The First Coaster
Capturing the Spirit of NE Florida
Uncovering the Beauty of the First Coast. A Journey Through its Locals. Their Stories. And Their Images.
Enjoy our digital magazine connecting area “First Coasters” to amazing artists, photographers, writers, musicians, businesses, and most of all – each other!
A new “locals-sourced” site fostering stronger community connections along NE Florida’s First Coast.
Showcasing the best about locals, their businesses and inspirational stories. Sharing through the lens everything good about living at the beaches.
NE Florida’s Amazing Photos and Feel Good Stories
A locals-fueled digital magazine connecting area “First Coasters” to amazing artists, photographers, writers, musicians, businesses, and most of all – each other!
Highlighting Everything Good About First Coast Life
A curated collection of jaw-dropping photography and uplifting stories illuminating the people, places, and arts that make our community so special.
Learn more about NE Florida’s Amazing People & Their Authentic Stories
Want to know the people and places that make Jacksonville so interesting?
OK so, we are not a news organization. We are photographers, writers and promoters of everything good living the First Coast Life. Our website is not run by media hungry suits. We are you. These are the stories submitted by you, lightly edited, and sprinkled with some of the best images by local photographers in the area. It’s a Local “Life Magazine” with a little “Readers Digest,” and a Directory showcasing business sponsors that would appreciate our support. Enjoy – and tell us how we can do better!
Cover Worthy
Photos Telling The Stories Of First Coast Life
Community Highlights
Locally sourced short stories, articles, spotlights, & more
Recent Spotlights
Local Artists & Nonprofits
Photographers & Musicians
Businesses - First Coasters & Pets
Artists, Photographers, & Musicians Spotlights
Featured Image of the Week
Cuba Through the Lens of Photographer Craig Oneal
Central Havana
If there were ever a place where time stood still, Cuba would be near the top of anyone’s list. While the distance between Jacksonville and Havana is only 500 miles, the stark reality is that we are separated by many decades.
A few years back, I had the opportunity to spend several weeks discovering Cuba, its people and its heritage with a local street photographer and his guide. We explored places, talked, and lived with locals discovering their mixture of European, Spanish and African cultures.
Photographers And Their Images
Featured Gallery
"Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it and you’ll start believing in it."
Sponsored Partners
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION – APRIL 1, 2023: Enjoy Shopping, Food & Fun! You’re invited to celebrate Spring renewal at the Joyful Spring Day & Night Markets at Trout Creek Community Center. Attend the children’s day market from 10AM-3PM or the adult night market from 5PM-9PM or BOTH! We have 50+ local shopping vendors, southern BBQ, games, contests, giveaways, and special activities planned for each market.
DAY MARKET ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: FREE Professional Easter Bunny Photos, Easter Egg Hunt, Bunny Snacks with a Story hosted by the Easter Bunny, Personalized Invitation sent by the Easter Bunny, unlimited 18-ft Slide Rides, and MORE!
NIGHT MARKET ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: FREE Adult Spring Renewal Room Featuring the House of Brows, Joyfully Thankful’s skin moisture bar, Fantasy Hair by Jen, Toy Nights, a Floral Selfie Station, and MORE!
EVENT: Joyful Spring Day & Night Markets
DATE: Saturday, April 1, 2023
TIME: Day Market – 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
TIME: Night Market – 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
VENUE: Trout Creek Community Center (Indoor & Outdoor)
6795 Collier Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32092
Rain or Shine
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS REQUIRED www.joyfullythankful.com/spring
Enjoy the original sounds by local talent in Gulliford Hall at the Adele Grage Cultural Center.
Whether you write, sing, play or simply enjoy listening to good music, plan on being with us. Hosted by Roy Peak, local performers transform Gulliford Hall from 6-8 pm with original music creations. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Seating is first come first served for this admission-free, alcohol-free event. Performers should contact host Roy Peak at atlanticbeachmusic@gmail.com for more information.
First Wednesday Art Walk
The First Wednesday of Each Month from 5-9 p.m. in Downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Vision has proudly hosted the First Wednesday Art Walk since 2003 to welcome people to DTJax and celebrate the community’s deep pool of creative talent.
Art Walk has returned after a break due to the pandemic and now takes place monthly! We invite you to bring your family, friends and coworkers for a self-guided tour of Downtown’s northbank core on the first Wednesday of every month. Explore three major hubs: James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie (duPont Center) and Vagabond Flea at The Breezeway at Vystar Tower, and all the businesses and public art between. Art Walk runs 5-9 p.m., rain or shine. Masks encouraged.
Humanize Your Brand
First Coast Life offers its clients a unique experience in helping them STAND OUT in this new Connection Economy
Come Be a Part Of ...
Thank you for checking out our community website!
We’re on a mission to perpetuate positive energy to as many people as possible, and a passion to share our LOCALS’ inspirational stories and uplifting photos of everything beautiful and good living the first coast life.
This site is a “digital platform” for YOU to tell YOUR story!
And stay up to date with all of the amazing “First Coasters” – each and every week.
Glenn Shuck Publisher
