New City Council president sets goal to “be bold and dream big”

New City Council president sets goal to “be bold and dream big”

It was a family affair when Lori Boyer took the oath to become president of the Jacksonville City Council. Boyer’s son R. J. Nemeyer held the Bible while her husband, Judge Tyrie W. Boyer of the Fourth Circuit Court, administered the oath of office during an installation ceremony at the Ritz Theatre June 30. In […]

Boyer proposes changes to San Marco Overlay amendment

Boyer proposes changes to San Marco Overlay amendment

City Council President Lori Boyer no sooner filed an ordinance amending the San Marco Zoning Overlay when several in the development community suggested she consider amending her proposed amendment, particularly where it concerns certain areas of commercial development in San Marco. On May 18, Boyer had filed Ordinance 2016-367, which would prevent developers from applying […]

San Marco residents debate Flying Iguana parking concerns

San Marco residents debate Flying Iguana parking concerns

It was standing room only, with 10 or more sitting on the floor in the center aisle of Preservation Hall, when Attorney Paul Harden of San Marco addressed the crowd at a Town Hall meeting July 14. The San Marco Preservation Society convened the meeting to discuss the parking plan if and when the Flying […]

Removal timeline uncertain for nautical eyesore

Removal timeline uncertain for nautical eyesore

She sits in the Ortega River, quite content to remain partially submerged amid summer’s searing heat. To neighbors, she is an eyesore, a derelict vessel and a distraction from an otherwise pleasant riverfront scene. To the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner (FWC), she is the Class Action, a 51-foot vessel declared “Derelict and Not […]

Proposed restaurant in Avondale seeks parking relief, exception

Proposed restaurant in Avondale seeks parking relief, exception

A new 120-seat restaurant is planned for Avondale and the restaurateur is not planning to provide additional parking. BMR Dining Group is seeking a deviation from minimum parking requirements and a zoning exception for sale and service of liquor, as well as outside sales and service. The Planning Commission will hear public comment about the […]

New plans for Commander, St. Johns Village submitted

New plans for Commander, St. Johns Village submitted

The new owner of the Commander Apartments and St. Johns Village submitted a planned unit development (PUD) and a land use change application to the City of Jacksonville after several months of “research and analysis, as well as close work and cooperation with neighbors and Riverside Avondale Preservation,” according to a statement released by Jeff […]

Local musicians perform in historic English venues

Local musicians perform in historic English venues

To perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall is to “arrive,” but for six local musicians the chance to perform in oldest purpose-built concert hall in Europe where 18th century composers Joseph Hayden and George Handel played was the opportunity of a lifetime. “Performing in the same location that Haydn played in about 250 years […]

Centenarian celebrates a lifetime of music

Recognized at age five as a gifted musician, 100-year-old Marie White Parker has spent the past 95 years following her passion for learning and performing. “I was born liking music and that’s how I got started,” she said. “My first music teacher charged 25 cents for a 30-minute lesson. And to let you know how […]