Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a 1920s “country suburb” became a hidden Northside gem

Coming up on the Jacksonville Patch calendar: Planet 13 Jacksonville-Roosevelt "Meet Your Neighbors"

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Good morning Jacksonville! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How a 1920s "country suburb" became a hidden Northside gem
  • See what now stands where First Baptist's landmark sanctuary once rose
  • How JTA's money crunch could change your daily commute this fall

Also on today's calendar: Planet 13 Jacksonville-Roosevelt "Meet Your Neighbors" and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 81 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 82, low: 63.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with sunshine, with a high of 83 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Before the city arrived: The story of Panama Gardens (jaxtoday.org) — Panama Gardens on Jacksonville's Northside still reflects its 1920s vision of spacious, semi-rural suburban living, with large lots, deep setbacks and strictly residential zoning. This history piece walks you through how the Stockton family's development shaped the neighborhood's streets, character and annexation into Jacksonville, and why its layout still stands out from surrounding commercial and industrial areas today.
   

2. Former First Baptist Church auditorium demolished. See updated photos (jacksonville.com) — Downtown Jacksonville's skyline is changing as the former First Baptist Church sanctuary on West Union Street has now been completely demolished, leaving only piles of debris and a looming cross. A series of new photos documents excavators clearing the site and recycling materials, marking the end of a long-standing religious landmark many Jacksonville residents knew well.
   

3. JTA, city take first steps to solve authority's financial woes (jaxdailyrecord.com) — Jacksonville's transportation system is bracing for big changes as JTA moves to use $30 million in Local Option Gas Tax funds to pay down debt while facing a projected $39 million shortfall. Skyway service will be suspended Nov. 2, autonomous shuttles paused Jan. 1, bus routes cut back, and nearly 150 employees laid off as city leaders debate how to redirect long-term project funding.
   

4. 'The down payment is the biggest hurdle': 8 Jacksonville residents receive $20K grant in assistance from JWB (news4jax.com) — Jacksonville's newly approved city budget restores $4.9 million to the affordable housing trust fund, while eight local residents are getting $20,000 down-payment grants from the JWB Cares Welcome Home Fund. City programs like Headstart to Homeownership can now offer even more help with down payments and closing costs, aiming to make buying a home more realistic for Jacksonville families struggling with rising expenses.
   

5. The Jacksonville Armada stadium deadline has passed. Now the city seeks fair-market payment for land (news4jax.com) — Jacksonville officials say the developer behind the proposed $80 million Jacksonville Armada soccer stadium missed its September 10 deadline, triggering a requirement to repay fair-market value for the Eastside land. The city has sent a letter seeking payment on parcels assessed at more than $760,000, plus interest, while the property near the sports complex remains without the promised stadium.
   

📸 Around Jacksonville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • With Fall in the air, I was back to complete Dean Rd this week, working from the end of the road to Wurn Park.
    4 grocery bags 9 lbs 433 items 75 minutes total - about 60 minutes picking up and 15 minutes talking with neighbors The smaller conventional grocery… (Nextdoor Sans Souci)
  • Just want share lil somthing.
    I have learning disability. I try find school take my high school diploma but for how it was written I almost gave up until my husband start Jtech… (Nextdoor Thomas Jefferson Park)
  • HES Facilities Management posted a job opening for General Cleaner-Northside Jacksonville (3024) in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • Valet Living, Inc. posted a job opening for Service Delivery Manager (Bilingual Required - Eng/Span) - MultiPro Property Solutions in Jacksonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jacksonville here.

Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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