Jacksonville, FL

Ethiopia ranks eighth among the world’s 22 countries with a high tuberculosis burden, according to USAID. Photo courtesy of the World Health Organization.

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The Florida Department of Health has issued an alert to our state’s residents and visitors. For those who have questions about the XDR-TB (extensively drug-resistant) case, or for those who may have traveled on one of the flights taken by the individual who is now in quarantine, a 24/7 hotline has been established.

The hotline number is 1-800-4TB-INFO. A lot of information about TB can be found at the DOH Web site.

DOH also says local health departments in the Sunshine State “will give the highest priority to individuals who were on one of the flights with the individuals currently in isolation, and who need evaluation and testing.” DOH encourages anyone on these flights “to seek TB testing and evaluation.”

The DOH alert references “individuals currently in isolation.” I’m assuming that plural noun individuals isn’t a typo and may refer to the passenger’s wife, but that is an assumption on my part.

The World Health Organization says that one in three people in the world is infected with dormant TB germs (i.e. TB bacteria), but people become ill with TB only when the bacteria become active. Information at the WHO Web pages says, “TB can usually be treated with a course of four standard, or first-line, anti-TB drugs. If these drugs are misused or mismanaged, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) can develop. MDR-TB takes longer to treat with second-line drugs, which are more expensive and have more side-effects. XDR-TB can develop when these second-line drugs are also misused or mismanaged and therefore also become ineffective. Because XDR-TB is resistant to first- and second-line drugs, treatment options are seriously limited. It is therefore vital that TB control is managed properly.”

The New York Times ran a story Wednesday about the Georgia man who exposed fellow passengers on different commercial flights, starting with a flight to Paris from Atlanta on Air France 385 on May 12.

One of Jacksonville’s most well-known hospitals, Shands, is located on a site where in 1922, Duval Hospital on Jefferson Street became a tuberculosis sanitarium.

And one of America’s most colorful gunfighters, Doc Holliday, died of TB.

WHO offers some small comfort to those who may be exposed to this disease. TB is spread when the sick person coughs, or sneezes, or simply talks, because these actions propel TB bacteria into the air. A person needs only to breathe in a small number of these germs to become infected.

However, only a small proportion of people will become infected with TB disease.

For those who’ve been exposed, take DOH advice to heart. Seek testing and evaluation by a healthcare professional.

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In Florida, Memorial Day means more than somber ceremonies and outdoor grilling. That day is one of the last worry-free days Floridians have where warm weather is concerned.

Hurricane Season starts Friday, and Jacksonville’s Fire and Rescue Emergency Preparedness team wants city residents and travelers to head off as much confusion as possible if a big one hits.

Now is the time to set aside canned food and organize your emergency kit, learn evacuation routes and establish a rendezvous point for you and loved ones who may be in different places.

If you have pets, or if you have special needs, use the city Web site to register now.

If you have an abundance of the stately oaks we enjoy in our neighborhood, trim them. There’s nothing like a monster-sized limb landing on your roof to shake you up when the wind is howling like a banshee.

I’ve lived through two serious hurricanes, both of them when our home was in South Carolina. One of those storms, Hugo, literally turned on us. Every forecaster in our area except for TV weather man Jim Gandy said the storm wouldn’t be too serious for those of us in the central part of the state. But Hugo hit Charleston as a Category 4 storm, roaring inland, destroying one billion board feet of timber. I was nine months pregnant with our second child. I will always remember that night—it will be the stuff of stories I tell my grandchildren if I am lucky enough to have some one day.

I selected the video above from youtube.com because although I didn’t experience this storm, the sound on the video is similar to sounds I heard the night Hugo paid us an unwelcome visit. If I have such an experience again, I will definitely be as prepared as possible.

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Rip current warnings remain in effect for the Northeast Florida area as of Tuesday, with high risks expected for beaches in Duval, St. John’s and Flagler counties.

Beachgoers on Memorial Day seemed to be observing red flag warnings posted at beaches on the southern end of the area coasts, but some still ventured beyond posted swimming areas where there was no lifeguard. Over the holiday weekend, hundreds of swimmers at Florida beaches required help from lifeguards and others. There’s never a good reason to take a risk associated with swimming, no matter where you are.

