Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jaguars roster updates

• New children’s health clinic being built

• A deep-dive into the life of Ray Charles

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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!

In Jacksonville, which museum is dedicated to contemporary art?

A) Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

B) Museum of Science & History

C) Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

D) Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The largest urban park system in Jacksonville is A) Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve.

News

💼 Business

Angie’s Subs opened a new location at Jacksonville International Airport, offering its "Peruvian" sub past security in Concourse A. (link)

MMI, a surgical robotics company, has successfully raised $110 million, showcasing a significant investment in the medical technology sector in Jacksonville. (link)

🏒 Sports

Folorunso Fatukasi was released by the Jaguars on his 29th birthday​ (link)

The Locked On Sports Today episode on March 4 discussed including updates on the NFL combine and the Spurs building around Victor​​. (link)

MOSH CEO anticipates fulfilling a $40 million goal by June for expanding the museum, which has been in Jacksonville's Southbank for over 50 years​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Nemours Children’s Health is building a $2.6 million clinic, showcasing continued investment in the health sector​​. (link)

Tractor Supply is identified for a new site in Callahan, marking its ninth area store in Nassau County​. (link)

A Burger King is one of several new tenants at The Avenues mall, indicating growth in the retail sector​​. (link)

The trial of fired JEA executives focused on checks and balances, involving former board members and the city auditor's testimony​​. (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 Sharks
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Monday, March. 11 | 10:30 AM | (More Info)

⛳ THE PLAYERS Championship - Wednesday
TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
March. 12-17 | 10:30 AM | (More Info)

🏊 River City Sports Awards
Ritz Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
Tursday, March. 14 | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Jacksonville Icemen
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, March. 15 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Gino Vannelli
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Monday , March. 11 | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Temptations w/ The Four Tops
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Tuedsay, March. 12 | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 The Green
Underbelly, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday , March. 13 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🏒 Jacksonville Symphony w/ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert (DAY-1)
Times Union Perf. Arts-Symphony Hall, Jacksonville, FL
March. 15-16 | 7:00 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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

1864 - The Battle of Olustee occurs near Jacksonville, a significant battle in the Civil War.

In 1864, the Battle of Olustee took place near Jacksonville, Florida, marking a significant event in the American Civil War. This historic battle occurred on February 20, 1864, and was the largest battle fought in Florida during the war. Union General Truman Seymour had landed troops at Jacksonville with the primary aim of disrupting Confederate food supply and extending Union control over the peninsula inland from the Atlantic coast. The battle was a decisive Confederate victory, securing Southern control of Florida until the end of the war.

The Battle of Olustee, also known as the Battle of Ocean Pond, was a major conflict fought by Black Union Army troops and is recognized as the final Civil War battle in Florida. The Union forces suffered heavy casualties, with only a fraction of their soldiers escaping unharmed. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment played a crucial role in saving stranded wounded Union soldiers during the battle. Today, the battlefield is commemorated by the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, a part of the Florida State Park system, preserving the historical significance of this pivotal event in American history.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Ray Charles (1930–2004)

Ray Charles' musical legacy has roots in the Jacksonville area, where he spent his formative years and made significant contributions to the music industry. Born in Albany, Georgia, Charles moved to Greenville, Florida, a small town two hours west of Jacksonville, during his childhood. His connection to Jacksonville and the surrounding areas played a pivotal role in shaping his early career and musical influences.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1930-1947)

Ray Charles Robinson Sr. was born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Greenville, Florida, where he began to develop a passion for music. Despite losing his sight at the age of seven, Charles showed remarkable musical talent and started learning to play the piano.

Move to Jacksonville and Musical Education (1948-1950)

After spending time at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, Ray Charles moved to Jacksonville as a teenager. It was during this time that he honed his musical skills and developed his unique style, drawing inspiration from the diverse music scene in the area. Living on Church Street in Jacksonville, Charles immersed himself in the local music culture, laying the foundation for his future success.

Rise to Stardom and Innovative Sound (1951-1960)

In the early 1950s, Ray Charles moved to Los Angeles, where he signed with Atlantic Records and began to gain widespread recognition for his groundbreaking musical innovations. His fusion of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz resulted in a distinctive sound that set him apart as a trailblazing artist. Hits like "What'd I Say" and "I Got a Woman" propelled him to stardom, earning him the title of "The Genius" among his peers and fans.

Musical Influence and Social Impact (1961-1970)

During the 1960s, Ray Charles continued to push musical boundaries and address social issues through his music. His iconic album "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music" showcased his versatility and broadened the scope of popular music. Charles' ability to transcend genres and connect with diverse audiences made him a cultural icon, breaking down racial barriers and inspiring future generations of musicians.

Legacy and Lasting Impact (1971-2004)

Ray Charles' enduring legacy extends beyond his musical achievements. His influence on soul, rhythm and blues, and popular music as a whole is immeasurable. His contributions to the music industry earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Charles' impact on the world of music continues to be felt, and his innovative spirit lives on in the work of contemporary artists.

Key Achievements of Ray Charles:

• Pioneered a groundbreaking musical style that combined rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz.

• Broke down racial barriers and addressed social issues through his music, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.

• Earned multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

• Inspired future generations of musicians with his innovative spirit and musical versatility.

• Established a musical legacy that continues to influence artists across genres and generations.

Ray Charles' journey from the Jacksonville area to international stardom is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and enduring impact on the world of music. His legacy as "The Genius" lives on, inspiring countless musicians and music lovers around the globe.

Connect With Me

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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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