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COMMUNITY NEWS

Jax GAP Fund Launches to Support Affordable Housing

Rams at the Ready Riverside Presbyterian Day School opened its doors to a new school year and students were ready to start learning – right after they snapped a photo commemorating the first day of school.

John Donahoo, Bryan Taylor, Amanda Frazier Wong and Isaiah Oliver with Mari Kuraishi, Chris Crothers, James Coggin and Ed Wood

A new $20 million fund is taking aim at Jacksonville’s affordable housing shortage. Backed by five private and philanthropic investors, the Jax GAP Fund is designed to help finance new multifamily rental housing across the city. READ MORE ON PAGE 25

READ MORE ON PAGE 10

Travis Williams, Sondra Fetner, David Sweeney, Mayor Deegan, Natalie Rosenberg, Barbara Goodman, Daryl Joseph, David Marovich, Linzee Ott and Mike Zaffaroni

remaining million dollars will go to JaxParks for the operations and maintenance of these parks. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

Lane Closures Underway for Main Street Bridge 1650 Margaret St. #310 Jacksonville, FL 32204

904.388.8839 RESIDENTNEWS.NET

residentnewsjax circlescharitymag The Resident is a monthly newspaper mailed to homeowners in Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill, San Marco, San Jose and St. Nicholas. For advertising information, please call 904.388.8839. Editorial submissions are welcome, but subject to editing at the publisher’s discretion. Facts and statements expressed in the editorial content are not necessarily those of The Resident. All content is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, copied or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2026.

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As construction progresses for Phase II of Riverfront Plaza, pedestrians and drivers saw lane and pedestrian walkway closures begin along the Main Street Bridge last month as part of the project. Construction on the Riverfront Plaza Main Street Bridge Nub Removal Project began on Aug. 24, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2027. This project is led by the City of Jacksonville Department of Public Works and The Haskell Company, the contractor, marking the first step in actualizing a permanent pedestrian connection from the Main Street Bridge to Riverfront Plaza. As of Aug. 24, the bridge’s southbound lanes toward Riverplace Boulevard are reduced to one lane. The southbound pedestrian walkway will be closed completely for the duration of the project, with rerouted pedestrian access available via a posted detour. This The southbound pedestrian walkway will be closed until approximately Jan. 30, 2027 as project will not impact northbound traffic. the City of Jacksonville and The Haskell Company work on Riverfront Plaza Main Street Phase II construction is expected to be complete early-to-mid 2027. Bridge Nub Removal Project.

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Duval County Voters Cast Their Ballots in 2026 Florida Primary

St. Johns Riverkeeper Announces Lawsuit Against Keystone Terminal

Nearly 151,000 ballots were cast in the 2026 Florida primaries, advancing winning candidates to their final election and taking several local races to runoffs later this year in November. Securing the required 51% of votes in a special election, Moné Holder (D) will be the new At-Large Group Democrat Moné Holder wins the 1 city council member, filling the seat vacated by Terrance At-Large Group 1 city council seat Freeman, who is running for state office. Holder currently in the Aug. 18 special election serves as chair of the Jacksonville Planning Commission, a position she was appointed to in 2023. The three races for Duval County Public School seats in districts 2, 4 and 6 will all head to runoff elections in November for the following candidates: Donovan Bradley and Donna Mae Westrich (District 2); Rhodesia “Rho” Butler and James “Coach” Jacobs (District 4); and Lindsey Denmark and Clarence “CJ” James (District 6). Two races were on the ballot for Duval County judges. With 56.63% of the votes, Matt Lufrano secured a victory in the race for Duval County Judge Group 1 while Melina Buncome and Octavius A. Holliday, Jr. head to a runoff in November for Group 13. The Aug. 18 election also decided the candidates for several state races, including the one for Florida Senate, with incumbent Ashley Moody (R) learning she’ll be facing off against Angie Nixon (D) as she defends her seat for the first time. Incumbent State Representative Aaron Bean (R) learned that his Democratic challenger in the race for U.S. Representative District 4 will be LaShonda “L.J.” Holloway. A full list of election results can be viewed at enr.electionsfl.org/DUV/4003/Summary/. The 2026 General Election will take place on Nov. 3, with early voting beginning on Monday, Oct. 19. Additional information regarding the November election, including voter registration and other deadlines, can be found at www.duvalelections.gov.

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St. Johns Riverkeeper is seeking remedies for alleged violations resulting in the discharge of hazardous contaminants into the St. Johns River and potential exposure to area residents in a new lawsuit filed last month against the Keystone Terminal in Jacksonville. The Riverkeeper filed a lawsuit under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) against Keystone Terminal on Aug. 19 for these alleged violations, which St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman said expose the river and area residents to hazardous contaminants, including mercury, cadmium, lead, selenium, and arsenic. “It just puts very toxic chemicals and contaminants in the St. Johns River that can undermine not only the river’s health but exposure to fish and ultimately up the food chain to humans,” Rinaman said. Rinaman said the St. Johns Riverkeeper has a team of volunteers monitoring industrial stormwater permits to ensure that proper permits are in place, applicable

guardrails are being followed, and potential violations are identified. The Public Trust for Conservation is representing St. Johns Riverkeeper in this lawsuit. The Riverkeeper announced the lawsuit on its website and via an e-blast the day it was filed. Attorney Ralph DeMeo, representing Keystone Terminal, shared a statement on behalf of his client with Resident News. It read, in part: “Keystone has been working cooperatively with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is in the process of making improvements to the facility’s material-handling and stormwater controls. We are aware of the lawsuit filed by the St. Johns Riverkeeper. We disagree with the allegations and characterizations in the complaint and will address those matters through the appropriate legal process. Keystone remains committed to operating responsibly and protecting the St. Johns River and the surrounding community.”

The Nine Lives of the Laura Street Trio Indiana-based Becovic Companies is adding its name to the Laura Street Trio’s storied history following its acquisition of the buildings in an online foreclosure auction on Aug. 5. BMG Trio LLC, affiliated with Becovic Companies, purchased the Trio, comprising the Marble Bank, the Bisbee Building, and the Florida Life Building, at an online auction with the high bid of $125,100, though the company had already taken over the mortgage on the Trio earlier this year. Becovic Companies already maintains a presence in Downtown Jacksonville with its previous acquisition of the Barnett National Bank Building, now known as The Residences at Barnett. Just weeks after its acquisition of the Laura Street Trio, Becovic Companies expanded that presence even more with the announcement that it had purchased the Carling and 11 East Downtown apartments. The Carling, at 31 West Adams Street, was formerly known as the Carling Hotel and, later, Hotel Roosevelt. The 17-story 11 East Downtown at 11 East Forsyth Street was formerly known as The Lynch building. “The Trio is part of building the ecosystem that we’re looking at between 11 East, the Carling and the Barnett to have historic buildings already within two to three blocks of each other,” said Nathan Walter, vice president of strategic development with Becovic Management Group. “The Trio is the perfect middle piece to that ecosystem to build this work, live, entertain and eat system

that we’re looking at.” Walter declined to comment on the status of the liens that had been placed on the Trio, which ultimately led to the foreclosure auction. “We’re super, super engaged and excited about the project,” Walter said. “So liens, no liens, it’s a project we’re super excited about.” Walter said the company is working in real time to clean up the site while also installing new signage and securing the site for safety reasons. While a timeline for conceptual designs is currently unavailable, Walter said the company is working to share those “as soon as possible,” adding that plans for the Trio will be mixed-use. “For us it’s a mixed-use opportunity between residential, hospitality and restaurant-type event spanning,” Walter said. “We still need to really define those details, but it’s certainly going to be in a mixed-use position.” Jacksonville History Center CEO Dr. Alan Bliss is excited about this new chapter for the Trio. “I’m encouraged that the property is now in the ownership of a responsible entity that, by all accounts, has the capacity to execute a thoroughgoing and high-quality renovation and activation,” said Bliss. “I’m [also] encouraged by their seeming evidence, their seeming commitment to do a project of renovation that’s organic, that keeps all three of the buildings intact. My understanding is that’s what their intention is, and that’s what the property deserves.”

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

Mayor Donna Deegan, city officials and community stakeholders celebrate the Aug. 12 ribbon cutting of the redesigned Met Park Marina.

A New Addition to Jacksonville’s ‘Front Porch’ By Michele Leivas

Mayor Donna Deegan joined city leaders and community stakeholders in an Aug. 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the revamped and redesigned Met Park Marina on the Northbank. The public marina can accommodate vessels of various sizes, with 78 wet slips all equipped with electric and water hookups and finger piers and side tie slips that can accommodate vessels anywhere from 30' to 400' LOA. Additional amenities include a Ship Shop, fuel station, in-marina Wi-Fi, laundry and shower facilities and an onsite YMCA gym. The marina also features Michelin-rated restaurant, Asado Life, which officially opened its doors, Aug. 26 to guests.

Held just steps from the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, currently under construction, the August ribbon-cutting marked the latest in a string of ceremonies celebrating the completion of several riverfront amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy. “We’ve said it’s our goal to make the riverfront Jacksonville’s front porch, and it certainly is becoming that every single weekend,” said Deegan during her address to ceremony attendees. “…Downtown Jacksonville is absolutely at its ignition point, and we are excited to see it take off.” Managing Met Park Marina on behalf of the City of Jacksonville is F3 Marina. F3 Marina President John

Matheson said the ribbon-cutting represented more than simply the opening of a new public amenity. “It’s about creating a new way for people to experience Downtown Jacksonville, the St. Johns River, the Riverwalk and the energy that brings this city together,” Matheson said. With approximately 20 years’ experience managing city-owned marinas across the country and around the globe, Mathenson said the F3 Marina team has learned “that a public marina should be more than a place just to tie up a boat.” “It should be a true community asset for everyone; a welcoming front door to the city,” said Matheson. Slip reservations for Met Park Marina can now be made through the marina’s website.

Bringing the Riverfront to Life CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Mayor Donna Deegan held a bill signing ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 20 for bill 2026-0552, which approved and funded this new public-private partnership. “Here’s what this means in plain terms for us,” Deegan said before signing the bill. “It means that our signature riverfont spaces will not just be built beautifully; they’ll be run beautifully. They’ll be programmed; they’ll be activated. They’ll be maintained and loved every single day.” JRA Board Chair Dave Sweeney

emphasized the continued collaboration between JRA and the City of Jacksonville, via the Parks Department, that will take place moving forward. “Speaking of effective public-private partnerships, JaxParks is such an essential component of the development of this organization,” Sweeney said. “It’s not separated; it’s not a handoff. It’s a true partnership and…we are eager to get to work, supplementing the services already provided by the Parks Department and

bringing that world-class experience to the downtown riverfront.” At the Aug. 4 Finance Committee meeting, Parks Director Daryl Joseph explained the division of duties between JaxParks and JRA. “We have a clear divide as of the passing of this agreement,” Joseph told committee members. “JRA will be solely focused on the programming of the parks, as well as fundraising. Parks will be focused on the maintenance of the parks.” Linzee Ott will serve as the interim director for JRA while the nonprofit conducts a nationwide search for its founding CEO, which the board expects 2026 Panel of Experts to install by early 2027. Ott serves on the from the University of Florida Downtown Development Review Board, is from the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville a former– Jacksonville CEO of Build Up Downtown, and College of Medicine has extensive experience in both public and and Co-Chair nonprofit service. Ott said JRA emerged from discussions Julie Bradley, MD going back several years, when The Landing “What Everyone Should ; Julie Bradley, MD and the future of Jacksonville’s was closing, Know About Breast Health” riverfront was in flux. Oday Elmanaseer, MD As part of our commitment to enhance breast health education, UF Health “Over the last few years, there have invites you to participate in a free question-and-answer session about the latest been various community stewards who information on breast cancer, led by a panel of health care experts. Oday Elmanaseer, MDthat conversation, and have shepherded As part of our commitment to enhance breast health education, UFShahla Health Masood, MD Mayor Deegan has really championed invites you to participate in a free question-and-answer session about the latest information on breast cancer, led by a panel of health care experts. it since she stepped into office, and that community conversation evolved into Shahla Masood, MD formal last year,” Ott said. Nancy Mendenhall, MD something more and Co-Chair That evolution was the creation of a steering committee comprising 19 civic John D. Murray, MD community leaders Marriott Jacksonville Downtown Nancy Mendenhall, MDfrom all sectors and industries, which helped formulate what is 245 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 now JRA. This public-private partnership Smita Sharma, MD Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.

