MOVIN' ON UP: Is Downtown finally experiencing the rebirth so long promised?
CLASSIC ISLAMORADA RESORT SHINES LIKE NEW
RELISH THE MOMENT
NOSHING GREAT AMERICAN HOT DOGS ACROSS JAX
FIELD OF DREAMS
STADIUM OF THE FUTURE STEADILY RISING
2026 HOMECOMMUNITY,SERVICES, BUILDER & REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE
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There’s a good chance you won’t recognize the name, a highly notable one in Jax history. And there’s a better chance you have never visited the location, a place in town that’s played host to American sports royalty. To see it, take a drive along Myrtle Avenue, a few blocks west of Springfield. Standing like something out of a scene from Robert Redford’s baseball classic The Natural is J. P. Small Memorial Stadium, a ball field that dates back more than 100 years.
Red brick facade, chain-link fence ringing the outfield, covered bleachers stacked behind home plate and stretching down both the first and third baselines—ballplayers from the 1920, 30s and 40s would have felt right at home here. In fact, lots of them did, including some of the most significant people ever to pick up a ball, glove and bat.
Ballplayers started fielding grounders and shagging pop flies here in 1912. Among the earliest teams to suit up in its locker rooms were the Jacksonville Athletics and Jacksonville Scouts. In 1919 and 1920, both the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers called this patch of grass and dirt—then known as Barrs Field—their home park for spring training. That means Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig would have taken swings within the field’s cozy confines.
The Jacksonville Red Caps of the Negro American League played parts of three seasons here. Legendary Satchel Paige, believed to have won approximately 2,000 games, pitched from its mound, and James “Cool Papa” Bell, considered one of the fastest to ever play the game, rounded its bases on the way to Cooperstown. The story is Hank Aaron met wife Barbara while hitting homers right here in
the River City. “Buck” O’Neil, who played, coached and scouted for nearly 80 years, stands outside, immortalized in bronze.
The old stadium was saved from the wrecking ball in 1982. It’s been spruced up a few times since and some needed rehab work was underway earlier this summer. Saving and celebrating places like this is well worth the effort and money. Our city is better for it.
One last note. J.P. Small was a teacher, band leader, and coach at nearby Stanton High School for more than 30 years, from 1934 to 1969. Renaming the ballpark for him in 1980 was a fitting honor. u Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
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“After a week of 4th of July parades, concerts and other celebrations, as well as nights and nights of fireworks going off at all hours, it was the placement of a single, small flag in the sand in south Ponte Vedra Beach that made me smile the most. Happy Birthday, America!”
—
Judy Patterson
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Do you have an image of Northeast Florida you’d like to share with our readers? Submit your photo and the story behind it to mail@ jacksonvillemag.com for the opportunity to be featured on this page.
J The recently released State of Florida “ALICE” report claims more than 281,000 households live paycheck-to-paycheck and experience financial insecurity in Northeast Florida. ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) earn above the federal poverty level but are unable to afford basic expenses. Compared to last year’s report, using U.S. Census data from 2024, the number of households in poverty decreased by 6,700. However, ALICE households grew by more than 13,000. To achieve savings goals, the ALICE report estimates the annual income of a family of four in Northeast Florida would need to be upwards of $125,000.
J The Constellation Furyk & Friends golf tournament is moving from Timuquana Country Club to the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast for 2026. This year’s PGA TOUR Champions tourney, set October 9-11, fea-
tures a 78-player field and a Friday night concert by country artist Billy Currington. A benefit for the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation, the event opens with Pro-Ams October 7 and 8. Kids 17 and under get in free with a ticketed adult.
J Speaking of golf: It’s been less than a year since the completion of extensive renovations to the course at St. Johns Golf Club in Elkton. In that time, some 242,000 rounds have been played. Reportedly, 84 holes-in-one have been recorded by players since its reopening. The par-3, 170-yard #8 has given up 25 holes-in-one alone, followed by 16 on holes #2 and #17, both par 3s. The 262-yard (general play length), par-4 third hole has been aced at least three times, as of June 1. Talk about a Cinderella story?
J He’s out there. Somewhere. Contender, the largest Great White shark ever measured, has been spotted swimming around the East
Coast, according to Jax-based OCEARCH. Contender’s satellite tag pinged off the Florida/Georgia coast in mid-January. He pinged again in July, but his exact location was undetermined. Being summer, chances are he’s up in the Cape Cod area—all 1,700 pounds and nearly 14 feet of him.
J The Trust for Public Land recently ranked Jacksonville 60th out of the country’s top 100 Best Big City Park Systems, up four spots from its 2025 ranking. According to the Trust, the city’s rise was mostly due to improvements in investment and increased access. Jax spent $154 per person on parks this year, above last last year’s $129 and matching the national ParkScore city average. The city’s investment in Downtown waterfront and expansion of the Emerald Trail greatly increased park access for lower-income areas of town. Topping the list? Washington, D.C.—which shouldn’t be surprising with the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and all. u
Jacksonville’s musical roots runs deep and wide, touching on various genres encompassing much more than Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Sweet Home Alabama.” As a way to highlight the River City’s contribution to song, Musical Heritage Park recently opened along the waterfront adjacent to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The rambling space is laced with a paved walking trail, trees and ornamental plants, and includes a kids play area and small event lawn space. There’s also the Walk of Fame, a path embedded with the names of musicians and composers who have ties to Jax, including the Allman Brothers Band, Frederick Delius, Lil Duval, Ray Charles and Tim McGraw. Yes, Lynyrd Skynyrd is there, too. “Free Bird!” u
Owners Michael and Brittany Cooney recently announced plans for a new Ember & Iron restaurant in St. Augustine’s historic district. The nearly 10,000 square foot space along Spanish Street will include seating for 200 guests indoors, 100 more outside. Just like the original Ember & Iron, the centerpiece will be an oak-burning hearth grill, searing dishes such as chimichurri steak with fried garlicrosemary potatoes, and salmon with pistachio pesto. Opening is slated for summer 2027.
Longtime Jax favorite European Street Cafe was recently selected by the City to operate the cafe space inside the new Riverfront Plaza park, on the site of the former Jacksonville Landing. Reportedly, the menu will feature E Street’s signature sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as its many cookies, desserts, beers and wines. We sure hope so. Look for an opening date in late fall.
The old garage building sat vacant for years. But earlier this summer, The Buoy restaurant floated into the corner lot at Herschel Street and San Juan Avenue. Fitting its name, a nautical theme runs inside and out, with a menu laden with fruits of the sea—Mayport shrimp baskets ($24), po’ boy sandwiches
Chick-fil-A is operating a trial pop-up shop in the lobby of the 50 North Tower (formerly the Bank of America building) downtown. A limited menu of chicken sandwiches, nuggets and more will be offered weekdays, 11 AM-2 PM, through the end of August. The temporary outlet is something of a test to see if a permanent restaurant should be established.
The concessions inside the nearly 100-year-old Florida Theatre jumped into the 21st Century in July. All ticket, food, drink and merch purchases are now cashless. Credit, debit and mobile pay only, please.
and salmon tartare with cream cheese, capers, dill, cucumber and bagel chips ($19).
Lunch and dinner TuesdaySunday, brunch on weekends.
Coastal Farmer opened in July as the signature dining destination inside the new Dune House Hotel & Spa in Atlantic Beach. The menu draws flavors from local farms and fisheries including Black Hog Farm and Safe Harbor Seafood. “We’re cooking with what the coast gives us, from what the farmers grow to what the boats bring in,” says executive chef Daniel Tederous. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The oceanside patio is a rare find at the Beaches.
A new Florida law (Senate Bill 606) took effect on July 1, requiring restaurants to disclose any and all extra charges such as automatic gratuities, service and delivery fees, and credit card surcharges on its menus, websites or mobile ordering apps. Bills must also break down each charge separately, allowing customers to distinguish between sales tax, tips and fees. Such fees are still permitted, but diners shouldn’t be surprised by them after finishing a meal.
The seventh annual BeeFare Honey Bee Festival flies into the New Jacksonville Fairgrounds on Normandy Boulevard August 15 and 16, featuring local food vendors and a particular sweet marketplace. National Honey Bee Day is that Saturday and is celebrated with live beekeeping demonstrations, honey tastings, hands-on activities and more. Tickets are $10.50.
Food Truck Fridays have rolled back into Spring Park in Green Cove Springs. Featuring nearly 20 food trucks and dozens of other vendors, the monthly gathering also offers live music and activities like corn hole tournaments and watermeloneating contests. Food Truck Fridays will continue, 5-9:30 PM, on the first Friday of each month through November. Admission is free. Food is not, though bringing your own eats and drinks is fine. u
FOR LEEROY YARBOROUGH, IF YOU WEREN’T FIRST, YOU WERE LAST.
BY TIM GILMORE
There had never been a better race car driver, said Julian Klein, former owner of the old Jacksonville Speedway, when LeeRoy Yarbrough died, 46 years old, in 1984. “I remember one time when his right front tire went flat and he won a race on three wheels.” Legendary driver Junior Johnson said LeeRoy “had one thing I’ve never seen out of any other race driver: he had no fear. It was hard to believe.”
The half-mile Jacksonville Speedway, or Speedway Park, opened on March 2, 1947, “located,” as the newspapers put it 20 years before City-County Consolidation, “three-quarters of a mile from the city limits of Riverside.” Costing $100,000 to build, it was “expected to be the South’s fastest.” Before it was big business, stock car racing grew out of the pine woods of the South, the swamp roads and beaches of places like Southern Georgia and Northeast Florida.
LeeRoy, whose father was a ditch digger and vegetable stand merchant, was eight years old when the speedway opened. When he was 10, he spent every Saturday night “doing a barefoot shuffle between stock cars with worked-over power plants,” said a July 9, 1961 Florida Times-Union story headlined, “Bare-Foot Dream is Reality Now.”
When he was 12, he quit school and put a Chrysler engine in a ’34 Ford coupe out at Moon’s Garage on West Beaver Street. Tommy Moon, son of the Australian-born Pop Moon, was beginning his NASCAR career at Jacksonville Speedway that year. By the time LeeRoy was 15, he was, in his own words, “the biggest hot-rodder in West Jacksonville.” He loved outracing the cops on the back roads of the rural Westside. In ’61, he was 22 years old and racing a 1931 Ford Model A with a ’59 Chevrolet engine that took him to 120 miles per hour. He won
seven straight features at Speedway Park that year and newspapers called him “the anchor-footed auto jockey.”
As many as 6,000 fans filled the park some Saturdays. Ronnie Van Zant, 13 years old, future singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, watched from up in the trees with his friend Gene Odom, who’d grow up and manage security for the band.
Most of the fans had left the park on December 1, 1963 by the time officials finished counting score sheets. “It was a day of accidents, caution flags, smashed fenders, loose wheels and fallen axles” on a dirt track in bad condition, the papers said. Though 22 drivers began the race, only 10 finished. At the end of the race, judges declared Wendell Scott of Danville, Virginia third. Hours went by when scorekeepers finished counting sheets and determined that Scott had
actually driven 202 laps in the 200-lap race to become the first black driver to win a National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Grand National.
Scott would later say, “They didn’t want me out there, kissing any beauty queens.” Ronnie Van Zant told Gene, “If he can beat LeeRoy, he deserves to win.” Gene said later, “Ronnie saw things in a different light than most of the rest of us,” but admitted, “I thought a little differently about black people after that.”
Yarbrough peaked in 1969, winning seven Grand Nationals, becoming the first driver to win NASCAR’s Triple Crown: the Daytona 500, the Southern 500 in Darlington, South Carolina, and the 600 mile race at Charlotte. He’d soon be the first NASCAR driver to own his own airplane. In his 198 races from 1960 to ’72, Yarbrough finished in the top-10 92 times, the top-five 65 times and won 14.
LeeRoy had no idea why he’d tried to choke his mother to death in February 1980. He had no memory of doing it. He told the Reverend Bill Baird, a race car chaplain, “They got me charged with trying to kill my own mother. I don’t know why. I love my mother.”
Even before he became “sick” in 1970, after the most successful year any stock car racer had ever had, he’d sometimes go quiet, disappear, or hit somebody unexpectedly. In April, a crash in a Goodyear tire test at Texas International Speedway in Fort Worth knocked him unconscious. His May ’71 crash at Indianapolis, his seventh or eighth major smashup, left him with major burns on his hands, arms and neck.
When the writer Pete Dexter, who’d win the National Book Award for his 1988 novel Paris Trout, visited LeeRoy Yarbrough in the Duval County Jail in 1980, the champion racer had no idea where he was or how long he’d been there. “It’s somethin’ goin’ on,” he told Dexter. “I jus’ don’t basically know what it’s about, but it’ll come back, I know me too good.”
“ Yarborough was one of NASCAR’s biggest names in the late ’60s,” wrote Earl Fannin for The Florida Times-Union in 1982, “but after running in the 1972 Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway, he virtually disappeared in his native West Jacksonville. No one really thought about LeeRoy much until February 13, 1980.”
It was either the liquor or the licks on the
head that put the look on his face that he’d seen something he shouldn’t’ve. “Personally I think the wreck he had in Texas started the whole thing,” said fellow stock car racer Cade Yarborough. After he tried to choke her to death in 1980, his mother said “his mind collapsed” in ’77, said he was “wicky-wacky from then on.”
His ex-wife Gloria said, “It was the booze that put the pressure on his brain.” He didn’t have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever back in ’72; it was “alcoholic seizures.” A Westside “neighbor lady” asked LeeRoy once, in the late 1970s, if he’d like a drink. “She had three different kinds of liquor,” said his nephew Terry Sweat. “Right there in the yard,” LeeRoy drank them all. “He says, ‘Thank you,’ and goes on his way, gets on his motorcycle and runs it into a ditch.” Besides, Gloria said, she “couldn’t hardly blame racing. It was the one thing that he really loved.” u
Cuba, a political thorn in America’s side since the 1950s, has returned to the headlines of late. The Communist island, situated some 70 miles south of Key West, struggles to survive continued economic sanctions and blockades, and local author John Miglis has written an historical coming-of-age novel that relives the rise of the Cuban revolution as seen through the eyes of Chuck Ryan, a decorated U.S. Army and Air Force veteran who passed away in July of 2012 in St. Augustine. Americano (456 pages, $17 for paperback, $3 on Kindle) follows the teenage Ryan from beach parties at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay to hiding in the mountains of Cuba with Fidel Castro and his growing band of revolutionaries. “I wrote Americano because I fell under the spell of a true story about a teenager who saw injustice and made a choice—to change it, even if it meant stepping into the fight himself,” says Miglis. “That the story was set in Cuba, during the Revolution, was an embarrassment of riches I couldn't pass up.” u
It’s very easy to miss the turnoff for Ft. George Island on your drive up to Amelia Island. Don’t miss it. There’s enough to do on the historically significant, 500-acre island to easily fill up an entire afternoon. A picturesque five-mile dirt road makes a loop around the property, meandering through a dense canopy of oak trees. It’s one of Jacksonville’s best routes for a jog, bike ride or scenic drive, but don’t be surprised if your path is momentarily blocked by some of the island’s resident peacocks. Sites not to miss include the gorgeous 144-yearold St. George Episcopal Church and the Ribault Club, which was once a playground for affluent Yankees during the Roaring ‘20s, and now serves as an events venue. On the north end of the island, Kingsley Plantation dates back to the late 1700s and is home to the oldest surviving plantation house in Florida. u
One of the city’s most historic neighborhoods soon will welcome something all new. Work is well underway at Peace Memorial Park & Labryrinth, located at the corner of Park and Cherry streets. The corner had been a public park for years, but offered little more than a lone bench. Friends Ruth Thompson and Hazel Cleary thought the grassy spot could be much more; in particular they saw it as a site for a labyrinth. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has one path that winds in a circuitous path to a center point, symbolizing a spiritual journey and not an opportunity to get lost. The park’s labyrinth was modeled after one from the 13th century in Chartres, France.
In the early days, the grassroots group that spearheaded the idea hosted a variety of fundraisers, raffles and silent auctions and solicited business sponsors, garnering some $50,000 in support over two years. Their efforts received an enormous boost when, in 2025, philanthropists Wayne and Delores Weaver stepped up and what was envisioned as a $250,0000 public space blossomed into a $1 million park with a grand entrance, enhanced landscaping and seating areas. The project broke ground in March and completion is expected sometime this fall. u
J Upscale apartment properties are spouting across the River City like dollar weed on a grassy lawn. Recently, one such property unveiled a piece of public art to help it stand out from the crowd. EVO Riverfront, an apartment complex overlooking the St. Johns River near the Acosta Bridge, turned a nearly 1,600-square-foot wall facing the river into a dramatic and colorful mural. Dubbed “EVO Garden,” the huge painting was created by Bridge Muralist, a collective of creatives including Keith Doles, Adrian Rhodes, Ramses Allen, Kristin Chronic, Demetri Kamps-Stewart, and Jake Bridge. “Our team believes that public art provides accessibility to anyone who may or may not have set foot in a museum or art gallery,” says Doles. “The aesthetic can generate a range of emotions from the viewer and complement the architecture and natural scenery around it.” Inspiration for the mural, a dreamy landscape of native and tropical plants, came from Eartha’s Farm and Market, a 10-acre organic farm on the city’s Northside. u
Like many Florida college kids in the early 1990s, Jax Maggie spent her spring breaks with a gaggle of sorority sisters in the Keys. The fun was spent at Holiday Isle in Islamorada, home of the "O.G." Tiki Bar. The motel was more motor inn than resort and not one guest in the month of March was over age 25. Rum Runners flowed, days were spent soaking in sun on the packed beach, and nights (if you had a good fake ID) were spent jamming to UB40 and Buffet at the Tiki Bar. Longing to recreate this experience—well, at least parts of it—Maggie headed back to the iconic island location to see how the place has changed in the past 35ish years. What I found absolutely blew me away.
Today in the same spot sits Three Waters Resort and Marina, an elevated retreat that stretches across 15 to-die-for oceanfront acres. Think swaying palm trees, turquoise water, beautifully appointed gathering spaces, live music, complimentary beach cruisers, an island ice cream parlor, top tier dining experiences, full-service marina, three pools and, of course, an updated version of the legendary Tiki Bar.
Guests can choose from stylish rooms and suites, lounge beside the pools (my favorite had a swim up bar), or unwind in private bungalows on a sandy beach that overlooks the Atlantic. For those seeking a little extra tranquility, The Cove offers an adult-only
experience complete with its own secluded atmosphere and stunning views.
Tiki Bar aside, no trip to Islamorada would be complete without getting out on the water. This Key is known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," and the resort offers incredible opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and chartered excursions. Snorkel by day and hit the famous sandbar by afternoon. Float, relax, and make sure to visit the “Food Boat” that anchors here. Nothing says summer more than an order of crispy coconut shrimp or a serving of chilled ceviche while hanging out on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean.
