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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Flying High over Jacksonville

October 19, 2012 by Joe Talentino

Flying is every boy’s dream, and it has been mine for a long time. I have been in planes before, and in a helicopters, but when we were invited to fly in a WWII plane – I was thrilled!

The GEICO Skytypers are the only flying unit in the world that performs at air shows typing their messages in the sky. The team fly vintage WWII planes and they are in Jacksonville for this year’s Sea & Sky Spectacular air show at Jax Beach. The team “types” messages at 10,000 feet with puffs of smoke in dot matrix-style letters. We went out to Mayport Naval Station to meet up with the team and to fly over Jacksonville. By the time we made it out to the tarmac the skies were blue and the visibility awesome. We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions. After getting suited up and receiving a quick safety lesson, it was finally time to climb into the plane to take off. We had a group of three planes going up at the same time because we were going to fly formation.

We were ready for take off, but we had to wait for the Blue Angels who were practicing for the air show. We didn’t mind at all because we had the best seats in the house. When the Blue Angels landed, the runway was clear for take off.

The first thing that hits you when you get up in the air is literally the wind. The open cockpit makes this a completely different experience from flying in a “regular plane”. We loved it! Our camera guy Kris also loved the fact that he didn’t have to shoot through glass. We got great footage of the planes, and also of the downtown area of Jacksonville. (You can watch the story on I Know Jax on CW 17 on Saturday at 11 p.m. – and we will be uploading the video here soon too!)

Geicos Skytypers over downtown Jacksonville

The GEICO Skytypers use six of the remaining 11 North American SNJ-2 planes left in the world to write messages at an altitude of 10,000 feet.  Each World War II-era plane has been restored and equipped and with a computer that coordinates the smoke puffs from the aircraft. The six aircraft fill the sky and come from all directions, providing spectators a unique viewing experience. During skytyping missions the pilots fly 250 feet apart in a wide “line-abreast” formation. When aligned, the smoke puffs form letters as tall as the Empire State Building. Skytyping is 17 times faster than skywriting because each pilot can create a letter every four seconds. Entire messages can be as large as 6 to 8 miles wide.  Messages are visible for 15 miles in each direction on a clear day.

These flying machines have been around for a while. The SNJ-2 planes served as a training plane for most of the Allied pilots flying in WWII. This aircraft is known by many names; the T-6 Texan (Army Aircorp) and the Harvard (RAF), but was most affectionately known as the “pilot maker” by crew members. The SNJ-2 also won honors in WWII and in the early portion of the Korean War.   A total of 15,495 planes were manufactured training thousands of pilots across 34 different countries. Today there are only eleven SNJ-2 planes still in existence, the Geico Skytypers have six of these planes.

Maneuvering the antique aircraft requires great skill and expertise. Most of the GEICO Skytypers pilots earned their wings in the military and several currently fly for commercial airlines. In addition to skytyping, the team also performs a low-altitude, precision-formation flying routine combined with a thrilling aeronautical demonstration. You will be able to see the Geico Skytypers perform on both Saturday and Sunday at Jax Beach.

We had a great flight, and we got great footage. I think I had a silly grin on my face for hours after we landed – and I had wind noise in my ears too, but that didn’t bother me at all. Once back on the ground, Ken presented me with a special badge that is only given to visitors who have been on a formation flight with the Geico Skytypers. I think I’m going to sew that one to my leather jacket. All I need now is some cool pilot sunglasses and I’ll be ready for a dogfight.

Read more about the air show Sea Sky Spectacular in Jacksonville, Florida

I am almost a real pilot now!

 

 


 

Fun things to do in Florida in October

September 26, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Who doesn’t love October? The weather is a little bit cooler and it’s a great time to spend time outside. October is always a month filled to the brim with festivals, celebrations and events. But October is not only about pumpkin patches, scary ghosts and gremlins or lederhosen and oompah bands.  Just take a look at some of our suggestions below.

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville, Florida
October 3, 2012 
The theme for the month is Hispanic Heritage. Head downtown for dance and music and much more. Here is our video from last year’s event.

 

First Friday Artwalk – St Augustine, Florida

October 5, 2012
The art walk in St. Augustine is a social affair with lots of people mingling in the streets outside the many quaint shops, galleries and other venues participating. Read more – First Friday Artwalk St Augustine, Florida

Datil Pepper Festival – St. Augustine, Florida

October 6 – 7, 2012
Spice things up with the datil pepper at this festival. The datil pepper is celebrated at this festival in St. Augustine every year. More details here – Datil Pepper Festival.

