Riverside: Resident August 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

VOTE

Election Season Takes Shape

RIVERSIDE | AVONDALE | ORTEGA | MURRAY HILL

Duval County voters prepare for the Aug. 18 primaries as candidates compete in.statewide races and a special City Council election while a growing field of contenders takes shape for Jacksonville’s 2027 elections.

Back to Scho o l Aug. 10

FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS | RESIDENTNEWS.NET | AUGUST 2026 | VOL. 19, ISSUE 8

READ MORE ON PAGE 8

Red, White and Barbecue

District 3 City Council Member Will Lahnen and Five Star Veterans Center CEO Commander John Bear with Representative Wyman Duggan and Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael Fleming

Guests at Five Star Veterans Center’s Pre-4th of July Benefit Concert and Barbecue raised more than $11,000 for the organization, kicking off a month of rallied support for the nonprofit and its mission.

Residents pack the room at the July 16 meeting at Hyde Grove Elementary School, many of them in opposition to the proposed plans.

READ MORE ON PAGE 16

1,200-Student New Build for Venetia Elementary Sparks Community Pushback

By Michele Leivas As the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) Board prepares to vote on the closure of Ortega Elementary at its upcoming August meeting, with the plan to consolidate it into a new 1,200-student build at Venetia Elementary, some parents and community members are asking the district: What’s the rush?

Concerned residents turned out in large numbers at a series of community meetings in June and July to ask questions and share concerns about the new build planned for Venetia Elementary School, which now stands empty as students and faculty have been relocated to Hyde Grove Elementary School for the current school year. Conversations swirled about how the larger footprint and increased traffic would impact the Venetia community, which already faces significant traffic congestion during drop-off and pickup times during the school year.

READ MORE ON PAGE 6

Five Points BID Takes First Steps Forward

Henry Proudfoot and Fitch King

Summer Sun and Lots of Fun

By Michele Leivas

904 All Stars Sports Camp returned for its sixth summer at the Rachels’ home, providing a new batch of summer memories for neighborhood boys, ages five to 10.

The Five Points Business Improvement District Supervisory Board appointed its inaugural slate of officers at its first meeting on July 20 as a new quasi-governmental body.

Five Points property owner Lon Walton will serve as president, with Five Points business owners Dori Thomsen to serve as vice president/secretary and Cheryl Croft as treasurer. Legislation passed earlier this year by Jacksonville City Council approved the formation of the five-member supervisory board of Walton, Thomsen, Croft, Andre Green and David Wingard with two alternates, Ashley Kendrick and Cody Mashni.

The Jacksonville City Council approved legislation creating the

READ MORE ON PAGE 36

Five Points BID in October 2025 with an amendment carving out 11 properties that did not want to be included. The geographic boundaries of the BID include Riverside Avenue, Copeland Street and Post Street.

Churches, retirement homes and residential buildings within those boundaries will not be included in the BID. This is the second BID to be formed in Jacksonville; the first one is Downtown Vision, Inc. Beginning next year, commercial property owners within the BID boundaries will see a special assessment on their property tax, which will fund the BID to execute initiatives aimed at improving landscaping, security, and other areas identified by its supervisory board for the Five Points merchant community.

READ MORE ON PAGE 14

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AUGUST 2026

Florida Amendment 3 is on the Ballot What Do You Want to Know?

PUBLISHERS Seth H. Williams seth@residentnews.net Pamela Bradford Williams pamela@residentnews.net SALES DIRECTOR Debra McGregor debra@residentnews.net MANAGING EDITOR Michele Leivas michele@residentnews.net ART DIRECTOR Jason Lindstrum GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Chris Gildersleeve Tricia Steele CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susanna Barton Susan D. Brandenburg Rebecca Day Julie Kerns Garmendia Fabrizio Gowdy Peggy Harrell Jennings Jennifer Jensen Lauren K. Weedon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Sheridan Garrett DISTRIBUTION Luis Perdomo

1650 Margaret St. #310 Jacksonville, FL 32204

904.388.8839 RESIDENTNEWS.NET

residentnewsjax circlescharitymag The Resident is a monthly newspaper mailed to homeowners in Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Marco, San Jose and St. Nicholas. For advertising information, please call 904.388.8839. Editorial submissions are welcome, but subject to editing at the publisher’s discretion. Facts and statements expressed in the editorial content are not necessarily those of The Resident. All content is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, copied or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2026.

While Resident News remains committed to bringing readers the latest hyperlocal news from our Resident communities, we also report on larger issues that may affect Jacksonville and Duval County as a whole.

In our September issue, Resident News will take an in-depth look at Florida Amendment 3 – the Homestead Tax Exemptions, Property Assessments and Spending Restrictions Amendment – which voters will see on the November ballot.

We want to hear from you. What questions do you have about the amendment and how it could affect homeowners, property taxes and local government spending?

Send your questions to michele@residentnews.net with “Florida Amendment 3 Questions” in the subject line.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Excellent article on the Riverfront Plaza. How Ironic. We’ve been over in the UK and back only recently. This morning I decided I had to go over and see what was going on in the park by the Main Street Bridge. What a wonderful surprise. The park for children 6 to 12 was just opening. What a great design. All the gorgeous greenery totally Floridian. The design is fantastic. I wanted to go on the slides and swings. Walking back home I felt totally elated by the great

plan, with more to come.

This evening we received a copy of The Resident Community News. There on page 4 was an excellent article on what I had just seen this morning and more. What a great way to foster good will.

Great job, Seth and Michele Leivas!!

–Sandra Fradd

Shade Up Our Neighborhoods Plant a tree (free from the City)

Plant the next generation of trees to shade our lives!

Ask for a free tree from the City of Jacksonville to be planted in the right-of-way of your yard. Call 630-CITY, and depending on power lines above and water/sewer pipes below, a tree just the right size will be planted! The benefits of more trees include reducing the urban heat, island effect, reducing stormwater runoff, filtering the air we breathe, providing wildlife habitat, and much more.

Create a shady neighborhood to walk and exercise in. More trees and LESS LAWN means less water drawn from our fragile aquifer and less pesticides and fertilizers washed into our river and killing biodiversity.

Keystone plants are native plants critical to the food web and necessary for many wildlife species to complete their life cycle.

Without keystone plants in the landscape, butterflies, native bees, and birds will not thrive. Ninety-six percent of our terrestrial birds rely on insects supported by keystone plants.

The number one keystone native plant is the oak. Oaks support more than 450 species of moths and butterflies. Moths and their caterpillars are important food for birds.

Here is a list of the trees the City can plant in your right-of-way: • Large trees: Live oak, overcup oak, bald cypress, red maple, Southern magnolia, American sycamore, tulip poplar, American elm.

• Medium trees: Eagleston holly, river birch, Southern red cedar, sweetbay magnolia, winged elm.

• Small trees: Yaupon holly, little gem magnolia, wax myrtle, Walters viburnum.

It’s easy. Call 630-CITY and ask for your free trees.

More shade, please!

–Kathy Stark

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

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AUGUST 2026

Mayor Presents $2 Billion Budget to City Council

By Michele Leivas Mayor Donna Deegan presented her FY26-27 $2 billion budget proposal to the Jacksonville City Council at a special meeting on Monday, July 20.

“Jacksonville is a city on the rise, and our proposed budget continues that momentum,” said Deegan. “Every spending decision we make is geared to deliver a positive return for our citizens and make Jacksonville more affordable. We do that by making it healthier, safer, more competitive, more prosperous, and more prepared for the future.”

The proposed budget increases by one percent from the prior year, reflecting an increase of approximately $22.6 million. With Deegan noting that public safety is the top priority, more than half of the general fund budget – $1.07 billion – is allocated for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

“As promised, it delivers a third year of salary increases and returns our first responders to a defined benefit pension,” Deegan said. “It invests in the equipment, training and technology that support those who bravely protect us.”

Included in this budget proposal is $586,110,854 for the FY26-27 Capital Improvement Plan, with just over $1.25 billion allocated for the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Key infrastructure projects feature significant increased budget allocations for road resurfacing ($36 million, increased by $13.2 million), $12 million for new and repaired sidewalks and stormwater drainage projects ($25 million).

“These are not luxuries,” Deegan said. “These are the bones of our city. If they are weak, everything else costs more. If they are strong, everything becomes possible.”

These infrastructure dollars could have significant impacts on the historic communities within our Resident readership and both city council members representing these neighborhoods – District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso and City Council Vice President Joe Carlucci, representing District 5, shared comments with Resident News on the matter.

“What I’m anticipating is that we’ll see a lot more work on our sidewalks than we have in years,” Peluso said. “We’re seeing more money to go to sidewalk improvements and fixes than we’ve seen in a very long time. So that’s incredibly exciting to me. We’re also seeing more money for drainage projects than we have in the past, which is also really exciting.”

Carlucci shared the following statement with Resident News via text message: “I’m proud to share that I secured more than $10 million in infrastructure funding for District 5 over the next four years, with a major focus on drainage improvements and pedestrian safety. As vice president, I’ll continue working to identify and deliver larger-scale infrastructure projects that improve our neighborhoods and strengthen District 5 for years to come.”

Featured FY26-27 capital investments include the following allocations for several projects for Parks and Recreation: • Museum of Science and History: $27 million • Riverfront Plaza: $25 million • Lonnie Miller Park: $10 million • Emerald Trail (Hogan’s Creek to Riverwalk): $8 million • James Weldon Johnson Park: $5.75 million • Shipyards West Park: $5 million

Mayor Donna Deegan answers additional questions at a press conference immediately following the July 20 special council meeting.

At a press conference following the budget presentation, Deegan addressed the possibility of having to make necessary adjustments to her proposal following the November vote on Florida Amendment 3 – the Homestead Tax Exemptions, Property Assessments, and Spending Restrictions Amendment.

“Everything’s going to be affected,” Deegan said. “Our job here over the next little while is to simply make people aware of the fact that when you have to cut a third of your budget, pretty much a third of everything is under scrutiny for going. We’re hopeful that we can continue to move the city forward in the ways that we outlined today, and I think that’s what most people in the city want.”

This presentation kicked off the city council’s three-month process of reviewing, amending and approving the proposed budget.

Deegan also added she will resume her series of budget town hall meetings with the community, beginning Aug. 5.

READ THIS ARTICLE ONLINE AT WWW.RESIDENTNEWS.NET FOR A LINK TO REVIEW THE FY26-27 BUDGET PROPOSAL IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THE FULL SCHEDULE OF MAYOR DEEGAN’S BUDGET TOWN HALL MEETINGS.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY VOICE

Now that the full scope of this project has become known, there are still too many unanswered questions to move forward with demolition. My understanding is that the entire site will be closed for nearly two years, so I respectfully ask that this first step be paused. Once demolition begins, there is no going back. Before taking that irreversible step, our community deserves answers, the information and studies behind this project, and a real opportunity to be heard. Taking a short pause now is a reasonable request that will build trust and help ensure the best decision is made for taxpayers, students and our neighborhood.

During the meeting last week, the school board representative admitted that communication should have been handled much better regarding all of these local projects – now is a great opportunity to begin that communication and transparency with ALL those affected by the size and scope of this project.

As I left my home in Venetia yesterday at 3:45 pm I sat through three light cycles on Timuquana Road trying to turn on Roosevelt. Apparently, a wreck had happened south near NAS a bit before, all traffic lights were out, Della Robbia was backed up, McDonald’s was backed up and three cars behind me another collision happened as people were trying to leave the neighborhood.

This is not an infrequent situation.

The frustration is justified - our traffic on a daily basis even without school in session is beyond limits.