When hunger strikes, the resort serves up plenty of island flavor with a variety of restaurants and bars ranging from casual beachside bites to refined culinary dining. Upscale Kinder serves wood-fired delicacies from land and sea. Offerings include steak, pasta and most anything one can imagine that is fresh and from the ocean. Try the charred octopus—absolutely divine. For the ultimate raw bar experience hit Limon. Beautiful water views and bites that are even better. And the Tiki Bar (2.0) has so much more than cocktails. The legendary hut serves delicious bites like tuna nachos, Huli Huli chicken sliders and conch fritters.
So, yes, dear readers, Three Waters Resort and Marina is not your mother’s Tiki Bar. It is so much more. I imagine this spot is exactly what heaven must be like for Jimmy Buffet. u
— Maggie
Look for more of Jax Maggie's travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Magazine.
This summer’s World Cup was an international sensation, with 48 teams playing six weeks of games in packed stadiums across Mexico, Canada and America. The summer of soccer continues with minor league games in Jax, as well as top-tier women’s and men’s squads kicking it in Orlando. Orlando City SC of the MLS host regular season home games August 15, 19 and 22, and September 5. Most games start at 7:30 PM, at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando. Playing on the same field is the Orlando Pride , the city’s National Women’s Soccer League franchise. Pride home games are set for August 29, and September 6 and 19. Tickets for each start around $15. u
Just north of Atlanta is one of the more unusual museums in the South. The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art (formerly the Computer Museum of America), has added a new exhibition to its permanent collection. iNSPIRE: 50 Years of Innovation from Apple explores five decades of the California startup’s remarkable role in transforming personal computing, communication and music through devices going back to the Apple I and Macintosh, featuring over 2,000 rare Apple artifacts, prototypes, iconic devices, unique documents and personal stories of founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. In addition, the museum houses an astounding collection of early computing equipment such as a near-perfect 1936 Enigma machine, a device used by the Germans during World War II to secure communications between military units. u
Many quiet golf claps for 17-year-old Miles Russell , the Jax Beach teen who posted a +7, tied for 39th, at the 2026 US Open, played June 18-21 at the challenging Shinnecock Hills Golf Club at Southhampton, New York. If he had been a pro, Miles would have pocketed $90,000.
Sean Bono is a professional muralist making Jax and points far and wide more beautiful with his building-sized paintings across Northeast Florida. You may not know face, but chances are you’ve seen his work at Beach Bowl, the Bookmark and Rex Golf. See more of his larger-thanlife works at bonopaints.com
For the ninth consecutive season, Jaxson RJ Roman competed on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, making it to the Regional Finals in July. He’s yet to take home the $250,000 grand prize, but we’re pulling for you, RJ.
About a dozen big and burly guys will gather for the Strongman Champions League competition set for October 10 at Olustee Park in Lake City, due west of Jax. The featured event of the day? Pulling a 74,000-pound fire truck. Admission is free.
Remember when latenight talk shows and comedians weren’t hyper-partisan and political? You can bet Jay Leno does, and he’ll be in town next year for a night of stand-up March 13, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $70-$151.
BY KAYLA BYRD
Have you ever loved a video game, TV show, novel, or movie so much that you wish there was a way to bring it into your reality? It may be impossible to gain the superpowers of your favorite comic book hero or cast the mystical spells of another realm, but for cosplayers, all it takes is dedication, creativity, and likely a hot glue gun to bring the magic to life. These individuals bring fantasy worlds and two-dimensional characters into the real world for more than just casual appreciation.
“Some want an escape from the mundane and want to be that kid again, [for] others this is their livelihood, their job,” Dana Roberts, a local cosplayer says. “Others like myself chose to do it for charity and bigger causes. We all have our own reason but the biggest is love. Love for our fandom, our passions, or our friends. Every reason is different, but at the core of cosplay is play.”
Sure, many may negatively judge cosplayers because they don’t understand the desire to
wear elaborate costumes out in public. But what is the difference in a Jaguars fan donning a wig and a jersey to look like Trevor Lawrence at a game, or a concert goer replicating the outfits of Taylor Swift or Sabrina Carpenter to go see a concert? An impassioned fan utilizing their creativity to show just how much they love a franchise is more commonplace than you realize.
Sure, some fans may be intimidated to start cosplaying as they feel that their costume won’t be as good as those worn by peers. Mana T Johnson, a professional voice actor and cosplayer who spoke with me during the Bold Matsuri 2026 Convention, says that shouldn’t be a worry. “Never be insecure about your costume. It doesn't matter how ‘bad’ your costume is in your mind. People will be so excited to see their favorite characters. The fact that you came out in that character, people are going to get hyped.”
When I attended the convention in late June, I had no idea what to expect. I had never gone
to such a convention before and didn’t know anything about Anime. Inside the Prime Osborn Convention Center were hundreds of vendors selling merch or hand-crafted cosplaying accessories, a dance floor where cosplayers were singing and jumping around with friends, and panels led by voice actors whom many of the guests were dressed as the characters they portray. As I walked between booths, I heard enthusiastic participants complimenting fans and their costumes. Many in attendance proclaimed their love for the fandom or boasted that they were a follower of the cosplayer’s Instagram.
It was no surprise that as I talked to different cosplayers, they gushed about the friendly community it garners. As I interviewed more people, they would all light up when asked about cosplaying in Jacksonville. “This community is so much more accepting than you realize,” Erin Johnson, a local cosplayer shares. “You get encouragement around every corner. Cosplaying has helped me be comfortable with my own personal self. Actually, doing it and going out,
meeting people with similar likes is empowering. Just do it. It's worth the worry, you will see just how fun and inviting it is.”
Cosplaying allows people to express themselves and harness their creativity through a social outlet. That said, one needn’t be a talented seamstress or makeup artist in order to take the plunge. “Right now is the best time to get in cosplay. Literally, it is the best time because you have so many resources,” says Mana T. “YouTube videos will tell you everything you need to know about everything. Amazon is really nice and convenient to get wigs.”
If you’re willing to try different techniques to make your best attempt at accurate details, going DIY seems like the more popular route. “Thrifting is an option because you can get lucky sometimes and find stuff that fits what you need,” Erin adds. “But online ordering and/or making things yourself is where it’s at.”
For cosplayers in Jax, there are numerous in-person opportunities. “There are several events, from Pop Con at the Jax Library, An-
cient City Con in St. Augustine, to local hang outs like Leaderboard on Wells or Shad roads, Infinity Con in Tallahassee to Black Fae Day meet ups worldwide,” Dana says. “Social media is an amazing tool, as well, to find groups like Jacksonville Cosplayers, Florida Cosplayers, and others for pop-up meet ups. Most of these events are free or low cost in comparison to MegaCon, Dragon Con, and other large conventions held in halls and hotels.”
In fact, Jax is home to the state’s largest and longest-running pop culture convention, WasabiCon. Started in 2012, the annual event returns to the Prime Osborn October 9-11, taking over some 165,000 square feet of space for cosplay, video games K-pop and more. A weekend pass will cost you $75.
Dressing up for a good cause is welcome, too. “Dream Day (June 27) was an event hosted by Dreams Come True and PRI Productions to give a day of dreams to children who very well may not see another sunrise, or have risen above the odds to see the next sunrise,” Dana says. “This year the cosplay community was invited out when characters became hard to fill. We came out in full support, cosplayers
An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. “Alzheimer’s research underscores the proactive steps we can take every day to promote heart health, such as healthy eating, regular physical activity and chronic disease management, which also support brain health,” says Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, a registered dietician at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. To address common questions and misconceptions, AlfonsoRodriguez posses the following questions:
Q: How common is Alzheimer’s disease and is there a difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
A: Alzheimer’s is projected to rise as the aging population continues to grow. According to the 2026 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, an estimated 11% of the national population age 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia. Often, dementia and Alzheimer's are used interchangeably. However, dementia is a broad term to describe a loss of cognitive
from Tampa and Orlando and further drove up to make these kids’ dreams a reality. All with our own costumes and props at no expense to the organizers.”
Inside each costume is someone who has let their love and passion come alive in a hobby that encourages personal interaction. It inspires confidence, brings people together over a shared interest, and sometimes helps make dreams come true. u
abilities that affects daily functioning, such as problem-solving and memory, impairing daily life and independence.
Q: How are blood pressure and diabetes connected to brain health?
A: Studies suggest that many factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease also increase the risk of dementia, such as uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Managing hypertension and diabetes not only supports those conditions but can also support brain health and potentially decrease the risk of dementia.
Q: Can we reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s, and if so, what are some actions to take every day that support brain health?
A: While this area is still being researched, studies suggest that healthy habits such as regular exercise, heart-healthy eating, disease management, sleep quality and brain stimulation can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and potentially dementia.
Q: What can we eat to support brain health?
A: Science-backed diets such as the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean Diet are linked to supporting brain and cardiovascular health. These diets are rich in whole foods, such as whole grains, nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken and beans.
Q: How do physical activity, sleep quality and mental stimulation play a role in cognitive health?
A: Physical activity supports a healthy heart, which in turn can support a healthy brain by ensuring that enough nutrients and oxygen-rich blood reach the brain. Poor sleep quality may impair the brain's ability to remove toxins and reduce blood flow to the brain. Stimulating your mind, such as engaging in a new hobby or taking a new class, can help create new connections between brain cells, keeping your brain active. u
BY FABRIZIO GOWDY
Over the past ten years, the number of private schools in Florida has grown by one-third, according to new data compiled by the state. That’s a net increase of more than 800 new schools—a figure that tops the number of private schools in 40 states. The impact of Florida’s expanded school choice programs continues to be felt on private school campuses in Northeast Florida, where enrollment is surging and schools are investing heavily in new academic spaces, athletic facilities, student amenities and innovative learning environments.
For example, Bishop Kenny High School recently completed a multi-year campaign that raised more than $12 million for campus improvements and student support initiatives. The work builds on the momentum generated by the two-story athletic field house the school built last year and represents one of the most ambitious capital improvement efforts in the school’s history.
Among the centerpiece projects are the
new 18,000-square-foot Betty and Jack Demetree Family Athletic Training Center and a 35,000-square-foot Gymnasium Complex. The new gym includes practice courts, multipurpose spaces, classrooms and upgraded athletic amenities designed to serve both students and athletic programs. Academic facilities have also benefited, with five new STEM classrooms completed this summer, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The 2025–26 school year has been one of extraordinary momentum,” says Principal Todd Orlando. “This community is, and has always been, the foundation of everything Bishop Kenny is.”
A few miles up the St. Johns River, The Bolles School is practically one large construction zone. Eight sweeping projects are transforming the campus and the student experience, all made possible by donations from alumni. February saw Bolles unveil extensive stadi-
um improvements and a renovated baseball complex, with Bolles alum and Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones on hand to celebrate. The new Chappell Fieldhouse includes modern locker rooms, coaches’ offices, video analysis space and revamped spectator areas.
In a year that saw the U.S. host its first World Cup since 1994, soccer is also getting a boost. Construction is underway on the new Hunt Soccer Complex, which will feature 4,000 square feet of dedicated locker rooms, coaching offices and improved game-day facilities for both the boys’ and girls’ programs. Additional athletic improvements include a comprehensive refresh of Hodges Field ahead of football season and major upgrades to the softball complex, including new bleachers, lighting, locker rooms and a press box.
Inside the Colmery Skills Physical Development Center, student-athletes now have access to a dedicated golf practice facility featuring simulator technology that allows year-round training and performance analysis regardless of
weather conditions. Looking ahead, planning continues for an 8,100-square-foot facility that will include strength and conditioning areas, recovery spaces, sports science technology and educational resources for athletes across all sports.
The renovations at Bolles extend to student life and academics as well. Inside the Bent Student Center, the Canteen Campus Store is getting a refresh. Bolles is also preparing to open the next phase of Liggett Hall, expanding residential opportunities for girls participating in the school’s nationally recognized boarding program. At the Middle School Bartram Campus, plans are moving forward for the Alban Arts and Innovation Center, a $4-million renovation of historic North Hall that will house programs in visual arts, band, chorus and robotics while adding an innovation lab, science classroom and student-centered gathering spaces.
St. Johns Country Day School is also in the midst of thoughtful projects aimed at upgrading student life and campus infrastructure. The school recently transformed a dirt area between the Alumni Gym and the Middle School into a green space designed for socializing, outdoor learning and recreation. Additional landscaping enhancements between the Performing Arts Center and Brown Gymnasium have added shade, greenery and visual appeal to a high-traffic area of campus.
Inside the Performing Arts Center, modernized sound and lighting systems and improved backstage connectivity will make for higher-quality student performances and productions. Safety upgrades have also been a major focus. The school installed a rear campus gate and fencing to better separate athletic fields from parking areas, upgraded fire systems across all buildings and added a secure entry panel at the Administration Building to ensure controlled visitor access.
Academic and student-life programming continues to grow as well. The addition of a second Pre-K4 classroom expands early-learning capacity, while new initiatives such as Academy Adventures for grades 4 and 5, Middle School Spartan U, the Ringing of the Bells and an expanded Middle School Advisory Program are strengthening community, leadership development and student engagement.
Honoring the compassion, dedication and extraordinary impact of nurses across Northeast Florida
San Jose Episcopal Day School is embracing its own season of renewal. The PreK3 through 6th grade school is now 77 years old and sits on a century-old campus in San Jose, and school leaders are prioritizing maintenance and forward-looking Celebrate a nurse who goes above & beyond. Submit your nomination for the Northeast Florida Excellence in Nursing Awards by AUGUST 31 .
Northeast Florida is home to a number of animal sanctuaries, local not-for-profit outposts that care for a variety of wild animals. Among them is recently renamed OtterSpace Wildlife in Hilliard, a sanctuary that cares for animals that have been injured and cannot be released into back into nature, as well as animals that have been born in captivity or have imprinted on humans. It’s quite a menagerie—North American grey wolf, river otters, Nigerian dwarf goats, Baby Doll sheep, bobcats, red foxes and more. Previously known as the Ark Wildlife Care, the sanctuary offers tours Thursday through Saturday, at 10 AM, noon and 2 PM.
One of the region’s longest-running animal sanctuaries is Catty Shack Ranch. For more than 30 years, the non-profit group that manages the facility has provided a safe haven for a variety of rescued exotic animals, in particular big cats like tigers, lions, leopards and pumas. The ranch is open to visitors for daily tours, 11 AM-3 PM. Admission ranges from $10 to $18. In addition, there are night feeding tours every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 6-7:30 PM. Here, executive director and founder Curt LoGiudice leads discussions about the animals, moving from enclosure to enclosure as the once wild predators devour as much as 600 pounds of beef and chicken, bones and all. Night feeding tickets are $20-$45. u
planning essential to attract families. The school is currently securing approximately $600,000 in donations to renovate its student center—a transformative project that will host after-school activities and introduce a new culinary teaching lab. The redesigned space will accommodate everything from special events to daily lunches, replacing a facility that has not been updated in 50 years.
“Our efforts to reach broader audiences focus on maintaining a high-quality educational experience, fostering strong family partnerships, and communicating the unique benefits our school offers to students," says Vivian Bradford, Director of Admissions. Her sentiments are certainly echoed across many Northeast Florida private school campuses. u
Spencer Gifts, Orange Julius, Bonanza restaurants, rollerskating rinks… remember all the things you thought disappeared in the 1980s. While many did, roller skating lives on—at least it does at Ponce de le Rollin’, an indoor rink located on Anastasia Island, two blocks from the Bridge of Lions. The facility has all the retro rink essentials, including four-wheel rental skates, snack bar (pizza, beer and wine), DJ music, flashing lights, lockers and a VIP party zone. Three-hour sessions are about $22, or $18 BYOS (bring your own skates). During the summer, the rink opens at noon Tuesday through Sunday. Couples skate, anyone? u
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
It’s still Shrimp season as the hometown AAA franchise of the Miami Marlins roll through the summer with home games versus the Syracuse Mets August 11-16, and Nashville Sounds August 25-30. Special promotion nights include “A Shrimple Man” night featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes all night August 12, Friday Night Fireworks August 14, bring your dog to the ballpark August 25 and “Honey Drippers Weekend” August 29-31. Most games start at 7:05 PM, $8-$140. ^
The Wiggles
This all-ages celebration features Wiggles hits and sing-along moments including “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear,” “Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy” and “Hot Potato.” And listen for new favorites like “Big Red Ute” and “Bin Night” August 13, 6 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $53-$231.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags preseason opens with two home games at EverBank Field. The Carolina Panthers come to town August 21, 7:30 PM, followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers August 28, 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $57.
Benson Boone
In 2021, Boone dropped the emotional breakup ballad “Ghost Town,” which amassed more than 530 million streams and became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Heartbreak also shaped the soaring follow-up, “In The Stars,” which proved to be an even bigger hit. Listen for both songs August 25, 8 PM, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $67-$568.
EXHIBITION
The American Century
Coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States, The American Century: Works from MOCA’s Permanent Collection celebrates and examines the emergence of American art as the avant-garde mantle passed from the salons of Paris to the studios of New York. Spanning from the raw energy of Abstract Expressionism to the Kaleidoscope perspectives of today’s artists, these works bring together a variety of voices that invite viewers to consider what the notion of “The American Century” means today. On display through March 7, 2027.
Sporting Jax
The River City’s inaugural USL Championship league season rolls on with home matches August 15 versus Indy Eleven, September 5 versus Lexington SC, September 12 against Rhode Island FC, and September 26 versus Loudoun United FC. Games kick-off at 7 PM (7:30 vs. Loudon), at Hodges Stadium on the UNF campus, $18-$55.
EXHIBITION
Ceramics: Selections from the Otto C. Lightner Collection
reflects Lightner’s conviction that collecting was not merely an academic pursuit, but a deeply rewarding hobby—one that fostered intellectual growth and a sense of well-being through beauty, variety and the pleasure of comparison. On display beginning August 14.
The band who has given us pop classics such as “Up The Junction,” “Tempted,” “Cool For Cats” and “Another Nail In My Heart” weren’t planning another album, but the group’s songwriting mainstays Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook churned out Trixies, their first album in eight years. Listen for new tunes and old favorites August 18, 6 PM, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, with special guests Adam Ant and Haircut 100, $65-$161.
A new exhibition presents an expansive selection of ceramics from the collection of the Lightner Museum’s founder, whose passion for collecting embraced both the refined and the everyday. The presentation
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosts a series of free movies screenings every Friday through August, a collection of films that showcase legendary performances in a venue built for live music. The Last Waltz (The Band) August 14, Shine a Light (The Rolling Stones) August 21, and Hans Zimmer & Friends: Continued on page 40
The giant warehouse at PRI Productions played host to this year’s Dream Day celebration on June 27, the first since 2019. Co-hosted by Dreams Come True, the event honors local children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. A crowd of some 2,000 turned out to cheer for Dreamers from across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, kids who were treated to a red-carpet arrival, costumed characters, music, food and an afternoon of joy. u
• Generations W Honors - A Night of Live Performances and Purpose rolls into the Alhambra Theatre & Dining the evening of August 27. This year’s event celebrates Patti McElroy, Michael Ward and Darnell Smith for making a difference in the community. VIP cocktail reception kicks off at 6 PM, followed by the show and dinner. Tickets are $535.
