social media that as long as you finish, it is a successful run.
“I can’t beat those 80-year-olds anymore,” he added.
Comparatively, Powers and Field are mere upstarts at ages 74 and 76, but they both have been running for years and both love to compete. To date, Field has participated in more than 400 races, placing first in many of them. To date this year, Field has won numerous second and third-place awards in her age category.
Powers, Leone, and Field are team members of the 1st Place Sports Striders Club. Those medals, trophies, T-shirts, and other race day items mount up when you run – and win – as many races as these folks, so Field donates many of her medals to teachers for school kids.
Powers began running 20 years ago, following the doctor’s orders to combat high blood pressure. Now he boasts a fantastic record of more than 750 races: everything from 5Ks to marathons. His most recent medal was second place in the 70 to 74-year-old Jacksonville Grand Prix – a 12-month series of 20 races.
Of course, there is no running on empty, so these three devote hours each week to training for events. The health benefits, the social aspect of sharing the joy of your sport with others, the personal challenge, and the thrill of the win are motivators for this trio, who embrace the philosophy that you are never too old and it’s not too late to start.
After all, life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Jacksonville History Center has appointed Courtney Gumbinger to its board of directors.
Joining 11 other directors in this new three-year appointment, Gumbinger will be eligible for three consecutive terms.
Gumbinger serves as director of destination experience for Visit Jacksonville, a role in which she’s served for the past four years, and previously held event positions with Baptist Health, Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts and the Hyatt Regency.
“As the JHC develops its downtown destination campus, it is important to have board representation from the visitor and travel industry,” said JHC CEO Dr. Alan Bliss. “During the years ahead, we will be doing ambitious things, and we are fortunate to have Ms. Gumbinger with us in our work.”
Other JHC staff announcements include the promotion of Erin Mustard to head archivist and the hiring of two new staff: Shawn Stermer joins the JHC team as research and reference archivist and Joel Cordova will serve as JHC’s digital collections archivist.
Dr. Yukino Miyake and Janette Allen have joined the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, fulfilling two key appointments for the nonprofit.
Miyake will serve as principal accompanist and instructor, enhancing music theory instruction for JCC singers and providing additional support for JCC President and Artistic Director Darren Dailey. A native of Miyazu, Japan, Miyake holds multiple degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kyoto City University of Arts in Japan, a master’s in performance and pedagogy from the University of Houston and a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Allen joins the JCC as the director of development, bringing more than 30 years’ experience in fundraising and arts administration. She’s previously worked at the University of North Florida, the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Flagler College and Cathedral Arts Project. She holds a degree in business administration from Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama).
Twelve youths from Dreams Come True are now members of the 2025 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dream Team.
The Dream Team was announced at a signing ceremony on Aug. 7 at the WJCT Soundstage and will serve as representatives and ambassadors of the game for the next football season.
“Each of these youth have embodied courage, strength, joy and pride through a battle with a life-threatening medical condition,” said Andrea Siracusa, senior director of community relations for Dreams Come True, in a statement.
The Dream Team members are Avett H., Brie D., Camden C., Colt P., Colton K., Daniel H,, Jaxson G., Landon C.,
Paisley S., Zurie H., Everett K. and Sam S., all hailing from North Florida and South Georgia.
As ambassadors for the bowl, the Dream Team will enjoy exceptional experiences throughout the college football season, from scouting a game at the University of Florida to distributing their rookie year player cards throughout Jacksonville.
The experience will also include meeting participating team players and cheerleaders in late December and conclude with being honored on-field during the 81st annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 27.
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl conducts the Dream Team program in partnership with Gator Bowl Charities and Dreams Come True. It is presented by Momentum Transportation.
The awards gala was held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. For the third consecutive year, First Florida Credit Union took home “Best Credit Union” and “Best Boss.” This year’s accolades included “Best Place to Work.”
“Receiving awards like these results from countless meaningful interactions between our members and staff,” said First Florida Credit Union President and CEO Brent Lister. “We couldn’t have achieved this without our team’s commitment to excellence.”
More than 460 businesses and organizations were celebrated at the Best of Bold City Community’s Choice Awards in more than 150 categories.
HairPeace Salon in Riverside is celebrating the advancement of team member Brittiany Light to master stylist.
Light is a Goldwell Colorist who specializes in vivids and balayage, and is a curly specialist. She is certified in tape-in extensions as well. Light holds a bachelor’s degree in fashion. Light said that at HairPeace, she found a salon that matched her energy and provided an environment for her to express her artistic passion.
“Not only did I find these qualities at Hair Peace, but being a Goldwell salon, I knew I could give my clients the best product and stand behind it,” Light said.
“To me, leveling up to a master stylist means providing the highest level of service to my clients while also mentoring stylists who are just starting out. I’ve always loved sharing what I’ve learned, and this role lets me do that while continuing to grow myself.”
“It’s very exciting to watch Brittiany mature into a Master Stylist as a result of innovation, creativity, and tenacity,” said Bruce Musser, owner of HairPeace. “She has managed to become a masterful colorist and cutter, confident in advising her clients on their best look while remaining the sweetest girl next door that you can’t wait to hang with again.”
Junior Achievement of North Florida has appointed Tim Decker as its new director of development.
“We are delighted to welcome Tim to the team as we expand our programs and advance our vision for a JA Experiential Learning Center in Jacksonville,” said JANFL President Shannon Italia.
Decker brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to this new role. He previously served as director of development for St. Augustine Youth Services and director of case management at Daniel, the oldest child-serving agency in the state of Florida.
“I am honored to join Junior Achievement of North Florida at such an exciting time in the organization’s history,” said Decker. “I look forward to building on JANFL’s strong foundation and working with the community to empower more students with the skills they need for lifelong success.”
Decker holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Florida and a master’s in business administration from the University of Florida
No matter one’s age and no matter the reason, moving is always stressful – but it can be even more so for seniors entering a new phase of their lives.
No matter one’s age and no matter the reason, moving is always stressful – but it can be even more so for seniors entering a new phase of their lives.
Moving out of the home they’ve known for years into an independent living community or assisted living center, downsizing following the death of a loved one or relocating to be closer to caregivers – these are undoubtedly trying and troubling transitions for anyone to go through, but the team at Caring Transitions of West Jacksonville is devoted to relieving those stressors by undertaking the tasks involved with relocating.
Moving out of the home they’ve known for years into an independent living community or assisted living center, downsizing following the death of a loved one or relocating to be closer to caregivers – these are undoubtedly trying and troubling transitions for anyone to go through, but the team at Caring Transitions of West Jacksonville is devoted to relieving those stressors by undertaking the tasks involved with relocating.
The Caring Transitions of West Jacksonville franchise serves Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, Lakeshore, Bryceville and Macclenny. Owner
The Caring Transitions of West Jacksonville franchise serves Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, Lakeshore, Bryceville and Macclenny. Owner
Leslie Pennington said she launched this franchise location after watching her mother move through the arduous and emotional process of cleaning out her grandmother’s home after she passed two years ago.
Leslie Pennington said she launched this franchise location after watching her mother move through the arduous and emotional process of cleaning out her grandmother’s home after she passed two years ago.
Leslie Pennington, Owner
“It’s a difficult task for people, trying to clean out a home…especially after someone’s been living in the home for 20, 30, 40, 50-plus years,” Pennington said. “It makes me happy and provides me a little bit of peace at the end. It’s almost like you’re giving back.”
“It’s a difficult task for people, trying to clean out a home…especially after someone’s been living in the home for 20, 30, 40, 50-plus years,” Pennington said. “It makes me happy and provides me a little bit of peace at the end. It’s almost like you’re giving back.”
