San Marco: Resident April 2026

SAN JOSE | SAN MARCO | ST. NICHOLAS An

Christian Nackashi with Kate Isaac and Jeff and Chantel Goutcher

Guests put their hearts behind the American Heart Association, raising nearly $1.15 million at the 2026 First Coast Heart Ball at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa last month. The signature fundraising gala supports nationwide research and contributes to

2026 as new culinary concepts spice up offerings from Ortega through Brooklyn, crossing bridges to San Marco on down through Lakewood to the South. From fresh seafood at The Buoy to Bold Birds Nashville hot chicken, the neighborhoods offer something unique for every craving.

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Glow with the Flow

Audrey Boyd dances with her dad at the Feb. 7 Father Daughter Dance.

Assumption Catholic School dads got to show off their best moves on the dance floor at the Father-Daughter Dance, held on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The 2026 theme for this annual event, open to kindergarteners through eighth graders, was “Neon Glow,” and the only things that glowed more brightly than the décor and outfits were the smiles of everyone spending a special evening with some of their favorite people.

Jacksonville’s culinary scene took center stage as the inaugural Food Fight Jax fired up at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. Two teams of local chefs went head-to-head, serving bold flavors and fierce competition, all in support of Sulzbacher. This new event proved to be equal parts foodie festival and meaningful fundraiser.

Bishop Kenny High School’s girls’ basketball team closed out an extraordinary season with a championship sweep, bringing home district, regional and state titles and capturing the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship for the first time in 34 years. Winning their state championship at the University of North Florida Arena, the Crusaders also became the first girls’ team in Duval County to win a state championship on a Jacksonville court.

Council Leadership Bids Begin

By Michele Leivas

Several Jacksonville City Council members are jockeying for position as the 2026-27 council leadership election approaches later this spring.

During back-to-back public meetings on Tuesday, March 10, five council members announced bids for council president or vice president. Current Council Vice President Nick Howland, At-Large Group 3, launched his bid for council president to succeed Council President Kevin Carrico.

Howland said his strength is building consensus and cohesion among council members.

“I think when we work together, we deliver stronger results for our community,” Howland said. “As council president, if I’m elected, I will lead with that same spirit of collaboration, ensuring every council member’s voice is heard.”

Council members Ken Amaro, District 1; Joe Carlucci, District 5; Chris Miller, At-Large Group 5; and Rahman Johnson, District 14, each announced bids for vice president.

Amaro said his decision was influenced by timing and the need for steady leadership.

“I think we’re at a pivotal point in this legislative body, one that calls for steady leadership, sharp vision and a commitment to serving all residents,” Amaro said.

Miller said his focus would be on efficiency and teamwork, while Johnson emphasized collaboration and strengthening connections across the city.

Carlucci pointed to his experience chairing and vice-chairing committees as preparation for the role.

“I have carried a lot of responsibility during my short tenure on this council, and I am ready to be vice president,” Carlucci said. “I just want our city to reach its full potential.”

The full City Council is expected to vote on the 2026-27 leadership in May, with the new president and vice president assuming their duties July 1.

YOU ASKED FOR IT

YOU ASKED: I-295, especially north, near I-10, and I-95 north of the city are filthy with litter and roadside debris. There are parts of 295 around I-10 that look like they have never been cleaned. I have written to both the governor and the mayor about the deplorable appearance of our roadsides and neither responded, and obviously nothing changed. It’s embarrassing and makes a poor statement about our city. Interstate 95 in Georgia is very clean. How can Georgia do it, but Florida can’t? — Robert Wood

THE ANSWER:

Questions about roadside litter are common among readers throughout Jacksonville’s Historic District and across the city. While neighborhood volunteers and environmental organizations regularly organize cleanup efforts along city streets and the St. Johns River, responsibility for litter removal along highways and roadways depends largely on jurisdiction.

According to City of Jacksonville Blight Initiatives Manager Al Ferraro, several departments play a role in trash pickup, illegal dumping and homeless camps. These departments include JEA, JTA, the Parks Department, the Office of Administrative Services (OAS), Public Works Stormwater Division and Traffic and Engineering.

Ferraro said Blight Initiatives can coordinate with departments within the city, state and law enforcement. OAS oversees regular service calls and trash pickup.

Litter, debris or trash removal along highway corridors and state roads, however, falls under the purview of the Florida Department of Transportation.

According to FDOT Community Outreach Manager Hampton Ray, maintenance crews typically work in six- to eight-week cycles on maintenance activities such as mowing, litter cleanup and sweeping. However, when a state roadway is under construction, those maintenance responsibilities are assumed by the contractor responsible for the project.

Maintenance concerns, including litter pickup requests, can be reported to FDOT by calling (904) 360-5436.

Litter removal and roadway cleanliness are not without their challenges.

“Maintenance cycles operate continuously; however, once a debris removal cycle concludes, litter can accumulate again almost immediately, undoing the work that crews have completed,” Ray said. “This makes maintaining roadway cleanliness a continual challenge and underscores the importance of public cooperation.”

Public education efforts like FDOT’s annual “Drive It Home” campaign encourage drivers to avoid throwing trash from vehicles and to secure loads before traveling on highways.

FDOT also operates an Adopt-aHighway program that allows residents and organizations to participate in litter removal. Volunteers adopt a two-mile stretch of a state highway for two years and commit to removing litter from their section four times annually.

“Addressing roadway litter is a shared responsibility, beginning with drivers,” Ray added. “Law enforcement agencies are essential in deterring violations through enforcement, while FDOT focuses on roadway maintenance and education and awareness.”

sometimes the owners are out of state or out of the country, items like this can slow the process down weeks and sometimes months. The city does not use taxpayer dollars to clean up private property; that cost is left to the ownership of the property.”

Blight Initiatives is also receiving an additional $400,000 from the City Council for new trash removal equipment to maximize trash pickup efficiency, more overtime hours for employees and cameras to catch illegal dumpers.

While that amount may seem large to some, Ferraro said it is just a start to help keep the city clean.

“This is not enough money to service our large city, but it’s a beginning,” Ferraro said.

Addressing roadway litter is a shared responsibility, beginning with drivers.

Roadway litter is not limited to highways. Residents who encounter trash or debris on city streets, parks or vacant lots can submit requests through the city’s 630-CITY service line or the MyJax mobile app.

Ferraro explained that if debris is located on the right of way, it is typically picked up within a week of a submitted ticket. However, response times can vary depending on whether the debris is located on public or private property.

“On private property, we must obtain permission to go on,” Ferraro said. “Sometimes the property is in a trust,

– Hampton Ray FDOT Community Outreach Manager

What Resident readers can do:

Residents who see trash along interstate highways can report maintenance concerns to the Florida Department of Transportation at (904) 360-5436. Trash or debris on city streets, parks or vacant lots can be reported through the city’s 630-CITY service line or the MyJax mobile app.

Have a question about something in the Historic District? Send it to editor@residentnews.net.

Is this your year for better health?

If weight loss medications aren’t working anymore, Katie’s long-term solution could be your answer, too.

For years, Katie tried to break the cycle of losing and gaining weight. When the scale reached 300 pounds, she knew she had to do something that would have a lasting impact. That’s when she began to consider weight loss surgery at Baptist Health.

For Katie, it was the right decision, and according to the National Institutes of Health, bariatric surgery is the most successful long-term solution for extreme obesity. Katie lost 145 pounds and has been able to keep the weight off for more than a decade. Are you ready for a long-term solution?

Wildlife Deaths Raise Concerns Over Possible Poisoning

By Michele Leivas

Some Ortega neighbors are concerned that exposure to rat poison – rodenticide –could be causing the deaths of local wildlife.

Last month area residents discovered several downed birds – a pair of great horned owls, one adult male bald eagle, and two eaglets – exhibiting neurological symptoms associated with exposure to the toxin. Though trained volunteers intervened, collecting the birds and transporting them to veterinary specialists, all the birds died either en route or in quarantine. All the birds were discovered in the same vicinity of one another, with the eagle and eaglets coming from the same nest and the owls discovered just a block or two away, according to Kaye Lee, county coordinator for Duval, Clay and Nassau counties for the Audubon Society’s Florida EagleWatch program.

Lee said the trio of eagles that died are the mate and eaglets of Spirit. The same eagle lost her mate and two eaglets during eagle mating season last year.

“Spirit has lost everything – twice,” Lee said.

Lee said the symptoms she and other volunteers saw in the birds could have a variety of causes up to and including exposure to rodenticide. She noted it will still be months before necropsy and other test results come back to definitively say what killed the birds, though other signs in the area do point to the presence of a toxin like rodenticide.

“Raptor population is decreasing, squirrel population is decreasing, raccoons, other wildlife are not as prevalent as they

once were, and those are all indications that there is a toxin somewhere in that area,” Lee said.

Lee pointed out that animals, including domestic pets, can fall ill, or even die, not just from ingesting rodenticide directly, but also from ingesting smaller animals, like rats, that have eaten it.

“Dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons – it goes right up the food chain,” Lee said.

The eagles that died nested in the same nest Spirit has now used with at least two mates, both of which died, exhibited similar symptoms before death during two

know,” Cook said. “We plan on putting some signs in the park where the nest is.”

Cameron Lucie, an Ortega neighbor, is working to raise awareness of both the presence of these birds and the dangers posed by toxins like rodenticide.

“I think there’s still a lot to hash out about how to be active, but at this point, we would just love to get the word out that these tragedies have happened with these birds, and let people know that it’s real and the birds are dying,” Lucie said.

According to Lee, there are 46 known eagle nests in Duval County, with 16 in Clay

I think that hopefully we can turn this tragedy into a wake-up call for the neighborhood.

– Mary Cook

Volunteer Nest Observer, Audubon Society

consecutive mating seasons, in Yerkes Park.

Mary Cook, a volunteer nest observer for the Audubon Society, said these deaths have prompted some neighbors to band together to raise awareness about the dangers of rodenticide.

“I think that hopefully we can turn this tragedy into a wake-up call for the neighborhood and use this to let people

County and 11 in Nassau County.

If anyone should come across a downed or injured bird, if able, they should carefully put it in a cardboard box with air holes; if they are unable to do so, Lee encourages people to observe the bird until help arrives. Residents can contact Lee directly at (904) 635-5384 if they find a downed raptor in the Duval County area.

Baptist Hotel Advances with DDRB Conceptual Approval

By Michele Leivas

Baptist Health is moving forward with plans for a new Southbank hotel after receiving unanimous conceptual approval, with conditions, at the March 12 Downtown Development Review Board meeting.

The hotel would replace a surface parking lot at 1051 Palm Avenue, bounded by San Marco Boulevard, Gary Street, Palm Avenue and Baptist Way. Plans presented at the DDRB meeting depict a 15-story, 226-key hotel development blending boutique hotel and extended-stay experiences along with a three-story parking structure. Amenities include a rooftop lounge and restaurant, conference and event space, and a ground-floor café.

“That is definitely something that we have not approved one time in the past 10 years here, so I think that’s something that the design team needs to think through, but staff should also think through,” Loretta said during comments.

This is a great addition to the neighborhood. There’s a real need for medical tourism. There’s a reason there have been three hotels built at the Mayo Clinic. For Baptist to remain competitive, I think this is a necessary addition to the neighborhood.

According to attorney Stacey Ruiz, who represented the applicant at the DDRB meeting, this is one of the last remaining lots of the approximately 35 acres that Baptist owns in the Southbank area.

Board members were overall supportive of the project, though some shared feedback on certain design elements, including the garage façade facing San Marco Boulevard, with some encouraging further activation of that space, with Board Member Joseph Loretta noting the lack of decoration on those façades, which was not, to his knowledge, something DDRB has ever approved.

– Frederick Jones, Downtown Development Review Board Member

Board Member Frederick Jones said this project addresses what he called a “quality hotel desert” in the Southbank area.

“This is a great addition to the neighborhood,” Jones said. “There’s a real need for medical tourism. There’s a reason there have been three hotels built at the Mayo Clinic. For Baptist to remain competitive, I think this is a necessary addition to the neighborhood.”

With the Riverwalk and Emerald Trail blocks away from the planned hotel, DDRB Chair Linzee Ott encouraged the design team to consider the pedestrian experience along

Gary Street and San Marco Boulevard as well.

“That pedestrian experience is a tremendous opportunity,” Ott said.

In a statement provided to Resident News following the DDRB meeting, Baptist Health said the development would feature two hotels from within the Marriott family: an Element by Westin extended-stay hotel and a boutique hotel within the Tribute Portfolio.

“A major stakeholder in the future of Downtown, we are thrilled to continue contributing to its resurgence by providing these high-quality options for both visitors and Jacksonville residents,” the statement read, in part. “As our city continues to evolve, high-quality accommodations play a crucial role in welcoming guests. By enhancing the local hospitality landscape, we are fostering an environment where people can connect, recharge and experience the best Jacksonville has to offer. We look forward to seeing the hotels become an integral part of our city’s continued growth and success.”

The statement added that this project is within Baptist Health’s investment portfolio and stands as a separate business venture to diversify investments and support longterm financial stability.

The design team includes Rabun Architects, EnglandThims and Miller, Inc. and Marquis Latimer and Halback.

Ardsley Up in Arms

By Michele Leivas

A road frontage waiver application has unsettled some residents in the quiet Ardsley neighborhood off San Jose Boulevard.

Ryan Davis, owner of residential and commercial construction company Piper Homes, is under contract to purchase the vacant parcel at 4526 Mundy Drive South, which, by right, could currently accommodate two single-family homes.

Davis wishes to subdivide the parcel into three separate lots and build three singlefamily homes on each parcel. The Mundyfacing home and the middle home would be approximately 2,500 and 2,800 square feet, respectively, while the riverfront residence would be the largest at approximately 5,500

square feet. Davis and land-use attorney Cyndy Trimmer each plan to occupy the two smaller homes with their respective families while the riverfront property would be placed on the market.

A waiver of road frontage application has been filed to allow for the creation of a shared driveway, in order to grant access to the second and third homes that would otherwise be inaccessible from Mundy Drive, as they’d be situated behind the first home directly off Mundy.