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will span 10 years, with annual public funding approved by the Jacksonville City Council. JRA will also establish a fundraising plan to support the nonprofit and its riverfront efforts. While JRA will oversee programming and activation for all riverfront parks, its initial focus will be on Riverfront Plaza and the Riverfront Music Garden beginning this fall, gradually expanding its umbrella to cover the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks, as well as other riverfront public spaces over the next two years. With more than 400 public parks under the purview of the City’s Parks Department, Ott said JRA will help alleviate some of the responsibilities for Jacksonville’s burgeoning network of riverfront public spaces, creating a cohesive, connected experience for visitors to Jacksonville’s riverfront and establishing these parks as distinct destinations. “Providing some more muscles and resources behind that programming will get us to that point where we can start amplifying the works that Jax Parks has already started doing, and then also add on top of it – add more and more so that when you visit the riverfront you might encounter a few different activations and activities as you’re strolling along,” Ott said. While JRA has big plans for the riverfront, Ott said programming at these two parks – Riverfront Plaza and the Riverfront Music Garden – will begin small with pop-up programming for people to enjoy along the river.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

New Arrivals, New Challenges Five Points landscape shifts By Michele Leivas The Five Points merchant community is experiencing a transitional phase as new businesses move in and others close their doors. Fat Tuesday, known for its frozen cocktails and signature souvenir cups, is preparing its return to Jacksonville at its new Park Street location, with a zoning exception filed for 1043 and 1045 Park Street. According to published reports, the New Orleans-based chain plans to bring two concepts to these spaces: Fat Tuesday Kitchen and Bar and Fat Tuesday Social Lounge. Fat Tuesday previously operated a location at the Jacksonville Landing. Around the corner on Lomax Street, Asian Pearl Nail Studio has celebrated its grand opening and is getting to know its new neighborhood, while across the street, Sublime Hair and Co. closed its doors earlier this year to relocate to Avondale. Lomax Street is also home to a vibrant new 1,700-foot mural by artist Shaun Thurston. Riverside Avondale Preservation is recognizing this new public art in a ceremony marking its completion on Thursday, Sept. 3 with District 7 City Council Member Jimmy Peluso and other community leaders. Another ice cream shop may also be joining the Five Points community: On its website, national chain Jeni’s Ice Cream states it’s planning grand-opening festivities for its new Jacksonville location, with details “coming soon.” While an address isn’t listed, the link to that webpage reads “Park Street coming soon.” Additionally, as of Aug. 28, bidding has closed for a tenant buildout project for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream on LDI Line, an online platform for contractors and subcontractors to review projects accepting bids. The address listed for that project is 1020 Park Street. The Lomax Street Restaurant Following years of inactivity, the City of Jacksonville’s Municipal Code Compliance Division has condemned the unfinished construction site at 803 Lomax Street as unsafe and unfit for human habitation. The fenced-in, unfinished construction site has become a fixture at the corner of Lomax and Oak streets in the Five Points community, as plans for an incoming restaurant at the former Wells Fargo branch at 803 Lomax Street have stalled. While the MCCD placard posted on-site at the property states the building is subject to demolition, MCCD stated that does not necessarily mean the structure will be demolished.

Landlords of the 803 Lomax Street property are seeking to remedy code compliance issues to prepare the parcel for prospective new tenants.

Shaun Thurston’s mural along Lomax Street is the latest contribution to public art in the Five Points area.

A city spokesperson provided the following information to Resident News via e-mail: “A condemned structure may be brought into compliance through proper permitting and rehabilitation, provided all identified safety and property maintenance violations are corrected. While demolition is one potential means of resolving the violations, a structure being subject to demolition does not mean demolition is immediate or that a demolition date has been scheduled.” Atlanta-based landlord Chris Routledge told Resident News he and business partner are actively seeking new tenants following the expiration of a three-year lease with Roost Restaurants LLC – the same entity behind The Local concepts in Miramar and Neptune Beach. They are working to remedy issues at the property, including several active code violations, to prepare it for new prospective tenant buildouts, with options available for a single tenant or multiple tenants for the corner lot and attached surface parking lot. Routledge and Stevens are landlords of neighboring businesses, including the recently opened Asian Pearl Nail Studio, which replaced Davalt Optical after it moved to its current location on West Bay Street, and Taqueria Cinco. Construction on the proposed restaurant began in August 2023, following the issuance of a building permit for the planned Lomax Street Restaurant, a $2.2 million, two-story project, according to the permit.

Rezoning Sought for St. Vincent’s Riverside Avenue Parcel St. Vincent’s Health System is seeking a rezoning for a corner lot parcel it owns at 2116 Riverside Avenue. An application has been submitted to rezone the roughly one-acre parcel bordered by Riverside Avenue, Goodwin Street and St. Johns Avenue from Public Buildings and

Facilities–2 (PBF–2) to Residential Office (RO). The parcel is currently a surface parking lot. Ordinance 2026-0652 was filed with City Council Aug. 25; according to sources, Resident News has learned the application is to make way for eight luxury

residences. The applicant for this rezoning is Corner Lot Development. Its first public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22. More information on this rezoning application and the plans for this parcel will be available in the next issue of Resident News.

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Amendment 3 What voters should know By Michele Leivas Voters in Duval County and throughout the state have several decisions to make ahead of the general election on Nov. 3. Among those decisions is whether or not to approve Amendment 3 – the property tax amendment. The “Increased Homestead Exemption, Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments” ballot initiative proposes an increase in the homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and then to $250,000 in 2028, with adjustments made for inflation in subsequent years. It would also decrease the assessment cap on non-homestead properties, like rentals and commercial buildings, from 10% to 5%. These exemption increases do not apply to school taxes. Furthermore, the amendment would restrict local government spending of property tax revenue to “solely for public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, natural resources, bond debt service, retirement benefits for employees, and operations and administration.” Amendment 3 Origins At the end of May, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a special legislative session for June 1 to 3 to consider an amendment to the Florida Constitution regarding property taxes. “Property tax revenue collected by local governments has nearly doubled in the past seven years and is expected to reach an astounding $83 billion by 2032,” said DeSantis in a press release issued the

day he announced the legislative session. “Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian.” Originally titled “Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes,” the ballot measure was renamed last month following a court order from a Leon County circuit judge, who ordered the ballot initiative be rewritten to eliminate “biased, inaccurate or misleading” language. In his ruling, Circuit Judge David Frank wrote, in part, “Voters are entitled to a fair, clear, accurate and non-misleading ballot statement to assist them in making their critical determination.” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan was among the early opponents to the amendment, stating in a June 4 press conference, “This proposed reduction will inevitably result in roads deteriorating, libraries, pools, and parks closing, public safety response times going up, housing affordability worsening, and more homeless on our streets.” To pass, Amendment 3 must receive support from a supermajority of 60% of voters statewide. What Does This Mean? If Amendment 3 passes, the amount of assessed value exempt from certain property taxes would increase significantly for qualifying homeowners who maintained permanent Florida residency as of Dec. 31, 2026.. Currently, the standard property tax exemption for homesteaded properties is up to $50,000 of assessed value.

People who become Florida residents after Dec. 31 would still qualify for the existing homestead exemption once they establish eligibility but would have to wait until their fifth year to receive the increased exemption. According to the City of Jacksonville’s website, additional exemptions are currently available based on eligibility, including those for members of the armed forces, senior citizens, and widows and widowers, among others. Impact in Duval County If passed, this amendment will have varying degrees of impact throughout the state. In Duval County, it would result in a significant reduction in property tax revenue for the City, which could affect future city budgets, services and programming. According to an analysis completed by the City Council Auditor, the amendment would result in a $193.1 million revenue reduction for the $150,000 exemption increase and a $299.6 million revenue reduction for the $250,000 exemption increase. These numbers are based on values from the 2026 tax roll in progress, including “homestead only and non-homestead only parcels.” Because this amendment would not take effect until Jan. 1, the FY2026-27 $2 billion proposed budget, currently under review by the Jacksonville City Council, would not be affected. However, the Council’s Finance Committee is preparing for the potential revenue loss by moving line items “below the line” into a contingency fund to offset the revenue loss the following year, if the amendment fails, those items would be approved in the budget. Those funds would be moved “above the line.” Previous Property Tax Amendments Over the last several years, Florida voters have considered several amendments regarding property taxes.

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10 |

SEPTEMBER 2026

Voters are entitled to a fair, clear, accurate and non-misleading ballot statement to assist them in making their critical determination. – Circuit Judge David Frank In 2024, voters passed Amendment 5, which provided an annual inflation adjustment of the assessed value for the homestead property tax exemption. In 2022, voters struck down a different Amendment 3 that would have provided an additional property tax exemption for certain public service workers, including active duty military and the Florida National Guard, child welfare service employees, teachers, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel. In 2020, voters approved an extension of the time period people had to transfer their “Save Our Homes” benefits to a new homesteaded property from two years to three years. Resident News will continue its examination of Amendment 3 in the following issue, including perspectives from city leaders and community stakeholders about how the amendment could impact Jacksonville and our Resident communities.

SEPTEMBER 2026

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

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MOVERS

SHAKERS

Simmons Joins WeCareJax

Felicia Simmons

With more than 20 years of experience in Florida healthcare, Felicia Simmons steps in as the new director of patient services for WeCareJax. Simmons began her healthcare career in Florida, from her native Boston, Mass., at the Mayo Clinic, where she worked for more than a decade before pivoting to launch her own consulting practice, Regulatory Compliance Group, LLC, where she helped guide hospitals and healthcare organizations through complex CARF and Joint Commission accreditations, process improvements, revenue cycle management optimization, and post-sentinel-event reviews. With her Master of Public Health from the University of North Florida nearly finalized, Simmons now steps onto a career path toward mission-driven leadership. “Felicia stands out not only for her impeccable professional credentials and technical expertise in healthcare systems like Athena, but for her heart as a servant leader,” said WeCareJax Executive Director Angela Strain. “Her past employers and colleagues offered glowing recommendations that perfectly match the core values we hold dear at WeCareJax. She is uniquely equipped to champion the needs of our neighbors who rely on us for access to critical care.”

New CEO, Chief of Staff Appointed at Monique Burr Foundation A pair of new appointments is reshaping the leadership of the Monique Burr Foundation for Children. Just weeks after Ashley Garrett was appointed the new chief executive officer of the foundation, Mary Anne Tuohy Jolly was appointed chief of staff. Formerly serving as the foundation’s vice president of Ashley Garrett Mary Anne Tuohy Jolly prevention education, Garrett has built a career of nearly 30 years around the conviction that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and protected. Before joining MBF, Garrett served as the human trafficking practice lead for ICF. She was the founding director of the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center for the Office on Trafficking in Persons in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Jolly brings 15 years of management experience to this role, previously serving as chief of staff to Jacksonville University’s senior vice president of external affairs. In this new role at MBF, Jolly will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and coordination of MBF’s external relationships throughout the state, while providing enterprise-level leadership and serving as a liaison with MBF leadership and staff.

Thomas J. Gough

Gough to Serve as Baptist Health COO Effective Sept. 14, Thomas J. Gough will be the new executive vice president and chief operating officer for Baptist Health. Gough succeeds Matthew A. Zuino, MSIS, FACHE, in this new role following Zuino’s appointment as Baptist Health president and CEO earlier this year. In this role, Gough will oversee operations across the Baptist Health system, working closely with Zuino and other members of Baptist’s executive leadership team. Gough joins Baptist Health from WakeMed Health and Hospital System in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked for the past 10 years, serving in the same role. Before that, Gough held senior leadership roles at Care New England, Memorial Hospital Rhode Island and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “Baptist Health is entering a new chapter of growth and innovation, and Gough brings the leadership experience needed to help us build for the future,” said Zuino. “By aligning strategy, operational excellence and patient-centered care, he will play a critical role in expanding Baptist Health’s impact on the communities we serve.”

$4.3M to Expand Ascension’s Rural Cancer Care Ascension St. Vincent’s is the recipient of $4.3 million in state funding to expand access to cancer care for patients in rural communities. These funds, part of the approximately $188 million awarded through Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program, will provide patients with greater access to cancer screening, coordinated oncology care, and specialty support in rural communities. According to the National Institutes of Health, patients living in rural communities are less likely to be current on cancer screenings, compared to their urban or suburban counterparts. These dollars will support phase one of Ascension St. Vincent’s strategy to create an integrated rural oncology network, connecting community-based screenings and

diagnostic services with virtual specialty care, navigation and Ascension’s regional cancer programs. It will focus on key areas – mobile cancer screening and early detection services for breast, thoracic, gynecologic, and colorectal cancers, and rural access infrastructure – while developing digital oncology and electronic medical record infrastructure, remote patient monitoring, enhanced patient navigation, care coordination, and virtual care. “Where someone lives should not determine how easily they can access potentially lifesaving cancer care,” said Ascension St. Vincent’s Vice President of Oncology Jody Sullivan.

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14 |

Movers & Shakers |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

Fueling the Work of Empowering Women Women’s Center of Jacksonville was the recipient of a public budget allocation of nearly $462,000 from the State of Florida, championed by Representative Jessica Baker and Senator Tracie Davis during the 2026 legislative process, to support its Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (S.A.F.E.) Program and other services. Additionally, Brette Petway, an artist based in Northeast Florida, made a $500,000 five-year commitment to WCJ designed as a one-for-one matching gift to double the impact of multi-year donations of any amount, ultimately helping to generate $1 million in private support for the organization’s

mental health, crisis intervention, advocacy, empowerment and education services. “Being a Philanthartist means investing both my creativity and my resources in causes that make our communities stronger,” said Petway. “The Women’s Center of Jacksonville transforms lives every day, and I’m honored to support its mission through both this gift and our creative partnership. My hope is that together we inspire even more people to join us in making a difference.” Petway’s commitment is unrestricted, which will give WCJ the flexibility to invest resources where needed, though it will apply exclusively to new multi-year gifts.

