Author: Brianna Pereira 

The Caffeinated Cat, located at 331 1st Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL, is the perfect spot for lovers of both cats and coffees alike. Their cafe selections offer a variety of cat-themed drinks, some coffee-based and others tea- or lemonade-based. After ordering a drink, you can enter the cat room, where you will find tons of cat friends eager for your companionship. 

The feline friends of the Caffeinated Cat are all adoptable, with a few long-term resident exceptions, identifiable by either a collar or bandana. The adoption process is quite simple and quite unique, offering a sleepover program to those who might have reservations about bringing a new addition into their lives. 

“They have a program that lets you bring the cat home for 3 to 7 days and get a better feel for their personality, how they interact in your environment, and if you have other pets, like I did at the time, see how they interact with them. Then, based on how you feel after the week, you can then decide if adoption is right for you,” said Taylor Ducan, a veteran of adopting from the Caffeinated Cat. 

The main goal of the cafe is to rehome as many cats as possible, which is why their adoption fee is only $50, and they microchip for you as well as take care of any medical needs that the cat may need before sending it home with you. 

Be sure to give them a visit Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where you will get to experience this unique cafe approach. Even if you are not looking to adopt, the Caffeinated Cat is the perfect spot to stop in and enjoy a tasty drink while enjoying some cat snuggles. 

Story by: Emily Cheyne 

Every fourth Saturday of the month, the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine hosts a free event called ‘Cars and Coffee.’ Hundreds of people come together at this event over their shared love and interest in classic cars. Attendees spend the morning enjoying coffee, donuts, and all types of diverse classic cars.  

“Every car guy has a story about his car,” said event attendee David Hunter.  

Chip Wilson has owned his 1969 Mustang Mach 1 since 1971. The car is completely original and meant for drag racing; it boasts an impressive 428 Cobra Jet engine.  

His story is that one day, while driving in California, he drove by a used car lot and saw the Mustang. He knew he had to have it, so he traded in his old Ford Coupe for it. Wilson has had the car ever since. Since then, his Mustang has made the trip from California to St. Augustine multiple times.  

His grandson, Will Wilson, shares the same love for classic cars as him and attends each event with him. Will owns a 1964 Falcon Futura.  

At the event, you can find cars from the 1900s to modern models. Sidney Hobbs, the museum’s owner, wants to share his love of classic cars with the public and plans to expand the event to include vintage motorcycles.  

For more information about the event, head to http://www.ccmstaug.com. 

Story by: Daria Mironova 

One of the most important things someone can have is friendship. It is a constant with many variables, and everyone defines it in their own way. However, some common things are love, care, mutual trust, and support. 

True friendship does not have distance, boundaries, or age limits. Chris Ordoobadi, a professional hockey player signed with reigning ECHL champions, the Florida Everblades, knows all about it. One of his friends is Nikita Pavlovich, an elementary schooler and a junior hockey player based in Jacksonville.  

“Chris is my best friend because we go to steakhouses together. He is a nice guy,” said Pavlovich. 

Ordoobadi was Pavlovich’s father’s teammate and both men played for the Orlando Solar Bears. One day, Nikita came to the rink with his dad and met all the players in the locker room. The Solar Bears head coach even signed the junior player to a one-day contract.  

As a child, Ordoobadi had few role models he admired, and he took every chance he could to talk to professional hockey professionals. “A couple of players took me under their wing. I had a chance to practice with them,” said Ordoobadi. “They set an example for me.” That experience helped shape Ordoobadi into the role model he is today. 

When the Everblades travel to Jacksonville to face local hockey team, the Icemen, Chris Ordoobadi invites Pavlovich to his games. In return, Pavlovich draws banners and waves at his favorite hockey player during a warmup skate to show his support. Ordoobadi sent Pavlovich a special gift for Christmas: the Florida Everblades jersey with the number 26. In March, Pavlovich got his jersey personally signed by his hockey mentor.