This plan has faced significant pushback from Ardsley neighbors, who have expressed concerns surrounding property values, traffic, and safety.

District 5 City Councilmember Joe Carlucci hosted a Town Hall meeting at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 26, to facilitate a conversation on the issue. Because this is a quasi-judicial matter, Carlucci is unable to comment publicly on the project.

Davis and Trimmer shared details about the project, fielded questions, and listened to neighbor concerns at the meeting, but made little headway toward reaching a compromise with their prospective neighbors.

Ardsley resident Tori Race, joined by many other residents, has significant safety concerns, particularly because the neighborhood is home to many children under the age of 16 who play in the streets, given that Ardsley is an older neighborhood without sidewalks.

Race lives across the street from the parcel in question. With four young children, she said she is extremely concerned about the safety implications of this proposed plan.

“I can only press upon you the fact that I am not sleeping at night because I envision

I can only press

you running over my children,” Race told Trimmer and Davis at the meeting. “And it’s not because I think you’re a bad driver and I’m a reckless mother, but it’s just the way they [children] have come to love our neighborhood.”

Not all neighbors are opposed to the proposed plan, however. Hillary Almond, joined by her husband Eric at the meeting, spoke on the vetting process the project would go through and the approvals it would require before progressing to the build.

“One of the things we love about Ardsley is we’re not an HOA; we are not somebody who tells somebody else what they can and cannot do with their property as long as they are following the letter of the

law,” Almond said. “This will go through so much vetting so that traffic will be safe; the driveway will have some setbacks that absolutely must be met. It’s not going to be willy nilly, just shove in the driveway and everybody’s going to be unsafe.”

At the meeting’s conclusion, Race also expressed a desire to negotiate with Davis and Trimmer “in good faith.”

“We would love to have you as neighbors, and truly, I hope it does work out for everybody involved,” Race said.

Carlucci recommended the neighbors form a smaller focus group to facilitate a conversation with the applicant. In a March 27 phone interview, Trimmer said she’d be willing to meet with neighbors “tomorrow” to start those discussions.

“This is what I do for a living, and I really do take seriously understanding that you’re asking a neighborhood to accept change, and I don’t take for granted that that is what you’re asking of people,” Trimmer said.

In a separate March 27 phone interview, Davis said he could consider reducing the number of homes to just two, though that would not be his first choice.

“Conceivably that’s a possibility but I would say that the three houses is one of the most important things to me,” Davis said.

Davis said he hopes to continue a dialogue with the neighbors, whether it be

through a focus group or another town hall meeting further down the road.

“It was really helpful and valuable to have gotten everybody in the room together and be able to hear it all at once to really figure out what the obstacles are and start working on solutions for them,” Davis said.

The road frontage waiver application (2026-0177) is next expected to go before the Land, Use and Zoning Committee at its April 7 meeting.

Fleet Landing Secures Conceptual Approval for 32-story Brooklyn Retirement Community

By Michele Leivas

A Fleet Landing retirement community has received conceptual approval for a new location in Brooklyn.

The Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) voted 5-1 in favor of the development at its meeting on Thursday, March 12, with Board Member Ennis Davis opposing and Board Member Joseph Loretta abstaining.

The Fleet Landing Riverside residential development will be situated in the Brooklyn neighborhood at the site of

the former Haskell headquarters, between One Riverside and the Winston Family YMCA. The existing structure would be demolished to make way for the new residential development, which would encompass nearly 780,000 gross square feet, 239 independent living residences, 28 assisted living residences, 18 memory care suites and a host of amenities, including a performing arts center, fitness and wellness facilities, swimming pool, resort-style spa and multiple dining venues.

The plans include two interconnected residential structures: a low-rise building facing Riverside Avenue and a 32-story residential tower oriented perpendicular to the river. The site plan also depicts a parking garage, an amenity podium, an amenity deck, and an auditorium open to the public.

Facing Riverside Avenue, the ground level is planned for commercial spaces as well.

We’ve been pursuing an opportunity, as you’re probably aware, for more than the last year, trying to find the location that would allow us to reach all of those historic neighborhoods, from Ortega Avondale to San Marco and San Jose, and we believe this is the best site, both for our clientele who will call Fleet Landing Riverside home, but also as an opportunity for us to be a catalyst to the surrounding community.

– Josh Ashby CEO of Fleet Landing

This would be the third residential development for the nonprofit corporation, which opened its first campus in Atlantic Beach in 1990. Its second campus, located in Nocatee, is currently under construction and is expected to open next year. Fleet Landing previously submitted a bid to acquire the Duval County Public Schools administrative headquarters on Prudential Drive, which the school board ultimately voted down.

At the March 12 DDRB meeting, Fleet Landing CEO Josh Ashby said this development would meet the needs of retirees who are well-established in their homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We’ve been pursuing an opportunity, as you’re probably aware, for more than the last year, trying to find the location that would allow us to reach all of those historic neighborhoods, from Ortega Avondale to San Marco and San Jose, and we believe this is the best site, both for our

clientele who will call Fleet Landing Riverside home, but also as an opportunity for us to be a catalyst to the surrounding community,” Ashby said.

Ashby explained that Fleet Landing’s financing mechanism requires conceptual approval to access the next tranche of financing in the development cycle, which meant board members reviewed more conceptualized, very early design renderings that architect JP Emery of global architecture and design firm Gensler called “early design intent.”

“We will come back to you with full architecture plans, full hardscape, landscape, streetscape,” Emery told board members. “…This is by no means fully baked, and we do sincerely welcome feedback as we work our way through these images.”

Though overall supportive of the project, board members provided significant feedback on the designs and finer details.

“This is a unique project trying to get financed at a conceptual level, but I also don’t want you coming back with a full set of plans for final permit and final approval before getting additional input,” Board Member Ennis Davis said.

Board Member Matt Brockelman encouraged the development team to focus on maximizing the pedestrian experience along Riverside Avenue as it connects to the Riverwalk.

“I think that would go a long way, along with respecting the Riverwalk experience itself,” Brockelman said.

DDRB Chair Linzee Ott echoed Ashby’s remarks that this project would fill a community need.

“I think also the active, seasoned adults that will live at this project will contribute to Downtown’s vibrancy to the Brooklyn neighborhood and to the riverfront, and that’s a demographic that we want in the Urban Core,” Ott said.

Attorney Cyndy Trimmer, representing the applicant, expressed a willingness to consider a workshop if needed.

In an email following the DDRB meeting, Fleet Landing Vice President of Sales and Marketing April Morin shared the following statement with Resident News:

“We were encouraged by the warm reception the Fleet Landing Riverside project received from the Downtown Development Review Board during last week’s initial review. The presentation provided an important opportunity to introduce our vision and gather valuable feedback as we continue refining plans for a new riverfront senior living community in downtown Jacksonville. The Board’s thoughtful input will help guide the development as the design process progresses, and our team looks forward to returning for future review. Fleet Landing is about more than a place to live; it’s a lifestyle centered on community, connection, and vibrant living, and we’re excited about the opportunity to bring that lifestyle to the riverfront and adjacent neighborhoods.”

DCPS Approves Resolution to Renew 1-Mill Tax Referendum

By Michele Leivas

In a 6-1 vote, the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) Board approved a resolution to renew the 1-mill property tax referendum, originally passed in 2022, to supplement teacher salaries in Duval County.

The DCPS Board passed the resolution at its March 3 meeting, with DCPS Board Chair Charlotte Joyce opposing. The resolution will now go before the Jacksonville City Council for approval to appear on the November ballot.

According to the district, if approved, this renewal would continue to provide funds for salaries for teachers, security and support staff while also preserving sports, arts and student activities and academic programming.

If approved, the millage would renew on July 1, 2027, and remain in effect until June 30, 2030. Funds collected through this property tax would go to both neighborhood and charter schools within the district. In the state of Florida, 29 other counties have passed similar referendums.

Several Duval County residents spoke in support of the referendum during public comment at the March board meetng, as did several board members.

“I think that we would be doing a huge disservice if we strip that away from our schools, our students in our community right now,” said District 4 Board Member Darryl Willie.

I think that we would be doing a huge disservice if we strip that away from our schools, our students in our community right now.

– Darryl Willie District 4 Board Member

Joyce, casting the only opposing vote on the resolution, expressed her hesitation to renew the tax at the March meeting. At a previous workshop, Joyce had suggested lowering it to a half-mill and removing the arts and athletics component of the resolution, rather than renewing the full mill, because homeowners are already struggling to pay property taxes.

“I could support half of it, but I can’t support the whole thing, because to me, the arts and athletics are a luxury when I saw people with my own eyes who couldn’t afford the taxes on their houses…,” Joyce said.

Leading the charge to renew the referendum is Duval Citizens for Better Schools, the same political committee behind the initial referendum in 2022, chaired once again by Mike Hightower.

“This is not a new tax,” Hightower said. “It simply continues our community’s longstanding commitment to our teachers and students. A strong Jacksonville depends on strong schools, and strong schools depend on our ability to attract and retain high-quality educators.”

Mike Tolbert, a strategic consultant who worked on the previous campaign alongside Hightower and several other returning committee members, said failure to renew the referendum would have an “immediate impact” on Duval County teachers, which would then ripple through the community.

“Teachers will see a six to $9,000 loss of pay,” Tolbert said. “…A lot of the best teachers in our school system will then move to a nearby county, transfer to teach in another county around us where they’ll get better pay.”

According to the National Education Association’s 2025 educator pay data, Florida was ranked last for average public school teacher salaries. According to DCPS, Duval County ranks 20th out of 69 Florida counties and last among the seven large urban districts.

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Eats and Treats About Town

By Rebecca Day

The area’s thriving culinary scene leveled up for 2026 with new additions. Recently opened and soon-to-be arrivals are bursting with flavor, from savory seafood in historic Ortega to specially crafted coffee drinks in San Marco. Nashville’s famous hot chicken has also arrived in Lakewood. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale dining or a casual night out, there’s a little something for everyone; find your new favorite spot with this tour of the latest eats and treats about town.

The trip begins in the Fairfax neighborhood nestled between Ortega and Avondale. The vintage Fairfax gas station was originally set to become Duval Fish Company, but the anticipated eatery is undergoing another name change. Co-owner Tito Quiñones said the Duval Fish Co. will now be called The Buoy to avoid

confusion with other similarly named Florida restaurants, and will feature a nautical theme and locally sourced, fresh seafood. Tentatively set to open in mid-to-late April, it will also be easy to spot.

“We chose ‘The Buoy’ because we are going to have a gigantic coast guard buoy in our landscaping,” Quiñones said. “It’s going to be big and bright red.”

A short drive from The Buoy is the recently redeveloped Roosevelt Square shopping center. Now Ortega Park, the busy complex is home to several new spots, including popular burger chain Five Guys, Panda Express with Chinese-inspired dishes, and Chicken Salad Chick, serving sandwiches and made-fromscratch chicken salads with southern favorites like pimiento cheese and egg salad. Candy Cloud has also

–

Alters Chef/Co-owner, Saleya Riviera Café

moved into the complex, featuring creative specialty drinks that look as good as they taste along with lattes and soft-serve ice cream.

Traveling to the heart of Ortega, the former Village Store site – a historic Marsh and Saxelbye-designed landmark – is on its way to becoming Oxford Place. The southern-inspired restaurant will feature an elegant dining experience, seasonal recipes and specialty cocktails. Though an official date hasn’t been announced for this restaurant – brought to the neighborhood by the Brown family – it is slated to open sometime this spring.

Just north on US 17 from Ortega, the Murray Hill neighborhood features a Foxtail Coffee Co., a fast-growing artisan coffee shop. The Edgewood Avenue South location opened its doors in fall 2025 and boasts a variety of drinks, from lattes to cold brews, and pastries and handcrafted ice cream by family-owned Florida company, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. Co-owner Ty Claggett said the Murray Hill shop has been an awesome location so far. The area’s former Maple Street Biscuit Company space has transformed into Calico Cactus and serves tacos, flavorful sides and a variety of mimosas.

In nearby Riverside, the Five Points district is getting new spring options, including a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream location and Lukumades, a Greek donut shop, set to open in the longstanding Five Points Theatre building near new live music venue FIVE. On Lomax Street, Curry Guys has officially opened and serves a contemporary Indian menu.

Crossing the St. Johns River and heading into the San Marco area, Brine offers a fine dining experience with oysters, caviar and champagne. The restaurant is now expanding with a new structural buildout underway, while tented outdoor seating creates additional space for more guests to enjoy the atmosphere. Saleya Riviera Café is serving patrons in the heart of San Marco square. The French- and Italian-inspired restaurant is run by husbandand-wife chef duo Scott and Gabby Alters. Saleya opened its doors for lunch and dinner in November 2025 after the couple took an inspiring trip to Europe. Scott Alters said they enjoy “bringing new life” into a community they love to call home.

“We are just seeing a real rejuvenation of the neighborhood, and we’ve gotten to be witness to that,” he said.

Daily fresh-baked breads, Mediterranean-style dishes, and a curated wine list are some of the restaurant’s staples.

At nearby 1636 Hendricks Avenue, the Hard Pressed Burgers food truck is opening its first brick-and-mortar location next to Boudreau Wine and Company. Owners Eddie Evans and Justin Pa’ala envision a fun hangout spot for locals. When they got the opportunity to open in San Marco, Evans said they seized it.

Returning to the heart of San Marco, Café San Marco opened at 1440 San Marco Boulevard in February 2026, replacing former culinary staple Bistro AIX. The Cubaninspired eatery owned by husband and wife David Revuelta

Heading south into the Lakewood community, the Brown family has also brought a second Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken to the prominent location at the intersection of University and San Jose Boulevards and has served Nashville-style hot chicken and signature southern sides since opening in December 2025. Its neighbor, Southern Shores Seafood, a family-owned restaurant, opened in September 2025. Also in the Lakewood North Shopping Center is Mr. Gordo’s Tacos and Cantina, another December 2025 addition featuring Mexican staples like burritos and fajitas as well as margaritas. With successful locations in San Marco at the Publix shopping center, Murray Hill and Ponte Vedra, Foxtail Coffee also plans to open a Lakewood location in 2026. Claggett is looking forward to adding the coffee shop to another one of the area’s hospitable communities.

