COMMUNITY NEWS
SAN JOSE
|
SAN MARCO
FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS
|
ST. NICHOLAS RESIDENTNEWS.NET
LOCAL FOLKS
THE WAY WE WERE
SEE PAGE 38
SEE PAGE 28 SEPTEMBER 2021, VOL. 14, ISSUE 09
Local Parents and Schools Clash Over Mask Mandates
WOMEN’S BOARD ANNOUNCES CO-CHAIRS FOR FLORIDA FORUM Date change for lineup in speaker series
SCHOOL IS COOL
Emma and Evelyn Jurado had an exciting first day of school at Assumption SEE MORE ON PAGE 35
DESC Defenders display top fundraising teams
Pro-mask parents rally in front of the Duval County School Board Building on August 3rd, 2021
were only necessary for health care workers and BY KEVIN J. MEERSCHAERT people who were sick. Resident Community News “I conclude that this evidence demonstrates that face mask policies that follow CDC guidance are at this point in time, reasonable and conAs the mask mandate debate continues, a recent sistent with the best scientific and medical ruling was passed down Aug. 27 by 2nd Judicial opinion guidance in the country at this time,” Court Judge John C. Cooper which ruled the Cooper said. state ban on mask mandates invalid and the As the number of Delta variant cases of Governor overreached in his authority. COVID-19 continues to rise, a battle over mask Cooper said the argument against masks mandates in schools is raging in Jacksonville “reflects a minority, perhaps even a small minority and across Florida. of medical and scientific opinion.” He even went Gov. Ron DeSantis previously issued an so far as to say that the CDC is the “gold standard” executive order banning mask mandates by for public health, critics would argue the CDC school districts. He also signed into law the has issued contradictory guidelines since the start of the pandemic, first stating that masks READ MORE ON PAGE 4
DESC DEFENDERS LIVE! BREAKS ANOTHER RECORD
I N H O M E S BY S E PT E M B E R 5 T H, 2 0 2 1
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID STUART, FL PERMIT NO.300
The poverty fighting fundraiser, DESC Defenders: Against All Odds, in support of the Downtown Ecumenical Services Council, broke all fundraising records for a second year in a row, raising more than $195,000. Honorary Chairs, Lisa and David Williams and Susan and Rick Brodeur, led the event along with a Host Committee and Event Committee that recruited sponsors, donors and volunteers to great success. “It’s awe-inspiring to have so many donors and volunteers step up to help families fight poverty,” said David Clark, DESC’s Executive Director. “They’re determined to bring in as many resources to help their neighbors and ensure this ministry can spread hope and encouragement during times of crisis.”
BREAKING GROUND AND MAKING PROGRESS Local contractors, dignitaries and community partners celebrate a milestone in the market
The San Marco area continues to see a rise in development on local corners, bound by streetscapes and historic street grids. The latest sign of growth and prosperity for property values and desirability inched closer, as The Hendricks at San Marco held its groundbreaking Aug. 17. Demolition commencement will begin, and soon to follow will be a
showcase of what infill housing options will bring to the neighborhood. As the area continues to attract investment, it remains clear that San Marco is bustling with new projects and remains a sought after location for expansion of the urban ideal for the live, work, play lifestyle. READ MORE ON PAGE 6
Jan Kirby and Frances Hutto
The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital announced a new Florida Forum Speaker Series date for the appearance of award-winning singer/songwriter/actor Tim McGraw. The new date is Feb. 16, 2022. McGraw was originally scheduled to speak at the Florida Forum in September, but rescheduled to begin production of “1883,” the highly anticipated prequel to NETFLIX series, “Yellowstone.” The Florida Forum Speaker Series also features four-time Super Bowl champion and broadcaster Terry Bradshaw on Oct. 26, 2021, and Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden, Jr., a retired Marine officer, astronaut, and former NASA Administrator, on Nov. 17, 2021. The series will take place at the TimesUnion Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by The Women’s Board, the Florida Forum raises awareness and funds for Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville, supporting its mission to provide the highest quality of advanced pediatric healthcare regardless of ability to pay. The series is made possible by long-time partners and generous sponsors Wells Fargo Florida Blue and Landstar. The moderators are Jeff Lageman, Capt. Mark T. Gould, MD, USN (ret), and Jennifer Candelino. Serving as 2021 co-chairs of the Speaker Series are Jan Kirby and France Hutto. Since 1992, the Florida Forum has been honored to host renowned speakers from around the world offering profound insights and discussions on a broad range of issues. In addition to enriching Jacksonville’s intellectual and cultural life, the Florida Forum has contributed more than $9.2 million to Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville. For tickets or additional information, visit www.thefloridaforum.com, call 904.202.2886, or email womensboard@bmcjax.com.
Give your bathroom a facelift. MIRRORS • SHOWER DOORS • SHOWER ENCLOSURES
LeeAndCatesGlass.com