Events

NEVER QUIT BEACH FEST

The annual festival brings a special guest to Jacksonville Beach — Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm in a shark attack, then returned to pro surfing.
The film based on her book, “Soul Surfer,” screens 8 p.m. May 17-18 for Never Quit participants who will get a chance to meet her.

On May 19, Hamilton will team up with Navy EOD Brad Snyder who lost his eyesight in Afghanistan and won gold in swimming in the Para-Olympics in 2012. She will be Brad's eyes and run by his side in the 5K, Trident and Warrior Challenge.

The Para-Commandos paratroopers jump in for both movie nights and again just after Bethany says the opening prayers before the May 19 run and walks. Every finisher in the 5K and Trident receives a $300 necklace or Tifosi sunglasses. You choose your finisher prize. There is more than $2.6 million in prizes.

For those 16 to 34, enter the free Warrior Challenge and see if you have what it takes to join a Special Operations group as you are scored by elite military and Speciial Ops members. Or be a part of a six-person team in the Battle for the Beach, one of the hardest challenges in the country.

The expo is 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 17-18, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. May 19.

Register your family to take part in these events. Who will you Never Quit for?

887-9595, (206) 551-8704

SeaWalk Pavilion, 11 First St. N., Jacksonville Beach, Florida. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 17-18, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. May 19. Contact: Erik Petroni, erik@NeverQuitNever.com.

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Arts

THE APARTMENT EXHIBITION

Inviting folks to an “Open House” unlike any other, artists Thony Aiuppy, Sterling Cox, Lily Kuonen and Edison William with curator Staci Bu Shea, examine the idea and definitions of “home.” Works include paintings, drawings, photography, installation and performance May 10-June 2 — when the tenants’ lease is up. “Open House” reception 5-8 p.m. May 10, featuring the mixed drink Security Deposit. “A Sunday Kind of Conversation” with Kuonen, 6 p.m. May 15. “Waffles” by Thony Aiuppy, 10 a.m. May 26 in a shared garage apartment (window pictured), 1854 Euclid St., Avondale, theapartmentexhibition.com.

The Apartment, 1854 Euclid St., Jacksonville, FL.

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Music

WHOLE WHEAT BREAD

Lead vocalist Aaron Abraham, drummer Joseph Largen and bassist Will Frazier describe their sound as “Dirty South punk rock.” However you slice it, WWB grew up and formed here and have played Coachella, Bamboozle and Warped Tour. Whole Wheat Bread brings punk, crunk, reggae and rap that’s good for you, with support from IllFx, Atoms Alike and an onstage Douglas Anderson reunion with Frazier, Ben Harper, Randall Karikker and Alan Leavell. 8 p.m. May 19, Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, $8, 398-7496, jaxlive.com.

 

Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL. 8 p.m.. Contact: 398-7496.

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Events

WILD AMELIA NATURE FESTIVAL

Nature lovers can tour on foot, by kayak, paddleboard, sailboat or bike — even on Segway — at the seventh annual festival, held in Fernandina Beach, Fort Clinch, Fort George and Amelia Island. Besides the eco tours, Wild Amelia has the popular sea turtle release (pictured), photography classes, kids’ activities, nature hikes, birding and an EcoExpo. Two new events are at the Jacksonville Zoo: dinner and a behind-the-scenes tour and a private photography shoot and brunch. May 17-19, fees vary by event; EcoExpo events are free, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18, Atlantic Recreation Center, 251-0016, wildamelia.com.

 

Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL. Contact: 251-0016.

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