New superintendent for DCPS
After a nationwide search, the Duval County School board tapped Dr. Nikolai Vitti for the position of Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. Board members, who voted for Vitti 5-2, shared their announcement in late September. “I am honored by the school board’s decision and deeply respect the transparent process by which I was selected,” […]
City Council passes budget
In a unanimous late September vote, the Jacksonville City Council approved Mayor Alvin Brown’s $945 million budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The vote sealed the fate of the Jacksonville Public Library system, which now is expected to close all but five facilities on Sundays and reduce hours during the week in order operate in […]
Council approves parking, rezoning plans for The Salty Fig
The Jacksonville City Council approved plans for alleyway parking in the King Street area that paves the way for The Salty Fig, a 151-seat gastropub planned for 901 King St. The council passed two separate bills during its late September meeting — 2012-542 and 2012-504. Both bills affected The Salty Fig’s ability to provide parking […]
Mellow movement: Commissions say yes to restaurant applications
By Susanna P. Barton Resident Community News Mellow Mushroom restaurant developers can move forward with plans for an Avondale restaurant following key approvals last month from two city agencies. The Jacksonville Historic Commission approved plans for the restaurant at a mid-September meeting. On Sep. 27, the Jacksonville Planning Commission reviewed the designs and approved a […]
New Bolles Head of School moves into San Marco
By Susanna P. Barton Resident Community News Brian Johnson and his wife Cindy were looking for a neighborhood with a sense of community and place that was convenient to the Bartram, San Jose and Ponte Vedra campuses of The Bolles School, where Brian recently was hired as head of school. They found it in San […]
Southside United Methodist Church’s Pumpkin Patch adds up for youth
By Olga Bayer Resident Community News The vernal equinox may signal the official transition from summer to fall, but nothing puts us in the mood for autumn fun and festivities quite like the Pumpkin Patch. When the north lawn or “point” of Southside United Methodist Church transforms into a sea of orange, families come out […]
Breast cancer patients’ best medicine –Friends, family, community
By Julie Kerns Garmendia Resident Community News As critical to a breast cancer patient’s treatment and recovery, is the commitment and support of a passionate team of health care providers, family, friends and caring strangers. Bonnie Verlander, Helen Ghezai Miller and Gail Gibson are deeply, forever grateful to those who stood beside them through their […]
Students Who Care essay contest
Oct. 30 — That’s the deadline for local students to submit their essays to First Coast Oncology. The Fourth Annual First Coast Oncology Students Who Care Essay Contest focuses on the power of “doing good.” Contest organizers ask high school students to write essays about “doing good” and how that affects them and those around […]
