JAX Chamber News Newswire

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital Welcomes Nicky Reed as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (November 2, 2026) - HCA Florida Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicky Reed, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC, as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO), effective November 2, 2026.

Reed brings more than 20 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience, with a strong background in clinical operations, cardiovascular services, nursing team development, and patient-centered care.

“We are excited to welcome Nicky to the HCA Florida Memorial Hospital nursing leadership team. With more than 20 years of nursing experience and a proven track record of leading diverse clinical teams, Nicky brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and a genuine passion for nursing excellence,” said David L. Threatt, DNP, MSHI, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. “Her commitment to developing and empowering nurses, fostering collaboration and delivering high-quality, compassionate patient care aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We look forward to the positive impact her leadership will have on our colleagues, patients, and the communities we serve.”

Reed joins HCA Florida Memorial Hospital from St. David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas, part of HCA Healthcare's St. David's HealthCare network, where she served as Administrative Director of Cardiovascular Services. In this role, she provided leadership and operational oversight for multiple specialized departments, including cardiac catheterization laboratories, interventional radiology, radiology nursing, echocardiography, cardiology pre- and post-procedure services, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

Prior to St. David's, Reed served as Director of Nursing for Heart and Vascular Services at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro, North Carolina. There, she led a broad range of clinical services, including progressive care, telemetry, pediatrics, cardiac catheterization, cardiac surveillance, and cardiopulmonary observation.

Her extensive nursing career also includes 15 years with Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, now Corewell Health Gerber Hospital, in Fremont, Michigan. During her tenure, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, including Nurse Manager of Intensive Care and Medical-Surgical Services, Hospital Supervisor, Emergency Department Charge Nurse and Adult and Pediatric Forensic Nurse Examiner. Earlier in her career, she gained clinical experience in labor and delivery and orthopedic trauma nursing.

Reed earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with a focus on Nurse Executive Leadership, from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May 2026. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University, as well as an Associate Degree in Nursing from Grand Rapids Community College. She is board-certified as a Nurse Executive (NE-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Outside of healthcare, Reed enjoys spending time with her husband and their five adult children. She is looking forward to making Jacksonville her new home.

About HCA Florida Memorial Hospital – HCA Florida Memorial Hospital is part of Florida’s largest healthcare system, HCA Florida Healthcare. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues collaboratively care for nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually from more than 650 connected care sites. HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville is a full service, acute care, Level II Trauma hospital with 454 inpatient beds, six current freestanding emergency rooms in three counties and a dedicated Women’s Center. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC), HCA Florida Memorial Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Comprehensive Resuscitation Center of Excellence, and is ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country for heart, lung and surgical care. It is one of only 400 ECMO centers in the country and operates as a Gold Center of Excellence by ELSO, and was named America’s 100 Best Orthopedic Surgery Hospitals 2026 by Healthgrades five years in a row. For more information, visit: HCAFloridahealthcare.com.

Jacksonville Symphony Performs Mahler’s Ninth Symphony on November 6 and 7, 2026

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (October 29, 2026) — Music Director Courtney Lewis leads the Jacksonville Symphony through Gustav Mahler’s Ninth Symphony on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in Jacoby Symphony Hall.

Completed in 1910, Mahler’s Ninth is widely regarded as one of the most profound and emotionally resonant works in the symphonic repertoire, moving from sweeping drama to a hushed, deeply moving close.

“The closing pages are among the most remarkable ever written,” said Lewis. “Mahler asks the orchestra to play softer and softer until sound itself seems to dissolve into silence. This isn't an ending that arrives with a full stop. It simply lets go. That may be why the Symphony continues to move audiences so profoundly. Every one of us knows what it means to say goodbye to childhood, to loved ones, to places we've called home, to earlier versions of ourselves. Mahler transforms those universal experiences into music of extraordinary honesty and compassion.”

The concerts will run approximately 95 minutes without an intermission. Premium seating is still available at JaxSymphony.org or by calling the Box Office at 904-354-5547. The concerts are part of the Florida Blue Classical Series.

The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org.

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Russell Rowland’s 7th Annual Turkey Drive Aims to Feed 4,000+ People with 1000+ Turkeys for Florida Families

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Structural engineering firm sets its largest goal yet, with monetary donations accepted
through the NEFBA Charitable Foundation and drop-off days November 17 to 19

Jacksonville, FL, October 29, 2026: Russell Rowland, a leading structural engineering firm serving Northeast Florida, announces the launch of its 7th Annual Turkey Drive with a goal of collecting more than 1,000 turkeys for local families, schools, and charities this Thanksgiving. Each turkey conservatively feeds a family of four, so reaching the goal would provide holiday meals for more than 4,000 people across the Northeast Florida region.

The drive started in 2020 with 22 turkeys and has grown every year since, reaching 801 turkeys in 2025.

“What began as a family tradition has grown into a community movement, and the generosity we see from local businesses and neighbors each year is what makes it possible,” said Jackie Rowland, President & CEO of Russell Rowland. “Every turkey feeds at least a family of four, so each donation reaches further than people expect. This year, we are aiming for more than 1,000 turkeys, which means we can feed over 4,000 of our neighbors.”

Turkey Donation Drop-Off

Frozen turkeys will be collected November 17, 18, and 19 between 9 AM and 4 PM at the Russell Rowland Jacksonville office, 12854 Kenan Dr #125, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Tampa Office Launches Drive for MacDill AFB

This year, Russell Rowland is launching a turkey drive at its Tampa office to support MacDill Air Force Base. The firm is working with Bonnie O’Brien, a volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) USS Tampa Unit 5, which operates in conjunction with The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5. Russell Rowland is providing 115 turkeys for the effort to feed service members and their families.

Supporting Local Charities and Schools

Turkeys collected will benefit organizations serving families throughout Northeast Florida and the Tampa area:

Betty Griffin Center
Gracie’s Kitchen
Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County
Hubbard House
MacDill AFB - Tampa
Mandarin Food Bank
REthreaded
Sanctuary on 8th Street
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Atlantic Beach
Clay County schools
Duval County Public Schools
Nassau County School District
St. Johns County School District

For more information, contact Russell Rowland at (904) 503-3283 or visit DonateTurkeys.com.

About Russell Rowland
Russell Rowland is a woman-owned structural engineering firm licensed in 12 states, specializing in residential and commercial projects. The company is committed to building stronger communities through both professional excellence and community service initiatives.

ANNOUNCING THE JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST 2026 SCHEDULE AND MAP

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL, October 29, 2026 - Jacksonville PorchFest, presented by Pearl Square by Gateway Jax, returns to Historic Springfield on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
 
Jacksonville PorchFest is a free, family-friendly music festival featuring 20+ live musical acts performing on Saturday, November 7th from 12 PM - 8 PM, plus food trucks, craft beer, art vendors, and more.
 
This year’s event takes place in the southwest quadrant of Historic Springfield (4th to 8th Street, Boulevard to Silver Street). The Welcome Tent is at W 6th Street and Pearl Street.
 
A full festival map including performance schedules and locations is now available at jacksonvilleporchfest.org/schedule so our guests can plan their festival experience!
 
Proceeds from the festival support public arts in Jacksonville’s Urban Core. Since PorchFest began in 2014, proceeds have funded murals, sculptures, bike racks and repair stations, and more.
 
For information on Jacksonville PorchFest, VIP tickets, parking, and more, visit our website at jacksonvilleporchfest.org.
 
Thank you to our sponsors - their generosity keeps PorchFest free for the community:
 
Presenting Sponsor: Pearl Square by Gateway Jax
Emerald Sponsor: Blue Water Industries
Platinum Sponsors: 95.1 WAPE, X99.5, Easy 102.9, Hot 106.5, Aardwolf, Carbliss, Congaree & Penn, Liquid Death, Luc & Léon, Montucky Cold Snacks

Gold Sponsors: PRI Productions, UF Health Jacksonville, Visit Jacksonville & the Beaches, VyStar Credit Union
Silver Sponsors: Community First Credit Union, Dennis + Ives, Down South Industries, FOLIO, Karpeles Grand by JPRE Development, PK Legal Services LLC, UNATION
Bronze Sponsors: Brick & Beam, BrightStar Care of Jacksonville, Driver McAfee Hawthorne & Diebenow PLLC, First Coast Life, Florida Blue, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, JME - Jacksonville Music Experience, Pointe Grande Apartment Homes, Pottsburg Creek Animal Clinic, Suncatcher Property Services, Superior Fence & Rail, TerraWise Homes, The Sonic Planet: Your Roots Music Station
Our Partners: City of Jacksonville, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and LISC Jacksonville
 
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Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated since 1974 to improving the quality of life in the Springfield Historic District. Proceeds of Jacksonville PorchFest benefit arts programming in the Springfield community.

Applications Now Open for the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Recent fellows explored Belize, Hawaii, and Chile, bringing fresh perspectives to Duval County classrooms.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — October 29, 2026 — The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) is accepting applications for the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, which empowers K–12 Duval County public school teachers to design and pursue professional learning experiences inspired by their interests, their teaching goals, and the needs of their students.

Applications opened October 1, 2026, and will remain open through January 24, 2027. Interested educators can learn more and apply at EdelmanFellowship.org/how-to-apply.

From Belize and Chile to Nashville and Hawaii, this year’s fellows traveled to destinations that offered opportunities for exploration, discovery, and professional growth. Their experiences reflect the Fellowship’s invitation to think beyond traditional professional development and pursue learning that can bring new energy and perspectives into the classroom.

The Fellowship funds teacher-designed learning experiences, including immersive travel, specialized workshops, research, and other educational pursuits. By giving educators the freedom to shape their own professional learning, the program supports their creativity and helps them connect their experiences to meaningful opportunities for students.

“The Cindy Edelman Fellowship gave me the opportunity to attend the Visible Learning Conference in Nashville, where I learned alongside educators from across the country and gained practical strategies I can immediately implement in my classroom,” said Nick Nelson, an educator at Sabal Palm Elementary School and a Fellowship participant. “I returned with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a deeper understanding of how to make student learning more visible and meaningful. The impact of this fellowship extends far beyond one trip—it will influence my teaching, support my colleagues, and ultimately benefit the students I serve for years to come.”

Through the Fellowship, teachers have opportunities to:

Design their own learning: Pursue experiences that align with their professional interests and classroom goals.
Broaden their perspectives: Explore ideas, places, and practices that deepen their understanding of the subjects they teach.
Build connections: Join a community of educators committed to continued learning and teaching excellence.
Bring learning back to students: Translate their discoveries into engaging classroom experiences.

The Jacksonville Public Education Fund administers the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, supported by a permanent fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida established by Dan Edelman in honor of his wife, Cindy, a retired art history educator and champion of public education.

Educators with a bold idea for their own professional growth are encouraged to apply.

Application Details:
Deadline: January 24, 2027
Learn More & Apply: EdelmanFellowship.org | EdelmanFellowship.org/how-to-apply
Contact: Amy Henderson | (404) 387-0624 | amy@jaxpef.org

Join us in celebrating and investing in the power of teachers, because when educators dream big, students achieve even more.

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About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes every student should graduate high school inspired and prepared for success in college, career, and life. JPEF bridges public education by activating community support, connecting partners, and advancing effective ideas to support all students' success. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.

Community Hospice & Palliative Care Highlights the Importance of Choice During National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

October 28, 2026 (Jacksonville, Fla.) – November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and Community Hospice & Palliative Care is encouraging individuals and families across Northeast and North Central Florida to learn more about their care options and make informed decisions when facing serious illness.

For more than 47 years, Community Hospice & Palliative Care has helped patients and families navigate serious illness by providing specialized care focused on comfort, symptom management and quality of life. The organization emphasizes the importance of choice and ensuring patients understand that their wishes, values and personal goals should guide their care.

Hospice and palliative care both provide important support for individuals living with serious illnesses, but they serve different needs. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and may be provided alongside treatments intended to cure or manage a condition. Hospice care is designed for individuals with a life-limiting illness when the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life.

Despite the benefits of these services, misconceptions remain, particularly the belief that hospice care is only appropriate during the final days of life. Hospice can provide support for months, helping patients manage symptoms while offering emotional, spiritual and practical support to families and caregivers.

“Too often, families don't begin thinking about hospice care until they're facing a medical crisis,” said Phillip Ward, president and CEO of Community Hospice & Palliative Care. “Understanding the options available and having conversations early can make a meaningful difference. Our goal is to help patients and families make informed decisions that reflect what matters most to them.”

Community Hospice & Palliative Care encourages families to start conversations about health care wishes before a medical crisis. Understanding available options and discussing personal preferences early can help patients feel more involved in their care and give loved one’s greater confidence when difficult decisions arise.

Having a choice also means recognizing that quality of life looks different for everyone. For some, it may mean remaining at home surrounded by family. For others, it may mean finding relief from pain, maintaining independence or having additional support to navigate the challenges of serious illness.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month also recognizes the dedicated professionals and volunteers who provide this care every day. Through a team-based approach, Community Hospice & Palliative Care supports patients and families with medical care, emotional and spiritual guidance, caregiver education and bereavement services.

Throughout November, the organization encourages community members to learn about hospice and palliative care, ask questions and talk openly with loved ones about their wishes.

For more information about hospice and palliative care services, visit www.CommunityHospice.com.

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About Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Established in 1979, Community Hospice & Palliative Care is an innovative national leader in palliative and hospice care, as well as providing programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. During its 47-year history, through the support of more than 1,000 employees and 1,000 volunteers, the organization helps approximately 1,600 patients per day to live better with advanced illness – at home, in long-term care and assisted living facilities, in hospitals and at its 10 inpatient care centers. No one is ever denied care due to an inability to pay. To learn more about the support and services of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, visit CommunityHospice.com.

Smith Hulsey & Busey Makes Strategic New Hires

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2026) — Smith Hulsey & Busey announces three strategic new hires this quarter. The firm welcomed Stephanie D. Gladney as counsel on Aug. 18, Luke S. Haber as an associate on Aug. 24 and Michelle C. Holder as an associate on Sept. 14.

Stephanie Gladney joined the firm's Mergers & Acquisitions, Healthcare, and Corporate, Securities and Business Law practice groups. She brings more than 14 years of healthcare legal experience to the SHB team. Gladney most recently served as division general counsel at Healogics LLC, a private equity-owned international wound care company, and has advised clients on corporate strategy, healthcare regulatory compliance, and physician practice acquisitions.

Gladney earned her J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law and her B.S. in corporate finance from the University of South Carolina. She is admitted to practice in Florida and South Carolina and serves on the Women’s Board of Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Luke Haber joined the firm's Real Estate and Land Use practice group. Prior to joining SHB, he served as an Assistant District Counsel with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he advised on multimillion-dollar federal projects. He earned his J.D., cum laude, and B.A. in business administration from the University of Florida.

Michelle Holder joined the firm's Labor and Employment and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups. She brings a background in communications and public relations to her practice. Michelle earned her J.D. from the University of Florida after graduating summa cum laude from the UF with a B.S. in journalism.

“Adding these talented attorneys is a real win for us and our clients,” said SHB chairman Steve Busey. “Stephanie, Luke and Michelle each bring unique talent and perspective as we continue to grow our firm.”

About Smith Hulsey & Busey

Smith Hulsey & Busey is an independent, full-service business law firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. The firm has more than 35 attorneys with a broad commercial practice that includes four marquee practice areas: mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, complex commercial litigation and healthcare. For more information, visit smithhulsey.com and connect with the firm on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Why Cybersecurity Is a Shared Responsibility for Small Businesses

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Many small business owners think about cybersecurity as an IT department responsibility or a one-and-done task. Comcast Business's newly released 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report makes it clear that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a risk for small businesses in Greater Jacksonville.

The report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In Small Business Month 2026 (May) alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses at an average rate of more than 230 per second. Cybercriminals are moving away from breaking into accounts, devices and networks, and instead using legitimate logins or taking over everyday devices that are not immediately thought of as a cyber risk. Building devices like security cameras outside a storefront, routers in the back office, TVs providing entertainment for customers and point-of-sale (POS) systems are often unprotected and are becoming low-lift tools for hackers to exploit in attacks.

Phishing emails and drive-by compromise attacks are some of the most common routes for attackers to gain entry, with 25.4 billion and 21.9 billion attempts over the past year, respectively. The report also found 5.8 million attempts to gain control of employee browsers, underscoring that the cyberattack surface has grown to include everyday tools and devices.

Fortunately, there are simple ways that small businesses can protect themselves without the budget or IT team of a large enterprise. Practical steps, including securing every device, implementing stronger password mandates, and training employees to spot attacks like phishing, can keep small businesses from becoming victims. Additionally, choosing a network provider that offers built-in protection against threats and consistent monitoring ensures business owners can stay on top of their security.

It’s more important than ever for small businesses in the First Coast area to use this Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared, year-round responsibility. Through protective measures and a trusted connectivity partner, small business owners can stay focused on running their business.

For more information, visit https://business.comcast.com/ or reach out to Ramon Carballo with your local Comcast Business team at 754-332-4696 or via email at Ramon_Carballo@comcast.com.

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THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT BRINGS ITS SIGNATURE SOUND TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE JANUARY 14, 2027

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 27, 2026) – The Florida Theatre and Live Nation are proud to announce The String Cheese Incident on Thursday, January 14, 2027, at 7:15 p.m. at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787.

Colorado jam band The String Cheese Incident creates feel-good music meant to make us dance it out, drift away, connect with community, and take a small step toward something bigger. For three decades, SCI’s been blending original compositions of bluegrass, psychedelia, rock, reggae, electronica, country, calypso, and Latin rhythms. SCI is a good time, and we can always use a little more of that where we can get it.

The String Cheese Incident inadvertently created the grassroots band development model in the 1990s. They were the first jam band to use the internet for a fans-and-community-first approach to the business of music. This model is now used by hundreds of bands around the world.

There are many theories about how The String Cheese Incident got its name, but only the original members of SCI know the real story. And they aren’t telling.

More than a jam band, The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, their community spirit, and philanthropic endeavors.

To learn more, visit https://www.stringcheeseincident.com/.

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787.

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About the Florida Theatre

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers over 200 cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age. For tickets or to learn more about our educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages this majestic place, please visit us at www.floridatheatre.com.

Florida Blue Foundation awards grants to strengthen mental health support in Florida communities

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. – October 27, 2026 – As October marks National Depression Awareness Month and a renewed focus on mental health, Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell portfolio of companies, is awarding $3.33 million in grants to nine nonprofit organizations to support well-being of communities across Florida. These initiatives will help expand access to mental health resources, strengthen community-based support, and support individuals and families in navigating behavioral health challenges.

Quick facts:

$3.33 million awarded to nine nonprofit organizations across Florida to expand access to mental health resources and strengthen community-based support.
Funding supports critical needs in Florida, with grantees serving communities in 21 counties across the state, including Baker, Brevard, Broward, Clay, DeSoto, Duval, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Walton.
Programs address mental health workforce shortages, support vulnerable populations (homeless individuals, foster youth, veterans), and train peer specialists and recovery professionals to reduce barriers to care.

Mental health is one of the most significant public health challenges facing the United States today—affecting one in five adults nationwide. In Florida, more than 3.5 million people have a mental health condition, while approximately 7.8 million across the state live in a community that lacks enough mental health professionals.¹ Florida Blue Foundation’s grant funding helps community-based mental health programs reach more people, reduce barriers to services, and ensure more Floridians have the opportunity to receive support.

“Mental health touches every community, and everyone deserves access to support when they need it,” said Susan Towler, vice president, corporate social responsibility and Florida Blue Foundation. “Investing in mental health services helps build a stronger foundation for individuals and families to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

The organizations receiving 2026 mental well-being grants are:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville (Baker, Brevard, Clay, DeSoto, Duval, Manatee, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Sarasota, and Seminole County) – NAMI Jacksonville builds a sustainable pipeline of Certified Recovery Peer Specialists through training and mentorship, addressing behavioral health workforce shortages. The organization also empowers individuals with lived experience to advance recovery-oriented care by helping them build their career, strengthen recovery, and improve financial stability.

Center for Children’s Rights (CCR) (Clay, Duval, & Nassau County) – CCR trains young adults with lived experience in mental health challenges as Peer Conflict Specialists and Certified Peer Support Specialists allowing them to share their own experiences and deliver prevention-focused mental health support in schools, healthcare settings, and juvenile justice systems.

Bridgeway Center, Inc. (Okaloosa & Walton County) – Bridgeway Center offers an internship and clinical training program for graduate students and early-career professionals to address mental health workforce shortages and retention. The organization creates an accessible pathway to enter and remain in the behavioral health field with structured programming, hands-on clinical experience, and financial support.

Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. (Broward County) – Broward Partnership’s behavior health program delivers trauma-responsive mental health and psychiatric services directly within shelters in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. Through counseling, medication management, and therapy, this program helps stabilize approximately 400 adults and seniors experiencing homelessness and untreated mental health conditions.

Heart Gallery of Tampa, Inc. (Hillsborough County) – Heart Gallery of Tampa connects youth in foster care or ready for adoption to permanent families through professional photography, family matching, and trauma-informed mental health support. In addition to helping reduce the adoption timeline for teenagers, sibling groups, and children with special needs, the organization hosts memorable celebrations and experiences for youth and families.

RISE Community Solutions, Inc. (Osceola County) – RISE Community Solutions connects youth and their families with Family Support Navigators—caregivers with lived experience who are trained as Certified Recovery Specialists. These specialists provide health support and system navigation, which helps prevent crisis escalation and builds resilience through empathy and shared experience.

Roundtable of St. Lucie County, Inc. (St. Lucie County) – Roundtable of St. Lucie County will create a workforce program that engages clinical and nonclinical professionals, including educators, health workers, faith leaders, and peer organizations, in trauma-informed training and support. This approach improves mental health care for young people and families, prevents staff burnout, and makes mental health services easier to access.

Vincentian CARES, Inc. (DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee County) – Vincentian CARES identifies and supports at-risk veterans in underserved rural Florida counties, connecting them to trauma-informed care, suicide prevention resources, and coordinated services. Through rapid assessment, safety planning, and personalized care navigation, the organization connects veterans to critical services that improve mental health, social support, and well-being.

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida (UCP) (Orange, Osceola, & Seminole County) – The Therapy Team Wellness Program at UCP addresses burnout among therapy professionals through recognition programs, wellness meetings, and therapy dog events. This helps to strengthen staff retention to ultimately improve outcomes for the children with developmental disabilities this organization serves.

To learn more about Florida Blue Foundation's impact across the state, read GuideWell's latest Impact Report.

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About Florida Blue Foundation

Florida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions, and embracing solutions that create a meaningful impact in communities across the state. An average of 10 million Floridians receive services each year as a result of its community investments. Founded in 2001, Florida Blue Foundation is committed to improving health by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit FloridaBlue.com/Foundation.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue is the leading health insurer in Florida, serving more than 6 million Floridians across all 67 counties. We're big in the ways you need us to be—scale, expertise, and statewide reach—and small in the ways you want us to be—personalized service and local accountability. We offer individual, family, group, and Medicare health insurance plans that make quality, affordable care accessible to everyone. For over 80 years, Florida Blue has been a member-owned independent Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee. Based in Jacksonville, FL with more than 6,700 employees, and a part of GuideWell, a not-for-profit health solutions company, Florida Blue is dedicated to helping people and communities achieve better health. For more information, visit www.FloridaBlue.com or the Florida Blue Newsroom. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

Ascension St. Vincent's hospitals earn multiple Healthgrades clinical excellence honors

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Southside ranks No. 3 in Florida for spine surgery, while Clay County, Riverside, and St. Johns County hospitals receive additional distinctions for quality care.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Ascension St. Vincent's hospitals across Northeast Florida have earned multiple distinctions in Healthgrades' 2027 hospital ratings, recognizing clinical performance in spine surgery, pulmonary care, cardiovascular care, and other specialties.

"Patients across Northeast Florida deserve access to quality, compassionate care close to home," said Scott Kashman, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent's. "These recognitions reflect the expertise and commitment of our physicians, nurses, and care teams who work every day to help support patient outcomes. As we continue expanding access to specialized services throughout our communities, delivering safe, quality care remains at the center of everything we do."

The awards and ratings are as follows:

Ascension St. Vincent's Southside

Ranked No. 3 in Florida for Spine Surgery
America's 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery
Surgical Care Excellence Award
Five Star Ratings:
- Spinal Fusion Surgery (16 consecutive years, 2012-2027)
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeries
- Treatment of Diabetic Hospitalizations
- Pacemaker Procedures

Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County

Pulmonary Care Excellence Award (three consecutive years, 2025-2027)
Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award
Outpatient Prostate Care Excellence Award
Five Star Ratings:
- Treatment of Heart Attack
- Treatment of Heart Failure (four consecutive years, 2024-2027)
- Treatment of Pneumonia (seven consecutive years, 2021-2027)

Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside

Five Star Ratings
- Treatment of Heart Failure (six consecutive years, 2022-2027)
- Pacemaker Procedures

Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County

Five Star Ratings
- Treatment of Heart Failure (two consecutive years, 2026-2027)
- Treatment of Pneumonia (two consecutive years, 2026-2027)
- Treatment of Sepsis (three consecutive years, 2025-2027)

A five-star rating indicates that a hospital's clinical outcomes were statistically significantly better than expected for a specific procedure or condition, based on Healthgrades' risk-adjusted methodology.

Healthgrades' 2027 hospital ratings are based on a risk-adjusted statistical analysis of Medicare patient outcomes from 2023 through 2025. The annual evaluations assess hospital performance across a range of common procedures and conditions, helping patients make informed decisions about where to receive care.

To learn more about St. Vincent’s, visit GetJaxHealthCare.com.

About Ascension St. Vincent’s

Ascension St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates four hospitals and more than 90 other sites of care and employs more than 5,300 associates. In fiscal year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided more than $202.2 million in community benefit and other care for vulnerable persons.

Ascension is one of the nation’s leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a Mission of delivering compassionate, individually tailored care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2024, Ascension provided $2.1 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes approximately 131,000 associates, 37,000 affiliated providers and 136 hospitals, serving communities in 18 states and the District of Columbia.

Visit www.ascension.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Patrick Griffin
External Communications Specialist
912-660-8455
Patrick.Griffin@ascension.org

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November at the Jacksonville Symphony brings a world premiere and the kickoff to holiday programming

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (October 22, 2026) – The Jacksonville Symphony presents five performances including the world premiere of The Flying Ace score in honor of its 100th anniversary, Mahler’s Ninth Symphony, the annual Children’s Music Festival and the start of the holiday season with Home Alone in Concert and Holiday Big Band. All performances take place in Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. 
 
November 2026 Schedule

Children's Music Festival | Nov. 1 at 3:00 p.m. 
Ages 5 and up can enjoy a family friendly interactive concert followed by activities in the lobby including conducting an ensemble, arts & crafts and an instrument zoo. The concert: Tchaikovsky Discovers America, presented by Classical Kids Live! is based on the great composer's arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891 and his famous trip to Niagara Falls. 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/childrens-music 

Mahler’s Ninth | Nov. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. 
Journey through Symphony No. 9, a deeply personal work that spans vast emotional landscapes while revealing moments of profound vulnerability. Fragile stillness gives way to surges of intensity, irony and yearning as Gustav Mahler twists beauty and tension into constantly shifting forms. Immersive, expansive and deeply rewarding, this is Mahler at his most searching and human. 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/mahler-nine 

The Flying Ace World Premiere | Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. 
A century after it first took flight in Jacksonville, the Symphony gives The Flying Ace a powerful new voice. The Jacksonville Symphony brings the film vividly to life with the world premiere of a newly commissioned orchestral score. Written collaboratively by six of today’s leading composers and performed live alongside a screening of the original film, the music unfolds in real time—reimagining a silent classic with the full power, color and emotional range of a modern symphony orchestra. 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/flying-ace 

Home Alone in Concert | Nov. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. 
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Jacksonville Symphony Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family! 
© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/home-alone-26

Holiday Big Band | Nov. 22 at 3:00 p.m. 
The Jacksonville Jazz Collective returns to light up the season with a powerhouse big band performance. From bold brass to smooth swing and irresistible rhythms, this holiday-inspired concert delivers timeless jazz energy with a fun, festive twist. 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/big-band-26  
 
Tickets are available at JaxSymphony.org or by calling the Box Office 
at 904-354-5547.

About the Jacksonville Symphony 
The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org. 
 

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Media Contact: 
Savannah Silliman 
Marketing and Public Relations Manager 
Jacksonville Symphony 
ssilliman@jaxsymphony.org 

VyStar Credit Union Welcomes Katie Averill as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Experienced credit union leader will strengthen risk and compliance to support responsible growth and lasting member trust

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - VyStar Credit Union announced that Katie Averill has been named Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, effective Nov. 2, 2026. In this role, Averill will lead VyStar’s Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance and BSA/AML functions and report to Lance Davies, Chief Legal Officer.

Averill brings extensive experience spanning credit union operations and regulatory oversight. She joins VyStar after nearly a decade as Iowa’s Superintendent of Credit Unions, where she led the state’s credit union regulatory division and oversaw the safety and soundness of an industry serving more than 1.6 million members. First appointed in 2017, she was reconfirmed for a third term by a unanimous vote of the Iowa Senate.

“Katie’s combination of regulatory expertise, strategic leadership and operational experience makes her an outstanding addition to VyStar,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolburg. “As VyStar continues to grow, her leadership will help us further strengthen our risk and compliance framework while remaining focused on serving our members and communities.”

Averill has also held national industry leadership roles, including Chair of the Regulator Board of the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors and Chair of the NCUA-State Joint Supervision Working Group. These roles provided her with a broad perspective on state and federal credit union supervision.

“Katie Averill has served Iowans with distinction for nearly a decade, ensuring a safe, fair, and thriving regulatory environment for our state’s credit unions. I’m grateful for her leadership and wish her well,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “I look forward to working with Deputy Superintendent Kevin Gorman as he steps in as interim Superintendent of Credit Unions to ensure continuity of service to the industry during this transition.”

Before entering public service, Averill spent 10 years as Senior Vice President at Citizens Community Credit Union in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She oversaw branch operations, member service, marketing and business development and served as staff liaison to the board of directors.

“VyStar’s commitment to its members and communities is evident in the way the organization approaches growth and service,” Averill said. “I look forward to working with the team to build on that strong foundation and help VyStar continue to manage risk thoughtfully and responsibly.”

Averill holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Iowa State University, is a Certified Credit Union Executive and is a graduate of CUNA Management School. She is also the founder of the JOY of Reading Program, which promotes childhood literacy.

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About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 80 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,200 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

LifeSouth Expands Northeast Florida Presence, Investing in Region’s Growing Healthcare Needs

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

New Jacksonville Beach community blood center and expanded hospital partnership strengthen local blood supply and connect Northeast Florida donors directly with patients in their community

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — October 23, 2026 — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is expanding its presence in Northeast Florida, having opened a new donor center in Jacksonville Beach, located at 1250 Beach Blvd. on September 21 and added UF Health Durbin Park to the hospitals it serves with lifesaving blood products on September 22.

The expansion represents LifeSouth’s continued investment in Northeast Florida’s healthcare infrastructure. By increasing opportunities for residents to donate blood, the organization is helping ensure hospitals have a reliable local blood supply to care for patients throughout the growing region. Northeast Florida’s continued population growth is driving increased demand for healthcare services and the infrastructure needed to support them. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jacksonville’s population grew 7.2% between April 2020 and July 2025, adding approximately 68,000 residents and surpassing 1 million people. As the region grows, so does the importance of maintaining a reliable community blood supply to support hospitals, emergency responders and patients requiring lifesaving care.

“Every time LifeSouth grows in Northeast Florida, we are investing in the health and resilience of this community,” said J.D. Pettyjohn, Chief Operating Officer of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. “Our new Jacksonville Beach donor center makes it easier for more people to give, while our expanded hospital partnerships help ensure those donations are available for patients close to home. When you donate with LifeSouth, you help build a stronger local blood supply for your neighbors, friends and families.”

LifeSouth’s new Jacksonville Beach donor center gives Beaches-area residents a convenient new location to make blood donation part of their routine. To celebrate the opening, first-time donors at the Jacksonville Beach location will receive a $50 gift card and all other donors will receive a $25 e-gift card. Both will receive a free LifeSouth t-shirt.

Blood is needed every day to care for patients experiencing trauma, undergoing surgery or cancer treatment, managing chronic illnesses and facing other serious medical conditions. Because blood cannot be manufactured, hospitals depend on volunteer blood donors to provide the blood products their patients need. LifeSouth’s community-based model connects donations with hospitals in the areas it serves, helping ensure blood is collected and available to meet local patient needs.

LifeSouth encourages Northeast Florida residents to help strengthen the region’s blood supply by becoming regular donors. Whole blood donations can help multiple patients because donated blood can be separated into components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma, to meet different patient needs.

“A reliable local blood supply is an essential part of our region’s healthcare infrastructure,” said Jinous Saremian, M.D., Director of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank Services at UF Health Jacksonville. “As Northeast Florida continues to grow, we need a strong network of blood donors and community partners to help ensure blood products are available for patients facing emergencies, surgeries and other serious medical needs. “

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with written parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet additional eligibility requirements. A photo ID is required. These eligibility guidelines are consistent with LifeSouth’s existing donor information.

To schedule an appointment or locate another LifeSouth donor center or blood drive in Northeast Florida, visit LifeSouth.org or call 888-795-2707.

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About LifeSouth Community Blood Centers:

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 200 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org. For more resources and information about blood donation, visit donatingblood.org

Scherer Construction Welcomes James Blythe as Director of Design, Strengthening In-House Design-Build Services

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC is proud to announce the addition of James Blythe as Director of Design, marking an exciting step forward in the company's continued growth and commitment to providing comprehensive commercial construction and design-build services throughout North Florida.

With decades of architectural experience, industry leadership, and a strong background in sustainable design, Blythe brings valuable expertise, creativity, and innovation to Scherer's established in-house design department.

While Blythe is a new addition to the Scherer team, the professional relationship is one built on years of successful collaboration. Scherer Construction and Blythe have partnered on numerous commercial projects throughout the region, including Dance Alive and CAMPUS USA Credit Union build-outs. Bringing his expertise directly in-house strengthens an already established relationship and creates exciting opportunities for future projects.

Blythe is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) who has contributed to more than 15 LEED projects. His extensive architectural background, leadership experience, and commitment to sustainable building practices will further enhance Scherer's ability to deliver innovative, practical, and cost-effective design solutions.

As a full-service commercial contractor, Scherer Construction offers construction management, preconstruction, design-build services, and in-house concrete and sitework divisions. With a dedicated team of architectural designers and draftspeople, the addition of Blythe further strengthens the company's ability to bring design and construction expertise together under one roof.

This integrated approach allows for improved communication, streamlined coordination, accurate estimating, efficient project delivery, and a seamless experience for clients from initial concept through construction completion.

"At Scherer, we believe the strongest projects begin with great relationships, collaboration, and bringing the right people together from the start. James has been a valued partner for years, and we are incredibly excited and honored to officially welcome him to the Scherer family."

