Back in 2016, Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on Jacksonville and its beaches. The Jacksonville Beach Pier, a town staple, was especially hard hit. For six years, residents have waited to see what would become of the local landmark. After half of the pier was destroyed from the storms, construction began on its repairs. However, the work hit many delays, including difficulties gathering the money needed from the government and the arrival of the pandemic. In 2019, a  $10 million renovation plan was announced. This project was estimated to finish in 2021, but delays in getting permits from …

It’s a nice summer day, and you’re looking to grab a drink but don’t want to visit the same bar you go to every week? I get it and I’ve got the list for you! VooSwar Restaurant and Lounge Built by hand in 1963 by owner Earnest Davis, this Atlantic Beach staple was made to be a place to welcome African-American sailors who felt cast out from other places in the surrounding area during the time of segregation. It has become a lively and lit up bar welcoming all who want to visit, keeping with Davis’ original ideals. The bar …

Florida, you have disappointed me once again. As if the LGBTQ+ community did not have enough to fear already, Florida legislation is adding a new law to ensure schools can no longer be a safe space for its students. We all know certain Florida government officials to be very controversial, but this absolutely takes the cake. The new legislation, if signed into law, will restrict primary schools from teaching students about sexual orientation and gender issues. What is the Parental Rights in Education bill? The bill, commonly known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, is legislation passed by the Florida …

As the LGBTQ+ community faces more and more obstacles, including the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, a safe place for the community is needed now more than ever. JASMYN is stepping up to take on the challenge in an effort to build a community where young LGBTQ+ members can freely be themselves, despite any backlash those members may face with friends and/or family. JASMYN is an organization that aims to provide a safe place offering health and wellness services to young members of the LGBTQ+ community. They offer development opportunities and promote equality for all. They believe the young members are …

Every year around the globe people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th as what many consider a cultural and/or religious celebration to honor the feast day of St. Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland. What was once celebrated with feasts and religious services is now considered a day full of festivities, like drinking Irish beer and wearing green, for those who immigrated from Ireland bringing the Irish holiday with them. So, this day is spent honoring saints and drinking beer, but who came up with the idea of little green men hoarding pots of gold? According to Irish …

What is so wrong about wanting straightforward conversations regarding the housing, health care and education of not only Jacksonville residents, but for all Florida residents? That is the question Ben Frazier has for government officials, and he believes it’s time for answers.  A community activist, veteran journalist, news anchor, host, producer and narrator, Ben Frazier is a man who is not afraid to confront city and state leaders regarding the rights of the people. As founder of the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, Frazier has been fighting to give a voice to those who are repeatedly ignored ever since he was …

The History of Valentine’s Day So you want to celebrate your love on Valentine’s Day. Grab some flowers and chocolates and go to town on some fancy dinner with your significant other. Although, do we really know why this day is surrounded by love? I mean, where did the ideas we celebrate today even come from?  Feb. 14—or St. Valentine’s feast day, as it is viewed in the Catholic Church—is recognized as the day to commemorate martyred Saint Valentine, a priest who served the Church during the third century in Rome. What made him so important? While the origin is …

It’s a road known nationally as Florida’s “Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway.” As you drive along A1A through the Beaches and into St. Augustine, you get a perfect view of the coast with some of the most serene views in North Florida However, there’s a darker side to this famed road. According to the Jacksonville Beach Police, there is a greater amount of speeding and motor vehicle accidents on A1A (also referred to as Third Street by locals) than anywhere else at the Beaches. If you were to search “car accidents on A1A in Jacksonville,” the first links to come …

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 4, 2020 that …

For local restaurants, recovery includes coming to terms with a new service economy.  “It’s devastating because we want to be busy but we just don’t have the manpower to stay open later and get the food out fast enough,” said owner and operator Mary Jane Culhane. Culhane own’s Culhane’s Irish Pubs located in Atlantic Beach and Southside and 5 Sisters Spirit Vodka based in Atlantic Beach. She, among many other restaurant owners in the Jacksonville area, are facing a major shortage in staff.  Culhane has been making an effort to hire more staff for the past six months, spending lots …