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COMMUNITY NEWS

Great Taste, Great Cause

Katie Leeper, Madison Cashwell and Kylie Leigh savor Delicious Destinations, which raised $420,000 to help local families access health care. READ MORE ON PAGE 22

Ready, Set,

Julia Moore, Roberta Jones and Jack Haynes

Rummage

Riverside Avondale residents and neighbors walked, biked and drove through the neighborhood, visiting the 80-plus homes participating in Riverside Avondale Preservation’s inaugural Community Yard Sales, held Saturday, Sept. 19. READ MORE ON PAGE 30

Young Collectors Generous Hearts

Co-Chairs Kaelyn Cassidy and Mary Shaffer Sealy welcomed guests to Mrs. Howard for the annual Young Collectors Party for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. READ MORE ON PAGE 28

‘Constellations of Us’ Lights Up Five Points By Michele Leivas

A rainbow has returned to the Five Points in the form of a new 1,700-squarefoot mural by Jacksonville artist Shaun Thurston. “Constellations of Us” was officially unveiled to the community on Thursday, Sept. 3, in a ceremony attended by District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso, Riverside Avondale Preservation Executive Director Shannon Blankinship, and other community leaders and stakeholders. The vibrant mural fronts Lomax Street and spans the length of a privately owned building in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood. Throughout the mural, which flows through the full spectrum of the rainbow, silhouettes of actual neighbors and community members are positioned in various poses and appear to glow with radiant light. Just steps away from this mural is a crosswalk at the Park and Lomax streets intersection. Last year, that crosswalk, once rainbow-colored, was painted over by the

Florida Department of Transportation. The idea for this mural was a direct response to that. “That was pretty much the basis of this,” Thurston said. “If you’re going to cover up rainbows that make people feel seen, I’ll just give you a bigger rainbow.” Historically, Riverside and Five Points have served as safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Richard Ceriello, founder and executive director of the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida, said the mural affirms Five Points’ inclusive and diverse community. “All roads lead to Five Points, and that includes all types of people from all strata, from all religions, all ethnicities,” Ceriello said. “Seeing this come to fruition just reaffirms everything I’ve always believed about the diversity of this neighborhood, and how diversity and inclusion are essential building blocks to any healthy city, and this is a beautiful representation of a healthy city and a healthy community.” “Constellations of Us” was made possible through private funding, with contributions from The Robert B. Ragland Foundation, AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida, Preston Haskell, Justin

Five Points Association President Cheryl Croft, Jax River City Pride President Travis Guthrie, Equality Florida Northeast Development Leader Mason Manion and AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida Founder and Executive Director Richard Ceriello with JASMYN Board Chair Issis Alvarez, RAP Executive Director Shannon Blankinship and Artist Shaun Thurston

Stowell and Travis Joyal, Clark LaBlond and Ben Montgomery, and Riverside Avondale Preservation. According to a RAP press release,

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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.

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PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Our calendars are filling with familiar traditions and new invitations as the fall social season gets underway. The holidays will be here soon enough. For now, it’s good to see neighbors out and about – gathering for a cause, trying a new spot or catching up on a cool evening. We’ll have a little less evening light to enjoy when we turn our clocks back on Sunday, Nov. 1, so take advantage while it lasts. Covering these neighborhoods means getting to know the people who give them their character and help them thrive. Those connections are the most rewarding part of what we do, and they make saying goodbye especially hard. This edition of Resident News remembers two women who made a lasting difference in our community. A gifted writer and editor, Laura Jane Pittman was many things to many people – a Resident News contributor, a devoted mother and a familiar, cherished presence in our neighborhoods. We were fortunate to know her not only through these pages, but personally, and her

OCTOBER 2026

loss is felt deeply. This month, Susanna Barton shares a beautiful remembrance of Laura Jane in her column. We also remember restaurateur and entrepreneur Karin Tucker in our In Memoriam on page 43. Outtakes from a photo shoot by LAIRD capture her vibrant personality alongside her longtime business partner and friend, Barbara Bredehoeft. Together, they brought flavors from around the world to Biscotti’s in Avondale and bb’s in San Marco. Karin paired a commitment to stellar service with the energy and enthusiasm that helped shape Jacksonville’s culinary scene. As the season changes and our calendars fill, let’s make room to tell the people around us how much they matter. Each of us helps make this community what it is, and the appreciation we so often leave unspoken is worth sharing today.

Seth and Pamela Williams

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Members of the Duval County School Board I am writing as a parent because DCPS has a crisis on its hands, and I no longer trust this district to investigate itself. This is not about one teacher, one substitute, or one school. Too many serious incidents involving adults and students have surfaced, and parents are left asking the same question: what is happening inside our schools, and where is the accountability? The Board needs to immediately retain an independent outside firm to conduct a districtwide investigation into adult misconduct involving students and a comprehensive audit of Professional Standards. The Board should determine the scope and give the firm the independence and access necessary to follow the facts wherever they lead. Parents are left asking how individuals connected to serious complaints, reporting failures, or breakdowns in judgment can

remain in or advance into positions of authority and influence. This is exactly why DCPS cannot investigate DCPS. And while all of this continues, where is the School Board? Where is the Chair? Where is the urgency? Parents should not have to wait for another arrest, another investigation, or another child to be harmed before this Board acts. Bring in an outside firm. Examine the system. Audit Professional Standards. Hold people accountable where the facts warrant it. And tell parents what is being done to protect our children. Enough is enough. Our children deserve action now. –Michael Curtis

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

OCTOBER 2026

All Eyes on Jacksonville By Michele Leivas Jacksonville is one of the top five cities to watch in North America. So says Oxford Economics in its 2026 Global Cities Index Report. Rounding out the top five are Boise, Durham, San Antonio and Edmonton. Mayor Donna Deegan joined Jacksonville Civic Council President and CEO Dennis Whittle, Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland and Jax Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis in a press conference announcing this achievement for the Bold City on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at City Hall. In its annual index, Oxford Economics ranks the top 1,000 cities worldwide based on five “evaluation pillars:” economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. Among cities with fewer than four million people, Jacksonville

Deegan said this recognition by Oxford Economics reflects what people are seeing and feeling “on the ground” in Jacksonville. “Jacksonville has momentum. Companies are investing here. Our economy is becoming more diverse, which we needed,” Deegan said. “Finance, fintech, defense, healthcare, logistics and manufacturing are all creating new opportunities for us. Downtown has reached its ignition point.” Howland said he is not surprised by this designation, and that more and more people are discovering what he’s known for a while. “Jacksonville, to me, is the best city in America for a business to relocate and grow, you’ve heard me say before, and for families to live, work and play,” Howland

Jacksonville is a blue-collar, stable economy in a highflying, high-growth state...the best city in the Southeast for businesses to relocate and grow, and families to live, work and play. – Nick Howland Jacksonville City Council President

ranks 97th, up from 119th last year, with a goal of breaking into the top 50 by 2032. Overall, Jacksonville ranks 134th, in the top 20% for three of the five pillars, except for quality of life, where it falls in the top half. New York, New York holds the number one spot on the list, with London, Paris, Seattle and San Francisco rounding out the top five.

said. “It’s really only been a matter of time, I think, before the rest of the world discovered that. I think they have. I think they are discovering that, and they’re doing so with their feet.” Howland said he believes four factors help make Jacksonville so attractive. These factors, according to Howland, are: Jacksonville’s low-tax environment, efficient government, quality of life, and

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job creation and workforce development. “Jacksonville is a blue-collar, stable economy in a high-flying, high-growth state,” Howland said. “…the best city in the Southeast for businesses to relocate and grow, and families to live, work and play.” This designation, Deegan added, is validation rather than a finish line, and more work remains before Jacksonville reaches its pinnacle. “Being a city to watch is not the mountaintop. It is simply an external validation that we are moving in the right direction. The mountaintop is a Jacksonville where prosperity reaches every neighborhood,” Deegan said. “Where every child can fulfill their God-given potential, where quality of life matches the strength of our economy – that is the Jacksonville we are working toward, and if we continue to move forward together across sectors, across neighborhoods and across differences, I truly believe we will get there.” The report’s release comes just two months ahead of the November election, during which voters will decide the fate of Amendment 3, regarding property taxes. Following the press conference, Resident

I would hate for us to do anything that took the wind out of the sails of what you’re seeing here today, and I think I’ll just leave it at that. We’ll [the Civic Council] have more to say later. – Dennis Whittle

Jacksonville Civic Council President and CEO

News asked Whittle if he cared to comment on the implications the amendment could have on the economy, if it were to pass. “I would hate for us to do anything that took the wind out of the sails of what you’re seeing here today, and I think I’ll just leave it at that,” Whittle said. “We’ll [the Civic Council] have more to say later.”

READ THE CIVIC COUNCIL’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT IN OUR CONTINUED COVERAGE OF AMENDMENT 3 ON PAGE 10.

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HOGAN STREET (City Center Link) Connection, Activation and Vibrancy in the Heart of Downtown 6 |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

OCTOBER 2026

HOGAN STREET (City Center Link) Matthew Wilder details the project limits at the Sept. 9 meeting.

The orange line in this map of the Emerald Trail depicts the City Center Link, along Hogan Street, which will cut through Downtown Jacksonville.

By Michele Leivas Residents had an opportunity to review design plans for the Emerald Trail’s City Center Link at a community meeting hosted by Groundwork Jacksonville and the City of Jacksonville on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Following the presentation, meeting attendees were able to ask questions and share feedback during the meeting, which took place at Downtown Vision, Inc. offices. This new link will move away from the riverfront, cutting through the downtown area along Hogan Street, stretching from Bay Street to the Rosa Parks Transit Center – spanning roughly 4,000 linear feet in the heart of downtown. Elements for this project include a shared-use path, sidewalk/plaza materials, plant materials, amenities, and, when possible, green infrastructure. The design for this link is at 60% completion. “If you think about the Riverwalk on the Southside of downtown – this is through the heart of downtown and gets you up to what will be the northern part

of the trail,” said Matthew Wilder, principal landscape architect at Pond and Company. “If you look at the full master plan, you can actually follow an entire loop around the city, and then there are some cut-throughs. The LaVilla Link is kind of a cut-through, the City Center Link is a cut-through of a big circle.” City of Jacksonville Director of Public Works Nina Sickler told meeting attendees a top priority of this link is connection and activation. “We’ve been spending a lot of effort and time on our riverfront parks, and this is our connection from those parks through the heart of our downtown, and then connecting up to Hogan’s Creek and then into Springfield,” Sickler said. As this City Center Link progresses along Hogan Street, it will move along both sides of the street: from Bay Street to Monroe Street, it will be on the west side of the street with updated sidewalks on the

other side; it will transition to the east side of Hogan Street beginning at Monroe Street and remain on that side until it crosses and turns down State Street before continuing on the west side of North Laura Street. Hogan Street will be reduced to one lane of northbound traffic within this City Center Link corridor, from Bay Street to Union Street. Groundwork Jacksonville CEO Kay Ehas added that the trail will no longer feature its signature green stripe that people

have come to recognize. “We’re not using the green stripe anymore,” Ehas said. “We have to repaint that. We’re trying to figure out what’s long-term sustainable. So there’s going to be bronze medallions in the middle with the Emerald Trail logo, and then the green horizontal stripes – the green aggregate glass pavers – as you come up to an intersection that’s going to tell you you’re on the trail.” Construction on this link is expected to begin next summer, with a construction time of 18 to 24 months. During that time, residents can expect a block-by-block progression of construction with advance notice given to affected business owners as work advances. The same presentation was made to the Downtown Development Review Board at its September board meeting the following day, during which board members asked questions and shared feedback about the project. “Urban trail systems bring vibrancy, economic development, density, all the things that we want to see in downtown. This segment of the Emerald Trail is monumentally exciting to see. This will be a crucial piece of downtown’s vibrancy, so it can’t happen soon enough,” said DDRB Chair Linzee Ott.

