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Howard's Picks

Curated byHoward Teitelbaum11 stacksUpdated Aug 2026
This guide spans local restaurants and food spots, nearby schools, and general community resources, offering a well-rounded snapshot of daily life and culture.

Jacksonville's best dining destinations including legendary barbecue institutions, fresh seafood, and beloved local spots with deep roots in the community, from Main Street to Mandarin.

Fred Cotten's Landmark BBQ
facebook.com
Fred Cotten's Landmark BBQ

Fred Cotten's Landmark BBQ (North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL) is a true local institution, smoking everything the old way over blackjack oak instead of gas. One of my go-to spots for classic, no-frills barbecue plates.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Julington Creek Fish Camp
julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Julington Creek Fish Camp

12760 San Jose Blvd, Mandarin, Jacksonville. Fresh North Florida seafood with panoramic views over Julington Creek. A popular choice for date-night dining.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Fred Cotten's BBQ: A Main Street History
metrojacksonville.com
Fred Cotten's BBQ: A Main Street History

Fred Cotten's BBQ (North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL) traces its roots to 1947, making it one of the city's longest-running barbecue traditions. This local history covers how it started and why it's stuck around.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Cotten's BBQ: A Jacksonville Legacy
news4jax.com
Cotten's BBQ: A Jacksonville Legacy

Cotten's Bar-B-Q (Jacksonville, FL) grew from the original Fred Cotten's on North Main Street, opened by Fred's father in 1947. This News4Jax piece marks the family's barbecue legacy as one location closed after 37 years.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Julington Creek Fish Camp: Menu & Details
visitjacksonville.com
Julington Creek Fish Camp: Menu & Details

Julington Creek Fish Camp (Mandarin, Jacksonville, FL) is known for Southern fare and fresh North Florida seafood, part of the same family as the Palm Valley and North Beach fish camps. This is the Visit Jacksonville listing with menu and details.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Mandarin Dining Guide
visitjacksonville.com
Mandarin Dining Guide

A guide to dining along San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin (Jacksonville, FL), from casual pizza spots to sit-down seafood. A solid overview of the area's options for both quick meals and special occasions.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack highlights dining spots within Neptune Beach, a small coastal community in Florida's First Coast region known for its walkable Beaches Town Center and laid-back beach culture. The collection spans fresh seafood, beach bar classics, Latin-fusion tacos, and an all-day diner that has served the area for over 60 years.

Flying Iguana
flyingiguana.com
Flying Iguana

Flying Iguana in Neptune Beach, FL is a vibrant Latin-fusion taquería and tequila bar offering eclectic tacos, Latin-inspired mains, and creative cocktails. With over 100 tequilas and a festive atmosphere just a block from the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a top pick for locals and visitors seeking flavorful meals and a lively night out.

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Howard Teitelbaum
The Lemon Bar
lemonbarjax.com
The Lemon Bar

Enjoy oceanfront drinks and good vibes at Lemon Bar, Jacksonville Beach’s iconic beachside bar. Sip handcrafted cocktails, savor fresh flavors, and soak up the sunshine with stunning views. Perfect for casual hangouts, happy hours, and unforgettable nights. Visit Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach, FL, for the ultimate beachfront experience!

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Howard Teitelbaum
Pete's Bar Neptune Beach
petesbar.com
Pete's Bar Neptune Beach

Pete's Bar in Neptune Beach is a vibrant local spot offering a relaxed atmosphere, great food, and a variety of drinks. It's the perfect place to unwind with friends or enjoy live music events.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Ellen's Kitchen
ellenskitchenatthebeach.com
Ellen's Kitchen

Ellen's Kitchen: the best Breakfast in Neptune Beach, FL. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!

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Howard Teitelbaum
Sliders Oyster Bar
slidersoysterbar.com
Sliders Oyster Bar

Sliders Oyster Bar offers fresh seafood sourced from Safe Harbor Seafood, complemented by a full liquor bar and live music. Located in Neptune Beach, Florida, it provides a vibrant dining experience for seafood lovers.

