Jacksonville, FL

What do enlightened singles do for entertainment in Jacksonville? Follow these recommendations for nightlife from two of Jacksonville’s finest.

One thing about Jax. We have some of the prettiest, smartest women on the planet. So I searched for two young professionals to deliver up confessionals about places they like to go for stellar entertainment. I also asked them if they’ve ever come across a celebrity at a Jacksonville club.

Haley Blount and Tara Allison Newton responded to my requests—both women are friends of my daughter Jen. Haley works in the education field; Tara works in criminal justice.

Haley likes to dance and sing. She says, “After much debate (over wine and cheese, of course), this was the conclusion I came to—although there are numerous “hot spots” around Jacksonville that I seem to enjoy (i.e., The Bricks at the beach is always a good time; Dueling Pianos off Southside always makes me sing and dance my heart out; and Aromas is a great place to chat over wine), the one place that I have consistently been and had a magnificent time is the Mark Bar, which is downtown. Always a great, diverse crowd, bartenders are quick to take your order, and the music always encourages me to dance like a rock star!”

Tara, shown here with her boyfriend Orlando Garcia, opts for the beaches. She says, “One of my favorite places to go is the Atlantic. It’s a club right off First street (I am sure you have heard of it). A lot of people do not like that place, but I always went there on Thursday night, ‘Ladies Night’, for free drinks. They always played “booty music” which I love to dance to. Occasionally they would play 80s music and even if you didn’t like either of those, they play either 80s but mostly reggae in the bar next door; they are connected. They also have an outdoor bar for the nice nights and it is right on the beach so you can look over onto the ocean. I don’t think I have ever seen a celebrity, but some unknown rapper was trying to get his name out and had his whole crew on a big tour bus handing out demo tapes. He invited me and a couple of my friends onto the tour bus, then tried to take us back to his hotel room…we got off quickly after that!! Funny story. I think that is as close to a celeb as I’ve come to.”

So there are your recommendations from a couple of Jacksonville’s liveliest, loveliest smarties.

Coming up for 80s fans, classic rockers Poison will be in the River City for a concert September 2 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

For additional information about Jacksonville nightlife, visit JaxBars on the Web.

Enjoy your weekend, be wise, and be safe!

(Photos courtesy of Haley Blount and Tara Allison Newton)

Community Alert: The family of Michael Austin Davis is still hoping his disappearance will have a positive outcome. A tip was received from a person reporting a possible sighting in Gainesville, Fla. If you have friends or relatives in the Gainesville area, please make them aware this young man was last seen in his home city of Jacksonville on June 25. For full details and contact information, read our July 11 column, ‘Vanished without a trace.’

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