Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill

All the latest news relevant to the Riverside, Avondale, Ortega and Murray Hill areas.

Vintage motorcycles, historic homes evoke similar passions for residents

Vintage motorcycles, historic homes evoke similar passions for residents

Victor Ephrem’s interest in vintage motorcycles harkens back to his high school days when he learned about his uncle’s long-standing love for Harley Davidsons. Although he did a little bit of riding in high school, it wasn’t until 2003 that Ephrem bought an old bike – a 1940 Harley Davidson – and revived that piece […]

Downtown ‘rest stop’ for homeless can aid transient population in historic neighborhoods

Downtown ‘rest stop’ for homeless can aid transient population in historic neighborhoods

Perhaps due to its proximity to downtown Jacksonville, where homeless from colder climates often arrive via Greyhound bus, the 5 Points and Riverside area has more than its share of a transient population, but has little to no services to offer. Fortunately, local businesses may soon have help. An Urban Rest Stop, newly opened Feb. […]

Court mural takes pickup basketball to another level

Court mural takes pickup basketball to another level

When players on the Riverside Park basketball court jostle “in the paint” – the foul lane near the baskets – they will be doing so literally. In February, well-known mural artist Nicole “Nico” Holderbaum was asked by the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department to paint a mural on the 94- by 50-foot court, […]

Albanian emigrant loves Riverside’s small-city feel

Albanian emigrant loves Riverside’s small-city feel

Arjola Miruku’s immigration story began nearly 30 years ago when her father, Ali Miruku, saw the writing on the wall in Albania.   He emigrated from Albania in the midst of the country’s political unrest after the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe in 1989. “He was ahead of his time in realizing that life […]

International author, activist for criminal justice keeps audience spellbound

International author, activist for criminal justice keeps audience spellbound

The third annual National Day of Empathy was jointly hosted March 5 at the University of North Florida by Operation New Hope and #cut50, both organizations intent upon healing the nation’s broken criminal justice system.  The dramatic keynote address of the evening by international speaker Khalil Osiris followed stirring presentations by Kevin Gay, Founder/CEO of […]

Legislation filed for regulation of short-term rentals

On behalf of District 14 Councilman Jim Love, the City of Jacksonville Office of General Counsel has filed Bill 2019-238 concerning legislation for the regulation and operation of short-term vacation rentals in the City of Jacksonville. Until further notice, the schedule for hearing the bill is: Planning Commission Hearing May 9, 1 p.m. City Council […]

Councilman works to address rentals in quiet neighborhoods

Councilman works to address rentals in quiet neighborhoods

Jim Love’s last hurrah could be one of the most significant – next to co-sponsoring the Human Rights Ordinance – of his eight-year career as City Councilman for District 14. While Love has several positive initiatives to his credit on behalf of his constituents – including the opening of the John Gorrie Dog Park, the […]

Residents debate mayor’s plan to demolish The Landing

Residents debate mayor’s plan to demolish The Landing

Not everyone is on board with Mayor Lenny Curry’s idea to have the City of Jacksonville buy back and demolish The Jacksonville Landing in favor of building a riverfront park. In fact, many are alarmed with the speed at which the Mayor’s plan is being pushed through City Hall. On March 26, after much discussion, […]