Long-sought Millers Creek dredging getting closer
Over the past six decades, residents living along Millers Creek have seen hopeful signs the St. John’s River tributary would be dredged, only to be disappointed when the plans got dropped for one reason or another. A new effort by residents living along the St. Nicholas neighborhood creek seems to have more traction than past […]
Expansion underway for Ronald McDonald House
Families with critically ill children traveling to Jacksonville face a serious financial burden when the child must be hospitalized days or weeks for treatment. If they aren’t fortunate enough to have family or friends in town to stay with, their only options are Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville or paying for a motel room. Unfortunately, […]
New life for Life model
Winged Victory maquette discovered in pieces Memorial Park’s larger than life statue has several names, among them “Spiritualized Life” and “Winged Victory” but one more that could be added to the list – at least, for a smaller scale model – is Lost and Found. Rev. Barnum McCarty, rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1971-1995, […]
City Council approves Boyer’s legislation for speed reduction process
San Marco neighborhoods where residents are concerned about speeding commuter traffic will now find it easier to appeal for slower speed limits after the Jacksonville City Council approved legislation sponsored by District 5 Councilwoman Lori Boyer. After hosting community meetings in September regarding excessive speed on residential streets, Boyer introduced a bill creating a petition […]
Sentimentalism not enough to stop progress Live Oaks bite the dust for Overland Bridge project
When progress hits sentimental history head on, even though there may be a strong and vocal group of advocates for preserving that history, progress seems to win nearly every time. This too is the case with an aspect of the Overland Bridge Project. About 25 years ago, residents of the South Shores neighborhood and of […]
River project to create fish habitat completed
There’s a new housing development on the St. Johns River – or should we say IN the river. And if aquatic researchers’ predictions are confirmed, the fish and other marine life are going to greatly benefit from the Jacksonville Reefing project. In early December, workers placed tons of large chunks of concrete from barges at […]
Art through the years sparks debate, tests values
Celebrating a monument, while appreciating opinions On Christmas Day in 1924, a sculpture that paid tribute to fallen Floridians from the First World War was unveiled after a long road to completion. Ironically, 90 years later, as the anniversary of Riverside Memorial Park reaches a milestone, we find ourselves in a debate over public art. […]
Unity Plaza holds its first events
Public gathering spot part of expansive 220 Riverside project While construction is continuing on the final product, the new Unity Plaza on Riverside Avenue held its first events in December, giving hundreds of visitors a small taste of the live performances and fun community activities planned. The sneak peek events had a holiday flavor, with […]
