Rare photographs from the early 20th century offer a glimpse into Oakland, the oldest neighborhood in Jacksonville's Historic Eastside. Established in 1869, this historically African American community became home to generations of residents, businesses, churches and institutions that helped shape the city's cultural identity. Read More
In the 1930s, folklorist and Episcopal priest Harry Middleton Hyatt traveled city streets and backcountry byways with a dictation machine, recording folklore and hoodoo traditions from hundreds of Black Americans from all walks of life. In July 1937, Hyatt’s travels took him to Jacksonville’s Wynn Hotel, where one informant told him possibly the eeriest stories in the whole collection. Here’s the story of a Jacksonville family’s terrifying encounter with a life-draining witch from Gullah Geechee lore: the boo hag. Read More
A project to rehabilitate LaVilla's former Progress Furniture building at 318 Broad Street seeks approval from the Downtown Development Review Board on October 8, 2026. Here is a look at what's proposed. Let us know what you think! Read More