• Expect an evening of “Glass and Glamour” as Springfield Preservation and Revitalization presents the 2026 Bold City Ball September 18 at the Glass Factory. Patrons will enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and more as they celebrate the transformative power of preservation in the city’s urban core.
It was a celebration of community leaders and those who inspire hope and unity when guests gathered for the OneJax Humanitarian Awards on April 30. The theme “We Are One” encouraged attendees to reflect on how we understand differences and recognize how our futures are deeply connected. This year’s honorees included Tom Coughlin and Keli Coughlin Joyce, Betty Burney, Del and Angie Buyuksarac, Poppy Clements and Charlie Joseph. Congrats to all those honored. u
Diamond in the Desert (August 28). Doors open at 6 PM, movie rolls at 7:30 PM. Admission is free but RSVP is required, seating is first-come, first-served.
Saturday Night Fever
Dust off your platform shoes and white polyester suit for this 1970s throwback musical. Based on the 1977 hit film, this musical showcases songs like Disco Inferno, Staying Alive, Boogie Shoes and How Deep Is Your Love. Staged August 20 through September 27 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining.
Buddy Guy 90
At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (“Ain’t Done with the Blues”), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues celebrates a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, coming to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre August 22, 7:30 PM, $60-$162.
Edgar-Allen Poe Speakeasy
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is a 21+ only cocktail experience dedicated to the stories of the legendary American author. The event takes place inside a dark, speakeasy-like space and four of his most famous stories will be retold and reimagined by Poe his-
torians. Then, the macabre lead mixologist will transform each of those stories into a four-part cocktail experience August 28 and 29, at the Thrasher-Horne Center, $55.
MJ Torrecampo: Cut the Fruit
Torrecampo’s “Cut the Fruit” exhibition presents the artist’s layered paintings, that investigate themes of family, belonging, and cultural identity by transforming everyday moments into psychologically complex narratives. Born in the Philippines and raised in the U.S., Torrecampo explores the tension between the group and the individual, employing emotional, overhead perspectives to reveal multiple narratives simultaneously. The exhibition title references the term and action “Cut Fruit,” a nonverbal expression of care commonly practiced among Filipino Americans. On display at MOCA Jacksonville August 29-February 28, 2027.
MUSIC
Pam Tillis
Tillis, a daughter of Country Music Royalty, carved her own path in music, recording hits like “Shake the Sugar Tree,” “Maybe It Was Memphis” and “Mi Vida Loca.” Her soulful approach to songwriting led to acclaimed albums like “Rhinestoned,” her latest album “Looking For A Feeling” and successful ventures like ‘Dos Divas’ with Lorrie Morgan. Tillis performs September 3, 7:30 PM, at the WJCT Soundstage, $70-$92.
MUSIC
Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms
Nearly 4 decades ago, the four original members of Blues Traveler—John Popper, Chandler Kinchla, Brendan Hill, and the late Bobby Sheehan—gathered in their drummer’s parents’ basement in Princeton, New Jersey to jam. Formed in Tempe, Arizona in 1987, Gin Blossoms helped define alternative radio in the early ‘90s with their breakout major-label debut New Miserable Experience. Led by the gold-certified hit “Hey Jealou-
sy,” the album went on to sell more than four million copies. Both groups (and Spin Doctors) play September 4, 6 PM, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, $65-$133.
MUSIC
Sing Out Loud Festival
The annual musical jamboree celebrates its 10th anniversary with more than 100 free performances across St. Augustine September 4-20. More than just a series of concerts, Sing Out Loud includes a local artists showcase, panel discussions, songwriters workshops and a record fair.
Monster Jam
See the world’s most popular car crushing trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Sparkle Smash and more as they stand on two wheels and fly through the air for three shows September 5, 1 PM and 7 PM, and September 6, 1 PM, inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Andrew Dice Clay & Billy Gardell
Andrew Dice Clay is proud to be one of America’s most controversial and outrageous comics. Billy Gardell took the long road to Hollywood, stopping at every small town lounge, military base and comedy club along the way. See them both in one evening of laughs September 11, 7 PM, at the Florida Theatre, $70-$145.
Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is best known as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. His routines relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to joining the ranks of some of the most successful comedians in America. He takes the stage September 11, 8 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $70-$213.
Florida Fin Fest
Annual two-day event celebrating conservation and sustainability features various vendors, food stations, and live music. Plus, patrons are invited to make a difference and help in the volunteer beach clean up September 11 and 12, at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, free with VIP packages offered for sale.
Ann Wilson
Widely praised among the greatest singers in the history of rock, Wilson’s powerful voice has helped form the bedrock of modern music for over five decades, earning record sales of more than 35 million, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Hear her live September 13, 6:30 PM, at the Thrasher-Horne Center, $47-$113.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Last season was a good one for the Jags. Can coach Liam Coen lead the team to double-digit wins and the playoffs again this year? Time will tell, with the first test of the 2026 NFL season coming in the form of the Cleveland Browns on September 13, 1 PM, followed by the New England Patriots visiting town September 27, 1 PM, at EverBank Field, tickets start at $212.
John Fogerty & Steve Winwood
As the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fogerty helped shape the sound of American music, blending blues, country, pop, rockabilly, R&B, and swamp boogie into a genre-defying style that continues to resonate with fans around the world decades after inception. Winwood has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and is known for timeless hits including “Higher Love,” and “Back in the High Life Again.” Listen for both and roll with it, baby, September 18, 7 PM, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, $88-$276.
Ella Langley
Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards, where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, and two recent American Music Award wins, Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music, including a show in Jax on September 19, 7 PM, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, $270-$1,130.
Touring the Landscape
Fine art show explores how American artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries shaped national identity through
landscape paintings of iconic tourist destinations. As a burgeoning tourist industry grew, artists traveled widely, shaping a corpus of iconic views that helped define what it meant to be American. From the marshes of Florida to the pastoral hills of New England, from the dramatic peaks of the American West to the scenic landscapes of Italy, the paintings in this exhibition reflect an evolving relationship between people and place. On display through November 29 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Jacksonville Barkfest
The theme to this third annual celebration is paws, people and purpose featuring pet-friendly vendors and animal lovers alike September 20, 11 AM-3 PM, at the Northbank Riverwalk Artist Square, free.
MUSIC
Madeleine Peyroux
Born in Athens, Georgia in 1974, Madeleine “grew up in a house filled with music” and from an early age “instinctively realized music’s soothing power.” But it was her teenage years busking in Paris that turned the childhood notion into an all-consuming vocation for life, something she continues September 22, 8 PM, at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, $73-$109.
MUSIC
Benise
It’s one hot night as Benise, “The Prince of Spanish Guitar,” celebrates 25 years of Spanish music and dance. Armed with his guitar and a stage full of musicians and elaborately choreographed dancers, Benise takes audiences on a musical journey through Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Parisian Waltz, exotic drumming, and more. See for yourself September 25, 7 PM, at the WJCT Sound Stage, $67-$148.
MUSIC
Mozart & Tchaikovsky
Connesson’s Maslenitsa is the perfect opening of the Jacksonville Symphony’s new season. Experience an electrifying burst of color and momentum inspired by Slavic
Carnival celebrations, alive with glowing chorales and blazing brass. That spark gives way to the elegance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22, performed by st Evren Ozel, followed by the sweeping romance and drama of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, where soaring melodies and vivid contrasts bring the evening to a mighty close, September 25 and 26, 7:30 PM, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, $39-$111.
FILM
Coraline in Concert
Directed by visionary filmmaker Henry Selick, Coraline comes to life like never before on a towering screen, with a live orchestra adding even deeper magic and mystery to this stop-motion classic, presented October 3, 7:30 PM, at the Florida Theatre.
MUSIC
Celtic Thunder
The current cast of Celtic Thunder is made up of diverse performers, Emmet Cahill, Neil Byrne, Damian McGinty and Ronan Scolard. Now for Fall of 2026, the group completes its 18th tour of North America, including a stop October 3, 8 PM, at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, $86-$149.
The Florida Ballet returns to the Florida Theatre for its third consecutive year with Roberto Forleo’s captivating rendition of Dracula . Prepare to be mesmerized by the fusion of gothic elegance and classical ballet October 8, 7 PM, $51-$92.
FILM
David Arquette goes “Behind the Scream,” a live conversation featuring a special 30th anniversary screening of the iconic horror film Scream , followed by an in-depth moderated interview and Q&A with the actor who played the beloved character Dewey Riley in the franchise, presented October 10, 7 PM, at the Florida Theatre. u
PHOTO BY MORGAN CALENBERG
Construction of the Stadium of the Future is steadily progressing. The $1.4 billion rebuild (split 50/50 between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the City) began in early 2025 with a completion date in advance of the 2028 NFL season. This year, the Jaguars will play six home games here with capacity limited to less than last season’s 60,000 fans per game. Come 2027, the Jags head to Orlando to play its “home” games at Camping World Stadium.
More than just a renovation, and despite portions of the existing EverBank Stadium being repurposed for the new facility, the result will be a completely reimagined arena with an NFL game capacity of 64,825 (and up to 70,000 for other events). Among its many new features is the “Viewscape” canopy, 900,000 square feet of composite polymer roof that is said to reduce heat inside the bowl by 70%. In addition, four corner breezeways will promote natural ventilation and provide vistas of the city skyline and riverfront. Inside, there will be more than 13,000 square feet of retail space and room for 100 lockers in the home team locker room, 92 for the visitors. Outside, a subtropical Floridian nature park will be open to visitors year-round.
Prior to construction, the City and the NFL franchise agreed to a 30-year lease, a deal that includes a non-relocation clause for the Jaguars. According to the team, during the 25-year period from 2028 to 2052, the Stadium of the Future is expected to host more than 21 million attendees, including some 848,000 per year with Jags’ home games accounting for 62% of total attendance. Once complete, the new, larger stadium is expected to lure a variety of special events including international soccer and concerts, as well as retain regularly hosted annual events such as the Florida/Georgia Game and Gator Bowl Game. There’s even hope it could attract other bigtime happenings to Jax like College Football Playoff games, the NFL Draft extravaganza and maybe, just maybe, a second Super Bowl.
The Jaguars host two pre-season games inside EverBank Stadium in August—August 21, 7:30 PM, versus the Panthers, and August 28, 7:30 PM, against the Buccaneers. The regular season opens against the Cleveland Browns on September 13, 1 PM. Training camp practices in the adjacent Miller Electric Center are set for the mornings of August 19, 23 and 25, and are open to the public. u
2026 has been a year of ups and downs in the First Coast real estate market. Properties are still selling and new homes are still being built, particularly when compared to other parts of the country. But the red-hot market of a couple years ago has cooled, a trend fueled by rising mortgage rates and home prices. There are good deals still to be had. The trick is knowing where to look. Here's a good place to start.
Regular HVAC maintenance is essential for preventing unexpected breakdowns, improving energy efficiency, and extending the life of your system. When your unit is properly serviced, it does not have to work as hard, which helps reduce wear and tear and supports more consistent indoor comfort during extreme heat. A seasonal tune-up also allows technicians to inspect key components such as coils, filters, refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and airflow performance, helping identify small issues before they become costly repairs.
Scheduling service before peak summer temperatures arrive is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of potential problems. It ensures your system operates safely and efficiently when you need it most and helps reduce the risk of mid-season breakdowns, when demand for service is highest and delays are more common. Taking a proactive approach to HVAC care can make a noticeable difference in comfort, reliability, and energy costs throughout the season.
• Lower Energy Bills: Dust, dirt, and normal wear can gradually reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency, forcing it to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. Routine cleaning and inspections help keep components operating properly, improve airflow, and ensure the system isn’t using more energy than necessary. As a result, your equipment can cool your home more effectively while helping to keep monthly utility costs under control.
• Avoid Peak Season Surprises: HVAC systems are most likely to fail during extreme heat when they’re working hardest to keep your home comfortable. Scheduling maintenance early gives technicians the opportunity to inspect critical components, make necessary adjustments, and address signs of wear before they lead to a breakdown. It also allows you to secure an appointment before service providers become inundated with emergency calls, helping you avoid longer wait times and unnecessary disruptions during the hottest days of summer.
• Prevent Costly Repairs: During inspections, technicians can identify issues such as declining refrigerant levels, worn or slipping belts, and loose electrical connections. Catching and addressing these problems early helps reduce strain on the system, lowers the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and helps avoid the higher costs associated with major component failures or emergency service repairs.
• Prolong System Lifespan: Preventive maintenance reduces strain on key parts like compressors, coils, and motors helping them operate more smoothly and efficiently over time. By keeping the system properly cleaned, calibrated, and inspected, it minimizes unnecessary wear that can lead to overheating, reduced performance, or early failure. This consistent care helps extend the life of the equipment and can delay the need for costly system replacement, allowing homeowners to get more value out of their HVAC investment.
• Change Your Filters: One of the simplest and most effective ways to support your HVAC system’s performance is by regularly replacing your air filter. Over time, filters collect dust, pet hair, pollen, and other airborne particles which can restrict airflow and force your system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Replacing your filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on factors specific to your household, can improve indoor air quality, and reduce unnecessary strain on your system. It’s a small maintenance task that can make a big difference in both comfort and efficiency throughout the summer.
• Clear the Outdoor Unit: Keep the area around your outdoor AC unit or heat pump free of leaves, debris, and overgrown vegetation that can obstruct airflow. Ensuring adequate clearance, ideally a few feet on all sides, allows the system to pull in and release air more effectively, which supports optimal performance. This simple upkeep also helps reduce stress on internal components, improves overall efficiency, and lowers the risk of overheating during periods of heavy use.
With the right maintenance and a few easy steps, you can help keep your home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all summer long, even during the most intense summer heat.
Starr® Custom Homes is an award-winning design/build custom luxury home building firm in Jacksonville FL. We’ve been “building dreams” for north Florida’s custom home clientele since 2009. Starr® Custom Homes brings together all the elements needed to bring your inspiration to life: exceptional design, strong experience and, most importantly, you – at the center of it all.
Partnering with us means you have the freedom to build your home, your way. As a designbuild firm, we shepherd your entire project from start to finish, providing both architectural and interior design services as part of our one-stop-shop service. We manage these and the other professionals, artisans, suppliers and talented trade partners to design your home and bring it into reality.
Our firm has been recognized over the years with several awards for our design/ build expertise, including the national Best in American Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders and the Aurora Award from the Florida Home Builders Association.
Shawn Starr, president, and Greg Zecher, project manager, stand ready to help you bring your vision to life in the home you’ve always wanted.
Shawn is one of only three dozen contractors nationwide to have earned the Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP) credential from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The CMBP is the highest professional designation awarded by the NAHB. It represents a lifetime of dedication to the craft, requiring extensive industry experience, advanced technical expertise, and a proven track record of business integrity. When you hire a Master Builder, you aren’t just hiring a contractor—you’re partnering with a vetted expert committed to the highest standards of construction and customer service.
For decades, Vicar’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach has been devoted to providing exceptional senior living in Florida. Our original campus, Vicar’s Landing Sawgrass, redefined retirement living by combining elegant residences with an active lifestyle and a strong sense of community. Building on that legacy, Vicar’s Landing Oak Bridge expanded our commitment to offering vibrant, fulfilling retirement living with even more opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive.
Today, Vicar’s Landing proudly offers two distinguished communities, with a third on the horizon. Vicar’s Landing at eTOWN, coming soon, will bring our trusted tradition of excellence to one of Jacksonville’s most coveted new communities. Options vary by community. Call now to learn more.
The residential options at Vicar’s Landing are thoughtfully designed to support the lifestyle you envision. Spacious homes, exceptional amenities, resort-style surroundings, engaging programs, and personalized services create an environment where residents can enjoy each day with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re exploring retirement living for yourself or a loved one, Vicar’s Landing offers the security, convenience, and vibrant feeling of community that make every stage of life rewarding.
Start Planning Your Future Today. From the established charm of Sawgrass and Oak Bridge to the exciting future of eTOWN, Vicar’s Landing continues to set the standard for senior living in Northeast Florida.
Visit VicarsLanding.com or call 904.285.6000.
• Gated community with security staff
• Lifetime health care for every phase of aging
• On-campus wellness clinic for checkups and more
• Close to world-renowned Mayo Clinic
• Planned activities, entertainment and social events
• Beautiful clubhouses with fitness centers, pools, and gathering spaces
• Swimming pool heated year-round
• Tennis, golf, shopping, and gourmet dining nearby
• Multiple dining venues and culinary experiences
• Private patio rooms available
• Weekly housekeeping and maintenance services
• Beautiful natural surroundings
• Scheduled transportation for appointments, worship, and shopping
• On-campus salon and personal services
Lisa Pyden is the real estate agent that interior designers turn to when they are looking to buy their own homes. Doubling in her 17-year real estate career as both a luxury Real Estate Agent and Interior Designer on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, she knew her clients’ homes would also serve as their latest and greatest design project. The character and setting of their buying options would be paramount.
Lisa handpicked Ponte Vedra Beach when her family relocated to Northeast Florida from Vero Beach. Lifestyle choices dictated being close to the water with an abundance of sports options for everyone. Their daughter, a scholarship golfer from Texas Tech University, married her college sweetheart and, with their two little ones in tow, they love to visit Florida and be at the beach. Their son, who works at TPC Sawgrass, recently married and settled into Atlantic Beach. The newlyweds enjoy biking through town and attending local events. The whole family agrees, Jacksonville and the Beaches offers much more than anywhere else they’ve lived in Florida.
(904) 806-9535 | lisapyden.com
“Success with good design in real estate depends as much on problem-solving and organization as it does with having a creative vision.”
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Five Star Professional partnered with Jacksonville Magazine to identify real estate, mortgage and insurance professionals in the Jacksonville area who deliver outstanding service and client satisfaction. The Five Star Professional research team surveyed homebuyers, home sellers and industry peers, and analyzed online consumer evaluations. Survey respondents rated their service professional on criteria such as overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the provider to a friend. The research methodology allows no more than 7% of professionals in each category to receive the award.
The Five Star Professional research team surveyed homebuyers, home sellers and industry peers, and analyzed online consumer evaluations to identify professionals that excel in key attributes of customer service.
Using our scoring algorithm, each nominee is given an evaluation score based on surveys in our database. High scorers are named candidates.
Candidates must complete either an online or over-the-phone interview.
Candidates must be in the industry for at least five years, have a favorable regulatory history and meet minimum production thresholds.
A Blue Ribbon panel of industry experts reviews the final list of candidates.
Less than 7% of professionals in the market are selected.