With offices in Gainesville and Jacksonville and more than 40 years of serving North Florida, Scherer Construction continues to invest in talented professionals, innovative solutions, and the communities it proudly serves.

Please join us in welcoming James Blythe to the Scherer Construction team!

Building relationships. Strengthening partnerships. Bringing visions to life.

Destiny Changers Foundation Partners with Feeding Northeast Florida for "Community Connection Day" on October 31st

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Destiny Changers Foundation has announced its upcoming Community Connection Day, a family-friendly neighborhood gathering hosted in proud partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida. The collaborative event aims to bring the Jacksonville community together for a day of essential food distribution, local resources, fellowship, and family fun.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 31st, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the grounds of In His Army Apostolic Church, located at 5017 Hollycrest Drive. Built around the core pillars of "Faith, Family, Food, Friends, Stronger Together," the event focuses on uplifting neighbors and addressing local food insecurity.

A central highlight of the day will be the Destiny Food Pantry distribution. Operating in direct tandem with regional hunger-relief leader Feeding Northeast Florida, the pantry will supply a completely free selection of fresh produce, and nutritious groceries to families at no cost.

"We are incredibly grateful to lock arms with Feeding Northeast Florida to amplify our impact," said Joyce Hardnett, Founder of Destiny Changers Foundation. "Access to food is a basic human right. By bringing these vital groceries directly to our neighborhood alongside free family activities, we are working to change destinies and build a brighter tomorrow."

In addition to the critical food distribution, Community Connection Day will feature a wide range of services, entertainment, and low-cost shopping options:

The Debut of Destiny Thrift Store: Attendees can participate in a special "Fill Your Brown Bag" promotion, filling a shopping bag with clothes and shoes for only $5.
Free Walk-Up Prayer: Open prayer support provided on-site with no appointment necessary.
Free Kids' Activities: A complimentary bounce house and free candy bags for all children in attendance.
Food & Fun: Hot dogs and drinks available for a minor $2 donation, with all proceeds directly benefiting future community outreach programs.

About Destiny Changers Foundation Inc.:
Destiny Changers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded by Joyce Hardnett, its mission is to restore hope, dignity, and purpose by providing practical support, mentorship, and vital resources to families, single parents, and individuals rebuilding their lives. To learn more about Destiny Changers please visit us on the web at destinychangersfoundation.net

Jumbo Shrimp reveal 2027 home game times

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Season to open at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, March 26 at VyStar Ballpark

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Crustacean Nation can now track down to the minute that more Affordable Family Fun at VyStar Ballpark returns for the 2027 season, as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announced starting times for their 75 home games. The season opener for the Miami Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate begins at 6:35 p.m. on Friday, March 26, when the Jumbo Shrimp host the Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, at VyStar Ballpark.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s 2027 slate features 49 contests on either Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. All 12 Thursday games and each of the club’s 13 Friday games, respectively, will begin at 6:35 p.m. All 13 Saturday contests feature a 6:05 p.m. first pitch. Sunday games commence at 1:05 p.m. with the exception of May 30 and July 4, which start at 6:05 p.m.

Regular Tuesday and Wednesday contests will begin at 6:35 p.m. The Jumbo Shrimp will start at 12:05 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: March 31, April 28, May 12, May 26 and June 30. The club will play an 11:05 a.m. first pitch on Tuesday, April 13.

A full schedule of home game times is available on www.jaxshrimp.com. Regular gate openings are one hour before scheduled first pitch. Game dates, times and gate openings are subject to change.

The Jumbo Shrimp’s full promotional schedule will be announced at a later date. Fans can secure tickets to these great dates by booking a season ticket package, mini plan or group outing – beginning at 24 people – by calling the Jumbo Shrimp’s front office at 904-358-2846.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and compete in the International League. The 2025 International League and Triple-A National Champions, the Jumbo Shrimp call VyStar Ballpark home for baseball but also a wide variety of additional community focused events with a goal of providing Affordable, Family, FUN to Northeast Florida. Winners of many marketing and sales awards and recognition since the team was rebranded prior to the 2017 season, the Jumbo Shrimp continually lead the state of Florida in attendance across all minor league professional sports organizations.

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City Rescue Mission Announces Planned Leadership Transition and National CEO Search

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, FL – October 22, 2026 – City Rescue Mission (CRM) has announced that CEO Paul Stasi, LCSW, plans to retire, beginning a thoughtful leadership transition and national CEO search for the longstanding Jacksonville ministry serving Northeast Florida for over 80 years.

Throughout the transition, City Rescue Mission's programs and services will continue without interruption. Stasi will remain in his role through July 31, 2027, working alongside the Board and leadership team to support a healthy transition.

While Stasi has been with the Mission for eleven years, his leadership began in January of 2021, helping to steward the organization through an important season of ministry, organizational development, and service to men and women throughout the Jacksonville community.

“Serving City Rescue Mission has been one of the great privileges of my life,” said Stasi. “Every day I have had the opportunity to see what can happen when people are met with dignity, compassion, truth, and the hope of Christ. I am deeply grateful for our staff, Board, volunteers,
donors, churches, community partners, and especially the men and women who have entrusted us with a part of their story. There is still important work ahead, and I remain fully committed to leading CRM through this season of change.

Board of Directors Statement
“Paul has led with excellence. His heart, passion, compassion and genuine love for City Rescue Mission, the people we serve, our donors, partners and the Northeast Florida community, has equipped him to be a powerful catalyst for unwavering hope, healing and long-term transformation. He has been faithful in leading boldly with a clear vison, positioning us to make meaningful impact now and in the future. Paul deserves to enjoy time with his family, especially his grandchildren and on behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish him the very best and God’s
richest and continued blessings.” Craig Henderson, Board Chair

The search will be led by the Board in partnership with Slingshot Group.

For more information, please contact the Slingshot Group at www.slingshotgroup.org.

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City Rescue Mission is a nonprofit, faith-based organization serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida for over 80 years, providing
Christ-centered care and pathways toward stability and transformation for individuals experiencing homelessness and other
significant life challenges. Through emergency services, recovery programming, workforce development, housing support, and
other programs, CRM seeks to help people move toward lasting change spiritually, physically, and mentally.

North Florida Land Trust Announces Fundraising Campaign to add Dambo Trolls to an NFLT Preserve

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Danish Artist Thomas Dambo has agreed to create and install a pair of his troll sculptures at one of the nonprofit’s preserves

Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 21, 2026 – North Florida Land Trust is launching a community fundraising campaign to bring a pair of troll sculptures by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo to an NFLT preserve. Known worldwide for creating monumental trolls from recycled materials, Dambo has agreed to design and build the sculptures for the nonprofit. NFLT is now asking donors to help fund the sculptures and the installation. Sondie and John Frus are launching the campaign with a $25,000 matching commitment.

“Thomas Dambo’s work creates a powerful connection between art and nature, and many of our staff and supporters are longtime fans,” said Allison DeFoor, NFLT president and CEO. “We took a chance and contacted Dambo and his team about bringing his trolls here, and we are honored that he said yes. Part of the fun is he keeps the exact location secret, inviting visitors to discover the hidden trolls by hiking through natural lands. It will give guests a memorable way to explore one of our preserves and spend time in a piece of Florida that we have been fortunate to protect.”

Created from recycled materials and reclaimed wood, Dambo’s sculpture for NFLT will stand more than 11 feet tall. NFLT will announce the preserve where it will be installed at a later date, but the sculpture’s exact location within the preserve will remain undisclosed. The trolls are expected to remain at the preserve for approximately 10 years.

Contributions to help bring the trolls to an NFLT preserve can be made online. Donors can also send a check to NFLT at 843 W. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL, 32202, or contact Dr. Lee Louy, Director of Philanthropic Services, at (904) 945-4533 to make a donation over the phone.

Dambo has been a lifelong advocate for upcycling and public engagement. His projects merge the boundaries of art, adventure, and activism. In 2014, he began creating monumental wooden trolls from recycled materials, accompanied by narratives that blend folklore, environmentalism, and community participation. Dambo trolls have been found in more than 20 countries and on five continents, including the USA, China, Brazil, Australia, the UK, Germany, France, South Korea, Chile, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit thomasdambo.com.

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida's irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land and conservation easements as well as facilitating government acquisition of important projects. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit nflt.org.

A NIGHT OF PIANO-DRIVEN ROCK: BEN FOLDS FIVE COMES TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE APRIL 15, 2027

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 21, 2026) – The Florida Theatre and AEG Presents are proud to announce Ben Folds Five on Thursday, April 15, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787.

Formed in 1993 in the alternative-rock breeding ground of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ben Folds Five were three guys, zero guitars, and one glaring math problem.

Led by piano-pounding maestro Ben Folds, with Robert Sledge on bass and Darren Jessee on drums, the trio dubbed their distinctive sound “punk rock for sissies.” A smart-aleck collision of spaz rock, power pop, irresistible 70s AM melodies, pseudo-jazz, and copious lyrical mischief that proved you didn’t need aggro guitars to make a glorious ‘90s noise.

Their self-titled debut album landed in 1995, followed by 1997’s breakthrough Whatever and Ever Amen, featuring the unlikely hit “Brick.” Three studio albums, plus a collection of B-sides and outtakes later, the band split in 2000. They regrouped and released The Sound of the Life of the Mind and a Live Album in 2012, parting ways again in 2013.

Now celebrating the anniversary of their debut record with a return U.S. tour, Ben Folds Five remain one of alternative rock’s great success stories: three unapologetic artists making sophisticated piano-based alt-rock in a decade drowning in distorted guitars.

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787.

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About Ben Folds Five

Ben Folds Five is an alternative and piano rock trio formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The group’s members are Ben Folds (lead vocals, piano, keyboards, melodica, principal songwriter), Robert Sledge (bass, contrabass, synthesizer, backing vocals), and Darren Jessee (drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter). The group achieved mainstream success in the alternative, indie, and pop music scenes. The band is best known for the hit single “Brick” from their 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen, which gained airplay on many mainstream radio stations. During their seven years together, the band released three proper studio records, one retrospective album of B-sides and outtakes, and eight singles. They also contributed to a number of soundtracks and compilations.

About the Florida Theatre

MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Hope in Action at the Sherman Family Champion for Children’s Gala

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF) celebrated 30 years of hope in action at its 30th Anniversary Sherman Family Champion for Children’s Gala on Thursday, October 15, 2026, bringing together supporters, alumni, students, families, and community leaders to honor three decades of impact in Jacksonville. The signature fundraising event celebrated the foundation’s legacy while raising $335,000 in critical funds to support youth programs that create opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development, positive life skills, and personal growth.

Held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Florida Blue Conference Center in Jacksonville, the gala featured remarks from MWYF founder MaliVai Washington, along with inspiring stories and speeches from student leaders, scholarship recipients, alumni, and community speakers. The evening highlighted the lives impacted by MWYF’s programs and recognized the families, partners, and supporters who have helped advance the foundation’s mission over the past 30 years. Through the celebration and fundraising efforts, MWYF reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities for young people to grow, achieve, and become champions in their communities.

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About the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation
The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF) has spent 30 years creating opportunities for Jacksonville’s youth through academic achievement, tennis, and positive life skills. MWYF’s mission is to develop champions in classrooms, on tennis courts, and throughout communities. Our vision is the young people in our programs will be provided with the resources they need to rise to their full potential and become contributing members of society.

VyStar Turns Purpose into Action During Fifth Annual Good is everywhere Celebration

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Members, employees and community partners help provide over 17,000 meals, contribute over 6,000 volunteer hours and bring free experiences to communities across Florida and Georgia

JACKSONVILLE, FL – VyStar Credit Union brought members, employees and community partners together Sept. 9-26 for its fifth annual Good is everywhere celebration, supporting local needs and connecting people through shared experiences across Florida and Georgia. The collective effort began with an invitation to help neighbors facing hunger and a food drive that collected enough donated food to provide 17,896 meals.

Members and their neighbors enjoyed 21,137 free admissions through 41 experiences, from museums and hands-on history to ballgames and family attractions. Alongside these cultural, educational and sporting experiences, employees volunteered with nonprofit partners across Florida and Georgia, filling food bank shelves and improving homes. Together, these efforts reflected a shared commitment to Do Good by responding to local needs and helping people connect with their communities.

Donations to the Good Starts Here Food Drive stayed in the communities where they were collected, supporting local food banks and hunger-relief organizations across Florida and Georgia. Throughout August, members, employees and community residents contributed nonperishable food to help these organizations provide meals for neighbors facing food insecurity and support families with nourishment, stability and hope.

Service That Meets Local Needs

Good is everywhere brought member appreciation and community service together. Members and families connected with local cultural, educational and recreational organizations through complimentary experiences, while employees worked alongside nonprofit partners to address hunger, housing and veteran support needs. These partnerships helped people enjoy the places that make their communities special and support neighbors facing challenges.

Local nonprofit partners helped shape projects around the needs they address every day. In Jacksonville, employees packed food bags and celebrated the opening of the VyStar Volunteer Center at Feeding Northeast Florida. They also built ADA-accessible ramps for veterans with the Northeast Florida Builders Association, revitalized residential units at HomeStretch in Atlanta and stocked shelves at Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando. Each project supported a community partner’s ongoing work to create lasting change.

Mayors across VyStar’s footprint also proclaimed a “Good is everywhere Day,” recognizing the collective impact of VyStar employees, members and community partners across Florida and Georgia.

“Our nonprofit partners know where help is needed most. By listening and working alongside them, we can help create stronger, more connected communities across Florida and Georgia,” said Patricia McElroy, SVP/President of VyStar Foundation. “The food donated through the Good Starts Here Food Drive can provide thousands of meals for neighbors facing hunger. That same spirit of members, employees and community partners coming together carried through every Good is everywhere project.”

By the Numbers: Good in Action Across VyStar Communities

17,896 meals made possible through the Good Starts Here Food Drive
6,160 volunteer hours completed by VyStar employees
213 volunteer events across Florida and Georgia
41 complimentary experiences offered to VyStar members and the public
21,137 free admissions to museums, venues and attractions through VyStar’s community partners

The 2026 Good is everywhere celebration connected meals for neighbors facing hunger, thousands of employee volunteer hours supporting local nonprofits and shared community experiences through one commitment: people working together to support the places they call home. Members, employees and community partners each contributed to that measurable local impact across Florida and Georgia, bringing VyStar’s purpose to Do Good to life.

The 2026 results build on VyStar’s year-round commitment. In 2025, employees volunteered 45,000 hours donated across the organization last year. VyStar also contributed $8.2 million to more than 440 nonprofit organizations in 2025, extending the impact of Do Good throughout the communities it serves.

View the recap video at https://youtu.be/ATKpnTX_CPA

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About VyStar Credit Union

VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 80 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,200 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,? X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

Alchemy Yoga & Wellness Returns to Grace Note Brewing for “KULA-ween”

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ALCHEMY’S SIGNATURE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS GETS A HALLOWEEN EDITION WITH MOVEMENT, CONNECTION AND A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — October 2026 — Alchemy Yoga & Wellness is returning to Grace Note Brewing on Saturday, October 31, from 9:45–10:45 a.m. for KULA-ween, a Halloween edition of Kula, Alchemy’s signature all-levels community yoga class.

The complimentary one-hour practice will be led by Alchemy founder Tamara Bettes and is open to experienced yogis, first-timers and everyone in between. Costumes are welcome, but entirely optional. The only requirement? Bring a mat and come ready to move.

KULA-ween builds on Alchemy’s ongoing series of community gatherings created while its Ortega studio continues to take shape. These pop-ups offer an early expression of the Alchemy experience: intentional movement, thoughtful practice and the belief that some of the best moments happen after the final pose.

Following class, guests are invited to linger at Grace Note for conversation, connection and community over a complimentary beverage, courtesy of Alchemy.

And because it is Halloween, Alchemy is adding a little something extra.

Everyone who attends will be entered to win a $25 gift card to Jacksonville institution Chamblin Bookmine. Participants must be present to win.

The collaboration with Grace Note Brewing and co-owner Jeremy Baker continues a relationship rooted in a shared appreciation for locally owned businesses and the role they play in creating places where Jacksonville residents can gather and connect.

As Alchemy moves closer to opening its Ortega home, KULA-ween offers the community another opportunity to experience what the studio is building before stepping through its doors.

EVENT DETAILS
KULA-WEEN AT GRACE NOTE BREWING
Saturday, October 31, 2026
9:45–10:45 a.m.
Admission: Complimentary
All levels welcome
Costumes: Welcome, never required
Bring: Yoga mat + water
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Reserve a spot for KULA-ween

Following practice, participants are invited to stay for a complimentary beverage and time together at Grace Note Brewing.

All attendees will also be entered into a drawing for a $25 Chamblin Bookmine gift card. Must be present to win.

ABOUT KULA
Kula is Alchemy Yoga & Wellness’s signature all-levels community yoga class, designed around the idea that practice can create connection both on and beyond the mat. Accessible movement, intentional sequencing and shared experience come together in a class created for the community Alchemy is building.

ABOUT ALCHEMY YOGA & WELLNESS
Alchemy Yoga & Wellness is a locally owned yoga, recovery and wellness studio taking shape in Jacksonville’s historic Ortega neighborhood. Alchemy brings yoga and movement, massage therapy, esthetics, infrared sauna, cold-plunge recovery and other restorative experiences together under one roof, creating an intentional destination for movement, restoration and connection. Where ritual meets renewal.

ICI Homes joins the preferred builder team at IronCrest

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

ICI offers thoughtful design and award-winning customizable floor plans

OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2026) – ICI Homes, a Florida-based custom homebuilder and one of the nation's most esteemed builders, has joined the preferred builder team at IronCrest, a gated, master-planned private club community centered around The Club at Iron Lake, an established private club in Ocala. ICI Homes is making its debut in luxury residential construction in Marion County after achieving tremendous success in other communities across Florida.

“There are places shaped by design, and then there are rare settings like IronCrest that are shaped by time, land and vision,” said Tom McCall, Chief Operating Officer, ICI Homes. “IronCrest is more than a location or exclusive club community. It will be an intimate sanctuary for those who appreciate the extraordinary. We are honored to introduce our custom collection at IronCrest.”

At IronCrest, ICI Homes is building luxury custom one- and two-story residences on estate homesites ranging from a half-acre to more than an acre. ICI Homes offers six customizable home designs ranging from 3,488 square feet to 5,271 square feet at IronCrest. The Monaco model home is under construction with completion and plans for a grand opening in February 2027.

“The Monaco is an award-winning home design that defines luxury living by blending architectural elegance with thoughtful functionality, creating a home that is extraordinary yet livable.” said North Florida Division Manager Joe Blanco. “Every detail throughout the Monaco reflects ICI Homes’ signature ability to customize. Our approach to homebuilding is an art form, and our in-house structural and interior designers will shape and personalize the architecture so that your home is built to reflect your lifestyle.”

The Monaco is an expansive single-story design with over 3,800 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, four baths and a four-car garage. The Monaco’s grand entry and soaring ceilings set the tone, leading into a wide-open living space designed for both everyday comfort and unforgettable entertaining. The kitchen, living room and dining areas flow seamlessly together, anchored by a designer kitchen featuring an oversized island, hidden pantry, and elevated finishes. Walls of glass open to a covered lanai, extending the living space outdoors in a way that feels effortless. The owner’s suite is designed as a true sanctuary with dual walk-in closets, a spa-inspired bath and a connected exercise or flex space. On the opposite side of the home, there are three additional bedrooms for family or guests. With ICI Homes’ customizable plans, homebuyers can build a dream home that complements their lifestyle. ICI Homes at IronCrest is priced starting at $1.5 million.

IronCrest is a master-planned private club community thoughtfully designed around the lifestyle of The Club at Iron Lake, equestrian culture and a natural landscape unlike anywhere else. The Club at Iron Lake, recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Best New Courses in America,” is anchored by an 18-hole championship golf course routed through spring-fed limestone quarries. The fully operational club lifestyle includes a 37,000-square-foot clubhouse, dining, racquet facilities, fitness amenities, and a resort-style pool.

IronCrest is located north of downtown Ocala, near the World Equestrian Center with easy access to Gainesville and Orlando, and shopping, dining, medical facilities, sporting, and entertainment destinations.

Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to register for priority announcements regarding homesite releases, private preview events, and other development updates. To register or learn more about ICI Homes at IronCrest, call (844) 349-6401 or visit https://icihomes.com/community/ironcrest.

Rendering:

1. ICI Homes is building The Monaco model home at IronCrest in Ocala.

About ICI Homes

ICI Homes is Florida’s leading custom home builder. Founded in Daytona Beach in 1979, ICI Homes has built thousands of new homes in communities throughout Florida. The company also has a Build on Your Land division. ICI Homes is well known for its exceptional quality home designs, its unique ability to customize, and its excellence in delivering the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction. The company takes pride in offering a wide variety of architectural styles and floor plans to match every lifestyle and price range. ICI Homes is consistently ranked in the nation’s Top 100 Builders by Builder magazine. The company has received hundreds of awards for its homes and communities, and honors for its dedication to giving back to the communities it serves. For more information, visit ICIHomes.com.

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Gamble Builders Brings Construction Expertise to Property Decisions Across Northeast Florida

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL | October 2026 — Finding the right commercial property is only part of the equation. Understanding what it will take to make that property work for a business can be just as important.

Gamble Builders is helping Northeast Florida business owners, property investors, landlords, and real estate professionals make more informed decisions by bringing construction expertise into the conversation earlier.

From evaluating a vacant building for a potential tenant to exploring development possibilities on an undeveloped parcel, the company provides practical insight into construction costs, feasibility, timelines, and project requirements before clients make major commitments.

Bringing Construction Into the Conversation Earlier

Commercial real estate transactions often involve questions that go beyond the property itself. Can an existing space accommodate a new business? What would renovations cost? Is a vacant lot suitable for the intended development? How long might construction take?

Gamble Builders works with clients and their professional advisers to help answer those questions.

"Too often, people find a property they love and only afterward discover what it will cost to make it work," said Greg Scaffidi of Gamble Builders. "We want to help bridge that gap. Bringing a contractor into the conversation early can give buyers, tenants, and property owners a clearer understanding of their options."

Supporting Business Growth and Property Investment

The company's approach is especially valuable to commercial real estate brokers, business brokers, landlords, developers, and business owners navigating property improvements or expansion.

For a business considering a new location, early construction input can help determine whether an existing building can accommodate its operations. For a landlord, preliminary renovation planning can help position a vacant space for prospective tenants. For an investor or developer, conceptual budgeting and construction planning can help evaluate a property's potential.

"Jacksonville has tremendous opportunity, from existing commercial spaces ready for new businesses to properties with untapped development potential," said Stephen Hobbs, Business Development Leader at Gamble Builders. "We want to connect with the people behind those opportunities and help them understand what is possible. Sometimes the right construction guidance early in the process can make all the difference in getting a project off the ground."

In addition to early project planning, Gamble Builders provides commercial tenant build-outs, renovations, ground-up construction, industrial and warehouse facilities, pre-engineered metal buildings, and design-build services.

Building More Than Buildings

Gamble Builders believes successful construction projects begin with clear expectations, thoughtful planning, and collaboration among the professionals involved.

The company encourages business owners, property owners, and real estate professionals throughout Northeast Florida to involve its construction team when evaluating potential projects, properties, or expansion opportunities.

About Gamble Builders

Gamble Builders is a Florida-based general contractor providing commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, and design-build construction services. Serving Jacksonville, Live Oak, and surrounding markets, the company combines experienced construction management with practical preconstruction guidance to help clients plan and execute successful projects.

Website: www.gamblebuilders.com
Start a Project: www.gamblebuilders.com/start-a-project
Jacksonville Contact: 904-900-0619

Granary Park welcomes DRB Homes to builder team

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

 
Granary Park welcomes DRB Homes to builder team
Expanded home choices in growing Green Cove Springs community
 
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2026) – GreenPointe Holdings announces the addition of DRB Homes to its builder team at Granary Park, expanding the selection of new single-family homes available in the growing master-planned community in Green Cove Springs. Granary Park offers residents a family-friendly lifestyle with an array of recreational amenities and a convenient Northeast Florida location. 
With more than 35 years of experience, DRB Homes has built its reputation on quality craftsmanship, thoughtfully designed homes and a customer-focused approach to the homebuying experience. The company offers an award-winning portfolio of floor plans created for a variety of lifestyles. DRB Homes is a brand of The DRB Group, a homebuilding industry leader with communities across the country. 
“We are pleased to welcome DRB Homes to Granary Park,” said Gregg Kern, Regional President, North Florida, GreenPointe Holdings. “DRB Homes shares our commitment to creating places where families can put down roots and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Their addition to Granary Park complements our vision to create a welcoming community centered around a family-first lifestyle, and the natural Old Florida beauty of Green Cove Springs.” 
Construction is underway on DRB’s new Castaway model home at Granary Park. The single-story design features four bedrooms with 2,061 square feet of living space. Designed for modern living, the open-concept layout brings together the family room, kitchen and dining area for gathering and entertaining. The owner's suite offers a private retreat while thoughtfully placed secondary bedrooms and a covered lanai add to the home’s livability and appeal. The Castaway model is anticipated to open in November 2026. 
At Granary Park, DRB Homes will offer five one- and two-story home designs, ranging in size from 1,600 square feet to more than 2,625 square feet with three to five bedrooms. DRB Homes is known for its open floor plans, designer finishes, dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions. DRB Homes at Granary Park will be priced from the $300s. 
The Granary Park Amenity Center serves as the heart of the community, offering 4.5 acres of recreational amenities and inviting spaces for neighbors and friends to connect and unwind. At the Meeting House, residents enjoy a beach-entry pool with expansive deck and firepit, along with 1,000 square feet of covered outdoor space for gathering and relaxing. An event lawn and recreation field offer even more opportunities for outdoor fun. Residents can stay active in the fitness center while younger residents can delight in hours of adventure on the playground. The Puppy Prairie, the community’s dedicated dog park, gives four-legged residents of all sizes plenty of room for off-leash play.
Granary Park’s Green Cove Springs location places residents close to local parks, including the 90-acre Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park which features a disc golf course, sport fields, nature trails, fishing piers and more. The community is served by A-rated schools in the Clay County School District and is conveniently located near the First Coast Expressway, providing access to Oakleaf Town Center, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Cecil Commerce Center, and downtown Jacksonville. From shopping and dining to outdoor recreation, arts and culture and major employment centers, Granary Park keeps residents connected to destinations throughout Northeast Florida. For more information, visit GranaryPark.com. 
 
Rendering
 
DRB Homes is building a new model home featuring the Castaway design at Granary Park.

About GreenPointe Holdings, LLC

GreenPointe Holdings, LLC is a diversified holding company bringing together the disciplines required to create sustainable, high-value communities through thoughtful design and solid financial structures.

Founded in 2008 by visionary leader Edward E. Burr, GreenPointe is led by a team of veterans of land and community development, homebuilding, lifestyle and amenities management, and infrastructure development. The leadership team has collectively guided master planning and development of more than 80 communities and over 100,000 residential units. 

Headquartered in Jacksonville with regional offices across Florida, GreenPointe’s current portfolio consists of 20 master-planned communities representing approximately 27,000 homesites, 2,200 multi-family units and 950,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, with over $1 billion invested to-date. More information is available at www.GreenPointeLLC.com. 

GreenPointe proudly supports the Monique Burr Foundation for Children and its mission to protect children through comprehensive, evidence-based personal safety education programs. Learn more at www.mbfpreventioneducation.org. 

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COMEDIAN DUSTY SLAY ANNOUNCES “THE NEIGHBORHOOD GUY” TOUR MARCH 19, 2027 @ FLORIDA THEATRE

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 13, 2026) – The Florida Theatre and Outback Presents are proud to announce Dusty Slay: “The Neighborhood Guy” Tour on Friday, March 19, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787. Ask about the VIP/Meet & Greet package available for this show.

Dusty Slay is a Nashville-based comedian who has been featured on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Hollywood Squares with Drew Barrymore, Comedy Central, and Netflix’s The Standups. In 2024, he released his first Netflix special, Workin’ Man, followed by his second, Wet Heat, in 2025. He is the host of the Public Figures podcast as well as the We’re Having a Good Time podcast.

Long hair, tobacco, oversized glasses, and a trucker hat, Dusty Slay is the self-effacing bourbon-voiced Southern comedian next door with a knack for observational, blue-collar humor and the nerve to say what everyone else is thinking. He grew up the son of a single mom in an Alabama trailer park and evokes laughs about everything from Cracker Barrel to his aversion to soap. The 40-year-old Nashville native is a mainstay on the country music scene, making his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2019 - the youngest at the time- and adding dozens of appearances in the historic Circle ever since.

With almost 20 years of eliciting guffaws through his laid-back observations, comedic cadence, and conversational style, Dusty is just getting started bringing his brand of relatable working-class comedy to audiences coast to coast.

To learn more, visit https://dustyslay.com/.

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787. Ask about the VIP/Meet & Greet package available for this show.

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About the Florida Theatre

Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida Wins Awards at The Baldwin Group Corporate Run 5K

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 14, 2026 – A team from Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida (FBC) recently braved the rain to participate in The Baldwin Group Corporate Run 5K in downtown Jacksonville. The FBC team took home two awards: the most colorful T-shirt award and a third-place finish award for the running team’s CEO. Traci Goetz, director of administration for FBC of Northeast Florida, was designated as the FBC Running Team CEO and was the third fastest CEO in the race, completing the 5K in just over 35 minutes.

“We had a really great time, despite the weather,” said Lisa Almeida, co-owner of FBC of Northeast Florida. “It was a wonderful way to get the team off the dock, and out of the water and office for a fun way to enjoy some time together and get a little exercise. Our team did so great and I am proud of each and every one of them. And everyone had a blast!”

Nine members of the FBC staff took part in the race with Almeida and Membership Director Bill Edinger cheering them on. All runners completed the run and the team’s top score went to Dock Staff Team Lead Michael Mobley, who finished the race in 28 minutes and 20 seconds.

The Baldwin Group Corporate Run 5K is billed as the largest and best office party. It was designed to celebrate workplace fitness, promote company spirit and the health and wellness in the Jacksonville business community. The race also helps raise money for a good cause. This year’s race will help local high school cross country and track teams, including summer camp scholarships. It will also assist in the construction of a new three-mile running trail at Aterro Recreation Park on Sunbeam Road.

About Freedom Boat Club

Freedom Boat Club, owned by Brunswick, is the largest membership-based boating club in the world. It offers an alternative to boat ownership and has delivered hassle-free boating since 1989. Freedom Boat Club provides unlimited access at four local locations: Julington Creek Marina in Jacksonville, Beach Marine in Jacksonville Beach, Camachee Cove Marina in St. Augustine, and The St. Augustine Shipyard in St. Augustine, as well as reciprocal access to 450 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Members can enjoy boating without the stress of ownership through a variety of membership options. For more information, visit www.freedomboatclub.com.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty announces The Neighborhood of San Jose

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Realtor Anita Vining is the community’s exclusive sales agent

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2026) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, the Northeast Florida market leader of luxury real estate properties, proudly announces The Neighborhood of San Jose, a residential community with homes delivered in coordination with Terra Build. The exclusive, privately gated enclave will encompass only 14 homesites on just over three acres, creating an intimate community of architecturally controlled luxury residences and a lifestyle of private riverfront living along the St. Johns River.

“The Neighborhood of San Jose offers an opportunity to build your dream home and become a part of one of Jacksonville's most exclusive new communities,” said Ann King, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “We are thrilled to be affiliated with this exceptional property that will offer riverfront access to all of the community’s residents.”

Located at 5124 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville, The Neighborhood of San Jose offers 80’ homesites in a gated community with 180’ of St. Johns River frontage. The community’s customizable home designs, ranging from 2,500 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet, were envisioned and thoughtfully designed by Cronk Duch Architecture. Buyers may personalize their floor plan with the architect. The Neighborhood of San Jose’s homes will be brought to life by the community’s preferred builders, McAneny Builders and Terra Build Construction. Buyers are also welcome to work with a custom home builder of their choice, subject to developer approval.

The Neighborhood of San Jose offers luxury living along the St. Johns River. Residents will enjoy a private community dock with boat slips available for purchase, along with a resort-style pool, clubhouse with gym, and the convenience of an onsite property manager. The HOA fees will include lawn care.

“The Neighborhood of San Jose is a new construction luxury development that hasn’t been available in the San Jose area for several years,” said Anita Vining, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, who is leading the sales effort. “There are only 14 homesites, and each offers the opportunity to create a distinctive new residence within a beautifully curated neighborhood where privacy, design, waterfront access and exceptional amenities come together.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is currently taking reservations for The Neighborhood of San Jose. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027. Homesites at The Neighborhood of San Jose are priced starting at $899,000. For more information and to join the waitlist, visit https://neighborhoodsanjose.com.

Artwork/Photography

The Neighborhood of San Jose site map
The Neighborhood of San Jose home design rendering
Anita Vining, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is the most dynamic and respected real estate company in Northeast Florida. Founded in 1988 by Chairperson Linda Sherrer and featuring the leadership of President Ann King, the company has a team of more than 500 real estate professionals in 11 offices serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia counties in Northeast Florida. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty operates a corporate relocation division, a builder sales division, a commercial division, Florida Network Property Management, Gibraltar Title Services, LLC, Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, and HomeServices Insurance.

In 2025, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty achieved more than $1.6 billion in closed sales. The company is ranked No. 26 in the global Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the nation’s largest homeownership services company.

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com or call (904) 296-6400.

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An Afternoon with DAVID SEDARIS

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday, April 18, 2027, 2:00 PM

The Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Terry Theatre

Tickets On Sale October 16, 2026

FSCJARTISTSERIES.ORG

Jacksonville, FL - The FSCJ Artist Series Beyond Broadway, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, and WJCT Public Media, present An Afternoon
with David Sedaris coming to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts’ intimate Terry Theatre on Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 2:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10am at FSCJArtistSeries.org or by phone at 904-632-5000.

David Sedaris, America’s best-selling humorist and social satirist, returns following the publication of his most recent book of short stories, "Happy Go Lucky", and his first ever children’s book, "Pretty Ugly".

In his customary sartorial and humorous manner, David will make you laugh and think in equal measures, with all new, unpublished stories and commentary.

As always, the reading will be accompanied by a pre and post-show book signing.

For additional information visit our website or contact Shelley Henley at (904) 357-8938, (904) 699- 2656, or shelley.henley@fscjartistseries.org

M/I Homes celebrates grand opening of new model home at Turnleaf

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Grand Opening celebration is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2026) – GreenPointe Holdings announces the grand opening of M/I Homes’ new Amelia model home at Turnleaf, a master-planned community in Punta Gorda on Florida’s Southwest Coast. M/I Homes will celebrate the occasion on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., inviting the public to tour its professionally decorated model and experience the inviting lifestyle that awaits at Turnleaf.

The celebration will feature live music, light bites and refreshments, and giveaways. The Amelia model home is located at 13519 Everbreeze Lane, Punta Gorda, Fla. 33955. Guests are encouraged to RSVP at Eventbrite.

