San Marco: Resident July 2026

A Post with

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

As publishers of a local newspaper, we have the privilege each month of seeing what freedom looks like up close. It is in the small businesses that take a chance and open their doors. It is in the families who plant roots here, raise children here and give back here. It is in the nonprofits, schools, churches, civic groups and volunteers who work quietly, and often without recognition, to make our neighborhoods stronger.

It is also in the simple, everyday moments that make this community feel like home. We see it when neighbors wave from their cars, when families gather at school events

Stop Means Stop

and fundraisers, when local businesses support one another, when people show up for someone in need, and when our streets, parks and front porches remind us that community still matters.

At a time when the country can feel divided, we are continually encouraged by the people right here in our own neighborhoods. Politics aside, there is something deeply American about the way this community continues to come together. We may not always agree on everything, but we believe we have far more in common than not.

Owning and publishing this community paper has given us a front-row seat to the goodness, generosity and resilience of the people who live here. Freedom lives here. For that, we are grateful. Seth

and Pamela Williams

More than 3,000 citations issued in first month of school bus stop-arm violation program

By Michele Leivas

More than 3,000 citations were issued in the first month of Duval County Public Schools’ school bus stop-arm violation program.

After a month-long public awareness campaign in April, during which drivers received warnings rather than citations, the program officially launched on May 1, and drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing began receiving citations and a $225 fine.

In total, Duval County School Police reviewed just over 4,000 citations, approving 3,197.

Duval County Chief of School Police Jackson Short previously told Resident News that a human review of AI-generated photos and videos recorded by the cameras is designed to ensure that only citations meeting an internal approval threshold are issued. This internal review resulted in the disapproval of 868 citations in May.

Citation statistics have identified the top 20 locations in Jacksonville for May.

With a combined total of 89 citations, the 3700 and 3800 blocks of Blanding Boulevard were the top two locations for which citations were mailed (41 and 48 citations, respectively). Revenue numbers for these 3,000-plus citations are currently unavailable, according to DCPS. Any funds generated from these citations are split 50-50 between the district and BusPatrol America, the company with which DCPS has partnered for this program. Funds received by DCPS must be allocated to student transportation safety.

According to DCPS, drivers who receive a notice of violation have 60 days from the mailing date of the citation to either pay the civil penalty, file an exemption affidavit, or request a hearing through the Division of Administrative Hearings.

VISIT WWW.RESIDENTNEWS.NET TO REVIEW THE TOP 20 LOCATIONS FOR CITATIONS FROM MAY 1 TO 31.

1-Mill Tax Renewal Referendum Heads to November Ballot

By Michele Leivas

The one-mill ad valorem property tax renewal referendum is going to Duval County voters after the Jacksonville City Council approved its placement on the November election ballot.

If passed by Duval voters, this would renew the one-mill tax to supplement Duval County teacher salaries originally passed in 2022, effective July 1, 2027, until June 30, 2030.

The ordinance to place it on the ballot passed unanimously at the June 9 city council meeting, after District 11 City Council Member Raul Arias moved to have it – Ordinance 2026-0387 – discharged from the Finance Committee, which had deferred it at its meeting the week prior. The council approved the discharge and brought the ordinance to the council floor for discussion.

Several city council members spoke in favor of placing the referendum on the November ballot, including At-Large Group 2 Council Member Ron Salem, who stated he was one of the committee members who supported deferral at the Finance Committee meeting.

I think the evidence is there that this bill has made significant improvements in our system, and I want to give the residents the ability to vote on it themselves.

–

Ron

Salem Jacksonville City Council Member, At-Large Group 2

“I was not comfortable at that time with the bill,” Salem said, addressing the council. “…But I have been convinced

that I am going to vote yet to put this on the ballot, because I think the evidence is there that this bill has made significant improvements in our system, and I want to give the residents the ability to vote on it themselves.”

Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Bernier shared the following statement with Resident News the day after the city council meeting:

“Last night, City Council acknowledged the importance of our teachers and their ability to shape the future of our community. We appreciate City Council’s action to place this question before voters, giving our community the opportunity to decide whether to continue the investment in our educators and their positive impact to our students and public school system.”

Duval Citizens for Better Schools, returning to once again lead the charge to renew the referendum, shared a statement commending the City Council for its decision, which read:

“City Council’s vote Tuesday night to put the One Mill property tax renewal referendum on the November election ballot is the right thing to do for our teachers as schools continue great improvement. This is not a new tax. 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.

Since the first referendum was passed in 2022, the district has received its first-ever ‘A’ grade from the State of Florida and high school graduation rates now exceed the state average.

We cannot afford to lose the progress we’ve made. Renewing this funding is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring continued improvement for our students and schools.

If the City Council had failed to place the referendum on the November ballot, teachers in Duval County public and charter schools would lose, on average, $8,600 annually in salary. That means we would lose good educators to nearby counties which can pay them more.”

Following the ordinance’s 15-0 passage (with Council Members Rory Diamond, Jimmy Peluso and Chris Miller excused and a non-voting Council Member Terrance Freeman), many residents thanked the city council for their decision and spoke in support of the referendum during public comment, including DCPS District 3 Board Member Cindy Pearson, who shared some statistics and information on the funds collected through the one-mill.

“Per statute, we share the one-mill with our charter partners, based on student allocations,” Pearson said. “So, 80% of what’s collected goes to DCPS, 20% goes to our charter partners. Of the portion that DCPS gets, 75% go for salary enhancement. You’ve heard it’s for teachers, but also for SROs (school resource officers), for paras (paraprofessionals), for other workers in the schools and in the school system; 12.5% goes for arts enhancements and 12.5% goes for athletics enhancements. The board votes on the expenditures.”

The referendum is now in the hands of the voters, who will be able to cast their vote in the 2026 General Election on Nov. 3.

General Election Dates and Deadlines:

Early Voting: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, to Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, times are TBD.

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: Sept. 19, 2026

Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: Sept. 24 to Oct. 1, 2026

Deadline to register to vote: Oct. 5, 2026

Deadline to request that the ballot be mailed: Oct. 22, 2026

Election Day: Nov. 3, 2026

Information courtesy of the Duval County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, please visit www.duvalelections.gov

Expanding Care, Expanding Knowledge

A new partnership between Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside and the Florida State University College of Medicine has led to new residency and fellowship opportunities at the hospital.

Through a sponsorship between the two entities, a Family Medicine Residency Program and a Family Medicine-Obstetric Fellowship have been announced, bringing a new satellite clinic for obstetric patients.

Creekside Connections

“This partnership with Florida State University strengthens our ability to train family physicians who will serve Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia,” said Ascension Florida Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Syed Jafri. “We’re building on a 50-year legacy of training doctors who stay in our region to care for families.”

Indeed, according to statewide data, more than 75% of physicians who complete medical school and residency in the state remain in Florida to practice. This underscores the importance of expanding high-quality residency programs on a local level.

This new program, sponsored by FSU, is one of 28 Graduate Medical Education programs the university sponsors, encompassing 230 faculty and 330 residents and fellows, according to Alma Littles, M.D., Dean FSU College of Medicine.

This partnership has also enabled the Family Medicine Center to expand its impact with the new satellite office for obstetric patients opening in the Roger Main Building at Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside in May; it will be staffed by Family MedicineObstetric fellows as they learn to provide comprehensive obstetric care.

Hundreds of family physicians have completed the Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Family Medicine Residency program since it launched in 1973.

LifeResultsChanging ResultsChanging

By Michele Leivas

Residents had the opportunity to share feedback on how they’d like to see a new Brooklyn riverfront park take shape at an open house event last month.

The City of Jacksonville hosted an open house at the Downtown Public Library on Wednesday, June 17, to seek input on the planned McCoys Creek Outfall Park, located on the Northbank near the new One Riverside development in Brooklyn.

The park will be on the riverfront, adjacent to the Acosta Bridge and partially covered in the rear by the Riverside Avenue overpass.

The City of Jacksonville has partnered with New Orleans-based Scape Landscape Architecture DPC and design engineering firm WSP USA for this project. Scape Landscape Architecture Principal Chris Barnes said this was the first opportunity for the community to provide feedback on what they’d like to see for this new greenspace.

“We’re here to really just talk about the opportunity to introduce people to the site...with a new restored creek outfall and really ask the question, what kinds of programs would you like to see, ranging from active, passive, how would you like the park to feel: more natural or more celebratory of the [area’s] industrial past, or other narratives,” Barnes said.

While it is too early for the public to review any designs, attendees at the open house had the opportunity to review a trio of concept plans detailing scale and programming possibilities for the park.

The Railroad Framework portrays more passive programming with a central lawn and a gathering plaza by the river; the Active Spurs framework presents a recreation area beneath the overpass with a central lawn and nature paths near the river; and the Eco-Spine Framework features more distributed programming throughout the park, along with more native plants and vegetation.

Attendees were also able to share input on the park’s look and feel – ranging from manicured to more naturalistic – and on recreational opportunities, from active – dedicated sports facilities, playgrounds, and outdoor fitness – to passive – walking trails or flex spaces.

Rebecca Vanderbeck of WSP USA said the park emerged from plans to relocate the creek, which previously ran in a culvert beneath the former Florida Times-Union building at this location.

“We really got involved with designing the new channel, and as part of that, we created access points for people along the creek so that people could connect with the water, experience it, and that brought us to tonight’s meeting,” Vanderbeck said. “Now, as the channel construction is wrapping up, the City’s looking ahead to the next phase, which will be the park development…”

Barnes said he anticipates further community involvement as designs progress.

TO REVIEW THE TWO ALTERNATE FRAMEWORKS, READ THE ONLINE ARTICLE AT WWW.RESIDENTNEWS.NET

– Sheri Webber Executive Director, San Marco Preservation Society

By Michele Leivas

As stewards of the community’s iconic Preservation Hall and Stockton Cottage, San Marco Preservation Society is overseeing interior renovations to both historic structures this month.

SMPS Executive Director Sheri Webber said Jacksonville-based Armorshine Floors has been contracted to renovate the original flooring in both Preservation Hall and Stockton Cottage.

“[Armorshine] is going to be doing what we anticipate is the last time that we can sand and refinish these floors because there is no subfloor at the Hall or in the cottage…so this will be the last time that we can do this and keep those original floors, and that should give us, hopefully, another 10 years.”

At that point, Webber said SMPS will consider other remediation options, though it has not identified what that would be.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, but for now we’re really excited that we can give the hall and the cottage an updo, if you will – a little facelift and still keep it original,” Webber said.

While the project itself won’t take the entire month, Webber said SMPS will limit public access to both buildings throughout July to give the floors ample time to cure and set. While tours will be held in limited capacity in July, the buildings will be closed to private events for the month, though reservations can still be made through the SMPS website in July for August or later.

According to Webber, it has been at least a decade since Preservation Hall’s floors were repaired or refinished. SMPS’s history of Stockton Cottages states that it last underwent renovations in 2021.

“When it comes to a building as old as Preservation Hall, you really just have to be sensitive in the moment to what it is that those floors need,” Webber said.

Originally built in 1888, the Carpenter Gothic church was built at the corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Bartram Road as St. Paul’s Church. The building was moved several times in its 138 years, spending some time on the Southbank at the former Museum of Science and History (MOSH) grounds as a children’s theater before being relocated by barge and rolled down Atlantic Boulevard to its current home in Fletcher Park.

Stockton Cottage, meanwhile, was built in 1938 and initially served as a temporary sales office for Telfair Stockton & Co. as the San Marco neighborhood was being developed. Renowned architects Marsh & Saxelbye designed the building, while Colonial Homes of Jacksonville built the structure at 2101 San Marco Boulevard. It, too, went through several iterations over the years, serving as a playhouse and, later, a public lending library, and was relocated. SMPS partnered with the City of Jacksonville to relocate Stockton Cottage to Fletcher Park in the early 2000s.

Honoring the “Maple Leaf”

The Florida Yacht Club commemorated a piece of maritime history last month with the unveiling of a pair of historical markers for the “Maple Leaf” shipwreck.

