Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Godfrey stand-up show

• Upcoming Joe Satriani & Steve Vai performances

• A deep-dive into the life of Bob Hayes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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, what is the name of the historic plantation house located in the Fort Caroline area?

A) Kingsley Plantation

B) Epping Forest

C) The Ribault Club

D) The Beekman House

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The annual sporting event held at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville is B) Florida-Georgia Football Game.

News

💼 Business

Marine Veteran Founds Cleaning Company to Employ Fellow Veterans. (link)

KeHE Distributors: Received a permit to build a new 532,613-square-foot warehouse in Elkton. (link)

Pinnacle Financial Partners: Doubled its team in Jacksonville, now featuring 10 associates. (link)

Aldi Acquires Southeastern Grocers: Plans to convert some Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores starting in the second half of 2024. (link)

Delta Hotels by Marriott: Reopened after a $6 million renovation including a refurbished restaurant and lobby. (link)

🏒 Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars Bolster Squad with High-Profile Free Agency Haul Including Morse, Davis, Armstead, Savage, Darby, and Duvernay. (link)

Former Washington Commanders Kicker Joey Slye Moves to AFC Rival Jacksonville Jaguars. (link)

Ex-Jacksonville Jaguars Staffer Sentenced to 3 Years for $22 Million Theft. (link)

🏦 Finance

VyStar Completes Acquisition of 121 Financial: Becoming the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida. (link)

Economic Survey: Indicates that manufacturing is expanding in Jacksonville. (link)

Johnson Controls: Announced a build-out at Lane Industrial Park. (link)

City Approves $42 Million JEA H2.O Purification Center Building: A significant investment in Jacksonville's infrastructure. (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

⚾ Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles
121 Financial Ballpark, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | 6:00 PM | (More info)

🏀 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Gwinnett Stripers
121 Financial Ballpark, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Mar. 29th | 7:05 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🎤 I Am He Said - Celebrating the Music of Neil Diamond
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Mar. 28th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Dusty Slay
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Friday, Mar. 29th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎪 Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Mar. 29th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

😂 Godfrey
The Comedy Zone - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Mar. 28th | 7:15 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 “Futuristic Jacksonville with a network of sky bridges” 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

1901 - The Great Fire of 1901, one of the largest urban fires in the Southeast.

The Great Fire of 1901, also known as the Jacksonville Fire, was a devastating urban fire that occurred on May 3, 1901, in Jacksonville, Florida. In just over eight hours, the fire swept through 146 city blocks, destroying over 2,000 buildings and leaving almost 9,000 people homeless. The fire was sparked in a LaVilla mattress factory and quickly spread, resulting in the destruction of 90% of the downtown area of Jacksonville. The Great Fire of 1901 is considered the third largest urban fire in American history, behind the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.

The aftermath of the Great Fire of 1901 led to a significant impact on the city of Jacksonville. The destruction of buildings and properties caused property losses of around $15 million, and the fire claimed the lives of seven individuals. The resilience of the people of Jacksonville was evident as they immediately began working to rebuild the city in the wake of the disaster. The Great Fire of 1901 remains a significant event in Jacksonville's history, shaping the city's development and serving as a testament to the strength and determination of its residents.

Today, the Great Fire of 1901 is remembered through various historical accounts, books, and commemorations. The event serves as a reminder of the city's ability to overcome adversity and rebuild from the ashes. The impact of the Great Fire of 1901 continues to be a part of Jacksonville's history, and its legacy is honored as a testament to the city's resilience and perseverance.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Bob Hayes (1942–2002)

Bob Hayes, also known as "Bullet Bob," was a legendary figure in the world of sports, known for his remarkable speed and athletic prowess. Born in Jacksonville in 1942, Hayes rose to fame as an Olympic sprinter and later transitioned to a successful career as an NFL wide receiver. His impact on the city of Jacksonville and his lasting legacy in the world of sports continue to inspire future generations.

Early Life and Rise to Athletic Stardom (1942-1963)

Born in Jacksonville in 1942, Bob Hayes grew up in the historic Gullah Geechee community of Eastside, where he discovered his passion for sports at a young age. Hayes attended Matthew W. Gilbert High School, where he excelled in track and field, showcasing his exceptional speed and natural talent as a sprinter. His athletic abilities quickly gained attention, and he went on to achieve national recognition as a high school track star, setting the stage for his future success in the world of sports.

Olympic Triumph and World Recognition (1964-1965)

In 1964, Bob Hayes represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he achieved an extraordinary feat by winning the gold medal in the 100-meter dash. His remarkable speed and agility earned him the title of "the world's fastest man," solidifying his status as a legendary sprinter and bringing pride to his hometown of Jacksonville. Hayes' Olympic triumph propelled him into the international spotlight, where he became a symbol of athletic excellence and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.

Transition to Professional Football (1965-1975)

Following his Olympic success, Bob Hayes made a groundbreaking transition to professional football, joining the Dallas Cowboys as a wide receiver in 1965. His exceptional speed and agility on the field quickly made an impact, earning him the nickname "Bullet Bob" and establishing him as a formidable force in the NFL. Hayes' contributions to the Dallas Cowboys were instrumental in the team's success, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 1972 and solidifying his legacy as a trailblazing athlete in the world of football.

Connection to Jacksonville and Community Impact

Bob Hayes' roots in Jacksonville remained a significant part of his identity, and he continued to be a role model for the city's black community, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams. His impact on Jacksonville's sports history is commemorated through the annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet, honoring his legacy and celebrating the world's fastest man from Jacksonville. Hayes' enduring influence on the city of Jacksonville serves as a testament to his lasting impact as a sports icon and a symbol of pride for the local community.

Key Achievements of Bob Hayes:

• Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter dash at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

• Only athlete to win both a Super Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal.

• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to the NFL as a wide receiver.

• Honored with the annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet in Jacksonville, celebrating his legacy and impact on the world of sports.

• Remembered as a symbol of speed, excellence, and inspiration for athletes around the world.

Bob Hayes' extraordinary journey from Olympic sprinter to NFL wide receiver exemplifies the power of determination, talent, and the enduring impact of a sports legend. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift the city of Jacksonville and the world of sports, leaving an indelible mark on the history of athletic achievement.

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

Poll