Jacksonville, FL

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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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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