Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jacksonville Home Prices Double in Eight Years.

• Big Something performs at Underbelly.

• A deep-dive into the life of Rutledge Pearson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."

- Maya Angelou

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 is the name of the largest shopping mall in Jacksonville?

A) The Avenues

B) St. Johns Town Center

C) Regency Square Mall

D) River City Marketplace

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The historic theatre in Jacksonville known for its Spanish Baroque architecture is A) Florida Theatre.

News

💼 Business

Jacksonville Home Prices Double in Eight Years, Outpacing National Median Increase. (link)

Governor DeSantis Considers $200M Boost for Home-Hardening Grants to Reduce Insurance Costs in Florida. (link)

Jacksonville Council Approves Revised Northbank Self-Storage Project, Reversing Earlier Zoning Decision. (link)

Hires and Thousand to Open New 15,500-Sq-Ft Gym Near Jacksonville's Southeast Regional Library in Spring 2025. (link)

🏒 Sports

The First Florida Credit Union named Addison Malone as Athlete of the Week for high school sports. (link)

Soccer group considers Regency Square Mall for new stadium; Costco proposes adding gas station at Town Center. (link)

Jacksonville-based AEW recognized by Forbes as No. 3 most valuable combat sports promotion. (link)

Jacksonville State Transfer Larry Worth Commits to Arkansas Razorbacks for Early Playtime Opportunity. (link)

🏦 Finance

Jacksonville Ranks 10th Among U.S. Cities with Highest Financial Distress Levels. (link)

Comcast RISE Set to Award a Total of $500,000 to Small Businesses in Greater Jacksonville. (link)

Chick-fil-A awards over 200 scholarships, $426K to Jacksonville students. (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 Icemen v Florida Everblades
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

⚾ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
121 Financial Park, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, May 01st | 7:05 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Sawyer Brown
Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, Orange Park, FL
Wednesday, May 01st | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🎸 Big Something
Underbelly, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, May 03th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎷 Me First & The Gimme Gimmes
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Backyard Stage, St Augustine, FL
Friday, May 03th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎹 Organ Chamber Music
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Jacoby Hall, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, May 04th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🍿 Frozen (Touring)
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Moran Theater, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🐰 Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles
Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, Orange Park, FL
Tuesday, Apr 30th | 7:30 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 “Urban landscape of Jacksonville with advanced public transport systems.” 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

1940 - The construction of Naval Station Mayport begins.

In 1940, the construction of Naval Station Mayport marked a significant milestone in the history of Jacksonville, Florida. This strategic naval base was established to support the United States Navy's growing presence in the region and played a crucial role in national defense efforts during World War II. The construction of Naval Station Mayport brought a surge of economic activity to the area, creating job opportunities and stimulating local businesses. The base quickly became an integral part of Jacksonville's identity, shaping the city's development and fostering a strong connection between the community and the military.

Naval Station Mayport's construction not only bolstered Jacksonville's economy but also solidified the city's position as a key player in national security. The base's strategic location on the Atlantic coast made it a vital hub for naval operations, serving as a homeport for numerous ships and submarines. As the base expanded and modernized over the years, it continued to contribute to Jacksonville's status as a prominent military and maritime center. The construction of Naval Station Mayport stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the city and the U.S. Navy, highlighting Jacksonville's pivotal role in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests.

Today, Naval Station Mayport remains an essential part of Jacksonville's heritage and continues to be a cornerstone of the city's identity. The base's rich history and ongoing contributions to national security serve as a source of pride for the local community. The construction of Naval Station Mayport in 1940 laid the foundation for a lasting legacy, shaping Jacksonville's growth and emphasizing the city's enduring commitment to supporting the men and women of the U.S. Navy.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Rutledge Pearson (1929–1967)

Rutledge Henry Pearson, born on September 6, 1929, in Jacksonville, Florida, was a prominent civil rights leader and a key figure in the Jacksonville Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. His contributions to the fight for racial equality and justice have left a lasting impact on the city of Jacksonville and the state of Florida.

Rutledge Pearson's Early Life and Education

Rutledge Pearson was the youngest son of Lloyd Pearson Sr. and Ruth Pearson, growing up in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended local schools and graduated from Stanton High School in 1947. His early education laid the foundation for his future activism and leadership in the civil rights movement.

Civil Rights Activism and Leadership

Rutledge Pearson played a significant role in the Jacksonville Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. As a local leader, he fearlessly fought for racial progress and equality, advocating for the rights of African Americans in Jacksonville and beyond. His tenacity and dedication to the cause made him a respected figure in the community and a driving force for change.

President of the NAACP

Pearson's commitment to civil rights led him to become the president of the state and local chapters of the NAACP. In this role, he worked tirelessly to address issues of racial discrimination, segregation, and social injustice, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of race.

Legacy and Recognition

Rutledge Pearson's legacy as a civil rights leader and advocate for social change is preserved through the renaming of the post office in his honor. His contributions to the fight for racial equality have been commemorated, ensuring that his impact on Jacksonville and the state of Florida is remembered and celebrated.

Connection to Jacksonville

Rutledge Pearson's deep connection to Jacksonville is evident in his upbringing, education, and lifelong commitment to the city's civil rights movement. His efforts to bring about racial progress and justice in Jacksonville have left an indelible mark on the city's history and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

Key Achievements of Rutledge Pearson:

• Prominent civil rights leader in the Jacksonville Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

• President of the state and local chapters of the NAACP, advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

• Fearless advocate for racial progress and equality in Jacksonville and beyond.

• Legacy preserved through the renaming of the post office in his honor.

• Remembered as a driving force for change and a respected figure in the community.

Rutledge Pearson's unwavering dedication to the civil rights movement and his pivotal role in advocating for racial equality have solidified his place in Jacksonville's history. His legacy continues to inspire future generations and serves as a testament to the enduring pursuit of justice and equality.

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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