San Marco: Resident October 2025

Council Makes History with Budget Vote

After an emotional budget review process, the Jacksonville City Council approved a $2 billion budget in the early morning of Sept. 24. Council Vice President Nick Howland rose at the end of the nearly 14-hour session to thank his colleagues for their hard work and for working together to get the budget passed. READ

It was a beautiful day on the links at San Jose Country Club Sept. 8 as Tournament Chairs Jordan, Jackson and Joshua Bork successfully raised funds in tandem with the Baptist Health Foundation to deliver lifesaving care for children. For more tournament images, visit residentnews.net

The All Saints Episcopal Church’s parish choir has been selected to serve as the choir-in-residents at a cathedral in the United Kingdom next summer.

The San Marco choir will travel to St. Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England for the opportunity to lead music at six Evensongs and one Sunday morning eucharist from July 10 to 20 next year, during the St. Edmundsbury Cathedral Choir’s summer vacations. The cathedral regularly hosts visiting choirs from the United Kingdom and around the globe during summer, Christmas and Easter.

“This is a special and rare opportunity for Jacksonville Episcopal Churches–I think the Cathedral’s choir completed a choral residency well over a decade ago–and a historic first for the All Saints Parish in San Marco,” said Dr. Michael Mastronicola, All Saints Episcopal director of music. “It really is a unique and rare opportunity for this local church of All Saints, and really for any church in Jacksonville.”

Joshua and Jackson Bork

A City Losing Shade

By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

City officials and subject matter experts are addressing Jacksonville’s shrinking tree canopy and discussing ways to improve it.

Adapt: State of the Canopy discussed the importance of a healthy tree canopy at WJCT studios on Sept. 17.

“Jacksonville Today” editor Jessica Palombo led the discussion with panelists Lisa Grubba, executive director of Greenscape of Jacksonville, Billy Burke, vice chair of the City of Jacksonville Tree Commission, and Dr. Jenny Hinton, City of Jacksonville Deputy Chief Resilience Officer. The panel responded to the results of the 2023 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment, commissioned by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which stated Northeast Florida experienced a 4% loss – or 22,308 acres – of its trees from 2013 to 2021. The City of Jacksonville – the region’s largest municipality – accounted for 18,681 acres of lost tree canopy in that area.

“To put that into context, an acre is a football field without the end zones, so that is a large amount of acreage,” said Hinton. “Our parks across Jacksonville are roughly 20,000 acres of city-owned land, so that is a pretty substantial loss that we are facing.”

This concerned the panel because trees perform a variety of functions to help their environment. Trees provide shade and reduce ground temperature, filter the air, provide oxygen, and absorb water to reduce groundwater and provide defense against flooding.

“We have some parts of town, especially the more urban parts of town, that have no

shade at all due to urban infill,” said Grubba. “We have prioritized planting in low-income neighborhoods or in those neighborhoods that don’t have trees.”

Greenscape of Jacksonville is a nonprofit organization that plants, protects, and promotes trees in Northeast Florida, with a majority of its work occurring in Jacksonville.

Without shade, buildings have a harder time cooling down at night because they experience direct sunlight throughout the day. All that absorbed heat makes the cooling systems work harder to bring down the temperature inside.

“In some parts of town, the air conditioning can’t keep up with cooling down the buildings,” said Grubba. “We’ve already seen it in the last few years, the mayor sending out cooling stations, JTA buses, around town so people can cool down.”

The City is working to identify areas that would benefit from tree planting and how to manage its current tree canopy through its first Urban Forestry Plan.

“It will guide the direction of urban forestry throughout Jacksonville to help set a clear vision and goals for the City’s urban forestry program,” said Hinton. “Making sure our urban forests have the adaptive capacity to withstand climate change and upcoming storm events, that they are drought resistant.”

The plan will also be guided by the City’s Comprehensive Plan, development regulations, design standards and the Resilient Jacksonville Strategy.

The panel also discussed how the public can get involved with improving the tree canopy.

“The majority of the land in Northeast Florida is in private hands and so if the City did absolutely everything perfectly, it would not be enough to save the tree canopy,” said Grubba. “The majority of the land is in your

hands, so what you can do is learn how to take care of the trees on your property. You can add trees or encourage your neighbors to plant trees.”

City or to report tree issues on public land: COJ- Urban Forestry: www.jacksonville.gov/trees

See where the City is planting trees: Jax Tree Mitigation: jaxtreemitigation.coj.net/ Tree pruning near utility lines or to get free mulch: JEA Tree Trimming: www.jea.com/treetrimming/

Find an arborist: Trees Are Good: www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

The panel of Jessica Palombo, “Jacksonville Today” editor, Lisa Grubba, executive director of Greenscape of Jacksonville, Billy Burke, vice chair of the City of Jacksonville Tree Commission, and Dr. Jenny Hinton, City of Jacksonville Deputy Chief Resilience Officer, talk about the need for healthy trees Sept. 17 at the Adapt: State of the Canopy event.

Metropolitan Park Revitalization Advances

By Michele Leivas

A master plan for a revitalized Metropolitan Park continues to take shape as the City of Jacksonville asked once more for public input on the park at an open house last month.

Residents were able to review more refined conceptual design concepts for the park at the open house, held at the main branch of the Jacksonville Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 11.

City of Jacksonville Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Darryl Joseph said the next steps after this meeting will revolve around finalizing the design.

“This is more coming up with the overall master plan, and once we finish the master plan concept, then we’ll actually start the construction plans,” Joseph said.

Joseph said construction dollars for this project are scheduled for Fall 2026, and he anticipates groundbreaking to take place soon after the bid process is complete.

Following public input from an open house and online survey held last June, the design team moved forward with the Weave Concept – one of three designs presented at last year’s open house, with some elements brought in from the other concepts as well and some elements carrying over from the existing park.

“There’s still the concept of the giant lawn in the middle, which the original Met Park had, which everyone loved, and that’s where the bandshell was. That’ll continue to be the place where you can see concerts and so forth,” said Rob Zinn, co-founder and vice president of ZINN Architecture and Interiors, one of the firms on the Metropolitan Park Revitalization design team.

The updated design concept features a tailgate plaza space that Zinn said was influenced by one of the other two concepts from last year’s open house.

“It does have a pavilion on the end there that will be like a covered area for bands,” Zinn said. “We’re thinking of that area as like a gathering place that is another place to have a concert. I think that came from one of the other concepts.”

San Jose resident Sandy Arpin said she was impressed with the design presented at the open house.

“I’m very, very impressed that they have so much foliage, that they’re really saving the trees that are there and adding so much more in terms of trees, and that there’s going to be shade,” Arpin said. “I’m glad there’s going to be another performance area because I really miss going to the concerts.”

The Neighborhood Beat

Riverside Avondale Preservation’s Music Tour returns

Riverside Avondale Preservation’s second annual Music Tour returns to the community on Saturday, Oct. 11, this time focusing on Five Points’ music history.

Nearly 30 artists and musical acts will perform on eight stages throughout the neighborhood in this walkable music experience. Headlining the event will be Nashville-based rock trio Levon, who will be performing on the main stage in Riverside Park beginning at 6 p.m.

The Music Tour will run from 2 to 7 p.m., with general

admission and priority pass tickets available for purchase online. While all tickets grant access to all eight stages, priority pass tickets also include express pass access to food and beverage stations, designated priority seating at venues and a custom 2025 Music Tour poster and other merchandise. A full line-up of performing artists and ticket information is available at riversideavondale.org/upcoming-events/ Text the keyword RESIDENT to 904-877-4773 to receive $5 off tickets.

Sandy Arpin drops a coin into the box for “The Ramble,” one of the additional amenities that could be included in the revitalized Metropolitan Park.

Collin Bampton of ADBC, one of the firms on the Metropolitan Park Revitalization design team, discusses the new concept with Barbara Gubbin.

School Board Looking for Answers Before Vote on HQ Sale

First opportunity to vote on property sale and purchase is Oct. 7

By

A decades-long conversation surrounding the sale and relocation of the Duval County Public Schools administrative building may soon come to a close.

With the selection process currently down to one buyer to sell to and one property to buy, the DCPS Board held a workshop on Sept. 17 to ask questions about its potential new home.

Last month, the Board voted to grant DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier the authority to negotiate contracts to sell its property at 1701 Prudential Drive and purchase a new administration building. The Board hired Trinity Commercial Group (TCG) last November to find both potential buyers for its property and a new facility to move to, and it provided Bernier with the top candidates.

The Offers

DCPS is in negotiations to sell its 1701 Prudential Drive property to Fleet Landing for $20 million. Fleet Landing was selected based on price and community benefit through a competitive bidding process managed by TCG.

Fleet Landing is a not-for-profit business that develops and operates luxury retirement communities in Jacksonville, with its flagship gated community located in Atlantic Beach. A second Fleet Landing community is under construction in Nocatee and, if this sale is approved, Fleet Landing will open its third community on the DCPS headquarters property.

Fleet Landing has released conceptual designs of the proposed Southbank retirement community. The initial phase would feature a 30-story residential tower encompassing approximately 557,000 gross square feet. The tower would include nearly 300 residences ranging from 1,000 to more than 3,500 square feet, and would be home to more than 500 residents.

“Residents of Fleet Landing bring so much value to the Jacksonville community. They are active volunteers, philanthropists, and engaged citizens invested in the success of our city,” said Josh Ashby, Fleet Landing CEO.

“We are excited about this possibility and are certain that residents of this future community will serve as catalysts

for additional redevelopment on the Southbank and beyond.”

DCPS is also in negotiations to acquire the 8928 Prominence Parkway property for a purchase price not to exceed $14 million from Dream Finders Homes. The property features a four-story building that is approximately 165,000 square feet. The building is the headquarters for Southeastern Grocers Inc., the parent company of Winn-Dixie Grocery Stores and Harvey’s Supermarkets.

The reasons behind selling its headquarters facility include:

• The sale could bring more money than a replacement facility would cost, and the surplus could benefit the DCPS budget and facilities.

• A newer facility would reduce maintenance costs.

• Parking is limited at the current administration building.

welcome at any of our buildings, but our plan and where we did the cost estimates was surrounding moving the board meetings to the Schultz Center,” said Bernier. “Structurally changing the first floor of the new building [to create a space for school board meetings]would have additional impacts [to the cost of the new building].”

The Schultz Center is located on 4019 Boulevard Center Drive, off Beach Boulevard in St. Nicholas. It was chosen to keep the meetings centrally located. While the Board expressed concern that there is no bus stop at the center, there is a stop near it.

“There are two stops near the center, but both involve a bit of a walk to get there, and I don’t know how convenient that is,” said DCPS Board Member Cindy Pearson.

Ramirez assured the Board that, once plans are finalized, he would meet with JTA to discuss any issues with accessibility.

The closing dates for the property

Residents of Fleet Landing bring so much value to the Jacksonville community… engaged citizens invested in the success of our city.

– Josh Ashby CEO of Fleet Landing

The Concerns Accessibility has been a focal point as the process to find a new facility has evolved.

DCPS Board Chair Charlotte Joyce, along with Board Members Reginald Blount, Melody Bolduc and Darryl Willie, wanted to make sure that parents, students, and employees would have access to the new building.

Bernier’s chief of staff, Michael Ramirez, informed the Board that DCPS has been in contact with JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford about the need for bus service to both the new site and The Schultz Center, which would host school board meetings if the sale of the current building is approved.

“I want to be clear that parents are

sales were also discussed. The closing for the purchase of the Prominence Parkway property is tentatively scheduled for Dec.31, and the DCPS property on Prudential Drive is expected to close by the third quarter of 2026.

This timeline would have DCPS owning two buildings for nine months, but that time will be used to prepare the new building for the needs of the DCPS staff, said Bernier.

The School Board is scheduled to vote on the two transactions at its Oct. 7 meeting.

Dan O’Berski,

Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

Expansion Marks New Chapter for South Jacksonville Presbyterian

By Lauren K. Weedon

As the San Marco community enters the final months of the year and prepares for the holiday season, South Jacksonville Presbyterian is preparing for something very dear to its heart: the completion of its campus expansion.

SJPC is expanding its Hendricks Avenue campus with a new 6,700-square-foot building that will bring new possibilities to the church, its congregation and the San Marco community. This includes a 3,500-square-foot event space that area businesses and residents can reserve for private events.

SJPC Senior Pastor Adam Anderson said the church is tentatively looking at a completion date by the end of the year.

He added providing a space that was open to the community as well as the church was a priority in early discussions of expansion.

“From the beginning of our design, way back in 2021, we had this idea in mind that we would make sure that we could have something that would be unique in the city, but also something that could be very much usable for everyone,” Anderson said.

The new building, designed by Jaycox Architects and Associates, is preparing for its finishing touches, including fresh paint and floor installations. Bent Construction is the general contractor.

“We are a church of innovation and service,” Anderson said. “This building

gives us the opportunity to be open to the community. It’s a blank canvas.”

Anderson said the church plans to host concerts in the courtyard, and the space will be open and walkable for San Marco visitors and residents. The center is also designed with the addition of a 6,700-square-foot second floor when the time is right. Anderson has lofty goals for how the church can continue serving both its congregation and the community beyond and that second-floor add-on could play a significant role in achieving them.

“My dream is to be a nonprofit incubator and help other churches,” said Anderson. “The second floor could be utilized for classrooms and office space for nonprofit partners dedicated to addressing the difficult, complex issues. God cares about everybody.”

Currently, a congregation of 325 members, Anderson said SJPC could grow to up to 600 members.

“We have a welcoming, friendly culture,” he said. “We don’t believe you have to conform to us; rather, what gifts do you bring? No matter what, when someone needs help, our church will be there.”

Recently, SJPC has expanded its programming with yoga and art classes in addition to its traditional Sunday morning worship. Anderson said discussions are underway to revive the church’s civic

engagement series, tackling difficult topics through thoughtful conversations, as well as bringing a farmers’ market to the church. Anderson said this expansion is an opportunity for the church to engage and partner with local businesses and nonprofits to serve the community.

“If there were something I would want people to know is that there will always be this important weave between what this is as an event space, but…what does it mean for human flourishing for all of God’s people, all in this community,” Anderson said.

The Past Narrative

This year marks five years of the conversation surrounding this campus expansion for Anderson, personally, who joined SJPC in August 2020, but he said conversations reach even beyond his tenure, back to 2015.

“I think in 2016, the feedback that was given to the church was: Do you really know who you are? And I think one of the things that I can say very clearly now in 2025 is this church 100% knows who it is, what it’s called to do, and what it means to serve a community and ministry,” Anderson said.

Shortly after stepping into his new role with the church, Anderson became involved in the San Marco community and the public debate regarding the proposed sale of the church’s property for multifamily development and a parking garage.

“I remember having conversations with some of the Right Size [San Marco] folks when I got here and I said, ‘If you will just give me some time, if you’ll just trust me, I believe this church, what it’s going to do, it will be a balm for all of these sort of difficult conversations that you all have gone through,’” Anderson recalled. “I would say we’re pretty darn close to having followed through on that promise.” Proceeds from the land sale to Harbert Realty Services and a capital campaign fund enabled SJPC to renovate its sanctuary and install a new HVAC system.

“The sanctuary is now self-sufficient, and the new building is an asset,” said Anderson. “There was a lot of fighting in 2019 and 2020, and we were looking at death. Ours is a story of resurrection and human flourishing. I want everyone to know our church will always be here.”

South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church construction continues, signage indicates an unveiling in the near future along the Hendricks Avenue corridor.

A Career of Service, A Future of Possibility: Boyer’s Next Journey

By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

The last Monday of June 2025 closed the chapter on 14 years in public service for former Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer, who retired June 30, and now she is looking forward to a time in her life that offers more free time in her schedule, more family time and more involvement in her favorite volunteer organizations.

Her retirement from DIA may not be the end of public service for her, however: Boyer may be finishing up a chapter in her life right now, but a return to public office is not out of the question in the future. She is eligible to run for City Council after six years away from an elected office.

“Is it an idea? Some people have reached out to me, but I’m not sure it’s something I want to do at this stage,” said Boyer. “Right now, things are evolving. I want to have the freedom to travel some, so if I took a position right now, it would be as a consultant or part-time because I want more control over my schedule.”

Boyer was known to put in some long hours to handle the issues of the day while serving on the city council and DIA, and she is pleased with the results.