Join us for

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AUGUST 2026

Venetia Elementary

Community Deserves Answers Before Demolition Begins

–Susan Donnell

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“We live with a 350-student school, and the traffic is terrible,” said Susan Donnell, who lives two blocks from Venetia Elementary. “During pickup and drop-off, they’re lined up on other streets because there’s not enough room. It’s physically impossible.”

Donnell added she is not opposed to a new build for Venetia Elementary, but she is concerned about the proposed size, pushing instead for a new build that fits the size and character of the Venetia neighborhood.

The new build is not without supporters, however. At a public meeting at Hyde Grove Elementary School on July 16, Venetia Elementary School teachers spoke in support of the new build.

“We are excited for our A school to get a new build,” said one Venetia teacher during public comment. “We’re excited for that new build for our A school, and we’re excited for our children to get that big building for their hard work because they’ve been working so hard.”

For many, though, the impact an influx of more cars and school buses could have on the neighborhood remains a concern.

Laura Garcia, a parent at John Stockton Elementary School, has family living in the condos near Venetia Elementary and echoed Donnell’s comments.

“You can barely get in there now, and that’s 368 kids,” Garcia said.

During these community meetings, DCPS officials shared information about a traffic study, which they said is ongoing, though some residents expressed confusion as to why the traffic study is incomplete when preparations for demolition have already begun at Venetia, though actual demolition isn’t expected to begin until January.

Following the July 22 meeting, DCPS Deputy Superintendent Corey Wright said the traffic study is on schedule.

“The traffic study is on time in this

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A prototype of what the new 1,200-student Venetia Elementary School could look like.

News there is a separate process to place it on the market. Speculation surrounding the building’s future has already begun to circulate through the neighborhood.

Alex Stone, an Ortega Elementary parent and president of the Friends of Ortega nonprofit, said the building should

process,” Wright said. “We typically do the traffic study in conjunction with preparing to demolish a building and design the new building. I think there was probably an opportunity to better inform the community about the process in general and what comes when, so we’re working to do that.”

You can barely get in there now, and that’s – Laura Garcia 368 kids.

John Stockton Elementary School Parent “The traffic study will definitely provide guidance and inform some of the patterns in which the traffic would come into the building, and definitely make certain the traffic patterns, the intake, the queuing lines will be able to accommodate the number of students that will be in attendance,” Wright continued.

Residents inquired about the name of the engineering firm conducting the traffic study at the July 16 meeting, and DCPS officials were unable to answer. Resident News later inquired with DCPS and was told that the traffic study is being completed through PBK Architects, the project designer.

DCPS District 5 Board Member Reginald Blount attended all three community meetings, along with several other district board members. Following the July 22 meeting, he said the community has valid concerns, and he wants to see them addressed.

“I think they’re legitimate concerns to the point where we’ve really got to go back to a workshop to discuss this, if that’s an option, and see if there’s a different way forward rather than the current,” Blount said. “Just to see, I’m making no promises.”

Ortega Elementary School was identified for closure in the district’s 2019 Master Facility Plan. At its Aug. 4 meeting, the DCPS Board is also expected to vote on whether to identify Ortega Elementary as surplus property, though Blount told Resident

remain a community resource.

“Ortega is an historic building. It’s a contributory structure to the neighborhood.

To not have it be a community resource and be sold to a private entity or a charter school is completely defeating the purpose of the building,” Stone said. “…To abandon that value is just a travesty. To further that and it go to somebody else, and it not remain with the community is just absurd, and it’s just disheartening too.”

Blount said he’d prefer to see the property continue to serve the community in some way.

“My preference is always that we repurpose the property first for the community, fast enough where the charter schools don’t grab it, and then see where we go from there,” Blount said. “I’m always about the community first before we look at real estate moguls all over the city trying to get it.”

Community meetings will begin in January to discuss redrawing the boundaries for the new Venetia Elementary School, which could result in additional school closures in the surrounding areas. Wright said currently the only school identified to close and consolidate into the new Venetia building is Ortega Elementary.

The new Venetia Elementary School is expected to open in time for the 2028-29 school year.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

Voters Head to the Polls for Local, Statewide Elections

|

AUGUST 2026

VOTING INFORMATION

Primary Election

City Council contenders file, qualify and announce for 2027

EARLY VOTING: Aug. 7 to Aug. 16 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

By Seth Williams

VOTE BY MAIL: Deadline to request that the ballot be mailed: Aug. 6 | 5 p.m.

Jacksonville voters will take to the polls in the coming weeks to decide several races, as the Duval County elections office will be busy tallying votes in multiple contests.

Leadership roles and political posturing are underway on the local level to decide a special election for a vacancy ahead on City Council, and both parties are vying for statewide nominations in the Republican and Democratic primaries for Governor Aug. 18.

In Florida, state primaries are reserved for party-affiliated voting only – registered Democrats vote for Democrats and registered Republicans vote for Republicans – party affiliation filing can change, but those seeking a party switch must carefully review guidelines in time to vote. For the local city council elections, the rules are different – local primaries are countywide, nonpartisan and open to all registered voters.

The local vote: Filling vacated city council at-large seat Term-limited City Council Member Terrance Freeman announced his resignation to pursue a State House bid, with three candidates vying for the At-Large Group 1seat. The filed candidates are Deborah Wesley (R), a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Commander who will take on two others: Moné Holder (D), chief advocacy and political officer at Florida Rising and an appointed board member of Mayor Donna Deegan’s Planning and Zoning Department, and Addison Jade Patrick (LP). Patrick was lining up for the general election in 2027, but refiled and became a designated

candidate for this month’s special election.

The victor of the At-Large seat will take office only if a decisive victory is declared during the primary in August. If one of the candidates doesn’t obtain a majority vote, a runoff will ensue during the General Election Nov. 3.

City Council’s latest announcements, candidates in the race District 7 is seeing a shift in leadership as District 7 Council Member Jimmy Peluso (D) has filed his At-Large Group 4 candidacy to replace term-limited Council Member Matt Carlucci (R). Carlucci has served his city to its maximum to his term limit. Peluso will face off against two other filed candidates, both Republicans. They are: Andrew McCann and Matt McCullough.

Peluso relinquished his pursuit of reelection for the District 7 seat to make room for a run by Lisa Rinaman, who has worked in City Hall for two prior mayoral administrations before her tenure as the face and leadership at St. Johns Riverkeeper, the role she held for shy of 15 years.

Rinaman made her official announcement to run on Tuesday, Aug. 21st and shared a statement with Resident News about her run for District 7, which encompasses Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, portions of Murray Hill, Downtown and the Eastside.

“I spent 10 years in City Hall before I came to St. John’s Riverkeeper, and then of course have been really honored to serve as our river’s keeper for the last 14, nearly 15 years,” she said. “This was

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a big decision for me. And while I will definitely miss riverkeeping, this new chapter feels like coming home. It really feels like coming back to the urban core and really concentrating my time on things that matter, including the river as well as historic preservation and the revitalization and energizing of our entire urban core.”

Rinaman will face a crowded field of eight other filed candidates: James Martin Breaker, Jr. (D), Marlaina W. Geddes (D), Chaussee Autry Gibson (D), Timothy D. Johnson, Sr. (NPA), Terrance A. Jones (D), Marc McCullough (D), Bryson Kade Morgan (D), and Benjamin Frierson Sandlin (D).

Outside of Rinaman, another campaign announcement was made by a familiar face to Jacksonville politics on July 13. Scott Wilson (R) has returned. He is poised to compete for a seat in District 4. Wilson, a former city council president (2019 to 2020) and previous council aide to former Council Member Don Redman, helped launch the Special Investigative Committee regarding the sale of JEA and ensuing scandal that plagued former Mayor Lenny Curry’s final years in office. Wilson will take on incumbent Kevin Carrico for his District 4 seat, which Wilson represented during his prior stint in office. Robert Todd Jeffers (D) has also filed for the seat.

Large slate of gubernatorial candidates head to primaries The Republican field has 12 candidates running for the seat of Florida Governor.

Current Governor Ron DeSantis is termlimited and has also not endorsed a frontrunner as of press time. The leading candidates are Byron Donalds, Paul Renner, Lt. Governor Jay Collins, and James Fishback; the field also has Jim Holcomb, Arthur Joseph McCaffrey, Daniel Nokovich, William Reicherter, Rachel Rodriguez, James Shaw, Caneste Succe, and Bobby Williams vying in the primary.

On the Democratic side of the primary, there is also a crowded field with candidates Evelyn Castillo-Bach, Thomas Eloy Fernandez, Dayna Marie Foster, David Jolly, Dotie Joseph, and Stephann Norman filed and seeking the nomination.

Additional candidates include Dean Ocean Abrams (NPA), Kathy Anderson (WRI), Charles Burkett (NPA), Jeffrey Peter “Dr. Jeff” Datto (NPA), David “DJ” DeJesus (WRI), Richard Paul Dembinsky (WRI), Moliere “Moe” Dimanche (NPA), Scott Eckhard Jewett (LPF), M.W. Khan (WRI), Desmond Meade (NPA), Erik Morris (WRI) and Frank J. Russo (NPA).

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS Cannot be dropped off at election day precincts.

ELECTION DAY: August 18, 2026 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

General Election EARLY VOTING: Oct.19 to Nov. 1 | Times TBD VOTE BY MAIL: Deadline to request that the ballot be mailed: Oct. 22 | 5 p.m.

Deadline to begin mailing Vote by Mail Ballots: Sept. 19 (UOCAVA) Oct. 1 (Domestic) VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS Cannot be dropped off at election day precincts.

ELECTION DAY: Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: Oct. 5 No deadline to change party affiliation

2026 Offices Up for Election Governor Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Chief Financial Officer State Senator District 4 Representative in Congress District 4 and 5 State Representatives Districts 12 - 17 School Board Districts 2, 4, and 6 Soil and Water Conservation Districts Subdistricts 1, 3, and 5 Circuit Court Judges Groups 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 21, 26, 27, 28, and 30 County Court Judges Groups 1, 6, 13, 14, and 16 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING ELECTIONS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.DUVALELECTIONS.GOV

Great Communities Don’t Happen

by Accident Every day, people across Jacksonville are protecting our waterways, preserving natural resources, reducing waste, and creating innovative environmental solutions.

Now it’s time to recognize them.

Nominate an outstanding individual or organization for the 2026 Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board Environmental Achievement Awards.

Award Categories Include: Individual | Government/Institutional|Business Small Business |Community/Civic Help us recognize Duval County’s local changemakers. Scan to learn more about the program and nominate someone deserving.

AUGUST 2026

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

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R ES I D E N T C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

MOVERS

SHAKERS Brown Transitions into JANFL Leadership Role

NEFAR Volunteers Remove 6,100 Pounds of Trash More than 250 Northeast Florida Association of Realtors members, affiliates and community volunteers removed 6,100 pounds of trash during the organization’s annual waterways cleanup.

Cleanup efforts were held July 11 in Putnam County and July 18 across Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties.

Volunteers collected litter and debris from waterways, parks, shorelines and public spaces.

Crystal Brown

Junior Achievement of North Florida (JANFL) has appointed Crystal Brown as chairperson of its board of directors.

Brown, chief growth and product officer at SS&C Technologies, will serve a two-year term in this leadership position, succeeding Jeff Machols, head of sustainability at New York Life.

This appointment comes during one of the organization’s most transformational years in JANFL history as it prepares to break ground on its Experiential Learning Center.

“Junior Achievement is moving from vision to execution on one of the most ambitious initiatives in our organization’s history,” said JANFL President Shannon Italia. “As we prepare for groundbreaking and the opportunities that lie ahead, Crystal brings the strategic leadership, innovation and collaborative approach needed to help guide our next phase of growth.”