As we walked on the beach Saturday, I realized the risks lifeguards face themselves when undertaking a rescue. Beachgoers should be sure they understand the flag system Florida uses, and they should also follow safety recommendations from the U.S. Lifesaving Association.

Recommendations like not swimming alone and never swimming in an unguarded area are common sense, but people often ignore them. Swimming only while sober is also common sense, but people ignore that one too.

As we took our beach stroll, letting the water rush around our legs, I realized how strong the surf was. At times, it was hard to stand. I was glad to see parents keeping a watchful eye on their children. Rip currents can get even the strongest swimmer in trouble.

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Photo of Ponte Vedra Beach by Kay B. Day

Sunday was slightly overcast, but it was still a good day for the beach. As we headed south on US Highway 1, we smelled smoke and saw plumes rising from the north.

By evening we heard news reports of a fire at a city composting center. The site is on Davis Creek Road, south of Florida 9A.

I talked to Lt. Mike Perry, with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department this morning. “It’s under control,” he says. “Basically, our game plan hasn’t changed.” They plan to let the fire burn itself out.

Crews are completely surrounding the site right now. Peery says the material is too dense and the two acres that are burning are too large to remove the material. “We’ve been on it for 18 hours,” he says.

The smoke isn’t widespread right now, because of the wind direction. The smoke is going “straight up.” But Peery says the winds are supposed to “pick up” later this afternoon. There will be an increased risk of “spark fires.”

Traffic isn’t impeded in any way at present.

The fire started on Sunday about 2:15 p.m. Peery says right now, they have “no idea” how it started.

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Take a moment today to honor America’s fallen fighters. The freedom we enjoy rests on their comrades’ shoulders. Read today’s special tribute to America’s fallen warriors at Current Events Watch.

Jacksonville will honor those in the military who have given their lives in defense of our country during Memorial Day weekend and on the Monday holiday.

The city’s Memorial Day Observance ceremony will be held Monday, May 28, at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 East Adams Street downtown. Ten local heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice will be honored. A concert precedes the ceremony. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the St. Johns River City Band and Don Thompson chorale will perform.

The ceremony includes keynote speakers, presentation of colors, family tributes, wreath presentation, a 21-gun salute, “Taps” and musical tributes.

For those who can’t attend, the City of Jacksonville Web site provides suggestions for ways to observe this special day.

On Saturday, May 26, the city presents the 2007 Spring Music Festival. Gates open at Metropolitan Park at 6 p.m. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and the movie “Hoodwinked” follows the concert. Music is by Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band; Belushi is the voice of the Woodsman in the movie. Admission is free. For full details, visit the Music Festival page at the city Web site.

Today’s Florida Times-Union has additional listings of area events. Pick up a newspaper or visit the T-U Web page for more information about things to do.

Many of us will celebrate with family and friends as we remember the men and women who protect us. Have a safe, happy holiday!

Photo of the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall is from press pages at the City of Jacksonville Web site.

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Winn-Dixie and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are holding “Common Sense Self Defense” seminars around The River City during the next four months. The seminars are free and will be held in a number of locations during weekday evenings or Saturday mornings at 27 local WD stores.

The seminars are aimed at educating a person on self-defense when escaping a threatening situation is not possible. Each seminar lasts 60 minutes. You must reserve a spot in order to participate.

Full details can be found at the Sheriff’s Office site on the Web. Check out the brochure explaining details. The brochure also offers common sense tips for personal safety. There’s a schedule online as well so you can select a convenient time and location.

I plan to go with my daughter and I’ll report on my experience here at our Jacksonville, FL site. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared even if you feel safe most of the time as I do.

In the photo above, Raines High School senior Erica Timmons learns self-defense moves from Jacksonville Sheriff’s officer Sam Rodgriguez during the seminar offered to residents during Customer Appreciation Day on April 28 at the Winn-Dixie store on Moncrief Road. Photo from JSO public information.