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Howard Teitelbaum
The North Beach Fish Camp
thenorthbeachfishcamp.com
The North Beach Fish Camp

The North Beach Fish Camp offers a unique dining experience with fresh seafood sourced directly from North Florida's beautiful ocean. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that highlights the best of local flavors.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack features a curated selection of Jacksonville's top-rated schools across elementary and high school levels. Private elementary options include Jacksonville Country Day School, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, and St. Johns Country Day School.

Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies
duvalschools.org
Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies

The Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies provides a rigorous academic environment for high school students. It focuses on advanced studies and prepares students for college and future careers through a variety of programs and extracurricular activities.

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Howard Teitelbaum
St. Johns Country Day
sjcds.net
St. Johns Country Day

Discover St. Johns, Orange Park’s hidden gem for PreK-12 education. Personalized learning, strong academics, arts, athletics & a supportive campus community.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Jacksonville Country Day School
jcds.com
Jacksonville Country Day School

In your journey to find the best private school in Jacksonville, please consider Jacksonville Country Day School. This institution offers a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
duvalschools.org
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts is a premier arts-focused high school in Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to providing students with a rigorous academic and artistic education. The school offers various programs in visual arts, music, dance, and theater, fostering creativity and excellence in the arts.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Paxon School For Advanced Studies
dcps.duvalschools.org
Paxon School For Advanced Studies

Paxon School for Advanced Studies offers a rigorous academic environment for students seeking advanced coursework and college readiness. The school focuses on providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for future success in higher education and beyond.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Stanton College Preparatory School
dcps.duvalschools.org
Stanton College Preparatory School

Stanton College Preparatory School is dedicated to providing a rigorous academic environment for students in Duval County. The school emphasizes college readiness and offers a variety of programs to support student success.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack highlights top family-friendly destinations across Jacksonville, spanning wildlife, outdoor recreation, and local history. Animal lovers can visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens or the rescued big cats at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Families looking for a lively weekend outing can browse local art, food, and produce at the Riverside Arts Market.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
jacksonville.gov
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Oceanfront city park at Mayport in Jacksonville, Duval County, just north of Atlantic Beach. Offers 1.5 miles of beach, a freshwater lake, mountain bike and hiking trails, camping, and surfing.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Little Talbot Island State Park
floridastateparks.org
Little Talbot Island State Park

One of the few undeveloped barrier islands remaining in Northeast Florida, north of Jacksonville in Duval County. Over five miles of pristine Atlantic beaches, dunes, and camping.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Huguenot Memorial Park
jacksonville.gov
Huguenot Memorial Park

Oceanfront city park at the mouth of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Duval County. Known for drive-on beach access, waterfront camping, birding, and views where river meets ocean.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
cattyshack.org
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Catty Shack Ranch provides a lifelong home to rescued big cats, ensuring their safety and well-being. The sanctuary is dedicated to educating the public about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these majestic animals.

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ERA ONETEAM Admin
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
jacksonvillezoo.org
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

With over 2,000 animal species and 1,000 rare plants, there's something for everyone to explore at Northeast Florida's premier zoo and botanical garden.

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ERA ONETEAM Admin
Fort Caroline National Memorial
nps.gov
Fort Caroline National Memorial

Explore the history and significance of Fort Caroline National Memorial, located within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. This site commemorates the early French settlement in Florida and its impact on the region's cultural heritage.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack rounds up Jacksonville's professional sports teams, offering family-friendly entertainment across every season.

Sporting JAX
sportingjax.com
Sporting JAX

Sporting JAX: Home of professional women's and men's soccer on the First Coast. Sporting JAX is committed to empowering the local community through soccer.

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Jacksonville Icemen
jacksonvilleicemen.com
Jacksonville Icemen

Official website for the Jacksonville Icemen, Jacksonville's professional hockey team. Check out our schedule & Family Friendly promotions.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
mlb.com
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

The official website of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with the most up-to-date information on tickets, schedule, scores, roster, news, stadium and stats.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Jacksonville Jaguars
jaguars.com
Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars Home: The official source of the latest Jaguars headlines, news, videos, photos, tickets, rosters, stats, schedule and gameday information.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Jacksonville Sharks
jaxsharks.com
Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are a professional arena football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. This page provides information about the team's history, schedule, and player roster.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack rounds up top live music venues across Northeast Florida, from intimate listening rooms to major concert amphitheaters.