Pennington customizes each client’s transition plan based on their individual needs; her team can assist with everything from decluttering and downsizing to estate sales and online auctions. Caring Transitions’ proprietary online auction platform ensures her clients’ treasures have as broad an audience as possible, and they can ship auctioned items to buyers across the country.
Pennington customizes each client’s transition plan based on their individual needs; her team can assist with everything from decluttering and downsizing to estate sales and online auctions. Caring Transitions’ proprietary online auction platform ensures her clients’ treasures have as broad an audience as possible, and they can ship auctioned items to buyers across the country.
Throughout the process, which can take up to three or four weeks, Pennington is there, visiting each client to make sure their needs are anticipated and met with as little stress to them as possible.
Throughout the process, which can take up to three or four weeks, Pennington is there, visiting each client to make sure their needs are anticipated and met with as little stress to them as possible.
“That’s what brings me the most comfort, just seeing that smile on their face at the end and seeing that stress melt away,” Pennington said.
“That’s what brings me the most comfort, just seeing that smile on their face at the end and seeing that stress melt away,” Pennington said.
Caring Transitions of West Jacksonville www.caringtransitionsofwestjacksonville.com | 904-442-7500 or 904-299-9198
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter at Walsh Investment Consulting Group: the addition of Rose Walsh, CFA, as our newest Portfolio Administrator. Rose brings a wealth of experience, a global perspective, and a deep commitment to client service—making her a perfect fit for our growing team.
This milestone also marks something special: the expansion of Walsh Investment Consulting as a family business. Rose is the daughter of Lou Walsh, CFA, our President. Her arrival not only strengthens our team professionally but also deepens the personal values that have always guided our work— trust, integrity, and long-term partnership.
A Global Perspective, Rooted in Jacksonville
Rose is a Jacksonville native whose career has taken her across borders and industries. After graduating from Notre Dame, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia, where she worked on community development and education initiatives. She also spent three years as a technology consultant at Appirio, Inc., helping organizations modernize their systems and workflows.
Most recently, Rose spent five years as an Investment Director at the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, where she focused on private equity, venture capital, and real estate investments. Her experience in institutional portfolio management brings a sophisticated understanding
of complex asset classes and long-term strategy— skills she’s excited to apply in service of our clients.
“I’m thrilled to join such a thoughtful and experienced team of financial advisors,” Rose says. “It’s an honor to be part of a group that puts clients first and treats financial advising as a true partnership.”
Meet the Team
With Rose’s arrival, our team now includes five dedicated professionals:
• Lou Walsh, CFA – Financial Advisor with over 30 years of experience. Lou leads the company with a focus on long-term planning, investment strategy, and client relationships.
• Adri Senecal, CFP – Vice President and Portfolio Administrator with more than 20 years in the industry. Adri brings deep expertise in compliance and retirement plan management.
• Jackie Woodson – A customer service and operations professional with over 40 years in the financial industry. Jackie holds Series 7 and Series 66 Registrations and is known for her exceptional client care.
• Claire Doyle – Account Administrator. Claire is Series 7 Registered and plays a key role in client communications and service.
• Rose Walsh, CFA – Portfolio Administrator, bringing institutional investment experience and a passion for helping families build financial security.
Our Guiding Principle: Fiduciary Responsibility
With each new team member, we take time to reflect on the values that define our work. One principle stands above the rest: being great fiduciaries for our clients.
All three of our advisors—Lou, Adri, and Rose—hold professional designations that require fiduciary responsibility: the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and the CFP (Certified Financial Planner). These credentials aren’t just letters after a name—they represent years of study, rigorous ethical standards, and a legal obligation to act in our clients’ best interest.
What It Means to Be a Fiduciary
Being a fiduciary means putting our clients first—always. It’s a commitment to honesty, transparency, and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Unlike a typical seller-buyer relationship, fiduciary advising often involves giving tough advice: slowing down spending, rethinking risky investments, or saying “no” to the latest financial fad.
Even if it would be easier—or more profitable—to simply agree with every client request, we’re bound by our fiduciary duty to offer
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the best guidance possible. That means helping clients make decisions that serve their long-term goals, not just short-term desires.
We believe that when you choose a financial advisor, you’re not just hiring someone to manage your money. You’re choosing a partner—someone who will walk with you through life’s milestones, challenges, and opportunities. That’s a responsibility we take seriously.
A Family Business Built on Trust
With Rose joining the team, Walsh Investment Consulting Group becomes not just a company— but a family business. That means our values are personal. We treat our clients like extended family, and we’re proud to serve multiple generations with the same care and attention we’d give our own.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for college, or building a legacy, we’re here to help you make smart, confident decisions. And we’ll do it with the integrity and dedication that fiduciary responsibility demands.
At Walsh Investment Consulting, we’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us— and we’re excited to continue growing that trust with Rose on board. If you’d like to learn more about our partnership model or how fiduciary advising can benefit your family, give us a call at 904-839-2890.
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Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network does not provide legal or tax advice. Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered personalized financial advice. Consult your professional advisor for personalized recommendations. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan. The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Walsh Investment Consulting Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.
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heart of Avondale’s coveted historic district, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers over 2,800 sq. ft. of timeless character and comfortable, modern living. Directly overlooking a serene park, the welcoming front porch of this Tudor Revival invites you to slow down and enjoy the view, while the spacious back porch and ample backyard provide a private escape—ideal for entertaining, gardening, or relaxing with family. Inside, you’ll find original architectural details with numerous built-ins paired with thoughtful updates, including generous living and dining spaces, a well-appointed
Gary and Steve Pajcic grew up in a house their daddy built with his own hands in Woodstock Park on Jacksonville's Westside. Gary went on to star as quarterback for FSU, while Steve played basketball at Princeton. They decided to go to law school so that they could spend their lives working together and helping others. It has now been 50 years since the brothers started Pajcic & Pajcic with a $10,000 loan and Steve's wife Anne running the office. In looking back over these years, the firm is proudest of how it has been able to help clients in their time of need.
More than 12,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases
Recovered more than $1.5 billion for our clients 17 attorneys with more than 550 years of combined legal experience
Some of the firm’s practice areas include car, motorcycle, and truck crashes, medical malpractice, as well as litigation concerning dangerous consumer products and unsafe motor vehicles
Last month, the American Cancer Society celebrated 30 years of the Cowford Ball, its signature fundraising event and premiere Western-themed gala in Jacksonville.
This year’s milestone event was held on Saturday, Aug. 23 at a new location – the Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club – and welcomed guests for an evening of drinks, dining, dancing and more to support The American Cancer Society’s mission.
Inspired by the society’s nationwide Cattle Barons’ Ball, the inaugural Cowford Ball was named for Jacksonville’s original moniker and dedicated by ACS volunteer Dot Fischette.
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• Only hospital in the region to earn the American College of Cardiology's Transcatheer Valve Certification, reflecting our commitment to excellence in structural heart care and superior outcomes.
• Full continuum of advanced heart care - from diagnostics and personalized treatment for Afib and heart failure to minimally invasive procedures such as TAVR and WATCHMAN™ to provide seamless, integrated care close to home
• Recently received prestigious 3 star rating, the highest possible, through STS public reporting - a recognition of exceptional quality and outcomes in cardiac surgery.
Bowing Oaks was once again the setting for Florida Theatre’s more than $50,000 for the historic nonprofit, on Thursday, Aug. AVL Productions, the evening featured a delectable menu of to pair with samples of some of the Bold City’s favorite bourbons, Defending champion V Pizza returned to defend their title for the best Blues, Brews, Bourbon and BBQ restaurant of 2025.
Live blues music provided the perfect, bluesy soundtrack their bids on silent auction items, all in support of the Florida
Theatre’s annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon and BBQ, which raised Aug. 21. Presented by Publix Super Markets Charities and pulled pork, wings, smoked brisket and more for guests bourbons, spirits and craft beer.
title of Flavor Master of 2024, with guest casting their votes 2025. for the evening while guests ate, drank, danced, and cast Florida Theatre.
