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18
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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SAN JOSE | SAN MAR CO | ST. NICHOLAS FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS | RESIDENTNEWS.NET | DECEMBER 2025 | VOL. 18, ISSUE 12
A Day for Difference Makers
e h t t e L inging R egin B
Lesley Wells and Doug Standard
National Philanthropy Day brought Jacksonville’s philanthropic leaders together Nov. 21 as AFP Florida, First Coast recognized this year’s honorees for their generosity and vision. READ MORE ON PAGE 39
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Jacksonville launched its Red Kettle Campaign with song and celebration at the 2025 Red Kettle Kickoff in Balis Park on Friday, Nov 21. The morning included candy canes for Aspire Church San Marco preschoolers, performances by the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts’ vocal department and storytime by celebrity bellringer Tenikka Hughes. The time-honored Red Kettle Campaign will run until Christmas Eve.
Big Changes Ahead for the Riverfront The latest designs for Shipyards West Park are in, and the community had its say. From a new event pavilion to reimagined riverfront spaces, the project is quickly taking shape as one of Downtown’s biggest upcoming attractions.
From Vacant Stretch to Vibrant Space RiversEdge Park makes its splash
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Preserved in Time
By Fabrizio Gowdy A pleasant riverfront breeze and mild temperatures provided perfect weather as RiversEdge Park officially opened with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 24. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan delivered remarks, joined by elected officials and representatives of the Downtown Investment Authority and JaxParks. CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
Resident Community News Group made its own contribution to the San Marco Library time capsule with a copy of its March 2025 issue and its 2025 “Circles Social Datebook and Charity Register.”
A Wild Night of Giving
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The Jacksonville Zoo turned into a lively evening of fun, food and family activities all in support of Community PēdsCare.
Christina McCurdy, Mary McElroy, Annie Tuttle, Erin Streva
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