Raising puppies that change lives
Imagine adopting an eight-week-old puppy, training it to obey your every command and then, after a year and a half, happily giving it away without looking back. That’s what Kelly and Barrett Gates plan to do. The San Marco husband and wife team are first-time puppy-raisers for Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that […]
River Road residents seek enforcement of lower speed limit
New limits spike interest among other neighborhoods Now that 20 mph speed limit signs have been posted on River Road and its adjacent streets, San Marco residents offer mixed reports as to whether the signs have had any impact in calming speeding traffic on the roads near their homes. “Half the people have slowed down […]
Fifth most traveled bridge to be replaced
For the more than 14,000 motorists that regularly use the Lakeside Drive Bridge to cross the Ortega River canal, it is no comfort to learn the thoroughfare they use daily was ranked fifth among “most traveled bridges in need of repair” in Northeast Florida, according to a report from the Florida Department of Transportation. The […]
Public river access preserved, park status under determination
Parties to hammer out memo of understanding A proposed bill to permanently close an access to the St. Johns River in Avondale via a city-owned right-of-way has finally been withdrawn. The bill was originally put on the fast track with the Jacksonville City Council and its removal has left the 60- by 435-foot city property […]
Avondale residents challenge others to support Hemming Park
Pajcics make gift to kickstart fundraising A little more than two months after City Hall withheld the $150,000 June payment to the Friends of Hemming Park – which prompted CEO Vince Cavin to loan the nonprofit $7,000 to meet payroll in July – City Council voted 18 to 1 on Aug. 11 to approve a […]
Clean city water now available to Larsen Acres residents
JEA, City offer special payment programs to assist residents with hook-up fees Larsen Acres resident Joann Hogan can recall a time 40 years ago when she was a child and the water at her house was pure. “I’ve lived here all my life,” said Hogan, who lives on Marguerite Street. “My grandmother’s water was so […]
Communication needed in bike-pedestrian study
Deadline for public comment nears There is still time for local pedestrians and bicyclists to share concerns with a consulting firm hired by the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization to study bicycling and walking routes in Riverside and San Marco. The last day public comment will be accepted is Friday, August 7, said Marci Larson, […]
Traffic calming measures on River Road finally addressed
New speed limit signs installed after push from residents After nearly three years of town meetings, discussions between residents and city officials as well as a grassroots effort by neighborhood volunteers, frustrated residents are finally getting satisfaction: The speed limit on River Road is now 20 mph. After petitioning homeowners door-to-door, something tangible has […]