• The 2026 Five Star Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Professionals and Home/Auto Insurance Professionals do not pay a fee to be included in the research or the final lists.
• Each professional is screened against state governing bodies to verify that licenses are current and no disciplinary actions are pending.
• The inclusion of a real estate agent, mortgage professional or insurance professional on the final list should not be construed as an endorsement by Five Star Professional or Jacksonville Magazine.
Professionals who satisfied each of the following objective criteria were named a 2026 Jacksonville-area Five Star Real Estate Agent, Five Star Mortgage Professional or Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professional:
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Qualifying rating.
Eligibility Criteria:
2. Holds an active license and employed in their field for a minimum of three years.
3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review.
4. Satisfies minimum production on a one-year and three-year basis.
5. Successful completion of a Blue Ribbon Panel review.
Real estate agents, mortgage professionals and home/auto insurance professionals are pooled only with other candidates from their profession.
The final list of 2026 Jacksonville-area Five Star award winners is a select group, representing approximately 1% of real estate agents, 1% of mortgage professionals and 1% of home/auto insurance professionals in the area. To see the full list of winners, visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
We value great client satisfaction. Fewer than 7% of real estate agents, mortgage professionals and insurance agents in the area were named winners this year. 7%
St. Augustine, FL 32092
Direct: 904-214-4780
miketaylor@premierhomesrealty.net www.premierhomesrealty.net
Premier Marketing, Service And Results!
• Over $262 million personally sold
• Northeast Florida real estate experts
• Recognized as Five Star Professional Market Leaders in Fortune in 2025
• Recognized as Five Star Professional Market Leaders in Forbes in 2022
Mike and Tari bring decades of combined experience to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. They take the time to understand each client’s needs, offering knowledgeable guidance and a personalized approach. In 2023, their daughter, Kari Francom, joined the team as a licensed sales associate, and they are proud to work together as a family. Committed to making the process as smooth as possible, they provide upto-date market insights and streamlined services. Their trusted network of industry professionals — from inspectors to lenders — ensures clients have the resources needed for a successful and stress-free experience.
• 24 years serving Northeast Florida
• Top 1% of Realtors (Northeast Florida MLS)
• A dedicated team to serve buyers and sellers
• Served over 100
in 2025
The Cindy Gavin Team strives to ensure our customers have the absolute best experience, whether buying or selling in Northeast Florida. Our motto is an old one, but we truly live by it! “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” We would love to assist you in your real estate journey, whether buying or selling. We are ready to go to work for you.
Twenty-year winner Clare
Realtor, Broker, GRI, e-PRO®, SRS
• 2019 – 2025 Ponte Vedra Recorder’s “Best of the Best” in multiple categories: relocation, condominiums, golf course communities, new homes, waterfront, eco-friendly; best agent, broker, firm, corporation; 2025’s Best Longtime Business in 32082
• Consistently ranked in the top 20 of Jacksonville Business Journal’s residential agents
• Seller Representative Specialist; Graduate, Realtor Institute; e-PRO ®
• Recognized as a Five Star Real Estate Agent for 20 years in Northeast Florida
Clare has served Northeast Florida real estate customers for 40 years! Her customers say their experience with her is special because of her local market knowledge, community connections and skills. As a Jacksonville native and longtime beaches resident, Clare has a unique perspective that benefits her clients.
375 Atlantic Boulevard
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Phone: 904-610-7652 beverly@beverlyhechtrealtor.com www.beverlyhechtrealtor.com
With an exceptional track record of more than a decade in the Jacksonville real estate market, Beverly Hecht has built her reputation as a trusted adviser, tireless advocate and unwavering professional. A multitransaction expert for many clients, Beverly has guided hundreds of individuals and families through the complexities of buying and selling homes — often multiple times. Whether she’s working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors or military families relocating across states, Beverly is consistently recognized for her personalized approach and genuine care. Clients return to her time and again and refer friends and family with confidence, knowing they are in the best hands.
If you’re looking for a real estate professional who combines knowledge, compassion and results, look no further than Beverly Hecht — a true leader in the Jacksonville real estate market.
The Shoppes of Ponte Vedra
330 A1A N, Suite 305 • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Phone: 904-382-5875 • clare@clareberry.realtor www.clareberryrealestate.com
333 Village Main Street, Suite 670 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Phone: 305-509-1396
cheryl.dolan@fioridanetworkrealty.com www.cheryldolanrealtor.com
• Licensed real estate professional with local expertise
• Skilled in buying, selling and relocation
• Strong negotiator with strategic pricing knowledge
• Trusted network of lenders, inspectors and contractors
Home is more than just a place. It’s where memories are made and where we all begin. It’s also the most significant financial investment most people will ever make. That’s why working with someone you can trust is very important. Nearly 30 years in real estate, including 15 years as a real estate paralegal and more than 14 years as a Realtor, has provided me the experience, knowledge and skill set needed to provide the highest level of service and professionalism to my clients, truly advocating for their best interests — your forever agent.
Deb Pettry
• Multimillion-dollar producer
• Relocation specialist
Lic. SL3093101
333 Village Main Street, Suite 670 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Cell: 904-716-4953 deb.pettry@bhhsfnr.com www.debsellspontevedra.com
• Specializing in Ponte Vedra and the beach areas
• Nocatee certified agent
My goal as a full-time Realtor is to make the homebuying or selling process as stressfree as humanly possible for both the buyer and the seller. Prompt responses and communication are the keys to success throughout the real estate transaction. Honesty, integrity and perseverance are the guidelines by which I serve my clients.
• BHHS Top Producer
• Luxury home specialist
• Multimillion-dollar club
• St. Johns River specialist
Anita Vining is a top Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, with over three decades of experience helping buyers and sellers in Jacksonville. She specializes in waterfront, luxury and relocation properties along the St. Johns River and Atlantic coastline. Known for her market expertise, personalized service and community involvement, Anita delivers exceptional results and a seamless real estate experience.
Top Three Small Residential Real Estate Team in Northeast Florida — Five Years in a Row (Jacksonville
It’s all about you, with Cici Anderson and Jenna Fisher as your trusted real estate advisors. With a combined 34 years of experience in the industry, they are here to guide you through the real estate process, whether you are buying or selling. They will use their extensive network and work tirelessly to find you that perfect home, even one that may not be on the market.
Journal)
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Cici: 904-537-0457 cicisellsjax@gmail.com
Jenna: 904-881-4201 jennasellsjax@gmail.com marshlandingbeachesrealty.com
Donald Church
• 2026 Five Star Real Estate Agent award winner
With more than 12 years of industry experience, I guide clients in the purchase and sale of homes with professionalism, expertise and attention to detail. Having spent 34 years on Florida’s First Coast, I offer local market knowledge, trusted advice and a commitment to dedicated service. I pride myself on helping clients achieve their real estate objectives while ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience throughout the process. Ready to find your
All Areas
Reba Barkley
Davidson Realty, Inc.
Elizabeth L. Brockelman
Watson Realty Corp. Realtors
Donald Church
Juliette C.D. Vaughn
Sales Associate, Realtor, ABR®
• Silver Pinnacle ($5 million-plus) since 2013
• Jacksonville native
I offer experience, professionalism and a passion for helping my customers. Buying or selling a home is a significant event with many moving parts, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to guide you through every step, so you’ll feel excited — not stressed.
I truly want you to love where you live !
5443 San Jose Boulevard • Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-993-3618 • juliettevaughn@watsonrealtycorp.com www.juliettevaughn.watsonrealtycorp.com
Beverly Hecht, P.A.
Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Florida Network Realty Page 3
Betty Layton
United Real Estate Gallery
Jeanne Moellendick
Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage
Kay Stalvey
Lesley Vitel
Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners
Fleming Island
Kat Wetmore
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty
Jacksonville
Ponte Vedra
Clare Berry
Berry & Co. Real Estate Page 3
Deb Pettry
Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Florida Network Realty Page 4
Ponte Vedra Beach
Kay Stalvey Realtor
• Serving all of Northeast Florida since 1979
• Client-first philosophy
• Working with buyers and sellers
There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional. They include integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network — all of which are hallmarks of my professional approach to real estate.
751 Duval Station Road • Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: 904-237-4275
kaystalvey@watsonrealtycorp.com
Barbara Jenness
Barbara B. Jenness, P.A
Anita Kay Millar
Royal Highlander Real Estate Consultants, LLC
Michael K. Taylor
Premier Homes Realty Page 2
Tari Taylor Premier Homes Realty
Nicole Fernandez Seymour Preferred Rate
Elysia Stobbe Planet Home Lending
Steve Verrier ANE Lending, LLC/TheFlorida MortgageCenter.com
Experience little-known corners of the First Coast with this guide to quirky, unusual and intriguing places and spaces across the region.
FABRIZIO GOWDY AND TIMOTHY GILMORE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY
Think you know Jax? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. Regardless, living in a city of this size—840 square miles or so—means there is always somewhere new to explore, something new to discover. From the rickety docks of Mayport at the mouth of the St. Johns River to the dusty hiking trails of Cary State Forest
on the far Westside, we went in search of Jacksonville’s weird and wonderful, often overlooked historic sites and places that are real head-scratchers. A hotel for squirrels, an abandoned nuclear weapons storage facility, an old landfill turned into a mountain bike trail… sure, we’ve got all of that and more. Read on and see for yourself.
Aterro Park simultaneously proves two things—not all of Jax is flat as a pancake, and trash can become treasure. The former landfill turned mountain bike park offers 60-foot climbs, sudden changes in grade and eight miles of bike trails. An additional three miles of running paths are also set to open soon, and a dog park is in the permitting process. The privately run park along Sunbeam Road is free to enter and open every day from 8 AM to sunset. SORBA (Southern Off-road Bicycle Association) Jax maintains the trails and organizes races and other events. Check the group’s Facebook page for information on Wednesday night group rides, which will return in the fall. SORBA relies 100 percent on volunteers and is always looking for new members who are passionate about maintaining the semi-natural wonder.
Northeast Florida may not have the celebrity scenes of Hollywood or Miami, but renowned author John Grisham enjoys spending time at his oceanfront abode in Fernandina Beach. An attorney and (remember this for next trivia night) former member of the Mississippi legislature, Grisham has authored more than 50 best sellers and amassed an estimated net worth of $400 million. Grisham did not see the ocean until he was 18 years old, and instantly fell in love with Amelia Island’s easygoing coastal charm when he first visited 30 years ago. He bought a home on South Fletcher Avenue in 2010, and says his favorite time of the year is the two weeks he spends on the island every summer with his family. In his “Ode to Amelia Island,” penned in 2019 for Garden & Gun, The Firm author tells of lunches and late dinners on the porch, bocce games, reading on his swing chair and plenty of “serious loafing.” We don’t recommend ringing the doorbell to say, “hi,” but if you park at beach access lot 39 and take a walk down by the water, you might just cross paths with one of America’s most accomplished authors.
If you’ve sat in the upper balcony for a show at the Florida Theatre—specifically Section 500 Row E, seats 1 and 2—you might have been unknowingly sharing your spot. That’s because those are the infamous “ghost seats” believed to be haunted by a friendly apparition named “Jay.” Some say Jay was a former building engineer, others think he is a long-ago theater manager protecting the current staff, while others claim he is a 1920s organist named Joseph Hilton. Whoever he is, there have been whispers about him going back decades. In 2010, local paranormal investigators filming in the theater reportedly captured footage of a ghostly figure appearing to sit and wave from seat 2. Built on the corner that formerly housed the city jail, the Florida Theatre has a long history of alleged paranormal activity: a presence in the projection booth, doors and lights operating on their own, disembodied voices, humming noises lingering after equipment is unplugged. When the theater underwent a massive seating renovation in 2020, seats 1 and 2 were the only two spared from replacement. Instead, they were shipped to a factory in Michigan for restoration before being reinstalled in their original location so their resident ghost would not be disturbed.
Looking for an unusual place to work, study or just read a book, there’s a little-used outdoor balcony on the fourth floor of the Main Library with an expansive Downtown skyline view. There are even tables, chairs and electrical outlets. Monthly rent? $0. Despite being in the heart of the city, it’s usually pretty quiet aside from the tranquil sounds of the fountains in the library courtyard below. Admittedly, there is no AC or shade, but when the temperatures are cooler and it isn’t raining, it’s one of the most scenic places in town to enjoy a peaceful respite. The balcony can be accessed from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Enter through the Memory Lab.
After storms, concerned do-gooders bring in orphaned squirrels in swarms. Desiree Pinder operates the Hotel for Squirrels in a small cabin left over from the old motor court behind the Bayard Inn, originally called the Wing Hotel when it was built in 1885, on Philips Highway. Bayard was a depot village attached to its stop for the Florida East Coast Railroad and W.W. Wing was a former Union soldier, killed and dismembered when he was sucked into a sawmill shortly after building his hotel. Karma is much better at the Hotel for Squirrels, whose purpose is to nurture orphaned squirrels until they can get back on their feet and into the trees. You can bring squirrels in, or sign up to take a course in orphan squirrel rehabilitation, or volunteer. “We are a team,” says the mantra of the hotel, recently the subject of a UNF student documentary called Squirrel Hotel, “and we all play a role in saving each life.”
Every year, more than 750,000 people tour the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. Another castle just five miles away receives far fewer visitors. Perched west of Hwy. A1A north of Vilano Beach, Castle Otttis was built in the 1980s by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes. Drawing inspiration from 11th century Celtic abbeys, the two men spent four years building the 3,500-ton structure, collecting enormous amounts of cinder blocks from salvage yards and completing all the masonry work themselves. The interior features elaborate woodworking of cypress and southern heart pine, including eight staircases, pews, an altar, a pulpit, choir loft and even a bishop’s chair. The castle is not affiliated with any church, but it is a monument to Jesus Christ—the three “T’s” in “Castle Otttis” represent the three crosses at Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. Ottis and Ickes have both passed, but Ickes’ son Mathias is continuing to welcome visitors to the one-of-a-kind monument. Tours take about an hour and can be scheduled using the contact section at castleotttis.org. Photography is fine, but the tour is not ADA accessible and children under the age of nine are not permitted.
In 2026, you could walk from the top of the burial mound in the back yard of the larger house to the roof of the house built into Grant Mound at the end of the cul-de-sac. In the summers of 1894 and ’95, archaeologist Clarence B. Moore dug into Grant Mound and found “numerous human burials,” as University of North Florida archaeologist Keith Ashley writes in “Introducing Shields Mound (8DU12) and The Mill Cove Complex,” though the “exact number is difficult to decipher from Moore’s writings.” Moore excavated 147 polished stone blades called celts, “chipped stone tools” and “shell drinking cups” and pearls and shell beads and “pottery vessels” and “stone beads.” Indicating long indigenous trade routes, he also unearthed “two long-nosed god maskettes” of a mythical figure known as He-Who-Wears-Human-Heads-as-Earrings, a warrior deity in HoChunk (Winnebago) and Ioway tribal cosmology. Ashley writes, “The Shields and Grant Mounds were erected upon the two highest points along the west side of Mill Cove, each perched with a magnificent view of the river.” Real estate development occurred here just before the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act would have forbidden it.
11
It’s one of Jacksonville’s longest wooden boardwalks, and yet there are days you can walk the length of it and pass only a handful of people. The one-third-mile riverfront boardwalk at Blue Cypress Park faces west, making it a great place to catch sunsets as they melt over EverBank Stadium, the downtown skyline and the industrial hodgepodge of Talleyrand Avenue. Low tide exposes a few feet of sandy beach, while high tide pushes water under the boardwalk and into the marsh. It’s a quiet, low-key spot to cast a line or take a stroll. The best place to park is the small lot near the fishing pier.
Even longtime San Marco residents can be forgiven for never having noticed the unimposing three-foot-tall concrete post on Gadsden Road in Miramar. Faded black letters painted on white read “City Limits 1937.” The letters are a bit hard to read, locked in a battle with grey lichen. This humble sign, now part of someone’s front lawn, is one of the most visible remaining vestiges of pre-consolidation Jacksonville. The marker dates back to when Jacksonville city limits extended only as far as Ortega, the Trout River, and parts of San Marco, and most everything between there and the Intracoastal Waterway belonged to feral hogs. There’s not a grand monument by any measure, but the little marker of yesteryear is worth appreciating next time you walk, bike or drive by.
In 1931, the Jacksonville Historical Society left a grossly inaccurate historical marker at one corner of the limestone, granite and marble former post office and federal courthouse downtown designed by the architectural firm of Marsh and Saxelbye. The marker claims it stands on the site of Ossachite, “from earliest times until about 1700.” But there was no Timucuan Indian town called “Ossachite.” Nor was there, in the marker’s spelling, such a “Timuquan” town. Since no such town throve, nor even barely existed, this corner of this magnificent municipal building marks not the site on which it stood. Jerald T. Milanich, the leading living authority on the Timucua, says, “There was never a Timucua town called Ossachite; that is a piece of bad historical research by T. Frederick Davis.” The Timucua, Milanich says, weren’t city-builders. Their largest settlements contained “a small number of huts and burial mounds.”
“Sometimes Mr. Rathel would live in the house as he was building it,” says Ray Holliman, 96 years old. “He just had his old truck and he’d mix the concrete by hand there in the yard. He didn’t have no equipment. Just a shovel and an axe and some things like that.” He’d lay the foundation and work his way up, eventually building scaffolding and wheelbarrowing cement up ramps. Eventually King Solomon Rathel built at least 15 of his strange curvilinear flat-roofed houses, between 1935 and the late ’50s, around the Trout River and Lem Turner Road on the Northside. He’d moved down from Donalsonville, Georgia in the 1920s with his wife, Marvel Funderburk Rathel. Where he learned his trade remains a mystery, as does how he developed his own Art Deco-like style and why he finally took his own life in the 1970s.
Many people visit Fort Caroline National Monument to see the fort and walk the network of hiking trails, but fewer people travel a bit further up to the Ribault Column. Situated atop a 70-foot bluff, it’s one of Jacksonville’s tallest natural points, and offers sweeping views of the St. Johns River and the marshes beyond. The stone monument is a replica of one French explorer Jean Ribault placed at the mouth of the St. Johns River in 1562 to claim Florida for France and King Charles IX, whose coat of arms is on the column. The modern replica was originally installed in 1924 near Mayport and was moved to its current lofty location in 1958 after NAS Mayport made the monument inaccessible to the public.
Jacksonville is a city defined by its waterways, with 17 percent of Duval County covered by water. Simply put, without a boat or a kayak, you’re missing out on some of the more picturesque spots the city has to offer. Luckily, two such places are relatively easy to access from public boat ramps via kayak—tiny Goat Island and Exchange Island. The western tip of Goat Island is only a .35-mile paddle from the dock at Reddie Point Preserve in Arlington. The narrow island is nearly three-quarters of a mile long and is completely undeveloped. The sandy eastern tip offers a great view of the Dames Point Bridge that’s hard to replicate from land. Exchange Island, which supports the Matthews Bridge, is a bit farther out in the water, about three-quarters of a mile from the Arlington Road Boat Ramp to the island’s small dock. Both islands are rugged and sans buildings, which juxtaposes with the skyline, bridges and industrial sites within spitting distance. One word of caution: if you’re planning to splash ashore during the warmer months, bring generous amounts of bug spray and apply it liberally.