Ruth, Rogers Join Jacksonville Symphony Board

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The Jacksonville Symphony has appointed two new members to its board of directors, bringing new perspectives and strong leadership experience to the now 34-member board ahead of the symphony’s 77th season.

Victoria Rogers’ leadership experience includes serving for nearly a decade as vice president of arts for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a role from which she retired at the end of 2024, and, prior to that, helping to lead the New World Symphony as executive vice president.

Amy Ruth, meanwhile, is senior vice president, human services group and chief human resource officer at GuideWell and Florida Blue. Additionally, Ruth serves on the Enterprise Leadership Team and is the board chair for GuideWell Source.

“The continued growth of our Board reflects strong belief in the Symphony’s mission,” said Jacksonville Symphony President and CEO Steven B. Libman. “Our newest members are eager to contribute their expertise and help guide the organization into the 2026/27 season.”

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Movers & Shakers |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

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AUGUST 2026

Parkers Named Area Commanders For the first time in seven years, The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida has a new pair of leaders at its helm.

Majors Robert and Nicole Parker have succeeded Majors Keath and Candice Biggers in this leadership role following the Biggers’ retirement in June.

Commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 2006 and 2009, respectively, Robert and Nicole Parker previously served as divisional youth leaders in the Potomac Division with prior service in the Arkansas and Oklahoma division, with ministry experience in divisional leadership, corps administration, strategic planning, program development, youth ministry and mission-focused service in diverse communities. Their ministry Majors Robert and Nicole Parker are the new area has included leadership roles at appointments commanders for The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida. throughout the Southern Territory.

“Nicole and I are truly honored to serve as the new Area Commanders for The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida. We look forward to building on the strong foundation established by Majors Keath and Candice Biggers and working alongside our officers, employees, volunteers, donors and community partners to serve our neighbors with compassion and integrity,” said Major Robert Parker. “We are excited to continue sharing the hope of Jesus Christ while advancing The Salvation Army’s mission of meeting human needs without discrimination.”

Kelly Moorman Coggins

Tracy Kelly

Hart Felt Names New Leader Hart Felt Ministries President and Executive Director Kelly Moorman Coggins will step down in April 2027 after 12 years of leadership. Director of Operations Tracy Kelly will succeed her.

Under Coggins, the ministry’s budget grew from $108,600 in 2015 to nearly $1.3 million in 2025, and it launched The Hart Fund and Transportation Program.

Coggins will remain in a contracted financial role.

Kelly joined Hart Felt in 2022 as a volunteer and has held several positions within the organization, which provides free services to help underserved seniors remain in their homes.

Music with a Mission

The River City Chorus combined group performs at Riverside Park Methodist Church.

The River City Chorus concluded its 2026 concert series with a trio of free concerts last month.

The chorus held back-to-back performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 17 to 19, under the direction of Dale Choate, at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, Arlington Presbyterian Church and Riverside Park United Methodist Church, sharing their passion for music and song with those in attendance.

As it does every season, the chorus selected a nonprofit organization to sponsor, and concert guests were able to make donations that went directly to the sponsored nonprofit.

For its 2026 season, River City Chorus sponsored Young Lives, a subsidiary of YoungLife, whose mission is to support teenage mothers through the challenges they face.

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14 |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

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AUGUST 2026

A New Road Map for Busy Brooklyn Corridors

By Michele Leivas A trio of road diets is planned for the Brooklyn neighborhood, poised to bring trafficcalming measures to Riverside Avenue, Monroe Street and Forest Street.

The plans were presented to the community at a public meeting hosted by District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso on Thursday, July 23. Representatives from the City of Jacksonville Traffic Engineering Division, including Traffic Chief Chris LeDew, were in attendance as well to share details surrounding the road diets.

“These are projects that are low-cost, and these are projects that can make a resounding difference for the community,” said Peluso.

According to City of Jacksonville Traffic Engineer and Project Manager Lee Durbin, these projects are aimed at creating friendlier walking conditions, safer bike lanes, and improving access to area businesses and attractions while building on other recent city projects like the Park Street Road Diet and the Fuller Warren Bridge Shared-Use Path, which have impacted pedestrian and cyclist mobility in the city.

For Riverside Avenue, the road diet would begin at the Acosta Bridge ramps and end at Forest Street, converting the outside lane in either direction to on-street parking, which would add 61 new parking spaces to that corridor, and moving the bike lane on the other side of those new parking spaces.

Currently, Monroe Street is three lanes of one-way traffic down which drivers have a propensity to speed. Under the proposed project, Monroe would be converted to two lanes of traffic, one going in each direction with added bike lanes.

“This will slow people down because it will make it look more like a neighborhood,” said Durbin. “It’s not going to feel like a highway where drivers are supposed to go really fast. When drivers see a street like this, they’ll naturally slow down.”

The added bike lanes will provide a connection to the Emerald Trail to the heart of downtown, almost down to the courthouse.

Under the proposed road diet, Monroe Street would be converted into a two-lane two-way traffic corridor.

With similar existing conditions as Riverside Avenue, Forest Street has some of the same issues – six lanes of traffic with high occurrences of speeding with little protection for cyclists – Forest Street would see similar changes as well: converting the outside lanes on both sides of the street to on-street parking (creating 23 new parking spots) and moving the bicycle lane to the other side of that new row of parking. This project, which is bordered

by Riverside Avenue and just west of Park Street, would also install a midblock pedestrian crosswalk at Magnolia Street, which does not currently have a crosswalk but is already a popular place for pedestrians to cross.

Because these are not part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Peluso said these do not need to go before city council for approval. Durbin said these projects could be completed in quick succession sometime in 2027. The estimated cost is $100,000.

Responding to public questions about the traffic lights along these roads, LeDew said a separate project would be done to retime the traffic signals to reconcile with the reduced number of traffic lanes.

Following the meeting, LeDew said retiming the lights is a data-intensive process that could take three to six months.

“We do that periodically, and whenever there’s a big change to a road like this, where we’re removing lanes, it would definitely change the timing,” LeDew said.

READ THIS ARTICLE ONLINE AT WWW.RESIDENTNEWS.NET TO REVIEW ALL RENDERINGS FOR THESE PROJECTS AND THE ROLLPLOTS FOR RIVERSIDE AVENUE, MONROE STREET AND FOREST STREET.

Five Points BID CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “One of the reasons the BID was formed was not only to unite the community to create security and beautification, but it’s to take some of the weight off the merchants’ shoulders, so that it doesn’t all fall on the merchants to feel like they’re the ones having to do all the cleaning and the safety and security of their staff and patrons,” said Thomsen, who has been involved in the formation of the BID since discussions about it began roughly three years ago. “That’s the main thing that I always envisioned was, let the merchants be merchants, let them focus on their growth and sustainability, and that way here, through the BID, we can take charge of the bigger items.”

Croft joined the Five Points merchants community in 2024 when she assumed ownership of the Edge City boutique following the retirement of Five Points icon Gunnel Humphreys. As of Aug. 10, Croft will also succeed Thomsen as president of the Five Points Association.

Caring for your smile and the person behind it.

With the BID now able to assume some of the “heavy lifts” addressing larger, overarching needs and concerns of the merchants district as a whole, Croft said the Five Points Association will be able to redirect its focus on community events and initiatives that will help preserve the bohemian culture of the community.

To help the BID get off the ground through its first year before assessments are issued and collected, District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso will seek council approval to allocate $200,000 from his district’s allotted funds from the Community Benefits Agreement to the BID. Seeing that first meeting take place was a gratifying moment for Peluso.

“I think we’re putting ourselves in the right posture to make sure that we can make the most improvement in a relatively short amount of time,” said Peluso. “That’s what I’m excited about.”

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16 |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

Kris Fassett with Paul Burton and Amy Collins

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

Volunteers Sarah Brown, Kim Sherman and Justus Courtright Mike Hrin and Melina Buncome

Benton Hosea with Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland and Wally Conrad

Sybil Moore and Lucretia Johnson

99.9 Gator Country Host Amadeus and Steven Sutton

|

AUGUST 2026

Tracy Hudson and Jeff Laliberte

Melina Buncome, Kela Chatman and Mary Paul with David Abramowitz and Broderick Stahl

Giving Hope, Honoring Service The community turned out in a big way for Five Star Veterans Center at its Pre-4th of July Benefit Concert and BBQ, raising more than $11,000 at its June 26 event.

Guests enjoyed traditional BBQ fare while grooving to tunes provided by musical guests Madi Bost and Amadeus and Steve with 99.9 Gator Country, with the national anthem sung

by Kela Chatman of the U.S. Army.

This event marked just one moment of generous community giving and support in

the month of June, during which the organization received nearly $26,000 in charitable donations. The good news for the organization, which had shared news of its financial struggles with the community ahead of its June 26 event, continued into July with announcements of gifts totaling $45,000: $25,000 from The Joseph and Gertrude Larose Foundation, $10,000 from Walmart, and $10,000 from the Wounded Warrior Project.

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Florida First means standing up for those who call Florida home.

As Governor, I will call a Special Session on Day 1 and work with the Legislature to continue bold Florida First reforms.

I will pursue the following priorities in my First 100 Days:

MAKE FLORIDA AFFORDABLE AGAIN Eliminate property taxes by shifting the tax burden toward new residents, tourists, and international real estate speculators. Reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums by 20%. Lower electric rates by bringing transparency and accountability to the rate-setting process. Pass an immediate moratorium on construction of Hyperscale AI Data Centers that threaten Florida’s aquifer, land and power grid.

KEEP FLORIDA SAFE Paul Renner with his wife, Adriana, and their two children

Stop public corruption by prosecuting self-dealing by elected officials, appointees, and lobbyists. Recall elected officials who engage in insider trading. Enforce illegal immigration laws. Enact the death penalty for human trafficking of minors and limit death penalty appeals to three years. Pass an Open Carry law to strengthen Second Amendment rights and repeal any gun ownership restrictions from the Parkland bill.

PROTECT HEALTH FREEDOM AND OUR ENVIRONMENT Speaker Paul Renner Candidate for Governor

Strengthen the Medical Freedom Act to end mandates and protect parental rights. Enforce laws that prohibit geoengineering and weather modification. Stop digital IDs and promote digital data privacy. Expand Florida’s Wildlife Corridor and keep a permanent moratorium on the development of state parks.

KEEP FLORIDA FREE Speaker Paul Renner Recipient of the Defensor Dignitatis Award from the Florida Bishops in defense of human life in March 2025

Stop election fraud and make Florida the gold standard for election integrity. Pass an AI Bill of Rights to protect children and our privacy. Stop unlawful government surveillance and eliminate Flock cameras.

THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS NOT FOR SALE.

Florida requires proven leadership which puts Florida First.

I’m the only candidate who fought the liberal special interests and won. They haven’t gone away, but I’ll never back down. I’ll pursue this Contract with Florida to keep our state the beacon of freedom in America.

May God bless the great state of Florida,

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BUS I N ESS P ROFIL E

Taking Care of Business Proficient and reliable administrative support is the backbone of every business, from small start-ups to established enterprises. Those behind-the-scenes tasks, while necessary, can also be time-consuming and overwhelming, and Leighton Miller, owner of Concierge Administrative Services, stands ready to step in to handle them with personalized service.

Concierge Administrative Solutions provides a tailor-made experience to meet the administrative needs of a small business, whether it’s a one-person venture or a larger entity serving hundreds of clients. From agriculture to retail, CAS stands ready to provide the vital back-of-house services every business needs to keep operations running smoothly.

