School grades reveal improvement at Fishweir, Spring Park
The Florida Department of Education has released the 2012 school grades for Duval County Public Schools. Despite the anticipated decrease in school grades, Duval County Public Schools was the only school district in the state to increase the number of “A” schools and decrease the number of “F” schools. “A decrease in school grades was expected because of the increased rigor,” […]
Community garden interest budding
By Susanna P. Barton Plans for a community garden at the old Willowbranch Branch Rose Garden Park are beginning to take root. After years of discussion and planning, Riverside Avondale Preservation’s “Green Team” committee has met with city officials and gauged local interest in the garden — which would start with 20-25 garden plots, […]
Neighborhood survey targets Riverside/Avondale, San Marco to rid streets of visual pollution
By Steve DiMattia A dead tree. A rusted fire hydrant. A cracked sidewalk. Graffiti on a road sign. You may travel Riverside/Avondale daily and not necessarily notice these signs of degradation among all of the otherwise historic beauty of the neighborhood – “we get used to ugly,” the saying goes. But for 150 City […]
Open water swimmer glides forward
By Susanna P. Barton When Riverside resident Jim Alabiso reflects on the recent “Up the River” 12-mile swim for the St. Johns, he says he’s so pleased has to pick his jaw up off the floor. “We had 42 volunteers and 100 supporters and sponsors, it’s just incredible,” Alabiso said last month in the […]
Search on for new EDs in neighborhood
Two Riverside-based nonprofit organizations are looking for new executive director leadership. The Riverside Arts Market is seeking a replacement for two-year market director, Terri Coutu, while nearby Friday Musicale — Florida’s oldest musical organization founded in 1890 — is on the search for its second executive director. Chris Heacox, who was hired by the volunteer […]
Back to school: Big changes in play at some neighborhood schools
As families enjoy the final weeks of summer this month, neighborhood school administrators have been wrapping up many changes and improvements on area campuses. From staff and leadership adjustments to sweeping physical developments, local schools may not look exactly the same come the First Day of School. Curious about what’s happening where? Several neighborhood school […]
Local cyclists put pedal to metal for Bike MS
By Susanna P. Barton Cyclists and bike stores across the city — including many in the historic neighborhoods — are gearing up for one of the biggest cycling events of the year: Bike MS: PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore. In addition to raising much needed awareness and funds for MS, the late September event also highlights some […]
