More to the Southside than the Town Center
Published February 21, 2012 | 
There is more to Jacksonville’s Southside than the Town Center Mall. The Town Center Mall has been getting most of the press lately but People, there is more to do than just go to the mall. Jacksonville’s Southside has most of the Hospitals, lots and lots of parks, colleges, quite a few retirement communities, libraries, and much more. For what us native Jacksonville people consider the Southside are it is quite a large area. From the south side of Beach Boulevard going west to the river, east to the Intercoastal and south down 9A to below the Avenues Mall area is considered the Southside. Most of the car dealerships have moved over to the Avenues area. There is the Baymeadows area where all the young college students are living, the San Marco area where all the old money people live, Englewood area which was built during 40s and is slowly going downhill, and Gate Parkway area that contains quite a large variety of warehouses and office complexes. In this area is some of the largest employers in Jacksonville including Blue Cross, Landstar, AT&T, Citicard, Merrill Lynch, Bank of America University of North Florida, Florida State College South Campus, Memorial Hospital, Baptist Hospital, St Lukes Hospital and Mayo Clinic and Hospital.
This area is constantly changing and some times not for the better. We recently were visiting the St. Nicholas area which has always been a quaint older established area like San Marco. Sadly, all the brick style apartment buildings that were put up during World War II have been taken over by the city’s poorest members, new immigrants and migrant workers. Crime is pretty bad in this area and the home values have been going down pretty rapidly. We were hoping to visit the Olde Book Shoppe that has been on Beach Boulevard – St. Nicolas area for lots and lots of years. Sadly, the bookstore owner closed shop and a gaming store has taken his space. It is now called Jax Card Singles. They sell gaming cards like Magic and Pokemon and hold gaming card games. I have only been in the bookstore once when I was younger but like most used bookstores was a treat to wander through all the rows of books, finding out-of-print books as well as current ones that I haven’t read yet. I could spend hours in a bookstore new or used. It had character and will be missed.
Make Money With Recycling
Published January 23, 2012 | Make Money with Recycling your aluminum cans, scrap metal, and even your Christmas Lights. You can save up your aluminum cans, put aside any scrap metal, copper pipe, copper tubing and even copper wiring and you can make a little extra money for a summer vacation, to pay some bills or just a little something extra every now and then. The price of scrap metals can fluctuate from day to day so before you go you can give them a call and they will tell you what the going rates are for that day. The personnel there are knowledgeable and very friendly. The company is located on Beach Boulevard between the Flea Market and the two Story Blue Building that sells clocks.
My daughter smash up our cans that we have been saving for about 2 or 3 months and we got about 3, 30-gallon trash bags filled with cans. When we arrived at the plant we were met by two friendly gentlemen that helped us get our cans out of the car and placed them on the scales. On this day aluminum cans were being bought for $0.46 a pound and we had 31 pounds. We got enough to buy us both a nice lunch. We do suggest that you crash your cans as you put them in some kind of bucket outside of the house that will allow you more space for more cans. And make sure that all the liquids have been poured out of the cans because the stink can get pretty bad if you don’t. One of the men told us that it takes about 33 cans for 1 pound of aluminum. We noticed that they have been collecting old Christmas lights (I guess for the wiring inside), some old washers and dryers and various other types of things that contain metal and wiring. So, if you are wanting to get a little bit of money and save our environment then we hope you will start saving your scrap and recycle it instead of just throwing it away!
Scrap Aluminum Processor Two
10931 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
(904) 997-7096
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday 8:30am to 2:00pm
Oranges are Almost Gone
Published January 4, 2012 | For those who live on the Southside of Jacksonville you may have seen the orange man selling his oranges each year. This is a family owned business and their grove is located in Palatka. The little trailer is usually filled with satsumas, navel oranges and pink grapefruits each year. I don’t know if they have any of the satsumas left but I know there are Navel Oranges and they are Big and Juicy. The truck and trailer is located in an open field at 5669 St Augustine Road till the end of this month. They only charge $7 a large brown grocery bag or $4 a small one and you mix and match or cram your bag(s) full with each kind. They’re hours are usually Monday thru Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 10 to 2. You can call 904-733-6105 For directions.
