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Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Breeze Airways adds Northeast route via JIA.

• Georgia high school football schedules released.

• A deep-dive into the life of John Rosamond Johnson.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."

– Oscar Wilde

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Trivia

In Jacksonville, which historic district is known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and Mediterranean architecture?

A) San Marco

B) Avondale

C) Riverside

D) Springfield

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Jacksonville annual event focusing on environmental conservation is C) EcoFest.

News

💼Business

Gateway Jax Pearl Street District received final approval. (link)

Breeze Airways adds service to another Northeast city through JIA. (link)

🏒Sports

Jaguars training camp notebook: Back to work before the Bucs. (link)

High school football ‘24: Team, week-by-week schedules for Georgia teams. (link)

🏦Finance

Boeing lands $264 million Navy contract for work in Jacksonville. (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

⚾ St.Johns Spartans vs Eagles View
3100 Doctors Lake Dr, Orange Park, FL
Tuesday, Aug 20th | 4:30 pm | (More info)

⚽ Organized Pickup Soccer Game
14797 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, Aug 21st | 10:30 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Trendz
113 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL
Monday, Aug 19th | 7:00 pm | (More info)

🎤 Music by the Sea Concert Series
350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
Wednesday, Aug 21st | 7:00 pm | (More info)

Family

🐻 Exhibition - Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Aug 22nd | 11:00 am | (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 “Futuristic Jacksonville with advanced weather control 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

1970 - Consolidation leads to the modern governance structure of Jacksonville.

In the 1970s, Jacksonville underwent a significant transformation that led to the modern governance structure of the city. This period marked the consolidation of the city and county governments, a pivotal moment in Jacksonville's history. Prior to consolidation, the city and county operated as separate entities, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in coordinating services and resources. The consolidation effort aimed to streamline governance, improve service delivery, and create a more cohesive and unified approach to managing the city and its surrounding areas.

The consolidation of Jacksonville in 1970 resulted in the creation of a single, unified government for the entire Duval County. This modern governance structure brought together the city of Jacksonville and the surrounding county, eliminating duplication of services and establishing a more efficient and effective system of governance. As a result, Jacksonville's modern governance structure reflects a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing the city's diverse needs, from urban development to suburban infrastructure, and from public safety to community services. The consolidation of 1970 laid the foundation for the city's current governance model, shaping the way Jacksonville is governed and managed today.

Today, Jacksonville's modern governance structure is characterized by a strong mayor-council form of government, with an elected mayor serving as the city's chief executive and a city council responsible for legislative functions. This structure allows for a balance of power and accountability, ensuring that the needs of Jacksonville's diverse population are represented and addressed. The consolidation of 1970 played a crucial role in shaping this governance model, setting the stage for a more unified and efficient approach to managing the city's affairs. As a result, Jacksonville has evolved into a well-organized and responsive city, with a governance structure that reflects the values of collaboration, inclusivity, and effective administration.

Famous People From Jacksonville

John Rosamond Johnson (1873–1954): Composer, singer, and brother of James Weldon Johnson.

John Rosamond Johnson was born on August 11, 1873, in Jacksonville, Florida, the younger brother of prominent composer and civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson. His mother, Helen Louise Dillet, was from Nassau, Bahama, and she taught him to play piano at the age of four. His father was James Johnson.

Johnson began playing the piano at the age of four before leaving his hometown in Jacksonville, Florida, to study music at the New England Conservatory and in London. He was a composer, pianist, actor, singer, and educator. Johnson was one of the more important figures in black music in the first part of the 20th century.

While he is chiefly remembered today as the composer of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," he had a varied career as a pianist, songwriter, producer, soldier, singer, and actor. Johnson died in New York City on November 11, 1954.

Key Achievements of John Rosamond Johnson:

• Composer of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing."

• Varied career as a pianist, songwriter, producer, soldier, singer, and actor.

• Important figure in black music in the first part of the 20th century.

• Remembered for his contributions to music and his role in the civil rights movement.

John Rosamond Johnson's legacy extends beyond his musical achievements. He is remembered for his significant contributions to black music and his role in the civil rights movement. His impact on the music industry and the fight for equality remains significant and enduring.

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-Matthew Larsen

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