“There are costs in terms of your own personal time, and it’s not the most lucrative thing to be spending time on, but it was just tremendously rewarding,” said Boyer. “I feel like I have been very blessed in my life and God gave me certain talents. The idea was, how can I use them to help at least a small part of the world be a better place.”

City Council

Boyer first stepped into public service after being elected to the District 5 city council seat in 2011. She had lived in San Marco since 1987 and gained knowledge of the area and its issues by volunteering with the San Marco Preservation Society, serving as its president twice. In 2015, Boyer was re-elected to the city council, and, during the first year of her second term, she was elected by her fellow council members to serve as council vice president. The following year, she was elected council president.

One of the larger projects that she took on was leading a special committee of the City Council on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), to review outstanding CIP projects. The committee found hundreds of completed CIPs, but they had leftover funds that were never closed out. The research discovered approximately $50 million in unused funding.

“It was something a lot of people had aspired to get done, but nobody was willing to devote the time to it,” said John Crescimbeni, DIA contract and regulatory compliance manager and former city council member who worked with Boyer on the project. “It was a long, drawn-out process, but we got a lot of stuff cleaned up and off the books.”

“That’s part of her leadership, she could draw you in and you wanted to be on the team,” added Crescimbeni.

Former City Council President Bill Gulliford has always admired Boyer’s work ethic and diligence. He worked with Boyer on a special committee that reviewed Jacksonville’s consolidated form of government.

“I knew that if I was on the opposite side of an issue with her, I had better have my homework done because she was always prepared for a good debate,” said Gulliford.

Downtown Investment Authority

After reaching the term limit for serving on the city council, Boyer stepped into her next role as DIA CEO in 2019. Looking back, she has been pleased with the changes that have occurred to create momentum downtown.

“If you would have asked me that question four years ago, I would have said Vista Brooklyn because it took our downtown rents to a new threshold and because of the construction type,” said Boyer. “Then I would

I feel like I have been very blessed in my life and God gave me certain talents. The idea was, how can I use them to help at least a small part of the world be a better place.

– Lori Boyer

Former Downtown Investment Authority CEO

Boyer’s work on the city council did not go unnoticed by those who would follow her in public office.

“Lori Boyer has always led with future generations in mind. Every project she took on wasn’t just about addressing immediate needs, but about creating lasting value for the community,” said Joe Carlucci, current District 5 City Council member. “Her vision and commitment to thoughtful, long-term improvements continue to shape San Marco today –and will for years to come. That kind of leadership inspires me, and it’s the approach I hope to carry forward in serving District 5.”

have said Four Seasons, because it was a pioneer project in the Shipyards area. The City had been trying to get something in the Shipyards area for 20 years, at least.”

The recent project that she is excited to see progress is the downtown riverfront parks system.

“It is not a singular project, but an implementation of a collective vision for the riverfront that includes connection through all these public parks and public spaces along the river, interspersed with private development,” said Boyer. “Making this a linear connected system, I think, is really a vision of the future downtown Jacksonville that has allowed a lot of other things to happen.”

Lori Boyer

orlando valle v. proficient auto transport, Inc., et al

$14.5 MILLION

(verdict, 5/4/2022)

Personal Injury: Trucking Crash

kathleen thomas* V. geico insurance company

$14.4 MILLION

(verdict, 8/5/2022)

Personal Injury: car accident

*Names changed to protect client privacy

john and debra Smith* v local glass company, Out-of-state glass company*

$4.5 MILLION

(set tlement, 8/17/2021)

Personal Injury: Workplace Negligence

*Names changed to protect client privacy

Town Hall Addresses Urgent Call for Pedestrian Safety

By Michele Leivas

City and school officials are working together to find ways to improve pedestrian safety for families and children going to and from school.

Duval County Public Schools District 3 Board Member Cindy Pearson and District 5 City Councilmember Joe Carlucci spoke with parents about driver and pedestrian safety at a Town Hall Meeting at Samuel A. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The town hall was spurred by three pedestrian/vehicle accidents that occurred within the first week of the new school year, one of them resulting in the tragic death of a young teenager. At the meeting, Pearson said

that since then, three more students have been struck by vehicles.

These six are compounded by the 43 students hit by cars, with three fatalities, during the 2024-25 school year, painting a grim picture for pedestrian safety in Jacksonville.

“That is totally unacceptable for our students,” Pearson said.

San Jose Elementary School parent Erin Lewis raised questions about crossing guards, prompting a discussion on why they are not posted at middle or high schools, or in areas with higher pedestrian risk when crossing roads.

While Florida State Statute does not

specify the schools – elementary, middle, or high schools – that require crossing guards, Pearson said the City of Jacksonville limits them to elementary schools only. Duval County School Police Department Chief Jackson W. Short added that those positions, controlled by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, can be challenging to fill.

“They’re (JSO) constantly trying to fill those positions, but they only make a few hours of salary a day and the salary is not great either, so they’re having a hard time with recruiting and retaining those crossing guard positions,” Short said.

“Part of the solution is asking the City to consider expanding opportunities for not only crossing guards, but school zones, flashing lights, and so on to schools that are more than just elementary schools, looking at some of the opportunities in the secondary schools where we’re having some of these challenges,” Short added.

The discussion included ideas for other safety measures, from reducing speed limits on certain roads to installing speed humps or raised crosswalks.

Following the meeting, Carlucci said much of what he heard from parents involved larger projects that require significant planning and design.

“Really, it just boils down to priority,” Carlucci said. “It’s going to be a priority for me – it has been: I’ve done a lot of little, small ones, but as the conversation has evolved, we’ve seen bigger things that can be done.”

Some of these larger projects could involve road diets for specific areas: Carlucci said the road on which San Jose Elementary School is located has been

identified as a potential candidate for a road diet to help calm traffic, though that is still in discussions.

“That’s kind of the direction FDOT is going, TPO (North Florida Transportation Planning Organization) likes,” Carlucci said. “They like road dieting more streets to make them safer instead of more lines and more lights.”

DCPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier attended the meeting as well, stepping forward to share some remarks at closing, referencing the DCPS “Be Safe. Be Seen” Campaign.

“It’s a wonderful catchphrase, but it’s going to require all of us working together to figure out how we can make sure that children can get to and from school safely, whether it’s DuPont Avenue, whether it’s a particular intersection, whether it’s the street just outside,” Bernier said, “and open the awareness that, while it’s going to be more expensive, what’s the cost to a family whose life is irreparably changed?”

Following the meeting, Julia Landon College Preparatory PSTA President and parent Leah Kennelly said she was encouraged by the conversation at the meeting and the steps that are already being taken. She emphasized the importance for everyone – drivers, parents and students – to be vigilant on the roadways and sidewalks, particularly near the San Marco middle school, which she said is tucked away behind Hendricks Avenue.

“I think a lot of people truly, truly in their heart of hearts don’t realize there’s a middle school right there,” Kennelly said. “…I do know we all need to work together as a community to keep our children safe.”

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District 5 City Council Member Joe Carlucci and Duval County Public Schools District 3 Board Member Cindy Pearson field concerns and answer questions regarding pedestrian safety at the Sept. 17 Town Hall meeting at Samuel A. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies.

City Council Approves

Property Tax Cut and

‘Big Beautiful Amendments’

By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

It was an evening of contention and compromise at the Sept. 23 City Council meeting, but, after more than 13 hours in session, Council approved a $13.4 million property tax cut and the largest budget in the City’s history at approximately $2 billion.

The City Council approved the City’s 2025/26 budget by a vote of 15-2, with two abstentions. The budget includes a 1/8th millage rate reduction that will reportedly bring $13.4 million back to taxpayers in the next year and nearly $70 million over the next five years, City Council President Kevin Carrico said in a statement.

“Tonight is a big win for taxpayers,” said Carrico, who made the tax cut a priority of his term. “Taxpayers demand responsibility from City Hall and tonight we delivered.”

Tonight is a big win for taxpayers. Taxpayers demand responsibility from City Hall and tonight we delivered.

– Kevin Carrico City Council President

Billion Budget

While a 15-2 vote may sound convincing, it wasn’t an easy delivery.

City Council Member and Floor Leader, Will Lahnen, played a pivotal role in breaking a stalemate within the council that had the body debating the budget well into the morning after a 3 p.m. start on Tuesday.

The Council was divided over both the property tax cut and Council Member Rory Diamond’s floor amendment that would add prohibitions for the City funding DEI initiatives, programs that provide services to illegal immigrants, and abortion services.

Diamond explained to the Council that he had gotten approval from the City’s Office of General Council to file the amendments with the budget as prohibitions on spending. Those opposing

the Diamond Amendment stated the budget wasn’t the place from which to legislate.

“I flatly don’t believe it belongs where it is,” said Council Member Ken Amaro.

Some members felt strongly enough about removing the Diamond Amendment that, after their efforts failed to defeat it at the previous Sept. 9 council meeting, Council Members Reggie Gaffney, Jr., Rahman Johnson, Ju’Coby Pittman and Jimmy Peluso, walked out of the meeting. They eventually returned, but the move made it difficult for the Council to conduct business, missing that many members.

To address possible disruption of the next meeting, Carrico held a public meeting to discuss Council rules at noon on Sept. 23. He explained that

the Council is charged with passing a budget by Oct. 1, and further disruptions could result in fines and jail time per the City’s Charter (Sec. 601.301.Obstruction of proceedings before City agencies). “Obstruction of Proceedings” is considered a Class D offense and is punishable by a maximum penalty of up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. Though the Diamond Amendment was added to the budget with a 10-9 vote, the two abstentions by Council Member Mike Gay and Terrance Freeman prevented the budget from passing with it. While the City Charter allowed them to vote on the amendments, both council members abstained from voting on the bill to avoid any conflict of influence since both of their

companies conduct business with the City. Both Gay and Freeman were in favor of the property tax cut.

The Council went through rounds of debate, votes and reconsiderations until it found itself at 3 a.m. on Wednesday still trying to approve the budget. After a short recess, Lahnen, as floor leader, tried to coax some compromise out of the legislative body.

again, I am doing that so we can pass our budget tonight.”

Council Member Chris Miller commended Lahnen for his actions to advance the budget.

“I know that was a tough thing for Councilman Lahnen to do with the way he has voted previously,” said Miller. “This is a conviction thing for me as well in those areas. I applaud him for what he has done

I think I’ve supported every piece of your legislation. I’ve voted on the Diamond Amendments multiple times. A part of me feels like we are doomed by fate with some of the conflicts… I will be voting ‘no’ on the Diamond Amendment the next time it comes up and, again, I am doing that so we can pass our budget tonight. – Will Lahnen City Council Member, Floor Leader

“We have to pass a budget,” said Lahnen. “As floor leader, I’ve tried to promote discussion, but I don’t see an opportunity for compromise with [the Diamond Amendment] in there.”

The City Council President appoints a Council Member to be floor leader who serves a six-month term and may be reappointed. The floor leader aids the presiding officer in expediting the business of Council during meetings.

“I think I’ve supported every piece of your legislation. I’ve voted on (the Diamond Amendments) multiple times. A part of me feels like we are doomed by fate with some of the conflicts,” said Lahnen, addressing Diamond. “We have to pass a budget, and I will be voting ‘no’ on the Diamond Amendment the next time it comes up and,

to help us move forward.”

By offering up his vote to remove the Amendment from the budget, Lahnen asked the body if it was enough to get the budget passed.

“This could be cut and dry if it were just about finances, but it’s not about finances, it’s about people,” said Council Member Tyrona Clark-Murray. “Could one of us who said no, could we move this bill if all of that language was not in there? Absolutely.”

The Diamond Amendment was removed from the budget by a vote of 10-9, with Lahnen as the deciding vote. This was followed by the 15-2 vote that ultimately passed the budget.

“August and September were tough on this city council,” said City Council Vice

Chair Nick Howland. “Everyone on this council wants to see our city succeed, see our city grow and see investment across all of our neighborhoods. Let’s shake off August and September and be a team again in October.”

Mayor Donna Deegan shared Howland’s sentiment and was ready to get to work on the new fiscal year.

“While I’m disappointed by the millage rate vote, especially given the strong sentiments from the public, the city council has fulfilled their primary responsibility to pass a budget,” said Deegan. “I respect their decision and their work.”

Floor Amendments

Several council members introduced floor amendments during the marathon council session, requesting funding for specific initiatives and programs impacting healthcare, housing, infrastructure and more.

The Michael Boylan Amendment requested about $730,000 for the JaxCare Connect program, which connects patients without insurance to primary care providers for ongoing care. Agape Community Health Center, WestJax Outreach, Muslim American Social Services, Mission House, I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and Volunteers in Medicine will receive funding from the Budget Stabilization Contingency Fund.

The Pittman Amendment requested $1,910 for the Sister Cities program and was approved from the Sister Cities Designated Contingency Fund.

Council Member Randy White withdrew his amendment requesting just over $13 million to be placed in a Public Safety Designated Contingency Account after the council promised its commitment to work with him to address any concerns Police and Fire may have about the new property tax cut.

The Matt Carlucci Amendment requested $900,000 from the Budget Stabilization Contingency account to Neighborhoods for Local Stack Funding for

Attainable Housing and received approval.

The Peluso Amendments requesting $20 million for roadway resurfacing and $5 million for new sidewalk construction from operating reserves were denied due to timing and the funding source, however

While I’m disappointed by the millage rate vote, especially given the strong sentiments from the public, the city council has fulfilled their primary responsibility to pass a budget. I respect their decision and their work.

– Mayor Donna Deegan

Council Member Joe Carlucci expressed interest in helping Peluso find funding later.

The Rahman Johnson Amendments proposed $1 million in spending for the Jacksonville Urban League Community Empowerment Center project and $250,000 on materials for the Jacksonville Public Library, but the council denied both. The Urban League Community Empowerment Center will be revisited as Freeman expressed interest in finding funds for the project.

The budget is currently awaiting the mayor’s signature. It will go into effect Oct. 1.

New Leader in the Lane Crawford

Takes Helm of Marathon High

Northeast Florida nonprofit Marathon High has appointed Amanda Crawford its new executive director.

“I’m honored to step into this role,” said Crawford. “Running changed my life as a teenager, and I believe deeply in the mission of Marathon High. I’m excited to help our students realize their full potential – one mile at a time.”

Crawford brings a wide array of experience to her new leadership role across different fields, from executive leadership to youth advocacy to community engagement. Crawford joins Marathon High from the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served as a field representative. Her previous experience includes more than 15 years at VyStar Credit Union, where she served as vice president of community engagement and sponsorships.

“Amanda is a natural fit for our mission,” said Sarah Olson, chair of the Marathon Board of Directors. “Her deep experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, combined with her genuine love of running and youth development, position her perfectly to lead our organization forward.”

Marathon High’s 15th season participants begin running on Oct. 13. Marathon High works with high school students to help them complete a half-marathon while also building confidence, character and a sense of community.

Miles Announces 2026 Retirement from Women’s Center of Jacksonville

After a decade at the helm of the Women’s Center of Jacksonville as its executive director, Teresa Miles has announced her retirement early next year.

Miles announced her departure in early September, stating, in part, “While I had envisioned a 20-year journey, I now find it necessary to end my tenure earlier than planned to care for my family during a time when I am needed most.”

The WCJ Board of Directors is already preparing for a leadership transition, Miles stated, adding that she will remain available as a resource and support for her successor.

Under Miles’ leadership, WCJ has launched its S.A.F.E. (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) Center, expanded its services and improved existing programs and expanded its wrap-around care services for survivors of sexual assault.

“I leave knowing that the WCJ is in the best of hands, supported by a talented and dedicated staff, an engaged and visionary Board of Directors, and a solid financial foundation,” Miles said. “…Our mission has always been bigger than any one person… it is sustained by the collective love, generosity, and belief in a safer, more equitable community. I thank you for being part of this vision, and I ask for your continued support to ensure WCJ is a resource in NE Florida for years to come.”

Junior Achievement Taps Espinosa as VP of Operations

Junior Achievement of North Florida has promoted Katherine (Kat) Espinosa to vice president of operations. Espinosa stepped into her new role on Sept. 8, advancing from her previous position as senior director of operations. Her new duties will involve serving as strategic thought partner to JA of North Florida President Shannon Italia and senior leadership as well as leading internal operations – with an emphasis on administration, budgeting, human resources, finance and IT – and liaising with the organization’s board of

directors regarding finance and operations.