On October 22, 1979, The Jacksonville Journal’s Lloyd Brown reported, “When the new Kent Campus of Florida Junior College officially opens, December 2, a handful of people will be there quietly enjoying an inside joke.” When the Board of Trustees discussed the design of the new campus, Jewell Haddock Blackburn opined the bricks should be blue, her favorite color. Board members may have gaslighted Blackburn, having delayed her reappointment to the board, though someone proposed placing one blue brick, inscribed with her name, somewhere in the new construction, “as a tribute of sorts.” Another unnamed “board member seemed displeased,” Brown reported, and the blue brick “was buried quickly.” But not entirely. In fact, Brown prognosticated, “The architectural oddity may puzzle FJC students of the class of 2000 passing through the south entrance to the administration building.” Somehow someone on the board managed to sneak in One Blue Jewell Haddock Blackburn Brick, printed with her name, though the name faces inward, the only blue brick on campus amidst more than 600,000 red ones.
Strange really that Anna Kingsley, Anta Madjiguène Ndiaye, or Anna Madgigine Jai, should be famous here in Jacksonville. When she was 13 years old, she was kidnapped from what’s now Senegal and shipped to Cuba, where the slave trader Zephaniah Kingsley purchased her, impregnated her and married her. Anta became Anna and bore four children to the man who bought her. When she turned 18, Zephaniah emancipated Anta and she would soon supervise his Laurel Grove Plantation at an inlet on what’s now Doctors Lake in Clay County. Subject now of books and rock operas, she lies buried in an unmarked grave in the old neighborhood of Clifton tucked just south of the Mathews Bridge.
The spirits first spoke through Ethel Tunks in the little blue house at 712 Ralph Street in North Riverside where the Tunkses had lived since Ethel became a U.S. citizen in 1955. They were raising their first four children there when the spirits told the Tunkses to open their home as the Cosmic Church of Truth and WHVH Bookstore. In August 1971, Jo Anna Moore, writing for The Florida Times-Union and Journal, compared the Tunkses’ home to Hill House in Shirley Jackson’s most famous novel. “Like the cold spot of Hill House,” Moore wrote, the house on Ralph Street was “the psychic center for area students of the occult.” That same year, the Tunkses had moved to a tall clapboard on Park Street and the wood-frame 1945 house in the subdistrict platted as “Rose of Riverside” became home solely to WHVH and the Cosmic Church of Truth. Today the church continues at 1637 Hamilton Street and though its membership hovers between 60 and 90 adherents, it contains several Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Wiccans and, goes an inside joke, “lapsed Catholics.”
St. Augustine sculptor Thomas Glover W. said Beaufort [South Carolina] City Council was just “ignorant in art.” Over 14 other entries, the Beaufort Public Art Commission chose Glover’s in 1993, which the Hilton Head, South Carolina Island Packet newspaper called “a four ton stone mermaid and her exotic fishy friends riding a large wave.” The commission, however, objected to the mermaid’s breasts and demanded they be covered. Beaufort City Council declared those measures didn’t go far enough and soon the sculpture’s piscine mammaries instigated a mano-a-mano. Glover’s promotional material said, “Eroticism is a tension between contrary forces; it is a spark and I am a floodplain of gasoline.” In 2006, developer Ramzy Bakkar salvaged the design, not knowing the back story, hired Glover to sculpt the mermaid, and brought her to his new Harbour Village Shopping Center on Atlantic Boulevard, near the Intracoastal Waterway.
An Associated Press headline read, “UFO Panel to Examine Odd Ball,” and United Press International headlines announced, “Five Scientists Meet Over Steel Ball Today” and “Further Probe of Weird Metal Ball.” In late March 1974, the Betz family investigated the damage a brush fire had wrought along the marshes beside their 1920s’ Tudor-style Fort George Island house, when their 21 year old son found the hollow 22-pound steel sphere. Strange things began to happen after they brought the steel ball inside, though the house had always carried bad luck. To this day, the Betzes are the only residents to have lived in the 89-year-old house year-round. They called it “The Castle” and called The Castle home for 18 years. Even Chicago realtor Nettleton Neff, who commissioned Mellen Greeley, once called “the dean of Jacksonville architecture,” to design his Florida mansion in 1927, never lived in the house. Eventually the Betzes left the house behind too, chased away not by ghosts and aliens, but by the relentless onslaught of conspiracy theorists and Ufologists.
Each bunker held from 10 to 30 nuclear weapons and was surrounded by three rows of barbed wire fences, sensors, searchlights and surveillance cameras, while about 200 Marines watched from towers. Each nuclear weapon held a grapefruit-sized core of plutonium, an element terrifyingly radioactive, with a half-life of 25,000 years, a couple grains of which can cause cancer. Miles of barbed wire fence surrounded 11,000 acres of pine woods with a labyrinth of roadways, a helipad, an inner compound. For decades, Jacksonville went about its business, all without knowing the U.S. Department of Defense was storing scores of nuclear warheads in secret bunkers here at Yellow Water. In 1992, Bob Blodgett, who served 18 years as Duval County chief of emergency management, told Florida newspapers he’d known the Navy stored nuclear weapons at Yellow Water, that it angered him that the Navy transferred these weapons by armed truck convoy straight through the city. “They were transporting those things right across our highways and through Downtown.” Now the bunkers stand empty and wide open beneath the trees just a hop, skip and a jump from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.
Even if you haven’t been yourself, there’s a decent chance you’ve received a wedding invitation or Christmas card photo taken at Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island’s fallen forest of sun-bleached oak and cedar driftwood trees. Blackrock Beach, a less-frequented spot, lies just up the shore. Formed during the last Ice Age, this section of beach features striking formations that look like black lava rocks, but are made of hardened sand. The beach shares its name with a volcanic rock beach on Maui. The rocks are best accessed by parking at Bluffs Scenic Shoreline Picnic Area and walking south, or parking at the Blackrocks trail and walking north. It’s about a mile each way. The beach is open during daylight hours, but parking is limited.
Students from nearby Bishop Kenny High School have made legend trips here to see her in the St. Nicholas Cemetery for years. Stories say the statue once had eyes of rubies and that sometimes they return. The stories say that Mary Markillie’s ruby eyes weep. The truth is that in 1895, she left her son George $1,000, more than $40,000 in today’s money. Oddly, a city directory lists her living downtown at 624 West Church Street the year after her death. Near the end of his own life, her only son, who’d made his living in real estate, memorialized his mother here in stone. So here she is, planted sometime between 1912 and 1916. George Fox Markillie died four years later, but his stone shows no death date.
Celia Bryan, the first woman executed in Florida, showed no remorse when she went to her death by hanging at the site of the old courthouse, northeast corner of Market and Forsyth streets downtown. “She cut open his skull so as to produce instant death,” having mounted a knife to a hoe in the fields of his plantation, said The Jacksonville News on December 7, 1847. Jacob Bryan, residing five miles from the center of town, “had,” said the News, “been murdered by a female negro slave.” Jacob had married an enslaved woman named Susan, with whom he had several daughters, including Celia; meanwhile, a May 9, 1848 probate document has Jacob Bryan admitting to being the father of his daughter Celia’s four children. In the summer of 1848, upon Celia’s testimony in court, Governor William Mosely, first governor of Florida as a state, temporarily commuted Celia’s sentence while considering her “great hardship.” Jacksonville residents wrote their governor some demanding Celia’s death, some begging for her life. Ultimately the governor denied both pardon and mercy.
Most recently the River House Apartments, the old house once operated as a hotel called both River House and Rochester House. The Second Empire-style dwelling stood back then in Brooklyn, but was moved by barge down the river to its current location on River Boulevard near Memorial Park. Historians have often dated the onset of Mary Todd Lincoln’s insanity to March of 1875, when the president’s widow left her hotel in Jacksonville to travel back home to Illinois. Just more than a year earlier, as Jason Emerson writes in his 2012 book The Madness of Mary Lincoln, she’d written that so many of her “ties to this world” had been “severed,” she sometimes felt she had “no right to remain upon earth.” Mary’s son Robert began proceedings to have her institutionalized, which started with a trial to determine her state of mind. At the trial, the Mary Lincoln said she’d been haunted by an Indian spirit who took bones from her face and removed wires from her eyes. Spirits visited her, rapping on the table to communicate the time of her death. She would always believe, though records said otherwise, that Robert had her committed “on false charges” so he could steal her money.
Jacksonville-born literary great Stetson Kennedy came from an aristocratic Southern family, with ancestors including signers of the Declaration of Independence and the founder of the Stetson hat empire. An author, folklorist and activist, he gained notoriety in the 1940s when he successfully infiltrated the Klan in Georgia. For six decades, Kennedy lived in an eclectic home overlooking Lake Beluthahatchee until he died in 2011 at the age of 94. The home has twice been designated a National Literary Landmark, and is open to tours by appointment. It is located at 1523 State Road 13, and those wishing to visit can call the Stetson Kennedy Foundation at (904) 549-9444 to arrange a tour. In addition to tours, the property hosts concerts every second Sunday of the month. Singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie used to stay at the home for months at a time and composed over 80 songs here. The name Beluthahatchee, was reportedly coined by Kennedy’s close friend Zora Neale Hurston, which describes a mythical “Florida Shangri-La” where all unpleasantness is forgiven. Perhaps as you tour the grounds, you’ll feel the unpleasantness of St. Johns County traffic melt away.
Supposedly the Seminole Indian was Jacksonville Prairie-style architect Henry John Klutho’s self-portrait. The story had been told for decades as had urban legends concerning the whereabouts of the terracotta heads. Originally there were 10 heads and they weren’t Seminoles, but Mohawks. Then in the spring of 1909, the Utica [New York] Investment Company, which commissioned of Klutho a grand Jacksonville building, was bought out by a Tennessee hotel conglomerate and Klutho converted his banking building to a hotel. When the Seminole Hotel, at the southeast corner of Hogan and Forsyth streets, was demolished in 1974 to build a parking lot, activist and future architectural historian Wayne Wood drove by in his Volkswagen bus and talked the demolition crew into letting him haul away several heads for free. Wayne has three Seminole Hotel heads in the yard of his Riverside Avenue home. There’s another downtown in the Ed Ball Building and two more in the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee.
Editor’s Note: As a side nugget to this story, our annual Taste local drinking and dining supplement features a story about ten little known but worth visiting eateries, markets, roadside stands and more. u
A critical design decision involved rotating the west wing at an obtuse angle. Rather than using a traditional 90-degree turn, this shift opened the courtyard, activating the environment and connecting the house to specific site components. ” “
A waterside showstopper offering magnificent views was the result of a journey that began some 20 years prior.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN KETTERMAN
approaching the 15th green of the golf course, it’s impossible to overlook. No doubt for some golfers it’s something of an admirable distraction, with its sharp angles, huge expanses of windows and doors, and its grand scale. In a community awash with Spanish-style villas and Low Country showplaces, the Lisk Residence stands apart.
Greg and Alyse Lisk had lived in the neighborhood for 15 years. While they enjoyed the home in which they resided, an undeveloped waterfront lot at the end of a dirt road that they discovered during golf cart rides through the community held great allure for them. After years reaching out to the lot’s owner, a local builder, a deal was struck and the unique parcel would be theirs—a reward that earned them 18 months of design and construction, but only after three years of pondering how to best utilize the property.
The result of all that time and planning is four bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths spread across more than 6,800 square feet inside the gated St. Augustine-area community of Palencia.
When it came time to select an architect, there was really only one choice. Alyse turned to her brother, Richard Pedranti, AIA, principal at RPA, an architect known for designing sustainable luxury homes. “I thought it would be great if my children grew up in a house that their uncle designed,” she says.
Both Greg and Alyse took a very hands-on approach to creating their new home, providing Richard with a variety of design ideas and examples of their personal preferences. The architect kept the conversations going with a detailed questionnaire covering everything from master bath fixtures to lighting to flooring, ensuring every element of the home was a reflection of their personal vision.
The home’s U-shaped floor plan effectively separates the dwelling into two spaces—one that’s private for the homeowners’ bedroom, the other for more public spaces like the living and dining rooms. Its unusual design, location in a hurricane-prone wind zone, and high volume of windows pushed the limits of traditional framing and required steel reinforcement. The construction phase was led by Cottage Home Company.
according to the architect, the homesite provided a mix of challenges and opportunities. “One side shares a property line with highly planned suburban infrastructure, while the other is a raw Florida tropical environment teeming with wildlife, including nesting bald eagles and majestic great blue herons,” Pedranti says. “By utilizing a U-shape, the design makes the negative space of the Intracoastal the home’s primary feature, effectively replacing the function of a traditional great room with the expansive waterway.”
The generous use of exterior glass is arguably the home’s signature design element, dozens of doors and windows that provide postcard views of the watery landscape and bright sunshine year round. However, all that Florida sunlight doesn’t come without some undesirable consequences, namely heat. To help mitigate solar
For the couple’s children, the home provides generous private spaces while the common areas have served as a backdrop for senior prom photos and neighborhood gatherings. ” “
gain while retaining the gorgeous views, solar shades were placed on the south and west elevations to block the harsh afternoon sun while preserving the views. Also, high-efficiency glazing allows the home to light up differently throughout the day, turning the sunrise over the Tolomato River into a living painting.
“This home stands as a testament to what is possible when homeowners resists settling for the status quo and explore how their living environment supports their life vision,” says Pedranti. “By prioritizing views, light, and longevity, we have created a structure that proves the most rewarding buildings are those designed with both science and intent. We set out to redefine what a residential space in St. Augustine could be, and I am proud of how our team successfully bridged the gap between uncompromising comfort and aspirational design.”
Another feature that connects the home to the remarkable landscape are the porches, which are a classic Southern element reimagined on a bigger, two-story scale. Each porch serves a func-
“
Building
a
truly
custom home means being
decision,
from
a part of every
structural
trusses
to low-voltage security systems. While the volume of decisions was unexpected," Greg recalls, "it was necessary to achieve the desired outcome. ”
tion; on the second floor, acting as observation decks like in a park, or for the golf course, a spectator in stadium seats.
“A good architect doesn’t just design a shell,” say the Lisks. “They partner with you one everything from lighting to wall color to ensure the end product complements your ambitions for the space and lifestyle.”
It goes without saying that the family thoroughly appreciates their home and the stunning panoramas it offers. That enjoyment even extends to the family dog Stanley. Previously anxious in their previous, more closed-off residence, Stanley now spends his days observing nature through the floor-to-ceiling windows, especially enjoying the deer that come to graze at dusk.
“We had high expectations,” Greg recalls. “But the final result is even better that we ever imagined.” Alyse concurs, adding “You have to trust the people that you’ve chosen to work with to get it done right so that when you live in it, you love it.” u
FUNCTION AND AESTHETICS COME TOGETHER IN A BEAUTIFULLY REIMAGINED BEACH HOUSE
When food, health and education are one’s vocation, an ordinary kitchen just won’t do. No, the placement of everything from the appliances, drawers and cabinets becomes magnified. Such is the case for a kitchen in an Atlantic Beach home, located just yards from the Beaches Town Center.
Local firm Kitchen Envy was hired after Dave and Laura Garwood purchased the recently renovated home that simply didn't function for the way they lived. Although the dwelling had a classic coastal aesthetic, it lacked efficient space planning, warmth, and the level of functionality the homeowners desired. So, changes needed to be made.
More than just replacing a few cabinets and adding a fresh coat of paint, this was a true floor-to-celing redesign. The pantry and back
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POLINA PIGULEVSKY
office entry were reworked, a powder room entrance was moved, and all-new additions included a custom-designed wet bar and a fireplace surround. The existing wood flooring was refinished and custom-fitted cabinets installed throughout the first floor.
Laura is a holistic chef and health educator, so the kitchen functions as both the heart of the home and a professional workspace. Because the kitchen itself isn't particularly large, every inch had to work exceptionally hard. In fact, the entire space was designed around her daily workflow by incorporating a 36-inch Thermador gas range, a 30-inch single oven that could only be housed in the island, Sub-Zero refrigeration, two integrated refrigerator drawers, dedicated prep and cleanup sinks, expanded pantry storage, and integrated cutting boards with leather pulls.
“One of our biggest challenges was incorporating this level of functionality without making the kitchen feel crowded,” says Kitchen Envy designer Natalie Beach. “Many of these elements, including the refrigerator drawers, wall oven, and double trash pull-outs, are thoughtfully integrated into the cabinetry, allowing the space to feel calm, refined, and highly organized.”
The cabinetry combines custom Cabico components with pieces crafted in Kitchen Envy's own shop, allowing the designers to customize every storage solution specifically for the homeowners. One of the signature features of the kitchen is the walnut island.
“Achieving the finish required extensive sampling to develop a soft bleached walnut tone that introduced warmth while complementing the home's timeless coastal character,” says
a second Kitchen Envy designer who worked on the project, Christina Bofill. “We selected quartz countertops for their durability and clean, classic appearance, carrying the same material onto the backsplash to create a seamless backdrop. We also incorporated Bocci 22 flush-mounted outlets into the stone backsplash, eliminating traditional outlets and allowing the quartz to remain visually uninterrupted.”
The homeowners wanted the interiors to feel warm, layered, and timeless through the use of soft neutral finishes and natural materials. To achieve this, natural cypress was incorporated at the fireplace mantel, a custom bleached walnut finish on the island, and rich quarter-sawn oak at the wet bar, accented with reclaimed brick salvaged from the original kitchen. “Together,” Beach adds, “these materials create a relaxed, welcoming palette that feels authentic to a classic coastal home while avoiding overly trendy design elements.”
“One of the things we love most about this project is that it wasn't about making the home bigger, it was about making it smarter,” says Beach. “The kitchen is relatively compact, yet our client needed it to function like a professional workspace. Every cabinet, appliance, and storage solution was carefully considered to maximize efficiency without sacrificing beauty.”
“Beyond the kitchen, we looked at the first floor as a whole,” adds Bofill. “One of the most significant planning improvements involved relocating the powder room entrance, which originally opened directly into the dining room. By moving the entrance to the adjacent office hallway, we dramatically improved both privacy and circulation while creating the opportunity to design a custom wet bar in its place. The bar, anchored with reclaimed brick from the original kitchen, has become one of the home's defining features.” u
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a good chance your drainage system contains cast iron piping. While cast iron was once considered the gold standard for residential plumbing, many of these systems are now reaching the end of their useful life.
Across Duval County and St. Johns County, and many other inland areas of Jacksonville homeowners are beginning to experience the warning signs: recurring drain backups, slow-moving drains, sewer odors, foundation cracks, and unexplained plumbing issues that seem to return no matter how many times the line is cleaned.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don't discover the true condition of their pipes until a major failure occurs.
