By: Will Raffier

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Each day, more art is put into the world and one of the most dynamic and growing industries for art is tattooing. The taboos around tattoos start to unravel as more people find themselves getting their own, becoming an artist or simply admiring the art form.  

Tattooing has been gaining popularity in newer generations. Statista did a survey in 2021 that shows almost half of United States millennials, and about a quarter of Gen Z, have tattoos. Aaron Goodin, a Jacksonville tattoo artist of almost a decade says, “the new generation, and the newer, newer generation- everybody’s going to be tatted.”  

With tattoos growing popularity, there are more regulations set in place to make sure that artists are properly trained, and infections are reduced.  

According to Florida.gov, in the state of Florida, tattoo artists are required to be at least 18, take a course on bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases, and you must also get approved for a tattoo artist license from their local county health department. Goodin says that he always wipes down his station and wraps all of his needles. He also emphasizes that artists be careful with touching unsanitary items in their gloves. “If you touch anything dirty with your gloves, go ahead and just throw those off,” says Goodin. 

If you are interested in getting a tattoo, look into local tattoo shops Friday the 13^th deals. There are a lot of smaller tattoos that are pre-designed by tattoo studios, which are also at a discounted price, to try and introduce people into the hobby of tattooing.  

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Run The Date, rock climbing gyms and run clubs continue to be a trend.

By: Lily Mitchell

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Stone Climbing Gym just opened a second location in Jacksonville, which now makes three rock climbing gyms in the area, including Beaches Rock Gym and The Edge Rock Gym. More spaces like this are opening up around the area, reflecting an increase in fitness infrastructure that might be because of the rising popularity of getting active. Although fitness has no age limit, people in their 20’s have brought a new meaning to self-care by adopting an active lifestyle.  

Summer Peralta is one such individual. She grew tired of the party culture that her peers participated in every weekend and wanted something that was more rewarding. She has tried all kinds of activities to keep her occupied, from reformer pilates to boxing, but nothing has stuck with her like rock climbing. Peralta joined Stone Climbing Gym when they first opened in January and has been coming ever since.  

“The push away from party culture has been huge and like there’s different satisfaction that comes with a sport like this or a hobby like this,” said Summer.

She’s right, that ‘different satisfaction’ can otherwise be known as a reward cascade or climber’s high. It’s a neurochemical reaction that releases chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and endorphins, that leads to a mood boost or climber’s high. This type of high can come from other forms of physical activity too, but one study published by the National Library of Medicine, found that rock climbing in particular demands a certain mindfulness and attention that boosts your memory capacity.  

Places like Stone have highlighted how exercise is becoming a social activity and seen as another way to take care of yourself. Other activities have become popular for this very reason too, like running daily. Bella Lotti began her running journey at the start of the year with a challenge called ‘Run the Date.’ 

It’s exactly what it sounds like- each day you run the distance of the date, say it’s February 17th, you’re supposed to run 2.17 miles and so on until the end of the year. She found out about the challenge on Instagram, where the trend first appeared two years ago as a way to connect like-minded people.  

It’s not uncommon for social media to be used as a tool to help propel these kinds of challenges that want to make fitness more than just a physical workout- they want to make it a community. Run clubs are popping up in every neighborhood, and Jacksonville is no stranger to them, with their most popular clubs being Neptune Run Crew and Jacksonville Run Club. Southern Swell is another one that, although it isn’t trending, it focuses on what’s important and that is that you’re out here and moving.  

At the end of the day, even if it’s a challenge or a trend, fitness is important for everyone. The benefits that come from moving your body are more than just physical; it’s social and mental as well.  

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By: Jasen Mata

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Everyone has a different way of unwinding. For Jacksonville local John Lemis, that outlet is woodworking. 

Lemis started building in his garage around 2018 or 2019, when he found himself with extra time on his hands. He needed something new to focus on and always wanted to build something, so woodworking seemed like a good place to start. Though as time went on, the hobby got deeper and became more personal.  

One of his first major projects was building a farmhouse-style dining table for his wife. The project wasn’t just about putting together pieces of wood — it was about creating something meaningful. The dining table was a symbol of his hard work that he and his family get to enjoy every meal.  

That experience changed his perspective. Woodworking became a space where he could slow down and focus — especially during times when other parts of life felt unpredictable. 

“There’s a lot in life you can’t control,” Lemis said. “But in here, I can control this.”

He jokingly refers to his time in the shop as “sawdust therapy.” The repetitive measuring, cutting, sanding, and finishing requires patience — something he says woodworking has taught him over the years. 

In a trade like this, rushing isn’t an option. “If you try to rush it,” he said, “the wood will tell on you.” 

Today, Lemis continues building tables and other pieces in his garage workshop. For him, the reward isn’t just in the finished product — it’s in the process. He hopes the pieces he builds will be used for years, maybe even generations. 

What started as a way to fill time has turned into something bigger than his boredom — a reminder that sometimes slowing down and building something with your hands can bring a sense of control and purpose. 

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