Women’s Auxiliary Kicks Off 2026 COMMUNITY NEWS
FIERCELY LOCAL NEWS ... FIERCELY LOYAL READERS | RESIDENTNEWS.NET | FEBRUARY 2026 | VOL. 19, ISSUE 2
Mary Love Strum with Diane Lott, Debbie Veale, Deborah DeFoor and Marilyn Carpenter
Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary opens its year with annual general meeting and breakfast at Epping Forest. Members Mary Love Strum, Diane Lott, Debbie Veale, Deborah DeFoor and Marilyn Carpenter kicked off the year with a powerful guest speaker, stable financials and a big year of fundraising ahead. READ MORE ON PAGE 23
Big Changes Coming to St. Augustine Road Changes that could affect daily commutes, school traffic and pedestrian crossings are planned for St. Augustine Road as the city moves forward with a road diet.
Underwood Jewelers to Bring a ‘Showplace’ to San Marco Square
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Interior and exterior renovation plans will bring a “crown jewel” to the south end of San Marco Square as Underwood Jewelers prepares for extensive updates to its store on San Marco Boulevard. While exterior updates include a new façade and new landscaping, interior designs call for a new showroom space as corporate offices move to its Avondale location.
DCPS Clears Sale of Surplus Land
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The School Board approved the sale of long-vacant district land near Julia Landon Middle School for $173,750, paving the way for future redevelopment.
MOSH Building Set for Demolition After DIA Board Approval Demolition estimated at $835,000
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Elyce Arons Talks Fashion
Five months after the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) closed its doors for the last time at its Southbank location, the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) Board approved the demolition of its former building. At the Jan. 21 board meeting, DIA Director of Operations Guy Parola shared an update with board members regarding the declined status of the vacated building following a recent tour of the building. “What we didn’t find was a building that’s ready to be turned over to another user,” Parola said. “What we did find were roof leaks and deferred maintenance and things that, frankly, go with an older building.” READ MORE ON PAGE 10
Judge Grants Class Action Status in Odor Lawsuit
Author Elyce Arons with Brooks Holland
Fashion entrepreneur Elyce Arons visited Jacksonville Jan. 26 for a riverfront book signing and reception celebrating her career and friendship with Kate Spade.
Guiding Hands, Rising Stars
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Seventeen rising professionals took the spotlight as the Hightower Emerging Leadership Fellowship celebrated its Class IX graduates at its annual gala in January.
A Duval County judge has granted class action status in a lawsuit alleging industrial odors are affecting property values and quality of life in nearby neighborhoods. The ruling marks a key procedural step as the case moves forward.
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