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RESIDENTNEWS.NET | OCTOBER 2020, VOL. 14, ISSUE 10
AS BUYERS SEEK ‘SAFE HAVEN’ IN
New sculpture beautifies Hogan Street
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
DURING COVID-19 READE MORE, PAGE 10
SCOUTING HEAVEN
David Engdahl and Preston Haskell celebrate the installation of the fifth sculptural masterpiece within Jacksonville’s Art in Public Places program on Sept. 12.
Ortega’s Boy Scout Troop 26 camped on Big Munson, a “deserted” island in the Florida Keys as part of a “high adventure” trip in August. The scouts ended their trip in Key West at the Southernmost Point in the U.S.
READE MORE, PAGE 39
Rapid development transforms Brooklyn
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LETTERS to the EDITOR
National commentator says keep Lee High name
Armstrong Williams The proposal to do away with Lee High School’s name just got a national downvote. Armstrong Williams is an African American author, a political commentator, a nationally syndicated columnist, and an owner of six TV stations. Recently, he weighed in on the Robert E. Lee High School naming debate. “The movement to rename Confederate namesakes, like Robert E. Lee High School, does nothing to improve race relations…It only divides people,” Williams said. Williams likened the Duval County School Board’s proposed change of nine namesakes to a “bulldozing of history.” Instead of that controversial move, he suggested increasing the number of named schools.
Peyton Philips, Jacob Christy, and Emma Cate Hurd
Ortega Pumpkin Patch Celebrates 28 Years “The Pumpkin Patch,” or “The Patch” as it is often called, is familiar to nearly everyone who lives in Ortega. Approximately 15,000 cars pass the oaklined, grassy knoll along Roosevelt Boulevard at Ortega Church, and families often gather for colorful fall photos and to select the perfect pumpkin. The youth ministry of Ortega Church has hosted the Pumpkin Patch for 28 years. Proceeds from the sale of the pumpkins support church youth who participate in the church’s Summer Youth Mission Trip, which most recently, sent the youngsters to assist with hurricane clean-up as well as other program ministries. Members of the Ortega Church Youth Ministry, parents and church members work together to unload semitrucks and to stack thousands of pumpkins
to create the beautiful setting for neighborhood family outings and for many passersby. Last year, the patch added a “Family Movie Night in the Pumpkin Patch” and this year it has created a new layout for additional parking, a picturesque photo backdrop, and expanded space for movie night. “It was a treat!” shared Aaron Thivierge. “Our family joined neighborhood families for a child-friendly movie night event that created a great feeling of community.” The Ortega Church Pumpkin Patch opens Sunday, Oct. 4, and is open every day through Oct. 31. “During this season of COVID-19 concerns, we will be taking additional precautions for the safety of families and volunteers,” said Ortega Church Youth Director Kirby Tyler.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE P.15 | DEP fines contractors working on the Ortega Park Mall for stormwater violations P.32 | Lost twins remembered during National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month P.40 | Zoo Vets experience world, one animal at a time P.47 | Merit Scholar semifinalists announced
Backpacks are blessed as school begins
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The Rev. Tom Murray of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church blesses backpacks during a drive-thru event in September.
I N H O M E S BY O CTO B E R 5 T H, 2 0 2 0
Brooklyn, a vital link between Riverside, LaVilla, and Downtown is experiencing a renaissance that is transforming the historic neighborhood of vacant lots and run-down buildings into a sparkling hub of high-rise residences and busy shopping centers.
School has started and to get the students who attend St. Mark’s Episcopal Church off to a good beginning, the Ortega church held an in-person and drive-thru backpack blessing event for its families in September. Everyone who attended received a backpack tag with the Bible verse from Luke 12:32 printed on it: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” The blessing was bestowed by Rev. Tom Murray, St. Mark’s rector. “We live in a time in which there is a lot of fear,” Murray said during the outdoor blessing. “We have this encouragement from the Lord not to be afraid. We have everything that we need. We have one another, the hope of our salvation and Christ with us in everything we endure.” In addition to having backpacks blessed, the families showed support for their neighbors in need by bringing baby formula, children’s books, and baby gear for St. Mark’s partner organization, Community Health Outreach.
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