The “Maple Leaf” was a 181-foot steamship, built in Canada in 1851. Later, it served the United States as a Union Army transport ship during the Civil War. On a voyage from Palatka to Jacksonville, it struck a Confederate mine and sank in the St. Johns River near Mandarin.

FYC member Dr. Keith Holland is a respected dentist, historian, scuba diver, and author. In the 1980s, he and a team of volunteer divers located the shipwreck and salvaged just 1% of its artifacts. Many of these artifacts are currently on display at the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society.

The unveiling ceremony on Friday, June 19, represented a full circle moment for Holland, his divers, and FYC. The yacht club served as the training grounds for the divers, who learned to dive with an umbilical in dark, murky waters. It was also the staging area for recovered artifacts before they were transported to Holland’s lab at St. John’s

Archaeological Expeditions for

preservation.

After more than a decade of advocacy on Holland’s part, the “Maple Leaf” was designated as a National Historic Landmark, joining the ranks of just a handful of shipwrecks with that honored national recognition, among which are the USS Arizona, Monitor and Utah. It is the first in Duval County. The commemorative bronze plaque the Department

Dr. Keith Holland Dentist, historian, scuba diver, author, and discoverer of the Maple

Leaf shipwreck

of the Interior’s National Park Service bestowed upon Holland is the very same plaque that is now installed at the Florida Yacht Club.

Mounted beside Holland’s marker is a plaque telling the story of the “Maple Leaf” and Holland, commissioned by FYC member Khaki Hager, who was instrumental in

the installation and last month’s unveiling.

Holland attended the unveiling ceremony alongside his family and several members of his diving team, including Bobby Lunsford, Larry Tipping, Mike Barker and Steve Michaelis.

“Truly, I am speechless,” Holland said at the unveiling ceremony. “Let me just take this in for a minute. It’s been what, 40 years, and to see the people who took a dream, a gamble and a bet and followed it all the way through to the discovering it, finding it, I can’t possibly describe the efforts that went into it…And look at me up here with all y’all. I am so touched, this is probably the greatest reward of all the hours and time and efforts involved with ‘Maple Leaf.’”

To this day, the “Maple Leaf” remains entombed in the muddy depths of the St. Johns River, and Holland said he still dreams of returning to the shipwreck.

“I will tell y’all, ‘Maple Leaf’ is still there, and although we rejoice in this, don’t think – I don’t want you to think I’ve abandoned it,” Holland said. “We are still working in the background, trying to get the impetus up. It’s still there. We can go back.”

This is the second historical marker installed at FYC. The first one stands at the yacht club’s entrance, commemorating its history and founder, William Backhouse Astor.

Still Standing Watch

USS ORLECK carries Jacksonville’s naval story into America’s 250th year

Docked along the St. Johns River, the USS ORLECK is hard to miss, especially when her lights reflect across the water against the Jacksonville skyline. She is more than a striking landmark. She is a reminder of service, sacrifice, and the generations of American sailors who stood watch in defense of freedom.

Commissioned in 1945 at the close of World War II, USS ORLECK (DD-886) went on to serve through the Korean and Vietnam Wars and supported recovery efforts tied to NASA’s Gemini IV mission. Today, this historic Gearing-class destroyer continues her mission in a new way, as a floating museum, living classroom, veterans’ tribute, and gathering place for the community.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, ORLECK offers Jacksonville something rare and meaningful: a chance to step directly into history. Visitors walk her steel decks, pass through narrow shipboard passageways, stand beneath her gun mounts, and begin to understand what life at sea required of the sailors who served aboard ships like her.

For younger visitors, the experience can be especially powerful. History is no longer just names, dates, and chapters in a book. Aboard ORLECK, students can see, touch, and feel the environment where sailors lived and worked. The ship brings lessons of courage, teamwork, discipline, and sacrifice to life in a way few classrooms can.

Under the stewardship of the Florida Historic Naval Ship Association, ORLECK has become an important part of Jacksonville’s military and waterfront

identity. Her continued preservation is made possible by veterans, volunteers, donors, local businesses, and community supporters who believe this ship still has a story to tell.

Many of the volunteers who care for ORLECK are veterans themselves. Others are citizens who simply understand the importance of preserving America’s naval history for future generations. Together, they help keep the ship open, safe, active, and ready to welcome visitors from near and far.

ORLECK is also becoming a memorable setting for events with meaning. Military reenlistments, patriotic gatherings, civic events, Scout visits, student programs, and community celebrations bring new life to the ship while helping support her ongoing care. Every event held aboard ORLECK helps fund maintenance, restoration, education, and daily operations.

For businesses, organizations, and

families, hosting an event aboard the ship is more than choosing a unique venue. It is a way to support a piece of American history right here in Jacksonville.

Donations are just as important. Historic ships require constant care. Steel must be maintained, exhibits must be developed, safety systems must be supported, and educational programs must continue to grow.

ORLECK has survived war, decades of service, storms, relocation, and uncertainty. Her future now depends on the community she serves.

As America approaches 250 years of independence, USS ORLECK gives Jacksonville a powerful place to honor those who defended that freedom. She reminds us that liberty has always depended on ordinary Americans willing to do extraordinary things.

Step aboard. Host an event. Make a gift.

Volunteer. Join the Florida Historic Naval

Will you stand with her?

THE USS ORLECK MUSEUM is located at 610 E. Bay Street.

MUSEUM HOURS

Wednesday to Friday: 9am – 3pm Saturday: 9am – 4 pm Sunday: 10am – 4 pm

(Closed Monday and Tuesday)

Those interested in donating can visit fhnsa.org/donate/ Volunteer information and opportunities are available at fhnsa.org/volunteer/.

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A New Home for Healing

It was a joyous, celebratory day as people gathered beneath white tents to mark the grand opening of The Dorion Family Pediatric Center on Thursday, June 11.

The Foundation of Community Hospice and Palliative Care hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by community stakeholders, longtime supporters and several of Jacksonville’s prominent philanthropic families.

Dorothy Dorion, honorary chair of the Build, Create Comfort Campaign for this new center, thanked those in attendance for the outpouring of support and shared with them a heartfelt message about what this center means to her.

“Thank you, thank you for making this world a better place, and I hope that it’s an inspiration to other hospices every year, and most of all, thank you for making my late husband [George’s] last dying wish come true,” Dorion said.

Stepping inside the renovated building is to enter a space where imagination takes center stage, offering families respite through a range of amenities, from the book castle, where

children can cozy up in a magical reading nook, to the recording studio, where they can express themselves through song and music. Various rooms provide different resources for all family members, including The Lastinger Family Caregiver Support Room, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds Healing Harmonies Music Therapy Room, and The DuBow Family Foundation & The Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation Hearts and Hope Child Life Specialist’s Therapy Center & Creative Arts Room.

As Phillip Ward, chief operating officer of Alivia Care, Inc. and president and CEO of Community Hospice and Palliative Care, stated, “This is a place where children are not going to be defined by their illness. Instead, this is a place where they’re going to be defined by their laughter and their creativity as they draw, as they record music, as they sing, as they plant plants, as they play, make new friends, and experience new things. As parents have an opportunity to drink a cup of coffee and take a moment to just breathe, instead of being defined simply as a caregiver.”

Grover Brings Elevated Hospitality to Epping Forest

Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club has tapped Hans Grover to serve as its new general manager, serving alongside executive chef Cameron Walton.

Grover, who brings over 15 years of private club leadership experience, most recently held leadership roles at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club and Hammock Dunes Club. He will now oversee all operations at Epping Forest. He is known for operational excellence, strong team leadership, and engaging club members with elevated hospitality. Club members had an opportunity to get to know Grover at An Evening with the General Manager, a special event held at Epping Forest on Friday, June 5.

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Scott Kashman

Kashman Takes Helm of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System

Scott Kashman is advancing from his position as CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside to an expanded role as CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System, a four-hospital and ambulatory network.

This network includes Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside, Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County, Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County, and more than 80 Ascension St. Vincent’s Medical Group locations across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Kashman joined Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in 2023 in his leadership role. During that time, he led the hospital through a significant financial and quality turnaround: the hospital improved its Leapfrog Health Grade from “C” to “A” and expanded its clinical offerings to include advanced care in cancer treatments, brain tumors, and cardiovascular care.

“Every decision we make comes back to those we serve,” said Kashman. “The work our teams do every day has a direct impact on the wellness and vitality of our community. My role is to make sure we have what we need to keep showing up for this community at the highest level.”

Banking on Experience

Denise Akers has transitioned from banking center manager to business banking relationship manager at First Horizon Bank, bringing approximately 30 years of banking experience to the role.

Akers has worked in the banking industry for roughly three decades, beginning as a teller and advancing to leadership positions. Before this role, she worked on the retail and consumer side of banking and served as a consumer banking manager for several years. She began the new role approximately 10 months ago and now has the opportunity to cultivate banking relationships with businesses, from new start-ups to well-established entities.

“[This role] is more focused on clients that I can look at their whole relationship and work with them on the business side as well,” Akers said.

As a business banking relationship manager, Akers can assist her clients with an array of products and services, including their everyday banking needs. This can include their deposit relationship, a suite of treasury management products, and business loans for a variety of needs, whether it’s acquiring new commercial or office spaces or equipment.

The most rewarding part of her new role? The clients.

“It’s getting to work with a client and helping them to grow their business,” Akers said.

Akers has been at First Horizon Bank for more than four years. She works at the Downtown branch on West Bay Street.

A Farewell to Room 406

For a quarter century, Room 406 has been the place where Spanish teacher May Hotard inspired, taught and supported her students at Bishop Kenny High School. At the end of the 2025-26 school year, she closed the door to it for the last time as she began her retirement. She may have been in Room 406 for 25 years, but her career at Bishop Kenny has spanned 42 years. During that time, she has been a Spanish teacher and a Learning Resource champion. In 2022, she was recognized as a Gladys Prior Award recipient.

Two of the thousands of students she’s taught over the decades were her own daughters – Sarah Feigenbaum and Jenna Feigenbaum Zrucky.

Now, Bishop Kenny bids farewell to a beloved pillar of their community as Hotard looks forward to spending more time at home with her grandchildren, where she will no doubt continue to teach, inspire, and love.

A New Chapter for Jen & Kat

Legacy Group

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has announced the addition of the Jen & Kat Legacy Group to its San Marco office.

With a diverse blend of real estate expertise, investment knowledge, and client-focused service, Jennifer Lucero and Kat Hansel provide clients with a comprehensive approach to luxury residential, commercial, and investment real estate. By combining their strengths, they deliver a well-rounded and effective real estate experience.

Jen & Kat Legacy Group

“Jennifer and Kat bring a unique combination of investment expertise, operational excellence, and genuine care for their clients,” said Josh Cohen, Broker Manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s San Marco office. “Their diverse backgrounds and collaborative approach allow them to deliver exceptional service across multiple segments of the real estate market. We are excited to welcome the Jen & Kat Legacy Group to our team and look forward to supporting their continued success.”

Williams Named COO of The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida has named Bryan Williams, MBA, its new chief operating officer.

Williams will be the first to serve in this new role, which was created following the retirement of Grace Sacerdote, CPA, who retired as executive vice president and chief financial officer on June 22 after 22 years of service.

Williams previously served eight years as president and CEO of Dogs for Better Lives. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Jacksonville University and the University of Florida, respectively.

“As The Community Foundation continues to grow, Bryan will work closely with me to ensure that the Foundation’s strategic priorities are carried out with clarity and consistency,” said Isaiah Oliver, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “We are pleased to welcome him in this new role serving as The Foundation’s primary steward of internal operations.”

Grassroots Groups Receive $70,000 Boost

The A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity and Impact Fund, an initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, has awarded $2,000 grants to 35 grassroots organizations to advance economic mobility, education, and health in the Bold City.