READ THIS ARTICLE ONLINE AT WWW.RESIDENTNEWS.NET TO REVIEW THE FULL POWERPOINT PRESENTATION FROM THE SEPT. 9 COMMUNITY MEETING.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

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OCTOBER 2026

From 1,200 to 840

DCPS unveils revised plans for Venetia Elementary School

An updated conceptual rendering of the new Venetia Elementary School.

By Michele Levias DCPS has revised its plans for a new build at Venetia Elementary School, reducing its capacity from 1,200 to 840 students. The updated plan for the incoming K through 5 campus was presented to the Venetia Elementary community and area residents during a community meeting at Hyde Grove Elementary School – Venetia’s temporary home – on Tuesday, Sept. 29. With the new build currently only intended for a consolidation of Venetia and Ortega elementary schools, DCPS Chief Operations Officer Jim Culbert told attendees there are no current plans to adjust Venetia’s existing boundaries. Culbert said the updated plans will be presented to the school board at its November meeting. At its October board meeting, the board voted down the proposed contract with STG Contracting Group, Inc., with board members expressing concern about the previous plan for 1,200 students. According to findings from the completed traffic study, the reduced capacity of 840 students would result in “19 buses and 173 parent pickup vehicles during afternoon dismissal compared to initial estimate of 26 buses and 285 parent pickup vehicles for 1,200 [students].” The updated plans, with a lower student capacity number and decreased traffic impact, received mixed feedback from those in attendance. Venetia resident Susan

Donnell said the plan was a step in the right direction, but traffic was still a concern. “I feel like you are hearing us,” Donnell told DCPS officials during public comment. “We’re not quite there. We’re still concerned about getting in and getting out.” Venetia Elementary parent Dr. Deborah Eichelberger, however, was happy about the revisions. “I am extremely pleased with the new design that you have come back with,” Eichelberger told Culbert. “I thought 1,200 students was a lot for the school to go to – I think it would have been a sticker shock – but 840 is a good compromise…” Residents have previously suggested creating an alternate access road to the school via the parking lot of nearby Winn-Dixie. At the Sept. 29 meeting, Culbert informed attendees that conversations with the property owners of that parcel are ongoing. Culbert shared more details with Resident News after the meeting. “If at all possible, that’s one of the things that we would really like to see is having another entrance off of the main road that comes into the property,” Culbert said. “So we’re working with them [the property owners]. They’re cooperating, they’re talking, they’re working through some issues. They are down south, and that’s a little bit more challenging than having somebody here local in Jacksonville, but yeah we’re having good conversation.”

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A revised site plan of the new build for Venetia Elementary School.

DCPS District 5 Board Member Reginald Blount told Resident News he was encouraged by the feedback from the meeting, though he acknowledged that more work needs to be done. “That’s why we voted it down at the last board [meeting] because we said, ‘You all got to take this back, work it, and bring us something back that the community can live with,’” Blount said. “So I think, overall, they [the community] probably can accept it if we make some modifications that’ll make it a little better.” Blount said he would like to hold “more intimate” community meetings with the Venetia community, likely at Timuquana Country Club as plans continue to evolve.

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Inside Amendment 3 Tax Relief and Local Revenue By Michele Leivas Amendment 3 is among the measures Florida voters will consider inin next month’s election. The amendment proposes increasing the homestead tax exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for homeowners who were permanent Florida residents by Dec. 31, 2026, with inflation adjustments in later years. These increased exemptions would be taken from the assessed value of homesteaded properties, effectively lowering their taxable value. Later residents would initially qualify for a $50,000 non-school exemption and would become eligible for the larger exemptions in their fifth year. It would also lower the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties, such as rentals and commercial buildings, from 10% to 5%. The increased homestead exemption and lower non-homestead assessment cap would not apply to school district property taxes. If it wins at least 60% of the vote, it will have far-reaching and varied impacts on cities, counties and special districts throughout Florida. HOMEOWNERSHIP IN DUVAL COUNTY Last month, Florida Realtors – a statewide professional trade association with more than 230,000 members – launched its Vote Yes on 3 campaign in support of the amendment. “Affordability is at the forefront for every Floridian, and they need meaningful relief,” said Chuck Bonfiglio Jr., Florida Realtors’ 2026 president, in the press release announcing the campaign. “We’ve spent years working

to help people buy homes. But buying the home is only half the challenge. We also need to make sure families can afford to keep the homes they worked so hard to purchase.” As a member of Florida Realtors, the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) stands beside the statewide association in its support of the amendment, said NEFAR Government Affairs Director Nancy Garcia. “We are supporting it because of the impact that will have on homeowners, specifically,” Garcia said. “As you know, housing has just become so unaffordable. It’s difficult for first-time buyers to get into homes, but you also have people who are seniors, who are trying to stay in their homes, and then just in general the unaffordability of everything. So any kind of relief that we can provide to help people stay in their homes, or just get some relief, or potentially purchase a home, that’s what realtors do. We’re the voice of real estate; we’re going to support those kinds of initiatives.” The savings would depend on a home’s assessed value and applicable tax rates. The exemption could eliminate a greater share of taxable value for a lower-valued home than for a higher-valued one. “Down in South Florida, you’re going to have less of an impact on those homeowners because the values are so high,” Garcia said. In Duval County, which has a broad spectrum of markets and home values, the impact could be just as varied for homeowners, depending on the market they live in. Still, Garcia said, it would be a step in the right direction for affordability.

“The thing is, we’re having a real affordability crisis,” Garcia said. “This is a start.” OPPOSITION TO AMENDMENT 3 Several state groups and associations have expressed concerns over the impact Amendment 3 could have on local governments. On Sept. 21, the Jacksonville Civic Council released a statement opposing the amendment. It read, in part: “The Jacksonville Civic Council opposes Constitutional Amendment 3, which would sharply reduce services that Jacksonville’s residents rely on every day, including parks, libraries, roads and drainage…We believe thoughtful tax reform can effectively address affordability concerns for residents as well as provide a supportive environment for business growth, while at the same time protecting public safety and vital public services.” According to City of Jacksonville Council Auditor Phillip Peterson, the city could lose approximately $200 million in

OCTOBER 2026

districts. Still, Duval does not top the list of the hardest-hit county. Projected five-year impact goes up as high as an estimated $5.161 billion for Miami-Dade County. A Florida Policy Institute analysis, however, projects Jacksonville to be the hardest hit municipality with a projected loss of approximately $372.2 million on a recurring basis by FY2031-32, followed by Tampa and Miami. AMENDMENT 3 AND THE CITY BUDGET If passed, Amendment 3 wouldn’t impact the City of Jacksonville until the 2027 budget cycle, but it was a topic of discussion as the Jacksonville City Council prepared to vote on the FY2026-27 budget at its Sept. 22 meeting. City Council Member Ron Salem previously stated $100 million should be cut from the budget and placed in a contingency fund in case the measure passes. On Sept. 22, he called the failure to do so a “tragic mistake.” “I think we’ve made, as a city, a tragic mistake in not preparing for Amendment 3,”

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operating revenue in the next fiscal year if Amendment 3 passes. Mayor Donna Deegan told Resident News she is concerned about the “unintended consequences” of passing this amendment. “We have a city that is right now just absolutely thriving,” Deegan said. “You’re seeing cranes in the air everywhere. We’re able to invest in those infrastructure needs we’ve neglected for so long. We’ve done it with a really lean budget, and I would hate to see us backslide on a lot of those things, a lot of that momentum that we have as a city right now because of all that.” Amendment 3’s impact will be felt statewide, but exactly how will vary. According to an analysis completed by the Florida Tax Watch, the five-year projected impact for Duval County is an estimated $1.689 billion, ranking it eighth out for Florida’s 67 counties in five-year dollar impact. This includes all of Duval’s municipalities and independent special

Salem said from the dais. “…We’ve got a train coming at us that may hit us.” “I believe in preparing for something like that because if Amendment 3 passes, we’re going to have a JTA budget situation ourselves here, if not worse, and we missed an opportunity to adequately prepare for it,” Salem continued. City Council Member Matt Carlucci, however, said making cuts to this year’s budget would be “putting the cart before the horse.” Peterson did inform the council that the city does have the reserves on hand to cover the revenue loss, at least for next year. The recommendations that are out there are to have at least two months of reserves on hand based on your operating budget,” Peterson said. “At this point, the City of Jacksonville does have that amount set aside in reserves.” In Duval County, early voting for the Nov. 3 election begins on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

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The Riverfront Plaza Hotel and Residences will be nestled into the Riverfront Plaza public park with plans for a seamless transition from the development into the public space.

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A rendering of Gateway Jax’s riverfront project

JACKSONVILLE WATERFRONT

DDRB Conceptual Submittal | June 18, 2026

An early rendering of the UF Graduate Campus building.

A site plan for the UF Graduate campus shows flex lawn spaces, promenades and potential retail spaces for the incoming academic building on Bay Street.

By Michele Leivas With construction crews actively working on several projects, from Pearl Square to the Stadium of the Future to more riverfront parks, Downtown Jacksonville is abuzz with activity and change as new developments continue to take shape. That momentum doesn’t look likely to slow, with several more projects coming down the pipe bearing the Downtown Development Review Board’s stamp of approval. The DDRB considered several projects at its Sept. 10 board meeting and granted conceptual and final approvals. “It’s really probably the most fun part of this job, being on this board, is getting to see the big picture of how much is happening in our downtown,” said DDRB Chair Linzee Ott. “Jacksonville is in such a unique position. We have four, arguably five catalytic projects happening in downtown Jacksonville – that’s unheard of for cities.” BUILDING CURIOSITY ON THE NORTHBANK With the former Southbank building of Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History (MOSH) now completely cleared away, all eyes turn to the Northbank and the new and improved museum coming to the city. MOSH Board Chair Jill Davis and members of the MOSH Genesis development team gave DDRB an

informational presentation at the Sept. 10 meeting, showcasing the updated renderings and designs for MOSH 2.0, which will include a river-facing café opening onto an outdoor picnic lawn and a child play space featuring a multi-story climbing structure to serve as the “outward beacon” for the museum, according to Chris Wood, vice president, cultural studio leader for SmithGroup and principal on this project. “It’ll light up at night; it’ll be incredibly active with kids climbing all over it. It’s going to be a great destination for parents to spend some time and let their kids get all their wiggles out before they head into the rest of the museum,” Wood said. Additional features include at least 50,000 square feet of themed galleries, upper-level event space, and mezzaninelevel staff offices. CHECKING IN AT RIVERFRONT PLAZA As Pearl Square continues to take shape in Downtown’s Urban Core, Gateway Jax returned to DDRB for conceptual approval of its Riverfront Plaza Hotel and Residences, planned for the Riverfront Plaza Pad B. Plans for this parcel will feature a primary, 17-story tower, a skyview terrace on the third level that will be a minimum of 5,000 square feet and open to the public, and two full-service restaurants with outdoor dining.

The hotel component will feature 130 to 170 keys for a four- or five-star hotel, with Gateway Jax CEO Brian Moll informing board members that announcements for the hotel flag partner are forthcoming, following extensive conversations with several potential hotel partners, ultimately narrowing down the pool of possible candidates from seven to three. “I’m happy to report that we have fully negotiated term sheets with two of those groups now, and we are working with our capital partners to determine which we’re going to select,” Moll said. “…I think either one of them would be really terrific additions to downtown, especially the waterfront.” The project will also feature a residential component of 50 to 150 units. Following board discussion, DDRB members granted unanimous conceptual approval of this project. Construction is expected to occur in one phase, beginning in the first quarter of 2028 and completing by the end of 2030. GRADUATE CAMPUS TAKES ITS FIRST STEPS Following a board workshop and discussion, DDRB members also granted conceptual approval for the first building of the incoming University of Florida Graduate campus in the LaVilla neighborhood.

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Located on Bay Street, this academic building will be about 185,000 square feet and nearly 140 feet tall, with six stories on the west and eight on the east. Outdoor elements will include flexible lawns, active plazas, shaded seating and gathering, balconies, and roof terraces. UF will seek future conceptual approval for Site 1B.

