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 […]
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 […]
Conservation meets preservation at North Florida Land Trust’s new home
The North Florida Land Trust held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony April 4 for its new headquarters in the historic Brewster Hospital building at 843 W. Monroe St. in LaVilla. The nonprofit land conservation organization is leasing the approximately 5,700-square-foot building from the City of Jacksonville. Prior to the move from their Riverside […]
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
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 […]