The annual Angelwood Annual Celebration: Soaring Possibilities gala took place at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday, Aug. 16 to support the organization’s efforts to care for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The 2025 Celebration Chairs for this year’s event – themed “Reach for the Stars” – were Melanie and Morgan Busby, Erica and Josh Flamm and Kelly and Scott Gramling with Honorary Chairs Robin and Dan Wahby. The 2025 Soaring Possibilities Award was presented to Michelle Mollenhour.
Guests came dressed to impressed and mingled and bid on hundreds of silent auctions items that included goods from area businesses, sports memorabilia, trips and special experiences. The evening’s program also included the auction of a painting that was created on stage as the crowd cheered on artist Amy Dix. The item was so popular that a second painting was also sold. WJXT Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn was a special guest speaker.
Attending the Historic Springfield Holiday Tour of Homes and Gardens led to the founding of a family business focused on building energy efficient homes that blend into their communities throughout Jacksonville, TerraWise Homes.
David and Melody Shacter founded Harmony Homes in 1994, and they were a significant builder of single-family homes in Jacksonville until they sold the business in 2005. They were enjoying retirement until they took a trip to Europe in 2012, and David became fascinated with the country’s commitment to energy efficiency. He wanted to bring those building practices to homes in Jacksonville.
After they returned from the trip, they found themselves wandering through homes on the Historic Springfield Holiday Tour of Homes and Gardens in 2012.
“We noticed that people in (Springfield) were out-of-the-box thinkers (when remodeling or building homes) and we wanted to be a part of that,” said Melody Shacter. “We figured that we would build a few houses a year and that way we could do it the way we wanted to do it.
structures into their dream homes.
“People come to Springfield because they love the neighborhood, love the old houses, but the old houses require a lot of maintenance, expensive utility bills, expensive maintenance bills,” said Jac Shacter, vice president of operations and son to David and Melody. “I get it, a new house is not going to have the soul of those old houses, but we were just talking to a couple who spent three years renovating a home. That prospect of buying a house, having a mortgage on a house that you can’t move into for three years is just not everyone’s cup of tea.”
While confident with their designs and craftsmanship, the Shacter’s were pleasantly surprised with the response they received from the Jacksonville market.
“Before we barely broke ground on the first house, it was sold,” said Melody Shacter.
Home buyers are drawn to the Springfield Historic District for its late-19th- and early-20th-century houses, sense of community, its walkable and bikeable neighborhood and access to city amenities, but not all home buyers can afford the time and/or money it may take to turn the historic
the HVAC systems for each home and supervises installation of the system to make sure that it is installed properly.
LED lighting is also included in the energy efficient design, but the company’s design standards continue to evolve with the industry and code requirements.
“We built a house the same way for 10 years, we were the tip of the spear when it came to energy efficiency. As building codes change, they catch up, so about a year- and half-ago we felt like we were starting to fall behind and we overhauled our system. We called it TerraWise 2.0.” said Jac Shacter.
The company is happy to share the knowledge they
TerraWise Homes is a specialist in the historic district and understands how to work through the historic preservation commission process and the city requirements, as well as issues that are specific to building on someone’s lot.
TerraWise Homes are constructed from the ground up to exceed the required standards of the areas they are built in while preserving the look and character of their surroundings. The energy efficient design includes an air-tight, superinsulated exterior envelope, high efficiency HVAC design and equipment, and energy efficient lighting and appliances.
The underside of the roof deck receives 10” of open cell foam insulation, which doubles the amount required and walls receive 50% more spray foam insulation than necessary.
“Our attics are normally just 2-3 degrees warmer than the inside of the house,” said Jac Shacter.
TerraWise Homes also works with engineers to design
Model Home Location: 132 E. 6th St. | Jacksonville, FL 32206
Please call (904) 575-4197 to set up an appointment for viewing. Model Hours: Sun-Fri: 12pm-5pm and Sat: 11am-6pm.
have gained in the energy efficiency industry with potential home buyers.
“People who find us are normally looking to be educated on how we do energy efficiency within the homes,” said Melody Shacter. “They are also interested in the floor plans and how we utilize the space in the house.”
TerraWise Homes won’t hand over the keys to new home buyers until the home meets the company’s verification process to ensure all systems are operating at a high level. Every home comes with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating, Energy Star 3.1, & DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes Certifications.
Along with Historic Springfield, TerraWise Homes are being built in Blair Estates in Mandarin and will soon be under construction in Arlington. TerraWise Homes can also be built on a customer’s lot.
TerraWise Office: 36 W. 6th St. | Jacksonville, FL 32206
Staff can be reached at (904) 800-WISE (9473). Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm.
By Peggy Harrell Jennings
It was a dark and stormy night, but that did not dampen the spirits of art enthusiasts who braved the elements during ArtWalk to attend the reception for featured artist David Nackashi’s exhibit at Southlight Gallery, and the reception at the Downtown Library, where Jacksonville Artists’ Guild members showcased “On Parade.”
Congratulations to Best in Show winner LuAnn Dunkinson and Juror’s Choice Award winners Jessie Cook and Stephanie Pyren Fortel. Abby Howard Murphy was at Visit Jacksonville offering watercolor lessons, demonstrations and a display. Earlier last month, Cookie Davis took Best in Show, and Valentina Nedelcheva and Ed Malesky received Juror’s Choice Awards at The
2025-2026
Music Season Opener
Piano Recital:
Dr. Erin Bennett, UNF
September 14 • 4 p.m.
Taliaferro Hall
Premiere Concert on the c. 1887 Steinway “C” grand piano playedinmemoryofLizMcAlhany Program features all Women Composers
Jazz in the Garden
September 19 • 5:30-7 p.m.
Wine and Charcuterie
$15 per person
UNF Jazz Ensemble 3
Marc Dickman, director
September 28 • 4 p.m.
Taliaferro Hall
256 East Church Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904)356-5507 • JaxCathedral.org
Art Center (TAC) Gallery reception for “About Face” juried by Erin Kendrick. John Bunker’s solo exhibit, “Rest: Color, Line and Texture” at St. John’s Cathedral, blows away any dark clouds with his colorful, joy-filled paintings. Pyren Fortel’s solo exhibit, “As I See It,” is up at Happy Medium Books Café until Sept. 8.
History and movie enthusiasts enjoyed Jim Kerkhoff’s presentation about the Norman Studios sponsored by the Jacksonville History Center at St. Andrew’s Church. The weather outside might have been frightening, but inside the crowd reveled in Jacksonville’s rich film industry history and were delighted by two short movies from the archives featuring famed silent film actor Oliver “Babe” Hardy of Laurel and Hardy fame. Filmed in Jacksonville, the film took the audience on a trip down memory lane to see Riverside Park, the Ostrich Farm, and other local venues in the film settings as they appeared more than a century ago. JHC Archivist Shawn Stermer had a complementary display of information, books, photos and even an old film projector from the center’s collection. The ninth annual LOL Jax Film Festival’s competition was a sold-out affair and featured two nights of “Love the Locals by Laughing Out Loud.” Check out this
organization, under the direction of Monique Madrid, which encourages independent filmmakers and performers.
It is through the lens of the arts that societal views are recorded, and we gain visual literacy of our time in history. Chris Flagg’s recent Best in Show award at the “Vestiges of Historic Mandarin” exhibit of the First Coast Plein Air Painters exemplifies the present meeting the past and the future in his depiction of the 1880s “Brown House,” now the home of Ashly and Stephen Unkelbach. Other award winners in this outstanding exhibit, where present-day artists capture the past, include Carron Wedlund, Emma Simms, Gary Garrett, and Sheryl Roach.