For decades, the only solution for failing cast iron pipes involved extensive excavation. Floors were saw cut open, landscaping was destroyed, driveways trenched through, and repair costs rack up well beyond the plumbing work itself. The pipe replacement is only the first cost, the second one is remodeling the kitchen, bathrooms and flooring throughout the home.
Today, homeowners have another option.
Advancements in trenchless rehabilitation technology now allow damaged pipes to be restored from the inside without the largescale demolition traditionally associated with pipe replacement. In many cases, a new structural pipe can be installed within the existing system, restoring functionality while minimizing disruption to the home.
This technology has become increasingly important throughout Northeast Florida, where many neighborhoods contain homes built during periods when cast iron plumbing was the standard. Communities throughout Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Fruit Cove, Mandarin, Arlington, Ortega, Riverside, Avondale, San Marco, and Jacksonville Beach are seeing more homeowners proactively evaluate their underground plumbing systems before significant failures occur.
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that recurring drain cleaning solves the problem. In reality, drain cleaning often treats the symptom rather than the cause. Corrosion, scaling, channel rot, cracks, offsets, and deteriorating pipe walls can continue to worsen even when drains temporarily begin flowing again.
ers receive professional-level inspections, installations, and quality control that meet the industry's highest standards.
The first step is understanding exactly what condition the pipe is in.
A professional camera inspection provides a clear picture of the system and helps determine whether rehabilitation, replacement, or routine maintenance is the most appropriate solution. Every home is different, and accurate diagnostics are critical before making any repair decision.
Another common misconception is that all trenchless rehabilitation methods are the same. In reality, successful rehabilitation depends heavily on proper cleaning, pipe preparation, material selection, installation methods, and post-installation quality control. The contractor's experience often has as much impact on the outcome as the technology itself.
That experience matters. Pipeliner Pros has successfully rehabilitated more than 5 million feet of pipe throughout Florida and is the only residential cast iron rehabilitation company in Florida with NASSCO-certified technicians performing work in the fi eld. These certifications help ensure homeown-
In addition to minimizing property disruption, trenchless rehabilitation can often provide significant savings compared to traditional dig-and-replace methods while delivering decades of additional service life.
For homeowners throughout Duval and St. Johns Counties, proactive inspections can often identify problems before they become emergencies. Addressing deterioration early may help prevent costly water damage, sewer backups, and extensive restoration expenses while preserving the value of the home.
As Florida's housing stock continues to age, understanding the condition of underground plumbing is becoming just as important as evaluating a roof, HVAC system, or electrical panel.
The sooner homeowners understand what's happening beneath their homes, the more options they typically have available to them. To help Jacksonville-area homeowners better understand the condition of their systems,
Pipeliner Pros offers complimentary camera inspections for homes built before 1980, including a full video evaluation and customized repair strategy.
A glamorous bar brings cocktail-hour styling into any home, spotlighting the pieces that make sharing drinks with family and friends feel polished, and personal. Whether it’s a full bar trolley, a styled cabinet corner or a compact shelf, lean into the details, from glassware and cocktail shakers to bottle openers and coasters.
1. Keep your champagne or wine perfectly chilled with this elegant silver-plated 'Palace' champagne bath by Annabel James ($175). It holds up to four bottles of wine or champagne.
2. Serve your favorite olives alongside these silver-plated picks with a playful beautiful bee design by Annabel James. A set of six makes a great gift for a foodie ($35).
3. Ideal for high-styled interiors, this Copper Equator Globe bar by
Boca do Lobo can be placed in any living or dining room providing a visual pop. The Globe is made from polished copper. The interior offers space for glasses and bottles and the base is made from black-lacquered glass.
4. Add a touch of seaside charm to your table with these cotton drink napkins by Sophie Alport, which come as a set of four ($30). They make the perfect coasters or cocktail napkins, each featuring different embroidery details, including a crab, lobster, lighthouse, and sailboat.
5. This set of four Maxim martini glasses ($25) brings classic cocktail style to your home bar. Crafted from high-quality crystal with sleek, thin stems, they showcase the iconic triangular silhouette perfect for serving drinks.
Two of Jacksonville most distinct neighborhoods welcome the change from summer to fall with a pair of popular home tours. First up is what many consider Jacksonville grooviest home showcase. The Arlington Mod & More Home Tour takes place October 10, 10 AM-4 PM. This year marks the event’s tenth anniversary, giving guests the opportunity to tour several historic and Mid-Century Modern gems while experiencing Arlington’s unique neighborhoods built in the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Adding some retro cool to the tour is a collection of classic cars parked at several homes. Tickets are less than $30 per person.
Featuring a full weekend of beautiful private residences, interior design and beachy hospitality, the ninth annual Beaches Tour of Homes is set for November 5-7. More than just the one-day, self-guided outing though Atlantic, Neptune and Jax Beaches, this fundraiser also features the Toast to the Tour seaside gala (Thursday night) at the Dune House Hotel & Spa, and the Sunset Soiree, a VIP party with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live music on Saturday night. Tickets and sponsorships range from $55 to $2,000.
Tickets for both Home Tours may be purchased online at 904TIX.com.
BY PAT GILHAM
While painting is one of the less challenging DIY tasks for homeowners, there are plenty of ways that you can make the job even easier, quicker and less messy. Below, we detail ten painting hacks that are common practice for professional decorators but few DIYers actually know about.
Use an angled brush for cutting in. Rather than covering half the room in masking tape, learn how to use an angled brush for edges, corners, around trim and other detailed areas. This saves time, money and effort, and with some practice, you'll soon be cutting in like a pro..
Use a paint kettle, especially when working from a ladder or platform. There are many different types on the market, but all of them make working at height easier when painting. Instead of using your large tin of paint, which is bulky and heavy, pour some paint into a handheld plastic bucket. Many are ergonomically
shaped for your hand to make them easier and more comfortable to grip.
When painting walls, use an extendable pole for your roller. This lets you paint from top to bottom in one go, creating more even coverage. It's safer than working with a roller from a ladder, and you will also get the wall painted much quicker. You'll find that the extendable pole is less tiring on your arms as you don't have to raise them above your head.
A great hack for making cleaning simpler is to use a paint tray liner. These are thin plastic covers that line the bottom of the roller tray and let you change the color of the paint you're using quickly and easily. By swapping the liner, there's no need to wash out the tray or buy multiple trays, and this saves you money, time and effort.
Load your roller or brush with paint rather than simply dipping it lightly into the pot. By getting paint deep into the bristles of your
brush or the nap of your roller, you'll have better coverage. Press the brush against the side of the tin to remove excess, or use a roller grid to distribute the paint evenly on the roller sleeve.
When painting outside corners, don’t be tempted to use a roller. Instead, use the heel of your angled brush to apply the paint and then go over it again to push the paint up to the edge of the wall. This will give you a neater finish and will not produce the kind of ridge line you can get when you’re painting with a roller.
Remove the face plates of sockets and switches, rather than trying to paint around them or covering them in masking tape. This will give a much more professional-looking finish to the paint job, and there won't be paint marks on your switches and sockets.
Don’t paint half a wall and come back later to finish it. When you come back, the paint will have dried. When you resume painting, you'll notice that there will be a definite line or edge in the paint. You should always maintain the wet edge—the line between the fresh paint you're applying and the wall underneath. This allows you to blend each pass of the roller seamlessly without leaving a noticeable line.
Speaking of noticeable lines, you should also resist the temptation to change the direction of the roller when you're painting a wall. Rather, you should always work in the same direction, which means working straight up and down to maintain consistent texture. Every time you roll paint, you're creating a grain with the texture, even if it's hard to spot.
Do precision cutting in on the second coat, particularly when painting on a previously matte surface. You will achieve a sharper and straighter line as there will be less resistance, thanks to the first coat of paint. You also don't need as much paint on the brush for the second coat.
As well as these useful painting hacks, there are certain rules of thumb you should follow when painting your home. Perhaps the most important thing is to use good-quality paint and tools so that you get the best possible results from your efforts. You should also allow yourself plenty of time and not rush it; that's how mistakes are made. Finally, remember that a good paint job is largely determined by the amount of careful preparation that you do. This is undeniably the longest and most involved part of the process, but when done well, it makes the rest of the work much easier.u
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POLINA PIGULEVSKY
Along the fairway in Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, a gorgeous new home landscape has taken shape. Completed in 2025, from design and planning to implementation and planting the project took more than a year. Named “Warm Ground” by its designer, the plan was to reorganize an exposed property into a landscape defined by enclosure, geometry, and material warmth.
Following a comprehensive interior renovation, the homeowners sought to bring equal clarity and comfort to the exterior. Though the property enjoys expansive golf course views, the outdoor spaces felt stark and undefined, particularly the side yard, which functions as the primary living area and sits tightly between the neighboring home and the
fairway beyond. The challenge was to introduce intimacy without sacrificing openness. To accomplish that, homeowners Pam and Joe Cronauer enlisted the expertise of Danielle Faustini, ASLA, principal designer and owner of Helix Green Design Studio.
The front yard, previously an uninterrupted lawn, lacked distinction, says Faustini. “Its edges dissolved into neighboring properties, offering little sense of ownership or invitation. A gravel courtyard enclosed by a tailored podocarpus hedge now establishes a defined threshold. Native Eagleston hollies soften the adjacent wall, while hand-selected coquina boulders introduce texture and permanence.”
At the center of the courtyard, a Bismarck palm anchors the composition. Its broad canopy
brings immediate scale and presence, transforming the front yard from a pass-through space into a lived environment. What was once transitional is now intentional, a place for morning coffee, evening wine, and easy conversation with neighbors passing by.
“Potted citrus reinforce the Mediterranean undertone while offering seasonal fragrance and personal character. Along the side yard, the landscape unfolds as a sequence of outdoor rooms,” says Faustini. “A custom kitchen with integrated high-top seating anchors one end of the space. Opposite, a modern stucco fireplace serves as both focal point and wind buffer, tempering breezes that move through the corridor. Overhead, a powder-coated aluminum pergola with cantilevered slats allows for filtered shade.”
Rather than replace recently installed pavers, selective edits carved out planting beds to soften the perimeter walls. In front of the fireplace, paving was removed to create a new terrace composed of salt-finished concrete pads with artificial turf joints. The interplay of mineral surface and green infill introduces warmth and contrast, subtly echoing the fairway beyond.
According to the designer, planting reinforces a restrained palette of green, white, and silver. “Containers frame the fireplace,” she says. "White muhly grass introduces movement at the edge of the course and curved native sabal palms lend vertical scale and converse with a neighboring palm beyond the property line.
“Warm Ground now reads as layered and grounded—a series of outdoor rooms anchored by material richness and defined by the quiet confidence of structure,” Faustini concludes. u
SOURCES:
Sutherlin Lawn and Landscape
Theodore Contractors
Concrete Commander
Titan Structures
Is Downtown Jax finally experiencing the rebirth so long expected, promised but never materialized?
BY DOUG FILAROSKI
Oh, yes, Jacksonville residents have seen previews of Downtown’s coming attractions before. Mockups, for decades, showed sun-sparkled high-rises soaring above streets teeming with new people, going new places, doing new things.
Then, 9/11 in 2001, the housing market crash of 2008, and the Covid pandemic in 2020 all set aside best-laid plans. “Downtown Jacksonville has long been a place where ambition often outpaced reality. Renderings came and went,” a Downtown Investment Authority website article acknowledged recently.
All that appears to be changing, the April article went on, citing a report touting about 5 million annual visitors, nearly 10,000 residents—and, arguably most notable, a whopping $7 billion investment pipeline portending great things for future of the urban core.
Finally—perhaps sparked a decade earlier by the Jacksonville Jaguars newest billionaire owner Shad Khan’s arrival— Downtown is attracting development suitors for a possible date with destiny. Could this slice of Northeast Florida turn out to be a hotty, like Florida’s other major cities?
“What makes this moment different is that we’re seeing multiple investments moving forward simultaneously. New housing, our amazing new riverfront parks, infrastructure improvements, and private development,” Mayor Donna Deegan told Jacksonville Magazine recently. “We finally have momentum.”
Downtown’s success—by any metric—is far from a sure thing. But if retail does indeed follow “rooftops” or residents as an old saying in the development biz says, then Jacksonville’s been laying out the welcome mat for a decade now. The theory is that residents provide a built-in market for retailers in a city’s urban core.
According to a 2026 report by Downtown Vision Inc., the nonprofit group who the Downtown Investment Authority’s
(DIA’s) article cited, the nearly 10,000 people now living Downtown are twice as many as in 2016. That’s a nearly 20% jump over 2025 after a 40% increase in the number of urbancore housing units the previous five years.
The 958 new housing units added last year came from projects like Artea on the Southbank, One Riverside in Brooklyn, Union Terminal Warehouse near the sports complex, and Lofts at Cathedral (Hill). That followed a prolific increase from 2021 to 2024, when Vista Brooklyn (308 units, 2021), Lofts at Brooklyn (133 units, 2021), The Southerly (185 units, 2022), Ashley Square Apartments (120 units, 2022) and Johnson Commons (54/91 units, 2024) opened.
“Compared to the past, there does seem to be an insatiable appetite to buy downtown property and fund development projects,” says Oliver Barakat, a commercial real estate broker and former DIA chairman.
Many trace the new energy Downtown to Khan’s arrival in Jacksonville in 2012. Since buying the Jaguars from founding owner Wayne Weaver, the Pakistani-born tycoon has committed more than $1 billion toward projects, such as the new Four Seasons Hotel, One Tower Court offices, a rebuild of the team’s “Stadium of the Future,” the cost of which Khan is splitting with taxpayers. The Urban Land Institute recently named Khan its 2026 Visionary Leader for planning and executing a new core
around the sports complex area that also includes a marina at the Four Seasons and plans for the nearby Shipyards property along the St. Johns River.
Down river, the Jacksonville Naval Museum USS Orleck is now permanently docked at the Shipyards, where the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) announced its plans to move and rebuild the popular attraction next door. Further down river, in the urban center, the city demolished the outdated Jacksonville Landing, and a new Riverfront Plaza rose from the ashes, with an events lawn, an elevated children’s play area and plans for a restaurant inside a pavilion. Next to it, the new Riverfront Music Garden opened in May. In addition, the city converted one-way streets that used to help speed vehicles through Downtown—because there was little reason to stop—to two-way streets with curb cutouts now designed to encourage car-windowshopping and stopping at outdoor cafes.
Many people say there is already more people and more energy Downtown. Businesses like Sweet Indulgence restaurant on Forsyth Street have moved in, reopened and installed outdoor seating. Just down the street, Pizza Dynamo and the Pour House opened at the corner of Forsyth and Laura with ample outdoor seating.
Cranes rise from nearly every quarter of Downtown’s eight neighborhoods dotted over the district’s 3.9 square miles. There’s Pearl Square, a $500-million mixeduse project, featuring 1,250 new residential units and Downtown’s first full-service Publix supermarket in the previously under-utilized North Core neighborhood.
On the Southbank, the mixed-use RiversEdge opened its nature boardwalk and extended city Riverwalk as a way to usher in this mixed-use project. A $693 million project, it plans to deliver 950 residential units, offices, and commercial development, including retail.
In Brooklyn, next to One Riverside, a massive, $113-million flood mitigation and recreation project finally exposes the mouth of McCoys Creek—previously hidden under The Florida Times-Union building—and results in 15 acres of habitat that connects to the Emerald Trail.
Since Jacksonville’s Downtown has been on the precipice before, some still doubt the completion of these and other projects.
At 875 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city in the continental U.S. With an equally expansive urban core, one that’s double and triple most downtown’s sizes, Jacksonville’s biggest challenge will be reaching a critical mass, according to Barakat. “The question is whether the pace, the location and density of these projects will be enough to create a sustainable revitalization. (Will it) be enough so that the average person can ‘feel it’ when being in the downtown,” he says. “The jury is out.”
Deegan, a lifelong resident and former journalist, knows about skepticism. “Every city is vulnerable to economic downturns, public health crises, and unforeseen disruption,” says the Mayor. “If we continue building a Downtown that is populated, connected, and diversified, we’ll be better prepared to sustain progress through whatever comes next. My goal is to keep our forward momentum going.” u
Jacksonville Magazine offers a select list of area restaurants as a service to its readers. The directory does not include every restaurant in town. It does, however, feature many of the magazine’s Top 50 choices of must-try eateries, as well as a sampling of other notable Northeast Florida dining establishments. Suggestions are welcome. Please contact us at mail@jacksonvillemag.com.
B–Breakfast; L–Lunch; D–Dinner; SB–Sunday Brunch
$–$10 or less; $$–$11 to $20; $$$–$21 to $30; $$$$–$31 or above
These $ categories are based on the average cost of a dinner entrée excluding drinks, desserts and/or gratuities.
NOTE: Some restaurant entrée prices do not include à la carte sides or salad. All phone numbers are in the (904) area code. Cafeterias, fast food joints and primarily take-out restaurants are not eligible for inclusion.
Eleven South
Alhambra serves up dinner and a show inside its performance hall. Formerly a buffet service, the Alhambra is becoming known as much for its culinary experience as it is for its Broadway-caliber productions. The nation’s oldest continuously operating dinner theater showcases famous plays such as Saturday Night Fever , August 20-September 27, and Meet Me in St. Louis , October 1-November 8. 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside (641-1212; alhambrajax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.
This home-grown string of pizza joints offers a wide selection of appetizers and New York-style pizza, alongside traditional Italian dishes, Al’s menu includes unexpected items like mussels in wine and garlic butter sauce to satisfy the adventurous foodies out there. They also offer delivery for those in the area of their restaurants. Four locations including 8060 Philips Hwy., Southside (731-4300; alspizza.com), L, D, $.
Aqua Grill
Aqua Grill has a contemporary, eclectic menu with a coastal flair
made from local ingredients. The Ponte Vedra eatery is known for its top-of-the line service and has been featured on both Jax Mag’s Top 50 Restaurants and Best in Jax lists for many years. 395 Front St., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-3017; aquagrill.net). L, D, $$$.
Located inside TPC Sawgrass and adjacent to The Yards pickleball and golf club, the menu features jumbo scallops, 14oz. ribeye and PEI mussels. 254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach (3953114; argylepub.com). L, D, SB
Bb’s specializes in New American fare and treats, giving comfort food an upscale presentation. Menu items include yellowfin tuna tartare and ancho-spiced rotisserie turkey. They also boast an international cheese selection and top-notch desserts. 1019 Hendricks Ave., San Marco (306-0100; bbsrestaurant.com). L, D, SB, $$.