“Kat has been a tremendous asset to JA since the day she joined our team,” said Italia. “Her leadership, financial and operational acumen, and warm spirit have strengthened our culture and capacity. Kat has been instrumental in supporting our board and elevating our systems in governance and risk management. I’m grateful for her leadership and excited to see her step into this expanded role.”

Katherine Espinosa

Teresa Miles

Amanda Crawford

Angels for Allison Names Chairs for 5th Annual Flight of Fancy Gala

Angels for Allison has named Katie Athey, Ellen Gould and Rebecca Sale as event chairs for its 5th annual Flight of Fancy gala, scheduled for Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at Timuquana Country Club. The fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s mission to assist families with funeral costs after the loss of a child. The Cameron and Craig Walker family will serve as presenting sponsor, and the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund will match up to $25,000 raised.

Florida Blue Foundation Honors Retiring CEO With Gifts to Local Nonprofits

Florida Blue Foundation has awarded $375,000 in grants to two North Florida nonprofits to support evidence-based youth programming and student scholarships in honor of retiring GuideWell and Florida Blue President and CEO Pat Geraghty and his wife, Inger

The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation will receive $125,000 to support two initiatives: the construction of “Pat’s Place,” a covered outdoor pavilion to serve as a safe and welcoming gathering space; and the creation of the Inger and Pat Geraghty Student Scholarship Program.

The Delores Barr Weaver Policy will receive $250,000 to support staff, upgraded research tools and enhancements to evaluation capabilities for its See the Girl Research Project.

Both organizations reflect Geraghty’s commitment and passion to empowering youth and building stronger communities.

“Pat and Inger’s legacies are a testament to the power of selfless leadership and community giving,” said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation. “To acknowledge their many accomplishments and impact, we’re proud to make special gifts to these two organizations in honor of Pat and Inger, as a way to continue their tradition of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and serving as a force for good in the community.”

Katie Athey, Ellen Gould and Rebecca Sale

Inger and Pat Geraghty. Geraghty retires this year as president and CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue after 14 years of leadership.

A Creative Force Daigle Creative celebrates 25

years in Jacksonville

Daigle Creative is celebrating its 25th anniversary with profound thanks and gratitude for its team and clients who have stood behind and with it throughout the years.

“Less than 10 percent of small businesses survive a quarter century,” Daigle Creative Principal John Daigle said. “Thanks to a lot of great staff members and amazing clients, we’ve been happily defying that statistic for a long time.”

The award-winning boutique agency provides full-service public relations, advertising, design, and web development services to clients throughout North Florida. Their clients range from nonprofits to statewide financial institutions. During its 25 years, Daigle Creative has also managed more than 50 local political campaigns.

As the agency grew, it worked to maintain its quality service and commitment to its clients.

“John and I are both from this area, and we always intended to invest in this community and raise our family here,” Daigle Creative Principal Renay Daigle. “We’re both creative professionals who wanted to remain very hands-on with the work we do for our clients. We never wanted the agency to get so big that we couldn’t be directly involved with helping ensure our clients’ success.”

Grants Fuel Enhanced Literacy Instruction Across KIPP Jacksonville Schools

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is the recipient of more than $500,000 in combined grant funds to support enhanced literacy instruction and accelerate academic achievement across its network of schools.

The Louis Calder Foundation awarded KIPP Jacksonville a two-year $350,000 grant, which will support the expansion of the KIPP Jacksonville English Language Arts program. This includes the purchase of Core Knowledge Language Arts-aligned materials and professional development for instructors through Lexia Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling and provides partial funding for essential leadership positions that guide literacy instruction and the implementation of curriculum across schools.

Additionally, the $163,000 grant from The Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation will support the 11-month professional development series through The LIT Group, which focuses on comprehension-based reading instruction for third through fifth graders.

“At KIPP Jacksonville, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every student builds a strong academic foundation – starting with literacy,” said KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools Executive Director Dr. Melissa Fullmore. “These investments allow us to equip our educators with the training, tools and curriculum they need to deliver evidence-based instruction with excellence and consistency. It’s a pivotal step toward ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and beyond.”

The Florida Theatre celebrated the renaming of its VIP lounge at a grand opening ceremony on Friday, Sept. 12, marking a new collaboration with PNC Bank as the official naming rights sponsor.

The former Remedy Lounge is now known as the PNC Lounge.

Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin welcomed guests to a grand opening of the newly renamed lounge and explained how the new relationship with PNC evolved.

“About a year ago, Brian Rose, the owner of Remedy Intelligent Staffing, said he was retiring. And the new owners did not want to continue to support the Florida Theatre, but he would make good on the balance of the contract,” said Saisselin. “But if we knew of someone who was interested (in the naming rights for the lounge), he would step aside.”

A brief time after hearing this news, Saisselin was attending a PNC holiday party and found himself talking to Chris Kalin, the PNC Regional President for North Florida.

“He took me aside and said, ‘We really like what you are doing at the Florida Theatre and if there is ever a way for us to be more involved, we’d be open to that discussion,’” said Saisselin. “I told him, ‘Well, you may be in luck.’”

The hospitality area formerly known as The Remedy Lounge officially transitioned to The PNC Lounge at the Sept. 12 grand opening. The lounge first opened in 2022 after Saisselin had the idea to convert the previously vacant second floor of the Florida Theatre Office Building into a place to entertain guests. The venue offers 3,000 square feet of lounge space that can accommodate more than 300 people standing, or 150 people seated at tables. The Theatre can use the lounge as an alternate performance space on nights when there isn’t any programming in the main hall. The PNC Lounge will also be rentable for business, civic and private events.

“We are proud to play a role in supporting the Florida Theatre as you approach your 100th anniversary,” said Kalin at the grand opening. “This will be a space for relationships.”

The PNC Lounge will be available to more than 1,600 individual members and more than 30 corporate partners who make annual contributions in support of the historic theatre and its programming.

Anyone can become a Florida Theatre member at any time on the Theatre’s website: www.floridatheatre.com

Renay and John Daigle (front) with team members Cody O’Brosky, Gretchen Kernbach and Beth Cummins (not pictured: Mia Doyle)

Numa Saisselin, president of the Florida Theatre, cuts the ribbon on the new PNC Lounge at the Theatre Sept. 12 as, from left, Chris Kalin, PNC regional president for North Florida, and Don Cameron, chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Florida Theatre, look on.

Generations of Style Carpet Concepts Hits

60-Year Milestone

Through its various locations and the ever-changing trends in the industry, one thing remains the same at Carpet Concepts: The clients are the priority.

This multi-generational, family-owned business is celebrating its 60th anniversary with massive sales for new and returning clients, whether they’re refreshing a space or decorating a room in a new home.

“We’re celebrating 60 years with tremendous savings on all area rugs that are in stock,” said owner Mark Stone.

Stone is continuing the tradition set by his parents, John and Alva Stone, of providing quality products with top-notch customer service. Carpet Concepts first opened on July 1, 1966, and Stone remembers the first store his parents operated in Downtown Jacksonville at the corner of Hogan and Forsythe streets. He was just a young child then. Today, he runs Carpet Concepts at its two locations–one in the Fairfax area on Herschel Street and the other in South Jacksonville Beach–with the help of his two sons and nephew, making Carpet Concepts a true family affair. And with more than 90% of their business coming from repeat customers, some of his clients feel like family as well.

“We’re very fortunate that we have a really strong multi-generational customer base,” Stone said. “We often hear from

customers who are new to North Florida that we were recommended by their new neighbors and friends.”

Just next door to the Carpet Concepts main showroom on Herschel Street is the recently opened Rugs and Rems outlet store, featuring more than 200 specially discounted area rugs along with a wide assortment of high-quality carpet remnants. Within the Rugs and Rems outlet is Carpet Concepts’ custom workroom operation. Customers can select from thousands of carpet options that can be custom sized and finished based on their particular needs. The workroom also custom sizes area rug pads for clients’ existing rugs with most pad orders being processed within 24 to 48 hours of purchase. The company regularly attends international area rug markets to keep up with the latest color and fashion trends. One of those trends is the extensive offerings available in the Indoor/Outdoor carpets made with high performance materials. For active families with children and pets, these carpets provide exceptional performance.

Clients visiting Carpet Concepts for the first time will experience a low-pressure atmosphere where they’re invited to browse, ask questions, and learn from professionals with decades of experience in the rug and carpet industry. Stone invites clients to take

We’re celebrating 60 years with tremendous savings on all area rugs that are in stock.

–

Mark Stone Owner

samples home to see how a particular color or pattern would look in their space and even offers a try-before-you-buy program.

“Compared to taking chances on something you’re looking at online versus really seeing something, and if you like it, we let things out on approval here every day,” Stone said. “That way, somebody can take it

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home and try it. It works so much better… It takes the guesswork out. Try before you buy.”

With more than 1,000 rugs in stock, custom sized area rugs, and their Rugs and Rems outlet store, Stone and his family are sure to have something for any space, any home and any client.

DISCOVER A LOST CHAPTER IN MODERN ART MOCA Book Launch & Talk: The Armory South

Join us Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7–9 PM for the launch of MOCA’s newest catalog, The Armory South: The 1924 Jacksonville Woman’s Club Exhibition Rediscovered. The evening begins with a presentation by guest curator and author Dr. P. Scott Brown in MOCA’s Theater, followed by a book signing. Free admission, first-come seating.

AT

Southern Shores Seafood Brings Fresh Approach to Lakewood

There’s a new place to enjoy seafood in the local neighborhood, as Southern Shores Seafood officially opened its doors, Sept. 4 in the Lakewood North Plaza. The restaurant sits at the end cap, Unit 1, at 5613 San Jose Blvd, adjacent to the intersection of San Jose and University Blvd.

The family behind the operations has been successful in the seafood industry for generations. After having been taught valuable lessons from the prior generations, the foundational skills in quality customer service, delivery of fresh products and hard work have all helped the family expand into new ventures.

“I was the kid that was behind the counter at 11 years old, working the cash register, washing dishes and helping the family run the business,” shared Curtis Fellows, the owner and partner handling day-to-day operations. Fellows is excited about the new venture and he is encouraged by those who have come out in support of it.

“We want to give a big shout out to Lakewood and the surrounding areas! We are grateful for the support as our doors opened,” he said. “Our ownership group deeply appreciates the patronage and looks forward to furthering strong relationships in this community.”

From fresh oysters on the half shell, to a wide variety of fish, crabs, lobster and other Southern staples – fried green tomatoes, corn nuggets and other starters – the menu has plenty of options to please anyone at the table. “Everything we serve is fresh, breaded in house and made fresh for our patrons,” shared Fellows.

From the Captain’s Platter to their Galley Creations, Shore Thing items, From the Swamp, Shellfish Favorites and Southern Shore Seniors (Age 62 & Up, meal deals), not to mention, their lunch specials, the lineup is wide open for anyone seeking a great ambiance and enjoyable local experience over a fresh, hot plate of seafood.

For more details or to browse the menu, visit southernshoresseafood.com or stop in today to taste the quality of seafood the new concept delivers.

Ascension St. Vincent’s Expands Neurosurgery Team

Dr. Orgest Lajthia has joined Ascension St. Vincent’s spine and brain neurosurgery team.

Lajthia specializes in spine surgery and neurovascular procedures. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine, completing his residency and fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina.

“My philosophy is to treat patients like they are my family members,” Lajthia said. “I want to empower my patients by educating them about their condition and treatment options, so we are able to make decisions that are individualized and patient-centric.”

Lajthia’s primary location is Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s Neurosurgery – St. Johns, though he is affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital.

LifeResultsChanging ResultsChanging

Dr. Orgest Lajthia

Delaine and Robert Ring with Chris Swisher, Curtis and DeLisa Fellows

A Million Views for a Million Miles

A St. Nicholas resident and his daughter recently celebrated a milestone moment for his 1997 GMC Sonoma pickup truck as it hit one million miles.

Virgil Danese recently picked up his daughter, Rachel Roberts, in his 1997 GMC Sonoma pickup truck on a day when it had about 10 miles to go before it reached one million miles.

They drove around Jacksonville until the odometer hit all zeros and then celebrated with a coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co. in San Marco. Roberts captured the milestone on video and later shared it on TikTok. In the video, viewers can hear the excitement in both Danese and Roberts’ voices as the odometer begins to roll over to all zeros with Danese happily shouting, “It’s turning, Rachey!”

Since the video was posted, it has been viewed more

than a million times.

“It has seen some better days, but he loves it,” said Roberts. “I remember him having only one other truck during my lifetime, and I’m 31.”

maintenance, and it will last forever,” said Danese.

Danese purchased the truck new in 1997 for $12,000, and his only requests were the 2.2-liter engine and a five-speed, manual transmission. He also liked the Light Stellar Blue Metallic color. His was one of 41,714 Sonoma pickup trucks GMC sold that year.

“I like a neutral color, a blue, smoke silver, or a good green,” said Danese.

The truck is on its third engine and its second transmission, swapped out at 800,000 miles. Danese admitted that it’s not hard to keep a vehicle in good shape.

“Don’t drive too fast and do common sense

GMC saw the post, and Roberts brought another surprise to her father: The company sent a box of merchandise to help Danese celebrate the milestone, which included a hat, polo shirt, gold key chain, duffel bag and GMC-branded Stanley cup.

While Danese remains loyal to his two-door pickup, he did try to pass it on to his daughter.

“He did try to teach me how to drive it, but my brain couldn’t process (the manual transmission) at the time,” said Roberts. “I could probably do it now, though.”

With only a small amount of rust on the body, Danese looks forward to driving his truck for years to come.

“See ya in another million miles,” said Danese.

Virgil Danese and his daughter, Rachel Roberts, stand next to his 1997 GMC Sonoma that recently went over one million miles.

The cab may have seen better days, but the owner still loves driving it.

By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

Virgil Danese’s 1997 GMC Sonoma is on its third engine and second transmission.

Baptist Health Breaks Ground on New ER Tower completion expected in 2029

By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

The hum and grind of construction equipment could be heard in the background Sept. 17 as Baptist Health ceremoniously broke ground on the latest addition to its Downtown Southbank campus: a four-story emergency and patient tower that will care for both children and adults.

Baptist Health’s flagship campus on the Southbank is home to both Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and both care centers will contribute services to the new 123,000-square-foot McGehee Family Tower. The building permit for the estimated $187.3 million project was approved in August. It will be opened in phases and is expected to be completed by 2029. The building is named after the family of philanthropists Debbie and Sutton McGehee, Jr., who have had a decades-long relationship with Baptist Health.

“We thank you for your faith in our health system and our future,” said Michael Mayo, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “I want you to know that there will be children and adults, their lives will be changed and saved, and they won’t know you, but they will look up and they will see the McGehee Family Tower. They will say, ‘I don’t know who that is, but I am so thankful for them.’ That is what you mean to us.”

When asked to explain why his family became involved with the project, Sutton McGehee explained that the main reason was easy: “the children.”

“I had been on the board of Dreams Come True for 30 some-odd years, and, if nothing else, I had seen what having a really sick or critically injured child did to a family,” said McGehee. “We also did it for our community. Debbie and I were raised here, our kids were raised here, and all of our grandchildren are being raised here, so why not? It’s for the City of Jacksonville that we all love and we are proud to live here.”

According to a Baptist Health, the McGehee Family Tower will offer:

• Two separate emergency centers – one for adults and one designed to meet the special needs of children.

• Waiting areas and 100 emergency patient rooms: 63 for adults and 37 for children, including three pediatric trauma rooms on the first floor.

• Dedicated imaging, laboratory and ancillary resources to support emergency and trauma services.

• A new endoscopy suite, shell space for new cardiac procedure rooms and expanded areas for pre- and post-operative heart procedures on the second floor.

• Plans for a future expansion that will add 68 inpatient rooms on the third and fourth floors.

• An upgraded emergency entrance designed for a streamlined arrival experience, with a prominent patient drop-off zone offering patients and their loved ones quick and easy access to care.

Emergency rooms at Baptist Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital will continue to remain open 24/7 throughout the entire duration of the construction project.

While the new, state-of-the-art emergency care center is a change to the campus, the hospital staff looks forward to the enhanced care it will allow them to offer.

“For the past 70 years, the community has relied on us in their time of need,” said Nicole B. Thomas, hospital president of Baptist Jacksonville. “We take this responsibility to heart and believe everyone deserves access to safe, high-quality care. Breaking ground on our tower reaffirms our long-standing commitment to being here 24/7 when our patients and their families need us most.”