UF GRADUATE CAMPUS, JACKSONVILLE • DDRB CONCEPTUAL SUBMITTAL • SEPTEMBER 03, 2026

TIME EXTENDED, CLOCK STILL TICKING It has been two years since the Lofts at Southbank obtained DDRB final approval for its mixed-use development – a 10-story building featuring retail space, self-storage and residential units at the corner of Hendricks Avenue and Prudential Drive. Last month, it returned to DDRB to request its second – and final – one-year extension to Sept. 1, 2027. According to the staff report, the extension was requested because the project’s redevelopment agreement is currently moving through city council. The staff report also indicates no design or project modifications have been made. The September board meeting also granted final approval for Pier 95, reviewed a presentation about the Emerald Trail’s City Center Link and approved a rezoning request from PUD to Commercial Central Business District (CCBD) for a half-acre parcel at 331 West Ashley Street.

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Team members and leadership of One Sotheby’s International Realty hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new San Marco office on Sept. 9.

Photo/Coastline Films Co.

A New Home for One Sotheby’s One Sotheby’s International Realty can officially call San Marco home with the opening of its new brokerage in the heart of San Marco Square. One Sotheby’s International Realty marked the opening of its new office with an inviteonly celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 9, where guests enjoyed cocktails, light bites, live music, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located on the ground floor of the Ginny Stine Interior Design Building at 1936 San Marco Boulevard, the 2,000-square-foot space will serve as One Sotheby’s International Realty’s new Jacksonville-area office for its advisors specializing in high-end residential

properties, historic homes, condominiums and new developments throughout the city and its most sought-after neighborhoods. “San Marco is a vibrant, tight-knit community, and our long-term commitment is focused on serving as a trusted resource for local residents and property owners,” said Rob West, managing broker for One Sotheby’s International Realty. “This relocation provides our team with an exceptional base of operations right in the heart of the neighborhood, allowing us to combine local community involvement with the global reach and distinction of the One Sotheby’s International Realty brand.”

The Sound of Breakthrough

Dr. Evie Landry

In 2024, Dr. Evie Landry, a pediatric neuro-otologist at Nemours Children’s Health Jacksonville, became the first to successfully administer a groundbreaking gene therapy to a 4-year-old born with profound hearing loss. Performed at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the procedure helped the child recognize household noises and detect whispers. He was one of 12 children studied and reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. The therapy, Otarmeni, has now received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval,

supported by Nemours research. Nemours Health in Jacksonville and Orlando were among nine institutions participating in the nationwide CHORD trial. This past March, Dr. Cedric Pritchett, pediatric otologist and chief of pediatric otolaryngology at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, administered the same therapy to an 18-month-old girl, who has begun responding to sounds. “We believe that we have achieved something special by participating in the

CHORD trial and bringing this experimental therapy to our young patients,” Pritchett said. Otarmeni is the first and only treatment for inherited hearing loss, which affects approximately 50 newborns annually in the United States. “Otoferlin is just one of about 300 genes that are known to be associated with hearing loss,” Landry said. “We hope that this trial provides the scientific foundation for a new paradigm in the molecular diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.”

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

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OCTOBER 2026

New Turf, Enduring Legacy

Episcopal School of Jacksonville celebrates the Pajcic and Hunt families in a rededication ceremony of the Pajcic-Hunt Field last month. Photo/Laura Evans Photography

In a rededication ceremony last month, Episcopal School of Jacksonville celebrated the Hunt and Pajcic families, recognizing their continued generosity toward and impact on the school and its students. Originally installed and dedicated in 2015, the Pajcic-Hunt Field has seen countless student-athletes perform, learn, and grow on its turf, whether it be during practices, games, or other memorable moments. It was named for Gary Pajcic and Charlie Hunt, two football teammates at Florida State University who would go on to become influential and inspirational coaches at Episcopal for several seasons. Continuing their support and dedication to the school, the Pajcic Family funded the replacement of the original turf, which took place over the summer.

Gnann to Lead Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Effective Sept. 14, Andrew Gnann became the new president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. Gnann previously served as president of Ascension Seton Williamson in Central Texas. In this new role in Jacksonville, Gnann will lead the organization while focusing on clinical excellence, strategic growth, expanding quality care, and associate and clinician engagement. “Andrew brings extensive operational experience and an understanding of what it means to lead within Ascension,” said Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System CEO Scott Kashman. “His experience leading teams and operations in multiple Ascension markets will allow him to step into this role with a strong foundation and focus immediately on the needs of the community. We are excited to welcome Andrew and his family to Northeast Florida.” A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Gnann holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and a master’s

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degree in healthcare administration from the University of Alabama Birmingham. Gnann’s connection to Ascension goes beyond his professional career: He and his twin brother were born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He launched his healthcare career as an administrative resident at Ascension St. Vincent’s East in Birmingham, advancing through various leadership positions before serving as president. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Northeast Florida community and continue a career that has been shaped by Ascension’s mission,” said Gnann. “My story with St. Vincent’s started the day I was born, so stepping into this role carries real meaning for me. There is a remarkable legacy here, built by the Daughters of Charity and generations of associates who came before us. I take the responsibility of stewarding that history and carrying it forward very seriously.”

Leadership Changes Take Center Stage The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors has made two new leadership appointments, including the Florida Theatre president and board chair. In two unanimous votes, the board appointed Kevin Stone as Florida Theatre president and PC Bryant as the new board chair. Stone has been with the Florida Theatre for 13 years, having previously served as interim president/VP programming, vice president of programming, and director of programming. “I’m honored to be named president of the Florida Theatre and grateful for the Board’s confidence,” said Stone. “This is Kevin Stone an extraordinary institution with a remarkable history and an important place in the heart of Jacksonville. I look forward to working alongside PC, the Board and our talented team to create memorable experiences for audiences and ensure the Florida Theatre remains a vibrant part of our community for generations to come.” Bryant has served on the Florida Theatre’s Board of Directors since 2017. “As we head into the 100th anniversary year of the Theatre, I look forward to working with Kevin and my fellow Board members to build on the Theatre’s tremendous legacy and help PC Bryant shape its future.”

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Movers & Shakers | 15

‘Trembling Earth’ Documentary Premiere to Benefit Regenerative Farm Initiative

Jacksonville History Center CEO Dr. Alan Bliss joins Jax Chamber Downtown Council members in a check presentation at the Downtown Council Gives Back Breakfast on Friday, Sept. 4.

For the Love of Downtown

The Jax Chamber Downtown Council celebrated 904 Day by recognizing five Jacksonville organizations for their exemplary commitments and steadfast support of Jacksonville’s urban core at its annual Downtown Council Gives Back Breakfast. Held this year at Downtown Vision, Inc. headquarters on Friday, Sept. 4, the breakfast included remarks by guest speaker Kati Lambert, CEO of Well Minded Hypnosis. The five honorees for this year’s breakfast included the DVI Ambassadors, USS Orleck and Naval Museum, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Visit Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville History Center. Each recipient received a monetary gift to help continue their mission of promoting the Bold City for residents and visitors.

The feature documentary “Trembling Earth” will make its premiere Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The event will begin with a VIP reception at 5 p.m., followed by regular admission at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the premiere will benefit the establishment of the Regenerative Farm Initiative, a partnership between The Farm at Okefenokee and Trinity Rescue Mission. The initiative brings together the two organizations under the message, “Restoring land. Restoring lives. Building a future worth leaving.” The documentary’s theme carries a similar long-term message: “Some things take longer than a lifetime. We build them anyway.” Tickets and additional information are available at johnnyappleseed.com/partnership.

Kathy Brooks Aesthetics Grows Its Team and Services

Kathryn Lorenzini

Kathy Brooks has expanded both her team and the services offered at Kathy Brooks Aesthetics. The Oak Street studio opened earlier this year, offering advanced skincare and wellness services, along with special monthly membership programs for her clientele. Now, with two new staff members, clients can expect even more. With 15-plus years in the spa industry, licensed massage therapist, aesthetician, and permanent makeup artist, Rachel Layne said she is thrilled to join the team at Kathy Brooks Aesthetics. Appointments can be booked with her on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kathryn Lorenzini, also a licensed massage therapist, brings more than three decades of experience to the team. Lorenzini’s thoughtfully tailored sessions are designed to her clients’ individual needs and help release tension and quiet the mind. “Expanding Kathy Brooks Aesthetics to include massage therapy and head spa treatments means so much to me,” said Brooks. “As a small-business owner, I’ve poured my heart into creating a place where people can slow down, feel cared for, and leave feeling renewed. Watching this dream grow into a space that offers even more healing and connection is incredibly meaningful.”

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ALL SOULS’ DAY CHORAL EVENSONG

NOVEMBER 2, 6:00 P.M. IN THE CHURCH Join us for a beautiful and meaningful All Souls’ Evensong as we remember and give thanks for our loved ones who have gone before us. During this special service, we will read the Necrology, commemorate those in our parish who have died this year, and be led in worship through beautiful music by the choir. Reception to follow.

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NOVEMBER 14, 5:00 P.M. IN THE CHURCH One of our most popular acts is back. The virtuoso piano duo of Catherine Lan and Tao Lin will present classical works for two pianos by Saint-Saëns and Schubert. Whether you are joining us as you close out the Bowen Conference that day or simply coming specifically for this event only, this will be a thrilling concert – not to be missed! Reception to precede.

MESSIAH – UNF CHAMBER SINGERS

DECEMBER 1, 7:30 P.M. IN THE CHURCH Dr. Tasher and the talented University of North Florida Chamber Singers, along with the Lawson Ensemble, will present a shortened Christmasspecific rendition of Handel’s beloved Messiah. Reception to follow.

16 |

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

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OCTOBER 2026

New Leaders Check In at Four Seasons Jacksonville

McLaren Industries, Inc. leadership and members of the Jax Chamber celebrate the grand reopening of its Jacksonville headquarters on Thursday, Sept. 10.

A Headquarters Homecoming Members of the Jax Chamber joined McLaren Industries, Inc. leadership and team members for the grand reopening of its University Boulevard center last month. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 10, marked the grand reopening of the threestory building that serves as McLaren’s Jacksonville headquarters. Gary DeJong, building manager, said the ribbon-cutting marked the completion of a renovation of the 87,000-square-foot building. The first floor is home to McLaren’s sales and administrative operations. The international company rents out office space within the building to other professional tenants, from lawyers to accountants. DeJong said McLaren Industries was happy to update the building for some of those tenants. The third floor is currently vacant, and DeJong said it is open to new prospective tenants. “Some people, they’ve been doing business here for 10, 15, 20 years,” DeJong said. “So we went ahead, and now we’ve got [the building] in, we believe, a great face and a great look. So now we wanted to share it and get it out in the community.” The morning was a full-circle moment for the company, which began in Orange Park nearly 30 years ago. Its headquarters have been located in different locations in Georgia and California, but now, with this updated building, McLaren is laying its roots right back where it began.

With an anticipated debut in 2027, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville has announced a new member of its leadership team: General Manager Melissa Sims. With two decades of Four Seasons experience, Sims will oversee hotel operations, culture, and guest experience. She most recently served as general manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. As Four Seasons Jacksonville prepares for its debut, Sims will focus on building her team, establishing meaningful local relationships, and creating a destination that celebrates Jacksonville. “The energy of an opening is unmatched, but Melissa Sims what excites me most is the opportunity to become part of this community,” said Sims. “Jacksonville has a genuine warmth and sense of possibility that you feel immediately. We are grateful for the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside the people who call this city home and create a destination that reflects both the spirit of Jacksonville and the care and service of Four Seasons.” Another critical player in the property’s preopening team is Tony Rodriguez, a 30-plus-year Four Seasons veteran who serves as commercial director, leading the property’s commercial vision and market positioning as it prepares to open. Tony Rodriguez

Highlighting Its Roots of Success

Hair Peace Salon Owner Bruce Musser, second from left, poses with team members at the salon’s 30th anniversary celebration last month.

