From heart wrenching to heartwarming, Gracey’s story an inspiration

Jacksonville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers sponsor her dream By Kate A. Hallock Resident Community News Readers may recall the heart wrenching story about Avondale resident Gracey Smith, who was diagnosed with Type D acute lymphoma leukemia at age 14 and immediately underwent aggressive twice-a-week chemotherapy treatments and then radiation. On Feb. 12 Gracey, now 15 […]

Magical moments at Ben’s Place

Tiny horses spread joy By Peggy Harrell Jennings Resident Community News Ben’s Place on San Juan Avenue is a haven of fun for folks with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities who enjoy art classes, dances, games, socializing, cooking and just hanging out with friends. Recently a resounding chorus of “ooohhhs” and “”ahhhs” reflected the delight […]

Water main improvement project going as planned

It’s good news for Riverside and Avondale businesses and residents. The water main improvement project that’s been underway since March is going very well. The JEA expects to be completed with the pipe work and paving by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) by November. According to Gregory Corcoran, Coordinator with JEA Project Outreach, “The project […]

Historic districts present “historic” issues when it comes to maintenance

Blending of old with new amenities adds to livability By Kate A. Hallock Resident Community News Running into Carmen Godwin, executive director of Riverside/Avondale Preservation Society, isn’t too difficult because she seems to be everywhere doing the business of the Historic District. But catching up with her to chat is easier said than done. In […]

‘Concept plan’ to redesign 5 Points parking and traffic flow approaches completion

By Stephen Kindland Resident Community News Members of the 5 Points Merchants Association and Riverside Avondale Preservation are close to completing a “concept plan” they hope will lead to $750,000 worth of traffic flow and parking improvements to the 5 Points business district. The plan’s main objective is to “shift the balance more in favor […]

Sign the petition to save your library

Save date for big book warehouse sale Volunteers will be asking shoppers at the annual Book Warehouse Sale this month to sign petitions, supporting the effort to hold a straw vote on creating a special tax district for libraries. Registered voters can sign the petitions to get the proposal placed on the 2014 ballot. As […]

Junior anglers take first place in tournament

Avondale resident Katie Cofran (12) and Quinn Miller (12) of Ortega took first place in the Islamorada Fishing Club Youth Angler Dolphin Tournament on Sunday, July 7. With six-foot seas, fishing conditions were very tough, but they managed to get out and get it done. They fished with Captain Shannon Attales, owner of a 33’ […]

Second community meeting held for St. Johns Avenue development

Residents fearful of ‘intensity’ due to proposed high density By Kate A. Hallock Resident Community News In what may have been an attempt to allay fears that re-development plans for the properties at 4000 St. Johns Avenue would be pushed along too quickly for adequate constructive decision-making, the second town hall meeting began with an […]