The new facility will house emergency services for adults and children, as well as patient rooms on the top two floors.

A Legacy of Care: The Underhill Story

Local roots anchor home health care business

Some leaders talk about compassion – Mandy Hunter has lived it. As the third-generation leader of Underhill Staffing, Inc., a family-owned home health care agency based in Jacksonville, she brings both personal experience and family legacy to her role. After years of battling ulcerative colitis and then facing a cancer diagnosis that left her completely dependent on others, Mandy learned firsthand what it feels like to place your dignity, comfort, and hope in someone else’s hands. That vulnerable season didn’t break her; it remade her. Today, she channels that hard-won empathy into every decision at Underhill, ensuring that no family in Northeast Florida feels alone in their moment of need.

What Underhill Offers

Founded in 1959, Underhill provides non-medical home health care across Duval, Nassau, Clay, Baker, and St. Johns counties. Services include personal care assistance, companionship, respite care, light housekeeping, and transportation. The mission is simple but powerful: to help clients age safely in place – surrounded by their familiar routines – while giving families relief and peace of mind. Every service is delivered in the client’s home, with continuity and dignity at the forefront.

A Personal Understanding of Care

Mandy doesn’t just manage Underhill –she embodies it. For more than 20 years she battled debilitating ulcerative colitis, and in

2019 she was diagnosed with rectal cancer and underwent ostomy surgery. Suddenly, she was the client. “I needed total care for a time, and that gave me a new perspective,” Mandy said. “Relying completely on someone can be frustrating, for both you and your caregiver. But it’s also humbling and a gift. It deepened my empathy and sharpened my mission.”

That mission is also in her DNA. Mandy grew up licking stamps, sealing envelopes, and making late-night office runs with her father, Wally McCullough, who carried forward the business launched in 1959 by her grandmother, Rita. From two telephone lines on Jacksonville’s Westside to a thriving office in San Marco, Underhill has grown steadily while remaining rooted in personalized, compassionate care from people who truly understand

A Heart for Her Community

Mandy’s dedication to service doesn’t stop at Underhill’s doors. She is a member of the Rotary Club of San Marco and an avid volunteer with Groundwork Jacksonville, and she can often be spotted picking up litter in her kayak on Goodby’s Creek. Mandy is also part of the Leadership Jacksonville class of 2025-2026. For her, caring for people and caring for places are inseparable. “When you invest in your community,” said Mandy, “you create dignity and safety not just in homes, but in neighborhoods.” Her volunteer work reflects the same mission that guides Underhill: to nurture well-being, restore pride, and make sure no one feels overlooked.

Ready When You Need Them

Whether you’re in need of care, feeling burnt out as a caregiver, or looking to join a team that feels more like a family –Underhill is here. They answer their own phones 24/7. There’s no hold music. Just real people, ready to help.

In the end, Underhill isn’t just a business – it’s Mandy’s promise. A promise that no one should feel invisible when they need care the most. A promise that families can find relief, hope, and dignity in the midst of fear and exhaustion. And a promise born from her own journey of being cared for, then rising to care for others. “You are not alone,” Mandy reminds every client and caregiver. And with Underhill, those words

aren’t a slogan – they’re the lifeline. You are not alone. Call Underhill today at 904-396-7553 or visit 904homehealth.com to learn more about services.

3515 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-396-7553

904HOMEHEALTH.COM

Mandy Hunter

Mandy cutting her teeth on the business operations with her grandmother Rita McCullough.

Inspiration and Impact Take Center Stage at Women, Words and Wisdom

By Joe Wilhelm, Jr.

The Women’s Center of Jacksonville (WCJ) hosted its annual Women, Words and Wisdom event at the Florida Blue Conference Center on Aug. 26.

The event takes place each year on Women’s Equality Day, a national day celebrating the importance of the women’s suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. This year, WCJ hosted guest speaker Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights activist and sexual assault survivor who founded RISE, an organization that

Historic Neighborhoods Are Our Passion

successfully crafted the Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights. (H.R.5578 - Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016).

The celebration also honors individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of women in our community, but have never been recognized publicly, with the WCJ Shero and Hero awards. Lisa Chaloux, Carman Kasper, Martha Lluch, Suzanne Pickett and Ana Serrano were the 2025 honorees.

(Back row) Debbie Buckland, Brenda Bellard-Harris, Tiffany Kramer and Lisa Hayes with Karen DeSale, April Hayden and Lisa Schuman

Current WCJ Board Member Laura VanZee with former Board Members Sarah Mannion, Beth Clark, Kelly Otte

Shirley Webb and Chevara Orrin

Angela Corey, Christina Stifler, guest speaker Amanda Nguyen and Women’s Center of Jacksonville (WCJ) Board Member Theresa Simak at the annual Women, Words and Wisdom events Aug. 26 at the Florida Blue Conference Center.

Glitz, Glam and Giving Back at Bold City Ball

The 2025 Bold City Ball brought the glitz and glam of Old Hollywood to The Karpeles Grand on Friday, Sept. 19.

First launched last year, the fundraising gala, presented by Sextant Wealth Advisory Group of Raymond James and hosted by the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization, in partnership with San Marco Preservation Society, Historic Eastside CDC and the Jacksonville History Center.

It was an evening to recognize and celebrate the transformative power of preservation with one of Jacksonville’s historic gems as a backdrop. The evening included live music, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit SPAR’s Endowed Charitable Fund with The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

Lana Shuttleworth and Wayne Wood

Drew Edward and Renee Spahr

Christian Tomaselli and Kenji Pantin

Robert and Jennifer Atkins with Kimberly Waterhouse and Tony Atkins

Ted Powell with Michael and Beth Kirwin and Nancy Powell

Shilpa Patel and Denise Smith

Jose Sanchez and Jarrod Killen

Kailee Kiefer, Donna Fisher and Madison Lane

HOW ONE WOMAN RECLAIMED HER FUTURE

Daphnie was 18 years old when the future she had planned was forever changed. She was on her way to celebrate Martin Luther King Day with her sorority sisters in Atlanta in 1989 when a bale of hay fell off a farm truck in front of them. Her friend swerved to avoid it, but the car crashed into the concrete median. Although all four wore seatbelts, a hidden defect caused Daphnie’s buckle to fail. She struck her head, broke her neck, and woke to a new reality: She was a quadriplegic.

Pajcic & Pajcic fought on her behalf, uncovering the seatbelt defect and securing the resources Daphnie needed not just to survive, but to thrive. Lawsuits against the farmer and the car and seatbelt manufacturers gave her in-home caregivers, her accessible van, and her financial and personal independence.

Today, 36 years later, Daphnie has outlived all expectations and lives life well: a home of her own, a vehicle she drives herself, a strong connection to her family, church, and community. The journey hasn’t been easy she’s battled serious health challenges along the way — but she continues forward with grace and determination.

Cultural Council Ignites Creativity at 48th Annual Arts Awards

The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville celebrated blazing talent and cool inspiration at its 48th Annual Arts Awards, held at the Florida Blue Conference Center on Friday, Sept. 5.

The theme this year – “Fire and Ice” – represented the powerful dynamics required to fuel economic growth and quality of life: “When fire and ice meet, they make steam – a powerful symbol of how science, technology, engineering, arts and math intersect sectors to drive our city forward.”

This year’s award recipients are:

• Art Educator: Don Zentz

• Art of Giving: Renee Favo

• Art Innovator: Brian Niece

• Community Impact: Kemal Gasper

• Catalyst Recognition: Diane Brunet-Garcìa

• Small Business of the Year: Blue Jay Listening Room

Jacksonville’s leader in heart care

W hen you choose Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside, you're choosing nationally awarded care that’s focused on the local community with national outreach St. Vincent's Riverside is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in the Jacksonville area. Y

• Only hospital in the region to earn the American College of Cardiology's Transcatheer Valve Certification, reflecting our commitment to excellence in structural heart care and superior outcomes.

• Full continuum of advanced heart care - from diagnostics and personalized treatment for Afib and heart failure to minimally invasive procedures such as TAVR and WATCHMAN™ to provide seamless, integrated care close to home

• Recently received prestigious 3 star rating, the highest possible, through STS public reporting - a recognition of exceptional quality and outcomes in cardiac surgery.

• Corporate Business of the Year: Leadership Jacksonville

• Helen Lane Founders Award: Dr. Milt Russos

• Robert Arleigh White Award for Advocacy: John A. Lumpkin II

April Hewlett and Tim Horvath

Nemiah Rutledge with April Milward and Rance Adams

Sheila McMullen and Kevin Brown

Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville Executive Director Diana Donovan and City Council President Kevin Carrico pose with Renee Favo, Art of Giving Award recipient, and her husband Mike.

La’shaion Gist, Darrin Eakins and Tim Ager

Lana Taylor and Trinity Cohen

Jeff Fix and Kathryn Belina

Southern Flavors Take Center Stage at 23rd Delicious Destinations Gala

The 23rd annual Delicious Destinations, Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation’s two-day

and food signature fundraising event, was held at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6.

Guests enjoyed the Delicious Destinations luncheon on Friday, while this year’s main event – the Southern Harvest Tasting Experience – took place the following evening. Guests of the Southern Harvest Tasting Experience enjoyed signature tasting dishes by 13 nationally recognized executive chefs. Each creation was inspired by the South’s bold flavors and warm hospitality.

Guests had the opportunity to meet and mingle with each chef as they passed from one tasting station to the next, pairing their dishes with wine and spirits.

The evening was completed with exclusive live and silent auctions. Proceeds from this event will benefit Ascension St. Vincent’s Mothers and Babies Initiatives, which include advanced neonatal care, Brighter Beginnings and safe sleep education.

Ready to make your move? Contact us today for a personalized, results-driven approach to your

estate journey. We Simply Do More.

Bryan Walrath with Jennifer and Brian Knight

Katherine Shibani and Jenny Kashman

Sofia and Valery Muenyi

Brandon Hannon and Adrienne Maygarden with Zach Quebral Darnell Smith and Safura Osmani with Scott Kashman and Ubaid Osmani

Jaguars Foundation Offers Cocktails for a Cause

The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation hosted guests at The Cady Club in San Marco on Sept. 5 for its annual Cocktail Party fundraiser.

The theme of the event was “Dine and Drink Around Duuuval.” Attendees were treated to an evening of cocktails and food samples from local eateries at a new venue that opened earlier this spring. The guest list also included Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli, Mascot Jaxson de Ville and the Roar cheerleaders.

The Jaguars Foundation was created to benefit the Jacksonville community by providing economic support through programs that strengthen neighborhoods and develop area youth.

Let’s game plan your giving

These days, the number of charitable organizations and opportunities can be overwhelming for an unprepared giver. And there can be a big difference between giving just to give, and giving in a way that truly makes a difference.

Creating a meaningful giving plan should complement your asset strategies and reflect your passions. That way, your money goes where it can have the impact that matters most to you — and who you’re giving to.

So if you’re interested in giving with intent, we’d love to offer you a complimentary session. Let’s connect.

THURSDAY, NOV. 20,

Lou Walsh, IV, CFA President

Jennifer Blalock shows off some Jaguar pride.

District 5 City Councilman Joe Carlucci and his wife, Victoria

Jon Passen, Dan Passen and Jacksonville Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli with Wade Whitehurst and Mike Von Balson James Carlson with Meredith and Jesse Shimp James Mendoza and Robin Mendoza with Juanita and Joe Cabriera

Lenox Godfrey and Deborah Thomas

Kate Campbell and Jaguars GM James Gladstone

Bill Hill, Whitney Meyer and Lyndsay Rossman with Aaron Malave and Nick Berry

Noli Novak and George Corwell are no strangers to change. Now residing in Jacksonville, the pair met in New York City where they formed and played in several bands, and where Novak’s “hedcut” portraits of interesting people appeared daily in the Wall Street Journal

Their latest big change, in the works since 2022, is the creation of the newest contemporary gallery and studio space on the ArtBeat scene in the historic 1912 Wellbrock Building across the street from the Old City Cemetery. At the recent opening, artists delighted in the exhibition, oohed and ahhed over architect Michael Dunlap’s imaginative restoration of what had once been a grocery store, saloon and residence.

Brushstrokes, Beats and Book Fests The city’s arts pulse in motion

The works of Stephen Dunn, president of the First Coast Plein Air Painter, were on display on the third floor of the main branch of the Jacksonville Public Library. This month will feature the reception for Denise Sawyer Johnson’s exhibit “Faces” is during

October ArtWalk, as well as Jacksonville Artists Guild’s “Games We Play.”

Award-winning artist Marsha Hatcher’s reception for “Truth, Culture, Story” was a jubilant affair at Yellow House as Hatcher’s paintings challenged enthusiastic viewers to reflect on historical and contemporary themes, particularly in the Black experience.

Kevin Arthur delighted the crowd at Solune Coffee in Riverside as he showcased his amazing artistic talent

Like the Cork Arts District, named for its location at the corner of Roselle and King Streets, Jacksonville’s latest gallery is appropriately called Unicat, since it is located at Union and Catherine Streets.

“Created by artists for artists,” Unicat promises to bring exciting exhibits and provide inspiration to the local arts scene.

What’s in a Name?

“Pathways: The Loss and Finding of Migration,” the latest exhibit at The Unnamed Gallery (112 E Adams Street), features work by Dimelza Broche, Ricder Ricardo, Camille Modesto, Mimi Tran, and Barbara Hionides. Around the corner and a block or two down on Independent Drive, the reception for Keila Elisabeth’s first exhibit at Southlight Gallery was well-attended by many of Jacksonville’s respected artists, including Anna Miller, who was displaying her work and those of Ukrainian artists from Miller’s home country.

by painting a portrait of Solune Coffee owner Stephen Ezell, who modeled in an Elizabethan-style collar.

On the musical scene, a jam fest at Grace Note Brewing had toes tapping with Darren Ronan and friends. Oh, what a night as musicians popped in and out and joined in spontaneously with Jeffrey “Doc” Blues on harmonica, Jeff Skeim and Jeff Meir on guitars, Peter Herman on drums, Robert Bramuchi on dobro (a resonator guitar) and Ressa Penland on vocals. Her rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” was spot on. Then

Rob “Sax” Mays showed up with his electric saxophone and the place was rocking. Bill Ritchie, with his resonant voice and melodic guitar, did a set which was both upbeat and poignant. What a casual, spontaneous, exuberant, fun-filled evening. Every Wednesday night at Grace Note! It’s always a surprise and a joyous coming together of many talented musicians in one place just doing their thing.

The 2025 Jax Book Fest, at the Downtown Library, had something for everyone: kids, authors and aspiring writers, publishers and book clubs. It was an entertaining and educational gathering of the literary arts.

Yet again the arts community takes a big hit with the loss of beloved and distinguished UNF music professor and principal drum soloist of the Jacksonville Symphony, Charlotte Mabrey. Social media posts emphasized Mabrey’s many endearing qualities, including a contagious laugh and wonderful sense of humor.

“I’ll carry her with me as an example of a great teacher and human being,” said Darren Ronan.

Mabrey’s

Tinnin. Among the many loving comments, Robert Arleigh White called her playing “the tiniest snip of loveliness.”

Oct. 1

ArtWalk, Reception for Denise Sawyer’s exhibit “Games We Play” Main Library 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Oct. 3

Reception for “Streetwise” exhibit by Keith Dole and Jake Carlson Cork Arts District 7 to 10 p.m.

Oct. 6

Season opener for “Pick Your Palette” by the Jacksonville Artists Guild Good Shepherd Church 5:30 p.m. | Tickets available at www.jacksonvilleartistsguild.org/ seasonopener.html

Oct.18

MOCA Jacksonville’s Fall Arts Festival Opening of Project Atrium: Muralists in Action 12 to 2 p.m. | Registration required.

Oct. 19

Reception for Linda Chipperfied’s “A Flight of Bugs” Exhibit Happy Medium Books Café 2 to 4 p.m.

Oct. 19

Monday Making Space for Art The Art Center Co-op 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free event

Do you know of an upcoming event or accolade that helps pump the rhythmic Artbeat of Jacksonville? Send the announcement to us at editor@ residentnews.net for consideration in TheBeatGoesOn

Tribute from The UNF School

of Music shared a tribute to Mabrey on YouTube: “Loving Charlotte,” hosted by UNF School of Music Director Dr. Randy

By Peggy Harrell Jennings

Keila Elisabeth at Southlight Gallery

Architect Michael Dunlap with Joanna DeLoach and Ronda Teinke-McDonald

Barbara Hionides

Darren Ronan and company

Sharla Valeski

Charlotte Mabrey

Marsha Hatcher

Kevin Arthur and Stephen Ezell at Solune Coffee

Lana Shuttleworth and Wayne Wood at UNICAT

Johnny Masiulewitz at the 2025 Jax Book Fest

Noli Novak at Unicat.