This includes: • Financial Consulting: accounting consulting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, fractional CFO advisors, monthly and year-end financials, new business startups, notary services and QuickBooks setup and consulting • Human Resources and Payroll Support: benefits administration, compliance, employee records maintenance, HR and payroll consulting, onboarding and off-boarding and payroll processing • Virtual Executive Assistants: communications and data management, document organization, logistics, meeting coordination and schedule management CAS was born from the decades of experience Miller built while working for the business her family owned for three generations. When that business sold, Miller wanted to use the skills she’d acquired to help other businesses succeed. Through CAS, she is able to do that, meeting a business where it is.

“Whether they’re an established business and they’ve been around for five years and they’re just overwhelmed and need help, or maybe they’ve lost someone who used to manage these things for them and they’re looking for a different type of solution – or they just have an idea and they just don’t know how to get started,” Miller said.

In situations where business owners may not know what they don’t know, CAS conducts the research for them, guiding them through a tailored checklist of required licenses and other essentials for their industry.

“I love learning about other businesses,” Miller said. “There are so many fascinating pieces of businesses and industries that you don’t necessarily learn about unless you’re involved with those businesses – and I love just helping people. I want to make other people’s lives easier.”

While many of the services CAS provides can be done remotely, Miller can also provide that face-to-face interaction by scheduling in-person meetings with her clients as needed, as well. When onboarding a new client, communication is key to creating the precise formula that each business needs.

“I just try to learn as much about the business as I can, figure out the areas that they feel like they’re lacking and talk through the different options and get to know them and work together to come up with a true tailored option to fill whatever void that they have in the moment,” Miller said.

That formula is ever-evolving, Miller added, and can be tweaked as the business grows.

With Concierge Administrative Solutions handling these behind-the-scenes details, small business owners can reclaim that time and energy and refocus it on serving their clients and achieving success.

I want to make other people’s lives easier.

– Leighton Miller, Owner

Concierge Administrative Services

Concierge Administrative Solutions

(904) 614-8234 | E-mail: hello@cas-jax.com / leighton@cas-jax.com | www.cas-jax.com

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THE VOICES OF SERVICE

AUGUST 2026

|

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

Every generation loses veterans.

It doesn’t have to lose their stories.

Every family inherits more than photographs, medals and folded flags.

It inherits questions.

Questions about where someone served.

What they experienced. Who stood beside them. What they carried home. Why they rarely spoke about it afterward. Too often, those answers disappear before anyone thinks to ask.

Military history preserves dates, battles and official records, but those documents tell only part of the story. The laughter shared between shipmates, the quiet fear before a mission, the friendships forged under extraordinary circumstances and the sacrifices made in service to something greater than oneself exist only in memory.

When those memories are never shared, an irreplaceable part of history disappears with them.

That understanding has become the driving force behind the Veterans Museum, a Jacksonville-based initiative dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the firsthand stories of America’s veterans before those voices are lost to future generations.

One Journal Changed Everything The effort traces its beginnings to an unexpected discovery following Hurricane Irma.

While sorting through moisture damaged family belongings, relatives of Maj. William J. Hicklin Jr. uncovered his wartime journal. Inside were detailed reflections that had remained unseen for decades.

Those writings eventually became the foundation for the documentary “One Man’s War,” transforming one veteran’s personal memories into a story that could be shared far beyond his own family.

For Hicklin’s wife, Mig, the discovery represented something much larger than a remarkable family keepsake, and after seeing the impact the documentary had on audiences at various screenings, it raised an important question. How many other stories remained untold?

She approached her son-in-law, William Harrell, with the initial funding for what would become the Veterans Museum with a request to find a way to compile and share those untold stories.

Military records can document where someone served, the campaigns in which they fought and the honors they received.

They cannot explain what it felt like to stand watch through the night aboard a destroyer, leave family behind for months at sea, mourn the loss of a friend or return home forever changed by experiences that are difficult to describe.

Only those who lived those moments can truly give them meaning.

Harrell recognized that if one forgotten journal could preserve a family’s history, countless other veterans deserved the opportunity to leave behind something equally meaningful. That realization became the foundation for a broader mission – ensuring that veterans from every branch of service could preserve their own voices for their families and for future generations.

The mission was never about deciding whose story mattered most. It was about recognizing that every veteran’s experience adds another chapter to America’s story.

Every Veteran Has a Story Many veterans begin their interviews with the same belief: their story is not particularly remarkable.

Ask about a deployment, and they are likely to talk about someone else’s courage.

Ask about medals or commendations, and they often redirect the conversation to the men and women who served beside them.

To many veterans, they were simply doing the job they had been asked to do.

Then the interview begins.

A question about boot camp becomes a conversation about lifelong friendships.

A discussion about military assignments turns into memories of family, sacrifice and moments that have remained tucked away for decades. Before long, stories emerge that spouses, children and even grandchildren may be hearing for the first time.

Scott Mythen has witnessed that transformation again and again.

“What began as an effort to preserve stories for future generations revealed something equally meaningful for the veterans themselves,” he said. “We thought veterans were telling their stories for their families,” Mythen continued. “Today, we tell them: tell your story ... for you.”

Many veterans leave the experience having done far more than answer questions.

For some, it is the first opportunity in years to reflect on experiences they have rarely discussed. For others, it becomes a reminder that someone genuinely wanted to listen.

Those conversations become more than interviews. They become lasting records of lives lived in service to the nation.

Where History Finds a Voice An early chapter of that mission unfolded aboard USS Orleck (DD-886), the historic Gearing-class destroyer museum berthed along Jacksonville’s Downtown riverfront and operated by the Florida Historic Naval Ship Association.

Visitors can walk the steel decks, pass through narrow passageways and stand where generations of sailors once served during Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War. The ship preserves an important chapter of American naval history, but it also reveals an equally important truth. Artifacts explain where history happened. Only people can explain what it felt like to live it.

That realization made the Orleck the ideal setting for one of the Veterans Museum’s first storytelling kiosks, where veterans began recording their personal experiences in their own words. Visitors could now do more than explore a historic warship. They could hear directly from those who served aboard vessels like it, transforming exhibits into lived experiences.

Those early interviews demonstrated that preserving military history requires more than restoring ships or displaying artifacts behind glass. It requires preserving the voices, memories and perspectives that give those places meaning.

The Legacy R E S I D EWe N T Leave COMMUNITY NEWS | 19 For Mari Kuraishi, president of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, preserving veterans’ stories is also an investment in Jacksonville’s history.

“The stories of our military members and their families are a critical part of the overall story of Jacksonville,” Kuraishi said.

Few American cities share Jacksonville’s deep military heritage.

For generations, sailors, soldiers, Marines, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and their families have shaped the city’s neighborhoods, schools, businesses and civic institutions. Preserving their experiences strengthens the community’s understanding of itself as much as it preserves the nation’s military history.

Some veterans remember extraordinary acts of courage under unimaginable circumstances. Others recall friendships, ordinary routines, moments of humor or the challenge of returning home after years away. Some stories recount events that changed the world. Others capture quiet moments that changed one family forever.

Every one of them matters.

Families often inherit photographs whose names have been forgotten. They inherit medals whose stories were never explained.

“We thought veterans were telling their stories for their families. Today, we tell them: tell your story ... for you.”

– Scott Mythen Today, the Veterans Museum continues recording interviews with veterans representing every branch of military service. Each conversation broadens an archive that reflects not only battles fought and missions completed, but also the everyday realities of military life. Women veterans, African American servicemembers, Medal of Honor recipients, combat veterans and those whose service unfolded quietly behind the scenes each add another perspective to the larger American story.

The organization’s headquarters at The Jessie, home of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, serves as the operational hub for the project, but its mission extends far beyond any single location.

Through its partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, qualifying interviews become part of the nation’s permanent historical record, ensuring those voices remain available to families, educators, researchers and future generations.

They inherit uniforms, journals and folded flags, wondering what questions they should have asked while there was still time.

The work of the Veterans Museum seeks to ensure that future generations inherit something more enduring. They inherit a voice.

Somewhere today, another veteran still believes there is little about his or her service worth recording. History suggests otherwise. Whether marked by extraordinary heroism or quiet daily sacrifice, every life in uniform contributes another thread to the fabric of our nation. Artifacts help us understand what happened. A veteran’s voice tells us what it felt like.

Long after uniforms have been carefully folded away, medals have found their place in a shadow box and ships have become museum pieces, those voices remain – speaking across generations, preserving not only history, but the humanity that brought it to life.

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2026 Annual Celebration

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An Evening of Gold, Glamour and Inspiration

Dog Days...L

By Fabrizio Gowdy

As students head back to school, families settle in our four-legged neighbors are keeping busy too. Fro and porch lounging, these local pups are part of the

BIRDIE

FUJI

DARLA

M UR RA Y HI LL

AV O N D A L E

LA KE SH OR E

Birdie is Kristie Burton’s Puerto Rican Princess, though a more scientific description of her breed might be “mix.” Kristie found her on the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico six years ago and the two have been inseparable ever since. Birdie accompanies Kristie to lots of dog-friendly businesses, including Harps, Sushi Café and their Murray Hill favorites – the Jug and Buchner’s Bierhalle. An avid hunter, Birdie has retained her outdoorsy instincts: She loves hiking and will stand motionless in the dark for hours watching wildlife.

A four-year-old goldendoodle, Fuji was born in Georgia but is now a local through and through. He loves playing fetch in the front yard, especially with the mailman – upending a longstanding history of mailman-dog animosity. His favorite green spaces are Fishweir and Boone Parks, where he often walks with his owners, Michael and Maria Griffith, and their son, Teddy.

“People recognize us by him,” said Michael. They also like the dogfriendly patio at Falafel X in Fairfax.

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Darla is a mix who lives in Lakeshore with her owner, Brenda Love, who adopted her from a shelter where she volunteers. Their favorite parks to frequent are Boone and Stinson Park. They also like Sniffspot, a service that lets dog owners rent out people’s yards for their pets to play in, because sometimes Darla enjoys having a private dog park all to herself. Brenda says Darla’s favorite activities are quintessential dog pastimes, whether it’s chasing her ball or just chilling.

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Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside St. Vincent's Riverside 1Ascension Shircliff Way Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside

Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside 1 Shircliff Way Jacksonville, FL 32204 Way Ascension St. Riverside 1Shircliff Shircliff Way Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside 11Shircliff Way Ascension St.Vincent's Vincent's Riverside Jacksonville, FL 32204 11 1Jacksonville, Shircliff Way Jacksonville, FL 32204 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Shircliff Way 1 Shircliff Way Shircliff Way FL 32204 1 Shircliff Way Jacksonville, FL 32204 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Jacksonville, FL 32204 Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL FL 32204 32204

© Ascension 2025. All rights reserved.

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All2025. rights reserved.

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BENSON

© Ascension 2025. All rights reserved. © Ascension 2025. All rights reserved. © Ascension 2025. All rights reserved.

Devan Johnson has had Benson, a photogenic goldendoodle, for about five months now.

“He is still a baby, so he’s still exploring,” Devan said. “He’s a good boy, though.”

Benson’s favorite spots to explore include the Shoppes of Avondale and Seminole in Ortega. He also likes to accompany Devan for dinner at Harps or drinks at Shores, both dog-friendly establishments.

Local Ways

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for your philanthropy

www.jaxcf.org | (904) 356-4483

nto new routines and social calendars begin to fill, om morning walks and patio visits to park playdates everyday rhythm of neighborhood life.