Les deMerle

 

Amelia Island Jazz Festival – Fernandina, Florida

October 7 – 14, 2012
The well-known jazz musician Les deMerle has been the driving force behind this popular jazz festival for many years and created an exciting program. Read more here – Amelia Island Jazz Festival

 

Greek Festival

 

Greek Festival – St Augustine

October 12 – 14, 2012
Experience food and culture from Greece, without leaving your own backyard – just come to this festival in October. Read all about it here – Greek Festival in St. Augustine

 

 

Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, Florida

October 18 -21, 2012
Motorcyclists from near and far will converge in Daytona for the special Biketoberfest. Biketoberfest® is an international award-winning motorcycle festival offering a getaway weekend filled with bikes, sun, beaches and most importantly – lots of fun. During this event, traditionally scheduled on the third weekend in October, you can enjoy delicious food, live music and lots of people-watching.Read more on our event page for Biketoberfest.

Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo

 October 19-21, 2012 & October 26-31, 2012

Come to Jacksonville Zoo for the spooktacular Halloween celebration – safe for children. Pirates cove, Pumpking Patch, Enchanted Forest and much more.  6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Click here for more information. 

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise

 Southern Women’s Show

Oct 18 – 21, 2012

The Southern Women’s Show returns to Prime Osborne Convention Center. This year it’s the 24th annual show.

Here is the link for a $2.00 off admission to the show to print out!

women can shop for beautiful jewelry and hip handbags, watch fabulous fashion shows, attend cooking demonstrations and sample gourmet foods, treat themselves to makeovers, and meet celebrity guests! Visit their website for more info.

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise – Daytona, Fl

October 26 – 28, 2012
This is a car show and event for car enthusiasts from the region with lots of events around Daytona Beach, Florida. Read more on our special page for Daytona Beach Dream Cruise


St Augustine, Florida

 

Uptown Saturday Night – St Augustine

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District hold the popular event Uptown Saturday Night. This monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals. Find out more here – Uptown Saturday Night

 

 

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic – Jacksonville, Fl

October 24 – 37, 2012
The football fans from both universities will gather in Jacksonville for the annual battle between the two giants. Lots of events and happenings around town. Read more here Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

 

Things To Do in Jacksonville May

April 26, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

May is the best month of the year, at least when it comes to festivals and events. The kids will soon be out of school, many students are doing finals and for most of us, May tends to be a really busy month.  The weather is right now nice and warm, many of us love to head to the beach on the weekend. But if the beach is not what you are looking for, there is a whole bunch of events going on in Jacksonville this month. Here are a few suggestions.

 

Visiting French Navy Schooners during French Week
April 30 – May 2
Jacksonville is celebrating 450 years of Ribauld and the French influence on the city this month with a special French week. There are lot of history and learning type events and happenings, performance of Les Miserables, special french menus and much more. But what my eye was the two French schooners that are scheduled to visit downtown Jacksonville during the French Week celebration. You can board the ship for a tour, and it is free. Now that sounds like fun to me.  Read more about French week here.

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville
May 2, 2012
The theme for the month of May is Conservation, Fashion, Art on Wednesday, May 2 nd, 2012. You can download the art walk map right here, or pick up your copy in Hemming Plaza. Check out dates and themes for future art walk events right here on our special First Wednesday Art Walk page.

World of Nations Celebration
May 3 – 5, 2012
Take a trip around the world without leaving the city. Head to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure without having to pack suitcases, get plane tickets or worry about getting a passport. See the world right here on the First Coast. Read more about this event at our page for World of Nations in Jacksonville.

Movies in the Park
May 4, 2012
In the warmer months you can get your gang ready and head out to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars in the park. This year the outdoor film screening takes place on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn on Downtown’s Southbank.. On May 4 Th. you can watch Jurassic Park.

First Friday Art Walk in St.Augustine
May 4, 2012
This monthly event is one of the most popular in St. Augustine.  Check out the many galleries in the downtown area for the latest. You can read more about this recurring event on our special page for First Friday Art Walk.

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
May 4 – 5, 2012
This festival celebrates folk music with lots of music. On Friday at St. Augustine Marina, and then all day at St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – Amelia Island
May 4 – 6, 2012
This is without doubt the biggest event of the year for Fernandina Beach, Fl. The festival kicks off already on Thursday with a parade complete with pirates and cannons. Then on Friday night it’s time for the pirate invasion, followed by the big festival itself on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday there’s also a blessing of the fleet. You can read more about Amelia Island – Fernandina Shrimp Festival here.