“We are very grateful to the local communities for welcoming us with open arms,” he said.

Do you have a favorite newly opened gem we didn’t catch? Know a go-to spot we should feature next? Let us know and send tips to editor@residentnews.net

The Road that Always Led Back

Coleen Rickey and a life of service

For much of Coleen Rickey’s professional career, every road has led back to Ascension St. Vincent’s. It’s where she first embraced servant leadership 25 years ago, and where she returned – for the third time – after walking alongside a sibling through a serious health event that redefined how she thinks about her career, her faith and showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments.

Rickey first arrived at St. Vincent’s Riverside after overseeing corporate wellness programs for NBC in New York City and the YMCA in Jacksonville. She took a coordinator role and provided the foundation for what would become the patient experience program.

When St. Luke’s Hospital became Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside, she helped onboard an entire workforce in a single day. She rose through the organization, moved into ambulatory care and eventually joined the national office, traveling to Ascension ministries across the country to share what the Jacksonville team had developed.

Then her brother needed a liver transplant. Rickey, one of 10 siblings, stepped away from her career to prepare as his donor. She spent four months completing 12 specialist evaluations while attending daily Mass to discern the decision. In 2023, after a successful transplant, God put it on her heart to do more.

“I loved my career. It was continuing to rise, and I thought that was what mattered,” Rickey said. “Then this life experience happened and I thought: What is important? Is it a big title? It was how I could help transform people’s lives.”

That clarity brought her back to Ascension for a third time. As Ascension St. Vincent’s Mobile Outreach Health Ministry Manager, Rickey now leads a team that sets up clinics at churches and schools across Jacksonville to serve residents who lack access to care. Through generous donations to Ascension St. Vincent’s Foundation, the ministry treated 10,000 patients, filled about 3,500 prescriptions at no cost and delivered $2.7 million in value of care.

She spends 60% of her time in the community alongside her team, bringing a lens shaped by two decades in patient experience.

“I’m always looking at it from the consumer experience, from the patient we’re serving,” Rickey said. “They don’t know the jargon. They’re thinking, ‘I’m scared.’”

That perspective drives a population health strategy to make sure clinics sit where the community needs them most.

“We might take 100 blood pressures and they’re all normal,” Rickey said. “Then number 101 comes in hypertensive with no medication. That person didn’t even know. We can change the trajectory of their life.”

This year Rickey is building a strategy to grow the ministry’s reach by at least 10%, with new grant-funded programming launching in the LIFTJAX corridor on Jacksonville’s eastside.

“I was able to be there for my brother when he needed me most and wanted to find a way to do that on a daily basis,” Rickey said. “God works in mysterious ways. Every time there’s been a knock on my door, it’s led me right where I’m supposed to be.”

The Alchemy of Yoga

Tamara began her yoga journey in 2013. Despite being active in the outdoor realm through hiking, kayaking and paddleboarding, she was eager to push herself to new limits, both physically and mentally.

Thus began a journey that would lead to the successful completion of a 200-hour yoga teacher training program in 2017 and another 300-hour training completion two years later.

Tamara has built her yoga practice around three core tenets: breath, alignment and a focus on continuing

training, vision and passion for yoga and wellness with a sustainable approach to recovery. While working with several studios in the Jacksonville area to hone her craft, Tamara noticed the wellness industry’s expansion trend towards more high intensity yoga and movement. She felt this shift left out a large demographic that was seeking a space to improve their physical health through the benefits of yoga.

Tamara’s husband Will has always marveled at her ability to master new skills whether it is paddleboarding, baking or weight training. With full confidence in his wife and best friend, Will chose to step away from a career in landscaping to help Tamara realize her dream. The dream will reside in a 6,000-plussquare-foot space that the Weise Pharmacy once occupied.

hot air, thus creating a tolerable and beneficial heat that promotes muscle elasticity, joint mobility, circulation and detoxification.

Non-heated classes will focus on breath and building functional strength with the aid of intelligent sequencing.

Guests and membership holders will also have the opportunity to experience the benefits of our recovery services. Infrared sauna is known to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce stress and enhance sleep quality while supporting injury recovery. On the other end of the spectrum, cold plunge will be offered, mirroring many of the same attributes but with added benefits of instant rejuvenation and enhanced mental clarity. The combination of infrared sauna and cold plunge provides a unique form of contrast therapy that is restorative and invigorating.

Furthering the boutique experience offered at Alchemy, patrons will be able to book wellness services. Our therapeutic massages are fully customizable with the

Tamara has built her yoga practice around three core tenets: breath, alignment and a focus on continuing education.

The space is designed to be a destination for those looking for yoga, recovery and wellness all under one roof. Set to open this summer, guests and membership holders will experience a curated atmosphere with a mid-century vibe reflecting the owners taste for functionality and minimalism. Clean lines and organic shapes will frame the space set against bold and moody colors.

Two spacious rooms are dedicated to movement, each averaging 1,000 square feet with cork flooring, expansive mirrors and high ceilings.

The yoga classes at Alchemy will offer opportunities for every level of physical ability.

Heated yoga classes will utilize infrared heating panels that warm the body rather than circulating

option for solo or duo massage experience or Thai massage therapy. Options like hot stones and cupping will be menu items, not add-ons. Tailored facials will be offered in-house, drawing inspiration from European, Korean and Ayurvedic modalities. Forgot your yoga mat? Alchemy will have rental mats available, as well as a full array of new mats and yoga products to aid your journey. Products sold will also include local juice company offerings, local coffee products and a selection of Tamara’s favorite self-care goods.

Building community is what we want to be a part of in Jacksonville, that’s why we plan to partner with other businesses through pop up events and partnerships to garner support for surrounding entrepreneurs and storefronts. See ya’ll this summer, Tamara and Will.

Opening Summer 2026

San Marco Beer Fest Pours on the Fun

The fifth annual San Marco Beer Fest returned to Balis Park on Saturday, March 21, filling the Square with good friends, good music and good times.

This annual event, hosted by the San Marco Merchants Association, featured tastings from more than 20 local breweries, along with food available from local vendors. The Fellas

Band provided live tunes that kept toes tapping and hands clapping while guests browsed the vendor market or played lawn games in the park.

Hundreds of people filled the Square for what has become a community event that people look forward to each year.

FLASHBACKS 18

Contributed by The Jacksonville History Center

At Rest in Evergreen Cemetery Celebrating Jacksonville’s Arab American

History

It’s appropriate during National Arab American Heritage Month that we share a story about the final resting place for some members of Jacksonville’s Arab community.

During the 1890s and early 1900s, immigrants from the Middle East began arriving in the United States. By the 1920s, an estimated 110,000 Arab-descended immigrants entered the U.S., many of whom made Jacksonville their home, including Abraham Elias Hazouri, a Presbyterian minister who founded the Syrian Presbyterian Church in Riverside. At rest in Evergreen Cemetery, Rev. Hazouri is the uncle of former Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri.

Evergreen Cemetery is also home to siblings Jamilah and Elias Yārid (Yarred), who survived the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912. At ages 14 and 12, Jamilah and Elias left their home in Lebanon to join family in Jacksonville. When their father was denied passage due to a contagious eye infection, the siblings made the voyage alone as thirdclass passengers. As children traveling without a guardian, they were fortunate to board a lifeboat before the ship sank into the Atlantic Ocean.

Upon landing in the United States, they were met by their older brother Isaac, then reunited with their family in Jacksonville three months later. To help Jamilah and Elias assimilate, they were given the names Amelia and Louis Garrett. When Amelia was 16, she married Isaac Isaac, a grocery merchant; she died in 1970 and her tombstone erroneously indicates her birthdate as 1900. Louis became a grocery merchant, married his brother’s sister-in-law in 1926, and passed away in 1981.

For more glimpses into Evergreen Cemetery’s rich history, sign up for a one-hour tour on Sunday, April 19, conducted by the Jacksonville History Center Archive Staff.

For tickets and more information, visit jaxhistory.org or scan the QR code.

MOVERS SHAKERS

Resident Joins Next Generation of Naval Leaders

Longtime Riverside residents Harold E. and Phyllis Bell Davis are celebrating their son, Harold Alexander Davis, for his recent graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science in systems engineering management.

Davis is a 2011 alumnus of The Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta) and a 2006 alumnus of Jacksonville’s Paxon School for Advanced Studies, where he graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Davis was one of 233 student warrior-scholars to participate in the summer quarter commencement ceremony, held on Sept. 26 at the school’s campus in Monterey, California. In his commencement address, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis, director of strategic effects for U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and commander of Task Force 66 (CTF-66), emphasized the critical role NPS graduates play in leading the Navy and the joint force amid rapidly evolving strategic and technological change.

“Our Allies and partners are one of the greatest strengths we have as a nation. We must continue to find ways to share information at speed and scale with them if we hope to compete in the fight due to the changing character of war and these rapid action-reaction-counteraction cycles,” Mattis said. “You have learned how to interact with allies and partner here at NPS, so now your task is to grow your ability to operationalize these partnerships throughout the rest of your careers.”

20 Years at the Heart of the Neighborhood

From Harpoon Louie’s to Harp’s American Pub & Grill, a local favorite continues to grow with its community

For 20 years, Melody Byrd Witt and her husband, chef David Witt and their business partner, Gary Kuehner, have helped shape what many simply call Harp’s, a neighborhood staple where great food and familiar faces go hand in hand.

The trio took ownership in 2006 from Ben Bagget and Karl Sigren, building on a foundation first established in the late 1980s. A Johnson & Wales–trained chef, David has brought a steady culinary hand to the kitchen, helping evolve the menu beyond its original items and leaned into what Harp’s is now known for – standout burgers, wings, salads, soups – approachable American pub fare.

“We’ve kind of grown up with our customers,” Melody said, pointing to generations who’ve gathered here for everything from weeknight dinners to milestone moments.

Add in cold beer on tap, trivia nights, games on the TVs and live music on the laid-back deck along Fishweir Creek, and Harp’s remains what it has always been – a place to come as you are and stay awhile.

Bold Flavors and Family Ties

Bold City Wings, San Marco’s newest wings spot, is a family affair for E.J. Lunsford.

Everything about Bold City Wings is family-focused, from its ownership to the recipes, sauces and seasonings it serves. Lunsford runs the business with his mother, Rhonda Lunsford, and his cousin, Archie Williams. The recipes, sauces and seasonings, are all his father’s.

Bold City Wings makes everything in-house, with fresh ingredients and a lot of passion.

“Food is a really dynamic part of life,” Lunsford said. “You have to take care of yourself, and what we do here, we put a lot of attention into our work.”

Lunsford represents the fourth generation of his family to operate small businesses, from grocery stores to restaurants.

Born in Jacksonville, Lunsford grew up in Washington, D.C., and worked as a social media analyst before deciding to return

to his hometown to start a new chapter and continue his family’s tradition of entrepreneurship. Working alongside his family in this new venture has been as rewarding as he expected, and following the Bold City Wings grand opening on Saturday, March 14, the community has been just as welcoming.

“I haven’t seen this much support since having teammates in college,” Lunsford said.

Bold City Wings offers three styles of chicken – traditional, Southern fried and grilled – and a selection of sauces and seasonings. Because everything is made fresh-to-order in-house, Lunsford said his food may take a little longer – but he said it’s worth the wait.

“We take our time with your food,” Lunsford said. “You might not get your food in two to three minutes…[but] this place is worth your while. We’re here to serve you.”

Bold City Wings is located at 2016 Hendricks Avenue.

Luxury Real Estate Training Draws Area Realtors to Epping Forest

Nearly 30 realtors attended Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s Luxury Home Specialist Designation event at Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club last month.

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing hosted this training event on Tuesday, March 17, informing realtors how to earn the nationally recognized Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation – a distinction denoting success in the luxury home and estate markets.

“As the leader in Northeast Florida’s luxury real estate market, our brokerage is committed to continuous growth, making sure our Realtors have the insight, market knowledge, and expertise needed to best serve their clients,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President Ann King. “Elevating our Cabernet Standard starts with investing in education, and our Luxury Live event delivered meaningful information and momentum that drives our Realtors to the next level.”

Becoming a member of the institute and completing its specialized training is the first step in earning this designation; realtors must also meet certain requirements, including educational sales and memberships. Additionally, realtors must close three properties at a minimum price of $750,000 within two years to demonstrate production in the luxury home market.

Scenic Jacksonville Announces New Officers, Board Members

Scenic Jacksonville has added four new members to its Board of Directors and welcomes a new slate of officers to its leadership.

The new board members include Jim Citrano (senior vice president of commercial real estate at Seacoast Bank and chair of the Downtown Investment Authority), Ronaldo Horn (Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department chief of recruitment), Catherine Duncan (LOCI Architects, LLC principal architect) and Travis Smith (director of corporate engagement for the Year Up United).

Bill Hoff, Jr. will serve as president of the organization for the 2026 term, joined by Wiatt Bowers (first vice president), Oliver Barakat (second vice president), Susan Grandin (secretary), Matthew Edelman (treasurer) and Tyler Grant (at large).

“It is a privilege to serve our city and this storied organization in this way, and I look forward to continuing the work of the late Bill Brinton and others who have done so much to improve Jacksonville’s quality of life,” said Hoff.

Names, Petals and Peace Mark Angels for Allison Memorial

Led by Rev. Charlie Holt of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Angels for Allison board members, the memorial service remembered the children of the organization’s Angel families, reading their names aloud and tossing rose petals into the river.

Boy Scout Troop 2 worked behind the scenes of this powerful and meaningful day, preparing food and setting up and breaking down equipment for the picnic lunch served after the service.

The day stood as a powerful reminder of the work Angels for Allison does for families enduring the loss of a child.

Minimally Invasive, Maximally Precise

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside remains at the cutting edge of innovative surgery approaches with the arrival of the da Vinci Single Port robotic system.