PRETTY GIRL R IV E R S ID E

Iva Lou is unsure of Pretty Girl’s exact breed, but she is sure of one thing: Her pup has a strong fashion sense. Pretty Girl has earned her name because she loves getting dressed in her many, many outfits. On this particular day, she is wearing a red-and-white checkered dress with a soft white ruffled collar. Iva and Pretty Girl’s favorite local park is Memorial Park, where there are plenty of people to admire Pretty Girl’s outfits as they take a leisurely lap.

BISCUIT

MOLLY AV O N D A L E

R IV E R S ID E

Biscuit serves as the unofficial bouncer and security guard of John Gorrie Dog Park. The seven-year-old chihuahua inspects every dog who enters the park to make sure they pass the sniff test – literally.

“He’s the enforcer – not mean, just assertive,” said his owner, Kurt Smith.

Biscuit was a rescue found in Hilliard. When he’s not keeping the peace at the dog park, Biscuit loves to hunt for crumbs at Nacho Taco.

Though eight-year-old Molly and her owner, Michelle Elliot , have only lived in Avondale for a little over a year, she’s already become a familiar furry face along the Shoppes at Avondale. Her favorite walk route includes stops at Tucker Cycles for some water and other shops that may bring out a treat or two as she makes her way down the Avenue with Michelle.

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Anchoring a Legacy at Cat Cay

McCranie celebrates with family, staff and members during a weekend long celebration of his 14 years of service to the island.

Jana and John McCranie on the tarmac at Cat Cay Island during John’s last weekend at Cat Cay Yacht Club.

After bidding island life goodbye, John McCranie has returned to his hometown of Jacksonville to start a new chapter in semi-retirement.

McCranie served as general manager of Cat Cay Yacht Club on Cat Cay island in the Bahamas, a role that required him to run not just the world-class, highly exclusive members-only yacht club but also the island it occupies in the Bimini chain. Saying goodbye to the roughly 160 staff members who had become like family to him was a bittersweet experience.

“When you’ve been in a community for 14 years, you really build some beautiful relationships,” McCranie said. “…Leaving that was extremely, extremely difficult because it’s the relationships and they’re just really, really precious, but the club was very gracious and they appreciated my commitment and the good work that collectively I was able to achieve with all that wonderful staff.”

McCranie’s island farewell spanned a full weekend of festivities in May, including a party with the members and a party with staff, so everyone could celebrate with McCranie and his family, whom the staff had flown out as well.

Now stateside, McCranie is happy to be surrounded by family once again. While he said his years at Cat Cay were the highlight of his career, he is glad to be part of the small, dayto-day moments with his family that he missed during his years abroad.

While he has retired from full-time private club management, a new chapter has begun for McCranie stateside, as he has joined Signature Group as its senior vice president, club consulting.

“After managing Cat Cay, I can’t imagine another club that would be as challenging or as rewarding as Cat has been,” McCranie said. “Simultaneously, I’ve been in the industry for 41 years, and I love it and…I have a particular level of expertise that will work well with that.”

Back at Cat Cay Island, McCranie will surely be missed by staff and members alike, though his departure is not permanent. As a parting gift, McCranie received an honorary membership in the club, giving him the opportunity to return to the place that had been home to him for so many years.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Gary DeJong: A Lifetime of Business Expertise Meets Jacksonville Real Estate In real estate, experience matters–and few professionals bring a broader range of expertise to the table than Gary DeJong. As a Florida-licensed Realtor®, DeJong combines decades of executive leadership, financial acumen, and hands-on property ownership experience to help clients make confident real estate decisions.

Born in Modesto, California, DeJong earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento, and pursued graduate studies through Golden Gate University and Capital Bible College. His career has spanned leadership roles as Controller, CEO, and President of multiple companies, where he successfully expanded operations, increased market share, and managed businesses in property management, manufacturing, construction, and installation.

What sets DeJong apart is his firsthand understanding of real estate from every angle.

Over the years, he has personally bought, sold, built, managed, and invested in both residential and commercial properties across several states. That real-world experience gives him valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges his clients face.

“I bring a unique blend of financial expertise, operational experience, and hands-on real estate knowledge,” says DeJong.

His track record of excellence extends beyond real estate. DeJong was named Allstate Agent of the Year for Colorado and earned six Presidential Awards with Clopay Building Products, reflecting a career built on performance, integrity, and exceptional client service.

Today, he brings that same commitment to every buyer, seller, and investor he serves.

Whether helping a family find their dream home, guiding a client through a commercial investment, or advising on a business property acquisition, DeJong focuses on building lasting relationships grounded in trust and results.

Outside the office, he is a lifelong musician, a prison-ministry electric cellist, former drum corps percussionist, and certified Scuba Dive Master. His passion for service, discipline, and adventure continues to shape both his personal and professional life.

For DeJong, real estate is about more than transactions–it’s about helping people achieve their goals and build their future.

“I would be honored to become your Realtor for life–a partner you can trust for every home, investment, and business property decision you make.”

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, Gary DeJong offers the experience, insight, and dedication to help you succeed every step of the way.

Gary DeJong | 719-322-8502 | 2950 Halcyon Lane | Jacksonville gary.dejonggroup@kw.com | garydejong.kw.com

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BUSIN ESS PROFILE

Find Your Glow at Kathy Brooks Aesthetics There’s something special about Oak Street.

With its canopy of mature oak trees, locally owned boutiques, cafés and neighborhood businesses, Oak Street has become one of Riverside’s most charming destinations. It’s that sense of community that inspired longtime aesthetician Kathy Brooks to relocate Kathy Brooks Aesthetics to the historic district.

After nearly 18 years of serving clients throughout Northeast Florida, Brooks recently opened the doors to a newly renovated spa designed to offer a quiet retreat from the pace of everyday life. The inviting space combines advanced skincare and wellness services with a warm, comfortable atmosphere that reflects the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

“I fell in love with Oak Street the moment I found this location,” Brooks said. “It has such a welcoming, small-town feel right in the middle of Jacksonville.

I’m excited to serve not only my longtime clients but also my new neighbors who live and work here.”

The appointment-only spa offers a variety of personalized treatments, including HydraFacial®, customized facials, microchanneling, dermaplaning, chemical peels, therapeutic massage, Head Spa experiences, Keravive scalp treatments, and lash lift and tint services.

With her exclusive, monthly membership programs through

The Skin Society, Brooks offers clients tiered options to achieve and maintain healthy skin through consistency.

The Wellness+ Plan ($179/month) offers a monthly HydraFacial that can be gifted to a friend or family member if the client is unable to use it. This tier also provides exclusive club pricing on additional enhancements.

The Platinum+ Plan ($245/month) includes the monthly HydraFacial, but also incorporates lymphatic drainage, LED light therapy, and an enhancement booster, making this membership a more corrective option than the Wellness+ Plan.

New to this location are two additional memberships: the Root Ritual ($299/month), which provides a monthly Keravive scalp treatment with a peptide spray offered at a discounted rate, and the Radiance Ritual ($289/month), which alternates microchanneling and a HydraFacial every month.

Members also get priority booking when it comes to making their appointments.

“When you’re a member with me, you’re high priority for booking, and I go out of my way to make sure that you’re getting what you need,” Brooks said. “I do my best to get the time slot that you want, even if I come in on a

day that I’m not working.”

In addition to individual appointments, Kathy Brooks Aesthetics also hosts private spa parties for birthdays, bridal celebrations, girls’ days, corporate wellness gatherings, and other special occasions, providing groups with a relaxing way to celebrate together.

With two private parties under her belt already, Brooks looks forward to booking more for groups.

For Brooks, the move represents more than a change of address.

“One of the things I love most about this neighborhood is how people genuinely support one another,” she said. “As a small business owner, it’s an honor to become part of the Oak Street community. I hope our spa becomes a place where neighbors can take a break from their busy lives, relax, and leave feeling refreshed.”

Brooks said she looks forward to building lasting relationships with the Riverside community while continuing to provide personalized care in a welcoming environment.

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Happy Medium Books Café Historic Riverside 2724 Park Street • Jax, FL 32205

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There is a special magic to books. To transport; to heal; to inspire; to comfort.

And sometimes, to conjure snapshots of memories frozen in time.

When I think of “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas, I’m transported back published in the ‘90s and, to my surprise, after a quick Google search while writing this, to a quiet December night, curled up on the couch at three o’clock in the morning with into the early 2000s. nothing but the glow of Christmas lights and my reading lamp to keep me company as I loved this series when I was a kid. And seeing those books on a bookshelf I tore through that book. in Jacksonville suddenly took me back to 11-year-old Michele in the early “A Cabin in the Woods” by Ruth Ware takes me back to weeks of moving to Switzerland. I didn’t know anyone; I certainly didn’t my mom’s house in North Carolina. speak the language. All I wanted was to see and talk to my friends.

I was not expecting to be transported anywhere on a While that wasn’t possible (this was in those dark, pre-Internet days when a Saturday afternoon as I browsed through the stacks at the long-distance phone call was a costly luxury and video chats were not a thing), Friends of Jacksonville Public Library’s warehouse store I was able to go back to Townsend Acres with the “Thoroughbred” books I had for the library’s Big Bag Book Sale, and yet that’s exactly brought with me. Those books got me through an extraordinarily difficult time, what happened. and they hold a very special place in my heart.

This annual three-day event allows guests to fill a bag I don’t remember what happened to the “Thoroughbred” books I owned with books, CDs, audiobooks, and movies for $15, with (I had a good chunk of the series completed). I think I might have donated proceeds going to enhance programming and services them to an English library before moving back to the States. And I haven’t at all Jacksonville Public Library branches. thought about them in years, but the memory of sitting in that apartment Don’t threaten a bookworm with a good time! in the Swiss Alps, reading late into the night (thanks to jet lag and the I made this trip solo and wandered down the nine-hour time difference) resurfaced instantly, as if it were yesterday – children’s/teen section to see if I could find anything the much more bittersweet than I had expected. kids might enjoy, and I couldn’t believe what I spotted: My haul from the Big Bag Book Sale, including several Of course, I brought them all home with me and found a special place several books in the “Thoroughbred” series, written books from the “Thoroughbred” series. of honor for them on my bookshelf. Maybe Lily will even pick them up

by Joanna Campbell. one day – or maybe I’ll reread them and see if they’re just as magical for me today as they This series consists of 70+ books about a family that lived and worked on the were [an undisclosed] number of years ago. fictional Townsend Acres, breeding, caring for, and raising horses. They were first

Telling Tails

C.C. Snowden draws inspiration from her hound dog, Dixie, and yellow lab “Hattie” in her latest children’s book.

Jacksonville author C.C. Snowden is celebrating the publication of her newest children’s book, “Dixie and Hattie,” inspired by her hound dog, Dixie, and Hattie, a yellow lab who lived nearby.

As a volunteer pet sitter and dog walker, Snowden often photographed the two dogs playing and walking together. Their friendship soon inspired a story.

“I thought, what a cute story that would be,” Snowden said. “Two little friends around the corner from each other.”

Drawing on her love of poetry, Snowden wrote a rhyming story and created the illustrations for “Dixie and Hattie.”

Her appreciation for poetry began in fifth grade at Riverside Presbyterian Day School, where teacher Mrs. Milton introduced her to Shel Silverstein. Snowden said Silverstein’s work showed her that she, too, could write poetry.

Readers can meet Snowden and other local authors at Jax Book Fest on Sept. 19, at the Main Public Library Downtown.

‘The Panther’s Path’ Leads to St. John’s Cathedral “Rascals of the Revolution” is Peggy Harrell Jennings’s latest book.

