Hello Jacksonville! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: A new bookstore, a kids paint party, and a retro collectibles show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A new community hub: A 3,200-square-foot bookstore, Daisy Chain Book Co., will open in Jacksonville this summer, expected late August or September. Expect local coffee, international wines, and goods from small businesses -- visit the new bookstore.
Neighborhood grocery relief: A new Winn-Dixie opened in Brentwood, easing food access for seniors and residents without cars after City Council talks over a $12 million incentive to keep headquarters in Jacksonville -- see the food-access impact.
Community support pays off: After fearing closure, Navy veteran Melissa Endrina’s Instagram plea sparked a customer rush that revived sales at Aloha Waffle Bar’s new Jacksonville Beach location near TacoLu as the community rallied -- see how sales rebounded.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Effortless style, local: Jane Doe Boutique nails that mix of breezy dresses, easy jeans, and just-enough sparkle that makes getting out the door simpler. Friendly stylists actually help you find pieces that fit your life in Jax, so consider this your reminder to treat yourself before next week’s plans.
Need a quick breather? Skip the scroll and step outside at Landon Park, an easy spot to park yourself with a coffee, let the kids burn energy, or sneak in a quiet chapter. It’s the low-effort, high-reward kind of green space that makes weekday evenings feel like a win.
Plant joy, locally: Whether you’re rehabbing tired beds or plotting a shade oasis, Philips Garden Store keeps Riverside-Avondale humming with hardy plants, outdoor decor, and friendly, old-school advice from folks who’ve been at it since 1961. Swing by for ideas, leave with something your neighbors will ask about.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 Mini Masterpiece Fridays | Kids Paint Party @ Beach Boulevard Flea Market | Friday (6/26) at 11:00 AM – Fridays at Beach Blvd Flea Market are turning into kid-size paint parties with a certified art teacher guiding the chaos. Four one-hour sessions to suit nap schedules, think sea turtles and other cute critters. You browse, they create, everyone claims a masterpiece.
📚 32nd Annual Bookbuster Sale @ Calvary Baptist Church | Saturday (6/27) at 8:30 AM – BookBuster is taking over the Northside with one of NE Florida’s biggest used homeschool curriculum hauls, plus novels, kids’ reads, puzzles, and art supplies your grandkids will steal. Open to everyone. Bring a tote, and a couple bucks for the church at the door.
🧺 Picnic In The Park @ Willow Branch Park | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Take a breather and swing by the park for an easygoing community picnic, with family friendly activities and a light lunch provided. Bring your favorite yard games, your unhurried weekend self, and that folding chair that squeaks but still works.
🎉 Southeast District 3 Neighborhood Block Party @ Cuba Hunter Community Center | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Neighborhood block party at Cuba Hunter Park, courtesy of COJ Neighborhoods. Trade the usual nod-from-the-driveway for actual conversation, and get the lowdown from Animal Care & Protective Services on shelter programs and services. It is community spirit without an HOA agenda, or the folding chairs.
🎶 The Dixie Echoes @ Restoration Baptist Church | Saturday (6/27) at 6:00 PM – Take a breather and let The Dixie Echoes put the week back in tune with classic gospel, warm harmonies, and plenty of uplift. It is free to get in, and if the spirit nudges, there is a love offering. Family-friendly, neighbor-approved.
🧸 Retrorama Collectibles Show @ Ramada Jacksonville Hotel & Conference Center | Sunday (6/28) at 10:00 AM – Hit the Retrorama Collectibles Show, Jax’s ultimate retro toy and pop culture hunt with free admission and parking. GI Joe, Barbie, Star Wars, records, VHS, comics, and more, plus buy, sell, trade, and a sighting of D-Von Dudley. It’s your childhood, indoors, organized, and air-conditioned.
👑 The Royal Etiquette Adventure @ Manners Matter Jax | Sunday (6/28) at 3:00 PM – Turn your tiny tyrant into a benevolent ruler at this small group adventure for ages 3–6, inspired by King Arthur. Through royal games and storytelling, they practice kind words, personal space, first-time listening, and sharing, then prove their table manners over a proper tea.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Jacksonville report Weather forecastToday — High: 93°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 9%
Sunny. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 92 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. East wind 1 to 9 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 19%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 90 in the afternoon. East wind 1 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildBuilt in 2017, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home pairs timeless elegance with easy everyday comfort. A grand double-door entry, coffered ceilings, and rich crown molding set the tone, while the open great room, gourmet kitchen, and dining area keep gatherings flowing. The main-level owner’s suite brings spa-style calm, and upstairs adds three bedrooms, a bonus area, and park views.
Take a peek inside → |
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