Author: Skylar Catherwood

JULINGTON CREEK, Fla.- Located in a shopping center where Racetrack Road and State Road 13 meet is a family-owned popcorn and candy shop called The Poppin Box. The shop is owned and operated by Rebecca and Bill Turner who purchased the shop from the original owners and have been running the store for three years this December. Over the years the Turners have grown the store physically and in their involvement in the community. The Poppin Box expanded their store to the vacant unit next door to their original store. This expansion allows them to host birthday parties, community events and other private gatherings. They have three annual events throughout the year, these consist of their spring fling, back to school event and their Jingle Jam. The expansion not only allowed their business to be more versatile in the services they provide, but it also provides the community with a fun and safe environment for kids to have fun. Ms. Turner is recognized in the community by people of all ages as The Popcorn Lady. The Popcorn Lady runs the store’s day-to-day operations working with customers, creating social media content and making sweets! The Turner family is always coming up with new treats and flavors to keep customers coming back for more! They also accept flavor requests from their customers. Many frequent shoppers also buy their own spices and sauces when their taste buds get inspired and bring them to The Popcorn Lady to do her magic! Those customers are also invited back to the shop to do taste tests on the new flavor. This neighborhood gem is open Monday through Saturday and is the perfect spot for all holiday treats! 

Author: Kyle Railey

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– The Greenhouse is a unique bar located along the St. Johns River in the Brooklyn area known for its nature style through the various plants all around the bar. Owner Lauren Henry started the bar in 2022 with their business partner due to their shared interest in plants. She also wanted to be one of the first small businesses to establish themselves in the Brooklyn area due to the increased franchise and apartment development there. Henry believes that the establishment and success of the Greenhouse can open the door for other small businesses to come into the Brooklyn area, which could create a unique downtown scene in Jacksonville. The Greenhouse is also a hub for the LGBTQ+ community due to its majority female staff and Henry being openly queer. This has garnered large support from the LGBTQ+ community here in Jacksonville as many of the events hosted at the bar, including silent disco, bingo, and trivia night, bring out a large crowd of support. Lauren Henry and the Greenhouse are an example of how anyone can overcome adversity and blaze a trail for anyone trying to establish themselves in a heavily franchised, all the while creating a comfortable and fun environment for everyone to enjoy.