River City Beats | The Awen Family Band
Awen Family Band is a nationally touring world boogie collective founded by singer-songwriter and coddie-wompler Tim Husk. Awen Family played their first show at Kings in Raleigh, NC in June of 2019 and has since performed at festivals and venues around the country featuring an ever-changing all-star cast of artists who believe that we are moving the message from one plane to another, we don’t create the art, but are vessels for the great spirit to move through us, to inspire and to be inspired by the life around us. Awen Family has featured members of Toubab Krewe, Big Something, Firewater Tent Revival, Wigeon, Reliably Bad, Dr. Bacon, Charlie Hunter, The Kind Thieves, The Fundamentals, Self Help, TUB, , Mellow Swells, The Moon Unit, FRUTE and many other acts. Blending roots music from around the globe such as Zydeco, Bluegrass, Afrobeat, Wassoulou (West Africa), Old Time, Swing and Psychedelic Boogie topped with lyrics spreading the message for all who seek to hear. From our table to yours, we invite you to join us in celebrating music, life and each other!
1st Annual Fernandina Song Writers Festival
The Fernandina Beach Songwriter Festival is a new event being organized by three friends already immersed in the music industry but each bringing different perspectives. The Festival will feature 12 renowned songwriters, considered some of the best in the business. The songwriters will perform their hit songs and tell the history and stories of the songs.
River City Beats | Don Ugly - Artist on the Rise
On today’s segment of River City Beats we were joined by local Singer & Songwriter, Kash Erickson, known by the artist’s moniker, Don Ugly. He played for us not just one, but TWO groovy tunes of his. He started the show with his song, “Bad Games” and wrapped things up with “Her Majesty’s Mambo”. Don Ugly is from Jacksonville, FL and created the moniker while attending college in 2017. It wasn’t until Summer of 2022 where he made the decision to quit his stable career in the construction industry to follow his lifelong dream of being a songwriter. Ever since, Erickson has been traveling all over the state and country building a fan base one show at a time. To catch a local performance, you can check his music and tour schedule at his official website, www.donugly.com or follow him on any social media and music streaming platform.
Local Vodka gives back to Cancer patients
Two Titmice Vodka was launched by Ed Malin who is most notably known as the high energy owner of Angie’s Subs. He launched the vodka product as a side project to expand his entrepreneurial side a few years ago. What began as a dream and side hustle has expanded to include a charitable aspect. $2 from the sale of every bottle of Two Titmice Vodka sold goes to their very own breast cancer foundation, the Two Titmice Foundation.
Culinary Experiences brings fine dining to your home
Chef Bri and Culinary Experiences has been providing Personal Chef Private Dinner Services to The Greater Jacksonville, St John’s & Nassau areas for over 3 years.Specializing in New American & Fine Dining cuisine. She loves to incorporate Farm To Table elements into her cuisine as well. She partners with local farmers and purveyors to source local and seasonal ingredients so that her clients can get a taste of place! She brings the fine dining restaurant experience to your home. Chef Bri grocery shops, preps, cooks, serves and does all the cleaning up for the client in their home so they don’t have to lift a finger. She also brings the table settings to give that special elegant touch as well. She can fully customize a menu to the likings and dietary needs of clients and their guests, so that everyone can be included at the dinner table, regardless of their allergies!
Florida fall looks | Shop Chey & Chawn
Chey & Chawn, a women’s lifestyle boutique, opened their doors in Jacksonville Beach in December 2021. Chey & Chawn curate trendy styles and quality brands to the Jacksonville Community, but without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for an outfit for your next event, day at the beach or wine night with the girls, Chey & Chawn have got you covered. The owner’s strive to inspire a casual confidence in every woman that walks through their door! You can shop Chey & Chawn in store at 1254 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, Fl 32250. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm and Fri-Sun 11am-5pm.
13th Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament
The annual “Flounder Pounder” charity fishing tournament is coming up on its 13th Annual tournament! “Flounder Pounder” began in 2010, spearheaded by parents Chip and Teresa Davis. When their son Tyler was diagnosed with autism, they wanted to create an event that gave back to the cause.
St. Johns County commissioners introduce sales tax increase, aiming for November ballot measure
The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners read through an official proposal Tuesday afternoon, which, if passed, would increase the county’s sales tax rate by one percent for at least the next ten years.