Babs’ Lab Artistic Director Barbara Colaciello celebrated the ninth year of the Grand Slam of storytelling at Cork Arts District. Featuring this year’s winning storytellers, the stories were brilliantly creative, amusing, and poignant. Winners Anna Jacobson, Johnny Masiulewicz and Louis Betancourt, whose awards flip-flopped from first to third place depending on judges’ scores and the popular vote, were limited to eight minutes, no props, no notes, and were inspired by the theme “Scratch.”
As presenters for the 2nd Sunday, hosted by Tim Gilmore, James Greene and Andrew
Show Your Support. Grow Your Brand. Sponsor the 2025 San Marco Art Festival – November 29–30
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Kozlowski combined storytelling, commentary and personal journeys with visual elements as they instructed and entertained a crowd at Happy Medium Books Café. Greene and Kozlowski explained that the sequential art of comic ZINES “directs the viewer’s eye in panels like a movie.”
Murray Hill Theatre’s Birthday Bash celebrated 30 years of music ministry with 30 bands in 30 days.
As the song says, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone… Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.” The arts illuminate the past, reflect the present and guide us to the future.
Library | 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m Sept. 21
“Abstraction Distraction” Reception TAC Gallery | 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 Jacksonville Artists’ Guild Juried Exhibit “Let There Be Light” Reception Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church | 6:15 to 7 p.m.
Sept. 26
Amplified Avondale Historic Avondale | 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 27
First Coast Plein Air PaintersWatercolor Workshop Cork Arts District | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets $125 | Register by 9/20 e-mail: fcpapsecretary@gmail.com Oct. 6
“Pick Your Palette,” Jacksonville Artists’ Guild Season Opening Gala Church of the Good Shepherd Purchase tickets by 9/4 | Details at www. jacksonvilleartistsguild.org/seasonopener.html
By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.
A St. Johns Riverkeeper volunteer group patrolled the river’s north bank on Sunday, July 20, near McCoys Creek to remove debris and prevent it from getting back into the waterway.
Roughly 20 volunteers attended last month’s event, part of a monthly cleanup program organized by the Riverkeeper in its continued efforts to keep the river clean. In its 25 years, the organization has conducted more than 440 river cleanup events throughout the St. Johns River watershed. Although an extreme heat advisory cut the cleanup short, the group was able to collect a decent mound of garbage from the northbank.
“It takes events like this to make people realize how much help and care the river needs,” said Isabel Hernandez, a volunteer organizer.
“We enjoy coming down and helping out,” added volunteer Kim Corey, of St Mary’s, Georgia. “My husband
got me into it and now we come down and make a day of it.”
The pile of removed debris included a pool noodle, a trash can lid, pieces of a Styrofoam cooler and a metal broom handle. Sometimes the garbage can be surprising, said Hernandez.
“We pulled out seven tires at one cleanup,” said Hernandez.
The next cleanup is planned for Sept. 13 from 9 a.m.11 a.m. at Riverview Park, 9620 E Water St, Jacksonville, FL. The Riverkeeper suggests that volunteers bring a full, reusable water bottle, closed-toe shoes (rain boots, work boots or waders are helpful) and yard gloves. City of Jacksonville and Keep Jacksonville Beautiful provide cleanup gloves and bags. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTERING FOR A CLEANUP, VISIT
By Michele Leivas
When Jessica Bork’s twin boys were born prematurely, their footprints were so tiny she could fit them on the bill of a hat.
Born at 28 weeks and weighing in at less than three pounds, the twins spent nearly 100 days in the NICU at Wolfson Children’s Hospital – almost 100 distraught days that Jessica and her husband, Todd, spent watching the devoted team of Wolfson professionals care for their boys and aid them in their fight to live. Joshua, in particular, became very sick, battling sepsis while doctors told his parents he had a 50-50 chance of survival.
“It was always a battle until they were finally out,” Bork said. “…To see them thriving the way they are now is just amazing.”
Today, both boys are indeed thriving. The 17-year-olds have entered their junior year of high school and are excelling academically, with a strong interest in civic engagement. They’ve organized a
“
fundraiser benefitting their school’s golf team and have coordinated with a nonprofit to donate baked goods they created at a culinary class to families in need.
This summer, as they considered the healthcare professionals who cared for them so diligently in that NICU, the boys have decided to host the first annual Golf Scramble at the San Jose Country Club on Monday, Sept. 8, to benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
The whole family has gotten behind this initiative, with Joshua and Jackson reaching out to potential sponsors and participants and their younger sister, Jordan, serving as the point of contact to field inquiries about the tournament. For Jordan, the golf tournament is not only a way to say thank you to the hospital but a way to help other families in the future.
“I’ve grown up behind my brothers,
and I just couldn’t imagine them not being here with me,” Jordan said. “As many people as we can help, as many twins or any baby that’s in the NICU right now or in the future – if we could help get the best equipment in and top-of-the-game things, we can just continue to save lives, bring people here, let them be healthy and live good lives like my brothers have been able to do.”
Jackson echoed his sister’s sentiments, adding that it felt right to give back to the hospital.
“We really owe being here to the NICU,” he said. “We were like, ‘Well, let’s give back since we’re here now and we’re doing well and we have the chance to be able to.’”
A golf tournament was a natural avenue for this philanthropic effort as both Josh and Jackson are avid golfers and play on their school’s varsity golf team. Their father, Todd, is the golf director at San Jose Country Club.
“We’ve played in a lot of golf tournaments that have been designed for donating money and helping to create things,” said Josh. “So we said, ‘Well, we’ve played in these tournaments. We’ve played a lot of golf. So what if we make [a tournament]?’”
Josh, Jackson and Jordan have spent their summer doing just that and have almost filled the tournament teams and
sponsorship slots. Currently, they are still seeking a title sponsor, additional sponsorships, and tournament participants.
While their story may have inspired the idea for the tournament, Josh emphasized the fact that it isn’t about them.
“You’re not helping us,” he said. “You’re helping the babies that are in the NICU, and when you’re helping them, you’re helping their parents. You’re helping their brothers and sisters….You’re helping their family.”
YOU CAN’T STOP THE WAVES, BUT YOU CAN LEARN TO SURF. ” - JON KABAT-ZINN
By Holly Tishfield
Some people are born with music in their blood, melodies humming through their heartbeat, and synth in their soul. That’s the case for local musician Jonah Pierre, who’s been taking the Jacksonville jazz scene by storm since the day he broke onto it.
Pierre moved to North Florida as a child, attending LaVilla School of the Arts for his final year of middle school before moving on to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
In those early years, he was drawn to percussion, participating in the school band and pursuing the instrument through high school.
Pierre studied under Tony Steve, the percussion coordinator at Jacksonville University, while in high school. He performed in his first few professional gigs under Steve’s guidance, one of which took place in the heart of downtown at St. John’s Cathedral.
“I was really into classical percussion, that was my main focus,” Pierre said.
During his high school years, Pierre began playing piano, which served as the gateway to jazz, the style of music for which he’s now most widely known.
pretty diverse and can now do a little bit of everything,” he said.
After returning to Jacksonville postcollege at Oberlin College, Pierre picked up right where he left off, establishing himself in the music scene. It wasn’t long after his return that he secured a longterm spot at the Casbah Cafe in Avondale, where he plays every Sunday night alongside fellow jazz musicians.
Pierre also became a regular at the Blue Jay Listening Room in Jacksonville Beach for the venue’s weekly Blue Jay Jazz Jam, though he’s no stranger to performing in the corporate band world at weddings and similar events as well.
“My music style has definitely grown and expanded to where I feel like I’m
When the pandemic struck, Pierre experimented with synthesizers and keyboards, setting up equipment for a home studio to play with electronic music and hip-hop, which he released on SoundCloud.