‘A Fine HeART Experience’ Benefit Showcases Patient Art

Art With a Heart in Healthcare (AWAHIH) held its fourth annual A Fine HeART Experience fundraiser at MOCA Jacksonville on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The evening included silent auction items that ranged from art supplies to a NASA jumpsuit worn by Astronaut Brent W. Jett, Jr., who also attended the event. Paintings created at the event by AWAHIH artists-in-residence were also auctioned. Nick Marino performed live music and catering was provided by Biscotti’s.

The Sept. 13 event was also the debut of the AWAHIH’s The Art of Music, the latest patient art exhibition on display in the fifth-floor gallery at MOCA Jacksonville until Jan. 11. The project gave patients the opportunity to turn a simple box guitar into eye-catching works of art, and descriptions from the artists accompany those pieces.

AWIHIH provides personalized fine art experiences that enhance the healing process for patients and their families.

David and Jayne Jett with David Drew, Julie Drew and Brent Jett

Mike Madden with event sponsors Clare and Vance Berry

David Godwin and AWAHIH Board Member Toni Boudreaux-Godwin with Lyndsay Rossman and Bill Hill

From Vision to Reality: HH Design + Build’s Personalized Touch

Kathryn and Nate, the husband-and-wife duo behind Huckleberry Home Design + Build, have a shared passion for delivering your dream space, whether it’s a new build or refreshing a particular room in your home to enhance its aesthetics and/or its functionality and breathe new life into your home.

Kathryn and Nate decided to combine forces and talents to launch Huckleberry Home Design + Build, bringing more than two decades of combined experience to their own venture. They headquartered their business in Amelia Island, just north of Jacksonville, though Kathryn can and is happy to travel to clients seeking her interior design services. They remain more local for new builds for permitting and licensing purposes.

Their work has appeared in national publications like “Southern Living” and “Coastal Living,” and she has gone as far north as Virginia Beach and as far west as Colorado for projects.

Transparency is a key component for any project, Kathryn said, and before any contracts are signed, she and Nate like to walk the house and discuss all the “nitty gritty” details to understand budget, goals and timeline in order to present their clients with a comprehensive vision of what the project will look like from all aspects,

including the value a renovation would bring to the home.

“Typically, we would say when it comes to kitchens, master baths and the bigger areas–our main living spaces–yes, you are

going to make your money back twofold,” Kathryn said. “So we want to make sure that our clients are happy with that as well as, you know, spending the money up front. It’s this push and pull balance, basically, of making sure they’re getting what they need out of it as well as what they can get out of it in the future.”

Project timelines vary, of course, depending on the work being done, but Kathryn said she enjoys seeing all the pieces come together.

“I do like seeing what we’ve created and how we’ve created it really come to life,”

JACKSONVILLE’S DIAMOND SOURCE FOR FOUR GENERATIONS

Kathryn said. “My favorite part is probably seeing the homeowner’s reaction.”

Kathryn and her husband work closely with their clients through the entire process and are committed to delivering what their clients are seeking. However, Kathryn does enjoy the moments when she is given creative license on certain aspects of the project.

“Anybody who gives me creative freedom with color, I am here for it,” Kathryn said. “I try to hone in on what they want as well…But for the most part, people do give me some creative freedom when it comes to color and textures and really

balancing that out.”

Prospective clients interested in seeing some of Kathryn and Nate’s previous projects can browse their portfolio at www. huckleberryhomedesignbuild.com. The Pittman House holds a special place in Kathryn’s heart, as she did the home’s entire design, reflecting the family’s personalities and bringing different colors to each room.

“We were allowed to bring in some custom pieces that had some different textures and qualities to them, which was really nice. It was just, overall, a fine project to work on,” Kathryn said.

Riverplace Tower, 1301 Riverplace Blvd. #2552 (904) 346-0642 | harbyjewelers.com

The ‘Suburb Supreme’ Celebrates a Centennial

A look back at Granada’s history

By Fabrizio Gowdy

The year was 1925: “Silent Cal” occupied the Oval Office, prohibition was the law of the land, and three miles from Downtown Jacksonville, developer Laurence Howard had just purchased 75 acres of woods and orange groves. It was the beginning of Granada, the “suburb supreme,” as it would soon be dubbed.

Howard, who owned Howard Mills in Durkeeville, platted the streets and subdivided the land into approximately 160 lots. A sales brochure shows an average lot listed at about $4,500. For larger riverfront lots, the price was about $22,000.

Inspired by the architecture of Coral Cables, which was being developed around the same time, Howard developed his new neighborhood with a Mediterranean style. He named it after the Spanish city of Granada. Its street names reference Spanish cities (Barcelona and Cordova avenues) and Moorish castles (Alcazar Avenue and Alhambra Drives West and South).

Howard had initially planned for the development to have two parks, including one on the river, but the abrupt end of Florida’s land boom forced him to sell the riverfront park lot before he could develop it. Granada Park was created and continues to serve as a community park today.

Several features make Granada unique. Howard installed cast-iron Westinghouse electric lamp posts and street signs at a time when electric streetlights were arguably still a luxury in the suburbs. Today, 95 lamp posts are standing in Granada, most of which are original.

Howard also had workers mix pink dye into the concrete mix for the street curbs, giving them a pinkish stain when they were poured. Some of the color has faded over time, but the pinkish tint is still visible today. You can also still see Granada’s original manhole covers, cast with the “suburb supreme” motto on them.

Originally a streetcar suburb, Granada was serviced by the short-lived South Jacksonville Municipal Railway. The “Muni” wrapped around Miramar, passed Granada and ran all the way Downtown.

The neighborhood’s first house was built on Cordova

Avenue. An ad for Granada appeared in the April 4, 1926 issue of the Times-Union featuring the Spanish-style home with awnings and a tile roof. A car is parked out front.

“Science and art, skill and craftsmanship, money and labor have here combined to create this ultra modern home which claims more than passing notice and possesses so many excellent features that it can truly be characterized as really exceptional,” the ad copy read.

The allure of Granada would draw young families for decades. Sixty-eight-year-old Steven Apple, better known to his friends as “Beaver,” first moved to Granada when he was five. He met three best friends who he still considers some of his closest friends today. He remembers being outside all day during the summers, playing “nonstop” football in the park, as well as some games that probably wouldn’t fly today.

“We would try to follow behind the mosquito fogger truck and go all the way down one side of the street before the wind brought its plume of noxious chemicals and engulfed us,” Beaver recalled.

Beaver also remembers he and his friends daring each other to bike down the adjacent Rio Lindo Drive at night, which at that time was a dark, unpaved canopy road that dead-ended at the river. One night, when they arrived at the end, they fled after being spooked by a group of men standing around the riverbank. Beaver has heard the men were moonshiners, but there is no way to confirm that fact and so it remains an urban legend and a fond memory for Beaver.

For all that’s changed, much has remained the same in Granada over the years. Howard has multiple grandchildren still living in the neighborhood, including one who lives in Howard’s own Spanish revival style house on San Jose Boulevard, the second house built in the subdevelopment.

Another thing that hasn’t changed is Granada’s long tradition of being a tight-knit community. Community block parties at the park–Granada Fest–were part of childhood memories for generations of kids who’ve grown up in the neighborhood.

Juliette Vaughn remembers not only Granada Fest but major neighborhood celebrations for Halloween and Christmas, complete with visits from Santa. Her love for Granada increased as she became a mom.

“I’ve come to appreciate it so much more watching my children grow up in the area,” said Vaughn, who also moved to Granada when she was five.

Residents have already been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the neighborhood’s platting. The celebration kicked off last October with a Sunday afternoon family party in Granada Park. Subsequent events included a holiday party in December, a park cleanup in April, a neighborhood run in June, and summer socials in June, July and August. According to resident Susan Towler, more celebratory events will soon be scheduled.

“We all know each other,” said Towler. “We really want to create that neighborhood pride and respect in our history, because it’s a pretty unique history.”

Many of the cast-iron lampposts you see today are the original ones Laurence Howard had installed in his “Suburb Supreme.”

Residents can still spot the pink tint of the curbs from the pink dye Howard had mixed into the concrete.

Lynn Chadbourne, Andi Acosta Newman, Angela Lopez and Tom Wilder with Lisa Ephrem, Susan Towler, Juliette Vaughn, Julie Howard and Meredith Wilder.

Resident

The Science of Hearing Loss, The Heart of Patient Care

Combining cutting-edge technology with a patient-first approach, Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute stands as a trusted leader in audiology and otology care in Northeast Florida.

As JHBI Founder and President Dr. J. Douglas Green, Jr. explained, hearing loss is an extremely common medical issue. As such, he said it’s worthwhile for people to have it treated by facilities like JHBI that specialize in audiology and otology.

a comprehensive hearing evaluation by one of its audiologists. Dr. Elizabeth Selle, JHBI’s lead clinical audiologist, said these evaluations provide invaluable insight as to what could be causing a person to experience hearing loss.

“[An evaluation] really gives us a lot of information about the type of hearing loss and what treatment option is best,” Selle said. “There are a few different ways we can help people with their hearing and having

One of the things we now know is that people who have hearing loss that don’t get treatment have a higher incidence of cognitive decline and even dementia… it does increase the likelihood of cognitive decline if it’s not treated. –

Dr. J. Douglas Green, Jr. Founder and President, Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute

induced hearing loss. With Jacksonville being such an active military city and such a large military population, the latter form of hearing loss is an “extremely common” issue often addressed by the team at JHBI.

The science of hearing loss is complex, but Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute believes the human side of care is just as critical. Green takes great pride in the impact the institute has on its patients’ lives and the role it plays in improving them. He recalled an older couple who came in because they were having trouble communicating and Green’s team qualified the husband for a cochlear implant.

Green added that most forms of hearing loss are treatable, whether it be through medication or with devices like hearing aids or implants – and that addressing any loss of hearing is critical.

“One of the things we now know is that people who have hearing loss that don’t get treatment have a higher incidence of cognitive decline and even dementia,” he said. “So it’s very important not to ignore the hearing loss and just kind of live with it, because it does increase the likelihood of cognitive decline if it’s not treated.”

Patients coming to JHBI will undergo

that information really helps guide us as to the best option, and that way we can help them succeed.”

JHBI offers a full spectrum of services, ranging from surgical and medical treatments, balance testing and treatment to providing care for disorders related to hearing or auditory processing disorders. JHBI also offers an implant program for cochlear implants, implantable hearing devices and other hearing aids and devices.

The two most common types of hearing loss Green often sees are presbycusis – age-related hearing loss – and noise-

“He and his wife were so excited when the device was activated, that they stayed up late, late into the night just having a good conversation because they could hear and understand each other,” he said. “…It’s a beautiful thing to be able to help people and to see their quality of life improved. I’m just thankful that we have the opportunity to help patients in that way.”

In addition to serving patients here in Northeast Florida, Green also participates in medical mission trips around the globe. Twenty years ago, he helped establish Hearing Help for Africa, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides high quality hearing care to patients and training to ear, nose and throat surgeons in Africa.

“That’s been a really, very gratifying and just a wonderful thing to do over these last 20 years or so,” Green said.

Dr. J. Douglas Green, Jr., Neurotologist

Elizabeth Selle, Au.D., CCC-A, Audiologist

Local FOLKS 36

Logan Cross

By Jennifer Jensen

When most people retire, they tend to slow down and take on fewer responsibilities. For Logan Cross, that was simply not the case.

Once he retired from his position of director of research and institutional effectiveness at Jacksonville University (JU), he fully leaned into volunteering in the San Marco community he loves and where he has lived for more than 40 years.

“When I’m traveling elsewhere, I am pretty happy when I return,” Cross said. “I realize San Marco and Jacksonville are pretty good places to live.”

His first foray into volunteering was with the Jacksonville Community Council Incorporated, which was known as Jacksonville’s think tank. They initiated focus studies on issues the city was facing and then submitted recommendations to the city on how to address them to the city. During the recession, one of their

focuses was on healthcare and how they could capitalize on Jacksonville being a hub for different healthcare institutions, Cross said.

Eventually, he gravitated toward the Sierra Club, where he is now chair of the Northeast Florida groups. He started as an outings leader, guiding groups on hikes or other outdoor activities to different parks in the region, as well as urban hikes to familiarize people with the green spaces available in their backyards.

“It comes back to my roots,” Cross said. “I grew up outside of Jacksonville in a rural area, and part of growing up out there, I was exposed to nature. I developed an appreciation for nature in my youth, and it stuck with me.”

Once someone becomes immersed in nature and exposed to vegetation and wildlife, they also start seeing the challenges facing them, he said. A large driver in North Florida is sprawling and unrestrained development.

“A lot of your wild spaces are being challenged,” he added.

A big undertaking the Sierra Club is involved with is the Renew Jacksonville campaign. The goal is to get Jacksonville to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2050.

“We feel that it would be a win-win for Jacksonville to make such a commitment,” Cross said. “It would not only help Jacksonville do its part to address climate change, but it would also be a way to renew Jacksonville’s image within the state and region, and around the world.”

The goal is to try and influence the direction JEA will take and to modernize its energy practices. They also hope to get the city council on board.

“I try to remind the board members that they’ve got a responsibility to the city and you’ve got a responsibility to the underserved population where they’re more exposed or impacted by greenhouse gas emissions,” Cross said. “The upshot would be for JEA to become a utility that delivers not just affordable and reliable electricity, but clean electricity. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

Cross is also on the board of the San Marco Preservation Society, where he’s the head of the

Sustainability and Resiliency Committee.

“We’re trying to do some good things to increase and retain the charm of San Marco and what makes it such a special place,” Cross said.

A cause Cross would love to get involved with is epilepsy awareness. He was diagnosed with epilepsy in college. After moving to Jacksonville, his seizures became more frequent. Before he had brain surgery in 1995, he was averaging 150 seizures a year.

“It influences your life, of course, and it did mine,” Cross said. “I was fortunate, if you can call it that, that my seizures were operable.”

He’d love to start advocating for awareness about seizures and educate people about them. When he was first diagnosed, there was a bit of a stigma surrounding epilepsy.

“I didn’t wear it on my sleeve,” Cross said. “I’m encouraged by how the research is going and hopefully solutions will continue, whether it be medication or surgical.”

In his spare time, he enjoys road cycling. He tries to do 30 miles each time.

“It keeps me in good physical shape and it’s a good release,” he said.

Cross also has a house, built by his parents, in Nassau County on the St. Mary’s River that he tries to visit as often as possible.

“That’s my escape,” he said.

Cross handled renovations at the home and, during that time, he also got into woodworking. He now has a shop at the house and builds furniture, cabinetry and gifts for friends and loved ones.

“I get a lot of enjoyment out of it,” Cross said. “I’ve gotten to be a fairly good woodworker. I don’t want to buy any furniture anymore. If I need something, I’ll just build it.”

Cross also enjoys backpacking, attending the symphony and concerts at Daily’s Place. He’s also an Atlanta Braves and a Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

Logan Cross enjoys road cycling.

Logan Cross representing the Sierra Club with Mimi Wahlmann

Logan Cross

Legacy of Compassion $1 million gift honors

A million-dollar donation from the Child Cancer Fund will fund an oncology Child Life Specialist position at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville–a position that will provide educational, therapeutic, and emotional support for children undergoing cancer treatment.

This donation is coupled with a 10-year commitment to fund the position from the Child Cancer Fund, made in memory of Christy Keirnan, who lost her battle against cancer in 2005.

“The Child Care Cancer Fund’s $1 million commitment to this oncology Child Life Specialist position helps ensure that our patients receive care that addresses their whole health–physically, emotionally and developmentally,” said Nemours Children’s Health North Florida President Aaron Carpenter. “Partners like the Child Cancer Fund, who share our vision, are instrumental in our commitment for Whole Child Health.”

Child Cancer Fund Executive Director Carla Montgomery said this donation and commitment continues the fund’s ongoing support of the Child Life Specialist role.