Turning a Page with Peggy Artist, writer, Renaissance woman, and Resident News columnist Peggy Harrell Jennings welcomed guests to an evening of literature and libations at the Ortega River Club last month.

The evening took place on Monday, July 27, and guests enjoyed a cocktail hour before Jennings hosted a book chat about her latest nonfiction book, “Rascals of the Revolution,” which discusses Daniel McGirt and the East Florida Rangers in the British-controlled St. Augustine during the Revolutionary War. “Rascals of the Revolution” is Jennings’s latest of several published books, including children’s books. It was published in February of this year. It is available for purchase locally at Happy Medium Books Café.

St. John’s Cathedral’s Season of Creation Film Series will feature Tori Linder’s “Path of the Panther.”

St. John’s Cathedral’s Season of Creation Film Series continues with an evening with Emmy Awardwinning filmmaker, producer and conservationist Tori Linder.

Hosted by St. John’s Cathedral environmental ministry, Green Spirits, the evening will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15. It will include a free screening of Linder’s Emmy Award-winning National Geographic documentary “The Path of the Panther,” about the Florida panther followed by a live discussion in Taliaferrro Hall.

This free event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. with the film screening following at 6:15 p.m.

Registration is required and can be completed at jaxcathedral.org/ season-of-creation.

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As One Southbank Landmark Comes Down, a New Chapter Begins to Rise at Museum Circle

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By Michele Leivas Piece by piece, demolition crews continue dismantling the once-familiar building that was the Museum of Science and History on the Southbank.

With two different projects concurrently underway – the MOSH building demolition and the construction of Related Group’s Southbank Residences – Museum Circle is abuzz with activity as one landmark comes down, with a new one poised to rise.

Demolition of the MOSH building began earlier this summer, following the issuance of a demolition permit in February of this year for the building and its foundation.

Jacksonville-based Elev8 Demolition is the contractor completing the demolition.

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Downtown Investment Authority CEO Colin Tarbert said demolition is expected to be complete by mid-September, after which the lot will be used for temporary public parking with the goal of eventually putting it out for disposition for development.

“There’s two things, though,” Tarbert said. “One is that Related [Group] does have a first right of offer on the property as part of their current deal with the City, and that’s kind of the extent of it, so we still have to navigate that piece of it, but the goal would be to hopefully have a competitive process to find a developer to develop the site.”

Tarbert added that there is currently no timeline for when that process will begin.

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Request for Proposals process to operate the new café at Riverfront Plaza.

“Riverfront Plaza is being created as a place where Jacksonville comes together, and great public spaces deserve great local partners,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “European Street Cafe has been part of Jacksonville’s story for decades, and we’re excited to welcome them to the riverfront as they help create a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Their commitment to hospitality and community makes them an outstanding fit for this exciting new chapter in Downtown Jacksonville.”

European Street Cafe had an Andy Zarka poses for the camera at European Street Cafe’s “coming soon” pop-up event during the City’s 4th of July celebrations. opportunity to interact with downtown visitors during a pop-up event at its new café space during the City’s 4th of July celebrations. Daryl Joseph, director of parks, recreation and community services for the City of Jacksonville, said European Street Cafe, with its deep roots in the community, will help fulfill the vision for Riverfront Plaza.

By Michele Leivas “Our vision for Riverfront Plaza has always extended beyond the park itself,” Anyone familiar with the culinary scenes wings and watch the dolphins float by and said Joseph. “We wanted to create an look at Friendship Fountain,” Zarka said. in Riverside and San Marco is also familiar experience where quality dining, public “So to occupy that space and bring that with European Street Cafe. Indeed, anyone programming and community life all element back to Downtown Jacksonville who has driven down San Marco Boulevard come together. European Street Cafe means a whole lot to me.” to or from the Square, or down Park Street, has spotted cars constantly parked outside of the restaurant’s San Marco location or spotted people seated in the outdoor patio in Riverside.

For more than 30 years, the Zarka family and European Street Cafe have – Andy Zarka been synonymous with local neighborhood Owner of European Street Cafe dining.

This year, European Street Cafe will understands Jacksonville and has built a Zarka said since the closing of The launch its chapter to become synonymous Landing, riverfront dining options have been reputation for creating welcoming spaces with downtown dining as it prepares to where people naturally gather. We’re lacking for Jacksonville residents. move into its new location in the café looking forward to seeing them become an “It was one of the only places in the space at Riverfront Plaza. important part of the everyday experience This will mark the restaurant’s fourth River City where you could actually go along our riverfront.” location, with a third open in Jax Beach, as enjoy the river as a public citizen,” Zarka well, and owner Andy Zarka said opening said. “Anybody could go down there and walk along the river and eat and drink – it’s a location in the space that was once the something that’s been sorely lacking for far Jacksonville Landing is a meaningful too long, and I’m glad it’s coming back.” moment for him, personally.

Early last month, the City of “I was a big fan of being able to go down there and sit on the river and, you Jacksonville announced it had selected European Street Cafe through a public know, have a beer or eat some chicken

A New Chapter for a Neighborhood Classic

To occupy that space and bring that element back to Downtown Jacksonville means a whole lot to me.

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European Street Cafe is coming to Riverfront Plaza.

While the new Riverfront Plaza space will mirror the existing European Street Cafe spaces residents are familiar with, Zarka said there will be tweaks to the design and menu to reflect the neighborhood it serves. This will include an earlier opening time of 7 a.m. with a more robust coffee menu, more breakfast items, and Italian ice to beat those hot Florida summer days.

This location marks the next chapter in the legacy Zarka’s parents began when they first moved their family to Jacksonville in 1980 and acquired Mr. Dunderbox, a restaurant in the former Regency Square Mall. In 1990, they rebranded the restaurant as European Street Cafe, with the Riverside location opening in 1992 and the San Marco location following swiftly in 1996. European Street Cafe opened in Jax Beach in 2005.

Zarka takes great pride in continuing the legacy his parents began.

“They set up a wonderful restaurant, and it’s been my great honor and joy to keep it going,” Zarka said.

It will still be some time before European Street Cafe opens in Riverfront Plaza, as the buildout must begin. The design team working with Zarka on this project is Doherty Sommers Architects Engineers, Inc. and Intracoastal Construction.

Zarka said he hopes to open by the end of the year.

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THANK YOU NOTES from my empty nest perch

Ortega resident and Dean of the St. John’s Cathedral Susanna and her husband, David, hiking with the Auchter family The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll this summer with of Ortega. son Max and his friend Georgia ziplining in Cashiers.

By Susanna Barton

Katie and Dobbin Holmes with Harrison Holmes and his wife Paige Sturges, Liz and Barton Holmes and Beverly and Bill Birtley

The North Carolina Phenomena

Maggie Stephens and friends Teryn Freeman, Molly Eyrick, and Leighton Dostie after a day at Dry Falls, The Ugly Dog, and then Sunset Rock in Highlands this June.

I am grateful for the way our Resident community scene seasonally re-homes itself to the Highlands-Cashiers-Lake Toxaway area and other locales in the Western North Carolinas each summer for more neighborhood merrymaking. It’s actually a pretty incredible phenomenon, and of course, it’s no secret why it happens.

For generations, Jacksonville folks have been making the seven-hour trek north and west to The Plateau and spots beyond for good reasons: because it’s relatively close (especially if you take the Woodpecker Trail lol), it’s cooler, it’s community-full,

and it’s wonderfully camp-close.

Those aren’t the only reasons, but for space and the fact this not a graded term paper on the historical connections between our Resident community and WNC (a piece that is BEGGING to be written by someone smarter and more experienced than I am, someone legendary and well-educated on the matter, like Bill Stanly), I’ll keep my blabbering simple and under-researched – or at least based on my own observations.

Visiting North Carolina during the summers is a recent pilgrimage for me.

I grew up in South Texas, so when people

from my neck of the woods wanted Mountain Time, they literally had to be on Mountain Time, and for most San Antonians, that meant a long drive in the way-way back to Colorado. North Carolina was never on our radar. For anything. Ever.

When we needed beach time, we went to Port Aransas (Port A, All the Way!). Ready to kill something – you relocated to a hunting spread in South Texas or the Hill Country. Underage? You regrouped at the Cadillac Bar in Laredo… Nuevo Laredo, México. And in all these places, you were always bound to see someone from the school bus. So, I get it – we are a packmentality people. We thrive on familiarity and getaways that bring us together.

My experiences in North Carolina began when David and I were dating in college.

We visited his grandparents, George and Agnes Ellis, in Cashiers, where they had built one of the first homes in the Wade Hampton Golf Club. David worked as a golf caddy there during high school summers, so he was familiar with the area and the community long formed there. Heck, his other grandmother, Margaret Barton, died in the Cashiers area while visiting the throng of Bartons who visited often and made homes there, including Jim and Betty Barton, whose store, Cobbie’s, was an institution in the area. Lots of familiarity.

We also frequented friends’ parents’ homes over the years and enjoyed hitting all the hotspots: the Cornucopia, the Highland

Frances and Mark Hutto Hiker, and Bust Your Butt Falls, and the many hikes that you knew about ONLY if you bought the special hikers’ book in the Highland Hiker. And I mentioned the Woodpecker Trail earlier – you were only privy to those directions if someone from our Resident community was generous enough to write them out for you on a piece of paper and you were diligent enough to file them away safely in your glovebox.

These were community resources not everyone was local enough to receive!

Later on, our experiences in North Carolina were built exclusively around our children’s camp programs. Ben went to Falling Creek Camp in Tuxedo, North Carolina, and Marley went to Camp Greystone nearby in Zirconia, North

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

Resident News Publishers’ Pamela and Seth Williams creekside in the Smoky Mountains.

Liliana Leivas enjoying a sunset on Lake Gaston.

Carolina. Talk about a Resident community reunion: Each drop-off or pick-up was a revelation of another neighborhood family’s connection to the camps or one of the many nearby – Keystone Camp, Merriwood, Camp Illahee, Camp Carolina, and soooooooo many more I can’t begin to list all of them (don’t hate me!). Our kids spent 10-plus summers going to camp in North Carolina, and every year that meant at least two trips to the mountains for a little fresh air, bright red tomatoes, peaches, fragrant breezes, and a lot of neighborhood reconnection.

In recent years, we purchased a VERY HUMBLE mountain cabin with a glorious view in the hills above Lake Toxaway.

It is a sweet retreat for us, and we love each season differently – summer for the cool temperatures and flowers, fall for the leaves and breeze, and winter for a snow sighting or two. It is an incredible place to have a change of seasons. And yet there is one constant: We are still in community

Which takes me to my last point. This is nothing new. Resident community neighbors have been heading up to The Plateau and surrounding areas since the 1950s (and earlier!) when air travel was uncommon, and drives or train rides to North Carolina were family rituals. Children made lifelong friends and went to camp there, married within overlapping circles, and continue the tradition today with their own children. This is a social migration pattern that’s been building for more than a century. And here’s the full-circle moment – and a warning: during a recent visit to Lake Toxaway, I met up with a friend from Laredo, Texas, who had joined a cadre of self-described border rats for a wedding celebration at Mountaintop Golf Club. The eyes of Texas are upon us, y’all! Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad! Time to celebrate the fact that this tradition continues and that the Resident Communities maintain close connections in Northeast Florida, the Carolinas – and South Texas.

It’s more than a vacation destination – it’s a seasonal extension of our Resident community. with people from our Resident community.

