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RIVER CITY SPOTLIGHT

Strike Against Suicide, Spare a Life | Reducing Veteran suicides through bowling and community

Strike Against Suicide, Spare a Life, established in 2023, aims to reduce veteran suicide rates by providing veterans and active-duty service members with a social outlet to alleviate stress through bowling activities. The organization acknowledges that while mental health counseling is essential, recreational activities like bowling can significantly enhance well-being and resilience. Bowling is not just a leisure activity; it builds camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment—all crucial for combating the isolation and hopelessness often felt by veterans and service members.

Visit Jacksonville celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week

National Travel and Tourism Week is May 19-25 and it’s a week to recognize the impact tourism has on the local economy, businesses and our community. Visit Jacksonville, a Destinations International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council, works each day to attraction leisure and meeting and convention business to Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.VisitJacksonville.com

River City Plus: Level up your child’s learning with FALA Spanish Summer Camp

FALA Spanish Summer Camp has been voted twice as Jax Best - summer camp. FALA Spanish Camp features exciting and STEAM projects, Cooking, Art, Sports, Games, water time and themed parties. Each week kids will discover different Spanish speaking countries and learn interesting facts, customs, inventions, music, and lifestyle through fun activities while learning Spanish. Your child will travel the world without leaving camp! Give your child a summer to remember.  Sign up today at https://www.falalanguage.com/summer-camps or call at 904-407-3060.

Making friends after 50

In a world where forming genuine connections can be a daunting task, especially for women, a recent episode of Uncluttered and Unfiltered: The Podcast for Women Over 50,  shed light on the challenges and importance of female friendships in adulthood. Drawing on a recent study revealing a concerning statistic that half of adults haven't made a new friend in five years, hosts Eden Kendall and Christine Stone discussed the vital role of female friendships in mental health and well-being. Their guest, Dr. Tracy riley  offered practical tips for making friends in adulthood and emphasized the value of nurturing both old and new friendships.

River City Plus: Turtle Talk with Turtle Survival Alliance

Turtle Survival Alliance and our partners protect and restore wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles in 18 countries around the world through science-based conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship, envisioning a planet where turtles thrive in the wild, and are respected and protected by all humans. In Florida, the Turtle Survival Alliance–North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group performs long-term population monitoring in ten freshwater spring systems in the North and Central regions of the state and one coastal brackish water estuary in the Jacksonville area. These efforts are driven by volunteer scientists and are open to participation by all members of the community.

What you need to know for Emancipation Celebration Day at James Weldon Johnson Park

Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, The Ritz Theater & Museum and the City of Jacksonville are excited to announce the fourth annual Jacksonville Emancipation Celebration taking place in James Weldon Johnson Park. The festival will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in an effort to educate the community about the historical significance of Florida’s observed Emancipation Day. Cities like Jacksonville in the State of Florida are acknowledging this special day of freedom.

Opportunities await at The Electrical Training Alliance of Jacksonville

The Electrical Training Alliance of Jacksonville operates a five-year electrical apprenticeship training program. Apprentices engage in full-time work during the day with sponsor contractors and attend classes two nights a week. As inside and VDV apprentices progress through the program, they receive annual pay increases based on their classification. Benefits for apprentices include health and welfare coverage and participation in NEBF retirement plans.

Inaugural Gala Party "Bold Vigilance" aboard the USS Orleck

The Inaugural Gala Party "Bold Vigilance" aboard the USS Orleck Naval Ship promises to be a memorable event set against the historic backdrop of the ship's storied past.  Proceeds from the gala will go to more upgrades and enhancements of the museum and the surrounding area.  It will be held May 18th from 6 to 10 pm on the deck of the USS Orleck.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the deck of the ship, a symbol of naval history and service.  www.jaxnavalmuseum.org

Fostering Connections 5th Anniversary Night of the Arts Gala with Myrtle Ave. Brewing