Pierre draws inspiration from beloved jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis. He especially appreciates the evolving nature of Davis’s music throughout the musician’s 50year career, which he feels mirrors his own style and evolution.
As Pierre grew in the industry, he said that the most important lesson he’s learned is to slow down and appreciate how far he’s already come.
“I had to learn that there’s a limit to your body’s endurance, learn to appreciate that you don’t have to do everything,” he said. “Music is not so much about the virtuosity
inaugural month-long Summer Music Residency at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens on Tuesday nights from Aug. 19 through Sept. 9.
Music is not so much about the virtuosity or technique as it is about connection and the slow burn of being a musician.
– Jonah Pierre, Jazz Musician
or technique as it is about connection and the slow burn of being a musician.”
The most rewarding aspect of his career?
“Getting up every day and loving what I do,” Pierre said. “Doing what I love for a living and doing it with friends.”
Pierre is set to participate in the
During the four-week residency, Pierre will regale audience members with performances on the museum’s grand piano alongside his band and a rotating selection of some of his favorite fellow musicians in the area.
past 25-plus years to have all of the kiddos special to me living in our Resident Community on both sides of the river – a giggly gaggle that includes a daughter, a son, five nieces, one nephew and four goddaughters, as well as their siblings which I have always considered part of the deal when it comes to godparenting and aunting.
This is a special year because the last of my goddaughter menagerie graduated from high school in the spring, leaving me with just two nieces in their respective Resident nests that I shall be fawning over during the next two years. Sigh. It’s been a good run, and I miss all the grown-andflowns terribly.
But I am also grateful for each one of those sparkly creatures and the lessons they taught me over the years. Individually, they’ve all demonstrated such incredible qualities – and I’ve taken note and tried to learn from them. As the goddaughter babies begin their freshman year of college, I thought this might be a good time to share some of the lessons these delightful humans imparted through their example. And don’t worry, girls and boys. I won’t use your names and embarrass you publicly like I usually do. You will hardly know who’s who – or will you? Aunt Sue is keeping your identity on the DL.
I’ll use just a few examples to throw everyone off.
Let’s start with one particular godchild who showed me what it means to be
poised and kind and gracious – and to be wise to the vibrant and socially diverse global community we all live in today. She takes a stand for what she believes to be good and right. In high school, she started a political club that may have not been in popular favor at the time and she got organized, marched even. She took the heat from disagreeable a-holes and kept moving. Upright. Dignified. She took that spirit with her to college, where she stayed true to her passions and worldly wanderlust. On the by and by, she put all these interests to practice and majored in something so flipping specific I would have sworn there wasn’t a real job out there connected to her field. And yet, she landed a very cool job doing just that. She has been an example to me of the importance of following your dreams, establishing high standards and advancing a career in the interests that make you tick – that bring you joy and satisfaction! I think I’m still looking for that work, help!
OK, moving on. I have been fortunate to help raise up another godgirl who has exemplified the power of confidence, interest in others, real-talkedness and unbridled, unconditional love for people who you are 100 percent sure, are your people.
This girl is all party, was from day one. But as much as she sucks the marrow out of a good time, she also listens to her big, honest heart – sometimes even worries about it a little much. When she knows
By Susanna Barton
you love her and she loves you, this gal is ALL IN. Best friends forever. Committed. To me, she’s an example of the importance of taking people for who they are, where they are and how much they love you, and throwing it back tenfold. It’s been so fun to hear how she took these skills to a career in the classroom and corporate America. She can smell someone who’s in it to win it, and who puts others first. Having a sense of people is one of the greatest strengths there is.
From one niece, I have learned how wise it is to be pleasant and positive and uplifting in conversation with people of all ages. From another, I have taken notes in how to weather scary things and to freight-train-forward with you-can’tstop-me-now plans for the future. Another niece, or nephew, or godchild – maybe all three! – not saying which, taught me how a dedication to sports can train a person up well for a winning career and purposeful life. Some have demonstrated the strength, forgiveness and big steely heart it takes to navigate really hard stuff and relationships. And every single one of them has reinforced the value of humor and not taking life too seriously, of finding the hilarity in the stuff that makes some people so bitter and angry about our world. All these kiddos in my life – they have known how to laugh and SMH and find the OMG in everything. This is such a lesson for our time! Life is seriously too short to be a Debbie Downer.
I’ll close with a final example. One of
these precious children was not supposed to make it. When she was just a little nugget of a human in her mom’s tummy, this peep’s chances weren’t too great, like at all. Yet, she kept on keeping on and was born one of the brightest little lights this world has ever seen! She was everyone’s baby and continues to be held and adored and doted on to this day. She reinforces how important it is to find and share your sparkle, and how every life should be celebrated. It’s not easy to become a citizen of humanity.
That’s all I have for today. If you see me wandering around aimlessly with a glass of chardonnay boo-hooing and sniveling about missing all the beautiful change-making yoots in my life, please remind me I have two more nieces left in their respective nests and that there are many more lessons to learn from them and all their sweet friends! They bring us all hope.
Susanna Barton never had a grandmother, but she did have a Crazy Aunt Carolyn who taught her how, at age 10, to smoke Camel Lights in the garage and pencil on eyebrows and execute funny toilet paper tricks on Princess Cruise adventures. A Granada resident, Barton has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School. She currently manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com
By Lauren Weedon Hopkins
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and as such, Charity Chat is focusing on how our readers can help make an impact, break the stigma and start the conversations that could help save a life.
A text message is a simple thing – it can take less than a minute to open a thread and type out a quick message.
“Hi. Thinking of you. You’ve been on my mind.”
Nine words, or any variation or similar sentiment, that takes minimum effort on you’re part – but Dr. Terrie Andrews, executive director of Here Tomorrow, said something as simple as that could save a life.
“You’d be surprised at how many anecdotal stories we hear where people were at that particular moment,” Andrews said. “They were about to do something to hurt themselves, and someone called or texted, and it changed everything.”
This practice of reaching out to someone – someone you haven’t connected with in a while – to check in on them is part of a technique called Caring Contacts. It was created in the 1970s and remains a successful, non-demanding way to connect with someone.
“Now I do that all the time…It’s creating that sense of community and belongingness in that social connection, which is such a foundation for all of us,” Andrews said.
Recognizing the Precursors
Here Tomorrow’s mission is “to transform lives by building a community where suicide prevention is accessible without barriers.”
Its team of suicide prevention specialists works from a place of support and understanding, in addition to specialized training, bringing a unique connection to the “friends” seeking help.
“It’s basically like a professional friend, if you will, to be able to help that person through that difficult time,” Andrews said.
Recognizing the precursors to a crisis scenario is just as critical an intervention and Here Tomorrow’s team is “really honing in on,” Andrews said. These precursors include indications a person may be feeling trapped: a teenager gets a bad grade on an exam, for example, and believes they’ll never get into college or achieve a goal or a person’s partner breaks up with them and they feel alone, unloved and fear they’ll never find love again.
“Those are times to be able to talk to the teen about how they’re thinking and feeling and be comfortable with asking, ‘Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?’” Andrews said.
Those conversations can be scary for everyone involved, but they’re critical not only in saving lives but also in taking the first steps to helping someone get the help they need to address the struggles they’re facing.
Self-care has become a universal term that can have several different meanings depending on the context in which it’s used, but when it comes to mental health, prioritizing one’s own care and addressing one’s own wellbeing is a crucial component to stave off a mental health crisis that could have devastating consequences.
Hearts 4 Minds Founder Sheryl Johnson said mental health literacy and becoming better educated in how we can take care of our mental health the way we do our physical health is one of the most urgent challenges regarding mental health and mental illness in our community.
“We know how to manage a cold or headache or stomach virus, but we’re not necessarily armed with what it means, what the difference is between just having emotions or having a mental illness and having all of those self-care tips,” Johnson said.