“M/I Homes’ grand opening at Turnleaf provides a wonderful opportunity to tour the beautifully decorated Amelia model and discover all that this community has to offer,” said Gaynelle James, GreenPointe Marketing Director. “Turnleaf is an exciting community offering prospective homebuyers a vibrant lifestyle, award-winning home choices and convenient access to the best of Southwest Florida.”

M/I Homes’ Amelia Model is a thoughtfully designed single-story home offering more than 2,300 square feet of living space that highlights modern style, flexible living and elevated architectural details. The open-concept design seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining area and great room, creating an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. Large windows and glass doors welcome natural light while providing a seamless transition to the covered lanai, blending indoor and outdoor living. The spacious owner’s is a relaxing retreat with dual walk-in closets and a well-appointed bath. Two additional bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family and guests, while a versatile flex space near the front of the home is ideal for a home office, study or creative pursuits.

At Turnleaf, M/I Homes offers five distinctive one- and two-story single-family home designs, ranging from approximately 2,002 square feet to more than 2,500 square feet with three to five bedrooms. New homes by M/I Homes at Turnleaf are priced from the $300s.

New homes at Turnleaf are offered by the premier builder team of Dream Finders Homes, Lennar, M/I Homes, Perry Homes and Terrata Homes, featuring a variety of single-family, one- and two-story home designs. Homebuyers are invited to tour seven designer-decorated models and explore a selection of move-in ready homes. New homes at Turnleaf are priced from the $300s to $600s.

Turnleaf’s resort-style amenities are currently under construction. Reserved exclusively for residents and their guests, The Branch will encompass 2.5-acre amenity campus designed for recreation, relaxation and connection. A resort-inspired pool, complete with lap lanes, generous sundeck and gathering spaces, will serve as the centerpiece, while The Branch will host community events and provide the perfect place for neighbors to connect. Residents will enjoy a fully equipped fitness center, pickleball and bocce ball courts, outdoor yoga lawn and a network of multi-use paths for walking, biking or jogging. Young residents will enjoy endless hours of adventure on the expansive playground. Turnleaf’s prime Punta Gorda location provides convenient access to entertainment, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation throughout Southwest Florida. To learn more, visit www.LiveTurnleaf.com.

Rendering

M/I Homes celebrates the grand opening of its Amelia model home on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About GreenPointe Holdings, LLC

GreenPointe Holdings, LLC is a diversified holding company bringing together the disciplines required to create sustainable, high-value communities through thoughtful design and solid financial structures.

Founded in 2008 by visionary leader Edward E. Burr, GreenPointe is led by a team of veterans of land and community development, homebuilding, lifestyle and amenities management, and infrastructure development. The leadership team has collectively guided master planning and development of more than 80 communities and over 100,000 residential units.

Headquartered in Jacksonville with regional offices across Florida, GreenPointe’s current portfolio consists of 20 master-planned communities representing approximately 27,000 homesites, 2,200 multi-family units and 950,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, with over $1 billion invested to-date. More information is available at www.GreenPointeLLC.com.

GreenPointe proudly supports the Monique Burr Foundation for Children and its mission to protect children through comprehensive, evidence-based personal safety education programs. Learn more at www.mbfpreventioneducation.org.

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The PARC Group Reveals Plans for Sagebrush, Next EverRange Neighborhood

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Homes from 1,900 to 4,400 square feet will start in the mid-$500s

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 15, 2026) — The PARC Group, the award-winning master developer of EverRange, today shared new details about Sagebrush, the community’s latest neighborhood. Sagebrush will bring 298 homesites and family-friendly parks to the growing community.

Homes in Sagebrush will be larger than those in Mariposa, EverRange's first neighborhood, which features the same six builders: David Weekley Homes, Dostie Homes, ICI Homes, Providence Homes, Riverside Homes and Toll Brothers. The PARC Group originally announced Sagebrush in September 2025, when it unveiled the EverRange vision.

“We’ve seen strong interest from buyers seeking more space, and Sagebrush will bring those larger-home opportunities to EverRange,” said Chris Pilinko, President of The PARC Group. “We’re pleased to offer that expanded selection alongside the same trusted builders who helped bring Mariposa to life.”

Homes will range from approximately 1,900 to 4,400 square feet, with prices starting in the mid-$500s. Sales are expected to begin in the coming months. Set amid Florida's landscape, the community will feature several parks, including green spaces with benches and an entrance park with a playground.

“Connected living is at the heart of EverRange,” Pilinko said. “The parks planned throughout Sagebrush will give neighbors places to gather and play close to home.”

Additional details about Sagebrush will be shared as construction nears. For information about EverRange or any of its neighborhoods, visit everrange.com.

A Connected Community Shaped by Nature

EverRange is a new master-planned community located off Philips Highway/U.S. 1 between The PARC Group's existing communities, eTown and Nocatee. Approximately half of its land is preserved for green space, trails and native Florida landscape.

Three neighborhoods are now selling with model homes open: Mariposa, with single-family homes; Regency, a 55-and-older neighborhood by Toll Brothers; and The Ridge, energy-efficient townhomes by Dream Finders Homes. In addition, 275 luxury apartments at Garrett at EverRange are under construction, with the initial phase anticipated to open in late 2027.

A planned connection to The Exchange, eTown's town center, will link the two communities. Within EverRange, The Station will be a walkable town center, and The Grove will be a central amenity hub with a family-friendly pool, a splash pad, pickleball courts, a playground, dog parks, a lakeside walking trail and a multipurpose trail connecting neighborhoods.

About The PARC Group

The PARC Group is a local real estate development company with a proven track record of creating exceptional communities. Known for its commitment to quality, innovation and community engagement, The PARC Group continues to shape the landscape of Northeast Florida. For more information, visit parcgroup.net.

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Century-Old Hardware Landmark Unveils Next Chapter: Hunt Lumber & Supply Announces Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Formerly Paschal Brothers Hardware, the iconic Rail Yard District supplier invites the Jacksonville community to tour renovated facilities and learn about its expanding vision for Northeast Florida’s construction industry.

JACKSONVILLE, FL — October 1, 2026 — Hunt Lumber & Supply, a staple of Jacksonville’s building and hardware community for over a century, today announced its official Grand Re-Opening event scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1308 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209. The Ribbon Cutting will take place at Noon.
The event marks a major milestone for the business following its acquisition by longtime leader Corey Hunt, who transitioned the business from Paschal Brothers Hardware to Hunt Lumber & Supply earlier this year. The Grand Re-Opening celebrates the completion of extensive facility
updates, store modernizations, and a forward-looking growth plan designed to serve commercial contractors, municipal crews, local trades, and urban core homeowners across Northeast Florida.

A New Chapter Built on a 100-Year Legacy
Rooted in history that dates back to 1924, the site at the corner of Kings Road and Myrtle Avenue N. has served as a cornerstone for Jacksonville builders for a century. Corey Hunt, who began his career at the store nearly 30 years ago, took ownership in February 2026 and
immediately launched a strategic plan to modernize operations while retaining the personalized, immediate service the business is known for.
"Even though this store has been here for 100 years, there are many people in Jacksonville who haven't stepped inside yet," said Corey Hunt, President and Owner. "We are keeping the same dedicated team and core values, but stepping into a new dream. This Grand Re-Opening is
about showing our community how we’ve upgraded our facility to better serve their projects—big or small—without the corporate hassle."

Upgraded Facilities & Vision for Growth
Attendees of the Grand Re-Opening will be invited to tour the modernized 7,000-square-foot retail store and 32,000-square-foot lumber yard, which feature:
? Enhanced Retail Experience: A redesigned hardware layout featuring a new Milwaukee
Tool display wall and modernized interior customer spaces.
? Expanded Storage & Infrastructure: Newly installed cantilever racking systems for
efficient lumber access, repaved yards, and refurbished warehouse capacity.
? Streamlined Inventory: Implementation of new digital inventory management systems to
ensure fast turnaround times for trade professionals.
As part of its growth vision, Hunt Lumber & Supply recently joined Jacksonville’s Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) program, securing major material supply roles in high-profile developments such as the Four Seasons and Southbank Residences projects. Hunt also serves on the Rail Yard District Board and the JAX Chamber, reinforcing the business's commitment to the economic vitality of Jacksonville’s urban core. Looking ahead, the company is also exploring expansion into marine construction supplies to serve the region's expanding waterfront, dock, and deck markets.

Event Details
? What: Hunt Lumber & Supply Grand Re-Opening Celebration
? When: Friday, November 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
? Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Friday, November 13, 2026 | 12 PM
? Where: 1308 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209
? Highlights: Store tours, contractor networking, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, product showcases and demonstrations, light refreshments, and remarks on the future of building supplies in Northeast Florida. Members of the press, local leaders, trade professionals, and community neighbors are invited to attend and celebrate this new chapter.

About Hunt Lumber & Supply
Located in the heart of Jacksonville’s Rail Yard District at the corner of Kings Road and Myrtle Avenue, Hunt Lumber & Supply provides high-quality building materials, lumber, and hardware supplies. Combining century-old industry roots with modernized efficiency and dedicated, personal service, Hunt Lumber & Supply serves commercial contractors, municipal project teams, residential managers, and DIYers throughout Northeast Florida. For more information, visit www.huntlumber.net or call 904-354-3566.
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Banana Ball World Tour returns to VyStar Ballpark in 2027

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Loco Beach Coconuts host Party Animals in matchups scheduled for March 5-6, 2027; Ticket lottery sign up by Oct. 31 at www.bananaball.com/tickets
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 2027 Banana Ball World Tour is coming to VyStar Ballpark for two games in a matchup featuring the Party Animals and Loco Beach Coconuts from March 5-6, 2027.
The Coconuts will be hosting the Party Animals. All team rosters will be filled with the most entertaining and talented players in the world, including potentially former MLB stars and celebrity guests.
Tickets are available via a ticket lottery. Fans can sign up for the Ticket Lottery List by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 31, 2026 at www.bananaball.com/tickets. Joining the list does not guarantee the opportunity to buy tickets.?A random drawing will take place before the event for the chance to purchase available tickets.
Banana Ball is a fast-paced, action-packed style of baseball with rules that include no bunting, a two-hour time limit, fans catching foul balls for outs, batters stealing first base and a one-on-one tiebreaker showdown at the end of the game if it’s tied.
For the complete schedule and opportunity for tickets, visit www.bananaball.com/tickets and join the Ticket Lottery List to get the opportunity to be drawn in the lottery for a chance to purchase tickets.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and compete in the International League. The 2025 International League and Triple-A National Champions, the Jumbo Shrimp call VyStar Ballpark home for baseball but also a wide variety of additional community focused events with a goal of providing Affordable, Family, FUN to Northeast Florida. Winners of many marketing and sales awards and recognition since the team was rebranded prior to the 2017 season, the Jumbo Shrimp continually lead the state of Florida in attendance across all minor league professional sports organizations.
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Teachers nominated for 2027 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year EDDY Award

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Nearly 170 teachers have been selected by their peers to represent their schools as Teacher of the Year for the 2026–2027 school year, and to compete for the title of 2027 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year. The teacher who will represent all of Duval County in the Florida Teacher of the Year competition will be announced at the EDDY Awards, presented by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), on Jan. 23, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding Duval County public school teachers whose professionalism, meaningful connections with students, and passion for teaching make a lasting difference in students’ lives.

After schools submit their nominees for Teacher of the Year, a diverse selection committee convened by JPEF narrows the field down to 15 semifinalists. The semifinalists are further narrowed down to five finalists through a selection process that includes observing the teachers in the classroom.

“Every day, our teachers bring dedication, creativity, and care to the demanding work of helping students learn and thrive,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, president of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund. “Duval County Public Schools’ A grade reflects that hard work and the commitment of educators across our district. These Teachers of the Year exemplify the talent and passion behind that success, and we look forward to celebrating their stories and impact at the 2027 EDDY Awards.”

VyStar’s purpose is to Do Good and Lead by Example, especially when it comes to supporting local education foundations and their efforts to celebrate and elevate teachers in their communities. VyStar is the title sponsor for the EDDY Awards.

"Great teachers do more than educate. They inspire confidence, open doors, and help prepare young people for the future," said VyStar SVP/Foundation President Patricia McElroy. "VyStar is proud to join the Jacksonville Public Education Fund in celebrating the educators nominated by their peers and recognizing the lasting impact they make on students and our community every day."

“Our teachers are the heart of the Duval school district, and these outstanding educators represent the very best of our profession,” said Dr. Christopher Bernier, superintendent of DCPS. “The impact of a great teacher extends far beyond the classroom. We are proud to recognize these Teacher of the Year honorees for the difference they make in the lives of students every day.”

The 169 School Teachers of the Year

Mohamed Alemam, A. Philip Randolph College & Career Academies

Joyce Moussa, Abess Park Elementary School

Rebecca Snodgrass, Alden Road Exceptional Student Center

Jeffery Warwick, Alfred I DuPont Middle School

Karen Clance, Alimacani Elementary School

Blayne Sanders, Anchor Academy School

Eric Koff, Andrew Jackson High School of Advanced Technology

Kedra Scott, Andrew Robinson Elementary School

Shackera Walker, Arlington Elementary School

Andrew Fisher, Arlington Heights Elementary School

Latrecia Belle, Arlington Middle School

Ryan Barber, Atlantic Beach Elementary School

Chad Cushnir, Atlantic Coast High School

Roger Emery, Baldwin Middle-Senior High School

Kendall Seefried, Bartram Springs Elementary School

Kaitlyn Shallar, Bayview Elementary School

Kristin Hackworth Mincey, Beauclerc Elementary School

Mya Bass, Becoming Collegiate Academy

DuShuana Anderson-Cooksey, Biltmore Elementary School

Mikayla Shuford, Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy

Troy Way, Biscayne MYcroSchool

Maribel Brucal, Bridge to Success Academy High

Yvette Laney-Williams, Bridge to Success Academy Middle

Layney Giles, Brookview Elementary School

Krista Hitson, Cedar Hills Elementary School

Ariel Copeland, Central Riverside Elementary School

Ashley Woods, Chaffee Trail Elementary School

Tara Lowczys, Chaffee Trail Middle School

Barbara Hoy, Chets Creek Elementary School

Michelle Foran, Chimney Lakes Elementary School

Vanessa Richmond, Crown Point Elementary School

Normita Thomas, Crystal Springs Elementary School

Mikie Temples, Darnell Cookman School of Medical Arts

Marlena Nixon, Dinsmore Elementary School

Patti Cowgill, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

Krista Dunn, Duncan U. Fletcher High School

Andrew Follensbee, Duncan U. Fletcher Middle School

Lisa Davey, Duval Charter School at Southside

Audrey "Allison" Bruinsma, Duval Virtual Instruction Academy

Dana Young, Edward H. White High School

Lachelle Golden, Englewood Elementary School

Bryan Turner, Englewood High School

Alexis Wilson, Enterprise Learning Academy

Crystal Hunt, First Coast High School

Margie Adams, Fishweir Elementary School

Latanya Dewberry, Fort Caroline Elementary School

Lawrence Buckner, Fort Caroline Urban Arts Academy

Larry Wells, Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology

Kimberly Simmons, Garden City Elementary School

Heath Schopp, GLOBAL Arts

Stacy Laabs, Global Leadership Academy - Discovery 3-8 Campus

Kimberlyn Fowles, Global Leadership Academy High School

Marilyn White, Grand Park Education Center

Felix Santiago, GRASP Academy

Michelle Durheim, Greenfield Elementary School

Desiree Tokarek, Greenland Pines Elementary School

Karen Robertson, Gregory Drive Elementary School

Anita Feltman, Hendricks Avenue Elementary School

MiChandra Williams, Highlands Estates Academy

Audrea Jones, Highlands Middle School

Patricia Fox, Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary School

Melissa Greene, Holiday Hill Elementary School

Andi Petit-Perrin, Hospital Homebound

Stephanie Hamm, Hyde Park Elementary School

Dyneshia Thomas, IDEA Bassett Academy

Nashuwanda Francois, IDEA Public Schools Regional (IDEA Compass)

Deta Weaver, J. Allen Axson Montessori School

Vanessa Pinto, Jacksonville Beach Elementary School

Alexia Gordon, Jacksonville Heights Elementary School

Jennifer Sullivan, Jacksonville STEM Academy at Eugene Butler

Robert Wesley, James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School

Virginia Anderson, Jean Ribault High School

Sha'Terraca Barnes, Jean Ribault Middle School

Deborah Martin, John E. Ford PreK-8 English/Spanish Montessori School

Bridget Moore, John Love Early Learning Center

Jennifer Thompson, John Stockton Elementary School

Kali Ramos, Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership

Andrew Ohmann, Julia Landon College Preparatory & Leadership Development School

Ricardo Doylet, Kernan Middle School

Lauren Coutu, Kernan Trail Elementary School

Tarria Franklin, KIPP Bessie Coleman Academy

Aisha Rees, KIPP Bold City High School

Aysia Blackman, KIPP Impact Academy

Clayton Riddley, KIPP VOICE Academy

Yara Fields, Lake Lucina Elementary School

Kasia Leung, Lake Shore Middle School

Glenn McMillian, Landmark Middle School

Nicole Watts, LaVilla School of the Arts

Samantha Gullett, Lone Star Elementary School

Ebony Griffin, Lone Star High School (MYcroSchool)

Kim Ramirez, Long Branch Elementary School

Ashley Ford, Loretto Elementary School

Michelle Stiffler, Louis S. Sheffield Elementary School

Tera Sinaly, Love Grove Elementary School

Patricia Raymer, Mamie Agnes Jones Elementary School

Kyrina Moultrie, Mandarin High School

Danielle Kulwicki, Mandarin Middle School

Hope Klusmeier, Mandarin Oaks Elementary School

Davar Duhaney, Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School

Tonya Smith, Mattie V. Rutherford Alternative Middle School

Kasi Maguire, Mayport Coastal Sciences Elementary School

Aurelie Drexler, Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School

Erika Branch, Merrill Road Elementary School

Andrew Natividad, Mount Herman Exceptional Student Center

Lyndzee McClure, Neptune Beach Elementary School

Nelcia Roehm, New Berlin Elementary School

Octavia James, Normandy Village Elementary School

Keisha Cotton, North Shore Elementary School

Kadian Bartley, Northwestern Legends Elementary School

Tammy Youmans, Oak Hill Academy

Samantha Miller, Oceanway Elementary School

Ginger Gipson, Oceanway Middle School

Leah Laning, Ortega Elementary School

Kelsey Betts, Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center

Audrey Scott, Parkwood Heights Elementary School

Mai Keisling, Paxon School for Advanced Studies

Trinise Evans, Pickett Elementary School

Kendra Daly, Pine Forest School of the Arts

Liza McGlockton, Pinedale Elementary School

Renee Mann, R. L. Brown Gifted and Talented Academy

Lisa Dove, Ramona Boulevard Elementary School

Patricia Valerio, Reynolds Lane Elementary School

Kathleen Seidel, River City Science Academy Elementary

Jessica Griffith, River City Science Academy Innovation

Christina Simpson, River City Science Academy Intracoastal

Lou Ann Brown, River City Science Academy Mandarin

Monica Viggiano, River City Science Academy Middle-High

Wendy Cox, River City Science Academy Southeast

Colleen Damone, Riverside High School

Denise Porter, Rufus E. Payne Elementary School

Sara Henry, Ruth N. Upson Elementary School

Felecia Cogdell-Hancock, Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School

Ja'Quana McDonald, S.A. Hull Elementary School

Vicki Scott, Sabal Palm Elementary School

Alex Boadu, Sadie T. Tillis Elementary School

Evelyn Garland, Sallye B. Mathis Elementary School

Cristina Ledford, Samuel W. Wolfson School for Advanced Studies

Shirley Gayle, San Jose Elementary School

Wendy Campbell, San Jose Preparatory

Melissa Martins, San Jose Primary School

Kaileigh Deckert, San Mateo Elementary School

Cassandra Ricci, San Pablo Elementary School

Lauren Coverstone, Sandalwood High School

Rebekah Romer, Seabreeze Elementary School

Tenika Tankard, Smart Pope Livingston Elementary School

Jasmin Andrews, Somerset Academy Eagle Campus Elementary

Chinnery King, Somerset Academy Eagle Campus Middle

Chelsea Scott, Southside Estates Elementary School

Mamdouh Mahgoub, Southside Middle School

Maria-Elena Hewett, Spring Park Elementary School

Di'Asia Hall, Springfield Middle School

Mallory Melady, Stanton College Preparatory School

Marquel Mayo, Terry Parker High School

Teresa Carter, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

Tonia Fuller, Tiger Academy

Princess Stella Pedro, Timucuan Elementary School

Chandra Collier, Twin Lakes Academy Elementary School

Avis Collier, Twin Lakes Academy Middle School

Leslye Anderson, Venetia Elementary School of the Medical Arts

Christina Nelson, Waterleaf Elementary School

Mischa Allen, Wayman Academy of the Arts

Raechel Karioki, West Riverside Elementary School

Troy Bennett, Westside High School

Anne Montalto, Westside Middle School

Lovely Grace Japitana, Westview K-8

Amy Martinenza, Whitehouse Elementary School

Larissa Williams, William M. Raines High School

Claire Burgess, Woodland Acres Elementary School

Candice Cobb, Youth Crisis Center

About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund

The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes every student should graduate high school inspired and prepared for success in college or a career and life. JPEF serves as a bridge in support of public education, activating community support, connecting partners, and advancing effective ideas for the success of all students. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.

About VyStar Credit Union

VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 80 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,200 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

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THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JANUARY 26-31, 2027

JACKSONVILLE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The FSCJ Artist Series' 22nd Annual Family Night on Broadway returns for opening night on January 26!

TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 23

FSCJArtistSeries.org

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is coming to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts on January 26-31, 2027, presented by FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville,sponsored by VyStar Credit Union. Produced by Concord Theatricals and NETworks Presentations, this critically acclaimed North American tour honors the 65th anniversary of the musical’s original stage debut. Single tickets are available to the public beginning Friday, October 23, 10:00 a.m. at FSCJArtistSeries.org or by calling 904-632-5000.

The FSCJ Artist Series' 22nd Annual Family Night on Broadway will take place Tuesday, January 26 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts prior to the performance of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at 7:30 p.m. Family Night on Broadway is free for ticketholders! The experience offers fun for the whole family with activities in the lobby and a special ticket offer for 50% off two tickets (one adult, one child) in select seats in price levels D, G and K with code: MITTENS. Exclusions apply.

Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, the smash-hit musical classic will transport the next generation of theatergoers to the hills of Austria, captivating audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music. Casting will be announced at a later date. For more
information, please visit www.SoundOfMusicOnTour.com.

The spirited, romantic and beloved story of Maria and the von Trapp family features an unforgettable Tony, GRAMMY® and Academy Award®-winning Best Score, including legendary favorites “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and “The Sound of Music.”

THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. The 1965 Oscar®-winning film recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and continues to be one of the most successful movie musicals of all time.

In a unique industry first, THE SOUND OF MUSIC will return to Broadway in March 2027, in a production with different creative leadership, design, and cast, while the touring production continues playing across North America.

This production is directed by Jack O’Brien (2024 recipient of Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre), and choreographed by Danny Mefford (Broadway’s Kimberly Akimbo, Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home). The design and production team is comprised of Douglas Schmidt, Set
Design (Tony Award nominee: The Front Page, Into the Woods); Jane Greenwood, Costume Design (2014 recipient of Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre), Natasha Katz, Lighting Design (Eight-time Tony Award winner: Sweeney Todd, MJ The Musical, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, An American in Paris); Kai Harada, Sound Design (Dead Outlaw, A Wonderful World, Merrily We Roll Along); Andy Einhorn, Musical Supervisor (Gypsy, Carousel, Hello, Dolly!); Tom Watson, Hair/Wig Design (Spamalot, Harmony, Parade); and Casting by The Telsey Office – Rachel Hoffman, CSA, Rashad Naylor, CSA. Executive producers are Sean Patrick Flahaven for Concord Theatricals and Trinity Wheeler for NETworks Presentations.

According to director Jack O’Brien, “A few years ago, I was part of a group of collaborative artists who, almost inadvertently, stumbled on original conceptions for the stage mounting of THE SOUND OF MUSIC that had never found their way into production. We felt as if we were awakening Sleeping Beauty herself, and the results exposed a version of this classic virtually unknown before, and yet more dramatic, more detailed, more rapturous and more touching than any we had experienced.

“It is with extreme enthusiasm and a keen sense of anticipation those same artists once more return to complete the work we began, and give this most beloved of all musicals the creative facelift it deserves. We truly believe the original authors would be thrilled. And we believe you will be, too!”

Producer Sean Patrick Flahaven, Chief Theatricals Executive of Concord, said, “It’s a great privilege to bring a new tour of this landmark musical to theaters across North America. People of all ages will discover or rediscover their love of this classic story that remains so appropriate for our time. Thanks to our distinguished team, led by the master Jack O’Brien, audiences can expect a truly magnificent production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.”

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Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville Introduces Refreshed Brand Identity

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Local transition reflects broader evolution across the Ronald McDonald House community while reaffirming longstanding commitment to families

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 15, 2026) – Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville today officially unveiled its refreshed brand identity, joining Ronald McDonald House programs around the world in a shared evolution reflecting the organization's continued growth while honoring more than five decades of serving families with seriously ill or injured children.
The refreshed identity introduces a modern visual look while remaining rooted in the organization's enduring purpose: to remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.
As one of the final Ronald McDonald House programs to adopt the new identity, Jacksonville's transition reflects a thoughtful approach to implementing the global brand locally. Families, volunteers, donors and community partners will begin seeing the refreshed logo, colors and design across signage, digital platforms, printed materials and communications beginning October 15.
"The Ronald McDonald House has grown tremendously over the past several decades, and our brand should reflect who we are today and where we are headed," said Joey Leik, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville. "While our look is evolving, our mission remains exactly the same. Every day, we are focused on keeping families together, removing barriers to care and creating a place where families can find comfort, connection and support during some of life's most difficult moments."
For nearly four decades, Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville has evolved to meet the changing needs of families facing a child's medical crisis. From expanding programs and services to enhancing spaces designed for community and stability, the organization continues to ensure families have the support they need while staying close to the medical care their child depends on.
The refreshed brand also reflects the evolution of the broader Ronald McDonald House community, bringing together Houses and Family Rooms under a more unified identity while maintaining the local connections that have made each chapter an essential part of its community.
Although the appearance is changing, the organization's commitment remains steadfast. Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville will continue providing care and a village for families with children receiving medical treatment, made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, corporate partners and supporters throughout Northeast Florida.
Community members can learn more about the refreshed brand and Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville's mission by visiting ronaldmcdonaldhousejax.org.

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About Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville
Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children by providing lodging, meals, transportation and a community of care to critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment. Over the past 36 years, our staU, volunteers and community partners have provided care, comfort and kindness for over 44,600 families. For more information about our mission and programs, visit ronaldmcdonaldhousejax.org.

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING UNVEILS BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP FOR LANDMARK 60TH SEASON

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville institution celebrates six decades of live theatre with a 2027 season featuring Broadway favorites, beloved classics and family blockbusters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sixty years. Thousands of performances. Generations of Jacksonville families. And the curtain is still rising.

Alhambra Theatre & Dining today announced to the public its landmark 60th season, unveiling an eight-show 2027 lineup that blends Broadway hits, American classics, laugh-out-loud comedies and family favorites in a year-long celebration of one of Jacksonville’s most enduring entertainment institutions.

The 2027 season will feature Shout! The Mod Musical, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical, The Hallelujah Girls, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Disney’s Frozen, Tootsie, The Addams Family and It’s a Wonderful Life.

“This is a milestone that very few theatres get to celebrate,” said Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith. “For 60 seasons, people have come through these doors to laugh, sing, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, have dinner with friends and experience the magic of live theatre. We wanted our 60th season to honor that history, but without looking backward. This lineup is about what the Alhambra has always done best — putting great entertainment on stage and giving people a reason to come together.”

The celebration begins January 7 with Shout! The Mod Musical (January 7–February 7), a colorful, high-energy trip back to the swinging ’60s filled with the music, fashion and attitude that defined a generation.

Next comes Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical (February 18–March 28), the hilarious workplace comedy featuring music and lyrics by the legendary Dolly Parton and based on the hit film.

Southern charm and plenty of laughs arrive with The Hallelujah Girls (April 1–25), a comedy about friendship, second chances and a group of feisty women determined to shake up their lives — and their small Georgia town.

One of the great American musicals takes the stage when Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific runs April 29–June 6. The sweeping classic features an unforgettable score including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame.”

Summer brings one of the biggest productions of the anniversary season with Disney’s Frozen (June 10–August 8). Based on the worldwide phenomenon, the stage musical brings Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the kingdom of Arendelle to life with spectacular theatricality and songs including “Let It Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever.”

The laughs continue with Tootsie (August 19–September 26), the Tony Award-winning musical comedy based on the beloved film about a struggling actor whose desperate career move turns his life spectacularly upside down.

Just in time for spooky season, The Addams Family (September 30–November 14) brings America’s favorite wonderfully macabre family to the Alhambra stage in a musical comedy filled with romance, secrets, surprises and the delightfully strange world of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday and the rest of the Addams clan.

The historic season concludes with It’s a Wonderful Life (November 18–December 24), bringing the beloved story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls to the stage for the holidays and providing a fitting finale to a season built around family, community and the power of coming together.

SIX DECADES — AND STILL GROWING

The Alhambra first raised its curtain in 1967, and six decades later remains one of Jacksonville’s most enduring entertainment institutions. Since Craig Smith and his partners purchased the theatre in 2009, the Alhambra has grown from an approximately $2 million operation into a $10 million-plus business, welcoming more than 135,000 guests annually.

In recent years, the theatre has consistently played to near-capacity audiences, selling more than 90 percent of available tickets, while expanding its programming beyond its mainstage season. In 2025, the Alhambra earned national recognition when USA TODAY readers named it the No. 1 Dinner Theater in America.

Perhaps most remarkably, several members of the Alhambra team have been part of the theatre for more than three decades — connecting today’s audiences to generations of Jacksonville families who have made the Alhambra part of their lives.

“Sixty years doesn’t happen because of a building or a show title,” Smith said. “It happens because a community decides, year after year, that this place matters. We have guests who first came here as children and now bring their children and grandchildren. We have employees who have spent decades here. That history belongs to Jacksonville as much as it belongs to us.

“This is our 60th season, but it’s Jacksonville’s celebration.”

For tickets or Season Partnerships, visit alhambrajax.com or vall the box office at 904.641.1212.

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING — 2027 60TH SEASON

Shout! The Mod Musical, January 7 – February 7
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical, February 18 – March 28
The Hallelujah Girls, April 1 – April 25
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, April 29 – June 6
Disney’s Frozen, June 10 – August 8
Tootsie, August 19 – September 26
The Addams Family, September 30 – November 14
It’s a Wonderful Life, November 18 – December 24

Season subscriptions for the Alhambra’s 2027 60th Anniversary Season are available through the Alhambra box office and at alhambrajax.com. Individual show tickets will go on sale October 8.

About the Alhambra Theatre

Founded in 1967, the Alhambra Theatre is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating dinner theatres. Known for its intimate setting and Broadway-caliber performances, the Alhambra has become a cultural landmark in Jacksonville. Each ticket includes a three-course meal designed to match the theme of the production, a full theatrical performance, and complimentary parking—all starting at just $48.

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Guest conductor Christopher Warren-Green Leads Symphony and Chorus in Bernstein & Stravinsky

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (October 8, 2026) — The Jacksonville Symphony presents Bernstein & Stravinsky on October 16 and 17, 2026, in Jacoby Symphony Hall, featuring Stravinsky's “The Firebird Suite,” Bernstein's “Chichester Psalms” and "Three Dance Variations,” and Borodin’s “Polovetsian Dances” under the baton of guest conductor Christopher Warren-Green.

This program has something for everyone. Stravinsky’s “The Firebird Suite” brings a Russian fairy tale to life, while Borodin’s “Polovetsian Dances” ignites fiery rhythms and sweeping melodies. Bernstein’s contributions range from the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus performing “Chichester Psalms” in Hebrew to the jazzy, Broadway-inspired “Three Dance Variations.” The concert also marks the first performance of the 2026/27 Season featuring the Chorus under the direction of its new director, Tony Thornton.

Warren-Green is principal conductor and music director of the London Chamber Orchestra and conductor laureate of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, where he served as music director for 12 years. He has conducted regularly for the British royal family, including at the weddings of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He also led concerts for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th and 90th birthdays and King Charles' 60th birthday.

"[Warren-Green is] a brilliant musician, and I can't wait to hear what he draws out of our orchestra," said Music Director Courtney Lewis.

Tickets are available at JaxSymphony.org or by calling the Box Office at 904-354-5547. This concert is sponsored by Florida Blue and is part of the Greta Challen Berg Artist Series. 

The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org. 

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The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care to Host 3rd Annual Vets, Pets & Music Fest

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

October 9, 2026 (Fernandina Beach, Fla.) - The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care invites the community to enjoy an afternoon of live music, food, and pet-friendly fun at the annual Vets, Pets & Music Fest. Now in its third year in Fernandina Beach, this event raises funds to support programs that provide comfort, companionship, and dignity to patients and families receiving care through Community Hospice & Palliative Care.

The event will take place on Nov. 8, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Green Turtle Inn. It welcomes veterans, pet lovers, music enthusiasts, and community members for an afternoon of entertainment for a cause. Proceeds will benefit Community Hospice & Palliative Care's veterans, Pet Peace of Mind®, pet therapy, and music therapy programs, ensuring these important services are available to patients and families throughout Nassau County.

Community Hospice & Palliative Care's veterans program acknowledges the unique experiences and needs of veterans through veteran-to-veteran companionship, recognition ceremonies, assistance with VA benefits and specialized end-of-life care that honors their service. Pet Peace of Mind helps patients keep the companionship of their beloved pets by providing pet care assistance, supplies, veterinary support when available, and, when necessary, finding new loving homes for them. Pet therapy volunteers and their specially trained animals provide comfort, reduce stress and create meaningful moments of connection during visits with patients and families. Music therapy, led by board-certified music therapists, uses evidence-based interventions to help manage pain and anxiety, encourage emotional expression, support memory and communication, foster meaningful connections and provide comfort during some of life's most challenging moments.

By attending Vets, Pets & Music Fest, community members help ensure these compassionate programs continue providing comfort, companionship, and support to patients and families throughout Nassau County.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional information about the event, please visit vetspetsmusicfest.thefoundationcares.org.

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About Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Established in 1979, Community Hospice & Palliative Care is an innovative national leader in palliative and hospice care, as well as providing programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. During its 47-year history, through the support of more than 1,000 employees and 1,000 volunteers, the organization helps approximately 1,500 patients per day to live better with advanced illness – at home, in long-term care and assisted living facilities, in hospitals and at its 10 inpatient care centers. No one is ever denied care due to an inability to pay. To learn more about the support and services of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, visit CommunityHospice.com.

