New superintendent for DCPS
After a nationwide search, the Duval County School board tapped Dr. Nikolai Vitti for the position of Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. Board members, who voted for Vitti 5-2, shared their announcement in late September. “I am honored by the school board’s decision and deeply respect the transparent process by which I was selected,” […]
City Council passes budget
In a unanimous late September vote, the Jacksonville City Council approved Mayor Alvin Brown’s $945 million budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The vote sealed the fate of the Jacksonville Public Library system, which now is expected to close all but five facilities on Sundays and reduce hours during the week in order operate in […]
Council approves parking, rezoning plans for The Salty Fig
The Jacksonville City Council approved plans for alleyway parking in the King Street area that paves the way for The Salty Fig, a 151-seat gastropub planned for 901 King St. The council passed two separate bills during its late September meeting — 2012-542 and 2012-504. Both bills affected The Salty Fig’s ability to provide parking […]
Mellow movement: Commissions say yes to restaurant applications
By Susanna P. Barton Resident Community News Mellow Mushroom restaurant developers can move forward with plans for an Avondale restaurant following key approvals last month from two city agencies. The Jacksonville Historic Commission approved plans for the restaurant at a mid-September meeting. On Sep. 27, the Jacksonville Planning Commission reviewed the designs and approved a […]
JCA to host early childhood education symposium
The Jewish Community Alliance will host its 4th Annual Early Childhood Education Symposium at the San Jose center Oct. 16. The symposium aims to help adults “take a step back and see ‘Through a Child’s Eyes’” to “better provide the materials, activities and intentional teaching needed to foster children’s learning as well as better understand […]
Local gym observes National Gymnastics Day
Paula Falls makes a big deal out of an unknown “national” day. For the past 10 years at the 4603 Shirley Avenue location Falls has opened the doors of Gyminators with a “free” for all morning session of gymnastics and fun every National Gymnastics Day. “I see this as a way to show appreciation to […]
Local preschoolers celebrate firsts
Local preschoolers across the neighborhood have been enjoying their first few weeks of school — trying new things and experiencing fun challenges for the first time. At Southside United Methodist Preschool, students have enjoyed the thrill of new friendships and their first few weeks of chapel. In September, Lucy and Cindy Pearson were the school’s […]
Southbank’s littlest Jags ‘all in’ on Fridays
Children attending Chappell Child Development Centers across Jacksonville — including the Southbank center shown in the photos — don their teal each game day Friday in support of the home team. Last month students at the Southbank center showed their Jags pride alongside staff and assistants.
70 years for Hendricks Elementary School
October marks 70 years of Hendricks Elementary School and local community leaders are coming together for a celebration. Friends of Hendricks, a local nonprofit helping generate private funds for the neighborhood school, is planning a special flag-raising ceremony at the campus on Oct. 5. The event, which begins at 8:30 a.m., will include the presentation […]
