Long-overdue demolition of Berkman II begins

After sitting unfinished and vacant for more than a decade, the Berkman Plaza II tower demolition commenced on July 15. The first piece of the building finally came down after the demolition process was delayed due to mechanical issues with the machinery. The demolition contractor, Pece of Mind Environmental Inc., said that it is using […]

Ortega Landing use lies in wait, in hands of legal authorities

Ortega Landing use lies in wait, in hands of legal authorities

Plans for a large, assisted living facility on the Ortega River opposed by residents nearby have been placed on an “indefinite hold” by a local developer working with an out-of-state property owner and city planners, said city Office of General Counsel attorney Mary Staffopoulos on July 26. The applicant for Vestcor Communities on behalf of the property […]

In Memoriam: Marnelle Jones Isaac

In Memoriam: Marnelle Jones Isaac

November 15, 1951 – June 9, 2021 Marnelle Jones Isaac was born November 15, 1951 in Folkston, Georgia to Edith and Asa Arnold “Sonny” Jones. She grew up on a farm Callahan, Florida, was raised as a “country girl”, and was an active member of the 4-H club. She took great pride in participating in […]

Local Folks: The Tucci Family

Local Folks: The Tucci Family

Matt Tucci is the Jacksonville Market Director of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes and Cemeteries. Employed in an industry considered “first responders,” never able to shut its doors during the pandemic, Tucci has been working almost nonstop. “It keeps me pretty busy,” he said. But when asked what he and his family do outside of business hours, […]

Pet Domestic Rabbits

Pet Domestic Rabbits

Inspired by the Story of Luke’s Sugar Bunny “There’s something out in the yard!” an excited four-year-old announced to family members gathered for a cookout. With so much food and conversation, it was pure luck that anyone noticed the small, mostly white and chocolate-spotted animal lounging in full view of resident hawks.  It was a […]

Reboot unveils design concepts for former Jacksonville Landing site, park space

Reboot unveils design concepts for former Jacksonville Landing site, park space

Three plans to renovate Riverfront Plaza, the former home of the Jacksonville Landing, were presented to the city’s Personal Services Evaluation Committee June 24th. The planners were tasked with designing a space that would be a great place for people to gather and enjoy the river and still allow successful private development. Agency Landscape + […]

St. Paul’s-Riverside rises to the challenge of sports during a pandemic

St. Paul’s-Riverside rises to the challenge of sports during a pandemic

St. Paul’s-Riverside faced a challenging school year during the pandemic in providing a safe athletic experience for its students. The school is committed to the importance of physical activity and athletics as part of a balanced education. “Athletics are an excellent avenue for students to get involved in activities outside of the classroom that promote […]

Assumption Catholic School’s Class of 2021

Assumption Catholic School’s Class of 2021

A memorable graduation full of emotions, unity, and a sense of accomplishment.  It was a year like no other, a year to remember.  COVID-19 changed the landscape worldwide and tested everyone’s resilience in unimaginable ways.  Assumption’s Class of 2021 proved that even during challenging times they would still come together strong to overcome what would […]