“Each of these organizations embodies the spirit of A.L. Lewis – investing in people, advancing opportunity and strengthening communities from within,” said A.L. Lewis Fund Chair Tim Johnson. “Together, they are building a more equitable and thriving Jacksonville.”

Those interested can join the A.L. Lewis Fund for an annual membership of $1,500 or donate to support its grantmaking.

A New Chapter of Service

After nearly a decade of service as executive director of the Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC), David Clark is stepping into a new leadership role with Lutheran Social Services (LSS).

LSS has announced that as of June 30, Clark will serve as the organization’s new president and CEO.

“We are thrilled to welcome David Clark to Lutheran Social Services,” LSS Board Chair Tracy Williams said. “As LSS continues its mission of serving and empowering vulnerable individuals and families, we believe David Clark is the right leader to help expand our impact and strengthen our service to the Northeast Florida community.”

At DESC, Tina Wirth has stepped in as interim executive director, and the organization is launching a search for Clark’s successor, overseen by Julia Burns of Clarity Transitions.

DESC Board Chair Debbie Pierson expressed her gratitude for Clark’s years of dedicated service to DESC and the people it serves.

“David has been a remarkable leader, spirit-led, committed to putting the client first, and he has done that every step of the way,” Pierson said. “He has led us to a very strong position. Right now, we are very healthy financially; our building is under construction, and we just could not be in a better place to serve our clients.”

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Pamela “PJ” Jensen-Young

Dental Hygienist

CJ Henley, DMD

A Milestone Worth Smiling About

On June 25, the office of CJ Henley, DMD celebrated a milestone anniversary for dental hygienist Pamela “PJ” Jensen-Young, who has become an integral part of the practice’s family and a pillar of integrity and dedication for the patients she serves.

For 30 years, PJ has served as a mentor to her peers, the embodiment of professionalism and a constant source of happiness and laughter to everyone around her.

“What makes PJ special is not just her knowledge and experience, though both are exceptional. It is the way she combines professionalism with warmth, along with a sense of humor that fills the whole office,” said Dr. CJ Henley. “PJ makes everyone laugh. In fact, on the rare days she’s out, patients notice immediately and wonder why the office is so quiet.”

What makes PJ special is not just her knowledge and experience, though both are exceptional. It is the way she combines professionalism with warmth, along with a sense of humor that fills the whole office. – Dr. CJ Henley

Henley said he has seen patients return to PJ’s chair for years – decades, even –for PJ’s signature blend of expertise, thoroughness, and friendliness, allowing her to build not only trust but relationships with her patients, learning each person’s story and weaving herself into it in her own special way.

The team at CJ Henley, DMD, celebrates this milestone anniversary with a team member who has become so much more and who has built her own legacy within the practice as a person of integrity, humility, empathy and loyalty.

“PJ, thank you for your loyalty, your friendship, and your unwavering dedication. Thank you for helping build and preserve something truly special,” said Henley. “And thank you for the thousands of lives you’ve touched through your care and compassion.”

Fresh Leadership, Enduring Commitment

Immediate Past President Meg Folds ceremoniously passed the gavel to Windsor at the Tuesday morning meeting after Windsor was sworn in to her new duties as Rotary president by District Governor-Elect Ed Lombard.

“Rotary is best when people show up, pitch in and care about one another, and this club is full of people who do exactly that,” Windsor said in her first address as president. “…Rotary has given me so much more than I ever expected when I first joined: It has given me friendships, opportunities to serve and the privilege of working alongside people who genuinely want to make our community better. I’m grateful to be following in the footsteps of leaders who have built such a special platform.”

Rotarians also commended two individuals whose contributions and support made significant impact not just for the Rotary but for the community in the 2025-26 year: Dr. Tony Potochick was named Rotarian of the Year, while Ike Sherlock was recognized as the Rotary Partner of the Year.

Alongside Windsor, a new slate of officers for the 2026-27 were introduced, including Thatcher Madelly (president elect),Logan McEwen (secretary, treasurer), Tony Potochick (sergeant-at-arms), Meg Folds (immediate past president), Nicole Grant (foundation chair), Ed Parrish (membership chair), Zach Ammon (service chair), Britt Hester (public relations) and L.E. Spradlin (social chair).

Steady Hands, New Voices

Last month, the Jacksonville Symphony announced both the retention of Steven B. Libman as its president and CEO and the addition of Dr. Tony Thornton as the new director of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, Tom Zimmerman Endowed Chair.

Libman has signed a five-year contract extension, maintaining his position at the helm of the symphony until June 30, 2031, after which he plans to retire. Under his leadership, the Symphony has experienced significant financial and institutional growth, maintained an era of continued artistic success and expanded philanthropic support and community engagement. During his final year as CEO, Libman will work alongside the Symphony Board of Directors in the search for his successor, ensuring a smooth transition for the organization.

“During my time as board chair, I have seen firsthand the impact of Steven’s leadership on the Jacksonville Symphony,” said Matt Marcin. “His commitment to organizational growth, financial stability and artistic excellence has strengthened the Symphony in meaningful ways. We are thrilled that he will continue leading the organization through 2031 and grateful for his commitment to ensuring a thoughtful transition for the next generation of leadership.”

Thornton will begin his new leadership position at the beginning of the 2026/27 season, succeeding Donald McCullough, who recently retired after 14 years of service to the symphony.

In the course of his career, Thornton has collaborated with more than 400 choral ensembles worldwide; he currently serves as artistic director of the Sarteano Choral Workshop in Italy as well as artistic director for Europe’s Festival Singers program. He has led performances in such celebrated global concert venues as New York’s Carnegie Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica and Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica.

“I’m honored to join the Jacksonville Symphony family as Director of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus,” said Thornton. “I’m especially looking forward to building on the excellence of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and leading it into its next chapter. The opportunity to collaborate with Music Director Courtney Lewis, guest conductors and the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony is incredibly exciting.”

The Community Foundation Names James Coggin Vice President of Programs

James Coggin, MBA, has been promoted to vice president of programs at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, where he will oversee the Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking and growing portfolio of impact investments.

Coggin joined the Foundation in 2019 as program director to lead the Supporting Neighborhoods initiative. In 2022, he was promoted to senior director of grantmaking and impact investing as his role expanded through the Local Capital Pool, which has invested or committed $7 million in low-cost capital to support affordable housing and small business growth.

Before joining the Foundation, Coggin worked on affordable housing at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation Jacksonville and Operation New Hope.

Coggin holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and small business management from Florida State University. He lives in Murray Hill with his wife, Sara, and three children.

Summer Reading List (For your Financial Life)

Summer reading doesn’t have to be all beach novels and celebrity memoirs. If you want a season of growth, pick up a few books that sharpen your financial instincts, challenge your thinking, and remind you what actually matters. After you finish the hot summer read, check out these five titles that will leave you wealthier in wisdom long after the sunscreen wears off.

1. The Intelligent Investor –Benjamin Graham

If you read only one investing book in your life, make it this one. Graham’s classic is the blueprint for disciplined, long term investing. His famous “Mr. Market” metaphor teaches you to ignore the daily noise and focus on value, patience, and rationality. It’s not flashy, but it’s foundational. This is the book that shaped Warren Buffett’s entire philosophy – and it still holds up.

2. Thinking, Fast and Slow –Daniel Kahneman

Money mistakes rarely come from math. They come from our minds. Kahneman, a Nobel Prize – winning psychologist, explains why we jump to conclusions, panic during downturns, and cling to bad decisions. He breaks our thinking into two systems – fast and emotional vs. slow and analytical –and shows how the fast one gets us into trouble. Once you see your own biases, you can’t unsee them. And that’s a good thing.

3. The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money – Jill Schlesinger

This is the financial equivalent of a friend grabbing your shoulders and saying, “Stop doing that.” Schlesinger highlights the surprisingly common mistakes even high achieving people make – buying too much house, chasing hot stocks, ignoring insurance, avoiding estate planning, and letting emotions run the show. It’s practical, funny, and full of “oh no, that’s me” moments. A perfect summer tune up for your financial life.

4. Fooled by Randomness –

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Taleb delivers a powerful reality check: a lot of what we call “skill” is actually luck. Markets rise, careers take off, and people declare themselves geniuses – until randomness reminds them who’s really in charge. This book teaches humility, skepticism, and respect for risk. It pairs beautifully with Graham and Kahneman: together, they form a masterclass in avoiding overconfidence and staying grounded when the world gets noisy.

After four books about money, this one brings you back to the center – your values. Christensen asks the questions we often avoid: What does success really mean? How do you stay true to your values? How do you build a life where family, integrity, and community come first? It’s a reminder that financial success is only worthwhile if it supports a life you’re proud of. This book keeps you anchored in what matters most.

These five books won’t just make you smarter with money – they’ll make you wiser about decisions, clearer about risk, and more grounded in your purpose. They’ll help you build wealth thoughtfully, avoid the traps that derail even the smartest people, and stay focused on the relationships and values that give life meaning.

That’s the kind of summer reading that pays dividends.

If you’d like to learn more about smart investing, please reach out to the Walsh Investment Consulting Group at 904-839-2895.

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TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Returns

Bowl date announced

College football fans, mark your calendars: The 82nd annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will be played on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 11:30 a.m.

The game will be played at Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Stadium, with reduced capacity while the stadium is undergoing renovations.

“The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is one of the most exciting traditions in college football, and we’re thrilled to once again be part of this event,” said TaxSlayer CEO Jamie Saxe.

Participating teams – one from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) – will be announced Dec. 6.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be the lead game in a robust day of iconic college football programming,” said TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Chairman Bill Dixon. “The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Northeast Florida will provide an incredible post-season destination for the players, coaching staff, and fans alike. On behalf of our entire green jacket membership, we look forward to hosting a representative from both the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville for Bowl Week.”

A limited pre-sale offer for game tickets ended June 12. Regular ticket sales will begin Sept. 15 through Ticketmaster. Anyone purchasing a ticket from a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl “Green Jacket Member” before Dec. 1 will receive preferred pricing.

The Meninak Club Accepting Applications for $50K Charity Grant

The Meninak Club of Jacksonville is now accepting applications for its 2026 Meninak Charity Grant.

This $50,000 grant is available for nonprofits in the First Coast area serving children ages zero to 18. These funds must be used for capital improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment and vehicles with a minimum five-year estimated useful life.

The Meninak Club has distributed more than $1.5 million in grant dollars – raised through member donations to the Meninak Charity Foundation – with previous recipients including Hope at Hand, Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, Boys and Girls Clubs of Jacksonville, the Police Athletic League Jacksonville, Renaissance Jax, Hope Haven Clinic, Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center, Daniel Kids, and the Carpenter’s Shop.

The submission deadline for applications is Aug. 15. The winner will be selected from among three finalists and announced at the Meninak Awards Luncheon on Nov. 9.

Screening Steams Up a Conversation

Jacksonville welcomed a sold-out crowd to the screening of Mark

documentary “Baristas vs Billionaires” on Saturday, June 20.

Mori screened the film in conjunction with City of Jacksonville Film Commissioner Todd Roobin. Devan Stuart Leslie of Norman Studios held a Q&A with Mori, a resident of and an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director. The documentary follows the personal stories of Starbucks baristas as they attempt to unionize the world’s largest coffee chain.

31 Years Strong

Participants raised a record-breaking $1.4 million at the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund’s 31st annual Celebrity Golf Classic, held in partnership with THE PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass on May 17 and 18.

The two-day event included dinner, auctions, and, of course, golf on the Stadium Course, raising funds and support for families facing the financial struggles and emotional challenges of childhood cancer.

Marking the 31st anniversary of the Jay Fund, the tournament has grown from a small golf outing organized by Tom Coughlin to a signature charity event attended by athletes, community leaders, sponsors and supporters.