Florida Theatre
floridatheatre.com
Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is a historic venue in Jacksonville, offering a variety of live performances, concerts, and events. It serves as a cultural hub for the community, showcasing local and national talent in a beautifully restored setting.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Daily's Place
dailysplace.com
Daily's Place

Daily's Place is a state-of-the-art amphitheater located in Jacksonville, Florida, designed to host a variety of events including concerts, sports, and community gatherings. With its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, it serves as a cultural hub for entertainment and social activities in the region.

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Howard Teitelbaum
JAX Events Arena
arena.jaxevents.com
JAX Events Arena

Welcome to JAX Events Arena, the ultimate venue for hosting a variety of events, from concerts to conferences. Discover our state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional services designed to make your event unforgettable.

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Howard Teitelbaum
St. Augustine Amphitheatre
theamp.com
St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Open-air farmers market held Saturday mornings at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine Beach. Local produce, plants, baked goods, and crafts.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Blue Jay Listening Room
bluejayjax.com
Blue Jay Listening Room

Intimate live music venue in Jacksonville Beach focused on songwriters and quiet, attentive listening. Beer and wine served in a cozy 80 seat room.

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Howard Teitelbaum
The Colonial Oak Music Park
thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
The Colonial Oak Music Park

The Colonial Oak Music Park is a vibrant outdoor venue located in Saint Augustine, Florida, offering live music events and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. It serves as a community hub for music lovers and families, featuring beautiful oak trees and a unique setting for performances.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack rounds up the First Coast's signature annual events, spanning sports, music, food, and culture across Jacksonville, St. Johns County, and Amelia Island.

Jacksonville Boat Show
boatjax.com
Jacksonville Boat Show

The Jacksonville Boat Show, organized by the North Florida Marine Association, showcases a variety of boats and marine products. This event provides an opportunity for enthusiasts to explore the latest in boating and marine technology.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Mandarin Art Festival
mandarinartfestival.org
Mandarin Art Festival

Welcome to the Mandarin Art Festival, a vibrant celebration of art and culture that showcases the creativity of local and international artists. Join us for exhibitions, workshops, and community events that inspire and engage art lovers of all ages.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Springing The Blues Music Festival
springingtheblues.com
Springing The Blues Music Festival

Springing The Blues Festival is one of the world’s finest blues events. Join us at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach - April 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2022.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Get Ready for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
taxslayergatorbowl.com
Get Ready for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

Get ready for the game by purchasing tickets, learning more about Jacksonville hotels and dining, and get all of the game day info you need today! Learn more at TaxSlayerGatorBowl.com.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Jacksonville Greek Festival
jaxgreekfest.com
Jacksonville Greek Festival

Welcome to the Jacksonville Greek Festival website. Come enjoy food, entertainment, and fun for the entire family.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Georgia-Florida Football Game
gafljax.com
Georgia-Florida Football Game

Plan your Florida-Georgia Game weekend in Jacksonville. Get tickets, parking, events, and fan experience details for game day.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack highlights standout spots across Jacksonville for craft cocktails, spirits, and rooftop drinks. Manifest Distilling offers Northeast Florida's only full-scale organic distillery in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, while the Penthouse Lounge at the historic Casa Marina Hotel serves oceanfront cocktails in Jacksonville Beach.

Casa Marina Hotel
casamarinahotel.com
Casa Marina Hotel

Casa Marina Hotel offers a stunning beachfront experience with luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities. Enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Manifest Distilling
manifestdistilling.com
Manifest Distilling

Manifest Distilling is downtown Jacksonville’s only full-scale distillery, located in the heart of the Sports District. Manifest focuses on celebrating American master craftsmanship, from the American-made distillation equipment to the carefully selected farms from which it sources grain.

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Howard Teitelbaum
The Lemon Bar
lemonbarjax.com
The Lemon Bar

Enjoy oceanfront drinks and good vibes at Lemon Bar, Jacksonville Beach’s iconic beachside bar. Sip handcrafted cocktails, savor fresh flavors, and soak up the sunshine with stunning views. Perfect for casual hangouts, happy hours, and unforgettable nights. Visit Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach, FL, for the ultimate beachfront experience!

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Howard Teitelbaum
River and Post
riverandpostjax.com
River and Post

Riverside restaurant with a ninth floor rooftop lounge overlooking downtown and the St. Johns River. Seafood, steaks, and cocktails at sunset.

