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RIVERSIDE | AVONDALE | ORTEGA | MURRAY HILL FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS | RESIDENTNEWS.NET | DECEMBER 2025 | VOL. 18, ISSUE 12
Wayne Wood
Eighty and Blessed Guests gathered in costume to toast Wayne Wood’s decades of preservation, advocacy and impact. READ MORE ON PAGE 43
New Direction for DCPS In a narrow 4–3 vote, the School Board approved selling its Southbank headquarters and moving to Baymeadows. The sale paves the way for a new riverfront development and promises millions in revenue the district says will go back into schools.
Roast on the River Marks Another Strong Year
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Celebrating the Heart of Giving
Genora Crain Orth, Jimmy Orth, Eli Orth, Ansley Bishop, Jim Orth and Cathy McCullough enjoy good company at the 2025 Oyster Roast.
St. Johns Riverkeeper hosted its 24th annual Oyster Roast on Nov. 21, gathering supporters at the Garden Club of Jacksonville for an evening of food, music and riverfront celebration. The fundraiser – held during the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary year – supports the Riverkeeper’s ongoing advocacy, education and outreach to protect and restore the St. Johns River. READ MORE ON PAGE 27
IFF Odor Case Nears Class Action Status
Michael Meyers and Richard Sisisky
National Philanthropy Day brought Jacksonville’s philanthropic leaders together Nov. 21 as AFP Florida, First Coast recognized this year’s honorees for their generosity and vision.
What began as a lawsuit filed in early 2022 over “noxious” odors allegedly coming from International Flavors and Fragrances now stands at a critical stage. With three named plaintiffs and thousands of potentially affected households, residents filled a Jacksonville courtroom for recent hearings as the judge considers whether the case qualifies as a class action.
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Upson to Become Duval’s First STREAM Magnet Ruth N. Upson Elementary is embracing a new future as it is set to become Duval County’s only STREAM magnet in the 2026-27 school year. The program brings with it expanded enrichment and innovation for all students while keeping neighborhood access intact.
About Giving d l i W
Annie Tuttle, VP of Philanthropy and Community Impact for The Foundation of Community Hospice, joins philanthropist Dottie Dorion alongside Veronica, Elvira, and Matt for a photo with one of the evening’s performers at the Roars and More fundraising event. READ MORE ON PAGE 24
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An Evening for Angels
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Angels for Allison’s 2025 Flight of Fancy Gala brought elegance and purpose to Timuquana Country Club as supporters gathered to raise vital funds for families facing the loss of a child. Amanda, Billie IV, Adair and Billie III Nimnicht
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