Sheriff: 12 men looking for teen sex arrested
A sting called Operation Guardian set up by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to lure men looking for sex with juveniles netted 12 arrests, and more are expected, Sheriff John Rutherford announced Friday morning. Law enforcement personnel from Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Clay and St. Johns County, Gainesville, Daytona Beach and other agencies set up fake social media accounts and posted messages as if they were minors and waited for men to contact them.
Former Jaguars kicker Mike Hollis holding kicking camp for girls as anti-sex trafficking fundraiser
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jaguars kicker Mike Hollis has coached some girls kickers in the past, but he’s never put on a kicking camp exclusively for girls and women. Saturday and Sunday, he’ll do just that with a camp that will raise money for the Demp Project to fight sex trafficking in the Jacksonville area. Hollis kicked for the Jaguars from 1995-2001, then finished his career with one season in Buffalo. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Demp Project, a Jacksonville-based church-based non-profit that fights sex trafficking. They go into strip clubs and adult entertainment establishments to help rescue girls and women who have been forced into the sex trade.
News4Jax reporter has close call with panhandler
According to JSO crime data, within the past 12 months, there have been a total of 135 calls for service involving panhandling downtown. Homeless shelters in downtown Jacksonville offer an array of services to help people who have fallen on hard times. It’s an organization that offers a multitude of services to help people who have fallen on bad times. Those services include shelter, food, help with substance abuse and workforce development to help people find jobs. They might have a room somewhere or maybe even an apartment and they’re not homeless,” Stasi said.
Thanks to you, Georgia woman gets 600+ cards on 70th birthday
The 70-year-old wanted cards — 70 of them, to be exact. Friends and followers of News4Jax stepped up to the plate and delivered when Owens received 600 cards and messages from all over the country on Oct. 18. "From my heart to yours, thank you for the gracious cards and gift that were sent to me from all over the United States. I’ve received cards from as far as New York, Arizona, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Alabama, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Missouri, Montana, Florida and many other places. One of her highlighted memories is when she cooked for the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, at Cabin Bluff in Camden County.
Jacksonville woman creates scavenger hunt of African American history landmarks
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville woman created a fun way for her son to learn about African American history by creating a landmark scavenger hunt. “I realized how much African American history is in our backyards that a lot of people may not know about. Again, making history fun and positive.”Here are a few landmarks you can visit to learn about African American history:O’Neal is encouraging the community to add to the list of locations. If you and your family visit any of the listed landmarks, take pictures and post them to social media using the hashtag #bblrtravel and #duvalaah (Duval African American History) to create awareness and trending topics. As I began to travel more, I wanted to find a way to get our kids active in African American history around the city.... Posted by Brittany O'Neal on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Castillo de San Marcos reopens to public after 7-month closure
ST. JOHNS, Fla. – The Castillo de San Marcos, which has been closed since March 17, reopened to visitors on Wednesday. According to a release from the National Park Service, starting Wednesday, the Castillo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. From its incredible structure to its cannons, the Castillo de San Marcos is a history lesson up close. Vicki Perdue and her husband were visiting St. Augustine from Texas and recalled their first time bringing their young children to see the fort. The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the United States.
Local students are sending post cards to space
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Students at River City Science Academy (RCSA), a public charter school in Jacksonville, created their very own postcards to send to space. The cards are in partnership with STEM organizations and “Club for the Future” to bring students in Florida access to space in the classroom and the opportunity to send postcards to space and back, a release said. “This was a very exciting activity for students at River City Science Academy," Sel Buyuksarac, Chief of Public Affairs and Government Relations/Founder at River City Science Academy, said. Activities like this are great for getting students engaged and excited about science.”The post cards were sent to Texas on Tuesday. River City Science Academy
Celebrity Chef Kenny Gilbert, wife to open new eatery in Springfield soon
Local chef Kenny Gilbert and his wife, Anna, will be opening a new restaurant before the end of the month. “...being here as a resident in the community I wanted to open up something that’s missing in the community and something that is affordable...” Kenny Gilbert, Chef and Owner, said. “When there was nothing open, I was cooking extra meals just kind of donating my time and efforts,” Gilbert said. As Gilbert and his wife prepare to open their new business, it’s a sign of resilience for local business owners in Springfield. He said the new business will be open before the end of the month.