With this new robotic system, surgeons will be able to perform complex surgical procedures through a single, tiny incision. Not only will this reduce pain and scarring for the patient, but it will also allow for faster recovery.

“The Single Port gives us the ability to access challenging areas of the body through one small incision while maintaining excellent visualization and dexterity,”

said Dr. Martin Martino, Medical Director of Gynecological Oncology and Advanced Women’s Health Chair of the Robotic Surgery Program for Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. “This is about more than technology; it’s about elevating the standard of care our patients deserve and giving them the best possible outcomes.”

This acquisition of the da Vinci Single Port robotic system enhances Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside’s reputation as a pioneer in robotic surgery. In 2024, it became one of the first hospitals in the world to add the

Rail Yard District Business Council

Taps New Leadership Team

A new slate of officers has stepped into leadership roles for the Rail Yard District Business Council.

“Our new officers bring fresh energy, thoughtful vision, and a strong sense of stewardship to the Rail Yard District,” said outgoing President Annie Murphy. “Together, they will build our momentum while nurturing economic growth, community engagement, and the district’s one-of-a-kind character.”

These newly elected officers are:

President: Karen Jones (CFO, Cain & Bultman, Inc.)

Vice President: Frank Wallmeyer (president, Standard Feed & Seed)

Secretary: Sherry McCall (operations manager, Condaxis Coffee)

Treasurer: Kimberly Gonzalez (senior manager, Internal Audit, CSX)

Additional board members for 2026 include Sean Bielman, Chriss Blume, Tom Duke, Jeff Edwards,Don Gibson, Annie Murphy, Trip Stanly, Shirley Thomas and Clay Tinkle

Let’s game plan your giving

These days, the number of charitable organizations and opportunities can be overwhelming for an unprepared giver. And there can be a big difference between giving just to give, and giving in a way that truly makes a difference.

Creating a meaningful giving plan should complement your asset strategies and reflect your passions. That way, your money goes where it can have the impact that matters most to you — and who you’re giving to.

So if you’re interested in giving with intent, we’d love to offer you a complimentary session. Let’s connect.

More than 250 guests gathered in support of Riverside Presbyterian Day School at its annual Capers Gala on Friday, Feb. 20, at Timuquana Country Club. Guests embraced the “Riverside Rodeo Roundup” theme, arriving in Westerninspired attire as RPDS parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty and friends came together to celebrate the school while raising awareness and funds for its mission. The annual fundraiser was chaired by Alix Perry, Emily Glober and Jadon Faust, with final totals to be announced.

Putting Hope in Motion

Nearly 90 golfers teed off at Queens Harbour Yacht and Country Club in support of The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida at its Tee-Off for Hope Golf Tournament. Golfers raised more than $40,000 at the event, which took place on Tuesday, March 2, which will help the organization further its mission of helping neighbors in need throughout the community.

Vintage Vibes and Good Times at Swamp Soirée

Downtown Vision, Inc. transported guests back in time to vintage Florida at the 11th annual DTJax Gala on Friday, Feb. 27.

This year’s theme – Swamp Soirée – celebrated the vibes of old Florida with live entertainment and a whimsical atmosphere at Venue 841 in the heart of the Southbank. Guests enjoyed handcrafted cocktails, bites from local restaurants, and more, raising funds and support for Placemaking Jax. Placemaking Jax, presented by VyStar Credit Union, creates pop-ups and other community-driven activations in Downtown Jacksonville.

From Preservation

Guests gathered at The Yards in Ponte Vedra Beach on

NFLT welcomed Ashley Demosthenes, CEO of the Land State Representative Aaron Bean also shared remarks during dedicated donors and community stakeholders. Guests enjoyed a mimosa brunch while celebrating and natural beauty that defines the region.

Sunday, March 22 for North Florida Land Trust’s

Bites,

Battles and Big Impact

Sulzbacher welcomed guests to its inaugural Food Fight Jax, where two teams of chefs – Beaches vs. Town –battled it out in the name of fun and philanthropy.

Guests enjoyed samplings from 24 area restaurants, a skills competition and chef team battle, a live auction, and more at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center on Tuesday, March 17.

Led by Captain Mike Riska of Valley Smoke, the Beaches Team consisted of Troy White (Valley Smoke), Britton Chobert (Marker 32), Taylor Pickett (The Creative Cook Grocery and Catering), Tim McGuide (Fish Camps/Valley Smoke) and Rick James (Fish Camps).

Meanwhile, Chad Shaner (14 Prime) captained the Town Team, which included Louis Kurz (14 Prime), Rachel Presutti (14 Prime) and Vincent Lui (Nomu Izakaya), along with faces from our Resident communities, including Blake Joyal (Biscotti’s) and Tito Quiñones (The Buoy).

Proceeds from this inaugural event benefitted the Sulzbacher Center job training programs.

REALLY GOOD PEOPLE 20

Every community has its quiet champions – the people who step forward when something needs to be done, who lend their time, talent and heart to make life better for everyone around them. In this series, “20 Really Good People,” Resident News is shining a light on individuals whose leadership, compassion and dedication help shape the Jacksonville we know and love.

These are the people building opportunity, preserving history, mentoring young people, strengthening families and caring for those who need it most. Some lead large organizations, others work quietly behind the scenes, but all share a common thread: a deep commitment to serving their community.

Over the next several issues, we will introduce readers to these remarkable individuals and the work that inspires them each day. Their stories remind us that meaningful change often begins with one person who simply chooses to help. We hope their example encourages all of us to notice the good around us – and perhaps be inspired to do a little good ourselves.

Health & Healing Champions

Matthew A. Zuino believes health care starts with people and the communities they call home, grounded in care patients can rely on to be delivered with dignity and respect.

For more than 25 years, Katie Ensign has devoted her career to serving individuals and families in need. Her path began as a volunteer, where she quickly realized that supporting nonprofit organizations was her calling. That realization led her to leave the corporate world and commit her professional life to helping others.

As vice president of Community Impact at Baptist Health, Ensign leads efforts to improve community health and well-being and eliminate health disparities through collaboration, civic engagement, responsible action and charitable service. Since joining Baptist Health in 2023, she’s brought deep experience from leading nonprofit and grantmaking organizations, giving her a firsthand understanding of the challenges communities face and the partnerships required to address them.

Now stepping into the role of President and CEO of Baptist Health, he will lead the region’s only locally headquartered and governed, faith-based, not-for-profit health system at a moment of opportunity and transformation.

“My work in health care has always been driven by purpose,” Zuino said.

That purpose has shaped a career focused on strengthening communities by ensuring access to high-quality care. A forward-thinking executive with more than 30 years of health care experience, Zuino has been instrumental in establishing Baptist Health as a high-performing, communityfocused organization recognized nationally for clinical excellence and compassionate care.

Founded in 1955, Baptist Health has grown into one of Northeast Florida’s most trusted institutions, reinvesting resources back into the community through hospitals, physician practices, outpatient services, and community health programs. Under Zuino’s leadership, the system is expanding its vision beyond traditional care delivery.

“My work in health care has always been driven by purpose.”

“At Baptist Health, we want to do more than practice medicine, we want to advance it,” said Zuino. “This happens by improving lifelong well-being and the overall health of the communities and families we serve. That work is driven by the dedicated physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs) and teams behind the care.”

This commitment includes bringing innovative care delivery models and advanced treatment options to the community, ensuring patients have access to leading-edge care close to home.

For Zuino, Baptist Health’s role as a local nonprofit carries special meaning. “What matters most is being there for your neighbors,” he said.

Looking ahead, he is energized by the opportunity to chart a new course – supporting care teams, expanding access, and ensuring Baptist Health remains a steadfast community partner for generations to come.

Ensign works closely with nonprofits across Northeast Florida, staying closely connected to community needs while advancing Baptist Health’s strategic priorities.

“Working to level the playing field and advance equity has been the driving force of my career,” Ensign said.

She helps guide the strategic direction of Baptist Health’s community initiatives, including oversight of the Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies the region’s most significant health-related priorities. In fiscal year 2025, Baptist Health made strategic investments in 54 nonprofit organizations across five Northeast Florida counties.

Among the most recent investments, Feeding Northeast Florida received $250,000 to support people facing food insecurity.

Ensign is also passionate about expanding Baptist Health’s impact beyond financial support, including encouraging team members to volunteer with local nonprofits to help drive meaningful, lasting change.

“Working to level the playing field and advance equity has been the driving force of my career.”

“As the region’s only locally governed, faith-based, not-for-profit health care system, we’re deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors – by meeting people where they live, work, play and learn,” Ensign said.

She points to partnerships extending beyond Baptist Health’s hospital walls. The Blue Zones Project is a comprehensive initiative focused on helping residents in high-need ZIP codes live better, longer lives. Baptist Health’s investment in the first phase of the Emerald Trail – the LaVilla Link – creates spaces that brings families and individuals together while fostering connection, physical activity and early literacy.

“These projects represent significant investments by our health system in creating

environments where health and well-being are accessible,” Ensign said. “They empower community members to make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

Introducing

DR. MICHAEL SAMOTOWKA

“Dr. Mike”Providing Aid and Relief from Ukraine to the US

Family roots in Ukraine; delivering relief, supplies, surgical expertise, and frontline truth through a lifetime of service shaped by medicine, mentorship, and unwavering humanitarian purpose.

Dr.Michael Samotowka’s story begins in upstate New York and extends across continents, operating rooms, air ambulances and conflict zones. As a boy, Samotowka was born and raised in Buffalo, where his family lived in a close-knit immigrant community with strong Ukrainian heritage and pride. The United States offered stability and possibility, yet his cultural roots remained a steady guide that helped shape his sense of service and the compassion that defines his work today.

Now a board-certified trauma surgeon, surgical critical care intensivist and assistant professor of surgery, Samotowka also served as trauma medical director and chief of the surgical intensive care unit at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. He consults for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and supports air medical teams as a staff flight surgeon. His leadership roles at the Cleveland Clinic further established a reputation grounded in clinical excellence. Behind each of these titles is the same purpose that drew him the first place, which is helping people in their most vulnerable moments.

That purpose now carries him back into Ukraine through MedGlobal and the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America. Working in temporary surgical units and field hospitals, he treats severe trauma, infections, amputations and cascading complications of warfare. His commitment is strengthened by what he sees in the United States as well.

“People in America are, as a whole, incredibly generous. We care about our own, and we care about others. The work MedGlobal carries out around the world, not just in Ukraine, depends on that generosity,” shared Samotowka.

Samotowka understands that compassion alone cannot sustain humanitarian work.

“These initiatives are life-changing, truly game-changing programs,” he said.

“But no matter how good the mission is, and no matter how strong the team or the intention behind it, without funding, the work simply cannot happen.”

Equally important to him is preparing the next generation of surgeons. Whether teaching surgical residents in the United States or equipping clinicians in Ukraine, he believes that sustainable recovery depends on shared knowledge and strong local leadership. His humanitarian missions focus on both immediate care and mentorship that will support communities long after a crisis ends.

“These initiatives are life-changing, truly game-changing programs. But no matter how good the mission is, and no matter how strong the team or the intention behind it, without funding, the work simply cannot happen.”

For Samotowka, service is not occasional. It is a lifelong commitment to advancing trauma care, strengthening global health and honoring the place where his journey began, one patient and one student at a time.

TIntroducing CLEVE WARREN

he time he’s given to Baptist Health Foundation, first as a board member and now as its board chairman, is something that hits close to home for Cleve Warren.

“Growing up in Jacksonville, having children who have been treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, having a granddaughter who was delivered at Baptist South, I step into the role as serving on this Foundation Board or the hospital system board with knowledge about what Baptist Health is to the community and, more particularly, what it has been to me and my family,” said Warren.

“What I have found is the foundation is purposeful, intentional about its commitment to outreach to the community, one to provide knowledge and two, to not

shy about asking for help”

In addition to serving as Chair of the Foundation Board, Warren also serves on Baptist Health’s system board and on its finance committee. This has provided him with a unique perspective on just how great an impact the Foundation – and its donors –has on the health system and, by extension, its patients.

“What I have found is the foundation is purposeful, intentional about its commitment to outreach to the community, one to provide knowledge and two, to not be shy about asking for help,” Warren said. “We can’t do it all on internal resources and the philanthropic community has been very, very diligent about assisting with those needs.”

Through Baptist Health Foundation, Warren sees firsthand what the power of giving can do for a community.

“I’m proud to be there, quite frankly,” he added.

LSF Health Systems CEO Dr. Christine Cauffield has worked in behavioral health for decades, but she’s never been prouder of her profession or her organization than she has been seeing how they have performed during the last five years.

The 2020 pandemic created crises in both mental health and substance misuse. Increased anxiety, depression and drug use, combined with isolation and disruption in work and school routines, resulted in an unprecedented mental health epidemic. It forced those working in behavioral health to develop innovative ways to respond, and Cauffield said that’s just what LSF Health Systems has done.

New reports highlight the positive impact those working on the front lines of mental healthcare have had over the last five years. Overdose deaths are now decreasing in Florida, and citizens have greater access to mental healthcare services than ever before.

“I witnessed the power of Florida’s unique communitybased case model in addressing the types of challenges we faced during the last five years,” Cauffield said. “The effectiveness of our system of care is why I was invited to serve on a network of European organizations studying the world’s best practices in mental healthcare.”

Cauffield led the launch of a program that trains those in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges to serve as peer recovery specialists in a variety of areas. The effort helped address the severe counselor shortage. It was vital in meeting the challenges created by the pandemic, and it has evolved into a national model.

Cauffield and her team recently created and promoted a new Zero Suicide Jax campaign to expand the vital work they do.

“I witnessed the power of Florida’s unique community-based care model in addressing the challenges we faced during the last five years.