About the Foundation

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care is dedicated to advancing philanthropy to enable Community Hospice & Palliative Care to fulfill its mission of being the compassionate guide for end-of-life care in the communities we serve. Funds raised by the Foundation through memorial giving, planned and major gifts, and events support unfunded patient care services and community benefit programs for those facing advanced illness and grief. To learn more, visit TheFoundationCares.org.

Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida Announces Opposition to Amendment 3 and Launches Campaign Highlighting Risks it Presents to Local Citizens

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Organization warns Northeast Florida residents will lose access to vital services provided by nonprofits due to significant anticipated reduction in local revenue

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —October 8, 2026 — The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, a collective of over 350 member organizations, today announced the launch of a public awareness campaign urging voters to reject Amendment 3 and protect Northeast Florida residents’ access to local resources that support essential community services.

If approved, Amendment 3 could significantly reduce revenue available for local decision makers to maintain programs and services that keep families stable, support working households and provide a safety net for the region’s most vulnerable residents.

The Nonprofit Center’s campaign provides localized insight on the potential impact on community services that residents rely on every day. The organization encourages residents to learn more about what is at stake and consider the immediate consequences a significant reduction in local revenue could have for families throughout the region.

As Floridians face sustained pressure from rising costs for housing, food and other basic needs, reducing the resources available for community services could weaken the very systems families turn to when they find themselves most in need of support.

"People who rely on community services when a household budget simply cannot stretch any further deserve to have their needs considered in this issue," said Callan Brown, CEO of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. "If we reduce the resources available for those services at the same time families are struggling, we risk leaving people with fewer places to turn to precisely when they need help most."

The potential impact is already affecting resources available to residents from the nonprofit sector. Local decision makers across Northeast Florida have signaled that reduced revenue could require significant and immediate cuts to community services and other local priorities. The Nonprofit Center joins many Northeast Florida organizations that have publicly voiced opposition to Amendment 3, including the JAX Chamber, the Jacksonville Civic Council, The Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters and the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police.

The impact of those decisions extends beyond any single organization or program. Across the region, individuals trust nonprofits for help with housing assistance, childcare support, food programs, senior services and other resources that proactively address challenges. When those supports are reduced or eliminated, families’ needs do not disappear — and problems that could have been addressed early can become more difficult and costly for families and communities.

“Nonprofits are part of the infrastructure that keeps Northeast Florida strong,” Brown said. “They help families remain stable, keep people connected to essential resources and often step in before a difficult situation becomes a crisis. Protecting those services is ultimately about protecting the health and stability of our entire community.”

For more information about the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida’s Vote No on Amendment 3 campaign, go to nonprofitctr.org.

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About the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida

The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida is a vital support system for our nonprofits. It offers services, programs, and information resources for 350 members while advocating for the Northeast Florida nonprofit sector locally and at the state level. It provides local government, civic and business leaders, and the media insights and information to promote smart decision-making and public support for local nonprofits. Visit nonprofitctr.org to learn more.

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside to receive nearly $53 million for hurricane resiliency improvements

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Federal funding will strengthen the Jacksonville hospital against hurricane-force winds

Jacksonville, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2026) – Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside will receive nearly $53 million in federal funding to strengthen the hospital against hurricane-force winds, supporting efforts to protect access to care and reimagine a campus that has served Northeast Florida for more than a century.

The funding was announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of $317 million in post-disaster funding approved for projects across Florida. The nearly $53 million designated for St. Vincent’s Riverside will support improvements to the hospital’s roof, walls, exterior windows and other critical building components.

“For more than 100 years, families across Jacksonville have relied on Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside for care, including during hurricanes and other emergencies,” said Andrew Gnann, president and CEO, Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. “This investment will help us strengthen the hospital against severe weather while continuing to ensure we remain ready to serve the needs of our community for decades to come.”

Hospitals are a critical part of a community’s emergency response infrastructure. Strengthening the Riverside campus against high winds will help protect care operations and reduce the risk of disruption at times when patients and families may need care most.

“This nearly $53 million investment will have a direct impact on the resilience of healthcare in Northeast Florida,” said Scott Kashman, CEO, Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System. “Protecting access to care and investing in the future of our facilities are all part of our responsibility to the communities we serve. This funding will help ensure Riverside remains a strong and reliable healthcare resource for generations to come.”

The funding is being awarded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which supports projects designed to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. Eligible projects include strengthening buildings, protecting infrastructure from flooding and high winds, improving emergency power systems, and making other improvements that increase community resilience.

To learn more about St. Vincent’s Riverside, visit Ascension.org/RiversideJax.

About Ascension St. Vincent’s

Ascension St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates four hospitals and more than 90 other sites of care and employs more than 5,300 associates. In fiscal year 2025, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided nearly $174 million in total community benefit and other community contributions, including care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare provider dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the nation's leading non-profit and faith-based health systems, Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to all.

Visit www.ascension.org.

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Pace Center for Girls Welcomes Kim Simon as Executive Director of Pace Jacksonville

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Kim Simon brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a longstanding connection to Pace’s mission.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – September 23, 2026 – Pace Center for Girls today announced Kim Simon as Executive Director of Pace Jacksonville. A Northeast Florida native, Simon brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience focused on community-based work and expanding access to trauma-informed support.

Most recently, Simon served as Executive Director of Yoga 4 Change, where she led the growth of trauma-informed programming across Florida and helped expand access to healing-centered services. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with nonprofit boards and community partners to develop programs that respond to the needs of individuals and families.

For Simon, joining Pace Jacksonville as Executive Director is also a return to an organization she already knows. As an E-RYT 500 certified yoga teacher, she previously led yoga and mindfulness practices for girls at Pace Jacksonville and Pace Clay. Through that experience, Simon gained a strong understanding of Pace’s mission before stepping into her new leadership role.

“Kim’s experience growing trauma-informed programs and her connection to Pace give her a strong foundation for leading Pace Jacksonville forward. Her leadership comes at an important time as we look to build on the center’s impact and create more opportunities for girls across Northeast Florida,” said Aggie Pappas, Chief Program Officer at Pace Center for Girls.

Since 1985, Pace Jacksonville has empowered over 6,000 girls through its academic Day Program and Pace Reach Program.

Construction underway on Turnleaf’s new Amenity Campus

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GreenPointe Holdings begins amenity construction at new Punta Gorda community

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2026) – GreenPointe Holdings has begun construction on The Branch amenity campus at Turnleaf, a new master-planned community in Punta Gorda on Florida’s Southwest Coast. Members of the development team, including GreenPointe Holdings, Curran Young Construction and South Florida Architecture, recently gathered at the site to mark the milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony.

“The Turnleaf amenity campus will be the central gathering place for residents of all ages,” said Jim McGowan, Regional President, West Coast Florida, GreenPointe Holdings. “It is designed as a welcoming and versatile space where neighbors can gather, relax, connect, and enjoy their favorite activities.”

Reserved exclusively for Turnleaf residents and their guests, the new 2.5-acre amenity campus will feature 5,500 square feet of club facilities and a full suite of resort-style amenities. A 5,600-square-foot pool, complete with lap lanes, generous sundeck and gathering spaces, will serve as the centerpiece for recreation and socializing, while The Branch will be home to a host of community events and provide the perfect place for neighbors to connect. Residents can stay active at the fully equipped fitness center or enjoy pickleball and bocce ball courts, outdoor yoga lawn and a network of multi-use paths for walking, biking or jogging. Young residents will enjoy endless hours of adventure on the expansive playground. Turnleaf will also offer resident events and activities to bring neighbors together through seasonal celebrations, fitness classes, clubs, and other community activities.

New homes at Turnleaf are offered by the premier builder team of Dream Finders Homes, Lennar, M/I Homes, Perry Homes and Terrata Homes, with a variety of single-family, one- and two-story home designs available. Homebuyers are invited to tour seven designer-decorated model homes and explore a selection of move-in ready residences available for immediate purchase. New homes at Turnleaf are priced from the $300s to $600s.

Turnleaf’s prime Punta Gorda location offers convenient access to entertainment, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. Located along Florida's Southwest Coast, Punta Gorda is known for saltwater and freshwater adventures, golf courses, waterfront shopping, award-winning cuisine, unforgettable attractions, and Old Florida charm. Turnleaf is within minutes of Punta Gorda Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. To learn more, visit www.LiveTurnleaf.com.

Photography/Rendering

The Turnleaf development team recently gathered at the site for a commemorative groundbreaking. From left, Michael Jorgensen - South Florida Architecture, Brian Ahmedic - South Florida Architecture, Bruce Noble – GreenPointe, Jim McGowan – GreenPointe, Robert Nelson – GreenPointe, Steven Myli - Curran Young, and Devon Schragen - Curran Young.

Turnleaf’s Amenity Campus will feature inviting gathering spaces overlooking a sparkling resort-style pool.

About GreenPointe Holdings, LLC

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Jacksonville Symphony presents Stevie Wonder, Bernstein, Elton John and a live organ improvisation to The Phantom of the Opera in October 2026

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (October 1, 2026) – The Jacksonville Symphony presents four performances in October, including the opening of the Terry Family Foundation Pops Series: Stevie Wonder & More: The 70s & Beyond, the choral-filled concert: Bernstein & Stravinsky, Music of the Knights and The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Silent Film with Live Organ. All performances take place in Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. 
 
October 2026 Schedule 

Stevie Wonder & More: The 70s & Beyond | Oct. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. 
Experience an unforgettable night of classic hits and feel-good grooves. Sherrod T. Brown, currently in the 2026 Tony Award®-nominated Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway, joins Jacksonville Symphony in a dynamic showcase of hits from the 70s, 80s and beyond. From soulful ballads to irresistible dance floor anthems like “Superstition,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “Somebody to Love” and “Forever Young,” this celebration of legendary artists is sure to fill Jacoby Symphony Hall with rhythm and joy. 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/70sandbeyond 

Bernstein & Stravinsky | Oct. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. 
Rhythm and storytelling drive this vivid program led by guest conductor Christopher Warren-Green. Bernstein’s Fancy Free crackles with restless energy and sly humor. The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus adds an impactful vocal dimension to Borodin’s Polovetsian Dances, rich in color and propulsive rhythm, before Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite weaves a spell of mystery, transformation and elemental force. 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/bernstein-strav 

Music of the Knights: Elton, McCartney & Lloyd Webber | Oct. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. 
Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber are not only Knights—they also happen to be three of the most successful songwriters of all time with careers that span decades. Music of the Knights honors their lasting musical influence with songs such as “Memory,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Your Song,” “Circle of Life,” “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude.” 
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/musicoftheknights 

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Silent Film with Live Organ | Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. 
A one-of-a-kind experience with the Bryan Concert Organ and a cinematic gem awaits! Organist Brett Miller performs a live improvisation to the silent classic The Phantom of the Opera (1925), transforming every scene with dramatic sound and spellbinding atmosphere—all while the film plays on the big screen in Jacoby Symphony Hall!   
Tickets: https://my.jaxsymphony.org/overview/phantom-organ  
 
Tickets are available at JaxSymphony.org or by calling the Box Office 
at 904-354-5547.

About the Jacksonville Symphony 
The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org. 

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WJCT Public Media Builds Momentum With Four New Trustees and Appointment of New Board Chair

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Oct. 1, 2026 — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –– WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, has started its new fiscal year with the installation of four new members on its Board of Trustees and the confirmation of Anne Madsen as chair.

These updates follow the recent appointment of former Trustee Karen Feagins as WJCT’s new president and CEO — solidifying the comprehensive leadership team that will guide the organization forward.

“The power of public media lies in its ability to bring people together over shared conversations, local storytelling and quality learning opportunities for our neighbors of all ages,” said Madsen. “We enter this new fiscal year with tremendous alignment across the organization, thanks to the fresh energy of our new Trustees and the deep institutional experience Karen brings from her past service on the board and across numerous staff roles. Our mutual resolve will ensure WJCT Public Media continues to be a source of independent journalism, educational resources and cultural connection.”

WJCT Public Media is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who provide strategic oversight, ensuring the organization remains financially strong and responsive to community needs. During its annual meeting on September 30, the Board recognized Greg Anderson, Farley Kern, and Neera Shetty, whose service terms have concluded. Madsen, chief financial officer for LSF Health Systems, a division of Lutheran Services Florida, assumed the role of chair effective October 1, 2026, after previously serving as vice chair. Bill Hendrich, a retired executive vice president in radio at Cox Media Group, has transitioned to the ex officio role. Brian Bush, vice president of e-commerce at the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, has accepted the treasurer role.

The Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment of the following new trustees to begin three-year terms:

? Tony Jenkins is market president of Florida Blue, Northeast Florida. He joined Florida Blue in 2001 following a successful career with CSX Corporation. Most recently, he served as Florida Blue’s Market President for Central Florida. He also spent 20 years with the Walt Disney World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in hospitality, public affairs, and human resources. Jenkins is past chair of the Orlando Economic Partnership board and has served as a Board Trustee at Stetson University. He is the current past chair for the Winter Park Institute and serves on the boards of Florida Citrus Sports and Grace Medical Home, as well as the UCF College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council. Jenkins has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as CEO of the Year and received the publication’s Diversity in Business Lifetime Achievement Award.

? Sarah Sanders serves as executive vice president and chief consumer officer at Baptist Health, where she leads the health system's marketing, communications, digital strategy, advertising, community engagement and consumer experience initiatives. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, Sanders has built and transformed the marketing communications function across some of the nation's most respected health systems, including UCSF Health, Nemours Children's Health and Penn Medicine. She is currently leading the development of a new brand strategy for Baptist Health, advancing consumer engagement initiatives and investing in capabilities that enhance the patient experience. Sanders is a member of the Health Care Executive Forum and the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD), and has been recognized as one of Becker's Hospital Review's Chief Marketing Officers to Know.

? Amanda Thomas is senior vice president and assistant general counsel for the PGA TOUR. In her seven years with the TOUR, she has led multiple strategic projects including corporate reorganizations, debt financing and the evaluation of revenue-generating opportunities, in addition to overseeing a high volume of commercial agreements. She serves as corporate secretary of USA GOLF, negotiating all contracts on behalf of the USA GOLF Olympic team. Prior to her career in sports law, Thomas spent nearly seven years practicing corporate law, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, at Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC. She has a degree in finance from the University of North Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Thomas is also a member of the Every Pet Corporate Council and the Baptist Health OB Expansion Philanthropic Council.

? Steve Dittmore serves as dean of the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services at the University of North Florida, where he is responsible for academic programs including teacher preparation, special education, ASL/English interpreting, school counseling, educational leadership, sport management, and disability services. He previously served as dean and professor of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Before that, he held various roles from assistant professor to associate dean of the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. Dittmore is a nationally recognized thought leader on intercollegiate athletic administration, focusing on athletics’ role in higher education. He authored the biography, Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger, which won the 2026 Ron Gabriel Award from the Society of American Baseball Research.

“Our new Trustees bring exciting new perspectives to the Board, especially as Northeast Florida continues to grow as a leader in health care innovation, education and sports. These sectors are critical to our region’s quality of life and economy, and we are grateful to have sharp, dedicated leaders from these industries engaged in our work,” said Feagins. “Our transition last year to a fully community-funded model demonstrated the widespread support and desire for programming that celebrates our community’s unique stories, promotes lifelong learning and helps us all engage meaningfully in matters of civic importance. I’m delighted to continue that work alongside these dedicated board members.”

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WIN THE FLORIDA THEATRE DIAMOND TICKET!

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Tickets are on sale now!

Drawing takes place December 31, 2026

All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Florida Theatre

JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 1, 2026) – The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center (the nonprofit arts organization that manages and programs the historic Florida Theatre) is excited to announce that its popular year-end fundraiser has a new name! Formerly known as the Annual Ticket Drawing, the fundraiser is now called The Diamond Ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at www.floridatheatre.com or by calling the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787.

Each $30 (suggested donation) drawing ticket enters you for a chance to win two tickets to every show produced by the Florida Theatre in 2027. In prior years, the winners of this drawing won tickets to more than 100 shows! Prize tickets are located in the first six rows on the orchestra level of the Florida Theatre.

The winner will be drawn at the Florida Theatre on New Year’s Eve. The winner need not be present – the winning ticket will be pulled based on the ticket buyer's name. No physical drawing tickets will be mailed out. The purchase of drawing tickets is not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution, but all proceeds benefit the preservation of the historic Florida Theatre.

Show tickets are transferable but may not be resold. Some rental performances will not be eligible for tickets.

"We are excited to launch our year-end fundraiser for the 12th year in a row, providing our community with the chance to enjoy outstanding performances at the Florida Theatre," said Michelle Adams, Director of Development at the Florida Theatre. "We encourage everyone to get theirs today for a chance to win and be a part of the magic."

“Keeping a historic theatre thriving takes more than great performers and a beautiful stage—it takes a community that believes in its future,” said Kevin Stone, President of the Florida Theatre. “Fundraising accounts for about 15 percent of our budget, making drawings like the Florida Theatre Diamond Ticket incredibly important to what we do.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.floridatheatre.com or by calling the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win tickets to memorable shows and events at the Florida Theatre!

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Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville Welcomes Elizabeth Watson and Taylor Ruiz to Development Team

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. October 1, 2026, Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Watson as Director of Development and Taylor Ruiz as Development Manager, strengthening the organization’s development team and its efforts to engage donors, community partners and supporters in advancing its mission.

In her role as Director of Development, Watson will help lead a comprehensive fundraising program supporting the organization’s priorities and long-term goals. She will oversee strategies across major gifts, annual giving, corporate and community partnerships, planned and legacy giving, foundation relationships, special events and donor stewardship. She will also provide leadership for the organization’s affinity groups and help cultivate meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and community partners.

“Elizabeth and Taylor each bring valuable strengths to our team, and I’m excited about what they will help us accomplish together,” said Megan Weinstein, Chief Development Officer of Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville. “Our work is built on relationships, and their roles will help us continue cultivating the donors, partners and community members who make our mission possible.”

As Development Manager, Ruiz will support the organization’s fundraising initiatives and donor engagement efforts, including fundraising campaigns, special events, donor and prospect development, community engagement and volunteer involvement. She will also work collaboratively across the organization to identify new fundraising opportunities and strengthen relationships with supporters.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth and Taylor to Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville,” said Joey Leik, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville. “Their experience, energy and commitment to building strong relationships will be tremendous assets to our organization. As we continue to grow and look toward the future, having a strong development team is essential to ensuring we can continue providing the care and support families need while their children receive medical treatment in Jacksonville.”

The addition of Watson and Ruiz reflects Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville’s continued investment in building strong community relationships and creating sustainable support for families who rely on the House during their child’s medical journey.

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About Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville
Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children by providing lodging, meals, transportation and a community of care to critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment. Over the past 36 years, our staff, volunteers and community partners have provided care, comfort and kindness for over 44,600 families. For more information about our mission and programs, visit www.rmhcjacksonville.org.

For more information, please contact: Margaret Bristol: Marketing & Events Manager, Ronald McDonald House
Jacksonville Phone: (904) 807-4663 Email: mbristol@rmhcjax.org

Gamble Builders Welcomes Stephen Hobbs to Lead Business Development and Jacksonville Growth

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gamble Builders is pleased to announce that Stephen Hobbs has joined the company to lead business development and strengthen the company’s involvement in Jacksonville’s business community, with a focus on building relationships, supporting local investment and helping businesses move projects forward across Northeast Florida.

In his new role, Hobbs will focus on developing connections with business owners, developers, commercial real estate professionals, architects, engineers and other organizations involved in the region’s continued development. He will also work to connect Gamble Builders with clients earlier in the planning process, helping businesses evaluate construction needs, opportunities, budgets and timelines before a project reaches the building stage.

Hobbs brings extensive experience in sales, operations, business development and organizational leadership. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, he began his civilian career in operational leadership before transitioning into business development and eventually taking on key leadership roles within growing organizations.

Most recently, Hobbs co-founded a national logistics organization and served as a core leader, growing the company from a startup into a coast-to-coast operation with approximately 500 employees and more than $60 million in annual revenue. His role extended well beyond sales and included developing customer partnerships, launching new accounts, building teams and creating the operational structure needed to support that growth.

Throughout his career, Hobbs has found that lasting business success comes from understanding people, earning trust and consistently delivering on commitments.

“Relationships and reputation have always been at the center of how I approach business,” Hobbs said. “It’s not just about making a sale. It’s about understanding what someone is trying to accomplish, being a resource, following through on what you say you’re going to do and building something that lasts.”

That philosophy will guide his work at Gamble Builders as he becomes more involved in Jacksonville’s business community and introduces the company to owners, developers and professionals across Northeast Florida.

“After spending much of my career building and operating businesses across the country, I wanted my next chapter to be much more connected to the community my family calls home,” Hobbs said. “My family has planted our roots in St. Johns County and the greater Jacksonville area, and I want to invest my time and experience here — building connections within the business community and helping Gamble Builders become a trusted resource for companies investing in Northeast Florida.”

Greg Scaffidi, President of Gamble Builders, said Hobbs’ experience aligns with the company’s plans for the Jacksonville market.

“We see tremendous opportunity in Jacksonville, and we want to grow the right way — by getting involved in the business community, being a resource and developing connections that last beyond a single project,” Scaffidi said. “Stephen has built businesses by doing exactly that. He understands how to listen, identify opportunities and bring the right people together, and we’re excited to have him leading that effort for Gamble Builders.”

About Gamble Builders

Gamble Builders is a Florida-based general contractor serving commercial, industrial and institutional clients throughout North and Northeast Florida. With offices in Jacksonville and Live Oak, the company provides construction services for ground-up construction, commercial renovations, tenant build-outs and a wide range of commercial construction needs.

City of Jacksonville and VyStar Credit Union Empower Residents To Take Control of Their Finances

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Financial Fitness Day delivers free education, personalized guidance and practical resources to Jacksonville families.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – More than 150 Jacksonville residents attended the 2026 City of Jacksonville Financial Fitness Day Presented by VyStar Credit Union earlier today at the Jacksonville Public Library's Main Library Conference Center. Participants gained access to financial education, community resources and practical tools to strengthen their financial wellbeing. The event was hosted by the City of Jacksonville and sponsored by VyStar Credit Union along with community partner It’s My Money.

Financial Fitness Day brought together financial educators, community organizations and local leaders for a day of workshops, one-on-one guidance and resource sharing, all aimed at helping individuals and families improve their financial health. Attendees learned about budgeting, saving, credit management, homeownership, fraud prevention and other topics that support long-term financial success.

For teenagers ages 13-18, a Financial Fitness Reality Fair offered an immersive look at managing money in the real world. Students were given hypothetical incomes, credit scores and expenses, then challenged to balance a budget and meet monthly obligations, a hands-on lesson in the realities of financial stability.

A community resource fair rounded out the day, connecting participants directly with financial experts and local organizations. Three attendees also received $1,500 each toward rent or mortgage payments, offering immediate relief while underscoring the event's broader goal: financial stability and empowerment for Jacksonville families.

“Affordability is everyone’s top concern right now, so I’m grateful to partner with VyStar and It’s My Money to help Jacksonville residents,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “Empowering families to take control of their finances is how we build a stronger, more prosperous city. My administration is laser focused on making life more affordable in Jacksonville, so events like Financial Fitness Day really make a difference.”

Financial Fitness Day builds on VyStar's broader commitment to the communities it serves, offering educational programs and resources that help residents make informed financial decisions year-round. This event extended that mission by bringing trusted community partners and financial experts together in one accessible space.

“At VyStar, we believe financial education can change lives,” said Dana Karzan, VyStar Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether someone is paying down debt, saving for the future or working toward homeownership, access to the right tools and guidance can make all the difference.”

Together, the City of Jacksonville, VyStar Credit Union and It's My Money remain committed to expanding access to financial education and equipping residents with the tools to build stronger financial futures.

For more information about VyStar’s financial tools and resources and to read The State of Financial Stability in the Southeast, presented by VyStar and TransUnion go to vystarcu.org.

About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 80 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,200 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving more than one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19 member City Council led by President Nick Howland. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.

WJCT Public Media Debuts Studio Five Podcast Production Services Under Leadership of Letisha Bereola

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

New division will serve corporate partners, community organizations and independent content creators

Oct. 5, 2026 — Jacksonville, Fla. — WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, today announced the launch of Studio Five Podcast Production Services: a new division that provides strategic guidance, recording space and technical support for individuals and groups to create their own podcasts at WJCT’s headquarters in Downtown Jacksonville.

Studio Five’s production services cover the full range of podcast development, from concept consulting and setup to audio and video production. A dedicated producer works behind the scenes to ensure optimal sound and visual quality while hosts and their guests converse in three acoustically treated recording sets equipped with professional-grade equipment. Post-production support, such as editing, publishing and promotional clip development, is also available.

Letisha Bereola, WJCT’s Director of Podcasting, developed Studio Five Podcast Production Services to expand the way WJCT brings its expertise in storytelling and content production to the community. She is a two-time Webby Award-winning podcast producer and former Emmy-nominated television news anchor with more than 15 years of experience in shaping the way individuals share their stories.

“Throughout my career, I have seen the power that comes with placing a microphone in front of someone and creating the space for their story to shine. Studio Five Podcast Production Services was created to give everyone the opportunity to have that experience,” said Bereola.

According to The Edison Research Infinite Dial 2026 report, podcasts are one of the most popular forms of media reaching audiences today. The report shows that 80% of Americans ages 12 and up have listened to or watched a podcast at least once, and 45% of Americans play a podcast at least once per week — an increase of five percentage points from 2025. Studio Five Podcast Production Services provides a way for businesses, content creators and community organizations to reach those audiences, without having to invest in the equipment and in-house expertise to produce a professional podcast. Early clients of Studio Five Podcast Production Services include the JAX Chamber; nonprofit organizations like Here Tomorrow and United Way of Northeast Florida; and local businesses like April Travel Adventures.

In addition to podcasting services, Studio Five’s state-of-the-art facilities are available for audio and video production projects such as commercial voiceovers, audiobooks and more. Content produced for Studio Five clients is not WJCT programming and will not be distributed or promoted through WJCT’s editorial platforms unless separately agreed upon by WJCT.

The division expands WJCT Public Media’s revenue generation capabilities, further strengthening its position as a community-owned organization. All services are independent of WJCT’s news operations, and clients retain full ownership of the content produced through Studio Five. Pricing and packages are available at wjct.org/podcast-services.

“Public media has always been at the forefront of high-quality storytelling. Some of the most influential podcasts, like ‘Serial’ and ‘This American Life,’ paved the way for audiences to embrace on-demand audio experiences. We’re proud to carry that tradition forward — both through our own independently produced podcasts, and now in partnership with the community through Studio Five,” said Karen Feagins, President and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “Under Letisha’s expert guidance, Studio Five is a space where anyone in the community can embrace podcasting with the support of a professional team.”

An open house for Studio Five will be held at WJCT Public Media on October 13, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the studio spaces, meet WJCT Public Media’s podcasting team and book recording sessions. Registration is encouraged at wjct.org/events.

More information about Studio Five is available at wjct.org/podcast-services.

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About WJCT Public Media:
WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).

Paula Naugle Bides Joins Ability Housing as Chief of Strategy & Development

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bides brings decades of experience in healthcare, nonprofit leadership and community engagement to support Ability Housing’s robust growth strategy

Oct. 5, 2026 — Jacksonville, Fla. — Ability Housing, a nonprofit developer of affordable multifamily housing across Florida, today announced the appointment of Paula Naugle Bides, MPA, as the organization’s Chief of Strategy & Development.

Bides brings decades of nonprofit leadership and community relations experience in the healthcare sector to support Ability Housing’s growth across the state of Florida. As Chief of Strategy & Development, she is responsible for driving organizational strategy, fund development and partnership growth. Additionally, Bides is focused on enhancing operational efficiency, leading marketing and communications initiatives, and implementing new strategies that support Ability Housing’s mission and long-term growth.

Bides joins Ability Housing at a pivotal time for the organization as it continues to pursue its goal of developing more than 2,200 affordable housing units across Florida by 2030 while maintaining its portfolio of properties and supportive case management services at the highest level. As Ability Housing approaches its 35^th anniversary on October 9, 2026, its current development pipeline spans across three of Florida’s key growth markets: Jacksonville, Orlando and St. Petersburg, which will provide an affordable new start for nearly 300 individuals and families upon completion. These projects, all currently under construction, complement the opening of new communities in St. Augustine and Jacksonville, which have brought more than 180 units online in the past year alone.

Bides has spent nearly 20 years working in healthcare to improve access, strengthen community health and address barriers to care, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. Her work has included developing programs that address food insecurity and women’s health, identifying and responding to community health needs, and building partnerships that connect people with healthcare and other critical resources. Through her work with organizations including UF Health and Ascension, she has focused on creating practical, community-based solutions designed to improve health outcomes and quality of care.

“Paula is an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Reggie Fullwood, CEO of Ability Housing. “Not only does she have tremendous passion for community service, but she also understands our mission and has significant experience in helping organizations bridge barriers and strengthen relationships. As we embark on the next phase of our evolution and strive to become Florida’s top nonprofit affordable housing provider, Paula will play a pivotal role in our growth. Because of her extensive background in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, she brings a unique perspective and skillset that will be very impactful to our work.”

“Throughout my career, I have emphasized the critical role that social determinants of health play in shaping the well-being of people and communities,” shared Paula Bides, Ability Housing’s Chief of Strategy & Development. “One finding has consistently emerged during my years of leading Community Health Needs Assessments across the state: people need access to safe, stable and affordable housing. I have long admired Ability Housing’s inclusive and holistic approach to addressing this critical need, helping individuals overcome barriers and creating healthier outcomes at the individual, family, and community levels.”

Bides is an alumna of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2023 and volunteers with multiple local nonprofit organizations, including National Charity League of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center and The DONNA Foundation. Additionally, she is a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network. She earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of North Florida and Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Central Florida.

For more information about Ability Housing, visit abilityhousing.org.

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About Ability Housing:
Ability Housing is an industry-leading not-for-profit multifamily rental housing developer dedicated to creating high-quality affordable housing. We invest in communities through properties that enhance their surrounding neighborhoods, improve each community’s quality of life, and connect residents with a network of voluntary support services.

For more information, visit abilityhousing.org, like the organization on Facebook (facebook.com/AbilityHousing) and follow on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/ability-housing/).

North Florida Land Trust and the City of Fernandina Beach Partner to Extend Egans Creek Greenway

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The two worked together to acquire and preserve two properties along Egans Creek

Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 5, 2026 – North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) and the City of Fernandina Beach have partnered to preserve nearly 10 acres of land over two properties that will help connect additional conservation lands to the Egans Creek Greenway. One property, totaling nearly nine acres, was donated by Sherry Quattlebaum, and the second property, approximately one acre, was purchased from Pineland Holding Company, LLC. The City of Fernandina Beach now owns and manages both properties, which will become additional conservation and recreation lands.

NFLT and the City of Fernandina Beach recently renewed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together for conservation. Per the agreement, both parties identify properties of mutual interest for conservation, and each contributes funding towards the acquisition. The funding from NFLT comes from the Amelia Forever Fund, which was established in 2019 to acquire remaining natural spaces on Amelia Island.

“It was great that we could hit the ground running after restarting our partnership with the City of Fernandina Beach to find and protect property for future generations,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “Egans Creek Greenway is an amazing community asset and adding land will increase the ecosystem benefits including providing a wildlife corridor that is uninhibited by development. Now these properties will remain in their natural state forever.”

Sherry Quattlebaum, who had a dual career as a schoolteacher and a real estate professional, had acquired the property in the early 2000s. She decided to donate the land she owned along Egans Creek as part of her estate planning. After some discussions with others about how to proceed, Quattlebaum determined working with NFLT was the best option.

“Over the years, I have seen articles about the land trust’s work and felt that it was advantageous to work with them to donate the land to the city,” said Sherry Quattlebaum. “The land is located within an area that is also a wildlife corridor, and my hope was it would become a continuation of the greenway. The people at NFLT have been wonderful to work with, especially Ramesh (NFLT Director of Conservation Acquisitions). He has been exceptionally cooperative to help this come together.”

The Quattlebaum property is almost entirely wetlands buffering Egans Creek. Ms. Quattlebaum donated the land to the City of Fernandina Beach through NFLT to ensure it remained natural and could be an amenity to the residents of Fernandina Beach.

“We are honored to accept the Quattlebaum Property and grateful to Ms. Quattlebaum for recognizing the importance of preserving this land for our community,” said City Manager Sarah Campbell. “We also appreciate the North Florida Land Trust's partnership in making this conservation effort possible. Together, these efforts will help protect the natural character of this property, its wetlands and Egans Creek, while creating a lasting legacy for the residents of Fernandina Beach. This is truly a gift that will benefit generations to come.”

With funding from the Amelia Forever Fund, the City of Fernandina Beach, and a large donation from a private funder on Amelia Island, NFLT helped protect the one-acre Pineland Holding property, which consists of uplands with direct frontage on Sadler Road and connects to Egans Creek Greenway. Its location and characteristics made it a target for development, but the owner chose to protect it for future generations by selling it at a discount for conservation to NFLT and the City of Fernandina Beach.

"We're very thankful the North Florida Land Trust worked with us to make this happen in such a positive way,” said John Adler, owner of Pineland Holding Company, LLC. “The Land Trust's care for conservation is so important to keeping the wonderful natural character of Fernandina Beach. We applaud the organization and the people who work for it."

Ron Sapp Egans Creek Greenway is a protected area of over 300 acres that runs north to south along Egans Creek. It is an ecological and community asset that is open to the public as an undeveloped park for passive recreational use. It includes a network of trails, benches and interpretative displays and supports a wide range of wildlife including alligators, snakes, marsh rabbits, and many birds, which can be enjoyed from a distance.

About North Florida Land Trust

North Florida Land Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life by protecting North Florida's irreplaceable natural environment. Founded in 1999, NFLT has preserved tens of thousands of acres of land through the donation or purchase of land as well as conservation easements. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with willing landowners and public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit www.nflt.org.

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care Invites Families to Go Wild at ROARS and More

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Oct. 6, 2026 (Jacksonville, Fla.) – A wild night of family fun is returning to Jacksonville this fall as The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care presents ROARS and More on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Benefiting Community PedsCare, the evening gives families a unique opportunity to experience the Zoo in a whole new way while supporting compassionate pediatric palliative and hospice care for children with serious, life-limiting illnesses and their families.

ROARS and More is an evening the entire family can enjoy. Guests can stroll through the Zoo while enjoying food from some of Jacksonville’s top vendors, craft cocktails, toy stops for young explorers, music and activities in the Wild Cubs Adventure Zone, carousel rides and a movie adventure in the 4D Theater. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience the Zoo’s new Manatee River exhibit.

Community PedsCare is the pediatric palliative and hospice program of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, providing specialized care and support for children with serious and life-limiting illnesses and their families. The program offers comprehensive support focused on comfort, quality of life and the needs of the entire family. The Dorion Family Pediatric Center, which opened earlier this year in Jacksonville, provides a welcoming space where Community PedsCare patients and families can receive therapies, participate in specialized programs and connect with additional support.