Self-care, Johnson said, is not selfish. Nor does it have to be a “massive, overwhelming” undertaking. It could be as simple as taking a walk, journaling, or doing something that recharges you and refills your cup.
To that end, Hearts 4 Minds has launched the “Self-Care Bingo: A Guide to Mindful Wellness.” These are monthly bingo cards filled with simple self-care activities – or, if one prefers, a blank bingo card is available for people to fill out themselves. People can set their own rewards for achieving bingo or make it a friendly competition between co-workers, friends, or family members to see who can get bingo first.
“[The bingo initiative] takes away some of that overwhelming dauntingness of, ‘I don’t know what to do for my self-care, my mental health, I don’t know what works’” Johnson said. “It gives you a whole card full of options that you might find out work for you.”
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness is another key component to help people who are struggling and facilitating those complex, yet life-saving, conversations. One simple way to do that is to participate in one of the many community events that take place in Jacksonville or the greater Northeast Florida area every year.
On Sept. 28, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville is hosting its annual NAMI Walks Jacksonville to raise funds and awareness for its “free mental health programs that support individuals and families across Northeast Florida.”
NAMI Jacksonville Executive Director Suzanne Mailloux said community involvement is a powerful tool in breaking the stigma.
“It shows the rest of our community that there are many people out here that want you to know that you’re not alone,” Mailloux said.
We help reduce the stress of life’s biggest changes. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or settling a loved one’s estate, we’re here to suppor t you with compassion and exper t care Call today to schedule your F REE consultation!
Here Tomorrow hosted its inaugural ECHO Fair in Jarboe Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, as a way “to amplify wellness in our communities.”
ECHO stood for Expression, Connection and Healing Opportunity, and more than 40 area organizations were in attendance to provide wellbeing resources. Jarboe Park’s walking path was transformed into an immersive “Wellness Walk” for the day, with approximately 100 guests participating in activities as they went.
“It truly takes a village to provide the care and support everyone deserves on their mental health journey,” said event organizer Maia Savage.
With Here Tomorrow staff and friends (clients) sharing stories of hope, the message for the day was clear – you are not alone – and those stories created opportunities for connection and welcomed vulnerability.
If you are caring for a loved one with a dementia-related diagnosis and need some additional education and support, please join us
Second Tuesday of Each Month
Next Meeting: September 9 | 10 - 11 a.m.
Riverside Post Acute | 1750 Stockton St., Jacksonville, FL
Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP to Anita Howard at 352.215.7465 or Anita.Howard@HavenHospice.com.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Riverside Post Acute | 1750 Stockton St., Jacksonville, FL
Have you ever wondered what dementia feels like?
Riverside Post Acute invites you to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia. Experience a
eye-opening dementia simulation facilitated by the Haven Dementia Care Program. This chance to build deeper understanding, compassion, and connection is an opportunity to walk through their
even for just a moment.
Question? Contact Haven Anita Howard at 352.215.7465 or Anita.Howard@HavenHospice.com.
By Julie Kerns Garmendia
Pepper, a friendly one-and-a-halfyear-old bloodhound, has no idea that she is the namesake for a community safety initiative that will help rescue missing vulnerable adults and children more quickly, according to ElderSource CEO Linda Levin. Bloodhounds are the breed best known for their exceptional scent-trailing abilities. ElderSource donated and sponsors Pepper, a specially trained scent-trailing bloodhound, as part of “The Pepper Project.”
“[Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office] already had a scent dog named Patriot,” Levin said. “Still, they needed a second scent canine and approached us with the idea of sponsoring Pepper. Part of our mission is to safeguard the vulnerable, which resulted in this partnership between ElderSource and JSO.”
Pepper was trained by Tallahassee’s Paul Coley of Scent Evidence K-9 and, this past spring, began working with JSO K9 Unit Officer Clinton Hart. Through “The Pepper Project,” Duval County caregivers and families will have individual scent preservation kits to make it easier and faster for missing vulnerable persons to be located and returned back home as quickly as possible.
“We hope that we are making a difference,” Levin said.
“The Pepper Project” is a collaborative community effort between ElderSource, the area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida, JSO and R.E.V.A.M.P. – Registry for Endangered, Vulnerable, and Missing Persons – in Duval County. The initiative is further supported by a generous grant from Baptist Health, as well as coordination with The Arc Jacksonville and Scent Evidence K9, the private scent canine and handler training company that trained Pepper.
Along with bringing specially trained scent canine Pepper to Duval County, another essential part of the initiative is promoting, providing information and distributing free Individual Scent Preservation Kits. These kits provide a convenient and safe way for families and caregivers to collect and store an individual’s unique scent, which is as distinctive to a scent canine as a fingerprint
is to police. Families or caregivers can then provide the uncontaminated scent to first responders for use by scent-trailing canines to locate the missing vulnerable person more rapidly.
Vulnerable persons include those of any age who have Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, autism spectrum disorder, or other cognitive, memory, developmental, or sensory impairments. Individuals living with these diagnosed conditions are at much greater risk if they become lost, and the more time that passes, the greater the danger. Rapid rescue is critically important and saves lives.
In addition to utilizing these individual scent preservation kits, caregivers are encouraged to register vulnerable persons with R.E.V.A.M.P.
R.E.V.A.M.P. is a free, confidential, and voluntary registry for endangered, vulnerable, or missing persons within Duval County. Caregivers provide critical information about their loved one’s specific behaviors, medical conditions, and other individual details that help first responders locate their loved one more quickly if they become lost.
The scientifically tested preservation kits safely store a vulnerable person’s uncontaminated scent for up to 10 years and are freely available by appointment from ElderSource and The Arc Jacksonville, or from JSO by registering with R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval County. The easy-to-use kits come with complete instructions, a specialized evidence-grade jar, sterile gauze pad, ID label, non-allergenic gloves, tamper-proof tape, and an Individual Preparedness Plan flash drive.
The kits were developed by Coley, who founded Scent Evidence K9 in 2012 and has worked with JSO since 2021. He has trained American Kennel Club-registered bloodhound scent dogs, as well as a few Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers, for deployment across the U.S. and internationally. He is understandably proud of the nearly 1,000 missing persons his graduate dogs have found to date, and that number continues to grow.
Coley said that his dogs are thoroughly socialized, approachable, and can play and behave like regular dogs when they are not working. He noted that Pepper has such a fun, chill personality, and he will never forget how much she loved lounging in her favorite spot in the kiddie pool during the summer heat.
As a former FBI Forensic Canine Operations Specialist, Coley knows firsthand the importance of obtaining an effective scent article belonging to a missing person, particularly when time is critical for a successful rescue using a scent-trailing canine. Coley stated that the simple-touse kits have saved lives and are utilized by families, caregivers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations worldwide. He has provided instructional and informational videos on Scent Evidence K9’s website, where the public can also purchase the kits.
While every missing vulnerable person case is different and each individual has unique personality traits and medical conditions, it only takes seconds for a child or adult to wander. Vulnerable people are known to be at higher risk of becoming disoriented or accidentally lost. A case in point is the frequent alarms on cell phones that alert the public to missing children or vulnerable person cases, or the overhead signs on highways that flash similar alerts to inform the community if a vehicle is involved.
The American Pediatric Association reports that autistic children have a nearly 50% chance of becoming lost at least once before age 17. Also, those with autism naturally gravitate toward any body of water, significantly increasing the risk of accidental drowning.
to 300 million scent receptors, allowing them to detect and differentiate human scents with remarkable accuracy. They also possess determination and endurance, making them invaluable assets in locating missing individuals.
Once a scent-trailing canine is given items from a person’s Scent Preservation Kit or a personal possession belonging to the missing person, the dog will immediately begin searching for and following that specific scent, regardless of weather conditions, challenging terrain, crowds of people, or other environmental factors.