Whe

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DESC Defenders

Nearly $400,000 was raised at a record-breaking evening Ecumenical Services Council’s signature fundraiser. The 2026 event, DESC Defenders: Stand Together, guests a memorable evening featuring a Fund-A-Need interactive activities. Melissa and Dick Lewis were the First launched in 2019, the evening provides attendees individuals experiencing chronic poverty face on a regular interactive displays and presentations. Since its inception $1.5 million in support of DESC’s mission.

evening for DESC Defenders, the Downtown

was held at WJCT on Thursday, June 11. It offered “auction” along with its inspiring program and 2026 honorary chairs.

attendees with a deeper understanding of the challenges regular basis, offering insight into these lives through inception seven years ago, the event has raised more than

A Cause Worth Savoring

Investing in Knowledge, Delivering Comfort

For more than 60 years, Weather Engineers, Inc. has emphasized a commitment not just to its clients but to the technicians who are out in the field every day, providing top-of-the-line service day in and day out.

“We built our reputation by investing not only in the latest technology and equipment, but also in the people who serve our customers,” said Weather Engineers Vice President of Operations Danny Towers.

The company actively recruits students interested in building long-term careers in the skilled trades through several programs and partnerships, including the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) apprenticeship program in Gainesville, the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) Apprenticeship program in Jacksonville and partnerships with Florida State College at Jacksonville.

But that commitment to training does not stop once someone joins the team at Weather Engineers. As the HVAC industry continues to evolve, training and education are top priorities for this family-owned company, and, as such, workforce development remains a primary focus in its company culture.

“As the industry continues to evolve, training and education have become more important than ever,” Towers said. “Everything we install and put in today is highly technical.”

Enter Weather University.

Weather University is an on-site training facility that offers both classroom and handson educational opportunities for Weather Engineers technicians, whether they’ve been with the company for one day or 20-plus years.

“I don’t know too many companies that have an in-house training facility built specifically for enhancing the workforce,” said Towers.

Through Weather University, technicians can continually hone their skills, evolving with the times as new techniques are developed, new technology is introduced, or new products come to market.

Before any of that is placed in the home or office of a Weather Engineers client, it is first tested and studied by technicians.

“We’re not just selling a product to make money,” Towers said. “We want to make sure that the technology is something that

we believe in…We want to make sure that the products that we’re installing and we’re selling to our homeowners and businesses are tried and true and tested by us, the industry experts.”

Through this hands-on learning experience, Weather Engineers technicians can understand the nuances of new equipment and/or technology and how

the

Danny

VP of Operations

to install it, ensuring a flawless in-home experience for Weather Engineers clients.

“As you see with reviews online, most of the poor reviews are poor installation,”

Towers observed. “It’s not the equipment manufacturer, it’s the person who’s installing it, not knowing how to do it right. We try to make sure that we trust the product before we sell it to our consumer.”

Based in Jacksonville, Weather Engineers celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 and is just as committed to its community as it is to its people, clients and employees alike.

The business actively supports multiple charitable causes throughout the year, Towers said, from major organizations like Hubbard House and the Donna Foundation to Little League teams coached by Weather Engineers technicians.

“We want to make sure that we give back to the community,” said Towers.

“Our customers are the lifeblood of our business, and we want to make sure that we take care of the community as well.”

A Respite Stay Isn’t About Leaving Mom or Dad Behind

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From Caregiver to Changemaker

By Fabrizio Gowdy

A few short years ago, Mary Daniel never would have thought she’d be serving on governor-appointed task forces or heading to Washington, D.C. to lobby members of Congress.

A caregiver and medical practice manager, Daniel cared for her husband, Steve, for six years after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at just 59 years old. Steve eventually entered assisted living in 2019, and though he and Daniel were initially hesitant, it turned out to be exactly what the couple needed.

Steve thrived in his new setting and especially enjoyed serving as the community’s unofficial front desk greeter. This role allowed him to use his people skills once again – skills which had made him such a successful salesman.

Daniel would visit Steve for several hours every evening after work, and the two would lie in bed, watch movies, and catch up on each other’s days.

“I got to be his wife again, not just the person who bathed and fed him,” said Daniel.

A Suspension of Visitation

When she told her husband goodnight on March 11, 2020, she had no idea their cherished routine was about to come to a screeching halt. The following day, Daniel received a call from Steve’s assisted living facility: COVID was spreading in Florida, and visitors were temporarily prohibited to protect residents. Fifteen days to slow the spread, she was told.

But 15 days soon became a month, then two, and eventually three, and still, visitation was prohibited even for family members.

Daniel was allowed video calls and window visits, but Steve struggled to understand why he wasn’t being allowed to hug his wife and hold her hand. He cried often and lost 10 pounds in the first month of isolation.

“That kind of touch was all of a sudden gone, and he couldn’t understand why,” said Daniel.

With no end in sight, Daniel got creative; she took a job as a dishwasher at the assisted living facility so she could be with Steve. On July 3, after 114 days apart, Daniel was finally able to embrace her husband once again.

In a video she has since reposted on her Facebook page, Daniel reflected on her first shift as a dishwasher, which she said was

be back tomorrow and that’s a good thing.”

Her story was first reported by local media and quickly went viral, eventually getting national broadcast and print coverage. It wasn’t just reporters who took notice of her story, however. In early August, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Jacksonville and met with Daniel in person.

“The first thing I said to him was, ‘Why am I allowed to touch my husband as his dishwasher but not as his wife?’” recalled Daniel.

Advocating for the Caregivers

DeSantis appointed Daniel to a state task force charged with reopening Florida’s nursing homes. The only layperson appointed, she was unfazed by the prestigious titles of her colleagues, including Florida’s surgeon general, healthcare industry leaders, and heads of state agencies. Daniel insisted that in-person visitation rights were a dealbreaker, and after a series of sometimes contentious meetings, she got her way.

Having witnessed the devastating toll isolation took on her husband’s health, Daniel began advocating for others in Steve’s position. She started a grassroots Facebook group called Caregivers for Compromise, which eventually spread to all 50 states. The group’s message was simple: Isolation kills, too.

reintroduced in December and has picked up 147 cosponsors in the House and 30 in the Senate. Daniel says she expects a vote in July, and hopes this will finally be the year the bill becomes law.

While the pandemic has subsided, Daniel worries that natural disasters and other emergencies could still be used to deny visitation rights, and points out that VA hospitals and other federal facilities are not subject to state regulations. She also argues regular visitation holds facilities accountable and ensures they provide residents the highest standard of care.

– Mary Daniel

overwhelming but rewarding for the time she got to spend with Steve after her nearlysix-hour training shift of washing lunch and dinner dishes ended.

“I’m going to go back tomorrow,” she said in the video. “I promised him today I will

Daniel soon took her fight to Tallahassee, where she championed the No Patient Left Alone Act. Passed in April 2022, the bill requires designated essential caregivers to be allowed a minimum of two hours of daily visitation time in hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities.

Taking it to Capitol Hill

Now, Daniel is fighting for legislation at the federal level. This June, she led a group to Capitol Hill to push for passage of the bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act of 2025, which would guarantee visitation rights for essential caregivers nationwide.

Though the bill previously stalled, it was

“Nobody ever expects to have somebody in a nursing home – I never would have believed I would have needed to place my husband in long-term care – but until something like this happens to you, then you might understand the feeling of being totally separated from them,” said Daniel.

Steve, the man who sparked all of this advocacy, passed away peacefully in December 2022. Daniel was heartbroken but took comfort in the fact that she had fought for her husband and had zero regrets. She had kept the promise she made to Steve, driving home the day he had been diagnosed.

“I promised him I would never leave him alone, that I would be with him every single day, that I would hold his hand every day, and that he never had to worry about doing this by himself,” said Daniel. “That was my driving force.”

Stories and Sunny Days

Hello, summer! The days are longer, the temperatures are higher, and the kids are relishing their two months of freedom.

The things I love about summer break?

Watching the kids play basketball with their friends in our neighborhood late into the evening, as the grown-ups combine forces to put together a late-night group dinner for everyone, all while enjoying a glass of wine (or two).

A hiatus from the morning chaos of “you’re going to miss the bus!” and “it’s cold outside, wear a jacket!”

The collective exhale that comes from knowing that we can, for a few weeks at least, just slow down a little bit.

Things I don’t love about summer break?

The battle that often comes with getting my kids to read for 20 minutes a day.

My kids like reading, but they don’t love it as I do. To them, at least at this age, reading is something they have to do for

school – and if school’s out for summer, why do they still have to read every day?

This debate is common in many households, I would imagine. To tackle it with Lily, I started a two-person book club. Landon is a little more challenging. For both, the trick is making it fun, and the Jacksonville Public Library has launched its summer reading challenge to help families do just that.

This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” offers dinosaur-themed activities at all branches to engage young readers, and I am here for it.

The program launched on June 1, and San Marco Branch Library Supervisor Ryan Merkel said nearly 500 families participated in the branch’s opening-day festivities.

“Going back as far as I can dig, it was our biggest summer party,” Merkel said.

A reading tracker lets readers mark off each 20-minute reading session. Readers can cash in completed trackers – 20 days’ worth of reading – for a free prize book to add to their private collection.

Each branch offers its own spin on the theme, offering a different line-up of activities and events. At the San Marco library, one of the weekly activities is “Reading Dragons and Friends.” Each week, kids can collect a new set of dragon cards, similar to Pokémon cards, that they can then use to “battle” against fellow readers. The kids and I swung by the library for one of these sessions on Monday, June 15, to

some Reading Dragons.

The oldest kid in the group, probably by about five or six years, Lily ended up playing with several of the little kids, engaging with them one at a time and walking them through the game whenever they got stuck, and making this mama’s heart so happy.

Not only are these (free) activities in the air-conditioned sweetness of your local library, but they also keep kids surrounded by books. The option to read is there, the opportunity to discover a new favorite book right at their fingertips: As reluctant as she was about the idea of going to the library, Lily wound up checking out two new books she’s excited to read (one of which is our new book club read). No dice for Landon this time, but he’s got a few graphic novels at home he hasn’t yet dug into.

The library’s Summer Reading Challenge continues through the month of July. Check out your local branch for its line-up of events and be sure to turn in your tracker by Aug. 1 to collect your free books.

CURRENTLY READING: “The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire” by India Holton CURRENTLY LISTENING TO: “The Tapestry of Fate” by Shannon Chakraborty LILY’S BOOK CLUB READ: “Chemistry Lessons” by Meredith Goldstein

Patricia Ann Bridgeman

January 9, 1948 – April 17, 2026

The San Marco and Larsen communities celebrate the life and memory of Patricia “Pat” Ann Bridgeman, who passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. Throughout her life, Pat dedicated herself to her faith and her family, with an unbridled passion and commitment to serving others.

Pat cared for generations of children at Labor of Love Childcare, which she owned and operated, a business she viewed as a calling and through which she offered love, structure, and encouragement for countless children she supervised during those early, formative years.

Beyond that, Pat was a tireless advocate for her church and her community, responding to a call for aid when Paul Avenue Baptist Church faced closure in the early 2000s. Pat’s faith and persistence saw the historic congregation come under the care of Aspire Church San Marco, where it continues its mission. That church would become a lifeline during Pat’s efforts to bring potable drinking water to the Larsen community. The church became a base from which jugs of clean water were filled and resources were distributed. By 2015, new water lines were installed through a partnership between Builders Care and the City of Jacksonville, allowing many residents to connect to JEA water service.

For 30 years, Pat served as a crossing guard at Hendricks Avenue Elementary, faithfully standing her post rain or shine for generations of students who came to know her as a community guardian.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Charlie Bridgeman Sr.; her children, Chuck, Cara, Pebby Elliott, and Josh Bridgeman; her brother, Donald Howard; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nadine and William F. Howard, and her siblings, Randy Howard, Sharon Johnson, and Billy Howard.

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In Memoriam

Francis Leonard “Len” Loving Remembered

for his service to country, community and family

July 20, 1938 – June 9, 2026

Colonel Francis Leonard “Len” Loving passed away at home on June 9, 2026, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 87 years old.

The eldest child, Len was born on July 20, 1938 in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Southern Benedictine College in Cullman, Alabama, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in business administration in 1960.