“I’ve been able to meet so many amazing people who are alive and doing well today because of the lifesaving work our team does,” Cauffield said. “These dedicated people and the opportunities we have to affect positive change are why I love what I do.”

strengthening connections and

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Happy Medium Books Café

Historic Riverside 2724 Park Street • Jax, FL 32205

Est. 2023

Not just your average bookstore... 904-683-8447

happymediumbookscafe.com

Authors Among Us

When I was seven years old, I sat down to write a book, hoping to become the youngest person ever to publish one. I had no idea who held the record at the time, but I wrote (and illustrated) “Ferdinand and the Richest Secret” in a journal, about a little boy who had a dog named Ferdinand that could talk and do anything a human could do. When I finished it, I pulled out the Yellow Pages and called every publisher I found listed there to see if they’d be interested in publishing my book.

Spoiler alert: My book did not get published and today, according to the “Guinness Book of World Records” the youngest male and female to publish books are, respectively, Saeed Rashed Almheiri of the United Arab Emirates, who published “The Elephant Saeed and the Bear” at four years and 218 days old; and Sarvia Hasan of the United States, who was three years and 63 days old when her book, “Sarvia and Her Little World” was published.

My lifelong dream of being a published author was born in those pages, and as that dream grew up with me, so did my deep respect and appreciation for the authors who are successful in transforming the characters and stories that take shape in their minds into a printed, bound and published book out there in the world. I am fortunate to call many of them my friends.

Our Resident communities have no shortage of authors in our very own backyards. In fact, Resident News itself has several published authors among its contributors, including columnists Susanna Barton and Peggy Harrell Jennings, as well as contributing writer Susan D. Brandenburg. Previous issues of Resident News have shared the stories of local writers as well, from local celebrity and Jacksonville historian Dr. Wayne Wood to Todd Reese and his children’s series

featuring the lovable pup Mistymoto to Sohrab Homi Fracis’s short story collection “True Fiction.”

Robin Robinson and George Foote have both dedicated countless hours and energy to chronicling the history of San Marco in their publications, which stand as go-to resources for anyone wishing to learn more about the evolution of the historic neighborhood, which last year celebrated its centennial.

The independent bookstores within our Resident neighborhoods do what they can to raise awareness of and support for our local authors as well. San Marco Books and More has hosted local authors every Saturday for more than a decade, along with other author events throughout the year.

“Jacksonville has a wealth of great writers from newly published and independently published authors to those with established readers who are published by the Big 5 publishers,” said owner Desiree Bailey. “… It’s important to give authors a platform for readers to support and discover them, and we are happy to be that platform.”

Across the river, Riverside’s Happy Medium Books Café also hosts local author events throughout the month, like the March 18 launch party for Wayne Wood’s new book “Kenneth Treister – The Fusion of Architecture +Art.”

Meanwhile, in Avondale, Autumn Toumbis, owner of The Next Chapter Bookshop, is planning to launch her own monthly Author Mingle event to coincide with Amplified Avondale, where authors can sign books and meet and chat with readers.

“We’ve been incredibly grateful for the local support The Next Chapter has received since opening, and launching An Author Mingle is really our way of paying that forward,” Toumbis said. “…It’s a wonderful reminder that when a community shows up for local creativity, everyone benefits.”

Honoring a Legacy

By Peggy Harrell Jennings

Dr. Wayne Wood’s lively presentation about his latest book, “Kenneth Treister – The Fusion of Architecture +Art,” left an enthralled audience at Happy Medium Books Café on Wednesday, March 18.

Treister, one of the remaining architects who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, has been hailed as a modern Renaissance man.

At age 96 he is still writing, painting, sculpting, lecturing, designing, and creating.Wood remarked that through his visits and conversations with Treister, a unique friendship has bloomed. As one Renaissance man to another, the two remarkable individuals have developed a friendship based on mutual respect and admiration. The beauty, passion, and scope of Treister’s award winning creations is mind boggling and Wood is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of

While you’re bookstore hopping on National Indie Bookstore Day (Saturday, April 25), keep an eye out for the “Locals” sections at your favorite bookshop and grab a new title by a local author. You’re supporting an independent bookstore, you’re supporting a local author – and you’re adding a new book to your collection. A win-win-win!

Michele Leivas still dreams of being a published author, with a manuscript that is eternally almost ready for querying.

While “Ferdinand and the Richest Secret” never came to be, she is eternally grateful to the people who humored seven-year-old Michele when she called mainly textbook publishers from the Yellow Pages about publishing her book.

this amazing artist and his visionary work.

Wood’s photographs, as well as those from other contributors, capture the beauty and artistry of Treister’s stained glass windows, innovative structures, furniture, sculptures and paintings together in a fusion of the designer and his creative genius. From his beautiful architectural gems to the painfully exquisite Holocaust memorial in Miami, Treister’s work uses ornamentation which he hopes resonate with viewers.

“I hope these projects create visual images and sensory experiences…which heighten the drama of living while transcending both time and place,” Treister said.

Wood’s book certainly enfolds and embraces the legacy of this amazing individual in a beautifully arranged and artfully presented edition.

CURRENTLY READING: “Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter” by Heather Fawcett

CURRENTLY LISTENING TO: “The Second Rebel”

Lit Talent, Right Next Door A sampling of local authors

Susanna Barton

Susan D. Brandenburg

Ennis Davis

Dorothy K. Fletcher

George Foote

Tim Gilmore

Peggy Harrell Jennings

Charles Martin

Madeline Martin

Nicole Mikell

Robin Robinson

Sarah Clarke Stuart

J.E. Sutton, Jr.

Michael Wiley

Nikesha Elise Williams

Mark Woods

Dr. Wayne Wood

Women Writing for a Change

By Fabrizio Gowdy

Against the Odds

Editor’s Note: Every home has a story. With our new series, “If These Walls Could Talk,” Resident News will explore the history found within the homes and structures that shape our Resident communities. From Riverside and Avondale to San Marco and beyond, these buildings are more than beautiful landmarks – they are part of the identity, character and history of our neighborhoods. That’s why this series will feature stories from both sides of the river, celebrating the people, moments and memories that have lived within these walls.

When a handful of Christians met at a two-story home on the southwest corner of Hendricks Avenue and Louisa Street one warm afternoon in September 1886, they couldn’t have imagined the thousands of lives their meeting would touch over the next 140 years.

In those days, there were no electric lights or paved roads in what was then South Jacksonville, and the white picket fence surrounding the home where they met that day was there mainly to keep out the livestock that roamed the streets. On Sundays, going to church meant crossing the

St. Johns River into Jacksonville via ferry or traveling the Old St. Augustine Road to a little church at Phillips Station.

Believing South Jacksonville needed a church of its own, a small group secured the blessing of the area’s Methodist Church elders and met at the home of former Governor Harrison Reed on Sept. 27, 1886, to formally organize the new church: Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.

Originally from Massachusetts, Reed was elected during Reconstruction and was Florida’s longest-serving Republican governor until Jeb Bush was re-elected to a

second term in 2002. Reed’s time in office is remembered for the full-time enrollment of children in public schools more than doubling. Historians Sarah and John Foster, Jr. attribute Reed’s strong support for public education and alleviating poverty to the influence of his wife, Chloe Merrick Reed, whom they dubbed “Freedom’s First Lady.”

Women were well-represented in the nascent Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.

Chloe Reed was appointed Sunday school superintendent; Elizabeth Swaim and Mary Booth were appointed Sunday school teachers; and within a couple of years, Julia Landon had become the church’s financial secretary.

The group badly wanted to build a sanctuary, but the congregation numbered only about 20 people, mostly of modest means. Even Governor Reed struggled

After several years of gathering in private homes and, later, in a temperance hall, the congregation finally managed to build a 32-by-50-foot church on Montana Avenue under the leadership of an all-female building committee. In 1900, the church

on Kings Avenue valued at $2,600.

By 1919, the congregation again began making plans for a new sanctuary, this time at Lasalle Street and Naldo Avenue, where the current church stands today. Despite limited financial resources, the distinctive Spanish-style structure was completed in December 1925. It was renamed the Elizabeth Swaim Memorial Methodist Church in honor of the Church’s first Sunday school teacher, who had passed away the previous year.

Notable features of the structure include its sturdy wood beams and stained-glass windows that predominantly honor women, fitting for a church pioneered largely by women. There is also a prominent tower with open arches topped by a green cupola and a cross – older members believe it once housed a light.

The congregation grew significantly in the mid-20th century. The church set a record in April 1950, when an incredible 561 people attended Sunday school in one single day.

The ideological makeup of the members has swung dramatically back and forth over the years. Herb Cochley III’s family has been part of the church since the 1930s,

when the congregation consisted mostly of progressive Yankee transplants. The church claims to have been the first to have an integrated gymnasium in Jacksonville.

Cochley said things had changed by the time he was born. He remembers Frank Sherman, president of American National Bank, standing up one day and proclaiming that “there ain’t gonna be none of these teenagers dancing in my church.”

In the decades since, the church membership has returned to its progressive roots, particularly in the last 10 years, as an

influx of people from the Campus to City Wesley ministry has made the congregation younger and more diverse. The church remains Methodist, but was renamed San Marco Church in 2018 and enthusiastically welcomes LGBTQ individuals, the homeless and people of all backgrounds.

The church now serves many people who have struggled to find a spiritual home elsewhere. Derrick Scott III says he grew up a “church boy” in a different United Methodist congregation, but eventually left and assumed he would never serve in church leadership again.

“Clearly, that wasn’t true,” said Scott, now a board member for San Marco Church. “And the reason for that is because this is a place of rest and refuge, a healing space.”

The church also offers sign language interpretation every Sunday and has become a welcoming place for those with disabilities. Jessica Campbell is unable to take her son Jude to most churches because he has severe autism and is non-verbal. Not only did the congregation at San Marco church welcome Jude, but they also soon adopted his habit of clapping at the end of each song.

“The congregation has embraced him –not just tolerated him but loved him,” said Campbell.

Having recently marked a century in its current sanctuary and now preparing to celebrate 140 years since its founding, Pastor Steve Hart is hoping to attract new members and donors to help preserve the church and its history. That includes restoring two floors of classrooms that were part of the church’s long-shuttered school.

It’s an ambitious goal for a church whose congregation is slowly growing, yet still modest in size – but San Marco Church has a history of overcoming challenges and achieving the improbable. The congregation may be small, but that has never stopped it before.

Does your home have a story to tell? Did you uncover a hidden treasure in the attic or learn that your home once welcomed a notable historical figure? We’d love to hear about it. Please email editor@residentnews.net and include “If These Walls Could Talk” in the subject line. Your home’s story may be the next one we share.

Freedom and Resolve

Florida Forum welcomes Vladimir Kara-Murza

and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist

continued The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s 2025-26 Florida Forum Speaker Series on Feb. 3 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Arrested in 2022, Kara-Murza was initially sentenced to 25 years for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. He was released on Aug. 1, 2024, as part of a historic prison exchange between Russia and Western nations.

Sponsored by Florida Blue, Landstar, and The Claxton Bank, this speaker series offers guests evenings of insightful and inspiring conversation on a variety of topics and themes. Proceeds from the series will support a new outdoor play area for pediatric behavioral health patients at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

The Speaker Series concluded on March 31 with chef, restauranteur and humanitarian José Andrés.

Crackdown on Florida Animal Abusers Continues

By Julie Kerns Garmendia

When Dexter’s Law (Florida House Bill 255) and Trooper’s Law (Florida Senate Bill 150) were unanimously passed in 2025 to define animal abuse better, they also significantly increased the punishment of animal cruelty offenses. Now, a third bill, unanimously passed in March –Florida House Bill 559 – will further expand and tighten that safety net. This bill adds a new third-degree felony charge for adults who commit aggravated animal cruelty: fighting/ baiting animals, sexual activities involving animals, offenses committed in the presence of children, coercing or forcing a minor to commit animal abuse. Governor Ron DeSantis was poised to sign this third bill at press time.

Extreme animal abuse crimes in Jacksonville and elsewhere in Florida from 2024 to early 2026 shocked citizens, law enforcement and the animal welfare community. The lasting impact of the heartbreaking stories of those dogs is memorialized in the tougher abuse laws named for them: Dexter’s Law (FL House Bill 255) and Trooper’s Law (FL Senate Bill 599). DeSantis announced that criminal animal abuse in Florida carries a third-degree felony charge, now punishable by higher fines and longer imprisonment.

“…Those horrifying instances of animal cruelty demand a stronger response,” DeSantis said. “Florida stands by man’s best friend to prosecute those who are derelict in their duty to take care of their own pets.”

Although these laws were not enacted in time to save all the dogs mentioned above, or to punish their abusers in proportion to their crimes, state legislators acted decisively. They amended the previous, inadequate statutes to ensure that Florida animal cruelty crimes can no longer go uncharged, be charged but then dismissed, or receive “a slap on the wrist,” as Jacksonville’s CBS 47/Fox 30 reported.

Dexter’s Law established three legal milestones for animal abuse crimes: a 1.25-point sentencing multiplier that increases sentences; elimination of record sealing or expungement to ensure a permanent criminal record; and the creation of the first Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Aggravated Animal Cruelty Registry.

The registry is a public, searchable abuser database of anyone who enters a plea or is convicted of animal abuse in Florida; it initially listed more than 2,000 offenders. The registry includes abusers’ names, aliases, birthdays, counties of conviction, additional personal information and booking photos. The registry prevents Florida offenders from adopting or purchasing pets, or remaining anonymous to the public and flying under the radar of law enforcement.

While Trooper, a white-with-gray bull terrier, survived his abuser, Dexter did not.

Trooper was left chained to a fence on I-75 in rising floodwater up to his chest, as Category 4 Hurricane Milton

ANIMAL HOUSE

approached Florida. Florida Highway Patrol Officer Orlando Morales rescued Trooper when he spotted him on Oct. 9, 2024. Morales named the terrified dog Trooper, whose story went viral and received national media coverage on CBS News. Owner Giovanny Aldama Garcia was arrested on aggravated felony animal cruelty charges, but those charges were dropped, sparking public outrage.

Leon County Humane Society cared for Trooper until he was adopted by one of the 400 families who applied for him. Frank and Carla Spina saw Trooper’s story in the news and submitted an application, hoping that their long experience with bull terriers and their rescued female bull terrier, Dallas, would help. Humane Society staff agreed, which led to the family’s seven-hour trip to officially adopt Trooper.

