Former home of Alfred I. and Jessie Ball duPont celebrates silver
Epping Forest Yacht Club, the former home of Alfred I. and Jessie Ball duPont, is celebrating 25 years as one of the most prestigious private clubs in the south. On Saturday, Mar. 16, members and guests will celebrate this silver anniversary at a Casino Royale party in the historic mansion. The Mansion, constructed in the […]
Re-consecration Shabbat to be held near Valentine’s Day
According to Jewish tradition, it is the people’s duty to celebrate with the bride and groom, but at Congregation Ahavath Chesed (The Temple), the celebration doesn’t stop at the wedding. Eighty-four couples will be honored at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, as Temple celebrates Marriage Re-consecration Shabbat. This year the continuum of couples celebrating […]
Stars are aligned for Southbank changes
Residents want to halt proposed BRT development The turnout was much better than expected at the first gathering of Southbank residents and business owners to discuss the Jacksonville Transit Authority’s plans for Bus Rapid Transit lanes along Riverplace Boulevard. The meeting of an estimated120 people was held at the Wyndham Hotel late last month to […]
JHNSA wants to ship in sustainable tourist revenue
USS Charles Adams could float millions in economic impact To the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, the decision is a no-brainer. On the one hand, put together $2.5 million in funding to eventually generate over $4 million annually in revenue for are hotels, restaurants, shops and services. On the other hand, take too long to […]
A personal tribute to the Jacksonville Zoo’s iconic silverback gorilla
I owe my writing career to Quito, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ greatest animal ambassador, who passed away last week. In August 2009 I walked up to the observation window at Quito’s enclosure and found the iconic gorilla squatting at the far end with his back to me. He was clearly distracted by something, but […]
ONE by ONE Community Agreement: Top priorities for improving public education
If you had to name the top four priorities for improving public education, what would they be? And would you be willing to work to ensure those priorities become a reality within Duval County’s public schools? More than 170 diverse community members came together on Saturday, Jan. 5 to select those four top priorities. In […]
St. Johns Avenue “S-curve” receives drainage improvements that should fix flooding
$87,000 roadwork project expected to be completed by end of February When it rains it doesn’t just pour, it floods into Vance Shrum’s yard. “They’ve re-paved the road so often that it’s 6 to 8 inches above the original curve line. That has narrowed the entrance to the drain line, so it can’t handle the […]
Race’s founders, early runners carry fond memories of the early days
Mike Wachholz’s starting line for the 1979 Ortega River Run was a little different than the rest of the field. “I was in the restroom when the cannon went off to start the race,” said Wachholz, an elite local runner competing for the first time in the event. “They said I had some time, but […]