An August check presentation ceremony reflectes the $461,710 Women’s Center of Jacksonville received from the State of Florida.

Schissler Recognized Among Nation’s Top Pharmacy Leaders Baptist Health Vice President of Pharmacy Dr. Keith Schissler was recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding chief pharmacy officers in Becker’s Hospital Review. In his current role, Schissler has advanced medication safety and expanded access to care, while leading innovative pharmacy initiatives throughout the Baptist Health system. Schissler joined Baptist Health in 2012 as Dr. Keith Schissler director of pharmacy at Baptist Medical Center Beaches. In 2022, he took on a dual role as the vice president of operations for Baptist Beaches. This past May, Baptist Health announced his appointment as vice president of System Pharmacy.

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S ORIENTAL RUG

Honorees Announced for National Philanthropy Day Celebration The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) FL, First Coast Chapter has announced its slate of honorees for its 40th annual National Philanthropy Day celebration. The individuals and organizations to be recognized later this year are Dorothy S. Dorion (Outstanding Philanthropist), James R. Mernick (Next Generation Award), Vested Metals International (Outstanding Small Business or Civic Organization), Jill Davis (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser), The Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation (Outstanding Foundation), Dream Finders Homes (Outstanding Corporation) and Randy and Paula Ringhaver (Lifetime Achievement). AFP FL, First Coast Chapter will celebrate these 2026 The Association of Fundraising award recipients at its National Philanthropy Day luncheon Professionals (AFP) FL, First Coast Chapter has named Jill Davis its 2026 Outstanding on Nov. 13 at the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic. Volunteer Fundraiser

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Movers & Shakers | 15

A Keane Eye on Crime Former Vice Chairman John Keane has stepped up to serve as the new chairman of the First Coast Crime Stoppers Board of Directors. Keane is a lifelong Jacksonville public servant, working for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, ultimately serving as the department’s public information officer. John Keane In his retirement, Keane led the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund and served in the Florida Air National Guard. In this new leadership role, Keane will help guide the nonprofit’s strategic direction while strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, community organizations and business leaders in the region. “With Keane’s proven leadership and lifelong dedication to serving Jacksonville, First Coast Crime Stoppers is well-positioned to continue advancing its mission of empowering citizens, strengthening public trust, and making the First Coast a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” said First Coast Crime Stoppers Executive Director Chase Robinson.

Nemours Names New Health Impact Chief Nemours Children’s Health has appointed Patrice Harris, MD, MA, its new executive vice president and chief health impact officer. In these new roles, Harris will oversee the integration of Whole Child Health in all facets of the organization through partnerships with operational, financial, strategy, clinical, and advocacy teams, fostering improvements in child and community health outcomes. Harris is the co-founder of the digital healthcare company, eMed, most recently serving as its CEO. She is a board-certified psychiatrist and brings with Dr. Patrice Harris her distinguished experience as a county public health director, patient advocate, and practice round physician. She is a former president of the American Medical Association and was the first African American woman to serve in that role, and spent six years as Fulton County’s district health director in Georgia. “I am deeply inspired by Nemours commitment to Whole Child Health and the bold vision this organization holds for the future of pediatric care,” said Harris. “I look forward to partnering across the enterprise to advance health equity, drive meaningful outcomes for children and families, and further establish Nemours as the national model for what children’s health can and should be.”

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16 | Movers & Shakers |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

Ortega Church Welcomes Hock

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oldcupcafe / oldcupcafe@gmail.com Historic Avondale, 3604, St. Johns Avenue

Following Rev. Art McClellan’s retirement in June, Rev. Brendan Hock is settling in as the new lead pastor at Ortega Church. After 19 years in ministry, Hock and his wife, Meghan, felt called to make a change. With only about 50 Global Methodist churches in Pennsylvania, the couple widened their search, ultimately making the move from Pennsylvania to Jacksonville. Asked how he is adjusting to the Florida summer, Hock joked, “This humidity that hugs is better than shoveling snow.” Hock said he is excited about Ortega Church’s commitment to families, its 100-plus-year legacy and its many programs serving the community. His experience working with people who have survived difficult circumstances has also shaped his dedication to walking alongside others as they grow in faith. A pastor’s son, Hock changed his college major from history to pastoral ministries and later graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary. He and Meghan have two sons, Channing and Greyson.

Rev. Brendan Hock with his wife, Meghan, and sons Channing and Greyson

Three Cheers for Club KMO

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A new fitness studio offering a variety of classes has opened in the Fairfax neighborhood, owned and operated by Avondale resident Katie Gabriel. A former Roar cheerleader and a certified personal fitness trainer, Gabriel officially opened the doors to Club KMO: Boutique Fitness Studio on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Before that, however, she held a ribbon-cutting and soft opening in August to welcome new members to the studio’s kick-off “back to school” fitness class on Thursday, Aug. 13. “I’ve been a[n Avondale] resident for over 15 years, and I really thought our community needed something fresh and different, homegrown, really cool,” Gabriel said. Club KMO offers a rotating schedule of classes, including strength training, step classes, and dance fitness. “You can come in the door six or seven days a week and get a workout, and your

Club KMO Founder Katie Gabriel and husband, Dr. Eric Gabriel, pose with Chandra Hutchins and Jalissa Correale during the Aug. 13 ribbon-cutting at Club KMO.

body’s not going to be fatigued because we change up the workout,” Gabriel said. “You can feel really good every time you walk

out the door and not exhausted or depleted.” Club KMO is located in the St. Johns Plaza near Harps American Pub and Grill.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

Designs for a New Addition

As the forces behind Design Additions, a long-standing business in the Shoppes of Avondale, Chris Hardison and Keith Johnson are familiar faces in the Avondale community. With 20-plus years under their belts with Design Additions, Hardison said they’d been toying with the idea of expanding into women’s apparel and beauty products, and a very serendipitous turn of events led to the opening of Grace and Gray Mercantile. “Our lease across the street [for Design Additions] was coming up at the end of [August] to be re-signed, and we had not been able to meet with our broker to really make that happen,” Hardison explained. With the clock ticking and a space available across the street, located next door to Southern Grounds Coffee Co., the pair decided to grab it just in case they were unable to renew their existing storefront. Two days later, they renewed their lease. “At that point, we’re like, ‘It’s kind of a no-brainer’” Hardison said. “We’ve been talking for two years about doing some expansion and doing more of a ladies’ boutique; now’s the time for us to do it.” Johnson said the continued community support played a role in their decision to expand – and that support has carried over to the new space. “We have an amazing customer following and customers that have been shopping with us across the street since we’ve been over there,” Johnson said. “They’ve already started following us over here, and the encouragement and support from them has been phenomenal.” Grace and Gray Mercantile held a “whisper” opening last month when they unlocked the door, and shoppers came in to explore the new store. An official grand opening is planned in the coming weeks with giveaways and other festivities.

Movers & Shakers | 17

New Nail Studio Arrives on Lomax in Five Points

Hien Tran, Savannah Tran, Lily Huhn, Becky Bui and Jaimie Sells

A new nail studio has arrived in Five Points at 807 Lomax Street, adding a new option for those seeking great nails, toes, skincare, waxing and beautification of the body and soul. Savannah Tran, proud owner of Asian Pearl Nail Studio, is excited to welcome guests and steps out to greet everyone with a smile, as the business owner and her team warm up to their new client base. “I love the atmosphere and the people in Five Points , we’re excited to be here,” she shared, when asked about why she chose to anchor her business in the area. With 90-plus years of combined experience between studio technicians, the salon had recently moved from a Normandy Boulevard location. Tran believes the recent relocation to the area will help her grow her clientele and find success for years to come in a strong location for business. The Lomax-based studio welcomes clients with specials, discounts and frequent visitor benefits bringing savings to those clients that seek rewards for their loyalty. To book your visit to the studio, call 904-575-4041 today, or take a stroll down to Five Points for a walk-in where all are welcome in for services.

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18 |

Movers & Shakers |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

171 Strong for Hightower Fellowship

Spring Tapped for JCA Board Chair Lior Spring has succeeded Nicole Brown as the new board chair for the Jewish Community Alliance Board of Trustees. Spring has been involved with JCA since she first moved to Jacksonville in 2012. Most recently, she served as its development director before she left the organization in 2021. However, she remained involved with the organization after Lior Spring her departure as an employee, joining the board of trustees. She has served as a board member for the last five years, most recently as the vice chair before advancing to this new leadership position.

The new cycle is well underway for Class X of the Hightower Emerging Leadership Fellowship – marking a decade of impact for the fellowship, hosted by the Jax Chamber. As it has for a decade, the Hightower Fellowship has added a roster of 17 young professionals, ages 26 to 40, to its ranks, launching Class X earlier this year for its nine-month program. Class X Fellows are Alex Kellison, Amanda Germano, Austin Nicklas, Dominique Moore, Gabrielle Williams Bland, Gary Monahan, John Gislason, Kady Yellow, Katie Bakewell, Leonard Chatman, Jr., Linda Carrion, Nick Primrose, Rebecca Hughes, Shelby Howick, Tajmaus Johnson, Tim Horvath and Tylor Rapport. For Mike Hightower, the program’s namesake, this class is particularly near and dear to his heart as it marks a decade of connecting, teaching and inspiring 171 young leaders in the Bold City. This year’s class of 17 fellows were selected from a pool of more than 70 applicants, Hightower said, successfully navigating an intense interview process to be accepted into the fellowship. “It is just extraordinary to see each class comes in with a different flavor, for lack of a better word, and it’s just the mix of the personalities or the mix of their life journeys to that point,” Hightower said. “So you bring these 17 people who are anywhere from 28 to 40, and you throw that into a mixer and what comes out is this environment and this connectivity that is made up of the diversity of the personalities of the 17.” As it does every year, the fellowship will culminate with its annual gala in January to celebrate the Class X graduates.

The Next Chapter of Leadership Begins

Jake Gordon

After 11 years leading Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI), CEO Jake Gordon will step down Sept. 30. Chief Operating Officer Eric Miller will become interim CEO Oct. 1 while the board begins the search for Gordon’s permanent successor. Gordon, who became CEO in 2015, oversaw significant growth at DVI, with its annual budget increasing from $1.1 million to nearly $5 million. Under his leadership, DVI also launched signature programs including the DTJax Gala, DTJax Awards and monthly Sip and Stroll series. “Jake’s vision and dedication over the past 11 years have been instrumental to Downtown Vision’s current level of success,” said DVI Board Chair Allan Iosue. “It has been a privilege to lead this organization through such a dynamic period of growth for Downtown Jacksonville,” Gordon said. “I am proud of all our accomplishments. Now is the right time to allow for new leadership.” Miller joined DVI’s executive leadership team as COO in 2024 after previously serving as vice president of district services and general counsel.

Eric Miller

Start and end your Sundays at

ST. MARK’S

Fall Worship Schedule - Starting September 27

8 A.M.

9 A.M.

10 A.M.

11 A.M.

5 P.M.

Chapel Service

Traditional Service

Christian Education Hour

Traditional Service

The River Service

Connect with Christ, Church and Community

4129 OX F O RD A V E N UE , J A C K S O N V IL L E, F L • S M JAX . O R G

CHRISTIANITY TODAY

10 A.M. - GRACE HOUSE

For more than 35 years, this discussion-based class has explored faith, history, and theology. The class is now studying the Book of Romans. Join in person or via Zoom. All are welcome, and no preparation is required.

ABCS: WHAT WE MEAN TO SAY

ABCs explores the basics of Anglican faith, worship, and the Book of Common Prayer. Whether you’re new or a lifelong Episcopalian, all are welcome.

RECTOR’S FORUM

Join our clergy each Sunday for conversation, fellowship, and breakfast. Discuss the sermon, ask questions, connect with others, and grow in faith. Drop-ins welcome!

INFANTS, TODDLERS & LITTLE LIONS

Our youngest children enjoy worship music, Bible stories, and caring nursery staff, while potty-trained preschoolers transition to our Little Lions class for a lesson, music, and a craft using The Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum.

KINDERGARTEN 1ST GRADE

This class uses the Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum adapted for young learners, featuring stories, music, and interactive activities.

2ND - 5TH GRADE

This group explores God’s Word through the Hearts Alive curriculum, with age-appropriate lessons.

EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY (EYC)

Join us for a fun and meaningful time each week! We play awesome games, share snacks, and dive into engaging lessons that help us grow in faith and friendship. Whether you’re looking to connect, explore your beliefs, or just have a great time, there’s a place for you here.

