Jacksonville's Most Recent Headlines - Jacksonville.com and The Florida Times-Union

Paxon 28, Stanton 20

Rand Miranda — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:53:09 -0500

Paxon 28, Stanton 20

Star of the game: Led by three touchdowns by running back Demarcus Austin on five carries, the Eagles (3–6) defeated the host Blue Devils (2–7) in the second meeting between the Jacksonville college prep schools.

Turning point: After scoring to pull within 28–20, the Blue Devils successfully recovered an onside kick. The Blue Devils drove deep into Eagles territory but lost a fumble on the Paxon 3-yard line. The Eagles then ran out the clock.

Clay ends Nease’s playoff run with 42-28 victory

Rand Miranda — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:11:26 -0500

Nease’s playoff reign is no more.

The Panthers dropped their district finale 42-28 to visiting Clay on Friday night. The loss, coupled with Bartram Trail’s win against Creekside, means Nease won’t be going to the playoffs for the first time since 2003, Tim Tebow’s first season.

“Going to the playoffs the last five years, it’s been a reputation for Nease,” senior quarterback Tyler Weir said. “Now that we’re not going, it’s heartbreaking.”

Gordon moves up in record book

Rand Miranda — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:09:15 -0500

FORT WORTH, Texas — Jeff Gordon cut it close by waiting until Friday to finally win his first pole position of the season.

By running a lap of 191.117 mph at Texas Motor Speedway, Gordon not only moved to fourth on NASCAR’s all-time qualifying list, he extended his streak of winning at least one pole in each of the past 17 seasons.

Cold Noses adoptable pets of the week

Deirdre Conner — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:28:01 -0500

Welcome back to Cold Noses, Northeast Florida's home for people and their pets. We have some great pets from our area municipal shelters this week — so take a look!

Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services

2020 Forest Street, Jacksonville
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
(904) 255-PETS (7387)
www.coj.net/pets

St. Johns Sun briefs

Amanda Winkle — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:33:06 -0500

girls lacrosse
Registration is open for the 2010 season of Creeks Girls Lacrosse at www.caalacrosse.com. The league is open to all girls in grades K-8; experience not necessary. Early registration ($125) is through Dec. 31. Late registration ($140) runs Jan. 1-31. Season runs February through May. For additional information check the site or e-mail caalacrosse@gmail.com.

Frigate kicks off visit to downtown Jacksonville

Nick Bournias — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:18:44 -0500

Jacksonville’s Northbank exploded into activity Friday afternoon as the USS Klakring quietly slid into view, kicking off its visit to downtown.

Petty officers rushed to ready lines, officers shouted orders, passengers waved — and on shore bystanders congregated, drawn to the action of the unusual chance to see a warship up close .

“I’ve never gotten to experience something like this before,” said Tracie Nelson, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant staying in a nearby hotel. “I love it. It makes me proud to be an American.”

TV Tonight: Wanda Sykes promises to pull no punches on new late-night talk show

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:44 -0500

By Rick Bentley
McClatchy Newspapers

PASADENA, Calif. — Wanda Sykes has no problem speaking her mind, rattling off jokes or creating conversation.

Now, she’ll try to get others to be funny and interesting as she joins the world of late-night chatters when the weekly “The Wanda Sykes Show” launches at 11 tonight on Fox.

World Golf Hall of Fame becomes the Presidential Suite

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Emotions ran the spectrum Monday at the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as the institution welcomed three champions from humble roots and its first occupant of the White House.

Lanny Wadkins, a truck driver's son from Richmond, Va.; Jose Maria Olazabal, the son of a greenskeeper from the Basque region of Spain; and Christy O'Connor Sr., a quiet man with a sweet swing from Galway, Ireland, increased the Hall's membership to 130 in ceremonies held at the World Golf Village Outdoor Theater.

After adoption festival, Clay Animal Care and Control seeks continued success

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

After all the cuddling, oohing and aahing were done, the papers signed and the leashes hooked, 15 dogs and cats had new owners and homes.

On Sunday, Clay County Animal Care and Control held an animal adoption and public awareness festival at its shelter west of Penney Farms and at an off-site center on Fleming Island. By the end of the day, new families were made, said Volunteer/Rescue/Adoption Coordinator Ralph Roland.

"We adopted six dogs, fostered three dogs and rescued three cats. We also had three adoptions at the off-site center," he said.

Fletcher football team clinches district title

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Losing a top-flight quarterback like Jake Medlock after the first game of the season would have been too much to overcome for most teams.

Not Fletcher. Not with players like Jake Giusti, Mitchell Hester and Dylan Lynch. The Senators went ahead and won a district championship.