Jacksonville family to host free 2-day haunted house in October
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Daniel’s Dungeon of Haunted Horrors is back! One Jacksonville home has built an entire haunted house for those brave enough to enter. Daniel's Dungeon of Haunted Horrors is located off of Blanding Boulevard and is said to be one of the best local scares in our area! The free haunted house will be open on Friday, October 30 from 7-11 p.m. and October 31 (Halloween) from 7 p.m. - midnight)LOCATION: 2189 George Wyth Rd OpClick here for more information. Daniels dungeon of haunted horrors
Jacksonville Zoo announces 2020 Spooktacular dates
The 33rd annual Spooktacular at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, presented by Aquafina, will run between Oct. 23-31 from 5-8 p.m. Additional time slots will be available select nights from 7-10 p.m. The Zoo claims it will be “as wicked as you wish.”For safety purposes, the Zoo will be following its COVID-19 guidelines each night of Spooktacular. Themed Spooktacular treats will be available to satisfy the frightening hunger and thirst of kids and adults alike. DATES: October 23-31 TIMED SESSIONS: 5-8 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. (select nights only)Admission is $12 for members and $15 for non-members (children 2 and under are free). Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is preparing to host its annual Spooktacular event with new guidelines and protocols for the safety of guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.
Georgia woman asking for 70 cards on 70th birthday
CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. – Shirley Owens doesn’t want the typical cake and ice cream party for her birthday. “I would love to spread the word about her birthday on the news and make her dreams come true,” Jordan said. Here are some of the things Owens loves: Church, CATO’S and watching News4Jax. Box 683 Woodbine, GA 31569The family asks that you mail the birthday card(s) before Oct. 18th. Happy Birthday, Shirley!
Jacksonville woman celebrates 100 years of life on Monday
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4Jax is wishing a special young lady a happy birthday on Monday! Jean Pozin, who has lived in Jacksonville since 1972, turned 100 on Sept. 28. Her son, Arnel Pozin, told News4Jax the family moved here to open up a business together. “She’s just like the Energizer Bunny,” Arnel Pozin said. We can feel the love through Jean’s smile and we hope she has the best day ever.
Cheers! Jacksonville bartender makes a splash in bourbon competition
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Shannon Michelle, who tends bar at Sidecar, is putting Jacksonville on the map within the bourbon world. The popular bartender recently won a virtual bourbon competition hosted by Daviess County Bourbon. Michelle’s winning cocktail, dubbed “From Florida, With Love,” scored her a $1,000 cash prize and a shout-out on the company’s Instagram account. Take one small mixing tin full of pebble ice and add it to the blender. Sidecar, located in San Marco, is described as a “relaxed saloon with exposed-brick walls offering house cocktails, microbrews & a long whiskey list.”
Cheers! Jacksonville bartender makes a splash in bourbon competition
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Shannon Michelle, who tends bar at Sidecar, is putting Jacksonville on the map within the bourbon world. The popular bartender recently won a virtual bourbon competition hosted by Daviess County Bourbon. Michelle’s winning cocktail, dubbed “From Florida, With Love,” scored her a $1,000 cash prize and a shout-out on the company’s Instagram account. Take one small mixing tin full of pebble ice and add it to the blender. Sidecar, located in San Marco, is described as a “relaxed saloon with exposed-brick walls offering house cocktails, microbrews & a long whiskey list.”
Atlantic Beach Police searching for stolen art sculpture
DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – The Atlantic Beach Police Department is searching for a sculpture that was stolen from the Town Center. Officials said the phoenix art piece went missing on or around September 20, 2020. It appears to have been cut at the base and removed from the pedestal, the department said. If you have any information on the suspect or where the sculpture is now, please contact Det. J. Fissel #1121 at 904-247-5859 ext.
Fear Trails: Outdoor haunted experience coming to Yulee
A new outdoor haunted experience is coming to Nassau County. Fear Trails will be a five-night experience at a 35-acre active timber farm in Yulee. “Legend has it these woodlands and pine trees, milled by old man Peabody, are haunted,” the website says. “When night falls, the forest comes to life and no one is safe.”According to the Fear Trails website, there are five different attractions to choose from: Hylophobia, The Mill, The Ring, The Range and The Campground. 5 Day Haunted Experience on 35-AcresSaturday, October 17, 6:30pm - 11:00 pmFriday, October 23, 6:30pm - 11:00 pmSaturday, October 24, 6:30pm - 11:00 pmFriday, October 30, 6:30pm - 11:00 pmSaturday, October 31, 6:30pm - 11:00 pm
Be afraid but dont worry: 13th Floor opens Friday with new health safety measures
If 2020 hasnt scared you enough, one of the scariest attractions in Jacksonville is prepping for opening night. Jacksonvilles largest and most horrifying haunted experience, 13th Floor, returns this Halloween season on Friday, September 11. This years haunted houses may look a little different because of the pandemic, but 13th Floor said safety is the teams top priority. JAXBEST | Best local haunted house: 13th Floor Haunted HouseSafety measures and procedures that have been added this year include face coverings, temperature screenings, social distancing, regular sanitation, hand sanitizer stations, and many more. General admission tickets vary in price starting at $20 for opening night.
