Story By: Cha-Yil Mitchell

With over 5,000 followers in just a few months, Jacksonville Run Club has gained a reputation for its commitment to the local community. Established in June, the club has made moves for its commitment to the community. With it’s open arms the club has become a cornerstone for local runners and walkers.  

Jerome Jordan and Jaylen Fowler founded the club, which meets weekly on Saturday mornings at Friendship Fountain, an beautiful scenery and location for a group rooted in community. Jacksonville Run Club is designed to make you feel comfortable whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to running. 

“We are more than just a run club,” Jerome Jordan explains. “We’re a family. We run together because we enjoy the journey together no matter how fast or far we run.” 

The club’s media marketing manager, Rique Bentley,  adds to its vibrant atmosphere with his content creation.  Bentley ensures to show how  inclusive and joyful spirit the club is. He has contributed greatly to the club’s social media presence by taking candid action shots. 

“We want people to see how much fun we’re having and know they’re welcome to join,” Bentley shares.  

Dog owners also appreciate the club’s pet-friendly policy, with pets often accompanying their owners there. “The dogs bring so much energy. They’re like the unofficial mascots of the group,” a member says.  

With the Jacksonville Run Club’s continued growth, its founders remain committed to creating an environment that fosters comfort, support, and inspiration. This club offers more than just miles—it offers smiles, too, whether you’re looking to meet fitness goals or simply connect with others. 

Interested members are invited to meet the team at Friendship Fountain every Saturday morning to exercise.  

Story By: Kara Carter

Located just a couple of miles from downtown Jacksonville resides the oldest farmers market in Florida. From catering to people in horse drawn carriages to now cyber trucks, the community is still the same basis. One of the first booths is the Bradshaws, a family that runs 3 different booths that offer different services. The son Aiden, who is just 11 years old, has brought his hurricane quarantine passion of slime to the farmer’s market. He found himself bored trying to bypass time while the hurricane was passing, so he decided to make slime and his mother, Kirsten suggested he sell it at the market. Kirsten has a booth of her own next to her son selling custom cups. She got her inspiration from social media and took off from there. She says the cups tell a story with each person, whether you’re a sports fan, gamer or just like a specific color, it gives an insight into the person. Next to Aiden’s booth you can find his father Terrence, who sells gourmet cupcakes. Terrence was the 2012 winner of Cupcake Wars and continues to bring the award-winning flavors to the people in Jacksonville. Both parents emphasized the importance of work ethic and entrepreneurship to their children, that is why they set up the booth every weekend. To find and support this lovely family, you can find them at the Jacksonville Farmers Market every Saturday and Sunday.  

Story By: Alexa Gonzalez

A new attraction arrived in St. Augustine’s historic district this month. Capybara Cafe opened its doors on Oct. 26 to give guests an opportunity for an up-close and personal interaction with Capybaras. Capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals that are native to South America. They are the world’s largest rodent. Over the last couple of years Capybaras have skyrocketed to popularity through TikTok videos and Instagram memes. They are known for being adorable, loveable and entertaining animals, and though they are considered wild animals, several people do keep them as pets. The cafe allows people to come in and feed the Capybaras, Mocha and Latte, play with them, pet them, and take photos. The cafe also allows guests to meet a raccoon named Emily and a skunk named Flower. So much excitement surrounded the cafe, that slots to come and meet the animals are booked through January. The proceeds from the cafe go to the Noah’s Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, which focuses on wildlife conservation.