Proceeds from ROARS and More help support Community PedsCare programs and services, turning an evening of adventure at the Zoo into meaningful support for local children and families.

For expedition passes, sponsorship opportunities and additional information, visit roarsandmore.thefoundationcares.org.

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About Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Established in 1979, Community Hospice & Palliative Care is an innovative national leader in palliative and hospice care, as well as providing programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the communities it serves. During its 47-year history, through the support of more than 1,000 employees and 1,000 volunteers, the organization helps approximately 1,500 patients per day to live better with advanced illness – at home, in long-term care and assisted living facilities, in hospitals and at its 10 inpatient care centers. No one is ever denied care due to an inability to pay. To learn more about the support and services of Community Hospice & Palliative Care, visit CommunityHospice.com.

About the Foundation

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty moving to a new branch office in St. Augustine Beach

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Real estate company relocating to a new space in Anastasia Plaza

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2026) – The St. Augustine branch office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is on the move. The Northeast Florida Real Estate firm has announced it is relocating its St. Augustine branch office, currently located in the SeaGrove Town Center, to a new prominent location in Anastasia Plaza.

The new office will be located at 1053 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine Beach, Fla., 32080. Anastasia Plaza is anchored by a Publix and offers a mix of dining and shopping options.

“We are thrilled about our upcoming move to a vibrant new location in the heart of St. Augustine Beach,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President Ann King. “We have seen tremendous growth in St. Johns County, and our new St. Augustine office will provide an exceptional client experience and an open, contemporary design that is well suited for collaboration and efficiency. This move demonstrates our continued commitment to elevate and enhance the services that we provide to our Realtors and clients throughout Northeast Floridia.”

Construction of the new 2,400-square-foot office is underway. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty expects to move into the new location in mid-October and host a public grand opening celebration before the end of the year. The general contractor is Mediterranean Design & Development, which has also provided commercial construction services to the company’s Atlantic Beach and Fleming Island branch offices.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has operated a real estate office in St. Augustine for more than 20 years. The St. Augustine office is under the leadership of Managing Broker Rebecca Romaine and is home to more than 60 of the company’s most experienced and productive Realtors.

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is the most dynamic and respected real estate?company?in Northeast Florida. Founded in 1988 by Chairperson Linda Sherrer and?featuring?the leadership of President Ann King, the company has a team of more than 500?real estate professionals in?11?offices?serving?Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns,?Flagler,?and Volusia?counties in?Northeast Florida. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty?operates?a corporate relocation division, a?builder sales division,?a commercial division,?Florida Network Property Management, Gibraltar Title Services, LLC,?Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, and HomeServices Insurance.

In 2025, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty achieved more than?$1.6?billion?in closed sales.?The company?is ranked?No.?26?in the global?Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network.?Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the nation’s largest homeownership services company.?

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com or call (904) 296-6400.

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BIANCA DEL RIO’S “IT GETS BITTER” WORLD COMEDY TOUR COMES TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE MARCH 15, 2027

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 6, 2026) – The Florida Theatre and Outback Presents are proud to announce Bianca Del Rio: It Gets Bitter Tour – World Comedy Tour on Monday, March 15, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787. Ask about the VIP/Meet & Greet package available for this show. Ages 16+ suggested.

Get ready to swallow a jagged pill of truth because “The Clown in a Gown” is back and meaner than ever. Bianca Del Rio returns to the global stage with her seventh solo stand-up tour, “It Gets Bitter.”

This historic tour is not just another comedy night: it’s a celebration of 30 years of professional excellence in the drag art and three decades in which Bianca has absolutely hated everything you stand for.

Get ready for a true masterclass in biting humor as the RuPaul's Drag Race winner turns her sharp tongue against the absolute absurdity of modern life. From the superficiality of pop culture to the chaos of current events and, above all, those little things people do every day that drive her crazy, no topic is off-limits, and no ego is too big to escape her legendary jabs.

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at (904) 355-2787. Ask about the VIP/Meet & Greet package available for this show. Ages 16+ suggested.

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About Bianca Del Rio

Bianca Del Rio, otherwise known as Roy Haylock, is a dimple-cheeked, larger-than-life drag queen and outrageous comic who isn’t afraid to shock and offend. When it comes to insult comics, Bianca is in a class by herself. Fierce, funny, and fabulous, she has sandblasted her name in the annals of pop culture on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Thanks to her snarky frankness, impeccable timing, and politically incorrect humor, she became the show’s breakout star, winning its sixth season. Dubbed the “Joan Rivers of the Drag World” (The New York Times), there isn’t anything Bianca is afraid to say. A self-professed “clown in a gown,” Bianca is quick to point out that she is the biggest joke of all.

Among her many accomplishments, Bianca starred in the feature films Hurricane Bianca (2016), Hurricane Bianca 2: From Russia with Hate (2018), the Vimeo original comedy special Rolodex of Hate, and the Logo original television specials Not Today, Bianca. Miss Del Rio recently completed her sixth worldwide comedy tour, Dead Inside, playing to sold-out audiences in 26 countries. She has also taken her trademark wit and sharp commentary to the page in her book Blame It On Bianca Del Rio: The Expert on Nothing with an Opinion on Everything (HarperCollins 2018). She made history in 2019 by being the first drag queen to headline Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena, selling out both venues. Del Rio also made her West End debut in the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, where she played the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle. To learn more, visit https://www.thebiancadelrio.com/.

About the Florida Theatre

Sandbox VR Continues Florida Expansion with New Jacksonville Venue, Opening October 9

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandbox VR, the world's premier venue for virtual reality experiences, is set to open its newest location in Florida at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville on October 9, 2026. Guests can take advantage of a limited-time presale offer of 20% off through October 8 at https://sandboxvr.com/jacksonville/town-center. With more than 150K players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.

Sandbox VR's 4,518-square-foot Jacksonville venue features four private rooms where groups of up to six guests suit up with headsets, haptic vests and motion sensors for full-body immersion. The technology allows players to see and physically interact with one another, creating the feeling of living inside the action together. After each experience, guests receive personalized highlight videos to relive and share their adventures. The result is an active, memorable alternative to a conventional outing for friends, families and corporate groups. "My management team and I are very excited about bringing this exciting and completely immersive entertainment experience to Jacksonville!" said Vic Ali, Owner of Sandbox VR Jacksonville. Sandbox VR operates both corporate-owned locations and a robust franchise program, and recently hit $300M in lifetime sales while scaling to more than 90 global locations across five continents and 13 countries since launching in 2016. The company is redefining group entertainment with immersive experiences that transform any outing into lasting memories. Built by a team of veteran developers from EA, Sony and Ubisoft, Sandbox VR delivers full-body immersion through exclusive content and original experiences, including the recently launched Stranger Things: Catalyst, in collaboration with Netflix, and Age of Dinosaurs, created in partnership with the Natural History Museum of London and leading dinosaur experts. Sandbox VR provides an unparalleled entertainment experience with over 250,000 five-star reviews from guests worldwide. With over 6 million lifetime tickets sold across five continents, the company has established itself as the global leader in location-based virtual reality. Sandbox VR is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, Craft and Stanford University, along with individuals such as Kevin Durant, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry.

To learn more about Sandbox VR, visit https://sandboxvr.com/jacksonville/town-center.

ABOUT SANDBOX VR

Sandbox VR is the world's premier destination for location-based virtual reality experiences. Operating across 90+ venues around the globe through a robust franchise and corporate-owned model, Sandbox VR attracts more than 150,000 guests each month. Sandbox VR provides guests the opportunity to step out of everyday reality into unforgettable adventures through exhilarating, group-play immersive experiences. Using a proprietary full-body VR platform, the company develops original and licensed content, including exclusive experiences like Stranger Things: Catalyst and Squid Game Virtuals in collaboration with Netflix, and the Sandbox VR original Deadwood series. With over 6 million tickets sold worldwide, Sandbox VR has become the leader in immersive entertainment, combining premium technology with emotionally engaging storytelling. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and a two-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies, Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over $70 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners and Craft, with individual backers including Justin Timberlake, Kevin Durant and Will Smith.

Media Contact: Media@SandboxVR.com

GreenPointe Holdings promotes Ben Meyers to Project Manager, South Florida Region

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Expanding project leadership across South Florida

JUPITER, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) – GreenPointe Holdings announces the promotion of Ben Meyers to Project Manager, South Florida Region. In his new role, Meyers manages development projects throughout South Florida, including Glynlea Country Club and Wylder in Port St. Lucie.

“Ben’s promotion to Project Manager reflects the significant contributions he has made to our South Florida team and the important role he continues to play in advancing our projects,” said Austin Burr, Regional President, South Florida. “His talent, drive and leadership will be an asset as we continue to grow our portfolio throughout the region.”

Meyers’ contributions include acquiring land for the future expansion of Wylder. GreenPointe Holdings recently purchased nearly 400 acres adjacent to the community. Development plans include approximately 875 homesites.

Since joining GreenPointe in 2023 as a Financial Analyst, Meyers was promoted to Assistant Project Manager in 2024, taking on increasing responsibilities in the planning and development of GreenPointe’s South Florida master-planned communities.

Meyers earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in mathematical economics from Haverford College.

GreenPointe is developing communities throughout Florida and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.GreenPointeLLC.com.

Photography:

Ben Meyers, Project Manager. GreenPointe Holdings

About GreenPointe Holdings, LLC

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Cosmic Baseball announces 2027 Cosmic Takeover Tour schedule

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Expanding to 44 MiLB ballparks nationwide, Jacksonville on tour

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Cosmic Baseball, an immersive, blacklight entertainment baseball experience, announces the 2027 touring schedule across 44 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) stadiums. The Cosmic Takeover Tour: Baseball brings high energy entertainment that blends professional baseball with a full-scale neon phenomenon at VyStar Ballpark in Jacksonville.

Building off a massive 2026 tour that featured 74 sold out games across 30 markets and welcomed over 750K fans, resulting in a 400% increase over the inaugural 2025 tour, the 2027 expands production with new in-game features, including a 360-degree fireworks display.

“The energy on our 2026 tour was absolutely electric, blowing past every expectation we set,” says Chris Martin, Owner and Founder of Cosmic Baseball. “For 2027, we’ve dialed up the production, added groundbreaking new in-game features, and created a glowing nighttime performance that fans will be talking about long after the final light goes out.”

Each game showcases the flagship team, the Cosmic Chili Peppers, and their rivals, the Glow Mojis, competing while transforming the ballpark into a nighttime performance fueled by black lights, UV-reactive gear, live DJ, interactive fan engagement.

City, State Stadium

Jacksonville, FL VyStar Ballpark

Madison, AL Toyota Field Tulsa,

Tulsa, OK ONEOK Field

Papillion, NE Werner Park

Durham, NC Durham Bulls Athletic Park

San Antonio, TX Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium

South Jordan, UT Ballpark @ America First Square

Worcester, MA Polar Park

Lehigh Valley, PA Jefferson Park

Nashville, TN First Horizon Park

St. Paul, MN CHS Field

Columbus, OH Huntington Park

Scranton, PA PNC Field

Gwinnett, GA Gwinnett Field

Sugar Land, TX Constellation Field

Akron, OH 7 17 Credit Union Park

Toledo, OH Fifth Third Field

Myrtle Beach, SC Pelicans Ballpark

Norfolk, VA Harbor Park

Oklahoma City, OK Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Charlotte, NC Truist Field

Syracuse, NY NBT Bank Stadium

Buffalo, NY Sahlen Field

Des Moines, IA Principal Park

Knoxville, TN Covenant Health Park

Indianapolis, IN Victory Field

Grand Rapids, MI LMCU Ballpark

Rochester, NY ESL Ballpark

Brooklyn, NY Maimonides Park

Louisville, KY Louisville Slugger Field

Albuquerque, NM Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park

Dayton, OH Day Air Ballpark

Round Rock, TX Dell Diamond

Reno, NV Greater Nevada Field

El Paso, TX Southwest University Park

Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Ballpark

Mesa, AZ Sloan Park

Fresno, CA Chukchansi Park

Corpus Christi, TX Whataburger Field

Birmingham, AL Regions Field

Sacramento, CA Sutter Health Park

Wichita, KS Equity Bank Park

More information regarding dates and ticketing will be announced soon. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to join the ticket lottery today for the chance to purchase tickets to experience Cosmic Baseball at VyStar Ballpark. Fans can also stay up to date on news regarding Cosmic Baseball by following the teams on their social media handles below or visiting https://chilipeppersbaseball.com.

Chili Peppers Instagram | Chili Peppers TikTok

Glow Mojis Instagram | Glow Mojis TikTok

ABOUT COSMIC BASEBALL: Featured nationally on The Today Show, ABC News, and Sports Illustrated, Cosmic Baseball is a first-of-its-kind touring spectacle that blends professional sport with high-energy entertainment. The event features two specialized teams—The Cosmic Chili Peppers and The Glow Mojis—competing under a full-scale neon display of black-light effects and UV-reactive gear. Part professional baseball and part immersive performance, Cosmic Baseball transforms traditional ballparks into unforgettable, glowing nighttime shows unlike anything else on tour.

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JAX Chamber Takes Position on Amendment 3

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Policy Position

Florida is facing an affordability crisis as housing, rent, utility, and other costs continue to rise. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that provides meaningful tax relief for homeowners, renters, commercial property owners, and businesses.

Although well-intended, Amendment 3 benefits only homeowners with homesteaded property.  As proposed, the Amendment leaves businesses and a large segment of the workforce without relief and exposes everyone to the risk of higher costs. For that reason, the JAX Chamber opposes Amendment 3 on the November ballot.

Approximately 40 percent of Duval County residents and one-third of Florida residents rent their homes and would receive no direct relief under the Amendment. Businesses and commercial property owners would also be excluded from the Amendment’s primary benefit.

At the same time, cities and counties would still need to fund essential services. To replace lost homestead property tax revenue, local governments could reduce services, add fees, raise tax rates on non-homesteaded property, increase the property tax millage rate or use a combination of such measures. As a result, renters, businesses, and commercial property owners ultimately could bear a greater share of the cost.

A significant change in Florida’s tax structure and the resulting impact on how local governments are funded requires careful, fact-based analysis of both its benefits and its consequences. Amendment 3 does not provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating its effects across Florida’s broader tax system or preventing unintended consequences and potential cost shifts.

The Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which convenes every 20 years and will meet in 2027, is the appropriate forum to conduct that review and develop a comprehensive solution for everyone.

The Commission is specifically charged with examining Florida’s tax structure, the revenue needs of state and local governments, constitutional limitations on taxation and expenditures, and alternative methods of meeting the state’s long-term funding needs. Its broad mandate allows it to consider not only how governments generate revenue, but also how those resources are spent.

This process provides an opportunity to evaluate property tax relief alongside Florida’s entire tax system and to develop solutions that improve affordability without unintentionally shifting costs to businesses, commercial property owners, renters, or other taxpayers.

The JAX Chamber therefore opposes Amendment 3 and supports a comprehensive, equitable approach to tax reform that considers the needs of all Floridians and the long-term fiscal health of state and local governments.

The JAX Chamber looks forward to participating in the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission’s work next year. We encourage business leaders to engage in the process and will keep our members informed as comprehensive tax reform proposals develop.

ERIN KENDRICK: NEW QUARTERLY ARTIST IN THE JAX CHAMBER GALLERY PROGRAM

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Curated by Mary Joan Hinson, PhD
The Gallery Program, a dynamic initiative dedicated to promoting local artists through curated quarterly exhibitions, as a new exhibit in the Chamber building. This program transforms the Chamber’s space into a vibrant cultural hub where business and creativity intersect. Each exhibit will feature a rotating selection of artists from the Jacksonville area, offering them a professional platform to showcase their work to a diverse audience of community members, business leaders, and visitors. The initiative underscores the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting local talent and fostering economic and cultural growth. The JAX Chamber welcomes visitors who would like to see these exhibits firsthand. For more information about the Chamber Gallery Program, upcoming exhibits, or artist participation opportunities, please contact Mary Joan Hinson at 904-315-2777 or brushandoil@gmail.com.
Meet this quarter's artist below!

Erin Kendrick - October 1, 2026 - January 4, 2027
Erin Kendrick
eriniscreative.co
Instagram @eriniscreative.com
Through color-rich portraiture and immersive, site-responsive installations, my practice investigates black girlhood as a spatial experience rather than a temporal one. It serves as both a critical inquiry and a visual scholarship, exploring the intersections of spatial justice, identity formation, and the pursuit of psychological and physical safety. In my exhibitions, spaces become sanctuaries where the cast of characters depicted in my stained, fluid acrylic paintings can exchange with, respond to, and safeguard one another. The integration of installation and painting welcomes the viewer into the visual narrative, inviting them to contemplate their role as both spectator and spectacle. By blurring the boundaries between artwork, viewer, and space, I aim to cultivate connection and provoke introspection. Drawing inspiration from artists. Barkley Hendricks, Faith Ringgold, Simone Leigh, and Ebony G. Patterson, as well as cultural critic bell hooks, I invoke the transformative power of looking and seeing, engaging the viewer in the oppositional gaze. Central to my artistic expression is the deliberate incorporation of visual narrative techniques borrowed from literary storytelling, employing elements such as character development, foreshadowing, and varied points of view. Within these works, specific motifs such as polka dots, hair beads, tables, eggs, and shotgun houses function as nuanced "easter eggs," intricately interwoven to guide viewers on a cohesive journey from inception to resolution. This fusion of storytelling techniques enriches comprehension, fostering empathy and forging profound connections.

ANNOUNCING THE JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST 2026 MUSIC LINEUP

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville PorchFest returns to Historic Springfield on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Presented by Pearl Square, Jacksonville PorchFest is a FREE, family- and dog-friendly music festival and features over 20 musical acts performing from 12 PM - 8 PM, plus food trucks, craft beer, art vendors, and more.

Visit jacksonvilleporchfest.org for festival information, parking, VIP tickets, and more.

Sponsorship opportunities available at jacksonvilleporchfest.org/sponsor. Our sponsors allow us to keep Jacksonville PorchFest free to attend. Their support makes PorchFest possible. Contact Mike Haskins at executivedirector@sparcouncil.org or 469-371-2854 for more information.

PorchFest media kit available for immediate release. Please direct media inquiries to:

Michael Haskins, Executive Director
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization
469-371-2854
executivedirector@sparcouncil.org

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support:

Presenting Sponsor: Pearl Square by Gateway Jax
Platinum Sponsors: 95.1 WAPE, X99.5, Easy 102.9, Hot 106.5
Gold Sponsors: UF Health Jacksonville, Visit Jacksonville & the Beaches, and VyStar Credit Union
Silver Sponsors: Dennis + Ives, FOLIO, Karpeles Grand by JPRE Development, PK Legal Services LLC, and UNATION
Bronze Sponsors: Brick & Beam, Driver McAfee Hawthorne & Diebenow PLLC, FirstCoast.Life, Florida Blue, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Pointe Grand Apartment Homes, Pottsburg Creek Animal Clinic, Superior Fence & Rail, TerraWise Homes, and The Sonic Planet
Our Partners: City of Jacksonville, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, and LISC Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST 2026 MUSIC LINEUP

The Rumble ft. Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.

1blackfrend

Cacique Jakar

Douglas Anderson Guitar Ensemble

Flag on Fire

Fortune Child

Gilberto ‘77

Higher Learning

Jacksonville Arts & Music School Jazz Combo

Junco Royals

Kenzie’s Place

Kirk Whalen

Let’s Ride Brass Band

Los Muertos

MoonStalker

MR. DINOSAUR

Nikayla and The phuNk

PENTHOUSE

School of Rock Mandarin House Bands

Split Tone

Sun Lowly

The Kreepy Tikis

The Queens of Tulua

Willie Evans Jr.

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Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated since 1974 to improving the quality of life in the Springfield Historic District. Proceeds of Jacksonville PorchFest benefit arts and amenities in Jacksonville’s Urban Core.

Heritage Capital Advises Karob Instrument on Sale to Investment Group Led by EMT Metals CEO Mark Izzo

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 — Heritage Capital Group, Inc. (Heritage), an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market and emerging growth companies in the U.S. and worldwide, is pleased to announce that its client, Karob Instrument, Inc. (Karob), has been acquired by an investment group led by Mark Izzo, CEO of EMT Metals (EMT), bringing Karob and EMT under common ownership.

Karob Instrument, Inc. is a family-owned precision machining manufacturer located in Ocala, Fla., with more than 50 years of experience producing high-quality custom components for customers in aerospace, including Gulfstream Aerospace, and other industries. The company specializes in precision CNC machining, including turning, milling up to 5-axis, hardware installation, assembly, and specialized fulfillment, delivering both short-run and high-volume production with a focus on precision, quality, and efficiency. Karob operates from its lean facility equipped with an extensive range of advanced machining centers and quality control technology.

EMT is a premier metal fabricator and manufacturer of precision machined components serving global OEM partners across multiple end markets, including Aerospace & Defense, Thermal Management, Power Distribution and high-tech Industrials. EMT operates a three-facility platform anchored by a 130-machine, vertically integrated equipment lineup spanning CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, progressive stamping, and assembly operations, producing over 1,100 mission-critical SKUs annually. All business units maintain ISO 9001, AS9100D, ITAR, SAM, and FFL certifications.

“After more than five decades of building Karob Instrument, we wanted a partner that shares our commitment to quality, precision and customer relationships. Heritage Capital Group provided exceptional guidance throughout the process, identifying and connecting us with Mark Izzo and his team. Mark’s vision for the business, shared values and his team’s additional resources and scale create exciting new opportunities for our employees and customers. The Heritage team helped us protect and maximize the value of what we have built and we are confident that Mark and his team are the right steward for the next chapter of the business,” said Karl Windischmann, Robert Windischmann, and Andrea Wright, owners of Karob Instrument.

“Karob’s reputation reflects decades of earning customer confidence through near-flawless business performance” said Mark Izzo, CEO of EMT Metals. “Bringing that legacy and expertise under common ownership with EMT’s broader engineering depth, capabilities bench, and growth investment capacity strengthens our ability to support increasingly complex customer programs. This partnership advances our strategy to expand our integrated manufacturing platform to support leading A&D and technology OEMs at the scale and pace they demand. Our priority is to preserve what makes Karob exceptional while giving its talented team the resources to build on that success to realize the full potential of this shared vision.”

“Karob's loyal customer base in the aerospace industry and long history of operational excellence attracted significant interest from strategic buyers. Mark and his team stood out because of their complementary capabilities, strong cultural fit and commitment to supporting the company's customers and growth. We are grateful for the opportunity to advise Karob and bring together two highly respected manufacturing businesses in this partnership,” said Joe Hawkins, principal and shareholder at Heritage Capital Group and lead advisor on the deal.

Heritage served as the exclusive transaction advisor to Karob Instrument. The deal team was led by Joe Hawkins. Transaction support was provided by Bill Skinner, Hannah Solomon, Don Wiggins, and Robert Cilek. Smith Hulsey & Busey served as legal advisor. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Heritage Capital Group provides advisory services on mergers, acquisitions and capital raising to middle-market and emerging-growth companies, with offices in Jacksonville, Fla. and Savannah, Ga. Heritage is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and a member of Oaklins, a global M&A advisory firm with more than 900 professionals across 40 countries.

Media Contact:
Lauren Steif

Public Relations Manager, Heritage Capital Group

904-354-9600

lsteif@heritagecapitalgroup.com

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Dream Finders Homes Champions for Child Safety Pro-Am Returns to Support Child Safety and Abuse Prevention

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Annual fundraising event is Dec. 6-7 at Stillwater Golf and Country Club

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2026) – The Monique Burr Foundation for Children (MBF) proudly announces the 2026 Dream Finders Homes Champions for Child Safety Pro-Am Golf Tournament, presented by Jax Utilities Management, Lennar, and MJC Land Development. The tournament is Monday, Dec. 7, at Stillwater Golf and Country Club in St. Johns, Fla. The tournament’s Coastal Oak Wealth Advisors Pairings Party and Fireside Chat is Sunday, Dec. 6.

Proceeds from the tournament power MBF's Prevention Education Programs, extending life-saving safety education to more youth nationwide and strengthening the tools children need to stay safe from abuse, bullying, online exploitation, and other emerging threats to their well-being.

"Our annual Pro-Am tournament is more than a day on the course with talented professional golfers — it's a powerful opportunity to support and raise critical funds that fuel our mission to protect children," said Ashley Garrett, MBF CEO. "This year, we're especially excited to welcome our players, sponsors, and supporters to Stillwater Golf and Country Club, a beautiful new home for the Pro-Am. Behind every dollar raised is a classroom reached, a family educated, and a young person given the tools to recognize and escape danger. We believe every child, in every setting, deserves to feel safe — and closing the gaps in child safety education is at the heart of everything we do. Our Prevention Education Programs exist because people show up for this cause, and together, we are building safer communities, one classroom and one community at a time."

MBF is appreciative for its 2026 Champions for Child Safety Title Sponsor, Dream Finders Homes. “At Dream Finders Homes, we believe our responsibility to the communities we serve extends well beyond building homes,” said Clint Szubinski, Chief Operating Officer of Dream Finders Homes. “Supporting the Monique Burr Foundation and the important work they do to educate and protect children is something we are incredibly proud to be part of. This tournament has grown into a special event that brings our community together around an even greater purpose, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting MBF and the children and families they serve.”

A hallmark of the Champions for Child Safety Pro-Am is the distinguished group of professional golfers who return year after year to tee up for this important cause. MBF is proud to recognize the following professionals whose generosity, talent, and ongoing commitment have been instrumental to the tournament's success and impact: Amelia Lewis, Andrew Morgan, Brad Adamonis, Bubba Dickerson, Frank Lickliter II, Franck Médale, Fred Bondi, Fred Funk, Garrett Willis, Heather Manfredda, Jack Whaley, Jessica Porvashik, Jim Furyk, Joseph Winslow, Justin James, Kenny Knox, Laura Baugh, Len Mattiace, Mark McCumber, Max Hellstrom, Miles Russell, Mulbe Dillard IV, Nick Gabrelcik, Ricky Castillo, Robbie Higgins, Sara McKevitt, Vijay Singh and Woody Blackburn. Their participation on the course is a powerful testament to their dedication to child safety — and MBF is deeply grateful for their support.

MBF Programs break the cycle of victimization by intervening early with age-appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed safety education with an average 20% change in knowledge and skills on how to keep themselves and their friends safe. Thanks to partners, supporters, and advocates, MBF has reached 22 million children and teens this past year. Last year, the tournament raised over $533,000 in support of child abuse and bullying prevention education and resources. Sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, are available. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://championsforchildsafety.com/sponsorships/.

MBF also thanks Champion for Child Safety Sponsors, AT&T, GreenPointe Holdings, Hampton Golf, The Jahna Family, Lee Mar Construction, and Perry Homes. Gold level sponsors include Coastal Oak Wealth Advisors, Cross Lake Partners, Donna Feldman & Mo Krausman, and Impact Landscaping & Irrigation. Other sponsors include Ahead, Anchored & Restored Counseling, Linksoul Apparel, The Baldwin Group, Barraco & Associates, Blue Stream Fiber, Callaway Golf, Capital City Counseling, Carlton Construction, Champion Brands, Clockwork Marketing, Club Car, Coastal Engineering Associates, Cotton & Company, Doumar Insurance & Financial Services, Driver McAfee Hawthorne & Diebenow, Drummond Press, EW Consultants, Firethorn, FirstService Residential, FMSbonds, The Haggas Family, Jacobsen Textron, KPMG, Mike Zeigler, Moore Bass Consulting, Pepsi Co., Southern Glazers, State Farm/Denny Doyle, Stillwater Golf and Country Club, Sysco Foods, The Florida Group, Tito's Vodka, Watson Civil Construction, and Wrathell, Hunt & Associates.

To learn more about 2026 Dream Finders Homes Champions for Child Safety Pro-Am Golf Tournament, visit www.championsforchildsafety.com.

Artwork:

1. The 2026 Dream Finders Homes Champions for Child Safety Pro-Am Golf Tournament is Dec. 7, at Stillwater Golf and Country Club.

About the Monique Burr Foundation for Children

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children (MBF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by Edward E. Burr in honor of his late wife, Monique Burr, a devoted child advocate. MBF Prevention Education Programs include school-based programs MBF Child Safety Matters^® (Grades Pre-K – 5) and MBF Teen Safety Matters^® (Grades 6 – 12), and extra-curricular programs MBF Athlete Safety Matters^® (Grades K – 12) for youth athletes, and MBF After-School Safety Matters^® (Grades K – 8) for after-school and youth-serving organizations. The programs are comprehensive, evidence-based, trauma-informed primary prevention programs that educate and empower children and adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, digital dangers, exploitation, and human trafficking. MBF Programs have been delivered to millions of children and teens throughout the U.S. and internationally.

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New JPEF research identifies barriers to postsecondary success for Duval County students

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Study finds students are motivated to succeed but face financial pressures, confusing systems and gaps in support

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County students have strong career ambitions and believe education can improve their lives, but financial pressures and difficult-to-navigate systems often stand between them and a college degree or workforce credential, according to a new research brief released by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF).

The study, commissioned by the Scheidel Foundation, examined the factors affecting postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among Duval County students. The research included a survey of 261 students at different points in their educational journeys, interviews with students and higher education professionals, institutional perspectives, and community stakeholder discussions.

“This research challenges the assumption that students struggle because they lack motivation,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, JPEF president. “Duval County students want to succeed and have meaningful careers. Our responsibility as a community is to make sure they can find, afford and complete the education and training they need to reach those goals.”

The research identified five key findings:

Students are motivated, but financial pressure, emotional strain, competing responsibilities, and complex systems make success more difficult.
Financial challenges, including tuition, educational debt, transportation, housing, and the need to balance work and school, remain the greatest threats to enrollment and completion.
The transition from high school to postsecondary education is one of the weakest points in the system.
Students increasingly want education and training that provide clear connections to employment.
Postsecondary success requires better collaboration among schools, colleges and universities, employers, workforce organizations, community partners, and local government.

The study recommends establishing a regional postsecondary success collaborative, expanding proactive advising beginning as early as middle school, making student supports easier to access, improving communication about career-connected pathways, strengthening mental health and basic-needs assistance, and developing a regional system for sharing data and tracking progress.

“Duval County already has strong educational institutions, workforce programs, employers and community organizations committed to helping students succeed,” Fortune said. “The challenge is connecting those resources so students experience them as one coordinated and supportive system, rather than a maze they must navigate on their own.”

The research also found growing interest in technical education, industry certifications, apprenticeships, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degree programs tied directly to career opportunities. However, many students remain unaware of available Career and Technical Education programs, apprenticeships, and credentials that can build upon one another over time.

JPEF will use the findings to help inform its Future-Ready Duval County strategy and bring education, business, government, and community partners together around a shared goal: ensuring students graduate prepared to succeed in college, a career and life.

Read the executive summary.

Read the full report.

Watch a video as JPEF leaders and researchers discuss key findings of the report and what’s next for JPEF: https://youtu.be/YwK0be5A2Lk

About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund

Jacksonville Aviation Authority Elects New Board Leadership for Fiscal Year 2027

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

[Jacksonville, FL – September 21, 2026] At its board meeting this morning, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) elected new leadership for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, which begins Oct. 1, 2026. Fernando Acosta-Rua is the newly elected board chair.

Acosta-Rua most recently served as vice chair and succeeds David Hodges Jr. as chair. Acosta-Rua was appointed to JAA’s board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. Acosta-Rua is a principal and shareholder with Heritage Capital Group.

Dr. Solomon Brotman will serve as vice chair. He was appointed to the JAA board in 2023 by Mayor Donna Deegan. Brotman is a retired dentist.

Andy Hofheimer will serve as secretary. Hofheimer was appointed by Mayor Deegan to the board in 2023. Hofheimer is Principal at Sitehawks.

Matt Connell will serve as treasurer. He was appointed to the JAA board in 2020 by Gov. DeSantis. Connell is co-founder and CEO of Total Military Management, a Jacksonville-based logistics company.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s board is comprised of seven members. Three members are appointed by Jacksonville’s mayor while the other four are appointed by the governor of Florida. Each board member may serve two consecutive 4-year terms.?

For more information about JAA, visit www.flyjacksonville.com.

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Contact:

Greg Willis

Marketing & Public Relations Director

Jacksonville Aviation Authority

Ph: (904) 741-2721

Cell: (904) 945-6300

Web site: www.flyjacksonville.com

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside named one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers for the third straight year

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Recognition highlights the hospital’s commitment to high-quality inpatient rehabilitation care

Jacksonville, Fla. (September 22, 2026) – Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside has been recognized as one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers by Newsweek for 2026, marking the third consecutive year the hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation unit has made the list.

The annual ranking recognizes leading inpatient physical rehabilitation facilities across the United States based on quality metrics, accreditation data, recommendations from medical professionals, and patient experience.

“Earning this recognition for a third consecutive year reflects the dedication our rehabilitation care teams bring to every person we serve,” said Cory Darling, president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside. “Our goal is to help patients regain their independence and return to the people and activities that matter most to them. We’re grateful to our associates who work together every day to make that possible.”

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside provides comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for patients recovering from serious illnesses, injuries, and complex medical conditions. Guided by Ascension’s faith-based Mission, its collaborative approach brings together healthcare professionals with advanced rehabilitation training to develop patient-centered treatment plans designed to support each individual and their family.

Patients may be connected to specialized rehabilitation care when clinically appropriate for conditions including:

Stroke
Brain injury
Spinal cord dysfunction or injury
Amputation and limb impairment
Orthopedic injuries, hip fractures, or post-surgical repair
Neurological diseases
Neuromuscular disorders and other medically disabling conditions

For more information about inpatient rehabilitation at Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside, visit the website.

About Ascension St. Vincent’s

Visit www.ascension.org.

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GATE River Run Unveils 50th Anniversary Logo Ahead of Historic 2027 Race

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Winning design by Inkling Creative celebrates the Hart Bridge, five decades of River Run history and a deeply personal family story

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — September 22, 2026 — One of Jacksonville’s most iconic traditions is preparing to celebrate a major milestone. The GATE River Run unveiled its official 50th Anniversary logo ahead of the landmark race on Saturday, March 6, 2027. Thousands of runners will once again take to the streets of Jacksonville for the largest 15K road race in the United States. Registration for the 2027 race opens October 1, 2026.

The River Run has been part of Jacksonville since its inaugural race in 1978. Since that time, it has grown into one of the city’s signature sporting traditions. For generations of runners, the event has become synonymous with Jacksonville, from the crowds lining the course to the final climb over the Hart Bridge, better known on race day as the “Green Monster.” The GATE River Run is recognized as the largest 15K in the United States.

This year’s commemorative logo was created by Lauren Waller, founder and designer of Inkling Creative, and was selected by popular vote from Jacksonville’s running community as this year’s winner.

At the center of Waller’s design is one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable landmarks and one River Run participants know especially well: the Hart Bridge. Look closely at the design and the roadway approaching the bridge creates the sweeping shape of a five, while the bridge’s arch completes the zero. Jacksonville’s skyline and the St. Johns River bring the city itself into the mark, creating an anniversary logo uniquely tied to the race and the community that has embraced it for five decades.