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On Saturday, Sept. 19, the team at Hair Peace Salon set aside their scissors and brushes and celebrated a milestone 30th anniversary with colleagues and friends. For Hair Peace Salon Owner Bruce Musser, the evening celebrated his employees, who have helped build Hair Peace into the successful salon it is today; clients who have become friends over the years; and a commitment to excellence and style reflected in every aspect of his business. Drawing from the love and gratitude Musser felt when his employees surprised him with a 25th anniversary celebration, he was determined to return those feelings in kind with these festivities five years later. “I was just so filled and uplifted,” Musser previously told Resident News. “And here we are five years later, and they’ve shown me how important it is that we acknowledge and celebrate.”

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FLASHBACK

Contributed by The Jacksonville History Center

Front page of the Florida Times-Union The Jacksonville Jaycees float with five young women gloved, newspaper on October 1, 1968. gowned and crowned.

The Seaboard Coastline Railroad float.

Thousands of Jacksonvillians thronged the streets and parking garages along Hogan Street on October 1, 1968.

Photos: Jacksonville History Center/Florida Times-Union Photo Collection

OCTOBER 2026

Children wave to the Big Ape, mascot for WAPE 690 AM radio station.

City-County Consolidation ‘The urge to merge’

Four young women graced the Greater Jacksonville Rotary Club float.

Fifty-eight years ago, on October 1, 1968, the enactment of the roughly 2-to-1 approval of the city-county consolidation referendum was celebrated with a grand parade watched by more than 200,000 spectators. According to a 2018 “Florida Times-Union” article by reporter Charlie Patton, citycounty consolidation’s supporters (the “white hats”) were opposed by “so-called black hats.” The “urge to merge,” according to Patton’s article, had been bandied about in the century since the Civil War ended in 1865. Sporadic efforts resulted in unincorporated neighborhoods – such as LaVilla, Fairfield, Springfield, Brooklyn, Riverside and East Jacksonville – becoming part of Jacksonville, but the greater goal was to eliminate duplication and save money by merging city and county offices and agencies.

In his book “Jacksonville: The Consolidation Story, From Civil Rights to the Jaguars,” the late UNF history professor James B. Crooks noted that “Jacksonville probably had the most unwieldy structural form of government of any city in the United States.” Eight years ago, citizens of Jacksonville celebrated the 50th anniversary of the citycounty consolidation of government on a much smaller scale with an exhibit in the City Hall rotunda. The “Jacksonville Daily Record” ran an opinion editorial by Alan Bliss, then executive director of the Jacksonville Historical Society, which curated the exhibit. “The benefits to Jacksonville’s brand spread across Northeast Florida and beyond,” Bliss wrote. “Some believe that without consolidation there would have been no NFL franchise.”

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OCTOBER 2026

Jacksonville PR Chapter Celebrates 70 Years

Members, past presidents and guests gather to mark seven decades of impact, achievement and collaboration

Sergeant Seamless brings professional-grade holiday lighting home – designing, installing, maintaining, removing and storing the entire display. For many Jacksonville homeowners, Christmas decorating is part of the season’s grand traditions. For others, it’s the difficulty of scaling ladders, untying yards of lights, untangling cords and finding ways to balance power to plug it all in….until now. One local company is helping homeowners take an entirely new approach to the season with a professionally designed and installed lighting display that lets homeowners enjoy the result without taking on all the work. Best known for exterior home services including gutter installation and maintenance, gutter guards, soffit and fascia work, Sergeant Seamless has expanded into professional Christmas lighting, a service owner Ben Siebold says fits naturally with the work his crews already perform. “My guys are talented, and they’re extremely good at what they do. Christmas lighting was really a natural progression for the company,” said Siebold. “Our crews work from ladders and along rooflines every day, so we already have the skills and experience to create these displays properly. Let us handle the work while you enjoy Christmas.” The difference is in both the materials and the finish. Sergeant Seamless uses professional-grade C9 bulbs custom cut to each roofline, producing a cleaner, more tailored appearance than trying to make standard store-bought strands fit. Wiring is tucked away and concealed, keeping the attention on the lights rather than cords, plugs and connections. The company can also extend the display beyond the roofline, wrapping palm trees and columns and installing illuminated wreaths to give the home a more complete holiday look. The goal is the kind of crisp, cohesive presentation people associate with large professional displays, including the style of lighting seen during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights – scaled and designed for the individual home. That custom approach gives homeowners flexibility as well. Some may want a classic roofline with warm, traditional lighting, while others may choose a more elaborate display that carries the look across columns, landscaping and architectural features. Because the lighting is planned for the home itself, the final result can complement the structure instead of looking like a collection of unrelated decorations added one piece at a time. Once the design is set, Sergeant Seamless handles the process from beginning to end. The team installs the display, keeps it operating through the season, addresses problems if they arise, returns after the holidays to take everything down and stores the lighting until the following year. Homeowners are spared the time it takes to purchase boxes of lights, find space to store them, untangle strands every December or climb back onto the roof to replace a section that stops working. It also reduces the risks associated with ladders and heights, none of which get easier year over year. For a company whose crews already spend their days working on the exterior of homes, the move into holiday lighting is a natural extension of what they do. The same attention required to make gutters, fascia and roofline work look clean carries over to creating a Christmas display that looks intentional from one end of the house to the other. Christmas should be about enjoying family, friends and the season. This year, Sergeant Seamless can handle the ladders, lights and logistics while homeowners simply enjoy a beautifully lit home – and a little more time to celebrate.

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The Florida Public Relations Association’s Jacksonville chapter celebrated its 70th anniversary Thursday, Sept. 10, bringing current members, past presidents and guests together at No Bird. The evening marked seven decades of impact, achievement and collaboration. The gathering connected those who have led the chapter in the past with current members and others in the community who support its work. Guests had an opportunity to connect with fellow public relations and communications professionals, as well as community leaders and supporters. The anniversary brought those connections into focus as attendees celebrated the chapter’s milestone. Part of the statewide Florida Public Relations Association, the Jacksonville chapter includes members from across Northeast Florida. Its membership represents a range of sectors, including nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

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E V E N T P H OT OG R AP H Y AVAI L AB L E FOR V I E W I N G A

A Delicious Show of Support Guests and sponsors raised $420,000 at Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation’s 24th annual Delicious Destinations at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club on Aug. 28 and 29. This number – a 17% increase from last year – also reflects the largest amount raised in the past decade. From the Celebrity Chef By The Sea Luncheon to the main event, guests enjoyed dishes created by exceptional chefs, paired with fine wine, while celebrating a shared commitment to the foundation’s mission of bringing quality healthcare to families in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

24th Annual Delicious Destinations Event Committee

Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation President Caitlin Brunell with Committee Co-Chairs Stephen Scibelli MD, Leslie Scibelli, Eirini Tsilioni MD and Aristotelis Filippidis MD

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A Bold in the B

An evening of “Glass and Glamour” awaited guests at th Hosted by the Historic Eastside CDC, San Marco Preserv evening was a celebration of preservation and the efforts tha historic fabric of our communities that make Jacksonville su This year, the Bold City Ball was held at The Glass Facto Wealth Advisory Group of Raymond James. Proceeds from t and Revitalization’s Endowed Charitable Fund with The Com District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso and MHPA Board Member Faith Ponti

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High Spirits and Good Times The Florida Theatre provided good food, good music, and a memorable evening for guests at its annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon and BBQ. More than 25 vendors served up craft bourbon, locally brewed beers and delicious food at Bowing Oaks on Thursday, Sept. 10. Florida Theatre added the “bourbon” to its annual fundraising event three years ago, adding another smoky element to this fan-favorite event. Proceeds from Blues, Brews, Bourbon and BBQ support the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

CHARITY CHAT

The Magic of Giving Season Jacksonville’s giving season has begun – and this year, it feels different. Invitations are arriving, calendars are filling, and our team here at Resident News is gathering the nonprofit updates, event dates and community stories that will fill the next edition of Circles Social Datebook & Charity Register. But behind the familiar galas, luncheons and community gatherings, something larger is taking shape. New leaders are stepping forward. Organizations are finding new ways to engage their supporters, and donors are asking more thoughtful questions about where their time, influence and dollars can make the greatest difference. Social season may be rooted in tradition, but philanthropy is not standing still. Giving is changing – and Jacksonville is changing with it. “The biggest change we’re seeing in giving is a demographic one,” said Isaiah M. Oliver, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “We continue to serve long-standing philanthropic families where the next generation is continuing a legacy of giving back. We’re also seeing new residents choosing to move here all the time.” In both cases, Oliver said, donors are looking for trusted relationships and community expertise to help them maximize the impact of their charitable investments. Sometimes that means continuing a family’s longstanding support of an institution; in other cases, it means investing in a new project or organization. “Across the board, we find that giving is motivated by a love of the community we call home – and a desire to be part of making it even better for future generations,” he said.

THE LANDSCAPE OF GENEROSITY That changing landscape of generosity is already evident in several significant gifts across Jacksonville. The Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation has donated $1 million to Elevate Jacksonville, marking the largest financial award in the organization’s history. The gift will establish an endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, providing permanent support through investment earnings. Elevate Jacksonville works with students at Jean Ribault Middle and High schools and other Westside middle and high schools through accredited curriculum, character development, post-secondary preparation, adventure experiences, and teacher-mentor relationships. Another investment in Jacksonville’s young people is helping build something entirely new: The Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock Foundation has committed $250,000 toward the construction of Junior Achievement of North Florida’s planned 34,000-squarefoot Experiential Learning Center. Planned for Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Downtown campus, the center is expected to serve more than 30,000 students annually through immersive, hands-on experiences in career readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Shannon Italia, president of Junior Achievement of North Florida, said the gift represents far more than an investment in a building. It will help students discover career pathways, develop important life skills and envision brighter futures.

Since 2019, Elevate Jacksonville has helped more than 4,500 students in Jacksonville schools.

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TAKING ACTION, MAKING IMPACT Generosity, of course, is not measured only in dollars. Sometimes it looks like people rolling up their sleeves to meet a very practical need. Presbyterian Social Ministries Inc. recognized National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day on Sept. 15 by mobilizing volunteers to sort clothing at its Clothing With Purpose warehouse in Murray Hill. Members of Community First Credit Union’s Kindness Crew were SMJax CEO Teri Ketchum, Director of Logistics Neil Claasen and Community First Credit Union volunteer Gwen Latour. among those helping prepare by a particularly full evening of giving Oct. new and gently used clothing 2: Along with the Jaguars Foundation’s for distribution to area nonprofits serving Cocktail Party at Citri in San Marco, that individuals and families. Friday brings the Jacksonville Humane “You can’t access life naked,” PSMJax Society’s Toast to the Animals, Changing CEO Teri Ketchum said, noting that Homelessness’ Home for All SNKR Ball clothing often falls to the bottom of the list and DePaul School’s Drinks for Dyslexia. when families struggle to pay bills and put Furyk & Friends follows Oct. 5-11, food on the table. “Clothing comes last. and tennis champion Venus Williams takes But really, clothing has to come first.“ the stage Oct. 12 to launch the 2026-27 Through large-volume donations from Florida Forum Speaker Series, presented manufacturers and retailers, Clothing With by The Women’s Board of Wolfson Purpose distributed more than 218,000 Children’s Hospital. The month continues items in 2025. with Operation New Uniform’s Mission Possible Gala on Oct. 17 and Sulzbacher’s GOOD TIMES, GOOD CAUSES Transformations on Oct. 29. Of course, gathering for a good cause remains a Jacksonville tradition, and NEIGHBORS SPURRING CHANGE October offers plenty of opportunities While some opportunities to give begin to come together and give back. The Sanctuary on 8th Street’s Shindig with an invitation, others begin with a neighbor noticing what could be better. gets the month underway Oct. 1, followed

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Women’s Giving Alliance, a collective giving initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, on 25 years of giving together. Learn more and join at wganefl.org. $10M+ in Grants | 380+ Members | 95+ Legacy Members $7M+ in Endowments

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Charity Chat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Beneath the beautiful tree canopy at historic Riverside Park, Riverside resident Kim Clontz sees the potential to turn an aging playground into something extraordinary. Its equipment is more than 20 years old, and Clontz, founder of Friends of Jacksonville Playgrounds, wants to give families a compelling reason to stop, stay and play. The proposed centerpiece is a custom-designed, 12-foot-tall snowy egret made of robinia wood, perched on a six-foot play mound with opportunities for climbing and exploration. A bird-themed area for younger children would offer a playful nod to the park’s beloved duck pond, which is also being renovated. Bringing that vision to life will take more neighborhood generosity. JaxParks has budgeted $400,000 for the renovation, while the enhanced design, developed with KOMPAN, is expected to cost nearly $750,000. Following a request for support from Riverside Avondale Preservation, District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso committed another $50,000. Private donors have pledged $150,000, leaving $150,000 still to raise. For Clontz, whose playground work began with Boone Park South’s transformation in 2015, the goal goes well beyond new equipment. “This is about giving kids a reason to put down their devices, get outside and discover what their bodies and imaginations can do,” she said. It is also an investment in Five Points – a destination that could bring more families to the neighborhood and its shops and restaurants. Donations of all sizes are welcome. To learn more, visit jaxplaygrounds.org. An endowment that will last for generations, a new learning center taking shape Downtown, volunteers sorting clothing in Murray Hill, a gathering in San Marco and a new place to play in Riverside – each is part of the story of a community that continues to evolve. Giving may be changing, but its heart remains remarkably constant: people who love Jacksonville and want to leave it a little better than they found it. This season, Resident News looks forward to sharing more of these stories and celebrating those helping to write them.

