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Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Delta adds Jax-Texas flights.

• Florida upsets Ole Miss playoff.

• A deep-dive into the life of Norman Thagard.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

— Mark Twain

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Trivia

What is the name of the annual jazz festival held in Jacksonville?

A) Jacksonville Jazz Festival

B) River City Jazz Festival

C) Florida Jazz and Blues Festival

D) Suncoast Jazz Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The park in Jacksonville known for its memorial to the United States' veterans is B) Veterans Memorial Wall.

News

💼Business

Lucky Goat Coffee slated for former Mini Bar Donuts site. (link)

Delta flights from Jax to popular Texas city to be added next year. (link)

🏒Sports

Florida knocks No. 9 Ole Miss out of College Football Playoff contention, 24-17 in the Swamp. (link)

High school football playoffs ‘24: Bolles, Raines, St. Aug storm into 3rd round. (link)

🏦Finance

Settlement over Laura Street Trio fines expected next week. (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 Orlando Solar Bears
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Tue • Dec 03, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🏆 Lillian’s Sports Grill, Jacksonville, FL (solo)
Lillian's Sports Grill, 5393 Roosevelt Blvd # 6 Jacksonville, FL
Wed • Dec 4, 2024 • 6 - 9:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 American Aquarium
Underbelly, Jacksonville, FL
Mon • Dec 02, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Community Music Ensemble
3412 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 at 3:45 - 5:00 pm | (More info)

Family

🌻 SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY CELEBRATES
1 Independent Dr #113, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 at 5:00 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 “Post-apocalyptic Jacksonville reclaimed by nature” 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

1960 - Ax Handle Saturday, a significant civil rights event, occurs.

In 1960, Jacksonville, Florida, became the site of a significant civil rights event known as Ax Handle Saturday. This event unfolded on August 27, when a group of African American students staged a peaceful sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in downtown Jacksonville. In response, a violent mob of white supremacists, armed with ax handles and baseball bats, attacked the demonstrators and other African American bystanders. The brutal assault sparked outrage and shed light on the deep-seated racial tensions and injustices prevalent in the city at the time.

Ax Handle Saturday served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement in Jacksonville, galvanizing the local African American community and their allies to demand an end to segregation and racial discrimination. The event drew national attention and became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality in the United States. In the aftermath of Ax Handle Saturday, civil rights leaders and activists intensified their efforts to challenge segregation and advocate for equal rights, paving the way for significant reforms and advancements in the fight against racial injustice.

Today, Ax Handle Saturday stands as a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience of those who fought for civil rights in Jacksonville and across the nation. The event's legacy continues to inspire ongoing efforts to promote equality, justice, and inclusivity, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of the civil rights movement and the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Norman Thagard (1943–): Former NASA astronaut with a significant career, although not deceased before 2000.

Norman Earl Thagard (1943–): A Remarkable Career in Space Exploration

Norman Earl Thagard was born on July 3, 1943, in Marianna, Florida, but considers Jacksonville, Florida his hometown. His remarkable career spans across multiple fields, from serving as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and naval aviator to becoming the first American to ride to space on board a Russian vehicle. Thagard's journey is a testament to his ambition, dedication, and pioneering spirit.

Early Ambitions and Education (1961-1970)

Norman Thagard attended Paxon Senior High School in Jacksonville, Florida, where he expressed his aspirations to become a medical doctor, a fighter pilot, an engineer, and an astronaut. He pursued his dreams with determination and attended Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree.

Military Service and Aviation Career (1966-1971)

Thagard's military career began when he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Captain from 1966 to 1971. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1968 and flew F-4 Phantom IIs with VMFA-333 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, showcasing his exceptional skills as a pilot.

NASA Astronaut Career (1978-1995)

Norman Thagard's most significant contributions came during his tenure as a NASA astronaut. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1978 and went on to participate in five spaceflights, accumulating a total of 140.56 days in space. Thagard's missions included conducting medical tests, collecting data, and setting records for American space endurance.

Historic Mission to Mir Space Station (1995)

Thagard made history by becoming the first American astronaut to train in Russia, launch aboard a Soyuz with cosmonauts, and complete a residency aboard the Mir space station. His 115-day space endurance record from March 14 to July 7, 1995, marked a significant milestone in space exploration and solidified his legacy as a pioneering astronaut.

Academic and Professional Achievements (1996-Present)

Following his illustrious career as an astronaut, Thagard transitioned into academia and public service. He became a tenured professor of electrical engineering and dean of public relations at the FSU/FAMU High School in Jacksonville, where he continues to inspire and educate future generations.

Key Achievements of Norman Earl Thagard:

• First American to ride to space on board a Russian vehicle, pioneering international cooperation in space exploration.

• Completed a historic 115-day residency aboard the Mir space station, setting an American space endurance record.

• Served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and naval aviator, showcasing exceptional skills as a pilot.

• Transitioned into academia and public service, becoming a respected professor and dean in Jacksonville, Florida.

• Contributed to the advancement of medical science and data collection during his space missions.

Norman Earl Thagard's legacy extends beyond his groundbreaking achievements in space exploration. He is remembered as a trailblazer, educator, and role model, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

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-Yannick Lyons

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