Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• FIS ups its share buyback target to $4 billion by 2024.

• Upcoming Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game

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

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."

- Mark Twain

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 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

WJCT Public Media receives a $1 million grant from Florida Blue to bolster Northeast Florida news reporting and early childhood initiatives. (link)

FIS raises share repurchase goal to $4 billion by 2024, aiming to return $4.8 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. (link)

Jacksonville small businesses fear financial impact as President Biden’s legislation gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok or face a ban. (link)

🏒 Sports

Action Sports Jax 24/7 is now the official streaming partner for the Jacksonville Armada FC. (link)

Play It Again Sports opens soon at 8011 Merrill Road in Arlington, co-owned by Jacksonville native Brendan Flowe and his wife Tien, with a grand opening set for May 16. (link)

High school baseball playoffs ‘24: Beachside, Clay, Creekside, Union County win openers. (link)

OL Jason Zandamela transfers to the Florida Gators | DL commit Jeramiah McCloud brings dominance. (link)

🏦 Finance

Study finds Port of Jacksonville generates nearly $33 billion in annual economic output, significantly impacting regional and statewide economies. (link)

Report reveals Jacksonville’s pension funding gap, leaving taxpayers facing an $11,200 debt each, sparking concerns over future affordability. (link)

Jacksonville lawyer's license suspended after audit finds $107K 'shortage' in client funds. (link)

Governor Ron DeSantis signs bills enhancing financial options and shaping school curriculum while banning lab-grown meat sales in Florida. (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 Jumbo Shrimp vs. Nashville Sounds
121 Financial Ballpark, Jacksonville
Wednesday, May 15th | 12:05 PM | (More info)

⚾ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Nashville Sounds
121 Financial Ballpark, Jacksonville
Friday, May 17th | 7:05 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 The Lark Ascending
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Jacoby Hall, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, May 17th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🎵 Megan Moroney - The Lucky 2.0 Tour with Special Guest Logan Crosby
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL
Friday, May 17th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🎸 The Lark Ascending
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Jacoby Hall, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, May 18th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🎪 Brick Fan Expo - A LEGO® Fan Event
St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville
Sunday, May 19th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | (More info)

🏟 Jacksonville Sharks vs. Sioux Falls Storm
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville
Saturday, May 18th | 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 “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–)

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.

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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