10 A.M. - LIBRARY

10 A.M. - LEATHERBURY HALL

10 A.M. - MCCARTY EARLY LEARNING CENTER

10 A.M. - FAITH HOUSE

10 A.M. - HOPE HOUSE

YOUTH CENTER 4 P.M. – MIDDLE SCHOOL 6:30 P.M. – HIGH SCHOOL

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BUSIN ESS P ROFIL E

Back-to-School Financial Checkup

Smart money moves for families

Summer has come to an end, routines are settling back in, and kids are officially headed into a new school year. With the shift from beach days to bus stops, this is a natural moment for families to revisit financial priorities. The start of the school year brings fresh structure – and with it, a great opportunity to strengthen your long term investment plan. Here are a few practical back to school financial considerations that can help set your family up for success. 1. Consider Opening (or Adding To) a 529 Plan The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to reassess education savings. A 529 plan remains one of the most powerful tools available to families – and recent expansions have made them even better. Today, 529 funds can be used for: • College and graduate school • Primary and secondary school tuition • Vocational and technical programs • Career and credentialing programs That flexibility makes a 529 plan one of the best deals in personal finance in our opinion. Involve your kids by showing them how contributions grow over time and letting them help set a savings goal. It’s a simple way to teach that education – of any kind – is an investment in their future. 2. Play Monopoly… All the Way to the End Family game nights can double as financial education. Many families abandon Monopoly long before the real lessons begin. But if you stick it out, the game becomes a crash course in cash flow, leverage, negotiation, and risk. Some kids quickly learn that buying everything in sight isn’t a strategy, liquidity matters, and overextending yourself leads to bankruptcy. It’s a surprisingly accurate simulation of real world financial decision making – minus the arguments over who gets to be the dog. 3. Launch a Kid Run Business (Lemonade Stands Included) Whether it’s a lemonade stand, dog walking route, lawn mowing service, craft sale, or car wash operation, a small

business doesn’t have to be limited to summer and is one of the best financial classrooms available. Help them calculate: • How much each cup of lemonade costs to make • How much to charge to cover costs and make money • How many customers they need to break even • How to adjust pricing when demand changes These lessons apply just as well to a neighborhood service business. Kids begin to understand that money doesn’t appear out of thin air – it’s earned by creating value, managing expenses, and making smart pricing decisions. 4. Teach the Four Buckets: Spend, Save, Donate, Invest One of the simplest and most powerful money lessons is learning that every dollar has a job. Set up four jars – or four digital “buckets” – and have kids divide their earnings into: • Spending: fun money for now • Saving: for a bigger future purchase • Donating: to help someone else • Investing: money that grows over time This system teaches balance, generosity, and delayed gratification. It also gives kids a framework they can use for the rest of their lives. 5. For Teens: Create an Investment Contest on MarketWatch.com Older children may be ready for more advanced concepts. Educational tools, such as MarketWatch’s virtual portfolio simulator, can provide an opportunity to explore investing concepts using hypothetical investments. Start a

Walsh Investment Group Team

back-to-school investment challenge by having your teen: • Build a hypothetical investment portfolio • Choose stocks, ETFs, or sectors they believe in • Track performance over the season • Compare results with siblings, friends, or parents It’s a safe, zero risk way to learn how markets work, how to research companies, and how emotions influence investing. And because it’s hypothetical money, teens can experiment boldly and learn from mistakes without consequences. A School Year that Builds Financial Confidence Financial literacy doesn’t come from lectures – it comes from experiences. Whether your kids are pricing lemonade, running a neighborhood business, or building a virtual stock portfolio, these activities turn abstract concepts into real world understanding. The school year is long. Childhood is short. And the lessons you teach now – about saving, spending, generosity, and opportunity – will compound for decades.

For more ideas about developing a strong financial foundation, please contact the Walsh Investment Consulting Group at 904-839-2895. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan.The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC.Walsh Investment Consulting Group of NFLA Financial Partners is a separate entity from WFAFN.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

Built Around Hope, Designed Around Patients

Join us for our free film series and the arrival of Becoming Whole.

Through the heartbeat of our sacred worship, we bring together people of profound difference to See Creation as God sees it — serve God, loveprotecting. and whole, beautiful andtoworth learn from one another. OPENING CELEBRATION October 3 · 6 p.m.

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Baptist Health leaders, patients, physicians, nursing staff and board members were on hand to cut the ribbon, Aug. 27.

Cancer patients and their families are at the forefront of the design of the new Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. Hospital leaders, physicians and patients celebrated the official opening of this new inpatient unit in the Weaver Tower with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 27. It will provide support for patients undergoing cellular therapy and stem cell transplantation for hematological cancers, as well as other complex cancer treatments. Baptist Health President and CEO Matt Zuino spoke passionately about the impact this new unit will have not only for the patients in need of treatment but for their families as well, pulling from his own experience watching his mother and two of his uncles undergo cancer treatments at the same time. “Cancer is one of those conditions – it’s not just the patient; it’s everyone. It impacts everyone…But what today is, is a celebration of advancement, and where now

we’re able to bring even more advanced treatments to our cancer patients and to our community,” said Zuino. With that in mind, LeeAnn Mengel, RN, MBA, CMPE, FACHE, vice president and administrator at Baptist MD Anderson, said the new unit was designed wholly around the needs of the patients, seeking input from them to help shape what their experiences and the experiences of their families would be when they came to the unit for their treatments.

It’s meant to share what life will be when they come through.” The Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Unit would not be possible without “the power of philanthropy,” Mengel added, which is more than simply funding a new unit in the wing of a hospital. It’s sending a message to patients that support for them extends beyond the four walls of a hospital and into the community at large.

You matter. You’re not just a number, and there is a cheerleading team out there rooting for you. – LeeAnn Mengel

RN, MBA, CMPE, FACHE, vice president and administrator, Baptist MD Anderson

“The thing we heard most from cancer patients is, ‘I don’t want to see cancer when I’m up here. I want to see life. I want to see what I’m going to get back to,’” Mengel said. “…So that’s what this program meant:

“It’s about saying, ‘You matter. You’re not just a number, and there is a cheerleading team out there rooting for you,’” Mengel said.

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A Golden Celebration Angelwood delivered an elegant and memorable experience for guests at its 2026 Soaring Possibilities Celebration at Sawgrass Marriott on Saturday, Aug. 15. This year’s theme, “Shine: An Evening of Gold, Glamour and Inspiration,” added a 14-karat shine to the elements guests have come to expect from Angelwood’s annual charity gala, including silent and live auctions, top-tier entertainment, delicious food and a dance party. Robin and Dan Wahby and Melanie and Morgan Busby served as this year’s Celebration Event Chairs, with proceeds supporting Angelwood’s mission of serving adults, children, seniors and families living with intellectual and developmental differences.

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Rethreaded welcomed more than 200 guests to its 15th birth on Saturday, July 25. Beating the heat, guests kicked off the evening by cooling by Chuck DiZ. The evening showcased Rethreaded’s fully red Collection – Rethreaded’s newest product collection. For its seventh year, Riverside Homes provided a $30,000 m milestone birthday.

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www.jaxcf.org | (904) 356-4483

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Flourishing

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down at the one-of-a-kind Freeze Bar, with live music done retail floor, featuring the Butterfly Garden Jewelry

match of all purchases and donations made in honor of this

Alma and Marcus Ballard with Gillian Ticehurst

Lesley Wells and Kellie Smith

Sharon Simmons, Lisa Rinamam and Jim Schwarz with Trisha Meili and Katie Hathaway

Teri Cotu and Teresa Miles

Shelly Gorman and Shirley Webb

Honoring Women’s Voices Women’s Center of Jacksonville welcomed guests to an evening of camaraderie and inspiration at Women, Words and Wisdom, held at the Florida Blue Conference Center on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Held every year to coincide with Women’s Equality Day, the evening celebrates women’s voices, stories and leadership with a panel of guest speakers who never fail to awe, motivate and inspire. This year’s event also recognized Julia (JuJu) Taylor, the 2026 recipient of the Shirley K. Webb Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2026 panel of speakers included Mindi Fetterman, founder and leader of The Inner Truth Project and current president of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence; Andrea Ivory, founder and executive director of the Women’s Breast and Heart Initiative; and WCJ’s CEO Allishia Bauman.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

$20M Fund Targets Jacksonville’s Affordable Housing Gap

Grace Sacerdote, Wanda Willis and Ginny Myrick

Lisa Hayes, Brenda Ballard-Harris and Kathy Hazelwood

Isaiah Oliver and City Council Member Rahman Johnson with Travis Williams and David Garfunkel

By Michele Leivas A private-philanthropic partnership between five investors has launched the long-awaited Jacksonville Growth and Affordability Partnership Fund, or the Jax GAP Fund – a $20 million private-philanthropic loan fund aimed at financing $80 million in new affordable multifamily rental housing in Jacksonville. The Jax GAP Fund was announced at an Aug. 20 press conference at The River Club. Speakers included representatives from the five investors: The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Self-Help Ventures Fund, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and lead investor Northern Trust. In her comments at the August press conference, Jessie Ball duPont Fund President Mari Kuraishi said the fund is already accepting applications from interested developers. “Affordable housing is a huge priority in Jacksonville,” Kuraishi said. “Studies show that the typical Jacksonville renter has been rent-burdened for over a decade now, spending over 30% of their income on housing.” According to the University of Florida Shimberg Center

for Housing Studies, rentals are becoming harder to find for households earning 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is $51,250 for a family of four. “There are only 45 affordable units for every 100 units sought,” Kuraishi said. “Developers in Duval are keen to meet this demand and build that housing; we just don’t have the right financing tools to help those developers build it.”

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Northern Trust invested $10 million to capitalize this fund, followed by $5 million from Jessie Ball duPont Fund and $3 million from The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and its donors, which included its Local Capital Pool and investments by private philanthropists, including Nancy and Gary Chartrand, the DuBow Family Foundation, Grace M. Sacerdote through the Delores Barr Weaver TCF Staff Giving Fund, Margaret and Robert Hill, Jan and John Hirabayashi, Kimberly and Richard Sisisky, Dori and Bill Walton, Delores Barr Weaver and an anonymous donor. Pinnacle Financial Partners also made a $2 million investment. Self-Help Ventures Fund will serve as the administrator of the Jax GAP Fund, pooling investors’ capital and making low-cost loans to developers, as it does for five similar funds in North Carolina communities. Capital will be returned to the investors as projects are completed and developers pay off their loans over 20 years, allowing the original loan capital to be reinvested in the community.

ART BEAT

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

By Peggy Harrell Jennings

Now–Sept. 20

Amer Kobaslija’s “Outside Looking In” MOCA

Sept. 2

ArtWalk; Reception for Hillary McCullough’s “Assembled Futility” Southlight Gallery | 5–8 p.m.; Anna Miller

Betty McKee

Teresa Cook

Reception for Jacksonville Artists Guild’s “It’s in the Books”

Leilani Leolani

Downtown Library, Main Floor Jacksonville Modern Quilt Guild, Third Floor

Sept. 3

MOCA Project Atrium: “Architecture Undone” by Ryan Rasmussen 8 p.m.

Sept. 6

Jax Film Salon | Babs Lab at Cork Arts District Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Meghan Gapusan

Kat McCall

Quilters Alison McConnoughey, Candi Lennox and Adele Rivers with Lisa Hamilton, Robbie Miller Knapik, Donna Thomas and Erica Dodge

Beyond the First Coast 17 portraits of people connected to our nation’s capital. Traveling in the South? David Engdahl’s sculptures are in the permanent collections of national galleries, including MOCA, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Huntsville Museum of Art, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Alabama. Dawn Montgomery has work in the Artlink Contemporary Gallery in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Glenn Ivie installed a solo show at Signature Gallery in Tallahassee and took fourth place in the fourth annual Best of the Best Honors exhibit in St. Augustine, where Betty McKee took Best in Show. If your travel bug leans towards destinations closer to home, the TAC Gallery’s exhibit “Life’s a Beach” is up until Sept. 13 – the exhibit in which Kat McCall took Best in Show for “Surf’s Up” and Ed Malesky and Blanche Nicholson both took Juror’s Choice awards. First Coast Plein Air Painters travel over hill and dale to capture fleeting moments of light in nature, and Midge Scelzo’s exhibit at the 1st Coast Cultural Center, “A Brushstroke Journey,” took viewers all around the world. The Downtown Library offers imaginative journeys with artists through art and literature with the exhibit “It’s in the Books.” The Jacksonville Quilters

“Falling into Art” North Point Dental

Sept. 17

Reception for UNF Professor Sheila Goloborotko’s “What was Then. What is Now?” FSCJ South Campus Gallery | 6–8 p.m.