Once Pepper finds the missing person, she is trained to immediately sit or lie down and await the arrival of first responders. Dogs like Pepper, trained to locate lost vulnerable persons, are selected for their exceptionally calm temperament and demeanor. They exhibit no aggression, make no sounds and avoid any movement that might frighten or alarm the lost person or cause further sensory overload.
The Alzheimer’s Association has reported that approximately 60% of these individuals will wander away from their familiar surroundings at least once and often multiple times during their lives. Vulnerable persons of any age can go missing within minutes. They may be completely unaware that they are lost and in danger from weather exposure, dangerous terrain, or traffic, among other unfamiliar threats they are unable to recognize or navigate.
Some lost vulnerable individuals are terrified or become disoriented by sights and sounds they do not recognize. They may hide or ignore calls from first responders, making discovery more difficult. While most of these missing persons are found, on average, within a one- to one-and-a-halfmile radius of their home or facility location, some may unexpectedly roam much farther.
Bloodhounds like Pepper possess up
Far from frightening anyone, Levin describes Pepper as “the sweetest dog,” and Hart, her handler, who has been a canine handler for 12 years, said that he “could not ask for a better dog.”
“Bloodhounds are sometimes known to howl or be loud, but Pepper does none of that,” Hart said. “She is an amazing tracker, and Mr. Coley did a great job training her for those eight months.”
Hart joined the training sessions with Coley and Pepper for several more weeks and said he has maintained a weekly training schedule ever since. Working with Pepper, he said, is a reward in itself.
“Pepper has the best personality,” Hart said. “She is wonderful with my [sevenyear-old] daughter, Kambri. It’s neat to watch [Pepper] work, because she is so calm and never jumps. It’s so rewarding when she leads us right to a missing vulnerable person.”
By Fabrizio Gowdy
At 76 years old, John Holland is still trying to figure out exactly what he is: Is he a dentist, a pilot, an animatronic engineer, a music video producer? The term he’s landed on that best describes what he does is: explorer.
John has more than 8,000 flying hours under his belt. He and his wife Brooke have taken an RV trip every year for the last five years, traveling a collective 30,000 miles. They even lived on their boat for four years and have sailed and flown all over the Bahamas. By land, air, and sea, they’ve visited 49 states.
John grew up on Seminole Road in Avondale. He attended Robert E. Lee High School, where he met Brooke, then a Generals cheerleader. Brooke had grown up in Ortega; her parents owned Hoyt Stereo in Avondale.
“I think she wanted to date the guy who had the Chevelle Super Sport 396,” John joked.
The high school sweethearts were married a few years later and would eventually have two children, Rob and Anne. After high school, Brooke went off to college and got her teaching degree, while John attended Florida State before going on to UNC dental school. He graduated and went into practice with his father, George, and brother, Keith, who is still practicing.
built plane pilot with more flying hours than his 4,200.
His son Rob practically grew up in the backseat of his father’s plane and is now a pilot himself and John said enjoys being Rob’s co-pilot from time to time.
As John puts it, first you learn how to crawl, then walk, then run, then bike, and then drive – each new phase opens up exciting new possibilities. For him, flying is the next logical step in that progression. It also helps him put things into perspective in a deeply comforting way.
“Whenever I start to worry about where the country’s going and all its problems, I get up in that airplane and see how big America is, how diverse it is, and it makes me feel better,” John said.
Between practicing dentistry and building an aircraft, many people would be plenty busy, but not John. He’d always been into gadgets and technology: He’d been a ham radio operator in high school; he worked on cars at Avondale Shell (where Mellow Mushroom is today); repaired cassettes and tape decks at FSU; worked with steel at the Jacksonville shipyards one summer; and had taken an elective prosthesis course in dental school. All of that contributed to him founding the Sally Corporation in 1977, named after one of his patients. Now known as Sally Dark Rides, it’s America’s second largest animatronics manufacturer behind Disney. Under John’s leadership, Sally pioneered the use of lightweight silicone instead of latex, which eventually became the industry standard.
John has also dabbled in music video production; both his homes in Jacksonville and Franklin, North Carolina are equipped with a music video studio complete with drums, guitars, microphones, and recording and editing equipment. He said it was always his grandkids’ favorite
While John was still in dental school, he and Brooke bought a VW camper and camped their way to California and back. On the return trip, they stumbled upon the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Having recently obtained his pilot’s license, John spent $100 – a small fortune to him in those days – and bought the plans to assemble his own BEDE4 home-built plane. After nearly three years of working on it every single weekend, John’s plane was complete. Fifty years later, John still flies that same plane, and he has yet to meet a home-
room of the house. He’s used his studio for clients, teaching dentistry to students, and his own creations.
In fact, a video John produced about moonshine called “Field of Fuzz” was one of 14 selections out of more than 8,000 submitted to a film festival.
John has long since sold his share of Sally. He no longer practices dentistry, and he doesn’t book too many clients in his music studio these days. He and Brooke are focused on more important things: traveling and
spending time with their four grandchildren – Virginia Anne, Wade, Lilly and Paige. John has recently become interested in repairing antique clocks, making a stop in Iowa with Brooke on the way home during their latest RV trip to research an old German clock that is rumored to be haunted. Those interested in keeping up with his latest adventures and explorations can watch his YouTube channel @johnrobholland
The Bolles School has announced the new home of Bolles Baseball will be named the Chipper Jones Stadium, named for Bolles alumnus and renowned baseball player, Larry “Chipper” Jones, from the class of 1990.
Jones contributed the lead gift for the stadium renovation at the Upper School San Jose Campus.
“The heart and soul of Bolles Baseball will reside at this stadium where lifelong friendships will continue to form and teams grow stronger together,” Jones said. “I will always appreciate my coaches, teammates and teachers for their many contributions to our success.”
The renovated baseball complex will also feature a Fieldhouse named for Jerry and Bruce Chappell. The Fieldhouse will include roughly 3,000 square feet encompassing a new locker room, coaches’ offices, a video room and a lobby entrance that will showcase more than 50 years of Bolles baseball excellence.
Additionally, the renovations pay homage to the
historic Bolles Hall via an upper-level terrace featuring dual towers and traditional architectural design.
“The new stadium is a key piece to the overall enhancement of the baseball complex,” said Bolles Athletic Director Rock Pillsbury. “Bulldog Baseball fans will enjoy the improved aesthetics and design as well as the new viewing options from the upper-level patio. We are grateful to Chipper for helping us make this a reality.”
The renovation is a project several years in the making, dating back to 2021 when planning for this new facility first began. Bolles officials and stakeholders held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the project last December. The design team for this $3.7 million project includes Thomas May Construction and David Luke Architecture. It is expected to be completed before the 2026 season.
Jones was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 after playing for the Atlanta Braves his
entire
in a row and was named the 1989 Florida Player of the Year. In 2014, Bolles honored him with a jersey number retirement ceremony.
Aiden Johnson, a recent graduate from Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, used his Eagle Scout Project to honor both a fallen soldier and a past parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church.
Spotting the worn plaque honoring Hunter McGahee, a U.S. Army lieutenant killed in action in France in World War II, at the base of the flagpole at Riverside church, Johnson decided to restore both the plaque and the flagpole as his Eagle Scout project. Johnson has grown up with Boy Scout Troop 252, which fulfilled the service project component of the Eagle Scout rank.
Aiden oversaw every aspect of the project, from raising the necessary funds for the restoration to recruiting volunteers to install the updated plaque and flagpole, which took three days to complete.
“I wanted to give back to the school and I also wanted to give back to the veterans,” Johnson said. “Especially going to a military college, I thought it was admirable to honor somebody who died in World War II.”
