Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Major development clears hurdle: On April 21, a City Council committee backed a Hilton-brand hotel at Jacksonville’s College Park, moving the project forward with more steps ahead for approvals -- read the full story.

Expanding local news access: Jacksonville’s first Spanish-language newscast, Noticias Jacksonville, will launch May 4 with Karen Taffanelli as anchor and executive producer on a WFOX subchannel, with reporters Rita Sibaja and Freddy Machado -- see launch date and team.

Active fun for groups: Live-action Activate Games plans an opening later this year at St. Johns Town Center, bringing 12 interactive rooms in a $1.6 million build, as the city reviews its permit -- get details on challenges and expansion.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Neon putts, zero sunburn: Skip the sun and cue up some friendly rivalry at Batt Family Fun Center with Wizard Glow Mini Golf, an indoor course that turns weeknights into mini events. When bragging rights spark a sequel, the bowling lanes and arcade sit just steps away for round two.

Breakfast to burger bliss: Whether your day calls for a grits-and-egg bowl, a Philly pita, jumbo wings, or a no-fuss cheeseburger, Benchwarmers Cafe keeps it classic and tasty. Cap it off with their homemade banana pudding, then pretend you’re just “running errands” when you go back tomorrow.

Fresh cut, zero fuss: In Riverside’s Five Points, Hawthorn Salon handles curly cuts, balayage, and vivid color with a friendly, low-key crew that’s dialed in. When strands feel meh, their pros revive shape, shine, and bounce... effortless hair that looks like you woke up lucky.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🎤 Barry Manilow @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | Monday (4/27) at 7:00 PM – Go ahead, pretend you do not know all the words to Mandy. Barry Manilow brings the big singalongs to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, with nostalgia, generous key changes, and the perfect excuse to park downtown, sit comfortably, and say yes, he wrote that one too.

🍲 Empty Bowls @ Orange Park Methodist Church Family Life Center | Tuesday (4/28) at 11:00 AM – Soup season calls for doing good while eating well. For $25 at the door, you get hearty soup, bread, water, and a student-made ceramic bowl to keep, all while supporting the food pantry and kids' programs, plus a silent auction for bragging rights.

💐 Make Your Own Mini Beaded Bouquet @ Manifest Distilling | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – Give your thumbs a workout and make mini beaded bouquets with a drink, some banter, and zero pressure. Beginner friendly, gift worthy, and a better Mother’s Day move than grocery store flowers. Tickets are $38, or buy 3, get 1 free.

💐 May 1st Mother's Day Event @ SassyJ's Craft Spot | Friday (5/1) at 5:45 PM – Skip the fridge magnet crafts and make something your mom will actually display at SassyJ’s premium 3D wood design night. Think intricate florals, butterflies, and beachy scenes that prompt 'You made that,' with BYOB, step-by-step help, and a bring-Mom-or-bestie discount. Only 12 seats, so scoot.

💿 Record & CD Festival @ Ramada by Wyndham Jacksonville Hotel & Conference Center | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats a crate-dig in Mandarin, and this one’s the motherlode. Dozens of vendors roll in with vinyl, CDs, tapes, gear, and oddball memorabilia, plus vinyl giveaways and trivia, with free parking and free admission, right off I-295. Pace yourself, the bins are deep.

📚 Free Comic Book Day @ Mythical Mountain | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from chores and swing by Mythical Mountain for Free Comic Book Day. Snag free issues while they last, meet Trey Diaz Murphy from Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, and check out Mike Thompson’s custom art. Bring the kids, or your inner ten-year-old.

🎶 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone In Concert @ Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 PM – Watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on the big screen while Jacksonville Symphony plays it live at Jacoby Symphony Hall, and remember why movie magic still works. Bring the kids, your house scarf, and your patience for theme song tears. A downtown night out.

This resort-style, gated 8.7-acre equestrian estate in Mandarin pairs an all-brick traditional with St. Johns River views. Five bedroom suites include a private nanny suite. Amenities span 3-stall stables, tennis and pickleball court, screened pool with pool house, six garage bays, and a 200-plus-foot bulkheaded lawn with dock, boat lift, and jet ski lifts, under 30 minutes to Downtown Jacksonville.