Jacksonville artists on the move In “The Art of Travel,” Alain de Botton stated, “Travel is the midwife of thought.” From thought comes introspection and creativity. Jacksonville artists have thoroughly embraced this philosophy over the last couple of months with fresh perspectives and the creative juices flowing. Teresa Cook spent time in Paris at the prestigious Château d’Orquevaux Artists and Writers Residency. “This is not just a trip, but an investment in the next chapter of my artistic journey,” Cook said. Professor Anna Miller has been in Spain on a Presidential Fellowship for Faculty Development from SCAD, which has given birth to a new body of work, “The Hope, Refracted.” Watercolorist Robert Leedy is heading to Tuscany to teach and paint the area’s beauty, and Paul Ladnier will be in beautiful Lazio, Italy, with his workshop group. Noli Novak and George Cornwell of UNICAT Gallery have spent time on the “magical island of Korčula, where it’s easy for artists to disappear from the world while seeking inspiration and seclusion.” Winning a national competition had Jeff Whipple’s work traveling from his Jacksonville studio to Washington, D.C. in the form of a 57-by-46-inch mural depicting

Sept. 7–December

Sept. 17–19

Quiltfest Jacksonville 2026 at Prime Osborn III Convention Center 9–4 p.m.

Sept. 20

The Art Center Gallery E. Adams Street Reception for “FALL in the AIR”

Sept. 20

Ed Malesky

exhibit on the third floor brought a world of color and design inspiration. Leilani Leonoli’s outstanding storytelling through hula brought Hawaii to the YMCA, her granddaughter’s school, and to the Amelia Island Dance Festival, where Meghan Gapusan’s beautiful belly dance transported viewers to another world and another time. Views of a street scene in Paris or a stretch of Jacksonville Beach can transport you through time, stir a memory, or awaken a new understanding. Kandinsky said, “To create a work of art is to create a world.” Whether traveling internationally, across the States, or in your own neighborhood, artists enjoy shared experiences through their craft and “losing themselves to find themselves.”

Artessence 1505 N. Main Street | Drop in 11 a.m.–2 p.m. to make artist trading cards (FREE)

Sept. 21

“An Evening of Art and Music” Ortega River Club | 5–7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 to 25

IXIA Florida Native Plant Society’s Wild Florida Exhibition “Floribunda: Celebrating Florida’s Unique Biodiversity” Cork Arts District

Oct. 6

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AN INVESTMENT IN AMERICAN LEGACY, STORYTELLING

Veterans Museum turns remarkable military interviews into living history as State, corporate, foundation and individual support become critical to expanding its mission Months before the nation watched retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr. receive the Medal of Honor at the White House, Scott Mythen and the Veterans Museum had already sat down with the decorated Vietnam veteran to capture his remarkable story. Recorded in February 2026, the professionally produced interview series now represents something particularly meaningful within a growing collection – the firsthand account of an American hero – one whose extraordinary service would soon receive the nation’s highest recognition for military valor. On June 18, President Donald Trump presented Capers with the Medal of Honor for his actions leading a Force Reconnaissance team during combat in Vietnam in 1967. Severely wounded in an ambush, Capers continued commanding his Marines and refused evacuation until his men were safely aboard a rescue helicopter. During his military career, he also broke barriers as the first Black Marine to receive a battlefield commission during wartime. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the timing carries even greater significance. The nation turned its attention toward Capers and others whose courage helped secure the freedoms being celebrated today. Yet months before that recognition, his voice, recollections and perspective had already been preserved by the Veterans Museum. That is the caliber of history Mythen and his team are assembling, and a profound example of what greater investment can make possible when passionate Americans step in.

“The Capers interview is a perfect example of the documentary-style approach that we provide each and every veteran,” shared Mythen. Capers is hardly the only compelling voice being preserved. Here in Jacksonville, the Veterans Museum has also recorded the story of Judge Mose Floyd, a decorated Marine who presides over Veterans Treatment Court within Jacksonville’s court system. His story represents another dimension of service,

Mythen and his production team during a session with retired U.S. Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr. one in which military experience, leadership and commitment to country continue long after the uniform is put away. Together, interviews with Capers, Floyd and other service members illustrate the depth and potential of the collection. These thoughtfully produced, firsthand histories cross generations, military branches, backgrounds, races, creeds and genders, creating a living record of American service told by the people who experienced it. There are nationally recognized heroes among them, but fame isn’t the standard. Service is. The opportunity is to identify these stories and capture them with the production quality and care necessary to ensure they endure. The USS Orleck (DD-886) provides a powerful physical anchor for that mission, while its parent organization, the Florida Historical Naval Ship Association, has expanded that mission virtually through the programs and growing archival work of the Veterans Museum. Returning Orleck sailors were among the veterans whose stories helped demonstrate the possibilities of the interview program. The destroyer later became home to the Veterans Museum’s first interactive kiosk in July 2024, allowing visitors walking the decks of an historic American warship to encounter the people behind that history.

Today, those stories are traveling well beyond the ship and the halls of the Veterans Museum’s new headquarters at the Jessie Ball duPont Fund’s nonprofit hub in Downtown Jacksonville, known as The Jessie. Veterans Museum kiosks are available at Jacksonville City Hall, Jacksonville Public Library, the Florida State Capitol, universities, museums and libraries across the state. Through a partnership with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, kiosks have also been installed at nine State Veterans’ Homes, where they have generated the highest engagement in the museum network. The Veterans Museum is visiting those facilities during 2026 to record additional residents for its collection and the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. The progress demonstrates what is possible. It also demonstrates why the next chapter requires investment. Producing interviews at this level takes professional equipment, experienced personnel, travel, editing, archival work, technology and infrastructure necessary to make the finished stories accessible to the public. Expanding the kiosk network carries additional costs. Maintaining the USS Orleck, itself an irreplaceable piece of American naval history, requires

another substantial commitment. Together, these initiatives make a compelling case for continued support from the State of Florida and the City of Jacksonville. Jacksonville is home to one of America’s most concentrated military communities, with an especially deep relationship with the United States Navy. Yet the impact extends far beyond Northeast Florida. Kiosks reaching Tallahassee, universities, public institutions and State Veterans’ Homes demonstrate that investment here can preserve and share history with Floridians statewide. Government alone, however, cannot carry the mission Corporations and foundations can help underwrite interviews, programming, technology and kiosk expansion. Jacksonville businesses employ veterans throughout their ranks, giving companies an opportunity to support a project directly connected to their own employees, families and community.

“We had no idea how cathartic the interview process would be for the veteran. We have shifted our focus. It’s tell the story for you, not just for your family.” –Scott Mythen Individual donors have an equally important place in this effort. Veterans who have achieved success after their military careers, military families and citizens with the means and desire to give can help ensure another veteran’s history is professionally captured and shared. Philanthropic foundations can multiply that impact by extending the museum’s production and educational reach into additional communities. The interview with Maj. James Capers Jr. illustrates what is at stake. When Mythen sat down with him in February, no one could fully know how prominently his story would command the nation’s attention only months later. But they knew it was worth preserving.

“We now have a way to take a company’s investment and turn it into an opportunity to showcase veterans in their ranks – recognizing them as a part of a healthy workplace culture – which provides intrinsic value far beyond financial support.” –Scott Mythen There are more remarkable stories waiting to be recorded – some belonging to decorated heroes, others to veterans whose names may never make national headlines. The opportunity now is to find them, professionally capture them and give Florida and future generations the chance to hear them. That takes more than appreciation. It takes investment.

PRES ERVE TH EI R STO RI ES. H O NO R TH E IR S E R V IC E .

JAMES CAPERS JR.

Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)

JUDGE MOSE FLOYD

LtCol, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

Recipient of the Medal of Honor

JAMES S. HARTSELL

MajGen, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)

Through professionally produced video interviews, this important program captures the firsthand stories of the veterans and community leaders who helped shape our nation. Your support makes it possible to continue filming, editing and preserving these powerful accounts for generations to come. Help keep their stories alive.

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Bring the stories of America’s veterans to your workplace, organization or community.

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Do you have veterans on your team – or serve a community that values honoring military service? Veterans Museum interactive kiosks provide access to firsthand video interviews and personal stories of service, sacrifice and courage. Businesses, museums, municipalities, educational institutions and other organizations can help extend the reach of this growing initiative by hosting a kiosk. To inquire about hosting a kiosk or supporting the program, contact info@vetsmuseum.com.

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Happy Medium Books Café Historic Riverside 2724 Park Street • Jax, FL 32205

Hank Phillippi Ryan Book Talk

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Where the Books Find You

Chamblin celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer.

When we moved to Jacksonville, once everything was unpacked and the chaos of moving had died down, one of the first things I did was look up the bookstores near me, and Chamblin Bookmine was one of the first places I stopped on my self-guided tour of getting to know Jacksonville’s literary scene. Chamblin, for me, is a place to experience: You don’t go there looking for a specific book; you go there and let the book find you. Its mazes of stacks lead you through every imaginable genre and subgenre, and all of a sudden you find yourself tucked away in a corner, the ambient sound muffled by the hundreds – thousands – of books surrounding you, marveling over an unexpected find. Stopping there on a Wednesday morning was no exception for me, as I guided firsttime visitors Lisa Baker and Cambria to the Young Adults section, before veering off and finding myself in front of a collection of

BETWEEN THE LINES By Michele Leivas

Monday, “It’s a really great place to work,” Foster Sept. 14th at 7pm said. “We have a work family…We’re all

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“Wizard of Oz” books. If you know me, you know that L. Frank Baum’s creation is one of my absolute favorites, and I won’t deny doing some acrobatic math in my head to find a way to justify purchasing a pristinelooking 14-book set of Oz books. “That’s the magic of this place,” said Chamblin’s employee Amanda Foster when I commented to her about the stunning collection. “Those came in, and I said, ‘I know exactly where I’m putting them.’” While I (with much regret) left the collection on the shelf, I did leave with a centennial edition of “The Annotated Wizard of Oz,” filled with gorgeous old photos and a biography of Baum and his family, and stunning illustrations of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and details behind the iconic work of American literature. Foster has worked at Chamblin’s on and off for roughly six years, and said her co-workers are part of what makes the bookstore such a special place.

really supportive of each other even outside of work.” In July, Chamblin celebrated its 50th anniversary, with much fanfare from the community and the City of Jacksonville, with Mayor Donna Deegan presenting owner Ron Chamblin with a city proclamation recognizing the milestone anniversary. “This treasured Jacksonville institution exemplifies our independent spirit, and we are proud to celebrate Chamblin’s enduring legacy,” Deegan said in the proclamation. “Thank you for enriching the cultural fabric of our city, strengthening our literary community, and demonstrating the lasting value of locally owned independent businesses.” Though Chamblin has a solid foundation of repeat visitors, it’s a privilege to chat with people exploring its stacks for the first time. “This place has a lot of cool, old books, and it’s way bigger than I thought it would be,” said Cambria, who was squeezing every ounce of fun from these last few days of summer vacation. “We thought we’d spend hours out here looking at everything,” added Baker. In the years I’ve lived in Jacksonville, I’ve visited the original Chamblin location off Roosevelt Boulevard several times – sometimes solo, sometimes with a friend and sometimes with my kids. Last October, I learned Chamblin was hosting Halloween events on weekend nights, during which participants explored the stacks with flashlights, the overhead lights turned off, to complete a scavenger hunt. The kids’ rewards were to pick out a couple books to take home, and my reward was a fun hour or so, surrounded by books with my two favorite little humans. As Jacksonville’s literary scene continues growing, Chamblin stands sentinel, ready to welcome new and returning guests through its doors for an extraordinary literary experience. Michele Leivas could make the argument that buying a used book should not go toward her new book purchase count, especially since she decided to cut back on buying new books and pivot to checking out library books two days before visiting Chamblin Book Mine for this column.

Lisa Baker and Cambria enjoying their first time at Chamblin Bookmine.

The kids and I exploring the stacks by flashlight during the store’s Halloween festivities last October.

Stories Beneath the Surface

“Hidden History of Jacksonville” is Whittington’s first nonfiction book.

Florida author and former journalist Ron Whittington brings forgotten moments of Jacksonville’s history to light in his latest publication, “Hidden History of Jacksonville.” Released on July 26, this book shares stories of colorful characters, lost landmarks, and forgotten stories from throughout the region, from the Civil War to modern times. Whittington launched his fiction career in 2010 with “Second Strike,” the first of four novels in the Parker Glynn thriller series. He has also published two short stories, “The Devil You Don’t” and “Seized Desires.” “Hidden History of Jacksonville” is his first nonfiction work.

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HairPeace at 30 Still making the cut

HairPeace Salon owner Bruce Musser marks 30 years of style, creativity and community in Riverside this month.

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Bruce Musser, Scott Tatum and Melody Choate at HairPeace’s Lomax Street location in 2013.

Bruce Musser and the HairPeace team celebrate the salon’s 25th anniversary in 2021.

Thirty years in business is measured in more than calendars. It is measured in haircuts, conversations, changing styles, loyal clients, growing friendships and, in Bruce Musser’s case, a whole lot of hair. On Sept. 18, HairPeace Salon celebrates 30 years in Jacksonville. Trends have come and gone, and the salon has changed addresses, but Musser’s love for his craft – and for the people who helped build HairPeace – has remained constant. Musser launched his career in the ’90s, when short hair was in and stylists often created with a limited arsenal of products. “When I started, we had mousse, gel and water, and you had to do whatever you could do,” Musser said. “We had to be really clever.” He also had a goal: own a salon by age 26. A client convinced him to buy a house first.

