Words by Kerry Speckman   One of my all-time favorite nuggets of Jax trivia is that it’s the birthplace — and final resting place — of actress Alice Nunn. Never heard of her? Well, if you missed her as Passenger with Dog in “Airport 75,” Lady With Wallet in “Petticoat Junction” or Woman Customer at Quickie Mart on “Simon & Simon,” maybe you caught her scene-stealing turn as Large Marge in “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” The folks at Sun-Ray Cinema obviously appreciate Ms. Nunn’s stellar performance in the latter as they have planned a unique movie experience that involves a …

Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” alum Pete Davidson scheduled a last-minute date for two shows at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall late last month. I, for one, was not willing to spend a car payment to see him, which is a relief since I saw some very mixed reviews on FB (from “great show” to “cringy misogyny”). Turns out, I could have seen Davidson the day before had I been at Don’s Barbershop in Ponte Vedra. In a Specktator exclusive, I spoke to stylist Khristina Himes who gave the comedian a quick trim around the ears and neck. “He was super …

Words by Kerry Speckman   You may know Grant Nielsen as an award-winning artist, musician (Jacksonvegas, Fusebox Funk) and/or all-around cool dude. Add “author” to that list because Nielsen released his first novel. Since I’m not a book reviewer and it is a sci-fiction book, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to let AI write the review — to which I would add: “All eyes will be on this book.” (Feel free to quote me on that, Grant.) “The Eyes of Cosa” takes readers on a riveting journey through a visionary city of domes crafted by the genius …

Hurricane season hits June 1. Prepare yourself for months of weather alerts, more weather alerts, breaking weather alerts, more breaking weather alerts … and fresh memes of Jacksonville treasure Lane Pittman (aka Florida Man). 🤟 Hearts are breaking all over the world as globe-trotting conductor and Jacksonville Symphony music director Courtney Lewis is off the market. Lewis recently proposed to personal trainer and nutrition coach Jeff Lewis at the top of the Eiffel Tower no less. Pourraient-ils être plus mignons? (Merci for the assist, Google Translate.) If you didn’t see Sir Tom Jones at the Florida Theatre in May, you …

Words by Kerry Speckman Austin Huhn will never forget his first day of on-the-job training in Orlando as a wildlife removal expert. “We’re walking up to the client’s house and before we even get to the door, two 200-pound dudes come out sweating bullets, looking like they just saw a ghost,” he recalled. “One guy looked at me with his sunglasses down, like, ‘Oh, boy.’” The homeowners had been experiencing issues in their bathroom and called the plumbers, who were obviously not prepared for what they were about to find.  “We walk in the bathroom. The toilet’s tipped over. One …

Jags QB Trevor Lawrence was recently spotted at European Street Cafe in Jax Beach and, according to my source, he ate a tuna fish sandwich (no deets on the kind of bread). This coupled with the fact he is 6’6” (as well as my love of “The Office”), inspired me to give him a nickname: Big Tuna. Make it happen, people. #bigtuna16   Speaking of the Jags, legendary wide receiver and Pride of the Jaguars honoree Jimmy Smith is back on the field as part of Madden 23. And check that rating! (Is there a petition to get J. Smooth …

Country singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson has come a long way from performing at coffee houses in his native Tennessee to headlining tours in the U.S. and across the pond. In the process, he’s also had four consecutive career-starting singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making him only the second solo artist to do so in chart history. (Luke Combs was the first if you were wondering.) But even more impressive, according to staff writer Kerry Speckman who interviewed Dickerson ahead of his Feb. 17 show at Florida Theatre, is his ability to transform music lovers who can’t …

Best Local Character, Best Dressed: Bobby Kelley If you don’t know Bobby Kelley, let’s just say he’s the tits, a word that not only describes him perfectly but is also a brilliant reminder of why he personifies Jacksonville’s “Best Local Character.” Colorful, salty and outspoken, the fashion designer and entrepreneur owns BobbyK Boutique in Springfield and certainly has, ahem, ruffled some feathers around town over the years (tits are also birds, FYI). Like in 2017, when he created and sold an “Avondale Is the Tits” T-shirt that offended people of all ages and genders and prompted members of a prominent …

Best Local Weirdo: Kerry Speckman Is it because I’m old enough to get the senior discount at Surterra (you’re welcome for that tip) but still find it hilarious to ask Alexa to make fart sounds? Or could it be my signature hair that’s the same color as a Muppet who happens to be a fairy-in-training? (Shout out to Pat Cole at Total Hair Experience for creating and tending to my magical tresses!) Perhaps it’s my obsession with bankers boxes and selfies or that I’m related to a serial killer (only a true weirdo would even admit that). Or is it …

To watch the full interview, click here.