Southside Park 9a and Baymeadows
Published May 1, 2011 | While trying to locate a suitable but inexpensive venue for my granddaughters birthday party we decided to look at the Jacksonville Parks and Recreational website. They only charge about $25 to $40 dollars to reserve picnic areas for parties and they have lots of parking and most usually bathroom facilities. After all our city parks are our own resource for family fun and should be utilized to their fullest least we lose them to budget cuts. The park we decided upon is a fairly new park off of 9A and Baymeadows and oddly enough is called the 9A/Baymeadows Regional Park.
There several covered picnic tables with barbeque grills and a very nice playground for the kids. The parents can sit in the shade and watch your children run around and enjoy yourselves. There is a path around the lake with several benches facing the water. There is usually a nice breeze blowing to keep you cool during the summer. And, of course, there is public restrooms. The main area is centered around the soccer fields with bleachers and a concession stand. Pack yourself a lunch, grab your sunblock and the kids or even just yourself and go check out the park today!
Need A Tree Cut Down?
Published April 7, 2011 | My mom was recently contacted by the city about a couple of trees that were struck by lightning last year that a neighbor complained about. Anyway, I was doing some research on who she could get to come and cut down the trees that would not cost her an arm-and-a-leg and were bonded. I can across an advertisement for www.treeservice4cu.com and the owner named Jason on craig’s list. Now I am naturally skeptical about any service on Craig’s list but we were desperate and decided to give him a try. Believe me it was well worth it. The service men who came out were polite and got the job done quickly. Here is there advertisement that I found:
“We are a family owned and operated tree service. We offer tree trimming, tree removal, cabling,cavity treatment, and debris cleanup. We are licensed and insured for $300,000.00 . We have worked in the Jacksonville area for 10yrs. We do awesome work and we make it affordable for you. We are a drug-free tree service. Call (904)229-4293 ask for Jason.
Palm Trees – $15 to trim
Tree Removal – $250 for big trees, $150 for medium size trees, $50 for small trees. Palm trees are considered small trees.
Pruning/Trimming – $25 for small trees, $60 for medium size trees, $125 for big trees.
Crate Myrtles – $30 for the big ones, $20 for medium, $10 for small
We can also remove or trim shrubs. We DO NOT have minimum, and we DO NOT have a trip fee. Estimates, truly are free.
If you would like to visit our website, please do so at www.TreeService4u.com or send us an email at TreeServiceNow@yahoo.com”
Southside Art & Museums
Published May 1, 2010 | The Southside of Jacksonville Florida has a variety of different types of museums and art galleries for you to enjoy. Some of them are free but most costs a few bucks to visit. If you have the time you should try them out either by yourself, with a friend or take your kids.
First up is the Museum of Science and History located on the Southbank:
Musuem of Science & History
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
904-396-6674
The Museum of Science and History strives to increase the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and history of Jacksonville as well as Northeast Florida. We focus on creating an awareness and appreciation of science and history through quality programs that stimulate and inspire learning in all visitors.
Hours & Admission
Monday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday 1 PM – 6 PM
Except: Easter Day • Thanksgiving Day • Christmas Eve • Christmas Day • New Year’s Day
Admission
Adults $10
Children (3-12 yrs) $8
Seniors & Active Military $8.50
Next is the Maritime Museum also located on the South bank:
Jacksonville Maritime Museum
1015 Museum Circle
Unit 2 Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Phone: 904-398-9011
Fax: 904-398-7248
http://www.jaxmaritimemuseum.org/
The Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society is a non-profit, educational association and collects books, documents, artifacts, and other historical objects significant to General Maritime History of Jacksonville and Florida’s First Coast; preserves their historical value; and interprets their meaning to the public by means of museum displays, educational programs, lectures and publications. The mission of the Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society is to preserve and interpret the maritime history of Jacksonville and the First Coast in order to foster among all residents and visitors a deeper appreciation of our maritime heritage. We seek to create a positive, memorable experience for both children and adults. We operate seven days a week. School children, Senior citizen groups, and tourists from all over the world visit our museum. FREE
Next is the Children’s Handson Museum
Hands On Childrens Museum?
