|
Subscribe | Get featured
Rise and shine, Jacksonville!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: Unclaimed cash windfall, a St. Patrick’s Day bash, and ELO hits with a rock orchestra + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Florida drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*
|
📰 In the news
Windfalls across major metros: Florida’s unclaimed property program returned $88 million in February. Tampa led the haul, and Jacksonville residents recovered more than $1 million, with Miami and Orlando also posting sizable returns — learn how to check yours.
Family-owned Southern kitchen: Annie Ru’s Carryout and Catering opened March 11 at 5045 Soutel Dr, serving a buffet of fried chicken, smothered pork chops, oxtails, collard greens, and coffee from Out of Coffee — get all the details.
New nighttime conservation effort: Atlantic Beach’s Lights Out Atlantic Beach Nights is now underway through May 15, asking residents and businesses to dim non-essential lights to protect migrating birds over our coast — see dates and how to help.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*
Highlights this week:
|
💎 Local business spotlight
Plant haul, sorted: With more than two acres of greenery, Plant Place Nursery makes it easy to zhuzh up a yard or windowsill—think pollinator-friendly picks, shade lovers, succulents, and houseplants—plus supplies when you get ambitious. Go for one pothos, somehow leave with a full cart. Happens to the best of us.
Press start IRL: Whether you’re chasing that Donkey Kong high score, flailing on Guitar Hero, or grinding through pinball on Jaws and Stranger Things, Keg & Coin pairs a vintage arcade lineup (including Killer Queen and NBA Jam) with a legit craft beer selection for easy after-work decompression.
Ramen night upgrade: DOMU’s silky broths, springy house‑made noodles, and fun small plates make weeknights feel a little celebratory. When you want a bowl that actually warms your soul (and maybe a cocktail that keeps the vibe going), DOMU delivers without making it a whole production.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
|
🫶 We got your back
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →
Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →
Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →
|
📆 Our favorite events this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
☘ 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash 2026 @ Culhane’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Atlantic Beach) | Tuesday (3/17) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to day-drink with purpose, Culhane’s is throwing its 21st annual St. Paddy’s throwdown with bands, pipers, DJs, Irish dancers, and party games, including drunken potato bowling. Expect loud tunes, chaos, and shamrock spirit to forget the lawn work.
🎸 The Orchestra and more @ The Florida Theatre | Wednesday (3/18) at 8:00 PM – Ready to hear ELO the way your car speakers never could? Former ELO members team with the 27-piece Jacksonville Rock Orchestra for lush, faithful hits galore, featuring Mr. Blue Sky, Don’t Bring Me Down, and Evil Woman. Expect goosebumps, not lasers.
🚶 Senior Wellness Walk @ Friendship Fountain | Friday (3/20) at 10:00 AM – If your step counter is judging you, join fellow Jacksonville seniors for a scenic stroll at Friendship Fountain, with gentle stretching, a little dancing, and brag-worthy senior swag. Registration is required, lunch is free, and spots go faster than parking on game day.
💍 Jewelry Workshop: Stacking Rings @ Atlantic Beach Arts Market | Saturday (3/21) at 9:00 AM – Make three sterling stacking rings at ABAM with Eve Huggins, learning to design, size, solder, and finish, supplies included, $90, 18+. Think art class with hammers, a little fire, and the satisfaction of leaving with something shiny you made yourself.
☕ Spring Solstice Market @ Soul Coffee | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Whether you missed November’s bash or just want an excuse to loiter with a latte, Soul Coffee hosts a spring SOUL-stice market with a fresh menu debut. Hit Nario’s Nuk, snag polvoron from Sofya Dolce, sweet treats, then shop the vendor village, smile, repeat.
🧶 Learn to Crochet: Beginners Workshop @ The Lost Art of Sewing (Neptune Beach) | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Trade doomscrolling for stitching at this beginner crochet workshop with Ali, no experience needed, all supplies included. Expect a friendly pace, a few satisfying ah-ha moments, and you’ll head home with a tidy little envelope pouch you actually crocheted yourself, bragging rights included.
🎲 Bunco Fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis @ Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 | Sunday (3/22) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’re a Bunco legend or think it’s a pasta shape, this fundraiser deals dice rolls, heavy apps, and door prizes for 20 bucks. Play for a cause with Chinese and 50/50 raffles, and back Mary’s Musketeers for the MS Walk at Friendship Fountain.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Jacksonville report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 80°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 84%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 8am and 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 8pm. Mostly cloudy. Low around 39, with temperatures rising to around 42 overnight. Northwest wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
—
Tomorrow – High: 57°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
This house is wild
Custom Arthur Rutenberg riverfront beauty with panoramic St. Johns views, a resort-worthy backyard, and a dock with dual lifts rated 10k and 5k lbs. The summer kitchen and heated pool set the scene for sunrises and sunsets as ships glide past. Tastefully remodeled, in a gated enclave with no CDD fees, plus no flood insurance required.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
