Unsung Heroes: A tribute to the volunteers who transform our community
By Michele Leivas Planting roots through volunteering Volunteer: Kendra McCraryOrganization: The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s HospitalInvolved Since: 2003 As president of The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Kendra McCrary is fully immersed in the Jacksonville community. Yet the River City was never meant to be a permanent move for McCrary and her family […]
Lofts at Southbank receives final approval from DDRB
By Michele Leivas The Lofts at Southbank has cleared the final hurdle with the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB), receiving final approval on the design of its mixed-use development. The final approval was passed in a 6-2 vote at the Sept. 12 DDRB meeting, with Board Chair Linzee Ott and Board Member Ennis Davis opposing. […]
School Board votes on Master Facility Plan
By Michele Leivas Fishweir, Stockton, West Riverside escape closure list; public hearing to be held Oct. 29, final board vote Nov. 4 UPDATE: The Duval County School Board approved the proposed 5-year Capital Plan that includes the Master Facility Plan at its Oct. 1 board meeting. The board voted 6-1 to approve the plan, […]
Florida Humanities marks 60th anniversary of Beatles’ landmark Jacksonville concert
By Jennifer Logue First integrated concert in the Southeast hailed as milestone in civil rights movement Florida Humanities marked the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ concert in Jacksonville last month with a special lecture and musical performance. Held Sept. 12 at the Ritz Theatre, “1964: When The Beatles Rocked Florida” was equal parts education and […]
Business closures cause concern
By Michele Leivas Local officials say new ones are taking their place Local residents are expressing concern following a spate of recent business closures in the Five Points and San Marco neighborhoods. In recent weeks, Five Points has seen the closure of the iconic Sun-Ray Cinema, Mixed Fillings Pie Shop, Alewife Bottle Shop and other […]
Hope rekindled for Laura Street Trio
By Michele Leivas A Philadelphia law firm will be brought in as outside counsel to assist the Jacksonville City Council in crafting legislation for a redevelopment agreement for the Laura Street Trio. The Personnel Committee voted Sept. 17 to retain Ballard Spahr at $625 an hour to help bring the redevelopment agreement across the finish […]
‘On Allison’s Wings’
By Jennifer Logue The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville joined with community leaders and residents Aug. 19 to dedicate a new public sculpture honoring the memory of Allison Haramis. Located in Stockton Park, “On Allison’s Wings” celebrates the life and legacy of 15-year-old Haramis, who died in 2009 in an automobile accident. To honor her […]
School board considers revised facility plan
Latest plan keeps Fishweir, Stockton schools open, but more revisions are expected By Michele Leivas Fishweir and John Stockton elementary schools would remain open under a revised Master Facility Plan (MFP) proposal, but further revisions to the Duval County Public Schools plan are expected. Presented at an Aug. 15 school board workshop, the revised MFP […]