OCTOBER 2026

Leaders on the Move CALLAN BROWN LEADS NONPROFIT CENTER

The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida has named Callan Brown its new CEO. Brown, who served as interim CEO, brings extensive experience in philanthropy, nonprofit capacity building and community investment. She will lead the center’s work to strengthen Northeast Florida’s nonprofit sector while expanding its role as a convener, advocate and resource for organizations across the region.

PENNY ZUBER TAKES HELM AT KIDS HOPE ALLIANCE

Penny Zuber became CEO of Kids Hope Alliance on Sept. 21 following a national search. She brings more than four decades of experience supporting children, youth and families, including a 42-year career with the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. Most recently serving as the YMCA’s executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Zuber will lead Kids Hope Alliance’s work to expand opportunities for Jacksonville children and families.

NANCY SCHNEIDER JOINS DESC AS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Nancy W. Schneider joined Downtown Ecumenical Services Council as director of development in May. She brings experience in nonprofit development, strategic partnerships, program management and relationship building. Before joining DESC, Schneider served as director of development and partnerships for Groundwork Jacksonville and held leadership roles in education, marketing and workforce readiness. In her new role, she will focus on cultivating relationships and expanding support for DESC and the people it serves.

JACOBY MOORE NAMED ELEVATE JACKSONVILLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

U.S. Navy veteran Jacoby Moore is the new executive director of Elevate Jacksonville, succeeding Carla Austin, who will remain with the organization to lead its school-based programming. Moore most recently served as director of operations for The Boselli Foundation. A former senior pastor, entrepreneur and nonprofit leader, he brings broad leadership experience and a longstanding commitment to empowering young people through mentorship. “I look forward to working alongside our team, school partners, mentors and community supporters to create meaningful opportunities for students,” Moore said.

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OCTOBER 2026

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

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Timeless Bonds, Enduring Service

DR. GARY LEE WEBBER TO LEAD DEVELOPING ARTISTS FOUNDATION BOARD

Dr. Gary Lee Webber has been elected president of the Developing Artists Foundation Board of Directors. The senior pastor of Aspire Church San Marco has served on the foundation’s board since 2024 and is a 1990 graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. His wife, Sheri, and their four children are also Douglas Anderson alumni. Webber’s support of arts education has included serving as chairman of the school advisory councils for LaVilla School of the Arts and Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School. He said he hopes to help preserve Douglas Anderson’s legacy and ensure exceptional public arts education remains available to Northeast Florida students.

JAPA Vice President Monique Malzahn, Reporting Secretary Noelle Woods, President Michale Dudley, Corresponding Secretary Riley Jett and Treasurer Holli Hiltbrand

For more than 100 years, the start of a new school year has also marked the launch of a new year for the women of JAPA – the Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic Association, and this year was no exception as members old and new gathered at the association’s Fall Dinner at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. The dinner, held on Tuesday, Sept. 8, kicked off a new year for the association, which hosts several events throughout the school year as members embody JAPA’s values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. At the dinner, JAPA President Michale Dudley

Fall Party Co-Chairs Wendy Mueller and Nicole Patin

announced the 2026-27 theme for the association – “Sisterhood is timeless” – as well as its second of its two-year cycle supporting area nonprofit, London Sanctuary, in an effort to expand JAPA’s impact in the community. JAPA’s fundraising efforts and community outreach throughout the year will culminate in its JAPA Spring Celebration, during which it awards scholarships, recognizes honorees, and announces a new slate of elected officers.

Wolfburg, Slater Join duPont Fund Board

Amy Slater

Brian Wolfburg

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund has unanimously elected Brian Wolfburg, president and CEO of VyStar Credit Union, and the Rev. Amy Austin Slater, vice rector of Christ Church, to its board of trustees. Their terms begin in January 2027. Wolfburg succeeds Marty Lanahan, who completed the maximum three terms and helped advance the redevelopment of The Jessie and the design and activation of Lift Ev’ry

Voice and Sing Park. Slater succeeds the Rev. Cn. Allison DeFoor, whose service helped shape the foundation’s strategic direction and strengthen its ties to Jacksonville and Port St. Joe. The new trustees join five others as the Jacksonville-based private foundation prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary beginning in late 2026 and continuing into 2027. The anniversary marks its legal creation in 1976 and its first grants in 1977.

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OCTOBER 2026

Young Collectors Gather in Style to Benefit the Community’s Children

Chris Hieb with Kaelyn Cassidy, Patton Weber, Mary Shaffer Sealy, Meridith Allen and Kate Sager

Ivie Teston with Isabel Moore and Raquel Buckingham

David and Michelle Clipp

Catherine Nichols with Lauren Shields, Natalie Skinner and Liz Rice

Young Collectors gathered at Mrs. Howard on Herschel Street for an evening of cocktails, conversation and fundraising for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The Fairfax showroom welcomed a stylish group of young patrons, bringing fresh energy to a longstanding community cause. Founded by designers Phoebe and Jim Howard, the design destination offered an elegant backdrop for the fundraiser, as guests mingled amid the showroom’s furnishings and interiors, connecting over a shared interest in supporting local children and families. An initiative of the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Young

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Collectors helps cultivate the next generation of donors, volunteers and sponsors as it welcomes both those continuing family traditions of philanthropy and newcomers being introduced to the galas, auctions and other fundraising events that sustain the board’s work. The evening also served as a spirited lead-in to the annual First Coast Design Show and its gala. It also serves as a reminder to spread word of the Florida Forum’s lineup for 2026-27 which includes Venus Williams, Mike Massimino, and the shared visit from David Axelrod and Karl Rove, two of the nation’s top political strategists.

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5 Bed / 4 Full Bath / 1 Half Bath / 4,900 SF

4 Bed / 3 Full Bath / 1 Half Bath / 3,047 SF

3 Bed / 2 Full Bath / 1 Half Bath / 2,621 SF

4 Units / 6 Bed / 4 Full Bath / 3,066 SF

4727 Verona Ave | $645,000

4152 Lexington Ave | $515,000

1560 Lancaster Terr 908 | $495,000

0 Wolfe St | $670,000

3 Bed / 2 Full Bath / 2,100 SF

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3898 Boone Park Ave | $365,000

1846 Mallory Street, #5 | $195,000

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BETWEEN THE LINES By Michele Leivas

Booked and Busy This is my favorite time of year. The weather is (finally) cooling down, the kids are back in school, and we’re beginning the inevitable slide into the holiday season, kicking off with my husband’s time to shine: Halloween. September is a gentle ease into things: We’ve settled into the routine of school schedules, soccer practices and games, and it just feels like a collective sigh of relief that another summer is in the books and we can slow down. Not too much, though. At least, not in Jacksonville’s bookish community and the literary world at large. September was a big month of events, moves, news, and more. 2026 JAX BOOKFEST Readers and writers converged at the Jacksonville Public Library downtown last month for the 2026 Jax Book Fest, the library’s annual event celebrating all things books. More than 100 authors set up tables throughout the library, ready to meet readers and share their work. The headlining events were Lit Chats with New York Times best-selling authors John Patrick Green, Emma Straub, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I don’t know when I discovered “The Inheritance Games” series and its spin-offs, YA masterpieces created by Barnes, but I’ve absolutely loved them ever since. Hearing her share some insight on her approach to writing complex characters and relationships was a bonus – and very inspiring for this aspiring fantasy writer. A NEW HOME FOR HAPPY MEDIUM BOOKS CAFÉ Since taking over ownership of the independent new and used bookstore and café on Park Street, Dana Shutters has turned it into a community gathering place, and this month, that gathering place will have a new home. Shutters is moving Happy Medium a few doors down to a new location on Park Street, enlisting local artists to help bring the space to life with custom-made art. Formerly housing Steve Williams’ Florida Mining Gallery, the bungalow at 2756 Park Street will open later this month for a grand opening once Shutters completes its transformation. Happy Medium will share the space with Mixed Fillings Pie Shop. JODI PICOULT IN SAN MARCO New York Times best-selling author Jodi Picoult returned to San Marco Books and More for “An Evening with Jodi Picoult” on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event took place at Aspire Church, where guests enjoyed an author discussion about her newest book, “Hollow Bones,” before they had an

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New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes during her Teen LitChat at the 2026 Jax Book Fest.

Michele Leivas (right) poses with author Jennifer Lynn Barnes

San Marco Books and More brought a full house to Aspire Church San Marco for “An Evening with Jodi Picoult.”

TURNING THE PAGE

What’s Happening in October

Maddie Dau and Deborah McLeod-Baumbach are the winners of “Empyrean bingo”.

Yesi Garcia and Kassandra Delarosa

opportunity to meet Picoult and take a photo with her. This is the second time Picoult has stopped in San Marco during a book tour. The first time was in 2024 for her book, “By Any Other Name.” HAPPY THRESHING DAY Rebecca Yarros fans got to return to the world of “Fourth Wing” earlier than anticipated with the surprise announcement of “Threshing Day” – a collection of 13 short stories about how some of the series’ beloved characters bonded with their dragons. The book was released on Sept. 29, and bookstores around the country hosted midnight release parties to celebrate, including Avondale’s The Next Chapter Bookshop, which hosted its “Threshing Day Midnight Lock-In” the evening of Sept.

Guests enjoy arts and crafts, trivia and other games as they await the midnight release of “Threshing Day” at The Next Chapter in Avondale.

28. The event began at 9 p.m. and featured games, trivia, photo ops, food, and more as guests counted down to the midnight release of this highly anticipated book, which will hopefully hold us over until book four in the Empyrean Series comes out.

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Oct. 1: Valerie Bowman “Snowed Inn” Book Launch | San Marco Books and More | 6 p.m. Tickets Required Oct. 6: Silent Book Club Jax Ink Factory Brewing | 6 p.m. Reservations required. Oct. 8: Bookish Happy Hour San Marco Books and More in collaboration with Taverna 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Ticketed Event Oct. 13: Lit Chat Author Talk with Dorsey Craft discussing “The Pirate Anne Bonny Dances the Tarantella” San Marco Branch Library |6–7:30 p.m. Oct. 14: Silent Book Club Jax Bold Bean (Riverside) | 6:30 p.m. Reservations required Oct. 15: Madeline Martin Author Talk and Signing for “A Time of Witches” | Barnes & Noble at St. Johns Town Center | 7 p.m. Ticketed event Oct. 26 to 27: ACOTAR 6 Midnight Release Party | San Marco Books and More | 11 p.m. | Ticketed event Oct. 30: Jax Author Mingle The Next Chapter Bookshop 6–9:30 p.m. | Free to attend.

