Story Archive

Jax Fashion Runway 

By: Johvan Merilus

In the heart of Jacksonville, Kameren Lott isn’t stitching together clothes rather he’s stitching together a movement. With Jax Fashion Runway, building a platform in which models, photographers, and videographers isn’t simply for collaboration purposes- rather an environment for Jacksonville’s own creative minds can elevate each other. The vision is clear as camera lens captures residuals that mirrors both the art and artists as both bold and expressive. 

The platform is serving its purpose to bring attention to Jacksonville’s creative side. With each helping hand the goals of the mission become clearer as it helps to push for Jacksonville’s local talent creating its own fashion-forward hub. This isn’t just any business but rather a company’s blueprint for networking and representation. 

 Each photoshoot becomes a networking opportunity where creatives of all backgrounds come together to create something timeless. Jax Fashion is unique in its own right because it turns traditional norms on their head. It invites individuality, encourages risks, and welcomes the unconventional- allowing creators to tell stories that resonates beyond style. 

Jax Fashion Runway wasn’t meant to simply be a fashion company. It’s being utilized as a hub for community amongst those who express art through fashion. Whether the creator is behind the lens or in the middle of the frame, it’s a network that pushes the creative minds in Jacksonville to be bolder and have support.  

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary: Rescuing Big Cats, Educating Humans 

By: Aaron Cox

Local northeast Jacksonville non-profit sanctuary, Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, rescues and provides a lifetime home for big cats and other exotic animals. A permanent, safe haven for animals once abused, neglected, or surrendered due to sanctuaries closing or owners making them private property. 

Visitors to the Catty Shack have the opportunity to see the sanctuary themselves by taking a day tour of the sanctuary, guided, or go visit if there is a Night Feeding evening, where visitors can see the cats when the cats are indeed on the move. Tours expose individuals to wildlife conservation and make it tangible for the visitor to relate to animals. 

It’s not a zoo—it doesn’t breed, sell, or trade—never. It’s strictly for conservation and rehabilitation. The animals get a second chance at life in a safe, peaceful environment through naturalistic habitats, enrichment programs, and professional care. 

Catty Shack is sustained by community support, volunteers, and donations. For locals and tourists alike, a visit is not just an experience of exotic animal encounter unlike any other but one supporting a compassion and conservation effort. 

1010XL: Woman In Journalism 

By: Johvan Merilus

In an industry often dominated by male voices, Mia O’brien and Taylor Doll from 1010 XL are redefining what it means to lead in sports journalism. Their presence on the microphone goes beyond sports talk- but rather a statement of recognition, passion, and purpose. As they explain their purpose, they reveal the strength behind both the grit and vision. 

Though we spoke on their careers and what weight the mission of journalists go through on the daily they spewed their emotions as to how significant it is to be a woman. Taylor’s perspective was founded on patience and having to truly understand the field she worked in before being able to take over in her own way. Mia, meanwhile, emphasized the powers of ambition and hunger- how pushing yourself to be consistent is the key to overall success. 

This piece doesn’t just stand to be about representation, but rather a small glimpse into the revolution currently transpiring in journalism as more and more women become the vocal point of sports media. These women don’t just want to be mentioned in the background of sports radio; they’re reshaping the soundboard. 

What’s more powerful is the way they spoke into the microphone with such passion and pride towards the success of their show “Helmets and Heels”. Their journeys have inspired younger women to step forth and make a push for more women to take part in sports media. In this story they explain how there is way for women to work in media, explaining to them that there is a path, even when the trail hasn’t been clearly marked. Every conversation, every take, every breakdown is a lesson of perseverance. 

In talking with Mia and Taylor, I didn’t just interview journalists—I connected with two leaders who know how to challenge the playbook and write their own. Their stories are proof that journalism, at its best, is not just about what’s reported—it’s about who reports it. And with them on air, the future of sports media sounds a lot more fearless.