At Fostering Connections, we provide community, educational programs, and enrichment scholarships for youth in grades Pre-K-12 impacted by foster care, adoption, or trauma to give each youth and their families the opportunities, tools, and resources they need to thrive in life.  Myrtle Ave Brewing is a community focused brewery in the Rail Yard District.The Gala will be held May 18th at Friday Musicale.   www.fosteringconnectionsfl.org

Creating a Mother’s Day Bouquet with Goodwill Upcycling Vases and Elevating Store-Bought Blooms

Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our lives with love, wisdom, and guidance. One beautiful way to express appreciation is through a carefully crafted bouquet that speaks volumes without saying a word. While store-bought flowers are lovely on their own, adding a personal touch by upcycling vases and receptacles from thrift stores can turn a simple gesture into a meaningful and sustainable gift.

North Florida School of Special Education presents "Under the Sea" with Little Mermaid Jr.

North Florida School of Special Education serves students with intellectual and developmental differences in Jacksonville. NFSSE students receive a quality education, work alongside teaching professionals and resource therapies staff to improve their academic, vocational and social skills and participate as contributing members in the community. Faculty and staff are committed to providing a comprehensive, individualized education plan for each student that meets his or her needs. Currently, NFSSE serves 220 academic age students and over 100 postgraduate students over 22 years of age.

Experience Frozen Live

From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer) round out the creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

Meet fire manipulating maven, Tokyo Moreno

In the North Florida area, numerous fire performers showcase their talents. However, emerging as Jacksonville’s pioneering fire and aerial entertainment ensemble targeting restaurants and bars, they boast unparalleled expertise in event elevation. Their mission is to imbue each occasion with an extraordinary essence, sparking wonder and delight among guests. With a unique understanding of experiential enhancement, they guarantee nothing short of spectacular events. Tokyo, lead entertainer and fire manipulator, brings her expertise in entertainment and high-octane theatrics to the 904, aiming to elevate the client experience in any venue.

45th Historic Springfield Home and Garden Tour

The neighbors in Historic Springfield are inviting the surrounding community to drop in and check out a select few homes as part of SPAR's Home and Garden Tour.  People can walk, ride bikes or drive to see the diversity of the neighborhood and the design personalities of homeowners.  The invitation includes people hanging around after the tour to experience the variety of businesses, restaurants and more that are building the neighborhood up to thrive even more.  The tour is open from noon to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.  Find out more information at www.sparcouncil.org . Tickets are available at www.904tix.com .

DUUUVAL Draft Party- What to know before you go

Get ready to blitz at the 2024 DUUUVAL Draft Party, happening live on the field at EverBank Stadium on Thursday, April 25.Score big as you cheer on the 17th pick alongside the league’s most passionate fans, and catch the electrifying unveiling of the 30th Season Logo! Head Coach Doug Pederson and Jaguars Hall of Famer Tony Boselli will ignite the excitement live at 7:15 PM. Don’t miss out on the star-studded lineup, with Jaguars Legends and current gridiron heroes like Foye Oluokun, Travis Etienne, and Ross Matiscik lighting up the night. Get in the game early to snag prime seats right in front of the stage.

Unidos en la Musica

Erika Quintero is the CEO of Latin Community Services, Inc. And founder of the first Latin American festival in St. Augustine history, Unidos en la Música: A Latin American Festival. Born in Colombia, she and her husband/COO have a mission to educate the community through arts, culture, and music about Latin American history. They currently organize dance workshops, galas, and fundraisers throughout NE Florida to raise funds for their organization, and are gearing up for their next festival on May 4, 2024!   www.unidosenlamusica.com

River City Plus: BTS with Broadway at the Beach!