WHEN GOLD PULLS BACK, OPPORTUNITY DESERVES A CLOSER LOOK G

old does not have to be setting records to deserve attention. For someone who watched prices climb and hesitated to buy, a pullback can offer a reason to revisit the decision – before another rally, rather than after it. With gold trading below its earlier highs, today’s market presents a different question. The question is not…How far prices have already climbed? But whether a lower entry point fits a longer-term plan and a strategy to think beyond immediacy. Buying at a lower price means the same budget can purchase more metal, provided product premiums remain comparable. It also improves the starting position for a potential recovery. That does not guarantee a rebound or mean the bottom is in. Gold

“Every collection tells two stories. 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.”

– Bill Hatchett

can fall further, and purchase premiums, resale spreads and storage costs all affect the eventual return. Rather than waiting for excitement to return, a prospective buyer can use a softer

market to compare products, establish a budget and consider purchasing in stages. The aim is not to win a guessing game about tomorrow’s price. It is to buy thoughtfully, with room to benefit if prices recover and realistic expectations about the time that may take. At A-Coin & Stamp Gallery, Bill Hatchett helps customers understand what they are buying or selling. From gold and silver bullion to collectible coins and inherited valuables, the distinction between metal value and collector value can be an important one. “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.” That difference matters just as much when buying as when selling. Bullion is generally priced around its precious metal content, plus a premium. A collectible coin may carry additional value tied to rarity, condition, mint mark and demand. Two pieces with similar gold content are not necessarily comparable purchases. For a newcomer, asking questions is more useful than simply checking today’s gold price. How much metal does a coin contain? What premium is being paid? Is its

A-COIN & STAMP GALLERY OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY, NO-OBLIGATION EVALUATIONS OF COINS, CURRENCY AND PRECIOUS METALS.

A-Coin & Stamp Gallery helps buyers look beyond the daily price to understand precious metals, rare coins and collectible value. appeal primarily bullion, or does its history and scarcity support a collector premium? Hatchett’s appreciation for those details extends beyond the daily market. His work with historic coins, rare currency and inherited collections combines research with the possibility of finding something an owner has overlooked.

“It’s like a treasure hunt and highlights an important part of history. It’s my quest to find these rare items and help owners reap the gain from their value.”

– Bill Hatchett “It’s like a treasure hunt and highlights an important part of history,” he said. “It’s my quest to find these rare items and help owners reap the gain from their value.” Silver dollars, historic bank notes and estate collections can bring together family stories, tangible assets and unexpected discoveries. A gold-market pullback does

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ART BEAT

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

By Peggy Harrell Jennings

October’s Vibrant Hues “O suns and skies and clouds of June, and flowers of June together, ye cannot rival for one hour of October’s bright blue weather.” Ah, Helen Hunt Jackson, your poem is so inspiring. As we move from the dog days of summer with Florida’s stifling heat, mosquitoes, thunderstorms, and humidity hopefully into that bright blue (and cooler) weather, the creative energies find inspiration. However, from Downtown ArtWalk to local taverns and churches, our flip-flopclad feet have enjoyed the summer’s bounty of artists in action. Jacksonville Artists Guild’s exciting exhibit at the Downtown library, “It’s in the Books,” drew on cerebral pursuits, with Mary Joan Hinson taking Best in Show for her triptych of Poe’s “The Raven.” Meanwhile, Gail Karson and Cookie Davis earned People’s Choice Awards. “Support Structures,” Dawn Inglis Montgomery’s solo exhibit at the library,

was astounding in subject matter and detail. Inspired by her family history – the architecture and workers of her family’s centuries-old manufacturing business in Springfield – Montgomery finds beauty in industrial landscapes. No girly-girl stuff for this dynamic artist. Her work also earned recognition in the book “Her Mark: Women Artists of Florida.” In contrast, next door at MOCA Jacksonville, Project Atrium astounds with Ryan Rasmussen’s “Glitch: Architecture Undone.” This amazing display is up through Feb. 14, and check out “Art with a Heart in Healthcare” through January. Meanwhile, Jacksonville University Professor Hillary McCullough, featured artist at Southlight Gallery, explored intertwining copper wiring into her intriguing surrealistic photographs for “Assembled Futility.” Her mentor and former professor at UNF, Paul Karabinis, attended the ArtWalk reception. Riverside Park United Methodist Church’s Grace Gallery hosted multimedia artist Contessa

“Tessa” McCorkle for a solo exhibit throughout September. Meanwhile, Peggy Harrell Jennings is the featured artist for October and November at Grace Gallery with her Thony Aiuppy show “Joyful Journey: In the Neighborhood.” Cork Studio Director Crystal Floyd spent the summer as Artist in Residence at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve with her exhibit “Evidence of Life” on display at Ft. Caroline Visitors Center on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A fun outing to Myrtle Avenue Brewing featured an exhibit of six diverse artists whose work was joyful, thoughtful, and artfully displayed and curated by Ricky Redshaw. Keep an eye out for future shows as the exhibits will change quarterly. Nothing like cooling off in a casual atmosphere surrounded by friendly faces and an interesting brew of art. With a storm raging and lightning flashing, attendees were cozy at Babs’ Lab for an evening with Robert Arleigh White. White’s sold-out show, “Raw Talks,” was poignant, biting, hilarious, and entertaining. Climate and creativity seem to go hand in hand, as stormy weather sparks reflection and puts a creative vibe in the air. A traveling exhibit brings serious issues to light, telling the story of resistance and activism through posters, newspapers, pamphlets, and Thony Aiuppy’s graphic art. Aiuppy’s 36-by-24-inch posters of “We Could Not be Silent” accompany the traveling exhibit “Fighting Anti-Semitism: From Dreyfus to Today” on view at the Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery. Aiuppy’s graphic novel tells of alliances of Jewish rabbis with Dr. Martin Luther King in St. Augustine in the 1960s to protest injustice.

Robert Arleigh White

Hillary McCullough and Paul Karabinis

Ricky Redshaw, Tyler Murphy and Elena Ohlander with Kim Hurt, Cole Collier and Kyle Drury

Gail Karson

Dawn Inglis Montgomery

Oct. 6

Reception for “Sisters in Art” by Julie Feldma and Stephanie Pyren Fortel Vandroff Gallery at the Jewish Alliance Center 6–8 p.m.

Oct. 2

Oct. 12

Melanie Mills Reception UNICAT Gallery

Oct. 3, 10 and 12 Art in the Park Friendship Fountain

Oct. 3

Reception for “Floribunda: An Art Show Celebrating Florida’s Unique Biodiversity” Cork Arts District | 6–9 p.m.

Mary Joan Hinson

It’s not all blue skies, smiling and blue birds singing, but October “whispers with change and paints the world with vibrant hues” as art and artists link our creative energy and shape our souls and perceptions.

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Oct. 4

Reception for “Kathryn Miller: A Vibrant Journey Through Watercolor Art” The Art Center | 2–4 p.m.

Season Opener for Jacksonville Artists Guild and Reception for Patrick Mahoney’s “‘Tis the Season” Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Tickets Required www.jacksonvilleartistsguild.org

Oct. 18

San Marco Chamber Music Society: “Fantasy” St. Mark’s Lutheran Church | 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

Reception for “Falling Into Color” North Point Dental | 2–4 p.m., 6–8 p.m.

SAT. NOV 28THTH10AM-5PM SUN. NOV 29 10AM-4PM

rco San Ma ival Art Fest 25+ ARTIST POPUPS LINING THE SQUARE WITH LOCAL, CAREFULLY SELECTED ARTWORK, SCULPTURES AND MORE. CELEBRATING OUR 28TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC SAN MARCO. SPONSORED BY SAN MARCO MERCHANT ASSOCIATION BALIS PARK, 1999 SAN MARCO BLVD. 32207

JUNIOR RESIDENTS

Akash Gusani

Ava Ludwig

Derrick Dow

Saian Patel

Vichy Chen

Six Bolles Students Make Their Merit Six seniors from The Bolles School have joined the ranks of National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists. Seniors Nicholas Baker, Vichy Chen, Derrick Dow, Akash Gusani, Ava Ludwig and Saian Patel are among the less-than-one percent of high school seniors who advanced to semifinalists of the 1.2 million scholars who applied to the 2027 program last year. These six students must now submit detailed scholarship applications, detailing their

A Personal Best for Hammel Episcopal School of Jacksonville senior Blakely Hammel earned a double victory at the Byron Plapp Invitational last month, winning the 500 freestyle and breaking her own school record in the process. With a time of 4:48, Hammel shaved off three seconds from her previous record. Blakely Hammel and Steve Plapp The invitational took place at The Bolles School on Saturday, Sept. 12, with 14 schools competing, among them Bolles, Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, and Episcopal School of Jacksonville. In total, Hammel walked away with three wins (50 freestyle prelims, 50 freestyle finals, and the 500 freestyle final), one third-place finish, and one fifth-place finish.

Nicholas Baker

academic record, school participation and community activity, demonstrated leadership abilities, honors and awards received, and employment information. To advance as a finalist, students must have an outstanding high school academic record, along with an endorsement and recommendation from a high school official, among other requirements. Approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million will be awarded next spring.

Leading in Leaps and Bounds For sixth graders at Riverside Presbyterian Day School, learning isn’t just about the subjects they study; it’s also about learning Sixth graders at Riverside Presbyterian Day School practice their leadership skills serving on the morning patrol. how to become servant leaders. This intentional part of the sixth-grade capstone experience gives students opportunities to take responsibility, contribute to their school community, and see the impact they can have on the people around them. Sixth graders have daily opportunities to take on leadership roles on campus – from participating in the morning patrol to stocking shelves in the library to serving as classroom aides – which lead up to the annual Project LEADS, an RPDS tradition during which sixth graders will participate in a two-day, off-campus service experience, volunteering with various nonprofit organizations throughout Jacksonville. Big learning can happen in little moments, and these opportunities give young Rams the chance to flex their leadership muscles ahead of Project LEADS later this year.

Value Realized in Who They Become

The value of a Bolles education is seen over time in who students become as they grow in confidence, perspective and purpose. Given unusual breadth and expert guidance, they have the opportunity to pursue what matters most to them. What’s more, living and learning with students from around the world broadens that experience, and a distinguished alumni community connects them for more possibilities in the future.

Bolles.org (904) 256-5030

Pre-K through Grade 12 Day & Boarding School

OCTOBER 2026

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Crusaders Make a Splash at Florida Catholic Invitational Competing against athletes from 16 other schools, swimmers from Bishop Kenny High School performed strongly at the 35th annual Florida Catholic Swim and Dive Invitational last month. About 450 swimmers participated in the event, hosted by Bishop Moore Catholic

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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

Athletics, on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training in Ocala. Bishop Kenny’s girls’ team took first place, with the boys’ team finishing third overall. Sophomores Phoebe Berzsenyi and Meredith Berzsenyi took third and fifth, respectively, in diving, rounding out a successful meet for the Crusaders.

Creativity RPDS yes!

Say yes to creativity. Say yes to RPDS.

Now accepting applications for PreK 3–6th Grade for the 2027–28 school year!

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The Developing Artists Foundation is proud to support the arts and students at Douglas Anderson in their pursuit of artistic development. The Developing Artists Foundation supports the best and brightest students at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts as they pursue their passions across ten disciplines in Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, Writing, and beyond. With DA Foundation support for guest artists, artist residencies, and enrichment from instructors of exceptional caliber, students receive the world-class training that has made Douglas Anderson a nationally recognized leader in arts education, along with the preparation they need for the nation’s top colleges, universities, and conservatories.

48%

94%

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Save the Date Extravaganza | February 13, 2027 For more information about DA and auditions visit DA-arts.org 2445 San Diego Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207

OCTOBER 2026

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

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Jr. Residents | 37

Fellows and mentors for the inaugural year of the Jones Fellows Program at The Bolles School.