World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Monday, May 7, 2012
The world will be watching as Phil Mickelson, Hollis Stacy, Dan Jenkins, Peter Alliss and Sandy Lyle are honored in an evening ceremony at the World Golf Hall of Fame.Call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.

THE PLAYERS Championship
May 10-13, 20112
It’s one of golf’s biggest events and it’s played annually on the coastline of Northeast Florida at the famed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The lush, green rolling hills and steep inclines offer spectacular views of each hole.

Pops at the Beach 
May 13, 2012
As usual, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to a concert on Mother’s Day at Jax Beach Seawalk Pavilion from 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm.  Goliath Flores performs at 6:00 p.m. Featuring the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, then at 7:30 p.m. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Jacksonville Beach Hotline:  904.247.6100 x3 

Wild Amelia Festival
May 18 – 20, 2012
Wild Amelia Nature Festival is a three day long festival celebrating the bioregion around Amelia Island. This nature festival includes a variety of nature tours led by naturalists and Park Rangers, as well as nature photography workshops by local professionals.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 24 – 27, 2012
The Jazz Festival in Jacksonville is acolorful, vibrant street festival. The popular music festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend – May 24 – 27, 2012. Besides music, you can enjoy the Heart Art Show & Sale, Wine Down Brew Town Tasting Experience, jazz exhibits, children’s educational activities and much more. More than 150,000 fans converged on downtown Jacksonville during the 2010 festival.

Moonlight Movies
May 25, 2012
Come to Seawalk Pavilion to enjoy the first movie in the moonlight series for the Summer. First movie out, everybody’s favorite: Men in Black. This is a free screening. 

Uptown Saturday Night – St. Augustine
May 26, 2012
During this monthly event, shops, antique stores and art galleries stay open late in the San Marco district. There’s live music, sometimes readings or book signings and you can rub elbows with artist and art lovers alike. Many places serve refreshment and there is a festival-like atmosphere in the area.

World Class Soccer in Jacksonville
May 26, 2012
This match U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Scotland is what’s called an “international friendly” but don’t let that fool you. This is an anticipated world-class soccer event on Everbank Field, right here in Jacksonville.

Fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida – April 2012

April 2, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.


Jacksonville Beer Week
April 2 – 7, 2012 
Lots of different events around town from smaller tastings to a pub crawl on April 6th. The week culminates with a grand tasting on Saturday, April 7th.
Read all about beer week here. 

MOSH Planetarium Jacksonville FloridaCosmic Concerts
April 6, 13, 20, 27
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online at www.moshplanetarium.org or at the door.

  • April 6: Pink Floyd: The Wall at 7 p.m., Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Best of the Wall at 10 p.m.
  • April 13: Laser Beatles at 7 p.m., Laser U2 at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Jimmy Buffett: Parrot Head Party at 10 p.m.
  • April 20: Laser Magic at 7 p.m., Laseropolis at 8 p.m., Laser Hypnotica at 9 p.m., and Laser X at 10 p.m.
  • April 27: Lasermania at 7 p.m., Laser Retro at 8 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 9 p.m., and Laser Led Zeppelin at 10 p.m.

First Wednesday Art Walk
April 4, 2012
Downtown Jacksonville turns into an art adventure every first Wednesday of the month. The event is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more. It’s a downtown happening you have to try at least once. Read more about the event here.

Spoken Word – The Ritz
April 5, 2012
Visit the Ritz for a Spoken Word event on Thursday, April 5. Call 904.632.55555 for more information. 

Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 7 – 8, 2012
Every Easter holiday art is celebrated at this two-day event in Mandarin. More than 100 artists are expected to participate this year. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There’s also a Kids Art Show and an egg hunt for the younger ones. You can read more about the Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt here.

Riverside Arts Market
Saturdays in  April 7, 14, 21, 28 2012
This market under the Fuller Warren Bridge is full of hand made items, arts and crafts, as well as produce, plants and vegetables. Great place for people watching! 

