What’s your name and tell us a little about your background story and how you got here (First Coast)?
Glenn Shuck. Man that’s a long story about how I got here, but … I traded the Colorado mountains for the Florida beaches in 2011. I’d been coming to the general area for many years in St. Simons for the FLA/GA game and just fell in love with the First Coast. I committed to getting all 3 kids through high school before I could make the move. I put EVERYTHING I owned in a 5×8 PODS box and set on my journey to find a new home. The search included everything from Wilmington NC to Palm Coast, and also The Tampa St. Pete area. Once I came here I was hooked. Atlantic Beach was a community with the best beach, AND they allowed dogs on the beach, so my fate was sealed. I only knew one person when I moved here. But now, I have so many new friends who have accepted me, and just feel so blessed! And I’ve been told that you get your “Locals” badge after 10 years!
Anything special going on for this summer?
After last summer my first trip to Europe (Greece), I want to make this summer a Staycation summer I’ve not had in some time. Enjoy the beach at lunchtime, drink a beer listening to music on Sunday at Ragtime or Slider’s. I’ve always wanted to get to one of the springs too, so that’s on the list. But I think they don’t allow dogs?
Any hobbies or interests worth telling us about?
Well I guess my work has become my hobby haha. More focus on FCL storytelling magazine and meeting many more locals. Also getting out again more often with the camera for these beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I am trying to get in summer shape and lose a few pounds too.
What’s one thing (funny, different, cool) that many might not know about you?
Well I was born 4th of July in DC and as a young dude just loved watching fireworks on the mall. It was great to have so many come to my party every year and celebrate! teehee. Also, I’m a SAR (Sons of American Revolution). My Dad got into genealogy late in life and made the discovery. He loved to dress up and was very active with his community late into his 80’s. He just passed and my tribute to him is to get more involved with the local chapter.
How do you like living on the First Coast?
Man this is my forever place and where I’ll ride off into the sunset for sure! I like the hot (for the most part) but also the fact we have 4 seasons. I actually equally love the beaches in the winter and putting a log on the fireplace during the holidays. I really love getting to know the natives who grew up here and all the stories! I can’t get enough. I used to travel for a living domestically and saw so many cities, and sometimes I think some folks don’t always know how special this place is. Finally, for photographers, I don’t know how you beat this place. I was told by a weather dude that we have a sub-tropical like atmosphere that creates just amazing sky and clouds and light that you can see the most incredible scenes on almost any day.
Anything else that you would like to tell the community?
Try and accept the changes Jacksonville will undoubtedly go through. As a tech guy, I embrace change. As an old guy, I wouldn’t say I like it. Let’s all work together to monitor steady and responsible growth, but never forget the rich history and the beauty of Southern Living at the beaches!
AND … Keep telling stories, and keep taking pictures. There will be a day when that’s all we have …
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
