COMMUNITY NEWS
SAN JOSE | SAN MAR CO | ST. NICHOLAS FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS | RESIDENTNEWS.NET | JANUARY 2026 | VOL. 19, ISSUE 1
Jacksonville’s 78th annual Boat Show sets sail Jan. 23 to 25 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The three-day event features new watercraft, leading vendors and educational seminars.
The San Marco Art Festival returned to Balis Park in a celebration of local artists that kicked off the holiday season and brought friends and family to the San Marco Square for the beloved community event.
Riverfront Roots
Art Squared
READ MORE ON PAGE 29
Flavia Valencia, Hernando Valencia, Monica Sousa, Melissa Valencia and Ana Valencia
The Bowdens aboard the “La Vista”
Though the Point La Vista neighborhood celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, the storied past of that area stretches back much further. The Point La Vista Civic Association honors and preserves that history as residents celebrate a milestone year for the place they call home.
Photo: Courtesy Dan Harris Photo Art
READ MORE ON PAGE 39
Fundraising for the Future
Descendants of Telfair Stockton, Brown Whatley and Joseph Davin are recognized for their forefathers’ efforts to lay the foundation for the community of San Marco that residents enjoy today.
Honoring the Legacy Makers
The San Marco Centennial Committee welcomed descendants of San Marco historic families – Stockton, Whatley and Davin – to the San Marco Centennial Awards on Thursday, Dec. 4. The awards ceremony honored these historic families, along with other community trailblazers, champions and businesses, among others, for all their efforts to shape the community.
Matt Hansen and Jessica Chefan Hansen joined friends and fellow patrons at the First Coast Design Show Dec. 5, as the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center opened its doors to the annual Opening Night Gala and Reception, which raises funds for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and its vulnerable patients on the First Coast. READ MORE ON PAGE 32
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Property Tax Relief Moves Closer to Voters Florida lawmakers advance proposals that could reshape how homeowners are taxed Florida lawmakers are moving closer to putting property tax relief before voters, as the House of Representatives advances proposals that could appear on the November 2026 ballot. Prompted by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call to eliminate property taxes, House leaders have narrowed eight ideas down to a constitutional amendment focused on non-school taxes for homestead properties. The leading proposal would expand the homestead exemption
for homeowners who carry comprehensive property insurance, a move supporters say offers relief without affecting school funding. Critics, including Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, warn the plan could strain local budgets and public safety funding. The amendment would require approval from 60% of voters if it reaches the ballot, setting the stage for a high-stakes statewide debate over the future of property taxes in Florida. READ MORE ON PAGE 6
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