We have successfully transferred over to podcast form! Episode 1 reintroduces Skyler, Keith, and Mike to you, intense Jaguar talk follows that, and then finishes with a segment called “Um, What?”
Tag: local
Three Things: 4/21-4/23
A weekly tradition around these parts continues, with Scott Manze and Richard Miller providing their best of the best around Jacksonville for the weekend. Because you are always looking for something to do and you are always looking for suggestions for said thing to do.
Scott:
- Jacksonville University lacrosse vs. High Point, Saturday at noon, D.B. Milne Field. There is lots of fanfare surrounding the coaching hires last off-season for the only Division I lacrosse program in the state, and after stringing together two straight road wins, Senior Day with a postseason berth hanging in the balance will be a big deal.
- Bond and Beyond with the Jacksonville Symphony! It’s Friday and Saturday nights at the Jacoby Symphony Hall. A wonderful chance to hear the legendary themes played live. Catch one (or both is fine) of the showings at 8 p.m.
- That time of year where it’s NBA and NHL playoffs all weekend. If you can find an excuse to be on the couch for the weekend, you’re all set with your sports fixings.
- North Florida (7-2 in the ASUN Conference) will host FGCU baseball (4-5) this weekend at Harmon Stadium. The Battle of the Birds for any sport is a top-notch conference rivalry. First pitches for the Ospreys and Eagles: Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday at 1. All three games can be heard on 1010XL and on ASUN TV.
- Guns N’ Hoses is an annual Jacksonville tradition. The police versus the firefighters in the ring on Saturday night. Bell rings at 6:30 p.m. But a street party will get going April 22 at 3 o’clock in front of the Veterans Memorial Arena. Hear our Manze & Miller interview with some GNH folks.
- Go outside! Make it a beach day. Knock out some yard work in the early morning. Soak in some UV rays and recharge.
Five Jumbo Hooks: Long Road Trip
The Jumbo Shrimp made plenty of noise in the first home series of the 2017 season, with record-setting crowds including long lines for concessions and team gear. It was a clear sign the name change from Suns to Jumbo Shrimp is and will be a brilliant financial move.
- It was the largest-attended home series in the 15 years of the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The 41,276 fans over the five home games leads all of Double-A baseball. The opening night sellout of 10,477 on Wednesday night is the largest opening night crowd since the ballpark’s first-ever game on April 11, 2003. Could anyone have expected attendance numbers like that?
- Hope you were able to catch one of the home games and be a part of history, where the Jumbo Shrimp took the first three games over the Chattanooga. The Lookouts won Saturday and Sunday, 10-1 and 1-0. Jax (5-5) is away for 10 straight games with five in a row at Pensacola. These start times – Monday to Friday – will be 7:35 p.m. eastern.
- Reliever Jarlin Garcia became the first Jumbo Shrimp player to be called up to the big leagues. The left-handed pitcher was recalled to the Miami Marlins. He was sent up May 15 last season for five days but did not pitch in the majors. Garcia, a top-five prospect for the Marlins, made three relief appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp. He worked three innings with a 0.00 ERA. Garcia made two apps for the Marlins against the Mets on Friday and Sunday. He combined for 2.1 IPs, with one strikeout, one walk and no hits allowed.
- Injuries always occur in sports, and the Jumbo Shrimp could not avoid them last week. Left fielder Austin Dean was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a right wrist sprain. In a corresponding move, catcher Chris Hoo was reinstated from the DL. He began the season there with a left thumb bruise. After only a day with the Jumbo Shrimp, relief pitcher Ryan Beckman was placed on the DL with a right shin contusion. The RHP Beckman, who started the year with Triple-A New Orleans, allowed five runs on four hits with four walks on Saturday night.
- The Pensacola Blue Wahoos – a squad that changed its team name for the 2012 season due to a relocation – has been the class of the Southern League’s South Division as of late. They have won the last three South Division half season titles. The Cincinnati Reds are a ways off from competing in the NL Central, but own a top-10 farm system and have gone hard after the Cuban market. Seeing the Blue Wahoos (7-3) in Jacksonville from June 14-18 will be a must.
Mock Draft Monday: Jaxtivities
Through the first two week’s of mock drafts, we’ve attacked two broad topics that have generated a lot of speculation about overdrafting, late pick steals and snubs. Moving things a little closer to home this week by selecting the best things to do in Jacksonville. As always, this is a far from scientific, privy to bias and should upset plenty. Bring it on.
