News archive
Older First Coast Observer coverage — page 13 of 14.
Real Estate
Dream Finders Homes Prices Senior Notes Offering Due 2030
The Jacksonville-based homebuilder announces the pricing of its senior notes offering with maturity in 2030.
Development
Pearl Square District Construction Underway in Downtown Jacksonville
Gateway Jax's $750 million mixed-use project transforms nine blocks on downtown's Northbank
Business
Dream Finders Homes Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
Jacksonville-based homebuilder releases earnings figures for the final quarter and complete fiscal year 2025.
Sports Partnership
Dream Finders Homes Named Official Home Builder of Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies
The Jacksonville-based homebuilder has entered into official partnerships with both Tampa Bay professional sports franchises.
Real Estate
Dream Finders Homes Proposes $25.75 Per Share Cash Acquisition of Beazer Homes
Jacksonville-based Dream Finders Homes has announced a proposal to acquire national homebuilder Beazer Homes in an all-cash transaction.
Industrial History
The Rise and Fall of C.I. Capps Foundry in Jacksonville's Talleyrand
The C.I. Capps Company grew from a small foundry incorporated in 1919 into a cornerstone of Jacksonville's manufacturing industry before its eventual decline.
Downtown Transit
Jacksonville Transportation Authority Launches Study on Skyway Future
New evaluation will determine whether to rehabilitate the aging elevated system or pursue alternative transit solutions for downtown.
Religion
The History of the Latter-day Saints in Jacksonville
How Mormon missionaries established their first firm foothold in Florida through Jacksonville after spreading eastward from the Panhandle in the 1890s.
Business Development
JAX Chamber Board Expresses Support for Riverfront Plaza Restaurant
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce board has announced its support for a proposed restaurant at Riverfront Plaza.
History
Florida's May 20 Emancipation Day Predates National Juneteenth Recognition
While Juneteenth marks the end of slavery nationally, Florida has observed May 20 as the date freedom was officially enforced statewide in 1865.
Urban Scenes
Scenes from a Snow-Covered Downtown Cleveland
A First Coast Observer contributor shares observations from Cleveland's downtown core during a recent business trip.
Downtown Development
Baptist Health proposes 15-story hotel on Southbank campus
The 226-room facility would include conference space, restaurants, and a rooftop lounge, with a Downtown Development Review Board hearing scheduled for March 12.
Development
Fleet Landing proposes 32-story senior housing tower in Brooklyn
The project at 111 Riverside Avenue will go before the Downtown Development Review Board on March 12 for conceptual approval.
Downtown Development
Historic Ambassador Hotel Redevelopment Seeks Final Approval
Gateway Jax's plans to transform the landmark property into a 105-key hotel with restaurant and conference space go before the Downtown Development Review Board on April 9.
Local History
Roosevelt Grill: A West Ashley Street Icon of Arab American Heritage
The longtime West Ashley Street restaurant left a lasting impression on generations of Jacksonville residents.
Downtown Development
Jacksonville Riverfront Plaza Phase 2 Plans Include Beer Garden, Rain Garden
New renderings show the next phase of Riverfront Plaza will add amenities and a pedestrian connection to the Main Street Bridge.
Development
Murray Hill bank branch project adds bakery tenant
Community First Credit Union is converting the former Edgewood Bakery property into a Murray Hill branch with a bakery feature and community space.
Aviation
Jacksonville International Airport Opens Concourse B Construction Site to Media
Jacksonville Aviation Authority hosted a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the new concourse construction site on February 27.
Local History
New Book Documents Jacksonville's Gullah Geechee Heritage
Urban planners Ennis Davis and Adrienne Burke collaborate on historical exploration set for April release.
HISTORY
Historic photos reveal Jacksonville's industrial riverfront in 1930
Images from the Jacksonville Port Bureau and Chamber of Commerce document the city's maritime activity nearly a century ago.
Homebuilder Earnings
Dream Finders Homes Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Jacksonville-based homebuilder Dream Finders Homes released its financial performance for the third quarter of 2025.
Community Event
Second Annual Oyster Fest Returns to Jacksonville's Riverview Neighborhood
The free festival on April 18 will feature live music, food vendors, and family activities along the Trout River.
Transportation History
Railway Express Agency Terminal Shaped Jacksonville's Logistics Legacy for Nearly 50 Years
The REA Terminal on Myrtle Avenue operated as a crucial freight hub near Union Terminal, cementing Jacksonville's role in Southeast commerce from the late 1920s.
Education
St. Johns Technical High School Holds 2026 Graduation Ceremony
St. Johns County technical high school celebrates class of 2026 graduates.
Education
St. Johns County superintendent tours Webster Elementary, reviews expansion plans
Dr. Asplen visits Webster Elementary to observe dance and robotics programs while previewing upcoming school expansion project.
Education
ILA Local 1408 Scholarship Fund golf tournament drives educational opportunities for Jacksonville students
The annual golf outing serves as a funding source for scholarships to deserving students in the Jacksonville area.
Economic Development
JAXPORT connects Northeast Florida businesses to global markets
The Jacksonville Port Authority explains how seaport operations support regional business growth and international trade connections.
JAX Chamber
2023 State of Downtown Jacksonville Report
Business Leadership
JAX Chamber Recognizes Aundra Wallace as Top Newsmaker
Chamber highlights Wallace's role in regional economic development
Higher Education
Jacksonville University to open downtown law campus
The university plans to establish a new law school facility in Jacksonville's downtown area.