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Each week, I’ll post a “Restaurant Rave” here. I pay for my own meals at the restaurants I recommend, and I receive no compensation from the restaurants for my recommendations or review.

A Jacksonville institution, The Tree Steakhouse is one of those places you can count on to be consistent. If you’re after the best filet mignon or prime rib in the city, The Tree is the place to go.

Nestled beneath ancient oaks in a small shopping center on San Jose Blvd., the restaurant is popular with our city’s residents and visitors. The décor has a classy clubhouse feeling enhanced by dark wood and soft lighting.

If you’re not a beef eater, there are many other options, among them the sensational cashew-crusted grouper. The restaurant has a classic salad bar, or you can be lazy like I am and opt for the house salad. Favorite appetizers include the crab-stuffed mushrooms. For dessert, try the crème brulee.

The wine list is excellent, offering a range of choices. The prices are on par with other upscale restaurants.

Most weekend nights, there’s a piano player offering up different types of music in the bar. You can also eat in the bar; this comes in handy if you haven’t thought ahead and made a reservation.

The owner, whose name is Paul, has been there just about every time we’ve been there. And we’ve dined there a lot. I even took a Pulitzer Prize winning author there.

The servers are non-intrusive. They don’t grovel like servers in a lot of places; they’ve worked there a long time. They give good service and they don’t try to engage you in small talk. They don’t want to be your friend; they’re satisfied with being your server.

You can opt to choose your beef—it can be brought to the table for your selection.

What I really like about The Tree: it’s privately owned. There are two locations in Jacksonville, but the one we frequent is on San Jose Blvd. in Mandarin. The other location is at 725-6 Atlantic Blvd. in Atlantic Beach.

If you want a really nice dining experience, The Tree Steakhouse is my number one restaurant rave in the River City. It’s part of Jacksonville’s history and it will certainly last into the future.

Phone numbers
San Jose Blvd. location: 262-0006
Atlantic Blvd. location: 241-5600

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Photo by Becky Day, used with permission.

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In April I wrote a story for the Florida Times Union about the Jacksonville Motherless Daughters group. Valerie Benton and Nicki Chandler founded the support group as a means of reaching out to other women who had experienced the pain of losing a mother.

Benton, a professional life coach with Summit Marketing and Coaching, says the group is growing. “People are a little hesitant sometimes,” she says. That’s not surprising. Losing a mother is one of the most emotional events a person confronts. But the support group seems to help. “Our last meeting was incredible,” says Benton, who recalls what one woman told her.

A member thanked her for the group’s support, saying, “You have no idea what it means just to be able to talk about this.”

That’s exactly what Benton and Chandler like to hear. Chandler just wrapped up her master’s degree in social work. She had deeply personal reasons to reach out to others because her own mother died when Chandler was 15 years old. Chandler eventually found a book by Hope Edelman, “Motherless Daughters, the Legacy of Loss.” She says that book really helped her to make sense of what happened when she was so young.

Benton was an adult when her mother died. She describes her mother as her “best friend.”

The founders of Jacksonville Motherless Daughters founded a support group that provides a positive outlet for their own sense of loss and helps others at the same time. Benton describes it as moving “from grief to gratitude.”

The group’s next meeting is Monday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Southeast Branch Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd. Participants must be 18 or older; membership is free.

Learn more on the Web at Jacksonville Motherless Daughters Group .

Shown in photo above are Valerie Benton (left) and Nicki Chandler (right), founders of the Jacksonville Motherless Daughters Support Group. –Photo by Kay Day

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On Saturday, we toured the family-owned San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine. As you walk into the historic building, once home to the East Coast Railway, you’re greeted warmly. A gentleman in the entry hall pointed us to the tour, the gift shop and the bathrooms. He seemed to know exactly what we wanted.

We began the tour at the first tasting station by sampling the Reserva, a white wine made primarily with a mix of Florida’s Hybrid Bunch grapes. This wine is really smooth, with echoes of a sauvignon blanc grape. We moved on to the Castillo Red, a dry burgundy-colored wine. We also tasted some of the sweet wines, the port and the sherry.