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Howard Teitelbaum
The Grape & Grain Exchange
grapeandgrainexchange.com
The Grape & Grain Exchange

The Grape & Grain Exchange in Jacksonville, FL, has been a cornerstone of San Marco for over 9 years, focusing on rotating, seasonal cocktails using fresh ingredients from Florida and beyond. Join us for a drink in our newly remodeled Parlour or grab a bottle to take home from our package store up front!

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack features Northeast Florida's premier private golf and country clubs, offering members a full lifestyle beyond the fairway. Deerwood and Deercreek Country Clubs anchor Jacksonville's Southside with championship golf and resort-style amenities, while Jacksonville Golf & Country Club offers a low country-style clubhouse set among lakes and mature tree cover.

Timuquana Country Club
timuquana.net
Timuquana Country Club

Timuquana Country Club is a premier private club offering exceptional golf, dining, and social experiences. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for members and their guests.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Atlantic Beach Country Club
atlanticbeachcountryclub.com
Atlantic Beach Country Club

Atlantic Beach Country Club offers a premier golfing experience along with various recreational activities in Atlantic Beach, FL. Enjoy a welcoming community atmosphere, exceptional facilities, and beautiful surroundings for both members and guests.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Jacksonville Golf and Country Club
jaxgcc.com
Jacksonville Golf and Country Club

Jacksonville Golf and Country Club offers a premier golfing experience with top-notch facilities and a welcoming community. Enjoy a variety of recreational activities and events designed for members and their families.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Deercreek Country Club
deercreekcountryclub.com
Deercreek Country Club

Deercreek Country Club offers a premier golfing experience along with a vibrant community atmosphere. Enjoy top-notch amenities, events, and a welcoming environment for all members.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Deerwood Country Club
deerwoodclub.com
Deerwood Country Club

Deerwood Country Club is a 900-acre private country club located in Jacksonville Florida featuring golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and workout facility.

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Howard Teitelbaum
Sawgrass Country Club
sawgrasscountryclub.com
Sawgrass Country Club

Sawgrass Country Club, where exceptional service, world-class amenities, and natural beauty come together to create an unparalleled lifestyle.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack rounds up standout public golf courses across Northeast Florida, offering accessible play for golfers of every level. The Yards brings a modern, innovative 12-hole format to Ponte Vedra Beach, while the UNF Golf Complex serves as a public par-3 facility on the University of North Florida campus.

Slammer & Squire Golf Course at World Golf Village FL
golfwgv.com
Slammer & Squire Golf Course at World Golf Village FL

The Slammer & Squire is a well-groomed, 18-hole championship golf course of WGV featuring several water hazards, picturesque views & pristine wooded areas.

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Howard Teitelbaum
JAX BCH Golf
jaxbchgolf.com
JAX BCH Golf

Owned and operated by the City of Jacksonville Beach, Jax Beach Golf Club has been a staple in the golf world of beach life. There are 50+ years of history in these greens and fairways, starting out as a private 9-hole course and evolving into 18-holes when the City of Jacksonville Beach acquired the facility. Over the years, Jax Beach Golf Club has had many transformations, but none as extensive as the latest renovation that began in January 2018.

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Howard Teitelbaum
The Yards
playtheyards.com
The Yards

The Yards offers a variety of recreational activities including golf and pickleball, as well as hosting events in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This venue is perfect for sports enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy community gatherings.

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Howard Teitelbaum
King & Bear Golf Course
golfwgv.com
King & Bear Golf Course

The King & Bear Course at WGV is named for its designers, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus which is set among pristine lakes, beautiful pines & stately oak trees. This golf course offers a unique blend of challenging play and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

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Howard Teitelbaum

This stack collects original video content captured across Northeast Florida, highlighting local restaurants, events, and hidden gems throughout the First Coast. From dining spots in Jacksonville's neighborhood corridors to seasonal festivals and community happenings in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and Amelia Island, this stack serves as a personal, on-the-ground record of what the region has to offer.

Julington Creek Marina
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Downtown Jax view from the river
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Navy ship  Plays into what’s driving activity is Military relocation
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NAS Jax  Naval Air Station  Off of the St John’s River
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