Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Jacksonville neighbors rallied after a family of nine lost everything

And check out Live Music from Eric and Howard (Katmanduo) at Top Dawg Tavern! on the Jacksonville Patch calendar

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Thursday December 25th Patch AM
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Cheers Jacksonville! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Jacksonville neighbors rallied after a family of nine lost everything
  • Is your Jacksonville fireplace secretly a chimney fire waiting to start?
  • See decades of Jacksonville kids meeting Santa at beloved local spots

Also on today's calendar: Live Music from Eric and Howard (Katmanduo) at Top Dawg Tavern! and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Jacksonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Jacksonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: Nice and warm with sunshine, temps: high: 78, low: 58.
  • Saturday: Nice and warm with some sun, with a high of 79 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Just blown away': Jacksonville family of nine overwhelmed by community support after house fire (firstcoastnews.com) — A Jacksonville family of nine is rebuilding after a December 12 house fire destroyed their Arlington home, but neighbors, strangers and local businesses have flooded them with donations, meals and toys. Thousands have been raised online, toy drives prioritized their kids, and the family is still seeking a contractor, temporary RV housing, and basic supplies as the State Fire Marshal investigates the cause.
   

2. 'If you need us, call us': Fire officials urge chimney inspections to prevent holiday fires (firstcoastnews.com) — Jacksonville-area fire officials are warning residents this Christmas Eve to get chimneys inspected and cleaned before lighting fireplaces, since built-up creosote can quickly spark dangerous chimney fires. St. Johns County Fire Rescue urges homeowners to learn proper fireplace use, dispose of ashes in nonflammable containers away from the house, and call firefighters immediately if anything seems unsafe.
   

3. These 28 photos will make you believe in Santa Claus again (jacksonville.com) — Jacksonville families are front and center in this nostalgic photo collection celebrating decades of Santa visits across the city, from the Prime Osborn Convention Center to Friendship Fountain and local malls. The images capture children, schools, and community groups enjoying Christmas traditions at familiar Jacksonville landmarks and neighborhood events.
   

4. Narrative: Army strong, in any climate (southcarolinapublicradio.org) — A Beaufort, South Carolina veteran looks back on leaving his warm Jacksonville upbringing for brutally cold Army training at Fort Benning in 1968. In a StoryCorps conversation with his daughter, he recalls struggling to shoot in the snow, learning to type at Fort Jackson, and ultimately becoming a paratrooper, crediting teamwork and determination shaped by his Jacksonville roots.
   

📸 Around Jacksonville

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Jacksonville

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📣 Jacksonville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Jacksonville PatchAM possible:

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Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Christmas carols make Christmas extra special.
    However, some songs aren't heard as the others. Below is a humble home recording of the famous Christmas song, O Holy Night. What are your Christmas… (Nextdoor Paxon Beaver)
  • The Jaguars are in the playoffs!!!
    The Colts losing to the 49ers last night secured a spot for the Jaguars to finally get back in the playoffs! (Nextdoor Southside Estates)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Jacksonville. Apply here.
  • U-Haul posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper in Jacksonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jacksonville here.

Ok Jacksonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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