Dexter’s story, which began so happily with his adoption from the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter in May 2024, quickly ended with the horrific discovery of his body. Dexter was a four-year-old, black and white bulldog mix savagely killed by Domingo R. Rodriguez shortly after being adopted from the animal shelter. Rodriguez was convicted in February 2025 and sentenced to the maximum penalties at that time: one year and 60 days in prison, a $5,000 fine and court costs.

Dexter’s Law

Dexter’s Law increases penalties for severe animal cruelty, such as intentional torture or killing, with a mandatory fine of up to $2,500, up to five years imprisonment and mandatory counseling to include anger management. Dexter’s Law also includes a 1.25-point sentencing multiplier that can significantly increase prison sentences.

Trooper’s Law

The legislature unanimously passed Trooper’s Law, which went into effect in October 2025, making it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a disaster – hurricane, flood, wildfire, or evacuation. This felony is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.00.

Unfortunately, Jacksonville has had its own severe animal abuse cases. In January 2026, senior dog Tristan was found critically injured, dumped in a Westside park near Jacksonville Heights Elementary School. This case of deliberate violence has led to a $3,000 reward for any anonymous tip that leads to an arrest in Tristan’s case.

Two late 2025 animal abuse cases also resulted in the suffering and death of two local dogs, according to Animal Care and Protective Services Chief Michael Bricker. Miracle was a Great Dane (called Oak by its

owner) that was found severely emaciated on the side of a road. Rescued and taken to ACPS, Miracle died despite all efforts by veterinarians. ACPS offered an $8,000 reward, thanks to an anonymous donation. A Crime Stopper’s tip led to felony animal cruelty charges against Dawn Lipford. Lipford was arrested and jailed.

Valor was a blue and white pit bull puppy found in San Marco, tied to a tree and shot multiple times. The crime scene was by a pond near Emerson and Hendricks Avenue. There is a $3,000 reward for any tip reported to Crime Stoppers that results in an arrest of the person or persons responsible for Valor’s abuse and death.

In December 2025, a new partnership between ACPS and First Coast Crime Stoppers was created to expand and promote the investigation of animal cruelty cases. Working in partnership, the two organizations offer cash rewards for tips that lead to an arrest.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and ACPS are actively publicizing the new laws and abuser registry. They urge the public to help bring offenders to justice by reporting animal abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Bricker urges citizens to report any information about animal abuse cases to the First Coast Crime Stopper’s Hotline: (866) 845-8477 (TIPS). Tips can also be texted to **TIPS or reported online at www.FCCrimeStoppers.com . For animal emergencies, contact ACPS at (904) 630-2489.

For after-hours assistance, call the JSO nonemergency number at (904) 630-0500.

A Renewed Hope

The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida celebrated the reopening of Hope Park at The Towers Center of Hope last month, following $80,000 in renovations funded by The Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation.

Salvation Army supporter Richard Stetina founded the park in 2015, and the 10,000-square-foot playground closed last spring to allow for upgrades and modernizations, allowing it to continue serving families sheltering at the Towers.

By Peggy Harrell Jennings

Members of the Jacksonville arts community were hoppin’ and boppin’ at the recent Gallery Brunch Hop.

At the UNICAT, artist Hillary Rumpel Hogue’s intriguing paintings beckon viewers into the joy of discovery as representational objects are revealed in swirling colors. In contrast, her black-and-white illustrations are “entanglements of ideologies” with layers of planes, lines and intersecting objects. Hogue, a teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, inspires viewers to explore the depths of perception.

Nackashi/Draper Studio was busy as people hopped around Springfield and Downtown. Amiable David Nackashi offered insight into his nocturnal acrylic paintings and viewers enjoyed Jim Draper’s commentary and new works on exhibit. Journeying from studio to studio offers viewers a chance to make personal connections with the artists, view the creative process, and visit with them in their “natural habitat.”

Art on the Hop

other, munching their way around town, with a nod to the “feed them and they will come” philosophy. Folks gathered and embraced the personal connection with artists and gallery directors throughout the neighborhoods, from Springfield to Downtown to Riverside to Murray Hill.

reverence towards the subject and direct the viewer not just to glance and move on, but to give attention and consideration,” he added.

These are masterful pieces that draw the viewer in and inspire a personal connection with the subject.

Retired UNF Professor David Porter, alongside Elliott Preble and Keith Doles, were featured at Ronan’s School of Music in the seventh Elusive Art and performance event organized by musician Lee Hunter for an evening of visual art, music and performances.

Elena Ohlander’s “This Side Up” at Touché Gallery is what Johnny Masiulewicz called a “mesmerizing display of disturbingly whimsical creations.”

The skillfully rendered characters and the interesting juxtaposition of objects tell intriguing, mysterious stories in a fresh, amusing, thoughtful manner.

The First Coast Pastel Society exhibit at the Jacksonville Jewish Community Alliance

featured a variety of works by 17 members, juried by Bryan Deig, who took the Fan Favorite Award. Carron Wedlund, show chair, said the organization now has 40 members with Mary Bastola as president.

Happy Medium Books Café is always hopping, and Cookie Davis’ exhibit reception was well attended, with the crowd chatty and cheerful as they enjoyed snacks, libations, and Davis’ powerful, colorful paintings.

The Art Center exhibit “Kaleidoscope,” juried by Dennis Hamilton, featured 12 artists. Roger Bailey and Austin Park received Juror’s Choice Awards, while Best of Show went to Halle Rothstein for her interesting piece “Flowers.”

“[‘Flowers’] took on a bit of anthropomorphism...friends dancing and celebrating the return of Spring,” Hamilton remarked.

Southlight Gallery visitors celebrated “South Africa: Through the Lens of Anna Tripp.” Her documentary photography took the viewer on a journey as stories were revealed through her photographs. Tripp graduated from Paxon School for Advanced

The Art Center on Adams Street had a cheerful vibe, with open studios and several artists on hand demonstrating weaving; other galleries were open for visiting as well, and viewers moved from one to the

Marcus Jamal Williams said of his paintings – “Regard,” on display at Yellow House – that he “depicts the strength and beauty of Black people.”

“[The paintings show] esteem and

Studies and Jacksonville University with degrees in marine science and photography. She shared the evening spotlight with Pablo Rivera as guests celebrated with 90 cupcakes to mark his 90th circle around the sun. Artists just want to have fun.

Master printmaker Sheila Goloborotko enthralled and inspired attendees at the Jacksonville Artists Guild’s recent meeting. Goloborotko, a professor at UNF, wowed the crowd with her masterful prints, sculptures, and ever-emerging concepts for fascinating future pieces.

As Winston Churchill, also an artist, said, “Happy are the painters, [creatives] for they shall not be lonely. Light and colour, peace and hope, will keep them company to the end of the day.”

Now to May 8

“Kaleidoscope” Exhibit The Art Center 320 E. Adams Street

Now to May 18

“It’s Weather” Exhibit Northpoint Dental 11257 Alta Drive Suite 101/102

April 1

First Wednesday ArtWalk Downtown Jacksonville 5 to 9 p.m.

April 4 & 5

Mandarin Art Festival

Mandarin Community Club

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. mandarinartfestival.org

April 11 & 12

Jacksonville Artists Guild

“Remember When” Exhibit Church of the Good Shepherd and JAG at Art House on the Riverside Avondale Preservation Home Tour Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m. riversideavondale.org

April 16 to June 4

“In the Neighborhood” Jacksonville Artists’ Guild Exhibit Church of the Good Shepherd 1100 Stockton Street

Through Her Lens

Gallery 75 shared a candid, more personal side of John Lennon during a special three-day exhibition last month.

“The Lost Weekend: The Photography of May Pang” ran from March 13 to 15 and showcased May Pang’s collection of photographs she took of Lennon during his 18-month “Lost Weekend” period, from late 1973 to 1975.

Pang attended the three-day exhibition, meeting guests, signing artwork and sharing the stories behind some of the photographs, which showed Lennon in relaxed, unguarded moments as Pang knew and saw him.

Guests who attended this free exhibition were able to view one of the last known photographs of Lennon and Paul McCartney together, taken on March 29, 1974. The exhibition also showcased the only known photograph of Lennon signing the contract to dissolve the Beatles.

It was during the Lost Weekend period in Lennon’s post-Beatles career that he recorded the albums “Mind Games, Walls and Bridges” and “Rock and Roll,” collaborating with other legends in the industry, including Elton John, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger and Ringo Starr.

This exhibition also coincided with the digital release of “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story,” a feature-length documentary produced by Briarcliff Entertainment that explores the relationship Pang shared with Lennon and provides deeper insight into that era of rock history.

MOCA Jacksonville presents a retrospective of acclaimed Floridabased painter Amer Kobaslija featuring works from many of his most well-known series, along with dynamic new paintings that reflect his curiosity and nomadic spirit.

Extend opening night by joining us for the reception and get 10% off your meal at Bellwether, Pour Taproom, or Sweet Pete’s! For more information, or to become a member for VIP access, visit MOCAJACKSONVILLE.UNF.EDU

By Lauren K. Weedon

From Conversation to Community Impact Dinner leads to $1 million gift

For more than 40 years, Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) has operated out of the basement of First Presbyterian Church, helping Jacksonville residents cover rent and utilities, pick up groceries, and find clothing when they need it most. The partnership has been steady and meaningful, providing a consistent home base for services that thousands of people have relied upon over the years.

As the need has grown, so has the organization. The current space is about 5,000 square feet and while it has

Linda is passionate about DESC’s work boots program, which provides boots and nonslip shoes for people in service jobs so they can stay safe and employed. For more than 10 years, instead of birthday gifts, she has asked friends and family to donate to the program. The Ferrignos are thoughtful, consistent supporters.

As neighbors, they often invite Clark over for dinner, a time to visit and socialize, and their conversations usually turn to DESC. One of those dinners, in February 2023,

served DESC well, it also naturally limits how many people can be helped at a time, how services are delivered, and how the organization can expand. Right now, the food pantry and clothing assistance are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, largely because of those constraints.

Executive Director David Clark has led DESC for nearly a decade, and, like most nonprofit leaders, he spends a lot of time discussing opportunities and challenges with people invested in the work. Some of those conversations have resulted in a close relationship with longtime supporters Vince and Linda Ferrigno. Vince’s connection to DESC goes back more than 30 years, including service on the board.

became something more.

“I mentioned we were experiencing growing pains, and we needed a change from our basement setting to be able to serve our clients better,” said Clark.

It wasn’t a formal ask – just a conversation about what the organization was running up against.

What happened next caught Clark completely off guard.

“Vince asked me, ‘Do you need a building? I will buy you one,” Clark recalled. “And Linda added, ‘Say yes!’”

Clark still describes the moment in stages.

“At first, I was just so surprised,” Clark said. “It was unexpected because I wasn’t asking him for a gift. We were just talking about challenges in the organization. And then, wow.”

He left their house that night, still processing it.

“After I wasn’t just stuck on the element of surprise, I was so excited about the opportunity. I remember calling Julie Handley in the driveway as I was leaving the Ferrignos’ house and telling her, you won’t believe what just happened!”

At that point, there were no details: no building selected, no campaign structure in place – just the possibility and excitement of a significant change for DESC.

One conversation set everything else in motion.

Today, DESC is preparing to move into a new facility at 956 N. Liberty St.

The building is 10,000 square feet, all on one level, and designed to be more accessible and flexible for the people DESC serves. The Ferrignos purchased it for $1 million, helping launch a $3.6 million capital campaign that has raised nearly $3 million. Julie Handley serves as the capital campaign chair.

Construction is underway. Walls were broken in April 2025, the building permit is in hand, and the organization expects to open before the end of the year. The additional space will allow DESC to expand hours and services, connecting clients not only to emergency assistance but also to literacy support, legal aid, nutrition and medical screenings through on-site partnerships with other nonprofits that provide additional resources.

It’s a natural next step for an organization that has grown steadily over time, with the support of partners like First Presbyterian Church and donors who have stayed close to the work – a next step that began with a simple conversation with friends over dinner.

That moment set DESC on a new path. With the new building, expanded services, and growing community support, the organization is ready to meet the needs of even more people and begin its next chapter in a bigger, more accessible space.

“The Ferrignos have always been so committed to DESC, making connections, providing ideas, and asking how they can help,” said Clark. “We are deeply grateful.”

When trauma shakes a child’s world, finding balance can feel impossible. By giving to Daniel during Child Abuse Prevention Month, you can provide a foundation for abused and neglected kids to heal and take new steps forward.

YOUR DONATION CAN:

• supply counseling for abused kids

• connect children with foster families

• provide homeless teens with shelter

• strengthen high-risk families

Please Donate!

Shelley Smith

UNSUNG HEROES A TRIBUTE

THOSE WHO GIVE BACK

By Jennifer Jensen

Shelley Smith first learned of Dreams Come True nearly 30 years ago through dinner-time discussions with the woman who would become her mother-in-law.

“I was intrigued by what she did, because oftentimes during our dinner conversations, she would bring it up, so I started getting involved with her,” Smith said.

Dreams Come True exists to help children battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and their families find a momentary reprieve from the stress and struggles they face.

“I get a lot out of it,” Smith said. “It’s very rewarding for me. It’s unfortunate, but when a family has sick children, they are often financially, mentally, and physically strained. And it’s an organization that can just really help in so many ways.”

When she first started volunteering, Smith helped organize what they call the “Dream Closet” and took part in other miscellaneous activities. Over time, as she became more involved, she inspired her children to help out as well through the Kids Helping Kids program at their high school.

“It kind of became a family affair,” Smith said.

Smith also co-founded the Dreams Come True Women’s Board, whose members educate, fundraise and volunteer for the Dreams Come True 5K, Dream Day, the Annual Christmas Party and Special Times. She currently serves as president.

Dreams Come True does more than grant one big dream for the children it serves; these children and their families are welcomed into the Dreams Come True family, and the organization also seeks to help in other ways, Smith said.

