Story by: Marshall Shive

Wildlife rehabilitation is something that’s losing public interest with the ever-expanding industrialization of America. Even in Jacksonville an increasing number of natural habitats are driving animals out of the forests and into more urbanized areas, causing injuries from cars, trappers and waste left behind from the construction sites.  

So, what happens after someone calls animal removal to escort wildlife out of their backyard? That’s where the Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida comes in. Many times, agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission bring injured animals that aren’t too critically injured to non-profits such as this one.

Here, Director of Operations Lisa Rowell and her team of volunteers rehabilitate all kinds of native Florida wildlife. This includes deer, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, foxes, turtles, snakes and more.  

“The Northeast Florida wildlife Rescue was founded in 2003… the reason for starting it was seeing how much the public needed a place to take injured animals in Jacksonville,” said Rowell. 

According to WFSU State News, 15% of Florida is already developed and, if the trends keep moving in the direction they’re going, they could jump to 18% in the next 17 years. That’s an additional million acres of natural habitat lost. The direction Florida is going with mass amounts of people moving in from other states the demand for more housing and infrastructure will be high. This will lead to more animals being forced into densely populated areas.  

Many of the animals on the campus of the wildlife rescue were sick from eating things toxic to them due to human pollution, hit by cars or injured from being captured in snare traps. As this becomes a more normal issue with the loss of their natural habitat, Jacksonville will need wildlife rescues like the Wildlife Rescue Conservation Coalition more than ever.  

The wildlife rescue can use all the help they can get as the need for them continues to rise. Necessities such as supplies for caging, food for the animals, and financial support are all welcome. For more information, visit their website here. 

Story by: Katrino Reyes

The candy cane is one of the most popular candies of all time, especially during the Christmas season. But how did it come about and how was it done over the years? Here is a quick rundown of the classic peppermint delight. 

Candy canes are believed to be dated all the way back to 1670 when a German choirmaster gave out bent sugar sticks to his choir singers to keep them quiet and well-behaved, according to History.com.  

Another fun fact about the candy cane is that it used to be just plain white, with the candy believed to first appear in the U.S. around 1847. The classic red and white stripes were theorized to be used as a secret code by German and English Christians in the 17^th century.  

Another legend suggests that the cane was actually shaped into a “J” shape representing Jesus, with the white stripe representing his purity through birth and the red stripe representing his blood on the cross, according to Time Magazine. With these theories and legends at hand, it’s no wonder why candy canes are associated with Christmas.  

“It keeps the holiday season alive,” said Demetric Nathan, candy maker and kitchen manager for Sweet Pete’s Candy in Jacksonville. “To me, peppermint kind of perks you up and makes you feel happy.” 

In most cases, candy canes are made with the help of automated machines, but hand made candy canes still haven’t gone out of style. Sweet Pete’s Candy holds candy cane-making classes in November and December with Nathan as one of the instructors. The class showcases how to make the candy cane by hand, from putting up the recipe together to rolling, cutting, and shaping.  

“To see people come out and respect the old-school-fashioned way of making candy, it’s rewarding for me,” Nathan said.  

Although the origins of the candy cane are still disputed, it is certain that it is a part of the modern Christmas norm.