Nutrition and Dietetics

By: Everney Benjamin

In recent years, nutrition and dietetics media have been on the rise; this includes talk of diets, what is healthy and what is not. News outlets and social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, have been discussing topics as such. Professional nutritionists and those working in the food industry were asked about their thoughts. They all agreed that this often causes the spread of misinformation and can affect many people.  

Jamie Marchio is the program head of Nourish to Flourish at the University of North Florida. It is a program affiliated with the university dedicated to teaching children about nutrition. When asked about this topic, Marchio brought up the point of how the discussion of nutrition and dietetics is a good thing and can be helpful to others.  

However, it is easier to spread false information when there is an influx of people talking about a topic, Marchio said. She/He said that it is necessary to do research toproperly distinguish between fact and fiction. Students working with the Nourish to Flourish program agreed. 

Jillian Groom, student director of Nourish to Flourish, said that those genuinely interested in health media or trying to start diets may be having a hard time deciphering what is true. When it comes to changing eating habits, there are common mistakes that many fall for, leading to a lack of results.  

Groom said that a common mistake she sees is people trying to become healthier out of guilt. Changes as such should be rooted within a positive mindset, said Groom. To combat a negative approach, a student employee at the Ogier Gardens, Amellya Clifford, gave some insight into how she goes about eating healthier. It’s important to have a balanced plate.

“Making sure you have your protein, making sure you have your carbs, making sure you have your vegetables,” Clifford said.

To support the Nourish to Flourish program or learn more, click here.  

JETSET Pilates

By: Alyssa Bice

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. —Just off Third Street and 14th Avenue, JETSET Pilates is working to reshape how residents think about fitness—blending strength training, mindfulness, and community into a single workout experience. 

Founded by a mother-and-daughter team, the studio offers reformer-based Pilates classes for people of all fitness levels. Tori Tocco, franchise owner of JETSET Pilates, was a founding member at JETSET in South Florida. Tocco’s partner and mother, Sammi, owned a pilates studio in South Florida before COVID-19. Unfortunately, it closed during the pandemic, but their background knowledge and long-term love for pilates became the foundation of their franchise in Jacksonville.  

“I went to UNF, I graduated and moved back to South Florida,” said Tocco. “The day I moved home, I knew I wanted to move back to Jacksonville. I thought there was a great opportunity in this market, and I wanted to bring health and wellness to this community.” 

JETSET Pilates offers a full-body, low-impact workout that focuses on strengthening the core, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. 

“Most people think that pilates is just stretching and flowy, rather than an actual workout,” said Melo Thomas, JETSET’s lead instructor.  

“It’s intense, but it’s intense in the best ways,” said Thomas.  

JETSET accommodates all fitness levels through spring adjustments on the reformer, stability poles, and in-class modifications. 

“Don’t be intimidated,” she said. “The reformer looks scary, but it’s not. Our instructors go over everything in detail, and we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Clients will see results quickly if they’re consistent.” 

With a growing client base and a focus on wellness-centered community, the studio continues to expand its presence as more than a tool for physical health. 

“Pilates helps with mental health a lot,” Thomas said. “In day-to-day life, we tend to think about the next moment, and when you’re in here, you’re thinking about your movement and the way your body is moving.” 

Where Salt Meets Soul: A Special Shop in St. Augustine Beach

By: Tristan Larrabee

On any given day in St. Augustine Beach, there is a high chance surfers can be found swapping stories before heading out to the water. Often, those conversations begin inside Where Salt Meets Soul, a local surf shop that has grown into a gathering place for the local surfing community. 

For years, the shop has been a one stop destination for surfers- offering boards, apparel and accessories, and even a thrift section teeming with donated goods. However, the store’s deeper, lasting impact comes from the vision of the person behind it—Kayla Zappone. 

Zappone says the idea started early in her life as a kindergartener when she told her class she wanted to open a surf shop in St. Augustine Beach.Today, that vision has created a space that reflects the diverse local surf culture.  

According to Zappone, longtime residents, college students, transplants, and children new to surfing can all find their own place within the community. The shop offers surf lessons for kids of all ages and experience levels, encouraging participation without competitive pressure. 

Rather than focusing on performance alone, Zappone emphasizes self-expression, creativity and connection. Surfing can be a way to interact with nature and build confidence, alongside creative outlets like art and music. Beginners and advanced surfers alike are supported through individualized instruction that prioritizes personal growth. 

More than a retail store, Where Salt Meets Soul functions as a cultural hub where stories are shared and traditions are passed down. For locals, it stands as a reminder that surfing begins with community, long before anyone paddles out into the waves.