Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How one JU scientist quietly shaped Jacksonville’s river and marine research

Make time for Rene Vaca 2026 Tour on the Jacksonville Patch calendar

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Sunday August 30th Patch AM
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Cheers Jacksonville! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How one JU scientist quietly shaped Jacksonville's river and marine research
  • Avondale favorite Josephine responds after its founder's $1.15M fraud plea
  • How Jacksonville is rallying around a former hoops star with cancer

Also on today's calendar: Rene Vaca 2026 Tour and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What gets bigger the more you take away? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 87 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 90, low: 75.
  • Tuesday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 77 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The 50-year JU career of Quinton White (jacksonville.com) — Jacksonville readers get a look at marine biologist Quinton White's five-decade impact at Jacksonville University and on the St. Johns River. From kingfish tournaments to the Marine Science Research Institute and OCEARCH partnership, his work has shaped local conservation and education. The photo-rich retrospective traces his roles as researcher, teacher, and environmental advocate across generations.
   

2. Popular Josephine restaurant in Avondale says it was the victim of $1.4M fraud case (actionnewsjax.com) — A well-known Avondale restaurant, Josephine on St. Johns Avenue, says its founder—who recently pleaded guilty in a $1.15 million fraud case—has been out of the business for more than a year. The current team stresses new leadership, stronger financial controls, and continued operations. Federal prosecutors say the defendant faces up to 20 years and must repay the funds.
   

3. From the court to chemo: Former basketball standout honored during Waves championship as she battles stage 4 cancer (news4jax.com) — A former Wolfson and Sandalwood basketball standout from Jacksonville, Sierra McKnight, is being honored during the Jacksonville Waves' Upshot League championship game as she battles Stage 4 breast cancer. The 39-year-old mom, a former Bethune-Cookman star, is leaning on her Jacksonville family, faith, and community support while facing grueling treatments, and relatives have launched a GoFundMe to help cover mounting medical costs.
   

4. Charlotte Crown edge Waves in inaugural Upshot League championship game (news4jax.com) — Jacksonville basketball fans just watched the hometown Waves fall 81–76 to the Charlotte Crown in the inaugural Upshot League championship at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Despite leading by 14 and a late rally sparked by Adut Bulgak and Jasmine Walker, Jacksonville's comeback fell short. The locally founded league, backed by Donna Orender, now plans to expand after a successful first season.
   

📸 Around Jacksonville

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Jacksonville

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📣 Jacksonville Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE!
    Found her!!! She showed back up before the rain! LOST DOG: Looking for this small black and white chihuahua mix around Jones Rd/old Plank Rd… (Nextdoor Marietta)
  • Looking for a rescue or foster for this sweet girl 🐾
    I found this sweet Pit Bull I front of my door today and I'm trying to find her a safe place to go. She is very friendly and deserves a loving home. … (Nextdoor Point Meadows - Chase Meadows)
  • Stryker posted a job opening for Medical Device Driver - 1st Shift - $22.10/hr in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • Pyramid Global Hospitality posted a job opening for Housekeeping-Room Attendant in Jacksonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jacksonville here.

Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A hole (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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