1. Jaguars gameday at The Bank
By far the best and most Duval thing to do in Duval is enjoy a Sunday tailgating and watching the Jaguars win (I know, I know, it has not happened much lately). Still, if you’re Duval through and through, attending Jaguar games is a must.
–Jordan de Lugo
2. Relaxing at Atlantic Beach
Sunscreen will be necessary for Atlantic Beach.
–Richard Miller
3. Concerts/Movies at Florida Theater
The historic movie theatre/concert venue celebrated its 90th birthday over the weekend and is one of the oldest theaters in Florida. The theater has seen several renovations over the years (including updated acoustics), but this old-school movie palace, built in the style of Mediterranean Revival, hasn’t lost any of its considerable charm. It has maintained the lit-up marquee from the 1920s and possesses a majestic interior, which offers striking décor, two balconies and an intimate atmosphere with terrific views. I’ve seen everything ranging from “The Nutcracker” to Jim Gaffigan to TV on the Radio in the building and also enjoy the annual Summer Classic Movies series; a great way to beat the heat and catch an old favorite on the big screen.
–James Bussell
4. Attending a ballgame at the Baseball Grounds
It is hard to beat a night at the ballpark with family and friends. I mean, read my last post if you don’t believe me. Plus, who doesn’t love Thirsty Thursdays?
–Keith Manze
5. Topgolf
Jacksonville’s latest addition in located in the St. John’s Town Center. The entertainment venue allows you to rent a golf bay and play many different types of point scoring golf games. If you’ve never played golf before, this is a good way of practicing and also having fun. Inside Topgolf, there is a restaurant, bar, and other games that you could enjoy while waiting for a bay, if you so choose.
–Mike Yazigi
6. Intuition Ale Works rooftop bar
The newest watering hole downtown is the most convenient for the frequenter of the sports complex such as myself. Now with a full summer of Jumbo Shrimp games leading in to a full fall of Jaguars games, plus events at the Arena, Metro Park and the Fairgrounds, all having a go-to spot to knock back a local cold one before or after, it has me that much more excited for any potential Shipyards development.
–Scott Manze
7. Concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater
Live music is awesome. Being outside in the summer is awesome. With those two facts established, how can you beat a concert outside at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre? For those of us who live in Duval County, making the trip down to the nation’s oldest city for a late lunch followed by a great show sounds like an A+ day. There’s some competition opening up downtown, but that won’t change the experience down in St. Augustine.
–Zander Kean
8. Food Truck Rally
How can you not appreciate a good food truck on a Saturday afternoon before making plans for the evening?
–MC Wale
9. Lemon Bar
Lemon Bar features two of Jacksonville’s favorite pastimes: enjoying the First Coast’s beautiful beaches and sipping on your beverage of choice.
–Jordan de Lugo
10. Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens
Inside and out, Cummer is one of the gems of the First Coast.
–Richard Miller
11. Black Sheep Restaurant rooftop bar
This is a cool spot to take your snobby family and friends visiting from out of town (“Oh, this reminds me of Greenville!”) or to finally reluctantly accept that “Sunday Funday” invite from the annoying couple next door. The restaurant’s popularity presents a good chance some of your more interesting friends will swoop in and save you from the couple’s inescapably incessant ramblings on the Paleo diet. The rooftop is on the building’s fifth floor and features neat views of the St. Johns, the downtown skyline, and bustling 5 Points’ streets. There’s a full food menu with appetizers and entrees and a drink menu brimming with handcrafted cocktails. There’s also plenty of seating and heaters to appease whining Floridians when the temperature drops below 72 degrees.
–James Bussell
12. Riverside Arts Market
I honestly haven’t gone enough. There are all kinds of local arts, entertainment, and foods on display. It’s actually where I discovered Topsy Toffee.
–Keith Manze
13. The Players
Behind The Masters, which just concluded, The Players Championship is an event many sports fans know about when it comes to golf. It’s located at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, and draws thousands of Jacksonville residents to see the world’s best golfers. This is also a great place to meet up with old friends, drink a beer, and enjoy the wonderful weather.
–Mike Yazigi
14. Art Walk
The first Wednesday evening of every month is highlighted by this downtown festival, that promotes all sorts of arts and, perhaps most importantly, the walkability potential that exists in the urban core. Check the art, a live act at Art Walk After Dark, or just enjoy a drink or food in the heart of our fair city.
