By: Martilda Jeudy

---

Beaches Rock Gym- it’s not a gym where you can lift weights and run on a treadmill, but an indoor facility that allows you to experience what outdoor rock climbing is like. High walls with different shapes and angles that are covered with slabs which are considered the “rocks” for the climbing process. For your safety, you are provided with harnesses and climbing shoes. 

Alexander stated that most people will come and try it out, and they don’t have to be a pro at it to come to Beaches Rock Gym. If the person likes it and feels like it can become a hobby, they can sign up to become a member and get membership. Alexander loves rock climbing, and he basically decided to come to this specific gym one day and tried it out and decided to become a member.  

At Beaches Rock Gym you can host birthday parties and also kids can be a part of the sport there. They have harnesses their size and a wall that is made just for them to feel comfortable climbing as high as they can. They have safety signs reminding climbers to watch their steps when climbing because not only are you reaching, but you are also moving up and the only way to do that is lift your feet and place it on the next rock up.  

You can try rock climbing anytime, and it can be your first time, coming back to it after a while, or even a pro. At Beaches Rock Gym they welcome everyone and consider it a chill spot to hang out and experience the sport.  

---

By: Alex Barnhart

---

On Oct. 10, 2025, volunteers and advocates at Mayo Clinic’s Hilton Hotel spread the red carpet for a showing of a Parkinson’s disease awareness documentary. The illness is believed to affect more than 1 million people in the U.S. Officials say about 10,000 to 25,000 of those affected are in Jacksonville, Florida. 

The film, titled On Firm Ground, was directed and produced by Justin Jay Jones of Weekenders Media. It follows the life and struggles of two people with Parkinson’s, Sabrina Molina and Greg Ritscher.  

Molina lives in Jacksonville. Her Parkinson’s diagnosis came soon after a marathon training run—she had been very athletic and active before Parkinson’s. In fact, she considered running to be a part of her identity. So, when the cramping and sharp pains began in her toe and legs, Molina was heartbroken. 

As the film discusses, Molina was determined to cling to her sport and she still runs as much as her chronic pain will allow her. She had a whole table at the red-carpet event dedicated to showcasing medals all from after her Parkinson’s diagnosis, inspiring all who passed by the display. 

“It’s living, but it’s just very, very different,” Molina said, her voice trailing off, resigned to the reality of her condition, but still bravely facing each new day, despite the challenges they bring. 

Ritscher also struggles with debilitating pain, but he makes it his goal to find meaning amid his suffering. 

He said, “Personally, I think it’s one of the missions of my life to help medical science find a cure for Parkinson’s, or at least a way for the average person to live through this disease, because I wouldn’t wish Parkinson’s on anybody.” 

Jones was inspired by Molina and Ritscher’s stories, aspiring to bring awareness of Parkinson’s and the pain it inflicts on so many. 

“There are real people that have this disease, and it’s not easy for them, and they’re going through it in real time,” Jones said. 

Another Northeast Florida resident, Trudi MacMillan, has experienced her share of heartache because of Parkinson’s. Her father, Wayne, was diagnosed in 2022, and she’s stepped into the role of caregiver, practically living at his residence. She schedules his appointments, organizes his medications, and so much more. For a time, she was working full time and caring for her father full time simultaneously. It’s been difficult but rewarding for her.  

She says, “his smile just makes everything worth it.” 

Living with Parkinson’s is challenging, but it is possible.  

---

Residents can find local resources at Jax Hope Inc. 

---

By: Evan Grimm

---

     In the last decade, the sport world has seen a dramatic increase in popularity for two sports; Pickleball and Golf. While both respective sports have been around for some time now, their rise to prominence is because of COVID, with each sport being a safe choice to play while under social distancing guidelines.  

Golf has seen a huge boom in players when YouTube golf becomes immensely popular, drawing in younger generations as many saw it as a new perspective on the sport. This has led to an uptick in brands and companies driving into the markets, hoping to capitalize on the success of these sports. One Jacksonville business has found a cutting-edge way of combining the two under one roof, giving players a community center to gather and play with their friends and family. 

     Chipshot is a new business that opened in Jacksonville that has indoor pickleball courts as well as golf simulators that can transport the player to any course around the globe. Dubbed an “Adult Playground”, it is a venue who encourages its players to come in and relax, have a drink and play the sport of their choice. Chipshot was founded by Thomas Walsh, a professional PGA Tour player, who came up with the idea after traveling to different cities during his PGA career. Walsh approached Scott Adeeb, a fellow sport enthusiast and owner of String Sports Brewery, to co-own the business with him. Adeeb brought his side of the business to the table as well, opening the third location of String Sports Brewery inside the new venue. Together, they launched Chipshot and turned their ideas into a reality. 

      While Northeast Florida typically has beautiful weather, Chipshot is the perfect area to still be able to play your preferred sport, rain or shine. The business is not just for players, with Chipshotencouraging others to come in, relax, enjoy themselves and watch a game on one of the dozens of TVs that are within the facility.  

The business provides almost everything that could make a perfect sports destination. 

---