“Our mission has always been to walk alongside families during the most difficult journey of their lives. We cannot overemphasize the positive impact the Child Life Specialist has on children during cancer treatment,” Montgomery said. “Preserving this role was the exact reason why Child Cancer Fund was established. We have proudly funded the position since 1994 and are thrilled to guarantee that the next decade of families will know its transformative effect.”

Child Cancer Fund board members, Nemours physicians and staff with Joli Craver

Child Cancer Fund Executive Director, Carla Montgomery, Nemours Children’s Health oncology Child Life Specialist, Joli Craver (who is retiring this week after 31 years at Nemours), Aaron Carpenter, DNP, MDiv, APRN, CPNP-PC, NEA-BC, North Florida President for Nemours Children’s Health

October is the month when pink bursts into the community in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Professional football players wear pink-accented gear, pink ribbons appear everywhere from coat lapels to display windows.

The first week of October – Oct. 1 to 8 – is Light Jax Pink Week, an initiative launched by Pink Ribbon Jax: Local businesses, landmarks and residences will turn their exterior lights pink in a “visual testament of support to thousands of families battling this disease who feel isolated and invisible. Through lighting, we collectively say, you are not alone – the Jacksonville community is behind you, even when you can’t see us.”

This year, nearly 30 entities are participating in Light Jax Pink Week. Resident communities can spot some local landmarks participating, including the San Marco Lions Fountain, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and Aspire Church or Brooklyn’s 501 Riverside Avenue.

Beyond the color and the campaigns, though, this month is about education, prevention, and hope. It’s about honoring survivors, supporting those in treatment, remembering loved ones lost, and standing together for early detection and better outcomes.

The Impact of Early Detection

For Dr. Kathryn Pearson, founder and director of Boutique Breast Imaging, fighting breast cancer is personal: Her great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and three aunts all had breast cancer and, at age 27, she was told she had an 85% lifetime risk of the disease as well.

“I ended up just dedicating my life – my education, my research and my life’s work – to early breast cancer detection and patient care,” Pearson said.

Pearson emphasized the importance of early detection and regular mammograms for women beginning at age 40, though she added women in a high-risk category should begin mammograms at a younger age.

“All women, they should have a risk assessment by the age of 30, especially minority women, to ensure that they’re

not in a high-risk category,” Pearson said.

Equally important, though, are self-exams once a month to become familiar with what your breast tissue feels like to help differentiate between denser breast tissue and an abnormality.

“I try to get women in their mid-20s and on getting to be used to their normal lumpiness and their breast tissue so they can detect what an abnormal lump is in that normalcy of lumpiness, and the best time women should be doing that screening is usually after their period is over, when they’re the lowest in estrogen,” Pearson said. “…If a woman gets to know where her normal glandular tissue is and what

liver to produce vitamin D,” Pearson said. “But a lot of, and most, Floridian women are wearing sunscreen and they’re [vitamin D] deficient, and I am seeing a lot of aggressive cancers related to a very low vitamin D level.”

“If you have your [vitamin D] levels greater than 50, that’s a 30% reduction in breast cancer,” Pearson added.

Possibly one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer is adequate sleep, Pearson said. She explained that sleep can decrease the risk of breast cancer by 33%: Sleep increases melatonin levels and it’s during sleep that your immune system produces cellular apoptosis, which eliminates unneeded, damaged, or infected cells.

“…If you want to fight off cancer, sleep,” Pearson said. Other factors that can reduce the risk of cancer include maintaining a healthy diet with high fiber and organic foods, regular exercise and limiting alcohol and sugar consumption.

According to the American Cancer Society, physical activity is also a major element in reducing the risk of cancer:

“The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week.”

Community Support

The Jacksonville community has several opportunities throughout the month of October for people to come together and show their support for the people and families battling breast cancer. The DONNA Foundation, founded in 2003 by Donna Deegan, three-time breast cancer survivor, award-winning journalist, and now mayor of Jacksonville, is hosting the DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass on Saturday,

If you have your [vitamin D] levels greater than 50, that’s a 30% reduction in breast cancer.

normalness feels like, it only takes once a month, four months in a row, for a woman to detect an abnormal lump.”

Early detection, for women between the ages of 40 and 50, also means tumors are smaller, which has a direct impact on the necessary treatment.

“There is a proven 29% reduction in mortality in women between the ages of 40 and 50, but also smaller tumors are detected during that time and that results in less extensive surgery or toxic chemotherapy.”

Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer

While there are several factors that are out of women’s control for whether or not they are at risk for breast cancer, there are steps they can take to reduce that risk, from exercise and diet to other factors, including, Pearson said, increased vitamin D levels.

“The sun affects our skin and triggers our kidneys and

October 11, runners and walkers are both welcome.

The American Cancer Society’s annual walk is the largest nationwide effort to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.

“Our goal is to ensure no one faces cancer alone,” said Senior Development Manager Jaclyn Rodriguez. “In addition to community events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, we provide peer-to-peer connections through our Reach To Recovery® program, 24/7 information and support through our helpline, and free lodging and transportation assistance during treatment.”

This year, Making Strides will be held in VyStar Ballpark on Saturday, October 18. It’s a time to celebrate survivors and get active to show your support. Grab a few friends to form a walking team, donate to a co-worker’s team or volunteer to cheer on the walkers. To learn more, visit acsevents.org

We help reduce the stress of life’s biggest changes. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or settling a loved one’s estate, we’re here to suppor t you with compassion and exper t care Call today to schedule your F REE consultation!

The American Cancer Society’s mission is to “ensure no one faces cancer alone.”

Participants don their favorite pink attire for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The DONNA Foundation’s Claire Cameron, Karon and Amanda Napolitano at the DONNA Marathon Weekend Top Fundraiser Dinner

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event is a day of support, love and solidarity

– Dr. Kathryn Pearson, Boutique Breast Imaging

Capturing Creativity, Courage and Community

BRAject, a thought-provoking art exhibit and fundraiser for Pink Ribbon Jax, was a life-affirming celebration where everyday bras were reimagined by their creators into extraordinary works of art. After a year on display across Jacksonville, stunning photos of every submission have now been compiled into a beautiful coffee table book. The book is $50, with all proceeds funding free mammograms and breast imaging services for uninsured and underinsured women and men in Northeast Florida.

“My mother was a breast cancer survivor, and my younger sister, Natasha Restrepo, is a two-time breast cancer warrior. Annual mammograms made all the difference,” said Marica Pendjer, president of Pink Ribbon Jax. “Because Natasha was diligent about screenings, both cancers were caught at stage 0, and we get to make more memories together.”

Purchase your copy of “BRAject: Artrageous Bras for a Cause” at PinkRibbonJax.org

Noreen Young Wins

“Think Pink” with a

Her vibrant snapshot of kissing cancer goodbye proves that resilience, with a dash of lipstick, is always in fashion

Noreen Young is the winner of Resident News’ “How do you Think Pink?” contest from last month’s issue, with this simple, yet vibrant photo of her kissing breast cancer goodbye.

“This photo was taken after I survived breast cancer,” Young wrote in her photo submission. “Kissed it ‘goodbye.’ Pretty in pink and blessed.” Young is a professional makeup artist and the force behind the Noreen

Young Collection, featuring makeup and skincare products. Her website also features a selection of beauty products from around the world. Young’s beauty and lifestyle blog – “Beauty Candy” – discusses all things travel, food, beauty and lifestyle.

She lives by the mantra, “A woman without lipstick is like a day without sunshine.”

OCTOBER 30, 2025 • 6:00-9:00PM The Glass Factory • 601 Myrtle Avenue North A ‘90s style house party with music from Julia Gulia, food, drinks and inspirational stories of hope!

For more information, tickets & sponsorships, visit SulzbacherJax.org/2025Transformations

Kiss

At Riverside Post Acute, our goal is simple: help you recover faster in comfort and with confidence. We offer a luxurious setting along the St. Johns River and a range of specialty programs tailored to complex needs.

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Orthopedic rehab supported by local surgeons & physiatry partners, with therapy up to 7 days/week.

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Cardiologist-led care with heart failure-specific protocols and expert consults.

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Pulmonologist-driven support for chronic lung conditions, including new trachs and decannulation.

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Secure, 60-bed neighborhood offering dementia care supported by a geriatrician.

RenalX - CKD Management Specialized care for chronic kidney disease in partnership with a board-certified nephrologist.

Noreen Young is a small business owner and breast cancer survivor.

Animal HOUSE 40

Guardians of the Nest Protecting North Florida’s Sea Turtles

By Julie Kerns Garmendia

A walk on any of our local beaches along the vast Atlantic Ocean shoreline is awe-inspiring, easily among the most incredible, accessible experiences North Florida offers.

Add the chance to see endangered sea turtles, hatchlings or their nests, and the thrill factor skyrockets.

Local sea turtle experts Stephen Klem and Lucas Meer share that exhilaration with beachgoers, especially between May 1 and October 31 – sea turtle nesting season – when they emphasize the need for awareness of and protection for turtles and nests at the beach.

Klem is the sea turtle permit holder/ sea turtle patrol and naturalist for Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Meer is program director for Jacksonville University’s Sea Turtle Program and sea turtle patrol permit holder at Mickler’s Landing.

Sea turtles are marine reptiles that must surface to breathe, but spend their lives at sea. Only females ever come ashore and then only to nest every two to four years. All species are endangered. Females search for coarse dry sand where they dig deep nests, lay eggs, and completely cover them.

After approximately 60 days, the eggs hatch and turtles weighing one ounce and measuring two to two and a half inches crawl from their nests, usually overnight. The hatchlings instinctively move away

reflected on the ocean’s surface. Once they reach the shore, they launch into the water, frantically swimming to the deep sea.

Hatchlings that emerge at dawn are more vulnerable to predators during daylight. Fire ants, ghost crabs, birds, foxes, raccoons, unleashed pets, and unsupervised children can destroy nests and eggs and even injure or kill sea turtles hatchlings.

Olivia Garmendia Amaral had no idea that her midday beach walk during the Labor Day weekend would turn into a loggerhead hatchling turtle rescue until she saw the half-dollar-sized baby, limp on the dry sand, far from water.

“It was dry, eyes closed… motionless,” she said. “A seagull stood nearby, watching the tiny body. I thought the turtle was dead, but when I picked it up, both eyes opened, and it weakly lifted its head. Once in the ocean, it floated but could not swim as the waves pushed it back onshore.”

That scenario – called washback – is deadly for hatchlings that are driven to find deep water. If strong ocean waves keep washing them back onshore, they become weaker with every attempt until they are stranded out in the sun, helplessly exposed to predators.

Amaral fortunately found a small, abandoned starfish-shaped beach toy that could hold salt water. She carefully placed the hatchling half into the water while she searched the Internet for sea turtle rescues. The first contact that answered was the Sea Turtle Hospital/UF Whitney Laboratory in St. Augustine.

A kind person told her the baby had hatched the night before or that morning but was an exhausted victim of backwashing. She invited Amaral to bring the hatchling to Whitney for evaluation, care, rehabilitation, and future release.

The lucky hatchling revived in his saltwater bath during the car ride to Whitney. It began to move, look around, and paddle its flippers. He also slept, peacefully closing his eyes, astounding the family with his miniature sea turtle perfection. By the time they reached the Sea Turtle Hospital, Squirt had been

named for the feisty turtle in the movie “Finding Nemo.”

The Whitney Laboratory Sea Turtle Hospital is closed to the public except for rescue intake, ticketed group tours, and free public lectures. Call before taking a sea turtle in distress. Once there, complete the intake form and alert them to your arrival before placing the turtle in the provided container or waiting for a staff member. Sea Turtle Hospital specialists provide medical treatment to rehabilitate injured or ill sea turtles until they are healthy and ready for release.

“Hurricanes and tropical storms – even those that remain at sea - cause beach erosion, high tides, and surf that threaten sea turtle nests. If nests are overwashed, they can remain intact to protect the eggs. However, repeated or prolonged immersion prevents oxygen exchange, washes away eggs, and drowns hatchlings,” Klem and Lucas said.

Fossils indicate that sea turtles lived on Earth alongside dinosaurs millions of years ago. Shockingly, today, only one in every 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survives to adulthood, a bleak survival rate for these ancient marine reptiles that survived the dinosaurs’ mass extinction event. Adult sea turtles weigh anywhere from 200 to 2,000 pounds depending on the species, and

with significantly escalating fines and criminal penalties (up to $100,000.00) and incarceration for repeat offenders.

Sea turtles face many threats, not just natural predators or those already mentioned, but coastal development and sea walls disturbing dry sand beaches required for nesting, vessel strikes in high boat traffic areas, bycatch (unintended capture/ entanglement in recreational or commercial fishing gear), and the illegal harvesting of turtle meat or eggs for consumption or sale.

Situations qualify as emergencies if a nest has been disturbed or eggs are exposed, if a sea turtle is stranded on the beach, in the dunes, or in shallow water and appears lethargic and unable to swim, appears injured, or is entangled in fishing gear. Never leave a turtle or force it into the ocean where it may be unable to swim. Protect the turtle from predators and the sun. Keep it wet with ocean water. Then call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at (888) 404-3922 with the location. A permitted rescuer assigned to that beach will respond.

Klem said that anyone who finds a sea turtle in distress on Atlantic, Jacksonville, or Neptune beaches can call the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol at (904) 613-6081. Meer advised anyone who finds sea turtles in distress on Ponte Vedra beach to text photos and the

typically live forty to sixty years or longer.

Loggerhead turtles are by far the most common on North Florida beaches, with an occasional leatherback or green sea turtle crawling onshore to lay up to 100 eggs in each nest. They may dig and lay eggs in from three to five nests, about two weeks apart. Warmer sand temperatures produce females in a shorter time, while cooler temperatures over a longer period produce males.

One leatherback – a rarity for Duval County – came ashore at Atlantic Beach and laid 72 eggs, a cause for local celebration. The leatherback was so large, it left a trail on the beach that was wider than Meer is tall. Meer stretched out his six-foot-three frame across the turtle’s trail to demonstrate its width. Leatherbacks are the largest turtles and the largest reptiles alive today. They can measure five to six feet in height or more and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Proper Steps When Finding a Sea Turtle in Distress:

The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act make it a federal offense to disturb, transport, consume, harm, destroy, capture, or possess endangered sea turtles, their nests, eggs, or hatchlings. First offenders may be fined $25,000 to $50,000 or receive six months to one year imprisonment,

location to (904) 370-3704 for help.

The nearest place to see sea turtles is at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, housed in a preserved brick 1903 power plant. Visitors can watch the center’s veterinarians and marine biologists care for recovering turtle patients, view large saltwater tanks holding sea turtles of all sizes and ages, enjoy interactive displays, educational exhibits and events. The center is open daily for a nominal entry fee.

There are many ways to help protect sea turtles, including eliminating night lighting on or near beaches. Shore lights disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean to their deaths, and deter adult females from nesting. Purchase specially designed sea turtle-safe or turtle-friendly lighting, fixtures and flashlights online or at Home Depot and Walmart.

Beach driving damages nests and kills sea turtles. Balloons released for celebrations end up in waterways, where they choke sea animals that mistake plastic and trash for food. Fill in holes on the beach where sea turtles can fall in and become trapped. Reduce garbage and plastic use and properly discard trash. Leash pets and always supervise children on the beach. Avoid turtles or nests, but report damaged or downed nest protections, deceased turtles, or those in distress.

Olivia holding rescued Loggerhead hatchling, Squirt.

Newly hatched Loggerheads

Sea Turtle Patrol 3rd year Volunteer Jamie Mixon and Stephen Klem with a protected nest.

Olivia and Squirt at UF Whitney Lab Sea Turtle Hospital.

Baking Joy, Building Community

When Michelle Clipp decided to open her first Cooke Fix franchise location in San Marco, it was about more than opening a small business for herself and her family; it was a way to support and give back to the Jacksonville community that had been so gracious to her over the past 25 years through both good and challenging times.

“Growing up, we would come to San Marco for dinners, birthdays, celebrations, big things – concerts, the Jaguars games,” Clipp said. “When my husband and I moved from Tampa, we knew we wanted to live in the San Marco community. It’s surreal to be back in Jacksonville with my husband and kids and not only as a resident, but also as a small business owner serving the community.”

In November 2014, Clipp, her mother and grandmother, Yiayia, were in a fatal car accident in Fleming Island. Clipp was life flighted to UF Health Jacksonville, where she and her mother underwent several surgeries.

“They saved my life and my mothers,” Clipp said.

