By: Evan Grimm

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Alpine Groves Park is one of the oldest parks in Jacksonville, with its history dating back to the late 1800’s. Located in the Switzerland area, Alpine Groves has been a staple of the community for centuries. It has become a popular hub for locals to relax, fish, enjoy nature, and admire the history of the estate. 

     When Alpine Groves was first built, it served as a prominent citrus farm for Jacksonville and was originally given to Francis Philip Fatio, who was native to Switzerland. His impact on the area was acknowledged by having the small area around him named after his origin. Fatio was a prominent man during his time and did business with many people in the community, including the now memorialized William Bartram. The citrus farm was located close to the St. Johns River, which was heavily used to transport goods, giving the farm a boost towards their success. After a fire that caused the house and farmstead on site to be completely rebuilt, the Harris family purchased the land in the early 1900’s and quickly turned it into a booming business in the area.  

     In 2000, Ruth Harris Bennett and her partner Wally sold the land to the Trust for Public Land. This was to prevent any further development of the site while preserving the land and the historical structures as well. The plantation was then purchased by St. Johns County, turning it into a park for the community to enjoy. To honor their contribution to the history of the park, a butterfly garden and walkway were built in dedication to the Harris Bennett family. Currently, the park still serves as a favored spot to visit by the residents of Jacksonville to take their families and enjoy the park. 

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By: Crystal Branch

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McFlamingo isn’t just another restaurant—it’s the vision of a family who wanted to bring real, whole food to Jacksonville. The story began when its founders, after living and traveling through many places, realized the growing need for fresh, nourishing meals that go beyond the typical fried options found on most menus. Just months before the COVID-19 pandemic, Lea and Erik Osol opened their first restaurant in Ponte Vedra in 2019, rooted in a passion for clean eating and community building. 

The name “McFlamingo” carries a personal touch. “Mc” comes from the founder’s mother’s name, McCormick, while “Flamingo” is inspired by the bird’s pink color, which comes from eating shrimp. It’s a reminder that we are what we eat—and at McFlamingo, that means vibrant, healthy, and full of life. From the beginning, the restaurant aimed to offer something different: fresh vegetables, crisp salads, sustainable fish, shrimp, chicken, and hearty bowls. The mission was simple—to create meals that not only satisfy hunger but also leave guests feeling energized rather than sluggish. 

When COVID-19 hit, the future of McFlamingo was uncertain. At one point, it was run solely by one of the founders, Chef Erik Osol, and his brother, with no pay and only enough to keep the lights on. But the local community rallied, supporting the restaurant through its toughest times. That loyalty gave McFlamingo the strength to expand and open a second location on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville. 

Unlike fast food chains where sauces are mass-produced and shipped across the country, everything at McFlamingo is made fresh. The menu is fully gluten-free, making it an easy spot to eat for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Favorites include the Chicken and Broccoli Bowl, packed with flavor and portioned generously enough for two meals; the DIY Taco Bowl; and the signature Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Blueberry Salad—a local staple since day one. For heartier appetites, the Double Chicken Smash Burger and beef-tallow French fries prove that “healthy” doesn’t mean bland. 

McFlamingo is more than just a place to eat—it’s a community restaurant run by a local family dedicated to serving fresh, flavorful meals. Centrally located on Beach Boulevard in Hodges Plaza, the restaurant is close to Mayo Clinic, Queens Harbor, and Jacksonville Beach. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just searching for something healthy and filling, McFlamingooffers something for everyone—” for real food” for real people.

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By: Mia Tomer

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When the Pink Paisleys take the stage, the energy is undeniable. Guitars ring out, voices blend, and the crowd moves in rhythm with the music. To the audience, it looks effortless — a band in perfect sync. But behind that harmony is a story of chance, persistence, and passion. 

The group was first imagined by bassist Vanya Thompson back in 2018. A paralegal by day, Thompson attended a Women of Acoustic night with the idea of forming an all-female cover band. Finding the right lineup wasn’t easy. In particular, she struggled to secure a lead guitarist. That’s when friends online recommended Fred Hamrick. 

Hamrick, now lovingly known as “Mr. Freddy,” auditioned by performing two of the band’s most challenging songs. His musical ability, paired with a fun-loving personality, won the Paisleys over. “At first I wanted a girl,” Thompson admitted, “but it was hard to find a girl guitarist. Then we found Freddy, and we loved his energy.” 

Hamrick shares more about how he ended up being the only guy in the group. “They originally started off as an all-girl band, but people recommended me, and I auditioned,” he said. “It’sjust what I love to do. I love music.” He laughs when describing the group’s dynamic: “We’re just a bunch of musicians who like to play music on the weekends.” 

The Paisleys’ music is built on more than talent — it’s about connection. They thrive on crowd interaction and often change genres mid-show to keep things fresh. “If the crowd’s into it, then our energy goes up,” Thompson explained. 

That connection has only grown since the addition of a new voice. Three months ago, Thompson invited her 21-year-old niece, Leah Leite, to step in as lead singer. For Leite, it was a chance to merge her own creativity with the band’s well-established sound. “I write my own songs, and I was excited that they incorporated some of them into the setlist,” she said. 

With seasoned performers and a youthful new frontwoman, the Paisleys have found their groove. Last year, they were named Folio Weekly’s Best Local Band and also placed second in the Best Local Cover Band category. Their weekends are now booked solid for the rest of the year — a sign that Jacksonville fans can’t get enough. 

For the Pink Paisleys, the recognition is nice, but it’s not the main goal. What drives them is the chance to share music that feels alive — songs that evolve with the audience, powered by a mix of experience, spontaneity, and joy. 

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