The easiest place to find it, of course, is in Cashiers, where a visit to the High Hampton Inn or Brookings Anglers or any store or restaurant near the Crossroads yields oodles of fresh neighborhood sightings. The same goes if you are strolling through downtown Highlands or hiking Panthertown Valley trails near Lake Toxaway. The Residents are everywhere, y’all! You can run, but you can’t hide! Over Thanksgiving, for example, we were hiking said trail with family and ran into San Marco neighbor Zoie Morales, who, in a further small world moment, recognized my Texas-bred cousin Anne as her counselor from their Camp Greystone days! I could go on and on. … so I will. It is also no surprise to run into your neighborhood priest guestpreaching in North Carolina mountain-town churches. I know St. John’s Cathedral’s Kate Moorehead Carroll (also a Resident!) has made such visits to Cashiers over the years, and so have many other local holy rollers. Also noteworthy is that there are several Resident-attended church retreat centers in the area, including Kanuga outside of Hendersonville, Montreat in WNC and Lake Junaluska in Waynesville.

To boot, our neighborhood schools also have a presence in the Plateau area. Each summer, The Bolles School hosts a lovely alumni gathering at a beautiful home in Highlands. Why? Because it’s a smart move! Half of all private and publicschool alumni and other folks from our Neighborhood are there summering – and have been for generations.

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Susanna Barton gets carsick on mountain roads, but that does not stop her from loving Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. A longtime Granada resident, she has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School.

She is a newly minted Gerontologist and manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com.

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Denise Brennan and her family on the Verandah in Highlands

Bulldogs in Blue Ridge

Photo: Mark Krancer

Bolles alumni, families and friends gather at the North Carolina home of Sutton and Debbie McGehee.

Former Bolles parents and current Bolles grandparents Sutton and Debbie McGehee welcomed Bulldog alumni, families, and friends to their mountain home in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Highlands, North Carolina, last month.

Bolles Head of School Tyler Hodges, Bolles Alumni Association Chair Karen Gray, and other members of the Advancement team also participated in this annual alumni summer celebration.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the event provided guests with the opportunity to learn about the many new projects underway on Bolles campuses this summer, as well as the new J. Malcolm Jones Jr. Mentorship Program.

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It’s HOT! HOT! HOT! But the Beat Goes On, and fireworks continue to sparkle as local artists explore and celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Photographer Mary Atwood’s solo exhibit, “Our Imperfect Union,” at The Art Center (TAC) downtown will be up through Sept. 5th. Through assemblage, digital collage, and photography, Atwood explores the founding, challenges, and complexities of our nation. Also at TAC, Kat McCall took first place with her sculpture “Surf’s Up,” and Austin Park and Blanche Nicholson took Juror’s Choice for their beach-themed paintings for “Life’s a Beach,” on display through Sept. 11th.

Photographer David Porter’s “Porter Maps the World” is being celebrated at Southlight Gallery through Aug. 5 with a closing reception from 5 to 8 p.m. His exhibit brought together artistic dignitaries during the July Artwalk. A traveler who has traversed the globe, Porter has lived in Florida since 1973 and has been a graphic design and photography instructor at the University of North Florida. Porter’s current photography exhibit carries the viewer across the U.S., South America, and beyond on an interesting narrative and storytelling journey.

TAC and the Jacksonville Artists Guild’s exhibit “Temperature Rising”

at the Downtown Library has pieces by 22 participating artists, including Valentina Nedecheva’s painting “Summer in Italy” and Kathleen Vought’s “Safari Sunset,” which enhance the travel theme as local artists keep the art scene sizzling.

Alex Ottich earned Best in Show for “Flagler College”; Ed Malesky and Lori Ann Sweet earned Juror’s Choice awards, and Jesse Cook has a solo exhibit on the library’s third floor. Visit during Artwalk on Aug. 5for the exhibit’s reception. The exhibit itself will remain on display until Aug. 17.

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, it’s “hotter than a matchhead,” but the lions aren’t sleeping. At Happy Medium Books Café, award-winning printmaker Annelies Dykgraaf’s solo exhibit “Jungle Vibes” brings exotic scenes to life in Riverside. Dykgraaf was born in Nigeria to missionary parents, and her work reflects the strong influence of Africa’s wild and wonderful parts.

At the “Sounds of Summer” exhibit at North Point Dental, Stephanie Welchans took Best in Show for her painting “Home of the Brave,” with Mary Atwood’s “Parisian Love Song” and Gail Karson’s “Voice of the Piccolo” receiving Juror’s Choice Awards.

“Daydreams,” the current JAG exhibit at Church of the Good Shepherd, offers a respite from worldly travels and invites the

viewer into the psychological and emotional journeys of the artists’ imaginations. Lisa Lofton received Best in Show for “Rising into the Light,” and Lori Frazier and Gail Karson took Juror’s Choice awards for their paintings “Morning Prayer” and “Thoughts Drifting Away,” respectively.

TAC’s wonderful exhibit of guest artist Michele D. Lee’s drawings and paintings – “From Where I Sit: 25 Years of Exploration of the Figure” – was well attended and offered viewers a chance to explore personal reflections on the female figure while showcasing Lee’s use of abstraction and figuration in her works from the early 2000s to the present. Her personal creative journey stemmed from escaping the rigors of an intense, high-pressure job through selfexpression. The indefatigable Teresa Cook was the featured artist.

It was a hot time in the old town, but totally cool inside Duval Hall, where more than 100 renowned comic artists and writers from across the country displayed their creations and demonstrated their craft as hundreds of ZINE collectors browsed through thousands of comics at First Coast Comic Con. Costumed characters added to the festivities. Local cartoonists James Greene and Thoney Aiuppy were featured guests, and several other Jacksonville-based creators were on hand with their wares.

Babs Lab is all about stories, improvisation, and community. The hot topic theme for Story Slam’s recent10year anniversary at Cork Arts District was “Built to Last,” and Barbara Colaciello has proven that the event venue has staying power. Whether poignant, hysterical, or disturbing, the audience took a personal trip with each presenter and left with a thought, an inspiration, a chuckle, and sometimes all three. Kyle Searcy took first place, with Anna Jacobson coming in second; Matteo Colaciello and Erin Cowart tied for third.

Ah, the Sounds of Summer when the Temperature is Rising. From Where I Sit, we can Daydream and Map the World to a Jungle Vibe in an Imperfect Union that is Built to Last. These visual journeys and narrative performances allow viewers to stay cool, travel the world, and traverse the hearts and minds of artists and storytellers with no baggage, no hassle, and no passport required! After all, Life’s a Beach!

DITCH THE SCREEN. DISCOVER SOMETHING REAL. cummermuseum.org

When Paper Loses Purchasing Power, History Holds Its Value

People often come in thinking they’re selling gold. Sometimes they’re actually bringing in a rare collectible that’s worth considerably more than its melt value.

– Bill Hatchett

As inflation reshapes the value of the dollar, tangible assets like gold, silver and rare coins continue to offer a timeless perspective on wealth Throughout history, people have turned to tangible assets during times of economic uncertainty. While paper currencies have risen and fallen in purchasing power, gold and silver have remained recognized stores of value across generations. As inflation continues to influence household budgets and long-term financial planning, many families are taking a fresh look at what they own. Diving into family collections and passeddown valuables may hold more value than they realized.

For Bill Hatchett, owner of A-Coin & Stamp Gallery, those conversations have become increasingly common.

Some visitors arrive with inherited collections tucked away for decades. Others simply wonder whether old coins, jewelry or precious metals have gained value over time. What begins as curiosity often becomes an education in the difference between intrinsic value and collector value.

“People often come in thinking they’re selling gold,” Hatchett said. “Sometimes they’re actually bringing in a rare collectible that’s worth considerably more than its melt value.”

That distinction is one many people overlook. The value of bullion is tied primarily to the precious metal it contains, while numismatic coins may command substantial premiums based on rarity, condition, historical significance and collector demand. In some cases, two gold coins containing the same amount of precious metal can differ dramatically in value because of their history and scarcity.

“The biggest mistake people make is assuming every old coin is worth only its weight in metal,” Hatchett said. “Sometimes the history is worth far more.”

Gold has served as a trusted store of wealth for thousands of years. Long before modern banking systems and paper currencies, civilizations relied on precious metals because they were durable, portable and

Every collection tells two stories. There’s the value of the metal itself, and then there’s the value collectors place on history.

– Bill Hatchett

WE PAY MORE

universally recognized. Even today, many investors and collectors appreciate gold and silver not simply for their market price, but for the confidence that comes with owning a tangible asset.

History also has a way of changing value. Items once overlooked or tucked into desk drawers can become highly sought after as time passes. Hatchett has seen countless examples of collections that were preserved by accident, only to become desirable decades later because of rarity and demand.

“Every collection tells two stories,” Hatchett said.

“There’s the value of the metal itself, and then there’s the value collectors place on history. Understanding the difference is where experience really matters.”

Whether it’s a handful of silver coins, a family inheritance, vintage currency or a lifetime collection, understanding today’s marketplace begins with knowledgeable evaluation. For many families, that first conversation provides clarity about what they own and helps them make informed decisions about preserving, selling or expanding a collection.

As economic conditions continue to evolve, one truth has remained remarkably consistent: tangible assets have endured through changing markets, shifting currencies and generations of history. Gold and silver can be held in your hand, but their greatest value is often found in the stories they carry and the legacy they preserve. For those ready to learn more, A-Coin & Stamp Gallery continues to help collectors and families discover both.

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health issues, including seizures, cerebral palsy, autism, and intellectual disabilities.

One of her more memorable patients there was Ned Christopher, son of M*A*S*H star William Christopher.

Her family wasn’t too enthused about Litchfield living so far from home and traveling solo, but she saw things a little differently.

Sandra Litchfield

Sandra Litchfield

By Fabrizio Gowdy Maybe Sandra Litchfield was always destined to help others: After all, as she points out, the ancient Greek etymology of her name means “helper of mankind.”

“I think that was just my calling from the Lord; He really opened paths and doors for me,” said Litchfield.

Litchfield grew up in the Highlands neighborhood on the Northside, where her parents purchased their home for $8,500 and a brand new 1967 Plymouth Fury for $2,500. Her father, a Boy Scout leader, worked a blue-collar job at the Alton Box Board Company on Talleyrand Avenue, making cardboard boxes. The family enjoyed camping trips to the Smoky Mountains, which Litchfield thought was “the best place in the world” when she was little.

The Northside was far more rural in those days, and the Boy Scout troop Litchfield’s father led cut a trail through the woods, with which she and her brother took to St. Patrick’s Elementary School each morning. She and the 20 other children who lived in the neighborhood also used to build racetracks and speed through the trees on their bikes.

On a recent drive up to her old neighborhood, Litchfield discovered those woods have been replaced by suburbs, which she says made her cry a little. The trees and trails may be gone, but she’ll always have fond memories of running

Sandra and her college friends (top to bottom) Kathy Hubbard, Litchfield, Nancy Smith, and Winoke Kummell

through the woods, playing baseball, hideand-seek and other games with her friends.

In college, Litchfield double-majored in psychology and biblical studies at Southeastern University (Southeastern College in those days), subjects that built the foundation for a life of service and helping others. Returning to Jacksonville in 1986, she became involved with a new program called Project Prepare, which had her living in a duplex on Downing Street with three girls coming out of foster care and mentoring them in independent living skills.

A year later, some of Litchfield’s college friends asked her if she’d like to move to Virginia with them. Up for the adventure, she ended up teaching cooking, housework and other independent living skills at the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home in Roanoke, this time mentoring eight girls.

After three and a half years, a friend in California convinced Litchfield to pack up a U-Haul and move to Santa Barbara, where she spent the next 13 years. She worked for the Devereux Foundation, caring for children from all over the world with serious health disorders and mental

Sandra at Hannah Park with her brothers, Michael and Randy

Sandra with her children, Summer and Jeffrey, and her niece Amber

“I got a lot of flak from my family, but my philosophy is, get out there and enjoy life,” said Litchfield. “You grow when you see what it’s like somewhere else.”