8580 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32216-4615
(904) 642-2688?
http://handsonchildrensmuseumjax.com/
ADMISSION
Ages 1-3 is $4.00
Ages 4 & Up Including Adults is $5.50
The Hands On Children’s Museum offers almost 6500 sq. feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits for children from ages 1-12 with 15 Major Exhibits which include:
Little Vets: Children can dress up like a Veterinarian and give the pets a checkup. Use the stethescopes, microscopes or check on the new born animals in the incubator.
Kids Mini Bank: Act like a Bank Teller and give loans or open an account, write checks or make deposits in your new account. Learn how money is made.
Winn Dixie Lil’ Grocery: NEWLY REMODLED! Pick up a grocery cart and shop for tonights dinner. Then act like the cashier and ring up your groceries on the real cash registers and real conveyor belts.
And much more. MEMBERSHIPS RATES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE CHECK THEIR WEBSITE.
Sadly, the last one I was going to put on the list was the Koger Gallery & Gardens Museum located on the corner of Boulevard Center Drive and Art Museum Drive. This museum closed by Mr. Koger in 2001 and his collection of Chinese Ceramics was donated to the Ringling Brothers Museum in Sarasota, Florida. However, there is an article posted by UNF in December 2009 on the building being updated and a Community Arts Center and Living Arts Alternative School. When we get more information about this we will post it.
Castaway Island Preserve
Published April 2, 2010 | My family and I like to ride around the Jacksonville Area to see how much things have changed. Since the gas prices are high we haven’t had a chance to get out as much as we would like to. But last week we decided to visit a couple of the local preserves. One such park is called the Castaway Island Preserve. The park is located almost exactly between the Arlington and Southside Area boundaries on the East part of the Jacksonville Florida area. On San Pablo Road between Atlantic and Beach Boulevard is a small little park or preserve with picnic areas, walking trails, an educational center as well as a floating dock to put in a canoe or kayak. You can also fish from the dock area.
Mostly, the preserve is a place to watch wildlife, birds and have a meal in a quiet and pretty setting. As with most parks in the Jacksonville Florida Area it is free to get in, is open from sunrise to sunset and available all year round. Of course, during the summer months its kind of nice to be near the water and being on the Intercoastal Waterway it is very close to the Atlantic Ocean with is cool breezes. As with any outdoor area in Florida you should take precautions with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and lots of water to keep hydrated. There are no swimming areas in the park though. Check out the city webpage: Castaway Island Preserve Webpage
We took some pictures of the area so that you can see what is in the park.
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Dunkin Donuts Opening Again
Published February 8, 2010 | When I was going to FCCJ South Campus I would almost always stop at the Dunkin Donuts on Beach Boulevard between 9A and the campus. There coffee was always fresh and most of the time so were all of their donuts. When they closed the store last year I was VERY disappointed. But I notice before Christmas that they were just renovating the store! I haven’t been in the area recently but plan on going by this week to see what progress they have made. The store is conveniently located next to a strip mall with a red light so you can get back onto Beach Boulevard without taking your life in your hands. And All of the UNF Students can get their easily by taking the North Entrance Road turn right on Central Parkway and left onto Beach Boulevard.