Florida's fall colors: Look closely for subtle, lovely changes

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Think "fall colors," and you might conjure visions of the rolling hills of New England, dotted with crimson maples and burnt-orange ashes. Or, perhaps your mind's eye pictures stands of white-barked aspens in the mountains of Colorado. Maybe you see sturdy oaks on Lake Michigan, shedding their leaves as the cold breath of winter draws near.

One thing is certain: When it comes to fall foliage, most people do not think of Florida.

The U.S. Forest Service, which maintains a Web site dedicated to fall colors hot spots, does not even list the Sunshine State in its guide.

Dream Comes True makes penguin fan extra happy

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Six-year-old Zach Ruby wasn't thinking of setting a record with his dream. He just knew he was excited to be surrounded by penguins.

To top it off, Tim Tebow had taken time after the Gators' victory over Georgia to autograph a football for him, delivered by his father, Bob Tebow, no less. The elder Tebow brought it to him when he accompanied his friend, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, to Zach's special celebration.

Sea and Sky Spectacular back at the Beaches

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Aaron flies helicopters upside down.

He also does loops, rolls, split-S's, back flips, push overs and half Cuban-8's with his helicopter. Aaron will display those daredevil skills and others at the Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular today and Sunday.

The only civilian pilot in the United States licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform helicopter aerobatics, Aaron said that's why he does air shows.

"In all my maneuvers at some point, I'm upside down," he said Thursday at Mayport Naval Station. "What I do is unique, it's one of a kind."

Zach Ruby living in a penguin world as part of Dreams Come True's 2,500th wish

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Zach Ruby, 7, wasn't thinking of setting a record with his dream. He just knew he was super excited to be surrounded by penguins.

To top it off, Tim Tebow had taken time after the Gators' victory over Georgia to autograph a football for him, delivered by his father, Bob Tebow, no less. The elder Tebow brought it to him when he accompanied his friend of 40 years, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, to Zach's special celebration.

An 80-year-old Italian waiter wows folks with his uniqueness

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

An 80-year-old Italian waiter is charming diners at a Riverside eatery with his Old Country accent, youthful energy and tall tales.

His name is Giovanni USA1, according to his Florida driver's license (more on that name later), and he said he's enjoying his latest gig at Primi Piatti, a 2-year-old Northern Italian restaurant at 2722 Park St.

Invasion of jumbo shrimp in Nassau County

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A new species of jumbo shrimp will invade Nassau County next year - 4 feet tall and multicolored - but local shrimpers can rest easy.

The nonprofit Micah's Place, the county's only state-certified domestic violence center, received approval for its "Shrimp Expression" public art project from Fernandina Beach city commissioners Oct. 20 and Nassau County commissioners Oct. 21.

County Commissioner Mike Boyle also initiated a donation of $200 from each commissioner's discretionary funds toward the project.

Ponte Vedra YMCA celebrates 10 years with updates

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Winston Family YMCA in Ponte Vedra Beach is marking its 10th anniversary by getting a facelift.

The facility, which opened in June 1999, closed Wednesday for renovations, painting and cleaning. It's slated to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.

Contractors are installing new carpet in the wellness center workout room, KidZone and conference room. The wellness center is getting all new cardio, strength-training and free-weight equipment, and the aerobics studios are also getting new equipment.

Woman's Club of Jacksonville kicks off new season with tea party in Riverside

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Pumpkins sprouting sunflowers and burnt orange leaves sat among silver serving trays filled with cucumber-topped tea sandwiches and key lime tarts. A sheet cake, frosted with faux fall foliage, sat center stage.

It was the Woman's Club of Jacksonville's 112th annual season opener tea party, a time to dress up, introduce prospective members and kick off a new season - October to May - of civic and social activities.

Got excellence? Waycross does

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Waycross Middle School has been named a Georgia School of Excellence in Student Achievement, state school Superintendant Kathy Cox said.

Waycross Middle was recognized for making the greatest gains among the schools in the 1st Congressional District.

And possibly more remarkable, Appling County Primary School, a 2007 School of Excellence, was recognized as among the top 10 percent as measured by assessments of math and reading, Cox said.

Ware County School Superintendent Joseph Barrow praised Waycross Middle for winning the honor.

Grants hoped to boost solar industry

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A $387,000 economic stimulus grant is helping a Ponte Vedra Beach-based company and two nonprofit job agencies provide training and jobs in the "green" industry.

In January, Solar Energy Initiatives Inc. will start to train 40 laid-off and displaced workers from the construction and manufacturing industries.

The eight-week program, called "Renew the Nation," will provide a certificate program for solar energy installation and maintenance technicians, officials said.

Only 15 people will be enrolled in the initial class.

