Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Florida Reining Classic recap

• Jaguars coaching staff updates

• A deep-dive into the life of Charles E. Merrill

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."

- Roy T. Bennett

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 urban park system in Jacksonville?

A) Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

B) Hanna Park

C) Metropolitan Park

D) Talbot Islands State Parks

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic neighborhood in Jacksonville known for its early 20th-century architecture and arts market is B) Riverside.

News

💼 Business

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville broke ground on a new research facility focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. (link)

A major logistics company announced the opening of a new distribution center in Jacksonville, expected to create 200 jobs. (link)

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum on urban development, featuring key business leaders and city planners. (link)

🏒 Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars announced updates to their coaching staff, including new assistant coaches. (link)

The University of North Florida (UNF) Ospreys men's basketball team clinched a home victory against Jacksonville University Dolphins. (link)

Jacksonville Armada FC unveiled their season schedule, highlighting key matchups and home games. (link)

Florida Reining Classic held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, featuring competitions across various categories including Youth, Non-Pro, and Open Derby events​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Local investment firm reported a significant increase in portfolio investments in Jacksonville's tech startups. (link)

The Federal Reserve's regional economic update highlighted growth in Jacksonville's financial sector, with a focus on banking and insurance services. (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

🛻 Monster Jam
Everbank Stadium, Jacksonville
Saturday, Mar. 9th | 7:00 PM (More info)

🏀 JJVA Boys River City Classic Basketball
Sports Edge Sport Facility, Jacksonville
March 8-9 | (More info)

⚾ Providence Stallions vs Creekside Knights
Providence School, Jacksonville
March 7th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤ZZ Top
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | 8:00 PM (More info)

🎸Pink Martini
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL
Wednesday, Mar. 6th | 8:00 PM (More info)

🎷Green Jelly
Kona Skatepark, Jacksonville FL
Saturday, Mar. 9th | 6:00 PM (More info)

🎻Saint-Saens' Organ Symphony
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Jacoby Hall, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Mar. 9th | 7:30 PM (More info)

Family

🎭 Cirque du Soleil : Corteo (Day-1)
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Mar. 7th | 7:30 PM (More info)

🎭 Cirque du Soleil : Corteo (Day-2)
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Mar. 8th | 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 “A steampunk-themed Jacksonville with Victorian architecture” 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

1862 - Union forces occupy Jacksonville during the Civil War.

In 1862, Union forces occupied Jacksonville during the Civil War, marking the beginning of a significant period in the city's history. The Union built a defensive wall around Jacksonville to protect the important port city, and the occupation continued for the rest of the war. Camp Finegan, established in 1862 as the Confederate army's main base in Northeast Florida, was taken over by Union forces in February 1864 during their fourth and final occupation of Jacksonville. After the Union's takeover, the camp was renamed Camp Shaw, signifying the city's shift under Union control.

Jacksonville's Civil War history reflects the city's role as a hotbed of Unionist sentiment, with many prominent white citizens and a significant percentage of African-Americans supporting the Union cause. The city's strategic importance as a port and its loyal sentiment made it a focal point of Union occupation during the Civil War. The Union's repeated occupations and eventual permanent control of Jacksonville after February 1864 underscore the city's significance in the broader context of the Civil War and its impact on the local community.

The Union's occupation of Jacksonville during the Civil War also played a pivotal role in shaping the city's demographics and social dynamics. Thousands of enslaved people escaped to freedom behind Union lines in Jacksonville, as well as in U.S.-held St. Augustine and Fernandina. This influx of escaped slaves and the city's status as a Union stronghold had a lasting impact on Jacksonville's population and contributed to its historical narrative as a place of refuge and liberation during a tumultuous period in American history.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Charles E. Merrill (1885–1956)

Charles E. Merrill: Early Life and Career (1885-1913)

Charles Edward Merrill was born on October 19, 1885, in Green Cove Springs, Florida, the son of Dr. Charles and Octavia Wilson Merrill. His father, a local physician, also owned a drug store where Merrill worked as a boy in addition to having a paper route. In 1898, the family briefly moved to Knoxville, Tennessee but within the year returned to Florida to settle in Jacksonville. After completing his education, Merrill began his career in the financial industry, working at various firms before establishing Charles E. Merrill & Co.

Merrill Lynch and Co. (1914-1956)

In 1914, Charles E. Merrill co-founded Merrill Lynch and Co., a prominent investment banking and wealth management firm. The company played a significant role in shaping the modern financial landscape and became one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States. Merrill's vision and leadership were instrumental in the firm's success, and his innovative approach to investment banking set the stage for the company's enduring legacy.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement (1914-1956)

Throughout his life, Charles E. Merrill was deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. His estate funded the Charles E. Merrill Trust, an engine of philanthropy that supported various initiatives, including the Merrill Science Center. Merrill's dedication to giving back to the community and supporting educational and scientific endeavors left a lasting impact on future generations.

Connection to Jacksonville

After settling in Jacksonville, Florida, Charles E. Merrill's early years were shaped by the local community and the experiences that influenced his formative years. His ties to Jacksonville remained significant, and his success in the financial industry and philanthropy reflected the values instilled in him during his time in the city.

Key Achievements of Charles E. Merrill:

• Co-founder of Merrill Lynch and Co., a leading investment banking and wealth management firm.

• Dedicated philanthropist, supporting educational and scientific initiatives through the Charles E. Merrill Trust.

• Innovative leader in the financial industry, shaping the modern landscape of investment banking.

• Legacy of community involvement and commitment to giving back to society.

• Remembered as a trailblazer in the financial sector and a champion of philanthropy and education.

Charles E. Merrill's life story is one of vision, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the realms of finance, philanthropy, and community service.

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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