One box checked, many more before POW/MIA Memorial and Museum becomes reality
March 29, 2019 was a fitting day to dedicate the newly-restored Chapel of the High-Speed Pass and unveil two plaques which commemorate the chapel’s historic landmark status. That date was also National Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day and local veterans were there to help celebrate the occasion at Cecil Field. Hosted by the Cecil Field POW/MIA […]
Landmark hotel, adjacent property to offer apartments, retail
In just a few years, the Ambassador Hotel will reach centennial status and, as befitting a historic landmark, is slated to undergo extensive rehabilitation to re-open as a 127-room La Quinta Inns and Suites, according to a release issued by Augustine Development Group. Axis Hotels, LLC, an affiliate of a St. Augustine-based developer, purchased the […]
Mural brightens Southbank Riverwalk public restroom
A nondescript public restroom on the Southbank Riverwalk sprang to life with scenes of untouched native Florida in late February when Springfield artist David Nackashi decorated three sides of the “Little Gray House” with splashy murals. “This is right up my alley. I love doing Florida scenes,” Nackashi said, adding he traveled out to Ringhaver […]
Wolfson begins new partnership to better mend broken hearts
Thanks to a new partnership with the sixth-ranked pediatric cardiology and heart surgery program in the country, Wolfson Children’s Hospital expects to do an even better job caring for children with congenital heart disease in Northeast Florida and South Georgia. As of Dec. 15, 2018, Wolfson’s pediatric cardiac care program began a new academic affiliation […]
Vintage motorcycles, historic homes evoke similar passions for residents
Victor Ephrem’s interest in vintage motorcycles harkens back to his high school days when he learned about his uncle’s long-standing love for Harley Davidsons. Although he did a little bit of riding in high school, it wasn’t until 2003 that Ephrem bought an old bike – a 1940 Harley Davidson – and revived that piece […]
Downtown ‘rest stop’ for homeless can aid transient population in historic neighborhoods
Perhaps due to its proximity to downtown Jacksonville, where homeless from colder climates often arrive via Greyhound bus, the 5 Points and Riverside area has more than its share of a transient population, but has little to no services to offer. Fortunately, local businesses may soon have help. An Urban Rest Stop, newly opened Feb. […]
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 […]