Traffic up at Web site that shows where convicted sexual offenders live

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

When police were called to Max Yahyavi's home on Silent Brook Trail North in Jacksonville Oct. 27, it was initially a report of a disturbance between roommates.

Then a check revealed Yahyavi, 55, was a convicted sexual offender who hadn't registered with the state, as Florida law demands.

Instead of becoming registered offender No. 41 in the 32225 ZIP code on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Sexual Offenders and Predators Registry, his new address on the online list is the Duval County jail.

Chili cook-off returns to help Jacksonville charities

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce's Mandarin Council Chili Cook-off returns after a one-year absence at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at The Riverplace Shopping Center, 11111 San Jose Blvd., according to a news release.

It's $25 per chef to register as one of 20 cooks in the cook-off, and the chance to win a $500 Best in Show prize. Contestants must make between three and five gallons of chili and provide a means to keep it hot as it is sold. To register, call Randy Thomas at 735-9088.

Expanded Seymour's Bookstore reopens at Ponte Vedra Beach branch library

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Anna Fishman wandered into Seymour's Bookstore looking for a good novel Monday morning.

She saw hundreds of hardback books ranging from $2 to $8.

"This is all new, right?" Fishman said, as she stopped searching the shelves and looked around the room.

"I usually just go in that little room there," she said, pointing to a smaller adjacent room also filled with books in the Ponte Vedra Beach branch library at 101 Library Blvd.

Fishman was one of the first customers at Seymour's the day the bookstore reopened after a month of renovations and expansion.

Riverside Presbyterian Day School makes a difference

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Riverside Presbyterian Day School's leadership council recently invited families to participate in its "Make a Difference Day" to help families in need.

Families were asked to clean out their closets and bookshelves. The clothes were sorted by sixth-graders as part of Project Leads, a program that teaches students to better serve one another and the broader community through hands-on experiences.

The clothing was sent to local clothing closets. The donated books were collected and stored for an upcoming used book sale. Proceeds will be donated to the Sulzbacher Center.

Girl Scouts give help to needy in Nassau County

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Throughout October, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the Nassau County Volunteer Center partnered on the 11th annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive to collect these food staples for the needy.

The two organizations publicized the campaign in coordination with national Make A Difference Day, and placed food bins in schools, churches and businesses.

Approximately 120 local Girl Scouts were involved in the community drive that collected 193 pounds of peanut butter and 140 pounds of jelly, an amount that could make as many as 1,000 sandwiches.

LAW & DISORDER: Man turns himself in on murder charge

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A man turned himself into Jacksonville police for arrest Thursday, accused of fatally stabbing a man he suspected was involved with his girlfriend.

Michael Allen Waldrep, 20, of the 1700 block of Anniston Road in Jacksonville then was arrested for murder.

The Sheriff's Office said the stabbing occurred about 10 p.m. Wednesday when Waldrep went to his girlfriend Jessica Walker's house in the 3500 block of East Eve Drive. Outside he and William T. Hull, 27, got into a confrontation and Hull was stabbed.

Cyclists encouraged to join 26.2 with Donna bike ride

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

About 300 cyclists have signed up for a new 26-mile bike ride through Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach to help conquer breast cancer.

The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer will host the inaugural bike 26.2 with Donna ride on Sunday, Nov. 15. The event, which begins at 8:30 a.m., is dedicated to "finishing" breast cancer by raising funds for research while empowering women living with breast cancer.

In 5 years, Kernan Coalition builds respect for its neighborhoods

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

They've handled increasing traffic deaths, graffiti on an overpass, vandalism to a church, expansion of an airport and even proliferating rabbits invading a neighborhood.

In an inconspicuous area of Jacksonville west of the Beaches, the Kernan Coalition has become an important advocate handling conspicuous issues for about 40 homeowners' associations.

Penney retirees show arts and crafts creations

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In the weaving room of Barrows Hall, Penney Retirement Community's arts and crafts hub, Margaret Smith pulls out piles of lush, colorful place mats, table runners and enough shawls to spread warmth for miles around.

"If people don't have shawls on this campus, it won't be our fault," she said with a laugh.

More than 500 retired ministers, missionaries, teachers, church workers and others who have lived all over the world now live at Penney. Many are active at Barrows Hall.

Veteran principal appointed to open OakLeaf High

Times-Union — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A veteran Clay County principal who retired in 2008 after 30 years will return to the school district next year to open OakLeaf High School.

Ed Paulk, most recently principal at Lake Asbury Junior High, was named the school's first head.

"It takes a tremendous person to be a high school principal,"Superintendent Ben Wortham said in a news release, "and Ed Paulk has not only the necessary skills, but the heart for the role."

Paulk said he is excited to come back.