“She said, ‘You need to buy a house while you’re still employed. It’s harder to get a loan once you become selfemployed,’” Musser recalled. The dream was delayed, not derailed. HairPeace opened on Lomax Street in Riverside on Sept. 18, 1996, and remained there for 20 years. “I really loved it,” he said. “I was really serious about being part of that community.” Still, Musser was learning to trust himself as a business owner. “I had a lot of confidence in what I could do for you behind the chair,” he said. “But I didn’t have enough confidence in myself as a business owner. So I stayed there out of a lack of confidence, and I stayed there until it was time to go.” When the Lomax building was sold, the Oak Street location was not yet ready. Musser found temporary chairs for three stylists and improvised. “We had supplies in the back of this [Oak Street] building; we had a TV tray for our laptop, which was our front desk, and I sat in my car and took phone calls through the car using my laptop connected to the Wi-Fi at European Street Café,” Musser recalled. “It was kind of fun,” Musser said. “I learned to be more confident in myself, and I learned to be adaptive.” Today, HairPeace operates from two buildings on Oak Street, with 28 stylists. Melody Choate, who has been there for 14 years, began assisting Musser out of hair school and is now a National Artist and Educator with Goldwell.

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Bruce Musser, Scott Tatum, Melody Choate and Savanna Stivers celebrate HairPeace’s new location.

“Because of Bruce’s encouragement and constant state of evolution and growth, I have been able to flourish in any and every way that I desire. Hair Peace is a representation of a supportive, solid community that adapts to allow the best in you to shine,” Choate said. Choate continued: “Bruce built a salon culture; a feeling of belonging and comfort when you walk in the door. There is a stylist for every type of client who truly wants the best for you and your hair.” Scott Tatum sees that commitment to staff, clients and quality as central to HairPeace’s longevity. “For a salon to reach 30 years and going strong says a lot about the hard work and devotion Bruce has committed to his business and staff,” Tatum said. “From the talent he hires to the quality of work that he and all the staff at HairPeace deliver. Putting clients first and making sure they are comfortable and expectations are met.” For Musser, growth has never taken him away from where it began: behind the chair. “I love, I love cutting hair, I just absolutely love it,” Musser said. “…I’ve been doing this for 36 years, and I don’t want to ever forget that this is special or needed. This person sitting in my chair, it’s more about them than it’s about me.” Five years ago, his team surprised him for HairPeace’s 25th anniversary. This time, Musser wants the celebration to be about them. “I was just so filled and uplifted,” Musser recalled. “And here we are five years later, and they’ve shown me how

Bruce Musser, Scott Tatum, Melody Choate and the HairPeace team in 2012.

Bruce Musser at HairPeace’s Lomax Street location in 1999.

important it is that we acknowledge and celebrate. They did it for me, so now I’m going to do it for them.” Thirty years later, Musser is doing what he loves, surrounded by people who helped turn a stylist’s dream into something bigger than a salon. The celebration belongs to all of them.

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WHEN THE DOLLAR BUYS LESS, TANGIBLE VALUE GETS ATTENTION

From gold and silver bullion to rare coins and inherited collections, A-Coin makes buying and selling straightforward – with experienced evaluation and cash on the spot when you are ready to sell.

old, silver and rare coins give investors and families something increasingly uncommon in the digital financial world: value they can see, touch and hold. At A-Coin & Stamp Gallery, buying or selling does not have to be complicated. Bill Hatchett brings years of numismatic experience to the counter, offering on-thespot evaluations, straightforward answers and cash on the spot when customers are ready to sell. The renewed interest in precious metals is not happening in a vacuum. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index stood at 168.8 in January 2000 and 333.918 in July 2026. Consumer prices have nearly doubled over that period, leaving a dollar with only about half of the purchasing power it had at the start of the 2000s. For many people, that long-term erosion changes the way they think about savings and diversification. Physical gold and silver are not promises on paper or entries on a screen. They are tangible assets that can be owned directly, stored privately and passed from one generation to the next. Their market prices fluctuate, but their scarcity and global recognition have helped keep

them relevant through changing currencies, banking systems, inflation cycles and geopolitical shocks. Central banks appear to be thinking along similar lines. The World Gold Council reported that central banks purchased a net 863 metric tons of gold in 2025, well above the annual average of 473 tons from 2010 through 2021. In its 2024 survey of reserve managers, 89% said they expect global central-bank gold holdings to increase during the next 12 months, while 45% expect their own institutions to add gold. Reasons cited include reserve diversification, long-term value and protection against geopolitical and financialmarket uncertainty.

“Gold and silver have always moved in cycles, but uncertainty has a way of reminding people why tangible assets matter. When confidence gets shaky, people want something real they can hold. Precious metals have filled that role for generations.” – Bill Hatchett Gold’s long-term record is also difficult to ignore. World Gold Council research shows the U.S. dollar price of gold has increased at roughly a 9% annualized rate

since 1971—comparable with equities over that span and higher than bonds. Gold does not beat stocks in every period, nor should it be treated as a guaranteed investment. But in unsettled markets, its ability to behave differently from traditional financial assets is precisely what attracts many buyers. Hatchett has watched those cycles firsthand. “Gold and silver have always moved in cycles, but uncertainty has a way of reminding people why tangible assets matter. When confidence gets shaky, people want something real they can hold. Precious metals have filled that role for generations,” he said. What is it worth? Let’s find out. For customers who already own coins or metals, today’s market may also create a reason to find out what those items are worth. A-Coin & Stamp Gallery evaluates gold and silver bullion, U.S. and world coins, rare numismatic pieces, currency, inherited collections and other valuables. An old coin may have value for its content, its rarity, its history, and collector demand can make a piece worth far more than melt value alone.

That is where experience matters. A quick online search can show a spot price, but it cannot always recognize scarcity, authenticity, condition or a collector premium. Hatchett’s numismatic knowledge helps customers understand what they have before deciding whether to sell, hold or add to a collection. Whether you are converting a collection into cash or adding physical gold and silver to what you already own, options abound at A-Coin & Stamp Gallery—from collectible coins of rare value to bullion products and currency. Items can be brought in one at a time or an entire collection for a complimentary, no-obligation evaluation. If you are ready to sell, A-Coin makes it easy, with an offer and cash on the spot. As economic conditions continue to evolve, one truth has remained remarkably consistent: tangible assets have endured through changing markets, shifting currencies and generations of history. Gold and silver can be held in your hand, but their greatest value is often found in the stories they carry and the legacy they preserve. For those ready to learn more, A-Coin & Stamp Gallery continues to help collectors and families discover both.

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The Inaugural

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Community Yard Sales September 19

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42nd Annual

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In Memoriam

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

Quinn R. Barton, Jr. May 29, 1928 – June 21, 2026 Quinn R. Barton Jr., a Jacksonville native and civic leader, died peacefully on June 21, 2026. Born May 29, 1928, to Margaret and Quinn Barton, the oldest of five children, he was 98 years old. Raised during the Great Depression, Quinn carried an abiding faith and sense of duty that guided him throughout his life. To all who knew him, Quinn was extraordinarily kind, sharp, and wellmannered – a true gentleman. He loved people and formed lasting friendships across all generations. He entered The Bolles School as a sophomore in 1943 – then a military academy whose entire student body stood poised for war – and flourished in every dimension of school life. Nicknamed “Genius” in his senior yearbook, Quinn graduated in 1946 as both the valedictorian and Honor Cadet, the school’s highest recognition at that time for all-around contribution and merit. He arrived at Princeton in the fall of 1946, graduating in 1950 with an A.B. in Economics. Among his fondest Princeton memories was a brief, passing encounter with Albert Einstein. He continued his education at the University of Florida’s School of Law, earning his LL.B. in 1953. Mindful of duty to country, he served in the US Army for two years in the Judge Advocate General Corps. Upon discharge, Quinn entered his family’s trucking business and served as the longtime President of Barton International, a network of dealerships that sold International Harvester products. An intellectual, Quinn revered Shakespeare and could summon entire soliloquies on cue. He was a devoted student of British history, particularly the Tudor era and the sweep of royal succession – and equally at home in the lore of Norse Vikings. The sagas, honor codes, and seafaring legends fascinated him – as did the soaring drama of Wagnerian opera. Throughout his life, he remained engaged and fulfilled by a variety of pursuits, often involving civic good and camaraderie. His leadership roles included President of the Florida Trucking Association, President of the Downtown Jacksonville Rotary Club, President of the River Club, President of the Friars, and Captain and King of Ye Mystic Revellers. Quinn was also a lifelong fan of the Florida Gators. In turn, he learned at a young age to stomach all disappointment or failure with enduring optimism. Beyond his family, Quinn experienced his greatest joy in a lifetime devoted to The Bolles School. Serving as a trustee for thirty years, he chaired the Board in 1971 when the school made its historic conversion to a co-educational institution with the admission of young women. Later in life, he served his alma mater in a variety of administrative capacities, none more cherished than his final one as Historian/Archivist. He simply loved Bolles and everybody associated with it, equally warm with students, faculty, and alumni. Rarely did he miss a theatrical or musical production. Perhaps his proudest Bolles moment came in 2018 when his four children – all Bolles graduates – arranged what is believed to be the only birthday party ever held in The Canteen, his 90th, with siblings, grandchildren, lifelong friends, and four Heads of School in attendance. Quinn’s reverence for Bolles was second only to his love of family and the Lord. His four children were his greatest pride – he was a devoted father and role model who took genuine interest in everything they pursued, embracing their spouses and friends as his own. A lifelong parishioner of St. Matthew’s Church, he married Agnes Ellis there in 1963 and occupied the same third pew nearly every Sunday of his adult life. The family wishes to thank his caregivers at Riverside Post Acute and Community Hospice & Palliative Care, as well as Petra Martinez, for their kindness and support. Quinn was preceded in death by his father Quinn Barton, mother Margaret Barton, and brothers Donald and Thomas. He is survived by his brother James and sister Beverly Kolodinsky, his daughter Margaret Barton (Thomas Kimbrough), son Quinn Barton III (Lindsey), son Ellis Barton (Stacey), son David Barton (Susanna), and eight adoring grandchildren. Quinn Barton lived as he loved – fully, faithfully, humbly, and with unfailing grace.

Dulce Anaya Dec. 26, 1933 to July 13, 2026 Dulce Anaya, beloved teacher, mentor, gifted internationally acclaimed prima ballerina, and cherished friend to so many in the Jacksonville Community and worldwide, has grand-jetéd into heaven. Dulce Esperanza Wohner de Vega was born in Cuba to an Austrian/Hungarian father and a Cuban mother. Dulce performed internationally with the National Ballet of Cuba and throughout Europe with the Stuttgart Ballet, Hamburg Opera Ballet, and Munich Opera Ballet, and boasted of having partnered with 37 world-famous premiere danseurs, including Rudolf Nureyev, Ivan Nagy, Ted Kivet, and Erik Bruhn. Her name underwent several configurations during her professional career. When performing with the National Ballet of Cuba, she was known as Dolly Wohner, but the Munich Opera Ballet wanted her to change her name, so she looked up the “A’s” in the phone book and picked out “Anaya.” And that is what she has been ever since! Every encounter with Dulce was filled with entertaining and often hilarious incidents – and one of her charming stories, shared in her lilting Spanish accent, revolved around performing “Don Quixote” with Bruhn. “We had to repeat the pas de deux three times because the audience would not stop clapping. They clapped and clapped,” Dulce would recount. “I danced my first full-length ballet, ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ with Flemming Flindt in Stuttgart and the audience screamed and stamped- we bowed and bowed for twenty minutes. It was incredible.” At age 15, her father brought her to New York to audition for George Balanchine, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th Century. She related, “Mr. Balanchine admired my technique and extensions but thought I was too short. I thought his dancers looked like ostriches.” Just under five feet tall and weighing 94 pounds, Dulce was indeed diminutive, although she reflected haughtily, “Mentally, I am very tall.” Balanchine cast her in “Ondine,” which she later said made her career, although she was acclaimed internationally for her performances in the demanding ballet “Giselle” – her favorite to perform.

There are regular people – and then there is DULCE! She arrived in Jacksonville in the 196O’s to set “Giselle” for Marta Jackson’s students. By 1969, she formed her own company, co-founded and directed the first Jacksonville Community Nutcracker at the Alhambra Dinner Theater, and so much more. Although a demanding teacher and choreographer, she dedicated her life to her dancers; she pushed them to be the best they could be, and many went on to professional performing careers. Her students and friends, faithful to the end, visited her, celebrated her birthdays, danced for her, shared videos of her former performances, and expressed their love and admiration with presents – especially chocolates (and an occasional mimosa). A true inspiration and beautiful person, she will be missed for her kindness, sharp wit, grace, and passion. She leaves a glittering legacy. As a former student said, “There are regular people – and then there is DULCE!”

