Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Two Buffalo Wild Wings locations planned.

• Helene disrupts Week 6 football, predictions remain.

• A deep-dive into the life of Red Barber.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore."

— William Faulkner

Trivia

In Jacksonville, which historic theater is known for its lavish interior and hosting a variety of performances including plays, concerts, and ballets?

A) Florida Theatre

B) Ritz Theatre

C) Alhambra Theatre & Dining

D) Terry Theater

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Museum which focuses on the history of the city and the surrounding Northeast Florida region is B) Museum of Science & History.

News

💼Business

Two new Buffalo Wild Wings Go locations planned for Jax. (link)

Tropical wildlife and classic cars at Fantasy Farms. (link)

🏒Sports

High school football ‘24: Helene scrambles Week 6 sked but not these predictions. (link)

‘The speeches are over’: Jaguars need to find a quick fix to their sinking season. (link)

🏦Finance

Cruise lines chart course for Jacksonville's booming port. (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

🏀 Impact Christian Lions vs Providence
1728 Lindsey Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday 1 October, 2024 at 6:00 pm | (More info)

🏆 Stanton Blue Devils vs Yulee Hornets
2740 Division St, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday 2 October, 2024 at 4:30 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Keb' Mo' w/ Shawn Colvin
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Tue • Oct 01 • 7:30 PM | (More info)

🧵 The Awakening Tour
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
Wed • Oct 02 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🌻 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Terry Theater, Jacksonville, FL
Tue • Oct 01 • 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 “Jacksonville with an underwater section accessible to the public” 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

1949 - The Jacksonville Expressway System begins construction.

In 1949, the city of Jacksonville embarked on a transformative journey with the commencement of the Jacksonville Expressway System construction. This ambitious project aimed to create a modern and efficient transportation network to meet the growing needs of the city's residents and businesses. The expressway system was envisioned as a vital link connecting various neighborhoods and facilitating smoother traffic flow throughout Jacksonville. As construction began, it marked a significant milestone in the city's urban development and set the stage for enhanced connectivity and accessibility.

The Jacksonville Expressway System construction brought about a wave of optimism and anticipation as residents looked forward to the benefits of improved mobility and accessibility. The project's strategic planning and design aimed to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance travel efficiency, and foster economic growth by streamlining transportation routes. As construction progressed, the city's skyline began to transform, reflecting the modernization and progress that the expressway system promised to deliver.

With the commencement of the Jacksonville Expressway System construction in 1949, Jacksonville embraced a new era of urban infrastructure and connectivity. The project symbolized the city's commitment to embracing modern transportation solutions and laying the groundwork for future development. As construction continued, the expressway system became a symbol of Jacksonville's forward-thinking approach to urban planning and infrastructure, shaping the city's landscape for generations to come.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Red Barber (1908–1992): Sports commentator and radio personality.

Walter Lanier "Red" Barber was an American sports announcer and author, best known for his legendary career as a sports commentator and radio personality. Born on February 17, 1908, in Columbus, Mississippi, Red Barber's life and legacy continue to inspire sports enthusiasts and broadcasting professionals. Here's a comprehensive biography of Red Barber, chronicling his remarkable journey and lasting impact.

Red Barber's Early Years and Education (1908-1934)

Walter Lanier Barber, known as "Red" for the color of his hair, was born in Columbus, Mississippi, in 1908. He was a distant relative of poet Sidney Lanier and writer Thomas Lanier Williams. The family later moved to Sanford, Florida, where Red spent his formative years. At the age of 21, he hitchhiked to Gainesville and enrolled at the University of Florida, majoring in education. It was during his time at the University of Florida that he discovered his passion for radio broadcasting, setting the stage for his illustrious career in the field.

Rise to Prominence in Broadcasting (1935-1972)

Red Barber's broadcasting career took off when he was hired by Larry MacPhail, then president of the Cincinnati Reds. His talent and distinctive voice quickly garnered attention, leading to his role as the voice of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Barber's captivating descriptions of Brooklyn Dodgers games, including the arrival of Jackie Robinson, during baseball's golden era made him a national celebrity and a broadcasting icon. Despite retiring from broadcasting in 1972, Red Barber returned to his calling in 1980 as a sports commentator, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports broadcasting.

Legacy and Honors (Throughout Career)

Throughout his career, Red Barber received numerous honors and awards, including the Ford C. Frick Award for Broadcasting. His contributions to sports broadcasting and his impact on the industry were recognized when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. Red Barber's legacy as a pioneering sports commentator and radio personality continues to inspire future generations of broadcasters and sports enthusiasts.

Connection to Jacksonville

Red Barber's connection to Jacksonville is deeply rooted in his time at the University of Florida, where he honed his skills and discovered his passion for radio broadcasting. His formative years in Gainesville played a pivotal role in shaping his career and laying the foundation for his future success as a sports commentator and radio personality.

Key Achievements of Red Barber:

• Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978 for his contributions to sports broadcasting.

• Received the Ford C. Frick Award for Broadcasting in recognition of his exceptional career in radio broadcasting.

• Known for his captivating descriptions of Brooklyn Dodgers games, including the arrival of Jackie Robinson, during baseball's golden era.

• Left a lasting legacy as a pioneering sports commentator and radio personality, inspiring future generations of broadcasters and sports enthusiasts.

Red Barber's story is one of perseverance, excellence, and groundbreaking contributions to the world of sports broadcasting. His impact on the industry and his enduring legacy continue to be celebrated, making him a revered figure in the history of sports commentary and radio broadcasting.

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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