Wednesday September 10, 2008
So Forbes.com says our fair city is lacking in the love department. Jackonville ranked dead last among 40 markets for singles, based on factors like the number of singles, cultural and nightlife options and the average cost of living for an un-coupled adult.
Sure, we're no New York City. Jacksonville has the population, but we lack a major, centralized entertainment district that would allow for, say hopping a string of nightclubs without having to drive 20 miles to the next one. And the conservative, Southern nature of region means many locals marry early in their 20s, leaving fewer single late 20- and 30-somethings. But that doesn't mean love is impossible to find - we local singles just have to be a little more strategic when it comes to matters of the heart.
So what do you think? Leave us a comment telling us what you think Jacksonville needs to be more singles-friendly or letting us in on your local dating secrets. And if you're looking to connect with someone new, be sure to check our September events.
Thursday September 4, 2008
Bulls, boats, books, beauty queens and a demon-possessed barber make for a lively lineup of September events in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off their home season opener against the Buffalo Bills. The Professional Bull Riders' top stars cowboy up. And local stage theatres open their mainstage seasons.
Plus, there's an array of fun fundraisers to take you from the beaches to Broadway - all for great local causes. And you'll meet a cast of Capitol Hill characters who have made a career of poking fun at their bosses. Enjoy!
Friday August 29, 2008
Ah - The elusive three-day weekend. The celebration of the American worker "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold" brings with it a plethora of fun stuff to do in Jacksonville this weekend.
Movies, music and a spunky young spy make our list of the best bets for your Labor Day weekend. Of course, there are miles of sandy beaches and thousands of acres of wooded public parks if you just want to veg, get some sun and become one with nature before its back to the grind Tuesday.
Tuesday August 26, 2008
Looks like it's the dawn of a new day in Jacksonville's legal circles. Duval, Nassau and Clay County voters have cast their ballots and elected
Angela Corey the new Fourth District State Attorney.
Historically speaking, the race has been a real snoozer. For 17 years, Harry Shorstein has served as the top prosecutor for the tri-county area. And he's done it to national renown. His juvenile justice program tanked juvenile crime rates and made Shorstein darn near a household name thanks to profiles by major and primetime media outlets.
But last year, Shorstein announced he would not seek a sixth term as State Attorney. Meanwhile, Jacksonville's violent crime rate continued to climb. Ergo a heated race for Shorstein's post. The contenders: Heir apparent Jay Plotkin, Shorstein's Chief Assistant Attorney for eight years and a 20-year veteran of the office; and Corey, a 26-year veteran of the same office fired in 2006. In his campaign. Plotkin cited his experience not only practicing law, but also administering the $24 million-budget office. Corey pointed to understaffing and a high turnover in the office, and says her firing was in retaliation for her notifying Plotkin during a 2005 lunch that she had plans to run for their boss' job.
In Tuesday's election, Corey proved the winner, landing 65 percent of the votes. She promises sweeping changes in the office, including a tougher stance on juvenile and violent crime. What do you think of the outcome? Leave us a comment. Better yet, visit our Community Forum and join the discussion.