Len and his first wife, Ruth, had three children.

After Ruth’s passing, Len met and married Suzanne (“Suzie”), who would be his devoted and loving partner for 41 years.

His 30-year military career began following his college graduation, when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He served with distinction, rising to the rank of colonel and completing multiple tours during the Vietnam War, during which he was awarded the Bronze Star with combat “V” for valor. Before he retired in 1989, Len helped organize and stage President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration and establish the United States Marine Corps Blount Island Command.

Following his retirement, Len and Suzie spent time living in Barcelona, Spain, where he served as head of security for the construction of the Hotel Arts, which would house high-profile athletes for the 1992 Olympic Games.

In 2011, Len became the CEO of Five Star Veterans Center – a new organization that was struggling financially. Spearheading the Veterans Helping Veterans project and its Passport to Independence program, Len helped countless homeless veterans move toward positive life choices and independence.

He ran the organization for nearly 15 years, Suzie by his side, in a labor of love that saved and changed lives and fostered multiple friendships.

Len was known by many names by many people –Len, Colonel Loving, Dad, Grandpa and Pop – each denoting a different chapter of a full and extraordinary life. His accomplishments and accolades were many, but he was most defined by his ability to connect with people, to make them feel believed in, seen and supported.

Len is survived by his beloved wife, Suzie; his daughter, Elaine and Susan; and his sons, Walter and Joey.

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America at 250: What Is Your Collection Worth Today?

A Coin & Stamp Gallery’s Bill Hatchett helps families rediscover history, rarity and real market value

This July, as America celebrates 250 years since its founding, many families are looking back at the people, places and keepsakes that tell their own American stories. Some of those connections are in photographs or letters. Others are made of silver, gold, paper and ink – coins, bank notes, medals, watches, jewelry and collectibles passed down and then tucked away for decades.

At A Coin & Stamp Gallery, Bill Hatchett sees that history every day. A small envelope from a desk drawer, a box from a safe deposit box or a framed note from an estate can open the door to a much larger story. The value may come from precious metal content, but it can also come from something harder to recognize: rarity, condition, demand and the history behind the piece.

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

That is especially true in a milestone year for the nation. American coins and currency were never just spending money. They reflected their time: changing designs, wartime economies, regional banks, limited mintages, local signatures and the growth of a country. When few examples survive in strong condition, collectors pay attention.

Confederate notes are one example. At the end of the Civil War, many were considered worthless. Today, certain issues are collected as tangible pieces of Southern and American history.

“There was a lot printed, and when the South lost, the notes were not worth anything,” Hatchett explained. “As years have passed, people started saving them...they went from nothing to something.”

Jacksonville has its own place in that story. Before today’s centralized banking system, local and national banks issued notes that now attract collectors across the country. Hatchett has long studied rare National Currency tied to Jacksonville, Fernandina, St. Augustine, DeLand, Palatka, Live

Oak and other communities. In some cases, a modest denomination can carry extraordinary value because of where it was issued, who signed it or how few survive.

One discovery still stands out.

“This note had been in the family over 100 years,” Hatchett recalled. “We paid almost $10,000 for it...and it was a $10 bill.”

Coins can be just as surprising. Morgan silver dollars, early American type coins, gold coins and other historic issues may combine collectible value with precious metal value. Even ordinary-looking pieces may prove uncommon once checked against mintage records, census data and recent collector activity. In a strong market, families who have not reviewed a collection in years may find that the numbers have changed considerably. Still, every item is different. Age alone does not determine value.

A professional evaluation considers authenticity, condition, scarcity, market demand, local origin and the story collectors are willing to chase.

For Hatchett, that is the real appeal. Every appraisal is part research, part treasure hunt and part family history. “It’s like a treasure hunt and highlights an important part of history,” he said. “It’s my quest to find these rare items and help owners reap the gain from their value.”

As America marks its 250th birthday, it is a fitting time to revisit what may be sitting quietly at home. A single coin, note or inherited collection may preserve a story from one generation to the next –and in some cases, reveal meaningful financial value.

“Collectors are looking for these notes,” Hatchett said. “And we are too...and I pay more!”

A Coin & Stamp Gallery offers complimentary, no-obligation evaluations of coins, currency, precious metals and collections. Bring in one item or an entire estate and discover what it may be worth –and the American story it may have to tell.

THANK YOU NOTES from my

Several years ago, I had to clean out a deceased friend’s home to generate emergency funding for her parents’ 24/7 inhome care, plus, plus, plus.

It scarred me for life. No exaggerating.

You’d never imagine how painful it might be to pitch someone’s shampoo and hairbrush until you’re on the floor, exhausted and overwhelmed, bawling over it like a total lunatic. It is heavy, devastating work voiding someone’s life. Not fun. I decided then I’d never put my kids and loved ones through that, and that I’d scream from the rooftops about how horrible the experience is, so others know it’s a thing and can prepare for it. Thus, my Grand Plans work.

Recently, I put my Grand Plans into practice. This past Lent, I gave up the clutter. My Lenten offering was called “40 Bags for 40 Days.” Catchy, right?

So, every day during Lent this year, religiously (no pun intended), I filled one grocery bag with items from my home that I no longer needed, used, or loved and donated them to Goodwill or a local charity. Lent is about making room, right? Making room for God. Making room for clarity. Making room for what matters. And that’s exactly what happened this year. My stuff was reduced, and I felt so much lighter, better, and more prepared for my future than

ever, even though it was just 40 bags.

We hold on to so much stuff, memories, “someday” items, guilt gifts, old versions of ourselves, Hummel figurines, lol.

This season, it’s been 100% therapeutic practicing this kind of release.

I found so much stuff to give away! It was cathartic putting it all in bags each morning. I purged athletic wear, scarves, serving dishes I hadn’t used since taking them out of the wedding gift box, plastic containers from Costco meat and cheese platters, pens, crayons, cookbooks, disabled protractors and so, so much more.

to process all this stuff I’ve accumulated over my lifetime. My stuff will impact someone I love one day, and I have done something to lessen that burden. Check. Decluttering and living with less are a big part of aging with health and wellness, too. Here’s why our overwhelming piles of stuff (and we all have it, by the way, no one is immune here…I’m not just talking about hoarders and junk mongers, I’m talking about YOU and ME) is bad for us, how it affects our loved ones and where we can find help if filling 40 bags isn’t, (again, no pun intended), your bag: Why clutter can be bad for health and wellness: Research suggests that the way we experience our home environment matters biologically. In a landmark study that included in-home observations, women whose homes were rated as more “stressful” showed a flatter daily cortisol pattern – a stress-hormone profile associated with poorer health over time –along with worse mood across the day. And it’s not only correlational: an experimental study that manipulated household chaos found that higher chaos can increase stress

data point: only 24% of Americans surveyed reported having a will in 2025, and 43 % of those without a will said they “just haven’t gotten around to it.” When plans aren’t documented and homes are packed, loved ones often inherit the emotional weight and the logistical labor of sorting, donating, selling, and clearing –right when they may already be grieving. Where to find help (and not do this alone):

• Find a professional organizer: NAPO “Find a Pro” directory.

• Downsizing/relocation support (great for aging-in-place transitions, too): NASMM “Find a Senior Move Manager.”

• Chronic disorganization/hoardinginformed help: ICD “Find a Professional” directory

The response was overwhelmingly ecstatic! People loved this idea, eagerly participated, and got all jazzed up about it. I think there’s something to the mentality of even doing one bag or five or 10. It’s a little checked box: by filling this dang bag, I just made life a little easier on the people I love – the people who will one day have

and negative emotion during caregiving tasks. In other words, “too much stuff” can function like background noise for your nervous system, always pinging you with one more thing to manage.

Why it becomes a problem for the people we love: Our belongings eventually become someone else’s job. One practical

My Lenten “one grocery bag a day” practice was manageable for most folks because it’s small enough to sustain and big enough to change the future atmosphere of our homes (and the future workloads of our people). So, fill a bag, call a professional organizer, call in the big guns – consider today how you can make your load lighter for your people. It’s the Lenten gift that keeps on giving! Maybe it’s something to do during these long days of summer. Bag whatever vacation you’re planning and purge! Susanna Barton recently took 10 fancy champagne flutes to Goodwill, and it was the finest she’s felt in years. A longtime Granada resident, she has written professionally for The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Resident and The Bolles School. She is a newly minted Gerontologist and manages an online community called Grand Plans, which encourages healthy conversations about aging and preparing for it on www.mygrandplans.com

DON’T MISS A BEAT

Well, if that doesn’t beat all!

This art enthusiast beat feet all over town from the Yellow House in Riverside to five other art exhibits in one evening during ArtWalk. I beat the clock up and down Billy Goat Hill to see the First Coast Plein Air Painters’ exhibit “To Steal a Moment,” Sunil Ancha’s solo photography exhibit, and The Arts Center Co-Operative exhibition “Red, White and Blue” at the Jacksonville Main Library.

Plein Air awards by juror Michael Dunlap for “To Steal a Moment” went to Sheryl Roach for Best in Show; Randy Pitts took second place; Carrie Keene took third; and Honorable Mentions for Alex Ottich and LuAnn Dunkinson. Patrick Mahoney took first in “Red, White, and Blue,” with Gail Karson and Ed Malesky gaining Juror’s Choice awards. You can’t beat that! Then on to Southlight Gallery for the intriguing work of Edmund Troy, where, joined by escorts Rick Redshaw and Aaron Jackson, we beat a path to Kandice Clark’s Petite Gallery pop-up art gallery on E. Adams Street.

The JCA gallery featured the beautiful work of Carron Wedlund and Jeannette Dennis. “Sounds of Summer” is up at North Point Dental, where Stephanie Welchans earned first place, and Mary Atwood and Gail Karson each took Juror’s Choice Awards.

At Church of the Good Shepherd, Lisa Lofton earned top honors in the JAG exhibit “Daydreams.” Lori Frazier gained a Juror’s Choice Award, while Gail Karson beat the odds and was awarded another Juror’s Choice Award in the same week in two different exhibits.

My heart skipped a beat at the fifth annual Duval Comic and Zine Fest at the Cork Arts District. Fifty-three comic illustrators/writers were on display with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and a wide variety of work featuring everything from superheroes to political commentary to kids’ stuff. Senior Organizer James Greene was the “driving force” and featured artist at First Coast Comicon. You can’t beat Superheroes.

The Grand Slam at Babs’ Lab was fantastic, with so many interesting stories from talented people. Grand Prize went to

Doug Green for his poignant and personal reflections on finding his voice. Seven other presenters and winners from past Story Slams competed for the finale, including Ashley Woodson Bailey, Erin Cowart, Johnny Masiulewicz, Melanye Rodriguez, Mary Strickland, and Michael Walther.

UNF Associate Professor Jillian Smith and her students at Afterimage Productions didn’t beat around the bush as they presented inspiring documentaries at MOCA about Jacksonville’s residents who march to the beat of a different drummer. “Empanadas, Weed and Batman” is a fascinating story of the artisans and vendors at the Beaches Flea Market, some of whom have been there for 30 years or more; “Deaf Means” is an uplifting and informative look at UNF Adjunct Professor Mitchell Rex Moers’ life of “teaching, protesting, and living deaf.”

“One More Book” is an up-close and personal account of Ron Chamblin, his life journey, and his obsession with books. Chamblin’s Bookmine and Uptown bookstores have beat the odds for success

as the go-to place for books – thousands and thousands of books (and maybe just one more) since 1976.

Women Writing for a Change featured work at FSCJ Kent Campus for a varied and vibrant collection at this exhibit and writing event. This writer beat the rush over there for those sterling exhibits. Not to beat a dead horse, but just another reminder that J-ville is bustling with performing arts, visual arts, and creative ventures in every conceivable genre.

