Local Folks: Josh Gellers
While Josh Gellers might claim his move to Jacksonville was just luck and timing, it took two years of applying to more than 78 jobs to finally beat out nearly 150 applicants for a job as an assistant professor in the political science department at the University of North Florida (UNF). “I’m very grateful, Gellers […]
Animal House: Have Pets, Will Travel
If the family’s recent travels with a pet included unexpected difficulties, planning – plus travel-friendly pet gear – can make future trips more carefree. Planning is essential to streamline public transportation or lodging for pets. Packing functional gear specifically designed for pets, including smooth-rolling carriers, lightweight backpacks or collapsible strollers, can make activities easier and […]
Local Folks: Dr. Azi Yavari
Azi Yavari is the doctor behind the healthy teeth and happy smiles at Hendricks Dental Studio, a practice she bought from a retiring dentist in 2016. “I love my job!” she said, and she’s been at it for nearly 20 years. An immigrant from Iran, Yavari came to Jacksonville at age eight and stayed until […]
Local Folks: Monique Worthen
Jacksonville native Monique Worthen has been an educator for 19 years and has a passion for helping others. For the past seven years, she has been the principal at Venetia Elementary School, and in that role, she serves as the face of the school. Recently, her passion for the position landed her as Principal of […]
The Way We Were: Sylvie Smith
After 37 years with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), Sylvie Smith is retiring. She signed her retirement paperwork in mid-October and will work her last day Dec. 21. “Your career in the school system is something to remember,” Smith said. And this career all started because of a question and a phone call. In 1986, […]
Animal House: Asha, a Manatee Against the Odds
In March 2021, a lone West Indian Manatee calf was found swimming along in Volusia County’s Halifax River amid waters far too cold for even healthy, mature manatees. Rescuers dubbed the year-old calf Asha and pulled her from the frigid waters on March 5. With open wounds, underweight and cold-stressed, Asha was in critical condition. […]
Local Folks: Laura Phillips Edgecombe
October 13 is a special day for Laura Phillips Edgecombe. It’s the day that, 14 years ago, she and her husband went on their first date. It’s also the day that, 11 years ago, they wed in Fletcher Park. Edgecombe is a third-generation Jaxson who grew up in Mandarin, husband Adam, a first-generation from the […]
Local Folks: Erica Lovelace
Jacksonville native Erica Lovelace is a chef extraordinaire and a culinary influencer who is simmering on the edge of success in Avondale. Born and raised in Mandarin, Lovelace had left for Tallahassee to study marketing and design at Florida State University, where she met Joshua Pekera. Together, they headed west and spent a decade in […]