Johnson’s father, Matthew, said watching his son’s evolution into a leader – not just through this project but throughout his entire journey with the Boy Scout troop – was encouraging.
“We’re very proud to see how he’s grown as a young man and as a future leader in his community,” he said.
Johnson celebrated his Court of Honor at the Rudder Club on Aug. 2 with family and friends. He will attend The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, this fall to pursue a degree in biology.
Regardless of where they fell on the countdown to a new school year – either bemoaning the fact that summer ended too quickly or gleefully crossing off days on the calendar to Aug. 11 – everyone was all smiles as they arrived at Fishweir Elementary School for the first day of school, many of them pausing at the A school’s marquee to snap a first-day-of-school photo to commemorate the moment.
More than 80 campers participated in The Sanctuary on 8th Street’s summer camp, which combined learning and fun through its six-week program.
The Sanctuary on 8th Street’s annual summer program “focused on academic enrichment, outdoor play and new adventures for at-hope youth in the heart of Jacksonville.”
Campers had opportunities to visit local businesses, schools and museums during summer camp field trips while also participating in financial literacy classes, attending a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball game and hearing special presentations from various entities and professionals, including VyStar Credit Union, former NFL players, and much more.
With the help of more than 30 volunteers, Family Support Services staff stuffed nearly 600 backpacks with school supplies for children and teens in the local foster care system.
In less than two hours on Tuesday, July 29, the dedicated team, which included volunteers representing Florida Blue, Celebration Church and Church of Eleven22, as well as some children of FSS staff members, took less than two hours to fill the backpacks, thanks to a seamless assembly line established in the FSS main conference room.
The backpacks were later distributed at an Aug. 2 resource fair featuring FSS and other community agencies, where foster families could get back-to-school haircuts and physicals checked off their to-do lists while participating in raffles, enjoying sweet treats and more.
St. Johns Riverkeeper is asking Duval County students to talk some trash – about litter and refuse, that is.
The St. Johns Riverkeeper launched its Fall 2025 Trash Talk Video Contest last month and is open to all Duval County middle and high schoolers. Participants are invited to submit an original video of one minute or less to spread the word about the damage trash and litter wreaks on our waterways while raising awareness about the positive impact of recycling, reducing waste, and disposing of it properly.
are due no later than midnight on Sept. 30.
One winner from each category will be notified by Oct. 14 and will receive $500.
Community First Credit Union sponsors this contest; it is open to any middle or high schooler residing or attending schools – including college or university –in Duval County, including homeschoolers. Submissions
Official rules and guidelines, including the submission portal and required parental/guardian release form, are available at stjohnsriverkeeper.org/education/river-reelsvideo-contest/rules-and-guidelines/
The Episcopal experience means learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our graduates Seek Understanding as lifelong learners; Develop a Sense of Self earned through challenge; Live with Honor and Purpose, choosing to lead, do good, and serve others; and Pursue a Life of Faith, in a way meaningful to them while respecting the dignity of every human being.
Across our Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Spiritual Life — Episcopal students find their passions while shaping who, not what, they will become.
The Jacksonville chapter for CISV USA, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to “educat[ing] and inspir[ing] action for a more just and peaceful world,” welcomed youth from nine countries and junior counselors from three other countries for an international “Village” summer camp to learn about each others’ lives, cultures and how to communicate and cooperate as they lived together. Campers traveled from Asia, Europe and the Americas to participate.
The month-long camp culminated in an International Youth Celebration, an expo at Riverside Presbyterian Church on Aug. 1, where campers proudly displayed information about their countries and their cultures, including sweet treats, and performed skits, songs and dances for guests to enjoy.
Students returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus for the first day of school on Aug. 11, bright-eyed and ready to get the new year underway, equipped with new schedules, full backpacks and minds ready to learn.
Opportunity is more than access—it’s skillfully guided growth.
Our faculty and staff are masters of creating a culture where students thrive and achieve excellence. Here, opportunity lives in every corner: in classrooms, on stages, in labs, on fields and in studios. Students are immersed in academics, the fine arts, athletics and activities that expand their opportunities today, so more things are possible tomorrow.
Remembered for her compassion, service and joy.
August 24, 1937 – July 16, 2025
Patricia “Patti” Balanky, a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend and humanitarian, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, at the age of 87. Patti’s warmth, humor and boundless compassion touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Patti was born in Pasadena, California and met the love of her life, David Balanky, while he was on shore leave in San Diego from the U.S. Navy. He was introduced to Patti by her cousin – David’s shipmate. On the day he met Patti, David famously declared, “I’m going to marry that girl.” Just three months later, he did exactly that. They raised three kids on-campus at FSU while David was a student and circus performer in the Flying High Circus. They then
settled in Jacksonville Florida where David’s family has resided for nearly 100 years. This past November, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
A retired nurse and natural healer, Patti devoted her life to the well-being of others. Alongside David, she made 22 humanitarian trips to Haiti, working closely with Dr. John Lovejoy and the Crudem Foundation to support the construction and furnishing of a hospital and orthopedic lab. Their efforts saved hundreds of lives, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 2010. Patti’s enduring spirit of service and kindness left an indelible mark on the Haitian communities she served. She and David were also dedicated docents at the Cummer Museum
of Art and Gardens, teaching kids to appreciate art.
Known as the family historian, Patti had a brilliant memory and could recall even the smallest details of friends, family stories and milestones. Her love for her family was unmatched, and her laughter and light filled every room she entered.
She is survived by her devoted husband David; her children Michelle, Vincent, and Michael (Gayle); her grandchildren Chase (Jennifer), Evan (Brittany); and her great-grandchildren Nyah and Della Joy as well as sisters Jacque, Victoria and Kathy and extended family Jeannine Balanky, Hannah Daughtry, Ed Houstoun (Linda) and many beloved nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Remembered for visionary leadership, a generous spirit and community stewardship
February. 27, 1934 – August 16, 2025
James Roosevelt Stockton, Jr. – Jimmy, to those who knew him – passed away on Aug. 16, 2025.
He was 91 years old.
Jimmy was a lifelong Jaxson, born to Elizabeth Randolph Preston Bryan Stockton and James Roosevelt Stockton. After graduating from Washington and Lee University in 1957, Jimmy joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where his exemplary leadership helped him rise to the rank of Company Commander and First Lieutenant.
Jimmy was a devoted historian, tracing his own family roots back to 1660, and didn’t shrink from the family legacy set for him by his father and grandfather, Telfair and Jimmy Stockton, both of whom played pivotal roles in establishing the Jacksonville communities of Avondale,
Riverside and San Marco. Instead, Jimmy harnessed his own drive and pioneering spirit, shaping Northeast Florida and leaving his own mark on the history of the Bold City.
Jimmy was a developer for Ponte Vedra Beach’s Sawgrass, re-routed A1A to allow for improved community access, and served a key role in the evolution of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into the institution it is today.
Jimmy’s passion for hunting and fishing took him around the world, including Alaska, Kenya, Panama, Australia, the Yucatan, and a 2,000-mile journey through Southern Sudan.
Jimmy’s commitment and love for community were matched by his faith, and he maintained strong ties to Christ Episcopal Church, which was built on land donated
Whatley, and Davin. Over the years, Jimmy continued his family’s support for the church, gifting two organs to enhance the church’s music program.
“People flock to Jimmy and want to know what he is doing, where he is going, and if possible, to join the fun and adventure,” said his wife, Vikki, of his magnetic personality.
He is survived by his wife, Vikki Stockton, and his children: James Roosevelt Stockton III (Jimbo), Pace Wagoner, Peyton Stockton, Layton Langley, and Vikki’s son Brand McCarley (Marcy), his grandchildren Bobby and Jamie Stockton, Caroline Riedel, Cody and Cameron Langley, Gus and Daniel Wagoner, and Kaseleigh McCarley and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
