Stockton fourth grader wins tennis assembly

Wallace Grissett, a fourth grader at John Stockton Elementary, took home first place in a Duval County Public Schools’ district-wide writing contest, answering the question “How does tennis make you a healthy person?” The prize included a tennis assembly at the school on Jan. 29 featuring five of the U.S. Davis Cup Men’s Tennis Team. […]

Adkins named Teacher of the Year semi-finalist

Central Riverside Elementary School’s Stacey Adkins was one of 15 outstanding teachers named as semi-finalists for the 2013 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year. These 15 go on to the next selection round of five finalists and then a winner will be named at the EDDY Awards on Mar. 14 at the Times-Union […]

2nd Annual Photo Jax – exceeding expectations again

2nd Annual Photo Jax – exceeding expectations again

There was something for everyone at the second annual PHOTOJAX festival and exhibition this year. From students to patrons, fans of local photographic art spent an eye-popping four days browsing through photography exhibits, watching Instagram projections and attending parties. Venues at this year’s festival included MOCA Jacksonville, the Florida Mining Gallery, Gallery 725, and the […]

Former home of Alfred I. and Jessie Ball duPont celebrates silver

Former home of Alfred I. and Jessie Ball duPont celebrates silver

Epping Forest Yacht Club, the former home of Alfred I. and Jessie Ball duPont, is celebrating 25 years as one of the most prestigious private clubs in the south. On Saturday, Mar. 16, members and guests will celebrate this silver anniversary at a Casino Royale party in the historic mansion. The Mansion, constructed in the […]

Re-consecration Shabbat to be held near Valentine’s Day

Re-consecration Shabbat to  be held near Valentine’s Day

According to Jewish tradition, it is the people’s duty to celebrate with the bride and groom, but at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), the celebration doesn’t stop at the wedding. Eighty-four couples will be honored at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, as Temple celebrates Marriage Re-consecration Shabbat. This year the continuum of couples celebrating […]

Stars are aligned for Southbank changes

Stars are aligned for Southbank changes

Residents want to halt proposed BRT development The turnout was much better than expected at the first gathering of Southbank residents and business owners to discuss the Jacksonville Transit Authority’s plans for Bus Rapid Transit lanes along Riverplace Boulevard. The meeting of an estimated120 people was held at the Wyndham Hotel late last month to […]

JHNSA wants to ship in sustainable tourist revenue

JHNSA wants to ship in  sustainable tourist revenue

USS Charles Adams could float millions in economic impact To the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, the decision is a no-brainer. On the one hand, put together $2.5 million in funding to eventually generate over $4 million annually in revenue for are hotels, restaurants, shops and services. On the other hand, take too long to […]

A personal tribute to the Jacksonville Zoo’s iconic silverback gorilla

A personal tribute to the Jacksonville Zoo’s iconic silverback gorilla

I owe my writing career to Quito, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ greatest animal ambassador, who passed away last week. In August 2009 I walked up to the observation window at Quito’s enclosure and found the iconic gorilla squatting at the far end with his back to me. He was clearly distracted by something, but […]