–Scott Manze
15. Burrito Gallery Brooklyn rooftop bar
If you’ve read through the draft to this point, you’ll know that rooftop bars are a pretty popular trend… and why not? When you’re in Florida and the weather is beautiful 95% of the time, you gotta take advantage. And while most rooftop bars are top-notch, I’ll take the one that is combined with Taco Tuesday. BG’s new(ish) Brooklyn location is centrally located, making it an ideal meeting place when your crew is spread throughout our massive city.
–Zander Kean
16. King Street District
If you know me at all, I’m a Riverside kid at heart. Find me most weekends bouncing between The Garage, Rogue, Dahlia’s Pour House, The Loft and Kickbacks Gastropub.
–MC Wale
17. Florida-Georgia
The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party sees the Gators and Bulldogs face off once a year and more often than not, the winner goes home with the SEC East crown. While the game is always of great importance, this day at its core is all about the tailgating.
–Jordan de Lugo
18. Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve
Better bring your bug spray. If I had to do it over, I would have found a way to get lost in Chamblin Bookmine off Roosevelt.
–Richard Miller
19. Dinner and a movie in Five Points
I already professed my love to Black Sheep, but that’s just one of several worthy restaurants in Five Points. I also enjoy Hawkers, Timoti’s, Sake House, and Derby (don’t forget Wendy’s). For those in a rush, Sun-Ray Cinema also has a pretty solid food and drink menu; I especially enjoy their popcorn toppings bar. Formerly the Five Points Theatre, Sun-Ray is an old-school theatre with two auditoriums and shows everything from blockbusters to art-house movies. Additionally, it’s a great place to meet fellow film buffs and catch a screening of a cult classic. I had a blast watching Breaking Bad’s series finale there, as well as a raucous holiday showing of Die Hard.
–James Bussell
20. Nights of Lights
A beautiful spectacle that happens once a year in downtown St. Augustine. Walking down St. George Street and by Flagler College, you get to take in a kind of beauty like none other.
–Keith Manze
21. Jax Beach Bars
The beach is a lively place on the weekends during the day, but it is just as lively on Friday and Saturday evenings. The beach bars only accept people that are 21 or older, and here you will find a great mixture of people. From college juniors/seniors, to recent college graduates, to young adults, the bars can be very entertaining. There are many bars in close proximity so you can move from one bar to another. The best options include The Ritz, Hoptinger, The Shim Sham Room, The Tavern on 1st, Lynch’s, and more.
–Mike Yazigi
22. Jacksonville Symphony
It is a treat to have a full-time symphony in a city of our size, and with frequent shows that cover a broad music spectrum, from The Beatles to Beethoven and everything in between, there is a show for everyone to enjoy.
–Scott Manze
23. Beach workout
While the beach is great for Sunday Funday, it’s also the perfect place to put in some work in the Florida sun. Whether you’re going for a morning run, throwing some weight in a rucksack and putting in some miles with a squad or going full savage with a sandbag burpee mile, there’s something powerful about getting after it by the water’s edge.
–Zander Kean
24. Dos Gatos karaoke night
I love karaoke. Add that to one of the cooler spots downtown and a great DJ in NickFRESH, and you’ll find yourself having a great night.
–MC Wale
25. Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular
Shows off Jacksonville’s strong military presence in “spectacular” fashion. The best pilots in the world flying some of the fastest jets in the world is always a win.
–Jordan de Lugo
26. Fore Palms Disc Golf Course at Ed Austin Park
A real strong pick if the weather continues the way it has been the last few days.
–Richard Miller
27. Running double bridges
Jacksonville boasts one of the most close-knit and active distance running communities in the Southeastern U.S., which is showcased each year at the Gate River Run. For all of the city’s runner-friendly assets, it’s devoid of rolling hills, so beginning a run at Mosh and completing a series of loops on the Acosta and Main Street bridges serves as a nice substitute for the uphill terrain. The moderate incline and views of the Jax skyline and St. Johns River make it a worthy spot to log some miles and there’s always the chance of a local serenading you with the undeniably original, “RUN, FORREST RUN.”
–James Bussell
28. Golf
Jacksonville has a million courses it seems. No room for repetition. There are some exclusive ones, though. Anyone got the inside connection for me to play San Jose Country Club?
–Keith Manze
29. River City Rumble
Jacksonville’s biggest rivalry. Jacksonville University vs. University of North Florida. Although UNF does not have a football team, they make up for tailgating season with basketball. And from what I’ve seen, UNF and JU students go crazy when it comes to this game. If you have a chance to go see these teams play in basketball, go do it. You won’t regret it.
