🌴 Hey friends — here’s what’s happening this week in the 904!
I hope your week is going great so far. There’s a lot happening around Jacksonville, plus some stories I really wanted to share with you. Let’s jump right in.
Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:
A quick update on the heartbreaking storms in Jamaica — and the amazing acts of hope happening there
🦦 Meet Florida’s newest hero: Splash the search-and-rescue otter
🎉 Big events coming up this weekend around Jacksonville
🍲 Local festivals you won’t want to miss (yes, including a chili cook-off!)
Greek Fest, PorchFest, the Fair & more
🧊 Icemen opening weekend
👨👩👧 Plus: Kids Free November deals all month long
Jamaica Update — Hope After Heartbreak
You’ve probably seen the news about Jamaica after the storms this week — whole neighborhoods torn apart, homes flattened, and families still sheltering in broken buildings. It’s truly heartbreaking.
But even in the middle of all that loss, the island’s spirit is shining. In places like Black River, neighbors are out with machetes clearing fallen trees together. The Red Cross has already delivered 64 tons of shelter and supplies, and helicopters are flying food to towns that are still cut off.
There’s a long road ahead, but the people of Jamaica are tough, loving, and full of hope. Keep them in your thoughts as they rebuild. ❤️
🦦 Florida’s Newest Crime-Fighter: Splash the Search Otter
Okay… this might be my favorite Florida story of the year.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office — about four hours south of us — just added a 2-year-old otter named Splash to their search-and-recovery team.
Yep. A real otter. With a badge.
Why he’s amazing:
Holds his breath up to 8 minutes
Has an incredible sense of smell
Finds remains faster than divers
Works in muddy, zero-visibility water
Has already been on 20+ missions with 4 confirmed finds
And yes… he has an Instagram. 🦦💙
🎉 Special Upcoming Events Around Jax
🌊 Super Girl Pro | Nov 8–9 | Seawalk Pavilion (FREE)
The world’s largest women’s surf contest + festival.
🌊 Pro surfers
🎸 Live music (The Plain White T’s!)
🌞 All-weekend beach vibes
🔗 Event Info:
https://supergirljax.com/
🎸 Lynyrd Skynyrd | Nov 8 at 7pm | Daily’s Place (Tickets)
A hometown legend returns for a one-night benefit show supporting military families.
🏡 PorchFest | Nov 8, 12–8pm | Historic Springfield (FREE)
Walk the neighborhood and enjoy 20+ bands, food trucks, and art vendors.
🔗 Event Details:
https://jacksonvilleporchfest.org/
😂 Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias | Nov 14 at 8pm | VyStar Arena (Tickets)
Fluffy live in Jacksonville — enough said!
🍷 Sips for Sanctuary | Nov 15, 5–10pm | Fantasy Farms (Tickets)
Dozens of local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries all supporting Fantasy Farms Animal Sanctuary.
🔗 Event Info + Tickets:
https://www.fantasyfarmsevents.org/sanctuary-events/
🎡 Jacksonville Fair | Nov 6–16 | Fairgrounds (Tickets)
Rides, games, concerts, food — plus daily discounts.
🔗 Full Schedule & Discounts:
https://www.jacksonvillefair.com
Jax Greek Fest | Nov 14–16 | 12760 Beach Blvd (FREE)
Gyros, baklava, Greek dancing, music, and more!
🔗 Festival Info:
https://jaxgreekfest.com/
🎈 More Events to Check Out
🍲 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Car Show | Nov 8, 10am–4pm | Moosehaven (FREE)
Classic cars, chili tastings, vendors, live music, kids zone.
🔗 Event Page:
https://wjbt.iheart.com/calendar/content/2025-11-08-15th-annual-chili-cook-off-car-show-at-moosehaven/
👨👩👧 Kids Free November | Nov 1–30 | All Across Jacksonville
Free and discounted entry for kids at tons of local attractions all month.
🔗 Full List of Participating Attractions:
https://www.visitjacksonville.com/kids-free-november/
🧊 Jacksonville Icemen | Nov 8 & 9 at 7pm | VyStar Arena (Tickets)
Opening weekend games:
Nov 8 vs. Stingrays
Nov 9 vs. Gladiators
High-energy fun for families.
🔗 Tickets:
https://jacksonvilleicemen.com/tickets