Urban Jacksonville

It took three years, but Karen Mathis’ predictions for Springfield retail relief have finally arrived in the form of a new Walgreens store at 8th and Davis. Seen here as just an empty lot, the Walgreens will be a welcome addition to the the neighborhood. I could see that placing being mobbed by snack starved Shandsies. What a great place, in walking distance, to get basics.

One thing Karen Mathis didn’t see coming was the Downtown Winn Dixie renovations, which I also see as part of the Springfield retail mix. Personally the Walgreens won’t be as game-changing as it would have been had it arrived before the Winn Dixie upgrades. The Winn Dixie experience has improved so much that being halfway between the new Walgreens and the Winn Dixie will result in a case-by-case decision on when to go to either.

Blueblocker Sunglasses as Walgreens?
Check.
Point Walgreens.
Walgreens draws first blood.

So far no word on opening day festivities.

More Photos

Tags: walgreens

I wrote about Adopting-a-Bed at the Springfield Community Garden a while back, now there are only a few spots left.

In partnership with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension service, we will be teaching a group of 17 gardeners all there is to know about growing food organically in Northeast Florida. The class will run through the fall growing season, and if it goes well we’ll continue it all the way through the spring season as well.

Students will gain technical knowledge on plants themselves, seasonal and regional varieties, organic pest control, organic fertilization, and more. In addition, we’ll get the chance to discuss other topics surrounding the notion of local food, social justice, environmental responsibility, and living “the good life”, as the Nearings would say. Everyone will get a notebook full of the lessons we discuss.

Classes will be weekly starting in late August, with one or two meetings before then to learn about what a garden needs during the fallow season, which for us is the hottest part of the summer.

There is no cost for the class and gardeners who sign up first will have a plot in the Springfield Community Garden to try out what they’re learning. There will also be space for a few “observers” who will attend all the classes but won’t have a plot. Contact jmccharen@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Tags: community garden

This weekend there is a benefit show for Boston Tom at Fuel. He was shot while trying to stop an armed robbery at Shantytown. That was June 16th and he’s been at Shands ever since. The show will feature 7 local act, plus tons of giveaway and raffles. There is a $20 suggested donation at the door, but just give what you can. All money goes to aid Tom’s recovery.

Here is a full update on Boston Tom’s current condition. Thanks to Cynthia Neal for providing the update!

Tom is now in Room 7032. This section could be called “ICU Light” and the move indicates that Tom is getting stronger. He is finally off the respirator and eating solid food. He still has the trach tube so they can give him additional treatments but he has been breathing completely on his own for the last couple of days. There is no word on exactly when he will be ready to leave Shands and move to rehab, but it’s getting closer. In addition Tom’s family has a great prospect for an apartment which is wheelchair-accessible, in Springfield.

Wish Tom a speedy recovery yourself by sending him a message through Shands online message center.

Here we go again! DJs Biggie Tea, Joe E Fresh & the iMac at Mark’s Super Tuesday July 15th. We’re celebrating 3’s this Tuesday. 3 DJs playing Track 3 from your favorite albums. In support of the Bay Street Sweetheart, TSI. Come back soon! $1 pbr $2 draft $3 jager. Mark’s in Downtown Jacksonville, 315 East Bay Street.

Links!
Interview with JEA’s Conservation Coordinator (JaxDaily)
Emergency Ride Home for Bike Commuters (BikeJax)
Downtown Winn Dixie: A promise kept to community (Daily Record)
‘New’ Winn-Dixie store has some additional touches (TU)
MOCA’ Draw Down, not a let down (JaxCAL)
Custom Order a Burro Bag (Burro Bags)

On Friday the Daily Record reported this:

It looks like one of Downtown’s Starbucks will be closing after all. According to an off-duty employee of the Starbucks Corporation, the 11 E store is on the chopping block and is one of four in Jacksonville. The employee, who requested anonymity, was told the news by a manager. The employee is encouraging patrons of the 11 E Starbucks to use receipts and file comments on the company’s Web site in an effort to save it.