–Mike Yazigi
30. Splash Waterpark
It takes living in Nocatee or getting invited by a resident, but the respectively-sized community water park features multiple pools, two slides, a lazy river and a zipline, plus food and drink options (yes, alcohol included!). A relaxing way to spend a summer Sunday.
–Scott Manze
31. Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Remember riding Go Karts as a kid? Now crank that up to 11. Autobahn’s karts are legit, ramping up to speeds that can be a challenge to handle in the tight quarters of their indoor courses. A major caveat here is that I’ve only ever gone to Autobahn as part of a big group that had reserved a block of time – and that’s the way to go. When you know everyone racing with you and get a few cracks at it in a short period of time, it sets up for some fantastic smack talk before, during and after each race.
–Zander Kean
32. Dreamette
Dreamette is the best ice cream spot in the city and I dare you not to drop by on a hot summer afternoon, grab a cone with your favorite flavor and say, “yeah, this was a poor choice.” Cause you won’t.
–MC Wale
Another draft in the books, and now you know exactly where to find your favorite Rogue writers now on any given day. Where do you like to spend your downtime in Jax? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @rivercityrogue.
Jax Cannons Weekly Report #45 – Jeremy Langdon
After a special season in Dallas, Jeremy Langdon is back with guys he has had chemistry with from his UCF days. His 10 blocks from last year will give him a solid role for the Cannons in 2017.
Remember the Jacksonville Cannons have a high school clinic on Saturday, March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Davis Park. The team’s Black vs. Yellow scrimmage will follow.
Trust The Process: Episode 6
While Skyler is in the Bahamas, Mike and Keith give you their opinions on the trades made in the NBA before the trade deadline.
A Truckin’ Good Time
The Jacksonville Monster Jam event has been a popular event for Duval residents for over two decades. From the household name Grave Digger to the nation’s youngest female driver Wild Flower, the hype is real. Also, for the first time ever, Jacksonville got to host two back-to-back Monster Jam events-Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.
I have lived in Jacksonville for the majority of my young life and I had never been to this event at EverBank. I have heard from friends and co-workers that Monster Jam is a great place to go get drunk and watch trucks smash junk cars. It did not sound like my cup of tea. Don’t take my opinion seriously, though; I enjoy getting drunk and watching 40 cars take left turns.
After some research, I discovered that there is actually a league and points standings for the trucks. They earn points for each event and there is a championship at the end of the season. For more info (if you’re really interested) click here.
Qualifying got off to a slow start but things got more exciting with the wheelie event. My personal favorite, Ice Cream Man (his intro music was the cliche truck music which is awesome) flipped his truck and got stuck upside down. Needless to say, there was no cherry to top his sundae.
After the wheelies there were racing heats and then the freestyle. I anticipated more car crushing and crashing but that’s more demolition derby style. These guys do tricks and flips which are entertaining and all but I rather see some explosions. Being a true NASCAR fan I shouldn’t want this-I should encourage clean racing and following the rules. This is a different breed, though.
I would say if you’ve never been you should check it out. It’s a unique experience that we are lucky enough to host here in Jacksonville. Tailgating before hand is the way to do it; you get better parking, more area to move around, and if you have pit passes you can explore that area before the crowds come. Unfortunately, you will have to wait til next year (unless you want to go to Vegas for the championship). If you can’t wait that long, check your local retailer and buy Hot Wheels sets and have yourself a grand ol’ time!
Hot Wheels is classic.
Yes, this is a Cleatus truck. His theme song is the Fox Ports theme for everything.
Trust The Process: Episode 4
Episode 4 tackles Icemen Hockey, a new food truck spot, and a Dog Cafe!
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Trust The Process: Episodes 1-3
As Jaguar fans, we have been trusting the process of Shahid Khan for several years now. As Magic fans, we have done the same with Rob Hennigan. Minor league teams and the success they have is also a process. What about producing a vlog with minimal experience in front of and behind a camera? Now that, my friends, is truly Trusting The Process.
Keith Manze, Mike Yazigi, and Skyler Chase bring Trust The Process to River City Rogue. From local sports to local events, they have you covered. A new video will be up each week; hopefully, every new one is better than the one before. Check out episodes 1-3 below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe on Facebook!
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
These are very rough, so please bare with us. We will get better. Just remember, we are all just Trusting The Process.
River City Rogue 