Everything Good About First Coast Life
Connecting First Coasters. One story at a time.
A curated collection of inspirational photography and uplifting stories illuminating the local people, places, and arts that make our community so special
cover photo Razvan Balotescu
The First Coaster
Makers and Movers
Great insights and inspiration from our local creatives, business owners & more
Meet Artist Lorraine Millspaugh
Coastal Wildlife Artist Nice to meet you Lorraine. So what part of First Coast do you reside now and how
Meet Photographer Robert Dunn
Coastal Visions Quick IntroI have lived on North Beach for over 30 years. I spend my time surfing, adventure motorcycle
Featured Artist: Regina Forsyth-Tobin
Hi Regina. So what is your background? How did you begin doing what you do? My background is in retail.
Meet Featured Artist Jim Cox
Beaches Watercolor Artist making impressions in the Jacksonville Arts Community Hi Jim. So nice to meet you. So tell us
Meet Artist Lorraine Millspaugh
Coastal Wildlife Artist Nice to meet you Lorraine. So what part of First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
Meet Photographer Robert Dunn
Coastal Visions Quick IntroI have lived on North Beach for over 30 years. I spend my time surfing, adventure motorcycle riding, and capturing images of
Featured Artist: Regina Forsyth-Tobin
Hi Regina. So what is your background? How did you begin doing what you do? My background is in retail. I grew up in a
Meet Featured Artist Jim Cox
Beaches Watercolor Artist making impressions in the Jacksonville Arts Community Hi Jim. So nice to meet you. So tell us what part of the First
Stories and Community Highlights
Locally sourced short stories, photos, articles, memories, & expert advice
How to Stand Out in a Saturated Photography Market
If you place a diamond in a sea of caca, it will stand out, right? But what happens if you
Panic at the Bank
On September 17, 1819, John L. Harper and his accomplices stormed into the Bank of the United States in Chillicothe,
The Old Jail, 300 E. Bay
I worked for HUD after our first son, Michael was born. Hah! A whopping $620 a month. I supplemented my
Observations on laws that affect living at the Beaches
Castles In The Sand Our home is our castle. Nothing more particularly defines us as beach people than our homes
How to Stand Out in a Saturated Photography Market
If you place a diamond in a sea of caca, it will stand out, right? But what happens if you take that same diamond and
Panic at the Bank
On September 17, 1819, John L. Harper and his accomplices stormed into the Bank of the United States in Chillicothe, Ohio and extricated $120,000 in
The Old Jail, 300 E. Bay
I worked for HUD after our first son, Michael was born. Hah! A whopping $620 a month. I supplemented my income by going to Florida
Observations on laws that affect living at the Beaches
Castles In The Sand Our home is our castle. Nothing more particularly defines us as beach people than our homes on our special island. Depending
"All we get is time and choices. Be wise with both."
Upcoming Events
The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection – The Piano Place and produced by the City of Jacksonville Division of Sports & Entertainment has been a Jacksonville tradition for more than 30 years.
The competition will take place on Thursday, May 26th at The Florida Theatre, where five finalists representing the very best jazz pianists in the world are chosen by a blind panel of judges to compete for a cash prize and a chance to perform on the Swingin’ Stage presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority at this year’s festival.
This fierce competition has become an integral part of the festival and a favorite among many eager to witness some of the most incredible rising talents in the jazz world. Past judges have included jazz legends such as Marcus Roberts, Brian Culbertson, Jason Miles, Joey Calderazzo, Lynne Arriale, Dr. John, Per Danielsson, John Thomas, and other well-known jazz musicians.
The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection – The Piano Place and produced by the City of Jacksonville Division of Sports & Entertainment has been a Jacksonville tradition for more than 30 years.
The competition will take place on Thursday, May 26th at The Florida Theatre, where five finalists representing the very best jazz pianists in the world are chosen by a blind panel of judges to compete for a cash prize and a chance to perform on the Swingin’ Stage presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority at this year’s festival.
This fierce competition has become an integral part of the festival and a favorite among many eager to witness some of the most incredible rising talents in the jazz world. Past judges have included jazz legends such as Marcus Roberts, Brian Culbertson, Jason Miles, Joey Calderazzo, Lynne Arriale, Dr. John, Per Danielsson, John Thomas, and other well-known jazz musicians.
Guidelines of competition: https://jacksonvillejazzfest.com/piano-competition
**PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE PIT SEATING IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS PERFORMANCE**General Public Free Ticket Registration will begin at 10AM on Wednesday, April 20.
Click HERE to view our current COVID-19 protocols. The Florida Theatre’s current COVID-19 protocols are available on the Important Information section of the Media pages on our web site, FloridaTheatre.com.
Photo of the Day
Local photographers sharing their best work …
Photographers and Artists' Galleries
Stories Of Our Neighborhoods. Through The Lens (IG)
Creating Community Connections
A local tagline from Southern Grounds: A great cup of coffee connects people, starts conversations, and creates community … and that’s our goal with this website!
A locals directory connecting area “First Coasters” to amazing artists, photographers, writers, musicians, businesses, and most of all – each other!
Come Be a Part Of ...
Thank you for checking out our new community website!
We’re on a mission to perpetuate positive energy to as many people as possible, and a passion to share LOCAL stories and imagery of everything beautiful and good living the first coast life.
This site is also a “digital platform” for you to tell YOUR story! And stay up to date with all of the amazing “First Coasters” and their personal or business stories – every week.
Glenn Shuck Publisher
