Happy Monday, Jacksonville!
Another beautiful spring week ahead, and honestly, it's shaping up to be a good one. The weather's warming, the events calendar is stacked, and there's some genuinely feel-good news coming out of our city this week. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get into it.
In today's edition:
Tunnel to Towers Breaks Ground on Veterans Village
Duval Schools Launch Outdoor Learning Initiative
Jax Zoo Expands Manatee Rescue Habitat
Guns N' Hoses Charity Boxing Returns
20+ Events This Week & Live Music!
— Austin
🗞️ News
Housing for Heroes: Tunnel to Towers Breaks Ground on Baymeadows
Bagpipes played "America the Beautiful" on Baymeadows Road last Thursday as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation officially broke ground on a $25 million Veterans Village — and it's a first of its kind for Northeast Florida.
The New York–based nonprofit is transforming the former Ramada Inn at 9150 Baymeadows Road into long-term supportive housing for local veterans, with move-in expected by late 2027.
Here's what to know:
165 total units — 145 fully renovated studio and one-bedroom apartments inside the old hotel, plus up to 20 standalone comfort homes on the property
More than just four walls — on-site job training, PTSD counseling, medical care, gyms, libraries, and private transportation to the VA and grocery stores
Not a shelter — permanent, long-term housing funded entirely by public donations (no federal subsidies)
Founded in memory of 9/11 — the foundation honors NYC firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear to reach the Twin Towers
Mayor Donna Deegan called it a major step toward ending veteran homelessness in Jacksonville. For a lot of our local heroes, this isn't just housing — it's a second chance.
Three Duval Schools Trade Screens for Sunshine
There's a small but meaningful shift happening in three Duval County classrooms this spring — and it might be a preview of where public education is headed.
Duval County Public Schools and the Jacksonville Public Education Fund have launched a new outdoor learning initiative (with support from Project One Health Jax) that trades computer time for outdoor lessons — using hands-on environmental education to help students improve literacy and reconnect with the natural world.
Here's what's happening:
Students are learning reading, writing, and science through real-world outdoor exploration
The program emphasizes the link between environmental health and student wellbeing
Early feedback suggests kids are more engaged (and less screen-fatigued)
If results hold, Duval could expand the model district-wide
As a parent, this is the kind of thing I love to see. My own kids are happier, calmer, and genuinely sharper after an hour outside than after an hour on a tablet. Turns out the research backs it up.
P.S. If your kid's school is one of the three, reply and let me know — I'd love to feature a local family's experience in a future edition.
🐮 Community Digest
Jax Zoo Expands Manatee Rescue Efforts
If you haven't been to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens lately, there's a new reason to go.
The zoo recently expanded its manatee rehabilitation area, giving one of Florida's most beloved (and most threatened) animals a much-needed upgrade. Between boat strikes, cold stress, and habitat loss, manatees need all the help they can get — and Jax just stepped up in a big way.
Here's what's new:
A massive new habitat built specifically for rescue and rehab
Expanded critical care capacity for sick and injured manatees
Puts Jacksonville squarely on the map as a Florida conservation hub
This is one of those quiet wins that makes you proud of where you live. Next time you're there with the kids (or honestly, just for yourself), take a minute at the manatee habitat. Every animal there has a story — and a second chance.
🥊 Guns N' Hoses: Every Punch for a Good Cause
This one is uniquely Jacksonville. The Guns N' Hoses charity boxing event is back, with local cops and firefighters trading the badge for boxing gloves — all for charity.
It's fun, it's loud, it's a little rowdy, and every dollar raised goes back into community programs supporting local causes. If you've never been, it's the kind of night that reminds you why Jax hits differently. First responders stepping up for the community they already serve every day.
📅 This Week in Jax
🎤 Live Music
Hail the Sun w/ Foxy Shazam, Makari & Mella — Mon 4/13 — Five Points Realty, 822 Lomax St Post-hardcore meets glam rock in an intimate Five Points setting. Doors around 6. → See Tickets
Lukas Nelson — Mon 4/13 — Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N, Ponte Vedra Beach Willie's son brings his outlaw country sound to the beaches. → See Tickets
Barry Manilow — Thu 4/16 — Florida Theatre, 128 E Forsyth St Mandy. Copacabana. A legacy show you don't want to miss. → See Tickets
Trace Adkins — This week Country legend on tour — grab your boots. → See Tour Dates
San Holo — Wholesome Riddim Tour — Sun 4/19 — Decca Live, 120 E Forsyth St Dutch producer bringing his melodic bass sound to downtown. → See Tickets
🎭 Theater & Stage
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical — Moran Theater, Times-Union Center The hit Broadway musical telling the story behind "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," and the rest of the Neil Diamond songbook. → See Tickets
⚾ Sports
Jumbo Shrimp vs. Charlotte Knights — 121 Financial Ballpark, 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Minor league baseball + warm spring evenings = chef's kiss. Check the week's home schedule. → See Game Schedule
🍽️ Food & Drink
Springtini & Spritz Mixology Night — Wed 4/15 — Coastal Kitchen (inside Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic) Interactive cocktail class with a bartender walking you through spring sips. Bring a friend and make a night of it. → See Tickets
Third Thursday Sip & Stroll (presented by PNC Bank) — Thu 4/16, 5–8 PM — Southbank Riverwalk (Friendship Fountain to Chart House), Downtown Free! Live music, food trucks, art, and drinks in branded cups. This month celebrates National Poetry Month with spoken word and storytelling. → See More Details
Sip, Stroll…then Cruise! — Thu 4/16, 8–9 PM — Southbank Riverwalk boarding Hop on the Royal Princess right after Sip & Stroll for skyline views from the river. Grab dinner in San Marco first. → See Tickets
Gourmet Hot Dog & Wine Pairing — Fri 4/17, 7–9 PM — Juice Wine Bar Yes, really. Fancy dogs paired with serious wines — weirder and more fun than it sounds. → See Tickets
Jacksonville Oyster Fest — Sat 4/18, 11 AM–5 PM — Riverview Park, 9620 Water St (Northside, Trout River) Fresh oysters, live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a kids zone on the waterfront. Free to attend. → See More Details
🎨 Festivals & Community
Jax Ready Fest — Fri 4/17 (10 AM–3 PM) & Sat 4/18 (9 AM–3 PM) — Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St Free family-friendly emergency preparedness expo with demos and resources from the City of Jacksonville and JEA. Hurricane season is closer than you think. → See More Details
North Beaches Art Walk — Thu 4/16, 5–9 PM — Beaches Town Center (Atlantic Blvd at the ocean), Neptune Beach / Jax Beach Free, rain-or-shine monthly walk featuring local artists, live performers, and open galleries. One of my favorite low-key date nights. → See More Details
🥬 Farmers Markets
Riverside Arts Market — Saturday, 10 AM–3 PM — Under the Fuller Warren Bridge The Saturday staple. Local makers, food trucks, live music, riverfront views. → See More Details
Beaches Green Market — Saturday mornings — Jarboe Park, Neptune Beach Organic produce, local honey, and that beachy small-town feel. → See More Details
Tepey's Farmers Market — Thursday evenings A weekly after-work market with fresh produce, homemade treats, and a lively neighborhood vibe. → See More Details
Mayport Village Waterfront Market — Third Saturday of the month, 10 AM–2 PM — 4542 Ocean St, Mayport Village Coastal art, cottage bakers, food trucks, and St. Johns River views in the heart of the historic fishing village. Pet-friendly and free. → See More Details
Have a great week, Jacksonville. 🧡
— Austin