Launching Another Year of Service
COMMUNITY NEWS
RIVERSIDE | AVONDALE | ORTEGA | MURRAY HILL FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS | RESIDENTNEWS.NET | FEBRUARY 2026 | VOL. 19, ISSUE 2
Sharon Morgan with guest speaker Mary Daniel and Deborah DeFoor
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary stepped into another year of service at their annual kickoff meeting last month with special guest speaker Mary Daniel and information about the 2026 Celebrity Chefs Tasting Luncheon and Silent Auction. READ MORE ON PAGE 22
Serving with Heart
Proud Day for Progress in Murray Hill
Groundbreaking on former Edgewood Bakery puts Community First on the Avenue
Students at St. Paul’s Catholic School demonstrate their hearts for service by collecting cans to stock an area food pantry.
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Former MOSH Site Cleared for Demolition
Chris Eppes, Lori Smith, Jimmy Lovelace, Tim Simpson, former Edgewood Bakery owners Sandy and Gary Polletta, District 7 City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso and Community First Credit Union President and CEO Sam Inman with Board Chair Lindy Prudencio, Board Member Elvia Williams, Board Member Bettie Adams, Board Member Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Board Member Jim Farah, Melissa Thomas and Roger Rassman.
By Michele Leivas Cold, blustery weather couldn’t dampen the high spirits at the Jan. 26 ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Community First Credit Union in Murray Hill. The incoming credit union branch will reactivate the former Edgewood Bakery building at the corner of Edgewood Avenue South and Post Street, which has been vacant since 2016. Plans
for this revival also include a pocket park where the street-front parking area currently sits, facing Edgewood Avenue South. The pocket park will also feature a food truck from a Murray Hill vendor. However, the announcement for who that might be will likely be made toward the end of the first quarter, according to Community First Credit Union President and CEO Sam Inman. READ MORE ON PAGE 10
Citing roof damage and extensive deferred maintenance, the Downtown Investment Authority Board approved the $835,000 demolition of the former Museum of Science and History building on the Southbank. Once demolished, the site will serve as temporary overflow parking while plans move forward for future riverfront redevelopment. READ MORE ON PAGE 13
Judge Grants Class Action Status in Odor Lawsuit A Duval County judge has granted class action status in a lawsuit alleging industrial odors are affecting property values and quality of life in nearby neighborhoods. The ruling marks a key procedural step as the case moves forward. READ MORE ON PAGE 6
Claudia Naughton with Beverley Brooke, Deborah Gervin and Beverly Sleeth
Fashion, Style and Storytelling It was a sunny, cool day in Florida Jan. 26, but for author and co-founder of the fashion brand, Francis Valentine - Elyce Arons – it was a welcome place to visit for her latest book signing and fashion-forward event, a far cry from the inches of snow falling back in New York. For Arons, it was a chance to connect to fans of her latest book, while also taking time to showcase fashion from Dillards and a special collection of garments offered by Francis Valentine.
From the outdoor oasis on Pirate’s Cove, to the beautiful interiors at the home of Brooks Holland, the day was ruled by fashion, friendships and the power of female entrepreneurs. Arons signed her latest book, while mingling alongside local ladies intrigued by her journey and personal stories of the industry and her relationship with Kate Spade in her New York Times Bestseller, We Might Just Make it Afterall – My Best Friendship with Kate Spade.
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