For Waller, however, the design is about much more than creating a memorable anniversary logo. Her inspiration is her father-in-law, John Waller, one of just 17 remaining GATE River Run “streakers” - runners who have maintained unbroken, consecutive participation in the race.

John’s commitment to the River Run has endured for nearly five decades. After breaking his femur, he completed one running of the race in a wheelchair rather than allow his streak to end. During that race, one of the wheelchair’s front wheels broke and a bolt from the chair fell through a grate on the Main Street Bridge during the first mile. Still, John kept going and completed the race. John was also the person who encouraged Lauren to enter the 50th anniversary logo competition.

Lauren initially wasn’t planning to submit a design. But while looking at the Hart Bridge and the roadway approaching it, she noticed something that changed her mind: the curve of the road looked like a five, while the bridge’s soaring arch formed a natural zero. The concept for the 50th anniversary logo was born.

Lauren brings an equally meaningful personal story to the project. After surviving a traumatic brain injury, she went through the difficult process of rebuilding her memory, an experience that ultimately helped shape the philosophy behind Inkling Creative: the most powerful brands don’t simply get noticed, they get remembered. Her faith has also played an important role in her journey and continues to help shape the way she approaches her life and work.

GATE River Run | Registration Opens October 1

The 50th Anniversary GATE River Run will take place Saturday, March 6, 2027, in Jacksonville. Registration opens October 1, 2026, with the following 2027 pricing provided by race organizers:

Registration Period	15K	5K
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026	$60	$40
Jan. 1 – Jan. 31, 2027	$65	$45
Feb. 1 – Feb. 28, 2027	$70	$50
Beginning March 1, 2027	$75	$60

As the GATE River Run prepares to celebrate 50 years, the new logo captures what has always made the race special: perseverance, community and a deep connection to Jacksonville.

For additional race information and to register beginning October 1, visit GATERiverRun15K.com.

Media Contact:
Jenny Ordway | GATE Petroleum Company | JOrdway@gatepetro.com

Florida Blue Foundation Awards Grants to Address Food Insecurity and Improve Health Outcomes

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – September 22, 2026 – This September, during Hunger Action Month, Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell portfolio of companies, is awarding $3.1 million in grants to eight community-based food initiatives across Florida. These grants directly address food insecurity—a critical driver of health—while strengthening communities' access to nutritious meals and reducing disease burden.

Quick facts:

$3.1 million awarded by the Florida Blue Foundation to eight community-based food initiatives across Florida during Hunger Action Month.
Grantees operate in multiple counties, including Bay, Broward, Clay, Flagler, Leon, Orange, Palm Beach, and Pinellas.
Programs address food insecurity and its connection to chronic disease management.
Beneficiaries include farmworkers, students, homeless populations, uninsured residents, and rural communities.

Across the nation, nearly 48 million people lack consistent access to nutritious food, a crisis that goes far beyond hunger. For individuals managing diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, it can trigger avoidable complications, increased hospitalizations and mounting healthcare costs. Approximately 3.6 million Floridians face food insecurity, including more than 900,000 children¹. Florida Blue Foundation’s grant program enables nonprofits throughout the state to expand food access programs, strengthen emergency food networks, and support vulnerable populations facing food hardship.

“Hunger and chronic disease are deeply connected, and we know when we invest in food access, we invest in health,” said Susan Towler, vice president, corporate social responsibility and Florida Blue Foundation. “We're partnering with organizations across Florida to break the cycle, ensuring that access to healthy food becomes a foundation for better health outcomes."

The eight Florida nonprofit organizations receiving grants are:

Waste Not Want Not, Inc. – Through its food rescue program, Waste Not Want Not recovers perfectly good excess food from multiple sources and distributes it to those in need through a network of grassroots organizations and partners across Northeast Florida.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Foundation, Inc. (FAMU) – The Lola Hampton-Frank Pinder Center for Agroecology will establish the Food as Pharmacy Resource Hub and Prescription Program. Operating from their campus mini farm, the Hub will provide no- and low-cost fresh produce, grower training, educational support, and a collaborative nutrition education series.
United Way of Northwest Florida – Rooted in Holmes: A Food Security Initiative will increase food security for rural residents in Holmes County by developing a workforce-driven farm that produces and distributes food. The program will combine farm-to-table distribution, education, and community-based agriculture with AI-supported tools that improve access, efficiency, and personalization of services.
Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. – The Food and Nutrition Program serves farmworkers and low-income families in rural communities who face limited transportation and grocery access, reducing food insecurity through weekly food distribution and nutrition education.
Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Inc. – The Food Access Network strengthens food security for uninsured Floridians through its network of 109 member clinics serving more than 220,000 patients annually by building and expanding their food access programs.
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Inc. – The Food Pantry Capacity and Access Expansion Initiative enhances school-based pantry infrastructure in low-income Orange County communities, enabling students and families to access more healthy food options.
Homeless Emergency Project/Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) – The Food as Medicine: HEP Nutrition & Wellness Initiative will serve homeless and low-income adults and families in Pinellas County through nutrition counseling, hands-on cooking instruction through the HEP Dental and Wellness Clinic’s Teaching Kitchen, Urban Empowerment Garden, Mobile Market food distribution, and nutritious meal services.
The Poverello Center, Inc. – The 33311 Eats Well program delivers medically-tailored food and nutrition services to individuals living with chronic and critical illnesses in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Waste Not Want Not, Inc. – Through its food rescue program, Waste Not Want Not recovers perfectly good excess food from multiple sources and distributes it to those in need through a network of grassroots organizations and partners across Northeast Florida.

In addition to philanthropic giving, Florida Blue team members volunteer in the communities where they live with local food pantries, serving meals, and participating in food distribution events.

To learn more about Florida Blue Foundation's impact across the state, read GuideWell's latest Impact Report.

# # #

About Florida Blue Foundation

About Florida Blue

Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue is the leading health insurer in Florida, and part of GuideWell, a not-for-profit health solutions company. Florida Blue offers a range of health plans and personalized care programs for individuals, families, businesses of all sizes, and Medicare beneficiaries. For over 80 years, the organization has been member centric and committed to making health care as accessible and affordable as possible. Serving more than six million members across all 67 Florida counties, Florida Blue has more than 7,000 employees and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., is owned by its policyholders, and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

For additional information visit FloridaBlue.com. For the latest news and content, visit the Florida Blue Newsroom, and follow Florida Blue on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @Florida.Blue; and X (formerly Twitter) @FLBlue.

Cogent Bank strengthens commitment to the fintech, payments and technology industries through Embedded Finance

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Florida-based bank continues to invest in embedded finance capabilities as financial services become increasingly integrated into digital platforms

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Cogent Bank (Cogent), a Florida-based community bank, today reaffirmed its commitment to the rapidly growing fintech, payments and technology sectors through continued investment in embedded finance capabilities, strategic partnerships and specialized banking expertise.

"We believe fintech, payments and technology companies are playing an increasingly important role in the future of financial services," said Barbara Negron, SVP, Managing Director of Embedded Finance & Partnerships at Cogent Bank. "Our continued investment in embedded finance reflects our confidence in the long-term growth of these industries and the opportunities created when innovative companies and experienced banking organizations work together. We are committed to supporting that growth through strong partnerships, thoughtful governance and the banking expertise needed to help innovative businesses succeed."

Financial services are increasingly delivered through the software and platforms businesses and consumers already rely on, not through a bank's own website or app. Cogent's further expansion into embedded finance reflects that shift, building the infrastructure that lets its partners offer banking and payment capabilities directly within their own products, rather than sending customers elsewhere.

The Bank's commitment to embedded finance reflects its broader strategy of supporting innovation-focused companies and the growing convergence of technology and financial services. Through ongoing investment in infrastructure, governance, compliance, risk management, consumer protection and operational controls, Cogent is building the capabilities necessary to support embedded finance programs within a safe and sound regulatory framework.

As a regulated financial institution, Cogent supports embedded finance programs by maintaining oversight of compliance, risk management, consumer protection and operational controls. The Bank's approach combines banking expertise with a strong governance framework designed to help innovative companies operate responsibly within a safe and sound regulatory environment.

Cogent is expanding its embedded finance capabilities to support fintech, payments and technology companies seeking regulated banking solutions. As adoption of embedded financial services accelerates, Cogent remains focused on supporting responsible innovation while maintaining the standards of safety, soundness and consumer protection the institution is known for and expected of regulated financial institutions.

"Technology continues to transform nearly every aspect of financial services," added Negron. "We believe banks have an important role to play in helping innovative companies bring new solutions to market while operating within a framework that promotes trust, transparency and long-term sustainability."

Representatives from Cogent Bank will participate in Sibos 2026 and Money20/20 as part of the Bank's ongoing engagement with the global banking, payments, fintech, and technology communities.

About Cogent Bank

Cogent Bank is a state-chartered bank that has operated as a full-service business and personal bank since 2018. With over $2.4 billion in total assets, Cogent offers multiple banking centers in North, Central and South Florida. Cogent offers a broad range of lending, depository, treasury management and mobile banking services designed to meet the complex and diverse needs of its clients while staying focused on the local communities it serves. Cogent believes banking is personal and requires high-touch, innovative services designed to make managing financial transactions easier. Cogent pairs its financial expertise with a passion for learning more about its clients' goals and objectives. To learn more, visit https://cogentbank.com/

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JAA ARCHITECTURE TO DESIGN DREW RESIDENCE REHABILIATION FOR SPRINGFIELD

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL, September 23, 2026 - Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) has retained JAA Architecture for the design of the Drew Residence as part of the rehabilitation plan for the historically significant property.

SPAR acquired the Drew Residence in November 2025. The acquisition represents a novel approach to avoiding demolition by neglect and ensuring historic preservation that SPAR hopes to replicate for other architecturally significant properties in the future. SPAR intends to rehabilitate the property, which has fallen into disrepair in recent years. The rehabilitation plan calls for the Drew Residence to be adapted into a publicly accessible community living room and archive as well as a small business incubator with low-cost office space for businesses receiving support from Springfield’s business association.

SPAR retained JAA Architecture for the design of the rehabilitated structure after reviewing requests for qualifications and proposals from a number of firms. According to Michael Haskins, SPAR Executive Director, “JAA’s proposal offered a comprehensive plan and the most responsible use of our donors’ funds. JAA has extensive experience in historic preservation, including a number of recent projects in the Springfield Historic District. We couldn’t be more excited to work with them.”

The scope of work includes architectural and structural design, as-built drawings, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, permit and construction documents, etc. Architecture is funded, in part, through the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and the State of Florida Division of Historical Resources.

“It is an honor for us to be part of the team entrusted with bringing the historic Drew Residence back to life and preserving its architectural legacy. We look forward to the rehabilitation of this remarkable piece of Jacksonville’s history and seeing it begin a new chapter as a meaningful space for the Springfield community,” JAA Architecture’s John Allmand said.

While architecture is fully funded, fundraising for the $1.5 million construction campaign is ongoing. SPAR has launched the Drew Rehabilitation Fund to support capital and related operating expenses. SPAR is working to secure grant funding at the national, state and city levels, and is seeking donors to support grant match requirements. Contact Michael Haskins, SPAR Executive Director, at executivedirector@sparcouncil.org or visit sparcouncil.org/drew_fund to give to these efforts.

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Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated since 1974 to improving the quality of life in the Springfield Historic District. Gifts to the Drew Rehabilitation Fund support capital and related operating expenses for the rehabilitation of the Drew Residence.

Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida Appoints Callan Brown as Chief Executive Officer

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Longtime Nonprofit Center leader will guide organization’s work to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, collaboration and leadership across Northeast Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — September 23, 2026 — The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida (NPC) today announced the appointment of Callan Brown as Chief Executive Officer, following her service as Interim CEO and nearly a decade of leadership with the organization. In her new role, Brown will lead the Nonprofit Center’s expanded focus on strengthening the infrastructure, leadership and long-term sustainability of Northeast Florida’s nonprofit sector.

Brown assumes the permanent position as the Nonprofit Center advances its 2026-2029 strategic plan, a three-phase roadmap focused on innovation in nonprofit services, leadership development, regional advocacy, and long-term financial sustainability. The organization currently serves 350 members nonprofits across Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. It is the central regional resource for the nonprofit sector in Northeast Florida, which is the third largest employer in the region with a workforce of over 78,000 employees.

“Callan has demonstrated throughout her career at the Nonprofit Center that she understands both the day-to-day realities facing nonprofit leaders and the larger forces shaping the future of our sector today,” said Sam Inman, Chair of the NPC’s Board of Directors. “She is a collaborative leader with a clear vision for how the Nonprofit Center can help organizations respond to change and remain strong. The board is confident in her ability to lead the organization into this next chapter.”

Brown has played an integral role in the Nonprofit Center’s evolution over the last decade, advancing through senior leadership positions and most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Development, Partnerships & Operations before being named Interim CEO in July. Before joining the Nonprofit Center in 2016, she served as Program Director for Take Stock in Children Clay County at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast and began her nonprofit career through AmeriCorps service. Brown holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in art history and museum studies from Florida State University

As CEO, Brown will focus on positioning the Nonprofit Center as an essential infrastructure partner for Northeast Florida’s nonprofit community — helping organizations build capacity, share resources and data, develop leaders and pursue new models for collaboration. A major priority will be moving the Center’s shared services initiative from feasibility into implementation, a process made possible by recent philanthropic investment from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and several private donors. This will give nonprofit organizations greater access to financial expertise and infrastructure without requiring every organization to build that capacity independently.

“The environment nonprofits operate in is changing rapidly. Our role is to help organizations anticipate and adapt to those changes, rather than simply respond to them,” Brown said. “That means building stronger infrastructure, creating opportunities to share resources and expertise, developing the next generation of leaders, and bringing nonprofits, philanthropy, government and business together around the challenges and opportunities facing our region. At the heart of this work is the mission the Nonprofit Center has always carried forward: to connect, strengthen and advocate for Northeast Florida’s nonprofit sector.”

Brown will also continue expanding the NPC’s sustained collaboration work, which provides programming, resources, facilitation and consulting to help nonprofits proactively explore strategic partnerships and restructuring options. The organization works with nonprofit leaders, boards and the local funding community to support organizations considering strategic mergers, shared services and other forms of collaboration.

Developing and retaining nonprofit leaders will be another central focus. Under her leadership, the Center recently launched the Community Coaching Network, bringing together a cohort of CEOs from major nonprofit institutions across the region to expand CEO and board development, governance and strategic planning support.

“I have seen firsthand Callan’s commitment to bringing people together around shared challenges and creating the conditions for organizations to become stronger and more sustainable,” said Kathleen Shaw, Executive Director of the Terry Family Foundation and member of the NPC’s Board of Directors. “She understands how nonprofit organizations, funders and community partners can work together to build a stronger sector, and she has the ability to turn big ideas into practical strategies that organizations can use.”

The Nonprofit Center will continue strengthening its role as a nonpartisan, evidence-based convener and advocate for the sector ensuring the sector’s experiences and perspectives are represented in broader community conversations. Recent efforts include the expansion of Bridging the Sector and Catalyst Northeast Florida, along with convenings around significant policy, funding and organizational sustainability issues.

“Our nonprofit sector is essential to the strength and vitality of this region, but the organizations doing this work cannot be expected to navigate increasingly complex challenges alone,” said Brown. “The Nonprofit Center has an opportunity to build the framework to help the entire sector become stronger — through shared infrastructure, better data, stronger leaders, deeper collaboration and a collective voice. I am honored to lead that work and the exceptional team behind it.”

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About the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida

Garrett at EverRange, the Community’s First Apartment Homes, Slated to Open in Late 2027

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Garrett Companies’ 275-unit community will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom homes steps from The Station town center

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 24, 2026) — The PARC Group, master developer of EverRange, and The Garrett Companies have shared the first details of Garrett at EverRange, a 275-unit luxury apartment community that will be the first rental offering in the master-planned community. Construction is underway, and the initial phase, including the clubhouse, is expected to open in late 2027.

Garrett at EverRange will feature 101 one-bedroom, 140 two-bedroom and 34 three-bedroom apartment homes, all delivered through The Garrett Companies’ Edge Signature product. Units range in size from 770 to 1,345 square feet. Apartment features will include high-end kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, vinyl plank flooring, a stainless steel appliance package and a spacious balcony or patio with views. Garages will also be available.

The apartment community will feature five four-story buildings and will be located on approximately nine acres at 12331 Ever Range Parkway, adjacent to The Station, the walkable town center taking shape at the EverRange entrance near Philips Highway/U.S. 1.

“Garrett at EverRange adds an important piece to the EverRange vision by giving people another way to call the community home,” said Chris Pilinko, President of The PARC Group. “The Garrett Companies shares our commitment to quality and long-term value, and their community will be a natural fit alongside The Station.”

“EverRange is an exciting opportunity to bring the Garrett standard of quality, design and resident experience to a community with a strong vision for the future,” said Eric Garrett, CEO of The Garrett Companies. “We’re proud to be part of EverRange and look forward to delivering a community that reflects both the vision of the development and the quality our residents have come to expect from Garrett.”

Resort-style amenities, walkable to The Station

A clubhouse will anchor the apartment community's amenities, including a fitness center and yoga studio, a resort-style pool and spa, outdoor communal kitchens and grills, a dog park and a 24/7 cyber lounge with free Wi-Fi. Residents will be steps from The Station, home to neighborhood shops, services and local eateries serving the EverRange community, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. A future road connection to eTown, The PARC Group’s neighboring master-planned community, will add grocery, retail, dining and service options. Convenient access to Philips Highway/U.S. 1 puts the greater Jacksonville area within easy reach.

Adding rental homes to a fast-growing community

EverRange is located off Philips Highway/U.S. 1 between The PARC Group’s existing communities, eTown and Nocatee, and preserves approximately half of its land for green space, trails and native Florida landscape. Three neighborhoods are now selling with model homes open: Mariposa, with single-family homes from six builders; Regency, a 55-and-older neighborhood by Toll Brothers; and The Ridge, energy-efficient townhomes by Dream Finders Homes. Monterra, a 54-homesite estate neighborhood by Mastercraft Builder Group, is coming soon. Garrett at EverRange adds the community’s first rental homes to that mix, alongside a central amenity hub known as The Grove.

Additional details about Garrett at EverRange, including leasing information, will be shared as construction progresses. For more information about EverRange, visit everrange.com.

About The PARC Group

About The Garrett Companies

The Garrett Companies brings more than 25 years of experience delivering institutional-quality communities across the United States. As a vertically integrated firm spanning development, construction and property management, the company is known for disciplined site selection, a specialized construction platform and a culture of accountability that emphasizes consistency and long-term value. Learn more at thegarrettco.com.

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Jessie Ball duPont Fund Names Brian Wolfburg and The Rev. Amy Austin Slater to Board of Trustees

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (September 24, 2026) – The Trustees of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, a private foundation based in Jacksonville, unanimously elected two new members at its most recent board meeting: Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union, and The Rev. Amy Austin Slater, Vice Rector of Christ Church. Their terms begin in January 2027.

“We are so excited to welcome Brian and Amy to our Board. They share a deep knowledge of and love for the Jacksonville community coupled with an understanding of the important role that philanthropy can play in solving complex societal challenges,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, President of Union College and Chair of the duPont Fund Trustees. “We look forward to drawing on Brian's expertise as we seek to put all of our financial resources to work in support of our mission, and to benefiting from Amy’s experience as an educator, nonprofit leader, and faith leader in higher education, parish and community contexts as we pursue our strategic priorities."

Brian Wolfburg succeeds Marty Lanahan, Executive Vice President and the North Central Southwest Florida Regional President for First Horizon Bank, who has served the maximum three terms and helped to spearhead some of the duPont Fund’s most meaningful investments, including the redevelopment of The Jessie and the design and activation of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. The Rev. Slater succeeds The Rev. Cn. Allison DeFoor, President & CEO of the North Florida Land Trust, who also fulfilled his term of service and who played a leading role in the duPont Fund’s strategic evolution and fostered its close ties to the Jacksonville and Port St. Joe communities.

Brian and Amy join a group of five other highly engaged Trustees at a meaningful moment for the duPont Fund. The foundation is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary beginning in late 2026 and into 2027, commemorating two important milestones: the legal creation of the foundation in 1976 and its first grants made in 1977.

About the Trustees

Brian Wolfburg

Brian Wolfburg has served as President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union since 2017. Under his visionary leadership, VyStar has grown into a financial powerhouse surpassing 1 million members and with over $14 Billion in assets, ranks as the 18th largest in the United States.

Prior to joining VyStar, Brian built an impressive career in financial services, amassing over 20 years of industry experience, including serving as chief operations officer for Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, excelling in strategic operations and redefining member-focused solutions.

Beyond his executive leadership roles, Brian has established himself as a committed community leader. He is a member of the board of directors of the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, advisory board member of the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors, Capital Campaign Co-Chair for the Museum of Science and History, and a member of Jacksonville’s Civic Council. In addition, Brian serves as chair of the VyStar Foundation, championing initiatives that enhance the well-being of the communities VyStar serves.

Brian’s academic achievements include an MBA from New York University’s prestigious Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His education, combined with his extensive professional experience, drives his commitment to fostering financial empowerment and innovation at VyStar Credit Union.

The Rev. Amy Austin Slater

Rev. Amy Slater is Vice Rector at Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra. Amy was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. Before receiving her Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, Amy taught History early in her career, in Jacksonville, including elementary, middle, and high school, and volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations. She also served as President of the Episcopal Children Services Board.

While in seminary, Amy deepened her commitment to nonprofit work through the nonprofit program at Georgetown University. After seminary and ordination as a Priest in the Episcopal Church, she served as the First Chaplain to the University of North Florida (UNF) and has since held senior leadership roles, including Senior Associate and Rector in other Episcopal congregations.

A graduate of Leadership Arlington, Rev. Slater currently serves on the boards of Beaches Habitat for Humanity, Life Care, Inc. (Vicar’s Landing), and Mission House, Inc. She and her husband Tom live in Atlantic Beach and have two adult children—Sarah and Austin—and three grandchildren.

About the Jessie Ball duPont Fund

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is a private foundation that works to expand access to economic opportunity and create vibrant places for the people, organizations and communities that Jessie Ball duPont knew and loved. We envision a world in which every member of those communities feels they belong, and is engaged in shaping the future of their community. We use our grantmaking, investments, research and partnerships to build stronger communities where all voices are heard and valued. Learn more at www.dupontfund.org.

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LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and the Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute Partner to Launch Blood Drive Series to Raise Awareness about Sickle Cell Disease

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Richard Webster Bass Health Institute’s Project Little Veins to receive a donation for every donor through LifeSouth's Community Grant Program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — September 25, 2026 — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute (RWBHI) today announced a new partnership to raise awareness of sickle cell disease in Northeast Florida. The organizations will host a series of community blood drives beginning on September 30 at the University of North Florida.

The community is asked to donate blood, and a community grant from the LifeSouth Community Grant program will be given to the RWBHI in support of Project Little Veins, a program of RWBHI, which provides care packages of comfort items and essentials to sickle cell patients during hospital stays and treatment. Fredrianna Copeland-Webster founded Project Little Veins following her own experiences as a sickle cell patient, including extended hospital stays and severe complications that required multiple life-saving blood transfusions. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to form a rigid, crescent shape instead of the normal disc shape, making it difficult for cells to move through blood vessels and deliver oxygen. The disease predominantly affects people of African descent and can cause severe pain crises, organ damage, stroke and other complications requiring frequent, and sometimes lifelong, blood transfusions.

“LifeSouth is proud to partner with the Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute and Project Little Veins on this initiative to raise awareness about sickle cell disease,” said Tim Harvey, Life South Community Blood Center’s District Director. “LifeSouth is the only blood center in this region where a donor's blood stays in the local community, so every donation has a direct, measurable impact on patients here in Northeast Florida.”

Florida carries one of the heaviest sickle cell disease burdens of any state in the country, with an estimated 13,886 people living with the disease statewide, according to a 2023 American Society of Hematology population model. State Medicaid data shows the disease disproportionately affects young Black Floridians, and patients frequently rely on hospital and emergency care to manage complications. Because sickle cell disease predominantly affects the Black community, and because donors and patients who share ethnic and genetic backgrounds are more likely to be compatible matches, a stable, diverse local blood supply is critical to patient care.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible, especially Black community members, to donate through LifeSouth or host a blood drive at your church or business to help ensure a stable blood supply in our community for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Copeland-Webster.

All blood types are needed, and members of the public are encouraged to attend regardless of blood type or ethnicity. Donors who are a genetic match for sickle cell patients are identified through LifeSouth's Sickle Cell Hero program and notified so they can continue donating regularly to help reduce transfusion complications for local patients.

RWBHI was founded by Selena Webster-Bass, in memory of her son, Richard, who passed away from complications of sickle cell disease before his second birthday. The Institute provides education, advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, along with scholarship programs for the community.

Upcoming RWBHI Project Little Veins Blood Drives

Wednesday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: The University of North Florida at 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224

Free pizza for the first 100 donors in partnership with Wingard

Thursday, October 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Peace Missionary Baptist Church at 1759 Rowe Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32208

Tuesday, October 6, time TBD

Location: Edward Waters University at 1658 Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209

Free pizza for the first 100 donors in partnership with Here Tomorrow

Members of the community who are unable to donate blood but want to support sickle cell patients and families are encouraged to learn more or give directly to the Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute at richardwbhi.org.

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About LifeSouth Community Blood Centers:

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital Names James Perez as new HR VP

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 25, 2026) - HCA Florida Memorial Hospital announced today that James Perez has been named Vice President of Human Resources, effective September 28, 2026. Perez joins the hospital from HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, where he has served as Vice President of Human Resources for the past three years and has been an instrumental member of the hospital’s leadership team.

During his tenure at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, Perez distinguished himself as a trusted partner to leaders, a strong advocate for colleagues and a driving force in strengthening organizational culture. Under his leadership, the hospital achieved meaningful improvements in colleague retention and engagement, including decreased turnover and increased employee engagement.

“We are excited to welcome James to HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and our leadership team,” said Reed Hammond, CEO of HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. “James brings a strong track record of building high-performing teams, strengthening culture and partnering with leaders to deliver results. Just as importantly, he leads with a genuine commitment to people. I’m confident he will be an important partner as we continue to invest in our colleagues and build an environment where people can grow, succeed and do their best work.”

Perez is known for bringing energy and personal commitment to creating a positive workplace culture. He believes that a strong culture is built not only through programs and measurable results, but also through meaningful connections with colleagues and the communities they serve.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join HCA Florida Memorial Hospital and look forward to becoming part of this incredible team,” said Perez. “I believe our colleagues are the foundation of everything we accomplish for our patients and community. I’m excited to listen, learn and work alongside our teams to continue building a culture where colleagues feel supported, connected, and proud of the work they do every day.”

As Vice President of Human Resources, Perez will oversee human resources strategy and operations for Memorial Hospital, partnering with hospital leaders to support colleague engagement, talent development, recruitment and retention, and a strong workplace culture.

About HCA Florida Memorial Hospital – HCA Florida Memorial Hospital is part of Florida’s largest healthcare system, HCA Florida Healthcare. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues collaboratively care for nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually from more than 650 connected care sites. HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville is a full service, acute care, Level II Trauma hospital with 454 inpatient beds, six current freestanding emergency rooms in three counties and a dedicated Women’s Center. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC), HCA Florida Memorial Hospital is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Comprehensive Resuscitation Center of Excellence, and is ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country for heart, lung and surgical care. It is one of only 400 ECMO centers in the country and operates as a Gold Level Center of Excellence by ELSO, and was named America’s 100 Best Orthopedic Surgery Hospitals 2026 by Healthgrades five years in a row. For more information, visit: HCAFloridahealthcare.com.

Community First Credit Union Celebrates the Grand Opening of its New Wildlight Branch

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Freestanding branch opens as credit union expands to 25 locations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 25, 2026 – Community First Credit Union, one of Florida’s largest credit unions, has officially opened its newest freestanding branch location at 148 Kindred Ln. in Wildlight in Nassau County. Community First held a grand opening and ribbon cutting Thursday with its board, leadership and staff along with local business and political leaders and Raydient Places + Properties, the master developer of Wildlight.

“Wildlight is one of the fastest-growing parts of our metro area,” said Sam Inman, president and CEO of Community First. “Serving our community one member at a time is our purpose, and this new branch gives our members convenient access to an incredible local team that’s here to help them with the financial services and products they need, right in their own neighborhood.”

The Wildlight Branch is a 3,100-square-foot, freestanding location with a drive-thru, two ATMs and the credit union’s signature tower feature. Auld and White Constructors built the branch, TTV Architects designed the new branch, and NAI Hallmark manages the property.

Community First has served Nassau since 2008. It has more than 12,000 members in the county with approximately 2,000 in the Wildlight area. The Wildlight Branch will be Community First’s third branch in Nassau County where it has a branches in the Villages of Amelia shopping center and in the Town of Callahan.

"Having Community First Credit Union open its doors in Wildlight is a fantastic milestone for our growing community,” said Mike Hahaj, director of commercial development and operations of Raydient Places + Properties. “Its modern branch design and commitment to personalized service make Community First an ideal addition to our commercial offerings, providing our residents and local businesses with exceptional convenience right in their backyard."

Community First is expanding and improving its branch network, aiming to enhance member service. Designed with Community First's updated branch concept, its new branches have open floor plans, upgraded digital technologies, and a historical mural depicting the history of the locations.

Community First has added six new branches since 2022 when it had 19 locations across the First Coast. The credit union has future branches in development including its Murray Hill Branch, which is under construction, along with future branches in Treaty Oaks in St. Johns County and in Middleburg and Green Cove Springs in Clay County. It has a future branch planned for Fernandina Beach on Sadler Rd. at Will Hardee Dr.

Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $3 billion in assets and serving 198,000 members. Community First has 25 locations and more than 450 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast. For more, visit www.communityfirstfl.org.

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Trick-or-treat, haunted clubhouse highlight Jumbo Shrimp Fall Festival

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jumbo Shrimp Fall Festival to be held from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, October 16

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the leaves soon to change color, pumpkin spice abundant and Halloween beckoning, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are inviting fans to their inaugural Fall Festival presented by Fun 4 First Coast Kids from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, October 16 at VyStar Ballpark. Admission is only $1 per person, with free parking available in Lot P.

Fall Festival activites include trick-or-treating on the concourse, a haunted clubhouse (locker room) and vendor tables with treats and visits from Jumbo Shrimp mascots as the HD videoboard at VyStar Ballpark screens Halloween movie classics.

Concessions, holiday treats and refreshments will be available for purchase. Additionally, the ballpark souvenir store will be open.

The Jumbo Shrimp Fall Festival presented by Fun 4 First Coast Kids is a stroller and wheelchair-accessible event with seating available both on the concourse and in the stadium seating bowl. The field will not be open for this event, and no outside food or beverages will be permitted into the ballpark.

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Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida Co-Owner Lisa Almeida Honored with Always the River Award

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The annual award was presented to Almeida by the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society

Jacksonville, Fla., Sept. 22, 2026 – Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida Co-Owner, Lisa “the Boatanista” Almeida, has been honored by the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society with its annual Always the River Award. The award, also known as the coveted Golden Manatee, is presented each year to an individual or group that keeps the St. Johns River in the hearts, hands, and minds of the Jacksonville community.

“Lisa's passion and her infectious enthusiasm for the St. Johns made her a worthy recipient of the 2026 Always the River Award,” said Brittany Cohill, executive director of the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society. “Freedom Boat Club helps a greater number of residents and visitors experience and enjoy the St. Johns River; boat ownership not required! More people are developing a deeper appreciation for our community’s greatest and most valuable natural resource. There is nothing better than a leisurely trip down Julington Creek in a pontoon with family and friends, spotting alligators, turtles, and birds along the banks of the Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve."

Almeida recently received the award at the organization’s annual fundraising dinner. The evening featured speakers and entertainment that chronicled the river’s central role in Mandarin's history and culture. The Always the River Award is named after a poem by the late Jean Morrow, an unofficial historian of Mandarin for decades. The spirit of the poem is that no matter who came to Mandarin or when, it was always the river that brought them there. It is the neighborhood’s major thoroughfare, central to industry, sustenance, recreation, and the community's lifeblood.

“Receiving this award is a true honor because, for me, it is Always the River,” said Almeida. “I live on a tributary of the St. Johns River, and everywhere I go from my dock in my own personal boat starts on the St. Johns. The river is an integral part of our city and connects communities. Freedom Boat Club has been a part of the Mandarin boating community for nearly 20 years. We enjoy helping people discover and explore all of the amazing places the St. Johns River offers.”

Mandarin Museum & Historical Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by a group of citizens concerned about the loss of historical structures in Mandarin and interested in preserving and celebrating the area's rich heritage and history. The organization shares Mandarin’s history, culture, and natural resources through engaging programs that educate, entertain, and inspire. For more information, visit mandarinmuseum.org.

About Freedom Boat Club

Freedom Boat Club, owned by Brunswick, is the largest membership-based boating club in the world. It offers an alternative to boat ownership and has delivered hassle-free boating since 1989. Freedom Boat Club provides unlimited access at four local locations: Julington Creek Marina in Jacksonville, Beach Marine in Jacksonville Beach, Camachee Cove Marina in St. Augustine, and The St. Augustine Shipyard in St. Augustine, as well as reciprocal access to 450+ locations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Members can enjoy boating without the stress of ownership through a variety of membership options. For more information, visit www.freedomboatclub.com.

The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital Announces the First Coast Design Show December 4-6

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honoring 50 years of supporting the life-saving mission of Wolfson Children’s Hospital

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2026) – The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital proudly announces the First Coast Design Show, the signature event benefiting Wolfson Children’s Hospital, is Dec. 4-6, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

Presented by Thibaut, the 2026 event, “The Golden Jubilee: The Art of Celebration,” commemorates 50 years of strategic fundraising for Wolfson Children’s Hospital, making a lasting difference in children’s lives across Florida’s First Coast and throughout the Southeast. The 2026 First Coast Design Show Chairs are Meridith Allen and Patton Weber.

“This year’s First Coast Design Show is a celebration of five decades of generosity, creativity and community — bringing together nationally recognized designers and exceptional art and antique dealers for an incredible weekend of shopping, beauty and artistry,” said Chris Hieb, president of The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital. “Most importantly, the show supports our commitment to raise $1.5 million to create a new outdoor play area for children receiving care at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The innovative space will extend behavioral health therapy and healing outdoors, providing opportunities for movement, connection and healing in an environment designed to support children's emotional well-being and recovery.”