There is something about a fresh cup of coffee and a fresh glazed donut that just sets you up for learning. It gives you a sugar rush and a caffeine buzz that is for sure. No, it is not good for you and yes, the prices can be a little steep but they are much less than a Starbucks coffee and Starbucks doesn’t have those melt-in-your mouth donuts either! Dunkin Donuts is a Franchise business and your service, shopping experience and the bakers are all controlled by the local owner. Sadly, the franchising rights to the Jacksonville Florida area are sold out so we have to depend on the current owners to make our dining experience exceptional. For the most part most of the shops that I have been to (and I have been to quite a few) are pretty good. It is usually all in the timing of when you go to get the freshest donuts. When this stored closed I had to go to the end of JTB (J. Turner Butler Boulevard) and Phillips Highway to get my Dunkin Coffee Fix and they only sell Bowties in the mornings and only in limited quantities but they are open 24 hours a day. I also go to the Dunkin Donuts at the beach on Beach Boulevard next the the Rainbow Car Wash but they are only open from 4:00am to 11:00pm.
Dunkin’ Donuts at
11657 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Get Out in 2010
Published December 31, 2009 | There are many great places to go on Jacksonville Florida’s Southside area. Here are a few that I have can recommend:
San Marco Theater
1996 San Marco Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-4845
http://sanmarcotheatre.com/
This is a lovely old theater that serves beer and wine as well as a food menu sandwiches and Quesadillas as well as the usual of hotdogs, chips, popcorn and more. The Theater has undergone a variety of changes over the years but it has maintained an intimate atmosphere and has very interesting architecture. The prices are fairly reasonable as far as going out goes and well worth the trip. The rent out the theater for group events during the say. The San Marco area is great little place to walk up and down the shops either before or after the show. During the holidays the lights and decorations look a little old-fashioned.
Another great place to go for an afternoon of fun for the family is MOSH. The Museum of Science and History is located on the Southbank next to Friendship Fountain. The Museum is still reasonably priced and fun with next exhibits every month. They, of course, have information available on the web:
MOSH
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, Fl 32207
(904) 396-6674
http://www.themosh.org/home.html
We have updated the Retirement Community page with a listing of the Nursing Homes located on Jacksonville, Florida’s Southside Area.
Reduce Stress Visit A Park
Published December 8, 2009 | Walking in a natural setting has been proven to reduce stress. And now-a-days we need all the stress reductions ideas that are FREE as we can get. One of those is walking in one of the many parks around town. I was just reading about one that I’m going to check out called the Castaway Island Preserve. It is located on San Pablo Road between Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. That is on the eastern portion of the Jacksonville Southside Area but it looks to be worth the drive. Here are the particulars:
Castaway Island Preserve
2885 San Pablo Road South
Jacksonville, FL 32224
“The preserve is along the western shore of the Intracoastal Waterway and is adjacent to an intricate salt
marsh ecosystem. Visitors to the preserve will find themselves surrounded by the natural beauty of northeast
Florida. They may stroll along the park’s nature trails, enjoy a picnic with family and friends at one of several
picnic areas, get up close and personal with marshland wildlife from the wooden boardwalk or take in the breathtaking view from the park’s observation platform overlooking the waterway. Other amenities include a 3,000 square foot education center, floating canoe/kayak launch and information kiosk.”
Amenities offered at this park:
7 Benches
1 Canoe/Kayak Launch
50 Car Parking
4 Grills
10 Picnic Tables
1 Restrooms
0.3 Trails Paved (Miles)
1 Wildlife Observation Posts
Yes Drinking Fountain
Yes Perimeter Site Fencing
Yes Security Lighting
Yes Visitor/Interpretive Center
Another Place You might want to try would be the Forestry Tower Park. It is on the corner of Beach Boulevard and Forest Boulevards:
“Forestry Park offers six acres of fun for families and friends looking for a quiet place to picnic or bring the
children for playtime. Visitors to this neighborhood park may relax on one of its 18 benches or grill up some tasty treats on one of the two grills available for cooking out.
Forestry Tower Park Amenities:
18 benches
1 bike rack
2 grills
1 picnic shelter
7 picnic tables
14 parking spaces for automobiles
1 paved trail (0.5 miles)
3 playscape areas
5 trash receptacles
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