That attitude was also shaped by her travels to Europe, where she visited her brother stationed in Germany during the Cold War and saw the Berlin Wall. In the late ‘90s, she returned to Europe with friends to backpack and travel across Italy, France and Spain by rail. She’s grateful for the way travel broadened her perspective and feels it contributed to her adventurous spirit.

Litchfield eventually made her way to Georgia, where she fostered a brother and sister named Jeffrey and Summer. After four years of fostering, she adopted both children.

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When she speaks about her two kids and the seven grandchildren she has between them, Litchfield’s voice fills with pride.

Jeffrey served seven years in the Army and now works as an airplane mechanic, while Summer owns her own business. Litchfield marvels at how successful her children have become despite their underprivileged start.

“They tell me all the time, ‘We don’t know where we would be without you,’” said Litchfield.

After years of living all over the country, Litchfield came home to Jacksonville in 2015. She briefly lived in Windy Hills, which was special for her because it was the neighborhood where her parents had lived when Litchfield’s mother was pregnant with her.

She moved into the Riverside Presbyterian Apartments in 2018, not too far from that long-ago Downing Street duplex where it all began 40 years ago.

She may be retired, but she hasn’t stopped caring for others: She serves as president of the apartment building’s residents council, where she advocates for neighbors.

Another of Litchfield’s passions is investigating her family’s genealogy. She has discovered that three of her ancestors arrived in America with John Oglethorpe, and her father is a fourth cousin eight times removed of George Washington.

She’s also taken up one of her childhood pastimes – biking. It may not be the trails and woods of her youth, but she loves riding all over the neighborhood on her foldable e-bike and especially enjoyed spectating the recent Ironman race.

Litchfield has made it her goal to visit every public park in Jacksonville, which has the largest urban park system in the country. She keeps a list and crosses off each one she’s been to, and so far, her favorite is Mom’s Park – also known as Yacht Basin Park – next to Willowbranch Creek.

In everything she does, Litchfield exudes gratitude, a quality she seems to have developed in abundance after a lifetime of serving those less fortunate than herself.

“I’ve had a pretty good life,” she remarked.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

Class Acts

Cathy Howland

Kimberly Wier

Patricia Thieman

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AUGUST 2026

Readers share memories of the teachers who made a lasting impression

Skylar Kenny

Novi Wells

Gary Jones and Haris Jusic

Michael Griffith

By Fabrizio Gowdy As students and teachers prepare to head back to the classroom, it’s the people – not just the lessons – that often leave the greatest impression. Long after graduation, many of us can still name the teacher who inspired our confidence, sparked our curiosity or simply made school a place we looked forward to each day. For this edition of Man on the Streets, we asked readers: Who was your favorite teacher and what made them unforgettable? Their heartfelt answers are a reminder of the lasting impact great educators have on our lives and our community.

Cathy Howland: “My Art teacher at FSCJ, Michael Cottrell. He was the first person to teach me how to throw a pot and shape it after many years of trying.”

Kimberly Wier: “Mrs. Jansen, my ninth grade English teacher at Fort Caroline Middle. She was really tough, but she cared about what you learned. And I really liked grammar and literature.”

Patricia Thieman, pictured with her son, Nicholas: “Mrs. Hotard from Bishop Kenny, my Spanish teacher. She was awesome, great with kids and always so patient.”

Skyler Kenny: “Dr. Keisling, who taught AP ceramics and art history at Paxton.

She was a very spicy, smart woman and she believed in all her students. I was her TA.” Six-year-old Novi Wells: “Mrs. Anderson, my Kindergarten teacher at Venetia Elementary, because she lets us have a lot of playground time and I like that.”

Gary Jones: “Coach Crowder, who I had growing up in Skipwith, Virginia. He treated us like adults.”

Haris Jusic: “My very first teacher, her name was Ljerka. She was also my neighbor, so every time I got in trouble she went straight to my parents.”

Michael Griffith: “Mr. Stanley at Bishop Snyder, he taught government and economics my senior year, and he would play ultimate frisbee with all the seniors at lunch. Also Mr. Moll, who taught religion, because he competed on and won on Wheel of Fortune.”

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R ES I D E N T C O M M U N I T Y N E W S

JUNIOR RESIDENTS A Summer Tradition Returns for 904 All Stars Bishop Kenny Alumna Sheridan Delegal is crowned the 2026 Miss Florida’s Teen.

A Crowned Crusader

Less than a month after graduating and joining the esteemed ranks of Bishop Kenny High School alumni, Sheridan Delegal added a new title to her name: 2026 Miss Florida’s Teen.

After a two-day competition held on June 26 and 27 at the RPF Funder Center in Lakeland, Florida, Delegal was crowned this year’s Miss Florida’s Teen from a pool of 32 competitors. With this title secured, Delegal will go on to represent the state of Florida at Miss America’s Teen in September.

Earning this title also included $5,000 in scholarships for this Crusader alum.

The sixth annual 904 All Stars Sports Camp welcomed 25 boys, ages five to 10, to the Rachels residence in Ortega to kick off summer fun the week of Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29.

This year’s camp raised more than $3,000, which will be donated to Brooks Rehabilitation.

William Rachels returned for his third year as camp director, recruiting fellow high schoolers Carson Benjamin, Hammond Cummings, Bauer Lewis and Aubrey Fellows to serve as counselors, all of whom earned community service hours for their commitment to their campers.

Camp activities included whiffle ball, basketball, kickball, tie-dyeing and – a beloved camp tradition – the Friday water balloon fight.

Where Sunshine Shines Brightest Last month, 25 girls ages five to 10 took part in the 13th annual Camp Sunshine, hosted by The Allison Brundick Haramis Foundation – Angels for Allison.

For 13 summers, host families have opened their hearts and homes to “spread sunshine” to neighborhood children. This year, Kinley Nelson served as head counselor

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.

Visit ESJ.org To Explore Your Future

EPISCOPAL EPISCOPAL SCHOOL of JACKSONVILLE

SCHOOL of JACKSONVILLE

Camp Sunshine counselors and campers with Board President Drew Haramis

for the week-long camp, held at the Nelson residence from June 8 to 12.

Proceeds from Camp Sunshine are donated directly to Angels for Allison to support its mission of assisting with funeral costs associated with the loss of a child. This year’s session donated more than $5,000.

AUGUST 2026

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

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Jr. Residents | 37

NOL Knocks It Out of the Park

The NOL 50/70 Intermediate Team is the 2026 Florida Little League Section 3 Champions

It was a summer of celebration for the Navy Ortega Lakeshore (NOL) Little League as several teams took away top honors in district and sectional tournaments in June, with its 50/70 Intermediate team advancing to the state tournament after securing the Florida Little League Section 3 championship title.

Winning teams also included the NOL 8-10-year-old team, coached by Michael Jetton, and the NOL Majors All-Star team, coached by Brock Stefura, both of which walked away with the District 11 championship titles. Additionally, the NOL 10U team was named the runner-up for Florida Little League Section 3 after going 1-1 in the sectional tournament.

Recognizing Promise, Rewarding Excellence

Meninak Scholarship Recipients Divine Johnson, Sage Peterson, Alvin Yuan, Esha Kasavaraju, Annabel Kaye, Stratton Fulker, Annie Heiry, Dana Aljubouri, Garrett Lawrence; not pictured Sayan Bhattacharya

The Meninak Club recognized 10 outstanding young people at its annual scholarship presentation luncheon last month. The recipients were selected from a pool of 22 highly qualified students and thanked their parents, Leadership Jacksonville and the Meninak scholarship committee for supporting their growth and future education.

Among the recipients was Ortega Forest resident Sage Peterson, who will attend MIT this fall to study mechanical engineering with a focus on robotics. Peterson said she had little interest in math or science until discovering robotics through an after-school program at Stockton Elementary in fourth grade. A ninth-grade career class and a high school physics course later confirmed her interest in science.

“Something just flipped the switch when I took physics in high school, and I knew

what I wanted to do,” Peterson said.

Peterson applied for the Meninak scholarship in January after being accepted to MIT and receiving an academic scholarship. Meninak awarded her an additional $5,000.

Meninak President Will Messer and Scholarship Chair Jeff Hoffman presented $30,000 in scholarships to recognize leadership among Jacksonville’s youth and encourage their educational development. Since 1997, Meninak has awarded $780,000 to 180 high school seniors.

Originally known as The Kiwanis Club, the organization became the Meninak Club in 1951.

Its name was derived from Greek words meaning “true” and “honorable” and later came to represent “Men in Action.” Women have been active members since 1990.

The recipients plan to pursue careers including pediatric medicine, neuroscience, aerospace Sage Peterson engineering, pharmacy, psychiatry and mechanical engineering. Many said they hope to return to Jacksonville after completing their education.

Each recipient also became an honorary Meninak.

“Through our partnership with the Meninak Club, we’re opening real opportunities for young people to thrive as they enter their next educational chapter,” said Leadership Jacksonville CEO Gracie Simendinger.

Value Realized for Life Students here are given the breadth to discover what they love and the guidance to pursue it with purpose.

The value of that experience does not end at graduation. It continues in the way they think and in the confidence and connections they carry forward. It is strengthened by a school community and an alumni network that together continue to open doors long after students leave campus.

From college preparation to lifelong possibility, a Bolles education keeps giving.

Bolles.org (904) 256-5030

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38

FLASHBACK Contributed by The Jacksonville History Center

Fletcher v Landon HS Football Game 1964

Riverside HS Football 1964

Andrew Jackson HS Football Team 1965

Remembering Those Good Ole School Days Go, Lions and Tigers, oh my!

Editor’s Note: Flashbacks is a recurring series of short vignettes contributed by the Jacksonville History Center that shines a light on the people, places and moments that have shaped Jacksonville’s rich and complex history. Each installment offers readers a glimpse into the stories – both celebrated and lesser-known – that continue to influence our city today.

If it’s hot, humid and the middle of August, it must be time for the school year to begin. But flash back to the 1960s, when the new school year began after Labor Day, and high school alumni – then, as now – couldn’t wait for their favorite pastime to begin.

Families in homes just blocks from the local high

school would likely hear football chants such as “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar / All for the Generals, stand up and holler!” The Generals, of course, is the football team for Riverside High School, known as Robert E. Lee High School from 1927 until 2021. One notable football alumnus is Riverside resident Harmon Wages (Class of ’64), who was quarterback for the Lee Generals and played fullback for the Atlanta Falcons.

The city’s oldest athletic rivalry is between Riverside and Andrew Jackson high schools. For many years, the football game was played on Thanksgiving Day in the Gator Bowl stadium. Established in 1927, Andrew Jackson High School (go, Tigers!) is the oldest fully accredited high school in Duval County. Both Riverside and Andrew Jackson were

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designed by architects Victor Earl Mark and William B. Ittner.

Julia B. Landon High School (way to go, Lions!) was the smallest of the three new high schools that opened in 1927, and was named for Julia B. Landon, who taught in a one-room schoolhouse on the property before donating it to the Duval County Public School District. In 1965, Landon transitioned to a junior high/middle school, then a college preparatory middle school in 2009.

Duncan U. Fletcher High School, named for former Jacksonville Mayor and U.S. Senator Duncan U. Fletcher, was established in 1937. The football team was named, appropriately, The Senators. Terry Parker High School opened in 1956 on land donated by philanthropist H. Terry Parker, and its football team was named The Braves.

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