Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• San Antonio firm expands to Jacksonville.

• Bradley wins BMW, Ko wins British Open.

• A deep-dive into the life of Roosevelt Grier.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

Trivia

"In what year was the Houston Astrodome, nicknamed the ""Eighth Wonder of the World,"" opened?

A) 1950

B) 1965

C) 1973

D) 1980

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The annual Houston event celebrating diverse cultures is A) Houston International Festival.

News

💼 Business

San Antonio architecture firm to expand into Jacksonville. (link)

Former JEA headquarters ready to be put on the market. (link)

🏒 Sports

Keegan Bradley wins BMW as last man in; Lydia Ko takes Women's British Open. (link)

Lake Mary, Florida, rallies to beat Taiwan 2-1 in 8 innings to win Little League World Series title. (link)

🏦 Finance

Jacksonville University College of Law opens in new downtown campus. (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

🏀 Wheelchair Basketball Practice with the Brooks Ballers
10423 Centurion Pkwy N, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Sep 5th | 6:00 pm | (More info)

🏆 JSA at the Jacksonville Sports Show
3130 Hartley Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Sep 7th | 8:30 am | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 RiverFest on the St Johns River 2024
645 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Sep 6th | 11:00 am | (More info)

🎸 Larry & Joe
829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Sep 7th | 5:00 pm | (More info)

Family

🎨 Paint Pour
1525 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Sunday, Sep 8th | 2:00 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 a large, central, computerized public library” 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

1997 - Jacksonville hosts the Gator Bowl, a prominent college football bowl game.

In 1997, Jacksonville, Florida, proudly hosted the Gator Bowl, a highly esteemed college football bowl game that brought together top collegiate teams for an exhilarating display of athletic prowess. The Gator Bowl has long been a cherished tradition in Jacksonville, drawing passionate football fans from across the nation to witness the thrilling competition and celebrate the spirit of the game. As the host city, Jacksonville welcomed visitors with its warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere, and a wealth of entertainment options, ensuring that the Gator Bowl was not only a sporting event but also a memorable experience for all who attended. The 1997 Gator Bowl further solidified Jacksonville's reputation as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and highlighted the city's ability to successfully organize and host major sporting events.

The 1997 Gator Bowl was a momentous occasion for Jacksonville, as it showcased the city's ability to orchestrate a grand-scale sporting event with precision and flair. The game brought a surge of energy and excitement to Jacksonville, as fans, athletes, and media converged to witness the thrilling clash of college football titans. The Gator Bowl not only provided a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills but also served as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism in Jacksonville, as visitors flocked to the city to partake in the festivities and explore all that Jacksonville had to offer. The 1997 Gator Bowl left an indelible mark on Jacksonville, solidifying its status as a city capable of hosting and executing major sporting events with finesse and enthusiasm.

As the host of the 1997 Gator Bowl, Jacksonville shone brightly on the national stage, captivating audiences with its Southern charm, vibrant culture, and passion for sports. The city's dedication to providing a memorable and seamless experience for Gator Bowl attendees was evident in the meticulous planning, top-notch facilities, and a wide array of pre-game and post-game activities. Jacksonville's successful hosting of the 1997 Gator Bowl further bolstered its reputation as a sports-friendly city and a welcoming destination for fans, teams, and organizers alike. The Gator Bowl's legacy in Jacksonville continues to resonate, serving as a testament to the city's ability to unite communities, celebrate athleticism, and create lasting memories through the power of sports.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Roosevelt Grier (1932–): Former professional American football player, although not deceased before 2000.

Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier, born on July 14, 1932, in Cuthbert, Georgia, is a prominent figure known for his multifaceted career as a professional football player, actor, singer, and Protestant minister. His life story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and dedication, making him an influential icon in American sports and entertainment.

Early Life and Football Career (1932-1950s)

• Roosevelt Grier was born on a small peanut farm in Cuthbert, Georgia, as one of twelve children to Joseph and Ruth Grier. He attended Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, New Jersey, where he excelled in high school football, showcasing his early athletic talent and passion for the sport.

• Grier's football career took off when he played for the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams in the 1950s. His remarkable agility and strength on the field quickly earned him recognition as a standout player in the National Football League (NFL).

Transition to Entertainment and Ministry (1960s-1980s)

• Beyond his football career, Grier ventured into the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents as an actor and singer. His versatility and charisma made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world, with notable appearances in film and television.

• In 1983, Grier became an ordained Protestant minister, marking a significant transition in his life. He embraced his role as a minister and inspirational speaker, using his platform to spread messages of hope, faith, and positivity.

Community Involvement and Public Service (1980s-Present)

• Grier's commitment to public service and community involvement has been a defining aspect of his life. He served as a bodyguard for United States senator and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, demonstrating his dedication to public figures and causes.

• As a member of the Milken Family Foundation board of trustees and program director of community affairs, Grier continues to make a positive impact through his philanthropic work and dedication to community development.

Legacy and Impact

• Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier's legacy extends beyond his athletic and entertainment achievements. He is remembered as a symbol of resilience, talent, and service to others, leaving a lasting impact on American sports, entertainment, and community development.

• His connection to Jacksonville is evident through his early years and the influence of his upbringing on his journey to becoming a multifaceted American icon.

Key Achievements of Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier:

• Standout career as a professional football player in the NFL with the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams.

• Successful transition to the entertainment industry as an actor and singer, leaving a lasting mark on American entertainment.

• Ordained as a Protestant minister, using his platform to inspire and uplift others through his messages of faith and positivity.

• Dedicated community leader and philanthropist, serving on the Milken Family Foundation board of trustees and contributing to community development.

Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier's story is one of resilience, talent, and service, reflecting a life dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. His influence as a multifaceted American icon continues to inspire and uplift future generations.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll