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Hello Jacksonville! Hope your coffee’s especially good this morning.

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Ben & Jerry’s opening, Masters of Illusion, and Chicken Biscuit Run 5K + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

📰 In the news

Key facts behind the launch: Ascension St. Vincent’s and Southeast Orthopedic Specialists recently opened an 18,500-square-foot ambulatory surgery center in St. Augustine, part of a growing orthopedic and spine campus serving Northeast Florida — see four things to know.

Shape a landmark project: Groundwork Jacksonville is hiring a project manager to guide Emerald Trail design and construction, coordinating with the City and JTA. Civil engineering experience is preferred for the city’s largest community project — read the full story.

Former boutique space transforming: Ben & Jerry’s is coming to Five Points after Jacksonville approved a build out permit on March 9 for a $135,000, 844 square foot project, with opening date unannounced — read the full story.

Gold just hit record highs. What about your savings? While traditional IRAs have been treading water against inflation, gold has gained over 50% in three years. That gap is why more retirees are rolling a portion of their savings into gold IRAs (the kind that hold physical metal). We compared the top five options and broke down who they’re best for. Check it out here →

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy a free cruise-in car show
• Craft garden stakes over two days
• Enjoy dog-friendly yoga at BrewHound
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Serious art, chill vibes: Stellers Gallery keeps Jacksonville’s walls interesting with work from over 35 contemporary artists and a team that helps with everything from picking the piece to hanging it straight. Pop into their San Marco or Avondale spot this week and see what sparks.

Historic stage, big sound: Whether you’re craving throwback sing‑alongs or a midweek jazz fix, Florida Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with shows that justify leaving the couch. Grab a friend, pick a favorite seat, and make a night of it in downtown Jacksonville.

Seaside tea time: Jacksonville Beach’s Ashes Boutique & Tea Room does classic afternoon tea—pots poured hot, petite sandwiches, and homemade sweets—in a charming boutique-meets-tearoom vibe. Ideal for catching up with a friend or creating a low-key little celebration you’ve been meaning to put on the calendar.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

Own a piece of Apple for less than a coffee: Every time you buy something from Amazon or Starbucks, you’re putting money in their pocket. Fractional shares flip that: you can own a slice of those companies for as little as a dollar. Most investing apps make it incredibly easy, with zero commissions and no account minimums. See which ones we recommend →

Mom says she’s fine. You’re not so sure: “What if something happens when you’re home alone?” You’ve asked a hundred times, but the outcome’s always the same. I don’t need that. Life Alert’s for old people. The real struggle isn’t finding a medical alert system that’ll work… it’s finding one she won’t fight you on. We looked into five options designed to settle the standoff, from smartwatches to systems with nothing to wear at all. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Your shampoo was never going to fix it: I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on hair-loss products, biotin, masks, sprays, you name it. Not one of them lasted. Turns out, most things target the strand, not the follicle (where thinning actually happens). Dermatologists have been prescribing treatments that work for years, but there are now plenty of options available with no office visits required. See our top picks for men and women →

Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

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.

🎨 Mrs. DeSpain’s Art Dojo Spring Break Camp @ Atlantic Beach Arts Market | Wednesday (3/18) at 9:00 AM – Whether your kid is in a Picasso phase or into glitter, Mrs. DeSpain’s Art Dojo hosts Spring Break camp for K-5ers exploring watercolor, acrylic, sculpture, mixed media. Supplies included, pack a water bottle and lunch, dress for a mess, and enjoy your dining table paint-free.

🔥 Guardians of the Flame | Spring Break Camp @ Mandarin Park | Wednesday (3/18) at 9:00 AM – This spring break camp tosses kids into a fantasy quest in the forest, with hikes, foraging, potion making, and foam-sword tournaments. They will use real tools, solve puzzles, and return happy, tired, and muddy, so pack bug spray, water, lunch, and change of clothes.

🏃 Chicken Biscuit Run 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run @ Chick-fil-A River City Marketplace (14020 Lunar Dr, Jacksonville, FL) | Saturday (3/21) at 7:00 AM – Whether you’re chasing a PR or just a biscuit, this 5k and 1-mile fun run delivers a friendly course, community vibes, and a Chick-fil-A finish. Run, walk, or supervise with coffee, then trade humblebrags, creaky-knee updates, and guilt-free carbs in the parking lot.

🐶 ABKC Bully Showdown 6 @ Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center | Saturday (3/21) at 8:00 AM – Jacksonville gets a bully breed blowout in a 40,000 square foot venue, with four shows, three rings, and five breeds chasing bragging rights. By dog people, for dog people. Bring the family, browse vendors, try your luck at raffles, and soak up swagger.

🐾 Wild Wonders @ Dutton Island Preserve (Atlantic Beach) | Saturday (3/21) at 1:00 PM – Trade screen time for face time with wildlife ambassadors at Dutton Island, where naturalist Mike Rossi and his live critter crew turn science into show-and-tell. It’s free, family-friendly, and genuinely fun. Bring lawn chairs, come early for the trails, and pretend it’s for the kids.

🦙 Travel Llama @ Seawalk Pavilion (Jacksonville Beach) | Sunday (3/22) at 11:00 AM – Swing by Sea Walk Pavilion for the 904 PopUp, with Travel Llama back to feed your wanderlust and your junk drawer. Stroll 200-plus local vendors, score free stickers, brochures, and raffle goodies, then daydream vacations while pretending you only came for soap, art, and sun.

🎩 Masters of Illusion @ Florida Theatre, Inc. | Sunday (3/22) at 7:30 PM – Catch Masters of Illusion at the historic Florida Theatre, a night of sleek sleight of hand, levitations, and dry one-liners. Flashy without the tacky, family friendly without the sugar rush, and perfectly downtown for a pre-show bite. Bring the grandkids, or pretend you did.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Jacksonville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 60°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Later: Partly cloudy. Low around 42, with temperatures rising to around 45 overnight. North wind 6 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 47 overnight. North wind 1 to 9 mph.

This house is wild

Renovated waterfront residence in Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club, inspired by modern Miami design and framed by walls of glass. Two levels open to an infinity pool, spa, and summer kitchen beside a dock. Direct Intracoastal Waterway and ocean access via a private lock, no fixed bridges. Smart-home tech, wellness suite with sauna and cold plunge, and whole-home generator.

Take a peek inside →