San Sebastian wines have won many awards on the state, regional, national and international levels. As you move through the different tasting stations in various rooms, you almost feel like you’re in a monastery. The large oak barrels and natural wood décor create a sensation in perfect accord with the Old World charm of St. Augustine. The winery is the production facility, so you’re indoors rather than in the vineyards themselves. The grapes are grown in Clermont and other areas.

We topped off our visit with appetizers and wine in the Cellar Upstairs, a rooftop wine and jazz bar. We sat there in the Florida sun and enjoyed music by McKenna and Baker. We listened to some fine acoustic music—many of the songs included the mandolin—under the blue sky that was so perfect an artist would grab brushes to capture it.

We had a bottle of the Reserva—by now we were big fans of this wine—before strolling back downstairs to the gift shop to pick up a few items, including a case of the Reserva and some other singles, including a bottle of the Castillo Red. We also took home a bottle of the Vinter’s White. It’s just the right amount of sweet—we bought it for a friend who doesn’t like dry wine.

A visit to this winery is one of those magical experiences that stays with you even after you’ve departed. It’s like stepping into another dimension. We’ll go back, I’m sure, again and again. It’s the perfect side trip, a scant 31 miles from Jacksonville.

(Photos by Kay B. Day)

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Film Festival promises lively entertainment

Jacksonville was once known as “Hollywood East.” The Florida Memory Project says The Sunshine State has been the location for “countless films” since the early 1900s. Classic films like “The Flying Ace” (1926) and “Basic” (2003) starring John Travolta were shot in Jacksonville.

The fifth annual Jacksonville Film Festival May 17-20 pays homage to the industry’s history and present in our city. This year’s celebration features a screening of “Polyester” (1981) in Odorama. A festival spokesperson says special scratch-and-sniff cards will be handed out. I can’t tell you what you’ll smell, but it sounds quirky enough I’d be willing to try it. A special highlight on Saturday, May 19, includes director John Waters offering live commentary on his film. The film features heart throb Tab Hunter, a name well-known to Boomer fans. Festival events are held at various downtown venues. For complete information on screenings, programs and locations, visit Jacksonville Film Festival on the Web.

It’s all about the weather

Today is bright and sunny with very little smoke. Yesterday was a different story. The acrid smell of wildfires hung over the city yesterday, with cloudy conditions and wind making things even worse. Mid-afternoon, storms rolled in, dropping hail and much-needed rain. What meteorologists call a “microburst” brought winds estimated at 60+ m.p.h. to the North Side. Some homes sustained damage, but no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the wildfires rage on. For complete information about the current fire situation, visit the Florida Division of Forestry Daily Report on the Web.

There’s good news, though, because the weekend forecast calls for sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s and a nice breeze—picture perfect weather for having fun in The River City. Enjoy!

“Polyester” poster used with permission,©JacksonvilleFilmFestival, 2007

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On May 3, 1901, the city of Jacksonville went up in flames. Over 700 acres of dwellings and structures were destroyed, according to a digital exhibit created by the University of Florida Library. Had it not been for the St. John’s River, the fire might have spread beyond the central city area. The flames reportedly began when a spark ignited a pile of moss at a mattress factory.

Jacksonville, often called “The River City,” will hold the 2007 Annual River Celebration Day on May 19, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at Walter Jones Historical Park. The Park is located at 11964 Mandarin Road.

Mayor John Peyton will kick off the party with an address. There will be boat rides, bluegrass bands, native plant workshops, kayaking, and talks on marsh mammals and wildlife. Games and activities for children are planned; food will be available.

If you’ve never been to the park, this is a great place for a family or couples outing. You can tour a historic farmhouse that’s been restored. The restoration of a sawmill is in progress, and there’s a boardwalk along the river that offers incredible views. I enjoy visiting the park for special events, and just for strolls along the boardwalk as well. If you go, let me know by emailing me or posting a comment. And send any pictures you’d like to share as well.

The photo above is one I shot during a boardwalk stroll along the river at the park.

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