The Bearded Pig
A pair of casual barbecue spots (complete with an oversized chalkboard wall for kids and plenty
of TVs) serves turkey, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and the like, counter-style. Owners Chad Munsey and Michael Schmidt both have fine dining backgrounds, so even the standard fare is a bit more grown up than what you might expect at a “Q” joint. And though it’s a meat-fest, there’s truly something for everyone: all of the sides (slaw, collards, macn-cheese) are vegetarian. 1224 Kings Ave., San Marco (619-2247); thebearded pigbbq.com. L, D $$.
Biscottis
This neighborhood landmark for more than two decades specializes in innovative updates on old favorites, like meatloaf served with apricot marinara sauce and duck confit pizza (dinner specials change daily). The dessert case is legendary. Casual. 3556 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (387-2060; biscottis. net). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Blue Bamboo
This restaurant serves hip, Asian cuisine with a wine lounge and patio dining. Menu items include miso-marinated salmon, Cantonese orange duck, Ahi tuna salad and Mandarin orange cake. 10110 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (6461478; bluebamboojacksonville. com). L, D, $$.
Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid Thai serves authentic Asian fare made with traditional ingredients like Thai basil, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Their pad Thai and dynamite chicken are house favorites. 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville (723-1300; blueorchid.menu). L, D, $$.
Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q
Meat is the draw at Bono’s Pit BarB-Q, which has been pit-smoking everything from turkey to pork since 1949. Try the Slawpy Pig, a heaping pile of pulled pork topped with coleslaw and served with sides such as fried corn on the cob, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. Multiple locations (880-8310; bonosbarbq.com). L, D, $.
Caffé Andiamo
A copper pizza oven highlights this stylish eatery specializing in frutti di mare, pollo paisano, vongole Positano, and homemade Italian sausage. Caffe Andiamo complements their Italian fare with a vast wine selection and exudes a modern and relaxing vibe. 225 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2299; caffeandiamo-pvb.com). L, D, $$.
Casa Reina
Taqueria & Tequila
Located just steps from the historic Bridge of Lions in the heart of Downtown St. Augustine, the new upscale Mexican/Florida Coastal eaterie speciallizes in street tacos and enchiladas, as
well as short rib, chiles rellenos and tequila lime grouper. Nearly 100 tequilas on offer. 1 Anderson Cir., St. Augustine (295-3847; casareinastaug.com). L, D, $$.
ChopHouse Thirteen
Formerly The Tree Steakhouse, this restaurant offers a sleek, chic dining room. Along with their grilled steaks of 100% Angus beef, they also serve seafood and feature a conditioned wine room with ample variety. 11362 San Jose Blvd., Mandarin (262-0006; chophouse13. com). L,D, $$$.
Welcome arrival to the San Marco area dining scene featuring an upscale setting and a menu laden with seafood, steak and seasonal specialties, as well as an extensive wine list with labels from around the globe. 1314 Prudential Dr., Southbank (398-8989, citygrillerawbar.com). L, D, $$
Coastal Wine & Tapas has quickly become a standout in Nocatee’s thriving dining scene, winning over locals and visitors alike with its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The space is defined by its signature grapevine chandelier, cozy booths, handcrafted high tops, and a stunning granite bar top that sets the stage for memorable evenings. Guests can indulge in chef-curated small plates such as Housemade Meatballs Marinara, Marcona-Crusted Goat Cheese & Fig, Ahi Tuna Tartare, Drunken Filet Sliders, and more. 300 Pine Lake Dr., Suite 101, Ponte Vedra (395-3520, coastalwineandtapas.com). D, $$.
Coop 303 is known for its regional cuisine featuring hot honey-glazed salmon, chicken and waffles and pulled pork sliders. But the Beaches Town Center restaurant also features local seafood dishes, and is home to the eight-piece fried chicken basket. Coop also has plenty of spots to hang out and sip their signature cocktails: community tables; alcove booths; a front porch; a rooftop garden; and an upstairs parlor. 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (372-4507; coop303. com). L, D, SB, $$.
Situated in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, Cordova is the signature restaurant of the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. An extensive menu covers much culinary territory, with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients. Dinner starters include items such as Florida little neck clams and Georgia peach salad. Entrées are highlighted by crab-crusted red snapper, grilled beef tenderloin, and peppercorn-crusted short
ribs. Save room for the spiced chocolate cake. Be sure to enjoy cocktails in the Cobalt Lounge. Private dining room available. 95 Cordova St., St. Augustine (8196018, KesslerCollection.com/costabrava-restaurant). B, L, D, $$.
Cowford Chophouse
Spread over three levels in a restored building near the foot of the Main Street Bridge, Cowford is an upscale restaurant/rooftop bar combo that specializes in hand-cut steaks and seafood. The menu is flush with items such as tuna tartare, roasted bone marrow and foie gras. A raw bar serves oysters, shrimp cocktail and caviar. For the main course, diners choose between dishes such as bone-in ribeyes and Maine lobster. 101 E. Bay St., Downtown (862-6464). D, $$$$.
For more than 20 years, beachgoers have looked to Cruisers Grill for their signature burger and cheese fries served with ranch dressing. Grilled chicken, country fried steak, turkey and melted Swiss—the sandwich lineup is tops. They offer all the classics, plus newer options like a house-made fried bologna sandwich. 319 23rd Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (270-0356). L, D, $.
Straight from Limerick, Ireland, the four sisters who operate the city’s two Culhane’s pubs draw legions of regulars with classics such as Scotch Eggs and Guinness Beef Stew. Bangers N’ Mash, Corned Beef N’ Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Cheese-Crusted Cod—the flavors of the Emerald Isle live here. Full bar. 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (249-9595); 9720 Deer Lake Ct., Southside (619-3177), culhanesirishpub.com. L, D, SB, $$
A fine-dining landmark in Fernandina Beach for some 20 years, this chef-driven eatery features an extensive wine and cocktail list, Wagyu beef, Australian rack of lamb, pan-seared Dover sole and seafood gnocchi bouillabaisse in coconut broth. 802 Ash St., Amelia Island (310-6049, ameliaislanddavids.com) D, $$$
This upscale eatery features an extensive wine list, mesquite wood grill and outdoor patio. Seafood martini, lobster mac and cheese, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and mesquite-grilled certified Angus beef tenderloin high -
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THE GREAT AMERICAN HOT DOG IS THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME INDULGENCE.
BY JEFFREY SPEAR
Even as summer is winding down, hot dog season remains in full swing. Confirmed by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, they report that Americans will consume nearly 7 billion hot dogs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
As an iconic American food, there's no such thing as a bad hot dog. Of course, some of the dogs, and some of the places serving them, are considerably better than others. They merit special mention, not just because they specialize in making excellent hot dogs, but for the enthusiasm and creativity they bring to this American culinary staple.
In this regard, one of Jacksonville's most enduring and appreciated hot dog joints, opened in 1969 for both drive-up and onpremises dining, is All American Hot Dogs While their menu includes a wide range of burgers, pitas, and platters, their best sellers are all-beef hot dogs ($3.59) and all-beef footlong hot dogs ($5.69). An important side note is, when the restaurant first opened, it was one of the first in Jacksonville to offer camel riders and cherry limeade.
You'll find another longstanding favorite, Hot Dog Hut, in Jacksonville Beach just blocks from the sand. Open since 2000, they've been
delighting guests with an assortment of 100% beef specialties including their ever-popular Chicago (poppy seed bun, mustard, onions, tomato, relish, pickle, sport pepper, celery salt) and Carolina (chili, cheese, onions, slaw) dogs. If you like 'em spicy, wrap your lips around their Arizona and Texas dogs. So, order a dog, grab a beer, and pull up a chair.
Slightly off the beaten path in Fernandina Beach, earning numerous awards including "Best of Florida" for the last three years, is Hot Dog House. With more than 25 all-beef hot dog varieties on their menu, it's hard to know where to start. Their most popular creations
are The Murray topped with palmetto cheese, pepper jelly, bacon, onion; The Moose with chili, onion, Kong pico (a wonderful corn salad), cheese, jalapeños; and The Piglet with pulled pork, slaw, onion, BBQ drizzle; each so heavily loaded that you'll need to eat them with a knife and fork. While their 1/4-pound jumbo dog ($10) is impressive, the true enthusiast will want to tackle the 1/2-pound "bigfoot" ($18).
One of Jacksonville's most recent arrivals, Lizzy with the Glizzys , opened earlier this year with an unmistakable passion for hot dogs. Operating under a brightly colored tent in parking lots across downtown and westside locations, visitors can choose between their 1/4-pound jumbo dog ($6), 1/4-pound wagyu beef dog ($10) or footlong hot dog ($10). Each dog is 100% beef, cooked to order, then topped with everything from bacon bits, chili, onion and shredded cheese to coleslaw, jalapeno, sauté ed onions and peppers, and sauerkraut. Plus, the chili dog bowl, made without the bun, is an enjoyable alternative. FYI: if you didn't know, the word "glizzy" is the latest slang for hot dogs.
Another operator serving noteworthy dogs, with locations in Jacksonville and St Johns, is Epik . While they're best known for creatively conceived, gourmet inspired burgers, their "gleezy's." using all-beef with brisket dogs, double-smoked, served on a brioche roll, are in a class of their own. Whether you get the basic Hot Dog ($11) with Carolina sauce; the K-Dog ($14)—made with cheese sauce, kim chi, scallions, gochu-
jang aioli, gochujaru seasoning; or the Top Dog ($13)—with cheese sauce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, everything seasoning; these dogs are impressive.
While not exactly a hot dog stand or restaurant, a discussion of noteworthy hot dogs would not be complete without mentioning the 1/4-pound Kirkland Signature 100% beef hot dogs ($1.50), available only at the food court inside Costco stores. Served plain with a predictable selection of condiments, they've been attracting a substantial following, including Julia Child (a big fan) for years. In 2025 alone, this big box retailer sold more hot dogs than all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums combined.
Speaking of baseball, there's nothing like the hot dogs served at Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp games at VyStar Ballpark. While there are beef Jumbo Franks ($5.25) available throughout the park, make sure to check out the incomparable Daddy Mac ($12), a foot-long dog loaded with mac & cheese and pulled pork, available exclusively from the Craft Cave just inside the 3rd base gate. There's also The Slugger ($20), a massive, two-foot sausage that's a blend of both beef and pork, served at both the Dog House and Brat Cart concessions on either side of home plate. These dogs are ballpark legends headed for the hall of fame.
Whether you enjoy them served from a cart, food truck, food court, concession stand or full-service restaurant, and no matter what toppings you choose, now's the time to bite into some meaty goodness, hot off the grill. u
• Hot dogs were first sold at baseball games in 1893.
• Hot dogs were among the first foods eaten on the moon. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and “Buzz” Aldrin said they were great space food.
• The world record for eating hot dogs is held by Joey Chestnut - 83 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
• According to President Barack Obama, ketchup “is not acceptable (on a hot dog) past the age of eight.”
• “Nobody, I mean nobody, puts ketchup on a hot dog.” Clint Eastwood (as Dirty Harry, Sudden Impact )
• A truly balanced diet consists of a hot dog in each hand.
• For those who remember the Patty Duke Show (ABC, 1963-1966), you may relate: “Patty loves to rock and roll, a hot dog makes her lose control.”
• “They say hot dogs can kill you. How do you know it's not the bun?” Jay Leno u
The barn and grounds at Bowing Oaks will once again host Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ , an annual fundraiser for the Florida Theatre. The libations flow and ‘cue smoked the evening of Thursday, September 10. Patrons will enjoy unlimited samples of smoked wings, pulled pork, brisket and more prepared by favorite local restaurants. Plus, there will be craft beer favorites, top-shelf spirits and continuous live music. Like all Florida Theatre fundraisers, auction items will be up for bid including guitars signed by Grammy winners Shenandoah and members of Chicago, as well as vacation packages for stays at the Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort and Sawgrass Marriott Resort. Feasting begins at 5:30 PM. Tickets start at $60. u
PHILLY CHEESESTEAKS, PARMESAN TRUFFLE FRIES, LAMB FLATBREADS… YES, PLEASE
Weather permitting, the best seats are at tables on the covered patio. Great for people watching on the Square. The pastas are made fresh daily and can be prepared with chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, scallops and lobster. The bolognese is a classic with a rich sauce of pork, veal and beef over fettuccine ($35). The brick-oven margherita pizza ($18) topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil is deliciousness at its simplest. Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, with Sunday brunch, too. A dish of marinated olives and Grey Goose martini… life is good. 1986 San Marco Blvd., 904-398-3005
Perched high atop the Conrad Orlando at Evermore, the resort’s signature restaurant Ceiba was recently awarded Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the first time. To be eligible for the honor, a restaurant must have a wine list of 350 or more selections from across the world’s wine-growing regions, as well as demonstrate depth from top producers and superior presentation of its wine program. “A lot of thought goes into building a wine program that feels approachable, intentional and aligned with what we’re doing in the kitchen,” says general manager Rob Colomb. “We’re proud to see that commitment recognized at this level and grateful to our team for the passion they bring every day.” Specializing in refined Mexican cuisine— think braised lamb shank with garbanzo puree and tomatillo pico de gallo—Ceiba features indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the resort and nightly fireworks displays from neighboring theme parks. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday, 5-10 PM, with the bar open till 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. u
A sports bar? No, it’s too nice for that, though it was regularly packed for World Cup watch parties. The draw for many are the four golf simulators which allow players to drive, chip and putt at famed courses—virtually, of course—for $45-$60 per hour, up to 8 people. Loaded tots dripping with beer cheese, bacon and jalapeños ($8), burgers with caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese and sweet and spicy barbecue sauce ($15), and blackened shrimp tacos ($14) can keep golfers busy between swings. Live music on select weekends. Tee up and chow down. Lunch and dinner daily. 1407 Atlantic Blvd., 904-374-8851
A one-room cafe complete with cozy two-tops and bar that curls around to the kitchen. Sophisticated without being stuffy. The menu is inspired by the Cote d’Azur and features sandwiches, salads, soups and flatbreads. The Champignon sandwich is stuffed with portobello mushroom, arugula, sheep’s cheese and balsamic onions ($15). French bistro fare comes alive in the Nicoise salad of poached tuna, haricot verts, olive, tomato dripping in red wine vinaigrette ($16). How about a “To Catch A Thief” spritz? Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. 2006 San Marco Blvd., 904-373-1573 u
Driving south along Hwy. A1A, about three miles from the Flagler Beach Pier, the road takes a sudden jibe to the right at a ramshackle eatery worth pulling over for—just as diners have been doing since the 1950s. High Tides at Snack Jack is beachy casual at its best with tables perched high above the sand and surf. Given it’s location, seafood tops an extensive menu laden with dishes such as conch fritters, smoked fish dip ($9), spicy steamed shrimp, redfish tacos and fried flounder Reuben sandwiches for lunch. Entrees include blackened mahi ($26), crab cakes and the very sharable fried combo platter of fish, shrimp, scallops and two sides ($27). The interior is surf shack shabby with hundreds of license plates tacked to the ceiling, a ten-seat bar, longboards hanging overhead, wood tables and benches throughout. Valet parking is required, though it is complimentary. Serving wine, beer, lunch and dinner Friday through Tuesday. u
light the menu. 216 11th Ave. S., Jacksonville Beach (241-1112;elevensouth.com). L, D, $$$$.
With a crowded raw bar and a wide variety of locally caught seafood, The Fish Co. offers a little something for everyone Chef Bill Pinner’s menu combines signature items like fried Mayport shrimp with favorite small plate dishes, changing weekly. The restaurant offers several specials throughout the week. 725-12 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (2460123; thefish cojax.com). L, D. $$$.
As a tequila bar and grill located in Neptune Beach, the Flying Iguana represents one of the liveliest dining options in Duval. Specializing in Latin-American cuisine and expansive cocktail possibilities, the restaurant also hosts live music and has only one rule: Good Vibes Only. 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach (853-5680, flyingiguana.com). L, D, SB, $$
There are a handful of Harry’s peppered around Florida, including a waterfront location in St. Augustine across from the Bridge of Lions. The eatery brings Louisiana flavor to the regional seafood scene, serving up Cajun and Creole dishes such as French-baked scallops, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée. 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine (824-7765; hookedonharrys.com). L, D, $$.
JJ’s Liberty Bistro
Open since 1994, JJ’s Liberty Bistro is a family-run establishment
Restaurant Medure
This restaurant features highend favorites like escargot and caviar, while also making room for classics like meatloaf. Their menu features global cuisine with a local influence, ranging from handcrafted pasta to duck leg confit poutine. 818 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (543-3797; restaurantmedure.com). D, $$$.
Mellow Mushroom
With more than 200 locations around the country, Mellow Mushroom has garnered a loyal following for its stone-baked pizza flavor combinations and for offering up craft beer, premium imports and local favorites. Menu features baked chicken wings, spinach artichoke dip and a dozen house speciality pizzas. Multiple area locations: Avondale, Fleming Island, Southside, River City, Jacksonville Beach (mellowmushroom.com). L, D, $$.
Mezza Luna Ristorante
offering one of the largest selections of wine in Jacksonville. The restaurant hosts frequent wine dinners featuring some of the largest wine producers around the world, including Chateau L’Angelus, Veuve Clicquot, and Plumpjack. You’ll find hundreds of different bottles in the retail store, as well as the finest cheeses, caviars, and homemade desserts. Stop by the ice cream and chocolate/macaron shop located just next door. 330 A1A N., Suite 209, Ponte Vedra (273-7980; jjbistro. com/ponte-vedra). L, D, $$$.
Le Petit Paris Café
A little slice of France in the River City, the chef-owned establishment specializes in toasted croissants, quiches and baguette sandwiches. Le Parisien is a classic French hand-held with ham, Swiss and salted butter. The Le Flore salad is a must-try with smoked salmon, tzatiziki cream, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, dill and mixed greens. Sweets include fresh pastries, macarons and pound cakes. Don’t overlook the espresso or cappuccino. Market offers imported foods, condiments and beverages. Pet-friendly patio. Several locations including 9965 San Jose Blvd., Suite 46, San Jose (512-7777, lepetitparis jax.com). B, L, $.
A fine-dining experience in historic San Marco. The menu is comprised of French and Mediterranean dishes crafted by Chef Alex Yim and also possesses a vast wine selection. Menu items include venison carpaccio, Maine diver scallops, and Osetra caviar. 2107 Hen dricks Ave., San Marco (396-9922; matthewsrestaurant. com). D, $$$$.
steak. The broad back patio overlooks the golf course. Sawgrass Clubhouse, Ponte Vedra Beach (2733238; tpcsawgrass.com). B, L, D, $$.
A part of the Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa, the oceanside outpost offers postcard views of the Atlantic and indoor and outdoor seating on the second and third floors. The menu features seared scallops, blackened rock shrimp, boneless short ribs, small plates, cocktails and wine. Save room for chocolate pistachio tarts for dessert. 619 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (373-2063). L, D, $$
Located in the heart of the Beaches Town Center, this long-time neighborhood favorite offers seating on their covered patio, formal dining room, and lounge that often hosts live music. The lengthy dinner menu includes Mediterranean favorites like linguine and clams, pan-seared bronzino and wood-fired pizzas. 110 1st St., Neptune Beach (249-5573; mezzalunajax.com). D, $$$.