Beat feet for fun times at Silver Cow in Murray Hill on the second Wednesday night of the month for Bards and Brews Spoken Word, Jam on Tuesdays, and art exhibits, including a recent exhibit by Kali Freeland, are part of this “creative hub.” These folks certainly know how to “give me a beat boy, and free my soul,” as do the talented gathering of musicians on Wednesday nights at Grace Notes for Open Mic and Thursdays at Lillian’s Sports Bar –don’t miss a beat as Jacksonville’s talented creatives come out to play.

These are the places to Be AT.

THE YOUNG

Independents

Making their mark on their own terms

By Rebecca Day

As America marks its 250th anniversary this month, we’re celebrating the spirit of independence by spotlighting a new generation of ambitious locals who are making an impact in our community and beyond. They are the entrepreneurs launching businesses, the creatives redefining industries, the young professionals leading with confidence, and the rising voices bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation to everything they do.

This year’s “Young Independents” represent more than success at a young age. They embody determination, vision, and the drive to carve out their own paths while helping shape the future of our neighborhoods, businesses, and community. Passionate, hardworking, and unafraid to think differently, these up-and-comers are already leaving their mark and proving that leadership has no age minimum .

In a time when the nation is reflecting on independence, it felt only fitting to celebrate those carrying that same bold, independent spirit forward today. Meet the standout young leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are defining what’s next right here at home.

REGGIE AGULTO

When Reggie Agulto moved to Jacksonville with her family in the early 2000s, she began exploring all the city has to offer.

“I like to give my parents credit for helping me fall in love with Jacksonville,” she said. She enjoyed discovering parks, shops, and the unique identity of the area’s bustling communities and found that riding the bus to and from school helped her feel like a part of the community.

“One of my favorite memories is from when I was in college and working at Sweet Pete’s Candy downtown. Every Saturday morning when I stepped onto the bus for my shift, hearing the collective ‘good morning’ from familiar riders felt like such a small but meaningful joy,” she said.

Agulto spends her time giving back to the community that welcomed her when she moved here, lending her skills and efforts to nonprofit organizations focused on youth development and community building. Her passion for nonprofit work began in high school, when she organized a denim drive for Teens for Jeans, a nonprofit that supports youth experiencing homelessness.

“We were able to collect 2000 pairs of jeans among the Paxon School for Advanced Studies community. This was the moment that made me realize the true power of the people, of how getting organized and rallying for a cause can lead to so much more than I imagined,” she said. Recently, she’s stayed busy with The Bloom Lab, a nonprofit focused on middle and high school students interested in the arts, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors and visiting parks like Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, the Jacksonville Arboretum, and Boone Park. One of her favorite dining spots she loves to visit with her husband is Curry Guys in Five Points on Lomax Street and Cicada Coffee located in the Cultivate Jax shop.

“One of my favorite things about living in the Riverside area is its walkability and proximity to so many local businesses,” she said.

K’CEE ALLEN

When K’cee Allen moved to the Jacksonville area a little more than a decade ago, coworkers quickly became friends, and they helped her explore everything communities like Riverside and San Marco have to offer.

“Since then, I have fallen in love with so much more,” she said. She loves how much the arts and culture are supported in the area, from writers and artists to bakers and restaurant owners. “I’m a huge fan of the Riverside Arts Market,” she said.

A shutterbug at heart, she loves spending time in nature and taking photographs of her favorite natural spaces. And though she hasn’t had much time for it recently, the area’s generous green spaces have helped her rediscover her love of photography.

“Jacksonville offers a plethora of parks and nature walks that allow me to dabble in it again.” One of her favorite spots is the scenic butterfly garden in San Marco’s Landon Park.

A devoted bookworm, when she isn’t visiting one of the area’s parks, she’s busy getting lost in a science fiction or fantasy novel.

“I am an avid reader,” she said. Hockey is another passion of hers, and she takes in an Icemen game when her schedule permits. Allen also explores the city’s culinary scene when she has time.

“I absolutely love San Marco,” she said. “It has great bars and restaurants.”

Organizations focusing on women’s health are important to Allen, and she enjoys supporting longtime nonprofit Planned Parenthood. Her work as an interventional radiology technologist means she helps people every day while using cutting-edge technology.

“I assist radiologists in using imaging technology to perform minimally invasive procedures inside the body and brain,” she said.

Her desire to work in the medical field stems from a personal connection.

“I originally wanted to work in healthcare because of my mother. She battled cancer when I was a teenager, and I wanted to help patients and families the way her care teams helped her,” she said.

EBONEE GATLIN

Even as a young child, Ebonee Gatlin knew she wanted to spend her time changing people’s lives for the better when she grew up.

“Whenever people would ask me what I want to do, what I want to be, I would always say, ‘I don’t really know, but I want to help people,’” she said.

She turned her love of the written word into a career focused on grant writing, which keeps her busy as the National Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer for Reach Out and Read. The nonprofit promotes literacy for children and partners with doctors and health care professionals, helping to provide books for kids and support for caregivers. As a writer, she uses her storytelling gift to help people understand the importance of causes such as child literacy.

“I think it’s really cool to take a cause that you’re working for, something that you’re very passionate about, and then craft it into a story and then see other people fall in love with the same thing.”

When she isn’t working, she spends time helping the Junior League of Jacksonville serve the community through various programs, especially food advocacy efforts. She also volunteers with organizations that

support people experiencing homelessness, including Hubbard House and Sulzbacher Center. Gatlin also serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Foundation Development Chair.

In her free time, she said she loves doing “anything creative,” including visiting Jacksonville’s Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. She also likes to read and is part of a book club currently tackling thrillers. When she’s in search of a new read, she peruses the towering stacks at Chamblin Bookmine.

As a teenager, she lived in Jacksonville for a few years before going to college and heading Northeast to spend time in New Jersey and work in Manhattan. But she recently moved back to Jacksonville, to an area bordering Avondale and Riverside, while reacquainting herself with a city that has grown significantly since she first lived here.

“I feel like Jacksonville is in such a place of growth where a lot of things are coming into the city,” she said. “It’s a great area.”

JAC SHACTER

Growing up in Jacksonville, Jac Shacter couldn’t wait to leave the area and settle down in another city. But as an adult, and an active member of the close-knit Historic

Springfield community, he’s found home.

“I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” he said.

He spends his days working with TerraWise Homes, a builder specializing in energy-efficient and custom homes, a career path he’s worn many hats for. He started out as an office assistant and worked his way up to sales engineer, eventually becoming director of sales and marketing. Now, he’s the vice president of operations.

“[I] ended up falling in love with it,” he said as he spoke about his ascension through the company.

On any given day, he could be going over spreadsheets at his desk or out in the field, conducting home walkthroughs and meeting with clients.

“I love that my day is varied, and I never know what it will bring,” he said.

Shacter is an ardent supporter of the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization organization (SPAR). He and TerraWise Homes enjoy partnering with SPAR to “give back as much as we can to the community that supports us,” he said.

Shacter is a self-described introvert and homebody. He’s also a family man with four children and what he described as “a whole zoo” of animals, including two dogs, a cat, fish, rabbits, and chickens. He has regular spots he loves to visit for a meal and a coffee, including Artessence Coffee Shop on North Main Street.

“They keep me fueled and caffeinated so I can stay on top of everything,” he said.

Shacter believes what truly makes his neighborhood community so special is the people. “Springfield is truly a community, sort of small-town vibes,” he said. “In a time where folks increasingly don’t even know their neighbors’ names, it’s nice to know the people around you, and that you can borrow some sugar or a potato if you’re short.”

BRIT ROBINSON

Brit Robinson first moved to Jacksonville with her husband when he was stationed here for flight school. Part of a military family herself, she’s accustomed to moving to different parts of the country for short periods, but when it came time to choose where they wanted to settle down, she chose to return to Jacksonville.

“The diversity of the people and potential of this city keep calling me back, which is why I’m very happy to call Jacksonville my chosen home.” By trade, she is an interior designer and seamstress. Recently, she’s become active in the community, running for Congress in Florida’s Fourth Congressional District. Her desire to help her community through civic duty stems in part from the adversity her family faced during her high school days.

“When I was entering high school, my mom became seriously ill and couldn’t afford health insurance. Our family had to rely on food assistance, we were evicted, and I ended up moving across the country to stay with family and friends just so I could finish school,” she 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.

Her family’s experience stayed with Robinson into adulthood, instilling a passion for helping others in times of need.

“That experience is what drives my work today. I believe in building a community where people are supported before they reach a crisis point, and where systems are designed to lift people up, rather than leave them behind,” she said.

She loves living in the Springfield area with easy access to some of her favorite local spots, including 1748 Bakehouse and Juice Wine Bar.

“You’re never short on things to do, and it’s so easy to walk from place to place,” she said. Military life can make it hard to find people to connect with, but Robinson has found community in Jacksonville.

“It’s often challenging as a military family to connect with others because people are always coming or going … so it’s been a great change to find people who support each other and love this city and its people enough to try to make a positive impact,” she said.

JESSIE DREW HAWKINS

Jessie Drew Hawkins is a true-blue Jacksonville native.

“My roots here run deep,” she said. Her family lineage in Jacksonville goes back several generations and can be traced back to the H & W.B. Drew Company on Bay Street, a paper goods store started in the early 1800s by one of her relatives.

“Being from Jacksonville has always been a big part of my identity and something my family takes a lot of pride in,” she said.

Hawkins is the owner of Gwei Media, a social media marketing and strategy company.

“What I love most is being able to take something off our clients’ plates and help them show up consistently and creatively online. We get to blend creativity with analytics, which is such a unique balance,” she said.

She’s also passionate about supporting Jacksonville’s expansive community. Hawkins has a deeply personal connection to the organization Angels for Allison, which provides support to families who have lost a child. The nonprofit is named after Allison Brundick Haramis, who was Hawkins’ cousin and best friend.

“Being part of continuing her legacy means everything to me,” she said. Hawkins is also involved with The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, which provides life-saving care to infants and children. Hawkins’ work with the two organizations goes hand in hand.

“One supports families in loss, and the other supports children in healing,” she said.

In her free time, Hawkins enjoys visiting the beach, checking out her favorite Asianinspired restaurants, and attending church. She lived in Hong Kong for a decade, but when she moved back to Jacksonville, she knew it was meant to be.

“Coming back has been incredibly special. It’s a place that feels like home in every sense, and I’m so grateful to be part of a city that my family has been connected to for so long,” Hawkins said.

JOEY JENKINS

Originally from Tennessee, it took some time for Joey Jenkins to settle into the Floridian lifestyle after moving to Jacksonville. But he found kindred spirits in the city’s lively music scene. A solar energy technician by day for solar installation and maintenance projects, his trade gives him plenty of time to pursue his passion, music.

Between practice, studio time, and touring, he stays busy. He spends nights playing bass in the punk rock music scene, and likes being a devoted spectator as well.

“I enjoy the local emo [and] punk shows that take place around the city,” he said.

Jacksonville boasts several popular live music venues featuring up-andcoming bands. Just a few of Jenkins’ recommendations for checking out local talent include Island Tropics Restaurant on N. Main Street, Hard Love Co. on Post Street, and The Albatross on East Bay Street.

He also enjoys supporting Jacksonville-based causes focused on inclusivity and marginalized communities, including the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, and Food Not Bombs, a vegan-based food-sharing organization that provides food and supplies to locals in need.

“I’m very passionate about activism in our community,” he said.

When Jenkins isn’t practicing or playing a show, he can be found at one of his favorite Park Street establishments, Hawkers, a staple in the Five Points area of Riverside, specializing in gourmet Asian street food.

Olivia T. Smith is proud to call herself a “Jaxon,” a lifelong resident of Jacksonville. She’s called the city home since she was a baby, and her love for it has only grown.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve continued to fall more and more in love with this city and the people who live here,” she said.

Smith serves as a senior director of development for the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, where she nurtures donor relationships, leads fundraising initiatives, and collaborates with staff and volunteers to advance community-wide objectives.

“I have the really beautiful opportunity to do what I love every day–connecting people and their passions to programs that bring their passions to life,” she said.