Nest Living

The new Nest Living website design is now online. It’s hot like those fancy little cars. Also Free Shipping when you order online until August 31st.

Adopt A Puppy

My friend found three puppies (below) in her backyard. If you are looking to adopt, let me know and I can put you in touch with her. They have been to the vet, de-wormed and treated for fleas. More Photos

Big news for Springfield

SPAR has met the requirement to match the grant from LISC. This money will be used revitalize the commercial corridor. Does anyone know how much money is being matched?

There are two employment opportunities available with SPAR, through the LISC partnership. One is for a Revitalization Coordinator, and one for a Revitalization Assistant. If you or someone you know is interested in either of these positions, please call the SPAR Office for more information. The position requirements and qualifications are posted on the SPAR Website. www.sparcouncil.org

The Home Team DJs will be having a pre-party at 9th and Main to kick off the Dressed to Kill Tour at The Pearl. Dressed to Kill will feature bands, a free keg, Defying Gravity B-Boys, pudding wrestling, a cash balloon drop and more. Dressed to Kill is brought to you by two local clothing labels, Anthem Klothing and Low Life Threads

Any party for a party is a good idea. Even better, Caz, Jonathan Paul and Baggs are some solid dudes. It’s my official party pick for the week so get there early to avoid the crowds.

On some other DJ related news and notes, Biggie Tea and I will be playing music that doesn’t suck and taking requests at Mark’s Tuesday (TONIGHT) from 9 to sometime before 2. Well, Tony takes requests. I’ll take requests for anything except Beyonce, which seems to be very popular. I’ll be playing hot tracks from the Internet you likely haven’t heard before, some 80s stuff and maybe one song from the 70s.

Also I’m looking for a DJ sound card if anyone is looking to unload one or just has one laying around they would like to donate to the cause. Leave a comment and I’ll get in touch.

Tags: Anthem Klothing, Home Team DJs, Low Life Threads

Here’s some news you may have missed while you were drinking beer, watching fireworks and grilling.

Haverty’s renovations on schedule (Daily Record)
Downtown Winn Dixie ready to show off (Daily Record)

On an editorial note, the new Downtown Winn Dixie is the bomb. Srsly. Go check it out but stay away from the wing bar, not so good. Good beer and wine selection, along with nice assortment of organic produce. They have, in my opinion, improved the customer experience by a factor of 10. Everyone was super happy and friendly, however I expect that to wear off once the new store honeymoon is over. Let’s just say Winn Dixie made it a lot easier on me to go there instead of drive to the Riverside Publix.

First Look at 13 Gypsies Peasant Kitchen (Jacksonville Confidential)
What if Jacksonville suddenly woke up? (Metro Jacksonville)
Jax Monster Show call to artists (The Outer Box)
The Basement of the Haydon Burns Library Downtown
122 N Ocean St, Jacksonville, FL, 32202

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Must be a Monster! Any size, Any medium, Any Skill Level. If you want your piece back you MUST have your name and contact info ON YOUR SUBMISSION!

July 12th marks the very first Belly Busting Baseball Blowout at the European Street Cafe Beer Garden inside the Baseball Grounds. From 6:30PM til 8PM you get all you can eat (and drink) hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, and beer for the low low price of $20. Be sure to visit the Beer Garden during each home game

Downtown Transit Enhancement Meeting Announcement (via The Urban Core)
On July 17 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm there will bet a public hearing for Phase One of the Downtown Transit Enhancement. There is no word on what the enhancements will be so you’ll have to go to find out. Or if you know, please leave a comment. Thanks to COJ/JTA for having an afternoon session for the working folk.

City Hall - Committee Rm. A 117 West Duval Street Open House at 4 pm; presentation at 6 pm.

Thanks for the tip Jaxscene!