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Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Australian developer reveals Jacksonville surf park plans.

• Varsity 4 Super 10: Nease rises, Oakleaf returns.

• A deep-dive into the life of Duncan U. Fletcher.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use."

— Søren Kierkegaard

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Trivia

In Jacksonville, which historic lighthouse offers tours and panoramic views of the surrounding coastal area?

A) St. Augustine Lighthouse

B) Amelia Island Lighthouse

C) Mayport Lighthouse

D) Ponte Vedra Lighthouse

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Jacksonville event that focuses on local craft and culture is C) Riverside Arts Market.

News

💼Business

Australian developer announces surf park plans for Jacksonville. (link)

🏒Sports

Georgia High School Association pushes playoffs back a week after Hurricane Helene. (link)

Varsity 4 Super 10: Surging Nease rises to No. 2, Oakleaf moves back in. (link)

🏦Finance

City commits $50 million to MOSH construction. (link)

SRS Real Estate Partners completes $6.5 Million sale of retail center. (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

🏉 v , NFL 2024-2025
1 EverBank Stadium Dr, Jacksonville, FL
Monday 7 October, 2024 at 4:00 am | (More info)

🏃 Fall Training Class
2018 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday 8 October, 2024 at 8:30 am | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 UNF Orchestra presents: Water Music
1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL
Monday 7 October, 2024 at 7:30 pm | (More info)

🧵 Community Music Ensemble
3412 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL
Wed • Oct 09 • 3 - 4:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🌻 Junior Artists (ages 5-8)
10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Monday 7 October, 2024 at 4:00 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 with an art district where the buildings are canvases for digital art” 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

1972 - The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert.

In 1972, the cultural landscape of Jacksonville, Florida, was forever changed as the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra took center stage to perform its inaugural concert. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era in the city's musical history, bringing together talented musicians and passionate music enthusiasts to celebrate the power of orchestral music. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra's debut concert captivated audiences with its enchanting melodies, captivating performances, and the promise of a vibrant future for classical music in the region.

The founding of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in 1972 was a testament to the city's growing commitment to the arts and its desire to enrich the lives of its residents through the beauty of symphonic music. The orchestra's first concert served as a momentous occasion that united the community in a shared appreciation for the arts, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and fostering a deep sense of cultural pride. The orchestra's debut performance was a resounding success, setting the stage for decades of exceptional musical experiences and establishing the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra as a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity.

Since its inaugural concert in 1972, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra has continued to enchant audiences with its world-class performances, innovative programming, and unwavering dedication to musical excellence. The orchestra's legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of that historic first concert, as it continues to inspire, uplift, and unite the Jacksonville community through the transcendent power of orchestral music. Today, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra stands as a cherished cultural institution, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike with its timeless performances and unwavering commitment to artistic innovation.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Duncan U. Fletcher (1859–1936): U.S. Senator from Florida.

Duncan U. Fletcher (1859–1936)

Duncan Upshaw Fletcher was an American lawyer and politician of the Democratic Party. He was the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Florida's history and also served two terms as Mayor of Jacksonville. Fletcher was born on January 6, 1859, near Americus, Georgia, and graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1880. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked as a lawyer and became a prominent figure in the city's political and legal circles.

Early Life and Career (1859-1880)

Duncan Upshaw Fletcher was born on January 6, 1859, near Americus, Georgia.

He graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1880, where he studied law.

Move to Jacksonville and Legal Career (1880-1893)

After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Fletcher moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he established himself as a lawyer.

He became a founding member of the Jacksonville Bar Association and served as its first President.

Mayor of Jacksonville (1893-1895)

Fletcher served as the Mayor of Jacksonville from 1893 to 1895, during which he played a crucial role in the city's recovery after the Great Fire of Jacksonville.

Political and Business Involvement (1895-1916)

After his term as Mayor, Fletcher continued to be actively involved in Jacksonville's political and business affairs.

He was elected to the Jacksonville city council in 1887 and served as mayor again in 1901-1903.

U.S. Senator from Florida (1916-1936)

In 1916, Fletcher was elected as a U.S. Senator from Florida, marking the beginning of his long and influential tenure in the Senate.

He was known for his advocacy of agricultural and trade policies that benefited Florida and the South.

Legacy and Contributions

Fletcher's contributions to Jacksonville and Florida were significant, and his legacy as a dedicated public servant and influential political figure endures to this day.

He was instrumental in the city's recovery after the Great Fire of Jacksonville and played a key role in shaping the city's political landscape.

Key Achievements of Duncan U. Fletcher:

• Longest-serving U.S. Senator in Florida's history.

• Served two terms as Mayor of Jacksonville.

• Advocated for agricultural and trade policies benefiting Florida and the South.

• Played a crucial role in the recovery of Jacksonville after the Great Fire.

Duncan U. Fletcher's life and career were marked by his unwavering dedication to public service and his significant impact on the city of Jacksonville and the state of Florida. His legacy as a prominent political figure and influential leader continues to be remembered and celebrated.

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

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