“The dream is the big one, but there are all these other small things all yearlong that we try to do,” Smith said. “It’s really fun, and it goes beyond just the dream itself.”

Over the years, Smith has seen the organization grow, which unfortunately means there are more sick children, but also there are more dreams to be fulfilled and more moments of joy to create.

“It’s amazing what the entire family gets out of the dream,” Smith said. “They get to see their sick child happy. The siblings are also strained. They are also suffering in some way. And they get to go on these trips. It’s just a time where it feels like the family can just put everything else behind them.”

And it also gives them precious memories with their child.

“It gives them these memories that they would have never had,” Smith said. “It’s very special. I just can’t imagine ever not doing something with Dreams Come True.”

River Garden supports every note. We continually evolve to meet seniors where they are, encouraging independence for as long as possible with reassurance that our skilled team will be here when they need well-orchestrated support.

What It’s Worth – and What It Means to Hold It

Before you decide what to do with coins, currency or gold that have been sitting at home, it may be worth taking a closer look.

A-Coin & Stamp Gallery invites Jacksonville-area residents to bring in pieces for a professional evaluation – whether it’s a single item tucked away in a drawer or a collection passed down through generations. The goal isn’t pressure or quick decisions. It’s clarity.

Not everything of value announces itself.

Some of the most meaningful and valuable pieces that pass across the counter arrive quietly – stored in envelopes, inherited through family lines, or rediscovered during moments of transition. At first glance, they may seem ordinary. But with the right perspective, they often reveal something more.

That perspective is what separates curiosity from understanding.

For decades, collectors and families alike have come in simply to learn what they have. Sometimes it’s a single coin – a Morgan dollar set aside years ago. Other times, it’s a small group of gold pieces or a collection that has followed a family from one home to the next. And occasionally, it’s something far more significant – a rare issue tied to a specific mint, a limited run, or a moment in American history that can still be held in the palm of your hand.

“There are certain coins and pieces we’re always looking for,” said Bill Hatchett of A-Coin, a numismatist and incredibly knowledgeable collector, buyer and seller of these rare valuables.

These are not abstract categories. Specific coins – including early American silver dollars, historic issues from Carson City and New Orleans, and other well-documented pieces – continue to draw strong interest among collectors. Understanding whether something falls into that category begins with simply bringing it in.

But the story doesn’t stop with rarity.

Value is often tied to time – not just when a piece was minted, but how long it has been held, preserved and passed down. Gold, in particular, has long played a steady role in that conversation. While short-term market movements come and go, those who have held gold over time recognize something more enduring: its ability to retain relevance and serve as a reliable store

of value across generations.

It’s not simply about a moment to sell or a moment to buy. It’s about recognizing what you have and understanding how it fits into a broader, long-term picture.

That’s why many people choose to come in not with urgency, but with intention.

They want to know:

What exactly do I have?

Where does it come from?

And what is it truly worth today?

In many cases, the answers are surprising.

A single coin tucked away years ago may connect to a much broader historical narrative. A small group of gold pieces may represent a long-term investment that has quietly held its ground. Even collections that feel incomplete or informal can

carry significance when viewed through experienced eyes.

“Most people don’t realize what they’re holding until they take a closer look,” explained Hatchett.

That moment – when uncertainty turns into understanding – is where the real value begins.

At A-Coin, evaluations are straightforward and grounded in experience. Each piece is reviewed for authenticity, condition, origin and collector demand, offering clients not just a number, but context. Whether the decision is to hold, to pass something along or to act, that insight provides confidence.

Because in the end, this isn’t just about coins or currency.

It’s about recognizing the role these pieces play – as investments, as artifacts and as part of a story that continues to evolve.

Note:

but none can produce the kind of products we handle.”

Because nearly everything a printer does is time-sensitive – whether it’s a grand opening, a critical sales campaign, or an event program – and quite often they are not given adequate time to get the job done, Mike says that the larger, more productive equipment gives Hartley Press the edge.

“It makes a big difference,” he said. “For

K9s United. St. John heads the board of K9s United, which is committed to supporting and honoring law enforcement K9s that protect and serve, and has touted Mike’s active involvement in the civic and business communities.

“Mike does a lot for the nonprofit sector, and really makes a difference for the community,” said St. John.

Having served as chairman of both the

Mike Hartley

By Susan D. Brandenburg

Mike Hartley was born in Jacksonville in 1946, one of Margaret and Dyess Hartley’s seven children – two boys and five girls.

For many years, Dyess Hartley worked for Ambrose the Printer, a well-known local print shop. Although he sometimes considered opening his own business, he remained content until he faced a lifechanging situation.

When President John F. Kennedy called up the Navy reserves in 1961 to address the Berlin Wall Crisis, Dyess Hartley spent a year on active duty and returned with a new perspective and a strong resolve to be his own boss. By night, he was a Navy recruiter,

eventually becoming the nation’s leading recruiter. By day, he worked diligently in his Southside home carport, using a small hand press to print business cards for a limited number of customers. It was 1963, and, despite the odds against him, Dyess Hartley was determined to make Hartley Press a thriving print shop.

“All of us helped in my parents’ new business,” recalled Mike Hartley. “I’d come home from Dupont High School – now Wolfson – and work on hand-setting business cards – one at a time.”

After Mike’s graduation, and an “aimless semester” at Jacksonville University, his dad recruited him into the Navy, where he spent two years studying electronics. Upon discharge, Mike came home to work for the family business, where he remains today.

“Over the years, all of my Hartley siblings and several of their spouses have worked at the business,” said Mike. “My brother Rick and sister Diane have retired, but I’m still actively involved in the day-today operations.”

and most productive equipment in North Florida and beyond. This steady growth resulted from a family tradition of taking a leap of faith and buying bigger and better, usually used, equipment, and then working harder than ever to meet customer needs.

From a small carport in their Southside home to their current 75,000-square-foot facility at 4250 St. Augustine Road, Hartley Press has become the largest and most well-equipped plant in South Georgia and North Florida.

“Our big web press is the only one in the country, and allows us to produce virtually all of our products in our own facility,” said

Mike, who attributes much of the growth and success of the company to the example set by his father, Dyess Hartley. “Our Dad was a strong man. He encouraged us to keep investing in the future, even when it was challenging to do so.”

As he led a recent tour of the facility,

instance, we just produced what would have been an impossible job for anyone else: 850,000 Valentine cards for McDonald’s that had to be done in two days! The customer loved it and wanted another 500,000 by the next day, and we did that, too.”

Rightly proud of his business, Mike is equally proud of his own family. His wife, Cathy, is a retired pediatrician, and their daughter, Sarah, is an OB/GYN in Denver, currently expecting their first grandchild.

“My son, Mike Jr., has a business degree from Florida State and has worked with me for years. He is exploring other interests

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and the PLAYERS Championship, Mike credits his years of involvement with the PLAYERS for many of his other leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.

“I feel that being part of the PLAYERS annual golf tournament led me to become more active than ever in the community,” said Mike, noting that he served on the boards of the FCCJ Foundation, UNF Foundation, Dreams Come True, Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, Blood Cancer United (formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), MaliVai

“We have been so very blessed to have some of the finest professionals in the business working with us and to serve the area’s best companies,” said Mike. “We have

Mike noted that the printing business has always revolved around equipment, and their modest beginning with hand-fed printers has developed into a print shop with the largest

Mike proudly pointed out several modern presses that required significant investments at the time of purchase and have since produced incredible dividends for the company.

“A few years ago, we were approached by Quad Graphics out of Wisconsin, the second largest printer in the country, to print large, beautiful books for their client, National Geographic, because we had equipment that neither they nor anyone else in the U.S. had,” recalled Mike. “North Florida has many small, wonderful printers,

developed a lifetime of friends and clients.”

Dan St. John of St. John and Partners has been a client of Hartley Press for 45 years.

“Mike has always come through,” said St. John. “The work is always quality work. He’s an asset to Northeast Florida – a quality man with a great reputation in town, and he continues to invest in the latest equipment.”

In addition to several annual reports for various St. John and Partners clients, and other large printing jobs, St. John noted that he was particularly grateful for the beautiful work Hartley Press did on a donor piece for

“Reaching out and being part of the community is one of the things you learn as a volunteer at the tournament,” Mike said.

As a past chairman of the PLAYERS Championship, Mike has been honored with a Red Coat, joining his fellow past chairpersons. This coat has become a symbol of annual generous and thoughtful charitable giving.

A couple of years after his chairmanship in 1998, Mike served as Captain of the Red Coats – a two-year commitment that involved serving on the charity board of the PGA Tour and helping decide where the charity dollars would go.

For 63 years, Hartley Press has symbolized the strength, dependability and commitment of a local, family-owned business, printing nearly all the glossy magazines published in South Georgia and North Florida, including the annual high-end charity register, Circles Magazine, produced by the Resident Community News Group.

“We are proud to have partnered with the Resident on such a beautiful project for so many years,” said Mike. “Despite the challenges facing the print industry today, including business slowdowns and the effect of digital communication, we remain passionate about continuing to be the best option for every print buyer.”

Stacked with Smiles

A group of dad volunteers stepped up to surprise the students at Assumption Catholic School with a pancake lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

This sweet surprise was made even sweeter with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and lots of smiles as the students enjoyed their midday treat.

Hands

Lanterns, Language and Celebration

More than 500 guests attended The Bolles School’s Chinese New Year Gala and the 20th annual Chinese State Competition in February.

Held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28 on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus, the events kicked off with student performances, a Chinese night market-style dinner, cultural activities and finished with a firework finale. The next day, students from across the state squared off in reading, listening, speaking and cultural jeopardy categories, marking the third time Bolles has hosted the statewide competition.

During the festivities, Bolles Upper School Head Moya Marks was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Chinese Education from the Florida Chinese Teachers Association.

Bolles Chinese teacher Chengmei Rothschild organized both events.

in the Habitat

Students in Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s AP Environmental Science (APES) program are building sustainable habitats for Northeast Florida’s oyster population.

Launched in 2024, this hands-on project allows students to create Pervious Oyster Shell Habitat (POSH) structures – artificial reefs where oysters settle and attach, producing more oysters that use the structures as well. A POSH unit weighs approximately 30 pounds and measures roughly 18 inches wide and six inches high.

“Oysters are such a critical and important part of our ecosystem, and these modules are such an easy way for students to not only have an impact on their environment but also create something permanent that will continue to grow in size and impact as more and more oysters colonize our POSH,” said APES faculty member David Wandel.

This year, APES students are building one POSH a week, continuing through the spring. They have constructed nearly 30 structures already, with approximately 18 already installed in the Ribault River and more pending permits for placement.

A Capital Performance

Seventh grader Noel Eyob is the winner of Assumption Catholic School’s Middle School Geography Bee, which took place on Wednesday, Jan 21.

Participants in a geography bee are quizzed on their knowledge of world geography – countries, capitals, cultural geography and landforms. Assumption middle school teachers Matthew Mikulascheck, Georgia Ruen and Maureen Lawrence served on the judging panel for the competition, which technology teacher Jennifer Churchill led. Eyob and runner-up Rex Foster will represent Assumption Catholic School at the Diocesan Geography Bee at Bishop Snyder High School.

State-Bound after Regional Science Fair Honors

A pair of Duval County students earned top honors at the Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Liza Kalitynska earned second place in Chemistry, while Leona Shaeffer earned second place in Environmental Science. The NEFRSEF Awards Ceremony took place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Terry Concert Hall at Jacksonville University.

With this accolade now under their belts, both will advance to the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida, scheduled for March 31 to April 2 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida.

Teen Turns Interest Into Impact

Driving blood donations and awareness

Arah Jain never expected his simple curiosity about blood donation to lead to the creation of his own nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and organizing blood drives, but that’s precisely what happened.

Arah’s curiosity propelled him down a research rabbit hole about blood types, blood transfusions and, ultimately, the blood shortages hospitals across the country are facing and the urgent need for people to donate.

Since its inception, Blood4Hope has organized more than 50 blood drives and collected more than 500 pints of blood. When one considers that a single pint can save up to three lives –combined with the 1,000-plus people Arah has reached through his awareness and education initiatives – the impact he has made in such a short time is tremendous.

Indeed, as recently as January, organizations have reported severe

number to 10% with a special focus on engaging the younger generation to get involved and give back.

“Blood donation is one of the simplest ways to save lives, yet so many people don’t realize how urgent the need is,” Arah said. “Through Blood4Hope, I want to make donating more accessible and inspire more people—especially young people.”

Blood donation is one of the simplest ways to save lives, yet so many people don’t realize how urgent the need is. Through Blood4Hope, I want to make donating more accessible and inspire more people–especially young people.

When Arah first got involved, he volunteered at American Red Cross as a blood ambassador, helping out at blood drives. That was the final spark Arah needed, and he began working to launch

Blood4Hope – a nonprofit focused on educating people about blood donation, dispelling myths and raising awareness.

Blood4Hope officially launched in 2024. Its main focus thus far has been on organizing blood drives, which Arah, now 16 years old, does in collaboration with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. His organization and collaboration with LifeSouth allow him to organize mobile blood drives out in the community.

–

Arah Jain Founder, Blood4Hope

blood shortages with hospital requests exceeding available supplies and the urgent need for more people to donate to stave off shortages, particularly for platelets and blood types O, A negative, and B negative.

Blood4Hope brings blood drives to donors by arranging mobile drives in schools, churches, shops, and communities. His efforts have already supported more than 1,500 patients in need, but Arah has bigger plans for his nonprofit.

According to America’s Blood Centers, only 3% of the roughly 212 million people eligible to donate blood actually donate. Arah wants to bring that

Those wishing to donate must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent), be in good general health and feeling well the day of donation, weigh at least 110 pounds and maintain good iron levels.

“You never know whose life you might be saving – it could be someone’s parent, child, or friend. That’s why every donation matters,” Arah said.

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.

By Susanna Barton

Wired to Pass It On

This month, I offer gratitude for all the mentors, encouragers and guides in our community and challenge all of us to be more like them. This role is the most essential calling of our lives, and if we’re not doing it as we age, we are missing the boat – and yes, being total self-centered a-holes, pardon my French.

