Hello Jacksonville! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Mystery at the ballpark, ceramic painting, and Raising Cane’s hiring spree + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Hospital partnership advances: Onslow County commissioners approved a phased deal to integrate Onslow Memorial into UNC Health, starting with a 30% stake, increasing to 49%, and UNC becoming sole member in 2029 -- see the hospital deal terms.
New restaurant jobs ahead: Raising Cane’s is hiring 160 workers for Jacksonville’s first location, with $13 pay and an extra $1 after 10 p.m. It will open July 13 with free food and activities -- see what the opening offers.
Leadership change at the top: Jacksonville named Deputy Chief Ashley Weaver interim chief after Jarad Phelps resigned to lead Boca Raton, as City Manager Joshua Ray praised her leadership and dedication over past two years -- meet the new interim chief.
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.*
The bill all retirees 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.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Need a high score? Whether you're itching for Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, or a chaotic round of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, J-Vegas Retro Arcade runs on free-play machines, not tokens. Swing by this week with the kids or your old squad, grab snacks and sodas, and reclaim those throwback bragging rights.
Neighborhood playtime win: Onslow Pines Park packs a legit accessible playground, a tot lot for the little runners, and quick trails if you need a nature break between soccer practice and life, plus courts, fields, and picnic spots. Bring a ball or just your coffee and wander.
Flowers that deliver joy: Need a quick pick‑me‑up or a “my bad” bouquet this week? The Flower Shoppe SunShine and SunFlowers nails the custom, locally made vibes with bright, long‑lasting arrangements and friendly help, perfect for birthdays, homecomings, or just because your kitchen table deserves to look like it hosts brunch.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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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.
🕵 Mystery at the Ballpark @ Jack Amyette Park | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Baseball with a plot twist, because the Ospreys are handing us a mystery to solve between pitches. Think clues each inning, suspects strutting by the dugout, and prizes if your inner Columbo still works. Bring the kids, or your nosy neighbor, and play detective.
🎨 Art in the Park: Ceramic Painting @ Northeast Creek Park Shelter #1 | Friday (6/26) at 5:30 PM – Trade happy hour for a brush and make a ceramic masterpiece at Northeast Creek Park, by the ballfields and the disc golf crowd. It’s free, all ages, and low pressure, just first come, first served supplies, neighbors, and the kind of easy evening we miss.
🪙 Jacksonville Collector's Exchange @ DAV Chapter 16 | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Jacksonville’s DAV turns into the attic we wish we kept tidy, with 50-plus tables of Pokémon, comics, vintage toys, video games, and sports cards. Buy, sell, or trade, and blame nostalgia for that Funko haul. Good for kids, and the kids we used to be.
🎉 Z.E.C.A. Community Block Party @ Z.E.C.A. School of Arts and Technology | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Jacksonville’s getting a block party at ZECA, free and family-friendly, with food trucks, a car show, a live DJ, face painting, and bounce houses that double as bedtime insurance. While the kids burn energy, we browse vendors, tour the school, and catch stage acts.
🌞 Rollin' Into Summer @ Don Williamson Nissan | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Rollin' Into Summer is our town’s cheat month, with local trucks posted every weekend in June. Start with A & A Kitchen’s juicy burgers, loaded cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and hand-cut fries, then pretend walking between trucks counts as cardio, and call it family bonding.
🌺 2026 NC Polynesian Festival @ American Legion Burton-Cowell Post 265 | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Onslow County is getting a no-passport-needed Island day as the American Legion goes tropical with dancers, live music, and cultural exhibits. Come for the hula and plate-lunch vibes, stay while the kids burn energy at the family-friendly stuff, and yes, admission is free.
🏀 Ball4Better Basketball Clinic @ Jack Amyette Recreation Center | Sunday (6/28) at 10:00 AM – Give the next generation some court time with Ball4Better, a clinic that blends hoops, mentorship, and community. Expect squeaky sneakers, big smiles, and confidence building, plus leadership that sticks on and off the court. Less trash talk, more teachable moments, and maybe a nap after.
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: 89°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 1 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 1 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. This house is wildThe Cynthia floor plan brings big-style living with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a finished bonus room. An open foyer, LVP flooring, coffered dining room ceilings, and a sunlit living room with fireplace set the tone. The kitchen shines with a large island, desk area, and breakfast nook, while the oversized primary suite adds a sitting area, giant closet, and spa-like bath.
Take a peek inside → |
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