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Lissa as a young woman

When Melissa Kiser – “Lissa” to those who know her – put in a low offer on a historic Avondale home in March 2020, she didn’t expect anything to come of it. She was only visiting her son during spring break and had decided on a whim to tour a few open houses. You can imagine her surprise a few days later when her phone rang as she was driving up I-95 on her way home to New Jersey. “The real estate agent called me and said, ‘Your offer was accepted,’” Kiser recalled. The timing was less than perfect. That same week, the Dow dropped 3,000 points, and March Madness was canceled for the first time in its history. COVID-19 was spreading fast, and so was the uncertainty and fear.

Liss a p os id. es with her son Dav

playing the organ at the Baptist church where her father was a minister. She was accepted to Princeton, which had only recently become co-ed, joining only the third class of women to attend the school. After college, Kiser returned to work at her alma mater, first writing press releases for the communications office and later serving in the alumni office. She has remained deeply involved with the university, frequently attending reunions and

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occasionally catches herself shouting aloud to correct wrong pronoun cases and other grammatical errors. “I cannot help it. I’m a grammarian,” said Kiser. Kiser says she is still exploring her new community and meeting new people. She’s fond of walks through the neighborhood and visits to the Cummer. She occasionally plays trivia at Harp’s with a group of performing arts venue employees who have dubbed their team “The Ushers.” Sports and contemporary music tend to be the group’s Achilles heel, but they always have a great time nonetheless. Best of all, she was blessed with a second granddaughter two years ago, and has been “adopted” by her daughterin-law’s family, which is originally from Jacksonville. Looking back on her experiences, she says she would advise her younger self not to sweat the small things. “Don’t feel that you have to have

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a plan,” Kiser said. “Recognize that sometimes opportunities come that you don’t expect, and don’t worry if you haven’t got everything in place just yet.”

Mary Coxe and Lissa Kiser

Lissa in 4th grade

Lissa prepares for a reunion at Princeton University.

Despite all the volatility, Kiser’s transition to Jacksonville went relatively smoothly. Her son David met with inspectors and contractors while she finished up her last couple of months of teaching at The Pennington School. Her retirement ceremony was on Zoom, which wasn’t how she’d imagined her 37-year career at the school would conclude, but better days were just ahead. In October, Kiser and her cat Robbie piled into her jam-packed Toyota Prius and made the 900-mile drive south to begin a new chapter. A few weeks later, she received a very special housewarming gift – news that her son and his wife were expecting a baby girl. Kiser is not the type of person to shy away from new experiences and new people. Born in Rochester, New York, she moved to Trenton, New Jersey, at six years old. She attended public schools from kindergarten through high school, which she says was a formative period in her life. “It was academically strong and racially and ethnically diverse, which I think was an enriching experience for me,” Kiser said. She excelled both in school and at the piano, and during her senior year, she began

never once missing an annual “P-rade” until COVID. Kiser has also written a regular column for the Princeton Alumni Weekly for the past 45 years – she credits her time in the communications office for helping develop her love for writing. “I discovered I really had a knack for writing and especially editing,” said Kiser. Through a connection in the alumni office, she landed a position at The Pennington School as an English teacher. The position was initially part-time, which Kiser was grateful for because she had just given birth to her son David. Her favorite literature to teach students included the works of Dickens and Twain, Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and James Thurber’s humorous short story “The Catbird Seat.” Even in her retirement, Kiser continues to read and write a great deal. She is part of a book club and a summer Shakespeare group whose members read plays aloud, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Tempest,” and “Henry V.” “Shakespeare is meant to be performed more than read,” Kiser remarked. Her love of the English language is evident in other ways too, like her cat Robbie — short for Robert Burns, the Scottish poet. Her past cats have included Thomas Gray, Dillon Thomas, William Blake and Baxter Black. Though she does not play her piano as much as she did during her 25 years as a church organist, Kiser has continued to apply her musical talent by joining the choir at Riverside Presbyterian Church. Besides sacred music, she enjoys show tunes, orchestral music, and the great American Songbook. She has a sizable vinyl collection and frequents the symphony downtown. Much of her listening these days is devoted to podcasts and public radio, where she

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IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

Sentinel of the Southbank By Fabrizio Gowdy

Photo: Florida Memory

The Jacksonville Rifles stand before the burned armory

was no longer adequate, and the city issued a $150,000 bond to build a new armory designed by architect Wilbur B. Talley. A few years after the new building was completed, Talley moved to Lakeland after his wife and daughter were tragically killed when their car was struck by a train. Many of the homes he designed in Riverside and Avondale still stand today. The new armory, located at the presentday site on the northeast corner of Market and State streets, was reported to be Florida’s largest military drill hall when it was completed in 1916. The fortress-

in May 1970. Performing just months before her death, Joplin reportedly walked onto the stage with a bottle of Southern Comfort in each hand. The most important performance in the armory’s history, however, was by Marian Anderson’s in 1952. Anderson, who would go on to sing at the 1963 March on Washington and earn the first-ever Presidential Medal of Freedom, refused to sing at a segregated venue. Local officials grumbled, but Jim Crow ultimately stood down and the armory integrated for the night, becoming the first integrated concert

Janis Joplin

Sen. Duncan Fletcher

in Jacksonville’s history. In 1972, a new armory was built on the Westside, prompting the National Guard to vacate the building. The city’s recreation and public affairs department used the building as office space for 37 years, but the building has been vacant since 2010. Once host to first ladies and rock stars, the armory has mostly been visited by vandals, graffiti artists, and other trespassers in the years since. Windows broke, the basement flooded, and the storied building continued to wait for a revival. Now, there is hope that the wait may soon be over. This past January, the Jacksonville City Council voted to sell the armory to Reva Development Corporation, a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit, is hoping to complete a $30 million transformation. Plans for the rehabbed building include 20 restaurants, 25 art studios, 100 offices, a microbrewery and even a performance hall and a smaller, intimate listening room. If only Janis Joplin or Marian Anderson could still take the stage.

Photo: Florida Memory

like brick building has battlemented towers and parapets, a distinctive arched entrance and the Florida National Guard emblem on a carved stone shield atop the central pavilion. In 1962, it was renamed the Maxwell G. Snyder Armory to honor the commanding general of the National Guard’s 48th Armored Division. The building saw plenty of civilian action too, serving as a hub of civic life. In 1936, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt delivered a speech at the armory to drum up support for the New Deal as part of her tour of Florida. That same year, 5,000 mourners visited the armory to pay their respects at the funeral of U.S. Senator Duncan Fletcher, a two-time Jacksonville mayor whose 27 years in the Senate still make him Florida’s longest-serving senator. The armory also served as a venue for numerous concerts, including Duke Ellington in the 1950s, Ray Charles in the early 1960s, the Allman Brothers’ debut in 1969, and a packed house for Janis Joplin

Maj. General Maxwell Snyder (left), for whom the armory is named, celebrates his birthday alongside Col. Louie Wadsworth, Lt. Col. Ralph Davis and Capt. Charles Mohr at Ft. Stewart, Georgia in 1960

Photo: Florida Memory

From drill sergeants to hippies, few structures in Jacksonville have played host to a more diverse set of characters than the Duval County Armory. For decades, the building was one of the city’s primary gathering places, the center of civic and public life; the site of memorable performances, rallies, balls, dances, fierce debates, funerals, sporting events and everything in between. The original armory was built on the southwest corner of Market and Adams streets in 1897. The three-story building housed the menagerie of volunteer militias that were once active in Northeast Florida – the Jacksonville Light Infantry, the Duval County Mounted Volunteer Guard, the St. Johns Greys, Wilson’s Battery, the Jacksonville Rifles and the Duval County Cowboys. The original armory burned along with most of downtown Jacksonville in the Great Fire of 1901 and was rebuilt using the remaining walls of the burned-out courthouse. By 1914, the makeshift building

A postcard of the original armory and courthouse, pre-Great Fire of 1901.

Editor’s Note: “If These Walls Could Talk” celebrates the rich history hidden within the structures that shape our Resident communities – from beloved family homes and neighborhood churches to stately mansions and iconic gathering places. Each building has a story, and through this column, we aim to preserve and share the people, moments and memories that have lived within their walls. Because these stories often reflect the shared history of Jacksonville as a whole, readers may occasionally see features from across both Resident News markets. Whether on one side of the river or the other, these historic places help tell the larger story of our city and offer readers the opportunity to discover the fascinating histories of neighboring communities. Special thanks to Kate Hallock with the Jacksonville History Center, author and historian Wayne Wood, Don Patterson of Reva Development and Florida Memory for assistance with this article.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

THANK YOU NOTES from my empty nest perch

By Susanna Barton

Preserving the Bungalow I am thankful there are still bungalows and cozier-dimensioned single-family homes in our Resident community, and I think it’s a total shame they’ve become endangered species in recent years. In my opinion, we need more rambling ranch, first-time, multigenerational-friendly and (underscore) MODEST one-story homes in the neighborhood – and fewer two- and three-story megabodes on steroids if we are to accommodate ourselves appropriately and remain in good company as we age. This thought has been vexing me lately as David and I try to figure out housing next steps. We have been living in a 4,000-ish-square-foot, two-story home in Granada for 26 years and it’s time to consider smaller accommodations – preferably in the neighborhood, and dreamfully, somewhere on the water. If only we could wave a magic wand! A bungalow on the river is a unicorn, sadly. And throughout the neighborhood, lots are being divided, bungalows are being demolished and agingunfriendly two-story homes are rising from the ashes. I’m annoyed that’s the reality. As a new Gerontologist, I cannot help but also panic about our current state of affairs. By 2035 there will be more adults over the age of 65 than children. And – bonus! – we are all living a lot longer. The number of centenarians is expected to quadruple in the next few years. I’m here to tell you bungalows and one-story homes will be in high demand as these demographics continue to shift.

Now, more than ever, it’s imperative we Make Small Homes Great Again. Bring the Bungalow Back! Save SingleStories! Here are a few reasons why from a gerontological, Resident communitylongtimer perspective: The overwhelming majority of older Americans do not want to downsize into a facility. According to an AARP study, 75% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, and 73% want to remain in their current communities. The problem is that many of our new housing options are not being designed with aging in mind – especially the big gigundus, multistory ones going up everywhere. Only a small fraction of U.S. homes are truly “aging ready,” meaning they have features such as a stepfree entrance, a bedroom and bathroom

Falls remain one of the greatest threats to independent living among older adults, and stairs become increasingly challenging as mobility, balance and vision change as we all age. Housing experts will tell you step-free living is a key component of aging in place. A modest one-story home also works well for multigenerational living, which can be a good thing if you are in the sandwich generation caring for children and parents. Practically speaking, smaller homes are less expensive to maintain, clean, fix, cool, heat, insure and modify. As Florida homeowners face rising insurance premiums and maintenance costs, a more modest footprint can be both financially and physically sustainable. Lastly, our neighborhoods were designed with an emphasis on smaller scale

Put simply, aging in place in our Resident community should not require an elevator, a stair lift, a six-figure renovation or a Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous McMansion construction. on the main floor and basic accessibility features. Most homes require significant modifications as residents grow older. Which is why old school one-story homes are such a practical solution, and why I’m grateful not all of them have been razed for something bigger and “better.”

and connection, so best to respect it. If you look around Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, San Marco, Miramar and San Jose, you’ll see a majority of lots – especially those offriver – are uniformly tighter with original structures that are “enough” in size. Perfect for knowing your neighbors! Great for

By 2035 there will be more adults over the age of 65 than children. waving hello! Even original riverfront homes in the Resident community were modest compared to today’s standards. Scaled beauty and connectivity and parks and sidewalks and friendliness are grounding traditions – continuing that legacy is important if we want to be a sustainable place to live, I think. Put simply, aging in place in our Resident community should not require an elevator, a stair lift, a six-figure renovation or a Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous McMansion construction. The most forward-thinking neighborhood housing solution is the simplest, in my humble opinion: a well-built, reasonably sized home with everything you need on one floor. Bring the Bungalow Back! Make Small Homes Great Again! Susanna Barton utilizes about 1,200 square feet of her home on a daily basis now that the kids live elsewhere. A longtime Granada resident, she has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School. She is a newly minted Gerontologist and manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com.

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

Fast Beds, Big Hearts

Hunger Fight’s Team participates in its inaugural Bed Race.

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The NECA team on the track

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new things about a city that I felt I knew like the back of my hand, and there’s nothing else that could surprise me about it, has been wonderful,” Katie said. “I really appreciate that, seeing it with new eyes, meeting new people.” Growing up, her love of all the natural beauty of her hometown flourished into a passion for protecting and preserving the environment. “In middle school, my science project was testing water quality in the creeks and in the St. Johns River,” Katie recalled. “One uncle helped me do the science side of it with the testing because he’s a vet, and then another uncle took me out on the boat so I could collect samples.” Today, Katie has channeled that passion into a career serving as Florida policy manager with the Surfrider Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s oceans and

beaches. Getting to a job she loves in a community she loves is especially rewarding. “I think Jacksonville is like a big town with a small-town mentality, but there are so many new people here because

home: playing pickleball with friends or family; stopping by Whit’s Frozen Custard of Avondale – the flavor of the day is “Cookie Monster,” she informs me. Taking her husky-German shepherd mix out for

Katie’s work with the Surfrider Foundation often takes her to the State Capitol in Tallahassee.

people have seen how wonderful it is to be in Jacksonville and then, to zoom in on Avondale and Riverside, what a great community this is,” Katie said. While her job often takes her to places throughout the state and across the country, Katie enjoys the simple pleasures of being

walks along the various trails Jacksonville boasts, or reading books – including a few nonfiction titles before next January’s review of her 2026 resolutions.