In our neighborhoods, we see mentors most clearly in school settings – the teachers, the counselors, the coaches and the administrators. Their work is a beautiful blend of imparting knowledge and providing wisdom, encouragement and support to our young people. Educators have the remarkable opportunity to build on their area of study or experience and pass it on, advance it even, to students whose lives will be elevated by it. This is inspiring to me.

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and godparents are intuitively mentors as they raise families and loved ones. God bless all of them. We also see mentors guiding younger professionals and employees in our local businesses, professional practices and community organizations. This is life-changing work. And, of course, we see mentorship alive and well in our churches and places of worship. If ego isn’t at the center, faith and practice leaders can play a central role in bringing younger folks along in their values and purpose, especially when the goal is to lift the least of us. For all these folks in our Resident neighborhoods, we can be incredibly grateful! And it begs the question: How can we be more like them in our own lives? How can we be more mentor-y with our own unique set of strengths?

Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks, whose book “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life” should be required reading for all of us privileged enough to be aging in these times, has some answers for us. One of his big points is that we move from fluid to crystallized intelligence throughout our careers and into the second half of life, a phenomenon that can bring us great joy

and satisfaction if we embrace it with intention. In dumdum talk, that means we strive to do our work well and develop unique strengths that, as we age, should become the material with which we teach, mentor and usher others forward. At least that’s my take. As Brooks said, we move from innovation to instruction.

This thinking aligns beautifully with Step 17 in my book, “Grand Plans 2.0: How to Mitigate Geridrama in 20 Easy Steps,” which is: “Give and mentor: Invest in younger generations, service and others.” Wait, you may be thinking – I thought grand planning was about getting your advance directives, legal documents and financial plans in place to thrive during life’s second half? Well, grand planning is definitely about all of those things, but it is also about letting nature take its course and getting comfortable with the new roles we play as we share wisdom and develop crystallized intelligence for the benefit of others. To refuse this opportunity or hide from it or to willfully continue striving, well, that’s kind of a you-know-what move. It’s selfish and not the way our brains were designed to operate.

So, if you haven’t already, today is a great day to consider how your unique strengths, skills and perspectives – from your professional development or your special brand of personal excellence –can be shared with others as you age in our Resident community. Everyone has a rare form of crystalized intelligence to give! Call it mentoring, teaching, guiding, leading, counseling, coaching, guru-ing, tutoring, preparing, supporting, advising, showing, instilling, sharing, giving or supporting. This calling is a hallmark of getting older and one we must approach with intention.

Not sure where to begin? Think about what you really excelled at in your work, whether that was in a cubicle or C-suite at a Fortune 500 company, or in the nursery where you raised six children as a full-time parent. Maybe your life passion was planting corn, and you were really good with a plough. Perhaps you were a

successful fundraiser or volunteer who could snap their fingers and make big donations happen. Whatever your work was – or is – what made you really good at it? Maybe you were a baby whisperer or an excellent cook. Maybe you know all the tricks when it comes to training dogs. You likely kick a** at several things, both personal and professional. A review of your strengths and life interests can help identify pearls of wisdom to repack and share with others.

Another good place to mine crystallized intelligence is your shizziest life moments. What were some of the most horrible

By intentionally channeling our lifetime of knowledge into roles like these, we not only enrich each other’s lives but also keep our own crystallized intelligence growing and relevant.

I think what life teaches us is that we spend a good amount of time at work and home, striving and climbing and trying to soar. And once we’re good at it, we are engineered to pass that knowledge and expertise on to others. No cap. End of story. How will you continue yours through mentoring others today? How are you helping the neighbors and young people in your life fly?

times in your life? What crises did you navigate? What nearly sank you? What was big, bad and ugly? What have you lost? Our darkest days define us and give us an arsenal of resilience that can help others through similar situations. I personally believe life’s lowest moments become our biggest strengths. At least they become our strengths when we commit to helping others with the lessons we learn from them.

I know, deep. But so true, I think!

Once you have a handle on your strengths and what you have to share, start looking for opportunities to align this expertise with organizations or individuals who might benefit from it. Maybe there’s a nonprofit that could use your leadership experience or a formal mentorship program that pairs adults with rudderless teens. Or it could be an adult child, a grandchild, or one of their friends with whom you can connect and impart your unique wisdom.

– Susanna Barton

Susanna Barton treasures the book her career mentor, Beth Zacharias Hunt, gave her when she left her first real job at the Austin Business Journal for married life in Jacksonville. It’s called “Hope for the Flowers” and here is Deepak Chopra’s synopsis and review of this precious, powerful book: “Two caterpillars get caught up in the fallacy of competition and struggle to reach the top of a caterpillar pile. By journey’s end, however, they learn that their true nature is not one of winning and being at the top, but of going within and emerging as beautiful butterflies who were born to soar.” A Granada resident, Barton has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School. She currently manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com

Laura Leigh Kelly

August 13, 1979 – February 20, 2026

Laura Leigh Kelly, 46, a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, after a lengthy illness at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside. She was the only child of Cindy and Jimmy Kelly.

Laura was bright, intelligent and full of wit, with a natural ability to connect with others. A devoted friend to many, she maintained lifelong relationships with those who had known her since childhood. She shared special bonds with Dr. Jim Mayes, who was like a second father, Lewis Hunter, known as Uncle Lewis, and the Fields family, with whom she spent many joyful evenings filled with laughter and fellowship.

A graduate of Bishop Kenny High School, Laura later earned a degree in marketing from Jacksonville University. She went on to teach business courses at a college preparatory high school in Central Florida, where she inspired students through her involvement with Interact. In recognition of her service, she was awarded two Paul Harris Fellow honors and named an honorary member of her sponsoring Rotary club.

Laura had a deep love for animals and rescued several throughout her life, including her beloved dachshunds, Tucker and Chance, and a cat named Thomas.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins and a special niece, Jenna Yown, who lovingly called her Auntie Laura. She was preceded in death by her twin daughters, Britton Deaton and Rylan Elliott Kelly, along with several beloved family members.

A celebration of life was held February 24 at Ortega Methodist Church, followed by burial at Riverside Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ortega Methodist Church or Ana’s Angels Animal Rescue.

Laura was an organ donor, and her life continues through others.

Mark Middlebrook

February 4, 1952 – March 1, 2026

Jacksonville’s environmental communities are mourning the loss of Mark Middlebrook alongside his friends and family after his passing on March 1 in Spring City, Tennessee. He was 74 years old.

Mark was born on Feb. 4, 1952, to his parents, George Bruce and Ione Lageson Middlebrook, in Buffalo, New York. In 1963, he moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he met Gayle, the love of his life, right next door. He graduated from Meadowbrook High School. In 1971, Mark was drafted into the United States Army; he would go on to serve in the U.S. Army and the Virginia National Guard. He and Gayle married on June 1, 1972.

In 1981, Mark earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, launching his journalism career at the “Gloucester Gazette-Journal” as a reporter and photographer. He worked at the “Newport News Daily Press” as a reporter as well before relocating his family to Jacksonville, where he accepted a position at the “Florida Times-Union.” Mark became an award-winning investigative journalist, rising to the role of editor and serving briefly as an on-air reporter for WJXT Channel 4 News in Jacksonville.

It was during his time on Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney’s staff that Mark discovered one of his life’s great passions: land preservation. Mark spearheaded the City of Jacksonville’s Preservation Project as its executive director, laying the foundation for what would become the Timucuan Parks Foundation and building one of the nation’s most impressive urban park systems.

“We are profoundly grateful for all he did for us and for Jacksonville,” said Timucuan Parks Foundation Board Chair Bob Hayes. “Because of Mark’s leadership, thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land will remain protected for future generations.”

Mark served as executive director for the Timucuan Parks Foundation until his retirement in 2024. He pursued his passion for land preservation, working with other organizations, including the St. John’s River Alliance and the North Florida Land Trust.

“Mark was a giant, and his legacy will be seen for generations yet unborn,” said North Florida Land Trust President and CEO Allison DeFoor. “Rest in Peace, friend, rest. Your work is done, but your gift will live on.”

His proudest accomplishment was being a father to his three sons, to whom he imparted a deep love of nature and the outdoors along with a passion for American history.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Gayle Middlebrook; his three sons, Michael Stephen Middlebrook and his wife Tara Middlebrook, Mark McClay Middlebrook and his wife Andrea Robin Middlebrook, and Jon Lageson Middlebrook; and five grandchildren, Madison Lee Middlebrook, Cole Murphrey Middlebrook, Makenzie Lee Middlebrook, Mason James Middlebrook, and Samantha Blaire Middlebrook.

Doris Laurine Wolff Mellion

June 18, 1926 – January 31, 2026

Doris Laurine Wolff Mellion passed away on Jan. 31, surrounded by loved ones. She was 99 years old.

Known by some as “Miss Manners,” Doris is remembered for her unfailing friendship, her generosity, sense of style and love of the arts.

Doris was born on June 18, 1926, in Freeport, New York, to Ruby and Lou Wolff and grew up in Long Beach, Long Island, New York. She attended Drexel University, during which time she frequently traveled to Jacksonville to visit her grandparents, Saul and Sarah Goffin, in their Laura Street home. Saul Goffin was a prolific businessman who established the Goffinsville Community in what is now present-day Fernandina. This self-sufficient 19-acre community included a commissary, post office, oyster-canning plant, a church and a fleet of shrimp boats. Years later, Doris and her sisters, Kiki and Barbee, rejected lucrative offers for commercial development of the property, instead selling it to the Trust for Public Land to create a park in their grandfather’s memory.

Doris spent time traveling between Philadelphia, where her mother and stepfather, Dr. Martin Sokoloff, lived, and Jacksonville, ultimately settling in the Bold City in the late 1950s. It was here that she met and married Dr. Anson Mellion, and soon after, their son Paul was born. Doris and Anson divorced a few years later, and Doris returned to Philadelphia, working at the prestigious Buchholz Gallery.

Doris and her mother returned to Jacksonville, settling in San Marco, following the passing of Doris’ stepfather, and Doris launched her career in stationery at The Emporium. In the 1980s, she opened The Write Touch, which today is a San Marco Square staple.

Fellow San Marco merchant and close friend Ward Lariscy remembers Doris as a woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, was passionate about her work, and was dedicated to her friends and family.

“She was always the fountain of knowledge and very preppy and didn’t hesitate to tell people what she thought,” Lariscy said. “Any time you needed any etiquette information, she was the expert, the Emily Post of Jacksonville.”

Doris was an active member of The Women’s Board of Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital, devoting countless hours to its mission. Her efforts ultimately earned her The Board’s Abbie Martin Award for service.

Doris sold The Write Touch to Carolyn Jennings in 2006, and Jennings is honored to continue her legacy, even continuing Doris’ tradition of bringing a dog to the store.

“She was just an icon in every way,” Jennings said. “I’m happy to pick up where she left off and keep it going.” Lariscy recalled an impromptu luncheon this past December at Seafood Island Bar and Grille. As word spread that Doris was in the neighborhood, friends and merchants came to the restaurant to say hello and spend time with her, including Lariscy. He recalled the restaurant servers had to push several tables together to accommodate everyone.

“There she is, 99 and…she was having the best time,” Lariscy said.

She was predeceased by her two sisters. She is survived by her son, Paul Mellion; her nieces, Linda Umla (Vivienne Munden), Wendy Umla, Gigi Andryszewski (Rich Andryszewski), and Jill Hutchinson (Jerry Hutchinson); and her great-nephews, Cole Hutchinson and Neil Hutchinson.

Get ready for our 2nd Annual Angels Open!

This spring, we’re bringing the community back together for a fun-filled tennis and pickleball fundraiser in support of our mission. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love a little friendly competition, this is your chance to rally for a great cause while enjoying an exciting evening on the courts.

Florida Yacht Club | May 1, 2026 | 6-9pm

For more information, visit our website at www.angelsforallison.org/angels-open or scan here:

Simmering with History

Great Fire Gathering debuts low country boil celebration

By Michele Leivas

As Jacksonville approaches the 125th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1901, the Jacksonville History Center is seizing the opportunity to honor and recognize the city’s history while celebrating its future.

On May 1, the Jacksonville History Center is hosting its inaugural Great Fire Gathering – “a low country boil with a spark.” Against the backdrop of the brand-new Jacksonville History Center campus, in the renovated and revived former Florida Casket Factory, the evening will include a low country boil, cocktails, live music by Jacksonville band The Groove Coalition, and hors d’oeuvres by Biscottis before the country boil begins.

“I’m just excited to be helping convene a group, a gathering of people who care about Jacksonville,” said Jacksonville History Center CEO Dr. Alan Bliss. “You have to really care about the city to be paying attention

to its past, but also be thinking about its future. That’s the purpose of this: to get people together who care about Jacksonville, past and future.”

The Great Fire Gathering will also include awards recognizing stewards of Jacksonville with the inaugural Rebuilder Award (JWB Real Estate Capital) and the Keeper of the Flame Award (Dr. Wayne Wood).

“Dr. Wayne Wood is probably the best known and most vocal advocate for historic preservation in Jacksonville, and he’s widely recognized for not just his advocacy, but his service in helping establish Riverside Avondale Preservation over 50 years ago,” Bliss said.

Meanwhile, with an eye to Jacksonville’s future, Bliss said JWB Real Estate Capital emerged as the recipient for the inaugural Rebuilder Award for its significant contributions to Jacksonville’s renaissance in the 21st

century, particularly for the Pearl Square project set to transform and revitalize Jacksonville’s Urban Core.

“In discussing it with people in the community, the constituencies around downtown renaissance, they [JWB Real Estate Capital] emerged as the clear standout for this year’s award,” said Bliss.

The Great Fire Gathering will take place on Friday, May 1, at the Jacksonville History Center campus.

A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m. with the event beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the evening will support the Jacksonville History Center and its mission to strengthen citizenship through history education and to connect communities.

Tickets can be purchased at jaxhistory.org/event/greatfire-gathering/?blm_aid=2075441

Visit The USS Orleck