Yiayia tragically passed at the scene. Friends, family and many others in the Jacksonville community helped carry

Clipp’s family through that traumatic time.

Three years later, in September 2017, Clipp was counting down the days until she got to marry her then-fiancé, David, at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church and Epping Forest Yacht Club when Hurricane Irma struck just days before. Clipp found herself scrambling to salvage her wedding, bridal lunch and rehearsal dinner.

“Gabrielle Alters, owner of Rue SaintMarc, saved my bridal lunch. She whipped up a beautiful event last-minute because my original venue was out of power.” Clipp recalled.

Thanks to the amazing teams at SJTD and Epping Forest, the wedding went off without a hitch. Again, the Jacksonville community rallied around Clipp.

Located at 2020 Hendricks Avenue, the San Marco Cookie Fix shop officially opens on Oct. 2. This is the sixth franchise location for Cookie Fix and the first in Florida. Alabama-based Cookie Fix was founded in 2016 by Amy Jason. Clipp explained the dough is made in its founding location in Birmingham for quality control and recipe secrecy and then

transported frozen to its other locations.

“Baking the cookies directly from frozen helps give [the cookie] its unique texture. Our baking processes create a tall cookie that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside,” Clipp explained.

Patrons can also buy packs of Frozen Dough To Go to keep in the freezer at home to satisfy those late-night sweet tooth cravings or to bake fresh for friends and family.

Before transitioning into small business ownership, Clipp was happily working in the corporate world for GE Healthcare in sales. Cookie Fix had become a family favorite after her sister-in-law first introduced it to them. When Clipp learned Jason was franchising her business in January 2024, she decided it may be time for a change.

“It was time to do something different, get off the road with GE Healthcare, be more local for my family and give back to the community that helped shape me,” Clipp said.

As Clipp has begun introducing the Cookie Fix brand to San Marco and, by extension, Jacksonville, she’s enjoyed spreading joy through cookies and looks forward to creating Cookie Fix memories with the community. It’s always the right time for a cookie: These sweet treats are a perfect thank you or for tailgating, acing a test, weddings, parties, condolences, nailing a big presentation or just because.

Recognizing that it takes a strong support system to get a small business up and running, Clipp expressed her thanks to everyone who made it possible, especially her husband.

“With him and my family by my side, we are going to do this, they’ve been so supportive through everything,” Clipp said.

42 THANK YOU NOTES FROM MY EMPTY NEST PERCH

By Susanna Barton

I’m no crypt keeper, but one of the things I love most about October is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It’s a remembrance and celebration of loved ones who have passed, an opportunity to keep their spirits alive by reflecting on their legacy, sharing stories about them and considering new ways to emulate their strengths in the present.

In my hometown of San Antonio, Texas, it is common during this season for families to display ornate homemade altars to the dead, known as ofrendas. Many include framed photos of the deceased, candles and festive Mexican decorations. They are beautiful and vibrant and so special - I love everything about this Dia de los Muertos tradition. In my opinion, airing legacies of the dead is muy importante.

Like an ofrenda, an obituary is a chance for us to summon up, contemplate and reignite a dearly departed’s best and most inspiring qualities. It’s not spooky, it’s spiritual.

This is also why I love reading obituaries and why I’m thankful so many talented scribes in our Resident communities write them as word-based ofrendas to people who’ve inspired us over the years. Well-written obituaries about lives well-lived can be a rich opportunity for regular, ordinary, everyday neighbors like us to mine wisdom nuggets for our own self-improvement. Like an ofrenda, an obituary is a chance for us to summon up, contemplate and reignite a dearly departed’s best and most inspiring qualities. It’s not spooky, it’s spiritualand que inteligente!

I’ll share some excerpts from some Resident Community obit-favorites and how they inspire me personally. Maybe

you’ll find your own sparkle of inspiration to take forward as you read through some of these storytelling masterpieces. We can learn a lot about living from these angel neighbors, there is no doubt.

We can learn a lot about living from these angel neighbors, there is no doubt.

Helen Murchison Lane (1924-2025)

“Lengthy as it is, no list of activities, accomplishments and awards is adequate to describe Helen’s remarkable personality. Happy by nature, she had a wonderful sense of humor and loved all social engagements, from one-on-one conversations to large parties, especially when dancing was involved. Helen loved people and was able to find something interesting and positive in everyone she met, regardless of the circumstances. With these social gifts in combination with her manifest beauty and charm, Helen lit up the room wherever she went. A dispeller of boredom and a never-ending fountain of ideas, she was enthusiastic, curious, creative, incredibly generous, and fully engaged with life. Helen was an adoring wife and mother and was deeply loved by her family and close friends. She will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren. Heaven, however, is probably throwing a huge party right now.”

Personal inspiration and takeaway: I love everything about this obituary, but the one line that inspired me personally was that Helen Lane “loved people and was able to find something interesting and positive in everyone she met, regardless of the circumstances.” That’s a tall order, but something I can get better at with practice. I can work harder to find something interesting in everyone I meet, that’s how we find the good stories.

Judith Adams Gable (1938-2023)

“Seven years ago Judy and George moved to The Pines in Davidson, North Carolina, where George had attended college and Meredith and her family live and where they have been enjoying the stimulating community and cheering on the Wildcats at basketball games…Even during her struggle with memory loss, she talked about ‘making a difference,’ ‘doing her best,’ and ‘keeping on keeping on.’

At The Pines, dissatisfied that she couldn’t contribute as substantially as she had in the past, Judy was always looking for new

and more ways to help people. When the hospice nurse asked how she could help her, Judy asked Nurse Edye, ‘How can I help you?’ Over the years, Judy gave explicit instructions to her family if her dementia progressed to the point where she did not know who she was, where she was, and could not communicate with her children or recognize her family, she did not want to be kept alive.”

Personal inspiration and takeaway: I think about this obituary ALL THE TIME and it guides my thinking about how I want to live and die. Judy served others and was a “how can I help you person” it seems, and when she couldn’t help anymore and worse, could not recognize or talk to her beloved family, she was out. I 100 percent agree with her reasoning. Life is about serving others and demonstrating love. I don’t want to be around when I can’t anymore. This obituary inspired me to make sure I am legally prepared to die under these parameters.

Diane Janney Kerr (1944-2024)

“Her fearless mission to protect her community from crime, and to save and preserve local historic or culturally significant buildings and homes, made her a community hero but often alarmed her family and friends, who sometimes feared for her safety. She did not hesitate to personally confront anyone she saw or suspected of dealing drugs or committing other crimes and believed direct communication and immediate intervention were ways to discourage offenders. For years she worked in a close, mutually-beneficial partnership with law enforcement.”

Personal inspiration and takeaway: I am by nature a confrontation-adverse person but thanks to Diane Kerr’s memory, I can flex a better “not in my backyard” stance when I see something that isn’t right. Better straighten up, late-night park-goers! See something, say something. I can make improvements in this area for sure.

Edgar Danciger (1918-2012)

“Reared in Riga, Latvia, Ed was a U.S. military veteran, a lifelong sailor, and a renowned industrialist. Ed cherished the

said, it provided me a home, opportunity, and freedom.”

Ed was my stepfather-in-law, so this is a biased entry. But his life story inspires anyone who knows it. He came to the United States a merchant mariner from Latvia without any money, family or knowledge of English. But through hard work, education, connection to others and a drive to succeed, he built Florida Wire and Cable and earned the respect of all who knew him.

As crazy as I often feel things in this country have become, I can lean into Ed’s legacy more and remember what a privilege it is to be an American citizen. And I can remember with hard work and the charming twinkle Ed shared – mixed with some of Diane’s hutzpah, Judy’s helping ways and Helen’s never-ending fountain of ideas –positive change is possible.

Obituaries are ofrendas that illuminate transferable assets, and that’s the spooky season blessing we can all celebrate!

I hope this inspires you to read obituaries through a new lens. What can we learn from this person? What strengths inspire us? How can we take their fine qualities and keep them alive in our own experiences? Obituaries are ofrendas that illuminate transferable assets, and that’s the spooky season blessing we can all celebrate! Susanna Barton believes spirit is eternal. She kinda believes in ghosts and was recently informed a presence resides in the basement of her Lake Toxaway, North Carolina cabin. A Granada resident, Barton has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School. She currently manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com

DorothyandHardyFletcher

By Peggy Harrell Jennings

It’s incredible that despite growing up in the same neighborhood, attending Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies with only one year between them, and then both enrolling at Florida State University, Dorothy Ketcham and Hardy Fletcher never even knew each other.

It took a blind date to the FSU Homecoming weekend for Dorothy and Hardy to get together. They married on July 31, 1971, during Dorothy’s senior year, at her lifelong church, Lakewood Presbyterian. She was 21; Hardy was 22.

After graduating, Hardy could only find a teaching job in his hometown, Jacksonville, so the young couple parted ways temporarily while Dorothy remained in Tallahassee to finish her degree. She joined him in Jacksonville after graduating, and there they have remained for 54 years with two children, Casey Scott, Amanda (Mark Ruland), two wonderful grandchildren, Samantha and Byron, and two adorable grand dogs, Mojo and Hercules.

The couple’s attraction wasn’t just romantic, nor was it solely because Hardy, as Dorothy said, “cracked me up almost every time he said anything;” they had an intellectual connection, as well. Both have degrees in English and education. After

then retired on the same day.

The energetic couple has not been still since retirement, but spends their time pursuing many other interests. With more than 13 books published and poetry appearing in at least 80 magazines, writing is undoubtedly an interest for Dorothy. Her latest book, “The Chambermaid,” tells the story of the settlement of Fort Caroline near present-day Jacksonville by French Huguenots in the 1500s. The illustrious Florida Historical Society published it. She has three other novels, all set in Jacksonville, and concentrates on cultural history.

Hardy makes amazing baskets, has a fabulous garden filled with blooms, and exhibits his 1966 Volkswagen Beetle named “The Red Baron” at car shows when he is not busy framing the covers of Dorothy’s books for display in their home.

The couple enjoys traveling; they take at least two trips a year – cruises generally – and have been all over the U.S. and Europe. They also spend part of the summer at Vilano Beach.

The universe converged while they were on a trip to Paris last year, celebrating at the fabulous vineyard at Château Rothschild – lovely crystal, excellent food, beautiful weather, gorgeous décor. It was there that Dorothy received a text message from a

Dorothy landed a teaching job at Ed White Senior High School while Hardy was at James Weldon Johnson before returning to his alma mater, Wolfson, to teach English and coach football. He spent some time as principal at First Coast High School, director of technology, and curriculum director at Terry Parker High School. Dorothy also taught at Wolfson, and though she later moved into administration, her heart remained with the students.

“My destiny was in the classroom,” Dorothy said.

They finished their careers at Wolfson with 35 and 36 years of dedicated teaching,

representative of the Florida Historical Society that “The Chambermaid” was getting published after a year of waiting on pins and needles. Dorothy was thrilled.

“We were already celebrating, but from that moment on, I kept thinking little birds would appear out of the sky and flit around,” Dorothy said. “It was just wonderful.”

In another “universe aligns” moment, inspiration for the book came from her beach combing when she found a small pottery shard, approximately 100 years old. Her creative mind jumped into the how, what, who, when and where: How did it get here? Whose was it? Where did they

live? Shipwreck? A settlement? Hurricane?

Then the idea came to her: Fort Caroline. She researched, crafted a backstory for her character, changed the artifact from a pottery shard to an old gold ring, and then intertwined her story together.

Since middle school, two major influences have shaped Dorothy as a person and a writer: history and the “voice” of poet Emily Dickinson. Those emotional reflections inspired Dorothy’s appreciation for imagery and made her realize that she wanted to talk to people in the future through her writing – a type of immortality. Her motto – a quote from Anthony Hopkins – is “Be bold and mighty

forces will come to your aid.”

Book talks, interviews, book signings, the beach and fishing, singing in the choir at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, family time, and traveling – “because we can and time is ticking” – with her husband, who still makes her laugh, are all part of the day-today of Dorothy and Hardy’s enthusiastic, cheerful, optimistic and busy lifestyle. Catching and eating those whiting on their fishing expeditions, making memories and loving the grandchildren “beyond bounds,” The Fletchers celebrate every day. A favorite song? “Life’s Been Good to Me So Far.” Indeed, it has.

The Fletchers at Mt. St. Helens

Dorothy Fletcher

Hardy Fletcher with his 1966 Volkswagen Beetle, “The Red Baron”

graduation,

Dorothy Fletcher snaps a selfie with the family: Amanda, Hardy, Samantha, Mark, Byron and Casey.

Dorothy at a book signing

Where Healing Feels Like Home Inside Riverside Post Acute’s Compassionate Approach

Riverside Post Acute stands as a trusted partner for patients and families, offering a welcoming environment where recovery and well-being come first. Nestled in the heart of historic Riverside, it is dedicated to providing compassionate care and rehabilitation services that help patients recover, regain independence and return home stronger.

Riverside Post Acute is supported by Marquis Health Consulting Services, and Pam Montemurno, Marquis’ regional director of market development, said this provides access to an evolving suite of clinician-led specialty care models, signature services and comfort features – enabling innovation, compassion and purpose in every aspect of care.

“The Marquis ‘Care, Anew’ philosophy supports our mission to help clients like Riverside transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes,” said Montemurno.

In addition to its clinical services, Riverside Post Acute also offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program, care navigation, long-term care and respite care.

Riverside Post Acute has also recently launched a 60-bed secure memory unit, which Montemurno said has become her favorite unit. Opened just a few months ago, the unit is already at more than twothirds capacity.

“They’ve become like a family in themselves,” Montemurno said.

In addition to providing top-of-theline care for its residents in the memory unit, Riverside Post Acute understands

that diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia impact the entire family and has launched a dementia caregiver support group as well. This support group meets on the second Tuesday of every month, and Montemurno said the first meeting was well-attended.

complex medical details and ensures a complete understanding for the physician of the patient’s status.

“Riverside wants to be the best possible resource for not just its patient population, but their families, you know, being

The Marquis ‘Care, Anew’ philosophy supports our mission to help clients like Riverside transform industry processes, mindsets and outcomes.

– Pam Montemurno Regional Director of Market Development, Marquis Health Consulting Services

“The families suffer from terrible guilt and grief,” Montemurno said. “It’s not easy to put your loved one into a memory care center, especially when many times they had promised their parents, ‘I will never do this to you.’ But as the disease becomes progressive, they didn’t have a choice. So the group deals with that as well because that’s so important for the patient’s care.”

Riverside Post Acute also recognizes that true healing requires seamless continuity of care across every stage of recovery. To that end, it has partnered with local hospitals and notifies primary care physicians of updates about their patients. This way, when those patients return to their primary doctors, they are already aware of any hospital or rehab stays. This removes the burden from the patient to have to remember the sometimes-

connected to all these different resources of who to go for what,” Montemurno said.

“Because it’s a big city, it’s a very big city.”

In August, Riverside Post Acute also announced its partnership with the Ascension Family Medicine Residency program for second- and third-year residents. This teaching program not only helps advance the next generation of medical professionals but also brings an additional 20-plus clinicians to the patients at Riverside Post Acute, further enhancing the level of care and focused attention the patients receive daily.

“It’s great for these residents, as well,” Montemurno added. “Most of them are looking to go into internal medicine with a geriatric background, so Riverside has become a teaching facility.”

Pam Montemurno

New Year, New Student Leadership at Assumption Catholic School

Assumption Catholic School’s Class of 2026 has elected its student leadership for the new school year.

Assumption’s student council consists of five elected student officials who will serve their school community for the coming year with dedication, faith and Knight spirit.

The 2025-26 student council consists of:

• President: Bizzy H.

• Vice President: Livy S.

• Secretary: Claire E.

• Treasurer: Hadley D.

• Chaplain: Patrick T.

St. Paul’s Celebrates Grandparents with Blessings

Mass on September

St. Paul’s Catholic

in Riverside celebrated National Grandparents Day with its annual Grandparents’ Mass on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The day included a special reception for the families and provided the St. Paul’s community with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the impact grandparents can have on their grandchildren’s’ lives.

The 2025-26 Student Council of Catholic School

Grandparents

10th, presided by Father Leonard Chuwa

School

Wolfson Students Shine

Episcopal School of Jacksonville Celebrates National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Four seniors at Episcopal School of Jacksonville have been named semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

More than 1.3 million students entered the 2026 program and Episcopal seniors Stella Herford, Chloe Korn, Grady Noles and Liam Wong are among the less than one percent of competing high school juniors to achieve this milestone.

