Neighborhoods

  If you’ve ever dreamed of beachfront living with a swim-up bar, 40-foot waterslides, and unique restaurants and entertainment all in your backyard, you just might be in luck. Crews completed the process of filling in the crystal-clear in northern St. Johns County on Monday, July 23, 2018. The 14-acre lagoon contains 37 million gallons of water and will serve as the anchor for the Beachwalk development off CR-210. Developer John Kinsey tossed a ceremonial final bucket of water into the lagoon where residents will soon enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding or relaxing along the 100-foot wide white quartz beach. Kinsey …

For 75 years, the music of The Oak Ridge Boys has delighted audiences around the world. Founded in 1943 as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the current lineup has been together since 1973. The quartet consisting of Duane Allen (lead), William Lee Golden (baritone), Joe Bonsall (tenor) and Richard Sterban (bass) continue to record and tour with the Mighty Oaks Band. I grew up listening to their legendary blend of gospel, blues, and country rock, but never had a chance to see them live until now. Why did I wait so long? The performance opened with a witty introduction by Darrick …

Interview with Director Joe Kemper Before Hamilton lifted Lin Manuel Miranda to new heights, the Tony Award-winning playwright and cultural phenomenon made his mark with a spirited musical In the Heights honoring the memories of growing up in Washington Heights and traditions of his Puerto Rican heritage. closes out its 2017-18 season with the musical In the Heights Aug. 20 at Players by the Sea in . The production runs through Aug. 12. Set in the largely Hispanic New York neighborhood, the show is narrated by Usnavi, owner of the local bodega who longs to return to his native Dominican …

Jacksonville boasts a long and varied military history. Here are some of the most interesting highlights:   The Southernmost Battle of the Revolutionary War Was Fought in NE Florida. The Battle of Thomas Creek occurred near Yulee on May 17, 1777, when the Patriots faced off against the Loyalists, Brits, and Creek Indians. The Patriots lost.   Camp Milton Was an Important Confederate Military Base. Built to block Union forces from getting to the supply and railway center in Baldwin, Camp Milton on Jacksonville’s Westside was built in 1864 and served as Florida’s strongest Confederate field fortification. There’s a Civil …

Local independent film, I Am Going To Kill Someone This Friday, sets a new bar for how indie productions are produced and what should be expected from the end result, offering moviegoers a quality experience that dares to reach for the quality and consistency of big budget films while enjoying the depth and edginess that is commonly exclusive to indie cinema. With a story inspired by Hitchcock and an aesthetic inspired by Kubrick, ‘Kill’ lands right on the mark it intended to hit. I Am Going To Kill Someone This Friday will screen for a limited audience in Jacksonville, Florida …

When Cara Burky set out to bring her vision for a music venue to life, she had a specific idea in mind. Her goal was to create an intimate space that catered to the consummate music lover and gave music makers a home to share their art without the chatter and restless energy of a bar crowd. The Blue Jay Listening Room makes space for the stories and inspirations behind the music for people who really want to hear it. Some shows are ticketed events; others require a cover at the door. Open mic nights and jam nights give players …

Tree Hill Nature Center uses its limited budget, dedicated volunteers, and committed staff to oversee the care of 50 acres in the middle of Arlington. Youth educational programs are critical to the mission of , but the hallmark work being done is protecting those acres to serve as contiguous and robust habitat for native plants and animals. This means hours of removing non-native species, working through extreme summer heat and being prepared throughout hurricane season; this hidden gem is worth the sweat and muscle ache. The staff at Tree Hill appreciates kind words, positive reviews, and satisfied feedback from teachers …

Jacksonville’s Alhambra Theatre opened the Florida premiere of “,” a production offering a fun time for children of all ages and a trip down memory lane for many adults, especially those who remember the 1968 movie of the same name which starred Dick Van Dyke. The matinee the Dual Critics attended was packed. The story is based on a children’s book written for the young son of , who is better known as the creator of superspy James Bond. How did the novel get its name? “Chitty Chitty” is reportedly based on Fleming’s friendship with an engineer named Chitty and …