Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Katt Williams to perform at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

• Oluokun's $22.5M Jaguars deal for 3 years.

• A deep-dive into the life of Eartha M. M. White

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane, and the pessimist the parachute."

- Gil Stein

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Jacksonville zoo is famous for its wide range of wildlife and botanical gardens?

A) Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

B) Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

C) Tree Hill Nature Center

D) The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The island in Jacksonville known for its nature preserves and pristine beaches is D) Little Talbot Island.

News

💼 Business

NLP Logix expanded its headquarters in South Jacksonville by nearly 11,000 square feet. (link)

Jacksonville's unemployment rate rose to 3.3% in January, reflecting an increase from the previous year. (link)

Texas-based health care company to build Jax hospital. (link)

State looks to sell city block in heart of downtown Jacksonville. (link)

🏒 Sports

Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun signed a three-year extension with $22.5 million guaranteed. (link)

Discussion on how the Jaguars plan to recover from the largest collapse in franchise history. (link)

Calvin Ridley leaves Jaguars for Titans, expressing the Titans had what he was looking for. (link)

Jaguars finalize deal with Arik Armstead, agreeing to terms on a three-year $51 million contract​ (link)

🏦 Finance

World Golf Foundation agrees to sell WGV property to county for $5.5 million. (link)

An autonomous electric vehicle manufacturer is considering Jacksonville for a $100 million investment project. (link)

Baker family company sells its construction materials operations to Martin Marietta for $2.05 billion, encompassing 20 construction aggregate sites. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk Tides
121 Financial Park, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Apr 16th | 11:05 AM | (More info)

⚾ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk Tides
121 Financial Park, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17th | 7:05 PM | (More info)

🏉 Jacksonville Sharks vs. Vegas Knight Hawks
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Apr 20 | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Brit Floyd
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Apr 16th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Rodrigo y Gabriela
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17 | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎷 Justin Hayward
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Wednesday, Apr 17 | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎹 Planet Band Camp Starring Staind
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL
Thursday, Apr 18th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🎨 Gujarati Drama: Be Adhee Khichdi Kadhi
Ritz Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Apr 18th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

🍿 Jacksonville Symphony
Times Union Perf. Arts-Symphony Hall, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Apr 19th | 11:00 AM | (More info)

🐰 Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Apr 19th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Jacksonville with buildings that change shape and color.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Jacksonville Historical Events

1921 - The Florida Theatre, a significant cultural landmark, opens.

In 1921, the Florida Theatre opened its doors in Jacksonville, marking the beginning of a new era in the city's cultural landscape. This iconic landmark quickly became a hub for entertainment, hosting a wide array of performances, from vaudeville acts to silent films. The theatre's grand architecture and opulent interior design captured the essence of the Roaring Twenties, drawing in crowds of eager patrons seeking an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

As the years passed, the Florida Theatre evolved into a symbol of Jacksonville's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the talents of renowned artists and musicians. Its stage witnessed the performances of legendary entertainers, and its walls echoed with the laughter and applause of audiences from all walks of life. The theatre's enduring legacy as a center for artistic expression and community engagement has solidified its place as a cherished cultural institution in the heart of Jacksonville.

Today, the Florida Theatre stands as a testament to the city's enduring commitment to the arts, continuing to enchant and inspire visitors with its timeless charm. Its significance as a cultural landmark extends beyond its architectural beauty, serving as a living testament to the power of creativity and the enduring spirit of the Jacksonville community.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Eartha M. M. White (1876–1974)

Eartha Mary Magdalene White was born on November 8, 1876, in Jacksonville, Florida, to a mother who had been a slave and who never revealed the name of her baby's father, a young man from a "good" white family. She was soon adopted by Lafayette White, a former slave who had fought in the Civil War, and Clara English White. Eartha M. M. White, a prominent African American resident of Jacksonville, Florida, was widely known for her humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors in the northeastern part of that state.

Eartha White's Early Life and Family

Eartha Mary Magdalene White was born near Jacksonville, Florida, on November 8th, 1876, as the thirteenth child of two former slaves. After her biological parents died, White was adopted by Lafayette and Clara English White, who had been formerly enslaved themselves. Her upbringing in Jacksonville, Florida, shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for community service and philanthropy.

The Clara White Mission (1904-1920)

In 1904, Eartha White's mother, Clara White, established the Clara White Mission, a charitable organization that provided food, shelter, and assistance to the poor and hungry in the Jacksonville community. After her mother's death in 1920, White continued the work of the mission, expanding its reach and impact on the local community.

Service Laundry Company and Business Ventures (1920s-1930s)

During the 1920s and 1930s, Eartha White established the Service Laundry Company, a successful business venture that provided employment opportunities for African American women in Jacksonville. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to economic empowerment made her a respected figure in the local business community.

Humanitarian and Philanthropic Work (1940s-1960s)

Throughout the 1940s to the 1960s, Eartha White's humanitarian efforts expanded to include educational initiatives, healthcare services, and support for the elderly and orphaned children in Jacksonville. Her commitment to uplifting the marginalized and underserved populations earned her widespread recognition and admiration.

Community Leadership and Advocacy (1970s-1980s)

In the 1970s and 1980s, Eartha White continued to be a leading voice for social justice and civil rights in Jacksonville. Her advocacy work focused on addressing racial inequality, promoting equal access to education and healthcare, and empowering the African American community in the city.

Legacy and Impact

Eartha M. M. White's legacy as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and businesswoman continues to inspire generations in Jacksonville and beyond. Her dedication to uplifting the disadvantaged, her entrepreneurial achievements, and her unwavering commitment to social change have left an indelible mark on the history of Jacksonville, Florida.

Key Achievements of Eartha M. M. White:

• Established the Clara White Mission, providing food, shelter, and assistance to the poor and hungry in Jacksonville.

• Founded the Service Laundry Company, creating employment opportunities for African American women in the local community.

• Expanded her humanitarian efforts to include educational initiatives, healthcare services, and support for the elderly and orphaned children in Jacksonville.

• Advocated for social justice, civil rights, and racial equality in Jacksonville, leaving a lasting impact on the city's history.

• Remembered as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and community leadership in Jacksonville, Florida.

Eartha M. M. White's life story is one of unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, fostering economic empowerment, and advocating for social change in Jacksonville, Florida. Her impact as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and businesswoman continues to resonate and inspire future generations.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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