On Friday, Dec. 4, the First Coast Design Show will open at 10 a.m. with Designer Dialogues on Gardens, Homes and Transforming Spaces with Tim Johnson, Margot Shaw and Fernando Wong at 11 a.m. and Style, Fashion and Personal Expression with Katie Hobbs, David Thomas and Eugenia Soto at 1 p.m. On Friday evening, the Opening Night Gala features dinner and dancing amongst beautifully curated antiques and art.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, Designer Dialogues include Intention, Creativity and Beautiful Rooms with Paloma Contreras, Edith-Anne Duncan, Cathy Kincaid, and Lynn Terry at 11 a.m., and Collections, Celebrations and Entertaining with Ray Booth, Stephanie Jarvis, Suzanne Kasler and Simon Upton at 1 p.m. Two immersive experiences, Spritz and Stitch with Rudy Saunders and Lycette, and The Art of Treasure Hunting with Virginia Chamlee, are at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, the Children’s Fashion Showing featuring former and current Wolfson Children’s Hospital patients, is set for 2 p.m.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 5, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6. Explore ticket options and purchase tickets on the website, firstcoastdesignshow.com. All events are ticketed and quantities are limited.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit firstcoastdesignshow.com, call 904.202.2886, or email designshow@bmcjax.com. Follow the First Coast Design Show on Instagram @firstcoastdesignshow.

Logo: The First Coast Design Show is the signature event benefitting Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

About The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital
Established in 1973 by Ellen Cavert, the ongoing mission of the all-volunteer Women’s Board is to raise community awareness and fund state-of-the-art infrastructure, programming and services for Wolfson Children’s Hospital—the only dedicated children’s inpatient healthcare facility in the region. Since its inception, The Women’s Board has raised more than $37 million in support of Wolfson Children’s Hospital to ensure the advancement of first-rate medical care for all children. Two annual fundraisers, the First Coast Design Show (formerly the Art & Antiques Show) and the Florida Forum speaker series, enable The Women’s Board to donate over $1 million a year to Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

About Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville
Nonprofit Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, is a part of Baptist Health, Northeast Florida’s most comprehensive health system serving every stage of life which was named by Newsweek as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care.” Wolfson Children’s is the only children’s hospital in Northeast Florida and serves as the pediatric referral center for North Florida, South Georgia and beyond. Staffed 24/7 by pediatric nurses and other healthcare professionals specially trained to work with children, the 281-bed, patient- and family-centered hospital features the latest pediatric medical technology in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. At Wolfson Children’s, nationally recognized pediatric specialists representing nearly every medical and surgical specialty work with pediatricians to provide care for children of all ages with congenital heart conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and endocrinology disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health conditions, traumatic injuries and more. Wolfson Children’s collaborates with pediatric organizations, including Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Emergency Resources Group, Mayo Clinic Florida and the University of Florida College of Medicine — Jacksonville. A Magnet™-designated hospital since 2010, Wolfson Children’s Hospital has been named among the U.S. News & World Report 50 Best Children’s Hospitals year after year, and in 2025, was selected as one of only fifteen children’s hospitals in the country as a Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital, a recognition of patient quality and safety. For additional information, please visit wolfsonchildrens.com.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Supporting 10th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Supporting those who have served on the next chapter of their journey

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2026) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is proud to serve as a sponsor of the 10^th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit, a free one-day event for current and future veteran business owners who want to explore entrepreneurship and strengthen their understanding of starting and growing a business. The real estate firm’s employees, Realtors and leadership provided a financial donation and will participate in the event.

“We are honored to support the 10th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit, which helps strengthen our local economy by providing opportunities for veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs in our community,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President Ann King. “Our team believes in supporting numerous charitable programs and the communities we serve, and I appreciate their generosity and commitment to make this gift possible.”

The 10th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit is Friday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Advanced Technology Center at FSCJ, 401 W State St., in Jacksonville. The event is operated by the City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department in partnership with Florida State College at Jacksonville and the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Veterans, service members, National Guard members, reservists, and their spouses can take part in sessions covering business startup, marketing, funding resources, and success stories from veteran business owners. The program also includes a keynote presentation and multiple educational sessions.

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

Photography

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty team presented a check for $3,000 to Tiffany Morales, Veterans Outreach Manager, Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department, for the 10^th Annual Vetrepreneur Summit.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty

In 2025, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty achieved more than $1.6 billion in closed sales.The company is ranked No. 26 in the global Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and the nation’s largest homeownership services company.

For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com or call (904) 296-6400.

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GreenPointe Holdings promotes Megan Maldonado to Senior Developed Real Estate Manager

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Supporting GreenPointe’s growth and expansion

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2026) – GreenPointe Holdings is pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Maldonado to Senior Developed Real Estate Manager. In her expanded role, Madonado oversees homeowner and community association operations across the company’s communities throughout Florida. Working closely with residents, boards of directors, management companies, and internal teams, she helps ensure GreenPointe neighborhoods continue to thrive.

“Megan has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the success of our communities,” said Grady Miars, President and Chief Operating Officer, GreenPointe Holdings. “At GreenPointe, we are dedicated to developing and managing high-value communities and Megan’s dedication has supported our growth and earned the trust of our residents and stakeholders. I look forward to her continued success in her new role.”

Madonado joined GreenPointe as Developed Real Estate Manager in 2024. Prior to joining GreenPointe, she spent 17 years with a national community association management firm in Regional Director and Operations Manager roles. In addition to managing HOA and CDD operations, her experience includes procedure development, financial oversight, operations support, association formation, and turnover procedures.

A Licensed Community Association Manager, Maldonado is currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in Real Estate at Florida State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration management from the University of North Florida.

GreenPointe is developing communities throughout Florida and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.GreenPointeLLC.com.

Photography:

Megan Maldonado, Senior Developed Real Estate Manager. GreenPointe Holdings

About GreenPointe Holdings, LLC

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Heritage Capital Group Welcomes Massimo Messina as Principal on Supply Chain Team

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 10, 2026 - Heritage Capital Group, Inc. (Heritage), an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market and emerging growth companies in the U.S. and worldwide, is pleased to announce that Massimo Messina has joined the firm as Principal on its Supply Chain Team. Messina most recently led mergers and acquisitions for Crowley, one of the nation's leading logistics and maritime services providers.

His addition enhances Heritage's ability to serve clients throughout the global transportation ecosystem while leveraging the reach of Oaklins, the world's largest mid-market M&A advisory network, which has completed 22 transportation and logistics transactions over the past year.

"The supply chain industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by evolving customer demands, technology innovation, and changing global dynamics. I look forward to joining the team at Heritage and helping business owners, executives, and investors navigate strategic opportunities and create long-term value," said Messina.

Messina brings more than three decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, valuation, and strategic advisory services. Throughout his career, he has advised public and private companies, private equity sponsors, and entrepreneur-owned businesses on a broad range of strategic transactions across the supply chain, logistics, transportation, technology, and industrial sectors.

Prior to joining Heritage Capital Group, Messina served as Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions at Crowley, where he led the company's M&A and corporate venture investment initiatives. During his tenure, he established and led Crowley Ventures, oversaw strategic acquisitions and investments, structured significant capital transactions, and played a key role in transformative deals, including the formation of Fairwater, a merger valued at $1.2 billion.

Earlier in his career, Messina served as President of BG Strategic Advisors, a boutique investment bank focused on supply chain and technology transactions. He also held senior leadership roles at Navigant Consulting (now Ankura), Duff & Phelps, Grant Thornton, PwC, Houlihan Lokey, and Credit Suisse First Boston. Messina earned an MBA from Boston University Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Connecticut College.

"Massimo's combination of M&A execution expertise, industry knowledge, and corporate leadership experience makes him an outstanding addition to our team," said Bill Sorenson, CEO of Heritage Capital Group. "His experience spanning maritime transportation, ports, logistics, freight movement, and supply chain technology aligns exceptionally well with the industries we serve and complements the global reach of our Oaklins partnership."

At Heritage Capital Group, Messina will focus on advising companies across the transportation and supply chain sectors, including third-party logistics (3PL) providers, full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL) freight companies, last-mile logistics businesses, freight forwarders, warehousing and distribution operators, maritime service providers, and transportation technology companies. His combination of investment banking and corporate M&A experience positions him to help business owners, corporate acquirers, and financial sponsors evaluate mergers and acquisitions, capital raising opportunities, and other strategic initiatives.

About Heritage Capital Group

Media Contact:
Lauren Steif

904-354-9600

lsteif@heritagecapitalgroup.com

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City of Jacksonville Opens 2027 Tomorrow’s Leaders Essay Contest Presented by VyStar Credit Union

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla., September 10, 2026- The City of Jacksonville has opened the 2027 Tomorrow’s Leaders competition presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Essay Contest, a signature component of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, recognizes students who exemplify Dr. King’s philosophies of leadership, community involvement, volunteerism, and civic responsibility. Submissions are now open and close on Monday, October 19, 2026. Winners will be recognized at the 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Presented by Florida Blue on Friday, January 15, 2027, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Branch NAACP, Jacksonville Urban League, and Jax Chamber will announce additional event and ticket details in November 2026.

“At VyStar, investing in young people helps build stronger communities and a brighter future for all,” said Kemal Gasper, Vice President of Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union. “The Tomorrow's Leaders Essay Contest challenges students to reflect on Dr. King's legacy while sharing their own vision for creating positive change. We are proud to partner with the City of Jacksonville to recognize these inspiring young leaders and celebrate the impact they are already making in our community.”

This year’s essay prompt is inspired by Dr. King’s words: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” (From In My Own Words, 2002, edited by Coretta Scott King.) The quote acknowledges temporary setbacks without letting them extinguish the long-term vision.

How to enter: Teachers and mentors are invited to nominate students to write essays that reflect themes drawn from Dr. King’s life and teachings. Full submission guidelines and criteria are available at the event page: Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Join us in inspiring the next generation of leaders as we honor Dr. King’s legacy and empower young voices in our community.

About VyStar Credit Union

VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 80 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, more than 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

About the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment: The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of

life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events yearly, making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit Special Events.

About the City of Jacksonville: The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving more than one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Nick Howland. To learn more, visit https://www.jacksonville.gov/.

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JACKSONVILLE IS BOOMING!

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville Ranked 7th Among America’s Biggest Boomtowns, Has Fastest Growing Workforce in the U.S.

JACKSONVILLE, Florida, September 10, 2026 — Jacksonville is booming! The city recently ranked No. 7 overall among America’s biggest boomtowns in LendingTree’s 2026 report on the nation’s 50 largest metros. Their analysis also found that the 5.6% growth in Jacksonville’s workforce was the highest in the nation.

The experts at LendingTree conducted the analysis to learn more about where Americans are moving, building and starting businesses right now. They ranked the country’s largest metros using three categories to determine the results: people and housing, work and earnings, and business and economy.

In the People and Housing category, Jacksonville ranked No. 4 nationally. This ranking was tabulated by looking at population growth between 2023 and 2024, the combined percentage of the population that moved from another county, state or country in 2023 and 2024, and the change in the number of housing units between 2023 and 2024.

Jacksonville ranked No. 12 in the Work and Earnings category, with a 5.6% increase in workforce, the highest amongst the cities that LendingTree analyzed. To determine the findings for the work and earnings category, analysts compared the change in the number of people in the labor force between 2023 and 2024, the change in the unemployment rate between annual averages for 2023 and 2024, and the change in median earnings between 2023 and 2024.

“People are voting with their feet and moving to Jacksonville in droves because our city is a great place to live, raise a family, and start a business,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “This recognition is further proof that we are a city on the move with a booming economy, talented workforce, and high quality of life.”

Eight of the 10 highest-ranked metros were in the South, including Jacksonville. Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst, said there are several reasons for this trend: “A lot of people and businesses have been heading South over the past several years, and that’s created a lot of momentum. In many places, you can still find a lower cost of living, a growing population and a business climate that’s attractive to employers. Those are all things that make it easier to start and grow a business.”

Earlier this year, WalletHub recognized Jacksonville as both the “best-run city in Florida” and the “3rd-best large U.S. city to start a business.”

About the City of Jacksonville

The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving more than one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Nick Howland. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.

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VyStar Opens Volunteer Resource Center at Feeding Northeast Florida to Mark National Day of Service and Remembrance

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

New center expands year-round volunteer engagement as VyStar employees and community partners honor September 11 through service supporting local hunger-relief efforts

JACKSONVILLE, FL - VyStar Credit Union honored the 25th anniversary of September 11 and the National Day of Service and Remembrance today by opening the new VyStar Volunteer Resource Center at Feeding Northeast Florida and binging employees, community leaders and corporate partners together for a day of service supporting local hunger-relief efforts. The event also included a City of Jacksonville proclamation recognizing Good is everywhere Week.

The Day of Service kicked off VyStar's annual Good is everywhere celebration, a signature initiative that connects employees, members and community partners through volunteerism, community engagement and unique experiences across Florida and Georgia. Now in its fifth year, Good is everywhere reflecting VyStar's belief that strong communities are built through consistent action, meaningful partnerships and a shared commitment to helping others.

During the event, VyStar employees volunteered alongside community partners from FIS, One Call, Regency Centers and Mayo Clinic to sort and pack food for individuals and families facing food insecurity, supporting Feeding Northeast Florida's mission to alleviate hunger across the region.

The ribbon cutting for the newly named VyStar Volunteer Resource Center connected the day's service activities to the enduring spirit behind the National Day of Service and Remembrance, which encourages Americans to honor those impacted by the events of September 11 through service to others. Through Good is everywhere, VyStar employees and members continue that tradition by supporting nonprofit organizations and causes that strengthen local communities

“As we celebrate Good is everywhere, we are reminded that the most meaningful impact happens when people come together in service of others,” said VyStar SVP/Foundation President Patricia McElroy. “Today's opening of the VyStar Volunteer Resource Center creates a lasting opportunity for volunteers to support Feeding Northeast Florida's important work and reflects our ongoing commitment to helping our communities thrive.”

The VyStar Volunteer Resource Center at Feeding Northeast Florida will expand volunteer engagement opportunities and strengthen community impact year-round. The dedicated space will support volunteers and help Feeding Northeast Florida serve individuals and families throughout the region.

“Volunteers are essential to our mission,” said Susan King, Feeding Northeast Florida President/CEO. “The VyStar Volunteer Resource Center will enhance the volunteer experience and help us welcome even more individuals and organizations who want to make a difference in the fight against hunger.”

In 2025, VyStar employees contributed 8,253 volunteer hours during Good is everywhere, part of more than 45,000 volunteer hours donated across throughout the year. VyStar also contributed $8.2 million to more than 440 nonprofit organizations, extending its commitment to Do Good across the communities it serves.

Learn more about Good is everywhere at vystarcu.org/goodiseverywhere.

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About VyStar Credit Union

VyStar Credit Union is the 18th-largest credit union in the United States, with 80?full-service?branches across Georgia and Florida,?more than?1 million members?and?assets of over?$14 billion. VyStar is a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 29 Georgia counties, the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, as well as past and present military members and their families all over the world. Members benefit from convenient access to over 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. VyStar has earned national recognition from Time Magazine, Fortune, USA Today and Forbes for excellence in financial services, innovation and customer service, reflecting its commitment to delivering value and exceptional experiences to members. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

About Feeding Northeast Florida

Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL) is the region’s largest nonprofit (501c3) food bank and hunger relief network. FNEFL provides nutritious foods and other essential goods to those in need and strives to improve the quality of life for people living in and around Northeast and North Central Florida by addressing food insecurity, poverty and poor health. Alongside our network of food distribution, agency and community partners, the Food Bank provides food resources and hope to help all people living in our 12-county service area (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union) who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Feeding Northeast Florida works daily to find solutions to address the issues of food insecurity and poverty through awareness, advocacy, education, and action in ways that promote dignity, respect and empowerment. For more information, visit feedingnefl.org

MOCA Jacksonville to Host Exhibition Featuring Indigenous Photographer Cara Romero

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Panûpünüwügai (Living Light) Explores the Artist’s Dynamic Visual Storytelling and Challenges Dominant Narratives of Indigenous Culture

Jacksonville, FL — The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), part of Arts UNF at the University of North Florida, is pleased to announce its featured exhibition Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light), on view October 1, 2026 through March 21, 2027. This exhibition is part of the museum’s America 250 programming. MOCA will host an Opening Celebration & Preview event on Thursday, October 1, with a community hour from 8 to 9 p.m. that is open to all. Museum members and donors receive early access to this preview the same evening.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

This dynamic exhibition, featuring more than 50 large-scale photographs, showcases the narrative artistic practice of Chemehuevi photographer Cara Romero. Spanning the past decade of her work, this exhibition presents a thematic examination of Romero’s complex and layered images, which examine Indigenous life through a contemporary lens, celebrating the multiplicity, beauty, and resilience of Native American and Indigenous experiences.

Romero is a renowned photographer whose visual storytelling challenges dominant narratives of Indigenous decline and erasure. Her work disrupts preconceived notions about what it means to be a Native American and shows the diversity within Indigenous nations and communities.

Romero says, “In a photographic practice that blends documentary and commercial aesthetics, I love to create stories that draw from intertribal knowledge to expose the fissures and fusions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural memory, collective history, and futurity.”

The title of the exhibition, Panûpünüwügai, means “living light” in the Chemehuevi language and refers to the spirit of light. It speaks to the way light interacts with the subjects in Romero’s photographs and to the nature of photography as a “painting with light.”

The exhibition contains five central series organized thematically, covering both Indigenous landscapes and mythology, absence and presence in American narratives, relationship to place, reimagination of gender and self-identity, and the celebratory exploration of possible futures. “Within photography, there is this incredible adaptability of the medium to create visibility and awareness,” says Romero. “I am always creating images that show how contemporary and diverse we as Native people are—always combatting that one-story narrative.” Drawing on pop-culture references and media (mis)representations, Romero upends stereotypical images and stories that all too often de?ne Native experiences and opportunities.

Her work also speaks to the relationship to the land. “Native people and our global Indigenous communities hold a sacred role in the health and future of the planet, said Romero. “Everything is connected. How do we shake it up and help people understand it’s just a fact that you can’t undervalue: we will never be able to erase these original instructions of ways of living in reciprocity with Mother Earth.” Informed by her love of magical realism and an understanding of time as circular, Romero’s photographs speak to the past, present, and future and highlight the importance of telling stories that are both complication and hopeful.

Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light) is organized by the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, and curated by Jami Powell, PhD, Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Indigenous Art at the Hood Museum of Art, who stated, “Cara Romero is an exceptional storyteller. Her images are complex and generous, inviting people to ask questions they might otherwise be afraid to pose. I am excited for the opportunity to share this exhibition with audiences across the nation.”

SPONSORSHIP
The touring exhibition is generously supported by leadership gifts from Claire Foerster and Daniel S. Bernstein, Thomas A. and Georgina T. Russo, and support from the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Charles Gilman Family Endowment, and a gift from Karen Miller Nearburg and Charles Nearburg.

The installation at MOCA Jacksonville has been made possible by operational support from the City of Jacksonville, the Donald and Maria Cox Fund, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Joan and Preston Haskell; the MOCA Director’s Circle; the University of North Florida; and Visit Jacksonville.

ANCILLARY PROGRAMS

Juya Nokakamea (The Talking Tree)

Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 7:15 p.m. during the Member hour of the Opening Celebration

In collaboration with the dance department at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and in dialogue with Cara Romero’s work, a dance performance will be presented at the opening of the exhibition on October 1, 2026. Nationally renowned choreographer Sam Aros-Mitchell is conducting workshops with the students leading up to the performance of Juya Nokakamea. Aros-Mitchell often works at the intersection of performances which enact memory, culture, and presence.

In Our Own Image: Visualizing Indigenous Florida (Utimile nenebohauela)

October 7–November 17, 2026

In coordination with MOCA Jacksonville’s featured exhibition of artist Cara Romero’s work in Panûpünüwügai (Living Light), the museum is pleased to present the accompanying exhibition, In Our Own Image, in collaboration with UNF Professors Dr. Denise I. Bossy and Dr. Keith Ashley. The exhibition will present the work of seven contemporary Indigenous artists whose work reflect many years of collaborative research into Mocama (Timucua) language, history, and archaeology. More importantly, they embody the deep knowledge help by Seminole, Miccosukee, and Muscogee citizens and nation about their ancestors.

SELECTED SPECIAL EVENTS

Opening Celebration & Preview

Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.

6 p.m. MOCA Donors, 7 p.m. MOCA Members, 8 p.m. Community Access

The opening reception will feature a tour of the exhibition and a performance by Sam Aros-Mitchell with students from the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Dance Department with the presence of the artist, Cara Romero, choreographer Sam Aros-Mitchell, the Hood Musuem Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Indigenous Art Dr. Jami Powell, who is curator of the exhibition, and MOCA Jacksonville Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs & Senior Curator, Ylva Rouse. Light refreshments will be served from 6–8 p.m. during the museum donor and member hours. A public hour is available from 8–9 p.m.

Ideas of Our Time Lecture

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6–7 p.m.

A roundtable featuring UNF professors Dr. Denise I. Bossy and Dr. Keith Ashley, together with curator Carly Treece (Mvskoke Nation) and Florida-based artists Alyssa Osceola (Seminole Tribe) and Cristina Osceola (Miccosukee Tribe), participants in the exhibition In Our Own Image: Visualizing Indigenous Florida (Utimile nenebohauela).

Coffee with a Curator - Cara Romero: Panûpu¨nu¨wu¨gai (Living Light) with Ylva Rouse

Saturday, November 7, 2026 |11 a.m.–12 p.m. | MOCA Members Free, Non-Members $15

Cara Romero will be joined by former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke) for a discussion about the exhibition and its corresponding publication in the Hood Museum’s auditorium.

PUBLICATION

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue co-published by the Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth and Radius Books. The catalogue features contributions by notable scholars including Suzan Shown Harjo (Mvskoke), former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke), and Jordan Poorman Cocker (Kiowa and Tongan), Curator of Indigenous Art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, among others.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Cara Romero, b. 1977, Inglewood, CA (American / Chemehuevi), is an artist known for dramatic fine art photography that examines Indigenous life in contemporary contexts. She is a renowned photographer whose visual storytelling challenges dominant narratives of Indigenous decline and erasure. Her work disrupts preconceived notions about what it means to be a Native American and shows the diversity within Indigenous nations and communities. In a photographic practice that blends documentary and commercial aesthetics, Romero creates stories that draw from intertribal knowledge to expose the fissures and fusions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural memory, collective history, and futurity.

An enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Romero was raised between contrasting settings: the rural Chemehuevi reservation in Mojave Desert, California, and the urban sprawl of Houston, Texas. Informed by her identity, Romero’s visceral approach to representing Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural memory, collective history, and lived experiences results in a blending of fine art and editorial styles.

Maintaining a studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Romero regularly participates in Native American art fairs and panel discussions and was featured on PBS’s Craft in America in 2019. Her award-winning work is included in numerous public and private collections, domestically and internationally, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Guggenheim Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and Forge Project Collections, among others. Romero travels between Santa Fe and the Chemehuevi Valley Indian Reservation, where she maintains close ties to her tribal community and ancestral homelands.

ABOUT SAM AROS-MITCHELL

Sam Aros-Mitchell is a Yaqui choreographer, cultural producer, scholar, and performer based in Minneapolis. He is a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow (2025–28), a McKnight Dance Fellow (2023), and the founder of SAROS field/works, a platform for Indigenous and BIPOC-led performance. For over eight years, he has also been a core collaborator with Rosy Simas Danse. Aros-Mitchell is also the founder of the NE/X Festival (Northeast Experimental): A Festival of Indigenous Performance and The Native Joy Play Festival: A Celebration of Indigenous Creativity and Community. He serves on the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA) Council and is the founder of Aros & Son LLC, a Native-owned company he co-founded with his son to support Indigenous publishing, collaborative media projects, and mentorship. Across all projects, Aros-Mitchell’s practice is guided by kinship, ritual, and the belief that performance is not merely art—it is an embodied act of presence, memory, and cultural continuity. He holds a PhD in Drama and Theater from the joint doctoral program at UC San Diego/UC Irvine, an MFA in Dance Theater from UC San Diego, and a BFA from UC Santa Barbara. He is among the first Yaqui artists to reconstruct and perform José Limón’s The Unsung (Deer Solo) and Danzas Mexicanas (Indio Solo), infusing these historic modernist works with Indigenous embodiment and critical recontextualization. Recent original works include Juya Nokakamea (2024), a multi-sensory performance drawn from Yaqui creation stories, and Entering Aniam (2023), an immersive sound and movement installation.

ABOUT DRS. KEITH ASHLEY & DENISE BOSSY

Keith Ashley (Ph.D. University of Florida, 2003) is an archaeologist and associate professor of anthropology at the University of North Florida. His current research focuses on the Indigenous peoples and histories of southeastern North America, particularly Florida. Presently, he is exploring the involvement of St. Johns River fisher-hunter-gatherers in the broader world of Indigenous farmers during the 10th through the 13th centuries CE. His research also delves into the 16th and 17th century social landscape of the Indigenous Timucua-speaking Mocama. He is actively involved in archaeological excavations with UNF students throughout northeastern Florida.

Dr.?Denise?Bossy is associate professor?of?history at the University of North Florida and North American editor-in-chief?of?the Ethnohistory journal.?She received her BA from Princeton?University?and her Ph.D. from Yale?University. Her teaching and research focus on Florida, local Indigenous history, public and digital humanities, and the Native South. Her award-winning publications include?The Yamasee Indians: From?Florida?to South Carolina?(University of Nebraska Press 2018). Her forthcoming book?Yamasee: Indigenous Mobility and Power in the Early South, is under contract with the?Omohundro?Institute at the University of North Carolina Press. She is currently working with Dr. Keith Ashley on a public-facing book and digital humanities site that examines the deep history?of?the Mocamas,?Guales, and Yamasees?of?Northeast?Florida.?This work is being funded by a 3-year National Endowment for the Humanities Collaborative Research grant.

MOCA JACKSONVILLE MEDIA KIT & CONTACT

Learn more about Cara Romero: Panûpünüwügai (Living Light) here. For questions or to schedule interviews, please contact Arts UNF Director of Communications Amber Sesnick at amber.sesnick@unf.edu or 904-303-0703. Press release and images can be found here.

ABOUT MOCA JACKSONVILLE

Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is one of the city’s most significant cultural assets. As the oldest art museum in Northeast Florida and one of the first contemporary art museums to be established in the United States, MOCA is focused on promoting the discovery, knowledge, and advancement of the art, artists, and ideas of our time.

In 1924, a group of visionary local women artists came together to imagine the kind of city they wanted Jacksonville to be—the kind of community they wanted to live in and be a part of. At the core of their vision for a rich, vital, dynamic city were art, culture, and education. Thus, what we now call MOCA Jacksonville was born—first as a series of exhibitions by artists of the day, used as a fundraising tool to support public school education; then as a guild; and later as an art museum and educational leader. In 2009, MOCA became a cultural institute of the University of North Florida and in 2025 the museum became one of only three percent of museums to achieve accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to American museums. More than a century later, MOCA’s mission remains focused on the art, artists, and ideas of our time, with a vision that unites education, creativity, and community building in the heart of downtown Jacksonville.

Among the most prominent contemporary art museums in the Southeast, MOCA’s exhibitions and programs set the pace for arts and art-integrated programming on a regional and national stage, with an emphasis on works created from 1960 to the present. Renowned in this community, MOCA casts the spotlight on Jacksonville as a burgeoning, vital arts destination. The museum is free to the public every Saturday during VyStar Free Saturdays at MOCA, as well as the first and third Wednesday evening of each month during Museum Nights at MOCA.

MOCA Jacksonville is located at 333 N. Laura Street in Downtown Jacksonville. For more information including hours of operation, admission prices, and upcoming exhibitions and programs, call 904-620-1214 or visit mocajacksonville.unf.edu.

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JWB Names First Female C-Suite Leader to Chief Operating Officer

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Melissa Gillispie named COO of the 20-year old Jacksonville-based Real Estate Company

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 14, 2026 – JWB Real Estate Companies has named Melissa Gillispie its chief operating officer (COO). Gillispie assumes the role immediately and is charged with managing operations for all the locally based real estate entities including JWB Real Estate Capital, JWB Property Management, JWB Rental Homes, JWB Construction and the JWB Cares 501(c)(3) Foundation. She is the first female C-suite leader of the company and became the first female shareholder of JWB in 2024.

Melissa joined JWB in 2013 in the property management division and held various roles in the division until most recently serving as director of leasing and property management. She is a licensed real estate broker and has been credited with expanding JWB’s property management and rental homes divisions to the largest locally owned residential property management company and Jacksonville’s leading provider of affordable housing. JWB Rental Homes manages more than 5,700 homes for individual owners across Jacksonville.

In the COO role, she is responsible for the people, culture and operations to create world-class experiences for its clients, residents and employees. She will helm the company’s growth through structure, systems and processes that allow growth while maintaining a laser focus on serving Jacksonville.

“Our growth is a reflection of the people we have serving all our divisions and our diverse customer base,” said Alex Sifakis, president of JWB Real Estate Companies. “Melissa has been a critical part of our growth but also our culture of service to our community and our dedication to understanding our customers and their unique real estate needs.”

The growth of JWB over two decades has presented opportunities and challenges at once. Gillispie is credited with the creation and implementation of recognizable best practices in property management and customer service during her time as director of property management. She created and manages JWB’s first resident relations role, the only one in the market, which focuses only on special initiatives to serve residents from appreciation to problem solving to resident-focused events and community engagement.

She led the creation of JWB HomeStep, Jacksonville’s only program that helps rental residents earn money each month to apply toward buying any home in Jacksonville when they are ready. Gillispie also manages the JWB Cares Welcome Home Fund down payment assistance program. In its second year, the program provides a $20,000 award each to eight deserving families to buy homes. She also created JWB’s partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Beyond School Walls program which provides high school students with mentorship to students interested in careers in real estate.

Melissa served as the 2025 president of the Jacksonville Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) industry association. Gillispie was named a 40 Under 40 leader by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2025 and a Woman of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2026. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Florida State University where she was a scholarship athlete on the FSU Softball Team.

Celebrating 20 years in 2026, JWB Real Estate Companies, including JWB Real Estate Capital, JWB Property Management, and JWB Rental Homes, is a privately-owned organization serving the Jacksonville region. JWB is dedicated to providing high-quality rental homes and exceptional service while enriching the lives of its residents. Beyond housing, JWB is deeply committed to making a difference in the Jacksonville community through active engagement, charitable giving, and the city’s revitalization efforts. Founded in 2006 in Jacksonville, JWB is the city’s largest locally owned residential property management company and is the city’s leading provider of affordable housing.

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Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Central and Coastal Florida Donates 180 Backpacks to Local Students

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Annual Back-to-School Giveback Program Supports Six Florida Elementary Schools with More Than $2,000 in School Supplies

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) is helping 180 students across Central and Coastal Florida head back to school with new backpacks and supplies through its annual Back-to-School Giveback Program. Now in its fifth year, the initiative supported six elementary schools across the region, with each local Spherion office working directly with school partners to provide items based on the students’ needs.

Over the program’s five-year history, Spherion’s Central and Coastal Florida teams have donated more than 900 backpacks to students. This year alone, Spherion invested at least $2,000 in backpacks and student supplies, while local teams also collected and donated additional classroom essentials for teachers and staff. These efforts reflect Spherion’s broader commitment to investing in the communities it serves in support of the future of work.

This year’s participating Spherion offices and school partners included:

Fort Myers - Manatee Elementary
Jacksonville - S.P. Livingston Elementary
Lakeland - North Lakeland Elementary
Leesburg - Leesburg Elementary
Naples - Osceola Elementary
Sarasota - Emma E. Booker Elementary

“As we mark the fifth year of this program, I’m proud of our teams for their ongoing commitment to local students and communities,” said David Miller, franchise owner of Spherion in Central and Coastal Florida. “Investing in students goes beyond the classroom, supporting the future of our communities and workforce.”

Spherion’s locally owned offices are rooted in the areas they serve, connecting businesses with talent while finding opportunities to give back to local students, families and organizations that make those communities strong.

For more information about Spherion in Central and Coastal Florida, visit www.spherion.com/jacksonvile.

About Spherion

Transform your workforce with Spherion Staffing and Recruiting—where 80 years of proven expertise meets resourceful, forward-thinking service. Our network of independent, locally owned franchise offices in more than 200 communities delivers the staffing solutions that matter: temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and on-premise workforce services that connect more than 3,000 businesses with exceptional talent every day. Backed by Randstad, the world's most equitable and specialized talent company, we combine local market knowledge with national resources to find the right people for employers and the right opportunities for job seekers.

Our 4.9/5 national Google rating from thousands of reviews and recognition as a Forbes Best Temporary Staffing Firm affirms our commitment to excellence in staffing and recruiting. We're also proud to be a franchisor of choice, through inclusion on Franchise Business Review's Top 200 Franchises and Entrepreneur magazine's 2026 Franchise 500 list. Partner with Spherion to strengthen your business or take the next step in your career.

Michael Mason Earns Prestigious CFP® Certification

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, FL, September 11, 2026 —Michael Mason, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. (“MLPF&S”) in Jacksonville, FL has attained their CFP® certification, the standard in financial planning, and has been authorized by CFP Board to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® certification marks. Mason has worked at Merrill since 2015 and is responsible for helping clients create clear, long-term strategies that support the goals that matter most to them. He delivers guidance in retirement planning, wealth management, portfolio design and planning support for individuals, families and small businesses.

The CFP® marks identify those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of CFP Board, including having successfully completed financial planning coursework at an accredited college or university and passed the 6-hour comprehensive CFP® certification exam. The exam covers the following areas: Professional Conduct and Regulations, General Principles of Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Investment Planning, Tax Planning, Retirement Savings and Income Planning, Estate Planning and Psychology of Financial Planning.

CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary, which means acting in the best interests of the client at all times when providing financial advice. They also commit to upholding CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

CFP Board is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board consists of two affiliated organizations focused on advancing the financial planning profession for the public’s benefit. CFP Board of Standards sets and upholds standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. CFP® certification is held by nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. CFP Board Center for Financial Planning addresses diversity and workforce development challenges and conducts and publishes research that adds to the financial planning profession’s body of knowledge.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.

Heritage Capital Group Advises Koogler & Associates on Sale to ALL4

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 16, 2026 — Heritage Capital Group, Inc. (Heritage), an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market and emerging growth companies in the U.S. and worldwide, is pleased to announce that its client, Koogler & Associates, Inc. (Koogler), has been acquired by ALL4 LLC (ALL4).

Koogler is a specialized environmental engineering and air quality consulting firm located in Gainesville, Fla., with more than 52 years of experience primarily serving industrial clients throughout the Southeastern United States.

ALL4 is a leading global provider of strategic consulting services, helping organizations navigate complex Environmental, Health, and Safety challenges across a broad range of heavily regulated industries. Their areas of expertise encompass air quality, acoustics, chemical reporting and management, digital solutions, environmental planning and permitting, sustainability, investigation and remediation, occupational health and safety, waste management, and water quality, with offices in the U.S. and Spain and other remote experts located in Canada and Latin America.

"For more than five decades, Koogler & Associates has been committed to helping our clients navigate complex environmental and air quality challenges with technical excellence and integrity. As we considered the future of the firm, it was important to find a partner that shared our values, our commitment to client service and our investment in our people. ALL4's reputation, resources and global reach make them an ideal fit to build upon the foundation we have established," said John B. Koogler, Ph.D., P.E., Founder, Koogler and Associates, Inc.