Friends identify man killed in domestic-related shooting in Mandarin
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Friends have identified the man who was killed early Tuesday morning in Mandarin in what police described as a domestic-related shooting. Christopher Bowman, 47, had recently moved to Jacksonville from Virginia, according to friends. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said it received several 911 calls around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday about a shooting at a home on Sheldrake Drive, just south of Loretto Road. Responding officers found a man, who friends identified as Bowman, dead inside the home with at least one gunshot wound. Neighbors said Bowmans girlfriend does not appear to have returned to the home since the shooting.
Catholic Charities partners with Farm Share to hold food pantry
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Catholic Charities of Jacksonville partnered with Farm Share to hold a food pantry on Thursday. It took place at the Jessie Ball duPont Center on East Adams Street from noon to 6 p.m.Im just picking up some groceries. Theyre pretty good about that -- give you stuff you need, not stuff you dont need, Roy Shirley told News4Jax. The pantry was able to serve up to 300 families.
Check out these black-owned restaurants in Northeast Florida
Local food blog “Jacksonville Restaurant Reviews” compiled a list of all the black-owned restaurants in the River City. The group said putting money into the black community is one way to help the current fight for equality. Downtown/Northside/SpringfieldDa Real Ting128 W Adams St (0.96 mi)Jacksonville, Florida 32202Taste GraceDunn Ave & Monaco(next 2 checkers) (6.31 mi)Jacksonville, Florida 32218Cartel’s Kitchen Seafood & More3002 N. Myrtle AveJacksonville, Florida 32209Caribbean Sunrise Bakery & Restaurant4106 N. Main StreetDropzone GrilleSams Club NorthsideAustin’s Soul Food4807 Main St N.Jacksonville, Florida 32206Annie Ru’s2851 North Edgewood Ave. Ste. Jacksonville, FL 32207Allstarzz1111 Cesery BlvdJacksonville, Florida 32211Riverside/Avondale/Murray HillJazzy’s901 King StreetJacksonville, Florida 32204Cool Moose Cafe2708 Park StJacksonville, Florida 32205-7608Motion Sweets1020 Park St.Jacksonville, Florida 32204The Social House4204 Herschel StreetJacksonville, FloridaHoly Smokes BBQ1164 Edgewood Ave SJacksonville, Florida 32205-7458Munchies Food for the Soul4555 ST JOHNS AVEJacksonville, Florida 32210WestsideSoul Food BistroCelestia’s Coastal Cuisine6765 Dunn Ave suite 201/202Jacksonville, Florida 32219Pineapples5880 Normandy blvdJacksonville, Florida 32205Crazy Crab3610 Blanding BlvdJacksonville, FloridaShut em Down6315 San Juan AveJacksonville, Florida 322106426 Bowden Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216Uncle Genes Soul and Seafood5123 Timuquana RdJacksonville, Florida 32210A Taste of Chicago7307 103rd st (7.78 mi)Jacksonville, FloridaOrange ParkMackey’s Munchies868 Blanding Blvd (16.64 mi)Orange Park, Florida 32065TDS Cajun Cafe & Catering664 Kingsley Ave (11.12 mi)Orange Park, Florida 32073Irie Diner1177 Park Ave., Ste 9Orange Park, Florida 32073Mayport/Atlantic BeachHangar Bay Cafe2294 Mayport Rd. Suite 22 (15.56 mi)Jacksonville, Florida 32233Vooswar51 Robert St (15.46 mi)Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233MiddleburgFarmhouse Chicken & Donuts1694 BLANDING BLVD, MIDDLEBURGFL.
Debate possible during local stimulus vote as one council member says it’s not enough
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A special meeting to grant some Jacksonville residents $1,000 for local stimulus relief may hit a couple of snags as a council member wants to see some revisions to the plan. Councilman Garrett Dennis said the requirements need to be loosened so more people qualify for the payment. Dennis is referring to the more than $160 million the city of Jacksonville received from the federal government’s CARES Act. An additional qualification requires the applicant to have lost at least 25% of their income due to the COVID-19 crisis. Information on how to apply for the stimulus is not available yet, but News4Jax learned applications will be available both online and by phone.