Helping people has always been a passion for Smith. She spent a lot of time at the Jewish Community Alliance as a teenager while her mother worked to provide for her and her brother. At 14 years old, she began working at JCA as a swim instructor and swim team coach and provided administrative support when needed. She also worked as a camp counselor. As an adult, she wanted to work with organizations like JCA that offer a safe space for young people and their families.

“My passion is people – lifting them, connecting them, and helping them thrive,” she said.

Over the years, the former Junior League of Jacksonville member has had the opportunity to help found and serve on the Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville Young Professionals Board. She currently serves as the secretary of the board of directors for Haven Retreats, Inc., a nonprofit organization that fosters sustainability in foster care, and is near and dear to Smith’s heart as a former foster parent and adoptive mom.

Smith calls the Lakewood area home and loves how close she is with her neighborhood community.

“The people, especially the ladies, who live in my neighborhood are genuinely so amazing,” Smith said. “We have a group chat of all the ladies in the neighborhood, and everyone just shows up for one another as neighbors.”

KALANI ROSE

Kalani Rose is a San Diego native who experienced some culture shock after moving from California to Florida. But she soon fell in love with all Jacksonville has to offer, and she’s built a full life in the Bold City.

“I started my musical career here, met the love of my life, and started our little family,” she said.

As a singer-songwriter, she loves putting smiles on other people’s faces through music.

“[One of] my absolute favorite parts of performing is getting to bring joy to others. Connecting with strangers over music is something so healing. Music is like therapy to me,” she said.

Rose was inspired as a young girl by singer-songwriter and pianist Norah Jones. She would often fall asleep at night listening to Jones’ critically acclaimed album, “Come Away with Me,” and reading song lyrics.

“I’ve had a love for music since a young age,” she said.

Over the years, music has allowed her to support organizations championing causes near and dear to her heart.

“I love supporting any organization that protects women,” she said.

She also supports organizations that help the disabled community, a passion she’s pursued since high school and loves

sharing her other passion – music – with other people.

When Rose and her family take a short break from travel and performances, they love visiting Jacksonville’s parks to unwind.

“I love all the new parks that have been built in Downtown Jax,” she said. “My family loves that it’s become such a safe and vibrant place to bring your family.”

When she needs some girl time, Rose and her friends visit Biscottis in Avondale.

When Rose hits the road for a show with her band, they perform as Kalani Rose and the Vibe and incorporate grooving originals like “Protect Your Peace” into performances.

As a business owner, she runs her own production company, K.Rose Productions, focusing on special events, luaus, and weddings. She has a passion for Polynesian dance, which she discovered as a young girl and for which she said she has a deep respect.

BEN SIEBOLD

After moving to Florida from the Washington, D.C. area, Ben Siebold became a business owner. He oversees Sergeant Seamless, formerly known as AA Gutters.

While getting to know the area, he came to appreciate the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, its welcoming attitude toward military families, and its beautiful weather.

“I love all that the Jacksonville area has to offer,” he said.

His business approach at Sergeant Seamless is influenced by his own background in the military.

“The Army background shapes how we run things day-to-day. I served as a Staff Sergeant in the 29th Infantry,” Siebold explained.

Contributing to the economy, both directly and locally, is important to Siebold. He said he wanted to produce something that consumers need and focus on hiring local workers. From weather to equipment maintenance and scheduling, he enjoys the fact that his business always keeps him on his toes.

“My favorite part of running my own business is that every day is different,” he said.

Coffee shops provide the perfect atmosphere for getting administrative work done on the fly, and he frequents both Southern Grounds in Avondale and Flamingo Coffee in Murray Hill.

Siebold leads an active lifestyle and supports JAX Fray, an organization connecting people who want to join recreational sports leagues, meet up for pickup games, and check out events around the area. He’s also lent his skills as a craftsman to places that need help in Jacksonville, particularly at churches in the city’s Northside area.

The business owner decompresses from work by stepping outside to appreciate nature. He loves the community and natural flair of the Avondale and Riverside areas.

“The historic homes and the older trees that have large trunks and stretch across an area are just so beautiful to me and speak to longevity,” he said.

Power and Conviction from the Podium

With poised conviction and unmistakable presence, Dylan Rolle – a rising senior at Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies – electrified the crowd at the City of Jacksonville’s Juneteenth Celebration in the Hicks Auditorium at the Downtown Public Library on Thursday, June 18.

Themed “From Freedom to Future: Cultivating Black Excellence Through Our Youth,” the event was hosted by Mayor Donna Deegan’s African American Advisory Board and took place in the Hicks Auditorium at the Downtown Public Library.

Rolle shared the stage with a roster of celebrated Jacksonville speakers. Among them were Mayor Deegan, City Council Member Ju’Coby Pittman, Errol White (MAAB and Bank of America), Dr. Audrieanna Burgin (MAAB and LiftJax), and Kelly Frazier (MAAB and Northside Coalition).

Isaiah Oliver, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, delivered the keynote speech.

Rolle’s mother, Kezia, shared a video of his speech on social media, along with a heartfelt message from a proud mother.

“Last night was one of those moments I will never forget for my Son,” she wrote, in part. “….He spoke for an audience that included Mayor Donna Deegan, members of the Jacksonville City Council, community leaders and residents from throughout our city. With confidence, intelligence and maturity beyond his years, Dylan delivered a powerful message about Juneteenth, freedom, opportunity and the responsibility of young people to help shape the future.”

Alongside Rolle’s speech and remarks from other guest speakers, the celebration also featured visual art, poetry, music and dance.

Curtain Call for Excellence

Students and faculty from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts brought home multiple accolades from the 12th annual Applause Awards, which took place in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Philips Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, May 30.

In addition to wins in the Outstanding Leads category, DA alumna Abby Harrell and rising junior Josef Wright also won the coveted honor of representing the Florida region in the 2026 Jimmy Awards.

The evening included live performances by winners in the Outstanding Musical category, which included Douglas Anderson students performing a number from their production of “On the Town.”

Along with a win in the Outstanding Musical category, Douglas Anderson students and faculty were recognized in 15 other categories, including Outstanding Lead Performers (Abby Harrell, Alayna Martus, Ava Chung and Josef Wright), Outstanding Singers (Trey Murphy) and Outstanding Dancers (Brady Massey and Yahir Perez), among others.

The evening represented record-breaking participation in the program, which launched in 2015, featuring more than 400 students from nearly 50 high schools across 11 counties. In addition to recognizing and celebrating these outstanding performers, this year’s Applause Awards also awarded more than $221,000 in scholarships.

Packed with Possibility

at the

on 8th

The Sanctuary on 8th Street’s summer camp is in full swing, welcoming a record number of campers from families experiencing generational poverty.

Returning campers welcomed newcomers, and together everyone participated in special camp activities. Highlights included the new summer literacy program, one-onone speech therapy, and classes in art, science, music, and theater. Lunchtime provided additional opportunities to strengthen new friendships during the camp’s in-house meal program, which Sanctuary uses to address food insecurity.

With these packed camp days, Sanctuary on 8th Street blends summer fun with essential opportunities to prevent summer learning loss and limit technology overuse.

A Transformative Gift for Jacksonville Children’s Chorus

The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is celebrating a $400,000 gift from the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation – the largest individual cash gift in the organization’s history.

$250,000 of this gift is designated for JCC’s newly established endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, which represents a major step in reaching the organization’s goal of building a $10 million endowment at TCF.

Of the remaining $150,000, the majority – $100,000 – will support ongoing programming, including choral instruction, performances, and community engagement initiatives, while $50,000 will fund scholarships, underscoring JCC’s commitment to accessibility.

“This extraordinary gift represents a powerful investment in our organization’s future and, more importantly, in the young people we serve,” said JCC President and Artistic Director Darren Dailey. “We are deeply grateful to the Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation for their generosity and belief in our mission.”

A Summer of Service

For campers at Episcopal School of Jacksonville, summer break combines fun with philanthropy.

The school kicked off its first session of Community Service Camp from June 1 to 5, during which campers and chaperones spent mornings volunteering with area organizations before returning to the Munnerlyn Campus in the afternoon for summer camp fun.

“Our campers brought an energetic and eager spirit, worked hard, expanded their understanding about the needs in our communities, and had a lot of fun in the process,” said The Rev. Christopher Dell, Associate Chaplain for Spiritual Life and Service.

From grooming horses for North Florida School of Special Education’s Equestrian Therapy Program to inspecting nearly 6,000 pounds of potatoes at Feeding Northeast Florida to organizing day camp activities at Sanctuary on 8th Street to helping with food pantry operations at United Community Outreach Ministry, campers remained committed to community outreach throughout the week of summer camp.

Crown Point Plaza

San Marco’s VFW Post 1689 Carries Forward a Legacy of Service

By Fabrizio Gowdy

You’ve likely driven by VFW Post 1689, but you may not know the many ways this San Marco VFW post cares for its neighbors.

One such example is their work at the historic Phillips Craig Swamp Memorial Cemetery. When the City could no longer manage it, the group stepped in to oversee maintenance. Post members mow grass and remove fallen trees after storms, and they are currently seeking a university or graduate student with a capstone project to help identify unmarked graves, including those of veterans dating back to the Civil War.

The post’s community support extends further.

For the past 55 years, Post 1689 has worked with JSO to host an appreciation day for safety patrols, bringing together students from 28 schools across the city at Ed Austin Regional Park this April. Members donated bikes and other prizes, and grilled more than 400 hot dogs.

The group also works closely with the nearby Jacksonville Vet Center on Phillips Highway, which provides confidential, no-cost help, including mental health services, for veterans, service members and their families.

“Sometimes the transition from being in the military is a little rough for veterans,” said Post Commander Pete LaComb, who served in Vietnam.

When LaComb first joined the VFW back in 1973, it still counted some World War I veterans among its membership. He remembers one veteran named Merson Lane, who famously marched in every July 4th and Veterans Day parade in full uniform.

Another former member whose memory the post keeps alive is Purple Heart Navy veteran Frank Purpura, who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day at the age of 18. He worked as a barber into his 90s and remained active in the post until his death a couple of years ago.

On June 6, the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Post 1689 members honored their late friend with a toast: brandy from Normandy.

“It would take a can opener to get him to talk about his service,” remembered Post Chaplain Woody Woodford. “His generation didn’t want to be called heroes. The country called them, and they answered.”

Woodford is one of several current Post 1689 members who live within walking distance. A Marine and Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, Grenada and the Persian Gulf, Woodford visits veterans in homes and hospitals to minister to them.

Army veteran Del Monroe, a chef at a barbecue restaurant, has come up with a creative way to support the post: He operates 1689 Pizza out of the building’s kitchen, serving up thin-crust pizzas that are available on DoorDash or for pick-up until 11:30 p.m.

“It’s my own recipe,” said Monroe, who is still perfecting his formula. “It’s about 94% complete.”

Army veteran Stephen Shore, who flew into Mogadishu the day after Black Hawk Down occurred, lives a block away. He joined Post 1689 soon after moving to the neighborhood and said he wishes the group could do more to help veterans.

“We are struggling financially, so we cannot help as much as we’d like to,” said Shore. “We are trying to keep the doors open while we also struggle with an aging building.”

VFW membership has been in decline nationwide for years, mirroring a trend affecting fraternal organizations from the American Legion to the Freemasons and the Elks. Younger veterans are not joining VFW posts at the same rate as previous generations.

“A lot of young veterans think their experiences were different than ours, but they’re really not,” said Post Quartermaster Jeff Lincoln, an Operation Desert Fox veteran.

Founded in 1929, Post 1689 is believed to be the third-oldest VFW post in Florida. It was originally located near the old Acosta Bridge on the Southbank before relocating to St. Augustine Road in the 1980s when the new bridge was built. Over the years, declining membership forced four VFW posts to consolidate, with Post 1689 absorbing their members.

In 2023, an episode of the Paramount reality TV show “Bar Rescue” featured Post 1689, completing some desperately needed renovations to the aging building.