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Every year on Jan. 1, Katie Bauman’s family – parents, sibling, cousins, aunts and uncles – gather at the Avondale home of the family matriarch, Sarah Van Cleve, to set their resolutions for the coming year. Those resolutions are then kept under lock and key by “Mimi,” as Sarah is affectionately called. Among her resolutions for 2026, Katie plans to host family gatherings at her house near Boone Park, learn how to surf, and read more non-fiction books. Now, more than halfway through the year, she realizes with a laugh that she hasn’t surfed once this year. “You reminded her,” Sarah – Mimi – told me as we sit around a table in her riverfront Avondale home, laughing. Tradition runs deep for Katie and her family. Indeed, Mimi has handwritten New Year’s resolutions dating back to 1930 tucked away with the more recent ones. At Christmastime, the mantle has passed to Katie to make the family’s time-honored taffy, using a recipe passed down from her grandfather’s side. Throughout the year, Mimi also hosts weekly Sunday dinners, and anyone who can make it attends this family tradition. These and other traditions are ones Katie is happy to partake in since she returned to her hometown of Jacksonville two years ago after spending time in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Born and raised in Jacksonville, she’s always loved the Bold City. Indeed, when she lived out of state, and it was time for her to determine where she wanted to settle down, Jacksonville was the benchmark against which she measured the other possibilities, and, in the end, Jacksonville won out. Rediscovering a city she once knew backward and forward has been an enjoyable experience for her upon returning to her roots. “To come back and be able to discover

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JUNIOR RESIDENTS Making Waves for Stockton Elementary

Gators Gear Up

First-day jitters were no match for the excitement that filled the halls at West Riverside Elementary School as old friends reunited and new friends were made, kicking off a new year of learning, fun and friendship.

Working Outside the Box

With the school year well underway, Friends of Stockton welcomed the community to its annual kickoff event at Fishweir Brewery to celebrate a new school year and share updates about its upcoming plans. With third-generation students attending the neighborhood school, Friends of Stockton President Talley Roberts welcomed families, teachers, and administrators to the event, which was well attended despite inclement weather. Roberts shared information about recent initiatives funded by FOS, including the “Dolphin Cove” shade structure, unveiled to and named by students last year; new playground equipment; various teacher grants; campus beautification efforts; and laptops and AV equipment. “We take pride in the fact that we are a neighborhood school with an ever-growing percentage of students coming from the neighborhood, walking and biking daily to the school. We love that our school is a hub of this community,” said Friends of Stockton Co-Vice President Lauren Agresti. As it does every year, FOS will bring back its annual Dolphin Circle event later this year: an outdoor movie night scheduled for Nov. 18, open to Stockton families and neighborhood residents, during which guests can sponsor suggested projects or improvements for the Stockton Elementary community.

Crusader Spirit Back in Swing

The halls of Bishop Kenny High School are buzzing once again as students return to campus for a new school year. Classmates reunited, teachers welcomed familiar and new faces, and the Crusader community settled back into its daily rhythm. With fresh goals and new opportunities ahead, students are ready to embrace another year of learning, growth and school spirit.

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First graders at Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s St. Mark’s Campus got busy flexing their creativity and their engineering skills to design their own creations in a project inspired by the book “Not a Box.” After reading the story, students spent time transforming boxes into anything but what it was, resulting in treasure chests, rocket ships, refrigerators and more, showcasing their brilliant imaginations.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

Jr. Residents | 39

AFA President Larry Belge and Scott Thomas

Thomas Named AFA Teacher of the Year The Air and Space Forces Association (AFA), Falcon Chapter #399 has named Bishop Kenny Physics and Computer Science teacher Scott Thomas its 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Thomas has channeled his passion for STEM education into inspiring and educating Crusaders for more than 20 years, while helping to expand Bishop Kenny High School’s computer science and physics programs and providing students with hands-on engineering experiences through Bishop Kenny’s FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team.

Students and chaperones before the Omaha Beach Memorial.

Experiencing History

Students and chaperones pose beneath the Eiffel Tower.

A group of Upper School students at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville spent part of their summer vacation in Europe on a “World Wars”- themed trip with Episcopal teachers Mr. Weise, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Russell and Mr. Walthour. The trip encompassed four countries – France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany. Highlights included visits to the American Cemetery in Normandy, Paris, Bastogne – one of the key historic sites for the Battle of the Bulge – and Berlin. Students were able to blend summertime fun with powerful learning moments at historic cities and landmarks throughout Europe.

Learning Through Exploration with the St. Johns Riverkeeper

Day campers participate in an Enviroscape program at the St. Johns Riverkeeper during the CISV Faces of Jacksonville summer camp

The Episcopal experience means learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our graduates Seek Understanding as lifelong learners; Develop a Sense of Self earned through challenge; Live with Honor and Purpose, choosing to lead, do good, and serve others; and Pursue a Life of Faith, in a way meaningful to them while respecting the dignity of every human being. Across our Four Pillars — Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Spiritual Life — Episcopal students find their passions while shaping who, not what, they will become.

Visit ESJ.org To Explore Your Future

EPISCOPAL EPISCOPAL SCHOOL of JACKSONVILLE

SCHOOL of JACKSONVILLE

Day campers with CISV Jacksonville’s Faces of Jacksonville camp spent time with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, where they learned about environmental science. This is the third year the CISV Jacksonville Faces day camp visited the St. Johns Riverkeeper. This year, campers participated in an Enviroscape program, which allowed them to help build a model of their environment and see the ways pollution enters local waterways. Faces Camp is a free two-week day camp hosted by CISV Jacksonville for children ages nine to 11.

Asian Pearl

40 | Jr. Residents |

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RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

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Junior athletes take to the pool at The Bolles School for the Olympics Development Program Skills and Drills day camp.

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Junior athletes from our Resident communities were among the 30-plus participants in an Olympics Development Program Skills and Drills one-day camp at The Bolles School last month. San Marco and Riverside area residents Alex Torres, Pierce and Princeton Macabasco and Thomas Raymor attended the development camp, also joined by Bolles students and swimmers Radu Vlad and John Erdal. The camp drew campers from Jacksonville, Gainesville and Orlando, providing a day of advanced water polo instruction and competition alongside numerous athletes who represented USA Water Polo’s Southeast Zone at Regional and National Olympic Development Program events last year. “This was a great opportunity for our athletes to learn from top-level coaches like Bret and Katie while also getting in the pool and competing alongside other high-level players from across Florida,” said Jacksonville Water Polo Founder Manny Torres. “Experiences like this expose our players to a higher level of the game and help them see what is possible as they continue to develop.”

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Rams Ready to Learn

It was all smiles at Riverside Presbyterian Day School as students kicked off a brand-new school year. Students settled into their classrooms, ready for another year of learning, growing and making memories together. With backpacks packed and pencils sharpened, the RPDS community is ready to see what this new school year has in store.

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From Salt and Soul to Capitol Hill

Diya Comar on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2026.

Diya Comar during her summer internship with U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01), where she gained firsthand experience with environmental policy and the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.

The ocean has been a constant backdrop to Diya Comar’s life – one for which she has always cared deeply. As she got older, she began to understand the environmental issues that impacted the places she loved most, from coastal erosion and plastic pollution to changes in water quality. Comar decided to do something about it. Salt & Soul began as a project in a summer sustainability program at the University of Florida, but the Bolles senior saw an opportunity to take it further. Today, according to Comar, Salt & Soul’s mission is “to make environmental advocacy more understandable, accessible and actionable, especially for young people.” “There are already incredible environmental organizations doing important work, so I never wanted Salt & Soul to simply repeat what they were doing. Instead, I wanted it to serve as a bridge between those organizations and people who want to help but may not know where to begin,” Comar said.

A senior at The Bolles School, Comar said she designed Salt & Soul to engage young people and meet them wherever they are on their advocacy journey. Advocacy, she said, can seem like a daunting task; Salt & Soul breaks it down into smaller steps to show people that even small impacts can lead to powerful change. “Salt & Soul tries to show that advocacy can begin much smaller,” Comar said. “It can mean volunteering at a cleanup, signing a petition, learning about an issue, changing a habit or sharing a resource with someone else. Those actions can eventually grow into much larger involvement.” On the Salt & Soul website, users can review different resources that Comar curated based on one simple question: “Would this help someone understand an environmental issue differently or give them something they can actually do about it?” From there, Comar developed informative and interactive tools that both inform and inspire, from the water footprint calculator and ocean plastic tracker to the disappearing coastlines map. She also provides access to different volunteer opportunities, petitions and environmental articles.

“My hope is that people leave the website understanding that environmental issues aren’t distant problems happening somewhere else; they are connected to the water we use, the products we buy, the beaches we visit, and the communities we live in,” Comar said. “ Because of the platform she created, Comar secured an internship in Congress over the summer, where she saw firsthand how environmental policy is discussed and implemented at the federal level. “That experience showed me that protecting the environment doesn’t have to belong to one political party and made me even more interested in the connection between environmental advocacy and policy,” Comar said. Comar plans to continue expanding Salt & Soul after she graduates high school and begins college, hoping to give other students a launching pad to their own journeys into environmental advocacy and preservation. “Whether that leads someone to attend their first beach cleanup, become involved in environmental policy, pursue research, or even create an initiative of their own, I want young people to see that caring about an issue can turn into something tangible,” Comar said.

Salt & Soul: Healthy Seas. Healthy Lives. www.saltandsoul.org

The Developing Artists Foundation is proud to support the arts and students at Douglas Anderson in their pursuit of artistic development. The Developing Artists Foundation supports the best and brightest students at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts as they pursue their passions across ten disciplines in Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, Writing, and beyond. With DA Foundation support for guest artists, artist residencies, and enrichment from instructors of exceptional caliber, students receive the world-class training that has made Douglas Anderson a nationally recognized leader in arts education, along with the preparation they need for the nation’s top colleges, universities, and conservatories.

48%

94%

of Graduates

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Save the Date Extravaganza | February 13, 2027 For more information about DA and auditions visit DA-arts.org 2445 San Diego Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207

42 |

RESIDENT COMMUNITY NEWS

RESIDENTNEWS.NET

SEPTEMBER 2026

The New Jax Idol

Jonah McIntire

Santa delivers hundreds of toys to Wolfson Children’s Hospital for the annual Christmas in July campaign.

Bishop Kenny Sophomore Jonah McIntire is the season 18 winner of Jax Idol. McIntire competed against fellow finalists Paul Jackson and Carla Mendoza at the singing competition’s red carpet finale, themed “Sunken Kingdom,” on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Jax Restaurant and Grill. The finale marked the culmination of 15 weeks of Saturday performances, during which McIntire, one of 16 competitors, established himself as a notable performer. In his final performance, McIntire sang “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé, “Shout” by the Isley Brothers and “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes. Clinching the Season 18 victory, McIntire received studio recording time, performance opportunities and the chance to connect with members of the “American Idol” team, along with a cash prize. McIntire has already performed in two theater productions at Bishop Kenny High School and plans to continue participating in theater throughout his high school career.

Holiday Spirit Arrives Early at Wolfson Christmas in July brings hundreds of toys and a $25,000 gift to support young patients and their families Embracing the spirit of giving and the magic of the holidays, community members donated hundreds of new toys and more than $20,000 during Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s 15th annual Christmas in July campaign, presented by Subaru of Jacksonville, to enhance Wolfson’s Child Life and Music Therapy teams. Gifts were collected through a month-long toy drive at Subaru of Jacksonville, before Santa made a special appearance at the hospital to deliver the toys. A $25,000 donation from the dealership will support the hospital’s Family Support Services. “Year after year, our community shows us that the spirit of giving extends far beyond the holiday season,” said Wolfson Children’s Hospital President Allegra C. Jaros, MBA. “Every toy donated and every dollar contributed during Christmas in July helps create moments of comfort, joy and hope for children and families during some of their most difficult days. We are incredibly grateful for Subaru of Jacksonville and our entire community, whose generosity makes it possible for our patients to experience the healing power of play throughout the year.”

A mid-summer visit from Santa delights families at Wolfson.

Value Realized in Every Opportunity

At Bolles, opportunity is never confined to one path. Students explore academics, arts, athletics and activities, then go deeper into what sparks them most. With expert guidance and room to grow, each opportunity helps shape the individual and expand what becomes possible for the future. A global perspective, distinguished alumni and enduring connections extend the value of the Bolles experience long after graduation.

Bolles.org (904) 256-5030

Pre-K through Grade 12 Day & Boarding School

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