"Joining ALL4 represents an exciting next chapter for our team. The combination expands the depth and breadth of services available to our clients while preserving the technical expertise and personalized approach that have defined Koogler for decades. We look forward to leveraging ALL4's capabilities and international platform to better serve clients throughout the Southeast and beyond," said Max Lee, Ph.D., P.E., President of Koogler and Associates.

"Koogler has earned a strong market position through decades of technical leadership, exceptional client service and deep industry expertise. ALL4's extensive capabilities, geographic reach and shared commitment to technical excellence make this a highly strategic partnership. We were honored to advise John, Max, Veronica and the entire Koogler team on this important transaction and help position the company for continued growth and success," said Dan Edelman, principal at Heritage Capital Group and lead advisor on the deal.

Heritage served as the exclusive advisor to Koogler & Associates, Inc. The deal team was led by Dan Edelman. Transaction support for the deal was provided by Ryan Schwartz and Mike Bouton. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Heritage Capital Group provides advisory services on mergers, acquisitions and capital raising to middle-market and emerging-growth companies. Heritage is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and a member of Oaklins, a global M&A advisory firm with more than 900 professionals across 40 countries.

Media Contact:

Lauren Steif

Public Relations Manager, Heritage Capital Group

904-354-9600

lsteif@heritagecapitalgroup.com

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Jacksonville Symphony welcomes Van Cliburn medalist Evren Ozel for the 2026/27 Season Opening: Mozart & Tchaikovsky

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jacksonville, Fla. (September 10, 2026) — The Jacksonville Symphony opens its 2026/27 Season with Mozart & Tchaikovsky on September 25 and 26 in a renovated Jacoby Symphony Hall. Led by Music Director Courtney Lewis, the program features selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat major, K. 482, with Van Cliburn bronze medalist Evren Ozel and Guillaume Connesson’s Maslenitsa.

"If you’re looking for a concert that lifts you out of the everyday into a whirlwind of irrepressible energy, this one’s for you," said Lewis. "It showcases the cinematic power and emotional depth of symphonic music, and celebrates the power of love to transcend all obstacles."

Ozel is an international performer highly sought-after for his technical skill and artistry. He is the bronze medalist of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (2025), a recipient of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and a 2022 Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant. He is also an Ambassador Prize Winner of Concert Artists Guild’s 2021 Competition.

“[Ozel’s] entire performance brought forth that extra spark of spontaneity and inspiration that distinguishes an exceptionally gifted artist from a solid one.” — South Florida Classical Review

Audiences will experience Ozel performing alongside Symphony musicians in a dynamic program while enjoying the new seats, carpeting and acoustic enhancements in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Tickets are available at JaxSymphony.org.

This performance is part of Greta Challen Berg Artists Series and the David M. Hicks Piano Series and sponsored by Florida Blue.

The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the

Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 180,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org.

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ALCHEMY YOGA & WELLNESS BRINGS KULA, ITS SIGNATURE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS, TO GRACE NOTE BREWING

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Free community yoga class brings movement and connection to Grace Note Brewing as Alchemy takes shape in Ortega.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — September 16, 2026 — Alchemy Yoga & Wellness, a locally owned yoga, recovery and wellness studio preparing to open in Jacksonville’s Ortega neighborhood, will host Kula at Grace Note Brewing on Saturday, September 26, from 9:45–10:45 AM.

The complimentary community event will feature Kula, Alchemy’s signature all-levels community flow, led by Alchemy founder Tamara Bettes.

Rooted in the Sanskrit word for community, Kula reflects one of the ideas at the heart of Alchemy: creating opportunities for people to move together, connect and build relationships beyond the walls of the studio.

The one-hour practice will feature accessible sequencing, clear guidance and space for participants to move at their own pace, making the class approachable for those who are new to yoga, returning to their practice or already have an established practice.

Following class, guests are invited to stay for conversation, connection and a complimentary beverage while experiencing the community surrounding Alchemy before its doors officially open.

“As the physical space for Alchemy takes shape, so does the community around it,” said Bettes. “We’re watching people return, bring friends, make connections and stay long after practice ends. Kula was created for exactly that—to use movement as a starting point for something more meaningful.”

The collaboration grew from a shared appreciation for community and locally owned businesses. Grace Note Brewing co-owner Jeremy Baker welcomed the opportunity to host Alchemy just minutes from its future Ortega home, creating a natural partnership between two neighborhood businesses invested in bringing people together.

The event comes during an important month for Alchemy as the studio prepares to introduce its Founding Memberships in October. September marks the final month to join the Alchemy waitlist before Founding Membership invitations are extended, with waitlist members receiving first access.

EVENT DETAILS
Kula at Grace Note Brewing
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:45–10:45 AM

Grace Note Brewing
4591 Lakeside Drive, Ste 108
Jacksonville, FL 32210

Cost: Free
To let us know you're coming, simply comment "I'm in" on Alchemy Yoga & Wellness's event post on social media. Bring a yoga mat, water, and be ready to move.

ABOUT ALCHEMY YOGA & WELLNESS
Alchemy Yoga & Wellness is a locally owned yoga, recovery and wellness studio preparing to open in Jacksonville’s historic Ortega neighborhood. Alchemy brings movement, massage therapy, esthetics and recovery experiences together within an intentionally designed space centered on sustainable wellbeing, meaningful connection and community.

Where ritual meets renewal.

For more information or to join the waitlist, visit Alchemy Yoga & Wellness
online or follow @alchemyjax.yoga on Instagram.

Media Contact
Tamara Bettes
Co-Founder
Alchemy Yoga & Wellness
Email: admin@alchemyjax.yoga
Website: alchemyjax.yoga

13th ANNUAL BLUES, BREWS, BOURBON & BBQ RAISES OVER $47,000 FOR THE HISTORIC FLORIDA THEATRE

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 16, 2026) – The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre raised over $47,000 during its 13^th annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ event last week at Bowing Oaks. Many thanks to all the vendors, sponsors, members, and Theatre supporters who donated their services and purchased tickets to this amazing fundraiser!

Publix Super Markets Charities was the Presenting Sponsor of the September 10th event benefiting the historic Florida Theatre.

This is the fourth year Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ has been at Bowing Oaks. Bowing Oaks has been a Corporate Partner of the Florida Theatre since 2019.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support our fundraiser, as well as everyone who purchased an auction item and helped make Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ 2026 such a success,” said Kevin Stone, Interim President/VP of Programming at the Florida Theatre. “Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference and helps us continue our mission of providing memorable entertainment and preserving the Florida Theatre.”

Attendees of this annual event enjoyed an electrifying evening of live Blues music from The Beale Street Band, Neil Dixon & Smokestack, plus unlimited local BBQ, the best craft beer, and a curated bourbon selection.

The Florida Theatre wishes to thank all the generous vendors and sponsors below who made this wonderful event possible:

The Brews

Bold City Brewing

Grace Note Brewing

*Legacy Ale Works – Craft Master Winner

Mocama Beer Co.

Ruby Beach Brewing

Veterans United Craft Brewery

The Spirits

5 Sisters Vodka

A1A Spirits

Brackish

DuBlase

Jackson Family Wines

*Julep – Flavor Master Winner

Manifest Distilling

The BBQ

Culhane’s

FOGO

The Grub Brothers

Ruby Beach Smoke

V Pizza

The Desserts

Bee Friends Farm

Bono’s

Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery

VIP Vendors

Chef’s Garden

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Sysco

Additional Activities

Cox Media

Sparks Fly Events

Visit Jacksonville

Current Sponsors

Presenting - Publix Super Markets Charities

AVL Productions

Auld & White Constructors

Community First Credit Union

Diana Health

The Eagle 96.9

Easy 102.9

Five Smooth Stones

Regency Centers

Sparks Fly Events

104.5 WOKV

Click here to see photos of the event. All proceeds from the annual Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ fundraiser go to the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre.

Since its inception in 2013, Blues, Brews, Bourbon & BBQ (formerly Blues, Brews & BBQ) has raised $496,446.98 for the Florida Theatre.

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About the Florida Theatre

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING BRINGS BELOVED CLASSIC "MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS" TO THE STAGE OCTOBER 1

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Alhambra Theatre & Dining will take audiences on a nostalgic trip to turn-of-the-century America when the beloved musical Meet Me in St. Louis opens October 1 and runs through November 8.

Based on the classic 1944 MGM film starring Judy Garland, Meet Me in St. Louis follows the Smith family through a year of life, love and change in St. Louis as the city prepares to host the 1904 World’s Fair. When the family patriarch announces that a new job will require them to leave their beloved hometown for New York, the close-knit family must face the possibility of leaving behind everything — and everyone — they love.

Filled with warmth, humor, romance and some of the most memorable songs of the American musical theater, Meet Me in St. Louis features favorites including “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door” and the timeless “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

“Meet Me in St. Louis is one of those shows that just makes you feel good,” said Alhambra Managing Partner Craig Smith. “It’s funny, romantic and nostalgic, but at its heart it’s really about family and the idea that home is more than simply where you live. It’s a wonderful show for this time of year and one we think our audiences are going to love.”

The stage musical debuted on Broadway in 1989 and was adapted from the acclaimed MGM film, which earned four Academy Award nominations and helped make “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” enduring standards.

As with every Alhambra production, the evening combines professional live theater with a three-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy and his culinary team as well as complimentary parking.

Meet Me in St. Louis opens Thursday, October 1 and runs through Sunday, November 8 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville.

?Tickets may be purchased by calling (904) 641-1212 or by visiting the Alhambra Theatre & Dining website.

About the Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Originally opened in 1967, the Alhambra Theatre and Dining is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating dinner theatres, celebrated for its intimate setting and high-quality entertainment. Named in 2025 as the nation's Best Dinner Theater by USA TODAY, with a long-standing history of excellence, the Alhambra remains a beloved cultural destination. Located at 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, the theatre offers single-show tickets starting at just $48, which includes a three-course meal tailored to each show, a Broadway-style performance, and complimentary parking. Tickets can be purchased online at www.alhambrajax.com or by calling 904.641.1212.

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Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC Completes Comprehensive Technology Deployment at Becoming Collegiate Academy

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Integrated classroom, network, communications, security, and Chromebook technology supports BCA's instructional environment and future growth.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - September 17, 2026 - Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC announces the completion of a comprehensive technology deployment for Becoming Collegiate Academy (BCA) in Jacksonville, Florida. The work brought together classroom technology, networking, communications, security-related infrastructure, Chromebook
management, and administrative technology into a coordinated school environment.

A Connected Technology Environment
The deployment included technology across several areas of the academy:
• Interactive classroom technology: Installation and configuration of BenQ interactive education displays to support digital instruction, presentations, multimedia content, and classroom collaboration.
• Network and wireless infrastructure: Network, switching, wireless connectivity, and supporting infrastructure for staff, student devices, classroom technology, voice communications, and other connected systems.
• Student Chromebook environment: Google Admin configuration supporting managed Chromebook sessions and centrally managed instructional resources, including the school's Time To Learn bookmark structure with organized access to ELA, Math, testing, games, STEAM, and other learning resources.
• VoIP communications: A 3CX-based telephone environment with Yealink phones, digital receptionist functionality, office call routing, after-hours messaging, school-wide paging, and grade-level paging capabilities.
• Security and access technology: Supporting technology infrastructure for the academy's surveillance and controlled-access environment.
• Classroom and administrative technology: Configuration and deployment of technology supporting classrooms, instructional spaces, and school operations.
• Ongoing IT management: Configuration management, troubleshooting, technology planning, and continued technical support for the school's growing environment.

Technology Built Around Education
"Technology in a school should do more than simply work - it should make it easier for teachers to teach, students to learn, and administrators to operate the school," said a representative of Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC. "Our work with Becoming Collegiate Academy brought multiple technology systems together into a coordinated environment while establishing an infrastructure that can continue to grow with the academy."
Checkpoint's work also gives BCA centralized tools for managing instructional technology. Educational websites and resources can be deployed through Google Admin, interactive classroom displays support digital communication and instruction, and the 3CX communications platform provides both targeted and school-wide communication options.

Supporting BCA's Continued Growth
As Becoming Collegiate Academy expands its facilities and programs, the technology environment can be extended to support additional structured Cat6 cabling, wireless access points, classroom technology, computing equipment,communications, security systems, and other infrastructure associated with campus growth.

The BCA project reflects Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC's ability to coordinate multiple technology disciplines for an educational environment, including networking, structured cabling, wireless infrastructure, VoIP communications, physical security technology, audiovisual systems, interactive classroom technology, cloud administration, and ongoing IT support.

About Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC
Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC provides technology solutions for educational institutions, businesses, and organizations. Services include network infrastructure, structured cabling, wireless networking, VoIP communications,security technology, audiovisual systems, interactive classroom technology, system integration, and ongoing technology support. Checkpoint helps organizations design, deploy, manage, and expand technology environments aligned with their operational needs.

MEDIA CONTACT
Checkpoint Technology Solutions LLC
Jacksonville, Florida
Phone: (904) 701-7795

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Cogent Bank launches Trust Services to provide personalized trust and estate solutions

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

New offering provides clients with a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions under one roof.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 11, 2026) — Cogent Bank (Cogent), a Florida-based community bank, today announces the launch of Cogent Trust Services, expanding the bank's private banking capabilities with personalized fiduciary solutions designed to help individuals and families preserve, protect and transfer wealth across generations.

"After more than 26 years in trust and estate services, I've learned that trust administration isn't just about managing assets; it's about understanding what keeps clients up at night and helping them navigate some of life's most important decisions," said Madelayne Cordero, SVP, Managing Director of Trust Services at Cogent Bank. "Our goal is to make these conversations approachable while helping clients protect their families, their assets and their legacy through trusted, personalized guidance."

The launch responds to growing demand for trust and estate services fueled by the continued migration of individuals, families and businesses to Florida, as well as one of the largest generational wealth transfers in U.S. history. As wealth shifts from Baby Boomers to younger generations, Cogent Bank’s Trust Services offering strengthens its relationship-driven approach and provides clients with a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions under one roof.

Since joining Cogent Bank earlier this year, Cordero has built a team of experienced trust professionals to support the launch of Trust Services. As client demand grows, Cogent plans to continue expanding the team and its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families and professional partners.

Cordero also brings a particular focus to women navigating wealth transfer and estate planning, an area she says is often overlooked in the industry. “Women are increasingly the ones inheriting and stewarding family wealth, yet so much of the industry still isn’t built with them in mind,” Cordero said. “Having sat in that seat myself, my goal is to make sure every client has an advisor who truly understands what they’re navigating.”

Cogent Trust Services offers a range of fiduciary services, including trust administration, estate settlement, guardianships, trusts for individuals with special needs and specialized expertise in international estate planning, helping clients preserve wealth, protect loved ones and navigate important life transitions.

Cogent Trust Services is designed to complement clients' existing professional relationships. The team works collaboratively with attorneys, certified public accountants and registered investment advisors, allowing clients to continue working with the professionals they trust while benefiting from experienced fiduciary administration and personalized estate planning guidance.

About Cogent Bank

Cogent Bank is a state-chartered bank that has operated as a full-service business and personal bank since 2018. With over $2.4 billion in total assets, Cogent offers multiple banking centers in North, Central and South Florida. Cogent offers a broad range of lending, depository, treasury management and mobile banking services designed to meet the complex and diverse needs of its clients while staying focused on the local communities it serves. Cogent believes banking is personal and requires high-touch, innovative services designed to make managing financial transactions easier. Cogent pairs its financial expertise with a passion for learning more about its clients’ goals and objectives. To learn more, visit https://cogentbank.com/

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FLORIDA THEATRE ANNOUNCES BY UNANIMOUS VOTE - KEVIN STONE AS THEATRE PRESIDENT AND PC BRYANT AS BOARD CHAIR

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 17, 2026) – The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, is pleased to announce Kevin Stone as President of the Florida Theatre and PC Bryant as Board Chair, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for one of Jacksonville’s most treasured cultural institutions.

Stone will serve as President of the Florida Theatre, leading the organization’s operations and strategic initiatives while working with the Board, staff, artists, and community to advance the Theatre’s mission and continued growth. Stone has been with the Florida Theatre for 13 years and has served as the Interim President/VP Programming, the Vice President of Programming, and the Director of Programming. Stone brings a long resume of experience in the live entertainment industry, including serving as the Director of Entertainment at Ruth Eckerd Hall for nine years.

“I’m honored to be named President of the Florida Theatre and grateful for the Board’s confidence,” said Stone. “This is an extraordinary institution with a remarkable history and an important place in the heart of Jacksonville. I look forward to working alongside PC, the Board, and our talented team to create memorable experiences for audiences and ensure the Florida Theatre remains a vibrant part of our community for generations to come.”

The mission of the Florida Theatre, as a nonprofit organization, is to enhance the North Florida community's quality of life by providing diverse and memorable arts and entertainment experiences, and by preserving a unique historic Jacksonville landmark.

Bryant will serve as Chair of the Florida Theatre’s Board of Directors, providing leadership and guidance as the organization continues to build on its legacy and important role in Jacksonville’s arts and entertainment community. Bryant has been a valued member of the Florida Theatre Board since 2017. Bryant currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at Norfolk Southern. Prior to Norfolk Southern, he held leadership roles in Human Resources at CSX, The Home Depot, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and more.

“I’m honored to serve as the incoming Board Chair of the Florida Theatre,” said Bryant. “As we head into the 100^th anniversary year of the Theatre, I look forward to working with Kevin and my fellow Board members to build on the Theatre’s tremendous legacy and help shape its future.”

The leadership announcement comes as the Florida Theatre continues its longstanding commitment to presenting exceptional live entertainment and providing a gathering place for audiences throughout Northeast Florida. Since opening its doors in 1927, the historic venue has welcomed countless performers and audiences and remains a defining part of downtown Jacksonville’s cultural landscape.

Under Stone’s leadership as President and Bryant’s leadership as Board Chair, the Florida Theatre will continue to focus on presenting outstanding live performances, engaging audiences, strengthening community relationships, and preserving the historic theatre for future generations.

The historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville, FL seats 1,865 people and hosts over 200 events a year. In 2025, Pollstar Magazine ranked the Florida Theatre as the #5 most-attended theatre worldwide for theatres up to 2,000 seats, and LHAT (League of Historic American Theatres) named the Florida Theatre the 2025 Outstanding Historic Theatre. The Florida Theatre will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

To see the current list of the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc. Board of Directors, please click here.

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About the Florida Theatre

Originally opened in 1927 to accommodate live performances and motion pictures, the Florida Theatre has undergone numerous transformations over the years (including the 1983 reopening, 2022 new member lounge, and 2023 $8 million renovation, just to name a few). The Florida Theatre has seen history unfold from the Great Depression two years after opening, to Elvis performing here in 1956, to segregation/integration in the late 1960s, to surviving the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Today, the only historic theatre left on Forsyth Street (where Jay the resident ghost lives), the Florida Theatre stands as a premier performing arts center, hosting a diverse array of events including concerts, shows, comedy acts, and community events. The Florida Theatre’s rich history and stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture make it a beloved landmark and a focal point of Jacksonville's cultural scene.

There is something for everyone at the Florida Theatre. From pop, jazz, rock, comedy, country, and blues to ballet, the historic Florida Theatre annually offers cultural and entertainment events for every taste and age. For tickets or to learn more about educational performances for schools, rentals, membership, or the nonprofit corporation that manages the majestic Theatre, please visit www.floridatheatre.com.

AI is Becoming a Shopping Channel: New Acosta Group Study Finds 34% of Shoppers Use AI

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Success requires new pathways for product discovery by any AI
Jacksonville, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2026) – A new Acosta Group AI-focused shopper study signals that generative AI is rapidly becoming part of the shopper journey, with 34% of shoppers using AI tools to shop and nearly half of Gen Z shoppers influenced by AI in recent purchase decisions.

These findings arrive in advance of Groceryshop 2026, as retailers and brands evaluate how to reshape their omnichannel commerce strategies.

“Success,” said John Carroll, president of Connected Commerce for Acosta Group, “requires brands to build new or elevated pathways for their products to be understood, recommended, compared and selected by any AI.”

HOW AND WHY AI IS USED
Gen AI has moved into the mainstream, garnering broad use by Gen Z and Millennial shoppers (74%), and a fast-rising 45% of Boomers. ChatGPT and Google Gemini are shoppers’ preferred tools, with Gemini already routinely used by 25% of shoppers when searching online for products.

As anticipated, shoppers report saving money, product comparisons, saving time and product research as their primary reasons for using an AI tool. 55% of Gen Z shoppers who use AI tools are using AI as they shop in store. AI usage remains highest for frequently purchased product categories, including grocery and household items, and health and wellness products.

TRUST REMAINS A BARRIER TO AUTONOMOUS PURCHASING
Gen AI continues to rank as trustworthy as other sources for 60% of all shoppers using the tool. The study reflects that trust is damaged when incorrect or misleading data is delivered, or when shoppers are concerned that AI recommendations are biased by ads, further highlighting the need for brands to ensure accuracy of details across all platforms.

Transparency about how shopper data is stored and protected remains a concern for 48% of all shoppers.

There is an increase in data sharing among some segments. Younger shoppers willing to share information with Gen AI say they are now more likely to share additional personal details, such as their photo or medical history. Similarly, grocery shoppers willing to share information are now more willing to share their preferences, stores or brands with Gen AI.

Autonomous purchasing remains challenging. In 2026, only 22% of those using Gen AI for shopping trust agents to make purchasing decisions for them. That number increases to 35% for Millennials.

“Shoppers’ trust in AI for product recommendations has been slow in evolving to allow agents to make purchases on their behalf, reflecting concerns for the privacy of their own lives and those of their families,” said Kathy Risch, SVP Shopper Insights and Thought Leadership for Acosta Group. “The more value shoppers experience with AI, the more likely they will share information, especially as brands and retailers provide transparency on how it will be protected. Companies that earn shopper trust now will be best positioned as AI becomes a more active purchase agent.”

PRODUCT SELECTION IN SHOPPERS’ NEW PATH TO PURCHASE
AI’s influence on purchasing is growing. Half of Gen Z and Millennials who use AI tools reported that AI had influenced their buying decisions in the past three months.

For shoppers influenced by AI, its primary impact was helping them choose from among product options. The value of brand awareness and loyalty was apparent, as nearly half said they’d likely select a known brand if presented an unfamiliar option. However, 40% reported that they had tried a new brand, highlighting opportunities for discovery.

“To meet this evolving shopper path to purchase,” said Carroll, “we aren’t focusing on agent readiness, but rather on helping brands develop a grounded, measurable approach that will help them grow in consumers’ increasingly agent-driven shopper journeys.”

One key is to apply the core fundamentals, but at a much more elevated and nuanced level. Carroll recommends that brands invest in four areas: retailer readiness – the brilliant basics; shopper understanding, to learn how consumers are sharing their needs, problems, occasions and desired outcomes; AI discoverability, to confirm that AI systems are consistently understanding and making product recommendations across platforms; and experimentation, because consumer shopping behavior will continue to evolve and to stay relevant, it’s necessary to test new concepts.

“Brands’ and retailers’ future growth will require knowing how products move through the AI commerce stack we’ve defined, evolving from discovery to decision to transaction,” said Carroll.

Research for this AI Shopper Study was conducted May 15-21, 2026, with 1,271 U.S. shoppers of at least one retail channel in the prior three months. Respondents are part of Acosta Group’s proprietary Shopper Community, comprised of over 40,000 demographically diverse shoppers from across the U.S. To learn more about the study, visit Acosta Group AI Shopper Study, 2026.

ABOUT ACOSTA GROUP
Acosta Group is a collective of the most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies empowering brands and retailers to win in the modern marketplace. By delivering transformative, commerce-focused solutions and a century of expertise, Acosta Group connects the company’s partners with people at every point in the consumer journey.

Comprised of Acosta, ActionLink, ADW, CORE Away From Home, CROSSMARK, Mosaic, Premium Retail Services, and Product Connections, Acosta Group understands and anticipates evolving consumer needs, fueling accelerated performance to connect tomorrow’s commerce today. For more information, please visit acosta.grou

PENNY ZUBER TO SERVE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF KIDS HOPE ALLIANCE

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Florida, September 17, 2026 — Penny Zuber will become Chief Executive Officer of the Kids Hope Alliance effective September 21, 2026. She brings more than four decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families.

"Zuber most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, concluding a distinguished 42-year career. She provided strategic, financial, and operational leadership for one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations, overseeing 13 branches, a public charter school, an overnight camp, more than 40 program sites, and services reaching more than 200,000 individuals annually. Her career has been marked by success aligning strategy, funding, partnerships, and accountability systems to expand youth development initiatives, strengthen organizational sustainability, and drive measurable community impact.

A collaborative leader, Zuber has worked closely with elected officials, boards, community organizations, schools, healthcare systems, foundations, and business leaders to expand opportunities for children and families. Her community involvement includes service as a founding board member of Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida, Secretary of the Riverfront Parks Conservancy Board, mentor with the University of North Florida Community Alliance for Student Success, and President-Elect of the Jacksonville Women’s Network. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, cum laude, from the University of North Florida and completed Executive Presence and Influence coursework at the Wharton School.

Kids Hope Alliance Board Chair Marsha Oliver said, “After a comprehensive national search, the Board is confident that Penny is the right leader for this moment. Her deep local knowledge, longstanding partnerships, and lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families uniquely position her to advance the mission of Kids Hope Alliance. We are thrilled to welcome her into this role.”

Zuber said, “The most meaningful work happens when communities come together on behalf of children. I am honored to join Kids Hope Alliance as its Chief Executive Officer and build upon its important mission. I look forward to working with dedicated partners across Duval County to ensure our investments create opportunities, strengthen families, and improve outcomes for the young people we serve.”

Mayor Donna Deegan said, “Penny has spent her career strengthening Jacksonville’s families and communities, and her commitment to young people is unmatched. I’m excited to see the impact of Kids Hope Alliance deepen and this vital organization continue to thrive under her leadership.”

The Kids Hope Alliance Board of Directors, staff, and Mayor Deegan extend their gratitude to Dr. Dana Kriznar for her dedicated service as interim CEO during this transition period. For more information about Jacksonville’s ongoing initiatives for children, youth and families, please visit kidshopealliance.org.

About the City of Jacksonville

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Heritage Capital Group Advises Koogler & Associates on Sale to ALL4

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Media Contact:

Lauren Steif

Public Relations Manager, Heritage Capital Group

904-354-9600

lsteif@heritagecapitalgroup.com

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Andrew Gnann named president & CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Experienced Ascension leader brings lifelong connection to the organization’s Mission

Jacksonville, Fla. (September 9, 2026) – Ascension St. Vincent’s has named Andrew Gnann president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, effective Sept. 14, 2026.

Gnann currently serves as president of Ascension Seton Williamson in Central Texas. His appointment provides continuity in leadership and an understanding of Ascension’s Mission and commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to people in need.

His new role continues a lifelong connection to the ministry. Gnann was born at a St. Vincent's hospital in Alabama and began his healthcare career within St. Vincent's.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Northeast Florida community and continue a career that has been shaped by Ascension’s Mission,” said Gnann. “My story with St. Vincent's started the day I was born, so stepping into this role carries real meaning for me. There is a remarkable legacy here, built by the Daughters of Charity and generations of associates who came before us. I take the responsibility of stewarding that history and carrying it forward very seriously."

Gnann will lead Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside while focusing on clinical excellence, associate and clinician engagement, strategic growth, and expansion of quality care.

“Andrew brings extensive operational experience and an understanding of what it means to lead within Ascension,” said Scott Kashman, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System. “His experience leading teams and operations in multiple Ascension markets will allow him to step into this role with a strong foundation and focus immediately on the needs of the community. We are excited to welcome Andrew and his family to Northeast Florida.”

Gnann’s connection to Ascension began long before his professional career. He and his twin brother were born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Years later, he began his healthcare career as an administrative resident at Ascension St. Vincent’s East in Birmingham. Gnann steadily advanced through leadership positions and eventually led the hospital as president.

Gnann completed his undergraduate bachelor’s degree at Trinity University in San Antonio and his graduate master’s degree in healthcare administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Outside of work, he is an avid swimmer who competed collegiately and continues to occasionally compete with U.S. Masters Swimming. He credits swimming with helping him maintain both his physical and mental well-being.

To learn more about care at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, visit our website.

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About Ascension St. Vincent’s
Ascension St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates four hospitals and more than 90 other sites of care and employs more than 5,300 associates. In fiscal year 2025, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided nearly $174 million in total community benefit and other community contributions, including care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare provider dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the nation's leading non-profit and faith-based health systems, Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to all. Visit www.ascension.org.

JAX Chamber News Newswire

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital Welcomes Nicky Reed as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

Jacksonville Symphony Performs Mahler’s Ninth Symphony on November 6 and 7, 2026

Russell Rowland’s 7th Annual Turkey Drive Aims to Feed 4,000+ People with 1000+ Turkeys for Florida Families

ANNOUNCING THE JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST 2026 SCHEDULE AND MAP

Applications Now Open for the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship

Community Hospice & Palliative Care Highlights the Importance of Choice During National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Smith Hulsey & Busey Makes Strategic New Hires

Why Cybersecurity Is a Shared Responsibility for Small Businesses

THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT BRINGS ITS SIGNATURE SOUND TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE JANUARY 14, 2027

Florida Blue Foundation awards grants to strengthen mental health support in Florida communities

Ascension St. Vincent's hospitals earn multiple Healthgrades clinical excellence honors

November at the Jacksonville Symphony brings a world premiere and the kickoff to holiday programming

VyStar Credit Union Welcomes Katie Averill as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

LifeSouth Expands Northeast Florida Presence, Investing in Region’s Growing Healthcare Needs

Scherer Construction Welcomes James Blythe as Director of Design, Strengthening In-House Design-Build Services

Destiny Changers Foundation Partners with Feeding Northeast Florida for "Community Connection Day" on October 31st

Jumbo Shrimp reveal 2027 home game times

City Rescue Mission Announces Planned Leadership Transition and National CEO Search

North Florida Land Trust Announces Fundraising Campaign to add Dambo Trolls to an NFLT Preserve

A NIGHT OF PIANO-DRIVEN ROCK: BEN FOLDS FIVE COMES TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE APRIL 15, 2027

MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Hope in Action at the Sherman Family Champion for Children’s Gala

VyStar Turns Purpose into Action During Fifth Annual Good is everywhere Celebration

Alchemy Yoga & Wellness Returns to Grace Note Brewing for “KULA-ween”

ICI Homes joins the preferred builder team at IronCrest

Gamble Builders Brings Construction Expertise to Property Decisions Across Northeast Florida

Granary Park welcomes DRB Homes to builder team

COMEDIAN DUSTY SLAY ANNOUNCES “THE NEIGHBORHOOD GUY” TOUR MARCH 19, 2027 @ FLORIDA THEATRE

Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida Wins Awards at The Baldwin Group Corporate Run 5K

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty announces The Neighborhood of San Jose

An Afternoon with DAVID SEDARIS

M/I Homes celebrates grand opening of new model home at Turnleaf

The PARC Group Reveals Plans for Sagebrush, Next EverRange Neighborhood

Century-Old Hardware Landmark Unveils Next Chapter: Hunt Lumber & Supply Announces Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Banana Ball World Tour returns to VyStar Ballpark in 2027

Teachers nominated for 2027 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year EDDY Award

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville Introduces Refreshed Brand Identity

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING UNVEILS BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP FOR LANDMARK 60TH SEASON

Jacksonville institution celebrates six decades of live theatre with a 2027 season featuring Broadway favorites, beloved classics and family blockbusters

SIX DECADES — AND STILL GROWING

ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING — 2027 60TH SEASON

Guest conductor Christopher Warren-Green Leads Symphony and Chorus in Bernstein & Stravinsky

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care to Host 3rd Annual Vets, Pets & Music Fest

Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida Announces Opposition to Amendment 3 and Launches Campaign Highlighting Risks it Presents to Local Citizens

Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside to receive nearly $53 million for hurricane resiliency improvements

Pace Center for Girls Welcomes Kim Simon as Executive Director of Pace Jacksonville

Construction underway on Turnleaf’s new Amenity Campus

Jacksonville Symphony presents Stevie Wonder, Bernstein, Elton John and a live organ improvisation to The Phantom of the Opera in October 2026

WJCT Public Media Builds Momentum With Four New Trustees and Appointment of New Board Chair

WIN THE FLORIDA THEATRE DIAMOND TICKET!

Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville Welcomes Elizabeth Watson and Taylor Ruiz to Development Team

Gamble Builders Welcomes Stephen Hobbs to Lead Business Development and Jacksonville Growth

City of Jacksonville and VyStar Credit Union Empower Residents To Take Control of Their Finances

WJCT Public Media Debuts Studio Five Podcast Production Services Under Leadership of Letisha Bereola

Paula Naugle Bides Joins Ability Housing as Chief of Strategy & Development

North Florida Land Trust and the City of Fernandina Beach Partner to Extend Egans Creek Greenway

The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care Invites Families to Go Wild at ROARS and More

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty moving to a new branch office in St. Augustine Beach

BIANCA DEL RIO’S “IT GETS BITTER” WORLD COMEDY TOUR COMES TO THE FLORIDA THEATRE MARCH 15, 2027

Sandbox VR Continues Florida Expansion with New Jacksonville Venue, Opening October 9

GreenPointe Holdings promotes Ben Meyers to Project Manager, South Florida Region

Cosmic Baseball announces 2027 Cosmic Takeover Tour schedule

JAX Chamber Takes Position on Amendment 3

ERIN KENDRICK: NEW QUARTERLY ARTIST IN THE JAX CHAMBER GALLERY PROGRAM

ANNOUNCING THE JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST 2026 MUSIC LINEUP

Heritage Capital Advises Karob Instrument on Sale to Investment Group Led by EMT Metals CEO Mark Izzo

Dream Finders Homes Champions for Child Safety Pro-Am Returns to Support Child Safety and Abuse Prevention

New JPEF research identifies barriers to postsecondary success for Duval County students

Jacksonville Aviation Authority Elects New Board Leadership for Fiscal Year 2027

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside named one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers for the third straight year

GATE River Run Unveils 50th Anniversary Logo Ahead of Historic 2027 Race

Winning design by Inkling Creative celebrates the Hart Bridge, five decades of River Run history and a deeply personal family story

This year’s commemorative logo was created by Lauren Waller, founder and designer of Inkling Creative, and was selected by popular vote from Jacksonville’s running community as this year’s winner.

For Waller, however, the design is about much more than creating a memorable anniversary logo. Her inspiration is her father-in-law, John Waller, one of just 17 remaining GATE River Run “streakers” - runners who have maintained unbroken, consecutive participation in the race.

GATE River Run | Registration Opens October 1

The 50th Anniversary GATE River Run will take place Saturday, March 6, 2027, in Jacksonville. Registration opens October 1, 2026, with the following 2027 pricing provided by race organizers:

Registration Period

15K

5K

Media Contact:
Jenny Ordway | GATE Petroleum Company | JOrdway@gatepetro.com