Neighborhood News

All the latest news from the neighborhoods in our coverage areas.

Bolles journalists receive top FSPA honors

The Florida Scholastic Press Association named five Bolles journalism students as All-Florida winners in its Fall 2020 Digital Contest. Freshman Isabel Bassin of San Jose, Sophomore Grace Albaugh of San Marco and Sophomore Cameron Gratz received contest honors in the commentary categories. Freshman Gabriel Coleman and Senior Ella Schellenberg received All-Florida designations in the deadline […]

Hometown Heroes: Ellen Sullivan

Hometown Heroes: Ellen Sullivan

Although her current day job as business manager of The BairFind Foundation has nothing to do with nursing, Ellen Sullivan of San Marco has always kept her hand in by keeping her RN (Registered Nurse) license active. Desiring to answer a call to former nurses to assist with COVID-19 testing, she became a hometown hero […]

Forecast murky for nonprofit sector in unsettled times

Forecast murky for nonprofit sector in unsettled times

Northeast Florida’s nonprofit organizations have found it hard to regain their footing from nearly a year filled with major disruptions caused by COVID-19. The continuing slow roll-out of Coronavirus vaccines, rocky economy, and transfer to a new regime in Washington, have made it difficult for organizations within the sector to “catch their breath” as they […]

For the love of music, education

For the love of music, education

When the onset of COVID-19 forced the international performers to cancel their visits to Jacksonville to perform at Riverside’s Friday Musicale, the nonprofit decided to it needed to pivot, to do something different. “Our venue depends on a Cultural Council grant and venue rentals for weddings and social affairs to maintain the facility and programs, […]

San Juan road improvements focus on pedestrian safety

San Juan road improvements focus on pedestrian safety

One local businessman had harsh words for the Florida Department of Transportation’s plans to install a mid-block median and pedestrian crossing near his business on San Juan Avenue (State Road 128) near the Ortega neighborhood. Viktor Gjergji, owner of Viktor’s Payless and Groceries, which is located at 6612 San Juan Avenue, was the only member […]

‘Flying nun’ replaces protective covering over historic church windows

‘Flying nun’ replaces protective covering over historic church windows

The colors of the stained-glass windows at Riverside Presbyterian Church are shining more vibrantly these days thanks to the work of Sister Diane Couture and the St. Joseph Ministries’ Architectural Stained-Glass Studio. Sister Diane is lovingly referred to as “the flying nun,” by Jane Miller, who oversees the project for Riverside Presbyterian’s property and maintenance […]

Pet Therapy Teams Provide Comfort

Pet Therapy Teams Provide Comfort

Children with prosthetic limbs, in wheelchairs or wearing baseball caps at Nemours, smile and laugh as they hug, pet, and talk to the dark bay American miniature horse with the seafoam-green orthotic leg device. Seven-year-old Buc stands calmly between Chris and Dale Dunn, surprisingly relaxed as the center of joyful, noisy attention. When the 36-inch […]

Southbank to bloom with construction projects

Southbank to bloom with construction projects

From the east end of the Southbank to the Fuller Warren Bridge, 2021 will be a year of change. Construction on the long-awaited District development will get underway. Plans for new apartments on the site of River City Brewing are being finalized, as new apartments emerge west of the Acosta Bridge take shape. Friendship Fountain […]