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
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 […]
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, […]
Study suggests green infrastructure may solve city problems
One way to improve Jacksonville’s problems with stormwater flooding, crime, air pollution, job creation and mental health is simple – plant more trees, said Karen Firehock. As executive director of Green Infrastructure Center, a nonprofit based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Firehock and her team have been conducting a federally-funded independent review of Jacksonville’s urban canopy and […]
Neighborhood comes to terms with Episcopal School zoning changes
The Atlantic Boulevard entrance to the Episcopal School of Jacksonville (ESJ) will soon sport a new information kiosk, signage and entryway landscaped areas, two off-duty officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to direct traffic, and a new residential road entering the adjacent Live Oak Manor neighborhood, thanks to zoning legislation passed unanimously by the Jacksonville […]
MOSH seeking funds to expand, renovate to support capacity, demand
While many balls are up in the air in Downtown Jacksonville, one nonprofit on the Southbank has been quietly making plans over the past six years for a major expansion. On March 18, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) unveiled an $80-90 million vision that would double the size of the iconic attraction without […]
DIA head takes on new role with JAXUSA
After five years serving as chief executive officer for the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), Aundra Wallace will be the next president of JAXUSA Partnership, the economic development arm of JAX Chamber, effective Oct. 1. Earlier this year, longtime JAXUSA President Jerry Mallot announced he would retire effective Sept. 1. A local committee of past and […]
Road resurfacing project delays San Marco area traffic
If you find yourself tapping your brakes as often as you tap your thumbs in impatience, the good news is the State Road 13 (Hendricks Avenue/San Jose Boulevard) road resurfacing and improvements project is about halfway complete. Although the 320-day project has eight phases, many are concurrent. Improvements include driveway improvements at Arcadia Drive […]