Moving forward, all semifinalists will be required to meet several requirements in order to advance to the finals. Finalists will be announced later this winter with scholarships awarded next spring.

Bishop Kenny Trio Recognized Among Nation’s Top Scholars

Bishop Kenny High School is celebrating three of its own – Jacob Hobensack, Lauren Logue, and Jacob Valenzuela – for being named National Merit semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Hobensack, Logue and Valenzuela are all active members of several clubs and honor societies on campus, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to excellence while also exhibiting a dedication to civic engagement, participating in various community service projects.

More than 16,000 semifinalists were announced this year, representing high schools across the country; fewer than 1,000 of those came from Florida high schools. Jacob

Empowering Dreams KIPP Jax Honors 15 Years of Student Success

With its 15th anniversary celebration fast approaching next month, KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools (KIPP Jax) does indeed have much to commemorate:

Fifteen years of “impact, innovation and educational excellence” at its four campuses in the northern and western regions of Jacksonville–KIPP: Bessie Coleman Campus, KIPP: Impact Academy, KIPP V.O.I.C.E. Academy and KIPP: Bold City High School, which just celebrated its inaugural graduating class this past spring–and a continued mission to empower every child with the skills, confidence and knowledge for a bright future and successful life.

“The graduation was so exciting [with] all the feelings of accomplishment, not just for them [the students] but for the whole community of people that have brought KIPP here,” said KIPP Jax Chief Advancement Officer Ali Jaffery.

Those emotions were captured and will be featured in a special documentary that will be screened at “Lights, Camera, KIPP!”–the red-carpet celebration and fundraising event honoring KIPP’s 15th anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Ritz Theatre and Museum.

“I think [the documentary] will motivate some people to get more involved [and] I think it’ll show the people that have been involved what they’ve accomplished–and it’s just a good archive of our accomplishments for the last 15 years,” Jaffery added.

Proceeds from the evening will help support the Talent Innovation Fund: “a restricted philanthropic fund administered by the KIPP Jax Board of Directors…to attract, train and retain transformational educators for Jacksonville’s students.”

Students’ experience and relationships with KIPP Jax continue even after graduation through the KIPP Forward program, which follows students into their sophomore year of college, providing guidance, resources and support as they adjust to college life and all that it brings.

“We have a KIPP Forward director that is maintaining relationships with all of those students after they’re gone to ensure that they’re actually getting the support they need and are staying on the path,” Jaffery said. “…[It’s] part of our special sauce, it’s what makes us unique, and it’s something that every KIPP region across the country does.”

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.

Chloe Korn Grady Noles Liam Wong Stella Herford

Valenzuela, Lauren Logue and Jacob Hobensack

Friday Night Lights Bring Catholic Schools Together

Students and families from more than 25 Catholic elementary schools gathered at Bishop Kenny High School last month for its annual Catholic Grade School Night.

Held on Friday, Sept. 5, the annual event welcomed schools from across the Diocese of St. Augustine. More than 20 priests, deacons and seminarians joined Bishop Pohlmeier and hundreds of families for a night of faith, fellowship and football fun as the Crusaders took on Tocoi Creek High School.

During the game, Bishop Kenny cheerleaders welcomed Catholic grade school cheer squads on the sidelines and students got to enjoy sweet treats from Bruster’s Ice Cream in between posing for keepsake photos in their Bishop Kenny gear.

A Sea Eagle Soars Episcopal’s miniboat lands in France

More than two years after Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s marine biology students launched the Sea Eagle, the miniboat completed its journey across the Atlantic Ocean and made landfall in France.

Loaded up with a Jacksonville Jaguar, Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s logo and Florida orange blossoms, the boat was launched through Educational Passages. This organization promotes ocean and environmental literacy learning opportunities by helping students build, launch and track these miniboats. Episcopal faculty member Janet Buford, with the support of her former student and Episcopal alumnus, Graham Riley, led the project.

In May 2023, the Sea Eagle was loaded onto a container ship headed to Suriname and was later launched into the Gulf Stream. On Sept. 4,

Youth Shine in ‘Skipping Stones’ Awards

Seven students from Bishop Kenny High School have been recognized in the 2025 “Skipping Stones” Youth Awards.

“Skipping Stones” is a multicultural literary magazine focused on celebrating creativity, cultural expression and cooperation through art and literature. The Bishop Kenny honorees are:

• Poetry: Senior Chance Bottenfield and juniors Jillian Fadil, Ella Ross, Cate Russell and Emma Serra

• Poetry and Artwork: Senior Bailey Huggins and junior Addison Walsh

RPDS Honors Tradition with First Ceremony at New Flag Pavilion

Riverside Presbyterian Day School sixth graders led their school community in the first flag-raising ceremony of the new school year on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The beloved school tradition, during which students, faculty and staff come together for prayer, pledge, and to learn of school news, was made more special as it was the inaugural flag raising ceremony to be held around the Marchman Gittings Flag Pavilion.

holds a flag ceremony every other month for its school community.

the vessel made landfall on Cap de L’Homy Beach in Lit et Mixe, France; a lifeguard on duty found the boat the following day and contacted Educational Passages, which, in turn, contacted Buford.

“I am so grateful for my students’ confidence and enthusiasm and Graham’s support,” Buford said. “My students were fearless. I had visions of the boat sinking or washing ashore within a few days after the launch. I never dreamed it would be at sea for 837 days.”

Students were able to track the Sea Eagle’s journey on the Educational Passages website.

Students Cate Russel, Ella Ross, Bailey Huggins, Jillian Fadil, Addison Walsh and Emma Serra (Not pictured: Chance Bottenfield)

The Crusaders take to the field to square off against Tocoi Creek.

More than 20 priests, deacons and seminarians from the Diocese of St. Augustine pose with Cornelius the Crusader at Bishop Kenny’s annual Catholic Grade School Night.

RPDS

Janet Buford’s marine biology students at Episcopal School of Jacksonville with the small, but mighty Sea Eagle, before they launched it in May 2023.

A French lifeguard discovers the miniboat on the shores of Cap de L’Homy Beach in Lit et Mixe, France on Sept. 5, the day after the boat made landfall.

Bolles Student Life Expo Highlights Leadership and Community Service

Freshmen Begin Year with Respect Retreat

Freshmen at The Bolles School spent a day learning and reflecting on the importance of respect, both for themselves and others, at a Respect Retreat last month.

Held in Davis Gym on Thursday, Sept. 4, the Respect Retreat uses high-energy, interactive experiences – from games and presentations to small group sessions and acts of respect – to build self-confidence, empathy and connectedness. Minnesotabased nonprofit Youth Frontiers leads this initiative.

According to Bolles Head of Upper School Moya Marks, this initiative aligns with the Bolles Portrait of a Graduate and was brought to the campus in a continued commitment to fostering a positive and caring school culture.

“At Bolles, we believe that academic success is deeply connected to students feeling a sense of belonging and connection within their school community,” Marks said. “This retreat is a key part of our ongoing efforts to help students start the year on a strong, positive note – socially, emotionally and academically.”

More than 74 upper school service and special interest clubs were represented at the 2025 Bolles Student Life Expo last month.

Bolles students had the opportunity to learn about the broad spectrum of clubs and organizations, speak with student leaders, and join initiatives at tables in front of Bolles Hall on Thursday, Sept. 11.

These initiatives ranged from Pets for Patients and Nanny’s Nation to French Club and Characters for Care. The clubs at The Bolles School are led by students who lead organizational efforts from fundraisers to community service events and other programming throughout the school year.

Though not a requirement at Bolles, community service is a way for students to make a difference in their community, and many find motivation in the power of affecting positive change while committing to The Bolles Way of “pursuing excellence through courage, integrity and compassion.”

Thirteen Seniors Take Step Toward National Merit Finals

advance to compete for the nearly 7,000 National Merit

close to $26 million.

To advance to the finals, these Bolles seniors – along with the other 16,000-plus semifinalists – must submit scholarship applications reflecting their academic record and participation in community and school activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, honors and awards received and employment. Each semifinalist must also be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, submit an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their earlier performances on the qualifying test.

Limitless Opportunities

Opportunity is more than access—it’s skillfully guided growth.

Our faculty and staff are masters of creating a culture where students thrive and achieve excellence. Here, opportunity lives in every corner: in classrooms, on stages, in labs, on fields and in studios. Students are immersed in academics, the fine arts, athletics and activities that expand their opportunities today, so more things are possible tomorrow.

Thirteen students from The Bolles School have been named semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors Jayan Deshmukh, Ioannis Economidis, Victoria Edgar, Sameera Ghate, Zachary Gratz, Nishta Jijosh, Charlotte Joseph, Esha Kasavaraju, Akhil Ketty, Jay Manohar, Jack Pearson, Nikhil Reddy and Arnav Shah will

Scholarships, totaling

Jayan Deshmukh

Sameera Ghate Ioannis Economidis Zachary Gratz

Victoria Edgar Nishta Jijosh

Charlotte Joseph Jay Monohar Esha Kasavaraju

Jack Pearson Akhil Ketty

Nikhil Reddy Arnav Shah

Memoriam

John Ferrell “Buck” Fannin

January 16, 1940 – August 18, 2025

John Ferrell “Buck” Fannin passed away on Aug. 18, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 85 years old.

Buck was born on Jan. 16, 1940 to John Clark Fannin and Juanita Ferrell Fannin, in Jacksonville, though he would grow up in Tampa and graduate from Plant High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduation, completing boot camp and combat infantry training at Parris Island. He served as a reservist until 1966.

Buck met Helen Virginia Burwell through an Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brother at the University of Florida and the two married in 1960 and had three children: Laura, Richard and Jennifer.

After graduating from college, Buck worked briefly for the family jewelry business before beginning Law School at the University of Florida, where he also worked as the editor-in-chief for the “Florida Law Review.” He returned to Jacksonville to join Milam, Martin and Ade after graduating. He remained with the law firm until 1976 before establishing his own firm with a focus on insurance defense, specializing in arson cases.

A skilled trial attorney, Buck approached the law with professionalism, integrity and empathy. In 2018, he was

celebrated as a 50-year member of The Florida Bar. He retired that same year from Fisher, Tousey and Leas. To the end of his days, former clients, partners and opposing counsel were some of his best friends.

Buck’s interests ran the gamut, from history –including his own family’s genealogy – and golf to fishing and gardening. Buck helped shape Jacksonville’s running community by founding the Gate River Run, serving as its director in its early years. Buck was an avid marathoner, completing the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon. He served as president of the Jacksonville Track Club as well.

Buck had a passion for music, playing guitar with his children, grandchildren and friends, even performing in “open mic nights” later in life as well.

Buck is survived by his sisters, Joan Fannin and Kathleen Rogers (Kent); his three children, Laura Jacqmein (Jeff), Richard Fannin, and Jennifer Medley (Dean); ten grandchildren, Ben (Savannah), Olivia (David), Henry, Caroline (Luke), Anna, Clark, Julia, Cecilia, Amelia, and Joseph; two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His adored grandson, Jacob Dean “Jake” Medley, predeceased him.

Dr. James Benedict Crooks

Remembered as an educator, author and community leader

September 27, 1933 – August 17, 2025

Dr. James B. Crooks passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born in Glen Rock, N.J., he graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1950 and attended Yale University on a football scholarship. He paused his education in 1952 to serve his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. After returning from military service, he returned to Yale University and graduated with honors in 1957. He married the love of his life, Laura Naomi Ward, in 1958.

James also had a love for history, and he and Laura moved to Baltimore in 1959, so he could continue his studies at Johns Hopkins University, where he would earn a PhD in 1964. But before earning that academic honor, he participated in the “March on Washington” in 1963, where he heard Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. This moment profoundly affected him and caused him to pursue social justice issues for the rest of his life.

He stayed in academia as a professor at University College in Dublin, 1964-66, and Hollins College in Roanoke, Va., 1966-1972. At the urging of colleagues from Stetson University, James applied to and was eventually hired by the new university in Jacksonville, the University of North Florida, to be its chairperson and assistant dean of its history department in the spring of 1972.

During his almost 30-year career at the University of North Florida, he would also serve as the interim dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. Once he settled into Jacksonville at the beginning of his tenure, he was not only a professor of history, but he also became a student of the city’s history and, later in his career, published two books: “Jacksonville After the Fire,” published in 1991, chronicles the first two decades of the 20th century in Jacksonville. “Jacksonville: The Consolidation Story, From Civil Rights to the Jaguars,” appeared in 2004, focusing on roughly the last half of the 20th century.

James was fond of the friendships he made through research he had done for his books, and also through volunteering in the community. He served on the boards of Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (JCCI), National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), The Sanctuary on 8th Street and its predecessor, Urban Ministries of

James is preceded in death by his

by his wife Laura,

of Toronto, Canada; son

and

grandchildren Em, Jessi, Ashley, Caitlyn, Stephen and six

Springfield, Human Rights Commission and Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN). He has been recognized for his volunteer efforts with honors from One Jax and the Peacekeeper Award.

parents

brother, David Graham Crooks. He is survived

sisters Betty Wilkin (David) of Wooster, OH, and Marian Downie (Stephen)

Peter (Tina) Crooks, daughter Sarah Crooks,

great grandchildren.

A Jacksonville Hero

The life and sacrifice of Edward E. Parsons

By Guest Contributor John Dekhane

During World War II, tyranny and destruction swept over continents, and the very foundations of our freedom stood in peril. In the face of such danger, communities across Florida didn’t hesitate. From the bustling streets of Miami to the beautiful shores of Fort Lauderdale, men and women from every corner of the state stepped forward and answered the call to serve their beloved country. They asked for no recognition or reward, yet history will forever remember them as heroes. Among the courageous men who made the ultimate sacrifice was First Lieutenant Edward Eugene Parsons.

Born on August 2, 1918, in Jacksonville, Edward was the pride and joy of his parents, Edward and Laura Parsons. He grew up in a loving household on Herschel Street and shared countless memories with his beloved sister, Eleanor. The values of integrity, hard work, and service were deeply rooted in his upbringing. He was also a devoted member of the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church and was cherished by the entire Jacksonville community.

Edward graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1936 and then attended The Citadel College in Charleston, South Carolina. Following his education, he worked at Eastern Air Lines Inc. at the Municipal Airport in Jacksonville, where his professionalism, dedication, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of his supervisors and colleagues alike.

Like any young man in his twenties, Edward had many plans for the future, but the outbreak of global conflict would soon call him to a higher duty. In February 1942, driven by a profound desire to defend the ideals he believed in, Edward joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. He became a pilot with the 86th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, and trained intensely to prepare for the challenges and dangers ahead.

A few months later, Edward was sent overseas and confronted the forces of tyranny during the Tunisian, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns. He flew more than 85 missions over enemy-held territory, risking his life every day for a cause greater than himself. His determination, bravery, and skill earned him the respect of his squadron and led to his promotion to First Lieutenant. After a short furlough spent in Jacksonville, Edward was assigned to MacDill Field in Tampa, Florida.

Tragically, on May 20, 1944, during a routine flight near MacDill Field, a structural failure caused his P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft to crash, killing him instantly. Edward was only 25 years old, with so much life ahead and so much yet to give. After surviving countless perilous missions across distant skies, it was here, in his home state, that fate claimed a true American hero.

Back in Jacksonville, the news of Edward’s death sent shockwaves through the entire community, leaving his parents, sister, and friends heartbroken. The thought of never seeing his smile or hearing his voice again left an emptiness that could never be filled. As the years unfolded, each of his loved ones eventually left this world, carrying with them the lasting memory of Edward and the love he had given so freely.

Today, Edward rests in peace at Riverside Memorial Park in his beloved hometown of

Jacksonville. His grave is a sacred place – to mourn, to reflect, to shed tears, and to feel close to him. Amid the peaceful calm of the cemetery, his headstone stands as an eternal reminder of an exceptional man who gave everything he had for everything we have. It is our solemn duty to remember First Lieutenant Edward E. Parsons and to honor a legacy carved through sacrifice, devotion, and courage. His story resonates with those of countless heroes from Florida who left their homes, families, and dreams behind to help turn the tide of war in humanity’s darkest hours. Though their voices were silenced by an unforgiving war, their spirit remains woven into the fabric of Florida – and their memory will endure, as long as we choose to carry their story forward.

1st Lt. Edward E. Parsons