Downtown Jacksonville Community News

Dreams delayed because of homelessness

Ken Amaro — Tuesday, June 18th, 6:25 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- When you're a teenager, there are some things that are expected: your own bedroom, close friends and big dreams. "It has just been absolutely insane and you're supposed to stay positive," said Tabitha, "but sometimes it is just not possible." Tabitha is 15 and she's homeless. It has been awhile since she has had a permanent address. "Your home is a homeless...

World Refugee Day swearing in ceremony

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Tuesday, June 18th, 4:37 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - In observance of World Refugee Day, 30 former refugees in the Jacksonville area will be sworn in as new American citizens Wednesday, June 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. A special ceremony will be held at the Jacksonville Public Library located at 303 Laura Street North in Downtown Jacksonville. A majority of these new citizens came to Jacksonville to escape political, religious or...

A possible solution to help homeless kids

Ken Amaro — Tuesday, June 18th, 12:39 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Sabon, 17 and Rahson, 11, look like normal kids, but they are far from the norm. "I always knew that I would have to be like this for a little while," said Sabon. Keeping their lifestyle a secret can be difficult for an 11-year-old. "Sometimes I spill secrets even though my mom tells me not to tell anyone," said Rahson. But Rahson said this is one secret he kept to...

Atlantic Beach tries to cover both sides of fence

Ken Amaro — Monday, June 17th, 6:49 pm

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. -- Horrible. That's how Karen Bernstein described her experience in getting the permit to build her six foot vinyl fence. "We just want to get done and find peace in the community and be happy here," said Bernstein. The Bernsteins had a fence installed at their Atlantic Beach home to keep the dog in and the wandering kids out. In February they...

First Coast bikers unite for Ride to Work Day

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Monday, June 17th, 8:42 am

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Motorcyclists all across Florida will be hitting the road in solidarity Monday. The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting its 22nd annual Ride to Work Day. The idea is to spread awareness about the need for motorcycle safety and awareness. Florida is a popular destination for motorcyclists, with about 70,000 bikes registered in the state currently. The problem,...

Budget cuts may shutter six library branches

Ken Amaro — Friday, June 14th, 7:41 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Library board of trustees operates the public library system. Mayor Alvin Brown asked all city agencies to cut their budgets. The board was asked to cut approximately $2.4 million. "We need all of libraries," said Sheryl Williams. Williams, a regular user of the San Marco branch, is disappointed. "When you cut back on library service you make us a...

Stolen car bought on Craigslist leaves buyer in bind

Ken Amaro — Wednesday, June 12th, 9:19 pm

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- It was the first time she'd used Craigslist to buy anything, and for Kathy Yarborough, it may be the last. "I was looking for a car within my budget," Yarborough said. After searching for three weeks she found a 1999 Ford Mustang being sold by a Jacksonville man. "I wanted to be able to see it and drive it before I bought it, " Yarborough said. The single mom and...

Will a pop of color bring new life to downtown?

FirstCoastNews Web Staff — Tuesday, June 11th, 10:07 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A local art group hopes four new murals painted over a local parking garage will be a bright and bold new way to keep people interested in Downtown Jacksonville. The Milagros Art Collective and the Sean Mahan are taking over opposite ends of the Yates Parking Garage and the 52 foot stair towers along Market and Adams and Market and Newnan streets. "Nerves and a lot of...

Mandarin residents tired of power outages

Ken Amaro — Tuesday, June 11th, 6:48 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The lights are on for now, but any moment residents of this Mandarin home may find themselves sitting in the dark. "We're without power at least once a week," said Marcia McLaughlin. In her neighborhood, at any moment there could be a power outage. "We built this house in 2000 and we've had power outages from the moment we moved in but it is worst now," she...

Child injured in city pool leads to repairs

Ken Amaro — Monday, June 10th, 6:57 pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It is summer and the Jacksonville community pools are open. "She was right there under the four foot sign," said Nareen Adams. The rules for anyone using a public pool are very simple, said Adams: No jumping in the pool and no running around the pool. Adams said her three year old was abiding by the rules at the Emmett Reed Community Center. "My daughter was playing at the...