Think about doing something different.  My friend, Burne Hill’s last text to me was, “Been a hard week in here.” He sent it from his hospital room where he was fighting both COVID-19 and pneumonia.  He died on August 31, 2021.  Burne Hill and John M. Phillips Burne Wilton Hill, III was not just my friend, but a friend to everyone who met him. His smile and laughter drew you in. His kindness kept you wanting more. He’d walk across the street to help a stranger but he wouldn’t just give the shirt off of his back, he’d add his shoes and his last dollar, too.  Burne Hill served ..read more

After an 18-month hiatus, Art Walk will return to Downtown Jacksonville on Oct. 6. The event, programmed by Downtown Vision in collaboration with local businesses, has occurred every first Wednesday of the month since 2003, drawing thousands of people into the wonder of the urban core. The organization took the time off as an opportunity to breathe new life into Art Walk. An updated layout features three hubs: James Weldon Johnson Park will host Downtown Vision’s programs, the Jessie Ball DuPont Center will curate local art and performers with a focus on equity and community, and the VyStar Br ..read more

The push to vaccinate zoo animals against COVID-19.  Humans: top of the food chain, apex predators, the most intelligent and developed creatures to walk the Earth. We’ve got 300,000 years’ worth of science, history and culture to back those claims, not to mention the ability to survive and thrive in ever-changing circumstances. In our relatively short time on this planet, we’ve shaped the physical and social landscape in a way no other species has, earning our status as the Earth’s most advanced. And if the countless innovations and discoveries weren’t enough proof of human prestige, at l ..read more

One of the best parts of being a skateboarder is the never ending hunt for the perfect spot, but the hunt here in Jacksonville is often thwarted by police, “No Skateboarding” signs and fines.  To some skateboarders, the Urban Core is forbidden fruit. Still, skaters rip through Downtown spots under the cover of darkness, forced to dip out at the first sign of authorities. To the majority of the skate community, Downtown remains mostly untouchable. Legendary skate spots like Friendship Fountain, James Weldon Johnson Park (formerly known as Hemming Park) and the Main Street ledges have been ..read more

In St. Johns County, students are left to their own devices–or masks. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of all, and if there is one thing our community can agree on, it’s that its vast impact does not stop at education.  Students have switched gears from in-person learning with hands-on education and making new friends to an isolated, virtual school back to “brick and mortar” school all in the span of two years. We have been patient toward the back and forth learning environments which took away from what was normal two years ago to an education within a screen. The toll from t ..read more

No one is sure what will happen when the eviction moratorium ends.  Last year’s difficulties following COVID-19 breakouts impacted so many around the world. Businesses, employees, students, and so many more had to face the effects of the pandemic’s hit to the economy. The housing market faced major issues when tenants who were financially impacted by COVID-19 were struggling to pay their rent. With unemployment hitting an all time high in 2020, people were wondering how they were going to afford to pay their rent, so the Center for Disease Control announced their first order on September ..read more

Rock climbers in Florida are a unique bunch. Without natural rock formations to practice their craft locally, climbers travel hours to get to real rock—or a few minutes to a man-made version. Indoor climbing gyms are the main gateway for introduction of new Florida climbers, as well as being the centerpiece for the Florida community as a whole. Rock climbing’s introduction into the 2021 Tokyo Olympics has created unparalleled interest in the sport, and gyms are experiencing a boom in new climbers in stark contrast to the lull that plagued gyms during COVID lockdowns. If gyms are the heart of t ..read more

Tommy Hazouri held nearly every political office you could in Jacksonville, he passed away on Sept. 11.  In some ways, it was very on-brand for Tommy Hazouri to die on a Saturday morning, his loss somewhat overshadowed by the 20th anniversary of 9/11. In fact, his final social media post, mere hours earlier, paid tribute to the Americans lost that day. Just as so many aspects of the former mayor’s life managed to slip under the radar, so too does his death come with much less fanfare than some of his peers. Hazouri (1944-2021) never was one for fuss. Although quite adept at tooting his ow ..read more

You may know these three vocalists from their separate careers, but if you haven’t seen them together as The Frontmen, you’re in for a country music experience like no other. Join The Frontmen of Country this Saturday, September 18 for this one-time performance of Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas, and Richie McDonald of Lonestar. Collectively, these artists have sold more than 30 million records and have 30 major hits among them. The Frontmen have thrilled audiences around the world, entertaining troops and performing at fairs, casinos and corporate event ..read more

Dear Dumbs: I love advice columns. I read Dear Abby on a regular basis. I have to tell ya, Dear Dumbs is my favorite. Funny and honest. I love it and I love you. The latest Dear Abby really hit home for me because I’m going through the exact same thing. Her advice was helpful but I’m coming to you for a second opinion. My boyfriend of seven years wants to get married. I don’t want to because of something his mother did to me many years ago. Here’s the bullet points.  I’ve been friends with the family for a long time. I was dating a guy who was in our (quite large) inner circle. She though ..read more