Jason Woods brings his Off-Broadway show, The Near Disaster of Jasper & Casper, to Gulliford Hall at The Adele Grage Cultural Center in Atlantic Beach (716 Ocean Blvd.) for a limited residency beginning Thursday, April 25th. Jasper is looking for his true family and discovers a blunt witch, a mysterious, articulate dragon, and a purpose he never expected. As Jasper gets closer to the truth, he confronts his own fears, a vicious queen, his brother Casper’s self-obsession, and a heartbreaking path to his own destiny. Award-winning actor Jason Woods morphs into each character with rapid-fire dexterity and heartfelt authenticity on a fantastical adventure for the child in everyone. Performances are Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 P.M., Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 P.M., and Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 P.M. For more information and tickets, please visit www.jasonwoodsproductions.com.

Broadway At The Beach

Jason Woods brings his Off-Broadway show, The Near Disaster of Jasper & Casper, to Gulliford Hall at The Adele Grage Cultural Center in Atlantic Beach (716 Ocean Blvd.) for a limited residency beginning Thursday, April 25th. Jasper is looking for his true family and discovers a blunt witch, a mysterious, articulate dragon, and a purpose he never expected. As Jasper gets closer to the truth, he confronts his own fears, a vicious queen, his brother Casper’s self-obsession, and a heartbreaking path to his own destiny. Award-winning actor Jason Woods morphs into each character with rapid-fire dexterity and heartfelt authenticity on a fantastical adventure for the child in everyone. Performances are Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 P.M., Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 P.M., and Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 P.M. For more information and tickets, please visit www.jasonwoodsproductions.com.

Akon and partners open up new pizza concept in Jacksonville: Meet Good Fellas

Akon is known internationally for his award winning music, but today on River City Live we got to chat with him about how he is bringing his childhood favorite food to the 904. Alongside his partners Charles Scantling, Charleston Blue Hughes, and Andre Johnson, Akon is introducing Good Fellas Pizza to Norwood. A fan favorite from ATL- Goodfellas Pizza has been consistently delighting pizza enthusiasts for almost 15 years. As expansions progress, patrons are urged to delve into the menu and uncover the allure that makes Goodfellas a top pick. We asked Akon why he loved it so much, the answer was simple " The CRUST!”

Local businesses gather to create a Free Family Fun Day honoring The Tristyn Bailey Foundation

This upcoming Saturday, April 20th, from 12-3 PM, Treylor Park Nocatee will host a complimentary Family Fun Day, rallying the community in solidarity with The Tristyn Bailey Foundation. Joining forces for this occasion are Rhian Richard, the proprietor of Primp St. John's, and Kaitlin Chernyshov, an entrepreneur with Rise Realty. Together, they've orchestrated this gathering with the goal of cultivating a sense of optimism, fostering enduring connections, and sharing local love as we honor a beloved figure in our community.

KATE KUP: Funding Finds Cures for Childhood Cancer

Jacksonville Beach residents, Lisa and Jeff Amato lost their daughter Kate, at the young age of 11 in November of 2016, after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Through her illness, Kate’s parents discovered how severely underfunded research is for pediatric cancer and witnessed first-hand the brutal effects of outdated, toxic treatments. To honor Kate’s life and continue the fight for other children, the Kate Amato Foundation was formed.

Breaking the cycle of bullying through communication and confidence!

The founder of Queens United Leadership Academy, Inc., an organization dedicated to fostering anti-bullying initiatives and nurturing friendships among college women, is on a journey marked by personal triumph and unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces. From enduring childhood bullying to reigning as an HBCU Queen and now serving as an influential College Educator, Speaker, and Author, her narrative serves as a guiding light for those grappling to find their footing.

Family fun at The Clay County Fair

Since 1987, the Clay County Agricultural Fair has been delivering an event to Clay County and Northeast Florida that blends amusement with education within a familial ambiance. Indeed, encapsulating its ethos, the Fair’s vision is succinctly captured in the phrase “A Family A*Fair.” The Fair endeavors to serve as a platform for showcasing Clay County’s agricultural, educational, civic, and commercial endeavors, offering citizens a chance to collaborate and enjoy themselves. Volunteers constitute the backbone of the fair, as their unwavering commitment to contributing their time and skills remains integral to its triumphs.