When turning the corner at Beach Boulevard and 3rd Street South, it’s hard to miss the sprawling, yellow-toned building with the beautiful veranda. The building’s exterior may differ from what some would expect for a museum, but the local treasures within are worth a visit.

Did you know Taco Lu on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach has a ghost? You must go back in time to get to the bottom of the paranormal activity that people who work there tell you is just haunting.

The Beaches Museum is embracing Women's History Month by highlighting the contributions of two remarkable women who shaped the community's history. Mayor Hoffman welcomed visitors to the museum, where she shared insights about these influential figures and their lasting impact. One of the women featured is a descendant of the family that owned the Oceanic Hotel, where she learned the hospitality trade and met visitors from around the world. She married JT McCormick of McCormick and Sons, a family that played a significant role in developing the Beaches area. In the 1960s and 70s, as the community evolved, she and her friends founded the Beaches Area Historical Society, ensuring the preservation of local history. A notable image of her climbing out of the Sandpiper Pool became iconic when a photographer from the Saturday Evening Post captured it shortly before her wedding to JT McCormick. Concerned about how her future father-in-law would react, she and her friends rushed to buy copies of the magazine to prevent any scandal. The second woman honored is Rhoda L. Martin, who was born into slavery and later moved to Jacksonville Beach in the early 1900s. Recognizing the lack of educational and religious resources for the African American community, she established a school in her kitchen and founded the St. Andrews AME Church. Her efforts laid the groundwork for education and spiritual engagement in the community, which continued until schools were desegregated in the 1960s. Rhoda Martin lived to the age of 116, leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership. In her honor, the Jacksonville Beach Elementary School was renamed the Rhoda Martin Cultural Heritage Center, ensuring her contributions are remembered. Mayor Hoffman reflected on her own journey, noting that she became the first woman mayor of Jacksonville Beach at a time when both the mayors of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach were also women. "I stand on the shoulders of the women here in Jacksonville Beach who have come before me," she said, acknowledging the trailblazers like Margaret McQueen and Benny Furlong. The Beaches Museum invites everyone to explore its exhibits, open six days a week with free admission. The museum actively engages the community through social media, sharing snippets of local history and celebrating the contributions of women in the Beaches area. "We want to engage our community as well as our visitors in what the Beaches was, is, and will become," Mayor Hoffman concluded, encouraging all to visit and learn more about the rich history of the area.

The main event will be held on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. where visitors can view the trains, meet Santa, and more!

The holiday season has ramped up to joy overload. We have compiled a quick list of upcoming events that the whole family can enjoy. The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band hosts Jazz Spirit of Christmas Saturday night in Fernandina Beach. Pamela Theresa hosts the Medium in the Raw Toys for Tots Drive Friday at Beaches Museum. Andy Murray of the famed Murray Bros. Caddyshack in St. Augustine will be in town signing his new book " A Feast of Family Fun and Favorites” Friday evening. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals holds the San Marco 5k Saturday evening. Fostering Connections Holiday Backyard BBQ will be held Dec. 11th at the Classic Car Museum in St. Augustine.

There are only three days left for the running trains at the Beaches Branch Library! Go check them out!

The man who greeted guests with his famous smile impacted hundreds more in the Jacksonville Beach community.

Mayor Chris Hoffman of Jacksonville Beach loves talking about the future AND the history of the Beaches. Even as Mayor, she maintains her current position as Director of the Beaches Museum. She joined RCL today and posed the following trivia questions. See how well you do….the answers follow!

The last time we were joined by Chris Hoffman her title read executive director of the Beaches Museum. Now, we are welcoming Jacksonville Beach Mayor Elect Chris Hoffman!