Jacksonville, FL

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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