One of the only areas of the post left untouched by the renovation was the canteen, for sentimental reasons: Some members like to sit in the same spot their parents used to sit, surrounded by their fathers’ medals, ribbons and coins from foreign deployments, which are preserved in the counter in epoxy.

Since the “Bar Rescue” episode aired, membership at the post has risen 15%, but the group still faces challenges in recruiting younger veterans.

LaComb said the organization welcomes new members, and those who aren’t eligible to join can still support the post by ordering pizzas, donating items to its supply drives for veterans, shopping at the post’s annual rummage sale or renting the group’s meeting hall for their events.

They’ve already risked so much to serve their neighbors and their country, but the men and women of Post 1689 say they just want the opportunity to continue serving.

Rufus McClure

By Fabrizio Gowdy

It may have been 25 years since Rufus McClure last stood in front of a classroom, but his 50-plus years as a high school English teacher still shows when he speaks.

“Teaching was never a burden, always a pleasure … gladly would I learn, and gladly teach,” said McClure, quoting Geoffrey Chaucer’s description of the Oxford Clerk from “The Canterbury Tales.”

In his 100 years of life, McClure has certainly done his fair share of both learning and teaching.

Like most members of his generation, McClure learned the value of sacrifice and hard work at a young age. He was born September 24, 1925, in Hazelwood, N.C., and lived through the lean years of the Great Depression. His father worked in a furniture factory, and the family moved several times because jobs were hard to come by. McClure became a paperboy at 13, completing his route on foot until he saved enough money to buy a bike.

snapped his iconic “Unconditional Surrender” photo of a Navy sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square.

McClure was awarded the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Campaign Medal, Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Most importantly, he qualified for the G.I. Bill, which allowed him to do something he never imagined he would do: attend college. He enrolled at Appalachian State University completely free of cost and even received a stipend.

“College was fun, it was sort of a threeyear holiday,” said McClure.

He found the predominantly female campus at App State to be a pleasant change of pace after his years in the military, but what McClure loved most were his English classes, which instilled in him an enduring love for literature.

After graduation, he looked to Florida, where he had developed an affinity for the St.

“It was tough, we were poor,” said McClure, recalling the small towns he grew up in. “It was a time when country living was still country living – it had not been citified. Roads were dirt and mud, houses were oldfashioned frame houses, nothing fancy.”

At 18, McClure was drafted into the United States Army, where he volunteered as a paratrooper and graduated from jump school, training for the invasion of Japan with the 13th Airborne Division. After the Battle of the Bulge, he was shipped to Europe to join the 82nd Airborne Division, where he helped liberate the Wöbbelin concentration camp.

his doctorate so he could become a college professor. That never happened, however, because McClure met a young woman who was taking lessons from a Bolles music teacher.

Mariam Akra’s parents had emigrated from Lebanon and started Akra Brothers Department Store at 1735 Main Street.

McClure and Mariam were wed at Assumption Catholic Church on January 6, 1956, and remained happily married until she passed away a week shy of the couple’ s 66th wedding anniversary.

“We spent a long, happy romantic life together, which I still think about,” said McClure, taking a difficult pause before finally finishing his thought, “Every night.”

In their many happy years together,

sculpture was placed outside the music school, which is fitting considering it was the school’s music teacher who was responsible for McClure meeting his wife all those years ago.

For decades, McClure has resided in San Marco and San Jose, where many of his former students still live. He has enjoyed habitually walking bridges downtown since 1998. He celebrated his 97th, 98th and 99th birthdays by walking the entire length of the Acosta Bridge – 1,645 feet – with his family and friends. His father-in-law, Philip Akra, had participated in the dedication of the Acosta Bridge when it was first built and helped cut the ribbon on the opening day.

Earlier this year, McClure was again

Johns River and the beaches of the First Coast during his time stationed at Camp Blanding.

McClure earned a job as an English teacher at The Bolles School in 1951, the

After the Allied victory in Europe, he boarded a ship in France destined for the Pacific for the invasion of Japan. When Japan surrendered to the Allies, McClure’s ship changed course and returned to a jubilant New York City, around the same time Life photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt

same year “The Catcher in the Rye” was published. He started out with a $2,200 salary and lived on campus as a dorm proctor.

Bolles was an all-boys military academy in those days, and McClure was also responsible for leading students in military drills.

He originally planned to return to school after two or three years and obtain

McClure enjoyed taking his wife and their three children on lengthy summer camping trips during his month off. The family purchased one of 750,000 station wagons manufactured by Pontiac in the two decades after World War II. McClure’s daughter Maura, who herself spent decades as an English teacher, remembers camping in more than 40 states and visiting national parks all over the U.S. and Canada.

The Bolles School gave McClure a job and his wife, and he gave back much in return. He helped transition Bolles from a military academy to private boys’ school in 1962 and then to a coeducational institution in 1971, helped create the fine arts program, and even wrote two books chronicling Bolles’ history. When he retired in 2000, a convocation was held so McClure could deliver a farewell speech, which drew two standing ovations.

His retirement lasted all of two years, however, with McClure unretiring and returning to Bolles in a consultant capacity in 2002. After the devastating Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church fire in 2007, McClure had Bolles art teacher Jim Smith sculpt “The Phoenix” using the soundboard from the church’s burned grand piano. The

joined by his family as he was honored in the end zone at EverBank Stadium as the Veteran of the Game during the Jaguars’ regular season finale. He has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was also recently interviewed for a documentary profiling four World War II veterans, which premiered at World Golf Village in late May.

Even at his age, McClure says he is still learning.

“I’m learning how the world turns, I’ve watched it spin now for 100 years, and with every turn I’ve absorbed a detail or two,” said McClure.

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

Darby’s Home

By Fabrizio Gowdy

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

Stunning original features, a functioning 100-year-old elevator and a basement ghost that was apparently placated with a cardboard cutout companion – don’t let the modest size of 1534 Avondale Avenue fool you into thinking the home doesn’t have big stories to tell.

The ivy-covered Mediterranean Revival house was built in 1926, situated on a wedge-shaped lot, looking out onto a pair of pocket parks in Telfair Stockton’s new development, Avondale. The home’s architect, Albert N. Cole, was a partner at the firm of famed architect Henry Klutho.

The property was originally valued at $10,000, worth about $190,000 in today’s money. It was first occupied by James Darby, who sold insurance policies and bonds out of the Dyal-Upchurch Building downtown.

Whether

The home still features original wroughtiron elements, including a tension rod spanning the vaulted ceiling, a chandelier, and an internal metal gate that guards the entrance to the great room. There is also an internal Juliette balcony overlooking the great room, which once hosted a memorable performance by an opera singer who visited the home during a Luminaria open house.

The building materials are equally eye-catching, like the pecky cypress boards milled from local swamps and tributaries by the Cummer Lumber Company. The floor ranges from terracotta to oak and heart pine to checkered Venetian black-and-white tile.

But by the time Rick Pariani and his wife, Susan, first toured the house nearly a decade ago, the realtor had some advice for them.

“You don’t want this home,” he’d told them.

The driveway was badly cracked. The garage was dilapidated beyond repair and topped by an upstairs apartment that had been built without permits. The eerie, junk-filled basement was even purportedly inhabited by a ghost, which previous owner Gail Bachman had named “Darby.”

The couple wasn’t deterred, though.

“Susan immediately fell in love with this house – she saw through all the problems and knew this was going to be her dream home,” said Rick.

Rick was a landscape architect; his son also works as an architect, and his wife and daughter are both involved in the arts. Together, their attention to detail, commitment to historic preservation, and passion for art and design have helped them restore the home into the manicured gem it is today.

The front door, layered with countless coats of paint over the decades, was stripped layer by layer to reveal the original wood texture and light color. When lightning struck the original barrel tile roof and knocked off the chimney, Pariani had the cracked pieces carefully replaced with identical tiles salvaged from other old homes. Simply put, he believes in doing the job right, even if it takes more time and costs more money.

The restoration work wasn’t always easy, however, even meeting some supernatural resistance according to Rick. When he experienced a prolonged stretch of bad luck and accidents – hammering his fingers, falling down, breaking things – Rick speculated Darby might be the culprit.

A few friends suggested exorcising the ghost, but Rick had a different plan. He cleaned out the basement, hauled out the ancient oil-burning heater, repaired all the cracks, and applied a fresh coat of paint. Finally, he addressed Darby directly, speaking out loud.

“I said, ‘Darby, we’re the new owners, and we’re going to live here with you. I hope you realize how nice I’ve made it for you down here, and I just want you to appreciate it. I want you to leave me alone

so we can live together,’” recounted Rick.

For good measure, he also provided Darby a “friend” – a cutout of Rick that his son had made in art class years ago, which he hung up in the basement. The trouble soon stopped and has never resumed, and to this day, the school project still keeps Darby company in the basement.

With all otherworldly spirits seemingly content, Rick has since turned his attention to replacing 11 non-original windows with architecturally appropriate casement windows. Meanwhile, the garage has been carefully rebuilt so that its plaster walls are indistinguishable from those of the main house, and the century-old sliding garage door tracks were even salvaged and reused.

Over the years, the rebuilt guest room over the garage, nicknamed “the birdhouse,” has hosted Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and William Clark – all played by reenactors visiting town for educational events sponsored by the Colonial Dames. Actors performing at the Florida Theatre and Theater Jacksonville have also been guests.

“That’s been a nice way to give back to the neighborhood,” said Rick.

When it comes to their neighbors, Rick and Susan have no shortage of appreciation. Rick said they made more friends in their first three years living in Avondale than they did in the 20 years they lived in Ponte Vedra. He recounts the time an antique, ornamental hitching post was stolen from the front yard. Within days, a neighbor from down the street had gifted them a metal horse head so they could have a new post made.

On another occasion, a friend of the late Mrs. Bachman stopped by to present Rick a lamp identical to one that already adorned the house. He and Bachman had purchased matching lamps years ago, and wanted to honor her memory by reuniting the two lamps at 1534 Avondale Ave.

“That’s the kind of neighborhood we moved into,” said Rick.

He beams when he pulls back a drape and sees his granddaughter, visiting from New York, drawing with chalk in the garden, with Rick’s wife and daughter at her side.

The backyard, which has been a stop on the Riverside Avondale Preservation Garden Tour, was Susan’s vision and is no less thoughtful than the home’s interior.

It includes neatly arranged raised vegetable beds and a table Susan assembled, using balusters saved from Memorial Park as legs and covered in tiles arranged to depict the flowing St. Johns River.

It seems safe to say 1534 Avondale Avenue – and Darby – are in very good hands.

Does your home have a story to tell? 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.

Happy 250th Birthday, America

Civic pride marched in 1976 Jacksonville

Editor’s Note: Flashbacks is a recurring series of short vignettes contributed by the Jacksonville History Center that shines a light on the people, places and moments that have shaped Jacksonville’s rich and complex history. Each installment offers readers a glimpse into the stories – both celebrated and lesser-known – that continue to influence our city today.

Fifty years ago, America’s bicentennial was observed on Sunday, July 4, 1976. In Jacksonville, however, the celebrations lasted the entire month.

Jaxsons had a variety of events to enjoy – some at venues that no longer exist – including baseball games (the Jacksonville Suns at Wolfson Park), live performances, art shows and other events such as a bicycle race at the Gulf Life Building, “Alice in Wonderland” – a marionette show – at the Roosevelt Mall, table tennis matches at Exhibition Hall, and a picnic at Boone Park with music by Dale Crider and the Peyton Brothers.

The July 4th Bicentennial Parade is noted as the city’s largest parade to date, drawing more than 275,000 people downtown for events and activities throughout the day and evening.

Also throughout the month of July, many well-known artists drew crowds to the Civic Auditorium, the Alexander Brest Planetarium, the Gator Bowl and the Coliseum, including the Moody Blues, Loggins and Messina, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, New Riders of the Purple Sage, George Carlin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Outlaws, Neil Young and Stephen Stills, and Tammy Wynette.