5th Annual Sunrise on St. Johns
April 8, 2012
A variety of churches and faith-based organizations come together to host the 5th annual Easter sunrise service, open to the public at The Jacksonville Landing. More information available at www.jacksonvillelanding.com 

Movies in the Park
April 13, 20 and 27
Movies in the Park on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn is a free, four-week-long movie series. The series is held each spring on Downtown’s Southbank, screening family-friendly movies under the stars beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring family and friends, blankets to sit on or lawn chairs and a picnic. Music and kids lawn games will keep moviegoers busy before each show.

  • April 13 – Despicable Me, rated PG
  • April 20 - The Muppet Movie, rated G
  • April 27 - Grease, rated PG 

 

Jacksonville Sharks vs. Utah Blaze

April 12, 2012

The Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team take on Utah Blaze at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.  

Jacksonville Superfest
April 13-15, 2012
 This festival is super BIG. Three stages, three days and over 70 acts. The organizers are expecting over 10,000 music fans of all ages, races, nationalities and abilities to come together during this event. All styles are represented here; from bluegrass, to R&B, dance, pop, rock, metal, gospel, country and more. Check out jacksonvillesuperfest.com for ticket information.

George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 13-15, 2012
This popular three-day oceanfront music festival is free and features a number of renowned blues performers, held every spring in Jacksonville Beach. Click here for more information about Springing the Blues.

Van Halen – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
April 16, 2012
Legendary performer Van Halen is coming to Jacksonville to play at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Also, Kool and the Gang.

Burn the Floor – Times-Union Center, Jacksonville
April 17, 2012
If you love ballroom dancing and TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance?” – then this performance is for you. See the magnificent Paso Double, the Jive, Tango, Mamba and more performed by a company of 20 dancers. 

Southeast US Boat Show
April 20 – 22, 2012
The 16th Annual Southeast US Boat Show, formally known as the Jacksonville spring boat show, will take place  at the Metropolitan Park and Marina.  The 3 day event includes live seminars, live music and the world’s most enthusiastic boaters.

22nd Annual Earth Day & Ecology Fair
April 21, 2012

Come to the Jacksonville Landing to celebrate Earth Day and learn about how you can help save the planet. more than 80 booths of educational and interactive displays, arts and crafts and activities for the entire family.  Live entertainment takes place throughout the day on the main stage and the children’s stage. 


MOSH After Dark: The City Dark

April 26, 2012
 Stimulate your mind with an evening of “Thought Theater.” MOSH After Dark in April will showcase a thought-provoking documentary (starts at 6 p.m.). The City Dark tells the definitive story of light pollution and the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for members. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 226 to register or register online. The City Dark is part of MOSH After Dark, a fun series of adult programs presented each month.

Cirque de la Symphonie
April 26, 2012

Special performance with Jacksonville Symphony featuring aerial artist Alexander Stretslov and a cast of cirque-nouveau performers. Cirque de la Symphonie returns with an all-new show that combines the best in symphonic music with the magic of aerial and acrobatic artistry. Some of the most accomplished Cirque performers from across the globe, including acrobats, dancers, contortionists and stongment, enter the concert hall for an unforgettable night.

Butterfly Festival – Treehill Nature Center
April 28, 2012
The annual Butterfly Festival takes place at Treehill Nature Center in Arlington. This festival includes a live butterfly release and lots of fun for kids from kid’s activities, animal demonstrations, arts and crafts activities and much more. 

International Astronomy Day
April 28, 2012
The international Astronomy Day is celebrated in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a variety of family-friendly activities in salute of International Astronomy Day. The day’s programming will also include a showing of the documentary, The City Dark, which tells the definitive story of light pollution, the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof.

day at the beachOpening of the Beaches & Parade 
April 28-29 
The beaches officially welcome visitors as temperatures become warmer and families head for a day in the sun. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend with prizes in several categories on Saturday. Then on Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach at 2 pm – and Summer is officially here!

Korn – Metropolitan Park
April 29, 2012
Korn comes to Jacksonville and performs at Metropolitan Park.  

Riverside Arts Market – Jacksonville, Florida

February 28, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Spring is in the air – and the opening of the season for Riverside Arts Market in downtown Jacksonville is a sure sign that spring has arrived. On Saturday, March 3, 2012, RAM holds its grand opening celebration. There will be a parade at 9:45 am to kick off the season and everyone is invited to participate. There will be music performances on stage, a juggler, a sword swallower and balloon art – just to mention a few. This is a great opportunity to come and check out some of the artists and the many hand made items available from the vendors, and make sure to come hungry – because there is always a lot of food to choose from. Lots of arts & crafts and fresh produce. For more information about Riverside Arts Market check out our special page.

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