Business Features
Violins of Hope
By Lorrie DeFrank Seventy lovingly restored string instruments that symbolize resilience and unity following indescribable horror will be showcased in a series of events in Jacksonville. Violins of Hope: Building Bridges Through the Power of Music will feature instruments that were played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, each with its own story that will be shared to educate the community and inspire understanding. Presented by Jacksonville Symphony as a highlight of its 75th anniversary season, the project will...
read moreGold Star Restaurants
Making Jacksonville a Foodie Destination Our annual Gold Star restaurant list spotlights new locally owned dining options and old favorites that offer exceptional quality and consistency. As we continue to explore the diverse dining options in our community, we are reminded of the incredible resilience and dedication of the restaurant industry. This year’s Gold Star list is a celebration of those who have remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering exceptional quality and consistency, as well as those who have...
read moreEnhancing Education with The Arts
The arts play a pivotal role in education. Involvement in the arts supports a student’s social and emotional learning and empowers them to succeed inside school and out. Not only do arts programs motivate children to come to school, but they also help reduce stress, sharpen communication, and fuel social and emotional development. Jacksonville is fortunate to have a wealth of arts education programs across all art forms that allow our students to not only learn how to express themselves in the classroom but support their future career growth....
read morePublisher’s Note
With a new year brings hope. Hope for the new year elevates feelings we experience when we foresee a path to a better future. Hope acknowledges the significant obstacles and deep pitfalls along that path. True hope has no room for delusion. Violins of Hope During the Holocaust all most people had was hope. Hope is a powerful desire that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life as well as the world at large. Examples of such hope are the 70 lovingly restored string instruments symbolizing resilience and unity following...
read moreCarson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Gainesville’s Hidden Gem By Cinda Sherman / Photos by Rafael Hernandez @grip24 People often think of Gainesville as a college town surrounded by natural wonders and cold springs. Yet, it’s so much more. Gainesville has a strong and vibrant art scene that embraces the arts on almost every street corner. There’s the Harn Museum, one of the largest university art museums in the South, with permanent collections focused on Asian, African, modern, and contemporary art, as well as photography. The University of Florida’s Phillips Center features...
read moreFor the Love of Manatees
By Eva Dasher On a bright summer day, when the temperature hasn’t yet chased everyone indoors and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is teeming with excited children recently released from school, I peer into a tank at the Manatee Critical Care Center (MCCC) and spot two manatees gently swirling around each other in the lettuce-covered water. “We have two manatees in here right now. One is Applejack, we just microchipped her today because she is going to be released soon. She came here with two calves. One of them is at the Georgia...
read moreShops of San Marco
Written by Caitlin Flynn / Photos by laird Centrally located in the sprawling city of Jacksonville, San Marco offers charm, culture, and culinary delights. Its combination of cosmopolitan and small-town southern sensibility makes you realize you have stumbled upon a gem. The close-knit community and familial ties of San Marco run deep. The majority of businesses in San Marco are either family-run or independently owned. As we approach San Marco’s centennial birthday, let’s take a moment to highlight the stories behind this Jacksonville hot...
read moreShop Local Holiday Gift Guide
wsing through the following pages and soak in the tradition and sparkle of the season. Be safe, be well, and happy holidays from Arbus!
read moreThe Power Within
Art with a Heart in Healthcare (AWAHIH) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides group and bedside art sessions to children and adults in the hospital setting. We were founded in 2001 and have brought the power of art to over 125,000 patients and their families. We are excited to observe our 14th year of partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville in presenting the exhibit “The Power Within.” The exhibit opening will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 2 – 4 p.m. This event is free to the public. The...
read moreJacksonville Symphony Celebrates 75 Years
A Symphony Season Like Never Before! By Tori Fusinaz, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for the Jacksonville Symphony In the heart of Jacksonville, where the St. Johns River weaves its timeless melody through the cityscape, something extraordinary is about to unfold. The Jacksonville Symphony is primed for its 75th anniversary season with a new logo that reflects our city’s bridges and rivers, and a lineup that promises to dazzle and delight every music lover under the Florida sun. Picture this: a city buzzing with anticipation,...
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