Midtown Table
A culinary concept from the Medure Brothers, this Gate Parkway eatery specializes in all-things Italian. That means appetizers run the gamut from seasonal burrata to meatballs with house-made bread. Entrées include fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizza, and heartier fare (like pork marsala and salt-baked zucchini). 5016 Gate Pkwy., Jacksonville (503.4122; midtowntable. medurebrothers.com). L, D, $$.
Mojo
This regional chain showcases Southern barbecue styles like Texas and North Carolina, including everything from burnt ends to pulled pork. Their restaurants celebrate blues, with their Avondale location boasting one of the city’s most expansive whiskey selections and their Jacksonville Beach location featuring live music. 1607 University Blvd. W., Lakewood (732-7200, mojobbq.com); 1500 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (247-6636); 1810 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island (264-0636); 3572 St. Johns Ave., Avondale (381-6670); 5 Cordova St., St. Augustine (342-5264). L, D, $$.
Located inside the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, this fine-dining restaurant matches the high quality you would expect for a place that hosts The Players Championship. The menu is dominated by seafood and local fare, like lime pepper-crusted tuna and ribeye
At this growing collection of homegrown casual bistros, authentic Cuban recipes are infused with a contemporary flair. Breakfast items include mini croquetas and egg sandwich, ham and cheese tostada and open-face toast topped with avocado, bacon, fried eggs and more. A lengthy menu covers much ground with Cuban espresso, roasted pork sandwiches, chicken empanadas, shredded beef sandwiches, and rice plates with braised chicken, pork, ground beef and more. Eight First Coast locations including 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Baymeadows (683-8104, 1928bistro.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.
O-Ku offers upscale Japanese cuisine, a rooftop bar and patio and seafood from fish markets in Tokyo, Hawaii and here locally. Check out the chef specialties and small plates like tuna crudo, Agedashi tofu and O-Ku rock shrimp or just go straight for the rolls including Neptune’s Beard (shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy aioli, sweet soy, chive) and the Firecracker (crispy panko fried roll with spicy salmon, avocado, cucumber, goat cheese mousse, sweet soy). 502 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach (694-2770, o-kusushi.com). D, $$$.
An upscale French bistro with local, Southern flavor, meals at Restaurant Orsay are the epitome of a high-end dining experience. The chef-owned restaurant offers an extensive drink selection and some of the best oysters in the city, having won Best in Jax multiple times. 3630 Park St., Avondale (381-0909; restaurantorsay.com). D, SB, $$$$.
When you call yourself Philly’s Finest, you better bring the Cheesesteak magic. For the love of Pat’s and Geno’s, they’ve been doing just that for two decades at the Jax Beach sandwich institution. American, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses, sautéed onions, mushrooms, pickles, sweet peppers, black olives, Cheese Whiz—each
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It was standing room only at the latest Jacksonville Magazine Secret Supper, held Sunday, July 12 at the Posting House in San Marco. The cozy pub/wine bar played host to 45 guests who savored the evening’s theme, “The Americana Wine Experience.”
Five American wines, all from family owned wineries were featured, ranging from a glass of Opolo Colombard sparkling from Paso Robles, California, upon arrival to bottles of Capp Heritage cabernet sauvignon as the night’s final destination. Charcuterie boards overflowing with fresh fruit, cheese, almonds, cured meats and sweet bites kept patrons satiated while a piano, saxophone and violin trio from Wehner Weddings played a mix of jazz and pop standards throughout the evening. Look for more Secret Suppers to be announced for dates later in the year. We hope to see you there. u
In early July, a group of approximately 30 cyclists took part in the Duval Day Bike Tour, a community outing intended to showcase historic and cultural destinations along the Moncrief Road corridor, like Eartha White's historic coquina cottage and Holley's BBQ, Jacksonville's oldest Black-owned barbecue restaurant. Riders learned about the legacy of owner Jack Holley, who is credited with introducing curly fries to Jacksonville more than 80 years ago. The business is now owned and operated by Holley's daughter. u
Few things can beat a weekend evening spent savoring delicious food, fine wine and craft beer. Perhaps the one thing that can is wrapping all of that together for a Saturday night soirée along the coast of Northeast Florida. The fourth annual Hammock Beach Food & Wine Classic , set for September 19, does just that. Guests at the oceanfront Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s foodie fest will partake in unlimited tastings of more than 90 wines from around the world, paired with a menu curated to compliment the evening’s libations. Plus, there will be live music, a craft beer garden, a gorgeous views of the resort’s golf course and Atlantic Ocean. Tickets are $175 plus fees. Overnight packages for rooms at the resort are available, as well. u
For many Jaxsons, the city of Palatka is about all they’re famil iar with in Putnam County. The county’s chamber of commerce and restaurateurs would like you to know there is much more to it than that, particularly for those looking for bite to eat or a cold drink at a waterside eatery. The recently designated Dock & Dine Tour of Putnam highlights nine area restaurants located along the St. Johns River and Crescent Lake, among them Corky Bell’s Seafood, Porky’s Lodge Bar & Grill and 3 Bananas Restaurant & Bar. All nine stops form something of an 82-mile loop starting in Palatka and heading south through the towns of Welaka, Georgetown and Crescent City. Each has its own flavor and charm. For example, Renegades on the River embraces its tiki bar theme, while Anderson’s Lodge represents old-time Florida fish camp at its finest. How about a road trip this weekend? u
The beer industry has experienced some waning interest of late, with overall consumption in the country down over the past year. That hasn’t deterred one newcomer to the local craft brewing scene. On the contrary, Duval Beer Co. is pouring its efforts into launching a whole new brand with a specific focus on the River City. “We’re focused on one beer: Jackson Gold, a flagship adjunct American lager,” says founder Mike Knehans. “Rather than building a broad lineup of styles, we’d rather earn the opportunity to establish one great beer before considering anything else.
“The inspiration comes less from the traditional craft beer model and more from brands like Iron City in Pittsburgh, Yuengling in Pennsylvania or Shiner in Texas—brands that became part of the identity of the communities they serve,” he continues. “Our goal isn’t to be all things to all people. It’s to create a clean, approachable American lager that can serve as a common gathering point for Jacksonville residents while supporting community events, small businesses and
Accoding to Knehans, the first batch has been brewed and is in the lagering stage at a contract brewery in Odessa, Texas. If production and distribution plans come together, the first draughts will be poured later this summer. Cheers to that. u
What’s something that can be used to create healthier populations of wild oysters? Believe it or not, dead oysters. In early June, a group of local nonprofit groups including the Jax Oyster Conservation and St. Johns Riverkeeper installed nearly 100 Pervious Oyster Shell Habitat modules (POSH) in the Trout River adjacent to Riverview Park, creating the largest artificial reef in the St. Johns River watershed. The 30-pound POSH modules are a mix of concrete and recycled oyster shells that, once dropped into the water, create habitat for new oysters to grow upon. The bivalve molluscs not only help clean waterways of polluntants, but the reefs they can form create habitat for other aquatic species and provide natural buffers against coastal erosion. “A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day,” says Trey Ford with St. Johns Riverkeeper. “By providing habitat for oysters to grow, this project will help improve water quality and demonstrate the benefits of nature-based solutions.” All that and they’re delish with butter and lemon. u
BY CHEF DE CUISINE NICOLOS KES FROM COASTAL FARMER
You might not recognize the name or face, but chances are good you have enjoyed a dish or two prepared by Chef “Kes,” the Chef de Cuisine at the newly opened Dune House Hotel & Spa and its signature oceanside restaurant, Coastal Farmer. A Beaches native, Kes sharpened his culinary chops in various local standouts including Ocean 60, Prati Italia, Black Sheep and bb’s restaurants. Given its Atlantic Beach location, the menu dives deep into the sea with specialties such as grilled calamari, roasted oysters, tuna crudo and blackened snapper, along with ribeye steak, Berkshire pork chops and wild mushroom gnocchi. Here, Kes shares his preparation for a classic fish dish.
For the Flounder
1 (7-oz.) flounder fillet
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
Lemon-Caper Beurre Blanc
4 oz. dry white wine
20 grams sliced shallot
5 grams sliced garlic
20 grams Castlevetrano olives, sliced
20 grams capers
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbls heavy cream
50 grams cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
4 grams chives, finely sliced
4 grams tarragon, finely sliced
4 grams parsley, finely sliced
6 oz. French green beans Lemon wedge, optional Additional chopped parsley, optional
1. Pat the flounder dry and season both sides with the salt and black pepper. Heat the canola oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the flounder and sear for 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the white wine, shallot, and garlic. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the haricots verts and continue cooking until the wine has reduced by approximately half.
3. Add the sliced olives, capers,
lemon juice, heavy cream, chives, tarragon, and parsley. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cold butter a few cubes at a time, whisking constantly and allowing each addition to emulsify before adding more. Continue until all the butter has been incorporated and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
5. Return the flounder to the pan briefly to warm through and coat with the sauce.
6. Arrange the haricots verts on a plate and place the flounder on top. Spoon the lemon-caper beurre blanc over the fish. Garnish with a lemon wedge and additional parsley, if desired.
Chef's Note: The key to a silky beurre blanc is keeping the heat low while whisking in the cold butter. If the sauce becomes too hot, it may separate. Serves 1
order can be customized to one’s liking for about $15. Order a side of the Old Bay fries, too. 1527 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (241-7188, phillys-finest.com). L, D, $$.
Family-owned establishment
serving Italian comfort foods since 2107, Poppy’s serves lunch and dinner daily featuring toasted cheese ravioli, Caesar salads, baked penne pasta, chicken piccata and seafood risotto. Among its specialty pasta are spaghetti carbonara with prosciutto, peas and onions sautéed and tossed in cream sauce, and linguini primavera with seasonal vegetable. 832 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach (904-273-7272); 104 Ashourian Ave., St. Augustine (904-679-3657, poppysitaliano.net). L, D, $$.
Located at the end of Atlantic Blvd. in the heart of the Beaches lies a gourmet burger joint where you can experience an ample beer selection and the cool breeze of the ocean from their outside seating area. Each menu item is named after one of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous stories, including the Tell-Tale Heart, a half-pound bacon and cheddar burger topped off with a fried egg. 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (241-7637; poestavern.com). L,D, $.
River & Post
Rooftop bars are popping up all over Northeast Florida. Arguably one of the best can be enjoyed at River & Post. The restaurant specializes in upscale American fare— seared hanger steak, shrimp and grits, grilled salmon almondine. Small plates, charcuterie, sushi rolls and flatbreads are available on the rooftop. 1000 Riverside Ave., Riverside (575-2366; riverandpostjax.com). L, D, SB, $$$.
RP’s Fine Food & Drink
RP’s serves local fish and fresh produce inside a casual beach setting. The menu features items such as conch fritters, a crab cake BLT, and Shrimp 308—sautéed local shrimp doused in spicy Cajun butter over rice with hushpuppies. 1183 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach (853-5094; rpsjaxbeach.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Rue Saint-Marc
Led by executive chef Scott Alters, Rue Saint-Marc strikes a balance between sophistication and comfort by serving decadent menu items like halibut meunière while maintaining exceptional service and a quaint atmosphere, all just steps from the heart of San Marco Square. 2103 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (619-0861; ruesaintmarc.com). B, L, D, SB, $$.
Safe Harbor Seafood
Fresh, locally caught seafood is the calling card for Safe Harbor. That’s not surprising, as customers can practically see the shrimp boats of Mayport from the restaurant’s front
door. It’s easy to see why hungry diners have been drifting here for years. Sure, the menu is laden with clams, oysters, crab cakes and other seafood standards, but sometimes a basket of fried shrimp, slaw, fries and hush puppies is a little slice of heaven. 4378 Ocean St., Mayport (246 4911, safeharbor-seafood.com). L, D, $$.
Open since 2014, this family-operated dining spot specializes in grilled salmon, pork chops, ribeye steaks, burgers and more. Also serving fried green plantains, arepas, corn cakes, rice and beans—all with a Latin American flair. 11018 Old St. Augustine Rd., Mandarin (374-5882); 60 Silver Forest Dr., St. Augustine (342-7557, salentosteakhouse.com)
“Salt Life” is a ubiquitous phrase in Northeast Florida, and for many represents a lifestyle of relaxing fun and, above all, love for our adjacent ocean. This restaurant channels that vibe in a dining experience and a sea food-heavy menu designed to appeal to all locals and beach-lovers who enter, ranging from tuna poke bowls to Boca-style grouper. 1018 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach (372-4456; saltlifefoodshack.com); 321 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. L, D, $$.
With its open-air bar and broad covered patio, Sliders oozes beaches vibes and charm. A sister restaurant of Safe Harbor Seafood, diners rest assured the fish, shrimp, and shellfish are going to be the freshe st around. The raw bar serves all the seafood staples like steamed clams, peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters on the half-shell. The oysters Rockefeller is baked with spinach, parmesan, provolone and breadcrumbs. The oysters “Godzilla” are served raw with seaweed salad, cucumber wasabi and the house “pirate” sauce. 218 1st St., Neptune Beach (246-0881, slidersoysterbar. com). L, D, $$.
One of Northeast Florida’s original cheesesteak and hoagie stops, Surfwiches has been a top Beaches sandwich and full-service ice cream shop since 2013. Cheese-steaks range from sliced ribeye steak to grilled buffalo chicken. Classic hoagies include the Italian with Genoa salami, spicy capitol, prosciutto and provolone, as well as the thin-sliced roast beef, ham and cheese, and corned beef. The Outrageous BLT comes with a mountain of applewood-cured bacon. Plus, hot dogs, burgers, patty melts, chocolate sundaes, and more. Dine in, carryout and delivery through Uber Eats. 1537 Penman Rd., Jacksonville Beach (904241-6996, surfwiches.com) B, L, $$
TacoLu
In a style described as Baja Mexicana, this "uber" popular restaurant serves nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and about any kind of taco you desire, with fish tacos being their specialty. TacoLu fulfills their niche well, and it’s what earned them the designation of “Best Tacos” in the city in our Best In Jax reader’s poll. Oh, and they have over 100 types of tequila and mezcal. 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach (249-TACO; tacolu.com). L, D, SB, $.
Taqueria Cinco
Located in funky Five Points, this restaurant focuses on providing top-notch hospitality while serving authentic Mexican eats. If you come on a Friday or Saturday, be sure to try their Al Pastor. Happy hour food and drink specials available Mon.Fri. from 3-6:30. Closed Sundays. 809 Lomax St., Riverside (312-9113; taqueria5points.com). L, D, $$.
Taverna
Taverna offers authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Its focused menu brings out the best in Mediterranean flavors, producing dishes like antipasto and orecchiette. All of their pasta and mozzarella are house-made, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood oven at the back of the dining room. 1986 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; taverna. restaurant). L, D, SB, $$.
Taverna Oceana
The recently opened next door neighbor to sister eatery Taverna, Sam and Kiley Efron’s latest specializes in fruits of the sea. The raw bar serves classics like oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail and caviar. Dinner features lobster thermador, hot-smoked salmon and pasta prima-
vera. 1988 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-3005; oceana.restaurant). L, D, $$
Town
Sourcing produce from local farms, Town Hall brings American fare with a West Coast influence to Florida. They encourage a sense of community in their dining experience, emphasized by comfy couches, warmly hued artwork, and thoughtful design touches such as outlets in the bar area. 2012 San Marco Blvd., San Marco (398-0726; townhalljax.com). D, SB, $$$.
Located at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, this restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients and seafood, and provides an exceptional wine list. Sunday brunch features farm-to-table classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits with gravy. 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach (285-7777). B, D, $$$.
Not many restaurants double as an RV park. That hospitality, combined with homespun ultra casual décor produces a Southern atmosphere at Whitey’s Fish Camp that is, above all, authentic. The seafood is fresh and specialities include beer-battered fried grouper, North-of-the-border steamed snow crab legs, a shrimp boil, and all-you-can-eat catfish. Check out the deck, tiki bar and dock, where you can even arrive by boat. 2032 C.R. 220, Orange Park (269-4198; whiteysfish-camp.com). L, D, $$. u
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Sometimes, no good deed goes unpunished. Earlier this spring, Yatir Nitzany, 42, was riding his bike in Everglades National Park when he spotted an invasive Burmese python on the side of the road. Before the snake could slither into the brush and disappear, Nitzany lept from his bike and grabbed hold of the eight-foot python, an animal that is among the greatest threats to South Florida’s wild places. A passing park service tram driver told the would-be snake wrangler to hold onto the reptile until a ranger arrived So, Nitzany did—an act that earned him a $180 fine for handling wildlife without a permit. "I held onto it for 30 minutes and when the ranger arrived, I felt like he treated me like a criminal,” Nitzany is reported saying in an article in the Palm Beach Post. “I felt like it was my obligation to not let this thing go.”
From 2018 to 2025, more than 400 alligators were removed from Walt Disney World property, an average of 36 each year, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records. About a dozen were captured during the first four months of 2026, says News 6 TV, Orlando. Disney greatly stepped up efforts to remove nuisance gators following the death of Lane Thomas Graves, 2, who was attacked by one on the beach outside the Grand Floridian Resort in 2016. Across the state, more than 8,700 gators that posed a threat to people, property or pets were captured in 2024, per FWC records. The state pays trappers $50 per nuisance animal caught, with most being euthanized. Licensed trappers may sell their hide and meat for additional revenue.
Being taken into custody is often a deterrent to committing additional crimes. Not for Jefry Julian Chaucenes Vasquez, 23, of Miami Gardens. Immediately after being released from jail the afternoon June 12, Vasquez reportedly stole a Ford SUV from the Plantation Key Courthouse parking lot. This was after breaking into a separate vehicle in the same lot and stealing an iPhone charger. Soon thereafter, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received word that Vasquez had fled a reckless driving traffic stop with Florida Highway Patrol in hot pursuit. The repeat offender was eventually stopped and taken into custody once more—being returned to the jail he left only minutes before. It was Vasquez’s second high-speed chase in less than a week.
Late one night in June, Riley Ferrer was traveling northbound on I-75 when he lost control of his pickup truck. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Ferrer’s vehicle veered off the road, struck another car and overturned into the woods. Unfortunately, two people inside the second vehicle suffered serious injuries in the crash. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office shut down the northbound lanes so a medical emergency helicopter could land to transport the injured. At this moment, things took a turn for the unusual. Highway Patrol officers reported that while rescue crews prepared the two patients for transport, Ferrer ran past the first responders at the scene and then attempted to steal the helicopter. Thankfully, he was stopped. Reportedly, Ferrer told officials that he saw the anti-Christ moments before he lost control of his pickup truck and crashed. He faces three counts of resisting without violence and one count of burglary of an occupied conveyance. u
