About.com Jacksonville

Single in Jacksonville?

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:40:44 +0000

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.

Single in Jacksonville? originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at 19:40:44.

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Your September Schedule Just Got Packed!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:01:11 +0000

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!

Your September Schedule Just Got Packed! originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 05:01:11.

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Labor Day Weekend!

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:31:08 +0000

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.

Labor Day Weekend! originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 01:31:08.

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Jacksonville Gets a New State Attorney

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:11:10 +0000

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.

Jacksonville Gets a New State Attorney originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 at 23:11:10.

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Hurricane Fay Heads for the First Coast

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:18:17 +0000

As Hurricane Fay churns toward the First Coast, Jacksonvillians are cleaning out the canned goods, bottled water and battery sections of every store on every corner. But are they packing their suitcases as well?

Relative short-timers (in this case, those here less than 44 years) have adopted a blas� attitude toward the whole hurricane thing. They're the ones waxing up their surf boards and packing sandwiches, not suitcases.

But the old-timers no doubt are a bit more leery. They're the ones who remember the devastation of 1964's Hurricane Dora, which caused damages totaling more than $280 million (more like $2 billion in today's dollars) and killed three. To date, she's the only hurricane to make landfall in the Jacksonville area since record keeping began in 1851.

City officials are not taking Fay lightly. The American Red Cross has opened selected shelters throughout Duval County and public schools and most city offices will be closed Thursday. The US mail, "come rain, come shine, come snow or sleet, come tropical storm or full-on hurricane," will run. Get all the latest from the city's Public Information Office.

So what are your plans: Head out or wait it out?

Poll:Will you evacuate for Hurricane Fay?

Hurricane Fay Heads for the First Coast originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 at 21:18:17.

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Spotted at the American Idol Auditions

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:11:10 +0000

Early hours and pouring rain did nothing to deter some 11,000 Hollywood hopefuls from showing up at the Veterans Memorial Arena for American Idol's Season 8 auditions. Show producers say it's the largest turnout thus far.

"Did anybody bring anything halfway healthy?" asked one hungry auditioner camped out in the crowd, which began assembing in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Some were prepared with sleeping bags and umbrellas. Others improvised. One auditioner was spotted with a disassembled cardboard trash box atop her head, shielding her beautifully coifed 'do from the rain.

One would suspect such a crowd to be cranky. Perhaps see a rumble or two break out (I'm imagining the West Side Story fight scene as I blog). One would have been disappointed. This was a surprisingly cordial crowd. Some, including Kenneth "O.J." Melton, a guitar-strumming country crooner, and DJ Brownie ("Find me on MySpace at DJBrownie1 'cuz I'm No. 1") helped set the mood with impromptu serenades.

So, were you there? Check our American Idol Auditions Photo Gallery to see if you can spot a familiar face. And take our poll: Let us know which reality TV competition you'd like to see a local win.

Poll:Which reality TV show would you most like to see a First Coast local win?

Spotted at the American Idol Auditions originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 01:11:10.

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First Coast Stars Light Up Reality TV

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:30:56 +0000

American Idol has made celebrities - and pseudo-celebrities - of everyday Joes and Janes across America, including Phil Stacey, the singing sailor who was stationed in Jacksonville when he auditioned for the show's sixth season. He made the top six and earlier this year released his first self-titled CD.

But the show isn't the first to place the spotlight on First Coast residents. In fact, Northeast Florida turned out two - count 'em, two - America's Next Top Model winners. The Amazing Race, Big Brother, The Bachelor and Discovery Kids' Endurance all featured First Coasters.

Got a great story to share about a local reality TV star? Want to see another reality show hold auditions in Jacksonville? Better yet: Got an idea for your own reality show? Let us know.

First Coast Stars Light Up Reality TV originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 at 22:30:56.

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American Idol Hits Jacksonville

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:54:21 +0000

"Congratulations! You�re going to Hollywood!"

If you�re itching to hear those words, then surely you�ve been belting out your best �90s boy band ballad for weeks now, gearing up for the Wednesday�s American Idol auditions. So how about giving your vocal cords a rest, will ya? After all, the music business is just that - a business. And that means rules, processes and documents. If you don�t have your act together business-wise (hint: Do not, I repeat do not wear your dad�s early Aerosmith t-shirt hoping to score points with your back-in-the-day props) you�ll get booted before you hit the doorway to the audition room. Lucky for you, we�ve got the low down on all you�ll need to know for the big day: Where and when (not) to show up, what (not) to wear, what (not) to bring and so forth.

So, seriously-you gonna go for it? We�d love to hear from you. Leave us comment and we�ll send some positive vibes your way.

American Idol Hits Jacksonville originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 at 21:54:21.

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Jacksonville Heads Back to School

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:55:23 +0000

Are the kiddies getting stir crazy? Are they driving you crazy? Not to worry-school starts back in less than two weeks in Duval County.

This year, new language programs help make your kindergartener bilingual before he hits fifth grade and introduce your teen to language, culture and business practices in Portugal. Another program, Safe Students in Schools, connects troubled students and families with dozens of community resources. And Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals and his team kick off a strategic plan to ensure all students graduate with a competitive edge in the job market.

Jacksonville Heads Back to School originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 at 23:55:23.

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The Big Cats are Back!

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 05:47:54 +0000

The Jacksonville Jaguars go on the preseason prowl this month against the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins. The Florida Theatre raises a toast to the Jacksonville Humane Society. And a AAA Five Diamond Chef de Cuisine shows you how to one-up your neighbors at your next backyard barbecue.

Plus, you'd better get your tickets for Kenny Chesney's Poets and Pirates Tour stop in Jacksonville. It's headed for a sell-out.

Find out what else is going on in August in the River City.

The Big Cats are Back! originally appeared on About.com Jacksonville on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 at 05:47:54.

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