Neighborhood News

All the latest news from the neighborhoods in our coverage areas.

Thanks expressed for Open Doors program

Many difficult funding decisions had to be made by the Florida legislature this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact the state’s economy.  Not all worthy projects received support.  A well-earned and deserved thank you goes to Representative Cord Byrd whose sponsorship of the Open Doors Outreach Network ensures continuation of comprehensive services […]

Children need wellness appointments, vaccinations

Numerous events have been canceled or rescheduled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it shouldn’t keep anyone from going to the doctor. Families are encouraged to bring their children back into the doctor’s office, and to get their vaccinations before school reopens in the next few months. It is safe to schedule well-child […]

Centennial Garden in Willowbranch Park

Centennial Garden in Willowbranch Park

Volunteers gathered on July 25 at Willowbranch Park in Riverside to bring to life an unattractive boggy drainage area with the installation of Centennial Garden.  Before then, stagnant water bred mosquitos. Trenches and tracks made by the tires of off-road bikes scarred the land. But thanks to a Jacksonville visionary, Richard Ceriello, the distressed domain […]

Craft beer scene takes a hit due to COVID-19

Craft beer scene takes  a hit due to COVID-19

Before the coronavirus hit, Jacksonville was getting a reputation as a great place for craft beer. “We’ve built tourism around our breweries,” said Brock Flores, owner of Fishweir Brewing Company in Murray Hill. “We have a great beer scene.” Make that “had” a great beer scene. Jacksonville’s breweries have become one of the casualties of […]

First link of Emerald Trail to break ground this fall

First link of Emerald Trail to break ground this fall

Groundwork Jacksonville unveiled the design of the Emerald Trail Model Project — the first segment of the Emerald Trail linking Brooklyn to the S-Line Rail Link through LaVilla on June 18. Construction of the project, named the “LaVilla Link,” will begin this fall and take a year to complete at an estimated construction cost of […]

Planning Commission okays site plan for new brewery on Post Street

Planning Commission okays site plan for new brewery on Post Street

A historic structure on Post Street is one step closer to being repurposed into anew brewery. In late July, the Jacksonville Planning Commission unanimously approved the site plan and standards to turn the property into a planned unit development (PUD). The zoning application is expected to be heard by the City Council’s Land Use and […]

Residents disappointed with burial of Willowbranch Creek, flooding

Residents disappointed with burial of Willowbranch Creek, flooding

To combat erosion and shore up existing bulkheads along Willowbranch Creek between St. Johns Avenue and Olga Place, the City of Jacksonville has embarked on a $831,115 canal restoration project, however, not all residents who live near the creek are pleased with the methods the city is using to maintain the small waterway and decrease […]

School denounces racism and bigotry

Dear Editor: The death of George Floyd was senseless and profoundly disturbing. Since this tragedy, thousands of Americans have peacefully demonstrated in cities and towns across the country to voice their anguish and to make clear racism is a deep wound in our nation that we must collectively work to heal. We at Episcopal School […]