Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• World of Beer to open in Jacksonville by summer 2024

• Upcoming Captain Chuck Cornett Navy Run 5k & 10k

• A deep-dive into the life of Stephen Crane

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

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!

What river flows through the heart of Jacksonville?

A) St. Johns River

B) Nassau River

C) Trout River

D) Ortega River

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic plantation house located in the Fort Caroline area of Jacksonville is A) Kingsley Plantation.

News

💼 Business

A new World of Beer Bar & Kitchen franchise is anticipated to open in Jacksonville by summer 2024. (link)

Bryan Croft has been guiding the family business into the e-commerce space, marking significant growth. (link)

The Marion Graham Mortuaries building is set for demolition, signaling new developments. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars' current stadium lease with the city runs through the 2029 NFL season, with plans for a renovated stadium​​. (link)

Continuing their winning streak, Jacksonville University's Men's Lacrosse secured a tight 8-7 win against Mercer in an ASUN conference game​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Komma Tea to open at St. Johns Town Center, offering milk teas, refreshers, and freshly baked macarons​​. (link)

The owner seeks to rezone closed Kmart property in Mandarin for a new Home Depot​​. (link)

Political and community leaders celebrate a $147 million grant for the Emerald Trail, enhancing Jacksonville's infrastructure​​. (link)

Daybreak Market, a gas station and convenience store, sold for more than $10 million. (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

🏃 Wine and Chocolate Run
2018 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 AM | (More info)

🏃 Captain Chuck Cornett Navy Run 10K and 5K
NAS Jax, Jacksonville
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 AM | (More info)

🏈 Jacksonville Sharks vs. Bay Area Panthers
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🏐 Springing the Blues
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Friday, Apr. 5th - Sunday, Apr. 7th | All Day | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville
Friday, Apr. 5th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎶 DaBaby & Yo Gotti
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville
Friday, Apr. 5th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 Turnpike Troubadours
Daily's Place Amphitheater, Jacksonville
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎷 Orchestra Noir: Y2K Meets 90’s Vibe
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Six The Musical
Moran Theater At Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville
Apr. 2nd & 7th | 2:00 PM & 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 architecture inspired by different planets” 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

1905 - Jacksonville becomes the first place to screen a motion picture in Florida.

In 1905, Jacksonville made history by becoming the first place to screen a motion picture in Florida, marking the city's significant contribution to the early film industry. This milestone solidified Jacksonville's status as the "Winter Film Capital of the World" in the early 20th century. The city's role in the silent film era attracted renowned silent-film stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Lionel and Ethel Barrymore, and Theda Bara, who filmed the movie "A Fool There Was" in nearby St. Augustine. The motion picture industry's move to Jacksonville was driven by the region's warm climate and affordable labor, leading to the establishment of 30 movie studios in the city over the next decade.

Today, Jacksonville's rich moviemaking tradition continues, with efforts to preserve this cinematic legacy through the transformation of the historic Kalem Studios into the Jacksonville Silent Film Museum. The museum aims to showcase the city's pivotal role in early filmmaking and provide tours of the complex, offering visitors a glimpse into the birthplace of Florida's film industry. This enduring legacy underscores Jacksonville's enduring impact on the world of cinema and its ongoing relevance in modern-day films.

As the birthplace of Florida's motion picture industry, Jacksonville's pioneering role in the early days of filmmaking has left an indelible mark on the city's cultural heritage. The inaugural Jacksonville Film Festival celebrated this legacy, bringing to light the city's cinematic history after 75 years of obscurity. Notably, Kalem Studios, the first major film studio to venture outside of New York, found commercial success in Jacksonville, producing iconic films such as the original 15-minute short film "Ben-Hur" and an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." This historic milestone continues to shape Jacksonville's identity as a significant player in the world of cinema.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Stephen Crane (1871–1900)

Stephen Crane, a prolific American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is best known for his novel "The Red Badge of Courage." His life and literary contributions have left a lasting impact on American literature and continue to be celebrated today.

Early Life and Family Background

Stephen Crane was born on November 1, 1871, in Newark, New Jersey, as the 14th and last child of writer/suffragist Mary Helen Peck Crane and Reverend Jonathan Townley Crane, a Methodist Episcopal. His upbringing in a literary and religious household laid the foundation for his future literary endeavors.

Literary Career and The Red Badge of Courage

Crane's literary career took off with the publication of "The Red Badge of Courage" in 1895, a novel that depicted the experiences of a young soldier in the American Civil War. The novel's realistic portrayal of war and its psychological impact earned Crane widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as an innovative writer.

Influence and Impact on American Literature

Stephen Crane's works, characterized by their Realist tradition, American Naturalism, and Impressionism, were groundbreaking in their time and continue to be recognized by modern critics as innovative and influential. His writing style and thematic explorations set a precedent for future generations of American writers.

Connection to Jacksonville

In his adult years, Stephen Crane lived in Jacksonville, Florida, where he continued to write and contribute to American literature. Although there is not much to see of his life in Jacksonville now, his presence in the city is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite his untimely death on June 5, 1900, Stephen Crane's literary legacy lives on. His impact on American literature has been celebrated through annual festivals, academic studies, and renewed appreciation by fellow writers. Crane's contributions to literature continue to inspire and influence writers and readers alike.

Key Achievements of Stephen Crane:

• Publication of "The Red Badge of Courage," a groundbreaking novel depicting the psychological impact of war.

• Recognition as an innovative writer in the Realist tradition, American Naturalism, and Impressionism.

• Enduring legacy in American literature, celebrated through annual festivals and academic studies.

Stephen Crane's life and literary contributions continue to be celebrated and studied, solidifying his place as an influential figure in American literature. His legacy as an innovative writer and his impact on the literary canon remain significant and enduring.

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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