Jones Fellows Blaze New Trails at Bolles An evening of celebration and remembrance kicked off the Jones Fellows Program at The Bolles School, honoring the program’s namesake, J. Malcolm Jones, Jr. Fourteen juniors were selected for this inaugural program, and the Aug. 22 welcome dinner was their first opportunity to meet their new mentors, whom Mentorship Program Coordinator Ellie Dalkin paired with great care. These mentors come from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and areas of expertise. Over the next year, these fellows and mentors will meet monthly and build on their relationships. Fellows will hear from guest speakers and community leaders, and experience

Ranalli Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

Lila Ranalli

learning, growth, and opportunities beyond the classroom. The inaugural fellows (and mentors) are: Eva Beardsley (Sally Ball Sharp); Mamie Burkett (Christine Gaitantzis); Eamon Cantor (Joey Frisco); Alyssa Castleman (Chanley Dudley); Mia Lee Chong (Paula Aduen); Adam Grinberg-Korczyn (Ryan Williams); Reema Nihalani (Lindsay Tygart); Kaliyah Perkins (Rachna Krish); Paige Sandifer (Morgan Perry); Jack Thomas (Adrian Afshari); Charlotte Verlander (Courtney Reames); Brendan Walrath (Ralph Rizk); Reggie Wilson (Jordan Garside); and Adi Yadav (Tim Miller).

Hometown Pride for 904 Day

Episcopal School of Jacksonville is celebrating senior Lila Ranalli for being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Ranalli is among the 16,000-plus semifinalists that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently named from a pool of more than 1.2 million high schoolers who entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program last year. To advance to the final level of the competition, semifinalists must fulfill several additional requirements. Approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships are available, totaling nearly $24 million. Finalists will be announced in the winter, with scholarships awarded next spring.

A Yellow Ribbon, A Show of Support

Christopher B. shows off his Duval pride during morning patrol

Kamden W., Lily E. and Bowden T. are all smiles on 904 Day

All across Jacksonville, Sept. 4 was a reason to celebrate – and not just because it was a Friday. Locally known as 904 Day, it was a day for people to show off their Duval pride, and students and teachers at West Riverside Elementary School took the opportunity to show off their hometown pride by wearing their favorite Jaguars gear to school.

A STREAM of Learning

St. Paul Catholic School’s new STREAM program brings new moments for students to explore, learn and create.

Venetia Elementary School students hold a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony on Sept. 15.

Students and staff at Venetia Elementary School held a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 15 for one of their military families as a parent prepared for deployment, making space for one of its military children ahead of a trying and challenging period of time for her and her family. Venetia Elementary School received its designation as a Florida Purple Star School of Distinction in 2024, denoting its exemplary support of military children during transitions and throughout the school year.

A new STREAM program – Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Mathematics – and a new television production studio are bringing new opportunities for students to create, explore and learn at St. Paul’s Catholic School. The STREAM program incorporates faith, creativity, and hands-on learning into traditional STEM learning for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, allowing them to design, build, experiment, and problem-solve together. Meanwhile, middle schoolers will have unique learning experiences in their new production studio, learning about journalism, video production, scriptwriting, editing, broadcasting, and more, with the bonus of a new way to share the latest campus news with their classmates.

38 | Jr. Residents |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

OCTOBER 2026

Exploring the Arts, LaVilla Style The LaVilla School of the Arts celebrated the start of a new school year with its Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Families explored the campus through their students’ eyes, meeting teachers and getting a sense of what their young scholars will experience throughout the year. Pizza, snacks, and other sweet treats were on hand, courtesy of LaVilla’s PTSA and Sweet Things Ice Cream Truck.

Students, parents and guardians are all smiles from their seats during an Open House classroom presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Building the Future of Arts and Innovation at Bolles

Bolles Board of Trustees member Bree R. Alban and David Alban with daughter Carson, Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges and Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus Head Josh Bauman.

The Bolles School held a groundbreaking ceremony last month for a new interdisciplinary learning environment on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus. Held on Thursday, Sept. 17, the ceremony marked the start of construction on the new Alban Arts and Innovation Center, designed to advance creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The roughly 6,800-square-foot center will be located at the former North Hall. It will include an innovation lab equipped with 3D printers and a laser cutter, a visual arts studio with a kiln, the Von Der Ahe science classroom, and the Cangemi Music Room, which will provide dedicated rehearsal space for chorus and band and private music instruction. A lead gift of $4 million from Bolles Board of Trustees Member Bree R. Alban and David Alban made this center possible, along with additional support from Bolles Board of Trustees member Marion Cangemi and David Cangemi, Peter Von Der Ahe and his sons Reid, Ethan, Graham and Cole, and Blake Griffis and Liza Griffis and their children Evie, Vaughn and Vale. “The Alban Arts and Innovation Center will establish a new standard for our middle school experience, connecting the arts, technology, and collaboration while giving students the freedom to explore new ideas and bring them to life,” said Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “We are exceedingly grateful to these Bolles families for recognizing creativity and innovation as essential to how students learn to make a difference and lead in the world beyond Bolles.”

A Legacy that Rings True For 100 years, Harby Jewelers has helped Jacksonville families mark life’s biggest moments – building a legacy one relationship, one generation and one story at a time.

Hugh and Brad Harby are the third and fourth generation to own and operate Harby Jewelers of Jacksonville.

Hugh shows one of his grandchildren the ropes at the office.

Hugh and his mother stand beside his father, George A. Harby, at Harby Jewelers.

Hugh Harby was in Pennsylvania for a wedding when Jacksonville has changed dramatically over the past 100 he noticed something that stopped him in his tracks: Four years, and Harby Jewelers has changed with it – generation of the wedding guests – and the bride – had all arrived by generation, while holding tightly to the relationships at wearing rings from Harby Jewelers of Jacksonville. the heart of the business. For Harby, it was more than a small-world In the 1980s, Harby helped bring the company into the coincidence. Hundreds of miles from home and a century digital age, introducing computers and creating a database after his grandfather founded the family business, five of sales records that now stretches back to the 1970s. people in one room were connected by jewelry chosen Those records tell more than a history of purchases. They to mark some of life’s most meaningful moments. tell the stories of families who have returned to Harby It was, in many ways, a full circle Jewelers through the decades to celebrate moment for Harby Jewelers. engagements, weddings, anniversaries, That story began in 1926, when birthdays and other milestones. George Hopkins Harby founded “Engagement rings are where you the National Finance Company in begin a relationship with a client,” Harby Jacksonville, financing two things: said. “A person will always remember property and jewelry. The business was where they got their engagement ring.” located in the original Atlantic Bank And often, an engagement ring is only Building on Forsyth Street. the beginning. In 1962, Harby’s father, George Not long ago, a grandmother walked A. Harby, took the helm, focusing the into the showroom with her grandson. business on jewelry and merging with She was passing down her own ring for the Meyerson family, another family him to use as he prepared to propose. Hugh’s grandfather, George Hopkins Harby, founded National Finance Company in 1926 – with deep roots in Jacksonville. Harby “She was passing her ring on to her the precursor to Harby Jewelers. and Meyerson Jewelers was born. grandson, so I was helping him with the By the late 1960s, the business engagement ring setting,” Harby said. had been restructured as G.A. Harby One generation’s love story was Jewelers, Inc. Today, Harby Jewelers of becoming another’s. Jacksonville is led by Hugh and his son, Brad – the third and fourth generations Connection to customers leaves of the Harby family to guide the lasting legacy business. At Harby Jewelers, the sale often And much about Harby Jewelers is follows the relationship rather than the as distinctive as its history. other way around. And these days, Hugh Located on the 25th floor of Harby increasingly recognizes his father’s Riverplace Tower, Harby Jewelers bears approach to business in his own. little resemblance to the traditional “When customers come in, Dad would street-level jewelry store. Clients take sit and talk to them for 30, 45 minutes … Family is a key component to the company’s the elevator high above the river to Suite success. and then he’d spend five minutes selling 2552, where the showroom is quietly tucked away at the a piece of jewelry, and I’ve kind of found myself drifting end of the hall. into that same cycle,” Harby said. Once buzzed inside, the first thing to command attention After decades in the family business, that connection isn’t the diamonds sparkling in the cases – it’s Jacksonville. to his clients may be what Harby treasures most. “I’m enjoying it now more than I ever have,” he said. An elevated experience, high above it all Perhaps that is what a 100-year legacy ultimately looks like. Breathtaking views steal the show, as sweeping views From 25 floors above the St. Johns River, Hugh Harby of the skyline offer a unique perspective on the city Harby can watch Jacksonville changing beneath him. Inside the Jewelers has called home for a century. showroom, however, something remarkably enduring The business has occupied its Riverplace Tower continues: beautiful pieces meant to last, relationships that location for roughly 20 years, giving Harby a front-row span generations and stories passed from one family member seat to Jacksonville’s evolution. From his office, he has to the next. watched the city change in real time. Across the river, And when the elevator carries clients back down to work continues on the Stadium of the Future. Nearby, everyday life, they often leave with more than something RiversEdge is taking shape along the riverfront. beautiful. They leave carrying a piece of their own story.

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Ben and

Paige Hakimian By Susan D. Brandenburg Ben and Paige Hakimian share an unlikely, immensely successful partnership built on mutual respect for their differences and similarities, and a deep love for one another. Married for nearly 40 years, the Hakimians met at Regency Square when Paige was 19, and Ben was 25. “He sold me a used Porsche 944,” says Paige. “And then he asked me out to lunch. Four hours later, we still weren’t ready to say goodbye.” Paige, the daughter of San Marco orthodontist Dr. Clark Hoshall, was fascinated by this brilliant young man from Iran. “Ben was the smartest man. His long-term vision matched mine so well,” she recalled. “We discovered that both of us were prolific savers and planners, and that, in spite of completely different backgrounds, we shared many of the same goals and values.” Born in Tehran, Iran, his mother a school principal, and his father the owner of a general store, Ben came to the United

Hakimian Family: Ben and Paige with their four grandchildren: Clark, Galeh, Gia and Blake

States in 1977 at age 17. Iranian military service was mandatory at 18, and Ben had bigger plans. Inspired by his Uncle Ali Hashmi – head of Boy Scouts in Iran, a man of means and imagination who owned an engineering company and mentored him from an early age – Ben’s goal was to earn a degree in mechanical engineering and return to Iran. At that time, Iran was an ally of the U.S., but when the Iranian Revolution occurred in 1979, Ben decided to remain in “the land of opportunity.” He began pursuing his degree at the University of Nebraska, working parttime in a restaurant and ducking into the library often to study and to escape the freezing temperatures. Before long, he was researching other U.S. universities,

Five generations living in Jacksonville (1989) Mrs. Lillian Jarvis, Mrs. Bishop Stone, Mrs. Vicki Hoshall Ettlinger, Dr. Paige Hakimian and Miss Blair Hakimian

particularly those in warmer climes. For $88, he took a three-day Greyhound bus ride to Jacksonville to sign up for Florida Junior College. He worked at Quincy’s Steakhouse in Arlington and saved up money to buy a car. By the time he met Paige Hoshall, the young entrepreneur had realized the automobile business was capital-intensive and offered great opportunities. A naturalborn salesman, he was now in the business of buying, fixing, and selling automobiles. Their long lunch was the beginning of an exciting, goal-oriented relationship. Paige, working on earning a degree in

criminology from the University of South Florida, obtained her real estate broker’s license when she was a sophomore in college, and partnered with Ben to begin purchasing real estate. “We would drive around searching for ‘For Sale’ signs,” said Paige. “Ben prepped me on sales and negotiating skills for each prospective, and purchases were under my name, as his Iranian last name was suspect in those years.” They soon accumulated a great deal of property, but discovered that real estate is a long-wait game and the automotive CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

recycling business was a short-term business solution to generate capital right away. They began their automobile recycling company, E-auto, before they were married, and it grew into an extremely successful venture. At its height, E-auto was processing more than 7,000 cars a year. After they married and began having children, however, the automobile recycling business became more challenging. Many of its demands no longer aligned with their shared family values, culture, and mission, so in 1999, they transitioned to their current real estate acquisition and holding company, Hakimian Holdings. “Everything we’ve done has been for our family,” said Ben. “At first, we lived modestly. Our first house was on Monument Road, an FHA purchase for $5,000 down with an assumable mortgage.” They sold and saved and raised their six children – Blair, Haley, Blake, Hunter, Brighton, and Hollin – with loving discipline and strong values, teaching them to appreciate uniqueness. Their Thanksgiving table was (and still is) like a Persian rug: rich with color and diversity, a place where laughter and intelligent conversation abound. Paige had the advantage of growing up in an inclusive family. “My step-father, Arthur Ettinger, was Jewish and Mom, Vicki Stone Ettinger, was Episcopalian,” said Paige. “We lived near the duck pond in San Marco, and my grandmother, Bishop Stone, and my grandfather, Vic Stone, owned McMillan Bedding Company. They were always generous with their time and talent. Grandmother Stone used to remind us that everyone is doing life for the first time.” The Hakimian children were encouraged to be curious and questioning, always respectful and always learning. “We took no vacations, had no big hobbies, never had a babysitter,” said Ben. “At one time, we held the record for having six kids at The Bolles School at the same time, but they never went skiing on spring break like many of their classmates. They were too busy working and learning.” Conversations about values and goals were common in the Hakimian household. The children were encouraged to read historical biographies and grew up hearing about philosophies like that of Ben’s Uncle Ali: “Go toward what scares you. Roll up your sleeves and get the sword out. Work hard and remember that you must give up

Ben and Paige

something to gain something.” With heavy emphasis on faith and education, they regularly attended All Saints Episcopal Church and enrolled their children in college preparatory schools such as The Bolles School and Episcopal School of Jacksonville. All six Hakimian children attended top universities such as Dartmouth College, the University of Florida, Georgia Tech, The George Washington University, Stanford, and Georgetown University. Today, Paige and Ben live in a lovely home on the St. Johns River in the Lakewood area of Jacksonville. Paige, who went on to earn several degrees, is now Dr. Paige H. Hakimian, co-founder and VP of community development and advancement for Hakimian Holdings. She has a PhD in psychology and serves on the teaching team of one of her alma maters, Harvard Extension School. She also serves on the vestry and board of directors for the Center for Wellbeing at St. John’s Cathedral, the board of trustees for the Episcopal Schools of Jacksonville, and as executive co-chair for the foundation board of Florida State College of Jacksonville. Through their company and individually, Ben and Paige Hakimian are philanthropists who focus on giving back to their community. With a passion for both education and healthcare, Ben serves as a board member of Flagler College in St. Augustine, mentors student entrepreneurs in the business school, and serves on the board of Baptist Health Foundation. Their son, Blake, now head of acquisitions and finance at Hakimian Holdings, is a double graduate of the University of Florida, simultaneously

master’s graduate from Stanford University earning a master of science in real estate and is currently launching an educational finance and a bachelor of arts in political app and starting her college consulting science and public policy. Upon graduation company. in 2017, Blake was inducted into the Their daughter, Haley, who earned her University’s Hall of Fame for outstanding master’s in public relations at Georgetown academic achievement and community University, has contributed her expertise leadership. As president of UF Habitat for Humanity, Blake grew the organization from approximately 80 student members to well over 500. With their enhanced volunteer base, they also completed the total renovation of two Boys and Girls Clubs in Alachua County. Brighton, who earned her master’s in economics at Georgetown and doublemajored in fine art and economics at the University of Florida, is now assistant controller at Hakimian Holdings. An artist in her own right, Brighton’s mural, The Hakimians’ six children (2000): Blair, Haley, Blake, Hunter, Brighton and Hollin. to philanthropy at Hakimian Holdings the Baptismal Tree, graces the narthex of St. since returning home from D.C. a decade John’s Cathedral. ago. She is married to orthopedic surgeon Blair, the Hakimians’ oldest child, is Sina Kasraeian and is the mother of the also an accomplished artist, graduated Hakimians’ four grandchildren: Clark, with a degree in fine art from George Galeh, Gia and Blake. Washington University, most recently doing “We are proudest of our children and the landscape rendering in watercolor for grandchildren,” said Paige. “If there was a the Four Seasons. Hunter Hakimian earned hall of fame for the gift of love and respect, his PhD in biomedical engineering from they have earned it. Our family has learned the University of Florida and a degree in that humanity is all one family. We live by physics from Georgia Tech, and is currently the 80/20 rule: Focus on the 80% we all a scientist at the Winship Cancer Institute have in common. We are better together.” of Emory University. Hollin is a recent

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THANK YOU NOTES

from my empty nest perch

By Susanna Barton

Remembering Laura Jane

I am grateful for the example of community Laura Jane Pittman set for all of us, and I hope we can take something from her demonstration of love and friendship, and make our sweet Resident neighborhoods even sweeter and more connected. Laura Jane has been on the local writing scene for decades. I first met her at Granada Park when she and I were both pregnant, and our friendship quickly expanded into professional realms as we worked together at the Jacksonville Business Journal, Clockwork Marketing – and our very own Resident Community News Group. She wrote and helped with communications for many local organizations, many of which continue to flourish thanks to her elegant, real talk writing style. She also was a brilliant poet and great composer of thank you notes and well wishes and condolences – on ACTUAL note cards, something I certainly appreciated. At every turn, Laura Jane used her special words and writing to encourage and build up, whether it was a press release about a new home model or prose that exposed deep emotions and wisdom. Laura Jane united folks because she came toward people – whether she knew you well or not at all – fully bared, 100% present and completely ready to relate on all levels. These are the essential markings of a great writer, strengths Laura Jane had in spades – the willingness to listen, process and communicate truth; to be utterly curious about people; and, as fellow journalists might describe, to find their nut graf. It’s also something that you don’t find very often in others, which is so sad imho. Here’s what’s not sad: About five years ago, Laura Jane wrote letters to several women she knew from different corners of her life, many of them local residents, some new to town altogether and others she thought she’d like to know better. She had a hunch we might enjoy knowing one another and that our different experiences and perspectives might lead to some meaningful conversation. Laura Jane had learned a term, “Chother,” from an author somewhere that we all need “each chother.” And why not create community where

people could, in fact, be there for – each other. Enough of us said yes, and so our fledgling group of quasi-friends and new acquaintances began meeting to dabble in DMCs, a little wine and to explore Laura Jane’s intentional experiment in creating and deepening new connections. Only a few months passed before one of us lost a daughter. Then came the losses of parents, siblings and friends. There were surgeries and illnesses and concerns about children – the kids, woah, they were always a hot topic. Fears were offered. Concerns for our community, our country, our world were aired. There were a lot of f-bombs and OMGs and SMHs. And with each yuck and yay, we learned how to show up and support people in their grief – and joy. We were just one small cohort in Laura Jane’s wide circle of relationships; she had so many friends who knew and loved her in far deeper, different ways – so, so many! Whether it was through the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, the St. John’s Cathedral, children’s playgroups, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, San Jose Episcopal Day School, Sewanee, Epping Forest, the Women’s Giving Alliance, work or her San Jose neighborhood – Laura Jane was keen on connecting. Her insistence on building community captured something essential about Laura Jane: She saw connections among people and had the determination, big heart and great wisdom to bring them together. Laura Jane’s cancer diagnosis in 2025 came as a surprise, but her ever-expanding community of friends and family around the world weren’t having it: That cancer obviously did not know with whom it was trifling – our LJ was determined and strong and healthy and she had an army of loved ones ready to kick a** on her behalf, so screw you, malignant beast! And yet, it trifled and sickened and devastated, much to everyone’s disbelief. Of course, Laura Jane fought it in her signature way – by writing about it. She began a Substack called “Three Corners.” Each issue included a reflection on her current situation and beautiful poetry, sometimes words

from other big thinkers. Despite everyone’s efforts to manifest Laura Jane’s complete healing, that stupid cancer was a b**ch no one could properly beat back, medicate or real talk away. Laura Jane was there for the others, even at the end. One of her final acts was welcoming friends and family to her bedside. She left space for heartfelt goodbyes. Hugs. Some last laughs even. She rested, wrote, and made sweet memories with her beautiful family snuggled in close, according to accounts in her last few Substacks. Laura Jane died at home Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with her husband Buck, their radiantly brave children Lily, Heather and Will, loving sister, faithful lap cat and a charm of hummingbirds, cardinals and other winged creatures – Laura Jane’s original Chother – in her midst. Part of Laura Jane’s legacy, I think, is the way she brought people together and urgently encouraged others to do the same. And how fortunate we are that we can practice this in our Resident Community without any effort whatsoever because our neighborhoods were designed for this kind of connection and kinship. By our very nature, we are one big Resident Chother! Laura Jane showed all of us that we can, we must, be there for each other. We don’t have to call it something or make it official or over-plan it. We can, though, look for ways to draw people together, make new friends, deepen the friendships already around us and be more fully present for our neighbors and communities. That was one small part of Laura Jane Pittman’s far-reaching legacy, and I believe it’s worth replicating. Susanna Barton continues to see Laura Jane in the birds, the trees and the wind, just as she suggested would be the case. 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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In Memoriam

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

Photos by Laird

In Memoriam

Karin Tucker October 19, 1952 – September 4, 2026

A Legacy of Hospitality, Community, and Connection in Jacksonville

Jacksonville lost more than a premier restaurateur with the passing of Karin Tucker; the city lost a foundational figure whose vibrant personality was naturally suited to bringing people together. She was a smiling face, a tireless leader, and a generous presence who deeply understood that true hospitality is always as much about the people as it was about the food. Karin, who passed away on Sept. 4 at the age of 74, helped shape Jacksonville’s independent restaurant culture for more than three decades. Alongside her longtime business partner and close friend, Barbara Bredehoeft, she opened Biscottis in Avondale in 1993. What began as a modest coffeehouse quickly blossomed into one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable and beloved gathering places. In 2000, the pair expanded their culinary footprint by opening BB’s Restaurant and Bar in San Marco, extending a signature dining style that was creative, approachable and distinctly their own. Their unique synergy and forward-thinking vision were forged through shared inspiration and cross-country adventures. In the early days, the duo took research trips to California to immerse themselves in the West Coast’s emerging coffee and food scenes, hunting for concepts they could bring home to Jacksonville. These scouting trips were full of life and spontaneous transformation: Barbara famously left Florida for one trip dressed conservatively in a pair of corduroy shorts and knee socks, only to return home completely reimagined, sporting a pair of Doc Martens and black spandex. It was exactly that kind of bold, eclectic and unapologetic energy that they breathed into their business ventures. Biscottis, in particular, captured the essence of Karin’s personality. The space was hip without trying too hard, eclectic

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without losing its warmth, and permanently filled with local art, memorable dishes and an atmosphere that encouraged guests to linger. While Karin possessed an exceptional instinct for flavors, spices, presentation and detail, her true gift was knowing how those elements worked in tandem to make every guest feel uniquely welcome. Barbara remembers a woman who could connect effortlessly with just about anyone. Karin spoke four languages, enjoyed people from every walk of life and possessed a charismatic personality that could fill any room. Yet, behind the bright smile and the lively gatherings was a serious, dedicated professional. She intimately understood the long hours, constant attention and profound personal commitment required to build lasting, successful institutions. Karin’s energy extended far beyond the dining room walls. In Avondale, she dedicated her time and leadership to the Avondale Merchants Association, driving fundraising efforts, planning special events and actively supporting the neighborhood that had so warmly embraced Biscottis. She contributed not only her ideas and effort, but often the very things she knew best –food, drink, hospitality and an innate ability to make any occasion feel special. For those who knew her, Karin leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazing pioneer of Jacksonville hospitality, remembered not just for the landmark institutions she built, but for the warmth, laughter and genuine connection she gifted to her community. To honor her memory and the profound impact she made on our community, a celebration of life will be held on what would have been her 75th birthday, Monday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Biscottis. Friends, family, and patrons are welcome to gather, share memories and raise a glass to a life beautifully lived.

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RANDY MARION CADILLAC 4700 SOUTHSIDE BLVD. JACKSONVILLE 904-642-5111 Randy Marion Cadillac of Jacksonville .com

Riverside: Resident October 2026